Bully Photograph: Grant's Headquarters Outhouse

While searching for some images of Gen. Ulysses S. Grant's headquarters cabin at City Point, Virginia during the Petersburg Campaign, I came across a number of different images, both period and modern. The one above especially caught my attention first of all due to the United States flag. However, at  second glance, I also spotted an additional detail; the little outhouse directly behind Grant's cabin. Yes, even the most famous of military leaders had to answer when nature called. 

Photograph courtesy of the Library of Congress

"Got Used Up:" Casualties for the 4th USCI at the Battle of New Market Heights

 

Although he amazingly survived the Battle of New Market Heights unscathed, Sgt. Maj. Christian A. Fleetwood recorded his impression of the 4^th United States Colored Infantry’s experience on September 29, 1864, in his pocket diary. Brief and to the point, it accurately summed things up in a short phrase: “got used up.”

It is not surprising that the 4^th USCI sustained significant casualties since they led the charge at New Market Heights. However, the totals they suffered provide telling testimony to the bravery displayed by the men of the 4^th that day.

A thorough search through the Compiled Military Service Records (CMSR) for all of the regiment’s soldiers helped total the heavy price the 4^th USCI paid at New Market Heights. The numbers discovered are: 27 men killed in action, four missing in action but presumed dead, 23 fatally wounded, and 97 wounded but who survived. Of course, as the list below starkly shows, many of the wounded who lived had their lives forever changed by their New Market Heights injuries.

The totals that I found differ somewhat from what Edward G. Longacre shares in his book, A Regiment of Slaves: The 4th United States Colored Infantry, 1863-1866. His figures are 27 killed, 137 wounded, and 14 missing. 

Killed in Action

Pvt. Joseph H. Bantum, Co. G, 18, Talbot Co., MD; Baltimore, MD

Pvt. Robert A. Bantum, Co. H, 26, Traptown, MD; Baltimore, MD

Sgt. Cyrus Boley, Co. E, 27, Dorchester Co., MD; Baltimore, MD

Pvt. Harrison Cooper, Co. H, 33, Traptown, MD; Baltimore, MD

Pvt. William K. Dockins, Co. I, 22, Cambridge, MD; Baltimore, MD

Pvt. Henry Dunson, Co. H, 23, Baltimore, MD; Baltimore, MD

Corp. John H. Dyson, Co. G, 19, Baltimore, MD; Baltimore, MD

Pvt. Alfred Ennels, Co. C, 25, Baltimore, MD; Baltimore, MD

1^st Sgt. Isaac Harrol, Co. E, 25, Nansemond, VA; Baltimore, MD

Pvt. William H. Holloway, Co. I, 27, Baltimore, MD; Baltimore, MD

Pvt. Joshua James, Co. C, 22, Harford Co., MD; Baltimore, MD

Pvt. Hanson C. Key, Co. F, 26, Frederick Co., MD; Baltimore, MD

Pvt. Charles Marr, Co. H, 18, Baltimore, MD; Baltimore, MD

Pvt. Benjamin Matthews, Co. F, 21, Frederick Co., MD; Baltimore, MD

Pvt. Henry Mays, Co. A, 20, Eastern Shore, MD; Baltimore, MD

Pvt. Thomas Henry Mitchell, Co. E, 23, Cambridge, MD; Baltimore, MD

Pvt. Thomas Mooney, Co. C, 20, Baltimore, MD; Baltimore, MD

Corp. John R. Newman, Co. I, 23, Caroline Co., MD; Baltimore, MD

Corp. Andrew Nichols, Co. K, 25, Frederick Co., MD; Baltimore, MD

1^st Sgt. Augustus A. Norton, Co. F, 25, Harford Co., MD; Baltimore, MD

Pvt. William Patterson, Co. E., 25, Baltimore, MD; Baltimore, MD

Pvt. Richard Savoy, Co. A, 21, Queen Anne Co., MD; Baltimore, MD

Pvt. Eli W. Smith, Co. B, 20, Baltimore, MD; Baltimore, MD

Sgt. Allen Toop, Co. F, 21, Carroll Co., MD; Baltimore, MD

Corp. Henry Travis, Co. C, 27, Henry Co., VA; Baltimore, MD

Capt. Samuel W. Vannuys, Co. E, 24, Johnson Co. Indiana; origionally served in 7^th Indiana Inf. then appointed 2^nd Lt in 4^th USCI

Pvt. John Dorsey Watts, Co. B, 22, Clear Spring, MD; Baltimore, MD

Fatally Wounded

Pvt. John Bantum, Co. H, 24, Talbot Co.; MD; Baltimore, MD; died on 10-4-1864 after amputation of left leg at thigh

Corp. Elhanan Buie, Co. G, 20, Frederick Co., MD; Baltimore, MD; died on 10-24-1864 from gunshot wound to left ilium (pelvis hip bone)

Sgt. Levin J. Camper, Co. D, 25, Dorchester Co., MD; Baltimore, MD; died on 10-27-1864 from amputation of leg and chronic diarrhea  

Pvt. Augustus Cook, H, 23, Carroll Co., MD; Baltimore, MD; died on 10-27-1864 from wounds received in action

Sgt. Isaac Cook, Co. C, 24, Baltimore, MD; Baltimore, MD; died on 10-16-1864 from amputation of left leg

Pvt. John Cook, Co. H, 24, Carroll, Co., MD; Baltimore, MD; died on 9-30-1864 on board hospital transport steamer Matilda

Pvt. Thomas Cornish, Co. K, 19, Eastern Shore, MD; Baltimore, MD; died on 10-16-1864 from gunshot wound of left shoulder

Corp. James Dawson, Co. A, 20, Baltimore, MD; Baltimore, MD; died on 10-1-1864 at Point of Rocks Hospital from wounds received at New Market Heights

1^st Sgt. Nathaniel W. Dorsey, Co. B, 26, Baltimore, MD; Baltimore, MD; died on 10-29-1864 at Point of Rocks Hospital from gunshot wound to left leg

Pvt. Henry Dutton, Co. C, 38, Carroll Co., MD; Baltimore, MD; died on 10-18-1864 from gunshot wound perforating right lung

Sgt. Alfred B. Hilton, Co. H, 21, Harford Co., MD; Baltimore, MD; died on 10-21, 1864 from amputation at right knee joint; Medal of Honor recipient

Pvt. Henry Jackson, Co. E, 21, Cambridge, MD; Baltimore, MD, died on 10-11-1864 from amputation of left arm and left thigh

Pvt. John H. Maybury, Co. G, 24, Frederick, MD; Baltimore, MD; died on 10-3-1864 from gunshot wound through breast

Corp. Risdon Newman, Co. C, 45, Eastern Shore, MD; Baltimore, MD; died on board hospital transport steamer Matilda on 9-30-1864 from severe wounds received at New Market Heights

Corp. Robert Parker, Co. H, 22, Dorchester Co., MD; Baltimore, MD; died on 10-30-1864 from gunshot wound fracture of right radius, gunshot wound to flesh of right thigh, gunshot wound to right knee, and gunshot wound to flesh of back; noted cause of death is pneumonia

Pvt. James Reynolds, Co. F, 18, Baltimore, MD; Baltimore, MD; died on 4-18-1865 from gunshot wounds received at New Market Heights

Pvt. William Richfield, Co. B, 25, Baltimore, MD; Baltimore, MD; died on 10-3-1865 on board hospital steamer Thomas Powell

Corp. Levin Robinson, Co. E, 27, Cambridge, MD; Baltimore, MD; died on 11-14-1864

Pvt. William Seafers, Co. H, 38, Dorchester, MD; Baltimore, MD; died on 10-19-1864 from gunshot wound to left leg

Pvt. Samuel Smith, Co. B, 28, Baltimore, MD; Baltimore, MD; died on 10-11-1864 from gunshot wound to right thigh

Pvt. William Tripp, Co. G, 28, Talbot Co., MD; Baltimore, MD; died 10-24-1864 from wounds received at Battle of New Market Heights

Pvt. Richard Varney, Co. K, 21, Talbot Co., MD; Baltimore, MD; died 10-6-1864 from wounds to head, right arm, and side

Pvt. Henry Watson, Co. B, 22, Lynchburg, VA; Baltimore, MD; died 11-9-1864 from amputation of right thigh

Missing in Action

Pvt. John Camper, Co. I, 18, Dorchester Co., MD; Baltimore, MD (presumed killed)

Pvt. Richard Smith, Co. D, 25, Dorchester, MD; Baltimore, MD (presumed killed)

Corp. Joseph Snavely, Co. I, 19, Frederick Co., MD; Baltimore, MD (presumed killed)

Pvt. Theodore Williams, Co. I, 19, Clarktown, MD; Baltimore, MD

Wounded Survived

Col. Samuel A. Duncan, wounded in right ankle (commanding brigade)

Company A

Pvt. John H. Bailey, 23, Eastern Shore, MD; Baltimore, MD

Pvt. Edward Budd, 38, Baltimore, MD; Baltimore, MD

Pvt. Benjamin Scott, 18, Baltimore, MD; Baltimore, MD

Pvt. James Shields, 23, Baltimore Co., MD; Baltimore, MD

Sgt. John R. Warren, 26, Baltimore, MD; Baltimore, MD; disability discharge 4-1-1865 on surgeon’s certificate from wounds received at New Market Heights

Corp. Alexander Watts, 19, Baltimore, MD; Baltimore, MD

Pvt. George Williams, 19, Accomack Co., MD [VA?]; Baltimore, MD; disability discharge 6-26-1865

Company B

Pvt. David Bedford, 22, Charles, MD; Baltimore, MD; disability discharge 9-23-1865 from gunshot wound of left humerus

Pvt. William F. Bordley, 18, Talbot Co., MD; Baltimore, MD

Pvt. Nathaniel Brooks, 17, Cumberland, MD; Baltimore, MD; disability discharge 6-24-1865 from amputation of left forearm due to gunshot wound

Pvt. Raleigh Butler, 21, Cumberland, VA; Baltimore, MD

Corp. Alexander Cassell, 20, Baltimore, MD; Baltimore, MD

Pvt. William Green, 19, Baltimore, MD; Baltimore, MD; later died of disease

Pvt. James Johnson, 19, Baltimore, MD; Baltimore, MD; died 1-18-1865 of disease

Pvt. William H. Morgan, 28, Baltimore, MD; Baltimore, MD

Pvt. James F. Price, 18, Baltimore, MD; Baltimore, MD

Pvt. Ephraim Smith, 19, Mt. Airy, MD; Baltimore, MD; disability discharge 7-19-1865 from amputation of right thigh at lower third

Corp. James R. Thompson, 19, Williamsport, MD; Baltimore, MD

Company C

Corp. George Bond, 24, Baltimore, MD; Baltimore, MD; disability discharge 5-30-1865 from gunshot wound to right hip

Pvt. Daniel C. Bordley, 22, Baltimore, MD; Baltimore, MD

Pvt. Eli Fickle, 42, Frederick, MD; Baltimore, MD; disability discharge 6-23-1865 at Fort Monroe from wounds received on September 29, 1864

Pvt. Charles Griffin, 39, New Orleans, LA; Baltimore, MD

Sgt. George Hutchings, 30, Baltimore, MD; Baltimore, MD

Sgt. William E. Matthews, 27, Baltimore, MD; Baltimore, MD; disability discharge 6-25-1865 due to complications from New Market Heights wound

Pvt. William Miles, 35, not listed; Baltimore, MD; disability discharge 5-3-1865

Pvt. Murray C. D. Palmer, 36, Caroline Co., MD; Baltimore, MD; disability discharge 6-26-1865

Pvt. John H. Pinckney, 22, Talbot Co., MD; Baltimore, MD; disability discharge 3-20-1865 from amputation of right thigh at upper third

Pvt. John C. Robinson, 25, Frederick, MD; Baltimore, MD; disability discharge 1-12-1866 from gunshot wound of thorax at right side

Pvt. Samuel Sharp, 18, Eastern Shore, MD; Baltimore, MD; disability discharge 4-4-1865

Pvt. Philip Waters, 25, Baltimore, MD; Baltimore, MD; disability discharge 4-14-1865

Pvt. Robert Wilson, 20, Baltimore, MD; Baltimore, MD

Company D

Pvt. Thomas Bell, 16, Dorchester Co., MD; Chillicothe, OH

Pvt. Jacob Cloyd, 19, South Hampton, MD; Baltimore, MD

Corp. Charles J. Jackson, 25, Dorchester Co., MD; Baltimore, MD

Pvt. John H. Johnson, 17, Baltimore, MD; Baltimore, MD

Corp. William Stiles, 21, Dorchester Co., MD; Baltimore, MD; disability discharge 6-26-1865 from gunshot wound of right thigh

Pvt. Charles Thompson, 17, Hardy Co., (West) VA; Baltimore, MD; discharged 6-26-1865

Company E

Pvt. Isaiah Camper, 31, New Market, MD; Baltimore, MD

Pvt. Henry W. Dorsey, 20, New Williamsport, MD; Baltimore, MD

Pvt. Isiah Fisher, 20, Eastern Shore, MD; Baltimore, MD

Sgt. Jacob Henry, 25, Cambridge, MD; Baltimore, MD

2^nd Lt. James Murray Hoag, disability discharge 4-18-1865 from wounds to right shoulder and amputation of left arm above elbow

Pvt. John D. Jackson, 18, Cambridge, MD; Baltimore, MD

Pvt. Abram Lincoln, 23, Ann Arundel, MD; Baltimore, MD; disability discharge 2-8-1866 from gunshot wound to right hand fracturing and carrying away almost the entire metacarpal bones

Sgt. Garrison Nichols, 25, Dorchester, MD; Baltimore, MD; loss of left leg from wound at New Market Heights

1st Lt. Thomas H. Price, wounded in left hand

Pvt. John T. Robinson, 23, Cambridge, MD; Baltimore, MD

Pvt. James Slaughter, 20, Talbot Co., MD; Baltimore, MD; disability discharge 1-27-1865 from amputation at lower third of left thigh

Company F

Pvt. John Q. Adams, 26, Hartford Co., MD; Baltimore, MD; disability discharge 11-10-1865 from amputation of left arm at shoulder joint

Sgt. Joseph Baker, 24, Carroll Co., MD; Baltimore, MD; disability discharge 6-26-1865 on account of wounds received on September 29, 1864

Pvt. Charles Fantis, 28, Princess Anne Co., VA; Baltimore, MD; discharged 6-26-1865 due to severe wounds received on September 29, 1864

Pvt. Benjamin Harp, 23, Frederick Co., MD; Baltimore, MD

Corp. John F. Johnson, 28, Buckingham Co., VA; Baltimore, MD

Sgt. Charles Linghams, 28, Baltimore, MD; Baltimore, MD

Pvt. Thomas Thornton, 28, Fairfield, NC; Baltimore, MD; disability discharge 5-30-1865 from gunshot wound fracturing right tibia

Company G

Pvt. Solomon Camfer, 19, Talbot Co., MD; Baltimore, MD

Corp. Joshua Chew, 21, Talbot Co., MD; Baltimore, MD

Corp. William Demby, 19, Queen Anne Co., MD; Baltimore, MD; later wounded at Fort Fisher, NC and died 3-3-1865 from those wounds 

Pvt. James W. Dixon, 28, Dorchester Co., MD; Baltimore, MD; disability discharge on unknown date

Pvt. Jacob Gibson, 22, Dorchester Co., MD; Baltimore, MD

Pvt. John H. James, 20, Dorchester Co., MD; Baltimore, MD

Pvt. Jacob Juricks, 22, Frederick, MD; Baltimore, MD

Pvt. Dennis Linthicum, 24, Dorchester Co., MD; Baltimore, MD

Pvt. Henry Preston, 19, Harford Co., MD; Baltimore, MD

Sgt. Alfred B. Roberts, 24, Frederick Co., MD; Baltimore, MD

Pvt. Henry Stewart, 20, Dorchester Co., MD; Baltimore, MD

Pvt. Charles H. Winchester, 21, Baltimore Co., MD; Baltimore, MD

Company H

Sgt. William Grafton Buie, 25, Frederick Co., MD; Baltimore, MD

Corp. Joseph Haynes, 22, Harford Co., MD; Baltimore, MD; disability discharge 1-20-1865 from gunshot wound of right thigh

Pvt. Joshua Johnson, 27, Frederick, MD; Baltimore, MD

Pvt. William Jones, 22, Carroll Co., MD; Baltimore, MD; disability discharge 5-5-1865 from gunshot wounds to both arms

Pvt. Perry H. Kirby, 27, Queen Anne Co., MD; Baltimore, MD

Pvt. Nathan Smith, 26, Frederick Co., MD; Baltimore, MD

Pvt. Daniel White, 27, Frederick Co., MD; Baltimore, MD; disability discharge 6-24-1865 from gunshot wound to right humerus

Company I

Pvt. Israel Banks, 21, Dorchester Co., MD; Baltimore, MD

Pvt. Lewis Cook, 32, Caroline Co., MD; Baltimore, MD

2^nd Lt. W. Watson Gillingham, resigned due to surgeon’s disability from gunshot wound of right hip and right arm

Pvt. Jacob Green, 22, Baltimore, MD; Baltimore, MD

Corp. John Robert Jones, 22, Port Tobacco, MD; Baltimore, MD; disability discharge 10-15-1865 from amputation at left forearm

Pvt. George Seymour, 18, Dorchester, MD; Baltimore, MD; gunshot wound of left hip (slight)

Pvt. Richard Smith, 23, Dorchester, MD; Baltimore, MD

1^st Lt. Daniel W. Spicer, 20, disability discharge 5-15-1865 from gunshot wound to right thigh

Pvt. William H. Wheatley, 41, Cambridge, MD; Baltimore, MD

Company K

Pvt. Henry Antony, 19, Queen Anne Co., MD; Baltimore, MD; disability discharge 7-27-1865 from severe gunshot perforating wound of left hand resulting in amputation of index finger

Pvt. Samuel Bentley, 23, Clear Springs, MD; Baltimore, MD

Pvt. John Bowie, 18, Frederick, MD; Baltimore, MD

Sgt. Grafton Crosley, 27, New Market, MD; Baltimore, MD; disability discharge 4-4-1865 from gunshot wound to right shoulder

Pvt. Jacob Gibson, 21, Talbot Co., MD; Baltimore, MD; disability discharge 6-26-1865 from gunshot wound received on September 29, 1864

Pvt. Alexander Gross, 20, Prince George, MD; Baltimore, MD

Pvt. John Gustave, 22, Eastern Shore, MD; Baltimore, MD; died 10-9-1864 of typhoid fever

Pvt. John N. Harris, 18, Frederick Co., MD; Baltimore, MD; disability discharge 8-17-1865 from disease brought on from gunshot wound to right arm received in action

Corp. Phillip Hooper, 24, New York, NY; Baltimore, MD

Sgt. Henry Johnson, 22, Athens, OH; Baltimore, MD

Pvt. Basil Pam, 35, Frederick Co., MD; Baltimore, MD; disability discharge 6-26-1865

Pvt. Matthew Roberts, 22, Eastern Shore, MD; Baltimore, MD; disability discharge 2-26-1866

Pvt. John Thompson, 18, Baltimore, MD; Baltimore, MD

This list was not produced in attempt to sensationalize the pain these men suffered, but rather to acknowledge the sacrifices they were willing to endure to ensure the death of slavery, show themselves men and worthy of citizenship and thus the guarantees of the Constitution, and maintain the Union of the states. In addition, hopefully this enumeration helps descendants make connections with their soldier ancestors. Courageously done, men of the 4^th!     

Dying Far From Home – Pvt. William Richfield, Co. B, 4th USCI

 

By the time the Battle of New Market Heights occurred, the 4^th United States Colored Troops (USCI) had already endured enemy fire several times. Their baptism in combat came on June 15, 1864, in the Army of the Potomac’s initial Union attacks on Petersburg. As part of Gen. Edward Hincks’ Division of the XVIII Corps, Army of the James, the 4^th USCI ran into opposition along the City Point Road as it marched toward Petersburg.

The 4^th’s sergeant major, Christian A. Fleetwood, recorded his thoughts on June 15 in his pocket diary. Of the morning’s scrap at Baylor’s Farm, Fleetwood noted, “Up at break of dawn and under way . . . went into action early charged out of woods. Cut up badly Regt. Broke and retreated Fired into by 5^th Mass. [Colored Cavalry]. Last Regt charged with 22^nd [USCI]-Took the [Confederate] Battery.”

After securing the prized guns, Hincks’ Division moved on toward the Dimmock Line defending the Cockade City. Fleetwood again recorded the events: “Lay under their fire all balance of the day advancing by degree in line about 7 P.M. Final charge made Seven guns taken by our Regt. Our loss pretty heavy.” It is unknown whether Fleetwood’s 4^th USCI comrade and fellow Baltimorean, Pvt. William Richfield, received his wound at Baylor’s Farm or during the attacks on the Dimmock Line, but it was significant enough to need treatment at a Union general hospital. Richfield’s June 15 wound would not be his last.

Like so many United States Colored Troops soldiers, unfortunately, not much is known about William Richfield’s life before he enlisted in the 4^th USCI. He does appear on a July 1863 draft registration for Baltimore’s 13^th Ward. Apparently, Richfield lived at 40 Hill Street. He gave his age as 22 as of July 1, 1863, and was a married man. The vague label of laborer notes Richfield’s occupation. Although Richfield’s Compiled Military Service Record states that he was a free man of color before the war, a search produced no hits in the 1850 and 1860 censuses.

Fortunately, Richfield’s service records do give some additional information on the man. Interestingly, his service record age is three years advanced from what the draft board noted although taken at approximately the same time. Richfield is described as five feet, eight inches tall, and having a “black” complexion. “Laborer,” again, was his stated occupation. He enlisted in his hometown of Baltimore on July 21, 1863, and assigned to Company B. In addition, it also appears that Richfield performed additional daily duty as a drummer for the 4^th USCI.   

Richfield likely endured additional enemy fire in the trenches around Petersburg during the summer of 1864. However, all that came before paled in comparison to the combat faced on September 29, 1864, at New Market Heights. The 4^th USCI led the charge early that morning through the mist, and in the written words of Fleetwood’s diary, “got used up.” During the severe fighting, Richfield received a second wounding in his service. Removed from the New Market Heights battlefield, Richfield received transport for medical treatment.

It is unknown if Richfield first received medical aid locally at either the Point of Rocks or City Point hospitals, but eventually, he was either treated at or on the way to the general hospital at Fort Monroe when he died from his wound or wounds on October 5, 1864, aboard the steamer Thomas Powell (shown below). Richfield’s service records indicate he left no personal effects. However, he apparently did leave a wife as a widow, and possibly children, too.

Today, Pvt. William Richfield rests in grave number 1291 in the Hampton National Cemetery. Although his headstone misspells his last name, the Battle of New Market Heights Memorial and Education Association recognizes the sacrifice of his life in service to the United States. Hopefully by sharing his story with the public we can give him a measure of immortality that he so truly deserves. Rest in peace, soldier.

Recent Acquisitions to My Library

It is difficult to believe that we are already a week into October. Having not posted yet this month means that I am a little behind if I am going to hit my target of nine posts. A significant amount of my time and mental energy has gone into work for the Battle of New Market Heights Memorial and Education Association. Demands at work have also increased which take away some "off hours" for preparation. Of course, my pace of reading has slacked, too. Regardless, I am still finding a few books here and there from my "wishlist" that are available at the right price.   

Despite leaving Kentucky over five years so, my interest in the border region has not dissipated. The Ohio River separated slave state Kentucky from free states Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. Somehow Union proved stronger than slavery and the Bluegrass State remained part of the United States. In Bonds of Union: Religion, Race, and Politics in a Civil War Borderland, author Bridget Ford examines these factors as the glue that helped the region stay together.

The War Went On: Reconsidering the Lives of Civil War Veterans, edited by Brian Matthew Jordan and Evan C. Rothera, is the latest contribution to the growing body of Civil War veterans studies. Fantastic books by Jordan, James Marten, and Donald R. Shaffer, among others, have explored issues that veterans faced as they transitioned back into society and as they aged. This collection of 15 essays promises to unearth even more aspects of soldiers' postwar lives and will certainly make a major contribution to this genre of scholarship. 

An especially intriguing new title is Force and Freedom: Black Abolitionists and the Politics of Violence by Kellie Carter Jackson. My personal interest in John Brown is partly because his vision was so far from the typical moral suasionist white abolitionist. With African Americans having so much at stake in the eradication of slavery, it stands to reason that there would be more variance in methods. Both in  language and action black violence helped create an atmosphere that made white Southerners very uncomfortable and assisted in bringing on the Civil War, and thus ultimately the end of the "peculiar institution."