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75th Regiment
New York Volunteers
Civil War Newspaper Clippings
*** Lieut. BENJAMIN F. THURBER, of the 75th N. Y. Regiment, arrived in town
yesterday on a furlough. He was wounded in the knee in the terrible assault
on Port Hudson, June 11th. He has been in command of the Company for most of
the present year.
The Fight at Port Hudson.
The following details of the assault on Port Hudson on the 14th, are given
in a letter dated the 17th utl., to the N. Y. Herald:
Saturday evening the order of attack was determined upon at headquarters and
communicated to the generals who were to command the assaulting columns. Most
of the details were arranged by General Grover. The point of attack was the
extreme northeasterly angle of the enemy's breastworks. Five or six days previous
to the assault several pieces of the enemy's artillery, which had been in position
behind their fortifications, immediately in our front, were dismounted by our
guns and abandoned. Those still in position were rendered useless to the rebels
by our sharpshooters.
The works consist of an abattis of felled trees for at least 100 yards, then
a ditch of 50 feet wide, with four to six feet of water in it, then the glacis
of about 20 feet high, sloping gradually to the parapet, on which is a protection
for sharpshooters, behind this, say 200 yards, is another line of works on
which heavy and field artillery is mounted.
The plan of assault was briefly as follows: the 75th N. Y. under command of
Capt. Gray, and the 12th Ct. led by Lieut. Col. Peck, were detailed as skirmishers,
forming a separate command, under Lieut. Col. Babcock, of the 75th N. Y. The
91st N. Y., Col Van Zandt commanding—each soldier carrying a five-pound
grenade, with his musket thrown over his shoulder—followed next in order.
The skirmishers were to creep up and lie in the exterior slope of the enemy's
breastworks, while the regiment carrying the grenades were to come up to the
same position and throw over the grenades into the enemy's lines, with a view
to rout them and drive them from behind their works. The 24th Ct. with their
arms in like manner to the grenade regiment, followed, carrying sand bags filled
with cotton, which were to be used to fill up the ditch in front of the enemy's
breastworks, to enable the assaulting party the more easily to scale them and
charge upon the rebels. Following these different regiments came, properly
speaking, the balance of Gen. Weitzel's whole brigade, under command of Col.
Smith, of the 114th N. Y. The two divisions—Gen. Weitzel's and Gen. Paine's
were under command of Gen. Grover, who planned the whole assault after Gen.
Bank's order to advance was received by him. Hence the mode of attack was entirely
his own. Gen. Weitzel's division was expected to make a lodgement inside, of
the enemy's works, and in that manner prepare the way for Gen. Paine's division.
After the inside of the enemy's fortifications had been reached skirmishers
were to push forward and clear the way while both columns were to be deployed
in line of battle and move towards the town of Port Hudson, where a grand citadel
which forms the last means of rebel defense, is situated.
After the advance of the 75th and 91st regiments, Gen. Weitzel's entire command
commenced moving forward. Several days previous our army engineers had been
preparing a covered way, which extended from the woods where our troops lay
up to within about 150 yards of the enemy's position. Through this our troops
marched in single file up to the point where the first line of battle was formed.
Our troops as soon as they had left the cover of the woods, which were scarcely
300 yards from the enemy's breastworks, were subject to the constant fire of
the rebel infantry. A portion of our artillery, which was planted some distance
in the rear of our advancing forces, kept up a continuous fire at the rebel
works. After our skirmishers had picked their way up to within about 30 yards
of the enemy's works, they sprang into the ditch, expecting to be able to shelter
themselves under the cover of the rebel fortifications, and keep the enemy
down while the regiment, with the hand grenades, should advance and perform
their part of the work in driving the rebels from their position. The portion
of the 75th which succeeded in reaching the ditch were immediately repulsed,
and nearly all of them were either killed or wounded. In consequence of the
repulse of the portion of the 75th that succeeded in reaching the ditch, the
hand grenades could accomplish but little. In fact, although they made many
desperate and gallant attempts to be of service, they rather damaged than benefitted
[sic] our prospects of success; for as they threw their grenades over the rebel
breastworks the rebels actually caught them and hurled them back among us.
Meanwhile Gen. Weitzel was making a series of desperate but fruitless attacks.
Gen. Dwight's loss in killed and wounded will probably exceed 200. Augur's
loss will fall considerably short of that number. The most desperate fighting
was done by Gen. Weitzel's old brigade. Col. Smith, leading these veterans,
the heroes of many fights, fell early in the action, mortally wounded. A ball
pierced his spine and passed round to the right side. The rebel glacis was
the worst barrier. Brigade after brigade stormed the works, but all were repulsed.
The fighting ceased at 11 o'clock in the morning. We, having been repulsed
in every assault, our soldiers under command of their officers, laid themselves
down under the shelter of the gullies, trees, covered ... in fact ...
... way--in fact, everything that could afford them protection, and waited
for the day to pass and darkness come on. Our total loss in this attack upon
Port Hudson will probably not fall much short of 1,000. Gen. Gardner was in
command, and rebel deserters report him to have been very drunk on the day
of the fight. They say so long as there is any whisky in the place he will
not surrender Port Hudson.
The fight on the part of Gen. Dwight's command was exceedingly severe, and
scarcely less so with Gen. Grover's. The charges made on the rebel works by
our brave soldiers showed a determination to carry them at all hazards; but
human bravery on this occasion was not adequate to the accomplishment of their
object—The most formidable obstacle that presented itself as a barrier
to our success was the rebel glacis, which at the point attacked had been constructed
in such a manner as to make evey [sic] bullet tell that was fired from the
rebel breastworks while our troops were endeavoring to make the ascent.
Immediately upon the fall of Col. Smith, Lieut. Col. Von Petten, of the 160th
N. Y., took command of the brigade, and gallantly led the charge until all
further hope of driving the rebels from their position was gone. Brigade after
brigade followed in rapid succession storming the rebel works, until compelled
to fall back under the terrible fire of the enemy. Conspicuous among the brigades
that did the most desperate fighting were those under the command of Col's
Kimball, Morgan and Birge. They were all, however, eventually repulsed with
great slaughter.
Many of our wounded who were accessible were carried from the field by squads
detailed for that purpose. It is a shameful reflection on humanity, that a
large number of our soldiers, carrying the wounded and dying from the field
on stretchers, were shot down by the enemy, and in several instances the wounded
were killed while being borne from the field—at nightfall, however, we
commenced the burial of our dead, and succeeded before the morning in carrying
most of our wounded from the battle ground.
Death of Lieut. William E. Avery.
From the Seeneca Co. [Farmerville] Sentinel.
The following letter rsceived [sic] from Capt. Fitch, dated Brashear City,
La., May 31, 1863, and directed to Hon. E. B. Morgan, was received in this
place on Wednesday evening:
HON. E. B. MORGAN—Dear Sir: It is with a sad heart that I write you that
WILLIAM E. AVERY is no more. He was instantly killed by a bullet passing through
his heart while gallantly leading his company on the works at Port Hudson.
I have caused his remains to be enclosed in a metalic [sic] case, and put in
the receiving vault in New Orleans, subject to my order. In consequence of
his lying on the battle field two days before he could be removed, his remains
could not be embalmed. His trunk and sword are here at my house. I telegraphed
the Purser of the Morning Star at the Passes, to let you know immediately on
her arrival in New York. I would suggest some one coming here for the remains,
in about six weeks, and if possible an escort will be sent with him. Our regiment
is reported badly cut up. I do not know the particulars, as all news from the
field of battle is suppressed. We have lost a large number of officers of all
grades.
Please say to Mr. Avery, all that could be done for Will, was done, and I assure
you if he had been my brother, I could feel the loss no greater than I do.
Please inform me as to the wishes of his father, and they shall be faithfully
executed.
I am, Sir, Yours respectfully,
HENRY B. FITCH, Capt., 75th N. Y.
The above intelligence spread like an electric shock through the village and
surrounding country where Lieut. Avery had been so long and favorably known.
The village flags were lowered to half mast, and it became the theme of general
remark, many hastening to express their heartfelt sympathy with the family
who have lost an honored son and a devoted brother. He was one of the first
of our young men who enlisted to resist the inroads of treason and rebellion,
and gathered around him many of our best, and who have proved our bravest young
men, to fill the ranks of the 75th Regiment. The sword, to which allusion is
made, was the gift of the ladies of Farmer, with whom he had long associated,
before his departure from among us and manfully has he redeemed the pledge
of the evening when he said, it should be his purpose "to make it do service
for them in their country's cause, to see that it flinch not in the day of
strife, or ever be disgraced in the hand to which by you it has been committed.
That sword as it returns to be looked upon once more by those who gave it as
an offering of personal regard and patriotic feeling, will never reproach the
hand that wielded it as in any way unworthy to bear it. For some time Lieut.
Avery had been in command of the company, which Capt. Fitch was acting as Provost
Marshal, and would in all probability have succeeded to the permanent command,
had not death soon released him. He was held in high esteem both among officers
and his own men, and from various sources we hear him commended as a genial
friend and daring soldier. He was favored with a commission for the recruiting
service for his own Regiment, which caused his presence with us for a time
during the past season, and looking upon the loved ones he prized so dearly,
as it has proved for the last time, he returned to participate in the recent
struggles of the South-West, and to end his career in that engagement which
promises to be one of the most brilliant achievements of the war. His name
will be embalmed in fond memories of those who have fought by his side, and
of the friends who mourn the loss of one so well-beloved, for not Capt. Fitch
alone can say "if he had been my brother, I could feel the loss no greater
than I do." The country, too, will not suffer to fall unheeded those who
peril their lives to preserve that which was secured to us through the bloody
conflicts of the Revolution, but will shed a halo of glory around the spot
where a soldier has died.
The afflicted family have, we believe, the sympathy of the whole community,
and may we each, like him, wherever duty calls, and true manhood may assert
itself, be ready to do and dare, and if need be to die.
THE SEVENTY-FIFTH (RIFLE) REGIMENT.
The inspection of the balance of the Seventy-fifth regiment of Rifles took
place yesterday, and the roll was forwarded to the Military Department at
Albany for acceptance. Colonel McCunn says there is no doubt that the "Rifles" will
be accepted, and that they will probably be mustered into the service towards
the end of the week.
A telegraphic despatch was received from Albany yesterday, that this regiment
had been accepted by the Governor, and would be put in commission forthwith.
The regiment, which is commanded by Colonel (City Judge) John H. McCunn, is
now in quarters at Broadway Park, Ninety-fifth street.
SEVENTY-FIFTH RIFLE REGIMENT ACCEPTED.
ALBANY, May 15, 1861.
Colonel McCunn's Seventy-fifth rifle regiment has been this day accepted, and
ordered for immediate service. Captain Kavanagh goes down this afternoon with
orders.
Capt. Henry B. Fitch, of Co. F., 75th N. Y. V., has arrived from Port Hudson,
with the remains of the late Lieut. Avery.
He reports that the so called repulse at Port Hudson, and the extensive movements
of reinforcements, &c., arose out of a mere reconnoisance for the purpose
of unmasking batteries. No batteries were found, and the party retired, having
through disobedience of their commander been drawn into a cross-fire of the
enemy. The reported capture of five companies of cavalry by the rebels, is
also whittled down by truth to the loss of about 20 men from our cavalry.
Advertiser and Union.
Local, Literary, Miscellaneous.
Auburn, June 15, 1863.
Letter to Lieutenant Warden Accompanying the list of Killed and Wounded
in the 75th Regiment.
Headquarters 75th Regiment N. Y. V.
In the field near Port Hudson.
DEAR FRIEND.—The old Seventy fifth has just passed through one of the
hardest fought battles of the war, and knowing how anxious you will be to hear
from them, I will give you a few lines and a list of killed and wounded which
you can have published. We have driven them from all their land fortifications,
rifle pits, breast works &c., except the last one around the city, and
that is almost impassible. Our regiment was two nights and three days in advance,
and held one of the most important positions in the front, without a moment's
sleep or rest, but has now been relieved by the 8th New Hampshire and is in
the rear resting. Reinforcements are arriving almost every hour. The 21st Indiana's
heavy guns and all our batteries are getting into positions to command their
last line of works, and in the hour when they least expect them, they will
find General Banks's gang of Yankees in possession of that strong hold "Port
Hudson." Poor Avery was among the first to fall, the juglar [sic] vein
in his neck was cut by a canister ball, killing him instantly. Capt. Hubbard
was killed in the early part of the first day's fight by a rifle ball through
the temple. You know how they were loved by all, and how they will be missed.
Lieut. Rodnoskey was killed from behind the same stump where I was loading
and firing a rifle, he raised his head just enough to look over the stump at
the devils through his glass when he was struck in the forehead by a rifle
ball killing him instantly. I presume you will doubt it some when I tell you
that I fired two hundred and forty-six rounds of cartridges the first day of
the fight, some of the boys in your company fired even more than that. You
will hear more news and particulars through the papers than I can write. George
Robinson has left us and joined his regiment, the 1st La. Engineers, as Major.
Tuller has tendered his resignation and I presume will go home, he is now in
New Orleans. I cannot close without speaking of the bravery and coolness of
Colonel Babcock during the entire fight. He grows better and better every day
as a commanding officer, and we all feel safe as long as he leads us. Your
1st Seargent [sic] had his morning report in his pocket when killed, the ball
passing through it.
From your friend,
J. W. H., JR.
KILLED AND WOUNDED OF THE 75TH NEW
YORK VOLUNTEERS UP TO JUNE 1st, 1863:
KILLED.
1st Lieut. William E. Avery, Comd'g Co. F.
1st Sergeant, William H. Storke, Co A.
Sergeant Almerian, H. Earll, act'g 1st Sergeant, Co. C.
Serg. Lyman Hill, (reg'l color Serg.) Co. D.
PRIVATES.
Patrick Dwyer, Co. B.
Leander W. Lawrence, Co. D.
John Donnelson, Co E.
John H. Burr, Co. F.
Peter Hoy, Co. F.
James M. Seamans, Co. G.
Rob't Lusk, Co. I.
WOUNDED.
1st Lieut. Geo. D. Robinson, Co. D, act'g Adjutant.
Serg. Lucius G. Draper, Co. A, slightly.
Corporal Roselle B. Howe, Co. A, a hand slight.
PRIVATES.
Darwin B. Beebee, Co. A, back, slight.
Coy Clark, Co. A, a leg, severe.
Edwin H. Constant, Co. A, a shoulder, severe.
George W. Crocker, Co. A, breast, severe.
Chas A. Hinman, Co. A., arm, severe.
Wm. Newman, Co A, face, slight.
Cornelius O'Donohue, Co A, side, severe.
George Roberts, Co A, hand, slight.
John Wilcox, Co A, a leg, slight.
David Wilcox, Co. A, slightly.
Daniel S. Devoe, Co A, slightly.
John F. Morgan, Co A, slightly.
Stewart Dewey, Co A, slightly.
Adolphus Bacon, Co B, slightly.
Allen C. Bessy, Co B, hand, slight.
Warren O. Paddock, Co B, hand, severe.
Dorr E. Parker, Co B, leg, severe.
Wm Harvey Rich, Co B, two in chest and in leg, severe.
Wm. H.Taylor, Co B, face, slight.
Sergt. Merwin Waight, Co D, hand, slight.
Corporal, Reynolds Griffin, Co D, ear, slight.
Charles Strong, Co D, thigh, severe.
Color corporal, Myron Herman, Co D, shocked, severe.
Daniel Anthony, Co D, hand, slight.
Daniel Fenner, Co D, knee, severe.
James McKillop, Co D, leg, slight.
Michael O'Brien, Co D, thigh severe.
Michael Sullivan, Co D, leg.
Gilbert S. Warn, Co D, thigh, severe.
David Wilson, Co B, head, slight.
Charles Stoll, Co D, hand slight.
1st Lieut. Francis A. Hopping, comd'g Co E, both legs, slight.
Serg. Chas A Leonard, Co E, shoulder, slight.
David Burns, Co E, face, severe.
John M Coffinger, Co E, arm, severe.
George Erhart, Co E, knee.
Stephen Mosher, Co E, twice, arm, slight.
John Hoffman, Co E, arm severe.
James Sprague, Co F, hip, severe.
Sanford Tucker, Co F, hip, slight.
Daniel J Hutchinson, Co F, leg, slight.
Harlan Perkins, Co F, shoulder.
James McCarthy, Co F, leg, slight.
James Huntington, Co G, chest, severe.
Albert M. Acker, Co G, leg, slight.
August Kapel, Co G, leg. slight.
Musician, Richard H Roberts, Co G, slightly.
Sergeant John T Rodgers, Co H, arm, severe.
Corporal Edgar W Gilbert, hand, severe.
Elijah Barner, Co H, hand, slight.
Albert Snyder, Co H, foot, severe.
Daniel E. Taylor, Co H, arm, severe.
William E Barnhart, Co H, head, since died.
Clark Grant, severe, Co H, leg, severe.
Corporal Samuel Troop, Co I, arm, slight.
James Nickerson, Co I, arm, severe.
Simeon Oakley, Co I, hand, severe.
John Palmer, Co I, leg, severe.
Elliott Austin, Co I, leg, slight.
Henry Peckham, Co I, back, slight.
Levi C Bennett, Co I, arm, slight.
Henry Lay, Co I, hip, slight.
Ezra W. Huntley, Co I, groin, severe.
Serg. John H Smith, Co K, side, slight.
Corp. Albert W. Smith, Co K, leg, slight.
Paul Maxium, Co K, abdomen, severe.
William Wilson, Co K, face, severe.
Truman Greenfield, Co K, leg, severe.
Marcus A. Wheeler, Co K, leg, slight.
George Siddons, Co K, face, slight.
Francs Hempstreet, Co K, hip, slight.
Killed, 11
Wounded, 74
Total, 85
The following letter conveying the sad intelligence of the death of Lieut.
Luther T. Hutchinson was received by his brother, C. B. Hutchinson, Esq., of
this city, on Saturday.
ST. CHARLES HOTEL,
New Orleans, La., June 15th, 1863.
MR. HUTCHINSON—Dear Sir—I have just arrived in the city from above
Port Hudson, having brought down the body of your dear brother Luther, who
fell yesterday morning, only a few hours after day break, while leading his
company in the second attack on Port Hudson, shot through the head with a rifle
ball, which killed him instantly.
His body has been brought here to be taken care of so that it may be sent to
you for interment at the earliest opportunity; all the expenses (as is customary
in our Regiment,) to be paid by the officers of the Regiment. Being short of
officers in the Regiment, especially in certain companies, your brother was
some two months ago assigned to Company C, which he has had command of during
that time, and during the charge on their works yesterday morning he was bravely
and gallantly leading on his company, and had passed over all the works save
the last intrenchment, when he received his death shot. His loss is and will
continue to be felt in the regiment by all, as few of our officers had as many
friends as he, especially among the enlisted men, with whom he was so long
associated as 1st Sergeant, of company D.
While you mourn for your dear brother, remember that his regiment to a man
mourns in sympathy with you.
Yery respectfully yours,
J. W. HAIGHT, Jr.,
Serg't Major, 75th N. Y.
P. S. Lt. Col. Babcock has a flesh wound in the left leg. Capt. Savery and
Lieut. Crocker have flesh wounds in the arm, Lieut. Thurber is shot through
the knee. Our loss among the men very heavy, and still the fight is not over.
From the 75th Regiment.
In the Field near Alexandria
May 9th, 1863.
FRIEND PAIN:—As our brigade has halted for a few days, in order that
the men might have a chance to rest before proceeding farther, we will, according
to promise, relate some of the most important events which have occurred under
our own personal observation.
In our last letter, we spoke of the skirmish we had with the rebels and of
our
withdrawal from the scene of action to a corn field near by, where we remained
for the night. Early next morning without even partkning [sic] of our usual
dram of coffee, we commenced our march and passed by the enemy's entrenchments
and found they had even avacuated [sic] the night previous. In a space of forty
feet square was counted forty dead horses and the same number of the enemies
dead, they having left in such haste as to leave their dead unburried [sic]
on the field. They also left a smooth bore 32 pounder siege gun unharmed upon
the fort, while one light 12 pounder lay near by. It having been dismounted
by our fire the previous day.—We kept up a close pursuit until we arrived
at Franklin, which is a beautiful town situated on the Tetche, and is about
the size of Wolcott. The inhabitants many of them having left, not because
they were secessionists, but they have a wrong opinion of the Yankee Army,
were foolish enough to believe we were coming among them to rob them of their
property, to kill them, &c.; but many of them have already discovered their
mistake and have returned, taken the oath of allegiance and are protected by
the United States Government.
During the day we passed by several rebel camps where tents were left standing—went
one mile from town and camped for the night. Gen. Grover with his division
was ordered around up through Grand Coke to Franklin, where, if possible, he
was to effect a landing and proceed to a place where the forks of the road
met and formed the union road, also the place where the rebels would have to
pass in order to effect their escape from a pursuing foe, and bag them as they
approached. The rebels were notified of this movement and sent a brigade to
oppose their landing; a heavy battle of two hours ensued, when the main force
of the rebels gave Gen. Grover the slip and the remaining force quietly fell
back joining their brethren and kept retreating as our force advanced. We succeeded
in pickup about 500 stragglers that day. Here the rebels set fire to the gun-boat
Diana, and we arrived in town in season to hear the explosion and witness the
large cloud of smoke. Several other transports were destroyed, and one captured,
which had on board Lt. Allen, Capt. Jewett and Lt. Francis, those who were
so unfortunate as to be wounded and captured at Pattersonville, while the gun-boat
Diana. The
rebels were in the act of transporting them to a place of security; but the
hateful Yankees were so close behind them that they left them behind, and they
are now at Brashier City doing well, and in a few weeks we trust they will
re-join the regiment. We also captured Sims with thirty of his men making complete
work at Franklin, and the 176th regiment was left there. We commenced our pursuit
and came to a place about 4 p. m., where the rebels had a splendid dinner in
prepaeation [sic] for themselves: but the poor fellows could not tarry, and
we had the pleasure, with many others of our regiment, to help eat their dinner.
Here we halted for the night, and early next morning we commenced our march
and passed by New Iberia at 2 p. m., where we halted for half an hour; here
we saw a large furnace where they used to cast shot and shell, but now left
with everything in good order, and we found a number of shells within. The
gun-boat Heart was burnt at this place and several bales of cotton were strewn
through the principal streets. Three miles from the city we camped for the
night, and bright and early next morning we continued our pursuit and passed
through McLenburg and halted about ten miles outside for the night—continued
our march early in the morning and proceeded from thence to Opolousa where
we halted for several days. When rested we commenced our march for this place
and arrived last evening. Alexandria is a beautiful city about the size of
Cl_de, and was, before taken, the rebel Capital of the State—Many of
the citizens, as in other places, had left their homes to seek shelter elsewhere.
The boys in the Regiment are generally well, and in fine spirits.
J. H. B.
Killed and Wounded of the 75th N. Y. V.,
Sunday, June 14, 1863
KILLED.
2d Lieut. Luther Y. Hutchinson, Comd'g Co C.
Serg't. Orville Monroe (Act. 1st Serg't) Co C.
"
Pulaski D Olmstead, Co K.
Corp. Charles Hilliard, Co A.
Private Wadsworth B. Francis, Go A.
"
Bishop A. Brown, Co D.
WOUNDED.
Lt. Col. Willoughby Babcock, 75th N Y V.,
Comd'g 2d Brigade 1st Division.
1st Lieut. Benj. F. Thurber, Comd'g Co A.
Private Benj. F. Ellis, Co A.
" Albert Hatch do
" Henry Johnson do
" Henry Raymond do
" M B Van Etton do
" Chas. Colwell do
Corp. Chas T. Coleman Co B
Private J K P Ashley do
" Geo. T Beardsley do
" Chas Coppernoll do
" Jas I Priddy do
" Ozias Whitcomb do
" David Wilson do
" ___ Withers, Co C
Corp. Wm S Hoxie Co D
Private Dier Moreland do
" H M Slater do
" Simon Ovid do
" Warren O Dobson do
2d Lieut Chas W Crocker Comd'g Co E
Serg't Horace B Babcock (Act'g 1st Sergt)
Co E
Serg't C A Leonard Co E
Private John Pitcher do
" Samuel Paul do
" Volney H Sweeting do
" John Brinkerhoof do
" David Munroe do
" S. Lovell do
Thomas Burmingham do
Corp John H Brink
Private P C Dickinson
" John Mathews do
" W G Turner do
Capt. John E Savery Comd'g Co G
1st Serg't Wm D Jaynes do
Serg't John F Merrill do
Corp H E Jones do
Private Frank Merrill do
" George James do
Serg't Fredrick Cossum Co H
Corp Albert O Remington do
Private Henry Foster do
" Aaron Ward do
Serg't Gilbert L Osborne Co I
Corp Samuel Troop do
" Samuel Haskell do
" Private Chapman do
Serg't Wilber P Sabines Co K
Corp Albert W Smith do
Private Cyrus O Cook do
" James Covert do
" Charles Knapp do
" James Moran do
MISSING.
Private Eli R Wagner Co A
" Patrick Blunt Co D
" Thos McCarthy do
Wm Wheeler do
Corp Silas Barber Co E
Serg't Horace B Woodworth Co H
Private P Jones do
" James H Lefler Co F
" Marvin Hopkins Co G
Serg't Daniel H Wing Co H
Private John Pommer Co H
" Sylvester J White Co K
Killed 6.
Wounded 55.
Missing 12.
Total 73.
—
The majority of the missing are probably killed and not found as yet.
J. W. H., JR.
LIEUT. HUTCHINSON.—At the funeral service of Lieut. Hutchinson, Capt.
Porter paid a very interesting tribute to the worth of his departed friend.
He referred to his steady resistance to all temptations, his constant cheerfulness,
fidelity and agreeable companionship, and touchingly included himself among
the mourners as one who had known him intimately during the dreary mouths at
Santa Rosa, and loved him as a brother.
Rev. Mr. Goss, late Chaplain, was no less impressive in his testimony to the
superior character of the departed, beautifully referring to his aspirings
not only after knowledge. and a liberal education, but also for a life of usefulness
and of exalted excellence.
Rev. Mr. Boardman concluded a brief biographical sketch with the following
striking tribute from the pen of Col. Dwight:
NEW ORLEANS, LA.,
June 20, 1863.
MY DEAR BROTHER.—Among the dead of this battle, is numbered my old "first
sergeant," since Lieut. Hutchinson, of the 75th. I have so often spoken
of him to you, in praise of my old orderly, that I need not testify to you
my appreciation of his character and my grief for his loss. He was the best
non-commissioned officer I ever knew. As first sergeant of my company during
the first year of our service, he performed his whole duty with the utmost
industry, fidelity and intelligence, and gained the unanimous and highest approbation
of all his superiors. At the same time, although strict and inflexible in duty,
he had the confidence and affections of the men. He more than earned his promotion
to Lieutenancy for which he was recommended [sic] in July last, though he did
not receive his commission until December, and his career as a commissioned
officer has fully justified his promotion. Throughout the whole of the late
and pending expedition of the 19th Army Corps up to the Atchafalaya and Red
River, and before Port Hudson he has been in command of Company C, 75th Regiment,
(Capt. Cray being acting Major,) and he has proved himself a most brave, efficient
and capable Company commander.
He fell in the thickest battle, leading his company in a desperate charge against
the enemy's works at Port Hudson, so near the muzzles of their muskets that
the ball and three buckshot of the rebel cartridge entered at one wound in
his temple. So exposed was the place in which he fell that it was only by the
bravery and devotion of private Jerry Cochlin of Co. D, that his body was recovered.
Jerry crept up to the body of his Lieutenant at the risk of his own life, and
fastened a line made of gun strings to his foot, by which his comrades were
enabled to drag the body from under the deadly fire of the enemy. So we have
the body and it shall be sent home as soon as is possible to make it ready.
No braver or worthier soldier has fallen in this war than he. His family have
reason to be proud of him, and his country to mourn the loss of one of its
best and bravest defenders. His death under such circumstances of bravery and
devotion is a crowning glory of his long and faithful service.
To unmix the above it is only necessary to state that the 75th is a three years
regiment, raised in Cayuga county. The ''two years regiment," the term
of service of which recently expired, was the Old Nineteenth, also raised in
this county and Seneca, one company having been furnished by Seneca Falls.
The remains of Corporal Ambert O. Remington, of Co. H, 75th Regiment, arrived
in Weedsport, last evening. He died from a wound received by a minnie ball,
when the regiment to which he belonged was bravely leading the advance in the
late attack on Port Hudson. His funeral will be attended in the Presbyterian
church at Weedsport, on Thursday July 23d, at 10 1-2 o'clock.
THE SEVENTY-FIFTH RIFLE REGIMENT
Expect to go into quarters at the commencement of next week. Recruits and officers
are requested to assemble to-day at headquarters, 42 Prince street, for consultation
and to receive instructions.
THE CAYUGA REGIMENT—The Second Cayuga Regiment, or 75th N. Y. Volunteers,
passed through this city about three o'clock Saturday afternoon. The regiment
occupied a special train of eighteen passenger and four baggage cars. They
expected to arrive in New York by the Knickerbocker from Albany, Sunday morning,
and to proceed to Washington, Monday, where it is thought the regiment will
be attached to Gen. SUMNER'S Division, on the Potomac. The men were of the
right material for the army of the Potomac, tough and intelligent, brave and
hardy. They were accompanied by several citizens of Auburn, an escort of honor
among the burghers we noticed Mr. ROBINSON, of the Advertiser. The whole number
of officers and enlisted men in the regiment is 900. The regimental officers
are as follows:
Colonel, John A. Dodge; Lieut. Colonel, Robert B. Merritt; Major, Willoughby
Babcock; Adjutant, Edward B. Lansing; Quartermaster, Lewis E. Carpenter; Surgeon,
Michael D. Benedict; Assistant Surgeon, Cyrus Powers; Chaplain, Thomas B. Hudson;
Sergeant Major, Wm. H. Seymour; Quartermaster Sergeant, George L. Howe; Commissary
Sergeant, John N. Knight; Hospital Steward, George Beviere; Military Secretary,
Robert C. Perry. Company A, Captain Clinton D. MacDougall; B, Captain Truman
K. Fuller; C, Captain William H. Cray; D, Captain Charles C, Dwight; E, Captain
Luther Goodrich; F, Captain Henry B. Fitch; G, Captain John E. Savery; H, Captain
John Choate; I, Captain Lansing Porter.
THE 75TH.—The following sketch is taken from the Army and Navy Gazette,
and gives a good idea of the doings of the gallant regiment of which it speaks:
"
The Seventy-Fifth New York was organized at Auburn, N. Y., in the summer of
1861, and constituted a part of the expedition sent to Pensacola, to save that
station from the machinations of the rebels under Bragg, occupying Santa Rosa
Island during the bombardment of Fort Pickens, and among the first to occupy
Pensacola Navy Yard after its destruction and evacuation by the enemy. Transferred
from Pensacola to the Department of the Gulf, then under command of Gen. Butler,
in which they served in a number of important expeditions against the enemy,
prominent among which were the battle of Labadreville, La., on Bayou La Fourche,
Oct. 26th, 1862, the engagement with the gunboat Cotton, on Bayou Teche, Jan.
14,
1863, in which a detachment rendered effective service as sharpshooters, picking
off the gunners and thus practically compelling its abandonment and destruction
in order to save it from falling into our hands; the advance of our forces
in the expedition against Camp Besland, April 13th, 1863, and formed part of
the brigade, under Gen. Weitzell, that pursued the enemy to a point some twenty
miles above Alexandria, La., on the Red River. Returning on transports via
Red and Mississippi rivers to Bayou Sara, the 75th constituted a part of the
expedition against Port Hudson, during the seige [sic] operations against that
stronghold, occupied the place nearest the enemy's works, and was the first
regiment to march into the works after their surrender. After the close of
that campaign they returned to New Orleans, and started September 4th, 1862,
on the Sabine Pass expedition. A detachment of the regiment, consisting of
companies B, and G, was acting as sharpshooters on board the gunboat Clifton
when she grounded in front of the rebel batteries, and all on board were captured
except a few who escaped by swimming. On their return to New Orleans the regiment
was converted into mounted infantry, and took part in the second ... learning
of the success of Banks in Texas returned to New Ibera, La., where they re
enlisted January 1st, 1864, as veteran cavalry, to serve in the Department
of the Gulf. Having enjoyed its thirty-day furlough, the regiment is now on
its way to the field, ready for any duty that the service may impose upon them
as Cavalry."
SANITARY CONDITION OF THE SEVENTY-FIFTH REGIMENT
N. Y. S. V.
HEADQUARTERS SEVENTY-FIFTH REG’T N. Y. V.,
CAMP ARNOLD, PENSACOLA, Fla., June 1, 1862.
J. Oakley Vanderpoel, M. D., Surgeon General, S. N. Y.
The health of the Regiment at this time is remarkably good—my sick report
this morning showing but twelve in hospital and five in quarters.
You will observe that we have had to discharge but very few men since we have
been in service. It has surprised me very much, that so few men have broken
down in the process of acclimation, while many young men who were not strong
when we left home, have been made rugged by the exercise and exposure of a
soldier's life.
We are delightfully quartered here, the men in Sibley tents, well floored;
the officers in good houses, left vacant by the Rebels.
The climate is delightful. The men bathe three times weekly; fresh fish are
abundant for the whole command, and nothing is wanting to make us as comfortable
as soldiers can expect to be.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
M. D. BENEDICT,
Surgeon Seventy-fifth Regiment N. Y. Vols.
RE-ENLISTED.—The Seventy-Fifth Regiment, N. Y. S. V. which was raised
at Auburn, and part of the men recruited in this county, has re-enlisted and
is now on its way home on thirty days furlough.—It is the intention to
recruit its thinned ranks if possible, up to its full number of one thousand
men. This is one of the Regiments that faced and stormed Fort Hudson, and is
commanded by Col. Dodge.
THE 75TH.—Letters from the 75th announce that the regiment is standing
out against the order transferring it to infantry. A petition had been forwarded
by the regiment to President Lincoln, who promises that their grievances shall
be carefully looked into and the truth in the matter elicited. He further promises
that they shall have a good position as infantry, or else be retained as a
cavalry organization.
The 75th are now stationed on Arlington Heights, in Gen. Casey's Division,
and consequently were not in the movement on Richmond.
The 75th Regiment.
We regret to find that there is still a strong feeling of dissatisfaction prevailing
in the 75th Veteran Volunteers. It appears that the regiment re-enlisted
under the promise, made by Gen. Banks, that it should serve in the future
as Cavalry, and this promise the War Department has been unwilling or unable
to perform. We were confident at the time of the outbreak at Auburn, that
that discreditable affair was not merely the result of a drunken row, but
originated in a deeper feeling. We have received the following from one who
professes to be a member of the regiment, but as he does not give his name,
we should not know what credit to attach to it, were we not aware from other
sources that there has been an unfortunate mistake with regard to this regiment.
It has gained a very honorable reputation for its courage, and the fidelity
with which it has performed its duties, a reputation which, we trust, it
will maintain, even if the members feel that they have just cause for complaint.
It has to be remembered that the Government cannot, under the changing circumstances
of the war, always perform what the soldier has a just right to ask and expect:
CAMP OF THE 75TH N. Y. VET. VOLS.
NEAR WASHINGTON, AP. 27, '64.
MR. EDITOR:—If there is any one who respects honor it is the soldier—he
who has left his home and friends and all who are near and dear to him to fight
for the glorious Union.
And, Mr. Editor, in so doing that soldier expects the Government of the United
States will see him justified in all his rights, and has he not a reason to
expect this? I think so. But we, a regiment of men who have served the United
States' Government honestly and faithfully for two years and a half, and have
re-enlisted for three years more as Veterans, claim that we have not had these
privileges shown us and feel it deeply.
We re-enlisted at New Orleans as Cavalry, went home on a furlough of thirty
days, and, when that had expired, were ordered to report at these head quarters.
Here the authorities at the War Department do not recognize [sic] us as Cavalry,
inasmuch as we enlisted under a special order of Gen. Banks.
The War Department has issued orders that no soldier shall be enlisted under
false pretenses. I would like to know what they can make of this but false
pretenses. Had we known that we would have had to serve as infantry, there
would not have been money enough in the State of New York to have persuaded
us to re-enlist. Had they ordered us to New Orleans, we would have had that
branch of the service for which we enlisted.
I do not think that the Government of the United States can say but what we
have always done our duty like men, when in the hour of danger, and will always
continue to do so. We were given the post of honor at the surrender of Port
Hudson, by an order of Gen. Banks, for our services rendered there, and is
this the way the government is going to reward us for our services? I hope
not.
There was a committee appointed to call upon Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary
of State, inasmuch as the regiment was from his native State, and from his
own city Auburn, thinking that perhaps he would use his influence in our behalf,
but the reply was that he would do nothing for us, and, moreover, that the
officers of the Regiment had said enough about the matter already to dismiss
them from the service.
Now, Mr. Editor, I have no doubt, in my mind, that had we been a Regiment of
the darker colored men, but he would have used his influence in our behalf.
I honestly think he would.
We, however, as soldiers from the county of Cayuga and city of Auburn, thank
the Hon. William H. Seward for what he has done for us.
Will you be kind enough to publish this in your paper, and oblige an enlisted
man of the 75th N. Y. Vet. Vols.
WOUNDED AT PORT HUDSON.—Eli Wagner, son of Mr. W. W. Wagner, of Jordan,
a volunteer in the 75th N. Y. Volunteers, was severely wounded in a charge
on Port Hudson on the 14th of June, and in consequence his left leg was amputated
just below the knee. He is to come home as soon as he can stand the journey.
FROM NEW ORLEANS.
Correspondence of the Albany Evening Journal,
NEW ORLEANS, July 29, 1864.
Major JOHN GRAY and his fellow officer's of the One Hundred and Seventy-fifth
New York left here this afternoon at 5 o'clock on steamer
W. R. Arthur for Cairo, under orders to report at Washington, and as their
nearest route to that city lies directly through Albany, you may expect to
see them at home about the 8th of August—perhaps even before you receive
this by the George Washington, which leaves here for New York to-morrow morning.
On the Arthur were also five Paymasters relieved from this district after terms
of service varying from twelve to seventeen months. Four of them: Majors J.
L. CRAMER, of Saratoga, N. Y., J. E. LOFLAND, of Delaware, J. SALLADE, of Pa.,
and J. W. CARPENTER, of Vt., are to report at Washington, and one—Major
A. N. NICHOLDS—at Louisville for duty. Three others leave here in the
morning on the steamer for New York, to report at Washington, viz:—Majors
H. O. BRIGHAM, of Mass., A. H. HOYT, of New Hampshire, and E. V. PRESTON, of
Connecticut. These have all been relieved as their due after long and faithful
service in the Department of the Gulf, their places, as far as necessary, having
been supplied by officers who have not previously served here.
I send you with this a list of all the officers and men belonging to New York
regiments among the returned prisoners of war from Texas. We have still some
four to five thousand prisoners in the hands of the Texans and have a large
number of theirs here, yet fears are expressed that we shall not be able to
negotiate another exchange at present, because of complications caused by the
persistent brutal course towards captured colored soldiers.
All the Union elite of the city, both civil and military, were in a high state
of excitement, caused by the marriage at Christ Church of Major H. M. PORTER,
late Provost Marshal here, to Miss NINA FREMONT, a niece of the General. After
the marriage, Mrs. General BANKS gave a splendid reception to the bridal party
and a large number of invited guests, whom she entertained with that ease and
grace which so immediately make a stranger forget that he is one. Gen. BANKS,
of course, with accustomed urbanity, assisted in doing the honors of the house.
Major Gen. CANBY, and all the prominent military officers of the Department,
were present, while the venerable JACOB BARKER, of New York political and financial
fame from thirty to sixty years bygone, was there, apparently as healthy and
almost as active as a boy. Mr. B. was a member, I think, of the New York Senate
of 1814, and is the only survivor of either members or officers. He is now
in his 84th year, and one of the wonders of New Orleans, where he has resided
for nearly thirty years. Rev. Dr. NEWMAN and his accomplished lady, well known
to so many of your readers, were also present. Both are enjoying the best of
health, while the Doctor is vigorously engaged in promoting the cause of the
Union and the interests of the Methodist Church in an eminent degree. Both
are evidently very near his heart, and he labors for both assiduously.
The health of the city is of the very best. The last weekly report (to July
22) showing 186 deaths, more than one-half of whom were children not over five
years of age. Thanks to the blessing of God on quarantine and sanitary regulations
vigorously enforced, there is not a healthier city in the Union than New Orleans,
and there is not the least reason to apprehend a visit of the dreaded yellow
fever this season. Q.
| List of Prisoners of War in New York Regiments received in
exchange from the Rebels at Red River Landing, La., July 22d, 1864, and
arrived in New Orleans, July 24th. |
| Ser. H. Schotte, Co. C, |
C. M. Norton, G, 75th |
| 14th cavalry |
R. Parrish, G, 75th |
| J. D. W. Fisher, L, |
J. L. Palmer, G, 75th |
| 14th cavalry |
J. Read, G, 75th |
| 1st Lt. C.H.Cox,G, 75th |
T. T. Smith, G, 75th |
| 2d Lt. W. H. Root, 75th |
A. Stringham, G, 75th |
| George Clark, A, 75th |
Chas. Stevens, G, 75th |
| Ser. H. M. Arthur,75th |
C. B. Thomas, G, 75th |
| Cor. G. H. Wright,75th |
Wm. Tucker, G, 75th |
| Cor. W. Booth, B, 75th |
H. Thorne, G, 75th |
| Cor. F. H. Coppernoll, 75th |
E.Van Sickle, G, 75th |
| Cor. E.W. Blakeman, 75th |
J. W. Arnoot, F, 75th. |
| E. N. Andrews, B, 75th |
H. J. Cregue, F, 75th |
| J. K. P. Ashley, 75th |
G. W. Mills, F, 75th |
| A. Bacon, B, 75th |
C. S. Squires, F, 75th |
| W. H. Booth, B, 75th |
S. Tucker. P, 75th |
| E. L. Bradley, B, 75th |
Wm. Bedell, F, 90th |
| L. Coppernoll, B, 75th |
E. D. Francis, C, 90th |
| M. D. Court, B, 75th |
J. S. Kinney, F, 90th |
| E. S. Follett, B, 75th |
2d Lt J. Delamater, 9lst |
| Ezra Hamilton, 75th |
W. H. Baker, P, 110th |
| David Haywood, 75th |
Hugh Doran, I, 110th |
| Joseph Hipburn, 75th. |
2d Lt. E. Kirby,F,160th |
| Wesley Hunter, 75th |
Ser. B. Sanford, D, 161st |
| Willard Joslin, B, 75th |
Ser. C. H. Callaghan, 161st |
| John Keller, B, 75th |
Ser. A. Shultz, D, 161st |
| J. Messenger, B, 75th |
Cor. J. Bartholomew, 161st |
| L. Mills, B, 75th |
Cor. Wm. Sanger, D, 161st |
| H. Olford, B, 75th |
Monroe Ames, D, 161st |
| J. H. Palmer, B, 75th |
Jno. L. Barber, D, 161st |
| J. J. Friday, B, 75th |
P. A. Bryant, D, 161st |
| J. W. Riley, B, 75th |
J. W. Blunt, D, 161st |
| D. Rodgers, B, 75th |
A. Brumagim, D, 161st |
| Wm. Messenger, 75th |
J. Chubb, D, 161st |
| E. W. Romu, B, 75th |
J. D. Hillard, D, 161st |
| G. C. Smart, B, 75th |
R. M. Love, D, 161st |
| D. Spickerman, 75th |
Wm. Lindsey, D, 161st |
| W. H. Taylor, B, 75th |
J. J. Lewis, D, 161st |
| J. H. Thompson, 75th |
G. McIntyre, D, 161st |
| R. B. Vink, B, 75th |
T. A. Sawyer, D, 161st |
| O. O. Whitcomb, 75th |
John Coffee, C, 165th |
| J. W. Wilkinson, 75th |
Maj. John Gray 175th |
| S H. Wright, B, 75th |
1st Lt. J. Roberts, 175th |
| Geo. G. Little, C, 75th |
1st Lt. R. Dunn, 175th |
| C. W. Allen, D, 75th |
2d Lt P. E. Walsh, 175th |
| Joseph Bastedo, 75th |
2d Lt N. S. Curtis, 175th |
| C. J. Cutler, D, 75th |
Sergt. C. Wolf, 175th |
| J. Coghlin, D, 75th |
Thos. Gill, K, 175th |
| D. Kratzer, D, 75th |
Hugh Doran, F, 175th |
| A. J. Olney, D, 75th |
W. H. Baker, F, 175th |
| C. Van Note, D, 75th |
Col. C. C. Nott, 176th |
| J. H. Van Note, D,75th |
Lt. Col. A. H. J. Du- |
| Ser. G. O. Taylor, G, 75th |
ganne, 176th |
| Ser.M. Thompson, 75th |
Capt W. P. Coe, 176th |
| Ser. H. E. Jones, G, 75th |
Capt. S. E. Thomp- |
| Cor. Ethan Allen, 75th |
son, 176th |
| Cor. C. H. Salmons, 75th |
lst Lt. J. Babcock,176th |
| Cor. J. C. Smith, G, 75th |
1st Lt. D. G. Willing- |
| J. Andrews, G, 75th |
ton, 176th |
| A. M. Acker, G, 75th |
1st Lt. J. B. Robens |
| Daniel Allen, G, 75th |
E, 176th |
| W. H. Beebe, G, 75th |
1st Lt. C. Kirby, 176th |
| W. L. Blanchard, 75th |
lst Lt. P. W. Lyon, 176th |
| G. Beak, G, 75th |
2d Lt. D. G. Gillette, A |
| John Chaffee, G, 75th |
176th |
| J. J. Campbell, G, 75th |
2d Lt. L. W. Steven- |
| Geo. Curtis, G, 75th |
son, B, 176th |
| S. Darratt, G, 75th |
2d Lt T. F. Petrie, 176th |
| Edward Earll, G, 75th |
2d lt. C. Sherman, 176th |
| Amnon Granger, 75th |
John Hoffai, 176th |
| Albert Hallett,G, 75th |
G. Wilder, D, 175th |
| John Lalone, G, 75th |
|
The Seventy-Fifth Arrived In New York
The Seventy-Fifth arrived at New York on Friday, by steamer Continental. A
list of the officers is given in the Tribune of last evening.
Capt. W. H. Gray this morning telegraphed to New York to ascertain when the
regiment may be expected to arrive in this city.
CAMP 15TH REG'T. N. Y. S. V.,
NEAR BERRYVILLE, Va.,
Sept. 15TH, 1864.
MESSRS. KNAPP & PECK.—Yesterday a sad accident occurred in our Regiment.
In cutting down a tree, it fell upon Private David Burns, of Capt. Hopping's
Company, who was asleep in his tent at the time—breaking his thigh in
two places, and otherwise injuring him. He is now at Brigade Hospital, receiving
all the care and attention that can be bestowed upon him in the field, but
will doubtless soon be removed to more comfortable quarters. His condition
is looked upon by our Surgeons as very critical, but being young and vigorous,
he may recover. Young Burns was a good soldier, and always did his duty well
and faithfully.
Very truly Yours,
JESSE BAXTER.
From the Gulf Department.
We publish an extract from a letter to his father by an old friend of ours,
who is Lt. Col., and has been for some time in command of the 75th Regt.,
N. Y. V., now serving in the department of the Gulf. The 75th is a part of
Gen. Weitzel's Division which also contains the 114th and 176th.
This letter describes so admirably some scenes soldiers have to pass through,
we copy from the Homer Republican.
Describing his march from Opelousas to Alexandria, he says:
I get so tired now-a-days, and find myself so busy, that I can hardly keep
an account of my own wanderings. Two weeks ago today, we were lying at Opelousas,
and Gen. Banks was just making up his mind to advance upon Alexandria. On monday
the 3d, I ran down to Brashar and staid until Tuesday afternoon, when about
four o'clock I got word that Weitzel had started for Alexandria on Monday noon.
Luckily a steamer would go up the Bayou in a few minutes, and I packed my saddle
bags with half dried clothing, put away my store clothes, dressed in campaigning
suit, and rushed on board. The next morning at daylight found me at Barry's
Landing nine miles below Opelousas, to find the troops nearly all gone, and
Dwight and Weitzel's Brigades supposed to be nearly up to Alexandria. As there
was some hopes that the enemy would make a stand at Alexandria, or near there,
I must needs hurry. I had left my horse, saddle and bridle and one for my servant
at the Landing on my way down, and by good luck found the rig which Danie (my
faithful man), had ridden; my own having disappeared entirely, we however got
two carts, a single cart with one mule into which got the Rev. Dr. Bacon and
a negro driver, and a three mule cart, (rigged up with one mule in the shafts
and one on each side of him,) into which Dr. Benedict and Lieut. Wrotnowskie
of Gen. Weitzel's staff and two
Lieutenants of one of our batteries besides myself were all stowed. Dr. Benedict
drove and Daniel rode behind on the old gray horse. We got off about nine o'clock
and passed through Washington, eleven miles a little before noon. It was very
hot and dusty, and the cart a most uncomfortable affair to ride in, but our
mules were good and we pushed ahead.—Dr. Bacon is a clergyman of Alexandria
who left his home, wife and friends under
prssure [sic] of public opinion in June 1862, and has only heard from his wife
once in the year, and then by a note clandestinely delivered. He was bound
to visit her at the head of our victorious column. He cherishes very bitter
feelings, and at every place when the master of the house appeared to be at
home, he would tell a negro to "present Dr. Bacon's compliments to his
master and say to him, Hurra for Lincoln!" By sunset we came up with Gen.
Grover's division, and stopped at Gen. Bank's headquarters, changed mules,
got a fresh horse for Daniel, and a good supper. Here we left Dr. Bacon, and
about eight o'clock pushed on again, Weitzel being supposed to be about 20
miles ahead. Between nine and ten o'clock we passed Gen. Emory's division and
learned that Weitzel was still 20 miles ahead, near a place called Cheneyville.
The moon came up, and we saw some of the most magnficent [sic] corn and cane
fields I ever saw or imagined. The ground was nearly all planted with corn,
though the country from Opelousas to Alexandria is a cotton region, and the
storehouses and sheds were mostly filled with cotton, two to three crops being
on hand. Now, all are growing food for the Southern Confederacy.
Cheneyville is 32 miles from Alexandria, and we had but little idea of going
through, but at noon we had made the distance to within 14 miles, and without
much distress. Two hours for dinner and we set off again, Dwight about three
miles ahead, About three o'clock we came up with his rear guard. Our men held
out admirably, the bands all playing every hour or so to enlieven [sic] the
steps, and make them forget their blistered feet as far as possible [sic].—Just
before sunset we were six miles from Alexandria, and the men, of their own
motion, determined to go into the town. Before I knew it my regiment had closed
up in mass filling up the whole width of the road, and were calling me to get
a fresh horse. The regiments before and behind caught it up and pushed the
horses into a slow trot, shouting, joking, laughing, singing and cheering,
and men who a few minutes before had declared that they must fall out were
quite up to the head forgetting alikes fatigues and sores. In this way, with
a perfect rush, we made the whole six miles, and hardly a man fell out. We
reached Alexandria before gen. Dwight had got his camp fires lighted, and were
glad enough to drop down anywhere to sleep. Few waited for supper. Troops do
not often march as we have done this last month. We have not marched less that
at a rate of eighteen miles a day, and have generally made 20, 22, 23 and 25
miles, while this last march was all 32 miles. Of course men wear out under
it. On this last march, we had several cases of disability caused by hernia
and varicorse [sic] veins.
There is a great difference between walking such distances and marching in
ranks, carrying muskets and cartridges and a pair of blankets. Discipline tells,
in these marches as much as in action. Old troops can march raw ones to death.
We saw great quantities of cotton. Few planters have burned any cotton here,
but they are raising corn this year. They have one or two crops in bales, and
one crop unginned, seed cotton, as it is called. If we continue to hold Red
River, and finally open the Mississippi, we shall have most of this immense
store.
The sugar plantations below Alexandria are the most magnificent places I ever
saw. The planters houses and ground are extensive and showy, neatly kept, surrounded
by villages of negro huts which have an air of comfort and thrift, and by handsome
fields streatching [sic] away almost as far as eye can reach. The fences, barns,
tools and everything connected with the farming of a plantation of a thousand
acres of cultivated land will be found as neat, and in as perfect repair, as
the model farm in N. Y. Gen. Banks has gone to Semmesport, the head of the
Atchafulaya on the Red, which is to be our base of future operations against
Port Hudson.
The weather is getting very hot. Corn is some of it is in tassle, and looks
fine
everywhere. Enough seems to have been out in here in Louisiana to feed the
armies of C. S. A. a year.
ALGIERS, Sept 14, 1863.
MESSRS. EDITORS:— Gentlemen:—Some time since a letter signed "A.
Y. C." was published in your paper reflecting on a statement I made to
the friends of the late Lt. Wm. E. Avery.—The letter was not seen by
me in time to answer it before I left N. Y. city for New Orleans. Since my
arrival I have been so constantly engaged as not to have been able to take
notice of it prior to this.
I wish it distinctly understood that the statement I made to Hon. E. B. Morgan,
was true. The remains were well cared for before received by me in New Orleans
by officers of the 75th, "and all that could be done for poor Will was
done." I claim no credit for what I did. I fulfilled a solemn promise
given his father on the 30th Nov. 1861. I know not what occurred on the battle-field,
as I never claimed the honor of being there. I only know it was two days before
I received the remains. It was through no neglect or fault of any officer of
the 75th that they did not reach the city sooner.
I regret that any newspaper controversy has occurred, and hope in future A.
Y. Corning will at least keep truth on his side when he wishes to injure any
one.
I am, Gentlemen, yours Respct'ly,
HENRY B. FITCH,
Capt. comd'g 75th N. Y. V.
ADVERTISER AND UNION.
Local, Literary, Miscellaneous.
Auburn, September 22, 1863.
Two Companies of the 75th Captured at Sabine Pass.
Companies B & G of the 75th, together with some twenty men of other companies
of that regiment, were selected as sharpshooters to act upon the gunboats,
in the late attack on the rebel works at Sabine Pass, an account of which is
published in the N. Y. Times of Monday last.
The gunboats, three in number, attacked the rebel batteries in order to effect
a landing for the troops of the expedition, and were doing most effective execution,
when by reason of insufficient channel they grounded and were completely riddled
by the fire of the enemy. Capt. Crocker of the Clifton, turned one of his heavy
guns upon his own vessel before surrendering and blew her machinery into ruins.
The sharpshooters and crews were all captured. Our loss in killed and wounded
is thought to be but small. The prisoners must be paroled and soon exchanged,
as the rebels cannot keep them long in that country.
We have good reason for believing that a second expedition of 25,000 men was
immediately started off by Gen. Banks via the Teche country to take the Texas
road at New Iberia. Our next accounts from that quarter will be looked for
with great interest.
FOURTEEN of the surviving members of Company F, of the 75th Regiment, commanded
formerly by Lieut. WILLIAM E. AVERY, and now home on a furlough, paid a visit
to Mr. JOHN B. AVERY and family on Wednesday afternoon of this week. A finer
looking and more gentlemanly set of soldiers we have never seen.
Mr. Avery had prepared for them a splendid dinner, of which they all partook
with a hearty zest, and expressed themselves so well satisfied with such rations
that they proposed to select Mr. Avery as their future Quartermaster.
After the dinner the whole company in a body visited the grave of their former
comrade—Lieut. AVERY, who fell at Port Hudson and whose remains in honor
rest in our cemetery. When they had gathered around the grave, Rev. J. B. Smith,
whom the regiment had honored by the proffer of the Chaplaincy once, and an
election to it again, offered some appropriate remarks. He complimented the
75th Regiment on the honorable distinction
which they had won for themselves, and commended them on having been true to
each other and true to their country, and for the respect which they had cherished
for the memory of those who were dear to our homes and hearts who had fallen
in the service. He referred to the tribute of respect which was paid to Lieut.
Avery by the long concourse of people which came together to join in the sad
funeral rites, and the long funeral train which followed him to his burial,
and the memories which still gather about his tomb. He assured them that the
honor which they bestowed on him was amply reciprocated in the high esteem
in which they were held by him. He spoke of the greeting which we had been
glad to extend to them, of the respect of which they had shown themselves worthy
since they had been again among us, of what we knew we might expect of them,
and assured them that many a prayer would ascend from many hearts for God to
bless them, to shield them in the day of strife, and to return them to us and
to their homes, with days of peace, union and liberty.
D. D. LEFLER, in some fitting remarks, expressed the thanks of the friends
of Edwin Covert, for the distinguished marks of respect which they had shown
to him in his sickness, and erecting the monument as they did at no small expense,
to mark the place of his burial.
Mr. Avery then expressed his interest in those with whom his son had been associated.
The company again returned to the house, and for a time were entertained by
Miss Avery and her sister, Mrs. Morgan, of Aurora, who sang and played several
fine pieces of music, among which was the old familiar one, entitled "Brave
Boys are they," which they sung at the request of several of the soldiers,
and which never seemed so appropriate, except as we heard it sung by the same
ladies on the eve of the departure of their lamented brother from the endearing
scenes of home for the last time, to become a sacrifice upon the altar of his
country.
The afternoon being far spent, the young gentleman thought it time for then
to depart, and as each took his leave, requested of Mr. Avery that he should
give them before they left for the seat of war, a photograph of his noble son,
and promising in return that he should have each of theirs.
(Seneca Co. Sentinel, March 10, 1864)
THE SEVENTY-FIFTH— No regiment recruited in this district has shown
more valor nor done more execution than the gallant 75th. It has borne the
brunt of many a well fought field, and shed its blood like water for the good
of the country. It is now worn down by battle and disease to a mere handful
of war-worn veterans —but about 300 men remaining of the number who marched
forth from this city. The battle-flag of this regiment is inscribed with a
greater number of contests than that of any of the brave organizations sent
from among us, and their glory will live in history when the opposers of their
great work are forgotten in the oblivion that always buries cowards and traitors.
In most of the emergencies where skill and bravery were required, the 75th
has been called upon for men to act as sharpshooters or to take the advance
of storming parties and scouting expeditions, and their record is clear and
upon the right side in every instance. With thinned ranks, yet brave and undaunted
hearts, they are still in the advance, as ready and willing for the fray as
when they first took up arms in the cause of the Union and the Right.
RETURN OF VETERANS.—The Seventy-Fifth Regiment, which left Auburn in
the Fall of 1861, has returned home on a short furlough, after having re-enlisted
for the war. They passed through here Tuesday evening in the cars, en route
to Elmira, and on their return to Auburn are to have a grand reception. The
ranks of the Regiment have been thinned to about 300 men. They have done good
service in Florida and Louisiana, and reserve all the honor that can be shown
them. Capt. FRANK SILSBY belongs to this regiment, and it is the same to which
Lieut. AVERY, of Farmerville—killed at Port Hudson—was attached.
THE 75TH—THE COLORS.—It is now some what over two years, and well
do we remember the day—since the gallant and now war-worn 75th Regiment
was drawn up in "close column by division, right in front" and facing
the Court House, for the purpose of receiving from the ladies of Auburn, (or
a portion of them) the magnificent stand of colors comprising the State and
national flags, which at that time were the subject of so much admiration,
the praise of every tongue. Exhortations were made that day for the ladies,
and pledges and promises returned in behalf of the 75th that have been nobly
redeemed at the terrible cost of some of the best and purest blood of Cayuga
county. To the truth of this assertion, let the sad hearts that dwell in almost
every other home upon the hill tops and in the valleys around us bear witness;
let the widow's tears, the orphan's cry and the vacant chair attest, for the
feet are stiffened forever, whose coming heard at times, woke pulses of love
in household hearts that shall be gladdened no more on earth, and the deep
roar of the breakers of the Gulf, as they dash the shell strewn shore of Santa
Rosa, mingled with winds that murmur upon the banks of the Mississippi, or
go sadly sighing through the lowlands of Louisana [sic], are the only requiem
of the dead brave: " Bring back to us the flags
With honor—not disgrace."
Thus spake one of the fair ones for those who had made the gift. They have
been "'brought back" to you ladies of Auburn, shivered, torn, riddled,
bleeding, and their wounds, " Poor, poor dumb mouths,"
they speak
to you and say, we have returned with honor."
We do not fear contradiction when we say, that among all the brave tried Regiments
that have gone out from its to battle against our nation's foe, none have
seen so much active service as the 75th, none have conferred more lasting
honor upon their fellow citizens. These wrecked colors that once rippled
so proudly in the breeze before our eyes, have never even fallen to the ground;
never came near it save once when the Regiment were making a charge on the
works before Port Hudson, their banners borne in front, a traitor bullet
sped through the heart of the gallant and dashing color sergeant, the same
who received them from the ladies hands; they tottered, but as he was falling
to his last long sleep, a brave corporal snatched from his death grasp the
silken stars and stripes, and shouting defiance waved them at the enemy.
We have written thus for the purpose of asking those who would do justice
to brave men--who would do justice to our sons and brothers, noble men who
voluntarily
left us without one shilling bounty—what shall be done with these scarred
flags, that tell so bloody but so honorable a tale? They are not in a fit condition
to again be carried to the field. Do we intend to send these men, tried, brave
men, back to battle against rebellious traitors, with no emblems from the home
hearth to urge them on to high, bold deeds? What say you
" Who never set
a squadron in the field,
Nor the division of a battle know,”
but whose purse strings we are sure are ever ready to unloose, and empty out
their wealth, to aid in putting a righteous end to this unnatural war? What
say you gentle ladies? Who will now bear a hand? Shall not a day be appointed
on which you can receive the "old flags," and present to the Regiment
deservedly earned new ones? We know we do not speak in vain.
Letter from Jesse Baxter.
IN THE FIELD, NEAR BERRYVILLE, VA.,
Camp 75th Regt. N. Y. V. V.,
September 10th, 1864.
L. M. GANO, ESQ., ED. WATKINS EXPRESS:—
My Dear Sir:—Through the kindness of some one I have been favored with
a copy of your valuable paper, for which I am very thankful. It was worth half
a dozen letters on account of the "Home News" it contained. It was
like meeting an old friend, and sitting down and having a "long talk." If
parents who have sons in the Army only knew how highly local papers are prized
by the soldiers, they would not hesitate long in sending their County journals
to them every week. The best way to do this is to subscribe for the paper and
have the Editor mail it, and then they are pretty sure to get it.
Allow me to say that the EXPRESS has been very much improved in its typographical
appearance since I last saw it. I think I will not be considered egotistical
when I say "I know whereof I speak."
In reading over the proceedings of the Caucus in the town of Montour, and the
names of the Delegates to the County Convention, it struck me that a certain
gentleman, who has been considered dead, (both mentally and politically,) by
certain individuals at Havana, had suddenly arisen from the tomb.
Politics in the army is at fever heat among the officers and men. MCCLELLAN
stock was above par previous to his nomination, but has since fallen so that
it is not worth over ten cents on the dollar, and is a drug in the market at
that. They can't go the Chicago Platform no-how.
It embraces no stated principles, but is a direct attack upon the Government. "Old
ABE" will receive a hearty support from the "soldier boys" in
the field, and the 75th will not be behind in helping to swell his majority.
For the past four weeks the 18th, 8th and 6th Corps, under command of Gen.
SHERIDAN, have been watching the movements of the Rebel Gen. EARLEY, and I
assure you he needs all the watchfulness which he receives, for, to use the
boys' expression—"he is a sharp-eyed cuss." No general engagement
has yet taken place between the two opposing armies since we arrived in this
Department, but very sharp skirmishing is daily going on, with heavy losses
on both sides. SHERIDAN wants EARLEY to fight him from behind his entrenchments,
but EARLEY does not "see it" in that light, and vice versa. Gen.
EARLEY calls Gen. SHERIDAN'S army "Harper's Weekly," for the reason
that he falls back to Harper's Ferry about once a week. Good "goak" on
SHERIDAN.
In looking over your "Home" column, I noticed the death of Dr. N.
WINTON, of Havana, so long and well known to its citizens, and the Medical
Fraternity at large. His wife ... an affectionate companion, his children ...
and considerate father, and the ... which he lived an exemplary citizen ...
his ashes.
I must now close. Remember me kindly to my friends.
Very Truly Yours, &c.,
JESSE BAXTER.
P. S.—Capt. GEO. MCFARLAN, Commandant of Co. C, who read your article
on the jollification meeting, held by the Democrats at Watkins, over the nomination
of MCCLELLAN, is very anxious to know what VANALLEN did to ACKLEY after VAN'S
return from the Chicago Convention. He imagines that something interesting
must have immediately transpired. J. B.
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New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs: Military History
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September 10, 2007
URL: http://www.dmna.state.ny.us/historic/reghist/civil/infantry/75thInf/75thInfCWN.htm
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