The Story Of The Thirty-Third N. Y. S. Vols - free ebook by David Wright Judd

THE STORY OF THE THIRTY-THIRD N. Y. S. VOLS: OR TWO YEARS CAMPAIGNING IN VIRGINIA AND MARYLAND.

BY DAVID W. JUDD, (Correspondent of the New York Times.) Illustrations from Drawings by Lieut. L. C. Mix. ROCHESTER: BENTON &amp; ANDREWS, 29 BUFFALO STREET. 1864....

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PREFACE.

This volume does not propose to review the causes, rise and progress of the unhappy civil strife, which for more than two years has rent our land; neither is it designed to describe all the operations which have marked the war in the single department of Virginia and Maryland. It aims merely, as the title page indicates, at giving a narrative of one of the many Regiments which the Empire State has sent into the field, together with a description of the various campaigns in which it participated.

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INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.

The period through which we are now passing, may properly be said to comprise one of the three great epochs which, according to Voltaire, mark the history of every nation. Nay more. Have not the providential developments of the rebellion revealed a new goal in our national progress? Instead of being a dire calamity, may we not rather consider the present civil war as a means, in the hand of Divine Providence, for the solution of a great moral problem—the overthrow of slavery? So completely had t

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COMPANY ORGANIZATIONS.

On the reception of the news that the rebels had deliberately begun hostilities in Charleston Harbor, the utmost excitement was occasioned in the quiet village of Seneca Falls. Meetings were held in the Public Hall, under the auspices of prominent citizens, and immediate steps taken for the raising of volunteers. An agent was at once dispatched to Albany, in order to secure the necessary authority for organizing a company. The inhabitants aided materially with their funds and influence in furthe

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CHAPTER II.

The reader will remember that Elmira had been designated as the point of rendezvous for volunteers from the central and western portions of the State. Battalions, Companies and squads flocked hither daily, and were consolidated into regiments. In this manner the 12th, 13th, 19th, 21st, 23rd, 26th and 27th, among other regiments, were formed. The plan and arrangements for consolidation were to a certain extent left with the various commands, each one being permitted to select and act upon its own

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CHAPTER III.

About noon on Tuesday, the 8th, the Companies marched down to the depot, preceded by the Elmira Cornet Band, which had been attached to the Regiment. Two hours later they moved away, amidst tremendous cheering from the assembled multitude, waving of handkerchiefs, throwing of bouquets, &amp;c. On reaching Williamsport, Pa., the ladies of the place crowded around the cars, showering oranges, apples, cakes and other edibles upon the men, filling their canteens with coffee, and in other ways di

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CHAPTER IV.

Removal to Vicinity of Chain Bridge.—Upsetting of Ambulances.—The Regiment Brigaded.—Frequent Alarms and Reconnoissances.—Reviewed by General McClellan.—Crossing of the Potomac.—Forts Marcy and Ethan Allen.—Formation of Divisions.—Colonel Stevens.—First Skirmish with the Enemy at Lewinsville Camp.—General Brooks.—General Davidson.—The Seventy-seventh New York added to the Brigade.—A Novel Wedding in Camp.—Circulating a Temperance Pledge.—Battle of Drainesville. Thursday, July 6th, the Regiment b

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CHAPTER V.

The grand review by Gen. McClellan took place while the Thirty-third was encamped at Camp Griffin; the troops, over seventy thousand, were assembled at Bailey’s Cross-Roads, early in the day, to await the arrival of their Chief. Towards noon Gen. McClellan appeared, accompanied by the President and other distinguished personages, and as the party rode along in front of the line, cheer after cheer rent the air. Having assumed a stationary position on an elevated spot, the various commands passed

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CHAPTER VI.

On the 10th of March the Army of the Potomac unfurled its banners, and began the forward march. Comprised of legions of brave men perfected in discipline through long months of drill; supplied with everything pertaining to the material of war, and headed by a General the very mention of whose name inspired to deeds of daring—in this grand army were centred the Nation’s hopes. The long delay was ended, the public pulse quickened, and with light heart and elastic step the volunteer moved away, con

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CHAPTER VII.

Troops continued to arrive in large numbers from Washington, and on the 4th of April, the entire army commenced moving in the direction of Yorktown, appearing the next day in front of the enemy’s lines. During the afternoon of the 4th the Thirty-third reached Young’s Mills, which the enemy had left in the morning. Their position here had been a very strong one; in addition to the natural defences of the place, they had thrown up heavy earthworks, constructed seven rifle pits, and placed four bat

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CHAPTER VIII. BATTLE OF WILLIAMSBURG, FOUGHT MONDAY, MAY 5.

After crossing Warwick Creek, Sunday, May 4th, Smith’s Division immediately pushed forward in pursuit of the fleeing enemy. The Thirty-third was ordered to halt near one of the rebel works, and, owing to the forgetfulness of an Aid, did not resume the march again until 5 o’clock P.M. Darkness coming on, and not being able to ascertain the whereabouts of the Division, the Regiment bivouaced for the night seven miles east of Williamsburg. Several months before, the enemy had constructed a line of

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CHAPTER IX.

The retreat of the enemy left Williamsburg in our possession. No place in the Old Dominion is fraught with more historic interest than this city, it having been the first incorporated town in the State; the Capital until 1769, and the seat of the Royal Government prior to the revolution of 1776. It is now the Capital of James City County, situated midway between the James and York Rivers, sixty miles east of Richmond and sixty-eight north-west of Norfolk. Among other public buildings is the Insa

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CHAPTER X. BATTLE OF MECHANICSVILLE.

Two days later Gen. Stoneman pushed forward with cavalry and artillery, on a bold reconnoissance toward the rebel capital. Gen. Davidson’s Brigade followed, as a support, the rest of the Division remaining behind. About four o’clock in the afternoon, the General fell in with the enemy—“Howell Cobb’s Brigade”—who retreated after a few shots had been exchanged. Stoneman again moved forward, halting for the night just east of Beaver Dam Creek, and the Brigade, crossing over, took up position on an

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CHAPTER XI.

Davidson’s brigade again moved from Beaver Dam Creek, on the 26th of May, down the left bank of the Chickahominy (the enemy throwing a few shells at them as they marched), and encamped on “Gaines’ Farm,” where they remained until the 5th of June, performing picket duty and building corduroy roads. Not far from here was “Liberty Hall,” where Patrick Henry was born, May 29, 1736. The building, which his father had used as a grammar school, was now appropriated for a National Hospital, and the litt

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CHAPTER XII.

Soon after reaching “Camp Lincoln,” the Thirty-third was set to work on a formidable redoubt, since known as “Fort Davidson,” and likewise constructed numerous rifle-pits. The enemy daily threw shot and shell at our encampments, apparently for mere pastime, many of them striking among the tents. On one occasion a round shot, passing entirely over the officers’ quarters, killed Dr. Spencer’s Orderly in the rear. Not long after another came whizzing through the air, and carried away the shoulder b

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CHAPTER XIII. BATTLE OF GOLDEN’S FARM.

During the following morning, Saturday, June 28th, Col. Taylor, in accordance with orders from Gen. Smith, moved with a portion of his command to relieve and support the picket line, then within two hundred yards of the enemy, leaving the remainder in camp, under command of acting Adjutant Tyler, to strike tents, secure baggage, &amp;c., preparatory to retreating. The men had hardly reached the picket line before the confederates opened a heavy artillery fire from twenty pieces, which was ma

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CHAPTER XIV.

Our army was now in full retreat, the right wing following the left, and both sweeping away to the James. The rebel capital beleagured, pressed, girt round about by a living wall, and just within our grasp, once more breathes freely. The siege is raised, the tide of war rolled back from her gates, and the black flag of rebellion waves in triumph. It was a sad and humiliating day for our brave boys, when gathering up effects and shouldering muskets, they turned their backs on the city. For weeks

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CHAPTER XV.

Col. Taylor succeeded to the command of the Brigade. The distance to the bridge was represented as being inconsiderable, and the troops plodded wearily along, congratulating themselves that they should soon reach a resting place; but hour after hour of the long night passed, and no bridge appeared. Owing to the darkness and confusion, the commands became mingled together, Regiments losing their Brigades, and soldiers their Regiments. It was now the fourth night the men had been without sleep, wh

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CHAPTER XVI.

So successfully had the pickets, who were left to cover the withdrawal, performed their part, that it was not discovered by the enemy in time to pursue. Before morning, however, a fresh danger encountered the Division, which now constituted the rear of the army. Another portion of the enemy, under Huger, had gained possession of the road ahead of us, thereby cutting off the retreat. Some, nearly exhausted by the arduous labors of the four days previous, were well nigh discouraged on receipt of t

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CHAPTER XVII.

Reinforcements began to come up the river, so that in a few days the army numbered one hundred and twenty thousand men. On the morning of the 8th President Lincoln arrived unexpectedly from Fortress Monroe, and was welcomed with a salute of thirty-two guns. After spending a few hours at Headquarters, he proceeded to review the various commands, accompanied by General McClellan. As he rode along the lines, and observed the thinned ranks and torn and tattered flags, he exhibited much emotion. The

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CHAPTER XVIII.

On the following day, the Thirty-third and other Regiments of the Third Brigade embarked at Fortress Monroe, on board the steamers Vanderbilt and Empire City, and came to anchor the same evening at Acquia Creek. The design in sending them here was to reinforce General Burnside, who had already arrived, and held Fredericksburg with a large force. As affairs were assuming a threatening attitude around Washington, it was deemed best, however, to withdraw all the troops from Fredericksburg and vicin

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CHAPTER XIX.

Soon after the troops fell back, Gen. Pope was relieved, at his own request, and Gen. McClellan re-instated as Major General commanding. He immediately commenced the labor of re-organizing the army. The lull which followed, and absence of the enemy from our immediate front, boded no good. The news, therefore, which soon reached Washington, that the rebels had made their appearance near Edward’s Ferry, was not wholly unexpected. Friday night, Sept. 5th, they crossed the Potomac and occupied Frede

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CHAPTER XX. THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM, FOUGHT WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 17TH.

The battle of Antietam was the first substantial victory which crowned the labors of the Army of the Potomac. Williamsburg, Fair Oaks and Malvern were all victories, but productive of no immediate results. Fought on ground of the enemy’s choosing, and under the disadvantages which always attend the assailing party, it was a decisive struggle, stemming the tide of invasion and rolling back to their rebellious territory Lee’s boasted legions, the who had come to “free” “My Maryland.” A single regr

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CHAPTER XXI.

One forgets the horrors of war in the roar of artillery and shock of contending thousands, but when the field is afterwards surveyed, we realize how fearful, how terrible is the calamity. The falling back of the enemy left the battle-field of Antietam in our possession, with all its heart-rending and melancholy scenes. Scattered over a space of four miles, were men with uniforms of blue, and uniforms of gray, exhibiting all the frightful mutilations which the human body can suffer. Shot through

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CHAPTER XXII.

Two days after the battle, General Smith’s Division moved up the river near to Williamsport, to reinforce General Couch, it being reported that the enemy were re-crossing the Potomac at that point. The Thirty-third commenced marching at ten o’clock in the evening, joining General Couch at daylight. Two thousand rebel cavalry had forded the river, but upon finding us in force, retired. About four miles in the rear, the Pennsylvania Militia were drawn up in line of battle across the turnpike leadi

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CHAPTER XXIII.

Saturday, October 11th, the Thirty-third left the vicinity of Bakersville and encamped near Hagerstown, which is a thriving village of some four thousand inhabitants. It is the county-seat of Washington County, Maryland, which has sent 1,600 men to the war. The Herald and Torch , a staunch Union paper, is published here, and the people, with but few exceptions, are thoroughly loyal. During the first year of the rebellion a secession sheet was issued, but the people becoming exasperated, compelle

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CHAPTER XXIV.

Gen. McClellan took his departure for Washington on a special train from Warrenton, Tuesday noon, and Gen. Burnside assumed command, after issuing the following address: “In accordance with General Orders No. 182, issued by the President of the United States, I hereby assume command of the Army of the Potomac. Patriotism and the exercise of my every energy in the direction of this army, aided by the full and hearty co-operation of its officers and men, will, I hope, under the blessing of God, en

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CHAPTER XXV.

During the first few days the rations were drawn from Acquia Landing with teams, but heavy rains coming on, the wheeling became terrible. Pioneers were accordingly set to work building corduroy roads, and in a week’s time constructed seven miles of them. On the 28th the bridge over the Potomac Creek, ninety feet in length, was completed, and the cars immediately commenced running, bringing up plenty of supplies of every description. This structure, in addition to numerous other works, had been d

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CHAPTER XXVI.

At length everything was in readiness, and during Wednesday evening, December 11th, the advance movement was begun. All night long, the rumbling of artillery could be heard, as numerous batteries moved to the Rappahannock and were planted along the bank. One after another, the long, phantom-like pontoons descended the hillsides, and were unloaded near the points designated for crossings. Four bridges were to be thrown, the first a few yards above the Lacey House, which fronts the main street of

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CHAPTER XXVII. BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURG, FOUGHT SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13TH.

Battle-field of the Left Grand Division. Franklin’s troops slept upon their arms that night, little dreaming of the fierce conflict of the morrow. At an early hour Saturday morning, it became evident that the enemy, instead of having fallen back, were concentrating their forces, with the design of giving us battle. The sun rose clear in the heavens, though the mist and fog of a late Indian summer enveloped the plain. The air was mild and balmy as on a September day, and the fifty thousand men wh

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CHAPTER XXVIII.

The dawn of Sunday found the left Grand Division arranged in much the same order of the day previous. The Thirty-third still held the position which it had occupied during the afternoon. An attack from the enemy was now hourly expected, but they made no demonstrations, and what was most inexplicable to Gen. Franklin and every one else, failed to open their guns planted along the crest, and completely sweeping every part of the plain. The men rested on their arms, and the day was spent in removin

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CHAPTER XXIX.

The weather continued to be very open and favorable for offensive operations, and accordingly, on the 20th of January, General Burnside began another forward movement. His plan this time was to cross the Rappahannock several miles above Falmouth, and turn the enemy’s left wing. Monday morning, the left Grand Division was put in motion, reaching Banks’ Ford—the spot designed for crossing—the same day. One of the most terrible storms the Army ever experienced set in that night and continued until

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CHAPTER XXX.

Winter had now passed, and the warm, genial days of April were fast drying up the roads, and rendering the resumption of operations practicable. Four months had rolled away since the bloody struggle under Burnside, during which the army had recuperated its energies, recovered its morale , and been reinforced by numerous accessions of troops. Believing, with Frederick the Great, that a soldier’s pluck lies in his stomach, Gen. Hooker had added fresh bread, potatoes and other esculents to the alre

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CHAPTER XXXI. THE STORMING OF FREDERICKSBURG HEIGHTS. SUNDAY, MAY 3, 1863.

Sunday, May 3d, was a proud day for the Union arms—the boasted Heights of Fredericksburg were stormed by our brave boys, and the Stars and Stripes planted triumphantly over that “Gibraltar of America.” Whatever the result of the fighting in the rear, that in front crowned our arms with imperishable renown. “This crest of hills,” wrote the London Times’ correspondent, after the battle under Burnside, “constitute one of the strongest positions in the world—impregnable to any attack from the front.

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CHAPTER XXXII. BATTLES OF SALEM HEIGHTS.

After resting for a brief period on the summit of the Heights, the Corps pushed rapidly up the turnpike leading to Chancellorsville, no effort being made to take possession of the still higher ridge at the left, to which a portion of the enemy had retreated, and were now tossing an occasional shell at us. The country presented a beautiful appearance, with its green meadows and vast fields of cereals stretching out in every direction. Gen. Brooks’ Division, which now took the advance, moved rapid

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CHAPTER XXXIII.

Gen. Stoneman fully accomplished the object of his expedition by destroying the railroad bridge, but owing to the defeat of the army, no material advantage resulted from his labors. So terminated the second bloody campaign of the Rappahannock. The reader who has followed us through the various operations, will readily fix upon two main circumstances, as contributing to our defeat—the breaking of the Eleventh Corps at Chancellorsville, and the failure to take possession of the upper range of hill

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CHAPTER XXXIV.

Tuesday, May 12th, Colonel Taylor brought the welcome intelligence to the Regiment, that they were to go home on the coming Friday. The order for their departure was accompanied by the following addresses from the Corps, Division, and Brigade Generals. Headquarters Sixth Army Corps , May 13, 1863. Special Order No. 120. 5. The term of service of the Thirty-third New York Volunteers having expired, they will proceed at once to Elmira, New York, the place of enrolment, where they will be mustered

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CHAPTER XXXV.

On the following Monday, May 25th, the Regiment proceeded to Canandaigua, where a splendid ovation was received at the hands of the citizens. The most extensive preparations had been made and the people flocked in by hundreds from the surrounding country to welcome home their own “Ontario Regiment.” The train, consisting of ten coaches, reached the depot at nine o’clock, where an immense crowd of people were assembled to catch a first glimpse of the heroes of Williamsburg and Marye’s Heights. Af

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COLONEL ROBERT F. TAYLOR

Was born in Erie, Pa., June 19th, 1826. He attended school until fifteen years of age, when he became employed as an apprentice in the clothing business. In 1843 he proceeded to Toronto, Canada, remaining there until the spring of 1845. After spending several months in travelling, he settled in Rochester, and during the following December associated himself with the Rochester Union Grays. April 14th, 1847, he enlisted in Captain Wilder’s Company, 10th Infantry, and was appointed Orderly Sergeant

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LIEUTENANT-COLONEL J. W. CORNING

Was born in Yarmouth, North Scotia, Nov. 4th, 1813, and when eleven years of age removed with his parents to Rochester. The father losing all of his property by an extensive conflagration, the son was thrown on his own resources, and resorted to various shifts for a livelihood. In 1829 he joined a military organization, and devoted much time to the manual. During a part of the years 1833 and 1834, he resided in Waterloo, where he was elected Captain of a Company of Fusileers. In the spring of 18

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MAJOR JOHN S. PLATNER

Was born at Clyde, Wayne County, March 23, 1837. During the month of April, 1857, he proceeded to Geneva, and became Assistant Postmaster. On the following June he entered the Dry Goods House of S. S. Cobb as accountant, and in the spring of 1859 became a partner. When the Geneva Company was organized he enlisted as a private, his name being the second on the roll, and was unanimously elected First Lieutenant. On the promotion of Captain Walker to the Lieutenant-Colonelcy of the Regiment, Capt.

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ADJUTANT CHARLES T. SUTTON

Was born in the city of New York, in the year 1830. He marched to the defence of Washington, April 17th, 1861, with the famous Seventh Regiment, of which he had long been a member, and on returning, received his appointment in the Thirty-third. October 29th, 1863, he resigned in consequence of ill health....

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ADJUTANT JOHN W. CORNING

Was born in the town of Ontario, Wayne County, September 8th, 1841. At the age of six years he removed with his parents to Palmyra, where he attended school and engaged in teaching until the fall of 1861. During the month of October he was appointed Second Lieutenant of Co. B, and on the following May, promoted to first Lieutenant. He had charge of his Company during the months of July and August 1862, and acquitted himself with much credit at the battle of Golden’s Farm, and during the seven da

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QUARTERMASTER HIRAM LLOYD SUYDAM

Was born in Geneva, April 26th, 1822, was appointed Quartermaster on the organization of the Regiment; resigned his position September 14th, 1861. He now resides in Geneva, being extensively engaged in the confectionery business....

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QUARTERMASTER HENRY N. ALEXANDER

Was born in Rochester, April 18, 1823, where he remained until 1850, engaged in various pursuits. He was residing in Chicago when the Thirty-third was organized. Enlisted as a private, and was promoted to Quartermaster, September 14th, 1861....

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CHAPLAIN GEORGE N. CHENEY

Was born in Richmond, Ontario Co., June 3d, 1829. He graduated at Hobart College, Geneva, in the year 1849. In 1850 he proceeded to the Episcopal Seminary in Fairfax County, Virginia, remaining there until June 1852, when he was ordained Deacon in Christ’s Church, Alexandria. He then came to Rochester, to assist Rev. H. W. Lee, D. D., then Rector of St. Luke’s Church, and since Bishop of Iowa. December, 1852, he took charge of St. Mark’s Church, Penn Yan, and in June, 1853, was admitted to the p

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CHAPLAIN AUGUSTUS H. LUNG

Was born in Rush, Susquehanna County, Pa., November 1st, 1827. After devoting several years to study and teaching, he entered the Harford Academy, where he remained two years and a half. At the expiration of that time, he was admitted into the Sophomore Class of the Lewisburg University, and graduated in 1853. In the fall of the same year he became a student in the Theological Seminary at Rochester, and completed his studies July, 1855. During the year 1857 he was settled Pastor of “the First Ba

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SURGEON T. RUSH SPENCER

Was appointed Surgeon of the Thirty-third on its organization, afterwards promoted to Brigade Surgeon....

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SURGEON SYLVANUS S. MULFORD,

Who resided at Cherry Valley, was chosen Assistant Surgeon of the Thirty-third on its organization and was afterwards promoted to full Surgeon. He resigned at Stafford Court House....

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SURGEON D’ESTAING DICKINSON

Was born in the town of Watertown, Jefferson County, May 19th, 1836, and graduated from Albany Medical College in 1858. After practising in Watertown and vicinity four years, he was chosen Surgeon to Sing Sing Prison, which position he held when appointed Assistant Surgeon of the Thirty-third. He was promoted to full Surgeon in the fall of 1862, and remained with the Regiment until its return home. While in charge of the Liberty Hall Hospital on the Peninsula, containing nearly five hundred men,

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ASSISTANT SURGEON RICHARD CURRAN

Was born in Carrahill, Clare County, Ireland, January 4th, 1838, and coming to this country at the age of twelve years, settled at Seneca Falls with his parents. He graduated from the Medical Department of Harvard College in 1860, and enlisted as a private in the Thirty-third. He was appointed Hospital Steward, when the Regiment reached Washington, and promoted to Assistant Surgeon, August 15, 1862. General Smith complimented him, after the battle of Antietam, in a special order, for having adva

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ASSISTANT-SURGEON DUNCAN M’LACHLEN

Was born in Caledonia, Livingston County, January 30th, 1832. Studied medicine with Dr. Chamberlain, of Le Roy, New York. Graduated at the Buffalo Medical College, and was appointed Assistant Surgeon of the Thirty-third, January 22nd, 1863....

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CAPTAIN GEORGE M. GUION,

Co. A, was engaged in the druggist business at Seneca Falls, on the outbreak of the rebellion. Remained with the Regiment until September, 1862, participating in the various battles of the Peninsula, when he was promoted to the Lieutenant-Colonelcy of the 148th New York Volunteers, which position he still retains....

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CAPTAIN EDWIN J. TYLER,

Co. A, was born in Onondaga County, New York, April 1st, 1828. He moved at an early age to Seneca Falls, which has been his home until the present time. Engaged in the mercantile business at eighteen years of age and, followed it until 1847, when he sailed for California, being nine months and twenty-two days on the voyage. Returned to Seneca Falls, in the spring of 1851, and re-engaged in business. Was elected as First Lieutenant of Company A, on its formation. Acted as Adjutant of the Regiment

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FIRST LIEUTENANT PRICE WESLEY BAILEY,

Co. A, was born in Newtown, North Wales, August 18th, 1837. Emigrated to this country in 1847, settled at Skaneateles; moved from thence successively to Auburn, New York City and Utica. Returning home, attended school one year, and then proceeded to Seneca Falls. Enlisted as a private in Company A, afterwards elected to Second Lieutenant, and detached to General Davidson’s Staff at Yorktown. Promoted to First Lieutenant, May 21st, 1862; was relieved from Staff at Harrison’s Landing, and took cha

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SECOND LIEUTENANT THOMAS H. SIBBALDS,

Co. A, on the organization of the company, was elected Second Sergeant, and promoted to Second Lieutenant, October 1862, immediately after the battle of Antietam....

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CAPTAIN HENRY J. WHITE,

Co. B, succeeded to the command of the Company when Captain Corning was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel, November 1861. Afterwards resigned and was succeeded by First Lieutenant Draime....

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CAPTAIN HENRY J. DRAIME,

Co. B, was born in the City of Sadan, France, and coming to America in 1832, settled with his parents in Canton, Ohio. March 27th, 1839, he enlisted in the Fifth Regular Artillery, was soon promoted to non-commissioned officer, and remained in the service five years. During that time, he was stationed in Detroit, Chicago, Buffalo, Sackett’s Harbor, Fort Columbus, Fort Adams, &amp;c. Fired the minute guns at Sackett’s Harbor on the death of President Harrison, and was ordered to Rhode Island

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FIRST LIEUTENANT L. C. MIX,

Co. B, was born in New Haven, Conn., in 1829. Removed to Ithaca, N. Y. Having early developed a taste for drawing, he was induced to go to New York to learn the “art and mysteries” of engraving. After five years’ practice, started business in Rochester. Was engaged for ten years, until the war, when he went with the Thirty-third as Commissary Sergeant. Promoted to Second Lieutenant of Co. C, July 29th, 1861. Acted in that capacity until the battle of Antietam, when he was wounded. Promoted to Fi

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SECOND LIEUTENANT JOHN J. CARTER,

Co. B, was born in Troy, June 16th, 1842. His parents dying when he was quite young, he was removed to Buffalo, and sent to school. Two years later he was placed under the care of Rev. John Sherdan, of Portageville. Soon after Cyrus Rose, of Nunda, adopted him, receiving him into his family as his own son. He was nearly prepared for College when the war commenced, but laying aside his books, enlisted as a private in Co. F. On reaching the field, was appointed Quartermaster-Sergeant. Nine months

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CAPTAIN JOHN F. AIKENS,

Co. C, was born at Newburg, N. Y. Removed at the age of fourteen to Waterloo. Was employed in various pursuits until the breaking out of the war, when he was made Captain of Co. C. Resigned at Washington, July 28th, 1861....

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CAPTAIN CHESTER H. COLE,

Co. C, was born in Leray, Jefferson County, October 3rd, 1828. When sixteen years of age he proceeded to the West. Returned to Leray, and soon removed to Pillar Point, where he became employed as a ship-carpenter. Afterwards worked in Oswego, Syracuse, and New York. When the war broke out, he was residing in Waterloo; enlisted as a private in Co. C, was elected First Lieutenant on the formation of the Company, and promoted to Captain, July 29th, 1861. He was with the Thirty-third in all its enga

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FIRST LIEUTENANT ROBERT H. BRETT,

Co. C, was born in Yorkshire, England, May 17th, 1829, came to this country when above five years of age, and settled at Utica. At twenty-one years of age sailed for California, where he remained two years. Returned to Utica, and engaged in the machinist business. In 1860 moved to Waterloo. Was elected Orderly Sergeant of Co. C, and promoted to First Lieutenant, July 29th, 1861....

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SECOND LIEUTENANT J. E. STEBBINGS,

Co. C, was born at Madrid, St. Lawrence County, August 2, 1833. Enlisting as a private in Co. C, at Waterloo, was elected Third Sergeant; promoted to Orderly Sergeant, July 29th, 1861, and to Second Lieutenant, October 17th, 1862....

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SECOND LIEUTENANT ANDREW J. SCHOTT,

Co. C, was elected Second Lieutenant on the organization of the Company, and resigned, July 29th, 1861. Since died at Waterloo, N. Y....

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CAPTAIN HENRY J. GIFFORD,

Co. D, succeeded John R. Cutler to the command of Co. D, at Camp Griffin. Was educated for the law. Enlisted as a private in the Thirteenth New York Volunteers, and afterwards promoted to First Lieutenant of Co. D, Thirty-third New York. On the departure of the Regiment from the field, the one hundred and sixty-three three years’ recruits were organized into one Company under him, and attached to the Forty-ninth New York....

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FIRST LIEUTENANT STEPHEN T. DUEL,

Co. D, was chosen First Lieutenant on the formation of the Company; since resigned....

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SECOND LIEUTENANT WM. E. ROACH,

Co. D, was born in Colchester, Vermont, October 9th, 1825, moved, at seven years of age, to Troy, and from thence to Rochester in 1838. Proceeded to California in 1849, and returned to Rochester. Was appointed Second Lieutenant, Co. D, during the fall of 1862. Has since performed service, at battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, in the ambulance Corps, to which position he was assigned in February, 1863....

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CAPTAIN WILSON B. WARFORD,

Co. E, was born in Hunterdon, New Jersey, July 27th, 1822. Removed to Geneseo in 1839, where he remained until the breaking out of the rebellion. Enlisted as a private in Co. E, and was immediately elected Captain. Was very fond of military pursuits, and for many years served as Captain of a Military Company....

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FIRST LIEUTENANT JOHN GUMMER,

Co. E, was born in Dorsetshire, England, July 23d, 1819; came to this country during the spring of 1851, and settled in Geneseo. Enlisted as a private in Co. E, and was elected Second Lieutenant. Promoted to First Lieutenant, July 28th, 1862....

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SECOND LIEUTENANT WALTER H. SMITH,

Co. E, resigned, March 18th, 1863....

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CAPTAIN JAMES M. McNAIR,

Co. F, was born on the 8th of June, 1835, in Nunda, N. Y. His earlier years were spent at school, and upon the farm. He prepared for College under the tutorship of Prof. Judson A. Bassett, at the Nunda Literary Institute, and after teaching a term, entered the University of Rochester in July, 1857. He graduated with his class in July 1860, and immediately entered the law office of Orlando Hastings, in Rochester. During the winter of 1860 and 1861 he taught the Academy in West Bloomfield, N. Y.,

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FIRST LIEUTENANT H. A. HILLS,

Co. F, was born at Nunda, Livingston Co., Feb. 1st, 1834. Proceeded to Shelby County, Ky., in the year 1856, and afterwards to Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska, being employed most of the time in teaching. Returning to Nunda, enlisted as a private in Co. F, elected Orderly Sergeant on the organization of the Company, promoted to Second Lieutenant, February, 6th, 1862, and to First Lieutenant at White Oak Church, December 27th, 1862....

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FIRST LIEUTENANT GEORGE T. HAMILTON,

Co. F, enlisted as a private in Co. F, was elected First Lieutenant on its permanent organization, and resigned at Camp Griffin....

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FIRST LIEUTENANT HENRY G. KING,

Co. F, was born at Mount Morris, August 15th, 1835. When the war commenced, enlisted as a private in Co. F, was chosen Second Lieutenant, and promoted to First Lieutenant, February, 1862. He was detailed for a time as Acting Quartermaster....

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SECOND LIEUTENANT JOHN F. WINDSHIP,

Co. F, was born in Queensbury, Warren County, June 11th, 1832. At nineteen years of age removed to Angelica, Allegany County; afterwards resided in Illinois, Missouri, and Michigan. Returned to Wyoming, Pike County. During the winter of 1861, enlisted as a private in Co. F; promoted to Second Sergeant, May 6th, 1861, afterwards to First Sergeant, and, December 27th, 1862, to Second Lieutenant....

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CAPTAIN THEODORE B. HAMILTON,

Co. G, was elected Captain of the Company on the organization, and participated in all the earlier engagements in which the Regiment was engaged. During the month of December, 1862, he was promoted to the Lieutenant-Colonelcy of the Sixty-second New York, which position he still holds....

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CAPTAIN GEORGE A. GALE,

Co. G, was born in London, Canada West, November, 1st, 1839. In 1845, removed to Watertown, and three years later to Buffalo; attended school until sixteen years of age, and then became employed in the printing establishment of Jewett, Thomas &amp; Co., where he remained four years. When hostilities commenced, he enlisted in a three months’ Regiment, and afterwards in Co. G, as a private. Was immediately elected First Sergeant, and served in that capacity until May 20th, 1862, when he was pr

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FIRST LIEUT. ALEXANDER E. EUSTAPHEIVE,

Co. G, was elected First Lieutenant on the organization of the Company, and resigned October 14th, 1862....

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FIRST LIEUTENANT G. W. MARSHALL,

Co. G, was born in Elizabethtown, N. J., March 1st, 1840. Removed to Buffalo with his parents at an early age, where he remained until the breaking out of the rebellion. Enlisted as a private in the Buffalo Company, elected Fifth Sergeant on the formation of the Company. Promoted to First Sergeant, May 20th, 1862, Second Lieutenant, October 15th, 1862, and to First Lieutenant, December 27th, 1862....

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SECOND LIEUTENANT BYRON F. CRAIN,

Co. G, was born at Manchester, Ontario Co., April 26th, 1836. At ten years of age he removed with his parents to Shortsville; enlisted as a private in the Canandaigua Co. D; promoted to Second Lieutenant, December 27th, 1862, and assigned to Co. G....

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CAPTAIN CALVIN C. WALKER,

Co. H, was elected Captain of Co. H, on its formation. When the Regiment was organized at Elmira, he was chosen Lieutenant-Colonel, but resigned not long after reaching Washington....

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CAPTAIN ALEXANDER H. DRAKE,

Co. H, was born at Starkey, Yates County, October 18th, 1832. At the age of fifteen, removed with his parents to Steuben County, where he remained until the year 1858. Then became employed as a clerk in Canandaigua and afterwards at Geneva. Enrolled himself as a private in Co. H, elected Second Lieutenant on the organization of the Company, and promoted to First Lieutenant, May 25th, 1861. He was taken prisoner at Williamsburg, and after several months’ confinement in Salisbury, North Carolina,

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FIRST LIEUTENANT REUBEN C. NILES,

Co. H, was elected Orderly Sergeant on the formation of the Company, promoted to Second Lieutenant, Jan. 24th, 1862, and resigned December 27th, owing to ill health....

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FIRST LIEUTENANT MARSHALL J. GUION,

Co. H, was appointed Commissary Sergeant at organization of Regiment. Was transferred from Co. A, and made Second Lieutenant of Co. H, January 24th, 1862; resigned December 27th, 1862....

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FIRST LIEUTENANT OTIS COLE,

Co. H, was born in Perinton, Monroe Co., Sept. 14th, 1834. At nineteen years of age, entered the Rochester University, remaining there nearly two years. Returning home, engaged in farming and stock growing until twenty-four years of age, then became employed two years on the Michigan Southern railroad. Returning home again, engaged in nursery and vineyard business until August 27th, 1862, when he enlisted as a private in a body of recruits for the Thirty-third. Was commissioned First Lieutenant,

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SECOND LIEUTENANT SYLVESTER PORTER,

Co. H, was born in the town of Seneca, Ontario County, April 17th, 1842, where he resided with his parents until the outbreak of the rebellion. Enlisted as a private in Co. H, and was elected Second Sergeant, May 23d, 1861. He was afterwards promoted to First Sergeant, and to Second Lieutenant, October 16th, 1862. Was wounded, at the battle of White Oak Swamp, in the left shoulder, and confined to the hospital for two months. At the end of that time he rejoined the Regiment, and was again wounde

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CAPTAIN JAMES M. LETTS,

Co. I, was engaged in the Daguerrean business at Penn Yan on the outbreak of the rebellion; was chosen Captain of Co. I, on its organization, and resigned at Camp Griffin....

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CAPTAIN EDWARD E. ROOT,

Co. I, was born in Washington County, August 24th 1839. Removed at an early age to Yates County. After spending several years, at the Prattsburg Academy and Rochester Commercial College, he became employed in the Stationery House of George R. Cornwell, Penn Yan, as confidential clerk. Was elected First Lieutenant of Co. I, on its organization, and promoted to Captain, December 27th, 1861. He received a severe wound in the left thigh while leading his Company in the charge on Marye’s Heights. For

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CAPTAIN WILLIAM HALE LONG,

Co. I, was born in New York City, February 22nd, 1835. At fifteen years of age went to sea. Returned in three years; engaged in mercantile pursuits till the outbreak of the rebellion, then joined the Seventh Massachusetts as a private. Was afterwards elected Second Lieutenant Fifth New York, and a few days succeeding, Second Lieutenant, Co. I, Thirty-third. After being promoted to First Lieutenant, served as Provost Marshal under General Brooks, and as Aid-de-Camp to General Davidson. October, 1

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FIRST LIEUTENANT GEORGE BRENNAN,

Co. I, was born in Penn Yan, December 18th, 1838. Remained there until the outbreak of the rebellion, when he enlisted as a private in Co. I. Promoted to Sergeant, August 1st, 1861, to Orderly Sergeant, January 1st, 1862, and to First Lieutenant, December 1st, 1862....

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SECOND LIEUTENANT CHARLES HOWE,

Co. I, was elected Orderly Sergeant at its organization. Promoted to Second Lieutenant, December 31st, 1861, and resigned, October 1862....

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CAPTAIN PATRICK McGRAW,

Co. K, was born in the county of Down, Ireland, June 16th, 1824. When seventeen years of age, enlisted in the Eighty-ninth Regiment English Infantry, serving in Canada three years, and in England, Ireland and Scotland eleven more. Came to this country in the winter of 1853, and settled at Seneca Falls. Was elected Captain of Co. K, and remained with the Regiment till the close of its two years’ campaign....

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FIRST LIEUTENANT BARNARD BYRNE,

Co. K, served as First Lieutenant of Co. K, until severely wounded while charging up Marye’s Heights....

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SECOND LIEUTENANT PATRICK RYAN,

Co. K, was elected on the formation of the Company, afterwards resigned....

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SECOND LIEUTENANT EDWARD CAREY,

Co. K, was appointed to fill Lieutenant Ryan’s place, but was immediately assigned to General Smith’s Staff. DECORUM EST PRO PATRIA MORI. Co. D, born in Rochester, was an only son, and, employed as mercantile clerk, proved a most efficient and trustworthy young business man. He entered the Regiment as a private. Promoted to Lieutenant of Co. D, he fell mortally wounded at the battle of Williamsburg. His agreeable manners and gallant conduct had endeared him to the Regiment, every member of whom

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FIRST LIEUT. CHARLES D. ROSSITER,

In 1861 he enlisted in Co. G, Fifty-fourth Regiment N. Y. S. M., and was soon after promoted to Sergeant. During the following spring he was again promoted to Orderly, and served in that capacity with his home regiment until September, when he was authorized with others to raise a Company for the war. Lieutenant Rossiter was wounded by a ball, entering the left side and passing completely through his body, in the fatal retreat of Sedgwick’s Corps, after storming Fredericksburg Heights. He was ca

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SERGEANT-MAJOR GEORGE W. BASSETT

Was born in the town of Barrington, Yates County, November 6, 1838. When the war broke out, he was a Law Student at Penn Yan. Enlisting as a private in Co. I, he was chosen Third Sergeant, and promoted to Sergeant-Major, May 22nd, 1861. Having borne off Lieutenant Mix from the battle-field of Antietam, he returned to the front and was immediately shot through the head. By his winning ways and zealous attendance to duties, he had won the esteem of his officers and commanders, and fell universally

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PICKET DUTY.

This most important feature, for the safety of an army, is perhaps the least understood of all that appertains to the art of war. As the same system is germain to all armies, the following explanation will, no doubt, be acceptable in this volume, as the duty has been seldom described, though often spoken of, in the numerous details of midnight attacks, and skirmishes. In the disposition of, say two hundred men, they go forth to a point designated as the grand reserve, varying in distance from tw

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COMPANY D.

A large majority of this Company are still in service, being 3 years men recruited in 1862, and assigned to Company D, retaining Captain Gifford in command....

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