Happy Holidays to all of my friends and readers, regardless of your religious persuasion! We actually had a party this year on Festivus, though not in honor of the holiday, as I’m apparently the only one in the family who remembers that episode from Seinfeld.

As you’re celebrating the holidays with friends and loved ones, please take a moment to remember those serving overseas who don’t have that opportunity this holiday season and keep them in your prayers.

I hope everyone is getting a chance to spend some relaxing quality time with their families, and hopefully some quiet moments for reflection as well.

I posted sometime back about regular army officers taking favored enlisted men with them to volunteer units when they received volunteer appointments. The initial discussion was here about Captain J. Irvin Gregg of Company G, 6th US Cavalry, and how he had his first sergeant, Andrew F. Swan, commissioned after he took over the 16th Pennsylvania Cavalry. Captain Swan commanded Company C.

Apparently the tendency ran in the family. When Captain Gregg’s first cousin, David McMurtry Gregg, left Company E to command the 8th Pennsylvania Cavalry, he took one of his enlisted men with him also.

Henry J. Ladd was born in Rome, New York in 1832. His enlistment documents describe him as 6 feet tall, with hazel eyes, brown hair and a ruddy complexion. He was working as a conductor at the time of his enlistment. Henry was enlisted into Company E, 6th US Cavalry by Lieutenant Wade in Cleveland, Ohio on August 14, 1861. He achieved the rank of commisary sergeant prior to his discharge on July 19, 1862 to accept an appointment as the second lieutenant in Company L, 8th Pennsylvania Cavalry at Harrison’s Landing, Virginia.

There could be some other reason for this appointment other than the regimental commander’s intercession, but I haven’t been able to come up with another plausible one. I can’t find any other connection between someone born in New York and working in Ohio with a Pennsylvania regiment. The arrangement apparently didn’t work out, as Lieutenant Ladd was discharged for unknown reasons on April 27, 1863.

In another case, I have truned up several members of the 6th and 2nd Cavalry regiments who were enlisted into Adjutant General Office positions as sergeants later in the war by Major Lawrence Williams, who left the regiment in 1862 under dubious circumstances. Several of these sergeants received government positions shortly thereafter. More on this as I turn up more information.

I’ve posted before on the way that the Regular regiments, cavalry and otherwise, received replacements during the war. The bulk of those posts focused on the volunteers which joined by the hundreds following the Antietam campaign from October to December 1862. For the cavalry regiments particularly, these replacements helped bring the Regular regiments close to their authorized strength.

There was, however, a catch. All of these volunteers enlisted in the Regular units for the remainder of their initial enlistment, not a fresh three year term. This was the same time period that the initial enlistments were running out for all of the 6th US Cavalry’s personnel. As a result, the Reserve Brigade withered away during the summer months of 1864, losing literally hundreds of men per month. By the end of the summer, these regiments were shadows of their former selves, some literally reduced to the authorized strength of a company or two.

This led to a second wave of reinforcements for the Regulars during the fall/ winter of 1864. This wave, however, was much less effective than the first. This time, nearly all of the replacements were new soldiers, not veterans transferring from other units. Many of them were either draftees or substitutes for draftees. Surprisingly, roughly 20% of these replacements were born in Canada. An estimated 40,000 Canadians fought in the war, but this was the first time that I’d noticed them in any numbers.

The vast majority of them came from recruiting centers in Cincinatti, Harrisburg and Philadelphia, manned by veteran Regular officers who were often recovering from wounds. In Cincinatti, Captain David S. Gordon of the 2nd US Cavalry and 1st Lieutenant Robert Sweatman of the 5th US Cavalry figure prominently in the enlistment records. In Harrisburg it was Lieutenant John McDonald and in Philadelphia Captain Theophilus Rodenbough, both of the 2nd US Cavalry.

Unfortunately, the second wave wasn’t nearly as effective as the first wave. Many of them had deserted before the spring campaign even started. The majority of them deserted during the summer of 1865, apparently deciding that their service should end once the war did. From the records that I’ve seen so far, roughly 25% of those who enlisted during this period completed their enlistments.

James Franklin Wade was born in Jefferson, Ohio on April 14, 1843. His father, Senator Benjamin F. Wade, was a senator from Ohio during the Civil War, and a harsh critic of President Lincoln. Following Lincoln’s assassination, he was President Johnson’s acting vice president, and came within one vote of becoming president. Had Andrew Johnson been impeached, Wade would have succeeded him as president.

James was educated in local schools and working in the community when he received an appointment as a 2nd lieutenant in the 6th US Cavalry from the state of Ohio on May 14, 1861, which he accepted on June 24, 1861. His initial assignment was as a recruiting officer for the regiment in his home state. He was responsible for recruiting the majority of Company B, primarily from Cleveland and Columbus, through October 1861. Upon joining the regiment, oddly enough, he was assigned to Captain Charles Russell Lowell’s Company K.

Lieutenant Wade trained with his regiment during the winter of 1861-1862, learning his new trade. When the regiment went to war on the peninsula in the spring, however, he was transferred to the staff of Brigadier General Emory, commander of the 1st Brigade of the Cavalry Reserve of the Army of the Potomac. He returned to the regiment following the campaign. By October 1862, he was commanding the company, as Captain Lowell had been assigned to General McClellan’s staff.

Lieutenant Wade continued to command company K through the winter and the spring of 1863, including Stoneman’s Raid in May. He performed exceptionally well at the battle of Brandy Station, earning a brevet promotion to captain on June 9, 1863 for gallant and meritorious service at Beverly Ford, Virginia. Following Brandy Station, he and his company were detached from the regiment for service at Cavalry Corps headquarters. The company was returned to the regiment following the battle of Fairfield, but Wade remained on special duty on General Pleasonton’s staff for the next several months.

Lieutenant Wade was appointed lieutenant colonel of the 6th US Colored Cavalry on May 1, 1864. This marked the beginning of 23 years of service as a leader of colored cavalrymen. On September 19th, he was promoted to colonel and command of the regiment. He received a brevet promotion to major on December 19, 1864 for gallant and meritorious service in action at East Marion, Tennessee. Wade received further brevets to lieutenant colonel and colonel on March 13, 1865 for meritorious service during the war, and yet another to brigadier general of volunteers on February 13, 1865 for gallant service in the campaign in southwestern Virginia. How he was brevetted to brigadier general before lieutenant colonel and colonel is unclear.

James was honorably mustered out of volunteer service on April 15, 1866 and returned to the 6th US Cavalry, where he was promoted to captain two weeks later on May 1st. He didn’t stay there long, however. On July 28, 1866, he was promoted to major in the newly forming 9th US Cavalry on July 28, 1866, which he accepted on September 17th. This was one of the “Buffalo Soldier” regiments which later became famous for their service on the frontier. Major Wade was promoted to lieutenant colonel in the 10th US Cavalry on March 20, 1879.

Wade left the buffalo soldiers with his promotion to colonel of the 5th US Cavalry on April 21, 1887. He served ten years as the commander of this regiment before he was promoted to brigadier general, US Army on May 26, 1897. During the Spanish-American War he commanded a troop assembly area in Tampa, Florida. Wade was promoted to major general of volunteers on May 4, 1898. Two days later, he assumed command of the Third Corps at Camp Thomas, Chickamauga, Georgia. Following the armistice in August, he became a member of the Cuban Evacuation Committee to oversee the removal of Spanish forces from Cuba and Puerto Rico.

General Wade was honorably discharged from volunteer service a second time on June 12, 1899, and served in the Philippines from 1901 to 1904. He was promoted to major general, US Army on April 13, 1903. After his service abroad, General Wade returned home to command the District of the Atlantic from Governors Island, New York in December, 1904.

Major General Wade retired on April 14, 1907, after 46 years of service. His eldest son, John P. Wade, followed him into the cavalry. He was a captain in the 2nd US Cavalry at the time of his father’s retirement.

James returned home to Jefferson, Ohio following his retirement, where he actively served his community. He was a director and vice president of a local bank and member on the local school board.

James Franklin Wade died on August 24, 1921 in Jefferson, Ohio, after several months of poor health. Both his sons were still serving in the army at the time of his death, one as a colonel, the other as a major.

Sources:

Heitman, page 991

Powell, page 619

New York Times article, April 15, 1907.

The Jefferson Gazette, August 25, 1921, as accessed from http://theusgenweb.org/oh/Ashtabula/war/JamesFWadeObit1908.html on October 21, 2008.

1863

Feb 7 Relieved from Escort duty with Genl Sumner and joined Regt
Feb 14 On Picket at Richards Ford Va.
Feb 15 Nine en. Men viz. Corpl J. Lepper & Pvts U. Donnelly, D.B. James, G. Leader, W.H. Lee, W. McMahon, E. Staley, L. Webb & R. Webster were missing from Picket line, being Captured by Enemy.
Feb 25 On Picket near Corbins Creek & remained balance of month.
March Furnished regular detail for Picket until
April 14 When Co. made a reconnaissance to Kelly’s Ford and returned.
April 15 Marched to Rappahannock Station, but ordered to Deep Run.
April 16 Swam the horses across Deep Run and returned to Morrisville.
April 21 Marched to Bealton Station.
April 22 Marched to Warrenton Junction and remained there until the 28th, then returned to Bealton Station.
April 29 Marched to Kelly’s Ford, crossed & went on Picket on the road leading to Culpeper C.H.
April 30 Crossed the Rapidan at Ely’s Ford.
May 1 Crossed the North Branch of the North Anna River.
May 2 Crossed the South Branch of the North Anna R. and marched thru Louisa C.H. to Thompson’s Cross roads.
May 3 With Squadron made a reconnaissance towards Va. Cen. R.R. about 8 miles East of Louisa C.H. & returned.
May 4 Marched towards Charlottsville, driving the enemy’s Pickets nd encamped on a road leading to James River.
May 5 Marched all day and night, reaching the North Anna
May 6 Marched to Raccoon Ford on the Rapidan, crossed and encamped on the North side.
May 7 Marched to Kelly’s Ford & remained on the South side.
May 8 Swam the Horses across the Ford & marched to Rappahannock Station.
May 9 Marched to Bealton Station.
May 10 Marched to Deep Run.
May 11 Marched to Harwood Church & remained there for bal. of month. Lost two Pvts A.J. Brock & F. Leach supposed to be captured.
June 9 Pvt H. Cruise missing in action at Beverly Ford.
June 21 Pvt N.W. Turner missing in action at Upperville Va. During mo. of June marched from Harwood Church to Emmitsburg Pa.
July 3d Participated in an engagement with the enemy at Fairfield Pa. losing 19 en. Men viz. Sergt. T. Dodd, Corpl F. Beck & J.W. Hare and Pvts Burroughs, Chilcoat, Colton, Cray, Eaton, Greible, Harris, Herron, Jack, Lewis, McGovern, Murray, Pasdoner, Porter, Smith & Skiff taken Prisoners by the enemy.
July 4 Joined Brigade & marched to near Fredk City Md.
July 6 Marched to Boonsboro & had a skirmish with the enemy.
July 7 Engaged the enemy at Funkstown Md, with a loss of one killed and 7 taken prisoners. Viz. Corpl D.E. Oby killed 1st Sergt G.W. Oby, Sergt J.J. Cocker and Pvts Bigelow, Lewis (?), Vanderender and Webster by the enemy.
July 9 Skirmished with the enemy, no casualties.
July 10 Were dismounted & had a slight skirmish.
July 11 Ordered on Detchd Service at Genl Pleasonton’s Hd.Qrs.
July 15 Marched to Berlin Md.
July 18 Marched to Lovettsville Va.
July 19 Marched to Wheatland Va.
July 21 Marched to Uniontown, Va.
July 22 Marched to Upperville Va.
July 24 Marched to Salem Va.
July 25 Marched to Warrenton Va.
Aug 1 Marched to Warrenton Junction Va.
Sept 12 Marched to Rappahannock River.
Sept 13 Marched to Culpeper C.H. and remained there until Oct 10.
Oct 11 Marched to Brandy Station. Had an engagement with the enemy. “Corpl Schmith and Pvt Stroup” wounded each in right knee. “Pvts Burroughs & Meyer” captured with arms and accoutrements. Crossed River same day & encamped.
Oct 13 Marched to Catlett’s Station. Guard of Cav. Corps Wagon Train.
Oct 14 Marched to near Centreville. Lt N. Nolan Comd’g Co. was wounded in left arm by a Carbine ball while reconnoitering the enemy’s line.
Oct 19 Marched to Groveton.
Oct 20 Marched to Gainsville.
Oct 21 Marched to Warrenton.
Oct 26 Marched to near Auburn.
Oct 30 Moved camp 2 miles west.
Nov 7 Broke camp & moved to Kelly’s Ford.
Nov 10 Marched to & encamped near Glendale.
Nov 11 Marched to & crossed Rappahannock river at R. Station and encamped at Brandy Station.
Nov 26 Marched to & encamped at Germanna Ford.
Nov 27 Escorted Hd. Qr. Mail Train to Rappahannock Station.
Nov 28 Picketed road from Robinson’s Tavern to Raccoon ford.
Dec 1 Marched from Robinson’s Tavern to Rapidan & encamped.
Dec 2 Resumed the march and encamped at Brandy Station. From this time until July 1st 1864, there are no records to show that the company was engaged in any battles or skirmishes.

Land Warrants

I had noted in the last posted Cory letter that I hadn’t noticed anything about government land warrants for service during the Civil War. Patty Millich turned up the following information from the Ebensburg, Pennsylvania newspaper The Alleghanian in the May 16, 1861 issue:

“Every man who offers his services to his country in the present crisis and is mustered into the service will be entitled to Land Warrants, in addition to his regular pay, even if the war is closed in thirty days. Privates will receive 160 acres each; officers, larger tracts, in proportion to the rank they hold.”

So now I know. Thanks, Patty!

Rations

The same day’s newspaper lists the following description of the composition of a day’s ration:

“What is a Ration?

For the information of numerous inquirers, we give the following list of articles constituting a ration from the army regulations:
20 oz. Fresh and Salt beef or 12 oz. Pork
18 oz. Soft Bread or Flour, or 12 oz. Hard Bread
2 2/3 oz. Beans or 1 3/5 oz. Rice
1 5/6 oz. Sugar
1 oz. Coffee, ground
¼ oz. Candies
2/3 oz. Soap
½ oz. Salt

This must answer for the subsistence of a soldier during the day and properly husbanded, it is enough.”

I’ve read several accounts that dispute this last statement, but the reporter couldn’t be expected to know that at the beginning of the war.

Patrick and William McNamara were born in County Mayo, Ireland in 1832 and 1835 respectively. Both of them immigrated to the United States and enlisted in the 1st US Cavalry in 1856. Both of them reenlisted for a second term in Company F, 4th US Cavalry on October 3, 1861 for a three year term at Fort Kearney, Nebraska. Their reenlisting officer was 1st Lieutenant John A. Wilcox.

Patrick’s reenlistment documents describe him as 5’8 1/4″ tall, with light hair, blue eyes, and a fair complexion. He was 29 years old. William’s documents list him as 5′ 6 1/2″ tall, also with light hair, blue eyes, and a fair complexion at age 26.

In 1864, their paths diverged. William reenlisted for a third term as a private in Nashville, Tennessee on March 19th. Patrick was discharged at the end of his term of service as a private on October 3rd, also in Nashville, Tennessee. From there the two disappear into the mists of history.

In early July 1862, the 6th US Cavalry moved from the York River side of the peninsula at Fortress Monroe to the James River side. Due to some confusion, they were initially the only regiment of regular cavalry to rejoin the army. The diary of Captain August Kautz, commanding the regiment this month, provides some insight into the move.

“July 7. — We were turned out at 3 o’clock this morning and made arrangements to go on board transports. We got on board the Arrowsmith with my company and left about 8 o’clock. The passage was pleasant and uninterrupted, until within five or six miles of Harrison’s Landing, when we were fired into from both sides of the river by guerrillas. Some shots came very near, but no one was hurt. We got ashore immediately and were all comfortably in camp long before night. Boats that passed up before and after us were fired into by artillery from both sides of the river.” (Supplement to the Official Records, Volume 2, page 129)

From the following day’s entry: “All the squadrons arrived except the Third. It is reported that an order from the War Department has retained the balance of the cavalry at Fortress Monroe. General Emory has been relieved and assigned to Naglee’s Brigade of infantry. General Stoneman has been assigned to the command of all the cavalry in the Army of the Potomac.”

The Third Squadron, under the command of Captain Sanders of Company A, arrived on the 11th. On the 12th, Company L, commanded by Captain James S. Brisbin, finally joined the regiment from Washington.

Note: I have been unable so far to determine what unit(s) James’ father and brother Nate may have served in. George W. Haight was another private in Company E, 6th US Cavalry. The Lieutenant Colonel that Cory refers to is William H. Emory, who joined the regiment from service on the frontier with the 1st (later 4th) U.S. Cavalry at the outbreak of the war.

Camp east of Capitol Hill
Washington D.C. Nov 7th, 1861

Dear Mother,

I sent you a letter the other day and had I known what I know now I would have sent this small sum of money which I enclose now. I wish I had four times as much to send you. However every little helps and I am glad that I have as much as this to spare, it is half that I have and pay day is a good way of yet. I am sorry to hear about Nate’s disappointment. It may make him worse or it may make him better. I do hope that he will learn a lesson by it and never be caught like that again. I wrote him a good letter and I hope that he will write me a pleasant one in return.

This morning I dispatched two to MI, one to George and the other to William also one to Kate. I sealed it up in a hurry this morning without thinking to put the money in it our mail goes out early in the morning.

If Pa is agoing to answer my letter it is almost time that I knew it. I hope he will but I doubt it some for he did not answer them when I was to home. It makes me wish myself to home now you are all alone. I used to think that if George would go away from home I should be a little better boy he provoked me so and now that he is away it makes me wish my self to home once in a while.

I hope that this war will end and I be discharged because I want to go to school so bad. But I do not think there s any danger of their discharging us regulars untill our time is out. We will be sent on the Frontier probably as our Lieut.-Col (he will be our Col. I guess) is an old Frontiersman. George Haight heard him say that he should go there. I hope that it may be so if they keep us three years for they will not be so strict there and then I can get a Furlough to come home once a year.

If I get a letter from Pa or Nate I will tell you all about them. I do not know how long we shall stay here but if we remain a week longer our barracks will be done. I went through them to day. We are to have straw ticks and three will sleep in a bunk with some.

I want you to write once in a while twice in a while if you can and Kate six times as often. Tell me all about our old neighbors out of town and in. No more at present.
From your son James Cory.

Mrs. B.M. Cory
P.S. enclosed you will find a 2 ½ gold piece.
J.H. Cory

Picket duty during the Civil War is an area that interests me. I found this account of the macro view of picket duty during the Peninsula Campaign in an excerpt of Captain August Kautz’ diary found in Broadfoot Publishing’s Supplement to the Official Records. Unfortunately, I don’t think I have a soldier’s account of the micro view out here in Washington with me.

“June 18. — Early this morning I was detailed to report at 9 o’clock, with my own and Captain Sander’s squadron. We were ordered to relieve Captain Magruder on picket at Haw’s. We reached Haw’s about noon and the afternoon was devoted to disposing our pickets. I visited all the points and made the connection with General Stoneman’s right. The position is a pleasant one. We get plenty of cherries, berries and vegetables from the inhabitants. I placed my reserve at Haw’s and placed my videttes on the only two roads there are to approach on. Six contrabands came in from Hanover Court-House. They report pickets there but no force.

“June 19. — I made a small map and sent a report showing how the videttes are posted to General Cooke this morning. In the afternoon I sent for some papers and the mail….” (Supplement to the Official Records, Volume 2, pages 125-126).