Chapter V

The Sixth Connecticut Regiment left Beaufort on the evening of the 18th of March, bound down the coast. We passed several places of interest on our journey, among which were Mayport Mills, Fernandina and Fort Clinch. Deserted plantations lined the banks of the river and everything had the appearance of war’s desolation. In trying to cross the bar and enter St. John’s River we got aground, and after several ineffectual attempts, we finally succeeded by the aid of a tug-boat, and our destination, Jacksonville, was reached on the morning of the 20th of March. One U. S. colored regiment were the only troops in the town. We did not pitch our tents here, but occupied the houses which had but recently been vacated. We found in many of the houses everything necessary for housekeeping, even to beds and bedding. So hastily was the retreat of the chivalry from this place that many valuable household goods were among the trophies. Large quantities of eatables were found buried in stone pots, some quaint looking guns and almost every article needed for house use. Quite

Jacksonville was once a watering place and home for invalids, and many of our northern people resorted there during the months of winter to enjoy its salubrious climate. It must have been an inviting retreat in its palmiest days. Everything here seemed to have been laid out for comfort and convenience, unlike many places which we have visited. But alas! how things had changed. Houses that were once the home of wealth and luxury were now the abodes of the Union soldier. Gardens laid out with the choicest flowers were trampled under foot by horses of our cavalry; the stores were closed, the goods removed; and business at a standstill. A few negroes lurked around the town, who were glad to get under cover of the Union arms. Co. “F” of the Sixth occupied the fine old mansion belonging to Col. Pierson of the rebel army, which was situated on the corner of Market and Duval streets, opposite the Episcopal Church. There many of the troops resorted and the organ was in constant use.

Rev. Mr. French; his subject was “The sword of the Lord and of Gideon.” The church was densely crowded with white and black soldiers, navy and army officers and civilians. In the course of his remarks he alluded to the deserted city and why the inhabitants had left it, fearing their lives would be in danger if they remained till the so-called Yankees made their advent in their midst. He expressed himself quite well pleased with the conduct of the white troops, and especially the Sixth Connecticut. He said Gen. Hunter had selected the Sixth above all others to occupy this place and protect the remaining inhabitants from the lawlessness of the rebel cavalry. He assured us our position was not an enviable one, as we were in a bad place and the woods swarmed with rebel cavalry, waiting only their chance to surprise us; but he (the speaker) was confident that the enemy would not catch us napping, and when brought to the foe, would meet them with determined bravery. We were quite pleased with the speaker’s allusion to our regiment, and he was personally thanked by many for the exalted opinion he entertained for us.

The Eighth Maine regiment arrived here from Beaufort a few days after we took possession. The rebels frequently annoyed us by shelling the town with a gun which they had fastened to a railroad car, Gen. Finnegan (the rebel commander), to present her compliments with the request that fish-balls would be more acceptable next time.

We found ourselves busy each day in preventing the raids of the enemy, and several times were called up at night by the pickets being driven in. Our force was so small that an advance very far would have been with a great sacrifice of life for us, and our gunboats prevented a very long stay of the rebel troops in the town. We suffered no loss of life in our regiment while here; a few were slightly wounded. An expedition of the negro troops went up the river as far as the town of Pilatki, where they surprised a Lieut. Col. Billings of the First S. C. troops, a ball passing through the palms of both his hands and another through his leg.

On Sunday, the 29th of March, Gen. Hunter ordered the evacuation of Jacksonville by all the Union troops. The inhabitants begged permission to accompany the troops, as their lives were in danger as well as their property, if left at the mercy of the rebel troops. Their request was partially granted and they flocked in numbers to the transports with large quantities of household goods, which so completely blockaded the room that orders were issued to put the goods on the wharves again. Large numbers of negroes secreted themselves on board the boats, fearing to be left behind. As we left the town an old lady appeared on the veranda of her house wringing her hands and sobbing as if her heart would break, doubtless sad at our departure. A large number of the houses and stores were set on fire just before we got on board the steamers, and as we left the wharves the larger part of the town was in flames and was probably destroyed. This wanton act of vandalism was charged upon the negro regiment, and they in

We did not arrive at Beaufort as soon as we expected, owing to a heavy storm of wind and rain which set in, and as our boats were old and so heavily laden it was not deemed prudent to venture outside in such a gale. The storm passed by and we reached our destination in safety on the morning of April 1st. We pitched our tents, expecting to settle down again; but the soldier has no abiding place in time of war, nor does he know one day where he will be the next. After thirty-five hours in Beaufort, we were off again on another “excursion.”

The rumors in camp seemed to indicate that this time the expedition was to be more formidable than any previous ones, and this was true, as the sequel will eventually prove. Large numbers of troops were being put on board steamers at this place and at Hilton Head; gunboats were active and all was bustle and excitement. The wildest rumors prevailed as Gen. Hunter disagreeing in the plan of the battle, it could no longer avail anything and the whole affair proved a fizzle. In the meantime Gen. Hunter was relieved and Maj. Gen. Gilmore appointed to command. Gen. Gilmore was well known for his engineering skill and also his military prowess.

During the latter part of the time they began to suspect something was going on, for we could see them strengthen their batteries on the opposite bank. The rebel pickets were very inquisitive and tried to question us regarding our position, &c. We were on good terms with each other, and made miniature ships, freighted them with salt and coffee, and sent them over to the rebs, and in return they sent us tobacco. They informed us of the death of “Stonewall” Jackson, and displayed their flags at half mast and fired half hour guns throughout the day in honor of the deceased. They generally communicated to us the news of any battle that occurred sooner than we got it through our own sources. They seemed to relish a joke occasionally. One of them informed us that Gen. Beauregard had such an exalted opinion of the “Yankees” on Folly Island that he was coming over to make us a visit and give us all a “farm six feet by two.”

About the 1st of July large numbers of troops began to arrive at the island, and “old Folly” literally swarmed with them. The order was given for us to Gen. Strong, who was to lead the attack, looked every inch a soldier, as he moved among us giving cheering words to all. At precisely 5 o’clock, the batteries that we had worked on so faithfully for weeks, were unmasked to the enemy and opened simultaneously from 48 guns. The astonished rebels soon replied with great rapidity. As the ball opened, the inhabitants of Secessionville, Gen. Strong was signalled to land his forces and charge upon their works. The rebels perceiving the signal and interpreted its meaning, directed a galling fire at the boats. One boat of the Sixth was struck and a member of Co. “E” lost a leg which soon caused his death; another was wounded and the boat overturned, but was soon righted by help from others and the men rescued. We pulled for the shore, eager to land, and while a detachment of the Seventh Connecticut landed first on the left of the rifle pits and were feeling their way. The old Sixth sprang into the water knee deep and was soon directly in front of their battery; rushing forward with bayonets fixed and with an honest Union cheer. The rebels depressed their guns to rake us as we landed, but the shot struck the ground in front of us and passed over our heads, and the amazed rebels, seeing our determination, turned to flee just as we gained the first line of Oct. 22, 1862.” It had blood stains upon it which were probably spilled at that place. Col. Chatfield waved the banner aloft, feeling very much elated to think we had captured the flag that bore this inscription, for he received a wound at Pocotaligo. Col. Chatfield led his men to the last range of rifle pits, which was within a rifle shot of Fort Wagner. The Sixth had the advance all day. Our flags were riddled with shell, and the staff of the stars and stripes was broken in three different places. A rebel ramrod was substituted for the broken staff, and our flags floated from the only house on the island. This house was the headquarters for the rebel officers, and when we entered it the coffee was in cups on the table and breakfast nearly ready; but we did not stop to eat, as we were looking for water; and seeing the coffee, disposed of it in short meter. Two solid shot from Fort Wagner came tearing through the house, demolishing the chimney and scattering the bricks upon the tables in great confusion. We concluded that we might be demolished if we remained in there long, so went

We remained at the front till about sunset, under a severe fire continually. Tired and footsore, with hardly anything to eat, and without sleep for three nights, we were glad when orders came for us to fall to the rear and another regiment to take our place. Gen. Strong was active all day and infused spirit into the soldiers by his commanding aspect. When we landed he was burdened with a pair of long military boots upon his feet, and as we jumped into the water these became so full that locomotion was well nigh impossible, so he pulled them off and threw them away, going in his stockings. The briars over the sand hills soon wore the bottoms of these off, and having captured a rebel mule, got astride of him and went forward with a cheer from the soldiers. Soon after the battle he appeared among the members of the Sixth, still astride the mule, who looked jaded enough. “Boys,” said he, “I don’t look like a General, but you look and have acted like true soldiers,” and immediately rode away, followed by the cheers of the soldiers.

It was determined to assault Fort Wagner and capture it with the bayonet. The Seventh Connecticut was to lead the charge, supported by the Ninth Maine and Seventy-sixth Pennsylvania. Early on the morning of the 11th, before the lark was awake, this command Col. Chatfield was to lead us into action, the Colonel declaring his preference “to stand or fall with the men of the Sixth,” and refusing the honor of commanding our brigade, which belonged to him as the ranking officer. The gunboats shelled the rebel fort incessantly, plowing up great heaps of sand with one shell, and another perhaps would fill up the crevice. The broadsides from the New Ironsides were terrific, and the five monitors in line, together with five other gunboats, seemed to Col. Shaw of the Fifty-fourth, who wanted the black troops to distinguish themselves, Col. Chatfield granted them their wish. Gen. Strong, who was to lead the charge, then addressed them. He said, “Men of Massachusetts, I am going to put you in front of the chivalry of South Carolina, and they will pour iron hail in your faces; but don’t flinch; defend the flag and uphold the honor of the State of Massachusetts.” He further told them “the Sixth Connecticut was immediately behind them, and I know they will not flinch.” They fell upon one knee in the sand and with their right arm raised, they swore they would do it.

The command formed silently on the beach; the men seemed impatient to move as the scene became exciting. “Close column, by companies,” was the order given, and the first brigade was off for its work. Col. Chatfield and others, were badly wounded and carried to the rear. We were virtually without any commanding officer to lead us. To wait for daylight would have been Col. Shaw met his death. The Sixth Regiment and the Connecticut colors were the first in the fort that night. The color-bearer, a German named Gustave DeBouge, was shot through the forehead while carrying the colors in the assault, and fell dead upon the flag, his life blood staining them through. Several brave ones who were near seized them, but they also fell either dead or wounded. Captain Frederick B. Osborn of Co. “K,” as brave an officer as ever wore shoulder straps, finally succeeded in pulling them from under the bodies and bearing them off in triumph. Our flags were much shattered and torn, but both were saved from the enemy.

In leaving Wagner that night, the ditch we crossed was filled with the dead and wounded, and we were

Our loss was quite heavy, considering the force engaged; the Sixth being exposed to the deadliest fire, their ranks were pretty well thinned out and the total figures footed up to 141 killed, wounded and missing. Many of the wounded brought off the field died the next day. Among the killed was Lieut. Stevens of Co. “I,” a cannister shot passing through his heart. He was Ass’t Adjutant General on Gen. Seymour’s staff, a position he filled with great ability.

Fatigue duty fell unusually hard upon the troops on the island, and every night found the Sixth in the trenches, building batteries or hauling heavy guns to the front. Under fire every day and night, the regiment suffered the loss of many members by wounds and death. While at the front one day a flag of truce came from Wagner, borne by a rebel Captain named Tracy. Capt. Tracy of the Sixth met him and Gen. Vogdes was informed and the terms agreed upon. On Friday, July 24, a large steamer bearing our wounded, came down the harbor and ran alongside of one of the monitors. It was said she was a blockade runner and had recently ran the blockade. Upon her decks were Englishmen dressed in the height of fashion, talking loudly of the superior intellect of the southern chivalry. The steamer Cosmopolitan, which had recently been fitted up as a hospital ship, ran alongside and delivered up the rebel wounded and the rebels gave us 205 Union soldiers. They also reported that they had amputated the limbs of 25 and that 50 had died on their hands. We also learned that they were so indignant because our government employed negro troops, that when they found Col. Shaw’s body they dug a deep trench and put the body in and then threw 25 dead negroes top of it. This circumstance we learned to be a fact, the pickets in our front having reported the same thing to us.

The Sixth Regiment, so shattered in the charge of the 18th and depleted in numbers, was ordered to Hilton Head to recruit and care for the large numbers who were wounded. We landed there on the 31st of July, commanded by Captain Tracy, who was senior Captain in the regiment and highest officer for duty. While at the Head the news came to us of the Gen. Strong and Col. Chatfield, both having gone North to recruit their health. The men of the Sixth cherished very great affection for their beloved Colonel, and were grieved to hear of his untimely death.

Col. Chatfield was born at Oxford, Conn., in 1826; was the son of Pulaski and Amanda Chatfield. He was apprenticed to the carpenter business in Derby, where he served four years at his trade; after which he worked as a journeyman. In 1855, having moved to Waterbury, he was associated with a brother in building, and the firm was widely and favorably known. Always upright, a man of sterling integrity, prompt and honorable in all his dealings, he possessed the confidence and esteem of all with whom he came in contact.

Col. Chatfield was born a soldier; he commenced as a private in the Derby Blues and was active in raising the Waterbury City Guard, and afterwards became its Captain. His service with the three months troops was a fine school in which to display his military genius, and he caught the true military spirit, which he seemed to infuse into his fellow soldiers. Subsequently, becoming Colonel of the Sixth, he brought it to a state of discipline second to none in the service. The early part of the service seemed too much for him, and he remained at Annapolis, an invalid, while the regiment was sent on the expedition, but Gen. Hunter in command of the forces at Hilton Head. After serving there for some time, he was relieved at his own request and permitted to join in the operations on Morris Island. In the charge on Fort Wagner he was wounded in the leg, and in attempting to drag himself out, was hit a second time in his right hand, which knocked his sword out of his grasp. He was carried to the rear by Private Andrew H. Grogan of Co. “I,” and Chaplain Woodruff procured transportation for him to his home. He spoke very feelingly in regard to the charge of his regiment, and inquired if the colors were safe. Being informed that all that was left of them was brought off the field, his eyes glistened as he replied, “Thank God for that; I am so glad they are safe; keep them as long as there is a thread left.” He was sent home on a steamer, but the journey was exhausting to him and probably hastened his death.

He passed away from his earthly labors August 10, surrounded by his family. Just before his death a gleam of consciousness was visible, and looking up he recognized his weeping family, and expressed his entire willingness and readiness to depart, and died with hardly a struggle. Had Col. Chatfield lived he would have distinguished himself, and no doubt risen