Chapter VII

The Sixth remained around Petersburg on the line of the railroad after the non-re-enlisted men had returned home, skirmishing with the enemy, till the 28th of September, when Butler’s army faced to the right and crossed the Appomatox and hurried forward toward Richmond. Gen. Grant had resolved that a further advance toward Richmond in Butler’s front, while a demonstration from Warren and Hancock would weaken the rebel forces so that they would retire and give our siege trains an opportunity to press nearer the doomed city. The 10th corps crossed the James and pushed forward on the extreme right along Four Mile Creek, and advanced vigorously up the New Market road, where it met the rebels and a general engagement ensued all along the lines. Musketry firing was very rapid and the shells exploded with terrible force over the heads of the gallant soldiers. The steady tramp soon became a double quick and the double quick became a run, when the frightened rebels showed signs of weakness; yet they fought with desperation worthy a better cause. The 18th corps confronted Fort Gilmer, where it was for a few moments checked. The 10th corps, under the gallant Terry, then redoubled its efforts and soon effected a junction with the 18th corps near Fort Harrison. Then the whole line advanced with a cheer and the rebels fell back in confusion. The Sixth, with Terry’s corps, advanced up the Darbytown road until the head of the column reached a point within three miles of Richmond, where the spires of the churches and roofs of houses were easily discernible. The success attending the other parts of the line was not sufficient to warrant advancing any further just then, and the corps fell back a short distance, where it entrenched itself.

Fort Harrison was a strong earthwork of great advantage to the rebels. The position was too valuable to surrender without another trial. The following day Gen. Lee brought additional reinforcements from Petersburg to hold their position, but they, like the others, were unable to stand before the Union fire. The capture of Fort Harrison was not gained without severe loss to the Connecticut troops. The Sixth, however, met with comparatively small loss. The 1st of October, Gen. Hawley’s brigade advanced again toward Richmond and was subjected to a severe fire upon the Darbytown road, skirmishing with the enemy along the creeks and swamps, with no chance for a pitched battle. The next week was full of exposure and privation. The troops had crossed the James without tents, and many without blankets; and what little sleep they gained was not very refreshing. They were always compelled to be under arms, and the utmost vigilance was required, besides being much of the time under fire; and when not engaged skirmishing, were hard at work with the pick and shovel, entrenching themselves. Our rifles, of course, had to be close at hand, to be grasped in an instant, and very often were we compelled to drop one to seize the other. Words cannot express the trials and exposures which the Union troops were called to pass through at different periods of the campaign. The Virginia campaign was unusually severe. Most of the time, for seven months, the troops were without tents, and but few had overcoats. Fatigue parties were at work night and day; lines of works were thrown up to afford protection from the enemy’s bullets. Whole acres of land were turned over, and many a tree was felled to make a clearing by which a sudden advance might be checked. The troops had little or no chance to cook their rations, and more salt pork was eaten raw than was ever boiled. A ramrod served the purpose of a gridiron, while an army shovel proved a good frying pan.

The enemy made a vigorous attack on the 7th of October on Gen. Terry’s line, and came dashing on as if intent to drive the Union forces into the James River. The Sixth was the first Connecticut regiment engaged; some of the regiments fell back under the withering fire. The One Hundredth New York Regiment especially dishonored their hitherto good fame by breaking their line and fleeing in confusion, but to the credit of all the regiments from Connecticut, be it said, they kept an unbroken front to the foe; and notwithstanding the twice repeated assaults, the enemy were forced to retire from the field and the division entrenched themselves still more, and at midnight the old picket line was re-established. An attack upon the right of the rebel line was contemplated and the troops again advanced to meet the foe. Passing out beyond the rude line of earthworks, they came upon Chapin’s Farm, and from thence they proceeded through the woods, across a wide ravine and to the plains beyond. The skirmishers opened fire and cautiously advanced; the enemy’s advance line was pressed back into their entrenched position; inactive firing was kept up for several hours while our forees neared those of the enemy. The enemy’s position was favorable to them, as the dense thicket of scrub oaks and the tangled underbrush rendered it exceedingly difficult for our troops to preserve any kind of a line; the forces seemed determined, however, to go forward, and go forward they did; but the advance resulted disastrously and the men fell back again, abandoning the assault.

Col. Rockwell was in command of the Sixth. Lieut. Col. Meeker resigned and Major Daniel Klein succeeded him. Capt. Hiram L. Grant was promoted to be Major. Rev. Charles C. Tiffany, formerly pastor of a church in Derby, was appointed Chaplain. He was said to be a man of fine scholarly attainments and with his whole heart in the cause.

Capt. Frederick B. Osborn of New Haven was honorably discharged Oct. 25, 1864, as his time of enlistment had expired. The Sixth lost no officer more loyal than him;--brave and unflinching, he often inspired courage where courage was lacking, and he asked no soldier to follow where he dared not himself lead. Through his daring and bravery the colors of the Sixth were saved in the assault on Fort Wagner. The first Union flag that waved over Morris Island was borne by him, fastened to his sword. Before the war he was a marine in the U. S. service four years, during which time he cruised 21,000 miles, touching at European cities, and visited the Holy land. He was also on the frigate Niagara when she laid the Atlantic Cable. His term of service in the navy having expired, he hastened home to remain only a few months, for the bombardment of Sumpter again enlisted his loyalty, and he joined the first company of the first regiment of three months troops, passed through the memorable Bull Run campaign, and when the three years troops were called for, he was offered a Captaincy in the Sixth Regiment, which his modesty prevented him from accepting; but he was finally induced to accept the position of 1st Lieutenant in Co. “K,” and by the death of Capt. Gerrish was promoted to the vacancy. He acquitted himself with great credit in his position as Captain, and would have honored a field officer’s commission, for he seemed to lead a charmed life. Where bullets were thickest there he was found, gallantly leading his men, with comparatively little thought for himself, so dear was the cause of the old flag to his heart, and he often won the respect and admiration of those higher in rank, by his deeds of daring, and unflinching zeal for the cause. Within a year after his discharge he was accidentally killed on the New York & New Haven Railroad. A large number of the veterans attended his funeral, and the casket was draped with the flag he carried on Morris Island.

As early winter set in, the old regiments began the work of reorganizing. Many left the ranks, discharged after an honorable service, and new officers were appointed; and, as a lull appeared, the troops began to provide log huts for themselves to sleep in. As November came on the peace men of the North began to make threats of violence against the ballot box, and large frauds were discovered. It seemed to be their desire to stuff the ballot boxes and call the war a failure, and to prevent, if possible, anyone from voting war measures. Gen. Butler was transferred to New York as commander of that Department, and he was accompanied by a division of troops under Gen. Jos. R. Hawley. There were two brigades in the division of 3,000 men each. The Sixth was in the 1st brigade under command of Col. Greeley. Col. Rockwell, of the Sixth, commanded the 2d brigade. The troops made a landing on Staten Island for a short time, but most of the time were kept on board the steamers in the North and East rivers. The men suffered severely on this transfer from the South to the cool air of the North. They were kept on board the boats in a crowded state, and no officer or man allowed to go on shore. Friends of the regiments, wives, sweethearts, &c., came many miles, some of them, but were not permitted to see them. After the Presidential election had passed, the troops immediately returned to their old position on the James. The Sixth found the log cabins they had made with so much care all destroyed, and were obliged to build others to protect themselves from the chilly nights.

In December, Gen. Grant ordered an advance on Fort Fisher at the mouth of Cape Fear river, N. C., in order to suppress, if possible, the blockade running which was carried on to a very great extent. Running into Wilmington and unloading their cargoes, which were thence transferred through the confederacy, they became a great help to the rebel commissary. Gen. Butler was dispatched with about 6,500 men, assisted by Admiral Porter with 73 vessels, carrying about 655 guns. The fleet was well armed, and the land forces were in good condition for an assault. The gun boats opened fire and cannonading was terrific. The forces landed and a feeble assault was made. The troops pushed their skirmish line within 150 yards of the fort and captured a little outwork called Flag Pond battery, with sixty-five men. Gen. Butler conceived the idea that nothing short of a regular siege could accomplish the result, and therefore withdrew the army and returned to Hampton Roads. Admiral Porter was dissatisfied with the result. The President and Gen. Grant both believed that our forces, if led by a competent commander, could capture the works, and soon another advance was contemplated, but this time under the gallant Terry. The forces embarked with the addition of 1500 men and a siege train (which was not landed), and moved down the James. Gen. Terry was unaware of his destination till near Fortress Monroe, when Gen. Grant came aboard and directed him to take Fort Fisher by storm if he thought best; if not, by siege.

The expedition left Fortress Monroe, Jan. 6, 1865: put into Beaufort, N. C., on the 8th, and was detained there by bad weather. On the 12th they arrived off Fort Fisher and landed early in the morning under a heavy fire from Porter’s fleet. At three o’clock about 8,000 troops, with marines, had landed, having three days’ rations in their haversacks and about sixty rounds of ammunition to each man. Intrenching tools, munitions, &c., were landed in spite of the heavy surf that rolled upon the beach. Gen. Terry’s first concern was to throw a strong defensive line across the peninsula whereon Fort Fisher stands, so as to isolate it from all support and enable him to hold his ground against any force the rebels might send down from Wilmington. Some little time was spent in getting the troops in the right position. The line advanced to within 600 yards of the fort, and had determined upon an assault the next day (Jan. 14). The iron-clads began their work of destruction, and so true were their shots that ere long the gunners in Fort Fisher were driven into their bomb-proofs, thus silencing their guns. Meanwhile, about 2,000 sailors and marines, armed with cutlasses, revolvers and guns, had been detailed from the fleet and landed to take their hand in the meditated assault. They had worked their way up on the beach by digging ditches for a cover, till they were within 200 yards of the fort, and lay down anxiously awaiting the order to charge. This order was given at a quarter past three. The fleet was, of course, obliged to change the direction of their fire, so that our forces might not get the shelling which was intended for the rebels. This gave the enemy a chance again to work their guns, and, seeing the marines and sailors advancing they poured grape and shrapnel into their ranks fearfully, while the musketry kept up a steady fire, mowing them down with great slaughter; and, although almost annihilated, they pressed on, and some actually gained the parapet. But the sailors’ assault was signally repulsed and they were obliged to retire. The brigades leading the assault in the other directions were more successful, although for a time it seemed almost impossible to stand up under such a withering fire. The rebels met the charge with a prolonged yell and a simultaneous fire. The division under Gen. Ames, consisting of three brigades, rushed forward, and the fighting was at close quarters. The rebel’s fire told fearfully in the Union ranks, and men were swept away in winrows. Yet on they pressed, almost exhausted, when Gen. Terry sent for Abbott’s brigade, with the old Sixth and Seventh regiments. They pressed the foe in close quarters, while they (the rebels) relinquished foot by foot their possession. Gen. Terry sprang to the head of the advancing column, cheering the troops by his presence, and with redoubled effort the whole line advanced with a yell and the frightened rebels fell back in dismay, while the Union forces invested the Fort, and victory was ours. The Union cheers were by no means faint at this achievement which had crowned their arms, and Gen. Terry became the hero of the hour.

The capture of the stronghold was not effected without severe loss to our forces. The gallant sailors and marines suffered most, as their advance up the beach was opposed with the deadliest fire. The loss of the Sixth was small, considering the part they took in the engagement. The rebels immediately surrendered to Gen. Terry, numbering, all told, 2,083 men, 169 heavy guns, besides about 2,000 small arms, with considerable ammunition and other stores. The Union loss in this battle figured up to 110 killed and 536 wounded. A sad calamity happened the next morning in the Fort. While some of the troops were inspecting the chief magazine, it was supposed that some loose powder lay on the floor which was ignited by the shoes of the soldiers coming in contact. A tremendous explosion followed, in which 200 of our troops were instantly killed and about 100 more were wounded. This sad event cast a gloom over the victorious army, as those brave men who had stood in the fore-front of many a hard fought battle, and just as victory had once more crowned their efforts, to be thus suddenly hurried into eternity was indeed sickening.

By the capture of Fort Fisher the navy also captured five blockade runners which were unable to get away. Part of the enemy retreated across Cape Fear river to Smithfield, but, fearing an advance of the Union forces, they blew up their magazines, deserted their works and fled toward Wilmington. The army of the Union did not rest at this point, but immediately advanced to press the retreating rebels. The Sixth pushed rapidly forward, skirmishing with the rear guard, and on the 22d of February our forces entered Wilmington in triumph, and drove the rebels in confusion through the city. They fled in the greatest haste, scattering their blankets and knapsacks on the way, but were so closely pursued by the Sixth and other regiments that they had no chance to form for battle till near the outskirts of the city, where they determined to make one more stand. Although they were stubborn, they were finally forced to yield and made their escape across North East river.

The Sixth remained in the city of Wilmington one night, when they were ordered across Cape Fear river to Smithville, where their stay was also brief; they soon returned to Wilmington again, where Captain Buckbee of the Sixth was detailed as A. A. C. M., and remained there some time. The Sixth only remained in Wilmington for a short time and was thence transferred to Goldsboro, N. C., where they spent the summer months engaged in patrol and picket duties. The regiment was here when the news came of the surrender of Lee’s army, and great rejoicing was indulged in by the men at the prospect of the termination of the war. The Sixth was ordered to Raleigh for muster out, and from thence went to Petersburg and took cars for City Point, Va., where they embarked for home, after nearly four years of active service.

Lieut. Col. Daniel Klein arrived in New Haven with the old Sixth on the 28th of July, 1865, where they had an enthusiastic reception tendered them by the citizens and military. Ex-Mayor Morris Tyler addressed a welcome to the returned soldiers, which was briefly responded to by Lieut. Col. Klein. The final muster-out did not occur till the 21st of August, when the men were paid off and dismissed.

Thus was ended the organization of the Sixth, a regiment who volunteered early in the war and remained till the close. All through the war for the Union the upholders of the National Cause were more or less exposed to extraordinary hardships and sufferings because of the many densely wooded and sparsely peopled regions over which they generally marched and fought. All soldiers were more or less acquainted with the marshy spots of ground that served for a bed at night after a hard day’s battle or march, and but few arose in the morning without pain racking some part of the body from the effects of such exposure, and yet a large share survived the conflict and returned home to their friends.

One of the most cheering thoughts experienced by the soldier in the field was the fact that his friends at home cherished and loved him, and proved their affection by their prayers and sympathy; and the letter sent from home containing perhaps but a few words traced by the hand of affection, and the simple wish expressed for his safe return, mingled with the “God bless and keep you,” did more to encourage the soldier to endure the hardships and privations than all the promotions that could be offered. He could work better, struggle harder, and fight with a purer zeal, if he could but realize that the prayers of affection, sympathy and love went up to the great Commander of the universe for his safety. The members of the Sixth enjoyed the confidence of all the corps and division commanders under whose leadership they were chanced to be placed, and in many difficult and trying places the old regiment was called upon to aid the enterprise. They always strove to acquit themselves like men, and true soldiers of the Union, never allowing a victory, however great, to elate us too much, knowing full well the great sacrifice of life it ofttimes cost to gain it; nor would we allow a defeat, however disastrous, to shake our faith in the righteousness of the cause in which we were engaged; but, humbly trusting in Divine Providence to lead the army to battle for the cause of liberty and equality to all in our country.

We would not forget those who went forth at the Nation’s call, eager to do battle for the right and to shield their loved ones against an invasion of the foe. We would speak with reverence of those who did not return with us from the field; heroes are they, leaders on field and staff, leaders in line and rank, they offered up their lives for the country’s good. They sealed their patriotism with their blood; many of them unknown to fame, fell amid the strife, not with their names emblazoned high as great commanders of the corps, yet they fill honored and patriotic graves, and the surviving members of the Sixth cherish their memory. The dead of the Sixth sleep in Washington, as well as in the sandy soil of the Carolinas. The palmetto groves and the jungles of Georgia, together with the river banks of Florida and the soil of Virginia hold the ashes of those who will ever be sacred to our memory. They have passed from our sight; their mission has been accomplished, and many long years will elapse ere we can forget our departed heroes. We would offer a prayer for the widow and the fatherless, that He would temper the winds to the shorn lamb, and that His infinite goodness may be round and about them in all their heart sorrows and afflictions, and that they may be united again in that better world when the Master shall call.