Wednesday, October 29, 1862
Colonel William Lee's health stabilized, and he was sent home to Boston on leave of absence for recuperation.1
References:
1George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 179.
Showing posts with label William Raymond Lee. Show all posts
Showing posts with label William Raymond Lee. Show all posts
Monday, October 29, 2012
Thursday, October 25, 2012
An Erroneous Report
Saturday, October 25, 1862
Concern for Colonel Lee's health was heightened today when an erroneous report circulated through the camp that he had passed away. In truth Colonel Lee had not died, but he remained gravely ill.1
References:
1George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 179.
Concern for Colonel Lee's health was heightened today when an erroneous report circulated through the camp that he had passed away. In truth Colonel Lee had not died, but he remained gravely ill.1
References:
1George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 179.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Colonel Lee Gravely Ill
Tuesday, October 21, 1862
Colonel William Lee became ill from exposure to rain during the recent reconnaissance in Charlestown. After returning to Bolivar Heights, his illness took a turn for the worse, and he required drier, warmer lodging in town for proper medical care.1
References:
1George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 178-79.
Colonel William Lee became ill from exposure to rain during the recent reconnaissance in Charlestown. After returning to Bolivar Heights, his illness took a turn for the worse, and he required drier, warmer lodging in town for proper medical care.1
References:
1George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 178-79.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Battle of Antietam - Casualties
Thursday, September 18, 1862
The Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment had retreated to the Poffenberger farm, which was being used as a hospital for the wounded. Colonel William Lee sent a detail from the Twentieth to assist in removing the wounded and burying the dead from the battlefield.
The battle at Antietam on September 17, 1862 would prove to be the bloodiest day in American history. The Union reported over 12,000 casualties, while the Confederates reported over 10,000. Casualties among the Twentieth were high; the regiment lost one-hundred and fifty men out of four-hundred. Casualties among the officers of the Twentieth were also severe. Colonel Francis Palfrey was wounded by a canister ball to his shoulder. Captain Norwood "Pen" Hallowell received a shattering wound to his left arm. Captain Oliver Wendell Holmes, shot in the neck and left for dead on the battlefield, was later revived with a shot of brandy. Sergeant James Spencer was struck by a shell fragment in his leg and was carried from the battlefield by his own men. The most tragic and poignant casualty was the death of Doctor Edward Revere, who was killed while performing field surgery on the wounded. Doctor Nathan Hayward was taken prisoner as he tended the wounded, but was paroled as the Confederates withdrew.
Some of the wounded officers would never return to the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment after the battle of Antietam. Colonel Francis Palfrey never returned to military service. Brothers Edward "Ned" Hallowell and Norwood "Pen" Hallowell received commissions to Massachusetts' first colored regiment, the Fifty-Fourth Massachusetts Volunteers.1
References:
1George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 175-6. Richard F. Miller, Harvard's Civil War: A History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Lebanon, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 2005), 176-80.
The Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment had retreated to the Poffenberger farm, which was being used as a hospital for the wounded. Colonel William Lee sent a detail from the Twentieth to assist in removing the wounded and burying the dead from the battlefield.
The battle at Antietam on September 17, 1862 would prove to be the bloodiest day in American history. The Union reported over 12,000 casualties, while the Confederates reported over 10,000. Casualties among the Twentieth were high; the regiment lost one-hundred and fifty men out of four-hundred. Casualties among the officers of the Twentieth were also severe. Colonel Francis Palfrey was wounded by a canister ball to his shoulder. Captain Norwood "Pen" Hallowell received a shattering wound to his left arm. Captain Oliver Wendell Holmes, shot in the neck and left for dead on the battlefield, was later revived with a shot of brandy. Sergeant James Spencer was struck by a shell fragment in his leg and was carried from the battlefield by his own men. The most tragic and poignant casualty was the death of Doctor Edward Revere, who was killed while performing field surgery on the wounded. Doctor Nathan Hayward was taken prisoner as he tended the wounded, but was paroled as the Confederates withdrew.
Some of the wounded officers would never return to the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment after the battle of Antietam. Colonel Francis Palfrey never returned to military service. Brothers Edward "Ned" Hallowell and Norwood "Pen" Hallowell received commissions to Massachusetts' first colored regiment, the Fifty-Fourth Massachusetts Volunteers.1
References:
1George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 175-6. Richard F. Miller, Harvard's Civil War: A History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Lebanon, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 2005), 176-80.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Regimental Matters - New Assignments for Lee and Revere
Thursday, September 4, 1862
Colonel William Lee was named temporary commander of the Third Brigade, succeeding Colonel Edward Hinks of the Nineteenth Massachusetts. Brigadier General Napoleon Dana, who had become ill shortly after the battle of Malvern HIll, was expected to return to command of the Third Brigade within a few weeks. Major Paul Revere was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and reassigned as Inspector General on the staff of General Edwin "Bull" Sumner.1
References:
1George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 146.
Colonel William Lee was named temporary commander of the Third Brigade, succeeding Colonel Edward Hinks of the Nineteenth Massachusetts. Brigadier General Napoleon Dana, who had become ill shortly after the battle of Malvern HIll, was expected to return to command of the Third Brigade within a few weeks. Major Paul Revere was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and reassigned as Inspector General on the staff of General Edwin "Bull" Sumner.1
References:
1George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 146.
Monday, September 3, 2012
Lee and Revere Rejoin the Regiment
Wednesday, September 3, 1862
The Twentieth Massachusetts concluded their retreat, arriving at Alexandria at 1:00 A.M. Later in the day Colonel William Lee and Major Paul Revere rejoined the regiment.1
References:
1George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 146.
The Twentieth Massachusetts concluded their retreat, arriving at Alexandria at 1:00 A.M. Later in the day Colonel William Lee and Major Paul Revere rejoined the regiment.1
References:
1George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 146.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Regimental Matters - Reassignments
Friday, July 25, 1862
Colonel William Lee was reassigned to assist Massachusetts Governor John Andrew in the recruiting effort, assigned to Camp John E. Wool in Worcester. Lee contracted malaria at Harrison's Landing, and was too weak to resume command of the Twentieth Massachusetts. Charles Peirson returned from assignment on General John Sedgwick's staff to his former role as adjutant of the regiment.1
References:
1George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 139.
Colonel William Lee was reassigned to assist Massachusetts Governor John Andrew in the recruiting effort, assigned to Camp John E. Wool in Worcester. Lee contracted malaria at Harrison's Landing, and was too weak to resume command of the Twentieth Massachusetts. Charles Peirson returned from assignment on General John Sedgwick's staff to his former role as adjutant of the regiment.1
References:
1George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 139.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Seven Days Battles - Day 6 - Battle of Glendale
Monday, June 30, 1862
General Robert E. Lee pressed his pursuit of the Union Army as they retreated toward the James River. He ordered General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson to pursue the rear flank of the Union forces at White Oak Swamp and ordered the main body of his army, led by General James Longstreet, to attack the Union center at Glendale. Lee hoped to sever the Union line and crush the Union army in mid-retreat.
Once again, Lee's orders were not executed as planned. Jackson was late to arrive at White Oak Swamp and did not pose a severe threat to the Union rear flank. Longstreet executed his orders faithfully, attacking the Union line with heavy fighting at Glendale. The Pennsylvania Reserves division of General Fitz-John Porter's Fifth Corps took the brunt of the assault.
The Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment had advanced two and one-half miles beyond the White Oak Swamp Bridge, reaching Glendale by mid-morning. At 11:00 A.M. the regiment heard artillery fire from the direction of White Oak Swamp Bridge. General William Franklin, positioned to protect the rear of the retreat at the bridge, requested reinforcements from General Bull Sumner's Second Corps. Sumner sent General Napoleon Dana's Third Brigade, including the Twentieth Massachusetts, to reinforce Franklin's position. The Twentieth Massachusetts formed a column and marched at the double-quick toward White Oak Swamp Bridge. The day was exceedingly hot, and as the Twentieth advanced, they suffered from smoke inhalation from trees smoldering from Jackson's artillery fire. The Twentieth needed to slow their pace under the heat and smoke, and soon the artillery fire from White Oak Bridge ceased.
At 3:00 P.M. the Twentieth heard gunfire from Glendale, and soon received messages from General Bull Sumner to march toward Glendale at the double-quick. The heat and the smoke had taken its toll, and many soldiers dropped from their ranks during the march from heat exhaustion and heat stroke. As the Twentieth returned to Glendale, they were ordered into position across an open field at Nelson's Farm. As General Dana had not yet returned to Glendale, General Sumner appointed Colonel William Lee of the Twentieth Massachusetts as temporary brigade commander. Colonel Lee ordered four regiments, the Nineteenth Massachusetts, the Tammany Regiment, the Seventh Michigan, and his own Twentieth Massachusetts into battle formation. Lee ordered Major Paul Revere and Charles Whittier to assist with the brigade charge, and designated Colonel Francis Palfrey to take charge of the Twentieth. Colonel Lee gave the order to advance the brigade across the sloping field into battle. As they advanced Lee's brigade were exposed to musket fire and artillery, and the brigade began to suffer heavy casualties. It became extremely difficult to keep their battle lines straight under heavy fire, and they needed to halt several times to reform their lines.
As they approached the woods at the far side of the field Colonel Lee was knocked senseless from a collision with a panicked artillery horse. Major Paul Revere took command of the brigade as they advanced into the woods up an ascending slope. As they reached the crest they realized the desperate nature of the fight. Their brigade needed to plug the hole left in the line from the casualties suffered by the Pennsylvania Reserves. Colonel Palfrey galvanized the charge for the Twentieth by grabbing a fallen Rebel flag, waving it for all to see, then throwing it to the ground and stomping on it. As they continued their advance, the Twentieth found themselves in front alone, with both flanks open. Exposed to a withering fire, the Twentieth realized that they needed to withdraw in order to prevent annihilation. As they retreated in good order to the woods they were reinforced by additional regiments. As nightfall approached the battle ceased and the Union line held.
The Battle of Glendale was also known as the Battle of Nelson’s Farm and the Battle of Frayser’s Farm
The Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment reported fourteen killed, seventy-one wounded, three captured, and five missing from the Seven Days Battles. Most of these casualties were incurred at Glendale. Among the killed was First Lieutenant James Jackson Lowell, who died tragically of a gunshot wound to the stomach in a field hospital at Glendale under Confederate control after the Twentieth Massachusetts continued their retreat to Harrison's Landing through Malvern Hill. Colonels William Lee and Francis Palfrey, Captain Norwood Hallowell, First Lieutenant Henry Abbott, and Second Lieutenant Henry Patten were among the officers reported injured at Glendale.1
References:
1George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 123-32, 136-37. Richard F. Miller, Harvard's Civil War: A History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Lebanon, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 2005), 147-52.
General Robert E. Lee pressed his pursuit of the Union Army as they retreated toward the James River. He ordered General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson to pursue the rear flank of the Union forces at White Oak Swamp and ordered the main body of his army, led by General James Longstreet, to attack the Union center at Glendale. Lee hoped to sever the Union line and crush the Union army in mid-retreat.
Once again, Lee's orders were not executed as planned. Jackson was late to arrive at White Oak Swamp and did not pose a severe threat to the Union rear flank. Longstreet executed his orders faithfully, attacking the Union line with heavy fighting at Glendale. The Pennsylvania Reserves division of General Fitz-John Porter's Fifth Corps took the brunt of the assault.
The Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment had advanced two and one-half miles beyond the White Oak Swamp Bridge, reaching Glendale by mid-morning. At 11:00 A.M. the regiment heard artillery fire from the direction of White Oak Swamp Bridge. General William Franklin, positioned to protect the rear of the retreat at the bridge, requested reinforcements from General Bull Sumner's Second Corps. Sumner sent General Napoleon Dana's Third Brigade, including the Twentieth Massachusetts, to reinforce Franklin's position. The Twentieth Massachusetts formed a column and marched at the double-quick toward White Oak Swamp Bridge. The day was exceedingly hot, and as the Twentieth advanced, they suffered from smoke inhalation from trees smoldering from Jackson's artillery fire. The Twentieth needed to slow their pace under the heat and smoke, and soon the artillery fire from White Oak Bridge ceased.
At 3:00 P.M. the Twentieth heard gunfire from Glendale, and soon received messages from General Bull Sumner to march toward Glendale at the double-quick. The heat and the smoke had taken its toll, and many soldiers dropped from their ranks during the march from heat exhaustion and heat stroke. As the Twentieth returned to Glendale, they were ordered into position across an open field at Nelson's Farm. As General Dana had not yet returned to Glendale, General Sumner appointed Colonel William Lee of the Twentieth Massachusetts as temporary brigade commander. Colonel Lee ordered four regiments, the Nineteenth Massachusetts, the Tammany Regiment, the Seventh Michigan, and his own Twentieth Massachusetts into battle formation. Lee ordered Major Paul Revere and Charles Whittier to assist with the brigade charge, and designated Colonel Francis Palfrey to take charge of the Twentieth. Colonel Lee gave the order to advance the brigade across the sloping field into battle. As they advanced Lee's brigade were exposed to musket fire and artillery, and the brigade began to suffer heavy casualties. It became extremely difficult to keep their battle lines straight under heavy fire, and they needed to halt several times to reform their lines.
As they approached the woods at the far side of the field Colonel Lee was knocked senseless from a collision with a panicked artillery horse. Major Paul Revere took command of the brigade as they advanced into the woods up an ascending slope. As they reached the crest they realized the desperate nature of the fight. Their brigade needed to plug the hole left in the line from the casualties suffered by the Pennsylvania Reserves. Colonel Palfrey galvanized the charge for the Twentieth by grabbing a fallen Rebel flag, waving it for all to see, then throwing it to the ground and stomping on it. As they continued their advance, the Twentieth found themselves in front alone, with both flanks open. Exposed to a withering fire, the Twentieth realized that they needed to withdraw in order to prevent annihilation. As they retreated in good order to the woods they were reinforced by additional regiments. As nightfall approached the battle ceased and the Union line held.
The Battle of Glendale was also known as the Battle of Nelson’s Farm and the Battle of Frayser’s Farm
The Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment reported fourteen killed, seventy-one wounded, three captured, and five missing from the Seven Days Battles. Most of these casualties were incurred at Glendale. Among the killed was First Lieutenant James Jackson Lowell, who died tragically of a gunshot wound to the stomach in a field hospital at Glendale under Confederate control after the Twentieth Massachusetts continued their retreat to Harrison's Landing through Malvern Hill. Colonels William Lee and Francis Palfrey, Captain Norwood Hallowell, First Lieutenant Henry Abbott, and Second Lieutenant Henry Patten were among the officers reported injured at Glendale.1
References:
1George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 123-32, 136-37. Richard F. Miller, Harvard's Civil War: A History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Lebanon, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 2005), 147-52.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Letters from the Front - Nathan Hayward
Saturday, May 17, 1862
In a letter to his father Doctor Nathan Hayward reassured his father that no one from the regiment had been wounded during their engagement at Eltham's Landing. He recounted the difficulties in travel due to heavy rains during their marches from Yorktown, noting that the march on May 15 was the most difficult they had encountered. Problems in moving heavy artillery on muddy roads was so severe that horses pulling the artillery died from over-exertion.
Doctor Hayward remarked on the visit of General George McClellan to their camp at Eltham's Landing and that General McClellan met with Colonel William Lee. Colonel Lee was deeply honored and regarded their meeting as "the greatest compliment he ever has received in his life."
Hayward continued to note the excellent mood among the regiment due to the return of Colonel Lee and Major Paul Revere. He expected that the Confederates would make a stand near the Chickahominy River and that the regiment would move in that direction.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. 377-79, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
In a letter to his father Doctor Nathan Hayward reassured his father that no one from the regiment had been wounded during their engagement at Eltham's Landing. He recounted the difficulties in travel due to heavy rains during their marches from Yorktown, noting that the march on May 15 was the most difficult they had encountered. Problems in moving heavy artillery on muddy roads was so severe that horses pulling the artillery died from over-exertion.
Doctor Hayward remarked on the visit of General George McClellan to their camp at Eltham's Landing and that General McClellan met with Colonel William Lee. Colonel Lee was deeply honored and regarded their meeting as "the greatest compliment he ever has received in his life."
Hayward continued to note the excellent mood among the regiment due to the return of Colonel Lee and Major Paul Revere. He expected that the Confederates would make a stand near the Chickahominy River and that the regiment would move in that direction.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. 377-79, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
Friday, May 4, 2012
Charging the Works at Yorktown
Sunday, May 4, 1862
Before dawn the regiment was ordered to arms as a result of infantry firing on the right of their line. Colonel William Lee was ordered to advance on the enemy line, as it was reported that the Confederates had evacuated. The regiment advanced through dense woods and crossed a muddy swamp, and just before 8:00 AM Colonel Lee planted the flag of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment on the redoubt, the first United States flag to wave on the enemy works at Yorktown. 1
References:
1George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 85-86.
Before dawn the regiment was ordered to arms as a result of infantry firing on the right of their line. Colonel William Lee was ordered to advance on the enemy line, as it was reported that the Confederates had evacuated. The regiment advanced through dense woods and crossed a muddy swamp, and just before 8:00 AM Colonel Lee planted the flag of the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment on the redoubt, the first United States flag to wave on the enemy works at Yorktown. 1
References:
1George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 85-86.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Lee Resumes Command
Saturday, May 3, 1862
In the early hours of the morning Colonel William Lee resumed command of the Twentieth Massachusetts by deploying on the picket line with the regiment.1
References:
1George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 85.
In the early hours of the morning Colonel William Lee resumed command of the Twentieth Massachusetts by deploying on the picket line with the regiment.1
References:
1George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 85.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Lee and Revere Brothers Return to Regiment
Friday, May 2, 1862
In the evening, Colonel William Lee, Major Paul Revere, and Dr. Edward Revere returned to the regiment after they successfully received their exchange. This was their first return to military service with the Twentieth Massachusetts since their capture nearly seven months earlier at Ball's Bluff on October 21, 1861.1
References:
1George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 85.
In the evening, Colonel William Lee, Major Paul Revere, and Dr. Edward Revere returned to the regiment after they successfully received their exchange. This was their first return to military service with the Twentieth Massachusetts since their capture nearly seven months earlier at Ball's Bluff on October 21, 1861.1
References:
1George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 85.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Journey of the Captives - Officers in Boston
Friday, February 28, 1862
The regiment rejoiced over the news of the arrival of Colonel William Raymond Lee, Major John Revere, and Surgeon Edward Revere in Boston on parole. The terms of parole did not allow them to rejoin the regiment until their exchange for Confederate officers of equivalent rank.1
References:
1George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 67.
The regiment rejoiced over the news of the arrival of Colonel William Raymond Lee, Major John Revere, and Surgeon Edward Revere in Boston on parole. The terms of parole did not allow them to rejoin the regiment until their exchange for Confederate officers of equivalent rank.1
References:
1George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 67.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Journey of the Captives - The Release of the Hostages
Wednesday, February 5, 1862
Colonel Lee and Major Revere were released as hostages from Henrico County Jail and rejoined their comrades at Ligon Prison. Adjutant Charles Peirson had worked relentlessly on their behalf in Washington, D.C. and after his meetings with General McClellan and other government officials he was successful in changing the status of the Confederate privateers from pirates to prisoners of war, which changed the fate of Colonel Lee, Major Revere, and their fellow hostages in Richmond.1
References:
1George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 67.
Colonel Lee and Major Revere were released as hostages from Henrico County Jail and rejoined their comrades at Ligon Prison. Adjutant Charles Peirson had worked relentlessly on their behalf in Washington, D.C. and after his meetings with General McClellan and other government officials he was successful in changing the status of the Confederate privateers from pirates to prisoners of war, which changed the fate of Colonel Lee, Major Revere, and their fellow hostages in Richmond.1
References:
1George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 67.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Journey of the Captives
Tuesday, January 14, 1862
Charles Peirson received an interview with Provost Marshal General Jonathan Winder and obtained the unwelcome news that the Confederate government refused his exchange. Peirson expressed to General Winder that he believed he could affect better treatment for the Confederate privateers if he were sent north by the Confederate government with assurances of their reciprocation. General Winder suggested that Peirson apply directly in writing to Secretary of War Judah Benjamin and additionally informed Peirson that the Twentieth Massachusetts prisoners would not be transferred to Salisbury with Major Gibbs. General Winder also offered to forward a request to Lieutenant Colonel Walter Jenifer, Cavalry commander at Ball's Bluff, for the return of William Putnam's sword.
General Winder gave Peirson a pass into the jail to visit Colonel William Lee and Major Paul Revere. His heart sank when he saw the squalid conditions of their confinement. Peirson observed that " .. no prison in New England is so miserable and uncomfortable, and I believe no seven imprisoned men in the North are so illy cared for as these ..."1
References:
1Charles 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. 133-34, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
Charles Peirson received an interview with Provost Marshal General Jonathan Winder and obtained the unwelcome news that the Confederate government refused his exchange. Peirson expressed to General Winder that he believed he could affect better treatment for the Confederate privateers if he were sent north by the Confederate government with assurances of their reciprocation. General Winder suggested that Peirson apply directly in writing to Secretary of War Judah Benjamin and additionally informed Peirson that the Twentieth Massachusetts prisoners would not be transferred to Salisbury with Major Gibbs. General Winder also offered to forward a request to Lieutenant Colonel Walter Jenifer, Cavalry commander at Ball's Bluff, for the return of William Putnam's sword.
General Winder gave Peirson a pass into the jail to visit Colonel William Lee and Major Paul Revere. His heart sank when he saw the squalid conditions of their confinement. Peirson observed that " .. no prison in New England is so miserable and uncomfortable, and I believe no seven imprisoned men in the North are so illy cared for as these ..."1
References:
1Charles 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. 133-34, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Journey of the Captives
Saturday, November 30, 1861
Dr. Edward G. Higginbotham, chief surgeon of the Richmond prison hospitals, confirmed to Adjutant Charles Pierson that hostages Colonel Lee and Major Revere were well. Peirson wrote a second letter to Captain George C. Gibbs about Lieutenant William Putnam’s sword, as he had not received a response from his letter of November 24.1
References:
1Charles 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. 120-21, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
Dr. Edward G. Higginbotham, chief surgeon of the Richmond prison hospitals, confirmed to Adjutant Charles Pierson that hostages Colonel Lee and Major Revere were well. Peirson wrote a second letter to Captain George C. Gibbs about Lieutenant William Putnam’s sword, as he had not received a response from his letter of November 24.1
References:
1Charles 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. 120-21, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Journey of the Captives
Tuesday, November 26, 1861
Despite General Winder's order earlier in the week prohibiting communication between the hostages at Henrico County Jail and their fellow prisoners in Ligon Factory, Major Paul Revere managed to send news to Adjutant Charles Peirson. Major Revere reported that he and Colonel Lee were well, but that two of the hostages, Colonel Cogswell and Captain Rockwood, were ill.1
References:
1Charles 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. 121, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
Despite General Winder's order earlier in the week prohibiting communication between the hostages at Henrico County Jail and their fellow prisoners in Ligon Factory, Major Paul Revere managed to send news to Adjutant Charles Peirson. Major Revere reported that he and Colonel Lee were well, but that two of the hostages, Colonel Cogswell and Captain Rockwood, were ill.1
References:
1Charles 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. 121, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Journey of the Captives
Tuesday, November 19, 1861
Adjutant Charles Peirson sent a carpet bag to Henrico County Jail for Colonel Lee. He also received a response from the Richmond commandant, Captain George C. Gibbs, that he, Lieutenant George Perry, and Dr. Edward Revere would be placed last on the list of prisoners to be sent out of Richmond.1
References:
1Charles 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. 119, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
Adjutant Charles Peirson sent a carpet bag to Henrico County Jail for Colonel Lee. He also received a response from the Richmond commandant, Captain George C. Gibbs, that he, Lieutenant George Perry, and Dr. Edward Revere would be placed last on the list of prisoners to be sent out of Richmond.1
References:
1Charles 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. 119, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Journey of the Captives
Monday, November 18, 1861
Adjutant Charles Peirson, one of the officers imprisoned at Ligon's Factory, applied to the provost marshal, General Jonathan Winder, for permission to visit Colonel Lee and Major Revere at the Henrico County Jail. General Winder refused permission for the visit. He announced that six hundred prisoners would be transported to Tuscaloosa, Alabama on Friday, and that an additional five hundred prisoners would be removed to North Carolina. The remaining prisoners would be sent to North Carolina within a few weeks. The officers would be allowed to select either Alabama or North Carolina. Adjutant Peirson wrote to Captain George C. Gibbs, Commandant of Richmond, to request that he, Lieutenant George Perry, and Dr. Edward Revere remain in Richmond for as long as possible.1
References:
1Charles 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. 119, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
Adjutant Charles Peirson, one of the officers imprisoned at Ligon's Factory, applied to the provost marshal, General Jonathan Winder, for permission to visit Colonel Lee and Major Revere at the Henrico County Jail. General Winder refused permission for the visit. He announced that six hundred prisoners would be transported to Tuscaloosa, Alabama on Friday, and that an additional five hundred prisoners would be removed to North Carolina. The remaining prisoners would be sent to North Carolina within a few weeks. The officers would be allowed to select either Alabama or North Carolina. Adjutant Peirson wrote to Captain George C. Gibbs, Commandant of Richmond, to request that he, Lieutenant George Perry, and Dr. Edward Revere remain in Richmond for as long as possible.1
References:
1Charles 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. 119, Twentieth Massachusetts Special Collection, Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachusetts.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Journey of the Captives
Sunday, November 10, 1861
General Jonathan Winder, the provost marshal of Richmond, received orders from the Confederate War Office to select from the prisoners at Ligon Factory fourteen officers as hostages for Confederates privateers on trial for piracy. From this pool of fourteen seven were selected by lots for hanging if the Confederates on trial were to be likewise treated. Colonel W. R. Lee and Major Paul Revere were among the seven officers selected for confinement in squalid quarters at Henrico County jail later in the week.1
References:
1George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 66; Richard F. Miller, Harvard's Civil War: A History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Lebanon, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 2005), 91-92.
General Jonathan Winder, the provost marshal of Richmond, received orders from the Confederate War Office to select from the prisoners at Ligon Factory fourteen officers as hostages for Confederates privateers on trial for piracy. From this pool of fourteen seven were selected by lots for hanging if the Confederates on trial were to be likewise treated. Colonel W. R. Lee and Major Paul Revere were among the seven officers selected for confinement in squalid quarters at Henrico County jail later in the week.1
References:
1George A. Bruce, The Twentieth Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861 - 1865 (Cambridge, Massachusetts: The Riverside Press, 1906), 66; Richard F. Miller, Harvard's Civil War: A History of the Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry (Lebanon, New Hampshire: University Press of New England, 2005), 91-92.
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