Sunday, May 15, 1864
A funeral mass was held for Major Henry Abbott in Boston's Emmanuel Church at 1:30 P.M. The funeral was well-attended, as eulogies for Major Abbott were published in many local newspapers. One of Abbott's professors at Harvard, Episcopal Reverend Frederick D. Hutchinson, presided at the funeral service. Abbott's coffin, decorated with flowers and flags, bore his sword, sash, and hat. After the service Major Abbott was transported by railroad to Lowell and buried in Lowell Cemetery next to his brothers.
1
References:
1Richard F. Miller, Harvard's Civil War: A History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Lebanon, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 2005), 342-43.
Showing posts with label Henry Abbott. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Henry Abbott. Show all posts
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Battle of the Wilderness - Day 2
Friday, May 6, 1864
General Winfield S. Hancock faced a dilemma of strategy. He needed to defend the vital intersection of the Orange Plank and Brock Roads from an attack on both flanks. At 5:00 A.M. Hancock deployed two divisions under Generals David Birney and George Getty to attack along the Orange Plank Road with support from artillery under General John Gibbon to protect his left flank. At the same time he positioned General Alexander Webb's brigade, including the Twentieth Massachusetts, to defend the Orange Plank and Brock intersection. Hancock was concerned about the whereabouts of Confederate General James Longstreet, who had yet to make an appearance at the Wilderness. Hancock assumed that Longstreet's arrival was imminent.
Hancock's attack along the Orange Plank Road was very successful during the first hour,as the Confederates were halted along the Plank Road and Hancock's men took prisoners from the divisions of Confederate Generals Henry Heth and Cadmus Wilcox. Around 6:00 A.M. the lead divisions of General James Longstreet, led by General Joseph Kershaw, attacked along the Plank Road east of the Tapp Farm. Hancock's offensive abruptly ended as Birney's and Getty's divisions were pushed east toward the intersection. At this point Hancock ordered Webb's brigade, including the Twentieth Massachusetts, north of the intersection to the relief of General Getty.
As the Twentieth Massachusetts entered the fray and moved west along the Orange Plank Road they came under the fire of Confederate General A.P. Hill. The Twentieth Massachusetts advanced to a clearing south of the Plank Road, where General Webb ordered them to "hold the position at any cost." The Twentieth held this position successfully until 11:00 A.M., when they were approached by General James Wadsworth of the Fifth Corps. Wadsworth ordered the Twentieth Massachusetts to leave their defensive position and come to the aid of General Birney, who was under severe fire. The Twentieth Massachusetts, led by Colonel George Macy, advanced from their breastworks and almost immediately were met by a rapid volley of gunfire from Abner Perrin's Alabama brigade. As the Twentieth Massachusetts sought cover in the underbrush they viewed their untenable situation. Perrin's brigade was secure behind breastworks at the top of a slope. The Twentieth Massachusetts, however, still continued to advance, and hand-to-hand combat ensued. The Twentieth was soon overrun by the Confederates, and they were forced to retreat. Losses to the Twentieth Massachusetts were severe. Officers Albert Holmes, George Macy, Henry Bond, Henry Patten, John Summerhays, William Perkins were wounded in the ill-fated attack. The greatest loss to the Twentieth was the mortal wounding of Major Henry Abbott, who died around 4:30 P.M. at a battlefield hospital. Colonels George Macy and Theodore Lyman stood by Abbott's side as he tragically succumbed to his wounds.
As the afternoon wore on the battle continued to rage. The thick tangled underbrush of the Wilderness was set ablaze by continual gunfire. General James Longstreet was wounded by his own men and was carried off the battlefield. By evening the Union forces held the vital Orange Plank and Brock Road intersection.
The casualty count for both armies was staggering, as the Union reported 18,000 and the Confederates reported 11,000. The Twentieth Massachusetts lost approximately 300 men in casualties, with the greatest number occurring in the ill-fated charge on Perrin's brigade. General James Wadsworth, who ordered the charge, was killed shortly after ordering the Twentieth Massachusetts into the fatal fray.1
References:
1Richard F. Miller, Harvard's Civil War: A History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Lebanon, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 2005), 334-40.
General Winfield S. Hancock faced a dilemma of strategy. He needed to defend the vital intersection of the Orange Plank and Brock Roads from an attack on both flanks. At 5:00 A.M. Hancock deployed two divisions under Generals David Birney and George Getty to attack along the Orange Plank Road with support from artillery under General John Gibbon to protect his left flank. At the same time he positioned General Alexander Webb's brigade, including the Twentieth Massachusetts, to defend the Orange Plank and Brock intersection. Hancock was concerned about the whereabouts of Confederate General James Longstreet, who had yet to make an appearance at the Wilderness. Hancock assumed that Longstreet's arrival was imminent.
Hancock's attack along the Orange Plank Road was very successful during the first hour,as the Confederates were halted along the Plank Road and Hancock's men took prisoners from the divisions of Confederate Generals Henry Heth and Cadmus Wilcox. Around 6:00 A.M. the lead divisions of General James Longstreet, led by General Joseph Kershaw, attacked along the Plank Road east of the Tapp Farm. Hancock's offensive abruptly ended as Birney's and Getty's divisions were pushed east toward the intersection. At this point Hancock ordered Webb's brigade, including the Twentieth Massachusetts, north of the intersection to the relief of General Getty.
As the Twentieth Massachusetts entered the fray and moved west along the Orange Plank Road they came under the fire of Confederate General A.P. Hill. The Twentieth Massachusetts advanced to a clearing south of the Plank Road, where General Webb ordered them to "hold the position at any cost." The Twentieth held this position successfully until 11:00 A.M., when they were approached by General James Wadsworth of the Fifth Corps. Wadsworth ordered the Twentieth Massachusetts to leave their defensive position and come to the aid of General Birney, who was under severe fire. The Twentieth Massachusetts, led by Colonel George Macy, advanced from their breastworks and almost immediately were met by a rapid volley of gunfire from Abner Perrin's Alabama brigade. As the Twentieth Massachusetts sought cover in the underbrush they viewed their untenable situation. Perrin's brigade was secure behind breastworks at the top of a slope. The Twentieth Massachusetts, however, still continued to advance, and hand-to-hand combat ensued. The Twentieth was soon overrun by the Confederates, and they were forced to retreat. Losses to the Twentieth Massachusetts were severe. Officers Albert Holmes, George Macy, Henry Bond, Henry Patten, John Summerhays, William Perkins were wounded in the ill-fated attack. The greatest loss to the Twentieth was the mortal wounding of Major Henry Abbott, who died around 4:30 P.M. at a battlefield hospital. Colonels George Macy and Theodore Lyman stood by Abbott's side as he tragically succumbed to his wounds.
As the afternoon wore on the battle continued to rage. The thick tangled underbrush of the Wilderness was set ablaze by continual gunfire. General James Longstreet was wounded by his own men and was carried off the battlefield. By evening the Union forces held the vital Orange Plank and Brock Road intersection.
The casualty count for both armies was staggering, as the Union reported 18,000 and the Confederates reported 11,000. The Twentieth Massachusetts lost approximately 300 men in casualties, with the greatest number occurring in the ill-fated charge on Perrin's brigade. General James Wadsworth, who ordered the charge, was killed shortly after ordering the Twentieth Massachusetts into the fatal fray.1
References:
1Richard F. Miller, Harvard's Civil War: A History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Lebanon, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 2005), 334-40.
Monday, October 14, 2013
Battle of Bristoe Station
Wednesday, October 14, 1863
The Twentieth Massachusetts arose at 3:00 A.M in thick fog in response to reconnaissance that Confederate forces were advancing rapidly. General Governeur K. Warren, commanding the Second Corps, wasted no time in advancing to Catlett Station, as Confederate General James Ewell "J.E.B." Stuart's horse artillery fired upon their position. As the Second Corps approached Catlett Station General Warren received a communication from General Andrew Humphreys that the road to Bristoe Station, nearly six miles away, was clear, and that the Fifth Corps would support them as they advanced. General Warren advanced rapidly to Bristoe Station, protecting the Second Corps with coverage on all sides during the advance.
As the Second Corps neared Bristoe Station they observed a large band of Confederates pursuing the Fifth Corps. The Third Brigade of General Alexander Webb's Second Division, commanded by Colonel James Mallon of the Tammany Regiment, observed a looming railroad embankment ahead of them. Perceiving this high ground as a strategic advantage Colonel Mallon raced his Third Brigade, of which the Twentieth Massachusetts was a part, to the embankment.
Major Henry Abbott was concerned that the untested conscript recruits would break during their first encounter under fire. At 3:00 P.M. the Confederates neared the position held by the Twentieth Massachusetts, who received the order to load and fire at will. The Twentieth Massachusetts poured a blistering fire into the Confederates, who rapidly retreated. Major Abbott later reported that the new conscripts behaved as well as seasoned veterans.
As the Confederates retreated Colonel James Mallon arose from his position for observation and was wounded in the abdomen. Tragically, he died later in the afternoon in a field hospital. Colonel Mallon's death was a great blow to the Third Brigade. He was widely respected among his peers, and particularly by his friend Major Henry Abbott.
After nightfall the battlefield became silent. At 9:00 P.M. the Twentieth Massachusetts received orders to withdraw and began an eight-mile march to nearby Bull Run. The weary men of the Twentieth Massachusetts arrived at their destination at 4:00 A.M. Casualties from the battle were exceedingly light, with the Twentieth Massachusetts reporting one man killed and six men wounded. 1
References:
1Richard F. Miller, Harvard's Civil War: A History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Lebanon, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 2005), 294-302.
The Twentieth Massachusetts arose at 3:00 A.M in thick fog in response to reconnaissance that Confederate forces were advancing rapidly. General Governeur K. Warren, commanding the Second Corps, wasted no time in advancing to Catlett Station, as Confederate General James Ewell "J.E.B." Stuart's horse artillery fired upon their position. As the Second Corps approached Catlett Station General Warren received a communication from General Andrew Humphreys that the road to Bristoe Station, nearly six miles away, was clear, and that the Fifth Corps would support them as they advanced. General Warren advanced rapidly to Bristoe Station, protecting the Second Corps with coverage on all sides during the advance.
As the Second Corps neared Bristoe Station they observed a large band of Confederates pursuing the Fifth Corps. The Third Brigade of General Alexander Webb's Second Division, commanded by Colonel James Mallon of the Tammany Regiment, observed a looming railroad embankment ahead of them. Perceiving this high ground as a strategic advantage Colonel Mallon raced his Third Brigade, of which the Twentieth Massachusetts was a part, to the embankment.
Major Henry Abbott was concerned that the untested conscript recruits would break during their first encounter under fire. At 3:00 P.M. the Confederates neared the position held by the Twentieth Massachusetts, who received the order to load and fire at will. The Twentieth Massachusetts poured a blistering fire into the Confederates, who rapidly retreated. Major Abbott later reported that the new conscripts behaved as well as seasoned veterans.
As the Confederates retreated Colonel James Mallon arose from his position for observation and was wounded in the abdomen. Tragically, he died later in the afternoon in a field hospital. Colonel Mallon's death was a great blow to the Third Brigade. He was widely respected among his peers, and particularly by his friend Major Henry Abbott.
After nightfall the battlefield became silent. At 9:00 P.M. the Twentieth Massachusetts received orders to withdraw and began an eight-mile march to nearby Bull Run. The weary men of the Twentieth Massachusetts arrived at their destination at 4:00 A.M. Casualties from the battle were exceedingly light, with the Twentieth Massachusetts reporting one man killed and six men wounded. 1
References:
1Richard F. Miller, Harvard's Civil War: A History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Lebanon, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 2005), 294-302.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Battle of Gettysburg - Day 3
Friday, July 3, 1863
The Twentieth Massachusetts remained in their position at the center of the Union line, about 150 yards south of a copse of trees located near a stone wall. Union General George Meade advised Second Corps General John Gibbon to prepare for an attack on the center of the Union line directed squarely at the Second Corps. At 9:00 A.M. First Lieutenant Henry Ropes of Company K was tragically killed by an artillery shell that misfired from a Union battery. Lieutenant Ropes was greatly respected by officers and enlisted alike, and the Twentieth was deeply affected by his sudden loss.
At 1:00 P.M. a heavy artillery barrage commenced from the Confederate line clustered in the line of trees approximately one mile across the field from the Union line. All along the Union line the infantry regiments hugged the ground and hoped that they would not be torn to bits by Confederate artillery shells. The majority of the Confederate shells fell well behind the infantry lines and hit several Union artillery batteries.
At 3:00 P.M. a line of Confederate infantry emerged from the trees. The Confederate line stretched nearly a mile long and numbered nearly twenty-thousand men, comprised from the divisions of Generals George Pickett and James Johnston Pettigrew. As the Confederates advanced through the fields, long-range Union artillery posted securely along the Round Tops began to exact casualties among the Confederates. As the Confederate line approached the Emmitsburg Road, which bisected the fields, they took fire from the Union batteries along the center of the line. Although suffering numerous casualties the Confederates continued their advance.
The Twentieth Massachusetts remained on the ground as the Confederates continued to approach their position. They were ordered to hold their fire until the Confederates were one-hundred yards away. Confederate General James Kemper's brigade of George Pickett's division immediately faced the position of the Twentieth Massachusetts. As Kemper's brigade neared to within range of the Twentieth Massachusetts rifles the Twentieth arose from the ground and poured blistering rounds of rifle fire into Kemper's men. General George Stannard positioned two Vermont regiments at a ninety-degree angle and poured rifle fire along Kemper's flank. Union artillery behind the Twentieth Massachusetts sent several bursts into the Confederates, and Kemper's advance was repulsed.
As the Twentieth Massachusetts celebrated their successful repulse the remnants of two Confederate brigades of General George Pickett led by Generals Richard Garnett and Lewis Armistead breached gaps in the Union line along the stone wall near the copse of trees. Captain Henry Abbott was the senior ranking officer on the field for the Twentieth Massachusetts, as Colonel Paul Revere had been wounded on the previous day and Lieutenant Colonel George Macy had just been wounded by a minie ball in his left hand as the Confederates breached the line. Abbott, immediately sensing the new Confederate threat and fearing that his line would be flanked, led the Twentieth Massachusetts immediately to the right to the new conflict at the copse of trees. Severe hand-to-hand combat ensued for the next twenty minutes until the breach was sealed and the Confederate advance was repulsed. The Twentieth Massachusetts suffered the majority of their casualties during the fierce hand-to-hand combat. Among the casualties were Lieutenant Sumner Paine of Company A, who fell from artillery and rifle fire as he approached the breach in the Union line with his men. Among the wounded during the conflict was Private Oliver Stanton Bates of Company A. 1
References:
1George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 284-98. Richard F. Miller, Harvard's Civil War: A History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Lebanon, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 2005), 262-72. Edwin R. Root and Jeffrey D. Stocker, Isn't This Glorious! The 15th, 19th, and 20th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiments at Gettysburg's Copse of Trees (Bethlehem, Pennsylvania: Moon Trail Books, 2006), 17-44.
The Twentieth Massachusetts remained in their position at the center of the Union line, about 150 yards south of a copse of trees located near a stone wall. Union General George Meade advised Second Corps General John Gibbon to prepare for an attack on the center of the Union line directed squarely at the Second Corps. At 9:00 A.M. First Lieutenant Henry Ropes of Company K was tragically killed by an artillery shell that misfired from a Union battery. Lieutenant Ropes was greatly respected by officers and enlisted alike, and the Twentieth was deeply affected by his sudden loss.
At 1:00 P.M. a heavy artillery barrage commenced from the Confederate line clustered in the line of trees approximately one mile across the field from the Union line. All along the Union line the infantry regiments hugged the ground and hoped that they would not be torn to bits by Confederate artillery shells. The majority of the Confederate shells fell well behind the infantry lines and hit several Union artillery batteries.
At 3:00 P.M. a line of Confederate infantry emerged from the trees. The Confederate line stretched nearly a mile long and numbered nearly twenty-thousand men, comprised from the divisions of Generals George Pickett and James Johnston Pettigrew. As the Confederates advanced through the fields, long-range Union artillery posted securely along the Round Tops began to exact casualties among the Confederates. As the Confederate line approached the Emmitsburg Road, which bisected the fields, they took fire from the Union batteries along the center of the line. Although suffering numerous casualties the Confederates continued their advance.
The Twentieth Massachusetts remained on the ground as the Confederates continued to approach their position. They were ordered to hold their fire until the Confederates were one-hundred yards away. Confederate General James Kemper's brigade of George Pickett's division immediately faced the position of the Twentieth Massachusetts. As Kemper's brigade neared to within range of the Twentieth Massachusetts rifles the Twentieth arose from the ground and poured blistering rounds of rifle fire into Kemper's men. General George Stannard positioned two Vermont regiments at a ninety-degree angle and poured rifle fire along Kemper's flank. Union artillery behind the Twentieth Massachusetts sent several bursts into the Confederates, and Kemper's advance was repulsed.
As the Twentieth Massachusetts celebrated their successful repulse the remnants of two Confederate brigades of General George Pickett led by Generals Richard Garnett and Lewis Armistead breached gaps in the Union line along the stone wall near the copse of trees. Captain Henry Abbott was the senior ranking officer on the field for the Twentieth Massachusetts, as Colonel Paul Revere had been wounded on the previous day and Lieutenant Colonel George Macy had just been wounded by a minie ball in his left hand as the Confederates breached the line. Abbott, immediately sensing the new Confederate threat and fearing that his line would be flanked, led the Twentieth Massachusetts immediately to the right to the new conflict at the copse of trees. Severe hand-to-hand combat ensued for the next twenty minutes until the breach was sealed and the Confederate advance was repulsed. The Twentieth Massachusetts suffered the majority of their casualties during the fierce hand-to-hand combat. Among the casualties were Lieutenant Sumner Paine of Company A, who fell from artillery and rifle fire as he approached the breach in the Union line with his men. Among the wounded during the conflict was Private Oliver Stanton Bates of Company A. 1
References:
1George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 284-98. Richard F. Miller, Harvard's Civil War: A History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Lebanon, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 2005), 262-72. Edwin R. Root and Jeffrey D. Stocker, Isn't This Glorious! The 15th, 19th, and 20th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiments at Gettysburg's Copse of Trees (Bethlehem, Pennsylvania: Moon Trail Books, 2006), 17-44.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Regimental Matters – Promotions for George Macy and Henry Abbott
Friday, May 1, 1863
Major George Macy was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel of the Twentieth Massachusetts, succeeding Frederick Dreyer, who died of his wounds on May 1. Captain Henry Abbott of Company I was promoted to Major.1
References:
1George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 235.
Major George Macy was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel of the Twentieth Massachusetts, succeeding Frederick Dreyer, who died of his wounds on May 1. Captain Henry Abbott of Company I was promoted to Major.1
References:
1George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 235.
Friday, April 5, 2013
Letters from the Front - Nathan Hayward
Sunday, April 5, 1863
Doctor Nathan Hayward reported sadly in a letter to his father that Captain Henry Abbott had gone home on leave due to the passing of his younger brother. He also mentioned that General Hooker had designated an insignia for each of the army corps to wear on the soldier’s hat. The insignia of the Second Corps was a trefoil; the Second Division, of which the Twentieth Massachusetts is a part, was assigned a white trefoil. It was hoped that the wearing of these insignia will identify the corps and division of every soldier immediately and avoid confusion during a conflict.
Doctor Hayward remarked that General Darius Couch commands the Second Corps, with General John Gibbon commanding the Second Division and Colonel Norman Hall securely commanding their brigade. He noted that the “sentiment of the army is very good, and that they still retain their old faith in McClellan.”1
References:
1Nathan Hayward, "Letters," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 417-418, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
Doctor Nathan Hayward reported sadly in a letter to his father that Captain Henry Abbott had gone home on leave due to the passing of his younger brother. He also mentioned that General Hooker had designated an insignia for each of the army corps to wear on the soldier’s hat. The insignia of the Second Corps was a trefoil; the Second Division, of which the Twentieth Massachusetts is a part, was assigned a white trefoil. It was hoped that the wearing of these insignia will identify the corps and division of every soldier immediately and avoid confusion during a conflict.
Doctor Hayward remarked that General Darius Couch commands the Second Corps, with General John Gibbon commanding the Second Division and Colonel Norman Hall securely commanding their brigade. He noted that the “sentiment of the army is very good, and that they still retain their old faith in McClellan.”1
References:
1Nathan Hayward, "Letters," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 417-418, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Battle of Fredericksburg - Day 1
Thursday, December 11, 1862
At 3:00 A.M. the engineers began deployment of the pontoon bridges at each of the three stations along the Rappahannock River. The Confederates were well-prepared for the crossing. General William Barksdale ordered companies from his brigade to cover each of the pontoon crossings, deploying his men in the houses along the riverbank. As soon as the engineers began their work they were met with a hailstorm of rifle fire which killed many of the engineers. General Henry Hunt, chief of artillery, suggested sending the army across the river in pontoon boats and supporting the crossing with artillery fire on Fredericksburg to drive the Confederate snipers away from the river. The Second Corps was to lead the army across the Rappahannock, and the Third Brigade of the Second Division, commanded by Colonel Norman Hall, was selected as the lead unit to cross the river at the Upper Pontoon Crossing. Colonel Hall chose the Twentieth Massachusetts as the lead regiment in his brigade.
Around noon the artillery barrage began. Union artillery rained heavy fire on Fredericksburg for over two hours. At 2:30 P.M. Colonel Hall began to send his brigade across the river in pontoon boats. The Seventh Michigan was first to cross the Rappahannock, followed by the Nineteenth Massachusetts and the Twentieth Massachusetts. After the Twentieth Massachusetts crossed the river the engineers began to resume construction of the pontoon bridges so that the remaining regiments may cross the river on foot. As Hall's brigade ascended the slope of the bank and entered Sophia Street, they began to encounter rifle fire from General Barksdale's Confederates still deployed in and around the houses. At 4:15 P.M. the Twentieth Massachusetts entered Sophia Street to reinforce the Seventh Michigan and the Nineteenth Massachusetts and to push the lead units into the city. The firing became deadly as they pushed along Hawke Street toward Caroline Street. The Seventh Michigan refused to enter the intersection of Hawke and Caroline Streets, proclaiming that "no man could live around that corner." Captain Henry Abbott coolly led Company I of the Twentieth Massachusetts into the intersection of Hawke and Caroline Streets and met an intense storm of bullets. Company K of the Twentieth Massachusetts followed and sealed off the left flank of the intersection, and Companies A and F of the Twentieth sealed off the right flank of the intersection. Company I continued to push forward along Hawke Street as other regiments began to follow. With stubborn persistence the Twentieth Massachusetts held their ground. Around 7:00 P.M. General Barksdale withdrew his forces from the streets of Fredericksburg to a stone wall at the foot of Marye's Heights. The city of Fredericksburg was under the control of the Union Army.
The Twentieth Massachusetts sustained heavy casualties during the street fighting but also gained praise and respect for their bravery in action. Ninety-seven officers and men of the Twentieth Massachusetts were reported killed or wounded.1
References:
1George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 195-203. Richard F. Miller, Harvard's Civil War: A History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Lebanon, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 2005), 197-206.
At 3:00 A.M. the engineers began deployment of the pontoon bridges at each of the three stations along the Rappahannock River. The Confederates were well-prepared for the crossing. General William Barksdale ordered companies from his brigade to cover each of the pontoon crossings, deploying his men in the houses along the riverbank. As soon as the engineers began their work they were met with a hailstorm of rifle fire which killed many of the engineers. General Henry Hunt, chief of artillery, suggested sending the army across the river in pontoon boats and supporting the crossing with artillery fire on Fredericksburg to drive the Confederate snipers away from the river. The Second Corps was to lead the army across the Rappahannock, and the Third Brigade of the Second Division, commanded by Colonel Norman Hall, was selected as the lead unit to cross the river at the Upper Pontoon Crossing. Colonel Hall chose the Twentieth Massachusetts as the lead regiment in his brigade.
Around noon the artillery barrage began. Union artillery rained heavy fire on Fredericksburg for over two hours. At 2:30 P.M. Colonel Hall began to send his brigade across the river in pontoon boats. The Seventh Michigan was first to cross the Rappahannock, followed by the Nineteenth Massachusetts and the Twentieth Massachusetts. After the Twentieth Massachusetts crossed the river the engineers began to resume construction of the pontoon bridges so that the remaining regiments may cross the river on foot. As Hall's brigade ascended the slope of the bank and entered Sophia Street, they began to encounter rifle fire from General Barksdale's Confederates still deployed in and around the houses. At 4:15 P.M. the Twentieth Massachusetts entered Sophia Street to reinforce the Seventh Michigan and the Nineteenth Massachusetts and to push the lead units into the city. The firing became deadly as they pushed along Hawke Street toward Caroline Street. The Seventh Michigan refused to enter the intersection of Hawke and Caroline Streets, proclaiming that "no man could live around that corner." Captain Henry Abbott coolly led Company I of the Twentieth Massachusetts into the intersection of Hawke and Caroline Streets and met an intense storm of bullets. Company K of the Twentieth Massachusetts followed and sealed off the left flank of the intersection, and Companies A and F of the Twentieth sealed off the right flank of the intersection. Company I continued to push forward along Hawke Street as other regiments began to follow. With stubborn persistence the Twentieth Massachusetts held their ground. Around 7:00 P.M. General Barksdale withdrew his forces from the streets of Fredericksburg to a stone wall at the foot of Marye's Heights. The city of Fredericksburg was under the control of the Union Army.
The Twentieth Massachusetts sustained heavy casualties during the street fighting but also gained praise and respect for their bravery in action. Ninety-seven officers and men of the Twentieth Massachusetts were reported killed or wounded.1
References:
1George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 195-203. Richard F. Miller, Harvard's Civil War: A History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Lebanon, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 2005), 197-206.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Holmes, Abbott and Hayward Rejoin the Regiment
Wednesday, November 19, 1862
Captains Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. and Henry Abbott rejoined the regiment today. Both men had been absent from the regiment since the Battle of Antietam. Holmes was wounded at Antietam and had fully recovered from his injuries. Abbott had taken ill shortly before Antietam and had been on sick leave since September 14. Doctor Nathan Hayward, who had been taken prisoner at Antietam, was rapidly exchanged after his capture and rejoined the regiment on November 12.1
References:
1George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 181. Nathan Hayward, "Letters," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 397-8, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
Captains Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. and Henry Abbott rejoined the regiment today. Both men had been absent from the regiment since the Battle of Antietam. Holmes was wounded at Antietam and had fully recovered from his injuries. Abbott had taken ill shortly before Antietam and had been on sick leave since September 14. Doctor Nathan Hayward, who had been taken prisoner at Antietam, was rapidly exchanged after his capture and rejoined the regiment on November 12.1
References:
1George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 181. Nathan Hayward, "Letters," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 397-8, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
Friday, September 14, 2012
Advancing to Antietam
Sunday, September 14, 1862
The Twentieth Massachusetts departed from Frederick City this morning in pursuit of the Confederate Army which was now concentrating near the town of Sharpsburg at Antietam Creek. By evening the regiment made camp near Middletown. The Second Corps, of which the Twentieth Massachusetts was a part, was not involved in today's Battle of South Mountain, a series of attacks to clear the mountain passes in Maryland for the pursuit of the Confederate Army.
Several officers did not make the journey to Antietam with the regiment. Henry Abbott, recently promoted to Captain on August 29, and Lieutenants James Murphy, and Robert Beckwith remained at Frederick City due to illness. Captain George Macy returned to Washington for additional recruits for the regiment.1
References:
1George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 154-5.
The Twentieth Massachusetts departed from Frederick City this morning in pursuit of the Confederate Army which was now concentrating near the town of Sharpsburg at Antietam Creek. By evening the regiment made camp near Middletown. The Second Corps, of which the Twentieth Massachusetts was a part, was not involved in today's Battle of South Mountain, a series of attacks to clear the mountain passes in Maryland for the pursuit of the Confederate Army.
Several officers did not make the journey to Antietam with the regiment. Henry Abbott, recently promoted to Captain on August 29, and Lieutenants James Murphy, and Robert Beckwith remained at Frederick City due to illness. Captain George Macy returned to Washington for additional recruits for the regiment.1
References:
1George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 154-5.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Letters from the Front - Henry Abbott
Tuesday, August 26, 1862
Lieutenant Henry Abbott received a letter from his mother concerning the death of Henry's brother, Ned. Although she was grieving deeply, she remained strong in spirit. She wrote, "I have great strength given me to bear this blow. I feel that the dear child is happy -- perfectly happy, & that he will be a guardian angel to us all." She consoled Henry by writing, "He loved you more than I can tell. I think he will always pray for you & hover around you. He thought more of your good that his own, & would willingly have laid down his life to make you happy."1
References:
1Robert Garth Scott, editor, Fallen Leaves: The Civil War Letters of Major Henry Livermore Abbott (Kent, Ohio: The Kent State University Press, 1991), 138.
Lieutenant Henry Abbott received a letter from his mother concerning the death of Henry's brother, Ned. Although she was grieving deeply, she remained strong in spirit. She wrote, "I have great strength given me to bear this blow. I feel that the dear child is happy -- perfectly happy, & that he will be a guardian angel to us all." She consoled Henry by writing, "He loved you more than I can tell. I think he will always pray for you & hover around you. He thought more of your good that his own, & would willingly have laid down his life to make you happy."1
References:
1Robert Garth Scott, editor, Fallen Leaves: The Civil War Letters of Major Henry Livermore Abbott (Kent, Ohio: The Kent State University Press, 1991), 138.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Letters from the Front - Henry Abbott
Sunday, August 24, 1862
Lieutenant Henry Abbott received the sad news that his older brother Ned, a captain in the Second Massachusetts Regiment, had been killed on August 9 at Cedar Mountain. In a letter to his father Henry wrote, "Until I got the newspapers & mamma's letter day before yesterday, I thought Ned only wounded ... Today we finished our march & I can answer. It came upon me with terrible force ... I know how awful the blow is to you, for he was the best son you had & was so sure to have been a great man."1
References:
1Robert Garth Scott, editor, Fallen Leaves: The Civil War Letters of Major Henry Livermore Abbott (Kent, Ohio: The Kent State University Press, 1991), 136-7.
Lieutenant Henry Abbott received the sad news that his older brother Ned, a captain in the Second Massachusetts Regiment, had been killed on August 9 at Cedar Mountain. In a letter to his father Henry wrote, "Until I got the newspapers & mamma's letter day before yesterday, I thought Ned only wounded ... Today we finished our march & I can answer. It came upon me with terrible force ... I know how awful the blow is to you, for he was the best son you had & was so sure to have been a great man."1
References:
1Robert Garth Scott, editor, Fallen Leaves: The Civil War Letters of Major Henry Livermore Abbott (Kent, Ohio: The Kent State University Press, 1991), 136-7.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Letters from the Front - Henry Abbott
Wednesday, February 5, 1862
In a letter to his father from Camp Benton Lieutenant Henry Abbott expressed his frustration from the cessation of military activity during winter. "I am horribly afraid we shan't see any more service & that the fighting will all be done in the rear of the Southern Potomac army. ... If a fellow should go through the war & never be in any thing but that murderous little skirmish where we got licked, it would be outrageous. But such seems the prospect now."1
References:
1Robert Garth Scott, editor, Fallen Leaves: The Civil War Letters of Major Henry Livermore Abbott (Kent, Ohio: The Kent State University Press, 1991), 100-101.
In a letter to his father from Camp Benton Lieutenant Henry Abbott expressed his frustration from the cessation of military activity during winter. "I am horribly afraid we shan't see any more service & that the fighting will all be done in the rear of the Southern Potomac army. ... If a fellow should go through the war & never be in any thing but that murderous little skirmish where we got licked, it would be outrageous. But such seems the prospect now."1
References:
1Robert Garth Scott, editor, Fallen Leaves: The Civil War Letters of Major Henry Livermore Abbott (Kent, Ohio: The Kent State University Press, 1991), 100-101.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Regimental Matters - Aerial Reconnaissance
Friday, December 13, 1861
In the summer of 1861 the Union army began experimentation in military reconnaissance with observation balloons. Thaddeus Lowe was named Chief Aeronaut and received funding for seven balloons which were positioned along the Potomac River from October 1861 into early 1862. In December 1861 Company D of the Twentieth Massachusetts, led by Lieutenant Nathaniel Messer, was selected for balloon duty at Edwards Ferry. In a letter to his mother from Camp Benton Lieutenant Henry Abbott of Company I wrote that General Charles P. Stone, the commander of the Corps of Observation, delayed the initial deployment of the balloon. General Stone had been under fire from fellow officers since the encounter at Ball's Bluff and had been regarded by many, including Henry Abbott, as chiefly responsible for the heavy losses ensuing from the battle.1
References:
1George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 74; Robert Garth Scott, editor, Fallen Leaves: The Civil War Letters of Major Henry Livermore Abbott (Kent, Ohio: The Kent State University Press, 1991), 84; James L. Green, "Civil War Ballooning During the Seven Days Campaign," Civil War Trust (http://www.civilwar.org/education/history/civil-war-ballooning/ballooning-during-the-seven.html).
In the summer of 1861 the Union army began experimentation in military reconnaissance with observation balloons. Thaddeus Lowe was named Chief Aeronaut and received funding for seven balloons which were positioned along the Potomac River from October 1861 into early 1862. In December 1861 Company D of the Twentieth Massachusetts, led by Lieutenant Nathaniel Messer, was selected for balloon duty at Edwards Ferry. In a letter to his mother from Camp Benton Lieutenant Henry Abbott of Company I wrote that General Charles P. Stone, the commander of the Corps of Observation, delayed the initial deployment of the balloon. General Stone had been under fire from fellow officers since the encounter at Ball's Bluff and had been regarded by many, including Henry Abbott, as chiefly responsible for the heavy losses ensuing from the battle.1
References:
1George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 74; Robert Garth Scott, editor, Fallen Leaves: The Civil War Letters of Major Henry Livermore Abbott (Kent, Ohio: The Kent State University Press, 1991), 84; James L. Green, "Civil War Ballooning During the Seven Days Campaign," Civil War Trust (http://www.civilwar.org/education/history/civil-war-ballooning/ballooning-during-the-seven.html).
Friday, November 25, 2011
Regimental Matters - Promotions and Commissions
Monday, November 25, 1861
Massachusetts Governor John Andrew bolstered the roster of officers by promoting First Lieutenants George Macy, Allen Beckwith, and Charles Cabot to Captains, and Second Lieutenants Henry Abbott, Charles Tilden, and Henry Sturgis to First Lieutenants.
Governor Andrew commissioned three Second Lieutenants from the enlisted men, namely First Sergeant William Riddle of Company I, Quartermaster Henry F. Sander, and First Sergeant James Murphy of Company A. In addition, he commissioned three new recruits as Second Lieutenants: Herbert C. Mason, Arthur R. Curtis, and Henry L. Patten.1
References:
1George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 72.
Massachusetts Governor John Andrew bolstered the roster of officers by promoting First Lieutenants George Macy, Allen Beckwith, and Charles Cabot to Captains, and Second Lieutenants Henry Abbott, Charles Tilden, and Henry Sturgis to First Lieutenants.
Governor Andrew commissioned three Second Lieutenants from the enlisted men, namely First Sergeant William Riddle of Company I, Quartermaster Henry F. Sander, and First Sergeant James Murphy of Company A. In addition, he commissioned three new recruits as Second Lieutenants: Herbert C. Mason, Arthur R. Curtis, and Henry L. Patten.1
References:
1George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 72.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Thanksgiving at Camp and in Prison
Thursday, November 21, 1861
At Camp Benton, the regiment celebrated the Thanksgiving feast with a dinner of roast turkey and plum pudding. The officers shared bottles of whiskey with the enlisted men.
Meanwhile, at Ligon Factory, Adjutant Charles Peirson shared a meal with other Massachusetts officers. A dinner was sent to the Henrico County Jail for the seven officers held as hostages. 1
References:
1Robert Garth Scott, editor, Fallen Leaves: The Civil War Letters of Major Henry Livermore Abbott (Kent, Ohio: The Kent State University Press, 1991), 79; Charles Lawrence Peirson, "Memorandum of the Battle of Leesburg," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 120, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
At Camp Benton, the regiment celebrated the Thanksgiving feast with a dinner of roast turkey and plum pudding. The officers shared bottles of whiskey with the enlisted men.
Meanwhile, at Ligon Factory, Adjutant Charles Peirson shared a meal with other Massachusetts officers. A dinner was sent to the Henrico County Jail for the seven officers held as hostages. 1
References:
1Robert Garth Scott, editor, Fallen Leaves: The Civil War Letters of Major Henry Livermore Abbott (Kent, Ohio: The Kent State University Press, 1991), 79; Charles Lawrence Peirson, "Memorandum of the Battle of Leesburg," Association of Officers of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment, Reports, Letters and Papers Appertaining to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, vol. 1, p. 120, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Letters from the Front - Henry Abbott
Thursday, November 7, 1861
In a letter to his father, Lieutenant Henry Abbott shared his thoughts about his conduct under fire at the recent conflict at Ball's Bluff:
References:
1Robert Garth Scott, editor, Fallen Leaves: The Civil War Letters of Major Henry Livermore Abbott (Kent, Ohio: The Kent State University Press, 1991), 73-74.
In a letter to his father, Lieutenant Henry Abbott shared his thoughts about his conduct under fire at the recent conflict at Ball's Bluff:
You know I told you that I didn’t believe I was physically brave. In fact, I was pretty sure I should be frightened on the field of battle, though I hope my feelings of duty, pride & honor would keep me up. The fact is, however, that on the battle field I was very much surprised to find that I wasn’t frightened at all ...Abbott modestly downplayed his bravery while praising that of fellow officers Captain William "Frank" Bartlett and newly-promoted Captain Norwood Hallowell:
All the stuff you see in the newspapers about 'young Abbott, son of Judge Abbott,' is all blow & poppy cock. I no more deserve to share Frank's praise with him than any of his privates do ... There are plenty of officers in the regt., Hallowell for instance, who deserve more praise than I do, though they haven't had the distinguished honor of being posted by the newspapers. Frank, however, you may be sure deserves all he gets.He admonished his father to be skeptical of newspaper reports: "In a word, you had better disbelieve all the stories & all the puffs in the papers, except those which have the sanction of this regt., & then you will be safe..."1
References:
1Robert Garth Scott, editor, Fallen Leaves: The Civil War Letters of Major Henry Livermore Abbott (Kent, Ohio: The Kent State University Press, 1991), 73-74.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Letters from the Front - Henry Abbott
Thursday, October 24, 1861
Lieutenant Henry Abbott wrote a letter to his mother to reassure her that both he and his sister Caroline's fiance, Lieutenant George Perry, were not wounded at Ball's Bluff. He continued by reassuring her of his belief that George would be returned home from prison quickly:
Abbott finished the letter by expressing his concern and grief for his decimated regiment, ending with a note of optimism:
References:
1Robert Garth Scott, editor, Fallen Leaves: The Civil War Letters of Major Henry Livermore Abbott (Kent, Ohio: The Kent State University Press, 1991), 66-69.
Lieutenant Henry Abbott wrote a letter to his mother to reassure her that both he and his sister Caroline's fiance, Lieutenant George Perry, were not wounded at Ball's Bluff. He continued by reassuring her of his belief that George would be returned home from prison quickly:
I have written several letters already to notify the family of my whereabouts & George's, because I knew you would be so anxious ... The telegraph of course has, before this, assured [you] of my safety. George is equally safe as far as wounds go, but is undoubtedly a prisoner with the col., major, adjutant & Dr. [Edward] Revere. He will be well treated & released on paroll not to engage again in the war, which will bring him home much quicker than any thing else...Abbott bemoaned the fate of Colonel Lee, the regimental commander captured at Ball's Bluff, “It is the col. we grieve for … All we want now is another fight to avenge his capture …”
Abbott finished the letter by expressing his concern and grief for his decimated regiment, ending with a note of optimism:
Now all I have to do is to tell you about the dead & wounded, which [is] so awful melancholy because we got licked in that infernal slaughter pen instead of whipping the scoundrels. Of the 315 men we took in ... nearly one half escaped to this side. We brought out one half [of] our company, but amongst the killed were 3 of the noblest fellows that were ever born, men that we love. However, we are cheerful as we ought to be, of course, that it was no worse…1
References:
1Robert Garth Scott, editor, Fallen Leaves: The Civil War Letters of Major Henry Livermore Abbott (Kent, Ohio: The Kent State University Press, 1991), 66-69.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Oliver's Story - Ball's Bluff
Tuesday, October 22, 1861
Private Oliver Stanton Bates of Company A escaped injury and capture at the Battle of Ball's Bluff. His name does not appear on the casualty list for Ball's Bluff in the Twentieth Massachusetts Regimental History and his military records do not include a casualty sheet for wounding. In this episode he proved to be extremely resilient, as Company A reported the third highest casualties by company for the regiment, totaling 31 killed, wounded, or captured. Only the flank Companies D and H reported higher casualties at 37 and 32 respectively.1
It is unclear from the records whether Oliver swam across the Potomac River or made the passage by boat. He owed his survival in large part to the resourcefulness of company commanders Henry Tremlett and Charles Whittier of Company A and William "Frank" Bartlett and Henry Abbott of Company I, who plotted an escape route along the river bank and remained until all the enlisted men made it safely across the river.2
References:
1 Compiled service record, Oliver S. Bates, Pvt., Co. A, 20th Massachusetts Infantry; Carded Records, Volunteer Organizations, Civil War; Records of the Adjutant General's Office, 1780s-1917, Record Group 94; National Archives, Washington, D.C.; George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 59-61.
2 Richard F. Miller, Harvard's Civil War: A History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Lebanon, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 2005), 77; Francis Winthrop Palfrey, Memoir of William Francis Bartlett (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Osgood and Company, 1878), 26-29.
Private Oliver Stanton Bates of Company A escaped injury and capture at the Battle of Ball's Bluff. His name does not appear on the casualty list for Ball's Bluff in the Twentieth Massachusetts Regimental History and his military records do not include a casualty sheet for wounding. In this episode he proved to be extremely resilient, as Company A reported the third highest casualties by company for the regiment, totaling 31 killed, wounded, or captured. Only the flank Companies D and H reported higher casualties at 37 and 32 respectively.1
It is unclear from the records whether Oliver swam across the Potomac River or made the passage by boat. He owed his survival in large part to the resourcefulness of company commanders Henry Tremlett and Charles Whittier of Company A and William "Frank" Bartlett and Henry Abbott of Company I, who plotted an escape route along the river bank and remained until all the enlisted men made it safely across the river.2
References:
1 Compiled service record, Oliver S. Bates, Pvt., Co. A, 20th Massachusetts Infantry; Carded Records, Volunteer Organizations, Civil War; Records of the Adjutant General's Office, 1780s-1917, Record Group 94; National Archives, Washington, D.C.; George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 59-61.
2 Richard F. Miller, Harvard's Civil War: A History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Lebanon, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 2005), 77; Francis Winthrop Palfrey, Memoir of William Francis Bartlett (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Osgood and Company, 1878), 26-29.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Letters from the Front - Henry Abbott
Tuesday, October 22, 1861
Lieutenant Henry Abbott penned another letter to his father, explaining the horrific events at Ball’s Bluff in greater detail. Selected excerpts are presented below:
Abbott noted that Company A suffered heavy casualties during the battle. He observed, "Tremlett's company got the worst of it…" Abbott recounted his escape down the river bank with Captains Bartlett and Tremlett and Lieutenant Whittier and men from their respective companies, Companies I and A. The officers sent enlisted men across the river by fives in a boat, with the officers leaving last. He followed this observation with an expectation of reprisal: “The little midnight adventure of ours has started the whole thing: now we shall have our revenge...”
He concluded his letter optimistically, praising the endurance of the soldiers under heavy fire: “The good of the action is this. It shows the pluck of our men. They followed their commanders admirably, except in the last charge that we made…”1
References:
1Robert Garth Scott, editor, Fallen Leaves: The Civil War Letters of Major Henry Livermore Abbott (Kent, Ohio: The Kent State University Press, 1991), 60-66.
Lieutenant Henry Abbott penned another letter to his father, explaining the horrific events at Ball’s Bluff in greater detail. Selected excerpts are presented below:
The fight was made up of charges. You would see our capts. rush out in front & cry forward & their companies would follow them at full speed under a tremendous fire till they were obliged to fall back. And this was repeated over & over during the 4 hours fight…
The general [Baker] was killed ... & Col. Lee ordered a retreat... we all started down the bank, every body knowing, however, that there was no chance of an escape. The col. ordered a surrender & had a white flag raised but the rebels fired upon us & we were obliged to retreat to the river's edge, the rebels pouring down a murderous fire…
Abbott noted that Company A suffered heavy casualties during the battle. He observed, "Tremlett's company got the worst of it…" Abbott recounted his escape down the river bank with Captains Bartlett and Tremlett and Lieutenant Whittier and men from their respective companies, Companies I and A. The officers sent enlisted men across the river by fives in a boat, with the officers leaving last. He followed this observation with an expectation of reprisal: “The little midnight adventure of ours has started the whole thing: now we shall have our revenge...”
He concluded his letter optimistically, praising the endurance of the soldiers under heavy fire: “The good of the action is this. It shows the pluck of our men. They followed their commanders admirably, except in the last charge that we made…”1
References:
1Robert Garth Scott, editor, Fallen Leaves: The Civil War Letters of Major Henry Livermore Abbott (Kent, Ohio: The Kent State University Press, 1991), 60-66.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Letters from the Front - Henry Abbott
Monday, October 21, 1861
After returning safely to Camp Benton, Henry Abbott, First Lieutenant of Company I, sent a letter by telegraph to his father, reassuring him that he had survived:
References:
1Robert Garth Scott, editor, Fallen Leaves: The Civil War Letters of Major Henry Livermore Abbott (Kent, Ohio: The Kent State University Press, 1991), 58-59.
After returning safely to Camp Benton, Henry Abbott, First Lieutenant of Company I, sent a letter by telegraph to his father, reassuring him that he had survived:
We miraculously escaped without a wound. All the officers of our co. that is. Half the men [of the regiment] killed & wounded ... George Perry is unwounded but a prisoner with the col., major & adjutant & Dr. Revere. We have [heard] from the rebels that they are well treated. There are a hundred of the regt. [which] came out [safely]. 2 or 3 capts. killed, & half the officers wounded…Especially poignant is his report of the capture of Lieutenant George Perry, the fiance of Caroline Abbott, Henry's sister.1
References:
1Robert Garth Scott, editor, Fallen Leaves: The Civil War Letters of Major Henry Livermore Abbott (Kent, Ohio: The Kent State University Press, 1991), 58-59.
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