Thursday, September 22, 2005

Civil War Memoir: Isaac E. Conklin 105th New York Volunteers

The following is from Grand Army of the Republic ~ Department of New York ~ Personal War Sketches of the Members of Charles P. Sprout Post No. 76, of Lockport

Sprout who was with the New York 28th Infantry was killed in Action at Cedar Mountain, Virginia on August 9, 1862

Isaac E. Conklin
born Niagara, New York
Company “B”, 105th New York Volunteers

The first battle in which I was engaged was Cedar Mountain—afterward at Rappahannock Station. Thoroughfare Gap, Bull Run, Chantilly, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Mine Run, cold Harbor and Petersburg.

Was never wounded, but was taken prisoner, August 19, 1864, at the battle of the Weldon Railroad by Lee’s Army. Was confined in the following named prisons: Libby, Belle Island, Salisbury and Florence. Recaptured February 22, 1865. My intimate comrades were William Harry, John St. Clair, William Mesler, and William Clark.

The most important event in my military life was when I was recaptured by General Terry.

Friday, September 09, 2005

Civil War Memoir: Lyman Chatfield Harwood 129th New York Volunteer Infantry

The following is from Grand Army of the Republic ~ Department of New York ~ Personal War Sketches of the Members of Charles P. Sprout Post No. 76, of Lockport

Sprout who was with the New York 28th Infantry was killed in Action at Cedar Mountain, Virginia on August 9, 1862

Lyman Chatfield Harwood
Born Windsor, Vermont
Company “B”, 129th New York Volunteer Infantry

…The first battle in which I was engaged was Spottsylvania Va. Then followed North Anna…Tolopotomy…Cold Harbor…Siege of Petersburg…and final assault and capture of the Rebel Fortifications there; and thence on to Appomattox. I received a gunshot wound in right leg, June 3rd 1864 at Cold Harbor Va….

The surrender of General Robert E. Lee at Appomattox was the most important event in my military experience.

Tuesday, September 06, 2005

Civil War Memoir: Albert I. Knowles 15th New York Cavalry

The following is from Grand Army of the Republic ~ Department of New York ~ Personal War Sketches of the Members of Charles P. Sprout Post No. 76, of Lockport

Sprout who was with the New York 28th Infantry was killed in Action at Cedar Mountain, Virginia on August 9, 1862

Albert I. Knowles
Born Ontario, New York
Company “C”, 15th New York Cavalry

…The first battle in which I was engaged was Upperville Va., Feb. 20th 1864 and was afterward in the battle of Lost River Gap …New Market …Front Royal …Newtown…Mount Jackson …Piedmont …Waynesboro …Lynchburg …Salem…Martinsburg …Snicker’s Gap …Island Ford …Ashley’s Gap …Winchester …Martinsburg …Charlestown …Green Spring Run …Lacy Springs …Waynesboro …Ashland …Dinwiddie Court Hous e…Five Forks …Rappahannock Creek …Namozine Court House …Appomattox Court House.

I deem the great Cavalry Charge of April 1st 1865 led by General G. A. Custer, turning the right flank of Lee’s Army and following up in pursuit of the confederates, and their final surrender, April 9, 1865, as the most important event in my military life. On the p.m. of April 8, 1865, General Custer charged on Lee’s Army, and captured three trains of cars, 33 pieces of artillery, 165 Battle Flags, and a large amount of Confederate Scrip, and many prisoners, including several Generals. Our Lieutenant Colonel Root was killed by the side of Major Bigelow while leading my Regiment in this charge.

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