Read Ebook: The Forty-third regiment United States Colored Troops by Mickley Jeremiah Marion

Font size: 10 px 15 px 20 px 25 px 30 px 35 px

Background color: BlackWhiteGrayLight GrayDark GrayDim Gray

Text color: BlackWhiteGrayLight GrayDark GrayDim Gray

Apply/Save settings

Ebook has 133 lines and 16126 words, and 3 pages

orth Anna, May 22d and 23d, 1864; Cold Harbor, June 1st to 3d, 1864; Old Church, June 10th, 1864; Siege of Petersburg, June 18th, 1864; Mine before Petersburg, July 30th, 1864; Weldon Railroad, Aug. 19th and 20th, 1864; Poplar Grove Church, Sept. 29th and 30th, 1864; Hatchie's Run, Oct. 27th and 28th, 1864; heavy skirmish on the Bermuda Front, Dec., 1864; Farra's Island, near Dutch Gap Canal, Jan. 25th, 1865; and capture of Richmond, April 3d, 1865.

LINE OFFICERS.

CAPTAIN JESSE WILKINSON.

This officer, commanding Co. "A." of this Regiment, is a native of Warwickshire, England, who in coming to the United States became a citizen of Brooklyn, New York, where he was engaged in the silk manufacturing business.

He volunteered, July 12th, 1862, as a PRIVATE in Co. "F." 18th Regiment Connecticut Infantry. Upon the organization of his company he was appointed CORPORAL. In the battle of Winchester, June 14th and 15th, 1863, he received a wound in the hand, and was also taken prisoner. He was held by the enemy, in Libby Prison and on Belle Island, until July 13th ensuing. During this incarceration, although the period was comparatively short, he was subjected to those inhuman cruelties practiced on our brave men.

He received the appointment of CAPTAIN in this Regiment, March 8th, 1864, and after reporting at Camp William Penn, Philadelphia, assisted in the organization of Co. "A." "B." "C." and "D." and was assigned to the command of Co. "A." With this he again returned to the active field service in company with the First Battalion. He was present with it in Grant's stirring campaign of the Wilderness, and in all its other actions and duties thereafter. He received a bayonet wound in his left arm while gallantly leading his company in the charge before Petersburg, July 30th, 1864, and when Colonel Hall, being severely wounded, was borne from the field, he took command of the Regiment. This command he retained until relieved by Major Bumstead, who reported Aug. 3rd, 1864. He has been acting Field Officer on a number of occasions; Judge Advocate of General Court Martial at Headquarters of the 2nd Brig., 4th Div. of the 9th Corps; and member of General Court Martial at Headquarters of the 1st Brig. 3rd Div. of the same Corps. His company, which has always preserved an excellent name for good discipline, efficiency and bravery in action, presents the highest compliment that can be bestowed upon this worthy commander.

He has taken part in the following engagements, viz.: heavy skirmish at Winchester, Va., June 13th, 1863; Winchester, June 14th and 15th, 1863; Wilderness, May 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th, 1864; Spottsylvania May 7th to 15th, 1864; Tolopotomy Creek, May 19th and 20th, 1864; North Anna, May 22nd, and 23d, 1864; Cold Harbor, June 1st to 3rd, 1864; Old Church, June 10th, 1864; Siege of Petersburg, June 18th, 1864; Mine before Petersburg, July 30th, 1864; Weldon Railroad, Aug. 19th and 20th, 1864; Poplar Grove Church, Sept. 29th and 30th, 1864; Hatchie's Run, Oct. 27th and 28th, 1864; heavy skirmish on the Bermuda Front, in Dec. 1864; Farra's Island at Dutch Gap Canal, Jan. 25th, 1865; and capture of Richmond, April 3d, 1865.

FIRST LIEUT. JAMES T. HAYMAN.

FIRST LIEUTENANT JAMES T. HAYMAN of Co. "A." was a native of England. It is known in the history of this war that he was associated with the 4th N.Y. Heavy Artillery, in which he had first enlisted as a PRIVATE. He received the appointment of FIRST LIEUTENANT of this Regt. May 15th, 1864, and was assigned to Co. "A." In the battle of the Mine before Petersburg, July 30th, 1864, he was killed by a ball which penetrated his skull.

For history of 1st Lieut. JAS. O'BRIEN, see history of Capt. of Co. C.

In the absence of any particulars of his military history, we are able to furnish only this imperfect sketch. He is however spoken of as an officer of ability and bravery, and who has given the full measure of devotion to his adopted country.

FIRST LIEUT. JAMES SCULLEY.

FIRST LIEUTENANT JAMES SCULLEY of Co. "A," is a native of New York City, and the only son of a pa triotic widow who departed this life before the termination of the rebellion, and who, therefore, could not extend to him on his return the happy welcome. She died during his absence in the field.

He volunteered Aug., 1861, as a PRIVATE in Co. "K" 10th N.Y. Infantry, and was promoted to CORPORAL in his Co. May 1862, for good discipline and efficiency. He was wounded in left hand, by which he lost one finger of hand, and in left hip at the battle of Chancellorsville, May 3d, 1863, where he was also particularly mentioned for his great bravery. He received the appointment of SECOND LIEUTENANT of this Regt., March 7th, 1864, and was assigned to Co. "A." He was again severely wounded in the right leg at the battle of the Mine before Petersburg, July 30th, 1864, and had his sword broken in his hand by a shot from the enemy as he was gallantly pressing forward in the charge. For his distinguished service and bravery in that action he received the promotion to FIRST LIEUTENANT of the same Co. Aug. 9th, 1864. He has served on detached service at Camp Casey, Va. and on Military Court Martial at Harrisburg, Pa. His ability and bravery as an officer are well attested.

The following are engagements in which he has participated, viz.: Gaines' Hill, June 27th, 1862; Malvern Hill, June 30th, 1862; Second Bull Run, Aug. 30th, 1862; Antietam, Sept. 17th, 1862; heavy skirmish towards Fredericksburg, Oct. 1862; Fredericksburg, Dec. 13th and 14th, 1862; Chancellorsville, May 3d and 4th, 1863; Wilderness, May 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th, 1864; Spottsylvania, May 7th to 15th, 1864; Tolopotomy Creek, May 19th and 20th, 1864; North Anna, May 22nd and 23d, 1864; Cold Harbor, June 1st to 3d, 1864; Old Church, June 10th, 1864; Siege of Petersburg, June 18th, 1864; Mine before Petersburg, July 30th, 1864; Weldon Railroad, Aug. 19th and 20th, 1864; Poplar Grove Church, Sept. 29th and 30th, 1864; Hatchie's Run, Oct. 27th and 28th, 1864; heavy skirmish on the Bermuda Front, Dec., 1864; Farra's Island, near Dutch Gap Canal, Jan. 25th, 1863; and capture of Richmond, April 3d, 1865.

SECOND LIEUT. JAMES ROANTREE.

SECOND LIEUTENANT JAMES ROANTREE, assigned to Co. "A." to occupy a vacancy occasioned by promotion of Second Lieut. Sculley, was a native of England, who had become a citizen of Clockville, N.Y. It is known that he was a CORPORAL associated with the 141st N.Y. Vols., and that he had participated in a number of engagements in connection with that command. At the battle of Gettysburg, July 1st, 2d and 3d, 1863, he was severely wounded in the foot.

He received the appointment of Second Lieutenant of this Regt., Sept. 25th, 1864. In the battle of Hatchie's Run, Oct. 27th and 28th, 1864, he was killed by a shot in the head from the enemy. He was highly spoken of, as an officer of fine ability and most excellent moral character, who sealed his devotion to his adopted country with his life.

SECOND LIEUT. CHARLES H. KIMBALL.

SECOND LIEUTENANT CHARLES H. KIMBALL assigned to Co. "A.", on account of vacancy by death of Second Lieut. James Roantree, is a native of Carthage, N.Y., whose grand-father, Richard Kimball, was a soldier of the war of 1812. He received the appointment of SECOND LIEUTENANT in this Regt., Nov. 9th, 1864, and was assigned to Co. A. He was constantly on duty with the command from the date of his reporting to its final discharge from service, and was greatly esteemed for his sobriety and exemplary conduct.

He has taken part in the following actions, viz.: heavy skirmish on Bermuda Front, Dec., 1864; Farra's Island, at Dutch Gap Canal, Jan. 25th, 1865; and capture of Richmond, April 3d, 1865.

CAPTAIN JOHN D. BROWN.

CAPTAIN JOHN D. BROWN, commanding Co. B., is a native of Uxbridge, Mass. His grand-father was the boy-patriot of the Revolution, who entered the ranks fighting for Independence when only fifteen years of age, and who obtained for himself a bright record. The Captain entered the United States service first, Aug. 8th, 1862, as a volunteer PRIVATE in Co. D., 18th Conn. Infantry. He received the appointment of Captain in this Regt., March 8th, 1862, and was assigned to the command of Co. B. His service with this command extends throughout Grant's Wilderness campaign of 1864, and in the subsequent actions, in which the Regt., was engaged to the close of the war.

At the time of the terrible battle of the Mine before Petersburg, July 30th, 1864, this officer was entirely unfit for duty by reason of severe illness, but notwithstanding this indisposition he most patriotically declined remaining in the Hospital, and gallantly led his Co. in the Charge on that day. He there received a wound in the breast. His company, which was always specially complimented for its great bravery in action, was inspired to do noble deeds by the example of this able and patriotic commander.

He has shared in the following battles; viz.: Winchester, June 14th and 15th, 1863; Wilderness, May 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th, 1864; Spottsylvania May 7th to 15th, 1864; Tolopotomy Creek, May 19th and 20th, 1864; North Anna, May 22nd, and 23rd, 1864; Cold Harbor, June 1st to 3rd, 1864; Old Church, June 10th, 1864; Siege of Petersburg, June 18th, 1864; Mine before Petersburg, July 30th, 1864; Weldon Railroad, Aug. 19th and 20th, 1864; Poplar Grove Church, Sept. 29th and 30th, 1864; Hatchie's Run, Oct. 27th and 28th, 1864; heavy skirmish on the Bermuda Front, in Dec. 1864; Farra's Island at Dutch Gap Canal, Jan. 25th, 1865; and capture of Richmond, April 3d, 1865.

FIRST LIEUT, L. H. PARKHURST.

FIRST LIEUTENANT L. H. PARKHURST of Co. B., is a native of Hammonton, N.J. He volunteered Aug. 1862, as a PRIVATE in Co. I, 24th N.J. Infantry, and received a severe wound in the right shoulder at the battle of Fredericksburg, Dec. 13th and 14th, 1862. His history in connection with the 24th N.J., is one of most worthy distinction. He obtained the appointment of FIRST LIEUTENANT of this Regt. March 8th, 1864, and was assigned to Co. B. He has also served a considerable time as Commanding Officer of Co. C. His intrepidity and gallantry in each and every action in which he has been engaged, have won for him a deserving meed of praise and thanks.

He has participated in the following actions, viz.: Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13th and 14th 1862; Chancellorsville, May 3d and 4th, 1864; Wilderness, May 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th, 1864: Spottsylvania, May 7th to 15th, 1864; Tolopotomy Creek, May 19th and 20th, 1864; North Anna, May 22nd and 23rd, 1864; Cold Harbor, June 1st to 3rd, 1864; Old Church, June 10th, 1864; Siege of Petersburg, June 18th, 1864; Mine before Petersburg July 30th, 1864; Weldon Railroad, Aug. 19th and 20th, 1864; Poplar Grove Church, Sept. 29th and 30th, 1864; Hatchie's Run, Oct. 27th and 28th, 1864; heavy skirmish on Bermuda Front, Dec., 1864; Farra's Island, near Dutch Gap Canal, Jan. 25th, 1865; and capture of Richmond, April 3rd, 1865.

SECOND LIEUT. J. W. STEELE.

SECOND LIEUTENANT J. W. STEELE, of Co. B., is a citizen of Kansas. He was appointed SECOND LIEUTENANT in this command, March 16th, 1864. He received a severe wound in the left shoulder at the battle of the Mine before Petersburg, July 30th, 1864, and for his gallant service in that engagement promoted to FIRST LIEUTENANT, and appointed ADJUTANT of the Regiment Oct. 27th, 1864. He was honorably discharged upon tender and acceptance of his resignation, Feb., 1865.

SECOND LIEUT. CHARLES WICKWARE.

He has shared in the following engagements, viz: Lee's Mill, Va., April 16th, 1862; Williamsburg, May, 5th, 1862; Golden's Farm, June 28th, 1862; Savage Station, June 29th, 1862; second Fredericksburg and Salem Heights, May 3d and 4th, 1863; heavy skirmish at Franklin Crossing, June 5th and 6th, 1863; Gettysburg, Pa., July 1st, 2d and 3rd, 1863; heavy skirmish at Funkstown, Md., July 10th, 1863; heavy skirmish at Gainesville, Oct., 1863; Locust Grove, Nov. 24th, 1863; Wilderness, May 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th, 1864; and capture of Richmond, April 3d, 1865.

CAPT. JAMES O'BRIEN.

CAPTAIN JAMES O'BRIEN, assigned to command of Co. C., to occupy the vacancy made by the promotion of Capt. Bates to Maj. of 45th U.S.C.T., is a native of Glenlough, Ireland, and the son of a widow. Upon coming to this country he became a citizen of Maulius, N.Y. In the early stage of the war he volunteered as a PRIVATE in Co. I, 61st N.Y. Infantry. At the battle of Fair Oaks, June 1st, 1862, he was severely wounded in the arm, but continued heroically on the field to the close of the action. At the battle of Charles City Cross Roads, June 30th, 1862, he received a severe wound penetrating the left shoulder; and having been left on the field, helpless and weak by loss of blood, he was taken prisoner. His wound became alarmingly dangerous, by reason of his cruel imprisonment in Libby Prison. He was paroled, June 31st, and removed to Satterlee Hospital, Phila. Little hope was entertained about his recovery. While yet in the Hospital, and after he had slightly improved, he resumed his studies with a view to a collegiate course he had before contemplated. The way also appeared open for the fulfillment of his purpose in this particular, as the necessity of his discharge was decided upon. He afterwards, however, concluded if possible to return to the field. Much praise is due this maimed soldier for his patriotic determination. Before leaving the Hospital he obtained the promotion to SECOND LIEUTENANT of his Co. This honor, won by so many acts of distinguished bravery, he was unable to accept at that time, on account of his severe disability.

He was appointed FIRST LIEUTENANT of this Regt., March 8th, 1864, and assigned to Co. A. He received the appointment of ADJUTANT of this command, April 1st, 1864, and in this position he accompanied it to the front in the army of the Potomac. In the terrible battle of the Mine before Petersburg, July 30th, 1864, and the charge by this Regt., he received another severe wound in the left shoulder. For his great gallantry in this action he is particularly mentioned by both his Regimental and Brigade Commanders, and for which, also, he was promoted to CAPTAIN by the President of the United States. He was afterwards detailed as Post Adjutant and Recruiting Officer for the North Eastern District of Va., at Camp Casey. He remained there until by order the Recruiting Rendezvous was discontinued, when he reported to the Regt., then on the Front Line before Richmond, and was assigned to the command of Co. C.

He has served as A.A.A.G. at Headquarters of the 3d Brig. 1st Div. 25th Corps, and also at same Headquarters, as Acting Asst. Inspector General, up to date of order returning this Regt. for final muster-out and discharge. This officer remained in the active field service to the close of the war, although continuing to suffer very much by reason of his wounds, which were but partially healed and very painful. He has proved himself as brave as he is efficient.

The following are engagements in which he has participated, viz.: heavy skirmish at Rappahannock Bridge, March, 1862; Siege of Yorktown, May, 1862; Williamsburg, May 5th, 1864; Fair Oaks, June 1st, 1862; Peach Orchard, June 28th, 1862; Savage Station, June 29th, 1862; Charles City Cross Roads, June 30th, 1862; Wilderness, May 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th, 1864; Spottsylvania, May 7th to 15th, 1864; Tolopotomy Creek, May 19th and 20th, 1864; North Anna, May 22d and 23d, 1864; Cold Harbor, June 1st to 3d, 1864; Old Church, June 10th, 1864; Siege of Petersburg, June 18th, 1864; Mine before Petersburg, July 30th, 1864; capture of Richmond, April 3d, 1865.

FIRST LIEUT, W. E. PALMER.

FIRST LIEUT. W. E. PALMER, who was assigned to Co. C, to occupy a vacancy made by the promotion of First Lieut. Daggett to Quarter Master of the Regiment, is a native of Utica, N.Y., and the only son of a widow. His grand-father, Elias Palmer, held the position of Sergeant in the war of the Revolution. He volunteered Aug. 2nd, 1862 as a PRIVATE in Co. G, 146th N.Y. Infantry. In connection with this command he displayed the ability and bravery of a good soldier. He received the appointment of FIRST LIEUTENANT of this Regiment, July 21st, 1864. At the battle of Hatchie's Run, Oct. 27th and 28th, 1864, he was wounded in the right arm. He has served on detached service as a member of General Court Martial at Headquarter of 1st Div. 25th Corps. As an officer he is esteemed by all acquainted with him.

He has taken part in the following actions, viz.: Fredericksburg, Dec. 13th and 14th, 1862; Chancellorsville, May 3d and 4th, 1863; Gettysburg, July 2nd and 3rd, 1863; heavy skirmish at Williamsport, July 9th, 1863; skirmish near Ellicott's Mills, July 7th, 1864; Hatchie's Run, Oct. 27th and 28th, 1864; heavy skirmish on Bermuda Front, Dec., 1864; Farra's Island, at Dutch Gap Canal, Jan. 25th, 1865; and capture of Richmond, April 3d, 1865.

SECOND LIEUT. W. F. SILVERWOOD.

SECOND LIEUTENANT W. F. SILVERWOOD, of Co. C, was appointed to this rank March 7th, 1864. This brave officer commanded his Company in the storming of the Mine before Petersburg, July 30th, 1864, and was severely wounded in his left arm and side. He was honorably discharged, Dec. 5th, 1864, by reason of his wounds, received in the above mentioned action.

SECOND LIEUT. J. WHEATLEY.

SECOND LIEUT. J. WHEATLEY, who was assigned to Co. C, to fill a vacancy by discharge of Second Lieutenant Silverwood, is a native of Syracuse, N.Y., and the son of a widow. He enlisted, Aug. 26th, 1861, as a BUGLER, in Co. I, 3d N.Y. Cav., and received a severe wound on his left thigh at the Siege of Little Washington, July 16th, 1863. His name is associated with all that is truly distinguished in his services with this Cavalry. He received the appointment of SECOND LIEUTENANT of this Regiment, Dec. 31st, 1864. Besides his duties in this Company, he commanded Co. E, 19th U.S.C.T., and was in this command, April 3d, 1865, at the capture of Richmond.

He has participated in the following engagements, viz.: Ball's Bluff, 1861; Winchester, May 25th, 1862; Little Washington, N.C., June 1863; Kingston; White Hall, Tarborough, Robb's Mills, Mine before Petersburg, July 30th, 1864; skirmish on Wilson's Raid; skirmish around Richmond, and capture of Richmond, April 3d, 1865.

CAPT. B. B. BLACKMAN.

CAPT. B. B. BLACKMAN, commander of Co. D, is a native of Norwich, Conn. He volunteered July 26th, 1862, as a PRIVATE in Co. C, 18th Conn. Infantry. While gallantly assaulting the enemies position in the action of Winchester, Va., June 14th and 15th, 1863, he was taken prisoner. In his confinement in Libby Prison and on Belle Isle, he shared the usual Confederate fare and inhuman treatment visited upon our brave men by that self-styled chivalry of the South. He received the appointment of CAPTAIN of this Regiment, March 8th, 1864, and was assigned to the command of Co. D. In this capacity he returned to the field with his Company, and was present in the campaign of 1864 in the Wilderness. He has served as Recorder of Military Commission at Headquarters 3d Div. 9th Corps in 1864; member of General Court Martial at Headquarters 1st Div. 25th Corps March, 1865; and member of Military Commission for Western District of Texas, convened at Brownsville, Texas, and which occupied the place of Civil Court, Aug. and Sept., 1865. This officer possesses a fine order of talent, and the encomiums that have been pronounced in favor of his Company are also true compliments to its worthy commander.

He has been in the following engagements, viz.: Winchester, June 14th and 15th, 1863; Wilderness, May 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th, 1864; Spottsylvania, May 7th to 15th, 1864; Tolopotomy Creek, May 19th and 20th, 1864; North Anna, May 22nd, and 23rd, 1864; Cold Harbor, June 1st to 3rd, 1864; Old Church, June 10th, 1864; Siege of Petersburg, June 18th, 1864; Mine before Petersburg, July 30th, 1864; Weldon Railroad, Aug. 19th and 20th, 1864; Poplar Grove Church, Sept. 29th and 30th, 1864; Hatchie's Run, Oct. 27th and 28th, 1864; heavy skirmish on the Bermuda Front, in Dec. 1864; Farra's Island, at Dutch Gap Canal, Jan. 25th, 1865; and capture of Richmond, April 3d, 1865.

FIRST. LIEUT, J. C. HANKEY.

FIRST LIEUT. J. C. HANKEY, assigned to Co. D, is a native of Gettysburg, Pa., and a regular graduate of Pennsylvania College, situated at that place. His grand-father was a soldier who greatly distinguished himself in the war of 1812. The Lieutenant volunteered Aug. 20th, 1862 as a PRIVATE in Co. G, 138th Pa. Infantry. In Nov., 1862, for good discipline and efficiency he was promoted to CORPORAL in his Co. He was appointed Acting Hospital Steward of his Regiment, July 2d, 1863, and continued in the duties of this office until honorably discharged in order to accept his appointment of SECOND LIEUTENANT in this Regiment, which dates March 7th, 1864. In the organization of the 138th Pa. Regt. he always manifested, in an eminent degree, the gallantry and high toned principles of a soldier. After serving a while with distinction in this Regiment he became Ambulance Officer of the 2d Brig. 4th Div. 9th Corps, and also Chief of Ambulance and Acting Assistant Quarter Master of the 1st Div. 25th Corps. During the expedition of this Corps from City Point, Va., to Texas, he was the Senior Commanding Officer of the vessel "Glaucus." He received the appointment of FIRST LIEUTENANT of this Regiment, May 30th, 1865, and by special written request of the Commanding Officer he was relieved from his other duties in order to report to this command. This officer has discharged the duties of his respective positions with so much executive ability and faithfulness as to receive great praise from his superiors and the Department.

For history of FIRST. LIEUT. EZRA S. DEAN, see history of Adjutant Dean of this Regiment.

Share on: WhatsApp @Hash Facebook Tweet