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A 
 
 HISTORY 
 
 OF THE 
 
 ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTEENTH REGIMENT, 
 
 
 
 . Y. VOLUNTEERS, 
 
 (FOURTH ONEIDA,) 
 
 FROM 
 
 THE DATE OF ITS ORGANIZATION, AUGUST, 1862, 
 
 TILL 
 
 THAT OF ITS MUSTER OUT, JUNE, 1865. 
 
 BY 
 
 
 J. A. MOWRIS, M. D. 
 
 Regimental Surgeon. 
 
 HARTFORD, CONN. 
 
 CASE, LOCKWOOD AND COMPANY, PRINTERS. 
 1866. 
 
.5 
 
 Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1866, 
 
 BY J. A. MOWRIS, 
 
 fn the Clerk s Office of the District Court of the United States in and for 
 the Northern District of New York. 
 
TO THE 
 
 LIVING HEROES 
 
 OP THE 
 
 117th REGIMENT N. Y. VOLUNTEERS. 
 
 AND TO THE 
 
 IMI IE 3VE O IE=l -y 
 
 Of its GALLANT DEAD, the 
 
 FOLLOWING PAGES 
 ARE AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED. 
 
 M157M7 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 THE book which is now presented to the public, had its origin in 
 the oft-repeated wish of many members of the regiment that its rec 
 ord might be preserved ; and in a personal sympathy with the pro 
 posed object. While, therefore, claiming no special adaptation for the 
 work, the writer has been prevailed upon, by these considerations, to 
 undertake it. 
 
 While unwilling to admit that any other regiment was superior to 
 the 117th, he is not disposed to represent it as peculiarly meritorious; 
 neither he nor the public can ever be unmindful of the valor and 
 valuable services of the 14th, 26th, 97th, and 146th Regiments, nor 
 are any, more ready to accord to them the esteem and gratitude they 
 so abundantly earned than the members of the 4th Oneida. 
 
 As the writer was unacquainted with the 117th till he joined it 
 about three months after its formation, the early history of the regi 
 ment, including that of its organization, could not be supplied by him ; 
 a circumstance which might have proved a serious obstacle; but, 
 happily, a person possessing the necessary knowledge of men and 
 places within the district, a lively interest in the Regiment and hi the 
 
vi PREFACE. 
 
 cause in which it enlisted, and a degree of public spirit sufficient to 
 insure the required amount of effort, was found in SURGEON Looms, 
 to whom, accordingly, both the writer and the reader are indebted for 
 the essential matter contained in the first three chapters. 
 
 While he deprecates the recent revival of the rebel spirit, the 
 writer has not suffered the knowledge of it to abate his enthusiasm in 
 treating of our military achievements ; believing that no event, not 
 even the threatened necessity of again accepting the issue, can obscure 
 the significance of our late triumph over the Slave-holders Rebellion, 
 nor dim the halo of that glorious era in our Nation s progress. 
 
 Prominent among the wishes of the writer, in connection with the 
 book are these, that it may receive the approbation of the indulgent and 
 beloved partners of his toil, in whose behalf he has written ; and, that 
 it may not be entirely unacceptable to the intelligent community to 
 which it is committed. 
 
 THE AUTHOR. 
 SYRACUSE, August 22nd, 1866. 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 ORGANIZATION. 
 
 Military Situation. Popular Despondency and its Causes. Prompt and decisive 
 Action of the President, and the Governor s of Eighteen loyal States their cor 
 dial Co-operation. The President s call for Three Hundred Thousand Men. Gov- 
 Morgan s call for the State Quota. The Adjutant- General s Circular. The Efforts 
 made in the Nineteenth Senatorial District. A Regiment raised, duly organized 
 and entitled, One Hundred and Seventeenth R. K. Y. Vols. Description of the 
 Camp at Rome. Incidents. Regiment ordered to report at Washington, D. C. 
 
 13 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 FROM ROME TO WASHINGTON, D. C. 
 
 Departure from Rome, August 22d. Incidents. The stop at Utica. Judge Bacon s 
 Address .-^-Response by Col. Pease. Incidents. Arrival of the Regiment at Al 
 bany. Embarkment on a Novel Transport. A quiet night. Progress. A fine 
 Morning. Greetings from Inhabitants and Travelers. Landing at Jersey City. 
 A Non-reception. Take Cars. Night s ride. Arrival at Philadelphia. Warm re 
 ception and Sumptuous Fare. Take Cars for Baltimore. Arrival. Kindly re 
 ceived and well cared for. An Incident. Take Cars for Washington. Arrival. 
 
 26 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 FROM WASHINGTON DEPOT, TO DEPARTURE FROM FORT ALEXANDER. 
 THE CAPITAL AND THE CAPITOL. 
 
 Pennsylvania Avenue. Long Bridge. Why the Regiment did not cross. March to 
 Tennally Town. Premature Gun-shot Wounds. A Tentless Camp. Tennally 
 Town. Advance to Chain Bridge, but no Engagement. Return to Camp ground 
 in Grove. Move to Fort Pennsylvania. Battle between Pope and Stonewall Jack 
 son. Remove from Fort Pennsylvania to Fort Alexander. Duty at the latter 
 place. ..- - ... 36 
 
Vlll TABLE OP CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 FROM FORT ALEXANDER TO FORTS BAKKR AND RIPLEY. 
 
 Regiment strike Tents at Fort Alexander. Removal to Camp Morris, " Camp Mud." 
 A Strange Visitor. Citizens. Remove to the Neighborhood of Fort Pennsyl 
 vania. Cnmp Morris No. 2. The employment of the Regiment. Receipt of a 
 New Banner from Utica, a present from the Ladies of that City. The Presenta 
 tion Address. Review of Sanitary condition of the Regiment since its arrival in 
 the District. Social pastime. "Joe" and his amusing traits. Order for a Divi 
 sion of the Regiment into two Battalions. - 45 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 FROM THE DIVISION OF THE REGIMENT, TILL ITS RE-UNION AND 
 EMBARKATION. 
 
 The Battalions March to their respective Places. Occupation The Regiment visit 
 ed by Residents of Oneida County. Newspapers in Camp. Preparation for the 
 Field. An Order to Move. March to the Wharf. The Re-Union. Embarkation. 
 Voyage down the Potomac. - 53 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 JOURNEY TO, AND SIEGE OF SUFFOLK. 
 
 Voyage down the Potomac. Arrival at Norfolk. Citizens. Arrival at Suffolk. 
 Incidents. Col. Pease holds the Right of the Line. Incidents. Inhabitants. 
 Regiment Occupies Hill s Point. Incidents. Regiment Paid. News from Fred- 
 ericksburg. Health. . 60 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 FROM SUFFOLK TO CHARLESTON HARBOR. 
 
 The return from Snffolk. Encamp near Julian s Creek. Incidents. Concurrent 
 Military Events. Peninsula Raid. Severe March and great Suffering. Lee s In 
 vasion of the North, c. Return from the Raid. A short Rest. Orders to Move. 
 March to Portsmouth. Take Transport. Sail Southward. Put into Beaufort 
 Harbor for Repairs. Change Transports. Resume Voyage to Charleston Harbor. 
 
 70 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 THE FOLLY ISLAND CAMPAIGN. 
 
 Entrance in Charleston Harbor. Landing. Siege of Fort Wagner. Severe Duty. 
 Privation and Suffering. Much Sickness. A Month s Service on Block Island. 
 
 Additional Comforts and Improved Health. Thanksgiving. Shell-hunting. 
 
 John s Island Expedition. Regimental Changes by Resignations and Promo 
 tions. 79 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 LEAVE FOLLY ISLAND TO JOIN THE ARMY OF THE JAMES. 
 Departure from Folly Island. Take Passage on Board Transport " Blackstone ," 
 Captain Berry. Arrive at Fort Monroe. Proceed to Gloucester Point. Orcran- 
 izntion of the Army of the James, and Re-formation of the 10th Army Corps. 
 Advance to We3t Point. Reconnoisance. Re-embark and Steam back to Fort 
 Monroe. Thence move up the James. Arrive at Bermuda Hundred. Debark. 
 Ihe succeeding Movements, which culminated in the Battle of Drury s Bluff 
 The Army of the James withdraws and Intrenches. - .97 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS. ix 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 COLD HARBOR, CAPTURE OF PETERSBURG HEIGHTS; BERMUDA 
 HUNDRED AND PETERSBURG TRENCHES. 
 
 Withdraw from Bermuda Line. City Point. Take Transports. White House. 
 Cold Harbor. Incidents Casualties. Death of Lieutenant Dann. Rebel Inhu 
 manity. This portion of 10th Corps covers the Retreat of the Army of Potomac. 
 A hard March. Change of Base. On to Petersburg. Colored Troops, Assault 
 on the Fortifications of Petersburg Heights. Their Capture. Non-improvement 
 of the Golden Opportunity. The Enemy arrives in Force. Death of Captain 
 Stone Bermuda Line threatened. Move to that Point. Return to Petersburg. 
 Duty in Trenches. Casualties. Captain Hunt Wounded. Col. White taken ill 
 and obliged to go to Hospital. . 109 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 SPRINGING OF THE MINE; CROSSING OF THE JAMES. 
 
 Second Division withdraws from Petersburg Trenches. Explosion of the Mine. 
 Severe March to Bermuda Line. Suffering of the Troops from Heat and Over-ex 
 ertion. Formation of Camp in Rear of Bermuda Intrenchments. A Pleasant 
 Camp. Military events on the Line during the Month. Return to Petersburg. 
 Duty in Trenches. Sickness. Incidents. Tenth A. C. Retires to the high ground, 
 two Miles to the Rear. Preparation for a new Enterprise. 122 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 CHAPIN^S FARM. 
 
 The 10th and 18th Corps cross the James River. Battle of Chapin s Farm. In 
 trench. A Flank Attack on the 7th of October. Assault on t he Rebel Works, 
 and the Engagement, (Oct. 27th). Incidents. Election. Military Events. - 134 
 
 CHAPTER XIII- 
 
 THE BUTLER EXPEDITION TO FORT FISHER. 
 
 March to Bermuda Hundred, Landing by a circuitous Rout. Embark. A Detention 
 at Fort Monroe. A big Feint. Voyage to Federal Point. Another Delay. 
 Return Northward to Moreh-ead Citv. Flag Ship absent, Fleet remains outside of 
 the Harbor. Encounters a severe Gale. Cabin Scene during the Gale. Weybos- 
 sett nobly outrides the Storm, and makes the Harbor next day. A Four Day s 
 Detention. Start again for Federal Point. Pleasant Voyage and a " Merry Christ 
 mas Eve." Debark. Advance of Gen. Curtis Brigade. 142d R., 112th and 3d 
 R. N. Y. Vols., Reconnoitre about the Fort. 117th Regiment faces Wilmington 
 and brings in 130 Prisoners. How the Prisoners were taken. Gen. Curtis reluc 
 tantly complies with the fourth Order to retire, when 1st Brigade returns to the 
 Place of Debarkation. A Gloomy night for the Command. Expedition returns. 
 Gen. Curtis Report. A new Expedition determined on. - - 147 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 CAPTURE OF FORT FISHER AND EXPLOSION OF THE MAGAZINE. 
 
 Break Camp at Chapin s Farm. March and Embarkation. Voyage. Landing on 
 Federal Point. Advance. Assume the Defensive. The Bombardment. Offen-^ 
 sive Movements begun by the 1st Brigade. The Investment. Jle-enfprcement of 
 the Enemy. Preparations for the Assault. Bombardment continues. The 
 Charge. the Conflict. Its Intensity and Duration. Tire Crisis. Surrender of 
 the Garrison. Description of the Fort. Fearful Expedients for its Defense. Ex 
 plosion of the Magazine. - - * 6 
 
X TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 CAPTURE OF WILMINGTON, AND MARCH NORTHWARD TO 
 KEENANSVILLE. 
 
 Transfer of the Wounded to the Transports. Troops recruit and re-form. Arrival 
 of Gen. Schofield. Advance on Wilmington. Enter and occupy the Town on the 
 22d of February. Street Scenes. Union Prisoners. Immediate Defenses of the 
 Town. Incidents. Preparation for an Advance. Schofield, Terry and Sherman. 
 The Column Moves, March 15th. Geographical, Social, and Political Features of 
 that Region. Incidents of the March. On the fourth day approach Keenansville. 
 
 183 
 
 CHAPTER XYI. 
 
 ARRIVAL AT COXE BRIDGE AND RETURN TO FAISON S STATION. 
 
 Arrival at Keenansville. A Genial but Pungent Colloquy. Reach Coxe Bridge 
 Crossing. Arrival and Passage of Sherman s Column. Foraging. A Loyal 
 Dutchman s Logic. Terry s Force retires to Faison s Station. Remain there about 
 Three Weeks. Wheeler s Cavalry. Incidents. April 9th, Receive Intelligence of 
 the Evacuation of Richmond. Prepare to Move. Removal of the Sick to Wil 
 mington. The March Toward Raleigh. Social and Political Features of the In 
 terior. - - 193 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 MARCH TO RALEIGH CONCLUDED, AND SOJOURN IN THAT CITY. 
 
 Passage of Bentonville Battlefield. Bentonville. News of Lee s surrender. How it 
 was received by the Troops. Reach Raleigh. Receive news that Sherman, with 
 a Portion of his Army, has confronted Johnston and that the latter proposes to 
 Surrender. Great Rejoicing. The Capitulation tediously Protracted. Receipt of 
 the Intelligence of Assassination of President Lincoln. The News. Its Effect on 
 the Troops. They want to go Forward to facilitate the Surrender. Gen. Grant on 
 his way to Raleigh. Telegraphs an Order to prepare to March. The Surrender 
 concluded. A Grand Military Review in Raleigh. The Enemy having been thor 
 oughly Vanquished, the Troops are Impatient to return Home. Gen. Sherman s 
 Army Marches to Washington, D. C. Health of the Regiment. Social and Politi 
 cal Aspects of Raleigh. Incidents. 208 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 MARCH HOMEWARD FROM RALEIGH AND THE FINAL MUSTER. 
 
 Preparation of the Muster-rolls. The Regiment Mustered out of the U. S. Service. 
 Journey by Railroad to Hicksford. Thence Kegiment Marches to City Point. 
 Thence goes bv Transport to New York City, where it arrives June 17th. 
 Thence in same Transport to Albany. 18th, take Cars for Syracuse. Train stops 
 at Utica. Reception by the Citizens. Proceeds to Syracuse. Regiment dissolved 
 on the 28th. - . 221 
 
 Field and Staff, - - . 231 
 
 Officers appoiuted after the formation of the Regiment, - 333 
 
 Roster of Company "A," ...... 235 
 
TABLE OP CONTENTS. x i 
 
 Roster of Company " B," . . - 239 
 
 Roster of Company " C," - ... 245 
 
 Roster of Company " D," . 250 
 
 Roster of Company " E," ... 255 
 
 Roster of Company " F," . 269 
 
 Roster of Company " G," - - - - 264 
 
 Roster of Company " H," - 26d 
 
 Roster of Company " I," - ... 274 
 
 Roster of Company " K," ------- 279 
 
HISTORY 
 
 OP THE 
 
 ONE HUNDRED SEVENTEENTH R. N. I. VOLS. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 OKGANIZATION. 
 
 Military Situation. Popular despondency, and its causes. Prompt and decisive 
 action of the President and the Governors of eighteen loyal States their cor 
 dial co-operation. The President s call for three hundred thousand men. 
 Governor Morgan s call for the State quota. The Adjutant General s circular. 
 The efforts made in Nineteeth Senatorial District. A Regiment raised, 
 duly organized, and entitled One Hundred arid Seventeenth R. N. Y. Vols. 
 Description of the camp at Rome. Incidents. Regiment ordered to report at 
 Washington, D. C. 
 
 THE war of the great rebellion had been in progress fifteen 
 months. Fort Sumter and her heroic garrison had been cap 
 tured by rebel violence. The disaster of Bull Run had 
 fallen, with its almost crushing weight upon a hopeful but 
 anxious people ; and the Peninsula Richmond campaign, in 
 augurated after months of preparation, and embodying the 
 highest hopes of a great and expectant nation, had just cul 
 minated in a retreat and a loss of life that had clothed the 
 land in mourning. 
 
 Five hundred thousand men had already been sent to the 
 
14 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 field of strife, of whom not more than three hundred thousand 
 remained fit for duty. 
 
 It was under these circumstances, and in the midst of con 
 sequent despondency and gloom, unparalleled in the history 
 of the country, connected with wide spread crimination and 
 re-crimination, that the President, unshaken by the public 
 complaints, and undismayed by disaster, in response to a letter 
 addressed to him bearing the signatures of eighteen loyal 
 Govenors, issued a call for three hundred thousand men. 
 
 The call contained the following language : 
 
 EXECUTIVE MANSION, "Washington, July 1st, 1862. 
 
 GENTLEMEN, 
 
 Fully concurring in the wisdom of the views expressed to 
 me in so patriotic a manner by you in the communication of 
 the 28th day of June, I have decided to call into the service 
 an additional force of three hundred thousand men * * * 
 
 I trust that they may be enrolled without delay so as to 
 bring this unnecessary and injurious civil war to a speedy 
 and satisfactory conclusion. ******* 
 
 ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 
 
 Governor Morgan, by a Proclamation dated July 2nd, the 
 day following the date of the President s call, and in full har 
 mony with the rising patriotism of the State used the follow 
 ing earnest and significant language. 
 
 "This appeal is to the State of New York: it is to each 
 citizen. Let it come to every fire-side. Let the glorious ex 
 ample of the Revolutionary period be our emulation. Let 
 each feel that the commonwealth now counts upon his indi 
 vidual strength and influence, to meet the demands of the 
 government. 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH K. N. Y. V. 15 
 
 The period has come when all must aid. New York has 
 not thus far stood back. Ready, and more than willing, she- 
 has met every summons to duty. Let not her history be: 
 falsified, nor her position lowered." 
 
 On the 5th day of July, three days after the appearance of 
 the above appeal, there issued, from the Adjutant-General s 
 office, a circular directing the division of the State into regi 
 mental districts, corresponding to the present senatorial sub 
 divisions with a rendezvous camp in each. 
 
 The letter, appointing the committee for this the Nineteenth, 
 District, was addressed to the Hon. Horatio Seymour. The 
 duty assigned to the committee was an earnest and determined! 
 effort to organize a regiment of volunteers under the recent 
 call of the President. 
 
 The committees were authorized to insure every person 
 who recruited a company, a position as Captain beyond all 
 contingency, at the same time that liberal bounties would be- 
 provided for enlisted men. They were further advised that 
 the order containing details of the organization, with letters 
 of instruction, would be sent within a few days. 
 
 Meanwhile, to avoid delay, the committee or a majority 
 were required to assemble at the earliest practicable moment 
 after receiving the notice of their appointment, and to nomi 
 nate a suitable person to take command of the regiment. 
 The person thus nominated was directed to report in person 
 to "these Head Quarters" for instructions. 
 
 In this district, the following distinguished gentlemen were 
 the committee. Hon. Horatio Seymour, Chairman ; Hon. F. 
 Kernan, Hon. William H. Ferry, Judge William J. Bacon, 
 and Charles Doolittle, Esqr., Utica. Hon. B. N. Huntington 
 
16 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. ,V. 
 
 and C. Comstock, Rome ; Luther Guiteau, Trenton ; and 0. 
 S. Williams, Clinton. 
 
 The committee were instructed to increase their number 
 by forwarding, as soon as practicable, through their chairman, 
 with their nomination of a regimental commander, the 
 names of a few prominent and active citizens from different 
 parts of the district, which would be added to the list. 
 Agreeably with this arrangement, there were added to this 
 committee, the following named gentlemen : Samuel Campbell, 
 Whitestown; D.B. Good win, Waterville; D. J. Millard, Paris; 
 T. D. Penfield, Camden; and David T. Jenkins, Vernon. 
 
 The address ran as follows. 
 
 "If the call of the President, and the proclamation of the 
 Chief Magistrate of the State, meet with that prompt and 
 patriotic response from the people, which alone can give them 
 Tital force and effect, the day is not distant when we may see 
 the re-establishment of a constitution, more doubly precious 
 for the trials and sacrifices through which it has been upheld. 
 The State of New York, first in wealth, in population, and 
 resources, should not be second in the alacrity with which 
 her citizens meet the responsibilities resting on them. The 
 time for indifference and inaction has passed, and every man, 
 no matter what may be his position, must come to a prompt 
 determination to devote himself to the cause of his country, 
 or take the eternal disgrace of having turned a deaf ear to 
 her call, at a time when her institutions are menaced with 
 danger, perhaps, even with destruction." 
 
 The committee at its first meeting, completed its organiza 
 tion by electing Charles Doolittle, Esq., Secretary. This 
 meeting was held in Utica, at Bagg s Hotel, on the 14th day 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 17 
 
 of July, 1862. On this occasion, William R. Pease, was rec 
 ommended as Colonel of the prospective regiment. 
 
 The selection was an eminently proper one. Col. Pease 
 was a native of Utica, and a graduate of the Military Acade 
 my. At this time he was in the regular service and stationed 
 in Utica as Mustering and Disbursing Officer for Central New 
 York. During this session of the War Committee they sent a 
 message to the commander elect requesting an interview. 
 On presenting himself he was informed of his election. The 
 stated conditions being mutually satisfactory, he accepted the 
 position, and, pursuant to directions, reported at Albany, 
 for his commission. Though he was designated as com 
 mander of the new regiment as early as the 21st day of July, 
 he was not relieved from his duties as Mustering and Dis 
 bursing Officer until July 31 ; so that he could not devote 
 his entire attention to organizing the regiment until August 
 first. 
 
 From this date, he labored with all diligence in the work of 
 recruiting a regiment, known for the time, as the Fourth Oneida. 
 
 For this purpose, he was invested with all the powers, and 
 expected to perform all the duties appertaining to, command 
 ants of depots. One of his duties was that of making daily 
 reports of his progress to the Adjutant-General of the State. 
 To make the organization effective in the work of recruiting, 
 it was necessary that an Adjutant, Quarter-Master and Surgeon 
 should be appointed, by the Commander-in-Chief, the first 
 two officers, on the nomination of regimental commanders, and 
 mustered into the service; the Adjutant to act as mustering 
 officer. Each company was to contain, officers and privates, 
 eighty three minimum, one hundred and one maximum. 
 The Governor, at his discretion, on the approval of the Reg- 
 
18 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 imcntal Commander, issued certificates of authorization to 
 persons allowing them to enlist or enrol men for the regiment, 
 and entitling them to receive a commission as second Lieu 
 tenant, on the presentation of not fewer than thirty men, who 
 shall have passed muster ; to a commission as first Lieuten 
 ant for no fewer than forty men, and, to a commission as 
 Captain for eighty-three men or over. The late John M. 
 Walcott was the first person thus authorized to recruit a 
 company. 
 
 On the completion of ten companies of the minimum 
 standard, of an aggregate of eight hundred and forty-four 
 officers and men, they were to be formed into a regiment ; the 
 maximum standard being ten hundred and twenty-four. 
 
 In accordance with these regulations Egbert Bagg, a native 
 of Utica, a well known citizen of good business capacity was 
 commissioned Quarter-Master on the 23rd day of July, his* 
 being the first commission issued to the regiment. On the 
 24th, the day following, James M. Latimer, another citizen of 
 Utica, younger, but one who had received a thorough drilling 
 in the local military, was commissioned Adjutant. Both en 
 tered immediately upon the duties of their respective offices. 
 
 On the 29th of the same month, Doctor Edward Loomis, 
 a native and life-long resident of Westmoreland, having 
 passed the examining board at Albany, was commissioned 
 Surgeon and ordered to re port to the regiment, which he did, 
 without delay, and entered immediately upon his duties. The 
 Doctor had practiced his profession in Westmoreland and 
 vicinity for more than thirty years, and had represented his 
 district creditably in the State Legislature. 
 
 Up to this date, there had been about two hundred men 
 enrolled, whose medical examination, by consent of the 
 
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 19 
 
 authorities had been conducted by Dr. Charles B. Coventry of 
 Utica. 
 
 The work of recruiting and mustering was already in active 
 operation in the county. Authorization papers for recruiting 
 had been issued to men of character and energy in every town 
 in Oneida. The labors of the Military, or War Committee, 
 together with those of Col. Pease and the prospective com 
 pany officers, were very efficient. Besides, this additional 
 agency had been brought to bear. The Governor, by a cir 
 cular address to every supervisor in the State, urging them to 
 prompt action in the cause, had secured valuable town co-op 
 eration. 
 
 This circular, dated July 16, 1862, contained the following 
 significant declaration. 
 
 " The rebel capital must not be permitted longer to defy 
 the authority of the Government of the United States, and 
 degrade it in the estimation of the Nations of the Earth." 
 
 Gentlemen of ability and influence were addressing public 
 meetings in every part of the county, and, the war spirit was 
 up to fever heat, or perhaps, was attaining its normal standard. 
 
 Among the gentlemen who were prominent in these* efforts, 
 the following named deserve honorable mention : Hoi;. Francis 
 Kernan, Erastus Clark, John Snow of Oneida County ; C. H. 
 Doolittle, Hiram T. Jenkins, Gen. Bruce of Lenox, Madison 
 County; Hon. A. H. Bailey, Hon. R. Conkling, -Ward Hunt, 
 Judge Geo. W. Smith, Dewitt 0. Grave, Ex. Gov. Seymour, 
 Col. McQuade, Judge W. J. Bacon, Rev. M. E. Dunham, C. 
 M. Scholefield, Judge N. A. Foster, Rev. John Harvey, C. 
 McLane, Judge Root, E. L. Stevens, L. H. Babcock, Rev. J. 
 T. Crippen, M. J. Shoecraft of Oneida, Madison County. 
 
 On the 15th day of August, a special meeting of the board 
 
20 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 of Supervisors was held at the Court House in Kome, at 
 which, measures were taken to raise one hundred and sixty 
 two thousand seven hundred dollars, on the credit of the 
 county, for the purpose of paying a bounty of fifty dollars to. 
 each volunteer. The measure was passed and the sum 
 appropriated, Lorenzo Rouse of Marshall presiding. 
 
 The State also paid a bounty of fifty dollars. The National 
 Government advanced twenty-five of the one hundred dollars 
 due the men at the end of their service, and thirteen dollars, 
 being one month s pay, besides two dollars for each man as a 
 recruiting fund, making a sum total, of one hundred and 
 forty two dollars, paid to each volunteer before his departure 
 from the county. 
 
 The effect of this general co-operation, was a rapid growth 
 of the organization. 
 
 In the early part of August, the Regiment was ordered by 
 the Governor, to rendezvous at the village of Rome. Accor 
 dingly, Head-Quarters were immediately transferred from 
 Utica to Rome, where a camp was at once established. The 
 site was on a dry and elevated piece of ground, on the west 
 ern border of the village, and about three-fourths of a mile 
 distant from its centre, between Dominic and Liberty Streets. 
 The lot, which was surrounded by a substantial board fence, 
 comprised about twenty acres, and was owned by Enoch 
 Armstrong. 
 
 The only buildings on the ground, were those then erected 
 for the accommodation of the Regiment, consisting of Quar 
 ters, Kitchens and Mess Houses. There was also the Quarter- 
 Master s department. On the western and higher portion 
 of the inclosure were several tents. They were occupied by 
 the Surgeon and Adjutant. 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 21 
 
 This camp, thus beautifully situated, very fittingly received 
 the name of Camp Huntington, after the family that had been 
 among the first in wealth, in refinement and public spirit in 
 that enterprising village, justly celebrated for its high social 
 character, during nearly its whole history. 
 
 Mr. H. L. Rose was "mine host" of Camp Huntington and 
 by contract furnished the edibles, in military parlance called 
 "rations," for the men, during their stay there, and on many 
 an occasion afterwards, on long marches, with short allowance 
 or fasting, they called to mind his savory dishes with a relish 
 they had never before experienced. 
 
 A camp, even in Rome could not long exist without the 
 usual incidents, physical, social and moral. Camp diseases in 
 a mild form soon appeared, especially the two great classes, 
 real and feigned. Among the former, were fever and bowel 
 affections, among the latter were lumbago, epilepsy and hip 
 disease, one case of moral infirmity, after a rapid development 
 culminated in suicide. 
 
 As the regiment approached its complement, on account of 
 the accession to its population, the village became a lively and 
 interesting centre. 
 
 The throngs constantly coming and going, the groups to 
 be seen at all hours of the day, the u boys in blue" promen 
 ading in every direction, in arm with a mother, wife, sister or 
 " sweetheart," the crowds of men at the Quarter-Masters de 
 partment, donning their new uniforms, the white tents, the 
 guards passing to and fro on their well trodden beats, present 
 ed, altogether, on those fair August days, a picturesque and 
 exciting scene. 
 
 The companies were filled to the maximum and mustered 
 * j\to service in the following order, viz. 
 
22 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 Company, A, Captain, A. White. 
 
 " B. " R. Paggett. 
 
 " C, " F. X. Myer. 
 
 D, " J. M. Walcott. 
 
 " E, " L. K. Brown. 
 
 F, " S. J. Stoves. 
 
 " G, " Charles II. Roys. 
 
 H, " A. R. Stevens. 
 
 " I, " Chs. Wheelock. 
 
 " K, " James A. Race. 
 
 After their muster in as Captain, Captain Alvin White was 
 promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, and Captain Rufus Daggett 
 to Major, First Lieutenant Brigham and First Lieutenant J. 
 P. Stone being promoted in their stead. 
 
 On the 20th day of August, scarcely three weeks from 
 the time Col. Pease was relieved from the duties of his for 
 mer offices in the regular service, nearly eleven hundred 
 men were on hand, available for the field, and so strong was 
 the incoming current, that it could be checked, only by a re 
 fusal to accept more. On the same day Lieutenant M. C. 
 Caustin, 19th U. S. Infantry Mustering Officer arrived at 
 Rome and mustered into service, the entire regiment, every 
 company having attained the maximum number. The or 
 ganization being complete, it was now numbered and named 
 the " One Hundred and Seventeenth Regiment New York 
 Volunteers." On this occasion the men received their bounty, 
 Captain Caustin paying the Government bounty of twenty 
 five dollars per man, and the State Pay-master, paying the 
 State bounty. 
 
 The regiment was, strictly speaking, a county organization 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 23 
 
 and every town was liberally represented, though it might 
 perhaps in a general way be thus localized. The boys com 
 prising Co. A, were mostly from Utica and Vernon : those of 
 Co..B, were from Utica and Camden : C, Utica and West 
 Moreland: D, Utica, Whitestown and Sangersfi eld : E, Rome 
 and Ann s Ville : F, Oriskany and North of it : G, Paris and 
 Kirkland : H, Utica : I, Boonville, Remson, and Trenton : 
 J, Sangerfield and North. The above is only an average, 
 Co. H, had the highest per centage of married men : Co. G, 
 was made up mostly of young men which, perhaps, will ac- 
 account for its always furnishing and claiming a plump deci 
 mal of the mail matter. 
 
 Numerous vocations were also represented. There was 
 the atheletic lumberman ; the youthful yeoman, legal heir 
 to many a paternal acre ; the staid mechanic ; the punctual 
 operative ; the tidy clerk ; the bank accountant and, not least, 
 the oft-chidden son of sage Mother Hamilton. 
 
 Their physical appearance was unusually fine, while their 
 average social standing was high. Col. Pease, who was ac 
 customed to seeing and comparing regiments, lately remarked 
 concerning them, " they were the finest body of men I eve 
 saw." 
 
 The regiment was officered as follows. 
 
 Field Officers. Colonel W. R. Pease, Lieutenant Colonel 
 Alvin White, who had been promoted from Captain of Co. A ; 
 Major Rufus Daggett, who had been promoted from Captain 
 of Co. B. 
 
 Staff Officers. Surgeon Edward Loomis, Assistant Sur 
 geons Samuel Ingraham and Henry W. Carpenter ; Quarter- 
 Master, Egbert Bagg; Adjutant, James M. Latimore ; Chap 
 lain Rev. J. T. Crippen. 
 
24 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 They were all appointed and commissioned by the Gover 
 nor on the recommendation of Col. Pease with the unanimous 
 approval of the military committee. Lieutenant Col. White 
 was an old resident of the city of Utica, where he had enjoyed 
 the confidence of its people as an upright and valued citizen ; 
 he had for several years held the position of Captain of one 
 of its independent military companies. Major Daggett was 
 a younger man, also a citizen of Utica, enjoying its respect and 
 confidence and had already seen service as a commissioned 
 officer in the 14th N. Y. Volunteers. 
 
 Assistant Surgeon In graham was a practicing Physician 
 and Surgeon of New London in the town of Verona ; he had 
 followed his profession in that locality for about twelve years. 
 
 Assistant Surgeon Carpenter was from the town of Tren 
 ton, a practicing physician of some six or seven years exper 
 ience. 
 
 Chaplain J. T. Crippen, at the time of his appointment was 
 Pastor of the Bleeker Street Methodist Episcopal Church in 
 Utica. The official board of his Church on the occasion of 
 his withdrawal, passed resolutions expressive of their regard for 
 and confidence in him, and tendering him their most cordial 
 thanks for his uniform kindness, and fidelity to their moral 
 interests, and commending him for the rare social qualities he 
 had uniformly exhibited in his intercourse with others, and 
 promising in behalf of him and his new charge to follow him 
 with prayer to the field of conflict. 
 
 LINE OFFICERS. 
 
 Co. A, Capt. Geo. Brigham, 1st Lt. Isaac Dann, 2nd Lt. Wm. Bartholomew. 
 
 Co. B, Capt. J. P. Stone, 1st Lt. 2nd Lt. Wm. Hurlbert. 
 
 Co. C, Capt. F. X. Myer, 1st Lt. Jno. Kerrigan, 2nd Lt. F. H. Lay. 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 25 
 
 Co. D, Capt. J. Walcott, 1st Lt. Ed. H. Risley, 2nd Lt. D. V. Magill. 
 Co. E, Capt. Levi R. Brown, 1st Lt. Morris Chappel, 2nd Lt. A. M. Erwin. 
 Co. F, Capt. Seth J. Steves, 1st Lt. Wm. Hunt, 2nd Lt. Jno. F. Thomas. 
 Co. G, Capt. Chs. H. Roys, 1st Lt. Charles Millard, 2nd Lt. A. E. Smith. 
 Co. H, Capt. A. R. Stevens, 1st Lt. Edward Downer, 2nd Lt. Henry Shedd. 
 Co. I, Capt. Charles Wheelock, 1st Lt. Ami Marquessee, 2nd Lt. E. Haynes. 
 Co. K, Capt. Jas. A. Race, 1st Lt. Linus R. Clark, 2nd Lt. Samuel Miller. 
 
 NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF, CONSISTED OF, 
 
 Henry N. Marchisi, Hospital Steward. 
 Milton Brayton, Sergeant-Major. 
 Edward Richards, Quarter-Master Sergeant. 
 Benjamin Miller, Commissary Sergeant. 
 
 John Nellis of Whitesboro, was selected as Sutler. 
 
 Immediately on the completion of the muster, the Colonel, 
 by telegraph to the War Department, reported the Regiment 
 ready for the field, whereupon he received an order to move 
 on the 22nd and report at Washington. 
 
26 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 FROM ROME TO WASHINGTON, D. C. 
 
 Departure from Rome August 22nd. Incidents. The stop at Utica. Judge 
 Bacon s Address. -^-Response by Col. Pease. Incidents. Arrival of the Regi 
 ment at Albany. Embarkation on a Novel Transport. A quiet Night. 
 Progress. A Fine Morning. Greetings from inhabitants and travelers. 
 Landing at Jersey City. a non reception. Take cars. Night s ride. Arrival 
 at Philadelphia. Warm reception, and sumptuous fare. Take cars for Balti 
 more. Arrival. Kindly received and well cared for. An incident. Take 
 cars for Washington. Arrival. 
 
 THE 22nd day of August, 1862, though tinged with sadness, 
 was a proud day for old Oneida. Already had her sons, to 
 the number of three Regiments, gone forward to the field 
 where they were doing honorable battle in the service of their 
 country, and now, in less than one month, from her fields ripe 
 with the golden harvest, from her work-shops vocal with the 
 1mm of business, from her counting rooms, her halls of 
 education and her learned professions, she had sent up her 
 earnest stalwart men to the number of more than one thou 
 sand, and with genuine glowing patriotism, consecrated them 
 on the altar of their country and freedom, and on this day 
 was to bid them farewell and extend to them a parting bles 
 sing. 
 
 In obedience to an order from the War Department, re 
 quiring the regiment to move on this day, an order was pub 
 lished making 11 o clock the hour of departure. For two 
 days previous, the signs of preparation had been apparent on 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 27 
 
 every hand. Men in large numbers, who had been absent on 
 short furloughs, looking after business which had been inter 
 rupted by their withdrawal, and to take a last fond look at 
 "loved ones at home" were returning, bringing with them, in 
 many instances friends, who were to remain, until the final 
 parting. People from the several towns in the county thronged 
 the village streets, and crowded the camp ground. 
 
 Greetings arid partings were witnessed on all sides, and at 
 all hours, all of them tender and many affecting, yet every 
 where was maintained the quietness and dignity of manner 
 which should characterize the occasion. 
 
 Early on the morning of the 22nd, an unusual commotion 
 became manifest. What camp equipage there was on hand, 
 including the medical stores, which had just arrived and had 
 not been unpacked, were hurried off to the depot ; knapsacks 
 were unpacked, with care, but not to the exclusion of many 
 little tokens of love and affection, which were snugly tucked 
 away with the rest, the owner enjoying a blissful ignorance o 
 the inconsistency of these arrangements with the stern reali 
 ties of war. At 10 o clock the Regiment was assembled on 
 the parade ground of the camp, when prayer was offered to 
 the Throne of Grace by the Rev. James Irwin. He com 
 mended them earnestly to the care of the God of Hosts. Im 
 mediately at the close, the order of march was formed, and, 
 escorted by the Ganes Voort Light Guard, commanded by 
 Capt. Rowe, proceeded to the depot. As the line moved 
 down the street, a vast concourse proceeded in company, cov 
 ering the walks and the portion of the streets not occupied 
 by the blue clad column. 
 
 From doors, windows, steps and balconies on either side of 
 the street came many a cheering salutation. Handkerchiefs 
 
28 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 waved a Godspeed, while cheer upon cheer rolled from a 
 hundred throats. 
 
 Soon after reaching the depot, the word from the conductor 
 "All aboard" was passed down the train, the last hand shak 
 ing was soon had, the last " God bless you " was soon pro 
 nounced ; the multitude reluctantly stepped back, the men 
 sprang to their seats, the steam whistle uttered its shrill sig 
 nal, and instantly, the long train, consisting of four freight 
 cars and twenty two passenger coaches, sped away on its im 
 portant mission. 
 
 At Oriskany and Whitesboro similar expressions of appro 
 val and sympathy were furnished by the citizens, who stood 
 at the depots, but the final and crowning demonstration 
 awaited the regiment at Utica ; there the space in front, and 
 east of the depot, for many yards, was occupied by a vast 
 multitude, numbering thousands. As the train stopped, there 
 went up a cheer, which made the heavenly arches ring. The 
 crowd soon distributed itself along on either side of the train, 
 while the soldiers, from the windows, exchanged with friends, 
 a few parting words. Meanwhile, the old Utica Band, stationed 
 on the roof of the depot, discoursed stirring music, while the 
 volunteers laughed, cheered and shouted like a party just re 
 turning from a pleasure excursion. 
 
 In the few minutes spent here, the officers were called out 
 and addressed as follows, by Judge W. J. Bacon. 
 
 "Col. Pease, Lt. Col. White and Maj. Daggett: 
 
 As the organ of the Military Committee of Oneida County, 
 
 I am commissioned to give you the parting hand and offer 
 
 you our thanks and congratulations. This shall be done in 
 
 the briefest space, for neither time nor the occasion admits, or 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 29 
 
 requires many words. We rejoice that your efforts have been< 
 crowned with such distinguished success. You stand at the 
 head of a noble band of men, going forth on a noble errand,, 
 you are to join the brave men, our sons and brethren, now ia< 
 the field, prepared to do, and if need be, to die for your country. 
 
 The raising of the Fourth Oneida Regiment has been no. 
 holiday work. On the part of the Committee it has, for the 
 most part, been a labor of love, but on yours, it has required 
 great patience, untiring energy and earnest patriotism, and. 
 all these we have found in you, and for this we express our 
 warmest thanks. 
 
 You are now on your way to the seat of war, and our 
 hopes, our blessings, and our prayers go with you. We have 
 no other injunction to give, than that everywhere and always, 
 you maintain the honor and the good name of old Oneida,. 
 and, when you meet the foes of the Republic, strike quickly, 
 strike strongly, strike often. As the results of the efforts of 
 each and all of you, and of every faithful patriot, we confi 
 dently expect to see our beloved land, in all its length and 
 breadth, restored and consecrated forevermore, as the land of 
 Government and Law, of order, and of universal liberty. 
 
 We commend you to the favor of the God of Hosts and,, 
 may He give you the courage and the grace to contribute 
 your full share to the great consummation. On behalf of the 
 Committee I bid you, one and all, a hearty and affectionate 
 farewell." 
 
 Col. Pease, in response, expressed gratification that any 
 thing he and his associates had done, was deemed worthy of 
 commendation. They were now only on their way to begin 
 their labors, and he felt confident, that the Fourth Oneida 
 
 Regiment was composed of men who, wherever placed, 
 3 
 
30 HISTORY OF THE 117TH E. N. Y. V. 
 
 would act a manly part and never cause a blush to the gen 
 erous people, who had sent them forth with so many manifest 
 ations of interest and affection. When, thanking the 
 Committee and its associates for their friendly expressions, he 
 would not make a boast of the future, but trusted the acts 
 of the regiment would reward all who had labored for its 
 organization. It goes forth on the highest mission that can 
 engage free men, and the defense of free institutions against 
 a causeless, a wicked, a malignant rebellion. May it soon 
 return, bearing, as the results of the courage and endurance 
 of a great army, of which it will constitute a humble, but I 
 ttrust an active part, a victory that shall be glorious and the 
 basis of a lasting peace. 
 
 Lieut. Col. White, added a few pertinent words, when 
 Col. James McQuade of the 14th N. Y. Volunteers stepped 
 upon the platform of one of the cars, and, in a few words, 
 expressed his entire confidence in the Regiment and pro 
 posed for it three cheers which were given by the multitude 
 with a will. Col. Pease, then proposed three for the 14th N. 
 Y. Volunteers, which sentiment was endorsed with equal 
 emphasis. While these acclamations were again awak 
 ing the echoes, the train departed, freighted with as many, if 
 not more of the hopes and interests of the people of Oneida 
 County, than any that had ever before left its borders. It 
 was 1.40 o clock P. M., when the train moved out, and the 
 anxious multitude closed over the vacant track. The journey 
 to Albany was accomplished without accident or without re 
 markable incident by about 10 o clock. The lateness of our 
 arrival prevented the good people of the capital city from 
 giving the regiment the reception they had purposed. They 
 did however the next best thing in their power, roll into 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 81 
 
 the boats on which the regiment embarked, barrels of sand 
 wiches, crackers, buiscuits and cookies, which served to relieve 
 the men, from a somewhat protracted fast, and furnished 
 them with refreshments as they steamed down the Hudson. 
 
 By 11 o clock the Regiment was on board the vessels which 
 had been assigned as the transport for the occasion; it con 
 sisted of a steamboat and two barges, one of the latter lashed 
 on either side of the former. It being late, and the men be 
 ing weary, each soon spread his blanket on the inhospitable 
 deck, and, laying his knapsack down for a pillow, he assumed 
 that this meagre preparation was his bed, and used it accord 
 ingly. The day having been one of continued excitement 
 and confusion, all gladly availed themselves of an obvious 
 inclination for quiet. 
 
 Is it reasonable to conclude that all sought sleep ? Was 
 not this opportunity rather seized by each as a coveted mental 
 retreat from the society of present and esteemed comrades, and 
 improved in a review of the blissful days spent at that loved 
 home from which he was now, under such strange and pecul 
 iar circumstances, receding ? And as they recalled the num 
 berless manifestations of home sympathy, did they not, on that 
 night more than ever realize, and admire the disinterested 
 devotion of mother, wife and sister ? 
 
 It is also safe to suppose that there were many there, whose 
 minds naturally reverted to 
 
 " Another, not a sister." 
 
 All the circumstances considered, was not the night of the 
 22nd Augusy 1862, a remarkable one for the 117th ? Was it 
 not a suitable time for reflective and prospective meditation ? 
 Who shall say it was not diligently improved ? 
 
32 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 Before morning, the audible respirations and careless atti 
 tudes betrayed the fact that a goodly portion of the command 
 had surrendered to "balmy sleep." 
 
 Soon after daylight, the singular army transport, with its 
 crowd of loyal passengers, began to attract the attention of the 
 inhabitants on both banks of the river, exciting on every hand 
 the most marked demonstrations of approval. Reapers 
 paused, threw up their hats, and shouted their endorsement ; 
 the ploughman stopped his team and waved his hat. Families 
 gathered at the doors and unfurled the miniature flag. Trav 
 elers in the cars, which shot shuttle-like between our capital and 
 the great metropolis, waved handkerchiefs from the windows in 
 approval of our loyal attitude. Groups of children, came run- 
 ing, to the wharfs, exhibiting many signs of hearty appre 
 ciation. These were indeed encouraging proofs of an all- 
 pervading sympathy. 
 
 To all of these expressions, the boys returned suitable and 
 equally earnest response. Never did the grand old Hudson 
 appear grander than on this superbly beautiful day, and rarely 
 if ever, had she borne a more important burden, or one with 
 a more glorious mission. 
 
 Between four and five o clock on the afternoon of the 23rd, 
 the regiment was landed on the wharf at Jersey City, and, 
 though several men were seriously ill of cholera morbus, 
 all left the boats and got on board the cars, which were to 
 take them to Philadelphia, to which place they were forwarded 
 the same night by two trains ; six companies occupying the 
 first, and four the last. The first train leaving about six 
 o clock, the other about eight. 
 
 The supply of rations had failed before reaching Jersey 
 City: and the men were beginning to suffer from hunger, 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 33 
 
 and, as the weather was intensely warm, not less from thirst. 
 But no welcome greeted these volunteer defenders of Lib 
 erty. No table was there spread for their refreshment. 
 No kind hands extended delicacies to revive the fainting. 
 Even the water which they were able to obtain, was furnished 
 at the price of two cents a glass, and small articles laid down 
 for a moment were stolen by the greedy crew of thieves that 
 gathered around. 
 
 Gladly would these facts, disgraceful to any American city 
 have been omitted from these pages, for it is to be hoped and 
 believed that there are patriotic men and women in Jersey 
 city ; but, the indignation then felt and freely expressed by 
 the men, and their distinct recollection not merely of the 
 obvious neglect but of the imposition they were there sub 
 jected to, forbid it. 
 
 A night s ride, in a crowded state, fasting and unrefreshed 
 by sleep, brought us to Philadelphia. The first train about 
 three, and the other about five o clock on Sunday morning. 
 
 The firing of a single cannon announced the arrival of each 
 train, and, immediately a committee presented themselves and 
 escorted the regiment to the Union Head Quarters, which was 
 so faithfully guarded that baggage could be left in safety in 
 any convenient place. Water for all was provided, not only 
 for drinking purposes, but in abundance for the much needed, 
 customary ablutions. All were in just the condition to prize 
 this convenience. Had this been the only favor extended in 
 that city, it would have been gratefully remembered ; but, 
 there were other expressions of good will awaiting us. 
 Though it was an early hour of the day, and at the time of 
 our arrival another regiment was receiving attention, the 
 men were hardly prepared for their breakfast before the tables 
 
34 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 were reset and the regiment invited into a spacious dining 
 saloon where it was directed to sit down at a table, spread, 
 not only with substantial, but also with tempting luxuries. 
 
 The sick were immediately taken to a large airy room 
 well supplied with comfortable cots ; those unable to walk 
 were placed on stretchers and carried to the apartments where 
 kind hearts and gentle hands furnished every delicacy that 
 patriotism and benevolence could suggest or money pro 
 cure. A dispensary, well filled with every needful remedial 
 means was free to the surgeons, and a large and excellent 
 hospital, visited daily by the best physicians, was open for the 
 admittance of all such as were too ill to proceed. It may 
 truly be said, that there was no want which had not 
 been anticipated and abundantly provided against. There is 
 no A)om to doubt, that more than one valuable life was saved, 
 to the regiment and to the country, by the timely and gener 
 ous succor extended to the men on that occasion by the good 
 people of Philadelphia. Her patriotic sons, and her hand 
 some, good-samaritan daughters will be long held in grateful 
 remembrance for their fraternal demonstrations to the 117th. 
 When the regiment left that goodly City, doubly entitled to 
 be called the City of Brotherly Love, it was with emphatic and 
 repeated expressions of "Heaven bless this City." 
 
 By 7 o clock the regiment was packed on board a train of 
 freight cars, and started for Baltimore. This Sunday journey 
 was indeed a quiet one, it was made with few or no interrup 
 tions ; we received no cordial greetings from way-side citizens, 
 and there was no cheering by the men. 
 
 Arrived at Baltimore about 5 o clock, P. M. ; remained sev 
 eral hours. 
 
 Our peaceful passage through that city was disturbed by 
 
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 85 
 
 only one treasonable manifestation. As the regiment was 
 marching through a principal street, in the most complete 
 order, a well dressed female uttered, in our hearing, the hell- 
 born wish that " not one of the regiment would live to return ; " 
 that was the most conspicious, if not the only insult offered 
 us in the city. 
 
 On the other hand, the regiment was well entertained ; a 
 generous supper was furnished at the Union Rooms, quite to 
 the extent of our wants. In fact, the attentions there extended 
 to us, were second only to those received at Philadelphia. 
 Let those who, in Baltimore, afforded us such ample hos 
 pitality, be long remembered. 
 
 At quite a late hour of the night, the regiment took the cars 
 for Washington, where it arrived not long after midnight of 
 the morning of the 25th. We found shelter and "plain lodg 
 ings" on the floor of some extensive barracks near the depot. 
 
36 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 FROM WASHINGTON DEPOT, TO DEPARTURE FROM 
 FORT ALEXANDER. 
 
 The Capital and the Capitol. Pennsylyania Avenue. Long Bridge. "Why the 
 Regiment did not cross. March to Tennally Town. Premature gun shot 
 wounds. A Tentless Camp 1 Tennally Town. Advance to Chain Bridge 
 but no engagement. Return to Camp ground in Grove. Move to Ft. Penn 
 sylvania. Battle hetween Pope and Stonewall Jackson. Remove from Fort 
 1 Pennsylvania to Fort Alexander. Duty at the latter place. 
 
 THE morning of the 25th of August found the men unre- 
 freshed by one moment of comfortable rest, under the shadow 
 of the capitol of the nation, which had for so many years 
 been the scene of turmoil and strife, resulting not unfre- 
 quently in violence, and even in bloodshed, and from which 
 had issued both clandestinely and publicly, so many inflam 
 matory and incendiary appeals, and all or nearly in a vain 
 endeavor to put down the Spirit of Liberty. 
 
 They looked upon this grand and stately structure, with 
 feelings of patriotic pride and veneration. They regarded 
 it as having been, both by the blood of our revolutionary 
 fathers, and by the bond of the constitution, consecrated to 
 the holy cause of human freedom ; while they knew too, that 
 in its sacred apartments had been concocted the horrid plot 
 of secession, which was itself, designed as the handmaid and 
 champion of a galling social despotism. They knew that men 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 37 
 
 who had been fostered, exalted and pampered by a too indul 
 gent government, had treacherously perjured their own 
 souls, insolently betrayed their trust, and gone forth from 
 those congressional Halls to drench the land in blood. 
 
 With this knowledge, and under the inspiration of the sur 
 roundings, these men here consecrated themselves afresh to 
 the cause in which they had enlisted, and, with increased en 
 ergy, devoted themselves to its triumph. 
 
 In one of the barracks, there had been provided some very 
 coarse and poorly prepared refreshments, of which the men 
 were invited to partake ; a privilege which they very generally 
 declined, nearly all preferring the uncertain chances presented 
 in the street. 
 
 At about 10 o clock the Regiment was formed and put on 
 its march up Pennsylvania Avenue, accompanied by several 
 army wagons. The latter conveyed the heterogeneous burden 
 of regimental baggage, the knapsacks of weak-kneed volun 
 teers, of whom we had a few, together with the men who fell 
 out by the way, unable to keep pace with their fellows. 
 
 These wagons excited the curiosity, and to some extent the 
 merriment of our young farmers and mechanics. As few peo 
 ple of the north have any idea of their character, a few words 
 descriptive may not be amiss. They are coarse-made, very 
 ponderous and long-geared, with a high heavy box fastened to 
 the axle and head block, and spanned with rude bows which 
 are covered with thick canvass or tent cloth, capable of being 
 drawn together at either end. While there were some ad 
 vantages connected with those ungainly concerns, the keen 
 mechanics and their practical patrons in the regiment, failed 
 to discover the occasion for their remarkable bulk. 
 
 Very few single teams, after being attached to one of those 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 wagons, can bear any additional load. They, therefore, 
 usually hitch on one pair of horses or mules to draw the 
 wagon, and another pair .or more to draw the load. The 
 wagons furnished us on this occasion, were drawn each by 
 four mules, driven by a contraband astride the near wheel 
 mule, who drove the entire team, with one rein, a whip and 
 his everlasting " Yeop! Mule, Get!" 
 
 Pennsylvania Avenue, justly celebrated as one the most 
 beautiful and airy city thoroughfares, on that day presented 
 an appearance that defies description. The spacious and ordi 
 narily ample sidewalks were now crowded with a diverse 
 crowd. There were officers of every rank ; some walk 
 ing hurriedly, more sauntering leisurely ; soldiers in blue, 
 some with knapsacks, plodding their way to their regi 
 ments, some strolling about without an apparent aim, some 
 on crutches, others with arms in slings ; gentlemen of busi 
 ness, gentlemen of leisure, and gentlemen of color, and gen 
 tlemen and ladies of complexion intermediate, and a liberal 
 sprinkling of the class bearing the stamp of genuine " contra 
 band ;" and females of every known hue, and the representa 
 tives of every social grade ; and here and there the news boys, 
 at the top of their voices crying, "Tribune, Herald, Times, 
 Morning papers," "Great battle on the James," "Pope march 
 ing on Richmond," <fcc., &c. At every crossing, sat mounted, 
 armed and heavily-spurred patrols, ready for an emergency. 
 
 The regiment marching in the street was soon lost in the 
 thick clouds of dust whch were raised by it and by numberless 
 other agencies with which we seemed inextricably intermix 
 ed. There were street cars, a continuous stream of army 
 wagons on either side of the avenue, one going up, the other 
 coming down, some with two horses, marked C. S., more 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. , 39 
 
 with four or six horses or mules, marked IT. S. These files, 
 by an order from the war department, could not be broken by 
 street crossings, except at every sixth wagon. These trans 
 portation trains were under charge of wagon-masters, who 
 were consequentially riding from one part of the line to an 
 other, often furiously, and not unfrequently indulging in lan 
 guage, which good people would have found difficult to dis 
 tinguish from profanity. There were other vehicles of every 
 kind, private carriages, cabs, coaches, hackney coaches, carts, 
 teams with loads, and some without loads, four-horse express 
 teams, ambulances, mostly loaded with officers, (a nuisance 
 soon after abated by a general order,) large carts, sometimes 
 by the boys styled "horse ambulances," gotten up for the ex 
 press purpose, and loaded with dead horses and mules ; gangs 
 of sick and dilapidated horses, squads of fresh horses, clus 
 ters of mules, some willing, many obstinate ; sections of bat 
 teries, squads and companies of soldiers, some of infantry, 
 some of cavalry ; and in the midst of all, hurrying by alt all 
 points, were mounted messengers and orderlies, on foaming 
 steeds : altogether presented an exciting spectacle, which 
 should be witnessed to be appreciated. 
 
 The thoughtful volunteer was led to inquire, " Why all 
 this commotion ?" "Why these warlike .agencies in the capi 
 tal of the nation ; of this the happiest nation in the world ? 
 This nation, whose people govern themselves ; a nation in 
 which all legislative and executive powers proceed from the 
 head and hand of the humble as well as of the greater of its 
 constituents, every sixth year. This nation, whose govern 
 ment had been so beneficent as to be felt in its blessings only, 
 which have descended like the dews of heaven, so gently as to 
 be noticeable only in their refreshing influences. Why does 
 
40 t HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 
 
 grim visaged war raise his hideous head in this heaven-favored 
 land ?" 
 
 These clear headed and intelligent volunteers, fresh from 
 the pure air of their northern homes, knew, but too well, that 
 to this question there was but one answer. Slavery, like a 
 deadly Upas, had been planted beside the tree of Liberty. 
 
 The Regiment left the Avenue for a short time at Four 
 teenth street, and marched to Long bridge which leads into 
 Virginia, over which, it was understood, we would have passed 
 but for the circumstance, that the bridge, for some reason, on 
 that day was impassable. Here was another illustration of the 
 influence, apparently unimportant circumstances exert over 
 the history and fate of such organizations. The Col. had re 
 ported to Gen. Casey, who at that time had charge of all arriv 
 ing regiments. We halted near his Head-quarters : By 
 him the regiment was ordered to camp at Tennally Town in 
 the District, on the north side of the Potomac, the Col. being 
 directed to report to Gen. Barnard, of United States Engi 
 neers, Engineer-in-Chief for the defenses of Washington. 
 
 While waiting for this order, one of the men was wounded 
 in the neck by a bullet from a revolver in the hands of a care 
 less comrade. The wounded man was taken to Seminary 
 Hospital at Georgetown, where he remained several weeks. 
 As he well might, he deemed himself lucky even then," to 
 return with his life, for the bullet had passed fearfully near 
 the jugular. 
 
 A similar accident occurred on the following morning after 
 the regiment got into camp at Tennally Town, with the differ 
 ence that in the latter case, the careless man was also his 
 victim. He paid for his stupidity by a perforation of the 
 hand. This not being exactly the way in which it was expect- 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 41 
 
 ed men would be shot, an order was issued prohibiting the 
 men from carrying that class of arms, but allowing their de 
 posit with their officers, and the taking of a receipt for the 
 return of the same when the regiment should be disbanded. 
 
 The march from Gen. Casey s Head-quarters to Tennally 
 Town, a distance of nearly nine miles, was commenced about 
 noon, under a burning sun, and without dinner. As the boys 
 had assumed the transportation of a large amount of surplus 
 baggage, the march taxed to the utmost their powers of en 
 durance, and, in several instances, proved entirely too much. 
 Arrived at Tennally Town between four and five o clock in 
 the afternoon. The Quartermaster being able to furnish 
 rations, the men, without delay, set themselves to work pre 
 paring, as best they could, something to eat. No tents how 
 ever, except one hospital tent, were yet furnished ; the men 
 were therefore obliged to camp on the ground in the open 
 air for the night, an occurrence somewhat common in army 
 life, but in this case peculiarly unfortunate after the excessive 
 heat and labor of the day, as was shown on the following 
 morning by a large increase of sickness. 
 
 Tennally Town is a small plain village, situated at the 
 junction of the Edwards Ferry and Harper s Ferry Turnpikes, 
 about four miles westerly from Georgetown. It consisted of 
 a few dwellings, one hotel, a blacksmith shop and a plain 
 church edifice. It had formerly supported some of the slave 
 holding gentry, most of whom, however, fled on the approach 
 of the Union army. It appeared that the church belonged to 
 the Methodist persuasion. It was beautifully located at the 
 head of an oak grove which covered several acres, sloping 
 gently westward from the village. Along the more elevated 
 portion of the grove, the regiment encamped, the meeting 
 
42 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 b 
 
 house being used for Commissary and Quartermasters store 
 house. The village was surrounded by unfinished rifle pits, 
 which, with the vicinity, were occupied by his troops during 
 McClellan s siege of Washington ! 
 
 On the 26th the tents arrived. They were arranged after 
 the manner of a village, on this well-shaded inclined plain, 
 and for one day the men felt quite at home. The comfort of 
 quietness was however transient, for on the night of the 
 27th, the regiment was roused by the beating of the long 
 roll, and in a very few minutes was formed and started 
 on a march for Chain Bridge. The bridge is about three 
 miles distant, in a southerly direction. The regiment was 
 supplied with ammunition in the exigency by the 71st New 
 York State Militia. On the way, Col. Haskins, A. D. C. to 
 Gen. Barnard, informed Col. Pease that a large force of the 
 enemy had appeared on the opposite side of the Potomac, near 
 Ft. Ethan Allen, which was the only defense to this bridge. 
 It was feared that by a sudden dash, the enemy might possess 
 themselves of this crossing. Accordingly the 117th Eegt., 
 and a New York Battery were required to defend it. Col. 
 Pease was directed, on his arrival, to mine the abutments 
 and authorized to destroy the bridge, whenever, in his judg 
 ment, the emergency should warrant such a proceeding. 
 
 Daylight came soon after we reached the place. The morn 
 ing wore off, and with it evidently, the danger, for at noon we 
 received orders to return to camp, which we did immediately. 
 Thus ended a diversion, which was often afterward facetiously 
 alluded to as the Battle of Chain Bridge. There were none 
 killed, none wounded, but it was well known that on the 
 march down, two or three got severely frightened. 
 
 We had scarcely reached our camp in the grove before we 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 43 
 
 received an order to remove quarters to Ft. Pennsylvania, a 
 distance of less than half a mile. The work of moving was not 
 itself an evil, but, by this change we were deprived of the 
 shelter afforded us by the grove, our new camping ground 
 being destitute of tree or shrub. We removed the same 
 afternoon. After a sojourn of only a day or two at Ft. Penn 
 sylvania, the regiment was ordered to change again. This 
 time, required to remove about four miles westward, for the 
 purpose of garrisoning Ft. Alexander and Fts. Franklin and 
 Ripley, the two latter being in an unfinished state. 
 
 While the regiment was at Tennally Town, the battles be 
 tween Gen. Pope and Stonewall Jackson were going on. 
 During the conflict, we could in the same instant, see the 
 Capitol and hear the sound of light artillery employed by the 
 contending forces. Our removal to Ft. Alexander took place 
 on the 30th day of August. 
 
 Fort Alexander and its supporters, Franklin and Ripley, 
 were all armed. These Forts were arranged in a triangle, 
 which, with their connecting fortifications, formed nearly 
 a half circle on the summit of a high bluff on the north 
 bank of the Potomac, and commanded it for a distance of 
 five or more miles, while their guns could sweep the country 
 for an equal distance in any direction. In consequence of the 
 inclination of its bed and the ragged rocks upon it, the river 
 at this point presents a rapid, while intervening it and the far 
 reaching hill side, like a silver band, lies the Ohio and Chesa 
 peake Canal, whose placid surface was then but rarely dis 
 turbed by a passing boat. The prominence of our new camp 
 ing ground afforded the daily enjoyment of scenery the 
 most grand and picturesque. The Potomac with its ceaseless 
 murmur, and the canal winding along its bank, lay far below 
 
44 HISTORY OF THE 117TH E. N. Y. V. 
 
 us, and as the river extended off through the gorge toward 
 the south-east, we could see where, two miles distant, it was 
 spanned by Chain Bridge. Virginia, the Mother of Presi 
 dents, and also of the Harlot, Slavery, loomed up in grandeur 
 on the opposite side, while a vast scope, a succession of hills 
 and knolls, could be seen from Alexandria in Virginia, to 
 Sugar-loaf Mountain in the blue distance in Maryland. Many 
 of the hill tops were crowned with forts, and over each floated 
 the glorious old banner of our country. The reveille and 
 tattoo, waking patriotic echoes, were answered from count 
 less summits and hill-sides. 
 
 The regiment remained quietly here, doing guard and 
 fatigue duty ; its detachments garrisoning the smaller neigh 
 boring forts, till near the middle of November. 
 
HISTORY OP THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 45 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 FROM FORT ALEXANDER, TO FORTS BAKER AND, 
 
 RIPLEY. 
 
 Regiment strike Tents at Fort Alexander. Removal to Camp Morris or " Camp 
 Mud." A Strange Visitor. Citizens. Remove to the neighborhood of Fort- 
 Pennsylvania. Camp Morris No. 2. The employment of the Regiment. Re 
 ceipt of a New Banner from Utica, a present from the Ladies of that city. . 
 Presentation Address. Review of Sanitary condition of the Regiment since- 
 its arrival in the District. Social pastime. "Joe," and his amusing traits.. 
 Order for a division of the Regiment into two Battalions. 
 
 ON the 12th of November, the regiment, having been re 
 lieved by the 18th Maine, returned by order, to an eminence 
 about midway between its late camp and Fort Pennsylva 
 nia. The boys had got things so comparitively comfortable 
 and, the surroundings had begun to acquire such a sort of 
 homelike aspect, that the order to move was not acceptable 
 as it might have been. A short march and we reached the 
 place. But, for some reason, we had got a late start, the bag 
 gage came late, and in consequence, eight o clock P. M. found 
 us in an uncomfortable condition and with a prospect so 
 cheerless as to render the occasion one of frequent reference 
 long after. 
 
 Although the camp ground was eligible, the soil was of that 
 
 peculiar "mixable" nature and the rains were so frequent 
 
 and copious, that the streets were impressible as a mortar 
 
 bed. No one can duly prize the power of voluntary 
 
 4 
 
46 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. Y. 
 
 locomotion till lie lias been "mud bound" in Virginia or 
 Maryland. The shady valley where the rippling brook in 
 vites the stroller ; yonder pyramidal hill which promises 
 an extensive view of the surrounding country, are now noth 
 ing more to you, than to a culprit prisoner with a ten pound 
 weight to each heel. Whether you would go abroad on busi- 
 business or pleasure the prospect is equally discouraging. 
 
 The earth, which is sometimes so beautiful and attractive is 
 now spread out before you a far-reaching, infinite " boot jack." 
 
 This camp was such an unmitigated slough that by com 
 mon consent it was christened Camp " Mud." While here, the 
 Bleu worked at the defenses which may be still seen there 
 furrowing the hillocks and hill sides. Fort Alexander 
 .and Fort Pennsylvania were both in fair view, and, in exactly 
 .opposite directions. 
 
 One day, in the direction of the latter Fort, was heard an 
 explosive report and an omnious whizzing. Several fancied 
 they saw in the same instant, a body of some description com 
 ing through the air; the exhibition ended with a " thump " 
 against the hill on which our camp was perched or, more properly 
 planted. It was clear that the managers had " run the thing 
 in the ground," for when it struck, the dirt flew in all direc 
 tions. The curious among the regiment, hastened to the spot 
 and there, behold ! they saw the hole protruding. Some set to 
 work eagerly to exhume the stranger, when they were re 
 called and informed that the intruder was a shell from a gun 
 in the fort, and, that, as it was possibly charged and might ex 
 plode, they had better keep away. After some explanation 
 .and considerable delay, they saw the point, and reluctantly 
 withdrew; that sort of curiosity they subsequently got the 
 better of. The shell ,had fallen dangerously near our 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 47 
 
 camp, which was in full view of the gunners in the fort. At 
 first it would seem that the camp had been their target, but 
 in those days, the professional reputation of their artillerists 
 was such as to effectually exonerate them from any suspicion 
 of criminal intent or even of carelessness. Everybody felt 
 confident that the gun had been trained on an object at least 
 a mile to the right or left of this point. 
 
 The citizens in that section were mild unionists. There were 
 several families in the neighborhood by the name of Shoe 
 maker; they were on friendly terms with the Yankees, and 
 they did consent to board some of the officers, "just to accom 
 modate." They could have had no other motive, for they 
 charged only three times the usual price. There was a Mr. B. 
 there also, a staunch unionist, at least, he was in the employ 
 of the government. He and family were on friendly terms 
 with our officers, but his daughter did not furnish that thanks 
 giving dinner ! ! After being there about a week, the regiment 
 literally "pulled out" of Camp mud, and returned to within 
 less than half a mile of Fort Pennsylvania, encamping at the 
 foot of the first descent from the Fort. It was near the place 
 of our first encampment in the district. We were substantially 
 
 "Tenting on the old camp ground." 
 
 The site was lower than the former one, but, even in wet 
 weather, not so disagreeable. It was here we first encoun 
 tered and fought Old Winter in cloth tenements. The men 
 were permitted to build with more care than usual; drilling, 
 camp duty and working on the defenses was the occupation 
 of the men. The organization had lost but few up to that 
 date and, the line formed at dress parade made a most impos 
 ing sight. There was a good deal of drilling by squads, 
 
48 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 indicating a determination at head quarters that the regi 
 ment should be an effective one. The fatigue duty was di 
 rected to the building of a small fort or redoubt known there 
 as Fort Eliptic and by the men designated as " Soapstone 
 Fort." While in this camp, there was a change in the sutler- 
 ship, Mr. Nellis withdrew, and was succeeded by Messrs. 
 Martin and Plainer, who started the business on a liberal 
 
 scale. 
 
 Among the events, which transpired while we were in this 
 camp, and prominent, on account of its inspiriting and 
 cementing influence on the regiment, was the arrival and 
 presentation of a beautiful silk banner made by the Ladies 
 
 of Utica. 
 
 The following extracts from a letter recently received from 
 Miss L. C. Graham, furnishes the information with reference 
 to its source. 
 
 "I am sorry to say that the list of the subscribers names 
 has been destroyed ; I can say however that the collectors met 
 a liberal response from all on whom they called. In making 
 these collections I was assisted by Mrs. Daniel Waterman, 
 Miss Eliza and Miss Fanny Green, Miss Eliza Gird and Mrs. 
 E. A. Graham. 
 
 In closing, allow me to add, that the ladies will ever feel 
 grateful to the officers and men of the 117th, for the care 
 taken of their banner and for the proud record gained for it 
 and for themselves. Respectfully, 
 
 L. C. GRAHAM." 
 
 t 
 
 The Regiment, for the reception of this banner was drawn 
 up in a hollow square, Chaplain Crippin was the medium of 
 its presentation, which service he performed by a graceful 
 and impressive rendering of the following letter. 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 49 
 
 " To the Officers and Men of the 117th Regt. N. Y. V. 
 
 The Ladies of Utica, desirous of evincing their interest in 
 the great work you have undertaken, and their faith in you, 
 the sons of Oneida, have prepared this banner with its motto 
 chosen from your national anthem, which they hope will be 
 satisfactory to you all, reminding you at once of the high re 
 sponsibility which -we devolve upon you, the chosen defenders 
 of our liberty and happiness, of the dear ones you have left 
 behind, whose honor is inseparably bound up with your own, 
 and, above all, of your duty towards, and your dependence on 
 that Higher Power, without whose aiding hand, none can 
 prosper. This is no time for words, and we have but few to 
 give you. Go forward with a will, bearing bravely on the 
 glorious banner which is the ensign of all we hold most 
 dear. Come back when your work is done, and well done, 
 bringing this same emblem, torn and defaced it may be, but 
 bearing only honorable marks, which shall add a glow of 
 thankfulness and pride to the heart of every maiden, wife, 
 and mother, whose hopes rest so fondly upon each one of 
 you or come not back to us again forever. 
 
 Sorrow we can bear, disgrace ) never; but this is a word, 
 which, in connection with you of the 117th, we need not use. 
 Onedia has not known its meaning, and, we feel assured that 
 it is not at your hands she will be taught it. 
 
 Take, therefore, our banner, and, with it receive our pray 
 ers, for your safety, your happiness, your glory, and, above 
 all, for the safety of the land, which, you go forth to defend 
 and redeem. 
 
 In behalf of the Ladies, 
 
 Respectfully Yours, 
 
 UTICA, October, 1862." L. C. GRAHAM. 
 
50 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 The sanguinary repulse of Gen. Burnsidei from before 
 .Fredericksburg, occured while the regiment was occupying 
 this camp. 
 
 The Health. The regiment bore at this time a somewhat 
 anomalous relation to the army, it being regarded at Head 
 quarters as neither in the field, whence the sick would have 
 been eligible to the general hospitals, nor at a post at which 
 we would have been supplied with hospital conveniences; con 
 sequently the sick had few comforts except those extemporized 
 iu the command, or furnished by the sanitary agencies.. 
 Friend Kellogg s beaming face was more than usually welcome 
 in those days. It was not until the latter part of December 
 that the government furnished us with bedsteads or bed sacks, 
 and then with a scanty supply of hospital bedding. 
 
 We reached Washington during the very height of mid 
 summer, which transfer suddenly subjected us to a much 
 higher temperature than that to which we were accustomed, 
 and the crowded camp, with its dull monotony, is at best far 
 from being a favorable sanitary situation. Under all these ad 
 verse circumstances, however, we suffered less from sickness 
 than any other regiment in the Brigade to which we belonged, 
 as was demonstrated by reference to the morning reports. This 
 difference in our favor was due, no doubt, in a measure, to the 
 cleanly habits of the men as well as to the sanitary discipline 
 to which they were subjected. The first death, occurring in 
 the regiment after we left home took place on the 12th of 
 September. The more prevalent diseases were diarrhea of 
 an obstinate type, and typhoid and typhus fever. Jaundice 
 also, whether a disease or symptom, was remarkably common. 
 The high moral character which the regiment presented when 
 it left home, it fully sustained ; one hundred and twenty of 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 51 
 
 the men enrolling their names on the Chaplain s list as 
 "soldiers of the cross." A sanitary report, made to the 
 Medical Department by the surgeon, dated December 31st, 
 closes with the following statement. " The men have been 
 well clothed, and, with exceptions creditably rare, have been 
 cleanly and temperate in their habits." 
 
 The evenings being long, there was much spare time for 
 social enjoyments, and for various amusements. These op 
 portunities were well improved in patronizing the city theater, 
 but, more especially in social gatherings at the tents of the 
 officers, telling and hearing stories, playing euchre, &c. 
 About this time a new source of amusement discovered itself 
 in the character of an intelligent contraband by the name of 
 Joe, employed as servant to one of the officers. Joe was a 
 genuine specimen of the genus Virginia " dark." Though in 
 the service of one officer, his irresistible comicalities were as 
 unconfinable as his essential fragrance and, were therefore, 
 the property of the regiment. His childlike simplicity, 
 apparent credulity and inimitable expressions of wonder at 
 the true or over-drawn accounts of Yankee customs, rendered 
 him an attractive object, to the victims of dull care. He had 
 been released from slavery by McClellan s advance on the 
 Peninsula, and had attended that army through the most 
 active stage of its campaign, so that, though ignorant of 
 northern customs, he had been unprofi tably familiar with the 
 "peculiar" institution, and had witnessed some stirring battle 
 scenes. Toward his kind, he appeared to have attachments 
 not very unlike those recognized by white folks! He spent 
 hours in setting forth the moral excellence of his parents. 
 His father, who he said was a preacher, had died several years 
 before. His mother he adored, but alas ! she was a bond 
 
52 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 woman, under the* galling yoke of slavery. Joe would 
 have almost given his life to rescue her. Besides, he was 
 attached to a girl ! A sable maid, bearing the unpoetic name 
 of Sarah Johnson, was the burden of Joe s thoughts day and 
 night. While an officer was one day regarding with much 
 interest the photograph of his wife, he was observed by Joe ; 
 the officer asked him to examine it and tell him how the New 
 York women compared in looks with the Virginia women. 
 After scrutinizing the picture with great care for some time, 
 Joe deliberately admitted that if the lady s nose was not 
 quite so sharp, " I reckon she would look most as good as 
 Sarah Johnson." Intelligent for one so oppressed, fluent of 
 speech and excitable of temperament, he was well calculated 
 to gain attention to the recital of his experiences. Under 
 the inspiration of an attentive audience, and with room for 
 characteristic gesticulation, Joe s relations of plantation or 
 army incidents rose to the dignity of an entertainment. His 
 sufferings in bondage had furnished him with a large stock 
 of thrilling uncle-tomitudes. His oratorical forte, however, 
 was a description of a pell-mell retreat. He was confined 
 to no mood ; but. would run with the greatest facility from 
 grave to gay, and from the sublime to the ridiculous. In 
 any strain, he was at home, and, I may say, eloquent, and, at 
 times, so unconsciously comic, as to defy the gravity of the 
 Chaplain himself. In view of the proverb "a merry heart 
 doeth good like a medicine" Joe seems entitled to this refer 
 ence because of his influence as a sanitary agent. 
 
 Agreeably with an order from Gen. Bernard to that effect, 
 the regiment was now divided in two battalions of five Com 
 panies each, and assigned to special duty some ten miles apart. 
 
HISTORY OF THE 11TTH E. N. Y. V. 53 
 
 CHAPTE Y. 
 
 FROM THE DIVISION OF THE REGIMENT TILL ITS 
 RE-UNION AND EMBARKATION. 
 
 The Battallions march to their respective places. Occupation. The Regiment 
 visited by Residents of Oneida. Newspapers in Camp. Preparation for the 
 Field. An order to Move. March to the Wharf. The Re-union. Embark 
 ation. Voyage down the Potomac. 
 
 ON the 24th of December, the arrangements having been 
 made for the division of the regiment, it broke camp. The 
 following named companies, A, B, C, D, and K, constituting 
 the 1st Battallion, marched through Georgetown and the Capi 
 tal, across the east branch, up the slope and encamped on the 
 heights near Fort Baker. The order, making this change, 
 directed Col. Pease on arriving at Fort Baker, to assume com 
 mand of the 3d Brigade, defences north of the Potomac. Fort 
 Baker being the Head Quarters of the Brigade and essentially 
 of the regiment. 
 
 Picket and fatigue duty were the chief employment of this 
 Battalion during the winter. These companies also stood 
 guard at the East Branch Bridge, and, when employed in this 
 capacity they often caused embarrassment to suspicious pas 
 sengers, all of whom were closely scrutinized, and not a 
 few rigidly examined for contraband goods, messages, &c. 
 This road was a frequented thoroughfare. It was by this way 
 that the notorious criminal Booth, escaped on the night of the 
 assassination. 
 
54 HISTORY OP THE 117lH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 The vicinity had become historical, also, in revolutionary 
 times. Fort Baker camp was a sightly place, commanding a 
 view of the Capitol, the city, and of the Potomac. If the 
 place was delightfully airy at times, at others it was severely 
 bleak. There was some sickness in the Battalion during the 
 winter, and some two or three deaths. 
 
 The 2d Battalion, comprising companies E, F, G, H and I, 
 under command of Lt. Col. White, marched about two miles 
 westward, to a point near the Potomac, and encamped on the 
 eastern slope of the bold bluff which affords Fort Alexander its 
 valuable prominence. Being in the vicinity of that fortifica 
 tion, the camp was near the old regimental camp ground. 
 The medical officer of this Battalion was Asst. Surg. Mowris, 
 1st Lt. Morris Chappell was Quartermaster, and 1st Lt. James 
 M. Lattimer Adjt. The iminent peril to which the Capital 
 had been twice exposed, had impressed the military authori 
 ties with the value of the immediate defences, revealed the 
 need for their early completion, and the possible responsibil 
 ity which might follow further neglect. 
 
 Our occupation, therefore, was agreeable to these indica 
 tions ; beside the usual camp duties and drilling, the boys dug 
 and chopped almost daily, so that during the time the Bat 
 talion occupied this camp it contributed largely toward the 
 erection of Fort Ripley and the completion of the adjacent 
 Forts. 
 
 The camp site had been well chosen : it was on a knoll shed- 
 ing in almost every direction, while a purling spring from its 
 base furnished an abundant supply of pure water. The win 
 ter tenements of the soldiers may be thus described : An 
 enclosure, the wall of which is composed of a succession of 
 upright stakes standing in contact ; or perhaps of poles, put up 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 55 
 
 after the manner of a log house ; this enclosure includes 
 a space of perhaps 7 feet by 9, the wall about 3 feet high. 
 This structure, crowned with an A tent for roof and gable, 
 gives the outline. The next business was that of "repell 
 ing winter blasts with mud and straw." It is remarkable 
 how habitable these primitive tenements were rendered by the 
 ready ingenuity of the boys. Some might infer that with from 
 three to five inmates, these habitations would have been nox 
 iously close ; this tendency was obviated by the merciful 
 absence of architectural facilities. That they were not un 
 healthy abodes, or that the sanitary surroundings must have 
 been exceedingly favorable, may be deduced from the fact 
 that during the three months and a half spent there by those 
 five companies, the sick list was very small, and that in the 
 time, death never visited the camp. 
 
 .This division of the regiment created a new source of pas 
 time ; the relation of the two halves was too intimate for non 
 communication. Letters were interchanged daily, and where 
 written conference was considered inadequate, personal visits 
 were the next resort. 
 
 On several occasions, during the winter, the regiment was 
 visited by residents of Oneida. They were always heartily 
 welcomed. One or two were the bearers of "sanitary" favors. 
 There were times when soldier life seemed intolerably heavy 
 and dull. No wonder the boys sometimes felt despondent as 
 they soliloquized : " Our work is digging, we could have done 
 that at home." "We came to fight and end the war by ex 
 tinguishing the rebellion." "We are now nearly a half year 
 in the service and yet at the Capital instead of at the front." 
 "Burnside, with our great army, has just been repulsed with 
 heavy loss." "In the west, affairs are not progressing much 
 
56 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. Y. 
 
 better." "The administration professes to be striving to crush 
 the rebellion, while the professed democratic party is desper 
 ately intent upon crushing the administration." "If our 
 cause is not stationary, it is progressing very slowly." It 
 should not be understood that the regiment was discouraged, 
 but, if citizens, seated at home in comfort and security, were 
 sometimes depressed, perhaps at the bare prospect of increased 
 taxation, there is some apology for the temporay indulgence 
 of this mood by those who had imperiled comfort, health, and 
 even life itself. 
 
 Without making a question of the relative political proprie 
 ty of the adverse attitudes of the two parties at that time, I 
 may perhaps be permitted to allude to the obvious preserving 
 influence exerted on the army, by the hopeful tone which 
 characterized the pro-administration journals. 
 
 The good effect of these papers was marked, when they 
 came into camp, as the medium of the President s reply to the 
 sympathizers with the eminent Ohio traitor. The political 
 friends of that notorious personage, aided the government 
 materially, when they furnished the President a just occasion 
 for a written vindication of his course. With what simplicity 
 and force he called their attention to an unparalleled emer 
 gency and then to democratic precedence. As it fell among 
 the soldiery it was felt as an efficient moral tonic. 
 
 Akin to this in its influence, was the able state paper of 
 Secretary Seward, in which he so amiably declined the propo 
 sition of the French Government, to refer our national differ 
 ence to the arbitrament of commissioners. In his letter to 
 Drouyn De FHuys, he assured him that none could doubt our 
 ability ultimately, to conquer an honorable peace, except those 
 who were content with the deductions of a limited and par- 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 57 
 
 tial examination. After referring to the diminished and still 
 waning area of the Confederacy, he added : " The national 
 forces hold even this small territory in close blockade and 
 siege." With an inspiring confidence he reminded the French 
 Minister that "This government, if required, does not hesi 
 tate to submit its achievments to the test of comparison. 
 
 These state papers did much to sustain the hopes of our 
 soldiery, and neutralize the pernicious and demoralizing 
 tendency of indiscreet journalism. 
 
 While we were in this camp the President issued the Eman 
 cipation Proclamation. There were a few among us who re 
 garded the act with positive disfavor. The measure elicited 
 some warm discussion, but not enough feeling to effect the 
 social unity of the organization. 
 
 The 2nd Battalion, I said, lost none of its members by 
 death, from Christmas till the middle of April, though like 
 the first, it must be admitted, it lost one or two by a singular 
 affection. Usually toward evening, or during the dark hours, 
 while in an upright posture, A the victims were seized with a 
 succession of violent contractions of- the lower extremities. 
 Remedial agents being neglected, the sufferers were "carried 
 off" in a few minutes. The disease was, however, compara 
 tively rare in our regiment. It was pertinently styled "Ske 
 daddle." The departed having secured a permanent notoriety, 
 a personal reference is superfluous. 
 
 During the winter, various had been the conjectures con 
 cerning our destination, on the line known as "the front." 
 There was a spirit of impatience on account of the semi-mili 
 tary character of our service, the boys, frequently remarking 
 in a jocular way, that they " did not come to dig and chop, but 
 to fight." 
 
58 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 At length, winter passed and March piped his advent. The 
 season for a spring campaign was approaching. By the 10th 
 of April there was a rumor in camp to the effect that we 
 would soon be in the field. As early as the 12th, we were 
 ordered to hold ourselves in readiness for a move. At an 
 early hour on the morning of the 15th, an unusual bustle was 
 heard in camp. Clothes, blankets and rations were syste 
 matically packed in preparation of an immediate departure. 
 I have inadvertently omitted to mention an item which did 
 not then escape our notice ; the morning on which the regi 
 ment broke camp at Baker and Ripley, was one of the wettest. 
 It furnished the boys a good occasion to test the shedding 
 qualities of their rubber blankets, and increased, to an in 
 convenient degree, the labor of locomotion. 
 
 Agrreably with the order that the 117th Regt. embark that 
 morning on board transports lying near the Navy Yard wharf, 
 the battalions marched convergently for that point. 
 
 The 2d Battalion moved promptly, and marched proudly. 
 Every man seemed to regard this call to sterner warfare, as a 
 personal promotion in his country s service. As it made the 
 transit of the city, by Penn. Avenue, it excited general notice 
 and admiration. 
 
 THE RE UNION. 
 
 The 1st Battalion, having a less distance to march, arrived 
 at the dock first. The greetings at the re-union of the regi 
 ment, were sincere and cordial the cheers were loud. The 
 embarkation was attended with some delay. At length, all 
 things being in a satisfactory state, or the time for the process 
 of preparation having expired, on board of two river boats, we 
 pushed off and steamed down the Potomac. 
 
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 59 
 
 Since its arrival in the District, the regiment had not suf 
 fered much reduction. There were some absent in hospital, 
 but the loss by death, up to this time, was not more than thir 
 teen, and those from the following companies : F three, G one, 
 H one, I five, K three. It had been in preparation for the legit 
 imate duties of soldier life. The men had become accustomed to 
 obeying orders, which with many, implies a contrast to their for 
 mer life. They had learned to obey, and for the most part, to re 
 spect their officers. They were ready to admit the importance, 
 if not the agreeableness of the means of securing a high state 
 of military discipline, and were willing to promote this de 
 sirable end, by the sacrifice of ease and comfort. They 
 had also improved the time in the acquisition of skill in 
 the use of arms, and become acclimated, and inured to ex 
 posure to the elements, and to unseasonable toil. Beside, as 
 a regiment, they were intelligent, and the sentiments and con 
 victions of the majority, were in full harmony with their anti- 
 rebellion attitude. Hence, our organization was numerically, 
 and essentially, a vigorous one. 
 
GO HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 CHAPTER YI. 
 JOURNEY TO AND SIEGE OF SUFFOLK. 
 
 Voyage down the Potomac. Arrival at Norfolk. Citizens. Arrival at Suffolk. 
 Incidents. Col. Pease holds the right of the Line. Incidents. Inhabitants. 
 Regiment occupies Hill s Point. Incidents. Regiment Paid. News from 
 Fredericksburg. Health. 
 
 A VOYAGE of two nights and a day, and we were at the dock 
 at Norfolk. We arrived early on the morning of the 17th. 
 
 Our destination was now obvious. Longstreet was making 
 a demonstration against Norfolk and had reached Suffolk, 
 and lest he should decide to join his sympathizing friends in 
 Norfolk our troops already there must be reenforced. 
 
 It was nearly ten o clock A. M. before we had debarked. 
 The time required for the transfer of the regiment from the 
 steamboats to the train of open cars which stood at the depot 
 with a puffing engine prefixed, was improved by a few of us 
 in a partial and gratuitous inspection of the town. 
 
 Troops had been passing through town for two or three 
 days, to the obvious annoyance of numbers of the citizens 
 who were standing in groups here and there about the streets 
 in close conversation, the while, scanning and commenting 
 on Yankee troops to whom they hardly deigned to speak 
 when civilly accosted. 
 
 The city was very quiet ; with the exceptions mentioned, 
 it lay as if again in the shadow of the pestilence ; but for 
 the tramp of war, grass might have grown in the streets. 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. Y. 61 
 
 We were about two hours passing the light sand and Dis 
 mal Swamp, which, on that line, separate the North and 
 South folk. On nearing the depot at Suffolk, above the rattle 
 of the train, there came to us the "boom" "boom" of Long- 
 street s cannon. When the noise of the cars ceased, it was 
 discovered that those guns were quite near ; by some they 
 were regarded as " dreadfully near." I judge, not only, from 
 personal sensation, but also from observation. 
 
 The boys became unusually taciturn. Each procured his 
 baggage with few words. The "front" had suddenly been 
 stripped of the enchantment so long lent to it by propitious 
 distance. The random target practice of the artillerists, at 
 Fort Alexander, excited merriment, but this booming 
 strangely disposed to reflection. This noticeable impression 
 was transient, however, as such impressions commonly are; 
 and, in this instance, none contributed more to dispelling it 
 than the irrepressible wag, of which we had several. As soon 
 as he had recovered sufficiently himself, he was seen to jostle 
 his comrade and with a knowing twinkle of the eye, remark, 
 " Say, Bill, I believe you came to fight and not to dig." A 
 few such sallies served to restore almost the wonted degree 
 of self composure and unconcern. There is no just reason 
 to conclude from this that these men were morbidly timid. 
 From what I have observed in the same regiment, I infer that 
 fear is suffered not generally in the degree of one s danger, 
 but, that the circumstances most favoring the exercise of fear 
 are a vagueness as to the source and direction of the evil, and 
 an otherwise unoccupied state of mind. Accordingly, I believe 
 that on one or two occasions like that just described, the boys 
 suffered as much from fear, and perhaps more, than when thfey 
 faced grim death at Fort Gilmer or at Fort Fisher. 
 5 
 
62 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 The vicinity of the depot presented a busy scene. Every 
 branch of the service, and every article required for a cam 
 paign was there; soldiers, arms, ammunition, rations, shovels, 
 picks, &c., &c. 
 
 As soon as the regiment was in readiness, we marched 
 down through the ^rnain street to the other railroad on our 
 way to the expected bivouac or battle field. Our passage 
 through the place appeared to be both a Yankee and Secesh 
 entertainment. A great many more citizens were visible here 
 than in Norfolk, but, for obvious reasons, very few men. 
 Some dwellings were closed and apparently deserted ; but a 
 little attention to the guarded windows, disclosed occasional 
 variations in the situation of the blinds, suggestive of unseen 
 hands. At other dwellings, it was evident that feminine curi 
 osity had triumphed over natural timidity, and brought out 
 on the porches, bevies of wondering secesh girls, who seemed 
 almost eager to brave the perils of mutual captivation. 
 Their amiable expression of face argued how incompetent is 
 contracted sectional distrust to withstand the benevolent 
 promptings of instinct. 
 
 An incident occurring in our passage through the village, 
 exhibits the intensity of rebel hatred of the " Yankee," and ex 
 poses the efforts that were made for its inculcation in the 
 coming generation. Among the numerous spectators of this 
 Yankee army was an interesting child of about five years of 
 age. The little fellow, held by his mother, was leaning out 
 of an open window, an eager spectator of our boys in blue. 
 He at length, in an argumentative tone, rebuked his mother s 
 unfaithfulness by this expression of his new found convictions. 
 " But, Ma, they are kind o mans" 
 
 The regiment moved out and halted on the North side of 
 
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 63 
 
 the town upon a lot intervening the Portsmouth railroad, and 
 Nansemond river. The river was the dividing line between 
 the rebel and loyal forces. The sound of artillery still rever 
 berated from the front, and, from the opposite side, came an 
 occasional whizzing bullet, followed by the report of the 
 emptied rifle. 
 
 Col. Pease was now ordered to take post on the extreme, 
 right of the line of defense, to entrench and hold againstr. 
 any attempt of Hood to turn it. His command was 
 independent, reporting directly to the Division Commander. 
 It consisted of the 117th Regiment, Capt. Morris Battery- 
 N. Y; Artillery, a Wisconsin Battery and a Squadron of Firsfy 
 N. Y. Mounted Rifles. 
 
 Pursuant to this order, about sunset we moved down the, 
 river about three miles, and after m arching and counter-*, 
 marching till near midnight, the regiment was ordered to lie 
 on their arms for the night, and cautioned, against speaking 
 above an undertone. 
 
 The process of retiring for the night, becomes exceedingly 
 simplified by a resort to actual service. In a few minutes 
 every man except the guard had subsided into the horizontal 
 and, in a few more, was reporting progress by heavy respira 
 tion. But had you looked abroad, over these recumbent cap 
 tives of Morpheus, you might, occasionally, during the night, 
 have discerned the moving form and heard the unamiable 
 mutterings of some restless, fastidious lodger in search of a 
 softer or warmer place, and whose unhallowed ambition had 
 prompted him to an unavailing attempt to pass the guard, to 
 appropriate the coveted shelter of a friendly tree. 
 
 In the morning, we were directed down the river some 
 three or four miles further. The stream, if its torpor will 
 
64 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 admit the name, is exceedingly devious. It doubles upon 
 itself so repeatedly, that I do not doubt but there are sections 
 of it which will represent almost every letter of the alphabet. 
 I have seen its S s and Ws so complete, as to leave little 
 doubt that it does not somewhere include an &c. "The 
 Nansemond river is very crooked, marshy on both sides and 
 full of oysters." 
 
 Our way lay by an unfrequented road, which, where it 
 crossed the juttings of the river marsh, had been newly 
 bridged for our passage. After making the desired distance 
 down the river, we turned to the left and entered an isolated 
 section of a plantation. It was one of those outlying, irregular 
 fragments of a farm, which are the result, in part, of the ag 
 ricultural defects of the earth s surface, and yet, to some 
 extent, the effect of that gentle, submissive sort of husbandry 
 which attends slavery, but that which, unfortunately is not 
 limited to its latitude. This lot presented a narrow, cape-like 
 exten sion, reaching westward nearly half a mile, in fact it may 
 with propriety be called a cape, as it was the convexity formed by 
 .a sudden bend in the river. It was proposed that we should 
 occupy the extreme point of this neck, but though its border 
 was well fringed and screened by outcropping foliage, we had 
 scarcely halted for the purpose of encamping, before the rude 
 arrival of several bullets from over the river, admonished us 
 of the unsuitableness of the position. We then withdrew a 
 few rods to the rear, as most of us felt desirous of a more 
 healthy location. 
 
 The cape we occupied was known as Galloon s Point. Hav 
 ing a superior altitude it commanded the rebel battery on 
 opposite bank, about a mile distant, therefore one of 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH E. N. Y. V. 65 
 
 the first duties of the regiment was to assist in planting sev 
 eral pieces of artillery on this eminence. 
 
 In this vicinity we sojourned for nearly a month, during 
 which time we picketed the river for a distance, above and 
 below, and fortified the Point witli heavy rifle pits. Four or 
 five days after our arrival here, Hills Point battery on the 
 enemy s side with six guns, was suddenly flanked and cap 
 tured by a detachment of the 89th R. N. Y. Y. The 117th, 
 was transferred to occupy, and to bring off the guns. Prob 
 ably not a man of us has forgotten the scene at the dock 
 where we embarked, our landing, the skirmishing, the wound 
 ing of the soldier, who subsequently was the first officer 
 killed in battle, the destruction by fire, of the buildings on 
 the premises, the transferring of the guns to the boat, the 
 natural, though not general apprehension of our inability to 
 hold the point against the infinite odds, which the wily enemy 
 possibly were massing in the favoring obscurity of yonder 
 forest, our vivid recollections just then, of the account of Ball s 
 Bluff, the shouts of the boys as they sank on their gangway 
 plank in their efforts to reembark, and, when half the regiment 
 was on board, how vainly the wheels turned, and how vehe 
 mently the Captain swore when he discovered his boat was 
 aground ; our crossing the river, finally, and our wading 
 through the marsh under a heavy rain. 
 
 An incident occurred here which, as an illustration of the 
 maxim "Knowledge is Power," much impressed all who wit 
 nessed it. On the other side of the river, a little below, and 
 about two miles distant from Capt. Morris battery, was a 
 deserted dock and an old store-house. Adjacent to these, on 
 a little eminence stood a commodious mansion, about which, 
 by the aid of a glass, a number of the enemy were seen. At 
 
66 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 a little distance from the residence, the rebels were obviously 
 erecting a battery. The Captain was directed to annoy them. 
 His first shot from a thirty-pound Parrott gun, fell within the 
 door yard. Five minutes after, he sent another, which entered 
 the structure near the eaves, and, in an instant, the smoke, 
 indicating the explosion of the shell, was seen issuing from the 
 demolished windows; the tenement was promptly vacated. 
 The Captain then turned his attention to the " Johnies " at 
 the prospective rebel battery and dispelled the party with the 
 same facility; the Gray-backs scattering in all directions. 
 When I saw that modest little man militant, at that distance 
 holding that portion of the enemy s territory at his imperial 
 option, I envied him even more than I do that potent person 
 age, who, with one finger, inspires and curbs the terrible iron 
 horse. 
 
 The boys will doubtless recollect how the products of the 
 river were made to supply the temporary short-comings of 
 the commissary department. A luxury was now substituted 
 for the necessaries of life, in the oysters which abounded in 
 the margin of the river. Yet even this provision did not 
 obviate the supposed necessity for an occasional unauthorized 
 foraging adventure. These however did not all pay expenses, 
 as, for instance, the appropriation of one of neighbor Sanders 
 young cattle, which, on being served for the table, was found 
 so thoroughly permeated with garlic as to be altogether 
 worthless. 
 
 While here, we were favored with an official visit from that 
 highly esteemed functionary, the Paymaster. The rebel 
 shells which announced their arrival in the suburbs of 
 camp, inspired him with unwonted alacrity in dispensing his 
 green backs. About thirty thousand dollars of this payment 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 67 
 
 was deposited in the care of Chaplain Crippin, and, three or 
 four days subsequently, was transferred to Mr. G. C. Platner, 
 who conveyed it to Fort Monroe, whence, he expressed it 
 safely to our friends at home. 
 
 Our neighbors were Mr. Sanders and Mr. Cahoon, the 
 latter owner, and, in the absence of the military, proprietor of 
 Cahoon s point. They were both aged men, now the nuclei 
 and props of their grandchildren, who had been left thus 
 dependent by the political infidelity of their sires, and the 
 necessities of the confederacy. They had both" also suffered 
 the loss of all their slaves, except those who still craved a 
 master s protection. And even such as did remain were ap 
 parently more than ever, eye servants ; their every movement 
 too plainly betraying the fact, that they were but " waiting 
 for the wagon." 
 
 Both complained at the loss of their slaves, but Mr. Sand 
 ers was particularly distressed at the loss of a remarkably 
 intelligent negro, who he told us, had had the full control and 
 exclusive management of his affairs, including the financial 
 department, for said he " though to my shame I say it, he 
 was a smarter man than I am." The female portion of their 
 households were of course, intensely secesh. An unmarried 
 daughter of Mr. Sanders, whose personal proportions were 
 more ample than her supply of beauty, responded to a 
 solicitation for a little piano music, by furnishing her yankee 
 visitors with " Dixie " and " Up with your Standard Virginia." 
 Knowing the sentiments of her guests, I have reason 
 to doubt whether her performance elicted much applause. 
 Two or three days afterward the regiment, on its way to a 
 new camping ground, passed through Mr. Sanders yard. Just 
 before reaching the house, the band struck up the air, "Star 
 
68 HISTORY OF THE HTlH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 Spangled Banner," and played it most lustily. I have often 
 suspected that that little arrangement might have had some 
 reference to the parlor entertainment. 
 
 As Mr. S. was complaining at his latter-day adversities, 
 he was asked, why he inaugurated them by voting his State 
 out of the Union. He replied, that about the time the 
 question arose, a prominent Virginia Legislator, whom he 
 named, familiarly, went about " telling the people how to 
 vote." He told them if they did not vote their State out they 
 would lose their slaves. "And now" said he "after doing 
 exactly as he advised me, I have lost my slaves for all." 
 The statement of Mr. Sanders, with regard to the political 
 action of himself and several of his neighbors, exposes again 
 the fact that the non-educating policy peculiar to the south 
 ern states, subjects the masses to the direction of a few 
 politicians. A policy, convenient to the demagogue, but 
 degrading to the people ; unprofitable to the State, and sig 
 nally disastrous to the nation. It is possible, that, in our 
 state, there may rarely be found a man, the color of whose 
 ballot is determined by the dictation of his neighbor, but I 
 will say there is not a man in this latitude, whose lack of self 
 respect, and utter abjectness, are such, that he can confess it 
 without embarrassment. 
 
 Knowing that the Potomac Army, was gathering itself for 
 another conflict under Gen . Hooker, many were sanguine 
 that under the direction of " Fighting Joe," the old army 
 would achieve just such a success as its numbers, gallantry, 
 and devotion seemed to deserve, and the interests of our 
 cause demanded. 
 
 We therefore boked anxiously and waited impatiently for 
 tidings from Fredericksburgh. But few newspapers found 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 69 
 
 their way to the camp, but those that came were seized and 
 read with eagerness. We were occupying our second camp 
 ground, it was in the pine grove. A large log fire was blaz 
 ing before Col. Pease s tent. The Colonel was enjoying it, 
 when the latest daily was handed him. The caption under 
 " Latest Telegrams" was sufficient; " HOOKER REPULSED WITH 
 GREAT LOSS." Soon the word passed about Head-quarters. 
 " Another defeat at Fredericksburgh." It passed to the regi 
 ment and went through camp, reiterated in despondent tones, 
 " Defeated ! " " Whipped again ! " " Licked once more ! " It 
 would be unjust as well as untrue to say that this reverse 
 produced no perceptible effect on the regiment, but it was a 
 temporary depression of spirits, and, not a change or impair 
 ment of determination. 
 
 Our neighbors could not conceal their satisfaction at our 
 discomforture on the Rappahannock. 
 
 The health of the regiment was not good. During the 
 latter part of our stay at the Point, the sick list was quite 
 large, and the sickness, severe. On breaking camp we were 
 obliged to leave quite a number here till they could conva 
 lesce. A medical officer remained with them, so that they 
 had no lack of professional attention. 
 
70 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 FROM SUFFOLK TO CHARLESTON HARBOR. 
 
 The return from Suffolk. Encamp near Julian s Creek. Incidents. Concur 
 rent Military Events. Peninsula Raid. Severe march, and great suffering. 
 Lee s Invasion of the North, &c. Return from the Raid. A short rest. 
 Orders to move. March to Portsmouth. Take Transport. Sail Southward. 
 Put into Beaufort Harbor for Repairs. Change transports. Resume voyage 
 to Charleston Harbor. 
 
 THE enemy under Longstreet, having by this time retired 
 from the Suffolk line, the union forces withdrew to the vicini 
 ty of Portsmouth and Norfolk. The troops were defensively 
 disposed, and proceeded at once to the work of fortifying. 
 Our regiment made the change on the 15th of May, and en 
 camped on the evening of that day, on the south bank of 
 Julian s creek, about four miles south of Portsmouth. Julian s 
 creek is a small branch of the Elizabeth River. The Head 
 quarters of the regiment was about a deserted mansion. 
 The occupation of the soldiers was picketing and fort-build 
 ing. As the army of the East was now recovering from the 
 effects of Hooker s charge at Fredericksburg, we had about a 
 month of quiet and monotony. We were dependent on minor 
 and social incidents for excitement. Rowing and bathing 
 were also resorted to, and contributed to the contentment and 
 enjoyment of the boys. 
 
 Our nearest neighbor was a confirmed specimen of the 
 chivalry, who rejoiced in the anti-Sumnerish name of Brooks. 
 
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 71 
 
 He resided on the opposite side of the creek, and owned the 
 vacant dwelling- about which the Head-quarters were establish 
 ed, and in which we re our Adjutant s office and staff niess-room. 
 Mr. Brooks had evidently contracted a clear conviction of the 
 infinite superiority of a southerner over a yankee. His con 
 victions on this point, were manifest in his demeanor, and not 
 unfrequently expressed in language. The day after our en 
 camping on his premises, he called at Head-quarters, and 
 visited the camp. As he was getting into his boat to recross 
 to his home, in the presence of a number of our soldiers who 
 were standing at the river side, he indulged in some expres 
 sions derogatory to the character of yankees as soldiers, in the 
 statement that at times when they should be most steadfast, 
 they were most conspicuous for running. A soldier retorted, 
 "You might infer that, from the manner in which we have 
 overrun Virginia, and you will find we have not half done 
 with it yet." 
 
 Mr. Brooks might have recalled these words of the soldier, 
 for several days later, Corcoran s Legion arrived ; after they 
 had appropriated that gentleman s board fence, and a good 
 share of the clapboards of his out buildings, to make their 
 tents and beds, Corcoran, with commendable consideration, 
 furnished Mr. Brooks an efficient guard. 
 
 Mr. Brooks had been in the Confederate army, and was 
 more interested than gratified in witnessing the difference in 
 the appearance of the opposing troops. One day, while at 
 Head-quarters, he saw our well filled letter-box, the sight of 
 which prompted this question : "Don t you send out your mail 
 more than once a week?" "Yes sir," he was answered, 
 "daily." "Does your regiment send off that number of let 
 ters every day ?" "Yes sir." Regarding the speaker with a 
 
72 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 look expressive of unbelief and wonder, he observed, "But 
 who writes them ?" He did not attempt to conceal his sur 
 prise, when assured that the 117th Regiment alone, furnished 
 nearly 300 letters per day for the mail, nor was he quite ready 
 to hear that more than 90 per cent, of our organization, wrote 
 and directed their own letters. t As many of the supercrip- 
 tions were excellent, and some elegant specimens of penman 
 ship, he examined them with much curiosity, and if not with 
 admiration, it was because the advantage lay with his enemies. 
 
 Another neighbor was a Mr. Hodge, who was as fully com 
 mitted to treason as Mr. Brooks. He was afflicted with an 
 acute realizing sense of the existence of a Yankee army. 
 
 Directly before his door, on his own premises, a formidable 
 fort rose to obscure the view ; in his rear was a battery, while 
 on his right and left, within a few steps of his house, and even 
 under his sheds and in his barns, Yankee horses devoured his 
 fodder with brute unconcern. Referring complainingly to his 
 cramped situation, in conversation with an officer, he was 
 told, "Mr. Hodge, you are as closely besieged as Vicksburg." 
 "Yes," said he, "but with less prospect of withstanding it." 
 His family never condescended to converse with the Yankees. 
 
 While we were here, our troops were startled and ex 
 cited by the announcement of that foul assassination of a 
 union Lieut., in one of the public streets of Norfolk. There 
 was a popular apprehension among us, that the murderer 
 would escape the punishment he so richly deserved. 
 
 By the middle of June, the military monotony which fol 
 lowed Hooker s failure at Fredericksburg, was relieved by the 
 occurrence of stirring events, both in the North and South 
 west. June and July of this year, were perhaps the most 
 eventful two months of the four years war, if we except those 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 73 
 
 which inaugurated and those which terminated the conflict. 
 Gen. Grant, who had captured Jackson while Hooker was 
 fighting on the Rappahannock, was now investing Vicksburg, 
 while Gen. Banks was besieging Port Hudson. Prompted no 
 doubt, by a wish to neutralize the effect of the impending loss 
 of Vicksburg and the Mississippi, Lee determined on a second 
 great invasion of the North. And accordingly, about the 
 middle of June, began his march, crossing the Potomac on 
 the 14th. This movement was too important to admit of 
 further inaction on our part. The entire Norfolk force was 
 now put under marching orders. On the 22d, the 117th 
 started on its never-to-be-forgotten Peninsula raid. 
 
 June 22d the Regt. marched to Portsmouth, took transports 
 for Yorktown, where it encamped and remained till July 1st. 
 On that day embarked and steamed up to White House. Im 
 mediately began a rapid march toward Hanover Court House, 
 making a demonstration against Lee s communications with 
 Richmond. The most notable features of this expedition, so 
 far as the soldiers were concerned, were the severity of the 
 march, and the profusion of blackberries. The latter cir 
 cumstance was so remarkable, that the expedition was after 
 wards referred to as the "blackberry raid." The object of 
 the demonstration appeared to be, to confine in Richmond, 
 as many rebel troops as would be adequate to hold it against 
 an odds, thereby reducing Lee s army in the field. The 
 latter, and the capture of the city itself failing, the next 
 desirable object appeared to be, to return our troops to tide 
 water with all possible despatch, that they might be available 
 at Washington and Philadelphia, should Lee s course render 
 their transfer necessary. We lay near the Court House the 
 
74 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. T. V. 
 
 3d and 4th of July, while the decisive battle of Gettysburg 
 was in progress, and on the morning of the fifth began our 
 forced march, or rather race, for Ft. Monroe. 
 
 As a source of suffering, a battle hardly exceeds a forced 
 march during the warm season. Under the burden of knap 
 sack, haversack, gun and cartridge box, thirsty and foot-sore, 
 in warm weather the men marched a distance which good 
 pedestrians would not have fancied, even if untrammeled. 
 It is a hard thing to be compelled to march, up to the last 
 point of physical endurance, and another very disagreeable 
 duty is to be compelled to ride in rear of men thus suffering, 
 with no consoling agent but well-meant words of encourage 
 ment. 
 
 ! the emptiness of words, when men are falling out and 
 lying by the way-side, exhausted, fainting and dying of fatigue. 
 No better evidence of complete exhaustion is required, than 
 the non-stimulating effect of the horrors of Libby Prison. Such 
 was the degree of weariness to which many were reduced, 
 that they would not rise to resume their march, though assured 
 in all sincerity, that the enemy s cavalry would be up in a 
 few minutes. Several thus fell prisoners. So excessively 
 severe was the marching, that on halting sometimes, not more 
 than 10 per cent, of the regiment were up to stack arms. The 
 effect of this march was apparent in a sudden increase of 
 our sick list. 
 
 One result of the Gettysburg battle, had been to deprive 
 Lee of the ability to renew the contest. In his retreat he 
 betrayed a remarkable singleness of purpose to avail himself, 
 as speedily as possible, of the comforts of aplace of security. 
 Accordingly we had no occasion to go north to insure the 
 safety of the Capital. 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH E. N. Y. V. 75 
 
 While we all felt grateful to Providence and the Army of 
 the Potomac, that the enemy had been unmistakably defeated, 
 we joined the loyal north in the regret that the invaders could 
 not be hopelessly broken up or captured in his retreat. 
 
 Just about the time our boys returned to camp, we received 
 the news of the draft riot in New York city. If we except 
 the intelligence of the death of President Lincoln, there was 
 no news ever brought to the regiment, which occasioned more 
 evident depression and discouragement, than those shameful 
 proceedings in New York city during the week beginning 
 July 12th, 63. The feelings thus excited, were sorrow that 
 our state should be thus deeply and perpetually disgraced, 
 a painful distrust and apprehension, and a just and intense 
 indignation at the audacity of northern rebels, with expressed 
 wishes for an opportunity to fight them. The distrust and 
 solicitude, excited by the news of the riot, were not lessened 
 by the soldiers doubt whether the complimentary treatment 
 extended to New York rebels, was prompted by a supposed 
 necessity, or by political sympathy. 
 
 By the twenty-ninth day of July, the regiment having re 
 covered somewhat from the effects of the Peninsula raid, 
 though it had lost some by sickness, and several by death, 
 whose decline was clearly traceable to the excessive hardships 
 of that expedition, was, with others, ordered to Portsmouth. 
 
 The order to march was usually welcome. An army made 
 up of the active busy Yankee Nation, is always ready for a 
 move. Beside the novelty which is so attractive, a change of 
 base excited a thought and hope, that perhaps with this move, 
 something might be done to promote sensibly the "wished 
 for consummation." With a soldier, expectation is kept 
 on tiptoe, by his ignorance as to his destination. When the 
 
76 HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 
 
 problem is being solved by his progress, this ignorance is 
 tolerable ; but sometimes the column halts and remains sta 
 tionary for hours and days, midway on its transit, without an 
 apparent reason. To submit gracefully to an indefinite delay 
 without the comforts of a camp, in the absence of an explana 
 tion, is a difficult task for men of ordinary intelligence, and 
 particularly for those who are proverbial for their ready and 
 persistent " Why ?" 
 
 One of the severest tests of patriotism, I say, on the part of 
 those whose life-long pursuits have been conducted in accord 
 ance with intelligent plans, is to abase themselves, as it were, 
 to assume the passive mood, to become mere machines in the 
 hands of their accidental superiors. Such a test awaited the 
 regiment at Portsmouth. The boys were kept there for a 
 couple of days and nights, sometimes lying in an unfrequented 
 street, under a copious rain or a burning sun, or perhaps in a 
 deserted market, on the supposition that a foul atrnospere was 
 less injurious than exposure to the elements. 
 
 An order at length came for the regiment to embark on 
 board one of the transports lying at the dock. After the usual 
 delay, the embarkation was effected, when the vessel steamed 
 off. At once the question went round: "Are we going to 
 join the army north, or to the department of the south ?" 
 The capture and occupation of the greater portion of Morris 
 Island, by Gen. Gilmore, had recently been announced, 
 hence it was natural to suppose that our destination was 
 the vicinity of Charleston Harbor. This supposition re- 
 olved itself into a strong probability, when, after passing 
 Fort Monroe, we headed sea-ward. We were soon on the 
 broad ocean, with the coast on our right. As but a small 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 77 
 
 percentage of the regiment had ever been to sea, we had not 
 rocked round Hatteras before, 
 
 "A home on the rolling deep," 
 
 was the most remote from our wishes. All the internal and,, 
 domestic inconveniences, arising from sea-sickness, were ours, 
 to endure, aggravated as they were by the great number, of; 
 sufferers. We had not proceeded far on the voyage, before 
 it was discovered that the vessel was entirely unfit for sea- 
 service. This proof of the light estimate placed on human, 
 life by some quartermasters of transportation, at whose mercy 
 we were, did not tend to restore gastric tranquilaty, or to pro- 
 mote good humor. A few seemed to find a temporary satisfac-. 
 tion in a lusty condemnation of the President and Cabinet, as. 
 if an honest purpose on the part of a few in, Washington^ 
 could regenerate the whole yankee nation. 
 
 Luckily the instinct of self preservation was quite as valid 
 in Captain and crew, as in the passengers, and therefore we 
 put into Beaufort Harbor, N. 0., for repairs, or at least for a 
 cessation of peril. 
 
 The substantial and capacious Government Transport, E. S. 
 Spaulding, being there at the dock, she was at once assigned 
 to the service of conveying the 117th Regt. to Charleston Har 
 bor. The alacrity with which the boys quitted the condemned 
 craft, and betook themselves to a better footing, disclosed the 
 measure of their distrust. For this timely favor the Spauld 
 ing was ever after regarded by the boys with partiality. The 
 change of transports, and the voyage to Charleston, were 
 made on the first and second days of August. 
 The troops, at every delay, were impatient lest they should 
 6 
 
78 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 arrive too late to join the pending advance upon Charleston. 
 Their anxiety to proceed, on that account, when recalled in 
 connection with the fact that the event did not transpire till 
 nearly two years later, is somewhat amusing. As it has ter 
 minated, they will not be annoyingly reminded of their mis 
 take by those who then clamorously averred that the rebel 
 cities could never be taken. 
 
 The aggregate comfort of this voyage was small indeed, 
 though the change of vessels very much improved the condi 
 tion. The heat was oppressive on deck and still more so 
 below, where a good portion of the regiment, for want of room, 
 was obliged to spend much of the time. 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 79 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 THE FOLLY ISLAND CAMPAIGN. 
 
 Entrance in Charleston Harbor. Landing. Siege of Fort Wagner. Severe 
 duty Privation and Suffering. Much sickness. A Month s service on Block 
 Island. Additional comforts and improved health. Thanksgiving. Shell- 
 Hunting. John s Island Expedition. Kegimental changes by resignations 
 and promotions. 
 
 ABOUT three o clock, P. M., August 2nd, we began to hear 
 the deep sounds of distant artillery. A few minutes later, we 
 could discern an extended gray-line on the western horizon, 
 which on nearer approach revealed itself as the sea boundary 
 of Folly and Morris Islands. Here and there, on the crest of 
 the far-reaching bank, like a stationary sentinel, stood the 
 dwarf palmetto, suggesting at once our reduced latitude and 
 the nation s political disorder. Groups of tents marked 
 the Head-quarters of regiments or brigades, while far up on 
 Morris Island, lines of loyal blue moved to and fro over the 
 level belt of impacted sand. About four o clock we entered 
 Charleston Harbor. As none could repress a very natural 
 curiosity to see the stage of historical scenes, all crowded on 
 deck, eager to inspect Fort Wagner, to get a sight of the 
 famous Sumter, and, if possible, to obtain a glimpse of the 
 " cradle of secessionism," prime source of our adversity. 
 The interest of the scenery was heightened by an artillery 
 duel which was then in progress, and which, indeed, was 
 
80 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 maintained with slight interruptions for the succeeding half- 
 year. 
 
 It was not easy to content ourselves on board for another 
 night after enjoying a sight of land. We were not however 
 permitted to debark till the following day, August 3rd, when 
 we landed on Folly Island. 
 
 This fragment of South Carolina is some six or eight miles 
 long and varying from a half, to three-fourths of a mile in 
 width. The sea border of the Island is a bold relief of sand 
 bank ; the inner third of the Island presents a, ridge or spine, 
 then heavily wooded with tall thrifty pines. The interval 
 between the wooded ridge and the beach was low and sandy, 
 covered by an almost impenetrable jungle of palmetto, live 
 oak, vine, &c. The regiment encamped near the middle of 
 the island, that is, nearly equidistant from its extremities, 
 and at first the Head-quarter and line officers tents crowned 
 the crest of the sand bank ; the company streets being in 
 the vale, which had been to some extent, cleared for their 
 occupation. Two or three north-easterly gales persuaded the 
 officers of the propriety of a descent to the shelter of the 
 bank. Though the major portion of the regiment was often 
 absent on picket duty and on several expeditions to neighboring 
 islands, as well as in the siege of Fort Wagner, this locality 
 was our regimental home. The troops on Folly Island con 
 sisted of two Divisions, commanded by Generals Gorden and 
 Yodges ; the 117th was in Alford s Brigade,Vodges Division. 
 And here followed, perhaps in many particulars, one of the 
 gloomiest periods of our term of service. Our duties, which 
 were heavy, began with the day of our debarkation. The 
 severity of the service ; our exposure to the excessive heat of 
 the day, and the chilling air of night, in our unacclirnated 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 81 
 
 state, and, our limitation for several weeks, to the use of two 
 or three of the commonest articles of army rations, rapidly 
 reduced the physical tone of the organization. Ague, fever, 
 and bowel affections, in a few days unfitted one hund 
 red for duty. To these diseases, a little later, scurvy was 
 superadded. While there were a score or more in the hospi 
 tal, it was not uncommon to see nearly a hundred present at 
 "sick call." 
 
 The sick were generally in a remarkably despondent mood. 
 This unprofitable frame of mind was favored by our isolated 
 situation, and the consequent infrequency of home tidings, 
 and the newness of coast and southern scenery, ever sugges 
 ting the sick-boy s distance from that loved spot, his home. 
 
 Home sickness, or, as medical men choose to term it, 
 "Nostalgia," with other sickness, made an unpromising com 
 plication. The younger soldiers and such elder ones as were 
 constitutionally more prone to this home yearning, were least 
 likely to recover from serious illness. 
 
 The adverse effects of this social infirmity may be deduced 
 from the remarkable and prompt improvement which often 
 followed the patient s departure for home. 
 
 The writer has a case vivid in memory, of a boy of eight 
 een, who had been steadily melting away, as it were, with 
 scorbutic diarrhea for several weeks. The most approved 
 remedies had been employed in vain ; he became scarcely, a 
 living skeleton. When less ill, a furlough had been refused, 
 though it was more than probable that death would dissolve 
 his military obligations before his application for discharge 
 could, by " the regular channels " reach the department com 
 mander ; the effort was made, and the discharge came, only an 
 
82 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 hour or two before the departure of the mail steamer for 
 New York city. 
 
 The apparently dying boy, now inspired with new life at 
 the thought of 
 
 " Seeing home and friends once more," 
 
 was tenderly placed on board the north bound steamer. 
 Though all who saw him confidently predicted his early death 
 at sea, the same young soldier recovered, and, re-enlisting, re 
 turned to the regiment at the expiration of about six months. 
 The same happy result did not always follow a visit home, 
 but in many cases the remedial influence of northern 
 air, and home comforts was very marked. It is to be regret 
 ted that a greater number could not have enjoyed the treat 
 ment. 
 
 The objection urged against the issuing of many furloughs, 
 was the demoralizing influence to which soldiers were then 
 exposed in this latitude ; it being a common occurrence to 
 hear the declaration, that the President s demands on the 
 soldier were prompted by personal caprice and not indicated 
 by public necessity. This sort of teaching owed its power 
 for evil, in many instances, to the social and even official 
 prominence of those who lent themselves to its diffusion. 
 Among those whose names were not on the sick list, there 
 were few whose appearance or manner gave evidence of 
 health. The majority were dull and spiritless. 
 
 The ball and quoits, which had been popular at times of 
 leisure in our other camps, were now obsolete. The unwont 
 ed stillness which brooded over the camp was rarely broken 
 by the sound of laughter. The men, when going forth to 
 duty by squads, companies, or as a regiment, betrayed a tard 
 iness, a negative mood, never seen in the regiment before, nor 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 83 
 
 subsequently. By contrasting the appearance of this body of 
 troops with that presented by it, when at camp Morris, D. C. 
 one could realize the full purport of what is intended to be 
 conveyed by the u morale " of an army. 
 
 Notwithstanding decided sanitary measures were resorted 
 to by the several medical directors and the numerous regi 
 mental surgeons, the indescribable shadow which overhung 
 and pervaded our organization, was felt by the entire white 
 force on the island. All the white troops having come from 
 a higher latitude, were equally obnoxiqus to the adverse in 
 fluence from which we suffered, and as a consequence, the 
 physical condition of the entire force was bad, and the aggre 
 gate mortality, very great. Our regiment did not suffer more 
 than other commands and our percentage of deaths was much 
 lower than that of many others. 
 
 For a time, the regiment was employed in the siege of Fort 
 Wagner ; it was then transferred to Block Island which was 
 an advanced position, Charleston being in easy cannon range. 
 On the afternoon of 22nd of August, we marched up to the 
 northern extremity of the island ; in the evening, crossed 
 Light House Inlet on Ferry boats to Morris Island. Soon 
 after dark, and it was very dark, we set out in yawl boats 
 among which we were distributed in thirties. We had 
 scarcely left the wharf before a pitiless rain set in. Quietly 
 in the darkness we threaded the tortuous bayou ; now finding 
 ourselves in the wrong channel, and then confronted by the 
 limits of a miniature gulf. The rain increased. After much 
 perplexity and hard rowing, it was decided that we had reached 
 the designated landing. On stepping ashore, we were hospi 
 tably received by a . twenty-inch depth of mud. Thence we 
 waded some thirty yards to a wooded eminence, said to bo 
 
84 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 Block Island, proper. Here we found a firmer footing, though, 
 just then, scarcely a dryer soil. Pickets having been posted, 
 overy one went in pursuit of whatever measure of comfort 
 he might obtain under the circumstances. 
 
 The object of this move appeared to be an aggressive for 
 tification of the island. Much hard labor was expended by 
 us in mounting several heavy guns, which, for some reason, 
 were never used. The step appears to have been a mistake. 
 Instead of having made a formidable advance, we had only 
 exposed ourselves toithe perils of the enemy s converging fire. 
 In fact, several tangible hints of our topographical disadvan 
 tage, were soon sent us. We spent about a month on Block 
 Island. The world-renowned Wagner fell before the intrepid 
 Gilmore, during that month. 
 
 As the troops could not discover that any remarkable 
 military advantage had been gained by the capture of Fort 
 Wagner, their rejoicing was more moderate probably than 
 that of their friends at home, who saw it only in the light of 
 a victory, with less reference to its real value. The moral 
 effect however of Gen. Gilmore s success in that siege was 
 valuable, at that time. It inspired confidence, North, and 
 caused apprehension throughout the South. 
 
 On our return to Folly Island, the men were put at heavy 
 duty, on Long Island, and a portion of the regiment sent was 
 to guard the Commissary Depot at Pawnee Landing. 
 
 By the last of Autumn, a great change for the better was 
 manifest in our commissary supply. It was becoming not 
 only ample in quantity, but the list of army rations was 
 varied. A very extensive army bakery began to dispense soft 
 bread, and enterprising sutlers furnished Orange county but 
 ter and milk, New York fruit, and many articles of conven- 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH K. N. Y. Y. 85 
 
 ience belonging in the interminable catalogue of "Yankee 
 Notions." It was not far from this time that the regiment 
 received a highly esteemed favor from its friends in Oneida. 
 What could have been more timely and welcome than those 
 apples. About one hundred and twenty barrels reached the 
 regiment in fair condition. 
 
 The increased supply of food ; a more philosophic acceptance 
 on the part of men of their situation ; a partial acclimation ; 
 cooler weather; the improved atmosphere, consequent on 
 an extensive exposure and thorough ventilation of the surface 
 of the island ; each had a share in the production of a better 
 state of health throughout Gen. Gilmore s command. The 
 effect became very apparent in our regiment. During the 
 winter there were, among the original members of the com 
 mand, comparatively few cases of fatal illness. Towards the 
 latter part of that season the physical tone of the 117th, at 
 tained a point which it had not previously gained and did 
 not exceed while in the service. The recruits, however, who 
 joined there, were sickly. 
 
 By mid-winter, the axe had wrought great changes in the 
 aspect of the island. The jungle had disappeared ; the forest 
 had fallen, and its reed-like pines, by the aid of an imported 
 steam saw mill, had been converted into lumber. The wilder 
 ness had changed to a populous, extensive and busy city. 
 The smaller growth had been burned for room, or used for 
 fuel. So thoroughly had the work of clearing been carried 
 on, that it became difficult to find a stick for any purpose, 
 and the scanty woodpile at the company kitchen, hinted 
 strongly of radicalism. 
 
 The national thanksgiving was observed in camp by a cessa 
 tion from all except the most urgent military duties, and a 
 
86 HISTORY OF THE 11?TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 regular service by Chaplain Crippen. The discourse was 
 at once religious, patriotic and cheering. Nearly the entire 
 regiment was present, including all the officers, except those 
 who were absent on urgent duty. Our coveted drum corps 
 was iii good trim, and vied with the brigade band in the excel 
 lence of its music, while our vocal choir competed with them 
 both. The latter led the entire congregation as all joined in 
 that grand national hymn "AMERICA." It was a bright day, 
 and a profitable occasion for the regiment. 
 
 The latter part of our sojourn on the island, if we except 
 the five days occupied in the John s Island expedition, we 
 passed in comparative comfort ; the weather was almost uni 
 formly pleasant, and the military duty was less arduous. 
 Various camp sports were resumed and highly enjoyed. 
 Shell-hunting along the beach, which had occupied the leisure 
 of many from the day of our arrival, became very popular, 
 and was conducted with exciting and amusing competition. 
 Some became so engaged in this pursuit that they would rise 
 before day and scan the beach with a lighted taper. The 
 prize was not sufficient however to induce many of us thus to 
 curtail the night. Somehow it wasn t " nat ral." The avails 
 of those occasional gleanings, were disposed in innumerable 
 packages, and remitted to distant friends, to the incidental 
 lumbering of the mail bag, and the proportional increase of 
 the postal fund. 
 
 Some time during the latter part of the winter, an enter- 
 prizing Captain, looking seaward with an eye to conquest, 
 conceived the project of taming old Neptune s skipping lambs. 
 The project miscarried, the benefits of the taming process 
 falling on the wrong side. About the same time there was 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. \ Y. V. 87 
 
 observed a " partial eclipse " of personal dignity on the part 
 of some newly mounted officers. 
 
 The health of the command was excellent. Ball, quoits 
 and gymnastic exercises were liberally patronized. The men 
 were cheerful, mirthful and vivacious. 
 
 On the 7th day of February, a part, perhaps about five 
 thousand, of the Folly Island force, began a demonstration 
 against Charleston by way of John s Island. The 117th par 
 ticipated in this expedition. On the evening of the 7th, 
 (Sunday,) the Brigade, under the command of the late 
 lamented Col. Drake, of the 112th Regiment New York 
 Volunteers, marched down to the south point of the 
 Island. About 10 P. M. crossed Stono Inlet to Kiawha 
 Island. Soon after midnight we resumed our march south 
 ward on the last named island, making some eight or ten miles 
 before halting for breakfast ; marched till noon, stopping on 
 a neglected plantation, where we "dined" and lay quietly 
 amid a young growth of pines, till about 10 o clock P. M. 
 The boys will recall the locality through the passing allusion 
 to the "rabbit chase." After filing past the deserted mansion, 
 we went eastward through a wood, emerging, after going about 
 a mile, on the open beach. A rapid march of some two or 
 three hours, brought us to Edisto Inlet. The men weie 
 obliged to make the crossing on foot, though the water was 
 nearly waist deep. Those who are informed that the temper 
 ature was about freezing point, will have no difficulty in ap 
 preciating the magnitude of the obstacle, and it seems, a 
 deeper sense of gratitude toward soldiers, would be excited 
 in the minds of civilians, did they know how cheerfully the 
 soldiers accepted these ills. We had anticipated some oppo- 
 
88 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 sition at the crossing, but its absence indicated an encourag 
 ing lack of vigilance on the part of the enemy. 
 
 The passage brought us to Seabrook Island. Our course 
 was now about north-west, through pine woods and swamps, 
 the latter made passable by corduroy roads, and at length 
 over deserted plantations, which composed the agricultural 
 portion of the island. A little before sunrise, we reached the 
 stream which divides Seabrook and Little Island. The in 
 tegrity of the bridge was additional proof that Johnny had 
 been caught napping. On the opposite side of the stream 
 was a declining mansion, about which, hitched to posts and 
 fences, stood several intensely gothic steeds, equipped with 
 saddles and bridles, the most comically primitive. Plainly 
 enough this was the enemies outer cavalry picket post, and 
 the unwary rebel sentinels were within, dozing or breakfast 
 ing. The advance had crossed the bridge and approached 
 within a few yards of the house before they were discovered 
 by the inmates. The manifestations of alarm, but for the 
 tragic character of the personal conflicts which followed, 
 would have been amusing. They sprang out of the doors, 
 leaped from the windows, and those who could recover their 
 self-possession ventured a random shot. Those who were 
 confronted, in their egress, by a union soldier, made desperate 
 efforts to clear the way by force and fight. One of them, on 
 being opposed, clubbed his musket, killing his union adversary. 
 Those who escaped, of course ran incontinently. A little 
 later, they rallied in the edge of a wood about a quarter of 
 a mile from the house, engaging in a brief and feeble skir 
 mish with our advance, during which a profane and reckless 
 rebel Captain was shot, only an instant after shouting to the 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 89 
 
 union skirmishers, "Shoot lower you d d Yank s, you 
 don t hit any body !" The skirmish had served the purpose 
 of apprising the main force of our approach, as the musketry 
 could be heard at a long distance, dense as the air was at that 
 early hour. 
 
 The union forces moved on, and after pursuing a few 
 minutes, discovered and destroyed a cavalry camp, reconnoi 
 tred during the day, established a line in rear of the house 
 and fortified the same, along, and within which, they retired 
 for the night. 
 
 On Wednesday, the 10th, the enemy approached by a wood- 
 road in considerable force. Having the advantage of altitude, 
 we flanked them with a well supported battery. A lively and 
 judicious employment of these guns, for a few minutes, be 
 trayed Johnny into an exhibition of the natural effects of a 
 stimulated discretion. They did not retreat without some 
 loss. On the following day, (Thursday,) we advanced some 
 three miles, when we came upon the enemy. He was entrench 
 ed, and concealed from view by a thick forest, where he sat 
 " grand, gloomy and peculiar, wrapped in the solitude" of 
 secesh originality. Having had some proof that we were 
 eliciting a commensurate force, toward evening, we retired 
 within our defensive line at the mansion. The night was 
 cold, and, as an attack was apprehended, fires were forbidden; 
 we passed, accordingly, an uncomfortable and cheerless night. 
 
 About 2 o clock in the morning we moved out to return. 
 After nearly all had marched out over the bridge, the man 
 sion, the out buildings and the bridge were fired, when we re 
 tired home-ward by the reflected light. The men waded the 
 strait before day ; they seemed to suffer more from cold than 
 
90 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 when we went. We marched briskly along the Kiawha beach, 
 and despite the conchological proclivities of the majority of 
 the troops, we reached the deserted plantation by day break, 
 and halted again "among the pines." Tt was a good place to 
 rest, but a poor place to prepare a cup of coffee, the water 
 being so poor that it could not be improved by the admixture 
 of " B. Commissary." The experiment was tried in one or 
 two instances, but failed utterly. 
 
 The military events occurring on or about the island from 
 this time, till the date of our departure, were not of an impor 
 tant character. The health of the men continued good. The 
 officers who had gone north for recruits, Col. White and 
 others, re-enforced the regiment with two or three installments. 
 
 The comparative relaxation enjoyed by the command dur 
 ing the latter part of the winter, was improved by Chaplain 
 Crippen, in efforts to promote the moral interests of the men.. 
 Beside his regular Sabbath services, he held a series of even 
 ing meetings, which were well attended and resulted in good. 
 The sick found in the Chaplain an attentive friend. Quite 
 a number of those who passed away during the fall and 
 winter, had furnished him a satisfactory reward for his coun 
 sels and prayers, in the hopeful assurance of reconciliation 
 which marked their last hours. In a number of instances, 
 he had performed the sad office of remitting the dying soldier s 
 last message to loved ones at home. 
 
 The sounds as well as the scenery about Folly Island were 
 different from those at any other post we had previously oc 
 cupied. Among them were the rustle of the superceded pal 
 metto leaf, and the ceaseless anthem of Old Ocean, as it came 
 to our ears punctuated by the deep explosive notes of heavy 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 91 
 
 artillery, from the various water and land batteries about the 
 harbor. During our entire sojourn on the island, there was 
 scarcely a day or a night that we did not hear the sound of 
 cannon. Sometimes, for days and nights together, there was 
 not an hour s cessation. In the morning it came with the first 
 dawn of consciousness ; at meals, and through the livelong 
 day, and in the stilly night, ever and anon, we heard that me 
 morial of treason. Even on the calm Sabbath morn, while 
 the dispenser of gospel truth discoursed on the glorious mis 
 sion of the Prince of Peace, that discordant booming testified 
 of rebellion and conflict. 
 
 It is difficult to dismiss the topic of Folly Island, without a 
 description of the Palmetto, but I will forbear, giving the pre 
 ference to another local object, and one which provoked more 
 general attention, and caused a more palpable excitement. 
 The Island was not so remarkable for its dwarf palmettoes as 
 for its myriads of giant fleas. Their number, size, voracity 
 and pertinacity were such as to make them a potent noxious 
 agent, a dreaded pest, almost a scourge. As a predisposing 
 and aggravating cause of disease, the Folly Island flea can 
 not be easily over estimated. His attacks, with many persons, 
 rendered refreshing sleep impossible for nights together ; with 
 the sick it was still worse, no sleep till exhausted nature ig 
 nored the evil. The sleepless victim, almost frantic with pain 
 and rage, would betake him to the world without, where the 
 cool air would allay the iritation of the surface. While there, 
 perhaps he would discover a light in the next tent, and hear his 
 exasperated neighbor exclaim, " Confound the little black 
 customer !" Sometimes the sentence would be varied and the 
 concluding* word abbreviated. There is little doubt, that the 
 
92 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 fleas provoked far more muscular contraction on the island 
 than the Swamp Angel did in Charleston. Their number 
 was incredible. There was an account of a cook, who for 
 some purpose had got a pail of sand ; on returning to it in a 
 few minutes, the pail was scarcely half full ; the loss had been 
 caused by the voluntary migration of the animate particles. 
 To be candid, I do not credit the story in full, but certain it 
 is, that the fleas were dreadfully abundant and appallingly 
 voracious. 
 
 OFFICIAL CHANGES. 
 
 Col. Pease had left the regiment on sick leave, while we 
 were encamped near. Portsmouth. Though Lt. Col. White 
 and Maj. Daggett enjoyed the confidence of the command in 
 
 their respective places, that reposed in the ColonePs mili" 
 
 
 tary capacity, was such that he was recognized as the main 
 
 stay of the organization. His temporary absence was felt 
 among the officers and men ; but when he left it was sup 
 posed and expected he would soon rejoin his charge, but 
 it was to be otherwise. After a leave of nearly two 
 months, during which time the regiment had been transferred 
 from the Fort Monroe department to Folly Island ; with health 
 somewhat improved but not confirmed, he set out to return to 
 the regiment and to duty. On his way from home to Wash 
 ington he suffered a relapse and was obliged to return, when, 
 being unwilling longer to be an officer off duty, he resigned 
 his commission. 
 
 In September, the following letter, announcing his determi 
 nation to resign, was read to the regiment. His loss was felt 
 and deeply regretted by all. 
 
HISTORY OF THE 11TTH R. N. Y. V. 93 
 
 WASHINGTON, D. C., ) 
 Sept. 1st, 1863. \ 
 To the Officers and Men of the 117ZA New York Vols. 
 
 It is with unfeigned regret that the undersigned announces 
 the severance of all official connection with the 117th N. Y. 
 Vols. I know I will be pardoned, if upon this occasion, I say 
 a few words expressive of my feelings toward the officers and 
 men of the Regiment. To command such a regiment, any 
 man may well be proud. It has been my good fortune, and 
 my great pride, to command the very best body of men that 
 has left the State of New York in the defence of our country 
 the 117ih N. Y. Yols. From the organization of the regi 
 ment, until some two months since, I have been constantly 
 with you, and have had ample opportunity to become well ac 
 quainted with the character and disposition of all composing 
 the regiment, and it gives me the greatest pleasure to bear 
 testimony to the high character as soldiers, and noble qualities 
 as men, of all, officers and men. I trust that I will not be 
 accused of vanity, when I say. there is not another regiment 
 in the service that is superior, and I have never seen one that 
 I consider equal to the 117th N. Y. Vols., in point of intelli 
 gence and high moral character. To have discipline among 
 such men, it is not necessary to resort to harsh means, and I 
 think no officer, competent to judge, can say there is a better 
 disciplined regiment in the service, not excepting the Regular 
 Army. I have longed to lead you to battle in defence of our 
 country. I could do so, feeling that not a man would turn his 
 back upon the foe in the hour of danger. With such implicit 
 confidence in all, who is there that would not be proud, and 
 feel greatly honored with the privilege of leading such men 
 
94 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 in action. I am happy to assure the regiment, that their vigi 
 lance and good conduct, in the presence of an indefatigable 
 and bold enemy, thereby preventing the turning of the right 
 of the line of defence, at the the siege of Suffolk, is appre 
 ciated and acknowledged by the several commanders. When 
 I left you I had doubts about ever being able to endure much 
 hard service in the field, though I did not doubt I should soon 
 join you again. My health has failed, and I have, after due 
 consideration, resigned my commission as your Colonel, and 
 my resignation has been .accepted. I knew I could not endure 
 field service very soon, if ever, and I do not desire to hold a 
 place, the duties of which I find I am physically disqualified 
 to fill. It has been a severe trial to me to bring my mind to 
 the necessity of giving up the regiment. I cannot take leave 
 of you without acknowledging my indebtedness to all, both 
 officers and men, for your uniform kindness and unqualified 
 support on all occasions. If I have, at times, seemed harsh 
 in my treatment of some cases of violation of military disci 
 pline, I have the consciousness of knowing I had the good of 
 the subject and of the service at heart. I have the very kind 
 est feelings toward all, without any exception whatever, and 
 it will ever afford me the greatest pleasure to be of service to 
 any, or all of you, at all times. In taking leave, I regret 
 that I cannot take every one of you by the hand and bid 
 you God speed. My regret at leaving, is somewhat modi 
 fied by knowing that I leave you in good hands. Lieut. Col. 
 White, we all know, and all have confidence in. He is kind 
 and considerate, and will prove faithful to his trust. I sin 
 cerely hope you will all give him the same cordial support 
 that you have ever given me. In Major Daggett, you have a 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 95 
 
 friend who will devote himself to your best interests. We all 
 know him well, and know him as the soldier s friend. I feel 
 it my duty, to thus publicly acknowledge my indebtedness to 
 Major Daggett for the very great assistance he has rendered 
 me, and for his unqualified support on all occasions. With 
 such officers to lead you, I know the 117th N. Y. Vols., will 
 make for itself an honorable record. To the- Staff officers of 
 the regiment, I acknowledge my obligations for their uniform 
 courtesy and support, and I feel that the regiment is singu-. 
 larly fortunate in having such a staff. 
 
 I now take leave of you, and wish you God speed, and pray- 
 that you may all very soon be returned to your loved ones at, 
 home, our country s flag redeemed from the traitor s blasting 
 touch, and peace fye restored to our land. 
 
 W. R. PEASE, 
 
 Late Colonel 117th N. Y. Vols. 
 
 . / . . d .. 
 The regiment had been fortunate in obtaining a leader. 
 
 Col. Pease was well adapted to his chosen profession; his 
 natural capacity was rare ; his acquired qualifications were 
 undisputed and universally acknowledged. He was digni 
 fied and commanding in his deportment, and, while amiable 
 and pleasant in his intercourse, he abstained, without effort, 
 from a derogating familiarity. He was always regardful of 
 the comfort and well-being of his men. The proud record 
 of the 117th, is in a great degree, clearly traceable to the 
 healthful military tone imparted to it by its original Com- 
 mander, a lively sense of whose moral presence, continued 
 with the organization till its dissolution. 
 
 The vacancy caused by Col. Pease s resignation, was filled 
 by the promotion of Lieut. Col. White, which change was fol- 
 
96 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 lowed by the advancement of Maj. Daggett to the position of 
 Lieut. Colonel, and Capt. F. X. Meyer to that of Major. Be 
 side these, the following official changes took place during 
 our sojourn on Folly Island : 
 
 Aug., Capt. L. K. Brown discharged. 
 
 Sept., Sergt. G. W. Ross, appointed to 2d Lt. 
 2d Lt. D. B. Magill, promoted to 1st Lt. 
 
 Oct. 21, 1st Lt. J. M. Lattimer resigned. 
 
 Oct. 29, 2d Lt. A. Marquisee resigned. 
 
 Nov. 20, Capt. J. M. Walcott transferred to V. R. C. 
 
 Dec. 27, 1st Lt. J. D. Kerrigan promoted. 
 
 Dec. 27, 1st Lt. W. J. Hunt promoted. 
 2d Lt. A. M. Erwin promoted. 
 2d Lt. Jno. T. Thomas promoted. 
 
 Feb. 14, Capt. Chas. Wheelock resigned. 
 
 Feb. 16, Chaplain J. T. Crippen resigned. 
 
 Mch. 1, Wm. C. Castleman appointed 2d Lt. 
 
 Mch. 19, J. Knox Williams appointed 2d Lt. 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH E. N. Y. V. 97 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 LEAVE FOLLY ISLAND TO JOIN THE ARMY OF THE 
 
 JAMES. 
 
 Departure from Folly Island. Take passage on board Transport "Blackstone," 
 Capt. Berry. Arrive at Fort Monroe. Proceed to Gloucester Point. Re-for 
 mation of the 10th Army Corps. Advance to West Point. Reconnoisance. 
 Re-embark, Steam back to Fort Monroe. Thence up the James. Arrive at 
 Bermuda Hundred. Debark. The succeeding movements, which culminated 
 in the Battle of Drury s Bluff. The Army of the James withdraws and in 
 trenches. 
 
 THE appointment of Gen. Grant to the position of Com- 
 mander-in-Chief, and the extensive re-enforcement and con 
 centration of the Army of the Potomac, had attracted all 
 eyes expectantly toward that point. The Folly Island troops 
 had been looking for an invitation to participate. About the 
 15th of April, we received an order to be ready to move at 
 short notice. It was not*, however, till Monday, the 18th, that 
 we began in earnest, literally to " pull up stakes." We spent 
 a good portion of the night standing about the dock at Pawnee 
 Landing, and embarked on board the Steamboat Neptune, 
 for Hilton Head, about 9 o clock P. M. Tuesday, 19th. On 
 the 20th, at Hilton Head, took passage on board the Propeller 
 Transport Blackstone, (Capt. Berry,) weighed anchor and 
 started north about midnight. On the afternoon of April 24th, 
 we arrived at Gloucester Point, and, one week later, at West 
 Point. The cordial hospitality, and social qualifications of 
 
98 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 the Captain, rendered the passage an unusually pleasant one ; 
 his almost paternal solicitude for the comfort of the soldiers, 
 endeared him to all. 
 
 Though we made the point in the afternoon, by one of those 
 unaccountable delays so common in military affairs, we were 
 not permitted to land till late in the evening, by which time 
 a heavy rain had set in. The consequent darkness greatly in 
 creased the difficulties of landing. The wharf was incommo 
 dious and sadly out of repair ; the men were unacquainted 
 with its extent and surroundings. Every thing considered, 
 it was not surprising that our debarkation was interrupted by 
 theory of "man overboard." What a thrilling announce 
 ment; there seemed very little chance of recovering a person 
 thus situated, but a fair prospect of losing a few more. All 
 wished to rescue him, but each feared to move, lest he too 
 should go a step too far. For some time, the sound of the 
 man s voice was the only guide. Luckily, while being borne 
 out by the tide, he seized a post, and managed to hold on 
 till a light could be brought, when he was rescued. After 
 getting on shore, the regiment formed for a march up the 
 hill. The soil was clay, rendered vexatiously treacherous by 
 the still falling rain. On gaining the tableau, a vast encamp 
 ment, indicated by the light of thousands of tapers, spread 
 out before us. It was a beautiful sight, the twinkling lights 
 suggesting the thought of an inverted canopy. Most of the 
 10th and 18th Corps were already there. When the regi 
 ment found its place in the brigade line, it was still raining, 
 and the men were many of them wet, and all supperless. 
 Just then occurred one of those pleasant little incidents which 
 are highly prized at the time, always pleasant to contemplate, 
 
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 99 
 
 and which create a lasting bond, between military organiza 
 tions. As the boys were schooling themselves to the prospect 
 of retiring without replenishing the inner man, a party of the 
 40th Mass., then in our brigade, called on the 117th, bear 
 ing a bountiful supper of hard bread and hot coffee, each 
 company in the former named regiment supplying the corres 
 ponding company in the latter. This very opportune favor 
 was the beginning of a pleasant intimacy between the two 
 commands. 
 
 We remained on the Point about one week, during which 
 time the 10th and 18th corps, under Gen. Butler, were re 
 organized for duty in the field. The regiment was here re 
 inforced by another installment of recruits, which had just 
 come down in charge of Col. White, who now rejoined the 
 regiment after a recruiting tour and an absence of several 
 weeks. 
 
 The personal leisure which fell to the lot of some of the 
 officers, was improved by them in a visit to the opposite side 
 of the river, to a scene twice memorable in the history of our 
 country, and which still bears the impress of McClellan s 
 famous siege of Yorktown. Gen. Butler here exhibited his 
 New Orleans circumspection and his adaptation to a semi- 
 military position, by detecting a telegram which Lieut. Castle- 
 man had received from his wife, who was then near Baltimore. 
 The Lieut, was obliged to report to Fort Monroe and render 
 an explanation. It was done to the General s satisfaction. 
 During the week passed there, a number of officers assumed 
 their ,new positions. 
 
 By the 29th of April there was a good deal of preparation 
 in the entire corps. On the evening of the 30th, our brigade, 
 
100 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 the 1st, under command of Col. Henry, of the 40th Mass., 
 consisting of the 89th, 117th, 142d, 3d, all N. Y. State regi 
 ments, and the 40th Mass., embarked on four transports. We 
 lay at the dock till morning. Sometime during the night, 
 the prevailing tranquillity was broken by one of the company 
 commanders walking overboard. His characteristic coolness 
 and self-possession served him well. He swam to a boat which 
 was lowered for him, and recovered his former footing. About 
 4.30 o clock, A. M., May 1st, weighed anchor, and under es 
 cort of two gunboats, one in the advance, the other as rear 
 guard, proceeded up the York River. About 10.30 o clock, 
 A. M., reached West Point, which is at the terminus of a 
 cape formed by the convergence and confluence of the Pa- 
 munky and Mattapony rivers. Landed, brigade formed, and 
 with the 142d regiment in advance, marched about two miles 
 tip the railroad, halting and encamping in a wood, along the 
 farther border of which the neck is traversed by a substantial 
 breastwork, another memorial of McClellan. 
 
 While marching in and encamping, the troops presented 
 the various indications of personal character which that pro 
 cess always reveals. 
 
 The first tent that appears is that of the provident man. 
 The poles for the frame- work he picked up a few rods hence 
 and brought in with him on his arrival ; having a few pieces 
 of twine always about him, he is enabled to use straight sticks 
 instead of forked ones. Many of the soldiers are gone to cut 
 crotches upon which to lay the ridge pole. Yonder a soldier 
 has thrown down knapsack, blanket and tent, and is lyfng on 
 them ; a few rods further is another sitting on his baggage. 
 The recumbent man is eating ; the other is intently perusing 
 
HISTORY "OF THE 117TH R. N^V/t^ I Ol 
 
 the last paper. The one is the lazy man, the other the 
 reading man; the one is never too "tired" to eat, the 
 other is going to learn the last news from Grant, even if 
 he shall be ordered on picket duty before he gets his tent 
 up. 
 
 Pass along after camp is formed. The fore-handed soldier 
 has made a comfortable bed of boughs and is resting upon it ; 
 he will be ready for a night picket. The sordid man digs 
 down and burrows, says it will be warmer. The active and 
 aspiring man has elevated his bed several inches above ground, 
 feels acutely the deprivation of furniture, and is employing 
 his leisure in surrounding himself with temporary desk and 
 table. Another place you see a tent carelessly "thrown 
 up," while within, a party of two or three are sitting in 
 the dirt, engaged in a game at cards. They are absorbed ; 
 you may stand by them several minutes without being dis 
 covered. 
 
 The old members were quite amused at the simplicity of 
 some of the recruits. One, on being informed that he was 
 detailed for duty, replied with much spirit, "Well, just you 
 tell the Colonel I can t go now, I have got to write some let 
 ters." Another was standing near the Colonel s tent when 
 presented with his gun and accoutrements. When told they 
 were for him, he indignantly replied, "I can t carry them 
 things, I ve got traps enough of my own to carry." 
 
 While we were stopping here, the 3dN. Y. Yols. was sent 
 out on a reconnoisance, and advanced some ten miles without 
 encountering any noteworthy opposition. The rebels were 
 obviously otherwise engaged. Several foraging parties were 
 sent out, which returned with a fair supply of provisions. The 
 
102 l : HISTORY OP THE 117iH B. N. Y. v. 
 
 families on whom they called were severely frightened, but 
 were soon reassured and tranquilized, on the receipt of fifty 
 cents per dozen, national currency, for eggs, and about the 
 same rate for other articles. One of these parties brought 
 in, from one of the Lee farms, two or three so called beef cat 
 tle. An order to move that evening, interrupted the proceed 
 ings at the shambles, dispelled our illusions of a savory beef 
 steak supper, and unbound the confiscated bullocks, upon 
 which they went galloping inland. 
 
 This move being a feint, we remained only two or three 
 days. It was now the evening of May 4th; spent a good share 
 of the night re-embarking. At about 4 A. M. on the follow 
 ing morning, (5th,) heaved anchor and steamed down the 
 river. Passed Gloucester Point and Yorktown about 8 A. M., 
 reached Fort Monroe about 11 o clock, and proceeded direct 
 ly up the James River. The 117th was on board of tl^p 
 Transport Columbia, of Baltimore. Her Captain was evi 
 dently in strong sympathy with the insurgents. It was 
 clear that his present service was rendered with an almost 
 painful reluctance. In the absence of the officers, he flip 
 pantly denounced the boys as " damned blue coats," expa 
 tiated on the superiority of southern scenery, southern sol 
 diery, and particularly of the superior excellence of con 
 federate generalship. Though he had nothing to say, when 
 asked to compare the banks of the Hudson river with 
 those ofthe James; he soon after ventured this remark: 
 "The southerners are a smart people, because, just see, when 
 the war began they had nothing, but what they took from the 
 government. You had all the wealth, and the greater num 
 ber of men, and now you have been fighting them nearly 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 103 
 
 three years, and what have you done ?" He was answered 
 thus, " Capt., you refute your own argument. In one breath 
 you say the southerners are a very smart people, and then 
 in the next you say that when the war began the South had 
 nothing, while the North had everything. Your states are 
 the older, ours the greater and wealthier." 
 
 Proceeded up the James River, which was again becoming 
 a busy stage, and by day break, on the morning of the 6th, 
 we arrived off City Point, and soon after landed at Bermuda 
 Hundred to join in Butler s " On to Richmond." The fleet, 
 consisting of scores of transports, and dozens of armed ves 
 sels of every description, together with the attendant activity, 
 afforded one of the finest and most stirring scenes imaginable. 
 More than a hundred craft, from the largest vessel for which 
 the river was navigable, to the obedient little message tugs; 
 double ended ferry boats, with ominous and forbidding can 
 non at either extreme ; iron clads, and raft looking things 
 bearing huge black "cheese boxes." Troops landing by hun 
 dreds, and marching to and fro by companies, regiments or 
 brigades; the transferring to the land, in great numbers, horses, 
 mules, wagons and cannon ; those were the sights, while the 
 sounds were as various ; there were puffing of engines, whis 
 tling of steam throttles, shouting and commanding, neighing 
 of horses, braying of mules, the twang of horns, the rattle 
 of drums, &c. &c., altogether forming a prestige scarcely 
 warranted by the immediate result. 
 
 The succeeding ten days was a period of unceasing watch 
 fulness and toil. The account might be presented as well, 
 perhaps, in diary form. Advanced some five or six miles 
 
104 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 toward Chesterfield that day, without provoking any oppo 
 sition, when we halted for the night. May 7th, moved at 
 
 3 A. M., some firing in front of Foster s brigade, marched 
 within five miles of Petersburg, tearing up rail-road track; 
 stopped there for the night, some firing on the line but no 
 general engagement. 8th, quiet but vigilant ; 9th, started at 
 
 4 P. M., at 10 reached Chester Station, fourteen miles from 
 Richmond, eight from Petersburg. Moved toward Peters 
 burg again, and stopped within five or six miles of that town, 
 on the rail-road; some firing in front. Brigade formed line, 
 double column, in afternoon, a support for another brigade 
 which was then engaged. That night rebels charged picket 
 line three times, each time repulsed. May 10th, a couple 
 of rebel officers wait on the General, demanding a surren- 
 er. Suspecting mischief, the Commander ordered a prompt 
 withdrawal of the force toward the base ; the rebel officers 
 were detained till troops had got under way ; before reach 
 ing turnpike were attacked by the enemy, and though they 
 appear in considerable force, are repulsed by Foster s brig 
 ade. Returned to camp we occupied preceding night en 
 camped. 
 
 llth. A little more quiet. On the morning, (12th,) troops 
 roused at 2 A. M., not allowed to make fires for cooking. 
 Formed line 3.30 o clock ; started on march at 4 A. M., ad 
 vanced toward rail-road; command halted at 7, 3d N. Y. Regi 
 ment deployed as skirmishers, advanced a mile or more. A 
 lively skirmish fire ensued. Our line yielded to superior 
 numbers and fell back slowly. About 11 A. M., skirmishers 
 rallied and advanced, driving the enemy and holding them. 
 
HISTORY OP THE 117TH E. N. Y. V. 105 
 
 About 4 P. M., encountered another advance by increased 
 force of the enemy, from which time both maintain their 
 ground. Heavy musketry continued till dark, at which time 
 the enemy fell back. The 3d, which had lost quite severely, 
 is now relieved by the 117th. The enemy did not renew the 
 attack ; toward morning a heavy rain set in. 
 
 13th. Formed line at 6 A. M., advanced to turnpike, reach 
 ed it at 7 A. M.; brigade filed to left of line, facing nearly 
 north and east. Advanced opposite enemy s rifle pits, lay 
 down on arms for the night ; picket firing continued during 
 the dark hours. Weather cold and still rainy. 
 
 May 14th. Raining still. Rebels have retreated from their 
 outer line of rifle pits. We were now near Fort Jackson, 
 south-west of Fort Darling. Brisk firing between skir 
 mishers all day. May 15th, rather quiet, a portentious 
 calm rained some during the night. Weather heavy all 
 night. At dawn, (16th,) very foggy. Before it was fairly 
 light, and while obscured or hidden by the impenetrable fog, 
 rebels made a decided and vigorous attack on our line, press 
 ing the right of the 10th Corps and capturing Heckman s brigade. 
 They then opened an intense fire on the right of (our) 1st Brig 
 ade, 2d Division. The 6th Connecticut, which was on skirmish 
 line in advance, gave way, vacating its temporary intrench- 
 ment, of which the enemy took possession. This change 
 placed our brigade under a great disadvantage, admitting it 
 to a conspicuous place in the memorable battle of Drury s 
 Bluff. The severity of that short engagement has scarcely 
 been surpassed during the war. The report of musketry ran 
 together into one deafening roar, while the effectiveness of the 
 
106 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 firing was fully attested by a wide spread carnage on either 
 side. The enemy was, on this occasion, incited not only by 
 his intense hatred of the Yankee in general, but by his ac 
 quired antipathy to " Beast Butler." The design, and one 
 which at that time seemed almost likely to succeed, was the 
 annihilation of the 10th Army Corps. 
 
 A good portion of the latter was now under a heavy fire, 
 executing the order to retreat, and to confirm its safety our 
 brigade was thrown in at this point to arrest the murderous 
 tide. Bullets came as thickly as hail stones in the driving 
 storm. In a few minutes Lieut. Castleman was fatally wound 
 ed, also Capt. Brigham; Lieut. Pease was wounded and a num 
 ber of privates ; then Col. White, and the command fell up 
 on Lieut. Col. Daggett, who was ordered by Gen. Turner, to 
 take the position and hold it at every hazard, so that the 
 troops then filing out to the rear, could retire, and the artillery 
 belonging to our division could be got off the field. The 
 position, despite the superior numbers of the advancing 
 foe, was held for twenty-five minutes, when the order came 
 to fall back, by which time the enemy had flanked and 
 nearly surrounded us. The regiment then dashed through 
 the breach, reformed under fire, and left the field in line ; 
 company H, it is said, maintained her line throughout. The 
 brigade, and the 117th in particular, suffered severely. Beside 
 the loss of our officers, some of the bravest men fell 
 from the ranks, sealing with their lives, their devotion to 
 the flag. 
 
 We lost five or six taken prisoners, a number severely 
 wounded, some dangerously so, who died at the hospital a 
 
HISTORY ON THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 107 
 
 few hours later, and a few who were left on the field 
 scarcely alive. Three or four who were mortally wounded early 
 in the engagement, were carried to the field hospital, where 
 their hopeless condition was made known to them. Just before 
 the order to retreat had been given, Surgeon Carpenter, and 
 his nurses, performed the last sad ceremony of a hasty burial 
 to the remains of one or two of our regiment. Since quite 
 early, the ambulances had been running to the Division and 
 Corps hospitals with the wounded. None who saw them can 
 ever forget the sad scenes, nor can those who heard them, 
 forget the groans of the suffering. Lieut. Castleman was 
 still breathing, but unconscious. He died the same night. 
 Capt. Brigham lingered till the 19th, and then passed away. 
 Several tried and true private soldiers died within thirty- 
 six hours. Death scenes were on every hand. The loss in 
 the regiment was some eighty-nine. 
 
 The service rendered by the 117th, and her four sister regi 
 ments in this terrific battle, is the more creditable, in view of 
 the fact that they were obliged, through nearly the whole 
 engagement, to act independently ; the brigade Commander, 
 Col. A., being absent and far to the rear, as was alleged, by 
 virtue of a severe attack of discretion. 
 
 After the army had withdrawn, or been repulsed to the 
 shortest line from the James to the Appomattox,- intrench 
 ing became the order along the front ; from the aggressive, 
 we were finally compelled to resort to the defensive. Accord 
 ingly a heavy breastwork was thrown up across the peninsula, 
 from the James on our right, to the Appomattox on our left, 
 but unfortunately at a distance from Richmond and from the 
 
108 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 rail-road, which rendered the loyal army a source of appre 
 hension rather than of actual damage. 
 
 Only a brief interruption of rail-road communication be 
 tween Richmond and Petersburg had been effected. Having 
 pressed General Butler out of range of the road, the enemy 
 also intrenched, and began a series of attempts to dislodge 
 him. We remained in camp in this vicinity two or three 
 weeks, going to the front every time the rebels threatened 
 our line. 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 109 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 COLD HARBOR, CAPTURE OF PETERSBURG 
 
 HEIGHTS, BERMUDA HUNDRED AND. 
 
 PETERSBURG TRENCHES. 
 
 Withdraw from Bermuda line, City Point. Take Transports. White House. _ 
 Cold Harbor. Incidents* Casualties. Death of Lt. Dann. Rebel Inhuman 
 ity. Tenth Corps, covers Retreat of Army of Potomac. A Hard March. _ 
 Change of Base. On to Petersburg. Colored Troops. Assault on the forti,. 
 fications of Petersburg Heights. Their Capture. Non-improvement of the 
 "Golden opportunity," The Enemy arrives in Force. Death of Capt Stone. 
 Bermuda line threatened. Move to that Point. Return to Petersburg.-^.. 
 Duty in Trenches. Casualties. Capt. Hunt woundtedl Col. White taken ill, 
 and obliged to go to Hospital. 
 
 ON the 28th of May, in the afternoon, we formed and 
 marched towards the Appomattox, crossed that stream, and 
 bore towards Petersburg. Many supposed that town to be 
 our objective point. Late at night, we bivouaced in a wheat 
 field, south-west of City Point. We had moved rapidly, dur 
 ing the latter part of the march, and a few had fallen out and 
 were far back in the rear. At sunrise, we formed to resume- 
 the march, and proceeded by a circuitous rout to City Point. 
 On arriving there we were ready for breakfast. The brigade 
 was gladly welcomed by the sutlers and hucksters, and some 
 of them were equally pleased at its departure. About noon, 
 we embarked and sailed to Whitehouse, Ya., arriving there 
 May 31st. A heavy engagement was then in progress at Cold 
 Harbor. The brigade lay on the Lee plantation, some three 
 8 
 
110 HISTORY OP THE 117TH E. N. Y. V. 
 
 days, doing picket duty, when we marched to Cold Harbor. 
 Before starting, and on the way, we saw the wounded, and in 
 several instances, the bodies of the dead, being brought in 
 from the front. Arrived at the scene of the late conflict, 
 before day break, rested an hour or two, when the brigade, 
 under command of Col. Henry, filed in near the battle 
 ground, and took position. 
 
 Our brigade line extended along a ridge, the enemy being 
 at the foot of the slope, and in the border of a wood. Behind 
 us, also, was a woodland, half or three-quarters of a mile 
 in depth, the surface conformation of which was generally as 
 follows ; from the edge of the wood and longitudinally with 
 .our line, a descent, varying from a gentle decline to a sudden 
 slope ; at the foot, a valley, at one end marshy, or springy, 
 with a small pond in the centre. We had not gained our 
 position in front of the woods, before the enemy began a 
 brisk musketry firing, which a reply from us tended to in 
 crease, and which was kept up almost without interruption, 
 during our nine days stay at that point. At first, we were 
 sheltered by the crest of the hill, but, soon the enemy ad 
 vanced, and gained a better range ; then they availed them- 
 .selves of the most eligible positions, such as knolls and tree 
 tops, from which their sharp shooters harrassed us sorely ; we 
 lost several killed, thus, in a few hours. A head or hand 
 could not be exposed above our fortified line, without draw 
 ing the musket shot or minnie. A man sitting a few steps 
 from the intrenchments, sheltered as he supposed, in earnest 
 .or mirthful conversation, would suddenly cease speaking, his 
 comrades, on looking round, would be shocked at the sight of 
 his prostrate <jorpse. Perhaps another would be killed or 
 wounded, while in the act of adjusting, or removing the body. 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. Ill 
 
 A day or two later, the enemy extended his line round 
 our right, gaining a position, from which he could fire hori 
 zontally and lengthwise through the vale, by which device 
 they rendered it literally a "valley of the shadow of death." 
 We then sought shelter in erecting occasional traverses up 
 and down the slope ; they served a good purpose ; but yet, 
 except immediately behind these, men fell everywhere. All 
 day long, and at all hours of the night, bullets buzzed more 
 plentifully than beetles in summertime. 
 
 Lest we should gain partial immunity in distance, fey 
 withdrawing to a remote part of the woods, where their 
 musketry might not harm us, they next ranged several 
 mortars along their line, with which they dropped shells 
 promiscuously among us, in different portions of the wood. 
 We could hear the deep report of the mortar, attended 
 with a jarring sensation, as it lifted the death-dealing 
 missile, to drop, no one knew exactly where. 
 
 "Aye, there s the rub," to know its exact destination on 
 this devil s half acre. Hark; you will soon know. It s 
 coming. You may as well sit still, in your tent : the roof is 
 of no account in the probable contingency. Yet, from in 
 fancy, you have been so prone to regard a roof as a shelter, 
 that you can now almost beguile yourself into a momentary 
 delusion of security ; there it comes, whiz! whiz! whiz! 
 Dont start ; keep cool ; a jar, a report and a crash. "It fell 
 near us." Yes ; among the horses ; three have broken loose ; 
 two are dead, and disemboweled ; one of them your own 
 horse never mind. Thank Heaven it is not the owner. 
 Finish that story you began two hours ago. "I am not in 
 terested in stories as much as I was. There ! they are start 
 ing another shell. Another ! and still another ! 
 
112 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 The ability to continue uninterruptedly in the narration of 
 a story, while there were three shells on their aerial circuit, 
 was regarded as a proof of nerve. 
 
 At length the enemy flanked us so far, that our field hos 
 pital fell within range of his field artillery. There were no 
 armed troops near the hospital, yet incredibly barbarous as 
 it may seem, the rebels, deliberately trained their guns on 
 this point, and shelled the locality most mercilessly. Much 
 inconvenience and suffering followed this exhibition of wan 
 ton cruelty. 
 
 The casualties in the regiment, while we were at Cold 
 Harbor, were : Lieut. B. F. Miller, wounded by solid shot 
 from field piece, fractured leg. Lieut. Dann, killed by mus 
 ketry. Privates, Win. H. Servey, Co. E. killed by musketry. 
 Michael Carlin, Co. K. killed by musketry ; Several others, 
 severely wounded. 
 
 It was now apparent, that another change of base 
 was pending, and, furthermore, that this portion of the 10th 
 Army Corps, would have to cover the withdrawal of the Army 
 of the Potomac. Soon after noon of the 12th, the invalid 
 soldiers, who could march slowly, were started for the White 
 House, with orders to move as rapidly as their strength would 
 permit. 
 
 About 8 o clock in the evening, the troops began to move 
 cautiously from the trenches, when we set out more on a 
 race, than a march. We made one of those forced marches, 
 which always extends the sick list. We rushed through to 
 White house, by morning, where with less than the usual 
 delay, we embarked, and steamed down the Pamunky. 
 Thus ended again our on to Richmond, by the Cold Harbor 
 route. Our passage down the Paniunky, and the York, was 
 
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 113 
 
 a most delightful one. The air was balmy with summer 
 mildness, and fragrant with the odor of blossoms. The scen 
 ery was enchanting, and inspiring, but the fatigue of the last 
 night s march, induced an early indifference to natural sur 
 roundings. 
 
 On arriving at Fort Monroe, we again set out up the James. 
 In the vicinity of Harrison s landing, we encountered an ex 
 tensive pontoon, which had been laid for the Army of the 
 Potomac, whose retreat the 10th Corps had covered, and who 
 had marched across the Peninsula. A section of the pontoon 
 having been removed, for that purpose, the fleet passed. 
 
 The march of the 10th Corps troops, from the Cold Har 
 bor line to Whitehouse, had been severely rapid, but the 
 distance was less than that passed more leisurely by the 
 Army of Gen. Meade. 
 
 On the night of the 14th, we encamped a mile or two in 
 rear of the Bermuda line. Soon after midnight, there was 
 that commotion, which precedes action. 
 
 Our Brigade soon formed, and marched with the rest of 
 the Division toward the Appomattox, which was crossed be 
 fore day. 
 
 About sunrise, we gained a high bluff, on the south side of 
 the Appomattox. There the Brigade halted. Our rapid 
 change of base, revealed to all, that we were running a race 
 with the enemy, with Petersburg as our object. 
 
 Scarcely had the sun cleared the horizon, e er, the sound 
 of musketry came from the front, an indication that the, 
 colored troops, which had precede^ us, were engaged. These 
 brave fellows, with little delay, carried the outer defensive 
 lines, and again advanced. A second line was assaulted, and 
 taken by them soon after. Two Divisions of the 18th Corps, 
 
114 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N." Y. V. 
 
 were then sent forward, and most of the colored troops, who 
 had done so well in the morning, were withdrawn. 
 
 Advancing, we met the loaded ambulances, and the hob 
 bling wounded. These black soldiers, were highly elated, 
 even those who were severely wounded, greeted their white 
 compatriots, with, "Tell you boys, we made um get;" "We 
 druv em." On that occasion, those who were politically the 
 most conservative, suddenly experienced, an accession of 
 respect for the chattel on this discovery of its "equal" value 
 in a possible emergency. 
 
 We had come by a circuitous route, on which account our 
 brigade was the extreme left of the assaulting force, on 
 reaching the Heights. Between us and the enemy, was a 
 piece of woods, over and through which they were throwing 
 shot and shell. Before noon, our line formed and advanced 
 through the wood. At this stage, there was a good deal of 
 delay. At length, a skirmish line was thrown out, and ad 
 vanced a little distance toward two or three redoubts, 
 which were promptly taken, when about twenty pieces of field 
 artillery, which had been ordered up by Gen. Smith, (Baldy,) 
 our division commander, were ranged along the outer border 
 of the wood, when they concentrated upon the works beyond, 
 such a storm of shot and shell, as to appall the garrison. 
 At the same time, the entire skirmish line, charged across 
 the intermediate valley, took and held the works on the 
 heights. The officers from the 117th regiment, who were 
 conspicuous, in this assault, were Capt. A. R. Stevens, and 
 Capt. W. J. Hunt. The former in command of the skirmish 
 line. They were in advance, and the first officers in the cap 
 tured works. It was a sharp contest, and a splendid victory. 
 Capt. Stevens, received a severe wound in the arm. Capt. 
 
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 115 
 
 Hunt escaped without injury. They are both entitled to 
 great credit for their gallantry on this occasion. The break 
 made by this charge, disconcerted and demoralized the troops 
 in the defenses. 
 
 The enemy, evidently had been unprepared for a forcible 
 attack. They had been outstripped and outflanked, and 
 when we arrived, they were on their way from Cold 
 Harbor. The defense of this point, had accordingly devolved 
 on a small force, mostly of undisciplined troops; there were 
 both prisoners and dead in citizen s dress, and some apparent 
 ly just from the shop. The elaborate and formidable charac 
 ter of these works, testified to the cheapness of our victory. 
 That evening of the 15th of June, we stood on the heights, 
 and, by the light of a brilliant moon, contemplated the silent 
 valley, arid beheld the nearly defenceless city. Why we did 
 not then go down and possess them, is the question, which 
 occurred, and recurred times innumerable, during the 
 months of carnage, which followed on that line. On the 
 next day, there was some skirmishing, but still on our side 
 little doing, except the arranging of the 2nd and 6th Corps 
 on our left. On the part of the enemy, however, there was 
 every indication of activity. 
 
 Petersburg depot was a busy place. Frequently, during 
 the night, the sound of arriving trains could be distinctly 
 heard, and, on the morning of the 16th, field glasses revealed 
 the incoming tide of gray backs. The enemy was evidently 
 straining every nerve, and crowding every avenue, to avert 
 any further reverse. General Butler, with Hinks Division, 
 attempted to interrupt the progress of the enemy in the work 
 of transferring his forces, by advancing from the Bermuda line, 
 to cut and hold the Richmond and Petersburg Railroad. He 
 
116 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 struck the road, destroyed it for a short distance, but was soon 
 overborne and pushed back by superior numbers. The inter 
 ruption was brief. This day Gen. Grant rode by inspecting 
 the line. Toward evening there broke out on the left, a 
 very sharp musketry, which was kept up for some time. It 
 was occasioned by an attempt on the part of the 2d or 6th 
 Corps to advance. It was attended with no satisfactory 
 result. 
 
 The night passed quietly. Our skirmishers in the first vale, 
 had gradually crowded the enemy back over the first wooded 
 eminence. On the 17th there was quiet on this part of the 
 line. The regiment was not far in advance of the place oc 
 cupied by it on the first night. It was lying on a high ridge, 
 which was so bounded by ravines as to present an acute angle, 
 not unlike that of an iron wedge, as it would appear lying on its 
 side; the point was on our right. A heavy rebel breastwork, 
 reversed by our men, formed the crest of the eminence. The 
 afternoon was quiet, a shot being rarely heard, and the 
 enemy s skirmish line so distant, that the boys soon grew 
 careless, exposing themselves above the breastwork, and some 
 even walked over, and laterally on the embankment. Capt. 
 R. L. Stone of Co. B, an excellent man and officer, having 
 just lit his pipe, was leisurely enjoying it and the scenery. 
 Unhappily, while strolling about, he mounted the embank 
 ment to view the prospect below. Our skirmishers had gone 
 out so far, and the mutual cessation of firing was so complete, 
 that few realized the position as dangerous ; those standing 
 by the bank were exposed to the view of the enemy, but were 
 not so conspicuous. The Captain had traced our skirmish 
 line and made some remarks concerning it, and turned 
 for a retrospect, when he fell. Already on reaching the 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 117 
 
 ground, had the peculiar ashy hue which attends sudden 
 death, spread over the surface. The body was already breath 
 less and pulseless. The suspension of life had been instan 
 taneous. On examination it was found that a miimie ball 
 had entered the back part of the head, traversed the brain 
 and lodged back of the left eye, which it protruded. The 
 rebel sharp-shooter, or assassin, for under the circumstances 
 he was scarcely less, must have been at a good distance, as the 
 report of the piece was not heard by us. This snatching away 
 of one of our number, while in the enjoyment of a sense of 
 security, deeply impressed all who witnessed it, and cast a 
 gloom over the entire command. 
 
 The enemy, having since morning made a demonstration 
 against the Bermuda line, about sunset, the brigade, then 
 under Col. Bell, started to re-enforce it. As we withdrew, 
 and much of the time during our march, we heard the sound 
 of heavy musketry. It was on account of an engagement in 
 duced by an attack on Burnside s front, and on the left of our 
 late position. We halted in rear of and midway on the Ber 
 muda line. Our brigade was now reformed, the 13th Indiana 
 being mustered out by virtue of expired time, the 112th 
 Regiment New York Yols. was added as substitute. 
 
 The 112th Regiment was from Chatauqua County. It 
 was of nearly cotemporary muster with the 117th. It was of 
 a high moral tone and admirably officered. It lost four of its 
 staff in the service, three of whom fell on the field, the other 
 also expired at the post of duty. 
 
 The 142nd Regiment New York Yols. was of similar ma 
 terial. In anticipation of the extension of the line south 
 ward beyond Petersburg, the intrenchments here had been 
 raised and strengthened, with the object of making them 
 
118 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 defensible by an inconsiderable force. The position of our 
 brigade was on the right of this (Bermuda) line, the 112th 
 occupying the extreme right, overlooking the James River 
 and the small peninsula which Gen. Butler soon after attempt 
 ed to isolate with his Dutch Gap Canal. Late in the after 
 noon of the 23d, the enemy opened a fierce artillery fire on 
 the line. They dropped the shot and shell with great accura 
 cy among-our troops, and though the men enjoyed the shelter 
 of the breastworks, there were several serious casualties. 
 After about an hour the firing ceased, and we received an 
 other order to prepare to march. Our sojourn here had been 
 of only about five day s duration. We were soon ready, 
 and early in the evening set out for another passage of the Ap- 
 pomattox. By a rapid movement we reached Petersburg front 
 soon after midnight. We were posted just in advance of the 
 point we left on the 17th. The place on the line of this, (Gen. 
 Turner s) Division, was between the 9th and 18th Corps, the 
 former on the left, the latter on our right. And now follow 
 ed a month of the most arduous, perilous and exhausting 
 kind of duty. The weather was exceedingly warm. The 
 opposing lines were but a short distance apart. The men had 
 to remain in the trenches night and day, in constant readiness 
 for an attack ; while the rebels maintained, not only a defen 
 sive, but a most murderous offensive function. They were 
 vigilant and watchful in the extreme, employing the time in 
 an unceasing skirmish, never missing an opportunity to make 
 a target of whatever portion of the person, one might inad 
 vertently discover above the rudimentary breastwork. Many 
 a poor boy here lost his life, through forgetfulness of the de 
 ficiencies of the embankment, or through want of a true esti 
 mate of the inhumanity of rebels. The sound of musketry 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. Y. 119 
 
 was heard at all hours. Lest darkness should afford us a 
 temporary respite, they got the range of our thoroughfares and 
 made the knowledge contribute to our discomfort in the night 
 time ; co-horn mortars, ranged in rear of their line, dropped 
 shells along and not unfrequently in our trenches. Confine 
 ment to a reclining or at least a cramped posture, so close 
 behind the embankment that a breeze never visited them, the 
 bare soil under and about them, the rays of a scorching sun 
 upon them during the day, the chill dews by night no water 
 with which to bathe their dust-covered faces thus they lay 
 for days and weeks, with the dreaded bullet whizzing by, and 
 the ponderous shell exploding near and among them. 
 
 The unavoidable lack of cleanliness and exercise, the vari 
 ous privations and bodily discomforts, together with the con 
 tinued wearing apprehension of evil, began to tell decidedly 
 on the health of the men. This ever present sense of danger 
 prevented that mental remission and muscular relaxation, 
 without which, seeming repose is not rest. Their situation, 
 amid these surroundings, was a consuming fire. No constitu 
 tion could long resist their depressing influences. An inter 
 mediate hospital was established for the reception of the care 
 worn. It was called " convalescent camp ;" and being a mile 
 or more to the rear, it afforded a cessation of the vigil. The 
 quiet surroundings enabled many to obtain the much needed 
 renovating sleep. Scores thus recruited, in the course of a 
 week returned to the front. 
 
 The line where we were, lay across a cornfield ; previous to 
 our arrival at this point, an unsuccessful attempt to advance, 
 had resulted in the death of a number of union soldiers, 
 whose bodies were lying about in numbers, between our line 
 and the enemy s. The rebels had denied us the privilege 
 
120 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 of removing the dead, and persisted in that refusal. The 
 corpses presented a sad and dispiriting sight, and the 
 weather being warm, decomposition soon occurred, making 
 the stench another source of discomfort. Several times at 
 night, the boys tried to bury those bodies, but the rebels were 
 so vigilant and jealous as to make the attempt hazardous, as 
 the slightest sound proceeding from the inter-vale, was likely 
 to bring on a lively musketry fire. The cases of serious illness 
 were unusually numerous. It was here that Col. White s 
 remarkable powers of endurance failed. He had scarcely been 
 relieved from duty a day for several months, and here he was 
 at the front constantly, enduring the deprivations and perils 
 of that position. He refused to retire from the command, 
 till assured by his friends and the surgeons, that, in his con 
 dition, it was imprudent for him to remain. 
 
 The bullets, which came buzzing over the intrenchments, 
 as they gravitated in rear of the line, produced many a casu 
 alty. Beside, the lynx-eyed sharp shooters, sometimes perch 
 ed at a commanding height, picked our boys singly. We thus 
 lost quite a number, of whom it might literally be said, "killed 
 in battle." Death scenes occurred which will long remain 
 in the memory of the writer. Some noble boys of the 
 117th, there gave up their lives for the cause. That gallant 
 officer, Captain Hunt, whose bravery was so conspicuous on 
 the 15th of June, in the capture of these works, now, a month 
 later, received his fatal wound at a moment when he scarcely 
 dreamed of danger. 
 
 While the opposing forces were lying in their respective 
 intrenchments, the daily casualties along the line, in the aggre 
 gate were many. From the hospital, belonging jointly to the 
 
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 121 
 
 18tb and 10th Corps, a train of ambulances loaded with 
 wounded, was sent to City Point almost daily. 
 
 We suffered heavily also from two or three badly managed 
 and unsuccessful attempts to advance the line. 
 
122 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 SPRINGING OF THE MINE, CROSSING OF THE 
 
 JAMES. 
 
 Second Division withdraws from Petersburg trenches. Explosion of the Mine. 
 Severe march to Bermuda line Suffering of the troops, from heat and over- 
 exertion. Formation of Camp in rear of Bermuda intrenchments. A pleasant 
 Camp. Military events on the line, during the month. Return to Petersburg. 
 Duty in the trenches. Sickness. Incidents. Tenth A. C. retires to the high 
 ground, two miles to the rear. Preparation for a new enterprise. 
 
 THERE was but little to vary, and nothing to alleviate the 
 stern service in the trenches, during nearly the whole month. 
 Public attention was for a short time directed towards Wash 
 ington, which was threatened by another rebel raid. Though 
 it did not effect any relaxation of Gen. Grant s hold on Peters 
 burg and Richmond, it caused the sudden transfer of the 
 6th Corps, and its timely arrival at the threatened Capital. 
 The Niagara peace negotiations which terminated so abruptly 
 in the President s note, " To whom it may concern" occurred 
 about this date. 
 
 The final scene of this, our second siege at Petersburg, is 
 happily related by Chaplain Hyde, of the 112th R. N. Y. Y., 
 in his History of that regiment. I can not perhaps do better 
 than lay it before the reader. 
 
 "On the evening of the 29th July, the 2d Division, 10th 
 A. C., moved out from the rifle pits they had been occupying 
 (the colored troops taking the position they left) and formed 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH E. N. Y. V. 123 
 
 in the rear of the 9th Corps, as support to the column which 
 was to storm Cemetery Hill and take Petersburg. For 
 more than a month there had been rumors of an operation in 
 progress, that when finished would electrify the land. It was 
 at first only talked about in whispers, with the injunction to 
 be very careful not to talk about it. But though intended to 
 be kept secret, it was well known six weeks before it was 
 finished that a Pennsylvania Regiment from the mining 
 regions, was at work undermining one of the enemy s princi 
 pal redoubts on Cemetery Hill. A huge chamber was exca 
 vated, and filled with gunpowder. It was rumored that the 
 mine would be sprung the night of the 3d, and that Grant 
 would make a 4th of July offering of Petersburg this year 
 to the nation, as of Vicksburg a year ago. At last, tired of 
 waiting, the soldiers began to think that the story was a hoax 
 of the same description as much of the news that circulates 
 in camp. But this evening it was a sure thing. The mine 
 was ready. Grant had sent the 2d Corps across the north of 
 the James a few days before, so as to create the belief that he 
 was contemplating another change of base. A large part of 
 the force in Petersburg had been withdrawn to check him, 
 and now the 2d Corps was back again ; the plan thus far had 
 worked well and promised success. The mine was to be 
 exploded early in the morning at 2 o clock, the assault made 
 immediately, and with the heights in our possession, the 
 enemy must evacuate Petersburg. The mine, however, was 
 not exploded until 5 o clock; then there was an unaccounta 
 ble delay of nearly an hour before the advance was made, 
 then a lack of energy and directness ; both officers and men 
 seemed to be looking round to see what they could find. 
 Before the crest of the hill was carried, the enemy had re- 
 
124 HISTORY OP THE 11TTH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 covered from their suprise, and the assault was resolutely 
 met and repulsed. We had, however, a good position, and 
 should have held it until the face of the enemy s works at 
 this point had been altered, and artillery mounted upon it to 
 operate against the enemy. But this was neglected, and now 
 an unaccountable panic occurred, which threw the assailants 
 into utter confusion, and converted the hoped for success of 
 yesterday into mortifying disaster. 
 
 They were driven back with great loss. Adjutant (since 
 Lieutenant Colonel) Lentz, of the 13th Indiana, a cool, brave 
 soldier, thus describes the scene in front of our Division. 
 We (the 13th Indiana as skirmishers) occupied the debris 
 of the exploded earthwork, also the rifle pits, which extended 
 toward the right, facing our own. The enemy had also been 
 driven from a second line, which was a short distance from the 
 first line, and the space between the two was occupied by the 
 colored troops in column. The enemy apparently in small 
 force, came up the acclivity from towards Petersburg!!, leis 
 urely, at a trail arms, and as though they were about to 
 deliver themselves up. The order was given to cease firing, 
 thinking the enemy meant to surrender. When within 
 favorable distance, they suddenly halted, and poured in a 
 well directed and rapid fire. The white officers ordered their 
 men to fall back, and it is said repeated the order three times 
 before it was obeyed. At last they started, threw down their 
 arms, and rushed back terribly panic stricken, and sweeping 
 everything before them in their wild flight. White troops 
 and black were indiscriminately mingled in this awful 
 stampede. 
 
 In order to get out, it was necessary to pass through a 
 narrow pit several rods in length ; here the enemy concen- 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 125 
 
 tratcd a destructive fire ; the carnage was awful. Gen. 
 Turner and Staff exerted themselves to the utmost to stop 
 the wild tide of human fright and fury. Col. Smith, among 
 others, did his best to assist him ; but all opposition was over 
 borne ; some of the colored men were impaled on bayonets ; 
 but they swept away the line in front of them, rushing over 
 it to the rear. Our line of intrenchrnents facing the enemy s 
 was broken a little to the left of the fort, by a ravine, crossing 
 which men were in plain sight of the enemy. To the rear of 
 our works was a knoll, through which a deep trench had 
 been cut, to enable the men to pass in and out without ex 
 posure. When the panic first commenced, the 1st Brigade 
 was in reserve in a skirt of woods behind this knoll. Gen. 
 Curtis was ordered to move his Brigade forward into our line 
 of intrenchments, stop the fugitives at the point of the bayo 
 net, and at all events, hold our works, which were now in 
 imminent danger of being wrested from us. 
 
 Part of the Brigade had moved in. Col. Smitk with the 
 right wing of the Regiment had crowded through, and was 
 in good position on the left of the passage. Capt. Ludwick, 
 at this time acting Major, had command of the left wing of 
 the Regiment. When ordered to advance, he found the track 
 through the knoll jammed with the fugitives, crowding, swear 
 ing, yelling, making frantic endeavors to get through ; some 
 were down and others treading over them ; and those in front 
 were pushed on by the dense mass behind. Seeing that it 
 was useless to attempt to push through, and knowing the 
 necessity of promptness, he leaped from the trench to the top 
 of the knoll, and shouted to his men to follow him, and star 
 ted for the line he was to occupy. This was to the right and 
 across the ravine spoken of. The men were now in full view 
 
126 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 of the enemy, who were pouring in a storm of lead and grape 
 upon the dense mass of men crowded here, and who now 
 turned their attention to the heroes, who amid this wild 
 fright, were resolutely rushing to rescue our works from the 
 pursuing foe." 
 
 The officers alluded to in the last paragraph, were of the 
 112th R. The 117th under command of Major Bagg, was 
 also present. 
 
 Thus terminated a well planned, but miserably conducted 
 enterprise, constituting a reverse which will long be remem 
 bered as a reproach to an indefinite " some one." 
 
 On its withdrawal from this position, the 2nd Division 
 returned to the trenches it had occupied for the past month. 
 
 Soon after midnight, which was the morning of the 31st, 
 the men were aroused by an order to prepare to march. 
 They were to move at 2 A. M. Though any change was 
 preferable to a longer stay in their present place, the order 
 was accompanied by a welcome rumor that this portion of the 
 10th Corps, would go direct to Washington. The troops al 
 ways moved northward very cheerfully, particularly to a more 
 northerly base or department, probably because northward 
 was equivalent to "homeward." For some reason there was 
 a great delay in the receipt of the final order to move. The 
 small cool hours passed, the inviting gray dawn came and 
 went. The ardent, dreaded sun announced himself at the 
 broad window of the East, and at length, his rays gilded the 
 lull tops, and then, we moved. Of course the weather was 
 sufficiently -warm at all hours, but at this time of year, in a 
 clear day, to begin a march at 6, A. M., was not considered 
 an instance of good fortune. The column, about 6, began 
 the march toward City Point, but before going far on the 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 127 
 
 main road leading thither, the column bore off abruptly 
 toward the Appomattox. By 10 A. M., the heat became op 
 pressive, and was still increasing. In the open space, the 
 burning rays of the sun were almost unendurable. Amid 
 the pine woods through which we now and then passed, there 
 was the most distressing stillness of the air. Men fell out 
 of the ranks, on either hand. Some fainting, some sun- 
 struck. On reaching the Appomattox, and descending to the 
 pontoons, the sun s rays poured down most mercilessly on the 
 heads of the troops, while the heat was increased by reflec- 
 tion from the water. Here too the troops missed the breeze . 
 which had been their only comfort on the higher ground- - 
 This was too much. The column while crossing on the >. 
 
 pontoons, was disturbed by men falling of sunstroke. 
 
 On the north bank of the river, a spring bubbled up, from.j 
 which the men could not be withheld. They sought it with : 
 an eagerness, and partook with the avidity, of men who had 
 lost their reason. It was said that two or three of the/ 
 Division died there from exhaustion, sunstroke, or the too 
 free use of cold water. Gaining the upland, the men, as with . 
 one accord, halted for rest. In a few minutes nearly alLi 
 were lying prostrate. Dozens were taken thence to the Point - 
 of Rock s hospital, quite a large per centage of whom, were 
 permanently disabled, and some lapsing into sickness, from., 
 which they died. 
 
 We tarried here till nearly 4 o clock, when the march wass 
 renewed, and although the troops were quite refreshed, and , 
 the heat was less severe, before reaching our destination on 
 the line, several of the boys fell out and had to be sent back : 
 to hospital. It is not flattering to recur to the probability, 
 that if the troops had been permitted to set out as early as 2 : 
 
128 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 o clock, A. M. this excessive personal suffering and military 
 loss might have been avoided. That night the Brigade halted 
 and encamped in rear of the Bermuda line, about a mile from 
 the James River, and very near the spot on which the regi 
 ment encamped immediately after the battle of Drury s 
 Bluff. It was in a wood, which the necessities of the army 
 had reduced to a grove. On the following day, the Brigade 
 camp was formed, two regiments being ranged on either side 
 of the road, and all facing it. The tents were well protected 
 from the sun, by artificial bowers made of boughs supported 
 by pole frame work. 
 
 The Brigade and Regimental commanders exerted them 
 selves to render the camp conducive to both health and com 
 fort. After the camp had been well laid out, the tents raised 
 iUnifo.nnly a certain distance above ground, and sheltered with 
 iboughs as described, a thorough system of policeingwas estab 
 lished and rigidly maintained. A very good quality of water 
 \was procured by digging. The situation of the men, when com 
 pared with that they left at Peter sburgh, was even pleasant. 
 Gen. Grant, having secretly determined on another attempt to 
 seize the Weldon Railroad, began to move troops in the oppo 
 site direction, as if about to advance on Richmond, from the 
 ,north side of the James. To threaten Richmond from that 
 point, two divisions of the 10th Corps were sent across the 
 river at Deep Bottom. Simultaneously a corps was with 
 drawn from the line, marched to City Point, and, when a 
 demonstration was made on the right, the same corps, with 
 other troops, appeared suddenly at the Weldon Road. The 
 enemy, having reduced his force here, to counteract Gen. 
 Grant s feint on the north of the James, were unprepared. 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 129 
 
 The line was carried by a vigorous assault, a section of the 
 road taken, and the position fortified. 
 
 The transfer of the 1st Division, and the other Brigades of 
 the 2d, to participate in the demonstration before Richmond, 
 left the temporary defence of the entire Bermuda line to Gen. 
 Curtis Brigade. Doubtless there were times when portions 
 of the enemy s line were equally attenuated. In this instance, 
 .there was, no doubt, great reliance placed on the preoccupation 
 of the opposing army. The engagement which attended the 
 menace of Richmond, was a severe one; the union troops be 
 ing the assailants, were badly cut up. All of these blows dealt 
 at the confederacy, however, contributed to the grand result, 
 the final overthrow of the rebel cause. Several days later, 
 Gen. Birney, who had assumed command of the 10th Corps, 
 through the retirement of Gen. Gilmore, prepared to cut the 
 Eailroad connection between Richmond and Petersburg!!. 
 Gen. Grant s well-concealed disappointment at Butler s failure 
 to do this, on his advance to Drury s Bluff, was shared by the 
 public at large, and keenly felt by the Army of the James. 
 The project ended with a reconnoisance, which revealed the 
 enemy in full force, and vigilant, having apparently anticipa 
 ted the movement. 
 
 Ellis H. Roberts and Chaplain Jones arrived in camp about 
 this time, the former on a visit, the latter to join the regiment 
 officially. Mr. Roberts, personally and editorially was known 
 to all the regiment, and esteemed as an able co-worker. About 
 this time, the Brigade made a night march to Port Walthall, 
 the Appomattox terminus of the Bermuda line. Though the 
 boys deprecated unavailing toil, on arriving at the designated 
 point, they proceeded with alacrity to carry out the order to 
 "counter march." Reached camp about sunrise. Every 
 
130 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 means had been taken to render the camp salubrious, but 
 still there was considerable sickness, much of which, no 
 doubt, might have been traced to recent hardships. Ague, 
 bowel affections and fever, were the most common forms of 
 disease. Toward the last of the month, (August,) it was 
 rumored that the 10th Army Corps would exchange places 
 witli the 18th, which was still in the trenches at Petersburg!!. 
 The change was to be made by brigades. While this was 
 in progress, and before our brigade had moved, on the 
 morning of the 25th, the enemy having, no doubt, become 
 apprised of the unsettled state of the line, and taking ad 
 vantage of a lack of circumspection on the part of the union 
 troops, induced by a mutual suspension of hostilities, which 
 had been observed here with slight interruption, for a month 
 or more, made a dash on our line. By a spirited sally, they 
 gained possession of a section of it, and effected the capture 
 of about seventeen men of the 117th Regiment, and fifteen of 
 the 112th. The brigade lost in prisoners, about forty. 
 Subsequently, twenty-nine members of the regiment met 
 in a rebel prison ; only nine of these unfortunates sur 
 vived their captivity. There were also several wounded, and 
 three or four killed during the skirmish. Captain Irwin, of 
 Co. E, who was in command of the brigade picket line, was 
 severely wounded. We reached the trenches in front of 
 Petersburg, on the night of August 25th, scarcely half a mile 
 from the city, and in full view of it ; the right of our line 
 resting upon the south bank of the Appomattox. 
 
 It was so arranged that only half the brigade went on duty 
 in the trenches at one time. The relief, meanwhile, being a 
 little distance in the rear, within shot range of the enemy, 
 but resting on low ground, under the protection afforded 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 131 
 
 by the ridges. The bullets which were whizzing here and 
 there, at all hours, and the shells which were exploding over 
 head, confined them to that position. These localities 
 being most unhealthy, the men suffered very much from sick 
 ness. The constraint was less here than in the trenches, 
 otherwise the advantage of a relief from duty was not great. 
 The line was too light to render it safe for the relieved troops 
 to go farther to the rear on higher ground. Ague became 
 exceedingly common. It appeared in every known form, and 
 unfitted a large percentage for duty. 
 
 A number of casualties, some serious, occurred while we 
 were here. Several sentinels were shot while keeping watch 
 at the look-out. One or two were killed by shell. There 
 were some narrow escapes among those who were off duty in 
 camp. The recollection of some of these occurrences after 
 ward excited merriment among the boys. One day a solid 
 shot, with unmannerly rudeness, came bounding into camp, 
 passing through a group of soldiers who had just collected for 
 their warm rations. In the same instant it prostrated the 
 cook, demolished the mess kettle, and irreverently baptized 
 our best flag in an emollient douche of vile bean porridge. The 
 cook was only temporarily slain, by some gravel which the 
 shot had thrown against him. He was soon able to resume 
 his benevolent functions. About the same time, another por 
 tion of camp was the scene of a narrow escape. A sick sol 
 dier of company G, was lying in his tent, with his knapsack 
 for a pillow, and, as most supposed, quite out of harm s way, 
 when a solid shot, styled by the boys a "pickle," from its re 
 semblance in size and shape, to a cucumber, struck the knap 
 sack, passed through, and carried it away, destroying, thus 
 unceremoniously, the boy s pillow, as well as his provision for 
 
132 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 future physical purity. The only inconvenience it occasioned 
 him, was from the sudden letting down of his head. As the 
 knapsack was scarcely thicker than the missile, it is not improp 
 er to speak of the incident as a hair breadth escape. Our soldiers 
 communicated almost daily, with those of the enemy. This 
 was only on our right flank, where the picket lines were sep 
 arated by the Apponiattox river, which at this point was 
 quite narrow. They exchanged papers several times a 
 week. One Lieutenant who brought over a Richmond paper, 
 begged to be detained, remarking that he had had enough of 
 a secession war, was very desirous of getting out of it, it be 
 ing a bad and hopeless cause. He did not care to desert, but 
 entreated to be taken prisoner. Our boys could not make a 
 breach of faith to please him, so he was required to return. 
 The heights and lesser eminences in the rear, were covered 
 with artillery, whose efficiency was attested by the breached 
 and crumbling walls within the besieged city. The occasional 
 bombardments were fearful to witness. The reports of the 
 guns, the screeching of the missiles, as they passed over us, 
 the sound of their concussion as they plunged among the 
 brick structures, and then their muffled explosion, followed 
 by the sound of falling debris, was impressive even to those 
 whose safety was not endangered. Occurring in the night 
 as they sometimes did, when the shells, or at least, their burn 
 ing fuses, were distinctly visible, the view was impressively 
 grand. It was at once a terrific bombardment, and a free 
 exhibition of military pyrotechnics. The great gun on the 
 heights, within the fort, taken by the brigade on the 15th of 
 June, and the 15 inch mortar, mounted on an immense truck, 
 and placed on the Railroad track, were distinctly heard above 
 
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 183 
 
 the rest of the guns ; one was termed the " Petersburg Ex 
 press." 
 
 On the evening of the 29th of August, there was a general 
 bombardment along the entire line. The rebel batteries re 
 sponding. It was opened by our guns. It was said to be in 
 honor of the capture of Atlanta, which city had just fallen 
 into the possession of Sherman s Army. A political event 
 transpired almost simultaneously, and while some regarded 
 the general bombardment as having reference to the fall of 
 Atlanta, others suggested it might be Gen. Grant s repudiation 
 of the submission platform. After a tedious month, passed 
 by the boys in the trendies and ravines, there arose indications 
 of another change. 
 
 Late in the evening of the 24th of September, the brigade, 
 and the entire division, moved out and back on the heights, 
 near the City Point Railroad, which had been extended to the 
 vicinity of the "VVeldon Road. 
 
 It was refreshing to breathe again the pure air of the hill 
 country, and very agreeable to be once more without the 
 range of rebel bullets and shells, and where one could resume 
 an upright position without provoking the particular attention 
 of a rebel sharp-shooter. 
 
 Feeling that our stay here would be short, there was but 
 little done in the way of providing domestic comforts. After 
 a sojourn of about two days, orders were received to re 
 duce baggage to the minimum standard. This was a clear 
 indication of work ; work ahead. There was at least a march 
 in reserve. Some how, an impression went about, that our 
 immediate destination would be transports, beyond which no 
 one ventured to predict. 
 
134 HISTORY OF THE 117lH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 CHAPIN S FARM. 
 
 The 10th and 18th Corps, cross the James. Battle of Chapin s Farm. Intrench. 
 A flank attack, on the 7th of Oct. Assault on the Rebel works, and the en 
 gagement, (Oct. 27th.) Incidents. Election. Military events. 
 
 THE 10th Corps was soon moving the 1st Brigade under 
 command of Col. Daggett this was on the 28th September. 
 As we did not move in the direction of City Point, it was 
 concluded that we were going to Bermuda landing, there to 
 embark. By evening we discovered ourselves tending to the 
 left of that point ; then we were to take transports at Deep 
 Bottom. As night set in, it became clear that Deep Bottom 
 was our destination, or that we were executing one of Gen. 
 Butler s grand feints. The troops became foot sore and 
 weary, and not a few fell out. It was a forced inarch. It 
 appeared as though the extremity of the Peninsula called 
 Jone s Neck would never be reached. There, many fancied 
 we would find the staunch old transports on whose decks we 
 might rest for a day or two. On reaching the point which 
 was also Deep Bottom Landing, there were indeed several 
 vessels, but not for us, instead of these the pontooniers had 
 extended our road to the opposite bank, which we gained 
 about 2 o clock on the morning of the 29th. The nature of 
 the expedition it was not easy at this stage to misapprehend. 
 
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 135 
 
 All realized as we hastily made our blanket beds and dropped 
 on them to catch a little sleep, that we had crossed upon 
 what was or might soon be contested territory. All too had 
 become aware that the moving column comprised a heavy 
 force, and that a further advance would soon elicit a lively 
 opposition. 
 
 It is no wonder that under these circumstances, as the boys 
 composed themselves for a little needed rest, 
 
 " They bitterly thought of the Morrow." 
 
 " Why ! I did not know it was so near morning when we lay 
 down here," was the first remark made by many a half rested 
 soldier as the order to prepare to move passed round just as 
 daylight began to make the eastern horizon visible. 
 
 The morning meal was hastily eaten, when preparations were 
 made for the formation of the line. The advance skirmish 
 line, consisting of a Regiment (the 3rd U..S. Colored troops,) 
 had not advanced a mile before their progress was disputed. 
 A lively musketry fire followed ; the 2nd Division, commanded 
 by Brig. Gen. Foster, who was Brig. Commander on the Ber 
 muda line, moved up within convenient distance as a reserve. 
 A rebel battery which had fired only occasionally, now fired 
 more rapidly, as it got a lateral or flanking fire on the re 
 serve. The battery was soon compelled to withdraw, its 
 position being rendered unsafe by the advance of the colored 
 troops. The progress of the latter was checked and stayed 
 for some little time at an intrenched line of the enemy. 
 The contest there was sharp, but a charge rendered it short. 
 The negro soldiers carried it on the first attempt, but they 
 paid for it, or rather for the delay in making the charge, the 
 slope in front of the rebel line soon became thickly strewn 
 
136 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 with dead and wounded. Owing to the confusion which fol 
 lowed this memorable battle of the 29th September, a number 
 of these bodies lay unburied for several days. Another line 
 was soon carried by these troops when they were withdrawn. 
 A skirmish line was then formed from the 2nd Division, and 
 the entire force marched briskly forward. The next line was 
 about four miles distant. On approaching it, the troops were 
 disposed in three successive lines and advanced through a thick 
 woodland, when they were met by a galling artillery fire from 
 a battery which was posted on an intervening eminence. The 
 removal of this battery was a clear and urgent indication. 
 A line under command of Major Ludwick of the 112th, ad 
 vanced with this object, when the battery was prudently with 
 drawn. The Major and a number of his command were 
 wounded in this charge. 
 
 About two hours later, an order was received by Gen. Foster 
 from Gen. Birney, Corps commander, to " assault Fort Gil- 
 more within 10 minutes after the receipt of this order." This 
 Fort was a very formidable earth-work, nearly in front of 
 the 1st Brigade. The disadvantages imposed on the attack 
 ing party were clearly obvious to every person who had ob 
 served the situation. The fort was a good distance off, more 
 than a quarter of a mile, the greater part of the intervening 
 space, was uneven, an*d covered with fallen trees, whose tops 
 were uniformly toward us, and had been cut so that those 
 approaching the Fort would encounter in each tree-top a 
 tliousand sharp points. These " slashings " used by both 
 armies were a cheap, effectual and extended abattis, serving 
 generally to retard the progress of a besieging force till it 
 could be consumed as it were by the operation of pre-ar 
 ranged artillery and musketry. 
 
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. T. V. 137 
 
 These adverse points are just the right height to embarrass 
 a person, being too high to step over and too low to pass 
 under. The fort-ward third of the distance was nearly level. 
 The charge was by the entire Division. Col. Daggett led the 
 Brigade. The line had scarcely emerged from the wood 
 into the " slashing " before it met the rebel fire. As the lines 
 went forward, the severity of the fire increased. The rebel 
 batteries were evidently in competent hands. Seldom during 
 the war was artillery more skillfully handled. Shell were 
 made to explode just above and in advance of the first line, 
 while grape and canister were used with frightful effect. 
 Soon a withering musketry was superadded. The volume of 
 this fire suggested how the intrenchments swarmed with 
 gray-backs. The enemy had concentrated on this line both 
 from the evacuated outer lines, and also from every interior 
 position. The storm of every known missile of warfare was 
 most effective. Men fell on every hand. The bodies of some 
 were completely severed at the waist. A piece of shell struck 
 the musket of a soldier of the 117th, with such force as to 
 nearly double it, and, in the same instant drive it through 
 his body. Still they moved on. The carnage was awful. 
 Before reaching the fort the line became so extremely reduced 
 as to show how unwarrantable was the attack. The cornfield 
 space was swept by an enfilading fire, so that the few who reached 
 that point had scarcely a chance of surviving the engagement, 
 and if they did, not much prospect of returning to our lines 
 except by way of Libby prison. 
 
 The wounded were taken to a dwelling about half a mile 
 to the rear, which, with the yard and out buildings was used 
 as a hospital. Soon almost every foot of available space 
 about the premises was occupied. Men were borne in with 
 
138 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 every conceivable form of wound. A number were wounded 
 in two or more places. Some had been wounded while ad 
 vancing and again when marching back, or while being carried 
 off. Lt. Knox Williams was among the latter. His injuries 
 were of a fatal character. He died a few hours after. He 
 led his company gallantly. The loss in the llTth, was heavy. 
 The casualties amounting to more than one hundred. The 
 enemy being unwilling to recognize a flag of truce, many 
 who were disabled were left on the field, to the tender mer 
 cies of the foe. Few of that number returned. Col. Daggett s 
 bravery on this occasion was conspicuous. He led the brig 
 ade resolutely, and gallantly. He was highly complimented 
 by his superiors. 
 
 Just at evening the treatment of the wounded was sud 
 denly interrupted by an order to remove them immediately 
 to the river for transportation. An attack by the enemy was 
 apprehended, in which case the vicinity of the hospital would 
 be the scene of the engagement. A train of ambulances 
 came up directly, the wounded and dying were put on board 
 and carefully carried to the landing. A few died on the 
 way. The bodies of several who had expired at the hospital 
 during the afternoon, were buried near the house. The 
 enemy it seems re-considered the subject of attack on that 
 part of the line ; but, not many hours after concentrated and 
 charged Fort Anderson, which had been taken by the 18th 
 Corps. This work was a little more than a mile to the left. 
 It was advantageously situated, commanding the James river. 
 The attempt of the enemy to recapture it was a disastrous 
 failure. Their loss in the charge being very heavy. 
 
 The woods spoken of and the " slashing " comprised the space 
 between the line of the 10th Corps, and the enemy. The 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 139 
 
 18th Corps, having advanced at Fort Harrison and taken a 
 section of the rebel intrenehment, its line for a distance was 
 thus reversed. 
 
 The first work after our withdrawal from Fort Gilmore, was 
 to fortify the position. A strong embankment well enforced 
 with batteries soon afforded a good sense of security. Only 
 a few hours after the removal of the wounded, the hospital 
 and all the surrounding tenements had been taken down and 
 transferred piece meal to the fortification. 
 
 It was well known that the rebels would be jealous of our 
 sojourn so near their Capital and that they would attempt to 
 dislodge us. On the 7th of October, while we were expecting 
 an attack in front, they made a rapid movement against the 
 right flank of the 10th Corps, which was also the right of the 
 line. The defense or at least the guarding of this exposed 
 side had been assigned to several companies of cavalry, who 
 failed to make an early discovery of the enemy s advance, or 
 otherwise were culpably tardy in reporting the fact. 
 
 Besides many of them were undisciplined troops, who fled 
 before the enemy like leaves before the wind. A few of them 
 had chosen this arm of the service on account of its mobility, 
 and now, when danger threatened, they seemed to think no 
 one was more entitled to its advantages than themselves. 
 One of the mounted soldiers, while riding precipitately 
 to the rear, bare headed, and " dreadfully demoralized," 
 was hailed by an officer with "where are you going?" " 0! " 
 said he, "the Rebs are coming, I seen a lot of them and one 
 of the bloody cusses shot right at me ! " 
 
 The attack was made at an early hour. The gray lines ad 
 vanced under cover of a good battery, favorably posted, but 
 on coming within a few rods, and some even within a few 
 
140 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. Y. 
 
 yards of the temporary breastwork along which the union in 
 fantry had formed, they met an irresistible and overwhelm 
 ing musketry fire. They halted, and reluctantly retired. 
 Our artillerists who had maintained a lively engagement with 
 the enemy s batteries, suffered severely. Quite a number 
 were killed at their guns. About twenty-five artillery horses 
 were lost in a few minutes. The space over which the 
 charge was made was liberally sprinkled with rebel dead. 
 
 Scarcely an hour later, the attack was repeated, but failed 
 as before. A couple of hours after the retreating foe 
 had dissolved in the distance, the brigade, which was a 
 part of the reserve force, fell back to a grove about a half 
 mile in rear of the breastworks, where it established a camp 
 which it occupied till December 7th, just two months, when 
 the corps left to take part in the Butler expedition against 
 Fort Fisher. 
 
 The two following months were employed in repelling as 
 saults, and seeking a weak place in the enemy s line, or in 
 assailing strong points to divert him from the Weldon Road. 
 This arduous duty was varied with a participation in the fall 
 election, and, in firing shotted salutes in honor of Sheridan s 
 and other victories. 
 
 The regiment was visited by the Paymaster during the 
 month. About the middle of October, persons from Oneida 
 County, appointed for that purpose, arrived to receive the 
 ballots of the soldiers. Representatives from either party 
 came on that mission to the 117th, which furnished a hand 
 some Republican majority. 
 
 The phrase stereotyped in 62, "All quiet along the lines," 
 was now entirely obsolete. It was not applicable to Grant s 
 front, scarcely for a single day; therefore an order received on 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 141 
 
 the 26th, to be ready to march on short notice, was not very 
 unexpected. All baggage, wagons, <fcc., were immediately 
 transferred to the south side of the James, where the brigade 
 Commissary depot had remained. Some supposed we were 
 about to evacuate this part of the line expectation was again 
 on tiptoe. The troops were to be in light marching order. 
 The uncertainty, with reference to our point of destination on 
 the line, was, however, soon removed. Soon after midnight, 
 the morning of the 27th, the troops "fell in," and were soon 
 moving to the right. The greater portion of the Army of the 
 James appeared to be in motion. The 2d division crossed 
 the New Market road, advanced some two miles beyond the 
 union intrenchments, to the Darbeytown road, across which 
 it formed. The first line was taken with slight loss and but 
 little delay. 
 
 The 18th Corps proceeded still farther to the right, 
 taking position near the Charles City Road. The 2d division 
 now lay nearly passive for a couple of hours, thus affording 
 time for a report of progress, from the extreme right. In 
 rear of Gen. Curtis brigade, along the Darbytown road, was 
 a large white house, occupied a part of the day, as Gen. But 
 ler s Head-quarters, and also during the night, as a hospital 
 for such officers and privates as could not endure immediate 
 transportation. On the intrenched line in front of the house, 
 was a small redoubt, then a cornfield, bounded on the left and 
 also on the distal side, by a belt of woods, then the usual 
 almost impassable "slashing," beyond which rose the yellow zig 
 zag embankment, recognized as the unavoidable impediment 
 in the way to Richmond. A little to the right of this point, 
 near the woods, was a medium sized dwelling, behind which 
 
 10 
 
142 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 the enemy s skirmishers took shelter, thereby making the 
 building a target for both musketry and artillery. About 
 7 o clock, A. M., the skirmish line having been formed, it ad 
 vanced, and soon brought on a lively skirmish fire. 
 
 The brigade skirmish line was commanded by Captain Jay 
 Wicks, of the 3d N. Y. Infantry.* He was mortally wounded 
 while urging his command forward. The section of the 
 skirmish line made up from the 117th, was led by Captain L. 
 R. Clark, who was seriously wounded in the leg. This wound 
 necessitated amputation of the limb, and the mutilation of a 
 remarkably fine physique, involving the loss of as gallant a 
 soldier as ever went to battle. 
 
 The sky was now heavily overcast, rain was falling, and 
 continued through the day, varying from the gentle drizzle to 
 the drenching shower. A more cheerless, comfortless day is 
 rarely seen even in October. Captain Thomas of Co. F, went 
 out to take the place of Captain Clark, who had fallen ; the 
 undergrowth being so close that a person could scarcely see a 
 
 * Jay Wicks was born in the town of Paris, 1837. Was engaged as clerk by 
 the well known firm of Potter & Kenyon, Syracuse N. Y., and enjoying the con 
 fidence of his employers, at the time of the bombardment of Fort Sumter. On 
 the receipt of this startling news, his native patriotism was aroused. He enlisted 
 in the 3d Eegt. N. Y. V Inf t, on the 16th of the memorable April, 1861 ; he 
 was commissioned 2d Lieutenant on the 21st of the same month ; was promoted 
 to 1st Lieutenant Feb. 14th, 1862. Re-enlisted for three years in October 1862, was 
 promoted to Captain the 4th of the same month, which position he held at the 
 time of his death. 
 
 He was in the battle of Great Bethel Siege of Charleston Battle of Drury s 
 Bluff Cold Harbor Chapin s Farm, and in many minor engagements. An in 
 telligent, prompt and efficient officer, very popular as a company commander, and 
 no less so in his regiment. The command of the regiment devolved upon him on 
 several occasions. He was an excellent young man ; enjoying a flattering pros 
 pect for a life of usefulness and honor. He received his fatal wound while 
 advancing the Brigade skirmish line, at the Darbytown Road, Oct. 27th, 1 864 ; 
 was immediately taken to Chesapeake Hospital, Fortress Monroe, where he died 
 on the 30th, aged 27 years. Chaplain Marshal, who attended him during his last 
 hours, gave a hopeful account of his spiritual condition. 
 
HISTORY OP THE 117TH E. N. Y. V. 143 
 
 rod in advance, and being entirely unacquainted with the lay 
 of the ground, Captain Thomas failed to find, immediately, 
 the desired point of the line. Lieutenant Adams of Co. H, 
 was then sent out with directions to find the point, and to 
 connect the line with a corresponding portion of the brigade 
 line. The Lieutenant, encountering the same difficulties, in 
 advertently passed beyond the line and was taken prisoner, 
 and carried to Libby Prison, where the usual starving pro 
 cess awaited him. Several members of the regiment were 
 wounded before the charge. 
 
 The regiment, in this assault, was commanded by Major* 
 Bagg. 
 
 It was about five o clock P. M., when the order for a general 
 advance and charge, was received, when the brigade, led 
 by Col. Curtis, moved forward through the wood, and when- 
 it emerged, went on clambering and toiling through the 
 opposing tree tops, in the face of a tremendous musketry and > 
 artillery fire. It was the story of the 29th of Sept. repeated : 
 a desperate charge against superior numbers intrenched, great: 
 suffering, heavy losses, the expected fruits of the conflict to be 
 gathered at the extreme left of the line. 
 
 The force continued to threaten the rebel works till near 
 dark. Great numbers of the wounded had been borne off 
 and placed on board of ambulances, which were constantly 
 going to and from the field hospital. The approach of night r 
 did not diminish the arrivals of these victims. Several who - 
 went out in the morning returned no more. Their bodies .. 
 only were brought in and on the following morning consigned , 
 to a hastily made grave. 
 
 The brigade loss was about three hundred. That gloomy 
 night will be long remembered. It was pitchy dark, cold and , 
 
144 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 rainy. Beside the redoubt a fire was kindled and kept up, 
 though more as a guide than a source of comfort. Here, all 
 night long, the wounds were temporarily dressed and the suf 
 ferers placed on board of ambulances. Near midnight a 
 stretcher was carried in from the surrounding darkness, bear 
 ing a wounded woman and a small child ; walking at her side 
 w.ere three half-naked, half-starved children. The woman 
 groaned of pain, the children cried of hunger, and entreated 
 .the soldiers for a morsel of hard tack. The family had occu 
 pied the house between the skirmish lines, which had been the 
 .artillery target for the batteries on either side. Shells had 
 exploded in and about the house at various hours of the day. 
 Jn the morning, finding their lives endangered, they took 
 refuge in the cellar, but even there the crashing missiles found 
 them, and while there, the mother was severely wounded. It 
 was touching to see these wet and shivering little ones hover 
 ing over the fading embers, and to see their tearful, care-worn 
 faces, as they begged for the meanest crumbs in a soldier s 
 haversack. The men soon procured for them a substantial 
 supper of bread and meat, when the unhappy, misplaced group 
 was put on board an ambulance and sent to the hospital. 
 The loss from the regiment was fifty-two. Capt. Warr, of 
 ihe 117th, was seriously wounded in this engagement. 
 
 On the 28th, soon after noon, the forces all withdrew, the 
 3d Division being a part of the reserve, resumed its former 
 place about half a mile to the rear of the fortifications. The 
 .attempt to extend our line from the left, in the vicinity of 
 Hatcher s Bun, which movement we were expected to facili 
 tate by an attack on the right, was a signal failure. 
 
 On the 3d of November, one regiment of the brigade, (112th,) 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 145 
 
 received an order to be ready to march at short notice. Though 
 surmised, few were certain as to the nature of this proposed 
 expedition. A little time served to reveal it. The regiment 
 was a part of Gen. Butler s reliable force, which lay in N. Y. 
 harbor, or contiguous, on election day, for the purpose of re 
 pressing a disloyal irruption similar to that indulged in by a 
 certain element, on the occasion of the draft. The election 
 passed off quietly, from which fact some inferred that the 
 presence of the troops was altogether unnecessary. While 
 others argued that the transferring of -the troops thither, was 
 like the erection of a fort, whose availability often removes 
 all occasion for its use. The personal comfort enjoyed by the 
 troops on the expedition, was pretty much limited on the part 
 of some, to that of a brief interview with friends and on the 
 part of others, to the tantalizingi consciousness of being tem 
 porally so near home. 
 
 On account of a re-formation of all the colored troops, into 
 one corps called the 25th, the 10th was known for a time as 
 the 24th. 
 
 The decease of Maj. Gen. Birney took place during the 
 latter part of our stay on this portion of the line. He 
 was generally much esteemed as a man and as an officer ; by 
 the colored troops, he was almost revered. The family name 
 had been endeared to them by its long association with aboli 
 tionism. 
 
 November passed though the local successes had not been 
 all that might be wished the autumn returns from all the 
 departments, were satisfactory. Petersburg and Richmond 
 were closely invested, to the evident discomfort of the con 
 federate cabinet. Atlanta had been captured and nearly 
 
146 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 destroyed, and the victorious army was marching seaward, 
 while the only adverse report from it, were the predictions of 
 its exasperated foe. Thomas had checked the invasion of 
 Tennessee and had scattered the invaders. Sheridan had 
 just sent Early "whirling" southward for the third time, and 
 by devastating "the valley," had deprived the confederacy of 
 one of its chief granaries. There being no expectation of 
 immediately reaching Richmond by this way, and as there 
 were more troops on the line than would suffice to hold it, 
 enough even to maintain an active menace, the surplus force 
 from the upper, was transferred to impart greater firmness to 
 the "nether millstone." 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 147 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 THE BUTLER EXPEDITION TO FORT FISHER. 
 
 March to Bermuda Hundred Landing, by a circuitous route. Embark. A deten 
 tion at Fort Monroe. A big Feint, Voyage to Federal Point. Another delay. 
 Return Northward to Morehead city. Flag-ship absent, Fleet remains outside 
 of the Harbor. Encounters a severe gale. Cabin scene during the gale. 
 Weybossett nobly outrides the storm, and makes the Harbor next day. A four 
 days detention. Start again for Federal Point Pleasant Voyage and " a 
 Merry Christmas Eve." Debark. Advance of Gen. Curtis Brigade. 142nd 
 R. and 112th, and 3rd R. N. Y. V., reconnoitre about the Fort. 117th Regi 
 ment faces Wilmington, and brings in som9 130 prisoners. How the prisoners 
 were taken. Gen. Curtis reluctantly complies with the fourth order to retire, 
 when 1st Brigade returns to the place of Debarkation. A gloomy night for 
 the command. Expedition Returns. Gen. Curtis Report. A new Expedition 
 determined on. 
 
 THE support received by the Confederacy at Wilmington, 
 by blockade running, despite the vigilance and exertions of 
 our fleet, had long been a cause of defiant exultation on the 
 part of the enemy, and a source of shame and mortification 
 to the Government and its friends. The material aid accru 
 ing to the enemy through this avenue was quite considerable, 
 while the moral effect of his ability to maintain such frequent 
 intercourse with the outer world, he found exceedingly brac 
 ing and conservative. 
 
 The formidable character of the Wilmington defenses was 
 so well known and appreciated that no organized assault had 
 yet been made against them. Fort Fisher s immense value 
 
. 
 
 148 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 to the enemy suggested to Gen. Grant its great importance 
 to us, and the adverse moral effect its reduction would exert 
 on the waning confederacy. 
 
 Towards evening of the 7th of December, the 2nd Brigade 
 under Gen. Curtis moved out of camp. In a few minutes 
 the column was moving towards Deep Bottom. Every body, 
 again predicted a voyage, till the James was crossed. The 
 direction then was toward Petersburg. After marching till 
 aboiit midnight, the entire division halted, and biviouaced on 
 an eminence on the extreme left of the Bermuda line, near 
 the Appomattox, and within a few rods of Gen. Butler s cel 
 ebrated lookout. On this conspicuous ground, which was 
 visible from the enemy s lines, after some four hours rest, 
 the troops were directed to make their coffee and take their 
 morning meal. Hundreds of fires flashed and flickered in 
 the dawn, and faded in the morning light. Just before sun 
 rise the column was again put in motion moving toward 
 Bermuda Landing, which we had passed in the night. This 
 then was Butler strategy. 
 
 On arriving at the landing, the 117th Regiment took pas 
 sage on the Transport Weybossett, and on the morning of the 
 8th, was lying off Fort Monroe, comprising a part of the great 
 fleet then about to sail. Perhaps expecting to sail would be 
 a better expression, for the fleet did not set out from Hamp 
 ton Roads till the 13th, and did not get to sea till the 14th. 
 This delay of five or six days, was generally regretted then, 
 but the cause was not known positively till the appearance of 
 the official correspondence between Gens. Grant and Butler ? 
 on the subject of the expedition. The former ascribes the 
 delay to Gen. Butlers determination to carry out his pet pro 
 ject with the powder boat; nearly a week being lost in the 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH E. N. Y. V. 149 
 
 preparation of the boat, after the fleet was in readiness. On 
 the morning of the 13th, about twenty transports, loaded 
 with troops, steamed up the Potomac, going as far as Matthias 
 Point, where they wheeled in broad day light and by morning 
 reached the vicinity of Fort Monroe; having in the last 
 twenty hours made a number of miles, consumed many tons 
 of coal, and exhibited one of Butler s finest stratagetic evolu 
 tions. There was not a private soldier but fully comprehended 
 this movement from the first, and if at any point on the pas 
 sage it was witnessed by the rebels, it must have been quite 
 as plain to them. Much has been said against the General s 
 conduct of an engagement; however that may be, it must be 
 conceded that his feints were well-conceived, vigorous, con 
 spicuous and lucid. 
 
 Early in the morning as the transports neared Hampton 
 Roads they were joined by the armed vessels, when the entire 
 fleet steamed out to sea. This fleet, " the most formidable 
 armada ever collected for concentration upon one given 
 point," at sea, and under way, presented a most magnificent 
 sight. 
 
 The weather was favorable, the sea unusually tranquil, and 
 by 3 o clock, P. M., the fleet lay off the Wilmington defenses. 
 The gray sand banks of Federal Point, stretched off south 
 ward in the distance, where it seemed to terminate in the bold 
 relief of Fort Fisher. The troops were now all eager to land, 
 to make the most of what remained of the chance of a sur 
 prise. Besides being anxious to prosecute the work for which 
 they had embarked, they were impatient to escape from the 
 unavoidable discomforts of a crowded vessel. But, alas ! here 
 another tedious and damaging delay occurred. Some four 
 or five precious days, were again wasted to the government, 
 
150 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 and the same period of burdensome confinement endured by 
 the men. At this stage coal and water having become scarce 
 and signs of a storm having arisen, the fleet was ordered to 
 Morehead City, N. C. to replenish. Commanders of vessels 
 were directed to keep near the flag-ship. 
 
 The fleet set out for Morehead City on the 20th ; arrived 
 there the same day, many of the vessels in time to gain the 
 harbor on that tide, but the flag-ship not being up to lead or 
 permit the rest to enter, all were compelled to tarry without 
 the harbor ; while waiting thus, the expected storm announced 
 itself. As the wind was strongly coast-ward, prompt meas 
 ures had to be employed by every crew, to get to sea. The 
 gale proved to be a severe one, and the transports were sorely 
 buffeted for nearly twenty-four hours. Many were disturbed 
 by well founded occasion for fear. During the gale several 
 officers horses on board of some of the vessels were thus lost. 
 The rolling of the vessels caused the horses to sway, and 
 breaking down their stalls, the poor animals, floundered to 
 gether amid the rubbish, from one side of the vessel to the 
 other, mangling and mutilating each other most frightfully. 
 As it was dangerous to venture among them, and impossible 
 to render any service when there, as the last resort, dozens of 
 these poor creatures were shot, and when quietness among 
 them had been effected by this means the carcasses were 
 thrown overboard. 
 
 There were no horses on board of the Weybossett, but the 
 inconveniences of a rough sea were suffered equally by the 
 troops. The soldiers generally, both on deck and below, found 
 it most convenient to lie down and maintain that posture. 
 The cabins were the scene of various gymnastic feats. Ath 
 letic men tried in vain to keep a common stool firmly to the 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 151 
 
 floor. The Hospital Steward was striving to evade the 
 searching periodic visits of an iron-bound medicine chest. A 
 dignified officer, remarkable for gallantry in civil life, waltzed 
 for some minutes with a tall three-legged coal stove. The 
 Colonel and Chaplain, with noticeable accord, maintained the 
 horizontal, each exerting his powers of moral suasion in a 
 protracted effort to repress a gastric rebellion. The Adjutant, 
 with a Bulwer novel in one hand, and the door handle in the 
 other, managed to adhere to the angle of the room ; though 
 reading, perhaps " mechanically " he was nevertheless calm 
 and serene. 
 
 It was near noon on the 21st, before the Weybossett entered 
 the harbor. Another delay ; and no permission given the 
 troops to land. By this time confinement to the narrow 
 limits of a medium sized transport had become irksome 
 almost, as imprisonment. The men were submissively 
 disposed, but their instincts of personal and domestic propri 
 ety were violated. They longed to be where water was not doled 
 out by the cupfull. 
 
 At length, on the 24th, the fleet again got under way for 
 Federal Point. The weather was delightful, the sea unusu 
 ally tranquil. The voyage from Morehead City to the mouth 
 of Cape Fear River, on that Christmas Eve, was happily 
 memorable. It was difficult to say whether the studded can 
 opy, or the placid sea with its imposing constellation of ships, 
 presented the grander spectacle. The troops were much 
 better pleased than when lying at anchor. Having been 
 borne safely through the gale by the sturdy Weybossett, now 
 they enjoyed a sense of home security on board of her as she 
 glided quietly through the waters. The sound of laughter 
 and song rose from every quarter of the ship. Story telling 
 
152 HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 
 
 and cards began the evening entertainment in the cabin. 
 These were at length superceded by the formation of a tem 
 porary debating society. The organization completed, the 
 question arose as to the topic to be discussed. Several were 
 suggested, and this finally selected. 
 
 " Should the leaders of the rebellion, now propose to 
 abandon the struggle for independence, and signify a willing 
 ness to return the seceded states to the Union, on condition 
 of a restoration of all their former political privileges, would 
 the Government be justifiable in thus accepting them ? " 
 
 A spirited debate followed. It was seasoned with good ar 
 gument, wit and humor. One officer advanced an argument, 
 which will long be remembered for its terseness and perti 
 nence. It ran nearly in the following words. 
 
 " Mr. President, would you be willing to go home, with 
 things in their present shape ? To leave the war while the 
 cause remains? Go home, leaving the nigger in the fence? 
 Go home, so, and you will be likely at any minute to be brought 
 back, to suffer as we have, and may be, to die as others have, 
 just because you did not do the work up well. You know 
 now Mr. President, we have had a hard time of it, now, don t 
 let us spoil the whole job just to save the eternal nigger. As 
 for me, I say, dont let up till you ve cleaned the fence." 
 
 Better speeches than that are not common in our legisla 
 ture. It is reasonable to conclude, that the speaker, in his 
 civil functions, is pursuing the same intelligent course. The 
 question was decided in the negative. 
 
 Captain Parish, then furnished several bottles of cham 
 paign, which were also discussed with much animation and 
 apparent satisfaction. Meanwhile the party were entertained 
 with singing. Capt. Parish contributed the song, entitled 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 153 
 
 " Twenty years Ago." It was well rendered, and well re 
 ceived. Several members of the 3rd R. N. Y. Y. Inf. con 
 tributed in the same line. Nor should we forget the favor of 
 a certain passionate admirer of " Burrins." Toasts were 
 given in conclusion, one of which, will bear repeating. 
 
 " This Christmas Eve we ll ne er forget 
 Cap. Parish and the Weybossett." 
 
 By midnight all retired. On the morning of the 25th, the 
 entire fleet was off Fort Fisher, and Admiral Porter, was en 
 gaged in a vigorous bombardment. He had opened the day 
 before, and maintained it throughout the night. Toward 
 noon the debarkation of Gen. Ames Division began. The 
 small boats of the Naval fleet, to the number of scores, were 
 used for this purpose. The place of landing was about 
 three miles north of Fort Fisher ; the debarkation was con 
 ducted under cover of the fire from two or three frigates, 
 which had been assigned to that duty. The opposition from 
 the redoubts and small forts on the beach, was weak and brief. 
 Gen. Curtis, followed by his brigade, was the first to land. 
 He soon formed, and while the 2nd Brigade was debarking, 
 began to advance. The two Brigades marched up the beach, 
 the 1st Brigade in line, worked up reconnoitering. A portion 
 of the brigade had penetrated far, towards the Cape Fear 
 River. At this stage, the force was recalled. When this or 
 der to withdraw and re-embark reached the 1st Brigade, it 
 was already near to and in rear of the Fort ; so near that 
 Lieut. Walling, of the 142d Regiment, and others on the 
 Brigade Staff, had secured a battle-flag, which had been shot 
 down from the ramparts, and other articles from the same 
 vicinity. While the 117th Regiment had reached the river 
 
154 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 bank, and intercepted and captured a battalion of two hund 
 red and twenty-two men, belonging to the 4th Regiment N. 
 Carolina Reserves, which had been sent to re-enforce the ter 
 rified and incompetent garrison. 
 
 The capture of this battalion was effected under the follow 
 ing circumstances : Soon after the 1st brigade, under General 
 Curtis, had taken position just in rear of the outer works of 
 the Fort, a courier reported to the General that a battery of 
 artillery were trying to escape toward Wilmington by the 
 river road. The General immediately ordered Captain Stevens 
 (who was then acting on his staff,) to take the two companies 
 on the right of the 117th Regiment, to pursue and capture 
 them if possible. The Captain started at once, with com 
 panies H and B, and soon came up with the guns, which the 
 fugitives had abandoned, the more fully to ensure their own 
 safety. The captain followed as far as seemed expedient, 
 halted and threw out his command as skirmishers, when Col. 
 Daggett came up with the balance of the regiment. While 
 the command was assuming a defensive form, Captain Thomas 
 came in with a rebel officer, one Major Reese, whom he 
 had met, and who was inquiring for the Commanding officer. 
 The Major said he had a command of some over 200 men, or 
 boys, which he wished to surrender. On being farther ques 
 tioned, he said his command was a part of the North Carolina 
 Junior Reserves, and that they were on the river bank, a few 
 hundred yards distant. The Colonel, naturally enough, sus 
 pected a trick, and inclined to conduct accordingly. The 
 Major observing this, asked the Colonel if he was a Mason. 
 The Colonel replied, "No, but the Captain is," (referring to 
 Captain Stevens.) The Major then stepped up to the Cap 
 tain, and soon made himself known as a brother in the fra- 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 155 
 
 ternity, and satisfied him as to the truth of his statement. 
 Upon this, the Captain told the Colonel, that if he would fur 
 nish him a guard of eight or ten men, he would go with the 
 Major, receive the surrender, and bring the men in. The 
 Col. replied substantially, that his men were all right, but his 
 faith was weak. The Major having overheard the conversa 
 tion, now remarked, " Captain, I had rather you would not 
 take a guard." On being asked why, he said he was fearful 
 "that the boys, on hearing a number advancing on them, 
 might fire, arid that he wanted the surrender accomplished 
 without any further delay or trouble." 
 
 The Captain then remarked, " Very well, Major, I will go 
 with you alone," which he did. The two had gone about 200 
 yards beyond our lines, when they were brought to a sudden 
 halt by the sound of the clicking of muskets. The Captain 
 at once demanded >of the Major, "What does that mean," 
 when he got this reply : " The boys are preparing to fire on 
 us ; wait a moment." The Major then advanced three or four 
 paces and gave a preconcerted signal, which was answered, 
 when he added, "Don t fire, boys," the answer came, "No 
 Major, we won t." Then turning to the Captain, the Major, 
 in alow tone, said, "Come on, Captain, its all right." It 
 being very dark, the two officers were not seen till almost in 
 the midst of the troops. The Major then made the announce 
 ment, "Well boys, I ve surrendered." "Not by a d 11 
 
 sight!" said one soldier, with great emphasis. "Yes! Yes! 
 I have," said the Major, " We are surrounded and can t get 
 away." "Yes," added the Captain, who not having spoken, 
 had not been specially observed nor recognized, " We have 
 got you Boys, you may as well give it up." Upon this, one 
 
156 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 of them approached the Captain, and, after peering in his face 
 and scrutinizing him minutely, broke out with, "Be you a 
 Yankee officer ?" The Captain answered, " Yes," when the 
 soldier, retiring one step, struck a peculiarly expressive atti 
 tude and exclaimed, " Well, by G d ! !" The Captain at once 
 ordered the Major to form his men in marching order, which 
 he did, the Captain, in the meanwhile, being asked many times 
 what was to be done with them, if they were to be killed, &c. 
 <fcc. On being assured that they would be better off than in 
 their own army, they came without further questioning, say 
 ing to one another, "We can t be any worse off, any how." 
 "We have never received a cent of pay, nor scarcely anything 
 to eat, except what we have picked up." They were soon 
 under way. On approaching the lines, they were met by 
 Captain Thomas with a squad of men, in search of Captain 
 Stevens, his long absence having excited suspicion of rebel 
 treachery. On being assured it was all right, he seemed 
 much relieved, when he faced about preceding the prisoners. 
 
 Soon after gaining our lines, and while the Captain was 
 forming the prisoners for the purpose of stacking their arms, 
 Col. Daggett came up and informed Captain Stevens, that he, 
 (the Col.,) had just received a peremptory order, to retire 
 immediately, by the shortest possible route to the place of de 
 barkation. 
 
 Here, then, a new difficulty presented itself. The 117th 
 could not be encumbered with the captured arms, and it 
 would not do to leave them to the enemy. The captain rep 
 resenting the prisoners as thoroughly frightened, it was de 
 termined to let them march down as they were, bearing their 
 own pieces, which was done j they, marching silently under 
 
HISTORY OP THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 157 
 
 the guns of the fort, and not knowing till morning, that their 
 whole number of 222 men and 7 officers, had been taken 
 prisoners by one man, and that, while in possession of their 
 loaded pieces, they had been brought in by a guard inferior 
 to them in numbers. 
 
 Though it was impossible, in the presence of these proofs 
 of our progress, to discern the military propriety of the order, 
 the Brigade returned to the place of debarkation, arriving 
 there about 9 o clock P. M. The 3d Brigade had already de 
 parted, and the 2d, despite the increasing turbulence of the 
 sea, had nearly all recovered their places on the transports. 
 Soon after they had all done so, the 1st Brigade attempted it, 
 but the violence of the surf promptly arrested the work, and 
 emphatically forbade its renewal. Then followed, 
 
 A GLOOMY NIGHT FOR THE 1ST BRIGADE. 
 
 Darkness was about us we were destitute of materials for 
 shelter, or tools for entrenching a heavy and cold rain was 
 upon us the forbidding sea roared on one side, and Hoke s 
 division threatened on the other. What a difference in the 
 situation of the Regiment, contrasting this, its Christmas night, 
 with its Christmas eve. 
 
 It was not till the 27th that the sea abated sufficiently to 
 permit the command to return to the transports, and even 
 then the small boats, used to convey the troops to the vessels, 
 could be managed only by the aid of ropes, attached to vessels 
 anchored for the purpose, and to some object on the beaeh. 
 These small boats had to be kept so far from the water line, 
 that it was necessary to wade breast deep to get into them, 
 and then the transfer was attended with some danger. By 
 11 
 
158 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 this tedious process, on Tuesday, the Brigade was relieved 
 from its perilous situation on Federal Point. It followed the 
 rest of the Division northward, reaching Aikin s Landing, on 
 the James, on the evening of the 30th of December, the 
 troops having been absent some twenty-three days, and nearly 
 all this time, on ship board. The rude quarters were still 
 standing, having been occupied by other troops, but they had 
 been thoroughly stripped of many little conveniences. After 
 four or five days spent in re-collecting the many little means 
 of comfort, such as fire places, stoves, fuel, &c., for the weath 
 er was quite cold, an order was again received to prepare to 
 move at short notice. 
 
 Gen. Grant was displeased at the barren results of the ex 
 pedition. The thoroughness of Gen Curtis advance, afford 
 ing him a better knowledge of the situation than that posses 
 sed by any other officer, immediately on his return, he report 
 ed the result of his observations to the Lieutenant-General. 
 This report seems to have been a basis of future action with 
 the Commander-in-Chief. The strength of Curtis convictions, 
 as to the untenability of the fort, in the face of so great an 
 amount of high professional authority, must have been an in 
 teresting topic for his contemplative mind, 
 
 As a manifestation of this intense conviction, he could 
 hardly regard with disfavor, the 1st Brigade s tardy return to 
 the beach, on Christmas night. 
 
 Among the questions put to Gen. Curtis, were these : 
 
 "Is Gen. Curtis still of the opinion that he could .have taken 
 Fort Fisher ?" 
 
 "Does he think it can, at any time hereafter, be taken by 
 an assault ?" 
 
HISTORY OP THE 11TTH R. N. Y. V. 159 
 
 These questions were answered affirmatively. In his final 
 report, Lieut.- Gen. Grant thus alludes to Gen. Curtis and his 
 staff: 
 
 " On the return of the expedition, officers and men, among 
 them Brevet Major General (then Brevet Brigadier General) 
 N. M. Curtis, First Lieutenant G. W. Ross,* Regiment 
 Vermont Volunteers, 1st Lieut. G. W. Walling and 2d Lieut. 
 George Simpson, 142nd N. Y. Vols., voluntarily reported to 
 me, that when recalled, they were nearly into the Fort, and 
 in their opinion, it could have been taken without much loss." 
 
 Gen. Grant, resolving on a new attack, the 2d division, on. 
 the 3d of January, scarcely four days after its return, broke; 
 camp and set out on another expedition against Fort Fisher... 
 
 *Lieutenant Ross was a member of the 117th Regiment N. Y. V. 
 
160 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 CAPTURE OF FORT FISHER AND EXPLOSION OF 
 THE MAGAZINE. 
 
 Break Camp at Chapia s Farm. March and Embarkation. Voyage. Landing 
 on Federal Point. Advance. Assume the Defensive. The Bombardment. 
 Offensive movements begun by the 1st Brigade. The Investment. lie-enforce 
 ment of the Enemy. Preparations for the Assault. Bombardment continues. 
 The Charge. The Conflict. Its Intensity and duration. The Crisis. 
 Surrender of the Garrison. Description of the Fort. Fearful Expedients for 
 its defense. Explosion of the Magazine. 
 
 THE second expedition, the land force of which was placed 
 Hinder command of Gen. Terry, set out from Hampton Roads 
 on the 9th day of January, 1865. 
 
 The promptness with which the immense armada was re 
 organized, and both physically and morally re-enforced, and 
 ]re-projected against the defences of Wilmington, without the 
 contrasts of 1862, was sufficient to immortalize the name of 
 Gen. Grant. Our start and progress were as follows : 
 
 The regiment under Col. Daggett, hroke camp and moved 
 toward Bermuda Hundred with the brigade, under Gen. 
 urtis, late in the afternoon of the 3d. The weather was 
 cold and stormy, and of course the roads treacherous and 
 toilsome. The night was spent in a pine woods about a mile 
 from the landing. The storm continued till late in the night; 
 meanwhile the troops of the entire division lay on the wet 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V, 161 
 
 leaves under the dripping snow burdened pines. In the morn 
 ing, river transports convoyed them to Fort Monroe, where 
 the fleet was re-assembling. The 1st brigade, consisting then 
 of some fourteen hundred troops, there embarked on board 
 the splendid and capacious ocean steamer, "Atlantic." This 
 provision was made, no doubt, the better to secure the simul 
 taneous, or at least, the systematic landing of the advance 
 brigade, thus averting the confusion which might otherwise 
 result from the tardy arrival of any portion. 
 
 As every thing appeared to be done as early as possible, so 
 that important interests might not suffer from attention to 
 minor affairs, the troops were on board about four or five days 
 before the fleet moved. After getting under way, a day or 
 two was spent in the vicinity of Beaufort, N. C. 
 
 The fleet, having arrived in the vicinity during the night, 
 about 8 o clock on the morning of Friday, January 13th, 
 Gen. Terry s force landed about two miles north of the Fort. 
 The debarkation was * conducted under shelter of the fire 
 of the Frigate Brooklyn. 
 
 It is seldom, even in war, that a grander sight presents, 
 than was afforded there that morning. The greater armed 
 portion of that majestic fleet was flashing, and raining its 
 fiery judgments on the fort and garrison, while the bellowing 
 of ponderous artillery, filled the entire space, bound by the 
 visible horizon. 
 
 Scores of transports lay at anchor apposite this proposed 
 landing place. The Brooklyn, like an enraged lioness, went 
 up and down parallel with the beach, covering the debarking 
 troops. From her wide mouthed guns, now and then, streams 
 of fire leapt out over the waters, with a deafening explosion, 
 
162 HISTORY OF THE 117TH E. N. Y. V. 
 
 then the huge shell, taking up the sound, went tearing and 
 screeching through the air, when back came the faint report 
 of its explosion, mingled with that of the crash of falling 
 timber in the far off wood-land the very indistinctness of the 
 sound testifying impressively of distance, velocity, and power. 
 
 Dozens of little boats were plying to and fro and about 
 great transport ships, reminding one of a country lake scene, 
 where downy web footed infantry, glide confidingly in the 
 shadow of their graceful paternity. After a few of these 
 buoyant little messengers had made a trip to the beach, a 
 collection of our boys in blue, presented a pleasant contrast 
 to the white sandy background. Each on board watched 
 with pleasurable interest, the extension of that glorious cloud 
 of political promise, till the time came for him to contribute 
 to its growth. The rolicking white-capped breakers did not 
 suffer many to gain terra fir ma without an involuntary bath, 
 but on the beach a nicely tempered air, and a genial sun 
 shine, awaited to dry, cheer and comfof t. 
 
 A skirmish line having been thrown out from this centre, 
 and extended, the entire force was landed. Late in the after 
 noon, Gen. Paine s division, (colored troops,) marched down 
 the beach nearly a mile. A little later, the head of this col 
 umn pushed on across the peninsula, intrenching during the 
 night. Other brigades followed. The 1st Brigade also formed 
 and marched southward along the sea, till it came to an elabor 
 ately planned rebel fort, in process of construction. From this 
 point it moved inland, and soon connected with Gen. Paine s 
 command, and with it traversed the peninsula of Federal Point. 
 The night was spent in intrenching. By morning, the ample, 
 timbers of the unfinished rebel fort, had been transferred to 
 more honorable places in our new work, which now frowned 
 
HISTORY OF THE 11TTH B. N. Y. V. 163 
 
 formidably toward Hoke s command, the most enterprising of 
 whose skirmishers, had already inspected the situation. 
 
 The chief object of this defensive line, being to cover oper 
 ations against the Fort, in the afternoon, the 1st Brigade hav 
 ing been relieved for that purpose, marched diagonally 
 across the peninsula, from where the intrenched line left the 
 beach, to the bank of the river,. at a point about half a mile 
 in rear of the Fortification. 
 
 .While making this movement, the brigade traversed an 
 open space and a gentle eminence, which commanded a view 
 of the river and the rebel gunboat Chickamauga, lying in the 
 stream. Unhappily, the discovery was mutual, for the brigade 
 had scarcely discovered itself, before she sent three or four 
 well directed shell, which killed one man and wounded sev 
 eral. Among the latter was Captain Reeves, of the 3d Regt. 
 N. Y. Yols., who had his right leg, from just below the knee, 
 instantaneously carried away by a fragment of shell. 
 
 The position of the brigade for the night, was very near a 
 group of cheap tenements, known as Pilotville. The largest 
 of the houses, it was stated, had been owned, or at least oc 
 cupied by Col. Lamb, commander of Fort Fisher. In that 
 unobtrusive dwelling, which presented indications of having 
 been informally vacated, an officer picked up an unfinished 
 letter from the wife of the gallant Lamb. In it she was giv 
 ing her parents an account of the Butler demonstration, and 
 a glowing description of the able manner in which the Fort 
 had been defended by her husband. It appears that while Mrs. 
 Lamb was writing an elaborate burlesque on the former at 
 tack, she was interrupted by the arrival of Porter and Terry. 
 The hated Yankees, instead of her parents, read her epistle, 
 and instead of Col. Lamb, promenading the parapet of the 
 
164 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. Y. 
 
 renowned fort, as commanding General of the Post, the fort 
 speedily fell, and the Col. became a wounded prisoner. 
 
 Subsequent operations in the reduction and occupation of 
 Fort Fisher, might be as readably presented, perhaps, by let 
 ters written soon after, under the inspiration of then recent 
 scenes. 
 
 "On Saturday evening, Jan. 14th, the 1st Brigade of 2d 
 Division, 24th A. C., commanded by Gen. Curtis, was lying 
 about half a mile in rear of the works, and under the fitful 
 shelling of the rebel fort and gunboat. This Brigade com 
 prised the following named regiments : 117th, 3d, 142d and 
 the 112th, all N. Y. State organizations. Early in the even 
 ing Capt. Magill and Lieut. Fairbanks of the 117th Regiment, 
 deployed a skirmish line across from a point as near the beach 
 as the firing from the fleet would permit, to the river on our 
 right. Though these officers and privates had been deprived 
 of their rest on the previous night, they responded to the call 
 with a zest which betokened disaster to the enemy. 
 
 The intrepid advancement of this line, excited the fears of 
 the enemy to such a degree that he became unwilling longer 
 to trust to the repelling force of the few field pieces he could 
 operate, when he proposed to combat us with our own weap 
 ons, and accordingly deployed a counter skirmish line. About 
 this time, ours was re-enforced, when we opened on the un 
 sheltered troops of the garrison, a fire so severe, that by 10 
 o clock they retired within the works in disorder, where they 
 passed the night in a state of unaccountable quiescence. The 
 quiet, which till morning prevailed in the fort, probably gave 
 rise to the statement, in the rebel papers, to the effect that 
 the garrison had betrayed a lack of vigilance. It is a fact 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 165 
 
 that their inactivity, during the night, was of a degree border 
 ing on torpor. 
 
 Several of our line ventured within a few yards of the 
 stockade without provoking a shot or eliciting a sound. A 
 soldier, posted as guard near the sally port, apparently grow 
 ing weary of their drowsy indifference, forsook his post and 
 sensibly joined the Union " wide awakes." Rebel inactivity 
 did not, however, extend beyond .the limits of the fort, for 
 the " Chickamauga " steamed up the river before midnight, 
 and began to operate against the line of General Paine ; and, 
 disclosed by the light of her smoke pipe, a small river steam 
 boat was seen to make two or three trips from a point up the 
 stream to Fort Buchanan, but, whether her business was that 
 of re-enforcing, or evacuating Fort Fisher, was a matter of 
 conjecture. 
 
 Admiral Porter continued his attentions to the devoted 
 strong-hold most perseveringly throughout the night, and, if 
 the rebels have forgotten the attractive sublimity of our 
 Country s beneficence, those in Fort Fisher can testify that her 
 vengeance is terrible. Those in charge of the skirmish line 
 did not fail to improve the advantage to be gained by rebel 
 passiveness, for by morning our skirmish line lay within 200 
 yards of the parapet, so that no one, but a reckless desperado, 
 would attempt to load any of the un-dismantled pieces that 
 frowned so formidably from the embrasures; but their guns at 
 the Mound Battery and Fort Buchanan, annoyed us consider 
 ably, though without delaying the advance, or deranging our 
 plans. Another ingenious device of theirs and, characteris 
 tic, and from which we suffered, was that of their loading 
 light pieces under cover, running them out to discharge them, 
 
166 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 and then withdrawing to reload. The lateral extension of 
 the little, pits, dug and occupied by our skirmishers during 
 the night, provided them in the morning with a line of breast 
 works, sufficiently roomy to accommodate a couple of regi 
 ments, which were sent forward to insure the position. 
 
 The morning of Sunday, January 15th, was bright, fair and 
 peaceful, contrasting strongly with the political storm then 
 raging on Federal Point, and which was soon to break forth 
 with renewed violence. During the night, the enemy had re 
 assured his determination, as he was still re-enforcing his 
 doomed garrison, for the little steamer, about 9 A. M., went 
 plodding down the river, laden with what some supposed were 
 Confederate troops. This suspicion was speedily verified, for 
 soon after the little transport was seen to stop opposite Fort 
 Buchanan, a column of soldiers emerged from the sally port 
 of that work, and marched along in close order on the 
 level leading toward Fort Fisher. At this, the fleet fired more 
 rapidly, and over the latter work, in a direction which ricoch- 
 etted the fragments of shell on and parallel with the rebel 
 thoroughfare. In obedience with their ready instincts they 
 fell back, attenuated their column, and, on a double quick, 
 made for the protection of Fort Fisher. I am satisfied that 
 they did not run that mile of gauntlet with impunity. For 
 my own part, I could draw no comfort from the thought of 
 the enemy s accession, though it almost seemed to me that 
 some of our officers did, for, on my alluding to the circum 
 stance in the light of our misfortune, I was answered, " So 
 much greater will be their loss at the fall of Fisher." If the 
 rebels had been re-enforced both morally and numerically, it 
 is sufficient to say that the chill dews of the night had not 
 dampened the ardor of the troops of Gen. Ames Division. 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 167 
 
 On our side, too, there was moving of troops. The other brig 
 ades of the division filed in and- rested in rear of the 1st ; but, 
 even without these military indications, we could discern that 
 we were on the eve of a momentous and absorbing issue. In 
 the course of human events, we had again reached a time that 
 " tries men s souls." It was traceable in the faces of those 
 about us. One could read there the silent language of stern 
 determination and high resolve. Men were cheerful, but not 
 mirthful ; serious but not solemn. In every eye might be 
 read, not fear, but volumes of thought, too deep for utter 
 ance. One, alas! now gone, approached me hopeful and 
 smiling our eyes met we clasped hands, and while convers 
 ing he slipped into my hand his family address, when, with 
 mutually lingering gaze, we parted forever. The demeanor, 
 on the eve of battle of an intelligent soldiery, whose cause is 
 that of God and humanity, I had observed before, but never 
 when so apparent. 
 
 It was now near noon Word had already passed round 
 that the grand charge would take place at 3 o clock. Time 
 wore away slowly. Before the hour, Gen. Curtis, whose 
 athletic frame is typical of the vigor of the military organiza 
 tion he commands, was at his post. There he lay couchant, 
 with his Brigade, eager and impatient to spring upon the 
 throat of the impious Confederacy to close forever the food- 
 pipe through which England was subsisting, on Democratic 
 soil, a rebellious aristocracy which she has not the courage to 
 adopt. 
 
 A party had been sent with axes to effect several openings 
 or passages through the stockade barrier, which they accom 
 plished without serious loss. Similar interruptions in the 
 line of stockade had been made by the fire of the Navy, which 
 
168 HISTORY OP THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 
 
 were the openings made by the breaking down of a stockade 
 post here and there. The destruction of this verticle abattis 
 was no where, I think, so complete as is represented in the N. 
 Y. Pictorials. Entire, it constituted a pretty substantial bar 
 rier, being a file or line of logs set upright, with the lower 
 ends secured in horizontal sills or sleepers, covered with dirt, 
 the upright pickets being in so close contact that a hand could 
 not be inserted between them, and the upper extremities 
 sharpened, and terminating 10 or 12 feet above the level of 
 the ground. It is plain that scaling it, would have been slow 
 and hazardous. The marines were to attack on the sea side, 
 while the soldiers attacked on the north side. 
 
 During all the day, especially from about 9 o clock, the 
 firing of the fleet on the fort had been most terrific. The 
 troops of our brigade were aware that their present compara 
 tive immunity was transient ; that at the moment of the 
 charge, the bombardment would cease, or would be much less 
 hurtful to the enemy, and that, at the instant, the parapet 
 would swarm with infuriated foemen. The moment was at 
 hand the signal from the Brigade commander had been de 
 termined on. When everything was ready, the General would 
 rise, step out of the intrenchments and wave his hat. All 
 feared that this deliberate exposure of his person might draw 
 the fatal minnie. Not far in advance towered the frowning 
 Fortress, within which were the desperate emissaries of red- 
 handed treason, and, though none saw, all knew, that above, 
 in imperial majesty, sat the Angel of Death. It was an awful 
 moment, and, while with compressed lips our troops were 
 breathing a silent petition for home and country, the signal 
 was given, and the line, despite the storm of bullets and can- 
 nister which strewed the interval with dead and wounded, 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 169 
 
 rushed forward like a tempest, through the stockade, and up 
 the parapet, and, in a trice, a veteran Union flag fluttered on 
 the parapet. If the roar of artillery abated, it was more than 
 supplied by the yelling and the din of deadly musketry. All 
 along on the crest of the parapet, as far to the left as our line 
 extended, might be seen the desperate contest. The national 
 colors and the insurgent rag, were seen simultaneouly and 
 then alternately, on the same traverse. Hand to hand, foot to 
 foot, the combatants fought. Inch by inch, did our brave boys 
 press back that serrated line of gray. 
 
 It was little past 3 o clock, P. M. 
 
 I had heard contending musketry, but its duration was 
 short ; but here, a long hour dragged by ; wounded were borne 
 off. The 2d Brigade advanced, and then the 3d the fight 
 went on. The sun sank slowly and lay on the western hori 
 zon the rattle of musketry knew no abatement. Twilight 
 came but no lull in the storm of battle. At length darkness 
 came only to reveal more distinctly the lurid flash of battle, 
 and to disclose perchance a glimpse of the pallid faces of the 
 dead. Ten o clock arrived but with it no rest, except for 
 him who had lain him down in his last sleep. From 3 till 
 10|, more than 7 long hours of untold eifort and agony and 
 there was a calm a welcome stillness a short suggestive in 
 terval of sound, and then a cheer 0! such a cheer. It 
 thrilled ones every nerve and reached the inmost soul, suffus 
 ing eyes unused to weep. FORT FISHER HAD FALLEN 
 WITH HER ARMS AND GARRISON. 
 
 It is difficult to convey to those unacquainted with the de 
 fences of Wilmington and of the peculiar construction of 
 Fort Fisher, an idea of the obstacles to be overcome in 
 reducing those works. It has been justly observed that, con- 
 
170 HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 
 
 sidcring the strength of the position, the severity of its loss to 
 the Confederacy, the prospective effect of the capture in pro 
 moting the desired peace, the amount of property taken, the 
 number of prisoners captured, together with the lightness of 
 our loss numerically our victory there will stand out in his 
 tory as one of the greatest of the war. 
 
 I speak of our numerical loss as small, and yet it was se 
 vere. Losses from such an army as ours, are small only re 
 latively. A practical Democracy engenders no distinct class 
 of "poor white trash " groveling in hopeless ignorance over 
 beyond the impassable gulf of social caste. Our private Sol 
 diers are a vital part of our social fabric, while the loss of 
 such men as led and fell on that occasion, is felt throughout 
 all the ramifications of an extensive community. Let their 
 memory be embalmed in our hearts ; and then, who can meet 
 the maimed and mutilated heroes of our army without emo 
 tions of gratitude suggesting the thought, " this he bears for 
 me." 
 
 Though they were repulsed with severe loss, the early ad 
 vance of the sailors and marines on the sea side, by diverting 
 the garrison fire, may have measurably exempted the land 
 troops. On the land side of the fort, at its external base, just 
 within the stockade, the enemy had dug down and walled 
 up with sandbags, a sort of sub-fort which communicated, by 
 an underground passage with the main work in it, they 
 had two light guns, placed on a couple of short sections of 
 rail-road. The object and use of these, were to enfilade, 
 with a sweeping fire, the attacking force, whenever it had 
 passed the abattis. These guns commanded the outer slope 
 of the parapet. The gunners were exposed only while firing 
 withdrawing the guns to reload. The value of such an 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 171 
 
 arrangement is obvious, and might have served them effect 
 ually had they been attacked by an irresolute or halting brig 
 ade, as it was, their advantage, though afflicting to us, was 
 transient. 
 
 I am inclined to believe, that the intensely positive mood 
 of the 1st Brigade which actuated it in that irresistible charge, 
 and which, no doubt impaired the military tone of the enemy, 
 was due, in some degree to its unchanged impression that the 
 fort could be taken. This conviction, it may be said, possess 
 ed the brigade since Gen. Curtis volunteered to take the 
 works on Christmas day. On the return trip, after the But 
 ler demonstration, the writer suffered reproof for attempting 
 to moderate the critical denunciations of his associates, who 
 persisted in representing the withdrawal as " palpable folly." 
 The correctness of their judgment was fully confirmed by the 
 testimony of the commander of the fort, Col. Lamb, who 
 stated that the defensive power of the garrison was two or 
 three times greater at the time of its capture, than it was on 
 the 25th of December. 
 
 They had made another very fearful defensive provision. 
 After the surrender of the work we discovered some 25 heav 
 ily charged torpedoes ranged along the stockade, just where 
 an attacking force would be delayed and accumulate. Each 
 of these, by means of an isolated wire, communicated with 
 a heavy galvanic battery placed in one of the bomb-proofs. 
 Had this conception succeeded, our losses would have been 
 fearful, and perhaps the first attack a failure. Fortunately, 
 their infernal apparatus was completely disconcerted by the 
 violence of the bombardment. 
 
 Fort Fisher presented a bold and heavy relief of sand bank, 
 of some twenty, some say thirty feet high, arranged in an 
 
172 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 irregular curve ; from without, presenting a succession of 
 heavy guns, separated by broad traverses, the tops of which 
 were so regularly formed as to appear, in the distance, not un 
 like a row of large hay cocks. These traverses served a 
 double purpose for beside covering the cannoniers from a 
 lateral fire, these huge bulks of sand of fifteen to twenty 
 feet in depth, are the ponderous roofs resting on an adequate 
 frame work, which also served as the internal boundary of 
 Fisher s celebrated bomb-proofs. From this it will be seen 
 the Fort was not only a strong work against an external 
 foe, but that it was abundantly furnished with internal de 
 fences. It will explain why that of the 15th of January was 
 perhaps, the most severely contested battle of the war. Our 
 occupation of the fort, was plainly not equivalent to its pos 
 session ; at least, till we had overpowered the garrison. With 
 a less determined force, after gaining the enclosure, the ques 
 tion might have risen, " Which party is bagged ? " After 
 contending long to pass the crest of the parapet, we entered 
 to find every bomb-proof a battery of belligerent muskets, 
 and every traverse a bristling breastwok. Without indulg 
 ing in a doubting pause, the Union troops addressed them 
 selves to the duty before them ; to possess the work by as 
 many successive charges as there were bomb-proofs unless 
 the endurance of the enemy should fail before. 
 
 The Richmond editors, after dilating on the "tenability" 
 of the work, with ill concealed chagrin ask, "Why did the 
 garrison surrender it ? " A pertinent answer at once suggests 
 itself. " Because they could not help it." There were sev 
 eral untoward events which transpired and then conspired 
 against the rebel fort. 
 
 First, Gen. Terry s forces were allowed to land, then, Hoke 
 and Bragg permitted us to intrench across the Peninsula. 
 
HISTORY OF THE 11TTH R. N. Y. Y. 173 
 
 Again, through rebel regard for the "Yankee Armada," Gen. 
 Ames Division was suffered to approach within half a mile 
 of the fort. Then, the rebels tolerated the advance of our 
 skirmish line within 200 yards during Saturday night. By 
 some, these adverse occurences are regarded as the result of 
 bad management on the part of the rebels, but, was not their 
 failure at Fisher, as elsewhere, clearly attributable to the fact 
 that they had to contend with a foe whose courage and per 
 tinacity are based on an intelligent conviction of the justness 
 of his cause ? 
 
 The Navy, unaided, could not have taken the fort, while 
 the land forces, without the co-operation of the former, would 
 have been equally inadequate. It is well that in so great an 
 achievement, these two defensive forces of the nation should 
 learn their mutual dependence, and, in the same time, hu 
 manly speaking, the omnipotence of their united efforts. 
 The recollection of that great victory is conservatively inspi 
 ring and will still more endear to all genuine Americans one 
 of our most popular national songs. 
 
 " The Army and Navy forever, 
 Three cheers for the Red, White and Blue." 
 
 At the time of the surrender on Sunday night, all three of 
 the brigades of Gen. Ames (2d) Division were within the 
 limits of the fort, and had just been re-enforced by Col. Ab 
 bott s brigade, of the 1st Division. The demoralizing effect 
 on the enemy of this re-enforcement it is supposed, did much 
 to procure the desired "cessation of hostilities." It was af 
 ter the arrival of the last mentioned brigade, that a force was 
 sent forward to Fort Buchanan, at which point Gen. Whiting 
 
 12 
 
174 HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 
 
 and Col. Lamb, with several hundred of the enemy formally 
 surrendered. These two prominent rebels had left Fort 
 Fisher in the expectation of making good their retreat to the 
 opposite side of the river. In this Floydish enterprise they 
 were foiled by an equal amount of discretion on the part of 
 the Marines, who had anticipated their superiors in the chiv- 
 alric exercise of " skedadling." 
 
 Whatever may be said against their fighting qualities, their 
 work of transfer was creditably thorough, for Gen. Whiting 
 discovered to his sorrow, that they had transported all the 
 means of transportation. 
 
 All the captured wounded rebel officers, I doubt not, are 
 by this time quite reconciled to that disappointment, that is, 
 if they are free from apprehensions of merited punishment, 
 for in hospital, they, as well as our own wounded of the same 
 rank fare well, if not sumptuously ; the only distinction ob 
 served between them being this, the wounded patriot pays $7 
 per week, while the rebel s board is gratuitous. About 3 
 o clock on Monday morning I met the prisoners marching in 
 a body to the rear. It was a long procession. There were 
 some over eighteen hundred of them, and, in appearance, 
 they were the best lot of Confederate troops I ever saw. 
 Their light step sprightly conversation and other indica 
 tions of a cheerful mood, made it difficult for one to persuade 
 himself that it was a procession of prisoners. It resembled 
 more the " captives exodus." The consoling rebel theory, 
 that the fall of Fort Fisher was a " blessing in disguise," the 
 prisoners appeared to accept in advance as beautifully appli 
 cable to the garrison. 
 
 As my attention was considerably occupied with the loyal 
 wounded, my recollection of the scenes at the hospital is 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 175 
 
 quite distinct, and in this connection it is not easy to refrain 
 from a more particular reference to the sufferers. Lieut. Col. 
 Myers of the 117th, who commanded his Regiment, was se 
 verely wounded ; so also were Major Bagg, and Capt. A. E. 
 Smith, of the same Regiment. The last named was aid to 
 Gen. Terry. Capt. Magill and Lieut. Fairbanks of the same- 
 organization, who were in charge of the advance skirmish 
 line, both entered the fort and were both severely wounded, 
 late in the engagement. The Captain s wound was so severe^ 
 as to necessitate amputation of the left thigh. Capt. John 
 T. Thomas was instantly killed after entering the work.. 
 Many a private soldier there laid down his life for his country.. 
 
 Col. Smith, of the 112th N. Y. Yols., was mortally wound 
 ed. He was low and exceedingly feeble, conversed very 
 little, and with difficulty. On the second day after the battle 
 the day of his death he revived temporarily, and with 
 much earnestness inquired, " Do we still hold the fort?" 
 He was ^a prominent lawyer from Chautauqua Co., N. Y.,, 
 and an influential member in society. 
 
 The 142d Regiment under command of Col. Barney, lost- 
 several officers. 
 
 Nearly every one of Gen. Ames staff was wounded, among 
 them was Capt. Dawson, of the 85th Regiment, Penn. Yols. an. 
 amiable and promising young man. His wound was mortal. 
 
 Gen. Curtis, of the 1st Brigade received a wound in the 
 forehead from a fragment of shell. It resulted in the loss of 
 one eye, and gave rise to severe bodily symptoms. 
 
 Gen. Pennypacker, commanding 2nd Brigade, was also se 
 riously wounded, but ultimately recovered. 
 
 Col. Bell, of a New Hampshire Regiment, and in command, 
 of the 3rd Brigade, was killed. He was unassuming and 
 
176 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 genial in disposition a gentleman and a scholar. A lawyer 
 by profession, and in the army an efficient officer. His well 
 known popularity was the effect of natural and obvious 
 causes. " 
 
 EXPLOSION OF THE MAGAZINE. 
 
 " Early on Monday morning I was called from the hospital 
 to Pilotville, wMcli was not far in rear of the fort, to admin 
 ister to a wounded officer who had been borne thither, near 
 the close of the engagement. This duty performed, it was 
 daybreak. When about leaving, an associate surgeon pro 
 posed a brief visit to the fort. As the tide was setting in 
 that direction, and as I was not without a natural curiosity to 
 view the scene of that memorable conflict, I accepted his in 
 vitation, when we walked Fort-ward. We had advanced only 
 a few yards when we were joined by Corporal George H. 
 King of Co. G-. of 117th Regiment, who said he was going 
 to the battle field for the purpose of recovering the bodies of 
 .some of his fallen comrades. He appeared to be actuated by 
 the laudable motive of procuring for the remains of his de 
 parted friends as formal and decent a burial as could be afford- 
 ed in the midst of such surroundings. 
 
 We soon arrived at the space over which the charge was 
 made, when we encountered that most unnatural and shock 
 ing sight a corpse on the battle-field. There is no object, 
 the sight of which is more impressive than that of the dwell 
 ing of the human soul, left tenantless and desolate. It is so, 
 -even after its unsightliness has been relieved by the amenities 
 of domestic affection and funereal propriety : but, to see the 
 body, which with all, is the object of the most assiduous care, 
 lying prone in : the dust, deserted, unsheltered and abandoned, 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH E. N. Y. V. 177 
 
 amid the commonest inanimate objects, and recognize it as 
 the form of a beloved friend, the sweet sound of whose 
 voice has scarcely died in your ear, and if the incongruity of 
 the sight do not provoke a shudder, thenceforth doubt whether 
 you deserve to be called "man." Yet, thus does "Grim 
 visaged War" delight to outrage human sensibility. He 
 tramples under foot, without remorse, the bodies of the slain, 
 and rarely deigns a burial, except when he can render the 
 interment more shocking than neglect. 
 
 "We entered by the sally-port which was at the river ex 
 tremity of the fortification. Within, the most noticeable 
 feature was confusion. A few paces from the entrance were 
 three light brass field-pieces which had been used by the 
 enemy. Several infantry soldiers stood about amusing them 
 selves in a critical examination of them. We were just 
 passing the group, when one of the party carelessly pulled the 
 lanyard of one of the guns, discharging it ; the shot went 
 screeching over the inclosure and skimmed off seaward. The 
 meddlesome soldier who displaced it, on being called to ac 
 count by the Commanding officer, with an innocent air replied, 
 " I did not know it was loaded." Advancing, the marks of 
 the recent military tornado increased. Every object about, 
 and even the earth gave evidence of having suffered violence ; 
 here and there were slight excavations made by the skipping 
 fragments of shells ; frequent too, were those cellar-like pits 
 where the huge shell had plunged and exploded in a thousand 
 driving fragments. Broken muskets lay about promiscuously, 
 but, sadder still there too, in blue and gray, lay the mutilated 
 forms of the combatants. 
 
 The inclosure and vicinity were populous. Many of 
 the enemy s wounded were still there. There were two regi- 
 
178 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 ments on guard in the fort. A number of those who had 
 been on duty for the night, were now sleeping, to recover from 
 the fatigue of the evening s conflict and the night s vigil. 
 Some were standing about in groups, discussing the incidents 
 of the battle, while scores more from other regiments and 
 others of the navy, were leisurely yet curiously strolling in 
 every direction in pursuit of relics or valuables. 
 
 Some entered the bomb-proofs, rummaged freely among 
 the goods and rubbish within, and emerged ever and anon 
 to examine by the light, the several articles they had thus 
 "confiscated." 
 
 Others, more eager arid less prudent, penetrated with lighted 
 tapers to the innermost recesses of these artificial caverns. 
 The impropriety of such a course will be obvious to those 
 who are reminded that each alternate bomb-proof was a mag 
 azine, supplying two guns on either side. 
 
 We walked by way of the main magazine. Externally it 
 was an immense mound of sand, internally it was divided into 
 spacious apartments, containing great quantities and different 
 kinds of ammunition. Hard by, and near the entrance lay a 
 great many of the rebel wounded, and, only a few steps dis 
 tant, and in other parts of the fort, fires which had been 
 built for the comfort of the night guard, were still burning. 
 This was a means of physical comfort which the prisoners 
 said, for prudential reasons, had never before been allowed. 
 It is probable we might have lingered there had not the 
 Corporal, just then proposed a visit to the outer slope of the 
 embankment, where several of his comrades fell in making 
 the assault. In proceeding in compliance with the corporal s 
 wish, a corpse lay in our way, every few steps, and in all 
 imaginable attitudes. We ascended the inner slope, and, on 
 
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 179 
 
 approaching the crest of the embankment, we examined one 
 of the heavy guns, which had been the pride and confidence 
 of the garrison. It had been broken and dismantled by a 
 heavy shot from the Navy. One trunnion was broken, and it 
 seemed poising, and about to tumble down the declivity. 
 Beside it, in an angle of this gun-bed, sitting on the ground 
 reclining against the bank, was the corpse of a rebel soldier. 
 On the knee, set a tin platter on which were a small quantity 
 of hominy and a morsel of meat ; the hand, lying partly on 
 the platter, held a sheet-iron spoon. The head, reclining 
 against the bank, left the pale cold face shockingly conspicu 
 ous. A fragment of shell had penetrated the brain, and 
 killed him instantly. 
 
 From the summit of the embankment a number of lifeless 
 bodies could be seen, lying promiscuously along the slope. 
 Before us -with head downward, lay a corpse which seemed 
 free from any marks of violence. From face to feet there 
 appeared neither wound nor blood spot. Just beyond, and 
 below it, lay a body which I recognized as that of H. a mem 
 ber of the 117th Regiment. I approached it, when looking 
 upward from this new stand point, I discovered the fatal 
 wound of the former corpse. A shell or fragment had swept 
 away the top of the head. Posture and gravitation had fa 
 vored the escape of the brain which with all attending moisture 
 had been absorbed by the thirsty soil ; the whole inner surface 
 of the skull was exposed and already entirely dry. Similar 
 scenes were not uncommon. That morning these nobly 
 fallen would have been tenderly buried, and their rest 
 ing places would have been marked, but for the affecting 
 casualty which speedily followed. I was on the outer slope 
 and below the level of the undulating crest of the fort. My 
 
 
180 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 companions were lingering above, surveying the interior of 
 the work, when I was startled by a deep explosive sound at 
 tended by a sensible quaking of the earth. I fell simultane 
 ously, when on looking in the direction of the sound, I beheld 
 an immense shaft of earth and rubbish, in outline not unlike 
 a great water spout rising as it were, to the very clouds. 
 
 I clearly comprehended the nature of the occurrence and 
 before I could consider my relative peril I found myself the 
 victim of the most intense violence. I felt myself as an atom 
 amid the crash of worlds. Then came a distressing sense of 
 suffocation with a clear conviction that my immediate death 
 was inevitable. There was not only the extinguishment of 
 every glimmer of hope, but a certainty that I could not 
 survive this commotion, or be rescued from the jaws of death. 
 I felt the grave rudely closing round me, and realized the 
 horrors of being buried alive. Then followed the pangs of 
 severing earthly ties. Then a temporary lull in the descent 
 of the debris. Instinctively I thrust out a hand as the hand 
 gained the external air " extended hope." Again was I 
 depressed and overwhelmed by a fresh fall of sand and rub 
 bish, another agony of suspense, another struggle for life and 
 I gained the atmosphere. The danger had passed, and I was 
 still alive. On realizing my deliverance I experienced the 
 most pleasurable, blissful emotions of gratitude. That tran 
 sient emotion was the highest state of happiness I ever attained. 
 
 This was succeeded by a more sordid but not less natural 
 impulse to confirm the advantage I had so Providentially 
 gained. Action was agreeable with this motive. With one 
 shoulder fractured, the arm hanging useless, I managed to 
 extricate myself and in an extremely bad plight, I set out 
 from the fort with a singleness of purpose, which under cir- 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 181 
 
 cumstances less serious, might have been amusing. Descend 
 ing the slope I passed through an aperture in the stockade 
 and walked rapidly over the plain. I had gone some ten 
 rods, up to which time I had had no cognisance of another 
 person in the world except myself, and the members of my 
 household ; then I recovered my sense of outer social rela 
 tions. The next thought was of my companions, the Doctor 
 and the Corporal. To seek them was the next impulse, which 
 I would have obeyed irrespective of peril. I rapidly retraced 
 my steps. On approaching the spot I saw a fragment of the 
 frame-work of the magazine, a piece of timber some ten 
 inches square, and perhaps fourteen feet long. It had been 
 up high in the air and descended with the sand, or had been 
 thrown off horizontally over the wall. On my right, lay a 
 quivering face, all that was visible of a victim. All the 
 bodies that lay along the descent, before the explosion had 
 been suddenly buried in many a nameless unmarked grave, 
 while the surface of that general grave-yard was already dot 
 ted with the mutilated members of scores of new victims. 
 
 A step or two in advance, was the body of a Naval Officer, 
 which had evidently been thrown from within the inclosure , 
 it had been in the air and falling, doubled forward the head 
 and feet striking the earth at the same time, the accompany 
 ing sand had fixed it in this attitude. 
 
 Proceeding, I found the Doctor. His lower limbs both in 
 jured, one thigh being badly fractured. The shock to his 
 system had been exceedingly severe. Corporal King was not 
 to be seen. His body was found by his friends the same 
 day. He was an excellent young man, esteemed and beloved 
 by his numerous friends in the regiment and also in his native 
 town. 
 
182 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 On returning to the edge of the parapet, which over looked 
 the interior of the fort, what a sight presented ! The great 
 mound of sand which had been the magazine had disappeared. 
 A wide excavation marked the spot where it had stood. The 
 incredible quantity of sand which once formed the magazine, 
 now lay spread out over a vast area. It had been distributed 
 so evenly, and had so softened the angles of various objects 
 on which it had fallen as to" suggest the idea of a natural 
 phenomenon. The victims of the terrible casualty were seen 
 here and there, while over all, the black smoke had descended, 
 rendering the scene the most complete picture of desola 
 tion, I ever beheld. The casualties from the explosion num 
 bered some over two hundred. Numbers who were sleeping 
 at the time, were crushed beneath the shivered timbers and 
 exploded shell, or were overwhelmed and suffocated by the 
 sand. 
 
 The question, " By whom, at what point, and by what means 
 was the magazine ignited ? " has not been conclusively answered. 
 The enemy may have provided for the destruction of the 
 magazine by causing this result to follow the incautious open 
 ing of a door leading to its chambers. It was said, he pos 
 sessed the facilities for firing it by means of an isolated wire 
 which extended from a fort on the opposite side of the river, 
 to the magazine. That the enemy with a little forethought 
 could have effected it there is no doubt ; that they possessed 
 the moral qualifications for such a deed is also certain, and 
 that prudent men apprehended a terrible explosion as the con 
 sequence of the culpable recklessness of a dozen or two of ir 
 responsible visitors is also, a well known fact. The most 
 favorable decision will leave it still an unmitigated and mor 
 tifying disaster." 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 183 
 
 CHAPTER XY. 
 
 CAPTURE OF WILMINGTON AND MARCH NORTH 
 WARD TO KEENANSVILLE. 
 
 Transfer of the Wounded to the Transports. Troops Recruit and Reform. 
 Arrival of Gen. Schofield. Advance on Wilmington. Enter and occupy the 
 town on the 22d of February. Street scenes. Union Prisoners. Immediate 
 defences of the Town. Incidents. Preparation for an Advance. Schofield. 
 Terry. Sherman. The Column moves March 15th. Geographical, Social 
 and Political features of that Region. Incidents of the March. On the fourth 
 day approach Keenansville. 
 
 THE physical suffering, which follows a battle, is severe un 
 der the most favorable circumstances ; but the situation at 
 Fort Fisher, immediately after the conflict, was peculiarly 
 unfavorable for the comfort of the wounded. Hospital con 
 veniences were meagre ; of food there was none except what 
 had been landed from the transports under difficulties. 
 
 No wharf being available, the only means of transferring 
 the wounded to hospital ships, was by small boats from the 
 beach. It was painful to witness the transfer. Many of them 
 were laboring under the most serious injuries. Some had 
 suffered amputation of arms or legs. The most urgent need 
 of all, was perfect quiet and repose. Instead of this, they 
 were subjected to the jostling consequent on a couple of miles 
 of hand carriage. At the beach they had to be passed to the 
 boat in the short interval which occurred between the arrival 
 of the successive waves. The next instant the boat, across 
 
184 HISTORY OP THE 117TH E. N. Y. V. 
 
 which the patients lay, was suddenly lifted several feet by 
 the incoming surf, which, breaking, rarely failed to wet the 
 party ; then after an exciting passage to the ship, the stretch 
 ers, on which the poor fellows seemed to lie quite insecurely, 
 were hoisted, after the manner of bales of merchandize, about 
 thirty feet to the deck. The violence to which they were 
 thus subjected, to say nothing of the effects of fear, naturally 
 excited by such handling, must have been injurious. Yet 
 these ills were preferable to a longer endurance of present 
 privations. 
 
 Fully conscious of his inability to longer exclude Admiral 
 Porter s fleet from the mouth of the Cape Fear River, the 
 enemy abandoned all the defenses below Fort Anderson, on 
 Monday, the day after the fall of Fort Fisher, making an am 
 ple announcement of the withdrawal of his rear guard from 
 Fort Caswell, by the explosion of its magazine, the report of 
 which was heard distinctly, at the distance of thirty miles. 
 While the fleet was clearing the channel and intrepidly 
 moving up the river, Gen. Terry s force was recruiting and 
 reforming, and the 23d Corps, (Gen. Schofield,) which had 
 been relieved by the dispersion of Hood s army, arrived and 
 landed on Federal Point, to join the advance on Wilmington. 
 
 On his arrival, Gen. Schofield took command, and at once 
 began to move against the city. 
 
 The 117th Regiment, with the rest of the Brigade, having 
 been on duty at Smithville for a week or more, advanced up the 
 river on the west bank. The regiment crossed the river two 
 or three times in several days, was engaged in an occasional 
 skirmish, but encountered nothing of a threatening character, 
 till in the vicinity of Fort Anderson, when it enjoyed a fair 
 prospect for another contest . The enemy, however, on being 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 185 
 
 pressed, abandoned the fort and retreated. The fort was oc 
 cupied on the 19th. There was some fighting on the 20th and 
 21st. The loss from the 2d Division, 10th Corps, was not 
 heavy, though it participated quite freely in a lively skirmish. 
 The following may he mentioned as a remarkable escape : 
 
 While Gen. Ames and staff were inspecting the rebel lines, 
 a battery opened directly before them, sending several shots 
 in the midst of the party. A solid shot struck the horse of 
 Captain Granger, at the shoulder directly in front of the sad 
 dle pad, passing through close up under the saddle, emerging 
 at the hip of the opposite side, having traversed the horse s 
 body diagonally from shoulder to hip. The Captain was un 
 hurt. 
 
 The regiment entered Wilmington, with the main force, on 
 the anniversary of Washington s birth-day. As the result of 
 another victory, the occupation of the town was a gratifying 
 event. In many other particulars also, it was interesting. 
 The government store houses, with their contents, had been 
 fired and were still burning. The hostile citizens had nearly 
 all departed, leaving their dwellings tenantless. A few of 
 them, however, perhaps equally disloyal, but more attached 
 to their possessions, had determined to brave it out. Such 
 were always the first to call on the commanding officer and 
 demand a guard over their premises. Such examples of 
 effrontery were of frequent occurrence, wherever the Union 
 army advanced. It is a prominent rebel trait. 
 
 The threatening raids which had recently been made into 
 the interior, from our line about Richmond, the fear of simi 
 lar visitations by Sherman s cavalry, and the feeling of secu 
 rity inspired by the reputation of Fort Fisher, had made Wil 
 mington a sort of prisoners depot. On the fall of the fort, 
 
186 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 many of them had been returned inland, but probably for 
 want of transportation, several hundred had been suffered to 
 remain till just prior to the fall of the city, when all such as 
 could be made to walk, were pushed toward the interior. At 
 this stage the rebel commander communicated to Gen. Scho- 
 field a wish to exchange them. The latter, interpreting the 
 proposal as an admission of weakness, declined the offer, and 
 resolved to obtain the prisoners on his own terms. This was 
 effected, as the city fell before the enemy could remove all 
 the prisoners. Accordingly, there awaited us a more abhor 
 rent and humiliating manifestation of confederate depravity, 
 than any we had before seen. 
 
 I had heard and read of the de-humanizing effects of rebel 
 cruelty. I had seen them set forth in the N. Y. pictorials ; 
 but all these could not fortify a person against the shock 
 which must follow the first sight of a victim. Never shall I 
 forget the feeling of mingled surprise, pity, disgust and indig 
 nation I experienced on meeting some three or four of these 
 wretched creatures. Such marks of barbarism are infinitely 
 more striking and painful to witness than those of death 
 itself. Physically, these men were scarcely more than skele 
 tons. But the most startling transformation, appeared in the 
 expression of the face, and in the manner. On looking at 
 the face, one would wonder that a visage so frightfully hag 
 gard and ghastly, should give signs of life. The next most 
 remarkable feature, was its shocking brutality. Manhood 
 seemed extinguished. In some faces you looked in vain for a 
 single reflection of the human soul ; one felt to weep over 
 the poor wreck of humanity, this mere thing ^ this worse than 
 corpse. Dementia or idiocy had abolished all sense of decency, 
 and some seemed scarcely to discriminate between men and 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 187 
 
 inanimate objects. Such was the physical and moral transfor 
 mation which followed a state of captivity in the hands of those 
 who are capable of rebelling against a Republican form of gov 
 ernment. They subjected their prisoners, their own country 
 men, to the dependence of beasts, and then neglected them 
 with a devilish assiduity ; thus anticipating the savage in the 
 discovery of the lowest amount of life consistent with a bare 
 existence. 
 
 The city of Wilmington is favorably located, well arranged, 
 and substantially built. Many of its dwellings are ample, 
 and a few make some pretension to elegance. So many of 
 them were deserted, that the various Head-quarters were 
 established and maintained in unusual style, without causing 
 present inconvenience to the owners of the premises. The 
 immediate defenses of the city were ingenious, yet simple. At 
 an average distance of a mile, the town is encircled 
 by a ravine. This ravine had been supplied with water 
 by an obstruction of the river, and its consequent reflux. 
 The required depth of the water, in this capacious ditch, had 
 been adjusted and was maintained in its several sections by a 
 series of dams. The eligible range within, was provided 
 with a line of rifle-pits, and a corresponding line of forts and 
 redoubts, which together commanded the exterior field. It 
 was indeed an admirable arrangement, but the city was so 
 near that the garrison could not have saved it from the artil 
 lery of the besiegers. Its chief advantage to the besieged, 
 was the privilege of a more deliberate retreat. The tranquil- 
 izing effect it must have exerted for a long time, on women 
 and children, and timid men, ought not to be forgotten. 
 
 Commercially as well militarily, the business of the city 
 was conducted by the Victors . 
 
188 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 River communication was established with Fayetteville, 
 immediately on the arrival of Gen. Sherman at that place. 
 Several days prior, Gen. Schofield left Wilmington for Golds- 
 boro, moving in conjunction with a force from Newbern. 
 
 The 117th Regiment, in its place in the brigade lay on the 
 Newbern Road just without the fortification above described. 
 It was employed chiefly in picket duty. The labor was light 
 and the boys enjoyed themselves well. 
 
 The health of the troops was not good, but the sickness at 
 first was of a mild type. There was a good deal of ague 
 and some typhoid fever. The surgeons and nurses were oc 
 cupied and in many cases overworked in discharging their 
 duties to the prisoners. Many of these dying men had been 
 sent North, but others were straggling in from the interior 
 almost daily, and more arrived with every boat from Fayette- 
 ville. 
 
 The care of the prisoners induced disease among the at 
 tending surgeons and nurses. Four surgeons lost their lives 
 by a malignant type of fever which seemed traceable to that 
 source. 
 
 The population of the town increased very rapidly by the 
 return of its late citizens, and the influx of freedmen. 
 
 On the 15th day of March, Gen. Terry s force left Wil 
 mington, moving Northward in conjunction with Gen. Sher 
 man, whose advance set out from Fayetteville on the same 
 date. 
 
 When these troops reduced Fort Fisher and its supporting 
 fortifications, they were of course elated as they well might 
 be. They had penetrated the shell of the Confederate ovoid, 
 at the point of its greatest convexity, and now they were 
 about to move homeward by the interior. How they had 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH E. N. Y. V. 189 
 
 longed for this day. How often, when going up or down the 
 coast, or, while on Folly Island, had the boys remarked one 
 to another, " Let us land yonder and go across." The irony 
 of the expression was well understood, and generally called 
 forth the answer, " It will be a long time first." But that 
 glad day had come. They were now to "invade" and trav 
 erse the enemy s territory. 
 
 "We accorded the Southern people some credit for the ap 
 pearance of Wilmington, but on viewing the surroundings, 
 it becomes evident that the town is not of local origin, but a 
 product of general commerce. 
 
 If that people, with the aid of navigation, are capable of 
 developing and concentrating the blessings of commerce,, 
 they also surpass every other in the power of restraining and 
 limiting its manifestations. In less than an hour, at a mod 
 erate rate of travel, the column marched from the midst of 
 the city s hum to the shadowy aisles of the deep dark forest^ 
 As the troops wound along through this desert region, they 
 were impressed with the proximity of solitude and southern, 
 civilization ? 
 
 The direction of the march was north and parallel with 
 the Wilmington and Weldon Eailroad. The first day, made; 
 only seven miles, not having set out till 4 o clock, P. M. On 
 the morning of the second day, crossed the east branch of the 
 Cape Fear River on pontoons. The weather was spring-like 
 being of the temperature of New York May, but though the 
 air was genial to the senses, it was oppressively close to pe^ 
 destrians. 
 
 The eastern portion of the State, to the distance of forty 
 or fifty miles from the coast, is low, level and marshy ; accord 
 ingly on the second day the troops encountered just such an 
 13 
 
190 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R % N. Y. V. 
 
 obstacle as might be expected to result from a depressed sur 
 face, and a low state of popular enterprise. It was near 
 evening when word was passed from the head of the column 
 for the men to prepare tQ wade. 
 
 A narrow swamp here lay across the road. It was filled 
 with turbid, stagnant water. The road, being composed of 
 moist sand, was at best only a groove or ditch, and here, on 
 .either side of the swamp for several rods it was filled with 
 water. The water in the deepest place was about waist deep. 
 The civilian can hardly appreciate the perplexities of the sit 
 uation. The men were all accoutred with muskets, cartridge 
 boxes, knapsacks, haversacks, &c., &c., and, besides, every 
 man was thoroughly tired. 
 
 On viewing the prospect, some began to re-arrange their 
 burdens, the better to maintain them above the water, while 
 others went to the right or left in search of an end to the 
 marsh, but generally returned disappointed ; those enterpris 
 ing boys soon got the name of " flankers." It was the design 
 of the commanders that the column should continue unbroken, 
 during its passage of these swamp holes, but it seemed quite 
 out of the question to do so. There were generally some 
 signs of impatience on reaching these barriers, but the cross 
 ing was always made with some extra splashing, and a good 
 deal of shouting and laughter. None of these swamps were 
 bridged, though one or two of them which had become im 
 passable for vehicles, on account of the depth of mud, had 
 been provided with an artificial bottom in the shape of a 
 section of corduroy. But woe to the unlucky teamster who 
 should drive off of this invisible submerged bridge. The 
 supply teams on two or three occasions were annoyingly de 
 tained by these mishaps. 
 
HISTORY ON THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 191 
 
 The soil was light and sandy; and during the first three 
 days of the march, artificial openings in the expanse of pine 
 woods were few and far between, and those few exhibited 
 feeble and unrequited attempts at farming. 
 
 The inhabitants were of the middle and lower class. Oc 
 casionally however, might be seen a larger plantation with 
 more pretentious, but still declining tenements. Groups of 
 negroes, were seen on the larger premises, but most of 
 them had evidently become thoroughly " demoralized " by the 
 prevailing commotion. 
 
 The leading citizens conceded that the prospect of the 
 confederacy was growing dark. " I suppose," said they, " that as 
 you have taken Fort Fisher, you will overrun us down here, 
 but you never got the better of Gen. Lee. You ll have 
 enough to do I reckon when you come up with him." 
 
 The poor whites met the troops with apparent satisfaction, 
 remarking, " It is all over with the Confederacy now. You ve 
 got Fort Fisher, they can t stopt you any more ; but I dont 
 care, I was union all the time, but I did not dare to say it." 
 
 The negroes were overjoyed at the sight of the troops, and 
 were generally ready to fall in line. After the third day, as 
 we progressed inland, we found an obvious improvement in 
 the surface and soil. The face of the country became more 
 undulating. Opposing swamps grew less frequent, while an 
 improvement in the agricultural features was quite marked. 
 Concurring with these changes there were increasing indica 
 tions of a higher state of society. There was more physical 
 comfort and mental culture, but no increase of loyalty. In 
 deed disloyalty became more manifest. 
 
 This fact, again, indicates what must have been disclosed 
 even to the "wayfaring man," that the late war which so 
 
192 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 mercilessly scourged the American people, was nothing more 
 nor less than a conflict between Aristocracy and Eepublicanism. 
 
 During the last three or four days of the march, we heard 
 at intervals, on our left, the sound of distant artillery. It 
 proved to have been that which attended the engagement 
 between Johnston and Sherman s advance ; first at Averys- 
 boro and latterly at Bentonville. On the latter occasion the 
 union forces under Maj. Gen. Slocum achieved a decided vic 
 tory, the enemy being obliged to retreat precipitately during 
 the night. 
 
 On the morning of the 19th, entered quite a tillable and 
 productive region, passing some of the finest plantations in 
 the state. It was difficult to restrain the depredations of the 
 negro troops as they witnessed again the comfort and opu 
 lence of their late task-masters. Several barns and one or 
 two fine mansions were fired by them in spite of the vigilance 
 of their officers. 
 
HISTORY OP THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 193 
 
 CHAPTER XYI. 
 
 Arrival at Keenansville. A Genial but Pungent Colloquy. Reach Coxe Bridge 
 Crossing. Arrival and passage of Sherman s Column. Foraging. A Loyal 
 Dutchman s Logic. Terry s force retires to Faison s Station, Remain there 
 about Three Weeks. Wheeler s Cavalry. Incidents. April 9th, Receive In 
 telligence of the Evacuation of Richmond. Prepare to Move. Removal of 
 the sick to Wilmington. The March toward Raleigh. Social and Political 
 Features of the Interior. 
 
 ABOUT noon of the fourth day, the column reached the capi 
 tal of Duplin County. The village is called Keenansville, 
 after one of its P. Fs. Though it cannot boast of more 
 than two or three hundred inhabitants, it is a place of some 
 local note, on account of its being the county seat, and also 
 because of the wealth and social eminence of its citizens. 
 
 The line of the column was by the left of the village. The 
 brigade halted, when some two or three of the officers rode 
 down through the principal street. It was a most delightful 
 spot. The streets were wide, and well shaded with majestic 
 oaks, the houses were ample and neat, the grounds spacious 
 and tastily arranged. Yet every enclosure, in some feature, 
 betrayed evidences of neglect. 
 
 The occupants, in many instances, were sitting on the 
 stoops, verandahs, and balconies, enjoying the shade, and at 
 the same time inspecting the blue-clad travelers. 
 
 As a company of three officers were riding along, they ap 
 proached a residence whose magnitude and style rendered it 
 
194: HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 prominent. Conspicuously on the porch, sat four ladies, two 
 of whom, though otherwise bareheaded, were closely veiled. 
 The veil was evidently designed as a manifestation of con 
 tempt for the Union soldiery. It was on the principle of the 
 adage, " the cat may not look at the queen." It suggested 
 New Orleans. On seeing this, Adjt. R., one of the riding 
 party, proposed calling on them. The others assenting, the 
 trio halted at the gate, dismounted and proceeded toward the 
 mansion. The instant the party halted, the ladies removed 
 and concealed their veils, which act of itself, was sufficient to 
 indicate the motive which prompted their use. As the party 
 assended the steps, the ladies rose, greeted them, and extend 
 ed chairs. The party consisted of three young ladies, and an 
 amiable looking matron of perhaps forty-five years of age. 
 The eldest of the young ladies, was physically ample, and men 
 tally active and vivacious. She was very willing and even 
 eager to lead in conversation on the absorbing topic. She was 
 apparently a member of the household, and the daughter of 
 the presiding matron. A younger and more reserved person 
 present, was a sister of the former. The fourth was a young 
 woman, of perhaps twenty-five years, tall, slim, sharp featured, 
 and of a nervous and positive temperament. Now followed a 
 spicy, pungent yet humorous colloquy. The ladies, except 
 perhaps the mother, were perfectly self-possessed, seeming to 
 enjoy the fullest confidence in the gallantry of their visitors, 
 or in the established magnanimity of the general government 
 toward its rebellious subjects. Such obvious freedom from 
 apprehension, under the circumstances, could only have been 
 the effect of unusual intelligence for that latitude. 
 
 The conversation was begun by the Adjutant after the 
 greeting, with this address : 
 
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. T. 195 
 
 Adjutant R. Ladies, we are happy to find you so comfort 
 ably situated and so pleasantly surrounded, here in the "Old 
 Tar State," after nearly four years of bloody war. 
 
 The elder Miss Keenan. (With spirit.) The bloody war 
 you speak of has never incommoded us in the least, Sir, I can 
 assure you. There are now fifty ladies from abroad, visiting 
 our town. You would suppose it to be Saratoga. 
 
 Adjt. Fifty Ladies ! I regret that you told me. 
 
 Miss K. Why, sir ? 
 
 Adjt. Well, Madam, I shall be very much inclined to tarry 
 awhile. 
 
 Miss K. Law, Sir ! Do not incommode yourself in the 
 least, on our account. 
 
 Adjt. What are the favorite public amusements afforded 
 by your flourishing town ? 
 
 Miss K. (Ironically.) Theatre, Opera, &c. Much the 
 same as you have in N. Y. City. 
 
 Adjt. What are the more popular plays, now rendered at 
 your theatre ? 
 
 Miss K. We endeavor in that particular, to keep up with 
 the times. 
 
 Adjt. It occurs to me that the Confederate theatre could, 
 with great pertinence, revive that old play of, " Much ado 
 about nothing." 
 
 Miss K. Thank you, Barnum may play that for the 
 Yankees. 
 
 Adjt. Are Bragg and Hood enjoying the confidence of 
 your people, in these days ? 
 
 Miss K. Bragg and Hood ! ! I would write " Retreat " oa 
 their backs. 
 
196 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 Adjt. You should not be too severe. Remember it is the 
 Yankees they ve got to fight. 
 
 Miss K. Yankees, indeed ! Your whole army is made up 
 of Irish, Dutch and Negroes. 
 
 Adjt. And, bear in mind, even at that, we are defeating 
 you. Now what would you do, should the Yankee s come 
 down? 
 
 Miss K. But " Supercede ! " " Supercede ! ! " is the word 
 with you. 
 
 Adjt. Is not that precisely what common sense would dic 
 tate to you, with regard to those you have just condemned so 
 unqualifiedly, and I suspect, just what you would have done, 
 if you had the material. 
 
 Miss K. Material ! you will find that Gen. Lee has ma 
 terial enough for all of you. 
 
 Adjt. Pardon me, Ladies, but I cannot repress my gratifi 
 cation on witnessing the degree of style you maintain through 
 the war ; you are dressed almost as tastily as our Yankee 
 girls. 
 
 Miss K. Don t be surprised, Gentlemen, at our appearance, 
 for I can assure you, we are in our every day attire. Our 
 jewelry we sensibly concealed, when we got a presentiment 
 that the Yankees were coming. 
 
 Adjt. I see few men about town, where are all your 
 fathers, brothers, uncles, cousins and lovers ? 
 
 Miss K. All in the rebel army at Goldsboro. There is 
 3tiss E., (pointing to the slim lady,) has five lovers in the con 
 federate army to-day. 
 
 Miss E. Rather an embarrassing predicament, do you not 
 think so, sir ? 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 197 
 
 Adjt. It might be, Miss, in time of peace, but, if they 
 are all worthy of your fair hand, you may rest assured that 
 not more than one will get back alive. 
 
 Miss K. Gentlemen, have you any Bull Run or Manassas 
 men with you ? I would like to see one. 
 
 Adjt. Ladies, two years is a long interval to search in 
 vain for military glory. Are you acquainted with Lieutenant 
 Fargo ? 
 
 Ladies all. (with an expression of surprise.) Of course 
 we are. Have you seen him, Sir ? He is one of our intimate 
 friends. Say quickly, Sir, where have you seen him ? 
 
 Adjt. There ! Ladies, don t get excited, I only asked for 
 information. 
 
 Miss K. and Miss E. Tell us, tell us, Sir ! You are so 
 provokingly cool. 
 
 Adjt. Then you are really acquainted with Lieutenant 
 Fargo. 
 
 Ladies. We have told you so already. 
 
 Adjt. Perhaps a beau of one of these ladies. 
 
 Miss K. But come, won t you make haste and tell us 
 about him. 
 
 Adjt. (With aggravating sang" froid.) Well, Ladies, I 
 know very little about your friend, I never met him but once. 
 It was on the evening of the 15th of January. On that oc 
 casion I had the inexpressible pleasure of taking his sword 
 at Fort Fisher. 
 
 Miss K. Wretch ! Then he is a prisoner. I suppose you 
 will treat him well. 
 
 Adjt. Certainly, Miss, but what right have you to ex 
 pect or ask it ? Did you ever see any of our men in confed 
 erate hands ? 
 
198 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 Miss K. (With dainty and contemptuous expression.) 
 What a wretched looking set ! 
 
 Adjt. When you saw them, they did not represent the 
 Northern physique. The unsightly feature which so shocked 
 you, was but the reflex of confederate cruelty. The starving 
 process applied to you, I apprehend would soon reduce your 
 fair proportions. Might it not induce a deformity which 
 would utterly defy the ingenious devices of Fashion ? 
 
 Miss K. You did not tell us, sir, whether you have any 
 Bull Run men with you. 
 
 Adjt. We probably have few of them, though they were 
 noble soldiers. We all came in at the front door, by Fort 
 Fisher. There is my associate, was blown up at the explosion 
 of the magazine. 
 
 Miss K. (Regarding the individual referred to.) I have 
 nothing against the gentleman personally, but, seeing he is a 
 Yankee, I almost wish he had stayed up. What a set of van 
 dals you Yankees are. You take all our sweet potatoes and 
 chickens, and, a day or two since some of your tribe took our 
 horses. 
 
 Adjt. A party entered a Northern village lately, robbed 
 banks and shot down men, women and children in cold blood. 
 The leader of the gang, after his capture, proposed to defend 
 himself with a commission from your president, authorizing 
 the expedition. Now when we come among you and take a 
 chicken, a sweet potato or a horse, the ladies insist upon read 
 ing us lectures on military propriety. 
 
 Miss K. But, Sir, we can buy other horses. 
 
 Adjt. I am curious to know what you will buy with. 
 
 Miss K. Confederate currency. It is still at par. 
 
 Adjt. Who will exchange gold for it ? 
 
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 199 
 
 Miss K. I will, Sir. 
 
 A Union officer. (Extending a twenty dollar Confederate 
 note.) If the lady desires to contribute to the support of the 
 Confederacy in that way, I will trouble her for twenty dollars 
 in gold. 
 
 Miss K. Thank you, Sir, I deem it unsafe to expose my 
 specie in the presence of the Yankees, I therefore decline. 
 
 Adjt. Ladies, what will you do when the men are all 
 killed off? 
 
 Miss K. We will enlist ourselves then. 
 
 Adjt. I trust you will, I would like to be a soldier then. 
 "We would make short work of the war in that event. 
 
 Miss K. Why, sir, what do you mean ? 
 
 Adjt. I mean that the war would soon cease. 
 
 Miss K. How would you finish it ? pray tell me. 
 
 Adjt. (With a comical expression, and a mock dignity.) 
 Not in my present predicament perhaps. (Scanning his own 
 apparel.) It is embarrassing to appear before ladies while on 
 a toilsome campaign, but in that case, the young men of the 
 North would dress up in their best, and if we could not cap 
 ture, we would captivate you all in just two weeks after begin 
 ning the campaign. 
 
 Ladies all (Laughing.) No sir ! no sir ! Never a Yankee 
 for us. 
 
 Adjt. An innocent prejudice, Ladies. 
 
 Miss K. Does Old Abe get time to split rails, pray and 
 joke as much as ever ? 
 
 Adjt. Now, Ladies, I did not expect you would allude to 
 the President s joking ability. Why I have heard better jok 
 ing in the Confederacy than I ever heard North. 
 
 Miss K. What do you mean, Sir ? 
 
200 HISTORY OP THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 
 
 Adjt. Well, Miss, I have heard better joking in this 
 little company, than I ever heard before. 
 
 Miss K. Please explain yourself sir. 
 
 Adjt. Well, this joke of yours about the " Confederacy." 
 You know there is no such thing to day as a Confederacy. 
 You have no currency. I saw an old slave in Wilmington, 
 who had enough of Jeff s notes to paper the inside of his hut 
 with, and they said he was going to put them to that use. As 
 for your army, we can t find it ; and here you are still striv 
 ing to keep up the illusion. Madam, you can t match us in 
 war, but you can out joke us. Ladies, our column is moving, 
 we must bid you "good day." Not however, without thanking 
 you for your hospitable, and able entertainment. 
 
 Miss K. I suppose you speak ironically. 
 
 Adjt. Ladies, we have hardly time to be more explicit 
 Good day ! 
 
 The column had crossed the Rail-road two or three times 
 during the march, and on the fifth day from Wilmington, 
 reached Warsaw Station. There a detachment of Kilpat- 
 rick s cavalry were guarding the road. From this point, Gen. 
 Terry s force moved North-west, striking the Neuse River at 
 Coxe bridge, ten miles above Goldsboro , where it seized the 
 crossing, and laid pontoons for the passage of most of Sher 
 man s army. The latter arrived and crossed on the 22nd, 
 (March.) Gen. Sherman stopped a few hours at Gen. Ter 
 ry s Head-quarters. Our natural curiosity to see the famous, 
 intrepid army, that had fought its way to Atlanta, and then 
 leisurely marched to Savannah, was now gratified. On sev 
 eral accounts, the sight was an entertainment. Our troops 
 had endured the march well. Since the third day of the 
 journey, when the sick were returned by steamboat to Wil- 
 
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 201 
 
 mington, there had been but little sickness, and that of a 
 mild form. The season, and the region passed through, were 
 favorable for the production of intermittent fever, hence that 
 disease prevailed to some extent. The vicinity of Coxe Bridge 
 was a fair agricultural region. Up to the time of the arrival 
 of the army, it had been, comparatively speaking, a land of 
 plenty. Accordingly, judicious foraging was permitted. The 
 foraging parties seldom returned empty handed. Sweet pota 
 toes, and a superior quality of ham, were the staple products 
 of these excursions, though I should not forget to mention 
 the peanuts which were brought in by the quantity. Several 
 of the parties encountered squads of Wheeler s cavalry, which 
 event afforded them a little violent exercise, and rendered the 
 expedition the more easy to remember. A few fell prisoners 
 in this way. 
 
 The embarrassment to which citizens were subjected, who 
 were visited alternately by the opposing forces, is well illus 
 trated by a little episode which occurred on one of these ex 
 cursions. An account of it, as given by an eye and ear wit 
 ness, may be here related : 
 
 A foraging party from the 117th, included a private who 
 rejoiced in the suggestive name of " Bumhard," by birth a 
 German. In the course of the tour, the party came upon the 
 premises of a well-to-do Confederate Dutchman. He was 
 surrounded by indications of thrift and comfort, to a degree 
 seldom seen nearer the borders of the Confederacy. The 
 recognition between Bumhard and his fellow countryman, 
 was prompt and mutual, and was soon followed by this con 
 versation : 
 
 Bumhard. Why you no in de rebel army ? 
 
 Confederate Dutchman. Cause see, I buy s em out. 
 
202 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y V. 
 
 Bumhard. Veil, den, now you takes de oat (oath) to 
 Uncle Sam." 
 
 Confed. Dutchman. No ! no ! I no takes him. Cause for 
 I takes de oat, den de Johnny Eebs, he comes and gives me 
 h 1. 
 
 Bumhard, (with vehemence.) Yell den see, you no takes 
 do oat, den I gives you h 1 NOW". 
 
 When, suiting the action to the threat, he made a forcible 
 entry into the smoke-house, helped himself and comrades 
 liberally to the ham, and shot and carried off the still unter- 
 rified poultry on the premises, under the eyes of the owner, 
 who stood, a petrified embodiment of Teutonic disgust. 
 
 On the 25th, about four days after reaching this point, the 
 force returned to Faison s Station, which is on the Wilming 
 ton and Weldon Rail-road, about twenty miles south of Golds- 
 boro. After encamping, it relieved Kilpatrick s cavalry, which 
 had been guarding the road. At Faison s we remained 
 eighteen days. This was an unhealthy region, and the sick 
 ness increased to an unusual degree. Intermittent, bilious 
 and typhoid fever, were the prevailing diseases. The sick 
 ness in the regiment, however, was not of a grave type. The 
 regiment lost none by death while at Faison s, though several 
 very sick men were sent to Wilmington, on the morning of 
 our departure. Though lying here within the Confederacy, 
 there were no warlike demonstrations, except those made by 
 Wheeler s cavalry, who harrassed our out-posts almost daily, 
 making in all, several captures. Foraging parties, also, were 
 attacked. Two or three of the latter class, assuming all blue- 
 clad horsemen to be union men, paid for their credulity by a 
 few days of captivity. 
 
HISTORY OP THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 203 
 
 On the 9th day of April, we received the news of the evac 
 uation of Richmond. Preparations were at once made for an 
 advance. Hospitals were broken up, and the sick taken to 
 the station, to be put on board of a train of cars, which was 
 to be sent to Wilmington for the purpose. It was sad to see 
 those who were very low, subjected to the annoyance of a re 
 moval. Among the latter was Surgeon Washburn, Medical 
 Director of the 2d Division. He had been attacked with 
 fever, as a consequence, it would seem, of his devoted atten 
 tions to our re-captured prisoners; had become very sick soon 
 after leaving Wilmington, and now, at the most critical period, 
 he with others, also very ill, had to be moved. There was no 
 alternative. Wheeler s cavalry, who were a most desperate 
 gang, were impatiently hovering about,. and if they would not 
 have murdered the sick, they were ready at once to deprive 
 them of all attendance, and of every comfort. Surgeon 
 Washburn died on the passage. He was a fine physician and 
 presented, in his character, a remarkable combination of the 
 Christian graces. Several others died soon after their arrival 
 at Wilmington. 
 
 On the morning of the 10th, as the train sped southward, 
 the column set out for Raleigh. The news from Richmond, 
 newly inspired the troops ; they were now eager to join the 
 other portions of the army, in the final conflict with Lee, who 
 it was supposed, might possibly elude Gen. Grant, and form a 
 conjunction with Johnston. Our course was North-west. The 
 country, agriculturally, was quite inferior to the region about 
 Keenansville. On the second day of the march, we crossed 
 a very clear and beautiful stream, the first we had met whose 
 descent was sufficient to cause an audible murmur. The puri 
 ty of the water, and the music of its flow, were the first re- 
 
204 HISTORY OP THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 
 
 minder we had had on that toilsome journey, of New York 
 scenery. Every other sight had suggested our native state 
 only by contrast. The arrival of each regiment to it, was 
 denoted by an involuntary shout of joy and exultation. The 
 troops marched spiritedly. .The season, the stage of the war, 
 and the direction of the movement, were all inspiring circum 
 stances. 
 
 Many of the boys were evidently improving this opportu 
 nity, for an inside view of another seceded state. 
 
 The members of the regiment had often witnessed and 
 expressed surprise at the palpable ignorance of the lower 
 classes in the states we had visited. They had seen it in 
 Virginia, where some of them heard a poor woman (on see 
 ing two regiments of the brigade) exclaim, " There I ve seen 
 the great Yankee army. I did nt know there was so many 
 folks in the world." They had seen it in the language and 
 manner of the 4th N. C. Reserves, taken on Federal Point ; 
 one of whom inquired, " If we uns will let things be like they 
 was fore the war; will you uns let we uns go back home 
 agin " ? In the major commanding them, who said he " did 
 not mind bein taken prisner, but he would almost rather be 
 kilt than to go to sea." In the report given by the prisoners 
 themselves, that not more than one in ten could read and 
 write. They saw it in the letters which lay strewn about 
 within the enclosure of Fort Fisher, many of which contained 
 such expressions as the following. "Wen this war will ever 
 end the lord only nose." "If tha want me I will come and 
 teach for them this faul." 
 
 There were many letters there, every line of which con 
 tained flagrant examples of false orthography. The mechan 
 ical execution was in perfect keeping with the spelling. 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 205 
 
 Perhaps no one of the samples would be an anomaly in N. 
 Y. State, but what is remarkable, is the fact that among the 
 letters found in and about Fort Fisher, those giving evidence 
 of more intelligence in the writer were the exception. 
 Nearly all the passably executed letters were official. The 
 wretchedly spelled and illegible scrawl which is the rule in 
 those states, is the rare exception at the North. Besides, in 
 their occasional contact with the citizens through North 
 Carolina, the men met with entire families, not a member of 
 which could read. 
 
 Here, too, they met with an explanation. During our 
 transit of the state, we saw hardly more than two or three 
 school-houses, and those were small and presented every in 
 dication of having been built with reference to the wants of 
 two or three families. 
 
 Hence, the deplorable ignorance of the masses, and, hence 
 again, the rebellion. Political economy does not regard the 
 rebellion as a freak of human nature, but, the unavoidable 
 effect of an obvious cause. The acknowledged and practical 
 supremacy of the few, excited in them a growing desire to 
 rule and finally a desire for a separate government. How 
 clear, that if they could effect a separation, they, the aris 
 tocracy, could rule absolute over the abject populace their sys 
 tem of exclusive education had produced. The ignorance of 
 the masses had rendered them passive under injury ; their 
 credulity would make them fierce partizans and zealous sup 
 porters of any heresy. They might therefore be relied on. 
 
 Besides, the illiterate condition of the "poor whites," their 
 necessary lack of the grace of affluence, made them mentally 
 and externally distinct from the aristocracy. They were 
 thus excluded from the sympathies of the rich. In the pres. 
 
206 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 ence of bonded black laborers they were regarded a superflu 
 ous class, and therefore a cheap war material. To what 
 extent, the leaders of the rebellion were actuated by their 
 contempt of the class which would constitute the rank and 
 file of their army, it is difficult to say. That it did much to 
 free them from a wholesome dread of war, there can be no 
 doubt. In no other particular does the South differ so much 
 from the North as in the absence of educational facilities and 
 in the illiterate condition of the masses. The rebellion was 
 but the consummation of social disorder; effectual reconstruc 
 tion consists in the removal of the social conditions which 
 induced secession. It was the misfortune of the South, and 
 so of the nation, that the South, departed from, or rather that 
 it refused to adopt the Democratic policy enjoined by Washing 
 ton. " Promote as objects of the first importance, institutions 
 for the general diffusion of knowledge." It has been remark 
 ed that many of the rebels are coming North for the purpose 
 of discovering if possible "what on earth whipped them so." 
 
 Let them come. There is little doubt that those who are 
 capable of discerning, will perceive that the honor of the dis 
 charge of that important public duty belongs primarily to the 
 School-master who is, after all, the most potent Americanizing, 
 assimilating, and reconstructing agent. He was excluded by 
 the South despite the injunction of "Washington. Abraham 
 Lincoln beat down, with cannon and sword the partition wall. 
 Let the school-master go down and reconstruct. 
 
 Though school-houses were rarely seen, very plain wood 
 colored church edifices were met with at intervals of a few 
 miles. These were generally standing in groves. Much sur 
 prise was expressed at the great number of Masonic Lodges, 
 met with. They appeared more plenty in that region than 
 
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 207 
 
 they are in the North. In and about some of these lodges 
 applications for membership were picked up in which the ap 
 plicant had unreservedly expressed a purpose to comply with 
 all the requirements of the society. * 
 
 The order, it seemed, had accepted without discrimination, a 
 majority of the "poor white trash," a class, which, before the 
 war, were never annoyed with solicitations to join. On witness 
 ing this aggressive feature, this unparalleled democratic tend 
 ency, which it had so suddenly acquired in that latitude, and 
 the diligent attention it had received, at a time when the 
 public mind must have been very much pre-occupied, it was 
 difficult to avoid the conclusion, that the order had been an 
 effective promoter of the interests of treason. This conclusion 
 seems supported by the law of probabilities. Is not the order 
 beautifully adapted to the work of moulding and directing 
 its members with reference to a given object ? Is not the 
 form ominously similar to that of a conspiracy ? That the 
 confederates realized their need of a cementing agency will 
 not be questioned, and, that men sufficiently corrupt were 
 numbered among its members, is also patent. 
 
 Another note-worthy object met with in the interior, was 
 the domestic campaign literature. Much of it was designed 
 expressly for the camp, or, at all events, exclusively for home 
 consumption. The mental aliment, which had no doubt been 
 intelligently adapted, was another forcible revelation of the gross 
 ignorance of the masses. The literature was as low, and, in its 
 arguments, quite as absurd, as that which is so diligently 
 employed at the North to preserve the political status of the 
 illiterate foreign element. Some of it was Pollard s own. 
 
208 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 MARCH TO RALEIGH CONCLUDED, AND SOJOURN 
 IN THAT CITY. 
 
 Passage of Bentonville Battle-field. Bentonville. News of Lee s Surrender. 
 How Eeceived by the Troops. Reach Raleigh. Receive News that Sherman, 
 with a Portion of his Army, has confronted Johnston, and that the latter pro 
 poses to Surrender. Great Rejoicing. The Capitulation Tediously Protracted. 
 Receipt of the Intelligence of the Assassination of President Lincoln. The 
 News Confirmed. Its Effect on the Troops. They Want to go Forward, to 
 Facilitate the Surrender. Gen. Grant on his way to Raleigh. Telegraphs and 
 Order to Prepare to March. The Surrender Concluded. A Grand Military 
 Review in Raleigh. The Enemy having been thoroughly Vanquished, the 
 Troops are Impatient to Return Home. Gen. Sherman s Army marches for 
 Washington. Health of the Regiment. Social and Political Aspects of Ra 
 leigh, with Incidents. 
 
 ON the march, we crossed the Bentonville battle-field. The 
 scene of this decisive engagement between Gen. Slocum and 
 the rebel Gen. Johnston, is mainly in the wood. The marks 
 of bullet, shot and shell, were thick on shrub and tree ; at a 
 certain height from the surface, there was scarcely a twig or 
 bough that did not present its transverse groove, or its abrupt 
 termination. 
 
 A short time later we reached Beutonville.. It is in the 
 midst of a sparsely settled region-, situated on the high bank 
 of a sluggish water-course, and consists of scarcely a dozen 
 small unpainted weather-beaten dwellings. Two or three of 
 these primitive tenements, were still occupied by several 
 severely wounded rebel soldiers. They were destitute of 
 
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 209 
 
 hospital conveniences, were indifferently attended and ap 
 peared to be subsisting on the plainest quality of food. 
 Besides the wounded soldiers, the population of the Village, 
 consisted of three or four very poor families. 
 
 On the 3rd day, from Faison s (18th,) as the column was 
 slowly toiling along, it was met by a courier with an official 
 dispatch, containing the news of Lee s surrender. The pro 
 cession was halted and the message announced, when a shout 
 went up from thousands of throats ; such an acclamation 
 as those "valleys and rocks never heard." And away it 
 rolled back down the winding column, and again it swelled 
 forth, while the air overhead was literally filled with hats, 
 haversacks and belts, and even guns and swords were seen 
 making summersaults at an unusual height. Here and there 
 too might be seen warm handshakings and cordial gratula- 
 tions at the news, and those who have experienced the priva 
 tions and perils of soldier life, will not be surprised to learn 
 that there were even tears of joy when those sturdy soldiers 
 were thus suddenly brought to realize the glorious event of 
 "Victory at last." How naturally the mind reverted to those 
 long years of national agony, which had followed that first 
 shot at Sumter. Bull Run, Malvern Hill, Fredericksburg, 
 Vicksburg, Gettysburg, Petersburg and Fort Fisher came 
 again to mind. The soldier thought again of Libby prison, 
 and of Andersonville, and how could he contemplate this 
 signal success, in utter forgetfulness of Chicago in 64. 
 Surely the brave boys had not suffered for naught, the fallen 
 had not died in vain. Here at last was victory, for the sac 
 rifice, and a joy for past humiliation. 
 
 On the afternoon of the 14th, the column came in sight of 
 Raleigh. The young leaves of her ample oaks, had not yet 
 
210 HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. T. V. 
 
 hidden her public buildings and stately dwellings. The troops 
 were elated at the sight of the capital. The city presented a 
 pleasant contrast with the scenes afforded by the last journey ; 
 the sight was cheering also, as an evidence of our military 
 progress. Having approached by the South East, Gen. 
 Terry s force, encamped on that side of the city, and about 
 three fourths of a mile out. Most of Gen. Sherman s army 
 arriving about the same time, it extended its encampment, 
 so that the armies together encircled the town. 
 
 The capital is a fine and very large stone structure, occu 
 pying a central eminence. The Governor s mansion is directly 
 in front of it, though at the distance of half a mile. Stand 
 ing in the door of either building, you can see the entrance 
 of the other as you look through the length of the grand 
 shady aisle of Fayetteville Avenue. In the yard of the cap- 
 itol, stands a statue of Washington. The interior of the 
 capitol, presented a scene of the utmost confusion. Bound 
 legislative documents, and maps, lay strewn about the floor 
 of the library. The museum rooms were in even a worse 
 plight. The sash and glass of the cases had been broken, 
 and many of the specimens of natural history had been "con 
 fiscated." The geological collections had been wantonly 
 broken and promiscuously scattered. The assembly and 
 senate chambers were deserted and silent. The floor of the 
 former was sprinkled with scraps of writing paper, and ink 
 stands. On a shelf behind the speaker s desk, was a marble 
 bust, on the base of which in relief were the words " John 
 C. Calhoun." Poised on its crown, was an inverted inkstand, 
 whose contents had descended in copious streams over the 
 face. The marks of a brush or cloth charged with the same 
 fluid, had still more besmutted the features. Under the 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 211 
 
 name, in pencil, was written this explanatory clause. " Yes, 
 father of Secessionism." Many of the citizens, under a 
 wholesome, but alas, too transient conviction of their ill 
 deserts, had left before the arrival of the Union Army. A 
 few had remained, and a number of the others soon returned. 
 
 There was a good deal of impatience now evinced on the 
 part of the troops concerning Johnston. It was expressed in 
 language such as this. " The army of the Potomac have had 
 the satisfaction of whipping Lee ; why don t they let us whip 
 Johnston." Then there came word that Sherman with a 
 portion of his army, was confronting Johnston, and that the 
 latter was capitulating. The vocal demonstrations of joy 
 that went up on the receipt of that news will never be for 
 gotten by those who heard it. It continued with temporary 
 interruptions for several hours. It was the language of 
 nearly a hundred thousand overjoyed veteran soldiers. Dur 
 ing this jubilee it was rumored that President Lincoln had 
 been assassinated. The rumor went through the entire army 
 in a few minutes, but it was said, it was " not credited at 
 Head Quarters," and it was not therefore "believed by the 
 soldiers. 
 
 A day or two later the news was confirmed. The visible 
 effect on the army is not easy to describe, nor need it be, as 
 there is little probability that these pages will be read by those 
 who do not heartily sympathize in that national calamity. 
 Now, search creation for a parallel to this ; Lincoln, the Pres 
 ident, assassinated while his victorious "hirelings!" a hund 
 red thousand strong, were surrounding a capital city of the 
 enemy, and not a house burned, not a store pillaged, not a 
 person of the enemy insulted. On the other hand, whilst the 
 corpse of that Immortal Patriot was lying in state, his sol- 
 
212 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 diers, the livelong night were protecting the premises of those 
 who had sought his life, and thus affording quiet sleep to 
 those termagant slave mistresses who openly exulted at his 
 cruel and untimely death. Is not this magnanimity ? What 
 government affords a parallel ? 
 
 There being still no news of results in the matter pending 
 between Sherman and Johnston, and it being a question in 
 which the humblest and the greatest had an equal interest, 
 the troops again began to murmur. "How long," it was 
 petulently and perhaps pertinently asked, " does it take a 
 rebel General to surrender?" The dissatisfaction would 
 have been much more marked, had not the matter been in the 
 hands of Gen. Sherman, who, up to that time, among the 
 soldiers I think, was the most popular man in the United 
 States. But when the troops began to suspect that this great 
 commander had assumed, with the duty of restoring the au 
 thority of the government, the gratuitous job of preserving 
 the self-respect of traitors, they seemed to admire more mod 
 erately. Then word came, that the terms of surrender ex 
 tended to Johnston by Gen. Sherman, were unsatisfactory to 
 the Authorities at Washington, and that Gen. Grant was on 
 his way to Raleigh. Simultaneously with this, came an 
 order to prepare to move. This was understood, of course, 
 as an order to prepare to advance toward Johnston s army. 
 The work of preparation was begun with unwonted alacrity 
 and spirit, and with such expressions as the following. " If 
 we march after Johnston now, and meet him as an enemy, 
 
 d n him ; he will wish he had surrendered decently." 
 
 But Johnston, without any of Gen. Sherman s aid, at length 
 discerned the danger, if not the absurdity, of further delay. 
 Accordingly, the word passed that the troops would not 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 213 
 
 move, and then came the news of Johnston s surrender. 
 The protracted parley between those two representative com 
 manders at that stage of the war, was felt by the army, as a 
 humiliating event. The proceeding contrasted significantly 
 with those attending the surrender of Yicksburg. 
 
 The attention was fully occupied, for a few days, with a 
 grand review of all the troops in that vicinity. It was begun 
 before the arrival of Gen. Grant, and concluded under his 
 supervision. It was a great display, and must have been en 
 tertaining to loyal citizens, and not uninteresting to citizens 
 of a different political persuasion ; but at that date a military 
 review afforded but little of novelty to the soldiers then gath 
 ered at Raleigh. Still the troops evidently enjoyed it. They 
 in various ways manifested their appreciation of the event, 
 without any of that fulsome hero-worship, which character 
 ized the reviews of 1861 and 62. Soon after, an unusual 
 impatience discovered itself among the soldiers, at their deten 
 tion in the army. The feeling was general. Hundreds who 
 had cheerfully endured the hardships and dangers of the 
 field for months, and some during the war, now, that Lee and 
 Johnston were vanquished, and the rebellious spirit evident 
 ly utterly broken, were impatient to return to their former 
 peaceful pursuits. The same disposition was manifest among 
 the officers. The prime military stimulant, an armed enemy 
 to the government, having been removed, the service became 
 at once, to nearly all, intolerably irksome. But as the indi 
 vidual wishes of soldiers seldom influence the man at Head 
 quarters, the command remained. 
 
 Not many days after the review, Gen. Sherman s Army set 
 out for Washington, and Gen. Terry s troops were ordered to 
 remain for a time at Raleigh. The duty was light, and per- 
 
214 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 haps too light for the physical well-being of the men. The 
 want of military excitement, and the enervating effects of a 
 rising temperature, caused an unusual amount of sickness. 
 Intermittent and typhoid fevers were very prevalent. The 
 regiment lost one member by death, during its stay at Raleigh. 
 The sick found hospital accommodations in buildings erected 
 by the enemy, for the purpose of a general hospital. It had 
 been gotten up on a liberal scale. It was situated on an emi 
 nence, about a mile directly east of the Capitol, and quite 
 without the city limits. The wards were named after promi 
 nent rebel Generals. The name being conspicuously posted 
 above the door of each. Of course these labels soon disap 
 peared. When we arrived, a number of confederate wound 
 ed were occupying the different wards. Most of them were 
 from the Bentonville field, but a number had been there for 
 months. The rebel patients - were soon placed in consecutive 
 wards, when the emptied buildings were cleansed for the re 
 ception of our sick. Several large public buildings were 
 seized at first, and converted into hospitals, but they were va 
 cated by the removal of the sick north, when Sherman moved. 
 A few days after our arrival at Raleigh, squads of confed 
 erate soldiers, from Lee s and Johnston s armies, began to 
 come in. They were in a sad plight. Weary and way-worn, 
 unpaid, and almost without exception, entirely dependent on 
 the people for subsistence. Yery few of them expressed re 
 gret at the failure of the Confederacy, for the very good: rea 
 son that as a class, they could have gained nothing from its 
 success. Here and there these ex-soldiers could be seen 
 freely conversing with our soldiers, on the circumstances at 
 tending the late collapse. They had been so diligently taught 
 that every reverse was a "blessing in disguise," they seemed 
 
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 215 
 
 in just the mood to accept this, the greatest reverse, as the 
 greatest blessing. It was not so with the officers. While they 
 unreservedly admitted that they had been thoroughly beaten, 
 and that their cause was irretrievably lost, they still urged 
 that if they could have effected a separation, the south would 
 have been better off. Some ventured to say, that they would 
 have succeeded better, contending for the same thing, under 
 the old flag. They thought in that case, the " division at the 
 North would have been more nearly equal." 
 
 The wealthy were very desirous that Davis and his cabinet 
 should make their escape. They accepted, reluctantly, the 
 report of Davis* capture, but rejected as a "Yankee lie," the 
 statement of his seeking the disguise of female apparel. The 
 account of the circumstances attending his capture, were so 
 exceedingly mortifying to them, that out of courtesy, the 
 unionists tacitly admitted the probability of a "Yankee ex 
 aggeration." Who could deny them this morsel of comfort ? 
 
 Andrew Johnson having become president, and this vicinity 
 having been his native place, incidents of his early life were 
 rehearsed in every ancient household. And in most instances 
 the power of memory appeared more remarkable by far, than 
 the incidents. One vouched for the fact that once, " Andy s 
 father rescued a neighbor from drowning." Another, an 
 aged man, remarked, "I remember when a young man, I 
 bought at the shop at which Andy was then an apprentice, the 
 nice black suit in which I courted the lady who finally became 
 my wife. I wore the suit first, when I came to visit her in 
 this very house." None omitted to state, in conclusion, that 
 at that time Andy was classed among the " poor whites." And 
 said one, "he never could have been vice president, even, if 
 he had not emigrated ! " 
 
216 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 The troops then at Raleigh, witnessed North Carolina s first 
 feeble, but most sincere endeavors towards reconstruction. 
 A public meeting was advertised to be held on the Capitol 
 grounds. Its object was the ratification of the new order of 
 things. There appeared, also, to be a wish to ascertain the 
 strength of Mr. Holden as candidate for Governor. The 
 gathering was not large, but motley. The poor citizens, and 
 the war-worn rebel soldiers, who had stopped on their home 
 ward journey, to hear and rest, constituted the prevailing 
 butternut groundwork ; here and there was a steel mixed 
 suit, denoting a rebel officer. All this was freely dotted with 
 loyal blue, while the whole was surrounded with a liberal con 
 traband border. It was a great occasion for Raleigh. This 
 was the first for a long time that men had been able to assem 
 ble in safety, in public, under the stars and stripes. The prin 
 cipal speakers were Mr. Holden, Ex-Secretary Thomas, and a 
 prominent public man by the name of Russ. The first is a 
 deliberate and rather prosy speaker, but evidently a man of 
 strong humane sympathies. The second was a fair speaker. 
 The last, Mr. Russ, was remarkably energetic and humorous. 
 He made use of an illustration, which he would hardly ven 
 ture to repeat in some portions of the confederacy to-day. 
 Addressing his fellow citizens, he alluded to the collapse of 
 the rebellion as follows : 
 
 fa "Our effort at secession has ended disastrously, and even, 
 ridiculously for us. I cannot review the fool-hardiness of 
 the leaders, the relative strength of the opposing forces, and 
 the folly, which is now so obvious, and which should be a 
 lesson to the discontented for all time to come, without being 
 reminded of a little circumstance which occurred on the 
 Railroad, not far from here, some time since. A little two 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 217 
 
 year old bull, small of his age, and which would probably 
 have weighed sixty-five pounds when fat, was grazing on the 
 commons, when he heard the low rumbling of the locomotive 
 as it sped majestically along on its accustomed groove. The 
 sound excited his combativeness. Walking down on the track, 
 he assumed a defiant attitude, and began to scrape and roar 
 in a manner quite characteristic. Meanwhile the impending 
 locomotive came down and swept by, leaving naught of the 
 ambitious quadruped save a few shreds of "jerked beef." An 
 Irishman coming up, beheld the remains of the would-be 
 hero, and comprehending the nature of the conflict, thus 
 aptly commented : Bejabbers ! an ye had a foin courage, but 
 a dom poor judgment." 
 
 The illustration, disparaging as it was to southern sagacity, 
 was in the main, well received. Some of the released rebel 
 soldiers enjoyed the anecdote exceedingly, while the rebel 
 officers did not deign an endorsing smile. Sambo discerned 
 the point and simultaneously discovered his dentine. 
 
 The camp ground, occupied by the 1st Brigade, was low, 
 unsheltered from the sun, and unfavorable to health. Two or 
 three days after Sherman s departure, the brigade was per 
 mitted to take an eligible position in the northern suburbs of 
 the town. This new camp was in a beautiful grove, on the 
 premises of Kenneth Raynor, formerly a prominent southern 
 Congressman. The regiment lay immediately in rear of the 
 mansion. This change was a marked improvement on the 
 former camp, and was followed by an increase of comfort and 
 a better state of health. 
 
 On an unoccupied lot adjoining Mr. Raynor s, Division 
 Head-quarters were established. The green-sward and the 
 shadow of a venerable wide-spreading oak, such as we saw 
 
218 HISTORY OP THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 
 
 only in Raleigh, rendered the place very inviting. It seemed 
 additionally pleasant to several young men at Head-quarters, 
 on account of its contiguity to Mr. Raynor s, the porch of 
 whose residence was not unfrequently the resort of the Misses 
 Raynor and their female friends. 
 
 " Young eyes will meet young eyes, 
 Young hearts will meet young hearts," 
 
 and accordingly, interviews between those ladies and the un 
 married Yankee officers, and the formation of an acquain 
 tance, were inevitable. Frequent and mutually agreeable 
 conferences soon followed, and 
 
 " All went merry as a marriage bell." 
 
 But alas ! there are affairs which never do run smooth. This 
 happy triplicate flirtation was suddenly and sadly terminated 
 in the following manner: One evening while Maj. C., Capt. 
 L., and Capt. M., of Div. Staff, were spending a pleasant hour 
 in Mr. Raynor s parlor, I think pursuant to invitation, and 
 while "joy was unconfined," the company was unexpectedly 
 augmented by the abrupt entrance of several native beaux, 
 in tinseled gray, just "mustered out" of Johnston s army 
 by Gen. Sherman ! ! ! Fancy the embarrassment ! Our offi 
 cers, doubtless, felt unpleasantly at being the unwilling wit 
 nesses of wounded pride. The rebel officers experienced an 
 acute realization of the presence of their conquerors, and dis 
 appointment at finding their fair favorites entertaining those 
 detested Yankees, whom, at the late parting, they had so 
 eloquently anathematized. The ladies were still more per 
 plexed. Their former associates, whom they esteemed, had 
 discovered, in their conduct, an indication of a lack of con 
 stancy, or at least a want of fidelity to the Confederate cause. 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 219 
 
 To reinstate themselves, they must instantly cease their 
 attentions to the gallant and comely, (yet alas ! transient) 
 conquerors, and by discarding them, however trying, thus 
 exhibit another instance of feminine duplicity. They now 
 smiled not so graciously toward their Yankee guests, and in 
 a few minutes, smiled no more in that direction. Union offi 
 cers remarked the lateness of the hour Rebel officers con 
 firmed the sentiment Ladies exercised an English neutrality- 
 Union officers quietly retired, wondering and asking each 
 other whether such fickleness is an infirmity peculiar to the 
 sex ? or only sectional. It was nearly ten on the following 
 morning, before those fair faces lit up the windows and porch, 
 but thence came not the customed salutation. The Yankee 
 officers concluded that the service was exceedingly irksome, 
 since the solution of Johnston s army, and with one accord, 
 wanted to go home. 
 
 Raleigh, before the war, was an aristocratic town, but the 
 leading families had become sorely impoverished; the political 
 and financial storm had scattered them like leaves before the 
 autumn gale. The Episcopal Church, which had been the 
 vaunted show-case of aristocracy, had experienced a sad 
 change. Many of its families, prompted, no doubt by con 
 scious guilt, had fled ; their seats were vacant ; and, a solitary 
 one-horse carriage, a plain specimen, behind a quiescent nag, 
 was the only representative of the grand array of carriages, which 
 during service in former times, had occupied the three sides of 
 the block. Though the glitter of aristocracy had departed, its 
 spirit survived and lingered amid the ruins. A rebel officer, 
 from Johnston s army, on being asked what he thought of 
 n s prospect of being elected to the office of Governor, 
 provided he should be nominated, replied, " To be sure, the 
 
220 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 poor would vote for him to a very great extent ; but no gentle 
 man would support him." As if there were still two distinct 
 classes, and their interests were yet antagonistic, or at least 
 distinct. The wealthy had suffered severely from the annoy 
 ance of dependent friends and poor relations, which Irving 
 mentions as one of the ills of the English aristocracy, and 
 which will always accompany a popular contempt for labor. 
 "What in one instance was regarded as a friendly call, had ex 
 tended to a five-year visit, the useless guest betraying still no 
 symptoms of exhaustion. The Clergy, who had done as much 
 to promote the rebellion, as those in the North had to main 
 tain a sound loyal sentiment, in Kaleigh, for the most part, 
 at that time came out strongly in favor of graceful submission 
 to the rightful and re-asserted government. A Baptist Cler 
 gyman by the name of Skinner, and a wealthy man, had just 
 returned from Europe by the way of Washington. Though 
 his words and deeds had previously been consonant with the 
 interests of the confederacy, he publicly denounced, from his 
 pulpit, the whole enterprise of secession, condemned the 
 leaders, and exhorted his fellow citizens to works " meet for 
 repentance," toward both God and man. The Union soldiers 
 and officers, and the native poor, were pleased with the dis 
 course, but the prominent citizens sought to neutralize the 
 effects of the discourse, by representing it as an intended 
 antidote against personal confiscation. 
 
HISTORY OP THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 221 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 MARCH HOMEWARD FROM RALEIGH, AND THE 
 FINAL MUSTER. 
 
 Preparation of the Muster-rolls. The Regiment Mustered out of the U. S. Ser 
 vice. Journey by Railroad to Hicksford. Thence, Regiment Marches to 
 City Point. Thence by Transport to N. Y. City, where it arrives June 17th. 
 Thence in same Transport to Albany. 1 8th, Take Cars for Syracuse. Train 
 stops at Utica. Reception by the Citizens. Proceeds to Syracuse. Regiment 
 Dissolved on the 28th. 
 
 THE latter half of April, and the month of May, were 
 spent at Raleigh, by the regiment, without the receipt of any 
 official assurance of an early release from the service, but 
 with the 1st day of June, came a rumor that the 117th, and 
 other regiments of the Brigade, would soon be allowed to go 
 home. At the same time, an order was received to make out 
 the final muster rolls. The late recruits and the younger 
 officers, were to be consolidated with the 48th R. N. Y. Y., 
 and all whose term of service would expire by October 1st, 
 were to go home. A busy week followed, officers and clerks 
 wrote night and day. All detailed members were recalled, 
 and on the 8th day of June, the regiment was mustered out 
 of the Government service. The morning of the 9th, was a 
 bright and joyous occasion. The prospect of visiting home 
 is always highly enjoyed by the soldier, but how much more 
 so, that of his return after an honorable discharge from his 
 15 
 
222 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 country s service ! But there was an additional and peculiar 
 satisfaction in this muster out, derived from the fact that the 
 work was finished. 
 
 The 117th, consisting now of scarcely three hundred men, 
 was to take passage on board the cars for Gaston, about 10 
 o clock, A. M. A party of men in charge of the officers 
 horses had started some thirty hours before. They had gone 
 across the country and were to meet the regiment at Hicks- 
 ford, a point about fifty miles North. At ten, took cars and 
 were soon under way. The locomotive was asthmatic and 
 rickety, as though its functions would not long survive the 
 Confederacy. The rolling stock was uncomfortably defective, 
 so that the traveling conveniences were meager, but it was 
 much better than marching, and even the latter, under the 
 circumstances, would have been no great hardship. 
 
 By 4 P. M. reached Gaston, having made about thirty 
 miles. At Raleigh, we had heard so much of Gaston, that 
 some had looked forward to it as a comfortable stopping place 
 tor the traveler. Some anticipated a warm reception and a 
 good meal, at a first class Hotel ; perhaps a good bed, white 
 sheets, &c. Imagine the surprise of many and the disap 
 pointment of a few, on discovering that Gaston consists of 
 about two buildings, separated by the Roanoke River, one, a 
 government store-house, the other a cheap tenement occupied 
 by a negro family. The disappointment was the greater be 
 cause the anticipated accommodations were rendered more 
 necessary by a smart rain, which set in just before we reached 
 the river. 
 
 Since the destruction of the great bridge, which had but 
 recently occurred, the crossing was made by means of a rude 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 223 
 
 flat boat, of which the principal resident, the negro, was cap 
 tain "and all hands." In three trips he transferred the regi 
 ment to the north side. While the first two trips were being 
 made the officers found shelter from the rain in the house of 
 the ferryman. A young man and a young woman of color, 
 were among the inmates. Having a partiality for each other,, 
 and being matrimonially inclined, tlrey were married, by 
 Chaplain Jones. 
 
 About dark we reached the opposite side of the river, and 
 again took cars for Hicksford. We arrived there about 
 midnight. It is a small village, presenting few indications of 
 prosperity. The bridges and railroad having been much 
 damaged north of this point, the troops were obliged to march 
 thence. We were about three days performing the march 
 from this place to City Point. We passed over a desolate and 
 unpromising region. The land suffered for cultivation and 
 the inhabitants for culture. One night, encamped on the prem 
 ises of a Mr. Hill, who had seven daughters, whose ages ranged 
 from three years to twenty-two ; the eldest, who was most ad 
 vanced in book knowledge, could read with difficulty in a 
 primer. This was a sample of the greater part of the popula 
 tion. Reached City Point on the 14th. Took passage on a 
 small steam-boat for Fort Monroe. There took passage on 
 board of Transport " Edward Everett" for New York City ; ar 
 rived there on Sunday, the 17th; reached Albany the 18th, and 
 took cars for Syracuse. On the way stopped a short time at Utica. 
 
 An extract from the Utica Morning- Herald, of the follow 
 ing day, thus describes the reception at that place. 
 
 "It was not far from half-past six when the train, bearing 
 the boys in blue, came in sight. It was composed of the 
 baggage cars and nine passenger coaches, the rear one being 
 
224 HISTORY OP THE 117TH E. N. Y. V. 
 
 used by the officers of the regiment. When a halt was made, 
 a rush commenced for the train, and amid the firing of the 
 old Citizen s Corps gun, and "Home, Sweet Home/ from the 
 Utica City Band, the gallant boys of the 117th, were received 
 by their friends. As soon as possible, they were out of the 
 cars, and under the leadership of Col. McQuade, formed in 
 line and marched to the west end of the depot, where they 
 were formally welcomed, by HON. ROSCOE CONKLTNG, in the 
 following appropriate and eloquent manner. 
 
 THE ADDRESS OF WELCOME. 
 
 Soldiers and Fellow- Citizens: The Committee of Arrange 
 ments has assigned to me the honor of bidding you welcome 
 home again welcome to those homes which your valor has 
 defended and preserved. In the name of the people of this 
 city, and of the committee, I assure you that the heartiest 
 welcome they can give is offered to you, as neighbors and as 
 victorious soldiers of the Republic. Three years ago fear 
 was everywhere. No home was safe ; strong men bowed 
 themselves ; our government tottered ; our flag was derided 
 and dishonored on land and on sea, and foreign nations were 
 casting lots for our vesture. Then it was, at the country s 
 call, that you left fireside and home, for the camp, the trench 
 and the hospital then it was that you went out to defend, on 
 far distant battle-fields, the life and glory of your country. 
 You have done your whole duty. You have passed marches 
 more dreadful than battles. You have conquered in fights 
 which will be historic forever. You have belonged to the 
 most glorious army that ever assembled on earth, and of that 
 army you were the first regiment of all, to plant the glorious 
 ensign of the Republic on the battered parapet of Fort Fisher. 
 
HISTORY OP THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 225 
 
 (Cheers.) In all this career of glory, of duty, and of daring 
 exploit, a common purpose has inspired you, a common hope 
 has led you on. What was it? Peace. Peace with the 
 Government and the constitution our fathers established, has 
 been the object of the war, and the prayer of every patriot 
 and of every soldier. We have all longed for the time, when 
 you who are fathers, and you who are sons, you who are 
 husbands, and you who are brothers, and you who are lovers, 
 should return once more to gladden the places which have 
 been lonesome and desolate without you. 
 
 That time, at last, has come, and on this burning Sabbath 
 day have gone up, and on every Sabbath will go up, from the 
 Christian altars of the land, praises and thanksgivings, that 
 at last the red eye of battle is closed, and prayers that it 
 never again may open, and above all that it may never open 
 on the dis-United States of America. This glorious advent 
 of peace, comes of the services rendered by you and by your 
 comrades in arms ; and you deserve to be decorated with 
 heroic honors for conspicuous bravery on burning battle-fields, 
 where all were brave. You deserve, as you receive, the grat 
 itude of your neighbors, the thanks, the blessings and the 
 benedictions of the good, the generous and the true. But I 
 will not detain you. It is the Sabbath day, when, even if you 
 were not weary with travel, rest and quiet would be congen 
 ial to you and to those who have come to greet you. 
 
 Kind hands have provided such tributes of hospitality and 
 thoughtfulness, as the notice of your coming has allowed ; 
 and now, in the name of this vast multitude, in the name of 
 the whole people of Utica, in the name of the whole people 
 of Oneida County, I assure you, once more, that a welcome 
 and a God-bless-you is in the hearts, if not on the lips, of all, 
 the young and the old. 
 
226 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 REPLY OF GENERAL DAGGETT. 
 
 General Daggett responded, in substance, as follows : 
 
 The General said he would not attempt a formal reply, but 
 could not consent to let the occasion pass without an ac 
 knowledgment of the beautiful reception, and glowing 
 welcome, and the graceful and bountiful repast which had 
 been prepared. He said, and speaking for his brother officers 
 and the entire regiment, as well as for himself, that he wished 
 to express to the committee, and through them to the people 
 of the city and county, their warmest acknowledgments for 
 the interest and generosity which had been evinced toward 
 the regiment, not only at this time, but always since its organ 
 ization. They would all ever cherish and treasure the 
 memory of manifold kindnesses and courtesies for which the 
 117th were indebted to the people of Utica and of Oneida 
 county. 
 
 At the close of the addresses, the soldiers executed a 
 " right about," and curiously enough faced the tables. Nor 
 did a man flinch. Who ever heard that a soldier of the 117th 
 did that ? There was nothing of the ceremonious about that 
 meal, yesterday. We think the soldier boys enjoyed it. We 
 that looked on did, at least. For an hour, perhaps, eating 
 was in order, and when at last, as we trust, each man was 
 satisfied, the board was by no means "swept." More than 
 the old scriptural number of " seven baskets " full remained. 
 The overplus was distributed between the Orphan Asylums 
 of the city. 
 
 But the orders to be "marching on" are imperative, and 
 with the last farewell spoken, the boys again took to the cars, 
 bound for Syracuse. 
 
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 227 
 
 Such was our reception of the war-worn heroes of the 
 117th regiment. If by this demonstration they infer our 
 appreciation of their services in subduing rebellion, and our 
 joy at their return, no other reward is sought. Still to the 
 Committee of Arrangements, and their efficient Chairman, 
 Hon. Alrick Hubbell, and the ladies who assisted so faithfully, 
 too much credit cannot be awarded. The success of the re 
 ception is their best praise." 
 
 The list of Regimental Officers, at the time of its return, 
 was as follows: 
 
 FIELD AND STAFF. 
 
 Colonel Rufus Daggett, Brevet Brig. Gen. 
 Lieutenant Colonel F. X. Meyers. 
 Major Egbert Bagg. 
 Surgeon J. A. Mowris. 
 Chaplain J. D. Jones. 
 Assistant Surgeon W. F. Day. 
 Quarter Master W. E. Richards. 
 
 Adjutant Charles H. Roys, transferred to 48th N. Y. V., 
 and now A. C. M. 
 
 LINE OFFICERS. 
 
 Co. A Captain, D. B. Magill, home wounded ; 1st Lieut., 
 G. W. Ross; 2d Lieut., E. M. Shorey, commanding company. 
 
 Co. B Captain, Harrison Pease ; 1st Lieut., John G. 
 Glazier ; 2d Lieut., F. W. Olmsted. 
 
 Co. C 1st Lieut., E. G. Skinner, acting Adjutant; 2d 
 Lieut., M. E. Johnson, commanding company. 
 
 Co. D Captain, F. H. Lay ; 1st Lieut., H. L. Adams, on 
 detached service. 
 
 Co. E Captain, Wm. L. Bartholomew ; 1st Lieut, Wm. 
 E. Pease; 2d Lieut., F. E. Boden. 
 
 Co. F Captain, Wm. L. Hurlbert, A. D. C. on Major 
 General Terry s staff; 1st Lieut., Adelbert Ecker, command 
 ing company. 
 
228 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 Co. G Captain, Algernon E. Smith, A. D. C., home 
 wounded. 
 
 Co. H Captain, Almon R. Stephens ; 1st Lieut., J. H. 
 Fairbanks, commanding company. 
 
 Co. I Captain, E. Downer, transferred to 48th N. Y. Y., 
 1st Lieut., L. J. Carver, commanding Co. C ; 2d Lieut., H. 
 D. Grant, transferred to 48th N. Y. Y. 
 
 Co. K Captain, A. M. Erwin, transferred to 48th N. Y. Y., 
 and now A. C. M. ; 1st Lieut., Robert "Bryan, commanding 
 company 
 
 NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF. 
 
 Sergt. Major, G. B. Fairhead, commissioned 2d Lieut., but 
 not mustered. 
 
 Quartermaster Sergeant, Jos. D. Monroe. 
 
 Commissary Sergeant, John B. Wicks. 
 
 Hospital Steward, Henry N. Marchisi. 
 
 Principal Musician, Jacob Irvin. 
 
 Principal Musician, John S. Fairhead. 
 
 Additional regimental statistics may be thus presented. 
 
 The following are the casualties in the 117th N. Y. Yols., 
 from August, 1862, to June, 1865 ; 
 
 Missin Transfd 
 
 Total. 
 
 41 
 
 39 
 45 
 48 
 42 
 54 
 47 
 44 
 63 
 60 
 
 85 154 198 21 25 483 
 
 Co. 
 
 Killed 
 in 
 action. 
 
 a 
 
 Died 
 of 
 wounds. 
 
 13 
 
 Disch d 
 for 
 disability. 
 
 18 
 
 Missing 
 in 
 action. 
 
 -I 
 
 Transfd 
 to 
 V. R. C. 
 
 q 
 
 
 
 
 J.O 
 
 18 
 
 J.O 
 
 in 
 
 JL 
 1 
 
 4 
 
 rj 
 
 6 
 
 
 18 
 
 4 
 
 6 
 
 
 - 6 
 
 16 
 
 21 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 19 
 
 
 Ifi 
 
 
 Q 
 
 
 13 
 
 12 
 
 9^ 
 
 
 4 
 
 
 _ 7 
 
 14 
 
 90 
 
 9 
 
 9 
 
 H- 
 
 T 
 
 10 
 
 15 
 17 
 
 19 
 
 Qf) 
 
 9 
 
 Q 
 
 TT 
 
 - 8 
 
 97 
 
 19 
 
 6 
 
 
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 229 
 
 The 117th left with 1,020 men, and returned with 315. At 
 intervals, during 63-4-5, it received about 500 recruits in 
 the aggregate. Of these about 250 were transferred to the 
 40th N. Y. Yols., of which 150 were effective, the others 
 being in hospital, sick. Thus it will be seen that the regiment 
 lost during its term of service about 1,000 men. 
 
 The casualties of the regiment, in some of its prominent 
 battles, were as follows : 
 
 Drury s Bluff, May, 1864, - * - 81 
 
 Taking of Petersburg Heights, June 15, 1864, 24 
 
 Siege of Petersburg, - 132 
 
 Chapin s Farm, September 29, 1864, - - 130 
 
 Darbytown Road, October 27, 1864, - 52 
 
 Fort Fisher, January 15, 1865, 95 . 
 
 After spending about ten tedious days in camp, at Syracuse, 
 the remaining members of the regiment, were paid off and 
 honorably discharged the service. This final muster-out is 
 dated June 28th, 1865. From that time, the 117th ceased to 
 be, except in History, where its name is indelibly inscribed. 
 
 The final ceremonies were an appropriate address by Gen. 
 Daggett, and the general interchange of the parting saluta 
 tion. These done, all repaired to their homes, rejoicing in 
 the triumph of RIGHT and in the return of PEACE. 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 231 
 
 STATISTICAL HISTORY 
 
 OF THE 
 
 117TH REGIMENT N. Y. VOLUNTEERS. 
 
 FIELD AND STAFF. 
 
 COLONELS. 
 
 WILLIAM R. PEASE, appointed Aug. 15th, 1862- Held the right with an inde 
 pendent command; during Longs treet s siege of Suffolk, for which service he was 
 highly commended by the Department Commander. Was acting Brig. Colonel, 
 at Fort Baker, and while at camp Haskins, near Portsmouth. Resigned on ac 
 count of ill health, Oct. 5th, 1863. See pages 17 and 92. 
 
 ALVIN WHITE, promoted from Lieutenant Colonel, May 1st, 1864. Com 
 manded the Regiment at Drury s Bluff, in May, 1864, on the Bermuda line, at 
 Cold Harbor, at the capture of Petersburg Heights and in the siege of the city. 
 His health failing, he resigned July 18th, 1864. Was wounded in the battle ot 
 Drury s Bluff. 
 
 RUFUS DAGGETT, promoted from Lieutenant Colonel, Aug. 23d, 1864. Com 
 manded the Regiment during a part of the time of the siege of Petersburg. Com 
 manded the Brigade in the battle of Chapin s Farm, for which signal service he 
 was Breveted Brigadier General. 
 
 LIEUTENANT COLONELS. 
 
 ALVIN WHITE, appointed Aug. 15th, 1862. Served in the Suffolk campaign, 
 and in the siege of Charleston. 
 
 RUFUS DAGGETT, promoted from Major, May 1st, 1864. Was in the battle of 
 Drury s Bluff ; Col. White being wounded during the engagement, Lieut. Col. 
 Daggett promptly took command, and conducted most gallantly. 
 
 .FRANCIS X. MYER, promoted from Major, Aug. 23d, 1864. Commanded the 
 Regiment on Bermuda line, and in the battle of Fort Fisher, at which place he 
 was seriously wounded ; was Breveted Col. for gallant and meritorious services 
 on that occasion. 
 
 MAJORS. 
 
 RUFUS DAGGETT, appointed Aug. 15th, 1862. Served in Suffolk campaign, and 
 in siege of Charleston. 
 
 FRANCIS X. MYER, promoted from Captain, May 1st, 1864. Served in battle of 
 Drury s Bluff, Cold Harbor, and at assault and capture of Petersburg Heights, 
 and in the siege of the city. 
 
232 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 EGBERT BAGG, promoted from Captain, Aug. 23d, 1864. Served during the 
 term. Commanded the Regiment in the battles of the springing of the Mine, 
 (July 30th) Chapin s Farm, (Sept. 29th) ; New Market Road, (Oct. 7th) ; and 
 Darbeytown Road, (Oct. 27th). Was in the assault of Fort Fisher, and on that 
 occasion, was seriously wounded. Was Breveted Lieutenant Colonel for gallant 
 and meritorious services in the same engagement. 
 
 ADJUTANTS. 
 
 JAMES M. LATIMORE, appointed July 26th, 1862. Resigned Adjutancy, Sept. 
 23d, 1862. Was promoted to Captain, Oct. 21st, 1864. 
 
 CHARLES S. MILLARD, promoted from 1st Lieutenant, Sept. 25th, 1862. Served 
 in Suffolk campaign, siege of Charleston, battle of Drury s Bluff, Cold Harbor, 
 assault on Petersburgh Heights, Bermuda line. Was detailed as Aid to Gen. 
 Hinks. His health failing, he resigned Sept. 29th, 1864. 
 
 CHARLES H. ROYS, appointed Oct. 1864. Served on Bermuda line, was in the 
 battle of Fort Fisher, detailed as Chief C. M., Dept. N. C., and Breveted Major, 
 U. S. V., for gallant conduct at Fort Fisher. 
 
 SURGEONS. 
 
 EDWARD LOOMIS, appointed July 29th, 1862. Was Brigade Surgeon during the 
 winter, while at Fort Baker, D. C. Was with the Regiment constantly, till his 
 resignation, April 15th, 1863. 
 
 HENRY W. CARPENTER, promoted from Assistant Surgeon, May 1st, 1863. Was 
 Brigade Surgeon on Staff of Col. Alford, on Folly Island. Resigned on account 
 of ill health, Nov. 5th, 1864. 
 
 JAMES A. MOWRIS, promoted from Assistant Surgeon, Jan. 3d, 1865. Served 
 as Brigade Surgeon, and latterly as Medical Director of 2d Division, 10th A. C. 
 
 ASSISTANT SURGEONS. 
 
 SAMUEL INGRAHAM, appointed Aug. 20th, 1862. Resigned Oct. 14th, 1862. 
 HENRY W. CARPENTER, appointed Aug. 15th, 1862, promoted May 1st, 1863. 
 JAMES A. MOWRIS, appointed Oct. 15th, 1862, promoted Jan. 3d, 1865. 
 WARREN E. DAY, appointed June 21st, 1863. 
 
 CHAPLAINS. 
 
 JOHN T. CRIPPEN, appointed Aug. 15th, 1862. Resigned Feb. 16th, 1864, on 
 account of ill health. 
 JOHN D. JONES, appointed Aug. 22d, 1864. 
 
 QUARTER MASTERS. 
 
 EGBERT BAGG, appointed July 25th, 1862; promoted to Captain, Nov. 24th, 
 1862. 
 WILLIAM E. RICHARDS, appointed Nov. 24th, 1862. 
 
 NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF. 
 
 SERGEANT MAJORS. 
 
 MILTON BRAYTON. 
 
 FRANCES WALCOTT. 
 
 ROBERT BRYAN. 
 
 GEORGE B. FAIRHEAD, Jan. 1st, 1865. 
 
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 233 
 
 QUARTER MASTER S SERGEANTS. 
 WILLIAM E. KICHARDS. 
 EVAN G. JONES. 
 
 JOSEPH D. MONROE, April 1st, 1863; though his duty was arduous, it was 
 always cheerfully and promptly performed. 
 
 COMMISSARY SERGEANTS. 
 
 BENJAMIN F. MILLER. 
 
 CHARLES BAILEY. 
 
 JOHN B. WICKS, May 28th, 1864 ; conscientious and faithful. 
 
 HOSPITAL STEWARD, 
 
 HENRY N. MARCHISI, Aug., 1862 ; was continually with the Regiment till the 
 close of the war, and always had the neatest Regimental Dispensary in the 
 Corps. 
 
 MUSICIANS. 
 
 JoHN B S. R FAiRHEAD, } P roduced the best drum Corps in the Army. 
 
 The following named were not members of the Regiment, till joining it as offi 
 cers, after its departure from the County : 
 
 JAMES A. MOWRIS, M. D., appointed Assistant Surgeon, Oct. 15th, 1862. A 
 native of Marbletown, Ulster County, N. Y., had practiced medicine between ten 
 and twelve years, became Regimental Surgeon, January 3d, 1865. 
 
 WARREN E. DAY, M. D., appointed Assistant Surgeon, June 21st, 1863. A 
 native of Herkimer County, N. Y. A recent graduate. 
 
 EDWARD WARR, appointed Captain May 1st, 1864. Had served as Captain in 
 the 1 4th R. N. Y. V., during the most active stage of the McClellan campaign. 
 While with the 117th was severely wounded at the assault on the Richmond de 
 fences, on the Darbeytown Road, Oct. 27th, 1864. The wound resulting in per 
 manent disability, he retired with an honorable discharge, March 25th, 1865. 
 
 JOHN D. JONES, appointed Chaplain, (vice John T. Crippen resigned,) Aug. 
 22d, 1864. A resident of Oneida County and a graduate of Hamilton College. 
 Was with the Regiment till its muster out. 
 
 HARRISON PEASE, appointed 1st Lieutenant, Sept. 5th, 1862. Had served in the 
 14th R. N. Y. V. Was promoted to Captain, July 12th, 1864. 
 
 The following original members became officers after the Regiment left the 
 County ; names arranged according to the order of appointment. 
 
 WILLIAM E. RICHARDS, appointed 1st Lieutenant, and Regimental Quarter 
 master, Nov. 24th, 1862. Possessing a rare business turn, he held the position 
 till the Regiment was discharged. 
 
 CORNELIUS N. BAKER, appointed 2d Lieutenant, Nov. 24th, 1862. Resigned 
 Feb. 19th, 1863. 
 
 JOHN H. FAIRBANK, appointed 2d Lieutenant, Nov. 24th, 1863 ; promoted 1st 
 Lieuteuant, May 18th, 1864; breveted Captain for gallant and meritorious servi 
 ces in the assault on Fort Fisher, on which occasion he was seriously wounded. 
 
234 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 MILTON BRAYTON, appointed 2d Lieutenant, Apr. 1st, 1863 ; resigneclJuly 26th, 
 1863. 
 
 BENJAMIN F. MILLER, appointed 2d Lieutenant, April 1st, 1863 ; wounded at 
 Cold Harbor, June, 1864 ; resigned Dec. 16th, 1864. 
 
 EVAN G. JONES, appointed 2d Lieutenant, April 1st, 1863 ; died at Portsmouth, 
 Va., July 12th, 1863. (See Obituary.) 
 
 GEORGE W. Ross, appointed 2d Lieutenant, Sept. 21st, 1863 ; promoted to 1st 
 Lieutenant, July 12th, 1864 ; detailed for duty on Brigade Staff, where he served 
 acceptably till the close of the war. 
 
 WILLIAM C. CASSELMAN, appointed 2d Lieutenant, March 16th, 1864 ; killed in 
 action at Drury s Bluff, Va., May 16th, 1864. 
 
 J. KNOX WILLIAMS, appointed 2d Lieutenant, March 19th, 1864; promoted to 
 1st Lieutenant, July 12th, 1864; killed in action at Laurel Hill Church, Va., 
 Sept. 29th, 1864. (See Obituary.) 
 
 SPENCER C. MYER, appointed 2d Lieutenant, May 18th, 1864; promoted to 1st 
 Lieutenant, Aug. 24th, 1864. 
 
 HENRY L. ADAMS, appointed 2d Lieutenant, May 18th, 1864; promoted to 1st 
 Lieutenant, Oct. 23d, 1864; was taken prisoner on the Darbe)town Hoad, Oct. 
 27th, 1864; confined in Libby and Danville prisons about three months, when he 
 was exchanged. 
 
 ADELBERT ECKER, appointed 2d Lieutenant, May 19th, 1864 ; promoted to 1st 
 Lieutenant, Nov. 30th, 1 b64. 
 
 ALONZO DENTON, appointed 2d Lieutenant, May 19th, 1864 ; severely wounded 
 in action, Sept. 24th, 1864 ; resigned Jan. 23d, 1865. 
 
 WILLIAM APPLETON, appointed 2d Lieutenant, May 24th, 1864 ; lost one eye 
 from wound received at Drury s Bluff battle, May 16th, 1864; resigned Sept. 
 25th, 1864. 
 
 EUGENE C. SKINNER, appointed 2d Lieutenant, June 10th, 1864 ; promoted to 
 1st Lieutenant, Nov. 30th, 1864 ; wounded in the assault on Fort Fisher, Jan. 
 15th, 1865. 
 
 WILLIAM E. PEASE, appointed 2d Lieutenant, Jan. 29th, 1864 ; promoted to 
 1st Lieutenant, Feb. 17th, 1865. 
 
 JOHN G. GLAZIER, appointed 2d Lieutenant, Aug. 22d, 1864 ; promoted to 1st 
 Lieutenant, Feb. 17th, 1865. 
 
 ROBERT BRYAN, appointed 2d Lieutenant, Oct. llth, 1864 ; promoted to 1st 
 Lieutenant, April llth, 1865. 
 
 LEVI J. CARVER, appointed 2d Lieutenant, Dec. 2d, 1864. 
 
 EBENEZER M. SHOREY, appointed 2d Lieutenant, Feb. 17th, 1865. 
 
 M. L. JOHNSON, appointed 2d Lieutenant, Feb. 17th, 1865. 
 
 F. W. OLMSTEAD, appointed 2d Lieutenant, Feb. 18th, 1865. 
 
 FREDERICK E. BODEN, appointed 2d Lieutenant, May 12th, 1865. 
 
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 235 
 
 *ROSTER OF COMPANY A. 
 
 GEORGE W. BRIGHAM, Captain ; appointed August 20, 1862 ; severely wounded 
 at battle of Drury s Bluff, May 16/64; from effects of wounds thus received, 
 died May 19/64. See pages 106, 107. 
 
 ISAAC H. DANN, 1st Lieutenant; appointed August 20, 1862; killed at Cold 
 Harbor, Va., June 4, 1864. At the time of his death he had been commis 
 sioned Captain, but had not yet been mustered. 
 
 WILLIAM L. BARTHOLOMEW, 2d Lieutenant; appointed August 20, 1862; pro 
 moted to 1st Lieutenant, May 18, 1864 ; promoted to Captain, November 30, 
 1864; Breveted Major for "gallant and meritorious services/ at the taking of 
 Fort Fisher, the latter promotion dating March 5, 1865. 
 
 George W. Ross, 1st Sergeant, Utica, July 23, 1862, Merchant; Promoted to 2d 
 
 Lieutenant, September 1, 1863. 
 Giles Pullman, Sergeant, Utica, July 18, 1862, Carriage Maker; Reduced to the 
 
 Ranks September 30, 1863, per R. S. O. No. 72. 
 Eugene C. Skinner, Sergeant, Utica, July 28, 1862, Student; Promoted to 2d 
 
 Lieutenant, June 10, 1864. 
 Charles T. Adams, Sergeant, Rome, August 7, Clerk; Promoted to 1st Sergeant 
 
 June 18, 1864, per R. S. O. No. 11 ; Wounded Severely September 29. 
 Samuel C. Emery, Sergeant, Utica, July 28, 1862, Farmer; Reduced to Ranks, 
 
 December 1, 1863, per R. S. O. No. 87. 
 Monroe Woolnough, Corporal, Utica, July 28, 1862, Manufacturer; Died of 
 
 Disease, October 29, 1864, Fort Annapolis, Md. 
 Emory H. Jacobs, Corporal, Utica, July 18, 1862, Carriage Maker. 
 George Burkett, Corporal, Utica, July 18, 1862, Carpenter. 
 Evan G. Jones, Corporal, Rome, August, 4, 1862, Student; promoted to Q. M. 
 
 Sergeant, November 22, 1862, promoted to 2d Lieut. April 1, 1863. 
 Orrin Comstock, Corporal, Utica, August 21, 1862, Laborer. 
 George W. Brown, Corporal, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer; promoted to 
 
 Sergeant December 1, 1863, killed at Fort Fisher, N. C., Jan. 15, 1865. 
 Adelbert W. Francis, Corporal, Rome, August 7, 1862, Miller; promoted to 
 
 Sergeant June 18, 1864. 
 Alexander McLean, Corporal, Rome, August 7, 1 862, Clerk ; promoted to 
 
 Sergeant, September, 30, 1863. Taken prisoner May 16, 1864. See Appendix. 
 William Leetz, Musician, Rome, August 7, 1862, Tinsmith. 
 Samuel Irish, Musician, Utica, July 24, Laborer. 
 
 Nearly all those not accounted for in the Roster, returned with the Regiment, or were consol 
 idated with the 48th R. N. Y. Y. 
 
236 HISTORY OP THE 117TH E. N. Y. V. 
 
 Thomas V. Comstock, Teamster, Utica, July 29, 1862, Carpenter; transfered to 
 
 V. K. C., March 16,1864. 
 Allen, Samuel Private, Utica, August 6, 1862, Farmer; died January 25, of 
 
 wounds received at Fort Fisher. 
 Ash, Norman D. Private, Home, August 7, 1862, Farmer ; died of Diarrhoea, 
 
 October 3, 1863. 
 
 Anderson, Edward Private, Utica, July 26, 1862, Brush Maker; 
 Ballou, Thomas C. Private, Utica, August 6, 1862, Wagon Maker ; Wounded 
 
 16th May, 1864. 
 
 Barnard, John Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer; discharged May 31/63. 
 Carrier, Myron A. Private, Rome, August 8, 1862, Farmer; deserted July 8/63, 
 
 at White House, Va. 
 
 Carrier, Adelbert L. Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer; 
 Conlar, Michael Private, Utica, July 25, 1862, Laborer; 
 Collins, James A. Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer; died October 1863, 
 
 after being discharged. 
 
 Corbett, Charles Private, Rome, August 6, 1862, Mechanic; promoted to Cor 
 poral, June 18, 1864, wounded at Fort Fisher. 
 Beard, Robert Private, Rome, Aug. 5, 1862, Mechanic. 
 Berg, John Private, Utica, July 25, 1862, Laborer; lost eye at Fort Fisher. 
 Beeman, Daniel Private, Utica, July 30, 1862, Farmer. 
 Brown, Judson C. Private, Rome, August 7, 1862; died January 5, 1864. 
 Cummings, Wilber Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer. 
 Doliver, Eli Private, Rome, August 6, 1862, Farmer. 
 Earl, George T. Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Corporal 
 
 February 20, 1865. 
 
 Eastham, John Private, Rome, August 5, 1862, Mechanic. 
 Edwards, Henry Private, Utica, July 22, 1862, Laborer; died of diarrhoea, Feb. 
 
 2, 1864. 
 
 Evans, Henry Private, Utica, July 30, 1862, Blacksmith. 
 
 Evans, Thomas Private, Utica, July 31, 1862, Clerk; transferred to G, at organ 
 ization of Company. 
 Foster, Edward S. Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer; died of typhoid 
 
 fever, July 24, 1863. 
 
 Francis, John Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Laborer. 
 Francis, William Private, Utica, July 28, 1862, Farmer; wounded and taken 
 
 prisoner September 29th, returned with loss of one leg. 
 Francis, Wm. H. Private, Utica, July 24, 1862, Currier; promoted to corporal 
 
 January 30, 1864; promoted to sergeant February 25, 1865. 
 Fuller, Russell Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer; discharged for promo 
 tion as 2d Lieut, in 6th N. Y. H. Artillery June 12, 1864. 
 Garlock, James Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Moulder. 
 Griffith, Evan Private, Utica, July 30, 1862, Rectifier. 
 Halen, James Private, Rome, August 6, 1862, Mechanic. 
 
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 237 
 
 Harrington, Andrew J. Private, Borne, August 7, 1862, Batcher; promoted to 
 
 Corporal December 1, 1863. 
 Harrison, William H. Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Painter ; killed at Fort 
 
 Fisher, N. C. January 15, 1865. 
 Harwood, Leander Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Tinsmith; discharged for 
 
 disability October 7, 1862. 
 
 Hicks, William Private, Rome, August 7, 1865, Ship carpenter. 
 Hobbs, James W. Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Cooper. 
 Hughes, Edward Private, Utica, July 24, 1862, Farmer. 
 Jones, Griffith Private, Utica, August 4, 1862, Farmer; died of diarrhoea Sept. 
 
 25, 1863. 
 
 Lanning, Alanson J. Private, Utica, July 21, 1862, Farmer. 
 Law, Charles B. Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Corporal. 
 
 September 30, T863, killed in action at Dury s Bluff, Va. May 16, 1864. 
 Law, Frederick Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer; killed at Fort Fisher, 
 
 N. C. January 15, 1865. 
 Law, James Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer; transfered to V. R. C. 
 
 October 1, 1863. 
 
 Little, Thomas Private, Utica, July 19, 1862, Farmer. 
 Lynch, Joseph Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Laborer; taken prisoner at 
 
 Dury s Bluff, May 16, 1864, exchanged May 16, 1865. 
 Lorenze, Antone, Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer. 
 Martin, Frederick Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer. 
 Mahaffay, Robert J. Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer. 
 Meredith, W. B. Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer. 
 Milligan, William Private, Utica, July 25, 1862, Brick layer. 
 Miller, Gilman Private, Utica, July 28, 1862, Farmer; died of disease at U. S. G. 
 
 Hospital at Fort Monroe, Va. July 5, 1864. 
 Morfit, John Private, Utica, July 22, 1862, Laborer ; discharged for disability 
 
 December 22, 1864. 
 
 Morris, Griffith A. Private, Utica, July 22, 1862, Coachman. 
 Myler, Lawrence Private, Utica, July 24, 1862, Farmer. 
 Morse, Wm. R. Private, Utica, July 22, 1862, Fisherman. 
 Nelson, David W. Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer. 
 Newkirk, Jacob Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer; wounded in arm, at 
 
 Dury s Bluff, May J6, 1864. 
 
 Nevers, Edward Private, Utica, July 23, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Owen, Thomas Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer; discharged for disa 
 bility, November 3, 1863. 
 
 Owen, John Private, Rome, August 5, 1 862, Mechanic. 
 Pardee, Adelbert J. Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer. 
 Pepper, Frederick Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer. 
 Philips, Ira Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Moulder. 
 
 Picket, Lewis H. Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Carpenter; discharged for dis 
 ability December 22, 1862. 
 
 16 
 
238 HISTORY OF THE 117TH E. N. Y. V. 
 
 Polite, Robert Private, Rome, August 7, 1 862, Farmer. 
 
 Pallard, Charles S. Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer ; promoted to Cor 
 poral February 20, 1865. 
 
 Richard, Wm. E. Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Accountant; promoted to Q. . 
 M. Sergeant August 20, 1862. 
 
 Robbins, Sidney Private, Utica, August 4, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Roberts, Riley Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Shorey, Eben M. Private, Utica, July 24, 1862, Painter; promoted to Corporal 
 September 1, 1862, to Sergent September 23, 1863, promoted to 2d Lieut. Feb. 
 18, 1865. 
 
 Smith, Charles H. Musician, Utica, August 1, 1862, Clerk. 
 
 Starring, Adam H. Private, Utica, July 25, 1862, Laborer. 
 
 Stubor, Rudolph, Private, Utica, July 31, 1862, Farmer ; killed at Fort Gillmore, 
 September 29, 1864. 
 
 Thayer, William M. Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Moulder ; promoted to 
 Corporal, May 25, 1864. 
 
 Thomas, John E. Private, Rome, August 6, 1862, Blacksmith; died of diarrhoea 
 October 27, 1863. 
 
 Thomas, Samuel Private, Rome, August 4, 1862, Farmer; died of wounds, Oct. 
 14, 1864. 
 
 Tillitson, Albert Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Tipple, William Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Wait, Thomas Private, Rome, August 5, 1862, Mechanic. 
 
 Whitney, LaFayette Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Cooper; discharged for 
 disability. 
 
 Whitney, Perry P. Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Wickham, Edward J. Private, Utica, July 31, 1862, Farmer ; promoted to Cor 
 poral, March 1, 1865. 
 
 Wickham, John H. Private, Utica, July 28, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Williamson, William Private, Rome, August 5, 1 862, Mechanic ; never joined 
 company. 
 
 Wilson, Robert Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Carpenter. 
 
 1864. All are Recruits from this forward. 
 
 Balcome, Birney H. Private, New Hartford, Febuary 17, 1864, Farmer. 
 Ford, Lewis Private, Floyd, Jan. 5, 1864, Laborer; deserted June 9, 1864, at 
 
 Cold Harbor. 
 
 Shorey, George W. Private, Utica, Jan. 4, 1863, Laborer. 
 Pratt, George W. Private, Utica, Feb. 10, 1864, Painter. 
 Lovell, James Private, Whitestown, Feb. 1, 1864, Farmer; killed at Petersburg, 
 
 Va. September 6, 1864. 
 
 Cook, George Private, Utica, Jan. 19, 1863, Laborer. 
 Kelley, Daniel Private, Utica, Dec. 28, 1863, Mechanic. 
 
 Van Vleck, John H. Private, Utica, Feb. 27, 1864, Waiter ; discharged by order 
 of Gen. Dix, January 25, 1865. 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 239 
 
 Houston, Alexander H. Private, Utica, August 8,1863, Painter; transfered to 
 
 Company I. 
 
 Alexander, Walter W. Private, Remsen, August, 18, 1864, Laborer. 
 Buhanan, John Private, Marcy, August 22, 1864, Fanner. 
 Potter, Charles Private, Marcy, August 22, 1864, Farmer. 
 Wing, Milton A. Private, Marcey, August 22, 1864, Farmer. 
 My Ian, Burnett Private, New Hartford, August 18, 1864, Laborer. 
 Meas, George Private, Vernon, September 7, 1865, Farmer. 
 Eeed, James Private, N. Y. City, January 12, 1864, Carpenter. 
 Fallou, Jacob Private, Jamacia, October 12, 1865, Laborer. 
 McDougall, John Private, Brooklyn, March 8, 1865, Engineer. 
 McCue, Mathew Private, Brooklyn, March 8, 1865, Laborer. 
 McGuire, Charles Private, Brooklyn, March 8, 1865, Soldier. 
 Burhard, Joseph Private, Brooklyn, March 8, 1865, Baker. 
 Morrell, David B. Jr. Private, Brooklyn, March 8, 1865, Farmer. 
 Gallagher, James B. Private, Brooklyn, March 8, 1865, Laborer. 
 Mooney, Stephen Private, Brooklyn, March 8, 1865, Farmer. 
 Sherman, F. A. Private, Brooklyn, March 8, 1865, Clerk. 
 Grary, Patrick Private, Brooklyn, March 8, 1865, Laborer. 
 Vonproff, G. Alolph Private, Brooklyn, March 8, 1865, Jeweler. 
 Goslin, John Private, Brooklyn, March 8, 1865, Laborer. 
 King, Charles Private, Brooklyn, March 8, 1865, Soldier. 
 Bevine, Thomas Private, Brooklyn, March, 8, 1865, Carpenter. 
 Friske, August H. Private, Brooklyn, March 8, 1865, Seaman. 
 Leiter, George Private, K. Co. 
 
 Hamilton, John W. Private, Auburn, March 4, 1865, Hostler. 
 Hill, James Private, Canadaigua, March 16, 1865, Shoe maker. 
 Lagra, Private, Lockport, March 21, 1865, Laborer. 
 Allen, Rally Private, New York, November 15, 1864, Seaman. 
 
 ROSTER OF COMPANY B. 
 
 J. PARSON STONE, Captain, appointed Aug. 20th, 1862 ; killed at Petersburg 
 
 Heights, Va., June 17th, 1864. 
 HARRISON PEASE, 1st Lieutenant, appointed Sept. 5th, 1862; promoted to Capt. 
 
 July 12th, 1864. 
 WILLIAM L. HURLBEKT, 2d Lieutenant, appointed Aug. 20th, 1862 ; promoted 
 
240 HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 
 
 to 1st Lieutenant March 26th, 1863 ; promoted to Capt. and A. D. C. on Staff 
 of Gen. Terry. Was subsequently Brevt d Major. 
 
 Cornelius K. Baker, 1st Sergeant, Utica, Aug. 5th, 1862, Shoemaker; promoted 
 
 to 2d Lieutenant Nov. 23d, 1862. 
 William E. Pease, Sergeant, Utica, July 17th, clerk; promoted to 2d Lieutenant 
 
 July 29th, 1864. 
 
 Fayette W. Olmsted, Sergeant, Camden, July 26th, clerk ; promoted to 1st Ser 
 geant Sept. 1st, 1864 ; promoted to 2d Lieutenant Feb. 18th, 1865. 
 Robert Robothom, Sergeant, Camden, Aug. 8th, Clerk. 
 
 Joseph E. Marchisi, Sergeant, Utica, Aug. 1st, Watchmaker; discharged for dis 
 ability June 5th, 1863. 
 Nathan Jeffrey, Corporal, Utica, July 30th, Farmer ; deserted at Camp .Morris 
 
 Md., Nov. 9th, 1863. 
 
 Albert W. .Parsons, Corporal, Camden, July 26th, Teacher. 
 Elbridge S. Foskett, Corporal, Camden, Aug. 8th, Mechanic. 
 John T. Jones, Corporal, Utica, July 18th, Wagon maker; promoted to Ser 
 geant Nov. 23d, 1862; wounded 14th of May, 1864, and Jan. 15th, 1865. 
 Perry B. Miller, Corporal, Camden, July 28th, Merchant; promoted to Sergeant 
 
 March 1st, 1865. 
 
 Paul Burnett, Corporal, Verona, July 22d, Glass blower. 
 John M. Orth, Corporal, Utica, July 21st, Tailor; transferred to I. C. 
 Charles K. Baker, Corporal, (Jtica, Aug. 5th, Laborer. 
 George L. Stevens, Musician, Camden, July 28th, Dentist ; Co. Fifer. 
 John F. Horning, Musician, Utica, Aug. 4th, Bar tender ; Co. Drummer. 
 Henry Way, Teamster, Utica, July 30th, Farmer. 
 Adams, Marcus M. Private, Camden, July 28th, Farmer. 
 
 Allen, Henry B. Private, Camden, July 30th, Laborer; wounded Sept. 29th, 64. 
 Bristol, Joseph Private, Camden, Aug. 5th, Laborer. 
 Barrott, Adelbert M. Private, Rome, Aug. 8th, Farmer; promoted to Corporal 
 
 Jan. 5th, 1863. 
 
 Bortle, Edward C. Private, Verona, Aug. 4th, Carpenter. 
 Ballou, Charles H. Private, Utica, Aug. 6th, Clerk ; promoted to 2d Lieutenant 
 
 in 39th N. Y. Vols., Jan. 7th, 1864. 
 
 Bushnell, James B. Private, Utica, July 28th, Mechanic ; died of wounds receiv 
 ed at Fort Gilmore, Va., Oct. 14th, 1864. 
 
 Babcock, Duane P. Private, Utica, July 30th, Carpenter; discharged for disabili 
 ty, July 4th, 1863. 
 Bernet, Abner Private, Verona, July.26th, Glass blower; wounded at Ft. Fisher, 
 
 N. C., Jan. 15th, 1865 ; died Jan. 26th, 1865. 
 Buck, Michael Private, Verona, July 22d, Glass blower. 
 Beebe, Jacob Private, Camden, July 28th, Farmer ; died Nov 2d, Folly Island, 
 
 of Typhoid Fever. 
 
 Cross, Albert Private, Verona, July 31st, Farmer ; died in hospital, Sept. 1864. 
 Cobb, Frederick Private, Camden, Aug. 1st, Farmer. 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 241 
 
 Craig, James Private, Camden, Aug. 9th, Farmer. 
 
 Clark, Chauncy B. Private, Verona, Aug. 8th, Fanner; killed, Sept. 29th, 1864, 
 at Fort Gilmore, Va. 
 
 Dexter, John Private, Camden, July 29th, Laborer. 
 
 Divine, Herbert Private, Utica, July 31st, Peddler. 
 
 Dunton, Daniel D. Private, Camden, Aug. 5th, Farmer. 
 
 Dolan, John Private, Utica, Aug. 2d, Laborer; wounded severely, D. B. May 
 16th, 1864. 
 
 Fenton, William H. Private, Camden, July 30th, Tinsmith ; died from physical 
 exhaustion on Peninsula raid, Camp Raskins, Va., July 14th, 1865. 
 
 Foster, George W. Private, Verona, Aug. 4th, Fanner; wounded May 16th, at 
 Drury s Bluff, Va. 
 
 Goodrich, H. L. Private, Camden, Aug. 6th, Farmer ; discharged for disability, 
 March 14th, 1864. 
 
 Glazier, John G. Private, Verona, Aug. 8th, Tinsmith ; promoted to Corporal 
 Nov. 23d, 1862, Sergeant, June 5th, 1863, 1st Sergeant, July 18th, 1863, to 2d 
 Lieutenant Aug. 22d, 1864. 
 
 Hunt, George T. Private, Verona, Aug. 2d, Carpenter ; promoted to Corporal, 
 July 1st, 1864, 
 
 Hess, George Private, Verona, July 31st, Blacksmith. 
 
 Hawley, John F. Private, Verona, Aug. 5th, Laborer. 
 
 Harrington, Irving M. Private, Camden, Aug. 8th, 1862, Mechanic; promoted to 
 Corporal Jan. 5th, 1863, wounded at Deep Bottom Sept. 29th, 1864. 
 
 Humphrey, John Private, Utica, July 22d, 1862, Surveyor. 
 
 Humphrey, Richard Private, Utica, July 24th, 4 1 862, Farmer ; wounded at Fort 
 Fisher Jan. 15th, 1865. 
 
 Kurrskron, Henry Private, Verona, Aug. 8th, 1862, Cooper. 
 
 Knowles, Wm* C. Private, Verona, Aug. 2d, 1862, Locksmith. 
 
 King, Jay L. Private, Verona, July 22d, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Lilly, James D. Private, Verona, July 31st, 1862, Glass cutter. 
 
 Lower, Wm. C. Private, Verona, Aug. 8th, 1862, Shoemaker; promoted to Cor 
 poral March 1st, 1863, died of fever, June 22d, 1863. 
 
 Longworthy, R, S. Private, Utica, July 30th, 1862, Farmer; wounded severely, 
 May 16th, 1864. 
 
 Lawton, Monroe Private, Utica, July 22d, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Corporal, 
 Dec. 25th, 1863, was a prisoner from Sept. 2Jth, 1864, to March 16th, 1865. 
 
 Lilly, Hertuir Private, Utica, July 22d, 1862, Glass blower ; wounded at Deep 
 Bottom, Sept. 29th, 1864. 
 
 Lathrop, Geo. W. Private, Verona, Aug. 9th, 1862, Farmer; discharged for dis 
 ability, Jan. 13th, 1863. 
 
 Mayby, Edmond R. Private, Camden, July 30th, 1861, Farmer. 
 
 McGinnis, Michael Private, Utica, July 17th, 1862, Laborer; discharged for dis 
 ability, June 22d, 1863. 
 
 Muller, Francis Private, Vienna, Aug. 7th, 1862, Glass blower. 
 
 McEntire, Bruce L. Private, Camden, Aug. 8th, 1862, Moulder; severely wound 
 ed, D. B. May 16th, 1864. 
 
242 HISTORY OP THE 11TTH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 Morse, Orson Private, Camden, Aug. 9th, 1 862, Farmer ; discharged for disability, 
 
 March 14th, 1863. 
 
 Mason, Charles Private, Utica, July 21st, 1862, Laborer. 
 Norton, Nelson Private, Verona, Aug. 7th, 1862, Butcher; transferred to I. C., 
 
 Aug. 24th, 1864. 
 
 Percival, Geo. C. Private, Florence, July 31st, 1862, Farmer; wounded. 
 Parmellee, Wm. H. Private, Verona, Aug. 4th, 1862, Carpenter; wounded 
 
 severely, Sept. 29th, 1864. 
 Putney, Simeon F. Private, Verona, Aug. 5th, 1862, Glass blower; wounded 
 
 May 16th, 1864, Sept. 29th, 1864. 
 
 Pollard, George E. Private, Utica, Aug. 5th, 1862, Clerk, 
 Phalan, Patrick Private, Camden, Aug. 9th, 1862, Farmer; wounded severely 
 
 front of Richmond. 
 
 Patterson, John Private, Utica, July 19th, 1862, Hatter. 
 Potter, Vernon J. Private, Utica, July 21st, 1862, Bookseller; discharged by 
 
 S. C. W. D., July 7th, 1863. 
 Peck, Reuben U. Private, Camden, Aug. 8th, 1862, Farmer; missing since June 
 
 3d, 1864. 
 
 Quance, Gilbert J. Private, Camden, Aug. 6th, 1862, Farmer. 
 Rachner, Frederick Private, Verona, Aug. 4th, 1862, Laborer; killed inaction 
 
 June 30th, 1864, Petersburg, Va. 
 Read, Alonzo J. Private, Verona, Aug. 8th, 1862, Painter; discharged Feb. 
 
 24th, 1863. 
 Simons, Theo. B. Private, Camden, July 29th, 1862, Farmer; wounded at the 
 
 Heights of Petersburg. 
 
 Sperry, Wm. F. Private, Camden, July 28th, 1862, Mechanic. 
 Starkweather, Chauncy W. Private, Camden, Aug. 2d, 1862, Cigar maker; trans- 
 
 fered to I. C., Sept. 18th, 1863. 
 Spencer, Geo. W. Private, Vienna, Aug. 5th, 1862, Farmer ; transfered to "H" 
 
 Company. 
 
 Samson, Crosman Private, Camden, Aug. 8th, 1 862, Farmer ; promoted to Cor 
 poral, wounded Oct. 27th, 1864. 
 Selly, George Private, Rome, July 22d, 1862, Merchant; wounded severely at 
 
 Fort Fisher, lost left arm. 
 Sherman, Chas. Private, Utica, July 17th, 1862, Gardener; returned to duty 
 
 Feb. 2d, 1865. 
 Skinner, Robert B? Private, Camden, Aug. 18th, 1862, Farmer; died Oct. 26th, 
 
 1862, Folly Island, S. C. 
 Skinner, John N. Private, Camden, Aug. 8th, 1862, Farmer ; wounded May 16th 
 
 at Drury s Bluff; on Petersburg line and at Chapin s Farm Sept. 29th. 
 Schlernitzaur, Peter Private, Verona, July 22d, 1862, Farmer; died of disease, 
 
 Oct. 23d, 1864. 
 
 Sibel, Adam Private, Vienna, Aug. 5th, 1862, Farmer. 
 Smith, Wm. T. Private, Verona, Aug. 12th, 1862, Laborer; died July 12th, 1864, 
 
 Hampton Hospital, Va. 
 
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 243 
 
 Spencer, Andrew W. Private, Vienna, Aug. 5th, 1862, Mechanic ; transfered to 
 "H" Company. 
 
 Waldron, Joseph Private, Camden, Aug. 2d, 1862, Laborer. 
 
 Willis, W. Bradford Private, Camden, Aug. 6th, 1862, Mechanic; taken prison 
 er at Bermuda front, died in prison. 
 
 West, Franklin Private, Verona, Aug. 10th, 1862, Laborer; transfered to V. R. 
 C., March 1st, 1864. 
 
 West, Francis K. Private, Verona, Aug. 4th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Cor 
 poral. 
 
 West, Joseph Private, Verona, Aug. 4th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Corporal. 
 
 Williams, John E. Private, Camden, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer; discharged at 
 organization of Eegiment. 
 
 Worden, Beriah J. Private, Camden, Aug. 8th, 1862, Mechanic; promoted to 
 Corporal Jan. 5th, 1863, to Sergeant. 
 
 Wood, DewittF. Private, Camden, Aug. 8th, 1862, Mechanic; promoted to Cor 
 poral Sept. 22d, 1863, to Sergeant. 
 
 Williams, Everet E. Private, Utica, July 22d, 1862, Farmer ; killed at Drury s 
 Bluff, May 15th, 1864. 
 
 Wentworth, Robert H. Private, Verona, July 22d, 1862, Glass blower ; killed in 
 action, Sept. 29th, 1864, Deep Bottom. 
 
 Snyder, William Private, Verona, Aug. 2d, 1862, Glass blower. 
 
 Marchisi, Henry Utica, Aug. 2d, 1862, Druggist; Hospital Steward. 
 
 Adams, Earl Private, Camden, Aug. 6th, 1862, Painter; killed front of Peters 
 burg. 
 
 Jeffers, H. D. Private, Camden, Aug. 5th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 164. All from this forward are Recruits. 
 
 Cole, William H. Private, Utica, March 9th, 1 864, Farmer. 
 
 Burdock, Moses Private, Utica, Jan. 13th, 1864, Baker; lost thumb in May, 1864. 
 
 Kellog, Martin Private, Utica, Feb. 15th, 1864, Farmer. 
 
 McKeaver, Michael Private, Ltica, Nov. 23d, 1864, Farmer; killed in action, 
 May 16th, 1864, Drury s Bluff, Va. 
 
 Mansfield, David Private, Utica, Jan. 28th, 1864, Boatman; died of wounds re 
 ceived at Fort Fisher, N. C., Feb. llth, 1865. 
 
 Pease, Thomas J. Private, Utica, Dec. 23d, 1863, Wagon maker; died of wounds 
 received Oct. 27th, 1864. 
 
 Pickens, George W. Private, Utica, 3d, 1864, Millwright. 
 
 Reed, Nathan Private, Utica, Feb. 22d, 1864, Farmer. 
 
 Saunders, Henry Private, Utica, Feb. 15th, 1864, Farmer; died of disease, Sept. 
 29th, 1864. 
 
 Tray, Frank Private, Utica, Dec. 28th, 1 863, Farmer ; taken prisoner at Bermuda 
 front, died in prison. 
 
 Tyler, Ashbell V. Private, Utica, Feb. 29th, 1864, Farmer; wounded at Fort 
 Fisher, Jan. 15th, 1865. 
 
 Wheeler, Chars. E. Private, Utica, Feb. 3d, 1864, Laborer. 
 
 Bolan, Michael Private, Utica, March 24th, 1864, Boatman. 
 
244 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 Jeffers, Michael Private, Utica, March 22d, 1864, Laborer. 
 
 Thompson, Orin F. Private, Utica, March 21st, 1864, Boatman. 
 
 Mathias, Frederick Private, Utica, Feb. 24th, 1864, Laborer. 
 
 Kaufman, Augustus Private, Utica, Jan. 9th, 1864, Brewer. 
 
 Petre, Nicholas Private, Rome, Jan. 9th, 1864, Carpenter. 
 
 German, Nicholas Private, Iloyd, Jan. 17th, 1864, Farmer. 
 
 McDonald, Wm. Private, Steuben, Aug. 10th, 1864, Clerk; wounded Oct. 27th, 
 
 1864. 
 
 Richard?, Hugh C. Private, Trenton, Aug. 24th, 1864, Farmer. 
 Carl, Peter Private, Tarrytown, Feb. 5th, 1865, Carman. 
 Finerty, Joseph Private, Tarrytown, Feb. 5th, 1865, Carman. 
 Rogers, John Private, Tarrytown, Feb. 7th, 1865, Carman. 
 Watson, Frank Private, Brooklyn, March 8th, 1865, Seaman. 
 Sichler, Charles Private, Brooklyn, March 8th, 1865, Harness maker. 
 Gowse, William Private, Brooklyn, March 8th, 1865, Harness maker. 
 Marley, Morris Private, N. Y. City, March 8th, 1865, Cooper. 
 Artolof, Philip Private, N. Y. City, March 8th, 1865, Shoemaker. 
 Buck, Harvey T. Private, Goshen, March 8th, 1865, Shoemaker. 
 Hug, Antoine Private, Goshen, March 8th, 1865, Laborer. 
 Gruther, Ernest Private, Goshen, March 8th, 1865, Weaver. 
 Fitzer, Jacob Private, Goshen, March 8th, 1865, Guilder. 
 Mulligan, Dennis Private, Goshen, March 8th, 1865, Laborer. 
 Regan, Patrick Private, Goshen, March 8th, 1865, Laborer. 
 Drumond, Eugene Private, Schenectady, March 6th, 1865, Moulder. 
 Smith, Charles A. Private, Schenectady, March 6th, 1865, Carpenter. 
 Gould, Charles Private, Schenectady, March 7th, 1865, Farmer. 
 McCormick, Wm. Private, Schenectady, March 7th, 1865, Laborer. 
 Elkins, Harvey S. Private, Schenectady, March 8th, 1865, Minor. 
 Farley, James Private, Rochester, March 22d, 1865, Laborer. 
 Hughes, John Private, Auburn, March 10th, 1865, Boatman. 
 Hartley, William Private, Syracuse, March 17th, 1865, Laborer. 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 245 
 
 ROSTER OF COMPANY C. 
 
 FRANCIS X. MYERS, Captain, appointed Aug. llth, 1862; promoted to Major, 
 May 1st, 1864; promoted to Lieut. Colonel, Aug. 23d, 1864; breveted Col. 
 for gallant and meritorious services at the battle of Fort Fisher, on which occa 
 sion he was severely wounded. The last promotion dates from March 3d, 65. 
 
 JOHN F. KERRIGAK, 1st Lieutenant, appointed Aug. llth, 1862 ; promoted to 
 Captain, Dec. 26th, 1863 ; discharged while in Department of Va. and N. C., 
 on account of ill health. 
 
 FRANK H. LAY, 2d Lieutenant, appointed Aug. llth, 1862; promoted to 1st 
 Lieutenant, Nov. 24th, 1862; promoted to Captain, Feb. 17th, 1865. 
 
 William Appleton, 1st Sergeant, Utica, July 21st, 1862, Mason ; promoted to 2d 
 
 Lieutenant May 21st, 1864 ; wounded May 16th, 1864. 
 Philip Ludwick, Sergeant, Utica, July 21st, 1862, Cigar maker. 
 Samuel B. Bancroft, Sergeant, Utica, July 15th, 1862, Jeweller; reduced to ranks 
 
 Aug. 13th, 1863. 
 Isidu Meyer, Sergeant, Utica, July 28th, 1 862, Coach maker ; discharged May 
 
 9th, 1863, for physical disability. 
 Dewitt Kling, Sergeant, Utica, July 15th, 1862, Harness maker; promoted to 2d 
 
 Lieutenant, May llth, 1865. 
 Albert B. Young, Corporal, Utica, Aug. 2d, 1862, Shoemaker; killed in action, 
 
 Fort Fisher, N. C., Jan. 15th, 1865. 
 Thomas O Donohue, Corporal, Utica, July 24th, 1862 ; promoted to Sergeant, 
 
 Sept. 8th, 1863, died of diarrhoea, Oct. 5th, 1863. 
 
 Frank B. Cole, Corporal, Utica, July 16th, 1862, Shoemaker; promoted to Ser 
 geant, Nov. 1st, 1.864, reduced to ranks, July 1st, 1864. 
 Thomas Stafford, Corporal, Utica, Aug. 7th, 1862, Tailor. 
 George B. Merril, Corporal, Utica, July 28th, 1862, Clerk. 
 T. H. Stewart, Corporal, Rome, Aug. 7th, *862, Brick maker; transfered to V- 
 
 R. C., Oct. 19th, 1863. 
 Wm. H. H. Lindsley, Corporal, Rome, Aug. 6th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to 
 
 Sergeant, March 1st, 1865. 
 
 John Griffith, Corporal, Utica, July 23d, 1852, Tinsmith. 
 Wm. Hall, Musician, Utica, Aug. 4th, 1862, Waiter. 
 Cyrus Shall, Teamster, Utica, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer; wounded on Darbytown 
 
 Road, Oct. 27th, 1864. 
 
 C. S. Benton, Private, Utica, July 21st, 1862, Painter. 
 Armstrong, Sidney Private, Utica, July 25th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
246 HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 
 
 Ashley, George Private, Westmoreland, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Burrell, Joseph Private, Westmoreland, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Brown, Andrew C. Private, Utica, Aug. 2d, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Cornell, Antone Private, Utica, July 24th, 1862, Sailor. 
 
 Crocker, Horace E. Private, Utica, July 19th, 1862, Marble cutter. 
 
 Case, George Private, Utica, Aug. 5th, 1862, Carpenter. 
 
 Crocker, Lewis G. Private, Home, Aug. 13th, 1862, Marble cutter. 
 
 Colley, Wm. H. Private, Utica, July 23d, 1862, Mason ; discharged March, 1862. 
 
 Colledge, David Private, Utica, July 25th, 1862, Farmer ; discharged. 
 
 Corbett, Adolphus Private, Westmoreland, Aug. 6th, 1862, Moulder; discharged 
 
 for disability, March 2d, 1863. 
 Croshan, John B. Private, Rome, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer; transfered to V. R. 
 
 C., Oct. 19th, 1863, wounded Sept. 29th, 1864, Fort Gilmer, Va. 
 Croshan, Daniel B. Private, Rome, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer. 
 Conlin, John Private, Hampton, July 31st, 1862, Farmer. 
 Corkwell, William Private, Utica, July 30th, 1862, Farmer; missing in action, 
 
 Oct. 27th, 1864. 
 Carver, Levi J. Private, Rome, Aug. 9th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Corporal, 
 
 Oct. 22d, 1863, to Sergeant, July 1st, 1864, promoted to 2d Lieutenant, Dec. 
 
 2d, 1864. 
 Foster, Jesse C. Private, Utica, Aug. 4th, 1862, Cooper; promoted to Corporal, 
 
 Aug. 13th, 1863, wounded Sept. 29th, Fort Gilmer, Va. 
 Fox, John Private, Westmoreland, Aug. 6th, 1862, Moulder. 
 Fox, Madison Private, Utica, July 25th, 1862, Tinsmith. 
 Foote, John B. Private, Rome, Aug. 9th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Corporal, 
 
 March 1st, 1865. 
 
 Foster, Edward Private, Rome, Aug. 9th, 1862, Butcher. 
 Griffith, Richard C. Private, Bridgewater, July 24th, 1863, Farmer; wounded 
 
 Sept. 29th, 1864, Fort Gilmer. 
 
 Graves, Frederick A. Private, Westmoreland, Aug. 6th, 1862, Farmer. 
 Gibbs, Myron Private, Rome, Aug. 9th, 1862, Bookbinder. 
 Hodges, Henry A. Private, Utica, July 31st, 1862, Farmer; wounded Sept. 29th, 
 
 Fort Gilmer, Va. 
 Hitchcock, Edward E. Private, Utica, July 26th, 1862, Farmer; killed in action 
 
 at Fort Gilmer, Va., Sept. 29th, 1864. 
 
 Hutchinson, Alex Private, Rome, Aug. 7th, 1862, Cigar maker. 
 Herbags, William E. Private, Utici? Aug. 7th, 1862, Butcher; killed at Fort 
 
 Fisher, N. C., Jan. 15th, 1865. 
 
 Hartie, Nicholas R. Private, Rome, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer. 
 Hiller, William F. Private, Rome, Aug. 9th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Cor 
 poral, Nov. 28th, 1862, to Sergeant, May 21st, 1864. 
 James, Morris Private, Utica, Aug. 4th, 1862, Shoemaker. 
 Jones, Thelwin Private, Utica, July 15th, 1862, Painter; promoted to Corporal. 
 
 July 1st, 1864, wounded, Sept. 29th, Fort Gilmer, Va. 
 Jones, Jeremiah C. Private, Utica, Aug. 6th, 1862; taken prisoner July 1864, 
 
 died in prison. 
 
HISTORY OP THE H7TH B. N. Y. V. 247 
 
 Lane, Peter Private, Westmoreland, Aug. 4th, 1862, Fireman ; promoted to Cor 
 poral, Dec. 20th, 1862, to Sergeant, Aug. 13th, 1863, to 1st Sergeant, May 
 21st, 1864* 
 
 Lighthall, Peter Private, Utica, July 15th, 1862, Clerk; promoted to Corporal, 
 Aug. 29th, 1862, to Sergeant, Feb. 13th, 1863. 
 
 Moon, Peter Private, Bridgewater, July 24th, 1862, Laborer; discharged for 
 physical disability, May 1st, 1863. 
 
 Miller, Ira E. Private, Utica, Aug. 4th, 1862, Carpenter; killed in action, Oct. 
 27th, 1864. 
 
 Miller, George H. Private, Bridgewater, July 29th, 1862, Bookbinder. 
 
 Merrill, Lewis Private, Utica, July 23d, 1862, Farmer; died of diarrhoea, Oct. 
 13th, 1863. 
 
 Merrill, Alfred E. Private, Utica, Aug. 1st, 1862, Moulder; promoted to Cor 
 poral, March 1st, 1865, wounded at Petersburg, July, 1864. 
 
 Millar, Christopher Private, Utica, July 23d, 1862, Farmer; died of diarrhoea, 
 Nov. 2d, 1863. 
 
 Millar, William Private, Bridgewater, July 29th, 1862, Farmer; died from 
 wounds received at Fort Fisher. 
 
 Median, Aldert J. Private, Utica, July 31st, 1862, Tinsmith ; transfered to Sig 
 nal Corps, July 18th, 1863. 
 
 Morris, Fichael Private, Utica, July 23d, 1862, Laborer ; discharged for disabili 
 ty, July 12th, 1863. 
 
 Metcalf, Francis M. Private, Utica, Aug. 2d, 1862, Tinsmith ; transfered to Sig 
 nal Corps, July 18th, 1863. 
 
 McElwaine, Edward Private, Utica, July 22d, 1862, Clerk; captured Aug. 17th, 
 exchanged discharged June 23d. 
 
 Norton, James Private, Utica, July 28th, 1862, Shoemaker ; promoted to Corporal 
 June 1st, 1864. 
 
 Owens, Lewis A. Private, Utica, July 19th, 1862, Teacher; transfered to V. E. 
 C., Oct. 2d, 1863. 
 
 Philips, Philip Private, Utica, July 31st, 1862, Clerk; missing in action, Sept. 
 29th, 1864. 
 
 Pagh, David J. Private, Utica, July 31st, 1862, Clerk. 
 
 Petch, Joseph Private, Westmoreland, Aug. 7th, 1862, Tailor. 
 
 Kollins, Edward Private, Westmoreland, Aug. 6th, 1862, Carriage maker ; dis 
 charged for disability, Feb. 5th, 1863. 
 
 Euddock, Wm. Private, Utica, Aug. 4th, 1862, Moulder; promoted to Corporal, 
 Aug. 13th, 1863, wounded at Darbeytown Eoad, Oct. 27th, 1864. 
 
 Euddock, Hiram V. Private, Utica, Aug. 4th, 1862, Moulder. 
 
 Eehrig, Gasper Private, Utica, Jmly 15th, 1862, Shoemaker; taken prisoner, 
 Aug. 25th, 1864. 
 
 Stone, James S. Private, Utica, July 28th, 1862, Shoemaker. 
 
 Snyder, John Private, Utica, Aug. 2d, 1862, Laborer. 
 
 Seely, Benj. F. Private, Utica, Aug. 2d, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Sanford, Wm. Private, Utica, Aug. 5th, 1862, Confectioner. 
 
248 HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. T. V. 
 
 Seely, Lafayette Private, Westmoreland, Aug. 6th, 1862, Furnaceman. 
 
 Seaman, Warren W. Private, Westmoreland, Aug. 6th, 1 862, Moulder ; trans- 
 fered to V. R. C., Oct. 19th, 1863. 
 
 Stuber, Benny Private, Utica, July 19th, 1862, Cigar maker. 
 
 Sears, Christopher C. Private, Utica, July 31st, 1862, Clerk. 
 
 Shaw, Henry W. Private, Kome, Aug. llth, 1862, Farmer; discharged for dis 
 ability, March llth, 1863. 
 
 Stephenson, Joseph Private, Utica, Aug. 4th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Tyler, James Private, Westmoreland, Aug. 6th, 1862, Furnaceman ; discharged 
 for disability, Oct. 8th, 1863. 
 
 Tyler, Frances E. Private, Utica, July 31st, 1862, Cooper ; died of diarrhoea, 
 Oct. 12th, 1863. 
 
 Tyler, Nathaniel Private, Utica, Aug. 1st, 1862, Moulder; discharged for disa 
 bility, Feb. llth, 1863. 
 
 Talcott, Delas 0. Private, Utica, Julyil7th, 1862, Printer; promoted to Corporal 
 March 1st, 1864. 
 
 Whitehead, John S. Private, Utica, July 23d, 1862, Butcher; discharged for dis 
 ability, Nov. 20th, 1862. 
 
 Wilson, Aex. Private, Utica, July 24th, 1862, Painter; transferred to V. R. C., 
 Oct. 19th, 1863. 
 
 Wishort, Henry M. Private, Utica, July 31st, 1863, Farmer. 
 
 Whetmore, A. S. Private, Westmoreland, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer; discharged 
 for disability, Jan. 13th, 1863. 
 
 Wallace, Isaac Private, Westmoreland, Aug. 6th, 1862, Moulder. 
 
 Williams, John W. Private, Bridgewater, July 31st, 1862, Shoemaker; discharg 
 ed for disability, Aug. 17th, 1863. 
 
 Williams, William H. Private, Utica, July 16th, 1862, Printer. 
 
 Wishart, Thomas Private, Westmoreland, Aug. 4th, 1862, Farmer; died of brain 
 fever, Aug. 16th, 1864. 
 
 Whiffen, James T. Private, Utica, Aug. 4th, 1862, Cigar maker; missing in ac 
 tion, Oct. 27th, 1864. 
 
 West, Daniel A. Private, Utica, July 29th, 1862, Gardener. 
 
 Young, Charles Private, Utica, Aug. 2d, 1862, Farmer; died offerer, July 
 12th, 1863. 
 
 Fairbanks, John H. Private, Rome, Aug. llth, 1862, Cordwainer; transferred 
 "K" Co. 
 
 1864. Recruits from this forward. 
 
 Fieday, Martin Private, Utica, Feb. 10th, 1864, Cigar maker. 
 
 Murvin, Richard Private, Utica, Dec. 25th, 1863, Cigar maker. 
 
 Pfahls, Christian Private, Utica, Feb. 22d, 1864, Carpenter; wounded Darbey- 
 
 town Road, Oct. 27th. 
 Sabine, Alfred Private, Utica, Feb. 27th, 1864, Tailor; killed at Fort Fisher, N. 
 
 C., Jan. 15th, 1865. 
 
 Carr, Joseph Private, Utica, Feb. 29th, 1864, Barber. 
 Casselman, Allen F. Private, Utica, Jan. 2d, 1864, Blacksmith. 
 
I 
 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 249 
 
 Kent, Philip J. Private, Utica, Jan. 27th, 1864, Butcher. 
 
 Boyd, Lewis A. Private, Utica, Feb. 4th, 1864, Cigar maker; wounded at explo 
 sion of mine before Petersburg, July 30th, 1864. 
 
 Bateman, Marcus Private, Utica, Jan. 5th, 1864, Shoemaker. 
 
 Douglas, John Private, Utica, Feb. 20th, 1864, R. R. man. 
 
 Edsell, Charles Private, Sangerfield, Feb. 9th, 1864, Shoemaker. 
 
 Hunt, George W. Private, Utica, Feb. 9th, 1864, Cigar maker; killed at Fort 
 Fisher, N. C., Jan. 15th, 1865. 
 
 Hurlbert, Joseph B. Private, Utica, Jan. llth, 1864, Painter; taken prisoner at 
 Bermuda Hundred, Aug. 25th, 1864. 
 
 Joice, Thomas Private, Rome, Feb. 27th, 1864, Farmer; deserted, June 4th, 64. 
 
 Murley, James Private, Utica, Feb. 23d, 1864, Painter. 
 
 Malone, George Private, Westmoreland, Feb. 13th, 1864, Farmer; died of typhoid 
 fever, June 30th, 1864. 
 
 McMahon, Thomas Private, Utica, Feb. 20th, 1864, Shoemaker. 
 
 Owen, George H. Private, Utica, Feb. llth, 1864, Carpenter. 
 
 O Brien, John Private, Utica, Feb. 9th, 1864, Cigar maker; promoted to Cor 
 poral, March 1st, 1865. 
 
 Murphy, John Private, Utica, Jan. 5th, 1864, Farmer. 
 
 Morrin, Richard Private, Utica, Dec. 25th, 1863, Cigar maker. 
 
 Dell, Charles H. Private, Utica, Dec. 22d, 1863, Farmer; deserted, June 4th, 64. 
 
 Briggs, Charles Private, Utica, Dec. 15th, 1863, Carpenter; missing in action, 
 Oct. 27th, 1864 ; died in rebel prison, Florence, N. C. 
 
 Treen, John Private, Utica, Dec. 19th, 1863, Horseman. 
 
 Gassin, James K. Private, Marcy, Dec. 22d, 1863, Farmer; wounded at Fort 
 Fisher, Jan. 15th, 1865. 
 
 Johnson, John Private, Trenton, Aug. 29th, 1863, Farmer. 
 
 Mullins, Francis Private, Schenectady, March 8th, 1865, Laborer. 
 
 Green, Nelson Private, Schenectady, March 8th, 1865, Farmer. 
 
 Reynolds, Geo. T. Private, Schenectady, March 8th, 1865, Laborer. 
 
 Ross, Edward Private, Schenectady, March 8th, 1865, Farmer. 
 
 Ford, Albert Private, Schenectady, March 9th, 1865, Laborer. 
 
 Wilson, Frank Private, Schenectady, March 9th, 1865, Cooper. 
 
 Buckhard, Henry Private, Schenectady, March 9th, 1865, Laborer. 
 
 Kermle, Joseph Private, Watertown, March 1st, 1865, Waiter. . 
 
 Garby, John Private, Watertown, March 3d, 1865, Laborer. 
 
 Kieoman, James Private, N. Y. City, March 24th, 1865, Butcher. 
 
 Sedden, Henry Private, Schenectady, March 8th, 1865, Farmer. 
 
 Lawyer, Charles Private, Schenectady, March 8th, 1865, Farmer. 
 
 Hopkins, Aaron Private, Lockport, Feb. 28th, 1865, Cartman. 
 
 Jay res, Pembroke S. Private, Lockport, Feb. 28th, 1865, Teamster. 
 
250 HISTORY OP THE 117TH E. N. Y. V. 
 
 ROSTER OF COMPANY D. 
 JOHN M. WALCOTT, Captain ; appointed Aug. 12, 1862 ; transfered to V. R. C. 
 
 Nov. 20, 1863, becoming Captain Company G, 10th R. Inv. Corps, died at 
 
 Fort Schuyler, March 15, 1864. 
 EDWIN RISLEY, 1st Lieutenant; appointed Aug. 12, 1862 ; discharged May 21, 
 
 1863. 
 DAVID B. MAGILL, 2d Lieutenant ; appointed Aug. 12, 1862 ; promoted to 1st 
 
 Lieutenant, Sept. 1, 1863 ; promoted to Captain, July 12, 1864. In the assault 
 
 of Fort Fisher, received a wound which involved the loss of one leg. For 
 
 gallant and meritorious service in that memorable battle he was Breveted 
 
 Major, the new commission dating from January 5, 1865. 
 
 W. C. Casselman, 1st Sergt., Rome, Aug. 1, 1862, Soldier; promoted to 2d Lieut. 
 
 March 16, 1864. 
 Wm. J. Evans, Sergt. Utica, July 24, 1862, Spinner; promoted to 1st Sergeant 
 
 March 16, 1864, reduced to Sergeant February 1, 1865. 
 James P. Rowell, Sergt., Sangersfield, July 29, 1862, Farmer; discharged for 
 
 disability, February 4, 1863. 
 Robert Bryan, Sergt., Kirkland, August 7, 1862, Bookkeeper ; promoted to Sergt. 
 
 Major, October 11, 1863. 
 Newton F. Church, Sergt., Vienna, August 4, 1862, Farmer; died of measles, 
 
 June 1, 1863. 
 Geo. B. Fairhead, Corporal, New Hartford, July 27, 1862, Teacher; promoted 
 
 to Sergeant, October 15, 1862, commissioned 2d Lieutenant April 20, 1865, 
 
 promoted to Sergent Major, January 1, 1865. 
 Herman Clooke, Corporal, Sangersford, August 8, 1862, Clerk; promoted to 
 
 Sergeant May 1, 1863, promoted to 1st Sergeant February 1, 1865, promoted 
 
 to 2nd Lieutenant March 30, 1865. 
 James Morrison, Corporal, Utica, July 14, 1862, Plumber; discharged February 
 
 9, 1865, on account of wounds received September 29, 1864. 
 Wm. McNab, Whitestown, July 28, 1862, Bleacher; promoted to Sergeant Nov. 
 
 1, 1864. 
 George B. Day, Corporal, Sangerfield, August 8, 1862, Clerk; discharged by 
 
 order of Secretary of War, March 27, 1864. 
 Clark, Annis Corporal, Utica, July 28, 1862, Farmer ; died of disease February, 
 
 1865. 
 James Hinchliffe, Corporal, Whitestown, July 31, 1862, Butcher; discharged for 
 
 disability, February 4, 1863. 
 W. H. H. Balis, Corporal, Whitestown, August 4, 1862, Marble cutter; killed in 
 
 action, June 15, near Petersburg, Va. 
 R. Brigham, Musician, Utica, July 28, 1862, Cooper ; discharged for disability, 
 
 February 4, 1863. 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 251 
 
 John E. Sawyer, Musician, Utica, August 7, 1862, Farmer; K. 
 
 S. D. Brown, Teamster, Sangerfield, August 9, 1862, Harness maker; B. 
 
 Ames, Wm. L. Private, Stuben, August 12, 1862, Farmer; discharged, per S. 
 
 O. No. 93, A. G. O. March 21, 1864. 
 
 Allen, Samuel Private, New Hartford, August 7, 1862, Spinner; B. 
 Andas, John T. Private, Vienna, August 12, 1862, Farmer; B. promoted to 
 
 Corporal March 1, 1865. 
 
 Cassily, J. F. Private, Utica, July 14, 1862, Butcher; B. 
 Michael, William Private, Utica, July 14, 1862, Machinist; B. promoted to 
 
 Corporal, March 1, 1865. 
 Johnson, William Private, Utica, July 17, 1862, Boatman; discharged from 
 
 hospital. 
 Tables, Edwin E. Private, Utica, July 21, 1862, Machinist ; taken prisoner, Aug. 
 
 25, 1865, near Bermuda Hundred, Va., died at Salisbury, N. C. 
 Woolner Theodore Private, Utica, July 21, 1862, Shoemaker; returned from 
 
 Hospital after Begiment. 
 Glennin, Dennis Private, Utica, August 21, 1862, Farmer; discharged from 
 
 hospital. 
 
 Goeble, Charles Private, Utica, July 21, 1862, Upholsterer ; discharged from hos 
 pital. 
 
 Mullen, Lawrence Private, Utica, July 22, 1862, Laborer. 
 McMahen, Patrick Private Utica, July 22, 1862, Cabinet maker. 
 Oneil, John C. Private, Utica, July 22, 1862, Coppersmith; discharged Decem 
 ber 23, 1862. 
 Smith, Henry S. Private, Utica, July 22, 1 862, Farmer ; discharged per S. O. 
 
 No. 122, May 21, 1864. 
 Judd, James H. Private, Utica, July 22, 1 862, Boatman ; discharged for disability 
 
 November 10, 1862. 
 
 Kale, Thomas Private, Utica, July 23, 1862, Farmer. 
 Phelps, Frank Private, Sangersfield, Utica, July 23, Painter. 
 Houies, Peter Private, Utica, July 23, 1862, Cooper; deserted Sept. 12, 1862. 
 Sayles, Daniel Private, Utica, July 23, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Corporal, 
 
 February 1, 1865. 
 
 Williams, James S. Private, Utica, July 23, 1862, Laborer. 
 Jones, Evan Private, Utica, July 28, 1862, Farmer; discharged for disability, 
 
 December 23, 1863, reenlisted August 17, 1864. 
 Jones, Bowland E. Private, Sangersfield, July 28, 1862, Farmer; deserted Feb. 
 
 8, 1863, while home on furlough. 
 Powers, Sylvester Private, Utica, July 28, 1862, Carder; taken prisoner Sept. 
 
 29, 1864, returned to and with Begiment. 
 
 Bowell, Henry S. Private, Sangersfield, July 28, 1862, Farmer; B. 
 Bo well, Andrew T. Private, Sangersfield, July 28, 1862, Mechanic ; promoted to 
 Corporal October 15, 1862 ; to Sergeant May 18, 1863 ; killed in action Oct. 
 27, 1864. 
 
 Shipman, Samuel Private, Sangersfield, July 28, 1862, Carpenter; B. 
 Brant, William Private, Utica, July 29, 1862, Farmer. 
 
252 HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 
 
 Jones, John H. Private, Sangersfield, July 29, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Brayton, Milton Private, Western, July 30, 1862, Student; promoted to Scrgt, 
 Major August, 1862. 
 
 Curie, William Private, Utica, July 31, 1862, Mill operator; discharged No v 
 18, 1862. 
 
 Jones, Thomas R. Private, Utica, July 31, 1862, Laborer ; died of wounds re 
 ceived at Drury s Bluff. 
 
 Giles, Thomas Private, Sangersfield, July 31, 1862, Laborer; discharged Dec. 
 22, 1862. 
 
 Carry, Michael Private, Sangersfield, August 5, 1 862, Farmer. 
 
 Juman, Samuel B. Private, Utica, August 5, 1862, Painter; promoted to Corp. 
 Feb., 1863, to Sergt. June, 1863, died at home, March, 1865, while on (sick) 
 furlough. 
 
 McNab, Charles D. Private, Whitestown, August 4, 1862, Bleacher; died of 
 wounds, June 6, 1864. 
 
 Russell, George 11. Private, Sangersfield, August 6, 1862, Farmer ; taken prisoner 
 August 25, 1864, died in Salisbury prison. 
 
 Baldwin, Henry Private, Sangersfield, August 6, 1862, Shoemaker; promoted to 
 Corporal, April, 1865. 
 
 Deerflinger, George Private, Sangersfield, August 6, 1862, Shoemaker. 
 
 Kelley, William Private, Sangersfield, August 6, 1862, Moulder. 
 
 Lloyd, Robert Private, Whitestown, August 6, 1862, Cotton spinner; died of 
 wounds, June 21, 1864. 
 
 Marcy, John Private, Utica, August 6, 1862, Horse Jockey. 
 
 Pardee, H. E. B. Private, Utica, August 6, 1862, Mechanic; wounded at Drury s 
 Bluff, May 16, 1864, discharged by reason of disability. 
 
 Sinclair, Henry Private, Whitestown, August 6, 1862, Bleacher; promoted to 
 Corporal, March, 1863, discharged March 1, 1865. 
 
 Williams, Edward D. Private, Whitestown, August 6, 1862, Farmer; promoted to 
 Corporal, June 29, 1864, died of wounds received at Fort Fisher, Jan. 30/65. 
 
 Blodgett, Chas. B. Private, Whitestown, Aug. 7th, 1862, Tinsmith; transferred 
 to V. R. C., July, 1863. 
 
 Crumb, Percival Private, Kirkland, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer; discharged April 
 
 15th, 1864. 
 
 Fairhead, John S. Private, New Hartford, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to 
 
 principal musician, Aug. 1862. 
 
 Hall, Alfred F. Private, Whitestown, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer; transferred to V. 
 R. Corps. 
 
 Johnson, Robert Private, Whitestown, Aug. 7th, 1862, Baker. 
 
 Lucas, Orin C. Private, Kirkland, Aug. 7th, 1862, Student; died June, 1863. 
 
 Roger, Hamilton Private, Whitestown, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer; died from phys 
 ical exhaustion, July 18th, 1863. 
 
 Sharp, Stephen Private, Sangersfield, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Vasburgh, Jas. N. Private, Kirkland, Aug. 7th, 1862, Mechanic; discharged. 
 
 Brow, Elias A. Private, Saugersfield, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer; died of diar 
 rhoea. Oct. 16th, 1864. 
 
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 253 
 
 Carpenter, Wm. H. Private, Sangersfield, Aug. 8th, 1862, Tailor. 
 
 Dunham, Geo. M. Private, Vienna, Aug. 8th, 1862, Boatman; discharged from 
 
 hospital. 
 Dunham, John H. Private, Vienna, Aug. 8th, 1862, Boatman ; died of wounds 
 
 Nov. 17th, 1864. 
 Griner, Edward Private, Verona, Aug. 8th, 1862, Glass blower; killed at Fort 
 
 Fisher, N. C., Jan. 16th, 1865. 
 
 Jones, Richard Private, Vienna, Aug. 8th, 1862, Blacksmith. 
 Hunger, C. A. Private, Sangersfield, Aug. 8th, 1862, Clerk ; discharged May, 
 
 1863. 
 
 Burdick, P. Private, Sangersfield, Aug. 8th, 1862, Farmer; died of diarrhoea 
 
 Sept. 5th, 1864. 
 Beebee, Albert Private, Sangersfield, Aug. 9th, 1862, Farmer; discharged from 
 
 hospital. 
 
 Childs, Andrew F. Private, Sangersfield, Aug. 9th, 1862, Harness maker. 
 Dunham, Orlando Private, Vienna, Aug. 9th, 1862, Boatman ; promoted to Cor 
 poral, Jan. 16th, 1865; discharged. 
 
 Garlic, Theodore J. Private, Vienna, Aug. 9th, 1862, Teacher. 
 Jordan, William Private, Sangersfield, Aug. 9th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to 
 
 Corporal ; discharged from hospital. 
 Philbrick, Revillo Private, Vienna, Aug. 9th, 1862, Mechanic ; died of wounds, 
 
 June 27th, 1864. 
 
 Spencer, Ira Private, Sangersfield, Aug. 9th, 1862, Farmer. 
 Vibbard, C. W. Private, Sangersfield, Aug. 9th, 1862, Farmer; wounded, June 
 
 15th, 1864; discharged. 
 Wample, Francis Private, Sangersfield, Aug. 9th, 1862, Farmer ; discharged 
 
 from hospital. 
 Wells, Artelus M. Private, Sangersfield, Aug. 9th, 1861, Farmer; transferred to 
 
 V. R. Corps. 
 
 Jones, Owen R. Private, Whitestown, Aug. llth, 1862, Farmer. 
 Finch, James Private, New Hartford, Aug. llth, 1862, Carpenter. 
 Cogswell, Orin W. Private, Western, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to 
 
 Corporal, March, 1st, 1863 ; died of fever, Sept. 9th, 1863. 
 Fellows, Chas. H. Private, Vienna, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer; discharged, Nov. 
 
 10th, 1862. 
 
 French, John H. Private, Western, *Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer; transferred to V. 
 R. Corps. 
 
 Hill, Oscar F. Private, Western, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Miller, Daniel Private, Vienna, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer; discharged from hos 
 pital. 
 
 Fogus, William B. Private, Kirkland, Aug. 19th, 1862, Farmer; died, Dec. 1864, 
 Cat home on furlough.) 
 
 Morey, George C. Private, Western, Aug. 12th, 1862, Physician by egotism; dis 
 charged Nov. 1st, 1862. 
 
 17 
 
254 HISTORY OF THE 117TH E. N. Y. V. 
 
 Jones, James Private, Saogersfield, Aug. 18th, 1862, Moulder; promoted to Cor 
 poral, Nov. 1st, 1864. 
 
 Kogers, George Private, Steuben, Aug. 18th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Jones, John Private, Sangersfield, Aug. 18th, 1862, Farmer; Promoted to Cor 
 poral March 1st, 1864, to Sergeant, Nov. 1st, 1865. 
 
 VanDresar, Francis Private, Western, Aug. 18th, 1862, Farmer; discharged 
 from hospital. 
 
 Reed, John Private, Sangersfield, Aug. 1st, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Cor 
 poral, June 15th, 1864 ; to Sergeant, March 1st, 1865. 
 
 Nolan, Cornelius Private, Sangersfield, Aug. 1st, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Burckler, Henry Private, Utica, Aug. 5th, 1862, Mechanic; promoted to Cor 
 poral Sept. 1st, 1864 ; killed at Fort Fisher, N. C., Jan. 15th, 1865. 
 
 Holmes, Lewis Private, Vienna, Aug. 9th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 1864. Recruits from this forward. 
 Cox James Private, Sangersfield, Feb. 27th, 1864, Farmer; transferred to 48th 
 
 R! N. Y. V. 
 
 Reed, Frank Private, Utica, Feb. 24th, 1864, Mechanic. 
 Wample, Chas. H. Private, Utica, Jan. 25th, 1864, Teamster. 
 Downs, Michael Private, Utica, Jan. 12th, 1864, Farmer; wounded Sept. 29th, 
 
 1864. 
 Malone, Chas. H. Private, Utica, Jan. 19th, 1864, Farmer; wounded at Fort 
 
 Fisher. 
 
 Teachout, Squire Private, Camden, Feb. 12th, 1864, Farmer. 
 Boomer, Willard Private, Utica, Feb. 17th, 1864, Farmer; promoted to Corporal 
 
 April 1st, 1865. 
 Doyle, Patrick Private, Rome, Feb. 15th, 1864, Laborer; died of wounds, July 
 
 30th, 1864. 
 Judd, Benj. Private, Sangersfield, Dec. 22d, 1863, Farmer; deserted in May, 
 
 1864 ; returned when fighting was finished, April, 1865. 
 Jackson, Robert Private, Rome, Feb. 15th, 1863, Laborer. 
 Redward*Nathaniel Private, Camden, Dec. 14th, 1863, Farmer. 
 Williams, John Private, Utica, Feb. 8th, 1864, Laborer. 
 Evans, Taliesan Private, Floyd, Jan. 9th, 1864, Student. 
 
 Hughes, Hiram H. Private, Remsen, Aug. 17th, 1864, Laborer; missing in ac 
 tion, Sept. 29th, 1864. 
 Rodgers, John Private, Utica, July llth, 1S64, Carpenter. 
 Whalan, John Private, Sangersfield, Aug. 17th, 1864, Farmer; wounded at Fort 
 
 Fisher ; discharged. 
 
 Jones, John V. Private, Remsen, July 22d, 1 864, Farmer ; returned with Reg t. 
 Jones, Reese T. Private, Remsen, Aug. 17th, 1864, Farmer; discharged from 
 
 hospital. 
 
 Chandler, Charles Private, Utica, Sept. 1st, 1864, Tailor. 
 Drew, David S. Private, New Hartford, Sept. 3d, 1864, Farmer. 
 Mclntire, John Private, Watertown, March 3d, 1865, Farmer. 
 Berry, Samuel Private, Watertown, March 3d, 1865, Laborer. 
 
HISTORY OP THE 117TH E. N. Y. V. 255 
 
 Donovan, William Private, Watertown, March 4th, 1865, Laborer. 
 Detlor, John Private, Watertown, March 7th, 1865, Farmer. 
 Bissel, Charles^Private, Pittsburgh, March 3d, 1865, Laborer. 
 Summers, Geo. Private, Plattsburgh, Feb. 23d, 1865, Farmer. 
 Hiter, William Private, Plattsburgh, Feb. 29th, 1865, Laborer. 
 Reed, James Private, Plattsburgh, Feb. 28th, 1865, Farmer. 
 Green, Alex. Private, Brooklyn, March 9th, 1865, Seaman. 
 Geler, August Private, Brooklyn, March 9th, 1865, Porter. 
 Tren, Francis Private, Brooklyn, March 9th, 1865, Laborer. 
 McGuire, James Private, Brooklyn, March 9th, 1865, Laborer. 
 Bradley, Reuben H. Private, Brooklyn, March 9th, 1865, Laborer. 
 Carl, Sulzcr Private, Brooklyn, March 9th, 1865, Sawyer. 
 Kennedy, Daniel Private, Rome, Jan. 23d, 1865, Boatman. 
 Murphy, John Private, Remsen, Jan. 20th, 1865, Laborer. 
 Hall, Alexander Private, Lockport, March 18th, 1865, Grocer. 
 Montonour, Wm. H. Private, Lockport, March 17th, 1865, Laborer. 
 Langdon, John Private, N. Y. City, Feb. 17th, 1865, Baker. 
 
 ROSTER OF COMPANY E. 
 
 LEVI K. BROWN, appointed Captain Aug. 12th, 1862; discharged for disability. 
 
 MORRIS CHAPPELL, appointed 1st Lieutenant Aug. 12th, 1862 ; resigned Feb. 
 14th, 1863, on account of ill health. 
 
 AUGUSTUS M. ERWINE, appointed 2d Lieutenant Aug. 12th, 1862; promoted to 
 1st Lieutenant Dec. 27th, 1863 ; detailed A. D. C. on staff of Brig. Colonel 
 Alford. Promoted to Captain, Aug. 24th, 1864; severely wounded at Ber 
 muda front, Aug. 25th, 1864. 
 
 Spencer C. Myer, 1st Sergeant, Rome, Aug. 1st, 1862, Butcher; promoted to 2d 
 
 Lieutenant, May 18th, 1864. 
 Fred. C. Hill, Sergeant, Rome, July 31st, 1862, Carriage trimmer ; discharged for 
 
 disability, Oct. 7th, 1862. 
 
 Milton H. Culver, Sergeant, Rome, July 23d, 1862, Farmer. 
 William Lasher, Sergeant, Rome, July 30th, 1862, Mechanic ; missing in action, 
 
 Sept. 29th, 1864. 
 H. S. Miller, Sergeant, Rome, Aug. 4th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to 1st Sergeant 
 
 May 20th, 1864. 
 
 J. H. Gurnsey, Corporal, Rome, Aug. 2d, 1862, Tinsmith, transferred to V. R, 
 Charles Bennet, Corporal, Rome, Aug. llth, 1862, Mechanic. 
 Charles 0. Smith, Corporal, Rome, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer. 
 Richard Millington, Corporal, Rome, July 24th, 1862, Blacksmith. 
 
256 HISTORY OP THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 
 
 Jacob Hyde, Jr., Corporal, Rome, Aug. 5th, 1862, Blacksmith. 
 
 George H. Brown, Corporal, Rome, Aug. 5th, 1862, Farmer ; promoted to Ser 
 geant, May 1st, 1864, missing in action, Sept. 29th, 1864. 
 
 George H. Still, Corporal, Rome, Aug. 8th, 1862, Farmer; died May 18th, 
 1864, of wounds received 16th. 
 
 Fred. Boden, Corporal, Rome, Aug. 7th, 1862, Butcher; promoted to Sergeant, 
 May 1st, 1863 ; promoted to 2d Lieutenant, May 12th, 1865. 
 
 Byron Holton, Musician, Rome, Aug. llth, 1862, Boatman; killed in assault on 
 Fort Fisher, N. C., Jan. 15th, 1865. 
 
 Chattcrton, Henry Private, Rome, July 23d, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Wright, John Private, Rome, July 25th, 1862, Shoemaker. 
 
 Hulbert, George H. Private, Rome, July 25th, 1862, Farmer ; died, Dec. 8th, 63. 
 
 Turner, Levi Private, Rome, July 26th, 1862, Laborer; discharged, Oct. 7th, 62. 
 
 Evans, Charles Private, Rome, July 28th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Holdren, Theodore Private, Rome, July 28th, 1862, Laborer. 
 
 Walter, Joseph Private, Rome, July 28th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Wheelan, Michael C. Private, Rome, July 29th, 1862, Laborer; discharged Nov. 
 26th, 1862. 
 
 Wilbert, Martin Private, Rome, July 30th, 1862, Laborer. 
 
 Taylor, George Private, Rome, July 30th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Meyers, Henry J. Private, Rome, July 30th, 1862, Farmer; died, Jan. 8th, 1865. 
 
 Claflin, Wallace Private, Rome, July 30th, 1862, Farmer; died, Oct. 13th, 1863. 
 
 Doyle, John Private, Rome, July 30th, 1862, Laborer. 
 
 Hyde, Samuel Private, Rome, July 30th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Lasher, James A. Private, Rome, July 31st, 1862, Farmer; died, Jan. 15th, 65. 
 
 Masury, Joel Private, Rome, July 31st, 1862, Mechanic; discharged, Nov. 
 26th, 1863. 
 
 Gurnsey, Jas. J. Private, Rome, Aug. 1st, 1862, Printer. 
 
 Roney, William Private, Rome, Aug. 1st, 1862, Laborer; killed at Fort Fisher, 
 N. C., Jan. 15th, 1865. 
 
 Stewart, W. Silas Private, Rome, Aug. 1st, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Basset, Joseph Private, Rome, Aug. 2d, 1862, Boatman ; transferred to V. R. C., 
 Aug. 24th, 1863. 
 
 Hewer, Chas. L. Private, Rome, Aug. 2d, 1862,Mechanic, Co. "H." 
 
 Servey, Wm. H. Private, Rome, Aug. 2d, 1862, Bartender; killed at Cold Har 
 bor, Va., June 8th, 1864. 
 
 Hayse, Wm. Private, Rome, Aug. 2d, 186 Laborer. 
 
 Norton, John H. Private, Rome, Aug. 2d, 1862, Shoemaker. 
 
 Stimer, Elias Private, Rome, Aug. 2d, 1862, Mason ; discharged, May 29th, 1863. 
 
 Moulton, Benj. Private, Rome, Aug. 4th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Corporal, 
 May 20th, 1864 ; missing in action, Sept. 29th, 1864. 
 
 Tully, Albert Private, Rome, Aug. 4th, 1862, Boatman. 
 
 Van Brockliu, Sylvester Private, Rome, Aug. 4th, 1862, Student; discharged, 
 Aug. 12th, 1862. 
 
 Wooldridge, John W. Private, Rome, Aug. 4th, 1862, Boatman. 
 
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 257 
 
 Wyman, John Private, Rome, Aug. 4th, 1862, Laborer; discharged, Aug. 12th, 
 
 1863. 
 
 White, Francis P. Private, Rome, Aug. 5th, 1862, Farmer. 
 Young, Emory B. Private, Rome, Aug. 5th, 1862, Porter. 
 Denton, Orson B. Private, Rome, Aug. 6th, 1862, Mechanic. 
 Far, Edward Private, Rome, Aug. 6th, 1862, Farmer; discharged, March 13th, 
 
 1863. 
 
 Letters, Wm. Private, Rome, Aug. 6th, 1862, Laborer. 
 Meyer, John Private, Rome, Aug. 6th, 1862, Farmer. 
 Paddock, John J. Private, Rome, Aug. 6th, 1862, Farmer. 
 Sexton, Jacob H. Private, Rome, Aug. 6th, 1862, Mechanic; discharged, Nov. 
 
 10th, 1862. 
 
 Wilson, Dyer Private, Rome, Aug. 6th, 1862, Miller. 
 Weaver, Alfred F. Private, Rome, Aug. 6th, 1862, Farmer. 
 Bristol, Nicholas Private, Amesville, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer. 
 Bacon, Hiram Private, Rome, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Corporal, 
 
 Jan. 1st, 1864. 
 Ferguson, Horace Private, Rome, Aug. 8th, 1862, Farmer; discharged, Sept. 
 
 29th, 1863. 
 
 Orsburn, Henry Private, Amesville, Aug. 8th, 1862, Farmer. 
 Slack, Wm. Private, Rome, Aug. 8th, 1862, Farmer. 
 Ransom, Stephen Private, Rome, Aug. 9th, 1862, Farmer. 
 Bradley, Joshua Private, Rome, Aug. 9th, 1862, Farmer; discharged Dec. 26th/64. 
 Craven, Frank Private, Rome, Aug. 9th, 1862, Farmer. 
 Evans, David S. Private, Rome, Aug. 9th, 1862, Farmer. 
 Erwin, Frederick Private, Rome, Aug. 9th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Corporal, 
 
 May 21st, 1864. 
 
 Philips, Alonzo Private, Rome, Aug. 9th, 1862, Butcher. 
 Anson, Theodore Private, Rome, Aug. llth, 1862, Laborer; discharged, May 
 
 31st, 1863. 
 
 Bates, James Private, Rome, Aug. llth, 1862, Blacksmith; promoted to Cor 
 poral, Nov. 2d, 1864. 
 Briggs, Lewis Private, Rome, Aug. llth, 1862, Laborer; died of wounds, Jan. 
 
 28th, 1865. 
 
 Bever, Edward Private, Rome, Aug. llth, 1862,Farmer; killed, May 16th, 1864. 
 Crimman, John Private, Rome, Aug. llth, 1862, Tailor; Co. "H." 
 Downend, Geo. Private, Rome, Aug. llth, 1862, Farmer. 
 Dyer, O. H. Private, Rome, Aug. llth, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Corporal, 
 
 Aug. 14th, 1864. 
 
 Evans, James Private, Rome, Aug. llth, 1862, Farmer. 
 Frances, John Private, Rome, Aug. llth, 1862, Farmer. 
 Graves, John W. Private, Rome, Aug. llth, 1862, Farmer. 
 Herder, Ernest Private, Rome, Aug. llth, 1862, Farmer. 
 Hall, John Private, Rome, Aug. llth, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Corporal, 
 
 Aug. 22d, 1864. 
 
258 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 Louden, James Private, Rome, Aug. llth, 1862, Boatman. 
 
 Mowers, Daniel Private, Rome, Aug. llth, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Mahonney, Dennis Private, Rome, Aug. llth, 1862, Seaman; transferred to the 
 
 Navy, April 30th, 1864. 
 O Neal, Levi Private, Rome, Aug. llth, 1862, Seaman; transferred to the navy, 
 
 April 30th, 1864. 
 Pickens, John Private, Rome, Aug. llth, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Corporal, 
 
 Nov. 2d, 1864. 
 
 Swift, B. E. Private, Rome, Aug. llth, 1862, Farmer. 
 Salisbury, Wm. N. Private, Rome, Aug. llth, 1862, Boatman. 
 Wilson, Charles Private, Rome, Aug. llth, 1862, Engineer ; promoted to Cor 
 poral, Oct. 7th, 1862. 
 
 Wingate, John Private, Rome, Aug. llth, 1862, Student. 
 Zelie, Stanton Private, Rome, Aug. llth, 1862, Farmer. 
 Dennison, Frank Private, Rome, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer. 
 Deline, Delowas D. Private, Rome, Aug. 12th, 1862, Mechanic; promoted to 
 
 Corporal, June 1st, 1863 ; promoted to Sergeant, Nov. 2d, 1864. 
 Schroder, Philip Private, Rome, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer. 
 Slocum, David Private, Rome, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer. 
 Sexton, Henry Private, Rome, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer. 
 Markley, Nicodemus Private, Rome, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer ; discharged, Dec. 
 
 29th, 1862. 
 
 Mabb, William Private, Rome, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer. 
 Harriot, John Private, Rome, Aug. 12th, 1862, Blacksmith; died of wounds, 
 
 Nov. 1st, 1864. 
 Servey, Wm. Private, Rome, Aug. 2d, 1862, Bar keeper; promoted to Corporal, 
 
 May 1st, 1863, to Sergeant, Nov. 2d, 1864. 
 
 1864. Recruits from this forward. 
 Evans, Levi Private, Utica, Feb. 2d, 1864, Farmer. 
 Johnson, Warren Private, Utica, Jan. 7th, 1864, Farmer. 
 Johnson, George Private, Utica, Jan. 7th, 1864, Farmer. 
 Mosher, Thomas Private, Utica, Jan. 21st, 1864, Farmer. 
 Newton, Jerome Private, Utica, Dec. 30th, 1863, Farmer; died May 3d, 1864. 
 Covell, Jasper Private, Vienna, Dec. 30th, 1863, Farmer. 
 Daly, Michael Private, Amesville, Dec. 30th, 1863, Farmer; killed, May 16th, 
 
 1864. 
 
 Graves, Clark V. Private, Rome, Dec. 30th, 1863, Mechanic. 
 Spencer, Geo. G. Private, Rome, Jan. 20th, 1864, Farmer; killed at Fort Fisher, 
 
 N. C., Jan. 15th, 1865. 
 
 Cook, Andrew Private, Verona, Jan. 4th, 1864, Farmer. 
 Martin, Geo. W. Private, Rome, Feb. 20th, 1864, Farmer. 
 Every, Leander Private, Amesville, Dec. 14th, 1863, Farmer. 
 Snyder, Ransom Private, Amesville, Dec. 14th, 1863, Farmer. 
 Carl, Dennis II. Private, Utica, March 22d, 1864, Soldier. 
 Meags, Geo. B. Private, Utica, Jan. 26th, 1864, Farmer ; died of wounds, July 
 
 llth, 1864. 
 
HISTORY OP THE 117TH B. N. T. V. 259 
 
 Sampmire, Jacob Private, Marcy, Aug. 18th, 1864, Laborer. 
 Murphy, Peter Private, Boonville, Aug. 3d, 1864, Carpenter. 
 Wallace, Lewis Private, Rome, June 8th, 1864, Shoemaker. 
 Kychner, August Private, Brooklyn, March 9th, 1865, Shoemaker. 
 Adams, Valentine Private, Brooklyn, March 9th, 1865, Clerk. 
 Fahey, Thomas B. Private, Brooklyn, March 9th, 1865, Painter. 
 Manton, Chas. H. Private, Brooklyn, March 9th, 1865, Book keeper. 
 Dailey, Christopher Private, Brooklyn, March. 9th, 1865. 
 Lenison, Albert Private, Brooklyn, March 9th, 1865, Cigar maker. 
 Schneider, Antoine Private, Brooklyn, March 9th, 1865, Laborer. 
 Baure, Godfrey Private, Brooklyn, March 9th, 1865, Laborer. 
 Wolfensinger, Raphael Private, Brooklyn, March 9th, 1865, Shoemaker. 
 Kulmel, Nicholas Private, Brooklyn, March 9th, 1865, Laborer. 
 Herkem, William Private, Brooklyn, March 9th, 1865, Farmer. 
 Nash, George R. Private, Brooklyn, March 9th, 1865, Coppersmith. 
 Burns, John Private, Brooklyn, March 9th, 1865, Shoemaker. 
 Craft, Moses A. Private, Tarry town, Feb. 21st, Plasterer. 
 McClellan, Howard Private, Lockport, March 20th, 1865, Laborer. 
 Ferguson, John P. Private, Lockport, March 3d, 1865, Farmer. 
 Hill, John Private, Lockport, March 3d, 1865, Farmer. 
 McClellan, J. C. Private, Lockport, March 14th, 1865, Laborer. 
 
 ROSTER OF COMPANY F. 
 
 SETH J, STEVES, appointed Captain Aug. 12th, 1862 ; resigned, March 3d, 1863. 
 WILLIAM J. HUNT, 1st Lieutenant Aug. 12th, 1862; promoted to Captain, Dec. 
 
 27th, 1863 ; died July 31st, of wounds received in action. 
 JOHN F. THOMAS, 2d Lieutenant, Aug. 12th, 1862; promoted to 1st Lieutenant, 
 
 Dec. 27th, 1863 ; promoted to Captain, Oct. llth, 1864 ; killed in the assault 
 
 on Fort Fisher. 
 
 Stewart Briggs, 1st Sergeant, Steuben, July 24th, 1862, Farmer; discharged, 
 
 Jan. 5th, 1863, disability. 
 Adelbert Ecker, Sergeant, Whitestown, July 22d, 1862, Farmer; promoted to 1st 
 
 Sergeant; to 2d Lieutenant, May 23d, 1864. 
 W. H. Nelson, Sergeant, Whitestown, July 22d, 1862, Farmer; promoted to 1st 
 
 Sergeant, May 23d, missing in action, Sept. 29th, 1864. 
 Thomas H. Lewis, Sergeant, Trenton, Aug. 9th, 1862, Wagon maker. 
 Peter Castello, Sergeant, Whitestown, July 21st, 1862, Laborer; discharged Feb. 
 
 26th, 1863, disability. 
 John Daly, Corporal, Whitestown, July 21st, 1862, Carpenter; discharged Jan. 
 
 5th, 1863, disability. 
 
260 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 Edgar F. Niles, Corporal, Whitestown, July 22d, 1862, Carpenter; promoted to 
 
 Sergeant, Jan. 5th, 1863, promoted to 1st Sergeant, April, 1865. 
 John J.Lewis, Corporal, Deerfield, Aug. 6th, 1862, Farmer; discharged Dec. 
 
 8th, 1862. 
 
 Richard House, Corporal, Whitestown, July 30th, 1862, Cigar maker. 
 Samuel Nelson, Corporal, Trenton, July 12th, 1862, Moulder. 
 Caleb P. Bailey, Corporal, Whitestown, Aug. 2d, 1862, Farmer. 
 Richard E. Edwards, Corporal, Steuben, Aug. 4th, 1862, Farmer ; promoted to 
 
 Sergeant. 
 Geo. R. Tarbox, Corporal, Trenton, Aug. 9th, 1862, Teamster; promoted to 
 
 Sergeant. Feb. 26th, 1863, discharged, Dec. 1st, 1864. 
 Reuben Burrows, Musician, Whitestown, Aug. 9th, 1862, Laborer. 
 Squire C. Dayan, Musician, Whitestown, Aug. 21st, 1862, Laborer. 
 Dan. S. Avery, Teamster, Whitestown, July 23d, 1862, Farmer. 
 Kelley, Wm. Private, Whitestown, July 14th, 1862, Moulder ; died Oct. 3d, 62. 
 Simons, Wm. L. Private, Whitestown, July 17th, 1862, Spinner; missing in 
 
 action, Sept. 29th, 1 864. 
 
 Wilson, Williarn Private, Whitestown, July 18th, 1862, Laborer; missing in ac 
 tion, May 16th, 1864. 
 
 Sears, Wm. C. Private, Utica, July 21st, 1862, Painter. 
 Washington, Tyron Private, Utica, July 21st, 1862, Farmer. 
 Faith, Joseph Private, Utica, July 23d, 1862, Laborer; discharged. 
 Jones, William W. Private, Trenton, July 24th, 1862, Painter : discharged Feb. 
 
 3d, 1863. 
 
 Gaynor, John Private, Trenton, July 24th, 1862, Wagon maker. 
 Taylor, William Private, Whitestown, July 24th, 1862, Farmer; discharged Feb. 
 
 23d, 1863. 
 Warahen, Thomas Private, Whitestown, July 24th, 1862, Farmer; discharged 
 
 June 17th, 1863. 
 
 Johnson, Edward Private, Utica, July 28th, 1862, Laborer. 
 Jones, Richard D. 1st, Private, Steuben, July 28th, 1862, Farmer. 
 Jones, Richard D. 2d, Private, Trenton, July 28th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to 
 
 Corporal, May 23d, 1864. 
 Philpot, Thomas Private, Whitestown, July 28th, 1862, Laborer; transferred to 
 
 V. R. C., Oct. 19th, 1863. 
 King, Hiram Private, Steuben, July 29th, 1862, Farmer ; transferred to V. R. C., 
 
 Nov. 1st, 1863. 
 McCommer, John Private, Whitestown, July 29th, 1862, Farmer; killed, May 
 
 16th, 1864. 
 
 Roberts, David T. Private, Trenton, July 29th, 1862, Painter. 
 Boardman, W. R. Private, Whitestown, July 30th, 1862, Laborer. 
 Boardman, Geo. W. Private, Whitestown, July 30th, 1862, Laborer. 
 Gray, Charles Private, Whitestown, July 30th, 1 862, Laborer. 
 Clark, Chas. F. Private, Floyd, July 31st, 1862, .Farmer. 
 Cassidy, Orenzo Private, Trenton, July 31st, 1862, Laborer. 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 261 
 
 Demings, Daniel Private, Trenton, July 31st, 1862, Farmer; died Jan. 5th, 63. 
 
 Denton, John Private, Whitestown, July 31st, 1862, Farmer; discharged April 
 14th, 1863. 
 
 Roberts, Elias Private, Trenton, July 31st, 1862, Blacksmith. 
 
 Fancher, Edward D. Private, Whitestown, Aug. 1st, 1862, Farmer; discharged. 
 
 Smith, Geo. C. Private, Whitestown, Aug. 1st, 1862, Farmer; discharged, Feb. 
 16th, 1863. 
 
 Comstock, Stevens Private, Whitestown, Aug. 1st, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Remp, Frederick Private, Trenton, Aug. 2d, 1862, Laborer; promoted to Cor 
 poral, Sept. 1st, 1864, to Sergeant, Feb. 1st, 1865. 
 
 Servey, Joseph Private, Steuben, Aug. 2d, 1862, Farmer ; transferred to Com 
 pany "H." 
 
 Baker, Henry Private, Trenton, Aug. 2d, 1862, Farmer ; transferred to V. R. C., 
 Oct. 19th, 1863. 
 
 Jones, Israel Private, Trenton, Aug. 4th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Jones, David E. Private, Trenton, Aug. 4th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Cor 
 poral, Feb. 1st, 1865. 
 
 Ninenger, Frederick Private, Trenton, Aug. 4th, 1862, Farmer; died Dec. 20th> 
 1862. 
 
 Parker, John Private, Whitestown, Aug. 4th, 1862, Laborer; discharged, Nov. 
 16th, 1862. 
 
 Wait, Simon Private, Trenton, Aug. 4th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Laubly, Jacob Private, Whitestown, j Aug. 4th, 1862, Doctor; discharged, Nov. 
 10th, 1862 ; promoted to 2d Assistant Surgeon. 
 
 Bates, James A. Private, Whitestown, Aug. 5th, 1862, Doctor; discharged March 
 3d, 1863. 
 
 Bailey, Wm. A. Private, Boonville, Aug. 6th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Letson, Jonathan Private, Westmoreland, Aug. 6th, 1862, Farmer; died July 
 19th, 1863, exhaustion. 
 
 Wolf, Charles Private, Trenton, Aug. 6th, 1862, Farmer; died Sept. 27th, 1863, 
 diarrhoea. 
 
 Dorety, Lutas Private, Rome, Aug. 6th, 1862, Boatman. 
 
 Graham, Alonzo Private, Whitestown, Aug. 7th, 1862, Laborer; promoted to 
 Corporal Sept. 1st, 1862 ; promoted to Sergeant, Nov. 1st, 1864. 
 
 Griffith, Edward Private, Trenton, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Jones, William Private, Floyd, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Potter, James Private, Whitestown, Aug. 7tl^l862, Spinner. 
 
 .Roberts, Edward C. Private, Marcy, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Simons, Fletcher Private, Whitestown, Aug. 7th, 1862, Spinner; discharged, 
 Sept. 10th, 1864. 
 
 Smith, Richard Private, Whitestown, Aug. 7th, 1862, Laborer. 
 
 Wilson, George Private, Whitestown, Aug. 7th, 1862, Wool sorter; discharged, 
 Oct. 15th, 1863. 
 
 Williams, William M. Private, Trenton, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Walker, George J. Private, Whitestown, Aug. 7th, 1862, Spinner. 
 
262 HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 
 
 Austin, Allen Private, Whitestown, Aug. 8th, 1862, Basket maker ; discharged. 
 
 Dwyer, Henry Private, Trenton, Aug. 8th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Davis, Wm. H. Private, Whitestown, Aug. 8th, 1862, Farmer ; killed, May 16th, 
 1864. 
 
 Davis, James Private, Whitestown, Aug. 8th, 1862, Spinner; discharged, Jan. 
 1st, 1863. 
 
 thase, George II. Private, Trenton, Aug. 9th, 1862, Painter. 
 
 Hughes, John Private, Trenton, Aug. 9th, 1862, Painter. 
 
 Jones, John W. Private, Trenton, Aug. 9th, 1862, Blacksmith; discharged, May 
 30th, 1863. 
 
 Ringrose, Matthew Private, Whitestown, Aug. 9th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to 
 Corporal, Nov. 1st, 1864. 
 
 Stewart, William Private, Whitestown, Aug. 9th, 1862, Laborer; discharged, 
 Feb. 25th, 1863. 
 
 Jones, David Private, Trenton, Aug. llth, 1862, Farmer; died, March llth, 64. 
 
 Loomis, Geo. Private, Deerfield, Aug. llth, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Merringer, John Private, Deerfield, Aug. llth, 1862, Farmer; killed, May 16th, 
 1864. 
 
 Roberts, John G. Private, Trenton, Aug. llth, 1862, Quarryman. 
 
 Ryan, John Private, Deerfield, Aug. llth, 1862, Farmer; killed on Morris 
 Island, S. C. 
 
 Hughes, Wm. Private, Trenton, Aug. llth, 1862, Quarryman. 
 
 Cookingham, C. O. Private, Trenton, Aug. 1 2th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Owen, Thomas Private, Trenton, Aug. llth, 1862, Quarryman. 
 
 Davis, Owen K. Private, Trenton, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Ellis, Hughes M. Private, Deerfield, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Jones, William 0. Private, Trenton, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Jones, Owen Private, Trenton, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Lamb, Henry Private, Trenton, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Volner, John Private, Trenton, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Williams, Griffith Private, Trenton, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer; died, Feb. 3d/65. 
 
 Williams, Owen Private, Trenton, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Burrows, Ansel S. Private, Westmoreland, Aug. 13th, 1863, Farmer; discharged, 
 March 21st, 1863. 
 
 Conner, Michael Private, Trenton, Aug. 13th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Cor 
 poral, May 25th, 1864. 
 
 McGinnis, Patrick Private, Whitesl^wn, Aug. 13th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Ringrose, Christopher Private, Trenton, Aug. 13th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to 
 Corporal, Oct. 1st, 1864; killed at Fort Fisher, N. C. 
 
 Sanford, Chas. D. Private, Marcy, Aug. 13th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Pease, Henry Private, Whitestown, Aug. 15th, 1862, Carpenter; died at Salis 
 bury, N. C., Dec. 21st, 1864. 
 
 Gregory, Geo. M. Private, Trenton, Aug. 18th, 1862, Miller; promoted to Cor 
 poral, March 1st, 1863. 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 263 
 
 Jones, Ed. E. Private, Utica, Aug. 19th, 1862, Shoemaker; promoted to Cor- 
 poral. 
 
 All recruits from this forward. 
 
 Covell, Hiram B. Private, Utica, Dec. 31st, 1863, Boatman. 
 
 Covell, Josiah B. Private, Utica, Dec. 31st, 1863, Farmer. 
 
 Bears, Giles Private, Utica, Jan. 5th, 1864, Machinist; died of wounds, Sept. 
 2d, 1864. 
 
 Doorhammer, Edward Private, Utica, Jan. 26th, 1864, Farmer. 
 
 Evans, Ellis Private, Utica, Feb. 9th, 1864, Laborer. 
 
 Flannigan, Wm. Private, Utica, Jan. 21st, 1864, Farmer. 
 
 Genter, William Private, Utica, Jan. 3d, 1864, Farmer. 
 
 Hewston, Richard Private, Utica, March, 29th, 1864, Farmer; promoted to Cor 
 poral, March 1st, 1865. 
 
 Kaloe, Thomas Private, Utica, Jan. 4th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Knight, Arthur Private, Utica, Jan. 5th, 1864, Farmer ; missing in action, Sept. 
 29th, 1864. 
 
 King, Patrick Private, Utica, Jan. 4th, 1864, Laborer; killed, Sept. 29th, 1864. 
 
 Lockwood, A. Private, Utica, Jan. 22d, 1864, Farmer. 
 
 Lockwood, H. Private, Utica, Jan. 4th, 1864, Farmer. 
 
 Morrell, Joseph Private, Utica, March 26th, 1864,Farmer; died of wounds, Sept. 
 2d, 1864. 
 
 McCarthy, James Private, Utica, Jan. 4th, 1864, Laborer; killed, Aug. 28th, 64. 
 
 Millington, Geo. W. Private, Utica, Feb. 13th, 1864, Farmer. 
 
 Squires, Henry Private, Utica, Jan. 23d, 1864, Shoemaker; discharged, Nov. 
 1st, 1864. 
 
 Thurston, Franklin Private, Utica, Jan. 5th, 1864, Farmer. 
 
 Walters, George Private, Utica, Feb. 29th, 1864, Farmer. 
 
 Wormwood, Morris Private, Utica, Feb. 6th, 1864, Soldier. 
 
 Welcome, F. D. Private, Utica, Jan. 12th, 1864, Boatman. 
 
 Mahoney, Morris Private, Utica, Feb. 20th, 1864, Laborer. 
 
 Wagoner, David Private, Utica, March 15th, 1864, Farmer. 
 
 Winston, D. S. Private, Utica, Dec. 18th, 1863, Clerk. 
 
 Johnson, A. V. Private, Steubcn, Aug. 10th, 1864, Laborer. 
 
 Roberts, Wm. H. Private, Steuben, Aug. 22d 1864, Laborer. 
 
 Shaft, Wm. E. Private, Steuben, Aug. 15th, 1864, Farmer. 
 
 Tigh, Charles Private, Whitestown, Aug. 20th, 1864, Boatman. 
 
 Sylvester, Clark J. Utica, Aug. 10th, 1864, Laborer. 
 
 Segur, Ernest G., Jr. Private, Marcy, Aug. 23d, 1864, Mechanic. 
 
 Segur, Ernest G., Sr. Private, Marcy, Aug. 17th, 1864, Mechanic. 
 
 Winterston, Edward Private, Marcy, Aug. 22d, 1 864, Farmer. 
 
 Williams, Isaac Private, Marcy, Aug. 22d, 1864, Farmer. 
 
 Ferguson, Hugh Private, Tarrytown, Feb. 21st, 1865, Carpenter. 
 
 Fifer, Samuel Private, Tarrytown, March 7th, 1865, Sailor. 
 
 Fiber, Michael Private, Tarrytown, March 7th, 1865, Weaver. 
 
 Baither, Charles Private, Tarry town, March 8th, 1865, Stone cutter. 
 
264 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 McDonald, Henry Private, Tarrytown, March 9th, 1865, Ship Carpenter. 
 Luret, Henry Private, Tarrytown, March 9ili, 1865, Shoemaker. 
 Kane, Terrence Private, Tarrytown, March 9th, 1865, Laborer. 
 Detric, Conrad Private, Tarrytown, March 9th, 1865, Machinist. 
 Bower, Frederick Private, Tarrytown, March 9th, 1865, Sailor. 
 Decker, Levi Private, Albany, March 6th, 1865, Bar tender. 
 Hale, George Private, Schenectady, Sept. 12th, 1864, Laborer. 
 Perry, Henry P. Private, Watertown, Sept. 13th, 1864, Farmer. 
 Kelly, John Private, Tarrytown, March 8th, 1865, Shoemaker. 
 Ethridge, Richard Private, Albany, March 3d, 1865, Farmer. 
 Johnson, James M. Private, Loifkport, Feb. 28th, 1 865, Farmer. 
 Kinney, William Private, Lockport, March 3d, 1865, Farmer. 
 Le Valley, Win. L. Private, Lockport, Feb. 28th, 1865, Farmer. 
 
 ROSTER OF COMPANY G. 
 
 CHARLES H. ROYS, Captain appointed Aug. 12th, 1862 ; discharged, Aug. 31st, 
 1863 ; rejoined as Adjutant, Oct. 1864 ; afterward Breveted Major. 
 
 CHARLES S. MILLARD, 1st Lieutenant, appointed Aug. 12th, 1862 ; appointed 
 Adjutant, Sept. 29th, 1864 ; resigned on account of ill health, Sept. 29th, 1864. 
 
 ALGERNON E. SMITH, 2d Lieutenant, appointed Aug. 14th, 1862 ; promoted 1st 
 Lieutenant, April 27th, 1863 ; promoted Captain, Oct. 12th, 1864; detailed as 
 A. D. C. on Brigade Staff, Col. Alford; detailed as A. D. C. on Division 
 Staff, Gen. Foster; detailed as A. D. C. on Corps Staff, Brev. Maj. Gen. 
 Terry ; Breveted Major for gallant and meritorious services while Aid to Gen. 
 Terry, at capture of Fort Fisher, to date from March 3d, 1865; was seriously 
 wounded at the battle at Fort Fisher. 
 
 Wm. H. Hulbert, 1st Sergeant, Utica, 1862; appointed 2d Lieutenant, Aug. 
 
 20th, 1862. 
 Harrison E. Webster, Sergeant, Clayville, July 25th, 1862, Farmer; detailed to 
 
 2d M. Dept. 
 Chas. H. Sharp, Sergeant, Clayville, July 25th, 1862, Mechanic; discharged, 
 
 Feb. 14tb, 1863. 
 Wm. F. Reading, Sergeant ; never assigned to Co. 
 
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 265 
 
 J. Knox Williams, Sergeant, Verona, Aug. 12th, 1862, Merchant; appointed 
 2d Lieutenant, April 8th, 1864. 
 
 M. L. Johnson, Corporal, Clayville, July 28th, 1862, Agent ; promoted to Ser 
 geant, Aug. 31st, 1862 ; to 1st Sergeant, Nov. llth, 1863 ; appointed 2d Lieu 
 tenant, Feb. 17th, 1865. 
 
 John B. Wicks, Corporal, Paris, July 13th, 1862, Farmer ; promoted to Sergeant 
 March 1st, 1863, to Com. Sergeant, 1864. 
 
 David H. Green, Corporal, Utica, July 23d, 1 862, Butcher. 
 
 William Lindsley, Corporal, Augusta, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer; missing in ac 
 tion, Sept. 29th, 1864. 
 
 Henry V. Crandall, Corporal, Clay ville, July 22d, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 C. Norman Beach, Corporal, Clayville, July 28th, 1862, Mechanic ; died of Small 
 Pox, March 13th, 1864. 
 
 Lorenzo P. Brown, Corporal, Clayville, Aug. llth, 1862, Clerk; promoted to 
 Sergeant, Aug. 31st, 1862. 
 
 JohnD. Ernst, Corporal, Paris, July 28th, 1862, Shoemaker; promoted to Ser 
 geant, April 13th, 1864. 
 
 Charles W. Sharp, Musician, Paris, July 26th, 1862, Mechanic; transferred to 
 Company "F." 
 
 Adolphus Sherman, Musician, Paris, Aug. 12th, 1862, Musician. 
 
 Earl A. Hart, Teamster, Paris, Aug. 5th, 1862, Mechanic. 
 
 Bonfoy, Chas. M. Private, Paris, July 22d, 1 862, Farmer. 
 
 Croft, Stephen H. Private, Paris, July 22d, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Quinn, James Private, Clayville, July 23d, 1862, Farmer; killed at Fort Fisher, 
 Jan. 15th, 1865. 
 
 Ward, William Private, Clayville, July 23d, 1862, Farmer; died, Feb. llth, 65. 
 
 Johnson, Lewis Private, Clayville, July 23d, 1862, Mechanic; transferred to V. 
 R. C., Oct. 13th, 1863. 
 
 Treat, Chas. A. Private, Utica, July 24th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Corporal, 
 Feb. 1st, 1865. 
 
 Cogswell, John Private, Clayville, July 24th, 1862, Mechanic; killed in action, 
 May 16th, 1864. 
 
 Cogswell, Joseph B. Private, Clayville, July 24th, 1862, Mechanic; missing in 
 action, Oct. 27th, 1864. 
 
 Luce, Rosa W. Private, Clayville, July 24th, 1862, Clerk; taken prisoner, Aug. 
 25th, 1864, died in Libby Prison. 
 
 Hemmenger, Philip Private, Clayville, July 24th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Avery, Edward B. Private, Clayville, July 24th, 1862, Student; promoted to 
 Corporal, Nov. llth, 1863. 
 
 Pangburn, Thos. J. Private, Clayville, July 24th, 1862, Mechanic. 
 
 Terrill, Francis 0. Private, Clayville, July 25th, 1862, Mechanic. 
 
 Wilcox, Madison Private, Clayville, July 25th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Lasher, Wm. G. Private, Clayville, July 25th, 1862, Mechanic. 
 
 Lackenby, William Private, Utica, July 25th, 1862, Carpenter. 
 
266 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 Robinson, John Private, Clayville, July 25th, 1862, Farmer; discharged Nov. 
 
 14th, 1862. 
 Tuttlc, Franklin F. Private, Clayville, July 25th, 1862, Mechanic; discharged 
 
 Jan 30th, 1863. 
 
 Gillman, Henry Private, Clayville, July 26th, 1862, Mechanic. 
 Olin, Franklin A. Private, Utica, July 26th, 1862, Farmer ; killed in action, May 
 
 16th, 1864. 
 
 English, Wm. Private, Utica, July 27th, 1862, Farmer. 
 Powers, Michael Private, Clayville, July 28th, 1862, Farmer. 
 Dayball, Sherman B. Private, Clayville, July 28th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to 
 
 Corporal, Nov. 1st, 1864. 
 
 Edwards, Henry Private, Clayville, July 28th, 1862, Farmer. 
 Allen, Charles S. Private, Paris, July 28th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Corporal 
 
 Jan. 25th, 1863. 
 
 Palmer, Duane T- Private, Paris, July 29th, 1862, Farmer. 
 Egan, James Private, Clayville, July 30th, 1862, Farmer. 
 Harrison, John M. Private, Paris, July 30th, 1862, Farmer; died Nov. 1st, 1863, 
 
 diarrhoea. 
 
 Camp, Willard M. Private, Clayville, July 30th, 1862, Mason. 
 Davis, Win. R. Private, Paris, July 31st, 1862, Farmer; discharged Oct. 16th, 
 
 1863. 
 
 Barber, Silas J. Private, Utica, July 31st, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Foster, Henry Private, Utica, July 31st, 1862, Mechanic; killed before Peters 
 burg. 
 Townsend, J. Private, Paris, Aug. 1st, 1862, Carpenter; discharged Nov. 14th, 
 
 1862. 
 
 Olin, Giles Private, Marcy, Aug. 1st, 1862, Farmer. 
 Bombard, Wm. Private, Utica, Aug. 2d, 1862, Machinist. 
 Browning, II. A. Private, Utica, Aug. 2d, 1862, Farmer. 
 Bates, Josephus Private, Paris, Aug. 4th, 1862, Carpenter; transferred to I. C., 
 
 Aug. 20th, 1863. 
 
 Wheeler, Edwin A. Private, Paris, Aug. 4th, 1862, Farmer. 
 Robinson, Timothy Private, Clayville, Aug. 4th, 1862, Farmer. 
 Merrill, Albert Private, Clayville, Aug. 5th, 1862, Farmer ; promoted to Corporal 
 
 July 1st, 1864. 
 
 Babcock, Perry F. Private, Paris, Aug. 5th, 1862, Farmer. 
 Mosher, Gustave Private, Paris, Aug. 6th, 1862, Butcher. 
 Evans, Evan Private, Utica, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer. 
 Evans, Thomas Private, Utica, July 31st, 1862, Clerk. 
 Johnson, Wm. H. Private, Utica, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer; discharged, Sept. 
 
 28th, 1863 ; detailed at Brigade H. Q., July 21st, 1864. 
 Johnson, Thos. Private, Utica, Aug. 7th, 1862, Barber. 
 
 Edwards, Robert Private, Utica, Aug. 8th, 1862, Boatman ; killed before Peters 
 burg. 
 
HISTORY OP THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 267 
 
 Mason, Albert Private, Clayville, Aug. 8th, 1862, Mechanic; discharged Oct. 
 
 llth, 1863. 
 
 Farrer, James Private, Utica, Aug. 8th, 1863, Baker. 
 Olin, Martin S. Private, Utica, Aug. 8th, 1862, Farmer. 
 Belong, Martin L. Private, Paris, Aug. 9th, 1862, Manufacturer. 
 Delong, O.K. Private, Paris, Aug. 9th, 1862, Clerk; promoted to Corporal, 
 
 Aug. 13th, 1862, to Serg t May, 1863, died Jan. 15th, 1865. 
 Green, Martin V. Private, Paris, Aug. 9th, 1862, Farmer; discharged March 
 
 27th, 1864. 
 Green, Geo. W. Private, Paris, Aug. 9th, 1862, Clerk ; promoted to Corporal, 
 
 March 1st, 1863, to Serg t Jan. 15th, 1865. 
 Anderson, L. W. Private, Paris, Aug. llth, 1862, Agent; discharged May 2d, 
 
 1863. 
 Barnum, Herbert Private, Paris, Aug. llth, 1862, Student; discharged Oct. 7th, 
 
 1862. 
 
 Briggs, Alex. M. Private, Paris, Aug. llth, 1862, Farmer. 
 Hubbard, Geo. A. Private, Paris, Aug. llth, 1862, Student. 
 Ireland, Henry Private, Paris, Aug. llth, 1862, Butcher ; wounded at Drury s 
 
 Bluff, May 16th, 1864; discharged, March 7th, 1865. 
 Knight, Arthur, Private, Paris, Aug. llth, 1862, Student; promoted to Corporal, 
 
 April 13th, 1864, to Serg t Feb. 17th, 1865. 
 
 Kenyon, I. F. Private, Utica, Aug. llth, 1862, Clerk; discharged Oct. 16th, 63. 
 Monroe, Joseph D. Private, Utica, Aug. llth, 1862, Clerk ; promoted to Q. M. 
 
 Serg t, April 1st, 1863. 
 Oatley, Wm. H. Private, Paris, Aug. llth, 1862, Clerk; promoted to Corporal, 
 
 March 17th, 1864, died at Hampton Hospital, of wounds received at Drury s 
 
 Bluff, May 16th, 1864. 
 
 Prosser, Daniel Private, Paris, Aug. llth, 1862, mechanic. 
 Royce, Laft. W. Private, Paris, Aug. llth, 1862, Farmer. 
 Ward, James D. Private, Paris, Aug. llth, 1862, Mechanic. 
 Bailey, Abel S. Private, Paris, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Corporal, 
 
 Aug. 13th, 1862, to Sergeant Feb. 1st, 1864, to 1st Sergeant, Feb. 17th, 1865. 
 Bailey, Wm. W. Private, Paris, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Sergeant 
 
 May 13th, 1865. 
 Clement, Chas. L. Private, Paris, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer; discharged Nov. 
 
 24th, 1862. 
 
 Cotterell, A. S. Private, Augusta, Aug. 12th, 1862. Farmer. 
 Ennis, V. Remington Private, Augusta, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer; died Nov. 
 
 23d, 1862. 
 
 Gray, Thomas Private, Augusta, Aug. 12th, 1862, Mechanic ; promoted to Cor 
 poral, Aug. 13th, 1862. 
 Beach, W. W. Private, Augusta, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer ; missing in action, 
 
 Sept. 29th, 1864. 
 King, Geo. H. Private, Rome, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Corporal, 
 
268 HISTORY OF THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 
 
 May 1st, 1864; killed at the explosion of Magazine at Fort Fisher, Jan, 
 
 16th, 1865. 
 
 Kent, David P. Private, Utica, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Kendall, A. J. Private, Augusta, Aug. 12th, 1862, Merchant; Regimental clerk- 
 Miller, I. M. Private, Augusta, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer; died Aug. 3d, 1863. 
 Quinn, Morris Private, Paris, Aug. 12th, 1862, Clerk. 
 Robbins, A. \V. Private, Augusta, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer. 
 Stickney, M. D. Private, Paris, Aug. 12th, 1862, Clerk. 
 
 West, Frank H. Private, Augusta, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer; died July 1 5th, 63. 
 Park, De Witt C. Private, Lee, Aug. 13th, 1862, Farmer. 
 Failey, Patrick Private, Paris, Aug. 14th, 1862, Farmer. 
 King, Henry D. Jr., Private, Rome, Aug. 14th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Recruits from this forward. 
 
 Leroy, Jonas Private, Utica, March 19th, 1864, Mechanic. 
 Priest, Rufus Private, Utica, Jan. 4th, 1864, Farmer. 
 Potter, George L. Private, Utica, Jan. 21st, 1864, Farmer; died of wounds, July 
 
 2d, 1864. 
 Roy ce, Eugene Private, Utica, Jan. 4th, 1864, Farmer; discharged Sept. 26th, 
 
 J864. 
 
 Royce, Albert H. Private, Utica, Jan. 2d, 1864, Clerk. 
 Worclen, William C. Private, Utica, Feb. 29th, 1864, Mechanic. 
 Pierson, Chester P. Private, Plainfield, Jan. 18th, 1864, Painter. 
 Manson, William Private, Utica, Feb. 17th, 1864, Painter. 
 Parshall, JohnB. Private, Paris, Dec. 18th, 1864, Blacksmith. 
 Sherman, Wm. H. Private, Utica, March 31st, 1864, Painter; transferred to V 
 
 R. C., April 30th, 1865. 
 Baker, Wm. Private, Marshall, Jan. 6th, 1864, Farmer; died of wounds, June 
 
 19th, 1864. 
 Irion, Michael Private, Utica, Feb. 9th, 1864, Cigar maker; musician in Brigade 
 
 Band. 
 
 Barloe, George Private, Rome, Feb. 1st, 1864, Farmer; died March 9th, 1864. 
 Monroe, Wm. J. Private, Utica, Dec. 9th, 1863, Undertaker. 
 Mateson, Albert Private, New Hartford, Feb. 1864, Farmer. 
 McCarthy, James Private, Paris, Jan. 28th, 1864, Farmer. 
 Oliver, Ed. W. Private, Paris, Feb. 8th, 1864, Farmer. 
 Long, Thomas Private, Paris, March 31st, 1864, Farmer. 
 Brooks, Russell Private, Paris, Sept. 1st. 1864, Farmer. 
 
 Kenyon, H. A. Private, Paris, Sept. 5th, 1864, Machinist; died Feb. 10th, 1865. 
 Townsend, D. P. Private, Paris, Sept. 1st, 1864, Farmer; discharged. 
 Spooner, H. B. Private, Albany, March 6th, 1865, Artist. 
 Young, Joel Private, Albany, March 3d, 1865, Farmer. 
 Algiers, James Private, Troy, March 7th, 1865, Farmer. 
 Donahay, Jerry Private, Troy, March 3d, 1865, Laborer. 
 Flanigan, Morris Private, Troy, March 4th, 1865, Blacksmith. 
 
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 269 
 
 La Goire, Joseph Private, Troy, March 3d, 1865, Farmer. 
 Sears, Benjamin Private, Troy, March 6th, 1865, Farmer. 
 Wagoner, Aaron Private, Troy, March 1st, 1865, Laborer. 
 Wagoner, James H. Private, Troy, March 1st, 1865, Laborer. 
 Riley, Charles Private, Tompkinsville, March 9th, 1865, Laborer. 
 Mathewes, James Private, Tompkinsville, March 9th, 1865, Laborer. 
 Denny, Michael Private, Tompkinsville, March 9th, 18*55, Laborer. 
 Wilmarth, Peter B. Private, Tompkinsville, March 9th, 1865, Clerk. 
 Blackwell, John T. Private, Tompkinsville, March 9th, 1865, Clerk. 
 Seifert, Matthias Private, Tompkinsville, March 9th, 1866, Farmer. 
 Dakter, Jacob Private, Jamaica, March 9th, 1865, Brewer. 
 Harris, Clark Private, Schenectady, March 8th, 1865, Farmer. 
 Thomas, Charles Private, Albany, March 2d, 1865, Farmer. 
 Hind, George Private, Syracuse, March 14th, 1865, Blacksmith. 
 Loughrye, John Private, Auburn, March 26th, 1865, Laborer. 
 McDonald, William Private, Elmira, March 23d, 1865, Laborer. 
 
 ROSTER OF COMPANY H. 
 
 ALMOND R. STEVENS, Captain; appointed August 14, 1862 ; wounded June 15, 
 
 at capture of Petersburg Heights. While absent at Hospital in consequence 
 
 of this wound he lost the place of Major to which he was entitled by rank. 
 
 On returning for duty was detailed as Inspector General on Staff of Brig. Gen. 
 
 Curtis. Afterwards, till close of the war, was A. A. Inspector Gen. and A. A. 
 
 Provost Marshall on Staff of Gen. Ames, 2nd Div. 10th A. C. 
 EDWARD DOWNER, 1st Lieutenant; appointed August 14, 1862; promoted to 
 
 Captain, May 1, 1864 ; served till close of the war, commanded Regiment from 
 
 January 16, 1865, till June 8. 
 HENRY SHEDD, 2d Lieutenant; appointed August 14, 1862 ; resigned March 2d, 
 
 1863. 
 
 Henry L. Adams, 1st Sergeant, Vienna, August 7, 1862, Teacher; promoted to 
 
 2d Lieutenant, May 18, 1864; taken prisoner, October 27, 1864. 
 Andrew Wilkins, Sergeant, Camden, August 4, 1862, Painter; deserted August 
 
 22, 1862. 
 William Southworth, Sergeant, Westmoreland, August 14, 1862, Clerk; promoted 
 
 to 1st Sergeant May 25, 1864 ; commissioned 2d Lieutenant May 11, 1865. 
 Jesse Irons, Sergeant, Verona, August 19, 1862, Mechanic; reduced to Ranks 
 
 October 1, 1864. 
 
 Andrew Kline, Sergeant, Utica, July 24, 1862, Tailor; killed October 27, 1864. 
 Adam Eckhart, Corporal, Verona, August 12, 1862, Farmer; died January 13, 
 
 1864. 
 
 18 
 
270 HISTORY OP THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 
 
 George R. Waid, Corporal, Vienna, August 7, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Ser 
 geant, October 1, 1864, killed October 27, 1864. 
 
 Henry C. Stowell, Corporal, Utica, August 8, 1862, Painter. 
 
 Stephen Jackson, Corporal, Vienna, August 7, 1862, Sawyer; died July 5, 1863. 
 
 Edmons Shirley, Corporal, Utica, August 7, 1862, Clerk; discharged December 
 7, 1863. 
 
 Henry G. Estes, Corporal, Utica, August 12, 1862, Printer. 
 
 Albert La Tour, Corporal, Utica, August 11, 1862, Clerk. 
 
 Theodore Hibbard, Corporal, Utica, August 9, 1862, Barber; promoted to Ser 
 geant, November 1, 1864. 
 
 Charles Shaver, Musician, Verona, August 7, 1862, Farmer; transferred to Co, 
 "I." 
 
 James A. Wescott, Musician, Utica, August 8, 1862, Farmer; discharged Nov. 
 14, 1862; 
 
 Wm. H. Carnright, Wagoner, Vienna, August 7, 1862, Blacksmith; discharged 
 December 28, 1862.* 
 
 Anson, Jackson Private, Florence, July 11, 1862, Farmer; discharged December 
 28, 1863. 
 
 Burk, James Private, Utica, July 24, 1862, Teamster. 
 
 King, John W. Private, Utica, July 25, 1862, Farmer; died of wounds, June 
 30, 1864. 
 
 Martin, Lyman A. Private, Utica, July 28, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Sergeant, 
 October 1, 1862. 
 
 Dean, Lighten Private, Camden, July 30, 1862, Farmer; discharged Aug., 1862. 
 
 William, Howell Private, Western, July 31, 1862, Farmer; died of wounds re 
 ceived 29th September. 
 
 Barber, Joseph S. Private, Utica, August 1, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Hall, George A. Private, Verona, August 3, 1862, Farmer; discharged March 
 10, 1863. 
 
 Hall, William D. Private, Verona, August 3, 1862, Cigarmaker ; discharged 
 December 12, 1862. 
 
 Overocker, Lafayette Private, Verona, August 3, Farmer. 
 
 Rowell, Chauncey Private, Verona, August 3, 1862, Farmer ; died May 25, 1864. 
 
 Raymond, John Private, Verona, August 3, 1862, Farmer ; killed September 29, 
 1864. 
 
 Sayre, Abner C. Private, Verona, August 3, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Thorp, Benj. Private, Verona, August 3, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Roswell, Wm. Private, Verona, August 4, 1862, Farmer ; wounded in face before 
 Petersburg. 
 
 Hewitt, James W. Private, Utica, August 4, 1862, Farmer; discharged Decem 
 ber 18, 1862. 
 
 Montague, A. G. Private, Utica, August 4, 1862, Barber ; deserted February 2, 
 1863. 
 
 McGraham, Owen Private, Utica, August 5, 1862, Farmer; discharged May 31, 
 1863. 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 271 
 
 Elmer, A. E. Private, Verona, August 6, 1862, Laborer; promoted to Corporal, 
 
 March 24, 1864. 
 Hopsicker, Carl Private, Boonville, August 6, 1862, Laborer ; wounded Sept 59, 
 
 before Fort Gilmer. 
 Major, Charles Private, Hawkinsville, August 6, 1862, Painter; died July 15, 
 
 1863. 
 Monnahan, D. Private, Boonville, August 6, 1862, Laborer ; died of wounds, 
 
 July 22, 1864. 
 Pangburn, Harrison, Private, Verona, August 6, 1862, Laborer; slightly wounded 
 
 two or three times. 
 Rabb, Christopher Private, Hawkinsville, August 6, 1862, Laborer; transferred to 
 
 Invalid Corps. / 
 
 Rowley, William Private, Utica, August 6, 1862, Laborer; discharged October 
 
 5, 1862. 
 Congdon, Philo B. Private, Viena, August 7, 1862, Farmer; wounded Sept. 29, 
 
 at Fort Gilmer, discharged. 
 
 Dibble, Judson C. Private, Vienna, August 7, 1862, Farmer; wounded at Cap 
 ture of Petersburg Heights, June 15, 1864. 
 Palms, Truman Private, Vienna, August 7, 1 862, Carpenter; discharged Sept. 
 
 1, 1863. 
 Tuttle, Noah Private, Vienna, August 7, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Corporal,, 
 
 November 1, 1864. 
 Tuttle, Rufus Private, Vienna, August 7, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Corporal , 
 
 November I, 1864. 
 
 Wright, William B. Private, Vienna, August 7, 1882, Laborer ; killed by light 
 ning, Aug. 18, 1864. 
 
 Blackwood, Robert Private, Utica, August 7, 1862, Weaver. 
 Benjamin, J. H. Private, Rome, August 7, 1862, Farmer. 
 Cober, John Private, Deerfield, August 7, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Corporal, 
 
 October 1, 1864, killed, January 15, 1865, at Fort Fisher. 
 Foster, George B. Private, Verona, August 3, 1862, Farmer; wounded before 
 
 Petersburg, at explosion of Mine, July 30, 1864. 
 McKce, James F. Private, Vienna, August 8, 1862, Farmer. 
 Warner, James S Private, Vienna, August 9, 1862, Farmer ; discharged January 
 
 12, 1883. 
 
 Gregory, Elnathan Private, Verona, August 9, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Cor 
 poral, February 15, 1865. 
 Gallager, James Private, Verona, August 9, 1862, Farmer; wounded 15 of June 
 
 1864, before Petersburg, discharged. 
 Gleasman, Charles Private, Verona, August 9, 18G2, Carpenter; wounded Sept. 
 
 29, died of wounds. 
 Goca, Cassimer Private, Verona, August 9, 1862, Mechanic ; wounded at For* 
 
 Fisher, discharged. 
 
 Hannager, Frederick Private, Verona, August 9, 1862, Farmer. 
 Keiley, James Private, Verona, August 9, 1862, Laborer. 
 
272 HISTORY OP THE 117TH B. N. Y. V. 
 
 Laglan John Private, Verona, August 9, 1862, Boat Builder. 
 Mumpton, John Private, Verona, Aug. 9, 1862, Farmer; transferred to V. R. C. 
 Onderdonk, Justice Private, Verona, August 9, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Cor 
 poral, October 1, 1864. 
 
 Smith, John II. Private, Verona, August 9, 1862, Farmer. 
 Will, William Private, Verona, August 9, 1862, Farmer; killed at Fort Fisher, 
 
 January 15, 1865. 
 Baker, Jacob Private, Annsville, August 11, 1862, Laborer; wounded before 
 
 Petersburg, June 15, 1864, discharged for consequent disability. 
 Bettinger, Ira F. Private, Verona, August 11, 1862, Farmer; killed at Fort 
 
 Fisher, January 15, 1865. 
 
 Dibble, George Private, Vienna, August 11, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Corpo 
 ral, May 25, 1864. 
 
 Down, James Private, Camden, August 11, 1862, Farmer. 
 Ferguson, Julius Private, Utica, August 11, 1862, Laborer. 
 Hartwell, Albert Private, Utica, August 11, 1862, Farmer; died May 6, 1864. 
 Hatch, Isaac F. Private, Floyd, August 11, 1862, Farmer; wounded at Fort 
 
 Fisher. 
 Johnson, Thomas B. Private, Vienna, August 11, 1862, Farmer ; died of wounds, 
 
 August 16, 1864. 
 McClellan, Alonzo E. Private, Vienna, August 11, 1862, Farmer; discharged 
 
 October 30, 1862. 
 
 Palms, Andrew Private, Vienna, August 11, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Cor- 
 poval. 
 Smith, Solon Private, Camden, August 11, 1862, Farmer ; promoted to Corporal, 
 
 July 25, 1864. 
 Stone, George C. Private, Vienna, August 11, 1862, Carpenter; promoted to 
 
 Corporal, May 25, 1864, killed September 29, 1864. 
 Tuttle, William Private, Camden, August 11, 1862, Farmer; died at Beaufort, 
 
 S. C. 
 Holmes, Henry Private, Rome, August 12, 1862, Tailor; discharged January 2, 
 
 1863. 
 
 Haas, Jacob Private, Verona, August 12, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Jones, William H. Private, Floyd, August 12, 1862, Farmer; died June 17, 1864. 
 Lane, William H. Private, Utica, August 12, 1862, Farmer. 
 Riley, Richard S. Private, Verona, August 12, 1862, Cigar Maker. 
 Williams, Thomas H. Private, Floyd, August 12, 1862, Farmer. 
 Dyas, William Private, Utica, August 12, 1862, Clerk. 
 Bissell, Frank Private, Utica, August 13, 1862, Student ; discharged February 
 
 28, 1863. 
 
 Clifford, Robert Private, Camden, Aug. 11, 1862, Farmer ; died at Raleigh, N. C. 
 Pelton, Erastus Private, Rome, August 13, 1862, Farmer. 
 Kimball, W. H. Private, Rome, August 14, 1862, Farmer. 
 Lewin, Thomas Private, Westmoreland, August 14, 1862, Farmer. 
 Langer, Lewis Private, Annsville, August 14, 1862, Farmer; wounded Sept. 29. 
 
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 273 
 
 Satighter, J. Christian Private, Rome, August 14, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Walter, John A. Private, Verona, August 14, 1862, Cabinet maker. 
 
 Hall, John Private, Rome, August 15, 1862, Farmer; died September 22, 1864. 
 
 Petril, John Private, Rome, August 15, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Parks, Robert Private, Rome, August 15, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Corporal, 
 
 December 1, 1863, died of wounds, July 21, 1864. 
 
 Twining, Seth R. Private, Rome, August 15, 1862, Farmer; died Jan. 5, 1863. 
 Spencer, Andrew Private, Camden, August 5, 1862, Farmer. 
 Rice, Asa Private, Rome, August 13, 1862, Farmer. 
 Avery, Delas Private, Verona, August 25, 1862, Fanner. 
 
 1864. All are Recruits from this forward. 
 Kappes, Joseph Private, Utica, February 27, 1864, Farmer. 
 Gorr, William Private, Rome, January 19, 1864, Farmer; wounded October 27, 
 
 1864, transferred to 48th R. N. Y. V. 
 Bohmer, Michael Private, Rome, February 10, 1864, Farmer; transferred to V. 
 
 R. C., March 20, 1865. 
 Fetterly, Westley Private, Amesville, February 18, 1864, Laborer ; transferred to 
 
 48th R. N. Y. V. 
 Gordon, George Private, Rome, January 11, 1864, Boatman ; wounded at Fort 
 
 Fisher. 
 Haslock, Robert Private, Utica, January 16, 1864, Draper; killed September 29, 
 
 1864. 
 Hanmacker, Philip Private, Rome, January 11, 1864, Farmer; transferred to 
 
 48th R. N. Y. V. 
 Johnson, Wallace Private, Verona, January 9, 1864, Farmer; transferred to 48th 
 
 R. N. Y. V. 
 
 Marks, John Private, Lee, February 10, 1864; Farmer. 
 Rohen, Frank Private, Utica, February 16, 1864; Laborer. 
 Sherwood, E. T. Private, New Hartford, January 4, 1864, Clerk. 
 Spell, William II. Private, Utica, December 1, 1863, Clerk. 
 Cone, Eli Private, Utica, August 19, 1864, Printer. 
 Keim, Wm. R. Private, Utica, March 26, 1864, Clerk. 
 Eastwood, James Private, Remsen, August 19, 1S64, Mechanic. 
 Loomis, Morris H. Private, Remsen, August 19, 1862, Farmer; killed October 
 
 27, 1864. 
 
 Young, George A. Private, Boonville, August 13, 1864, Farmer. 
 Harnacker, Valentine Private, Boonville, March 10, 1864, Farmer. 
 Francis, Charles S. Private, Jamaica, March 10, 1864, Clerk. 
 Kenny, David Private, Jamaica, March 10, 1864, Painter. 
 Roberson, George Private, Jamaica, March 8, 1864, Painter. 
 Foxe, George Private, Jamaica, March 10, 1864, Farmer. 
 Lewis, Henry Private, Jamaica, March 10, 1864, Stationer. 
 Freeman, Martin Private, Jamaica, March 9, 1864, Laborer. 
 
274 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V.. 
 
 Kemble, Alfred Private, Jamaica, March 10, 1864, Machinist. 
 
 Madden, Thomas Private, Jamaica, January 10, 1864, Laborer. 
 
 Davenport, John Private, Jamaica, January 26, 1864, Boatman. 
 
 Johnson, William Private, N. Y. City, March 14, 1865, Farmer; transferred to 
 
 4Sth N. Y. V. 
 
 Daly, Henry Private, N. Y. City, March 25, 1865, Farmer; transferred. 
 Williams, John Private, N. Y. City, February 17, 1865, Farmer : no. 
 Hazelton, Josiah Private, Syracuse, March 17, 1865, Farmer; no. 
 Mclntire, Cornelius Private, Canandaigua, March 15, 1865, Farmer; no. 
 
 ROSTER OF COMPANY I. 
 
 CHARLES H. WHEELOCK, appointed Captain Aug. 15th, 1862; resigned Feb. 
 
 14th, 1864. 
 JOHN C. HAYES, appointed 1st Lieutenant Aug. 15th, 1862 ; resigned Oct. 29th, 
 
 1862. 
 AMI MARQUISSEE, appointed 2d Lieutenant Aug. 15th, 1862; resigned Oct. 
 
 21st, 1863. 
 
 H. Dwight Grant, 1st Sergeant, Boonville, Aug. 9th, 1862, Lumberman ; pro 
 moted to 2d Lieutenant, Aug. 23d, 1864; taken prisoner at Drury s Bluff, May 
 16th, 1864. 
 
 Henry J. McWaine, Sergeant, Ava, July 29th, 1862, Farmer ; transferred to I. C., 
 Dec. 26th, 1863. 
 
 C. S. Sperry, Sergeant, Boonville, Aug. 9th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Simeon H. Greens, Sergeant, Western, Aug. 2d, 1862, Farmer; killed in action 
 Sept. 29th, 1864. 
 
 John M. Joslin, Sergeant, Boonville, Aug. 14th, 1862, Farmer; discharged Oct. 
 27th, 1862. 
 
 Clinton G. Grant, Corporal, Boonville, Aug. llth, 1862, Farmer; promoted to 
 Sergeant Aug. 1st, 1863. 
 
 Newton P. Stimson, Corporal, Boonville, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Alfred Butler, Corporal, Western, Aug. 2d, 1862, Farmer; died Nov. 26th, 63- 
 
 Owen Rjurka, Corporal, Ucica, Aug. llth, 1862, Laborer. 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 275 
 
 Marks Kelley, Corporal, Boonville, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Michael Gephart, Corporal, Ava, Aug. 2d, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Dewitt Groshang, Corporal, Ava, Aug. 5th, 1862, Mechanic. 
 
 Ebenezer Gaylord, Corporal, Boonville, Aug. 12th, 1862, Painter; discharged 
 
 Dec. 18th, 1862. 
 C. C. Dewey, Musician, Boonville, Aug. llth, 1862, Farmer; died Sept. llth, 
 
 1863. 
 
 Livingston Meeker, Jr., Musician, Boonville, Aug. 9th, 1862, Laborer. 
 Harvey Dind, Teamster, Boonville, Aug. 8th, 1862, Farmer; discharged Oct. 
 
 17th, 1862. 
 
 James, Thomas H. Private, Utica, July 24th, 1862, Farmer. 
 Ingalls, William Private, Utica, July 28th, 1862, Farmer; discharged Dec. 2d, 
 
 1862. 
 
 Petre, William S. Private, Utica, July 28th, 1862, Mechanic. 
 Wias, William Private, Utica, July 30th, 1862, Boat builder; deserted at organ- 
 
 ization of regiment. 
 
 Marhaugh, Wm. Private, Western, July 30th, 1862, Farmer. 
 Hebley, Chasper Private, Utica, July 31st, 1862, Laborer. 
 Hill, Hiram D. Private, Utica, July 31st, 1862, Tradesman. 
 Sherman, Levi Private, Ava, Aug. 2d, 1862, Farmer; killed in the assault on 
 
 Fort Fisher, 
 
 Kingsbury, Delos Private, Utica, Aug. 2d, 1 862, Farmer. 
 Franklin, Samuel Private, Western, Aug. 5th, 1862, Farmer; discharged Sept. 
 
 24th, 1864. 
 
 Southwick, Geo. F. Private, Utica, Aug. 5th, 1862, Farmer. 
 Groff, George Private, Western, Aug. 6th, 1862, Farmer; died Oct. 17th, 1862. 
 Mowers, Hczekiah Private, Western, Aug. 6th, 1862, Farmer; died of wounds, 
 
 June 27th, 1864. 
 
 Roberts, Wm. M. Private, Utica, Aug. 6th, 1862, Farmer. 
 Kingsbcrry, A. Private, Western, Aug. 6th, 1862, Farmer. 
 Mowers, Daniel Private, Western, Aug. 6th, 1862, Farmer; killed in action, 
 
 Oct 27th, 1864. 
 Burke, Albert Private, Ava, Aug. 7th, 1862. Farmer; promoted to Corporal, 
 
 July 1st, 1863; discharged March 1st, 1865. 
 
 Griffith, Evan C. Private, Western, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Cor 
 poral, Nov. 26th, 1863. 
 Meeker, Charles Private, Boonville, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer; killed at Fort 
 
 Fisher, Jan. 15th, 1865. 
 Coleman, Tremain Private, Boonville, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer; deserted March 
 
 7th, 1863. 
 Norton, Marcus Private, Boonville, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer; died of wounds, 
 
 May 28th, 1864. 
 
 Houck, Joseph Private, Boonville, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer. 
 More, Wm. J. Private, Western, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer; missing in action, 
 
 Sept. 29th, 1864. 
 
276 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 Hart, Charles Private, Western, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Hammond, J. M. Private, Boonville, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer; died in U. S. 
 Gen l Hosp., Baltimore, Md. 
 
 Taft, Delos Private, Western, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Burke, John Private, Ava, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer; discharged Feb. 4th, 1863. 
 
 Crofoot, Thomas H. Private, Western, Aug. 7th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Hutchings, I. E. Private, Western, Aug. 8th, 1862, Farmer; transferred to I. C., 
 Jan., 1864. 
 
 Braman, James D. Private, Boonville, Aug. 8th, 1 862, Farmer. 
 
 McGoldrich, Peter Private, Boonville, Aug. 8th, 1862, Farmer; died Sept. 12th, 
 1862. 
 
 Burch, Joseph, Jr., Private, Western, Aug. 8th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Ilutchins, Jonathan Private, Western, Aug. 8th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Parmelce, Judson Private, Western, Aug. 8th, 1 862, Farmer. 
 
 McConrad, David Private, Ava, Aug. 8th, 1862, Lawyer ; deserted at organiza 
 tion of regiment. 
 
 Williams, Griffith Private, Western, Aug. 8th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Black, John Private, Boonville, Aug. 9th, 1862, Tailor; discharged for disability, 
 Eov. 2d, 1864. 
 
 Rockerath, P. J. Private, Utica, Aug. 9th, 1862, Painter; deserted at organiza 
 tion of regiment. 
 
 Conklin, Thos. B. Private, Western, Aug. 9th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Ser 
 geant, Oct. 17th, 1862. 
 
 Hamblin, Charles Private, Boonville, Aug. 9th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Lobdell, James Private, Boonville, Aug. 9th, 1862, Lumberman. 
 
 Smith, J. B. Private, Rome, Aug. 9th, 1862, Laborer; discharged Sept. 30th. 
 
 Edwards, Chas. Private, Utica, Aug. 9th, 1862, R. R. man. 
 
 Thurston, Franklin Private, Ava, Aug. 9th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Anderson, John Private, Utica, Aug. 9th, 1862, Gardener. 
 
 Brooks, Wm. Private, Boonville, Aug. llth, 1862, Farmer; discharged Aug. 
 25th, 1864. 
 
 Cummings, W. Private, Boonville, Aug. llth, 1862, Tailor; discharged Dec. 
 5th, 1863. 
 
 Cronin, Daniel Private, Boonville, Aug. llth, 1862, Shoemaker; died of wounds, 
 June, 1864. 
 
 Dewey, Curtis Private, Boonville, Aug. llth, 1862, Laborer; died of wounds, 
 July 13th, 1864. 
 
 Gibens, James Private, Boonville, Aug. llth, 1862, Carpenter. 
 
 Heavencr, Charles Private, Boonville, Aug. llth, 1862, Laborer; died at 10th 
 A. C. Hospital. 
 
 Hoag, David Private, Boonville, Aug. llth, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Lobdell, John Private, Boonville, Aug. llth, 1862, Laborer. 
 
 Lawton, Alonzo Private, Utica, Aug. llth, 1862, Laborer. 
 
 Miller, Benj. F. Private, Utica, Aug. llth, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Com. 
 Sergt, Aug. 20th, 1862. Commissioned 2d Lieut. 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH E. N. Y. V. 277 
 
 Murphy, Flavel Private, Boonville, Aug. llth, 1862, Book keeper. 
 
 Wheeler, Mariam Private, Boonville, Aug. 11 th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Brooks, Joseph Private, Boonville, Aug. 12th, 1862, Laborer ; killed July 4th, 
 1864. 
 
 Bacon, H. H. Private, Boonville, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Boardman, David A. Private, Boonville. Aug. 12th, 1862, Engineer. 
 
 Caulkins, Theo. Private, Utica, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer; deserted at organiza 
 tion of regiment. 
 
 Chase, Fenton Private, Boonville, Aug. 12th, 1862, Tinsmith. 
 
 Ooleman, John Private, Ava, Aug. 12th, 1862, Lumberman ; died Dec. 3d, 1862. 
 
 Fox, Thaddeus Private, Western, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer; died Dec. 1st, 62. 
 
 Gillett, Orimel Private, Western, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer ; killed at Fort Fisher, 
 Jan. 15th, 1865. 
 
 Gansey, Truman Private, Boonville, Aug. 12th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Mann, M. M. Private, Boonville, Aug. 12th, 1862, Lumberman. 
 
 Saturley, Addison Private, Western, Aug. 12th, 1862, Laborer ; discharged April 
 29th, 1865. 
 
 Slocum, Samuel Private, Boonville, Aug. 12th, 1862, Laborer. 
 
 Drake, Meliza Private, Boonville, Aug. 13th, 1862, Farmer; killed in action, 
 Sept. 29th, 1864. 
 
 Laquay, Lafayette Private, Boonville, Aug. 13th, 1862, Farmer ; discharged 
 March 14th, 1865. 
 
 Wetherwox, M. Private, Boonville, Aug. 13th, Farmer; discharged Oct. 23d/63. 
 
 Wisley, Alonzo Private, Boonville, Aug. 13th, 1862, Goldsmith; discharged 
 Jan. 8th, 1863. 
 
 Bellington, James Private, Boonville, Aug. 13th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Bellinger, Myron Private, Boonville, Aug. 14th, 1862, Farmer ; died Dec. 10th, 
 1862. 
 
 Cronk, Jonas D. Private, Boonville, Aug. 14th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Foot, Abram D. Private, Boonville, Aug. 14th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Fitch, James Private, Boonville, Aug. 14th, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Hichcock, W. D. Private, Boonville, Aug. 14th, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Cor 
 poral, Dec. 1st, 1862. 
 
 Lincoln, David M. Private, Utica, Aug. 14th, 1862, Farmer; discharged Dec. 
 18th, 1862. 
 
 Sergeant, Augustus W. Private, Boonville, Aug. 14th, 1862, Mechanic. 
 
 Irion, Jacob Private, Utica, Aug. 15th, 1862, Cigar maker; drum Major. 
 
 1 864. Recruits from this forward. 
 
 Orcutt, James G. Private, Utica, Feb. 22d, 1864, Machinist ; killed May 16th/64. 
 Burlingame, 0. Private, litica, Feb. 15th, 1864, Painter. 
 Cunningham, J. Private, Utica, Feb. 18th, 1864, Boatman. 
 Divine, Dewey S. Private, Utica, Jan. 29th, 1864, Engineer; died Oct. 23d, 64- 
 Divine, Classon S. Private, Utica, Feb. 15th, 1864, Machinist. 
 
278 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 Gilford, Chas. Private, Utica, Feb. 22d, 1864, Sawyer. 
 
 Harrington, A. A. Private, Utica, Feb. 15th, 1864, Farmer; killed July I7th, 64. 
 
 Harger, Jason Private, Utica, Feb. 29th, 1864, Farmer; killed June 7th, 1864 ; 
 
 May the old flag triumph !" was one of his last utterances, as he lay dying 
 
 on the field. 
 
 Hamblin, W. F. Private, Utica, March 29th, 1864, Farmer. 
 McDonald, Peter Private, Utica, Jan. 15th, 1864, Farmer. 
 Meayo, Geo. B. Private, Utica, Jan. 16th, 1864, Soldier; "E " Co. 
 Quackenboss, E. Private, Utica, Jan. 30th, 1864, Millwright. 
 Ruze, Samuel Private, Utica, Feb. 12th, 1864, Farmer. 
 Smith, D. H. Private, Utica, Jan. 22d, 1864, Tailor. 
 
 Strong, Geo. \V. Private, Utica, Jan. 22d, 1864, Laborer; died Aug. 2d, 1864. 
 Moon, Andrew Private, Utica, Feb. llth, 1864, Farmer. 
 Cameron, John Private, Utica, Feb. 22d, 1864, Mason. 
 Cameron, John B. Private, Utica, Feb. 22d, 1864, Farmer; killed Sept. 29th, 
 
 1864. 
 
 Griffith, Benj. Private, Utica, April 6th, 1864, Laborer. 
 Simon, Henry H. Private, Utica, April 6th, 1864, Farmer. 
 Whiter, Abraham Private, Utica, March 16th, 1864, Teamster. 
 Cronck, Oliver Private, Ava, Jan, llth, 1864, Farmer; died April 9th, 1864. 
 Coon, Kenyon B. Private, Marshall, Jan. 8th, 1864, Joiner ; transferred to V. B. C. 
 McDowell, C. H. Private, Utica, Feb. 27th, 1864, Clerk. 
 Kosenthall, Levi Private, Utica, Feb. 17th, 1864, Tailor. 
 Windsor, J. B. Private, Utica, Feb. 6th, 1864, Laborer; missing in action, May 
 
 16th, 1864. 
 Henright, Timothy Private, Utica, Aug. 7th, 1864, Farmer; missing in action, 
 
 Sept. 29th, 1864. 
 
 Klink, Stephen Private, Boonville, Aug. 6th, 1864, Laborer. 
 Houston, A. H. Private, Utica, Aug. 8th, 1864, Painter. 
 Knight, Joseph Private, Paris, Aug. 5th, 1864, Farmer. 
 Williamson, A. Private, Boonville, Aug. 26th, 1864, Laborer. 
 Murphy, Timothy Private, N. Y. City, March 9th, 1865, Laborer. 
 Welsh, James Private, N. Y. City, March 10th, 1865, Clerk. 
 Merkle, Sabastian Private, N. Y. City, March 10th, 1865, Grocer. 
 Morris, Joseph Private> Goshen, March 9th, 1 865, Laborer. 
 Fair, Phineas S. Private, Goshen, March 10th, 1865, Laborer. 
 Dubois, Lewis Private, Goshen, March 10th, 1865, Laborer. 
 Carmichael, H, Private, Goshen, March 10th, 1865, Laborer. 
 Dubois, Victor Private, Goshen, March 10th, 1865, Cook. 
 Yan, Max Private, Goshen, March 10th, 1865, Machinist. 
 Byron, E. J. Private, Tarrytown, March 10th, 1865, Clerk. 
 Moore, Thos. Private, Tarrytown, March 10th, 1865, Laborer. 
 Petrooetz, N. Private, Tarrytown, March 10th, 1865, Sailor. 
 Shields, James Private, Tarrytown, Feb. 21st. 1865, Laborer. 
 Johnson, G. A. Private, Brooklyn, March 10th, 1865, Clerk. 
 
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 279 
 
 Kickens, G. B. Private, Brooklyn, March 10th, 1865, Seaman. 
 McCreacly, J. Private, Brooklyn, March 10th, 1865, Sailor. 
 Joy, John Private, Brooklyn, March 10th, 1865, Laborer. 
 Caulkins, M. L. Private, Goshen, March 9th, 1865, Laborer. 
 Smith, E. L. Private, Goshen, March 9th, 1865, Laborer. 
 Gledhill, Henry Private, Rochester, March 14th, 1865, Cooper. 
 Kalp, Andrew Private, Lockport, Feb. 28th, 1865, Farmer. 
 Kittleman, G. Private, Lockport, March 4th, 1865, Farmer. 
 Brown, William Private, Rome, Dec. 24th, 18S3, Farmer. 
 Henderson, John Private, New Hartford, Jan. 8th, 1864, Farmer. 
 
 RC-STER OF COMPANY K. 
 
 JAMES A. RACE, Captain ; appointed August 15, 1862; resigned Aug. 29, 1862. 
 
 LINUS R. CLARK, 1st Lieutenant; appointed August 15, 1862; promoted to 
 Captain, March 26, 1863; received wound in battle, October 27, 1864, which 
 involved the loss of one leg; was honorably discharged service, Mch. 20, 1865. 
 
 JOHN H. FAIRBANKS, 2d Lieutenant ; appointed November 24, 1862; promoted 
 to 1st Lieutenant, May 18, 1864 ; Breveted Captain, for "gallant and meritori 
 ous services," at Fort Fisher, to date from March 1, 1865 ; was seriously 
 wounded at the taking of Fort Fisher. 
 
 Alonzo Denton, 1st Sergeant, Remsen, July 30, 1862, Clerk; Promoted to 2d 
 
 Lieutenant, May 23, 1864, wounded September 29. 
 
 N. B. Hinckley, Sergeant, Kirkland, Aug. 3, 1862, Student; died July 11, 1863. 
 William Goodier, Sergeant, Remsen, August 13, 1862, Farmer; died of wounds, 
 
 November 8, 1864. 
 George L. Mills, Sergeant, Augusta, August 11, 1862, Farmer; discharged Feb. 
 
 20, 1863. 
 
 Levi Mungcr, Sergeant, Utica, July 23, 1862, Clerk; died June 19, 1863. 
 Samuel Wyckoff, Corporal, Marshall, July 22, 1862, Tailor; promoted to 1st 
 
 Sergeant September 7, 1862, reduced to ranks November 5, 1862. 
 Joseph Vale, Corporal, Remsen, August 4, 1862, Sawyer. 
 James Calen, Corporal, Boonville, August 6, 1862, Farmer. 
 George A. Bartholomew, Corporal, Kirkland, August 13, 1862, Farmer ; killed at 
 
 Fort Fisher, January 15, 1865. 
 
 Homer Lowell, Corporal, Augusta, July 8, 1862, Farmer. 
 John Stannard, Corporal, Remsen, Aug. 1, 1862, Carpenter. 
 Alonzo Boice, Corporal, Remsen, July 30, 1862, Lawyer; died July 17, 1863. 
 John C. Lathrop, Corporal, Kirkland, August 15, 1862, Farmer; transferred to 
 
 Signal Corps, January 13, 1863. 
 
280 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 C. T. Root, Musician, Marshall, August 9, 1862 Farmer. 
 
 William Dibble, Teamster, Remscn, August, 13, 1862, Teamster. 
 
 Reynolds, Curtis W. Private, Augusta, July 12, 1862, Laborer. 
 
 Lindsley, Albert Private, Marshall, July 17, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Morgan, Edward Private, Kirkland, July 23, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Pratt, Milton Private, Augusta, July 23, 1862, Laborer; died Nov. 2, 1863. 
 
 Bonner, William L. Private, Augusta, July 24, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Lyman, Thomas H. Private, Kirkland, July 24, 1862, Farmer; transferred to V- 
 R. C. October 11, 1863. 
 
 Dunster, Alfred Private, Marshall, July 28, 1 862, Farmer. 
 
 Gurley, George Private, Marshall, July 28, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Martin, Frank Private, Marshall, July 28, 1862, Cooper; died Nov. 29, 1862. 
 
 Miller, Henry H. Private, Kirkland, July 28, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Cor 
 poral March 1, 1864, wounded at Petersburg. 
 
 Warner, Edgar F. Private, Kirkland, July 28, 1862, Farmer; died Nov. I, 1863. 
 
 Bass, Levi T. Private, Kirkland, July 30, 1862, Laborer ; wounded September 
 29, slight. 
 
 Kenyon, Charles H. Private, Kirkland, July 30, 1862, Farmer; died September 
 
 1, 1863. 
 
 Page, Charles Private, Marshall, July 31, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Duffy, John Private, Kirkland, July 31, 1865, Farmer. 
 
 Cumings, Edward Private, Marshall, July 31, 1862, Farmer; transferred to V. 
 
 R. C. October 11, 1863. 
 Petch, Thomas Private, Kirkland, August 1, 1862, Tailor ; discharged, March 
 
 17, 1863. 
 
 Cumarford, John Private, Remsen, August 1, 1862 ; Sawyer. 
 Kilkenny, Wm. Private, Remsen, August 1, 1862, Sawyer; promoted to Corporal, 
 
 November 1, 1863, taken prisoner, at Drury s Bluff. 
 Reed, George W. Private, Kirkland, August 1, 1862, Laborer; killed, Fort 
 
 Fisher, January 15, 18fi5. 
 
 Harrington, Ed. Private, Kirkland, August 1, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Cor 
 poral, November 1, 1863, promoted to Sergeant, May 25, 1864. 
 Boice, Joseph Private, Remsen, August 2, 1862, Teamster. 
 Armstrong, A. P. Private, Kirkland, August 2, 1862, Carpenter; transferred to 
 
 V. R. C. January 6, 1864. 
 
 Carlin, Michael Private, Remsen, August 2, 1862, Teamster; killed June 10/64. 
 Jones, Charles E. Private, Remsen, August 3, 1862, Farmer ; killed at Petersburg. 
 Patterson, James Private, Remsen, August 4, 1862, Teamster; died October 19, 
 
 1864. 
 Warner, J. C. Private, Kirkland, August 4, 1862, Laborer ; wounded September 
 
 29, 1864, taken prisoner, died in Salisbury prison. 
 Ho well, William Private, Augusta, August 5, 1862, Farmer. 
 Howe, John Private, Augusta, August 5, 1862, Farmer; discharged February 
 
 2, 1863. 
 
HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 281 
 
 Smith, Thomas Private, Kirkland, August 5, 1862, Laborer ; promoted to Ser 
 geant. 
 
 Savage, John Private, Kirkland, August 5, 1862, Blacksmith. 
 
 Thompson, M. J. Private, Marshall, August 5, 1 862, Farmer. 
 
 Burke, Henry Private, Marshall, August 6, 1862, Laborer; promoted to Corpo 
 ral, November 1, 1863, wounded at battle of Drury s Bluff. 
 
 Flinn, Richard Private, Kirkland,. August 6, 1862, Farmer; died of wounds July 
 15, 1864. , 
 
 Taft, Miles W. Private, Kirkland, August 6, 1862, Farmer; died, April 2, 1863. 
 
 Rodice, John Private, Kirkland, August 8, 1862, Laborer; promoted to Corporal 
 May 25, 1864, detached on color guard. 
 
 Murphy, Edward Private, Kirkland, August 8, 1862, Laborer; promoted to Cor 
 poral, April, 1863 ; kille d in action, May 16, 1863. 
 
 Grumman, Charles H. Private, Kirkland, August 8, 1862, Carpenter; promoted 
 to Corporal, October 1, 1862, wounded September 29, promoted to Sergeant- 
 November 8, 1862, 1st Sergeant, May 25, 1864. 
 
 Crane, Mark Private, Augusta, August 9, 1862, Miller; promoted to Corporal, 
 November 1, 1862, missing since charge on Fort Gilmer, September 29. 
 
 Richmond, J. C. Private, Marshall, August 9, 1862, Laborer; died Sept. 5, 1863. 
 
 Kilren, Patrick Private, Remsen, August 9, 1862, Chopper. 
 
 Bradley, George Private, Kirkland, August 11, 1862, Cooper; wounded and 
 missing since September, 1864. 
 
 Daniels, Reuben A. Private, Marshall, August 11, 1S62, Farmer; died Decem 
 ber 23, 1862. 
 
 Griswold, Martin P. Private, Yernon, August 11, 1862, Farmer; transferred to 
 Company A. 
 
 Johnson, Burdett Private, Vernon, August 11, 1862, Farmer; transferred to Co. 
 A, promoted to Sergeant, 
 
 Taft, George W. Private, Marshall, August 11, 1862, Farmer; Promoted, Nov. 
 21, 1863; died of wounds, July 25, 1864. 
 
 Snyder, Philip Private, Remsen, August 11, 1862, Farmer; died Oct. 20, 1863. 
 
 McClure, Samuel Private, Remsen, August 12, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Paash, William Private, Remsen, August 12, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Onley, John Private, Remsen, August 12, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Snell, Ozias Private, Remsen, August 12, 1862, Farmer; discharged November 
 4, 1864. 
 
 Sommers, John Private, Remsen, August 12, 1862, Boatman ; killed September 
 29, 1864. 
 
 Schieffer, Charles Private, Remsen,. August 12, 1862, Farmer; killed at Fort 
 Fisher, January 15, 1865. 
 
 Holmes, S. E. Private, Kirkland, August 12, 1862, Farmer; taken prisoner, 
 September 29, died in prison. 
 
 Haywood, Caleb Private, Kirkland, August 12, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Cor 
 poral, November 2, 1862, to Sergeant, Nov. 1, 1863, died of wounds, June, 64. 
 
 Powers, Wm. H. Private, Kirkland, August 12, 1862, Farmer. 
 
282 HISTORY OF THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 Twitchell, E. W. Private, Kirkl?.nd, August 12, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Thomson, Calvin Private, Kirkland, August 13, 1862, Farmer; taken prisoner 
 and died at Salisbury. 
 
 Ensworth, J. T). Private, Kirkland, August 13, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 App, Andrew Private, Remsen, August 13, 1362, Teamster. 
 
 Barr, Horace Private, Remsen, August 13, 1862, Sawyer; taken prisoner, Sept. 
 29, 1864, died in Salisbury prison. 
 
 Calaman, Anthony Private, I oori^ille, August 13, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Dustin, Samuel B. Private, Remsen, August 13, 1862, Farmer; wounded at 
 Petersburg, 
 
 Elthrop, Able Private, Remsen, August 13, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Corpo 
 ral, May 12, 1864, killed September 29, 1864. 
 
 Isley, Jacob Private, Remsen, August 13, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Jenkins, David Private, Remsen, August 13, 1802, Miller. 
 
 Krasapiziger, Wm. Private, Remssn, Aug. 13, 1862, Farmer; died Nov. 26, 1863. 
 
 Maloncy, Tim. Private, Remsen, August 13, 1862, Teamster. 
 
 Michael, Steven Private, Remsen, August 13, 1862, Sawyer. 
 
 Madrid, Joseph Private, Remsen, August 13, 1862, Farmer, 
 
 Madrid, Lafayett Private, Remsen, August 13, 1862, Farmer; wounded at 
 Drury s Bluff, May 16, 1864. 
 
 Patterson, Wm. Private, Remsen, August 13, 1862, Farmer. 
 
 Platt, Harvey Private, Remsen, July 31, 1862, Farmer; promoted to Coporal, 
 November 1, 1863. 
 
 Holeman, Henry Private, Boonville, August 13, 1862, Mechanic; died, Novem 
 ber 25, 1863. 
 
 Wiltsey, Lorenzo Private, Remsen, August 13, 1862, Shoemaker; died October 
 2, 1863. 
 
 Walker, Henry Private, Remsen, August 13, 1802, Laborer; died of wounds, 
 July 20, 1864. 
 
 Young, Nelson Private, Remsen, August 13, 1862, Sawyer; died, Jan. 1, 1865. 
 
 Perkins, S. J. Private, Augusta, August 14, 1862, Laborer; transferred to V. R. 
 C. October 11, 1863. 
 
 McAdams, James Private, Marshall, August 14, 1862, Laborer. 
 
 Pete, Anson Private, Remsen, August 14, 1862, Carpenter; transferred to V. R. 
 C. November 2, 1863. 
 
 Martin, Florence Private, Marshall, August 14, 1862, Book keeper. 
 
 Kelley, Walter Private, Remsen, August 15, 1862, Miller. 
 
 Barton, Thomas W. Private, Kirkland, August 15, 1862, Student; discharged, 
 October 7, 1863. 
 
 Sheppard, Jack Private, Remsen, August 20, 1862, Hunter; promoted to Corpo 
 ral, October 20, 1862, to Sergeant, June 20, 1863. 
 
HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. Y. 283 
 
 1864. All from this forward are Recruits. 
 
 Babcock, Warren H. Private, Utica, February 13, 1864, Farmer. 
 DeGeorgy, Charles H. Private, Utica, January 18, 1864, Laborer; wounded at 
 
 Drury s Bluff, May 16, 1864. 
 
 DeGeorgy, J. W. Private, Utica, February 6, 1864, Laborer. 
 Green, Wm. C. Private, Utica, February 13, 1862, Laborer; killed Sept. 28/64. 
 Green, John Private, Utica, February 11, 1862, Laborer. 
 Trask, Edwin Private, Utica, January 2, 1864, Laborer. 
 Van Valkenburg, Wm. Private, Utica, January 12, 1862, Farmer. 
 Williams, Morris Private, Utica, January 6, 1862, Laborer; killed at Drury s 
 
 Bluff. 
 DeLany, Mansfield Private, Utica, February 29, 1864, Farmer; killed, May 10, 
 
 1864. 
 
 Flint, Martin Private, Utica, February 20, 1864, Farmer. 
 Darling, David Private, Utica, February 23, 1864, Clerk. 
 Maloney, Thomas Private, Utica, December 11, 1863, Laborer. 
 Davis, John Private, Utica, February 10, 1864, Farmer. 
 
 Curry, William Private, Utica, March 27, 1864, Farmer; killed May 16, 1864. 
 Garlock, Charles Private, Utica, March 31, 1864, Farmer; killed May 16, 1864. 
 Gallagher, Michael Private, New Hartford, January 25, 1864, Laborer. 
 Joy, Thomas Private, Marshall, January 26, 1864, Farmer; wounded, May 16, 
 
 1864. 
 
 Murray, Wells C. Private, Whitestown, January 25, 1864, Boatman. 
 Turner, Koswcll Private, Kirkland, February 16, 1864, Farmer; killed, May 16, 
 
 1864. 
 
 Royce, Harvey T. Private, Remsen, August 16, 1864, Lumberman. 
 Rathburn, John Private, Kirkland, August 23, 1864, Farmer. 
 Richard, George Private, Brooklyn, March 10, 1865, Waiter. 
 Mack, Cornelius Private, Brooklyn, March 10, 1865, Lumberman. 
 Aschlever, George Private, Brooklyn, March 10, 1865, Soldier. 
 Hennacy, James Private, Brooklyn, February 23, 1865, Painter. 
 Miller, L. I. Private, Brooklyn, February 22, 1865, Clerk. 
 Wolf, Henry Private, Brooklyn, February 23, 1865, Merchant. 
 Hawley, John Private, Brooklyn, February 21, 1865, Butcher. 
 Degan, Peter Private, Brooklyn, February 24, 1865, Clerk. 
 Stapleton, Patrick Private, Brooklyn, February 21, 1865, Laborer. 
 Estrado, Henry Private, Brooklyn, February 22, 1865, Horse dealer. 
 Henry, Edward H. Private, Brooklyn, March 21, 1865, Oyster-man. 
 Gruber, Max Private, Brooklyn, March 20, 1865, Cigar maker. 
 Hernise, Alexander Private, Brooklyn, March 21, 1865, None. 
 Klin, Oscal Private, Brooklyn, March 24, 1865, Clerk. 
 Lowns, John Private, Brooklyn, March 22, 1865, Cook. 
 Ryan, William Private, Brooklyn, March 22, 1865, Laborer. 
 Scheeman, Benjamin Private, Brooklyn, March 24, 1865, Clerk. 
 
284 HISTORY OP THE 117TH R. N. Y. V. 
 
 Shay, Evart Private, Brooklyn, March 21, 1865, Laborer. 
 Thompson, Robert Private, Brooklyn, March 21, 1865, Collier. 
 Wilson, John R. Private, Brooklyn, March 21, 1865, Painter. 
 Pope, Jj>hn Private, Brooklyn, March 23, 1865, Farmer. 
 Schafizel, Frederick Private, Brooklyn, March 24, 1865, Butcher. 
 Blum, Atrgust Private, Brooklyn, March 24, 1865, Soldier. 
 Irener, Edward Private, Brooklyn, February 23, 1865, Sailor. 
 Anderson, Frank Private, Brooklyn, February 23, 1865, Laborer. 
 Leiter, George Private, Lockport, February 28, 1865, Manufacturer. 
 Muller, Francis I. Private, Clarkville, March 17, 1865, Jeweler. 
 
OBITUARY. 
 
 Capt. JOHN M. WALCOTT, although not possessed of rugged health, had had 
 an irrepressible desire to devote whatever of health and strength he had to the service 
 of his country. And having obtained consent of his widowed mother who leaned 
 upon him for counsel, for her other younger son Franklin was already in the field, he 
 opened a recruiting office in Utica, July 12th, 1862. Through his great energy the 
 company was soon organized. 
 
 The Regiment left Utica, August, 1862. In August, 1863, he came home much 
 worn by his severe duties, and returned to Folly Island, S. C., in September; but 
 his health was not equal to the duties of the field, and he was transferred to the 10th 
 Regiment Invalid Corps, to the command of Co. G, then stationed at Fort Schuyler, 
 New York Harbor; but his duties here were hardly less onerous than while in active 
 service and his health gradually failed; and suddenly attacked with inflammation of 
 the lungs, there was no vital energy left to throw off the disease, and he sank under 
 it March 15th, 1864, at the age of twenty-eight. 
 
 I am happy to say of Capt. WaJcott, that he was a true Christian gentleman. He 
 was greatly respected and beloved by the officers of his regiment, and he endeared 
 himself much to his company. He was willing to sacrifice his own health and com 
 fort for his men. One of his soldiers said he owed his life to the Captain s kindness, 
 for he gave up his own bed to the sick soldier and lay himself on the ground, and 
 all the company bear the same united testimony to his kindness. 
 
 Col. Pease, gives his estimate of him as a friend, a gentleman and a soldier, in a 
 letter written to the Captain s Mother after his death. 
 
 " It always gives me pleasure to bear testimony to the manly virtues of my de 
 parted friend. And I will say there was not a man of my acquaintance whose 
 friendship I prized so highly as his. He was faithful in his friendship, patriotic arid 
 zealous in the cause of his country, warm-hearted toward all, and charitable to 
 ward the erring. I have lost a dear friend and you madam a noble son." Lieutenant 
 Col. Kane, in announcing to the 10th Regiment Invalid Corps, the death of the Capt. 
 says. " His ability as an officer, his many virtues, his soldierly and gentlemanly 
 bearing, together with his uniformly kind consideration of others, have commanded 
 our respect and won our estimation and regard." 
 
 And those who knew him best in his last years, in the army, and at home, are 
 consoled with the belief, that he has gone to receive the blessing awarded to those 
 who were true and self sacrificing, in the hour of their country s peril, and loyal to 
 their God. 
 
 SEV. C. FITCH, 
 
 Pastor of Pres. Church at New York Mills. 
 It/ 
 
286 OBITUARY. 
 
 Oapt. GEORGE W. BRIO-HAM, was a native of the town of Vernon, where 
 most of his life was spent, and where he was universally respected and beloved for his 
 noble qualities. His grandfather was a soldier of the Revolution and fought at 
 Bunker Hill, and with the blood of such an ancestry he could not pursue contentedly 
 his civil pursuits while his country was in danger. 
 
 He promptly responded to the call for the organization of the 117th, and in a few 
 days recruited among his own townsmen a large portion of Co. " A," which entitled 
 him to a commission for 1st Lieutenant, and he was mustered in as such at the organiz 
 ation of that company, but before the regiment left the county he was promoted to 
 the position of Captain to fill the vacancy occasioned by the promotion of Captain 
 White to the place of Lieut. Colonel. 
 
 He was wounded in the hip, in the battle of Drury s Bluff. From the effects of 
 the injury he died three days after, aged twenty-seven. When he fell at the head of 
 Co. A, of which he was justly proud, and which he loved and cared for with a 
 father s solicitude, he waved his hat to them and shouted, " Go on Boys, and give it to 
 them ! I am wounded but not conquered." Such souls are never conquered, they 
 fight on though the body dies. He was a young man of a quiet, modest deportment, 
 yet of unflinching firmness and uprightness of character, of high moral worth and 
 sterling patriotism. These characteristics secured him the affections of his company 
 and the respect and confidence of his superior officers in a preeminent degree. 
 
 Thus another worthy name, was added to our country s roll of honor, in behalf o^ 
 inalienable rights. 
 
 Capt. JOSIAH PARSONS STONE, was a native of the town of Camden, N. Y. 
 At an early age he was thrown upon his own resources, and at seventeen went to 
 New York city, where he entered into the business of printing. At the expiration 
 of one year he returned to his native town and engaged as associate proprietor of the 
 village newspaper. Soon after, becoming dissatisfied with his education, he aban 
 doned business and spent three years in the schools, the last two in college, and then 
 commenced the study of law. He was admitted to the bar in 1857, and for two 
 years was connected in business with Messrs. Beach and Bailey of Rome. After 
 spending another year in N. Y. city, he returned and formed a law partnership in 
 Camden, which was known as that of " Stevens and Stone." While here and thus 
 employed, he responded to the call for the raising of the 4th Oneida. He entered at 
 once on the work of recruiting and was among the first to muster a sufficient num 
 ber of men to entitle him to a commission of 1st Lieutenant. On the organization of 
 the regiment and the promotion of Capt. Daggett to Major, he was appointed Captain 
 of Co. B, receiving his commission Aug. 19th, 1862. Captain Stone was a man of few 
 words, but as an officer was always found in his place, prompt in the performance of 
 duty, securing the confidence of his superiors, and the respect of his men. He was 
 in the battle of Drury s Bluff and at the capture of Petersburg Heights. Two days 
 after the latter engagement, on the afternoon of the 17th of June, he was shot and in 
 stantly killed by a sharp-shooter. His age was thirty. See History, page 116. 
 
 Capt. WILLIAM J. HUNT, was a native of Oneida County ; he was active in 
 recruiting Co. F, and joined the regiment as 1st Lieutenant under* Captain Stevens. 
 He was appointed August 12th 1862, and was promoted to Captain, December 27th, 
 1863. He was of an energetic turn and appeared to possess both a relish and an 
 aptness for military life. He was in the battle of Drury s Bluff, and at Cold Harbor, 
 and bore a conspicuous part in the charge of Petersburg Heights. While serving in 
 
OBITUAEY. 287 
 
 the seige of the city on the 17th day of July, he was wounded by a minnie ball from 
 the rifle of a sharp shooter. He was borne to the hospital, where he lingered till 
 July 31st, when he died from the effects of his wound. Though a capable officer he 
 was the youngest man holding the same rank. In his social intercourse he was ac 
 tuated by the most benevolent and generous impulses. He was popular among his 
 fellow officers and beloved by his men. 
 
 Capt. JOHN T. THOMAS, was a native of the town of Trenton. He was born 
 September 29th, 1830. At the proper age to make the choice of a trade he chose 
 that of stone cutter, he was active, industrious and enterprising, of an amiable and 
 generous disposition. He was naturally "good hearted" and accordingly always 
 diligent in promoting the welfare of his company. The same social quality rendered 
 him a favorite among his fellow officers, and almost a father to his men. In his 
 dealings he was manly and honorable, despising a mean act. Having labored for the 
 recruiting of Co. F, August 12th, 1862, he was appointed 2nd Lieutenant; Dec. 27th, 
 1863, he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant, and on the llth October, 1864, promoted 
 to Captain. As an officer he was always cool, faithful and reliable. He was in the 
 battles of Drury s Bluff, at Cold Harbor, at the capture of Petersburg Heights, in 
 the siege of Petersburg, at Laurel Hill Church on the 29th Sept., at Darbeytown 
 Road, and in the assault on Fort Fisher, where he was instantly killed by a bullet from 
 the enemy after he had gained the interior of the work. 
 
 The Captain s wife having died a few months previously, by his death his only 
 child, a boy of about 12 years, was left an orphan. 
 
 Lieut. ISAAC H. DANN, a native of the County. Having been active in 
 recruiting for Company A, was appointed to the position of 1st Lieutenant, Aug. 
 20th, 1862. lie was a young man of good principles and correct habits, and of a 
 mature and vigorous intellect. He was self-educated and self-reliant ; had chosen the 
 profession of Law, and enjoyed a fair prospect for gaining an honorable place in 
 that calling. Though deliberate in his manner, he was still resolute and prompt in 
 the discharge of his duty as an officer. Having enlisted from principle, his whole 
 mind was enlisted in the service of his country. With such qualities of head and 
 heart, it is no wonder he was popular in the regiment. He served in the Suffolk 
 campaign, and in the terrible engagement of Drury s Bluff, and was killed on the 
 day the Kegiment arrived at Cold Harbor. A rebel bullet entered the chest, causing 
 death in the course of a few hours. Thus another hero fell. 
 
 WM. C. CASELMAN, was born in Clinton, Oneida County; at about 10 years 
 of age, removed with his father to Vernom At the age of 17, he enlisted in the 
 regular army, served for the most part in the far west, and at the expiration of three 
 years, received an honorable discharge, when he returned to his home in Oneida 
 County. The late war breaking out soon after, he soon enlisted in an Indiana Kegi 
 ment, which underwent some very severe service under Gen. Butler, at Hatteras. 
 
 The Regiment soon after returned to Baltimore, where it was stationed for several 
 months. While there, he formed the acquaintance of the lady who a little later be 
 came his wife. He attained the rank of 1st Lieutenant in that regiment. A little 
 later he resigned and returned home. His knowledge of military, rendered him a de 
 sirable accession, and he was induced to join the 117th. He went as Sergeant in Co. 
 D, and contributed very much to the reputation of that Company, by his services as 
 drilling officer. His qualifications seemed quite in advance of his rank. 
 
 He was possessed of a good mind, which he had improved by reading and. study 
 
288 OBITUARY. 
 
 He was liberal and comprehensive in his views ; both by organization and conviction 
 a Kepublican. Being a vigorous reasoner, he was always ready to defend 
 and vindicate the doctrine of equal protection and equal rights. He was generous 
 hearted, confiding and faithful. Appointed 2d Lieutenant, May 19th, 1864; pro 
 moted to 1st Lieutenant, July 12th, 1864. Was wounded in the campaign of Suffolk, 
 was fatally wounded, May 16th, 1864, at the battle of Drury s Bluff, and died the 
 same night. He left a wife and one child. 
 
 Lieut. J. KNOX WILLIAMS, was a native of the town of Vernon, and the 
 only child of Thomas Williams of that town. He was born on the 16th day of Sept. 
 1838, and fell at the head of his Company, on the 29th of Sept. 1864, at Chapin s 
 Farm, within the sound of the church bells of Kichmond. He was wounded by a 
 ball passing nearly through his body from before, and lodging at the surface in the 
 region of the spine, and while walking off the field, supported by two soldiers, he re 
 ceived another ball in the back, which passed out very near where the former one 
 entered. 
 
 He reported to the Surgeon, who told him that there was no hope in his case ; he 
 immediately made such disposal of his watch, diary and other valuables, as seemed 
 to him necessary, and then calmly awaited the coming end. He was carefully placed 
 on a bed in an ambulance, and carried to Bermuda Hundred, a distance of about six 
 miles, where he died the next morning. 
 
 He received a good Academic education, and entered Hamilton College, where he 
 spent one year ; at which time, relinquishing his plan of a College course, he entered 
 Eastman s Commercial College, fitting himself for business duties; returning, he as 
 sisted his father is his manufacturing business for about two years, when in 1860, 
 he entered the store of his uncle, James C. Knox, of Knoxboro, as clerk and general 
 book keeper, where he was when he enlisted in the 117th, at the time of its organiza 
 tion. With a club of eleven others, among which he was prominent, he joined Co. 
 G of that Regiment. He was made Sergeant in his Company, from which post he 
 was promoted to 2d Lieutenant, on the 19th of March, 1864; to that of 1st Lieuten 
 ant, April 12th of the same year. He had command of a Company about three 
 months, and a Captain s Commission for him, reached the Regiment a few days after 
 his death, with rank from the 20th of September. 
 
 He was a young man of genial manners and unblemished character, strictly tem 
 perate in his habits, and a public professor of religion, having connected himself with 
 the "Presbyterian Church of his native town, in the spring of 1858. His remarkable 
 moral firmness was well illustrated in his last hours, by his refusal to take stimulants 
 when advised by the Surgeons ; his reply was, " I never take it." 
 
 The following extracts from a letter from Chaplain Crippen to his father, since his 
 death, furnishes testimony as to the character he sustained in the Regiment, and the 
 estimate in which he was held by his fellow officers : 
 DBAK SIR: 
 
 I well remember your son J. Knox Williams. Kendall, your son, 
 Lindsley Robins and others, held daily religious worship in their tent, and kept it up 
 till the Regiment went to Eastern Virginia. They each and all maintained their 
 Christian characters without rebuke, so long as I had knowledge of them. Your son, 
 with many others, gave his name to our regimental church, at our first prayer meet 
 ing, held in the open air among the stumps, near Fort Alexander. We esteemed him 
 ,one of our most upright, moral and reliable men. 
 
OBITUARY. 289 
 
 I saw the account of his death, at the head of his Company, and thought then as 
 now, there died a patriot and a Christian. 
 
 Truly Yours, 
 
 J. T. CBIPPEN. 
 
 V 
 
 Lieut. EVAN G-. JONES, was a native of the County. He served acceptably 
 in different capacities in the Regiment, fell ill in the spring of 1863, of typhoid fever, 
 while the regiment was near Suffolk, and died at Portsmouth Hospital, July 12th. 
 
 The following preamble and resolutions passed at a meeting of the officers of the 
 regiment, July 17th, afford a fair representation of his character and standing: 
 
 Whereas, by the recent death of Lieutenant Evan G. Jones, of Company B of this 
 Regiment, we are called to mourn the loss of a most valued and beloved comrade 
 and friend, and feel ourselves impelled to some expression, though inadequate, of our 
 appreciation of his worth, our grief at his departure, and our sympathy with his 
 friends in their bereavement. 
 
 Therefore Resolved, That in the conduct and career of Lieutenant Jones in this 
 regiment, we recognize convincing proofs of his possession of a high order of intelli 
 gence and amiability, an excellent judgment, an honest and thorough devotion to 
 duty, and a lofty and unselfish patriotism, rendering valuable aid in raising the regi 
 ment ; enlisting as a private soldier, without expectation of promotion ; raised subse 
 quently, with no effort or self-seeking on his part, to the position of Quarter-master s 
 Sergeant and Second Lieutenant, he acquitted himself in every capacity, most man 
 fully and honorably, and secured the respect and esteem of every officer and man 
 who knew him. 
 
 Resolved That our personal contact and intercourse with him, have not only con 
 firmed and strengthened our estimate of his character, but have revealed in him an 
 amiability and moderation of temper, and a purity of thought and life, that have 
 greatly endeared him to us, as a gentleman, an associate and a friend. 
 
 Resolved That in respect to the memory of our deceased comrade, we will wear 
 the usual badge of mourning for thirty days. 
 
 AUGUSTUS M. EEWIN, F. X. MYEE, 
 
 Lieutenant Co. E, Captain Co. C, 117th, R. N. Y. V. 
 
 Secretary. President. 
 
SYNOPSIS. 
 
 SYNOPSIS OF MOVEMENTS MADE BY THE 117TH REGIMENT, FOR THE MOST PART 
 
 DURING THE LAST TWELVE MONTHS OF THE WAR. 
 
 Made passage of Chesepeake Bay, three times, twice down, once up. 
 
 " York Kiver, six " thrice each way. 
 
 " " Pamunky River, four " twice " " 
 
 " James " seven " thrice up, four times down. 
 
 Passed Cape Henry, six " four times out, twice back. [back. 
 
 Coastwise, (S. of Ft. Monroe,) five times, four times down, twice 
 Crossed Appommatox River, seven times. 
 
 SERVED ACTIVELY ON 
 Suffolk line, Va. once. 
 
 Folly and Morris Islands, S. C. once, a period of about 8 months 
 Bermuda Line, Va. four periods. 
 Petersburg Line, Va. three periods. 
 North of James Line, Va. two periods. 
 White House, Va. two periods. 
 Federal Point, N. C. two periods. 
 

 
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