Face of a Gun through Fike’s Ferry, Alabama

FACE OF A GUN. The superficies of the metal at the extremity of the muzzle. (Scott, Military Dictionary, Van Nostrand, 1862, p. 282).


FACES OF A BASTION are the two sides extending from the salient to the angle of the shoulder. (Scott, Military Dictionary, Van Nostrand, 1862, p. 282).


FACES OF A SQUARE. The sides of a battalion when formed in square. (Scott, Military Dictionary, Van Nostrand, 1862, p. 282).


FACINGS. The movement of soldiers to the right, left, right about, left about, &c. (Scott, Military Dictionary, Van Nostrand, 1862, p. 282).


FAIRBANK, Calvin, 1816-1898, New York state, Methodist Minister, abolitionist.  Convicted of aiding fugitive slaves in Kentucky.  Active in Underground Railroad.  He was arrested again in 1851.  He served 17 years for helping slaves escape.  (Dictionary of American Biography, 1936, Vol. 3, Pt. 2, p. 247)


FAIRCHILD, Cassius, soldier, born in Kent, Ohio. 16 December, 1828; died in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 26 October, 1868. In 1846 his father settled at Madison, Wisconsin, where, as state treasurer and in other responsible offices, his time was so fully occupied that Cassius, the eldest living son, devoted himself mainly to the care of his father's private business. He was elected a member of the state legislature in 1860. On President Lincoln's first call for troops in 1861, he was commissioned major of the 16th Wisconsin Volunteers. In the battle of Shiloh, 6 April, 1862, he received a wound that disabled him until 18 April, 1863, when he rejoined his regiment at Lake Providence, and took command of it on 18 June. He served on general court-martial at Vicksburg, Mississippi, from 10 October, 1863, till 7 March, 1864, at which date he again took command of his regiment, participated in the march from Clifton, Tennessee, to Ackworth, Georgia, and was engaged in the battles of Big Shanty and Kenesaw Mountain, and many other conflicts. He was detached on recruiting service, 12 August, 1864, but rejoined his regiment at Beaufort, South Carolina, in January following. He commanded a Brigade of the 3d Division  of the 17th Army Corps from 15 January, 1865, till 1 April, and, on being mustered out in July, was brevetted brigadier- general, his commission to date from 13 March, 1865. On his return to Wisconsin he was appointed U. S. Marshal, the duties of which office he continued to discharge until his death, which was caused by the reopening of his wound. Appletons’ Cyclopaedia of American Biography, 1888, Vol. II, pp. 400-401.


FAIRCHILD, Lucius, statesman, born in Kent, Portage County, Ohio, 27 December, 1831. He was educated in the public schools of Cleveland, and at Carroll College in Waukesha, Wisconsin In 1846 his father moved to Wisconsin, then a territory, and settled in Madison. On the discovery of gold in California, the son, at the age of eighteen, joined with others, and with a four-yoke ox-team set out for the gold fields across the plains. After months of toil and travel the party arrived in San Francisco with a capital of twenty-seven cents. For six years he worked as digger, miner, prospector, and laborer, then returned to Wisconsin in 1855, not much richer than when he left. His entrance into politics began in California with his election as delegate to a convention for the nomination of governor. On his way to the gathering his mule fell off a height, carrying with him all of young Fairchild's baggage. He finished the remainder of his journey on foot, and sat in the convention without a coat and without a cent in his pocket. He was elected clerk of the circuit court in 1858, and in 1860 admitted to the bar. At the beginning of the Civil War he was a member of a local company known as the "Governor's Guard," and promptly enlisted. He entered the service as captain in the 1st Wisconsin Regiment, and served in the three months' campaign. In August, 1861, he was commissioned by President Lincoln a captain in the 16th Regiment of the regular army, also about the same time a major in the 2d Wisconsin Infantry. He accepted both appointments, and was the first officer of the regular army to receive leave of absence to serve with a volunteer regiment. At Bull Run he commanded the consolidated 2d and 7th Wisconsin Regiments, forming part of the famous "iron brigade." At the beginning of the battle of Antietam he was sick in an ambulance at the rear, but went into action, where his regiment lost more than half its force. As colonel of the 2d Wisconsin, in the battle of Gettysburg, he led a charge at Seminary Hill, where he lost his left arm. While recovering from his wounds he was commissioned a brigadier-general, 19 October, 1863, and shortly afterward elected Secretary of State in Wisconsin, where he remained two years. He was then elected governor, and served for six consecutive terms, during which time he aided the Soldiers' Orphans' Home in Madison, and was one of the founders of the State board of charities and reform. General Fairchild was appointed U. S. consul at Liverpool in November, 1872, and served six years. He was consul-general in Paris in 1878-'80, and then U. S. minister to Spain till 1882, when he resigned and returned to Madison, Wisconsin In 1886 he was elected commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic.  Appletons’ Cyclopaedia of American Biography, 1888, Vol. II, p. 401.


FAIRFAX, Donald McNeill, naval officer, born in Virginia. 10 August, 1822, became a midshipman, 12 August, 1837, served under Dupont on the west coast of Mexico and California during the Mexican War, and was at the capture of several towns. He was promoted to a lieutenancy, 26 February, 1851, made commander, 16 July, 1862, and served on the "Cayuga," of the West Gulf Squadron, from June, 1862, till February, 1863, under Farragut, when he was transferred to the command of the steamers " Nantucket" and "Montauk," of the South Atlantic Squadron, in which he made several attacks on the defences of Charleston Harbor, under Dupont and Dahlgren. In 1864-'5 he was in command of the Naval Academy, promoted to a captaincy, 25 July, 1866, served on the flag-ship " Rhode Island," in the North Atlantic Squadron, in 1866-'7, and on the steam sloop "Susquehanna" in 1867-"8. He was advanced to the rank of commodore, 24 August, 1873, and made rear-admiral, 11 July, 1880. Admiral Fairfax was in service forty-eight years and five months; of this time, twenty years and four months were spent at sea, his last cruise terminating in 1868. See "Magazine of American History, vol. xiii. pp. 217-236. Appletons’ Cyclopaedia of American Biography, 1888, Vol. II, p. 403.


FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA, July 13, 1862. 1st Maryland Cavalry. Fairfax Court-House, Virginia, June 1, 1861. Company B, 2nd U. S. Cavalry. A detachment of this company, consisting of 50 men under Lieutenant Charles H. Tompkins, started out on the evening of May 31 to reconnoiter the country in the vicinity of Fairfax Court House. As Tompkins neared the town between 2 and 3 a. m. of the 1st, the Confederate advanced picket was surprised and captured, but the news of the attack had reached the main body and the Union force was fired on by a company of mounted rifles, which were charged and driven from the town. Two regiments now came to the aid of the Confederates and Tompkins retreated in good order, taking with him 5 prisoners and 2 horses. The Union loss was 2 wounded, while the Confederates lost 1 killed and as many wounded. Tompkins was reprimanded for going farther than his orders directed, thereby frustrating a larger movement.  The Union Army, 1908, Vol. 5, p. 382.


FAIRFAX COURT HOUSE, VIRGINIA, November 18, 1861. 84th New York Infantry. The pickets of this regiment on the Falls Church road were attacked by some of Fitzhugh Lee's cavalry and driven back some distance into the woods, where they were reinforced and the attack repulsed. The Confederates scattered in different directions, taking a vehicle from a farm house to carry away their dead and wounded. The Federal casualties were 2 killed, 1 wounded and 10 missing. Lee reported his loss as 1 killed and 2 slightly wounded, but Colonel Fowler, commanding the New York regiment, says that 3 dead men (1 an officer) were carried away in the cart, and several wounded men were seen borne to the rear by their comrades.  The Union Army, 1908, Vol. 5, p. 382.


FAIRFAX COURT HOUSE, VIRGINIA, November 27, 1861. Detachment of 1st New York Cavalry. Captains Boyd and Bennett, with their two companies, made a reconnaissance toward Fairfax. When within about three-quarters of a mile from the town the advance was suddenly fired on from a line of rifle-pits running diagonally across the pike. The main body of the detachment, under Captain Bennett, was concealed from view, while Boyd advanced with a small party, hoping to draw the enemy out of his trenches. The scheme failed, but there was some sharp firing, in which a few of the Confederate cavalry were seen to fall from their horses, and were supposed to be either killed or wounded. Boyd reported no casualties. As the detachment fell back toward camp the enemy followed, but kept at a safe distance, and soon gave up the pursuit entirely. Boyd and his men were congratulated by General McClellan for their coolness and bravery.  The Union Army, 1908, Vol. 5, p. 382.


FAIRFAX COURT HOUSE, VIRGINIA, September 2, 1862. 9th New York Cavalry. While the regiment was engaged in covering the rear of General Sigel’s corps the advanced skirmishers were attacked by a superior force of the enemy, and in the fight that ensued 2 Union men were killed and 1 was wounded. The Confederate casualties were not learned.  The Union Army, 1908, Vol. 5, p. 382.


FAIRFAX COURT HOUSE, VIRGINIA, January 26-27, 1863. 1st New Jersey Cavalry. Colonel Percy Wyndham, commanding the regiment, reported on the 27th as follows: "Last night my pickets were driven in by some of Stuart's cavalry, wounding 1 and capturing 9. I then started with some 200 men in pursuit. Some 27 miles beyond my pickets, at Middleburg. I came up with them, and after a short skirmish, captured 24 of them. I have just returned."  The Union Army, 1908, Vol. 5, p. 382.


FAIRFAX COURT HOUSE, VIRGINIA, March 9. 1863. Detachment 2nd Brigade, Casey's Division. Early in the morning of March 9. Confederate Captain John S. Mosby with 29 men, captured the main outposts and pickets about Fairfax Court House and entered the town about 2 o'clock. The headquarters of Colonel Percy Wyndham, Lieut-Colonel Johnstone and Brigadier-General E. H. Stoughton were surrounded and Stoughton was captured. Johnstone managed to escape and Wyndham was in Washington. After taking 33 prisoners, including Stoughton and 2 captains, and ransacking the barns where 58 horses were taken, the troop left about 4 o'clock. A quantity of arms and ammunition was also taken. Johnstone set off in pursuit, but failed to come up with Mosby. The Confederates sustained no loss. The affair occurred 10 miles within the Union lines.  The Union Army, 1908, Vol. 5, pp. 382-383.


FAIRFAX STATION, VIRGINIA, July 17, 1861. Two Brigades of McDowell's Army. As McDowell was advancing toward Manassas Junction Willcox's brigade of Heintzelman's division and Davis' brigade of Miles' division moved upon Fairfax Court House by different roads. On the old Braddock road, south of the turnpike, Davis found the way badly obstructed by fallen trees and some distance from Fairfax Station the enemy's advance pickets were encountered behind a barricade across the road. Davis ordered a charge and the barricade was carried, a running fight then being kept up to within a mile of the court-house. The Union loss was 3 men wounded. Several of the enemy were seen to fall, but the exact casualties were not ascertained. Willcox reached Fairfax Station in the afternoon and drove out some 2,000 Confederates, who retreated precipitately without firing a shot. His brigade suffered no casualties and captured 11 prisoners. Large quantities of stores, a number of stands of arms and a flag were also captured.  The Union Army, 1908, Vol. 5, p. 383.


FAIRFAX STATION, VIRGINIA, June 27, 1863. 11th New York Cavalry. Major-General J. E. B. Stuart (Confederate) reports that on this date an advance regiment of General Hampton's brigade arriving at Fairfax Station had a spirited encounter with "and chase after a detachment of Federal cavalry denominated Scott's Nine Hundred" (11th New York cavalry), "killing, wounding and capturing the greater portion, among them several officers; also horses, arms, and equipments." The Confederate loss was 1 killed. Federal reports make no mention of the encounter.  The Union Army, 1908, Vol. 5, p. 383.


FAIRFAX STATION, VIRGINIA, August 8, 1864. Detachment of the 13th and 16th New York Cavalry. A party of some 60 men belonging to the two regiments was attacked by a considerable force of Mosby's men about 4 o'clock in the afternoon. Captain J. H. Fleming, commanding the Union detachment, and 5 of his men were killed at the first fire, and a majority of the others were either afterward killed or captured.  The Union Army, 1908, Vol. 5, p. 383.


FAIRFAX STATION, VIRGINIA, September 17, 1864. 13th and 16th New York Cavalry. Fairfield, Pennsylvania, July 3, 1863. Detachment 6th U. S. Cavalry. While the battle of Gettysburg was in progress this regiment was ordered to Fairfield to intercept a train of wagons of the enemy, supposed to be in that direction. On arriving at Millerstown the regiment was separated, one squadron commanded by Captain G. C. Cram being sent toward Fairfield, where he charged the enemy's right to offset a charge of Confederate cavalry on the remainder of the regiment at Millerstown. Owing to the superior force of the enemy, the squadron was forced to fall back to Mechanicstown where the other portion of the regiment had been driven. The Union loss in two engagements (Fairfield and Millerstown) was about 300 men and 290 horses.  The Union Army, 1908, Vol. 5, p. 383.


FAIRFIELD, PENNSYLVANIA, July 5, 1863. 6th Army Corps. On the morning of the 5th this corps, led by the 1st division, Brigadier-General H. G. Wright in command, crossed the valley at Fairfield and occupied the position held by the enemy the day before. The artillery opened fire on a body of Confederates on the right of the division, but the enemy failed to reply and moved to the rear in retreat. This was the last firing by either army immediately following the battle of Gettysburg.  The Union Army, 1908, Vol. 5, p. 383-384.


FAIRFIELD, TENNESSEE, June 27, 1863. Portion of the 14th Army Corps. After General Thomas had occupied Manchester in the Middle Tennessee campaign he sent Brannan's and Rousseau's divisions in pursuit of the retreating enemy. The two divisions followed to Fairfield, skirmishing with the Confederate rear-guard all the way. No casualties were reported.  The Union Army, 1908, Vol. 5, p. 384.


FAIR GARDEN, TENNESSEE, January 27, 1864. 1st and 2nd Brigades, 1st Cavalry Division, Army of the Cumberland. On the morning of the 27th Brigadier-General S. D. Sturgis. in command of the operations about Dandridge, ordered an attack on the Confederate force which had come from the direction of Fair Garden the afternoon before, driving back the Union forces to within 2 miles of Sevierville. The two brigades mentioned, after driving the enemy all day, charged with sabers about 4 o'clock and completely routed him, capturing 100 prisoners and 2 pieces of artillery. The Confederate loss in the charge alone was 50 killed. The Union loss was not reported.  The Union Army, 1908, Vol. 5, p. 384.


FAIRMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, April 29, 1863. Detachments of the 106th New York, 13th Pennsylvania, 6th West Virginia, and West Virginia Militia. As an incident of Confederate General W. E. Jones' raid on the Northwestern railroad in West Virginia, some 275 men of the regiments mentioned were posted at the bridge across the Monongahela river at Fairmont. This force was attacked by about 3,000 Confederates and after a brief fight the entire Union command was captured. A detachment sent from Grafton to reinforce the Fairmont detachment arrived just after the surrender, and after some desultory firing was forced to retire to Grafton. The bridge at Fairmont was wholly destroyed and the track torn up for some distance. The Union losses, besides the prisoners, were 12 killed and a number wounded. The Confederate loss was 3 wounded. The enemy also captured 1 piece of artillery, 300 small-arms and several fresh horses.  The Union Army, 1908, Vol. 5, p. 384.


FAIR OAKS, VIRGINIA, May 31-June 1, 1862. Army of the Potomac. Fair Oaks was a small station on the Richmond & York River railroad, about 6 miles east of Richmond. Three miles farther east was Savage Station, and a mile southeast, on the Williamsburg stage road, about half-way between Richmond and Bottom's bridge over the Chickahominy river, was Seven Pines. North of the railroad and nearly parallel with it ran the New Bridge road, which at Old Tavern was intersected by another highway called the Nine-mile road. From Old Tavern this road ran southeast, crossing the railroad at Fair Oaks and forming a junction with the Williamsburg road at Seven Pines. Three miles from Richmond the Charles City road left the Williamsburg road to the right and ran southeast toward White Oak swamp. After the reconnaissance of General Naglee to Seven Pines (q. v.) on the 24th the 4th corps, under command of Brigadier-General E. D. Keyes, was ordered to fortify a position there. A strong line of rifle-pits, protected in front by an abatis, was constructed a little east of the junction of the Nine-mile and Williamsburg roads. Fronting the Williamsburg road were two houses, exactly alike, called the "Twin Houses, near which a small pentangular redoubt was thrown up and manned by a battery of 6 guns. The 3d corps. Brigadier-General S. P. Heintzelman commanding, was ordered to cross the Chickahominy at Bottom's bridge and take position near White Oak swamp to guard the left and rear of the army. On the 30th the troops on the south side of the Chickahominy were stationed as follows: Casey's division of the 4th corps on the
right of the Williamsburg road at right angles to it, the center being at Fair Oaks; Couch's division of the same corps at Seven Pines; Kearny's division of the 3d corps along the railroad from Savage Station to the Chickahominy, and Hooker's division of the 3d corps at White Oak Swamp. The corps of Porter, Franklin and Sumner had not yet crossed the Chickahominy. On the morning of May 30 General D. H. Hill (Confederate) sent Garland's brigade out on a reconnaissance on the Williamsburg road and the rifle-pits of the 4th corps at Seven Pines were discovered. About noon on the same day Hill reported to General J. E. Johnston, commanding the Confederate forces about Richmond, that the Federals were in force on the south side of the Chickahominy. Johnston had already learned that McDowell's corps, some 40,000 strong, was on the way to join the Army of the Potomac, and now determined to strike McCLellan before McDowell could come up. In his official report of the engagement of Fair Oaks he gives the following plan of battle, which was explained to his different commanders that afternoon: "General Hill, supported by the division of General Longstreet (who had the direction of operations on the right), was to advance by the Williamsburg road to attack the enemy in front. General Huger, with his division, was to move down the Charles City road in order to attack in flank the troops who might be engaged with Hill and Longstreet, unless he found in his front force enough to occupy his division. General Smith was to march to the junction of the New Bridge road and Nine-mile road, to be in readiness either to fall on Keyes' right flank or to cover Longstreet's left. They were to move at daybreak." The attack was expected by the Federals, as the cars had been heard running nearly all night, indicating a movement of troops to the front, and their suspicions were strengthened by the capture of one of Johnston's aides near the Union lines on the morning of the 31st. The Union generals had therefore exercised increased vigilance to prevent anything like a surprise. Keyes formed his men in two lines of battle, Casey's division moving to the left and taking a position in front of the abatis, Palmer's brigade on the left, Wessells' in the center and Naglee's on the right, with two regiments north of the railroad. Couch's division constituted the second line, which was formed across the Williamsburg road and along the Nine-mile road, Peck's brigade on the left, Deven's in the center and Abercrombie's on the right, two regiments of his brigade and Brady's battery being beyond the railroad at Fair Oaks. Casey's pickets were about 1,000 yards in advance of the first line. Owing to a severe storm on the night of the 30th, with some confusion in moving the troops to their positions the next morning, the Confederates did not begin the attack until 1 p. m. About noon a mounted vedette rode back to Casey's headquarters with the report that the enemy was approaching in force on the Williamsburg road. Casey ordered the 103d Pennsylvania to move forward to the support of the pickets and the regiment was hardly in position when two shells were thrown into the Union lines. The whole division was then ordered under arms and Spratt's battery moved to the front about a quarter of a mile to shell the enemy as soon as the pickets and their supports could be withdrawn. Bates', Regan's and Fitch's batteries were also placed in position, with instructions to open on the enemy as soon as he debouched from the woods. They had not long to wait, for in five minutes the pickets and their supports were forced back by the over-whelming force of the enemy. General Webb says of this part of the action: "The pickets, reinforced by the 103d Pennsylvania, soon broke and, joined by a large number of sick, camp followers and skulkers, flowed in a steady stream to the rear, thus giving the impression that Casey's division had broken in a panic, and left the field without making any firm or prolonged resistance." Such, however, was not the case. When the pickets fell back the Confederates advanced and soon the "rebel yell" resounded on all sides. They were met by a steady fire of canister that thinned their ranks, but failed to check their advance. Seeing himself greatly out-numbered, Casey sent back to Keyes for reinforcements. In response to his request the 55th New York, under Lieutenant-Colonel Thourot, was sent forward into the rifle-pits to support the center; the 23d and 61st Pennsylvania, commanded by Colonels Neill and Rippey, were ordered to the right; and General Pack, with two regiments of his brigade—the 93d and 102nd Pennsylvania—was sent to the left. In order to save his artillery Casey ordered a bayonet charge against the center. This charge was made by part of Naglee's brigade and the enemy driven back, giving the batteries an opportunity to withdraw from their exposed positions. On the right Neill and Rippey repulsed one attack, but the Confederates rallied and were reinforced, when they again assaulted and the two regiments were forced back, though they brought 35 prisoners with them. In trying to reinforce them the 7th Massachusetts and 62nd New York, commanded by Couch in person, to avoid being cut off, joined Abercrombie at Fair Oaks and fought with his brigade during the remainder of the day. Peck, on the left, held his position for over two hours, when the heavy force massed against him compelled him to retire, which he did in good order. Hill then began moving troops to the right and left "to take the Yankee works in reverse," and Casey again sent back for reinforcements, but as the second line had already been weakened to support the first, Keyes deemed it inadvisable to send any more troops to the front. Casey then fell back to Couch's line, after having maintained his position for over three hours against a vastly superior force. Here he rallied part of his division, and reinforced by part of Kearny's division, which was just then coming up, tried to recapture his works, but the enemy was too strong and the attempt was abandoned. Up to this time Hill's division had been the only portion of the Confederate forces actively engaged. Johnston, who was with Smith on the left, gave the order at 4 p. m. for that wing to move forward. About the same time Longstreet sent in the brigades of Anderson, Wilcox and Kemper on the Williamsburg road, and those of Colston, and Pryor on the right, and with the addition of these fresh troops a general attack was made all along the line. Although Berry's and Jameson's brigades of Kearny's division arrived on the field in time to reinforce the Union troops before this general assault was commenced, the weight of superior numbers was with the enemy, and after a stubborn resistance of more than an hour the Federals fell back slowly to a narrow strip of woods across the Williamsburg road. Here Heintzelman succeeded in rallying a sufficient force to hold the enemy in check until a new line of battle could be formed in the rear of the wood. In the formation of this third line Keyes noticed that the key to the position was at the left of the wood, where the ground sloped to the rear, and determined to occupy it. Concerning this action he says in his report: "I hastened to the 10th Massachusetts, Colonel Briggs, which regiment I had myself once before moved, now in the rifle-pits on the right of the Williamsburg road, and ordered them to follow me across the field. Colonel Briggs led them on in gallant style, moving quickly across an open space of 700 or 800 yards under a scorching fire, and forming his men with perfect regularity. * * * Had the 10th Massachusetts been two minutes later they would have been too late to occupy that fine position, and it would have been impossible to have formed the next and last line of battle of the 31st, which stemmed the tide of defeat and turned it toward victory." In forming the new line it was impossible to pay attention to brigade organizations. Regiments and fragments of regiments were thrown into position at the most convenient points, and none too soon; for scarcely had the line been formed when the Confederates bore down upon it, elated with success and confident of again driving the Union forces from their position. But they never entered the wood. When they came within range they were met by a deadly fire that checked their advance. Another volley caused them to fall back in some disorder, and as it was now after 6 o'clock they did not make another attempt to carry the position. About 2:30 p. m. the sound of firing was heard at McClellan's headquarters on the north side of the Chickahominy, and Sumner was ordered to move his two divisions across the river to the support of Heintzelman and Keyes. The troops were already in marching order, so that no time was lost in getting started. Sedgwick's division moved in advance on the road directly to Fair Oaks, the head of his column coming up just in time to join Couch, as that officer, with four regiments and Brady's battery, was holding in check Smith's entire division. Colonel Sully, with the 1st Minnesota, was the first of Sedgwick's command to reach the field, and without waiting for orders he swung his regiment into line on Couch's right, charged across a field and took position with his right resting on a farm house and his left on the edge of the woods. Gorman quickly followed with the rest of his brigade, moving to Couch's left, where Kirby's battery was planted in a position to command the road. It was immediately charged by the enemy in an attempt to capture the guns, but Gorman threw three regiments on their flank and this was followed by a bayonet charge that drove the Confederates from the field. This closed the battle on the Federal right for the day. Richardson's division arrived just as the enemy were retiring, but too late to take part in the engagement. At 2 o'clock on the morning of June 1 a council of war was held at Sumner's headquarters, at which it .was decided to attack the enemy as soon as the different commands could be properly disposed. Richardson's division was posted along the railroad east of Fair Oaks, French's brigade in the first line, Howard's in the second and Meagher's in the third. On the left of Richardson was Birney's brigade of Kearny's division, Berry's and Jameson's brigades being at the cross-roads east of Seven Pines, where the Union forces made their last stand in the first day's battle. Here were also the rest of Keyes' corps and Hooker's division of Heintzelman's, which had come up from White Oak swamp about dark on the 31st. General Johnston was severely wounded by a shell near the close of the first day's fight, and in the battle of June 1 the movements of the Confederate forces were directed by General G. W. Smith, second in rank. About 5 a. m. the enemy's skirmishers and a small body of cavalry appeared in front of Richardson, but a few shells from Pettit's battery dispersed them. Soon afterward a large force of Confederates debouched from the woods and opened a heavy musketry fire at short range. French's division returned the fire for some time, when, the enemy being heavily reinforced, Howard was ordered to French's assistance. One regiment of Howard's brigade— the 81st Pennsylvania—had been sent to close a gap in the line between Richardson and Kearny, but with the rest of his command Howard moved promptly forward on French's left, as the enemy was trying to turn that flank, and forced the Confederates back through, the woods beyond Casey's old camp at Seven Pines. In this action Howard received a wound that resulted in the loss of his right arm, and turned over the command of the brigade to Colonel Cross, of the 5th New Hampshire As soon as Hooker heard the firing he advanced with the 5th and 6th New Jersey, of Patterson's brigade, with Sickles' brigade in support, to attack the Confederates in the rear. Skirmishers were thrown forward and the two New Jersey regiments were soon engaged. Sickles had been ordered to the left by Heintzelman, but Birney's brigade, now under command of Colonel J. H. Ward, happened to be in a convenient position, and it was ordered to Hooker's support. As the line had to move through a swamp the advance was slow, but Hooker says in his report: "Our lines were well preserved, the fire brisk and unerring, and our troops reliant—all omens of success. After an interchange of musketry of this character for more than an hour directions were given to advance with the bayonet, when the enemy were thrown into wild confusion, throwing away their arms, hats, and coats, and broke through the forest in the direction of Richmond. At this moment chivalry and rebellion presented a deplorable picture. Pursuit was hopeless." When Sickles was withdrawn from Hooker's support his brigade was moved to the left of the Williamsburg road. The ground here was too boggy to permit the use of artillery, but Sickles pushed forward the 71st and 73d New York, under Colonel Hall and Major Moriarty, supported by the rest of the brigade, and his victory here was no less brilliant than that of his division commander. After firing one or two volleys Hall charged and started the enemy in retreat, when the whole brigade pressed forward to take advantage of the situation, and the Confederates were forced back until Sickles occupied the field of the previous day. Concerning this part of the fight Sickles' report says: "The fields were strewn with Enfield rifles, marked 'Tower, 1862,' and muskets marked 'Virginia,' thrown away by the enemy in his hurried retreat. In the camp occupied by General Casey and General Couch on Saturday, before the battle of Seven Pines, were found rebel caissons filled with ammunition, a large number of small arms, and several baggage wagons, besides two barns filled with subsistence and forage.' Thus the Confederate army that had marched out so proudly on the morning of May 31 to drive McClellan's left wing into the Chickahominy and cut the Federal line of supplies, returned to Richmond the next day defeated, panic-stricken and disorganized. The Union losses at the battle of Fair Oaks amounted to 790 killed, 3,594 wounded and 647 missing. The Confederates lost 080 killed, 4,749 wounded and 405 missing.  The Union Army, 1908, Vol. 5, p. 384-388.


FAIR OAKS, VIRGINIA, June 18, 1862. Detachment of the 1st Brigade, 2nd Division, 3d Army Corps. Brigadier-General C. S. Grover, commanding the brigade, was ordered to make a reconnaissance of the wooded tract lying between the Williamsburg road and the Richmond & York River railroad. Grover sent Colonel Wyman. with the 16th Massachusetts and a section of Bramhall's battery to perform the duty. Wyman threw forward a strong line of skirmishers, which was met by a heavy fire from a line of rifle-pits and from a battery on the right. Lieutenant Martin, commanding the section of the battery, moved his guns to a position where he could enfilade the Williamsburg road and soon silenced the enemy's artillery. After developing the Confederate position Wyman retired, the object of the reconnaissance having been accomplished. The Union loss was 16 killed, 28 wounded and 18 missing, several of whom afterward came into camp. The enemy's loss was not definitely learned, but 39 dead were counted in front of the rifle-pits and 4 were captured.  The Union Army, 1908, Vol. 5, pp. 388-389.


FAIR OAKS, VIRGINIA, October 27-28, 1864. 10th and 18th Army Corps and West's Cavalry Division. The demonstration by General Butler's troops on this date was in support of the movement on the Federal left, the object being to prevent General Lee from withdrawing men from the trenches north of the James river to strengthen his line on the Boydton road southwest of Petersburg. (See Hatcher's run.) General Terry, with part of the 10th corps, was to make a demonstration on the Charles City and Darbytown roads, while General Weitzel with part of the 18th corps, was to cross White Oak swamp, move up the Williamsburg road to the Confederate works, and if possible turn Lee's left. Terry's troops were in position by 7 a. m., drove in the Confederate pickets, and kept close to the works all day, but made no determined assault. This portion of the movement was a success, as it was sufficiently vigorous to keep the Confederates from weakening the force in Terry's front to reinforce other points. Weitzel, preceded by Spear's cavalry brigade, crossed the Charles City road at White's tavern, passed through the swamp by a cross-road, and struck the Williamsburg road at the old line of works thrown up by General Heintzelman in the Peninsular campaign two years before. At this point he detached Holman's brigade to cross the York River railroad and endeavor to find the left of Lee's line, while the main body moved up the Williamsburg road toward Richmond. In the meantime Longstreet had discovered the movement, and believing the prolonged firing on the Darbytown and Charles City roads was merely a feint, ordered the divisions of Field and Hoke to move to the left along the works, leaving only a heavy skirmish line to hold the trenches, while Gary was pushed forward to the left to hold the works on the Nine-mile road. Weitzel had advanced about a mile and a half, when his skirmishers came upon Field's column just as it was crossing the Williamsburg road, though this fact was unknown to Weitzel until after the attack commenced. Cullen's brigade of Marston's division was formed in line of battle on the right of the road, and Fairchild's brigade of Heckman's division on the left. At 3:30 p. m. these two brigades preceded by skirmishers and supported by the remainder of the force, advanced against the enemy's works, but instead of the scattering fire expected the attack was met with a heavy volley of musketry, with some artillery. Although the Union lines got close to the works the attack was repulsed by Field's superior force with considerable loss. Holman found what he took to be the extreme left of the Confederate line across the New Bridge road. As the works were thinly manned he determined to attack. The position was carried with little resistance and 2 pieces of artillery were captured, but the advantage was gained too late in the day to be of any material service and Weitzel sent him orders to return to the main body on the Williamsburg road. Soon after dark Weitzel commenced to retire to the Charles City road and by 7 o'clock the next morning he had effected a connection with Terry's line. Colonel Spear made a reconnaissance toward the Williamsburg road, bringing in everything that had been left in the darkness of the night march, and about 10 a. m. on the 28th the entire force was directed to return to their camps. The Union loss during the demonstrations was 118 killed, 787 wounded and 698 missing. Field reported his loss on the Williamsburg road as being 10 killed, 44 wounded and 10 missing. These were the only Confederate casualties reported.  The Union Army, 1908, Vol. 5, p. 389.


FAIR PLAY, CAPTURE OF, August 18, 1862. U. S. Gunboat Benton. The Fair Play was a Confederate steamer used for transporting supplies to the various posts along the Mississippi river and its tributaries. On the evening of the 17th she left Vicksburg with a cargo of arms and ammunition, destined for the Confederate forces under General Hindman, and about 2:30 a. m. of the 18th she tied up at Milliken's bend, near the camp of a Confederate regiment on the shore. On the 16th General Curtis, commanding the Army of the Southwest, started an expedition from Helena, Arkansas, down the Mississippi river. It consisted of 3 gunboats, 4 rams, and the transports Rocket and McDowell, on board of which were the 58th and 76th Ohio infantry and Bowen's battalion of Missouri cavalry, all under command of Colonel Charles R. Woods. About an hour after the Fair Play tied up she was sighted by the Benton. All on board the Confederate vessel were asleep except the watchman, and before he could give the alarm the Benton was upon her. The Fair Play was speedily abandoned and the vessel, with her cargo of 5,000 stands of arms and a large amount of ammunition, fell a prize to the Benton. Troops were quickly landed and the infantry camp on shore was attacked, but the Confederates fled precipitately. leaving a large amount of camp equipage, wagons, etc., to fall into the hands ot Woods' men. The cavalry pursued for some distance and took about 40 prisoners.  The Union Army, 1908, Vol. 5, p. 390.


FALCK'S MILLS, MARYLAND, August 1, 1864. (See Cumberland, same date.)


FALES, Almira L., philanthropist, born in New York; died in Washington, D. C. 8 November, 1868. She was for some time a resident of Iowa, but her husband, Joseph T. Fales, having received an appointment as examiner in the Patent-office in Washington, she thence forth made that city her home. As early as 1860, from her extended knowledge of southern feeling and action, she foresaw and predicted the approaching struggle, and, much to the surprise of her friends, began the collection and preparation of articles for hospital use. At the beginning of the war she entered, fully prepared, on the care of sick and wounded soldiers, and at Pittsburg Landing and other battlefields of the west was busy in ministering to the wants of the sufferers. The government placed an ambulance at her command, and during the war she was unremitting in her visits to the hospitals in the neighborhood of Washington, at Fredericksburg, on the Peninsula, and elsewhere. In the yard of her own house she pitched a large tent, into which she gathered sick and disabled soldiers, and there ministered to their needs until means could be provided to send them to their homes. For some time Mrs. Fales was charged by the government with the superintendence of soldiers sent from the hospitals in and around Washington to the hospitals in New York and elsewhere. Amid all this activity she found time to correspond extensively and obtain pecuniary aid to carry on her work. Appletons’ Cyclopaedia of American Biography, 1888, Vol. II, p. 404.


FALLING CREEK, NORTH CAROLINA, March 20, 1865. 12th Wisconsin Battery. The only mention in the official records of the war of an engagement at Falling creek on this date is in the itinerary of the 15th Army corps, where the 12th Wisconsin battery is reported as having "skirmished with the enemy" at this point. Falling Waters, Maryland, July 14, 1863. 1st and 3d Cavalry Divisions, Army of the Potomac. While in pursuit of the Confederates after the battle of Gettysburg. Brigadier-General Judson Kilpatrick. commanding the 3d cavalry division, learned that the enemy was moving toward Falling Waters and immediately started in that direction. At 7:30 a. m. on the 14th his advance came up with the Confederate rear-guard about 2 miles from Falling Waters and the skirmishing commenced. Half a mile farther on Heth's division was discovered drawn up in line of battle on a hill commanding the road on which Kilpatrick was advancing. Heth's left was protected by earthworks and his right extended into a piece of woods. The 6th Michigan, seeing only that portion of the enemy behind the works, made a gallant charge under the leadership of Major P. A. Weber and although met by a heavy fire passed up to and over the works, then turned to right and returned to the main column, bringing in a piece of artillery, which was captured while the enemy was trying to get it in position in advance of his works. In this charge the regiment lost 30 in killed, wounded and missing, Weber being one of the killed. General Custer next threw forward a regiment as skirmishers, but it was driven back, followed by the enemy until checked by the 1st Michigan and part of the 8th New York Kilpatrick now formed the entire division and pressed the enemy at all points gradually forcing him back toward the river. While the 3d division was thus engaged with the Confederates in front, the 1st division, Brigadier-General John Buford commanding, made a detour and attacked them on the flank and rear, throwing them into confusion and scattering them through the woods and hills. In this flank attack Buford captured a 10-pounder Parrott gun, a caisson, 300 muskets and over 500 prisoners. As soon as the enemy's line broke under Buford's assault, Kilpatrick  pressed his advantage and the Confederates were completely routed. This was the last stand made by Lee's army on the north side of the Potomac. The Union loss was 29 killed, 36 wounded and 40 missing. The Confederate loss was 150 killed, a large number wounded and 1,500 captured. Brigadier-General Pettigrew, commanding part of the Confederate forces, was mortally wounded early in the action. In addition to the prisoners captured the Federals brought off 2 pieces of artillery, 2 caissons, several hundred stands of small-arms and 3 battle flags.  The Union Army, 1908, Vol. 5, pp. 390-391.


FALLING WATERS, WEST VIRGINIA, July 2, 1861. Abercrombie's Brigade. Company B, 1st Wisconsin Infantry, while en route to Martinsburg was deployed as advance skirmishers for the brigade. At Falling Waters the enemy opened fire on the company and McMullin's rangers, also doing skirmish duty. The fire was returned by these companies until reinforced by Company A of the Wisconsin regiment, but the Union troops were obliged to fall back upon their reserves, the 11th Pennsylvania Infantry and a section of artillery. The Confederate attack was finally repulsed and the Union forces followed the enemy back through Haynesville. The Union loss was 2 killed, 13 wounded, 1 missing; the Confederate loss (estimated) was 60 killed and a large number wounded. This affair is called Hoke's Run in the Confederate reports.  The Union Army, 1908, Vol. 5, p. 391.


FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA, June 23-24, 1864. Lowell's Cavalry Brigade. On the evening of the 23d a patrol of the 16th New York cavalry was fired upon and 2 men taken prisoners. A detail of 40 men under Lieutenant Tuck was sent out to search for the attacking party. While feeding next day at 11 o'clock about a mile and a half from Centerville Tuck's party was attacked by a squad of men belonging to Mosby's Confederate command, and 19 men and 27 horses captured. Three Union soldiers were wounded. The Confederate force sustained no loss.  The Union Army, 1908, Vol. 5, p. 391.


FALLOWS, Samuel, bishop of the Reformed Episcopal Church, born in Pendleton, near Manchester, England, 13 December, 1835. He moved with his parents to Wisconsin in 1848, was graduated at the State University there in 1859, and was vice president of Gainesville University till 1861, when he was ordained in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He served as a colonel in the Civil War, and was brevetted brigadier-general. On returning to civil life he became a pastor in Milwaukee. He was chosen state superintendent of public instruction for Wisconsin in 1871, and was twice re-elected.  Appletons’ Cyclopaedia of American Biography, 1888, Vol. II, p. 405.


FALMOUTH, KENTUCKY, September 17. 1862. Kentucky Home Guards. Captain G. W. Berry's company was attacked by a party of Confederate cavalry near Falmouth and a fight of 40 minutes' duration ensued, in which the enemy lost a number in killed and wounded, and Berry had one man wounded. Five Confederates were left dead on the field. Berry's men fought from the cover of a house. After the engagement, owing to the fact that his ammunition was about exhausted, he fell back to his camp, 5 miles from Falmouth.  The Union Army, 1908, Vol. 5, p. 391.


FALMOUTH, VIRGINIA, April 18, 1862. Detachments of the 2nd New York and 1st Pennsylvania Cavalry. During the operations around Fredericksburg, Colonel George D. Bayard, with seven companies of the 2nd New York and four of the 1st Pennsylvania, left camp at 2 a. m. on the 18th to surprise the guard at and secure possession of the bridge over the Rappahannock river at Falmouth. Some distance from the bridge Bayard's advance came upon the enemy's pickets and a few shots were fired. Seeing that a surprise was now out of the question, Bayard ordered the whole command forward at a gallop, and upon reaching the top of a hill was met by a heavy fire from barricades on either side of the road. The Union line was thrown into confusion and began a disorderly retreat. Bayard then sent forward the 2nd battalion of the New York regiment, which forced its way to within 25 yards of the barricades, but was compelled to fall back. Finding the enemy too strong to be overcome, Bayard withdrew and returned to camp with a loss of 7 killed and 16 wounded.  The Union Army, 1908, Vol. 5, p. 391.


FALSE ALARMS. Punishable. (See ALARM.) (Scott, Military Dictionary, Van Nostrand, 1862, p. 293).


FALSE CERTIFICATES. Punishable with cashiering; (ART. 14.) (See CERTIFICATE.) (Scott, Military Dictionary, Van Nostrand, 1862, p. 283).


FALSEHOOD. The onus probandl in all accusations lies with the accuser. If A accuses B of having told a falsehood, A must prove it by legal evidence. (Scott, Military Dictionary, Van Nostrand, 1862, p. 283).


FANNY, U. S. TRANSPORT, CAPTURE OF, October 1. 1861. (See Chicamironjico. North Carolina)


FARMER, George Edgar, soldier, born in New York City in 1840; died there, 16 February, 1870. He engaged early in life in mercantile pursuits, but at the beginning of the Civil War in 1861 was commissioned 2d lieutenant of the 6th New York Cavalry. He was subsequently appointed quartermaster, but before leaving for the seat of war was promoted to captain, and led his company in all the battles in which the regiment participated. At Trevillian Station, during General Sheridan's first raid, Captain Farmer was shot, but, continuing in the field, was still more seriously wounded at Deep Bottom. He rejoined his regiment in the autumn of 1864, and was with Sheridan throughout his campaign in the valley of the Shenandoah. After the battle of Cedar Creek he was made major, and was for some time in command of the regiment. Continuing with Sheridan's Cavalry  Corps until the surrender of Lee, he was then promoted to lieutenant-colonel by brevet. He was honorably discharged at the close of the war, returned to business, and became a prominent and earnest member of the Grand Army of the Republic, at his death being in command of the oldest post in the state.  Appletons’ Cyclopaedia of American Biography, 1888, Vol. II, p. 409.


FARMER'S BRIDGE, GEORGIA, May 15, 1864. (See Armuchee Creek.)


FARMINGTON, MISSISSIPPI, May 3, 1862. Detachment 1st Division, Army of the Mississippi. During the march upon Corinth this division left its camp about 10 a. m. on May 3 and took the road to Farmington. After advancing some 3 miles a detachment was sent towards Nichols' ford, and the balance of the division descended into the swamp on either side of the direct road to Farmington, Yates' sharpshooters being deployed as skirmishers. A force of the enemy was soon discovered by the sharpshooters, who with the aid of four companies sent to reinforce them, succeeded in driving the Confederates across Seven-mile creek. After 2 hours spent in reconstructing the bridge, which the enemy had destroyed, an advance was ordered, the enemy was soon discovered in front and after an artillery duel of 2 hours, in which a section of Houghtaling's battery did good service, the infantry charged, driving the Confederates in disorder for 2 miles. The Confederate loss amounted to some 40 killed and many wounded, while the Union loss was 16 wounded. The division also captured 15 prisoners, and a quantity of arms, etc.  The Union Army, 1908, Vol. 5, p. 392.


FARMINGTON, MISSISSIPPI, May 9, 1862. Two Brigades of the Army of the Mississippi. During the siege of Corinth, the 1st demi-brigade, 2nd division, Army of the Mississippi, marched to Farmington on the 8th. Four companies, under Major J. W. Jefferson, were left there as an advance guard, while the remainder of the brigade bivouacked in front of a creek in the rear of the town. Early the next morning the enemy began firing on Jefferson's command, which held its position until about 9 o'clock, when it was forced to retire. General Palmer's brigade, in the meantime, had come up and taken the front, leaving the 1st brigade, under command of Colonel J. M. Loomis, to act as a reserve. After several hours of fighting, the Federals were obliged to retire across the creek, leaving the Confederates in possession of Farmington and the Union camping ground of the night before. The bridge across the creek was burned by the enemy. The Confederate loss was 9 killed and wounded, while the Federal forces lost more heavily, the casualties being 16 killed, 148 wounded and 14 captured or missing.  The Union Army, 1908, Vol. 5, p. 392.


FARMINGTON, TENNESSEE, Oct 7, 1863. Crook's Cavalry Division. During the pursuit of the Confederate cavalry under Wheeler and Roddey, in their raid on Rosecrans' communications, Brigadier-General George Crook was ordered to march with his division to Farmington. About 9 a. m. on the 7th he suddenly came up with Davidson's Confederate division, just as it was breaking camp on the bank of Duck river, about 3 miles from Shelbyville. The enemy was immediately charged by Wilder's mounted infantry and driven back toward Farmington. He attempted to make a stand in a cedar thicket, but was again driven by a saber charge of Long's brigade. When within about three-fourths of a mile from Farmington, Davidson met reinforcements and took up a position in a dense thicket of cedars, opening on the Union advance with his artillery. Crook dismounted Wilder's brigade and pushed it forward, but the men were met by such a heavy fire from the enemy's cannon that Stokes' battery was ordered into position to silence the enemy's guns. Owing to the nature of the ground only one gun could be brought to bear, and this was in plain view of the enemy, less than 400 yards distant. It succeeded in drawing the fire in that direction, however, giving Wilder an opportunity to charge, when the Confederates were forced from their position with a loss of 4 guns, several wagons and some prisoners. Long promptly followed up the advantage gained by Wilder, and made another of his dashing saber charges that completely routed the enemy and drove him in confusion from the field. The Union loss was not reported. Of the enemy 86 were left dead on the field, a number were known to have been wounded, and 270 were captured. Farmville, Virginia, April 7, 1865. 2nd Army Corps and Crook's Cavalry. During the night of the 6th the Confederate army under General Lee crossed to the north bank of the Appomattox river, General Longstreet's corps crossing at Farmville, the cavalry at a ford a short distance above that place, and Gordon and Mahone at High bridge, about 5 miles below. At Farmville the army halted long enough to distribute rations, of which the men stood sorely in need, and then pushed on toward Lynchburg, via Appomattox Court House. General Ord, with the 24th corps, commanded by General Gibbon, came up with Longstreet strongly intrenched at Rice's station late on the 6th, and disposed his forces for an attack at daylight the following morning, but finding that the enemy had withdrawn during the night, pressed on to Farmville, where he was joined by General Wright with the 6th corps, and directed to continue the direct pursuit as long as there was any probability of overtaking the enemy. General Humphreys, who, with the 2nd corps, had followed Gordon from Sailor's creek, came up to High bridge just as the enemy had fired the railroad bridge and was trying to set fire to the wagon bridge. General Barlow, whose division was in advance, promptly drove back the enemy from the bridge and extinguished the flames. Mahone's division was formed on the high ground north of the river, a strong skirmish line was thrown back to drive Barlow's men away from the bridge, but upon seeing the 2nd corps already coming up in force he quickly withdrew, abandoning 18 pieces of artillery and 500 Enfield rifles, and followed Gordon toward Farmville. Humphreys now sent the divisions of Miles and De Trobriand on a road, running northwest to intercept Lee on the Lynchburg stage road about 4 miles from Farmville, and ordered Barlow to follow Gordon and Mahone up the railroad. When Barlow reached Farmville he found the bridges there destroyed and a strong force guarding a wagon train moving toward Lynchburg. He immediately attacked, but the enemy was evidently not in fighting humor, as he set fire to 130 of his wagons and hurriedly evacuated the town. In this affair Brigadier-General T. A. Smyth, commanding Barlow's 3d brigade, was mortally wounded. About 1 p. m. Miles and De Trobriand reached the stage road and found the enemy in position behind breastworks. Both divisions were formed in line of battle and Miles ordered Scott's brigade to charge the left of the Confederate works. The charge was gallantly made but failed of success, chiefly on account of the difficult nature of the ground over which it had to be made. As Scott fell back the enemy made a countercharge, which in turn was repulsed. It was soon developed that the main body of Lee's army was concentrated near the junction of the roads, and Barlow's division was brought up, taking position on the right. It was now almost dark and further operations were postponed until the next morning, the corps going into bivouac after throwing out a strong picket line close up to the enemy's intrenchments. The destruction of the bridges at Farmville kept the Federal infantry on the south side of the river and prevented Wright and Gibbon from joining Humphreys, but General Crook forded the river with his cavalry division and pushed forward on the plank road in pursuit. Gregg's brigade, which was in advance, soon came up with the Confederate rear-guard and was attacked by Munford's and Fitzhugh Lee's cavalry in front and Rosser's on the flank, the enemy's cavalry being supported by Heth's division of infantry. Seeing himself greatly outnumbered, Gregg gave the order to withdraw, when the enemy made a dash, capturing him and a number of his command. Crook was then recalled to Farmville and ordered to move to Prospect Station on the Lynchburg railroad, where he arrived about midnight. The loss of the 2nd corps for the day was 671 in killed, wounded and missing. Crook's loss, as well as that of the enemy, was not stated.  The Union Army, 1908, Vol. 5, pp. 392-394.


FARNHAM, Noah Lane, soldier, born in New Haven, Connecticut, 4 June, 1829; died in Washington, D. C., 14 August, 1861. His ancestor, Henry Farnham, came from Kenilworth, England, and settled in Roxbury, Massachusetts, in 1644. In 1833 Noah's parents moved to the city of New York. He was educated in New Haven and at Cheshire, Connecticut, and entered business in New York at the age of sixteen. When eighteen years old he joined the City Guard, and was present with that corps at the Astor Place riot. He subsequently joined the fire department, and was soon chosen foreman of a "hook and ladder" company, where he introduced new methods of drill, and practised his men in climbing, jumping, and other athletic exercises. In 1856 he was elected assistant engineer of the New York Fire Department, and in 1857 joined the 7th Regiment, soon attaining the rank of 1st lieutenant. He became acquainted with Colonel Ellsworth on the arrival of the latter from Chicago in April, 1861, was persuaded by him to accept the lieutenant- colonelcy of the New York Fire Zouaves, and succeeded to the command after Ellsworth's death. When the regiment was ordered to march on Manassas, Colonel Farnham was confined to a sick bed, but left it, and rode into action at the head of his men. He was wounded early in the engagement and removed to a hospital in Washington, where he died a few weeks afterward. Appletons’ Cyclopaedia of American Biography, 1888, Vol. II, p. 411.


FARNHAM, Roswell, governor of  Vermont, born in Boston, Massachusetts, 23 July, 1827. When he was thirteen years of age his family moved to Bradford, Vermont. He was graduated at the University of Vermont in 1841, was admitted to the bar in 1857, and was state attorney from 1859 till 1862. He then entered the army as lieutenant of the 1st Vermont Regiment, and was provost-marshal at Newport News, Virginia. He afterward became lieutenant-colonel of the 12th Vermont during its service in the field, he was in the state senate in 1858-'9, a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1876, and a presidential elector on the Hayes ticket the same year. He has served on the state board of education, and has been one of the trustees of the University of Vermont and the State Agricultural College since 1878. He was governor of Vermont from 1880 till 1882, having received the largest vote ever cast, and defeating Edward J. Phelps, afterward minister to England.  Appletons’ Cyclopaedia of American Biography, 1888, Vol. II, p. 411.


FARNSWORTH, Benjamin Franklin, 1793-1851, abolitionist, educator, Providence, Rhode Island.  Manager, American Anti-Slavery Society, 1835-1836.  (Appletons’ Cyclopaedia of American Biography, 1888, Vol. II, p. 411)

FARNSWORTH, Benjamin Franklin, educator. born in Bridgeton, Me., 17 Dec., 1793; died in Louisville, Kentucky, 4 June, 1851. He was graduated at Dartmouth in 1813, studied for the ministry, and was pastor of the Baptist Church at Edenton, North Carolina, for two years. From 1821 till 1823 he was principal of the Bridgewater, Massachusetts, Academy, and then took charge of a girls' high-school at Worcester, Massachusetts. He next edited the “Christian Watchman,” of Boston, which he left, in 1826, to take the chair of theology at the New Hampton, New Hampshire, Theological Institute. Here he remained until 1833, when, after teaching school for a time in Providence, Rhode Island, he was elected president of Georgetown, Kentucky, College, from which he afterward received the degree of D. D. The following year he was chosen president of the University of Louisville, where he remained until his death. Appleton’s Cyclopaedia of American Biography, 1888, Vol. II, pp. 411.


FARNSWORTH, John Franklin, 1820-1897, Chicago, Illinois, Union soldier.  Colonel, 8th Illinois Cavalry, later commissioned Brigadier General, 1861-1862.  Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois, 1857-1861, 1863-1873.  Voted for Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution, abolishing slavery (Appletons’, 1888, Vol. II, pp. 411-412; Dictionary of American Biography, Charles Scribner’s Sons, New York, 1936, Vol. 3, Pt. 2, p. 284; Congressional Globe)

FARNSWORTH, John Franklin, legislator, born in Eaton, Quebec, Canada, 27 March, 1820. He moved with his parents to Michigan in 1834, received an academic education, studied and practised law, and afterward went to Chicago, Illinois. He was elected to Congress as a Republican, and served from 1857 till 1861, when he became colonel of the 8th Illinois Cavalry. He subsequently raised the 17th Illinois Regiment, by order of the War Department, and was commissioned brigadier-general, 29 November, 1862, but was compelled to resign from the army in March, 1863, owing to injuries received in the field. He then moved to St. Charles, Illinois, and from 1863 till 1873 was again a member of Congress. Since 1873 he has been engaged in the practice of his profession in Washington, D. C.  Appletons’ Cyclopaedia of American Biography, 1888, Vol. II, pp. 411-412.


FARNSWORTH, Elon John, soldier, born in Green Oak, Livingston County, Michigan, in 1837; died in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, 3 July, 1863, was educated in the public schools, and spent a year at the University of Michigan. Leaving college in 1858, he served in the quartermaster's department of the army during the Utah Expedition of that year. He then engaged in buffalo hunting, and in carrying freight to the then newly discovered mines at Pike's Peak. In 1861 he became assistant quartermaster of the 8th Illinois Cavalry , which his uncle was then organizing. He was soon promoted to captain, and took part in all the battles of the Peninsula, and in those of Pope's campaign. He was appointed aide to General Pleasanton in May, 1863, promoted to brigadier-general on the 29th of the following month, and was killed four days afterward while leading a charge during the battle of Gettysburg.  Appletons’ Cyclopaedia of American Biography, 1888, Vol. II, p. 412.


FARNUM, John Egbert, soldier, born in New Jersey, 1 April, 1824; died in New York City, 16 May, 1870. He was educated in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, entered the army as sergeant-major of the 1st Pennsylvania Infantry in 1846, and served through the Mexican War. Subsequently he joined the Lopez Expedition to Cuba which left New Orleans in 1850, and also took an active part in Walker's Nicaraguan Expeditions. Still later he was captain of the slave-yacht " Wanderer," and was indicted at Savannah for carrying on the slave-trade. He is said to have regretted this episode in his life, and at the beginning of the Civil War he became major in the 70th New York Volunteers, which was raised and commanded by General Sickles. He distinguished himself for gallantry in all the engagements in which Sickle’s brigade took part, and was promoted colonel of his regiment. At the battle of Williamsburg, 5 May, 1862, he was severely wounded, but recovered in time to take part in the battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg, and was brevetted brigadier-general for gallant conduct in those engagements. He was then compelled by his wounds to abandon active service, and accepted the colonelcy of the 11th Regiment of the Veteran Reserve Corps, which he retained till the close of the war. Later he was appointed inspector of customs in the city of New York, which office he held at the time of his death.  Appletons’ Cyclopaedia of American Biography, 1888, Vol. II, p. 412.


FARQUHAR, Norman von Heldreich, naval officer, born in Pennsylvania, 11 April, 1840. He was graduated at the U. S. Naval Academy in 1859, became a lieutenant in 1861, a lieutenant-commander in 1865, and a commander in 1872. In 1862-'3 he was executive officer of the steamer "Mahaska," of the North Atlantic Squadron, and during that period frequently engaged the enemy both afloat and in expeditions on shore. As executive officer of the "Santiago de Cuba" he took part in both attacks on Fort Fisher, North Carolina, and led the men of that vessel in the successful assault on the fort of 15 January, 1865. He was commandant of cadets at the U. S. Naval Academy in 1881-'6, and in the latter year was promoted captain.  Appletons’ Cyclopaedia of American Biography, 1888, Vol. II, p. 412.


FARRAGUT, David Glasgow, naval officer, born at Campbell's Station, near Knoxville, Tennessee, 5 July, 1801; died in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, 14 August, 1870. His ancestry is traced to Don Pedro Ferragut, called “El Conquistador,” who served under James I., king of Aragon, in the campaign in which the Moors were expelled from Majorca and Valencia in the 13th century. The estates of the family were in the Balearic Islands, and among the notable members were Agustin, a theologian; Pablo, an historian; Antonio, a distinguished soldier of the 17th century; Gonzalo, bishop of Urgel; and three magistrates of the kingdom of Majorca. But the name is now extinct in those islands. The admiral's grandfather married Juana Mesquida, and that surname appears to have superseded Ferragut. The admiral's father, George Farragut, born in Minorca, 29 September, 1755; died at Point Plaquet, West Pascagoula, Louisiana, 4 June, 1817, emigrated to this country in 1776, took part in the Revolutionary War, and was the friend and companion of General Andrew Jackson during his Indian Campaigns of 1813-'14. The journal of the U. S. House of Representatives for 1797 records that William C. C. Claiborne presented “the petition of George Farragut, praying that he may be allowed the balance of pay due to him for services rendered the United States as muster-master of the militia of the District of Washington [East Tennessee], employed in actual service for the protection of the frontiers of the United States south of the Ohio, from the 1st of March, 1792, to the 26th of October, 1793.” George Farragut. as sailing-master of an expedition to the Bay of Pascagoula in 1810-'11, sent by Governor Claiborne, of the Mississippi territory, bore a principal part in securing from the Spaniards the disputed territory on that coast. Dr. Flood, the commissioner, wrote in his report “At the special request of the inhabitants of Pascagoula, by whom he is greatly beloved, I prevailed on Sailing-Master George Farragut to accept the commission of magistrate.” George Farragut married Elizabeth Shine, of North Carolina, who bore him five children — three sons and two daughters — and died in New Orleans in 1808, of yellow fever.

The boyhood of David Glasgow Farragut lacked none of the dangers and hardships of frontier life. In his journal he says: “I remember that on one occasion, during my father's absence, a party of Indians came to our house, which was somewhat isolated; when my mother, who was a brave and energetic woman, barred the door in the most effectual manner, and sent all of us trembling little ones up into the loft of the barn while she guarded the entrance with an axe. The savages attempted to parley with her, but she kept them at bay until finally they departed. My father arrived shortly afterward with his command (he was a major of cavalry), and immediately pursued the Indians, whom I believe he succeeded in overtaking and punishing.” At the age of eight the boy accompanied his father in a small boat across Lake Pontchartrain, during a gale. “This expedition,” he says in his journal, “was my first experience on salt water, and I fervently hoped at that time it would be my last.” The father, who appears to have been afraid of nothing on land or sea, and once went from New Orleans to Havana in a pirogue (a sort of canoe), was in the habit of taking his children across the lake in all sorts of weather, saying “now was the time to conquer their fears.” At this time Sailing-Master David Porter, father of Commodore Porter, of the “Essex,” being at the New Orleans naval station, became ill, was taken care of at Farragut's house, and died there, his funeral being on the same day with Mrs. Farragut's. This circumstance led to a warm friendship with Commodore Porter when he succeeded his father on that station, and he offered to adopt one of the boys. The eldest son, William, had already received an appointment in the U.S. Navy. The choice being presented to the two others, David promptly said that he would go, and accompanied Porter in the bomb-ketch “Vesuvius” to Washington. There he was placed in school, and there also he was introduced to Paul Hamilton, Secretary of the Navy, who promised to give him a midshipman's warrant as soon as he should complete his tenth year. Subsequently Farragut attended school in Chester, Pennsylvania, where the Porter family resided. He was but nine and a half years old when he received the promised appointment in the U.S. Navy, 17 December, 1810. In July of the next year he went to Norfolk, Virginia, in company with Captain Porter, who there took command of the frigate “Essex,” which cruised up and down the coast, her men by constant practice being brought to the highest state of efficiency. The midshipmen were sent to school in Newport, Rhode Island, during the greater part of the winter.

When war with England was declared in June, 1812, the “Essex” was quickly made ready for sea, and soon captured several prizes. On this cruise Farragut discovered and frustrated a mutiny among the prisoners. In October the “Essex” put to sea again, under orders to join Bainbridge's squadron in the West Indies; but Porter failed to find the squadron, and on his own responsibility continued his voyage southward, doubled Cape Horn, and made a memorable cruise in the Pacific. (See Porter, David.) Young Farragut was made prize-master of one of the captured vessels, and ordered to take her to Valparaiso, the captain to navigate her. When Farragut, who confesses that he “ was a little afraid of the violent-tempered old fellow,” gave his first order, the captain flew into a rage, declared he “had no idea of trusting himself with a d—d nutshell,” and went below for his pistols. The twelve-year-old prize-master thereupon assumed complete command, had his orders obeyed, called down to the captain that if he came on deck with his pistols he would be thrown overboard, and thenceforth was master of the ship. While the “Essex” was refitting in the Marquesas Islands, Farragut and the other midshipmen played with the native boys, and became expert swimmers. The first battle in which Farragut participated — that of the “Essex” against the “Phoebe” and the “Cherub,” in the Harbor of Valparaiso, 28 March, 1814 — was one of the bloodiest ever fought on the sea. He says in his journal: “I performed the duties of captain's aide, quarter-gunner, powder-boy, and in fact did everything that was required of me. I shall never forget the horrid impression made upon me at the sight of the first man I had ever seen killed. It staggered and sickened me at first, but they soon began to fall around me so fast that it all appeared like a dream, and produced no effect on my nerves.” After the battle he was at work for nearly a month assisting the surgeons in the care of the wounded, when the survivors were sent to New York in the “Essex Junior.” Farragut was sent to school again at Chester, Pennsylvania, where he was not only instructed in the usual branches, but also drilled as a soldier.

In April, 1815, he sailed for the Mediterranean in the “Independence,” as aide to Captain William M. Crane; but she arrived too late to take part in the Algerine war, and, after visiting Malaga, Carthagena, and Gibraltar, returned home and wintered at Boston. In 1816 he visited the Mediterranean again, on board the “Macedonian,” which conveyed William Pinkney, U. S. minister to Naples; and in 1817 the ship made an extended cruise in that sea, stopping in almost every port, and giving officers and crew abundant opportunities to visit the places of interest. In the autumn of that year the chaplain, [[Appletons' Cyclopædia of American Biography/Folsom, Charles Folsom (q. v.), was appointed U. S. consul at Tunis, and at his request Midshipman Farragut spent nine months with him, studying French, Italian, English literature, and mathematics. At this time Richard B. Jones, U. S. consul at Tripoli, wrote to Mr. Folsom: “With regard to my young friend, Farragut, if he will only apply steadily to useful purposes the talents with which he is so bountifully enriched, it must, with his amiable disposition and obliging manners, insure him the respect and esteem of all who know him, and place him, at some future period, high in the niche of fame.” In a later letter the same appreciative friend spoke of Farragut as “the young admiral.” He attended the grand duke's ball in Pisa, and gives a humorous account of his misadventures. “At one time my shoe-buckle caught in the flounce of the archduchess's dress. I kicked off the offending shoe with great elegance, and then knelt down and extricated it, with a suitable apology. Soon after this I trod on the grand duke's toe, and had to make another apology. Chagrined at my own awkwardness, I determined to retire, and looked around for my cocked hat, when I found the Countess Testa using it for a foot-warmer. I drew it to me rather unceremoniously, at which she remarked that I ‘ought to feel myself highly complimented, and should not be offended.’ To which I replied, ‘Madame, it might be so considered in your country, but not in mine.’ ”

In the spring of 1819 Farragut made another cruise in the Mediterranean, and was made acting lieutenant on the brig “Shark.” In 1820 he was ordered home for his examination, and sailed in a merchantman. On the voyage they were sighted and chased by a Colombian war vessel, which the frightened captain supposed to be a pirate. Farragut therefore took command of the ship, mustered the crew, and prepared for resistance. When a small boat from the man-of-war came alongside, he had a grindstone and a barrel of tar ready to drop into it and sink it if they should prove to be pirates. He passed his examination, but not well enough to satisfy himself, and went to Norfolk, Virginia, where he fell in love with Miss Susan C., daughter of Jordan Marchant, whom he married three years later.

In May, 1822, he was ordered to sea in the sloop-of-war “John Adams,” which conveyed the newly appointed U. S. representatives to Mexico and Guatemala. On this cruise he met General Santa Aña (afterward president of Mexico) at Vera Cruz, and made his first acquaintance with the Gulf where his fame was to be won forty years later. After his return he obtained orders to sail in the schooner “Greyhound,” of Commodore Porter's fleet, which was preparing for a cruise against freebooters of the West Indies. They had numerous encounters with the pirates, and on one occasion Farragut was sent ashore at the Isle of Pines, in command of a detachment who, after making their way through swamps and thick chaparral, found the caves and concealed houses of the robbers, drove them out, and set fire to everything that would burn. Soon afterward Farragut was made executive officer of Porter's flag-ship, the “Seagull,” which made a cruise to examine the reefs and shoals of the Gulf. In a subsequent cruise he obtained leave of absence and went to visit his friends in New Orleans, taking passage in a vessel that was carrying thither the first load of bricks for the construction of Fort Jackson, with which Farragut fought his first battle in the Civil War. In July, 1823, he was assigned to the command of the “Ferret,” which convoyed merchantmen through the Gulf, to protect them from pirates. He had many cases of yellow fever on board, and treated them himself, the only death being that of a midshipman who refused his prescription because he was not a physician. He himself took the fever on his homeward voyage, and on his arrival was sent to the hospital in Washington, where he remained until his recovery.

In 1825 he was commissioned lieutenant, and ordered to the frigate “Brandywine,” Captain Charles Morris, which in September carried Lafayette home to France, and after that made a cruise in the Mediterranean. On his return home in May, 1826, Farragut took his wife to New Haven, Connecticut, to be treated for neuralgia, and remained there four months, attending the lectures of the Yale professors. Those of Professor Silliman especially interested him. After this he spent two years at Norfolk, Va. He was an accomplished cook, and prepared all the food for his invalid wife, and personally took a large part of the care of her. At the same time he established a successful school for boys on the receiving-ship “Alert.” When Samuel L. Southard, Secretary of the Navy, inspected this school, he gave it what Farragut calls “one of the few, the very few, compliments I ever received from the navy department or its head.”

In October, 1828, he was ordered to the new sloop-of-war “Vandalia,” which in December sailed for the Brazil station. The squadron went to Buenos Ayres, and was there when Rosas became dictator. In the autumn of 1829 it returned to Rio de Janeiro, where Farragut witnessed the marriage of the Emperor Dom Pedro I., and was presented at court. In December an affection of the eyes, which had long troubled him, compelled him to ask for leave of absence, and he went home in a merchantman, which on the way was chased by a pirate. Farragut found four carronades and twenty-four pounds of powder on board, mounted the guns, and got everything ready for a vigorous defence; but the merchantman outsailed her pursuer. In December, 1832, he was ordered to the “Natchez,” which in January, 1833, sailed for Charleston Harbor, where she remained until the nullification troubles were over. The vessel was next ordered to the Brazil station. Of Farragut's qualities as executive officer at this time, one of those that sailed with him wrote: “Never was the crew of a man-of-war better disciplined or more contented and happy. The moment all hands were called, and Farragut took the trumpet, every man under him was alive and eager for duty. I remember well one occasion when he took the ‘Natchez’ out of the Harbor of Rio, which at the entrance is quite narrow, against a head wind, by a manœuvre termed ‘box-hauling.’ There were several men-of-war in port, English and French, whose officers and crews were watching us closely. Many declared that the manœuvre could not be successfully accomplished, but it was done splendidly, without a balk or failure, and I shall remember to my dying day the glow of pride and satisfaction which we all felt.” In March, 1834, he took command of the schooner “Boxer,” which he thoroughly overhauled and repaired in the harbor of Rio. The “Boxer” was ordered home in the summer, and for four years the lieutenant was in Norfolk and Washington, serving on courts-martial, waiting for sailing orders, and taking care of his wife, who died in 1840. In August, 1838, he was given command of the sloop “Erie,” and ordered to Tampico, because of the prospect of war between France and Mexico. There he made minute observations of all the military and naval movements, particularly the bombardment of the castle of San Juan de Ulloa, and gave his conclusions in a long letter to Commodore Barron, in which he wrote: “ If we who wander about the world do not keep those at home informed of the daily improvements in other navies, how can we hope to improve, particularly when we see men impressed with the idea that, because they once gained a victory, they can do it again? So they may; but I can tell them it must be with the means of 1838 and not those of 1812.”

He now spent two years more at home, serving on courts-martial and learning the carpenter's trade, till the spring of 1841, when he became executive officer of the “Delaware,” and in September he received his commission as commander. He sailed once more for South American waters, and in June, 1842, received command of the “Decatur.” He took every opportunity to travel in the countries whose ports he visited, and became specially familiar with South American affairs. The cruise ended in Norfolk Harbor in February, 1843. There, in December of that year, he married Virginia, eldest daughter of William Loyall, a woman of superior character and cultivation, and no little literary ability, who survived him fourteen years. In April, 1844, he became executive officer of the “Pennsylvania,” and at the beginning of the Mexican War in 1846 applied for command of a ship and active service. After much difficulty, he obtained the sloop-of-war “Saratoga,” in February, 1847. He collected a crew, and sailed two days after his assignment, eager to capture the castle of San Juan de Ulloa, which he believed could be done with three vessels; but when he arrived at Vera Cruz the castle had just surrendered to the land forces. Farragut always thought Commodore Conner had lost a great opportunity in not attacking it. He says in his journal: “Of all the service I had seen since entering the U.S. Navy, this cruise was the most mortifying. As I had the ill-will of my commodore” [Matthew C. Perry]. “I was not permitted to participate in any of the expeditions and more honorable duties, but was placed under a reef of rocks off Tuxpan, to blockade that port. When I could bear the imposition no longer, I reported the facts to the navy department, and asked to be relieved from under his command, or from command of the ship. Accordingly, I was ordered home with my vessel. My letters were considered improper by the Secretary of the Navy.” Commodore Perry denied that he had any prejudice against Farragut.

In February, 1848, Farragut's vessel returned home, when he was assigned to the Norfolk Navy-yard for two years, and in October, 1850, was ordered to Washington to compile a book of ordnance regulations for the navy, in collaboration with Commander T. A. Dornin and Lieuts. Barron, Harwood, and Fairfax. This work occupied them a year and a half. When it was completed, Farragut says: “Many of the best features were overruled and stricken out, as were also the drawings, which we considered fine illustrations. The book was highly commended by officers of other navies than our own; but where is it now? God only knows! For those who had the power called a new board ten years afterward, and made a few necessary changes to suit the introduction of steam and heavy guns, and the names of the original board were obliterated.” During those eighteen months he attended regularly the lectures at the Smithsonian institution. When he returned to the Norfolk Navy-yard as ordnance officer, he gave the officers a weekly lecture on gunnery. Lieutenant Percival Drayton was associated with him at this time in a series of experiments at Fort Monroe, to test the various classes of guns used in the navy, and an intimate friendship grew up between the two officers which lasted through their lives.

When the Crimean war began, in 1854, Farragut asked to be sent thither as a professional observer. This request was denied by the navy department; but soon afterward he was sent to establish a U.S. Navy-yard on the Pacific Coast, the site chosen being Mare Island, in the Bay of San Francisco. This task occupied him four years. During this time the affair of the vigilance committee took place, and he was appealed to for aid to the state authorities; but he carefully refrained from all interference.

In July, 1858, he returned to the Atlantic Coast, and was given command of the “Brooklyn,” a new sloop-of-war, in which he conveyed to Vera Cruz Robert M. McLane, the new U. S. minister to Mexico. The ship was then placed at the disposal of Mr. McLane and took him to various points on the coast, that he might communicate with the American consuls. Farragut was taunted with being at the beck and call of a civilian, and made a characteristic answer: “I can only say that I am always at the service of the country in doing my duty, and would rather be subject to the directions of an intelligent man appointed by the government for a purpose on account of his qualifications, than to be under some old fool who has floated up to his position without the first requisites, the only merit that he possesses being that he had been in the navy all his life without having done anything to recommend him either to the government or to his brother officers.” From Vera Cruz he wrote: “I can't help loving my profession; but it has materially changed since the advent of steam. I took as much pleasure in running into this port the other day in a gale of wind as ever a boy did in any feat of skill. The people seemed astonished. McLane said he would sooner have done it than anything else — except to take a ship.” Governmental affairs in Mexico were very much disturbed at this time, 1859, and Farragut was of great service in protecting American interests there, for which he received a letter of thanks from American merchants in Vera Cruz. He made another trip to Mexico in November, and in December passed up the Mississippi to New Orleans, where he arrived just in time to attend the funeral of his brother William, who was retired as a lieutenant. The intimate acquaintance with the Gulf of Mexico and the lower Mississippi, which Farragut gained by these frequent visits, was found to be of inestimable, value to him two years later.

In the winter of 1860-'1 Farragut was on waiting orders in Norfolk, Virginia. The one topic of discussion there, as elsewhere throughout the country, was the impending secession of the south and the probability of Civil War. If an amicable separation of the country should take place, he would remain with the south, because his relatives were there and his home, so far as he had a home on shore. But he did not see how secession could be attempted without war, and in that event he held that his allegiance was due to the National government, to which he was indebted for his naval education, rank, and employment. He watched with intense interest the efforts to carry Virginia into the Confederacy, and when it was accomplished he declared that “the state had been dragooned out of the Union.” As he expressed his opinions freely, and boldly said that President Lincoln was justified in calling for troops, he was told that a person with such sentiments “could not live in Norfolk.” “Well, then,” said he, “I can live somewhere else,” and that very evening (18 April, 1861) he departed with his wife and son, going first to Baltimore, and finally taking a cottage at Hastings-on-the-Hudson. He was a member of a naval retiring-board in Brooklyn, but had little else to do for nearly a year. One privateer, the “Sumter,” had already been sent out by the Confederates. Farragut, who had a theory as to her probable movements, asked the government to let him go in chase of her with a swift vessel, but the suggestion was not approved.

In December, 1861, he was summoned to Washington, whence he wrote a hurried note to his wife: “Keep your lips closed, and burn my letters, for perfect silence is to be observed the first injunction of the secretary. I am to have a flag in the Gulf, and the rest depends upon myself. Keep calm and silent. I shall sail in three weeks.” For some time a formidable expedition had been in preparation, intended to reduce the defences of New Orleans and capture that place, which was by far the largest city in the south. The expedition included twenty-one schooners, each carrying a large mortar, under command of Commander (now Admiral) David D. Porter. Farragut had no faith in the efficacy of these mortars, but, as a great deal of time and money had been spent in their preparation, he accepted the fleet as he found it. He sailed from Hampton Roads, 2 February, 1862, in the steam sloop-of-war “Hartford,” 1,900 tons, which from that time till the close of the war was his flag-ship. She had a speed, under steam alone, of eight knots, or with steam and sail combined, of eleven knots. She carried twenty-two nine-inch Dahlgren guns, two twenty-pounder Parrots, and a rifled Sawyer gun on the forecastle; and Farragut had her fore- and main-tops protected with boiler iron and armed with howitzers. His orders instructed him to “collect such vessels as can be spared from the blockade, and proceed up the Mississippi River and reduce the defences which guard the approaches to New Orleans, when you will appear off that city and take possession of it under the guns of your squadron. . . . As you have expressed yourself perfectly satisfied with the force given to you, and as many more powerful vessels will be added before you can commence operations, the department and the country require of you success.” A military force of 15,000 men, designed to co-operate with the fleet in capturing New Orleans, and to garrison the place after it should be taken, sailed in transports from Fort Monroe, on 20 February, commanded by General Benjamin F. Butler. The place of rendezvous was Ship Island, which is about one hundred miles northeast of the mouths of the Mississippi.

At the last great bend in the river, about thirty miles above the mouth, stood Fort Jackson on the right bank and Fort St. Philip on the left. A single fort at this point had held the British forces in check for nine days in 1814-'15, though they threw a thousand shells into it. Fort Jackson was a bastioned fortification, built of brick, with casemates and glacis, rising twenty-five feet above the water. Fort St. Philip was smaller, and rose nineteen feet. The whole number of guns in the two works was about 115, which were of various kinds and sizes, but mostly smooth-bore thirty-two-pounders. Above the forts lay a Confederate fleet of fifteen vessels, including an iron-clad ram and a large, unfinished floating battery covered with railroad iron. Below the forts two iron chains were stretched across the river, supported on eight hulks anchored abreast. Two hundred Confederate sharp-shooters kept constant watch along the banks, and several fire-rafts were ready to be lighted and sent down against the fleet. To pass these obstructions and fight his way to the city, Farragut had six sloops-of-war, sixteen gun-boats, twenty-one mortar schooners, and five other vessels, carrying in all over 200 guns. This was the largest expedition that had ever sailed under the United States flag, but it did not include a single iron-clad, and while it was mainly built for sea-service, its task now was to operate in a River with many shoals and a shifting channel. To get the larger vessels over the bar at Southwest pass, it was necessary to lighten them as much as possible, and then drag them over through a foot of mud. With the “Pensacola” alone, this process occupied two weeks. The “Colorado” could not be taken over at all.

The mortar schooners were towed up the stream to a point within reach of the forts, and began to take their places and open fire on 18 April. There was a stretch of woods between them and the forts, and their masts were trimmed with bushes to prevent them from being distinguished. The gunners could not see the forts, but fired with a computed aim, the result of careful observation and triangulation by a coast-survey officer. They used shells weighing 285 pounds, and kept up a constant fire for six days and nights, throwing nearly 6,000 shells. This resulted in disabling fifty-three of the garrison and destroying some of the buildings, but not in materially damaging the forts. Farragut was impatient with this operation, as it only served to give the enemy warning, and he found the greatest difficulty in preventing collisions in his fleet. Half a dozen fire-rafts were sent down, but boats'-crews tackled them, and either towed them ashore or sent them out to sea. Perhaps no commander was ever so completely master of every detail as Farragut. He could have taken the place and performed the duties of any man in the fleet. He issued orders in which minute directions were given for every contingency that he could anticipate, and in addition to this he bade his officers use their own ingenuity. They whitewashed the decks (for the attack was to be in the night) and took other precautions, the most important of which were those intended to protect the boilers and machinery. Not only was the coal so placed as to guard these, but all the spare chains were “stoppered” up and down the side amidships. In the night of 20 April, Captain Henry H. Bell went silently up the river with a boat's-crew and unfastened the chains to make an opening for the fleet to pass through. In the night of the 23d, Lieutenant-Commodore C. H. B. Caldwell was sent up to see if the way was still clear, and signaled that it was; but the enemy discovered him and opened fire, at the same time sending down fire-rafts and lighting two large piles of wood near the ends of the chain, so that the whole scene was made as bright as day. But the fleet was now ready for the attack, and at half past three o'clock in the morning it was under way. The first Division , consisting of eight vessels, was commanded by Captain Theodorus Bailey; the second, three vessels, was led by Farragut's flag-ship; the third, six vessels, commanded by Captain Bell. As the line of battle passed through the opening in the chain, it came within reach of the guns of the forts, and each vessel in succession was subjected to a raking fire. One became entangled among the rafts and did not get free in time to make the passage, another received a shot in her boiler and was compelled to drop down-stream again, while a third, being delayed till daylight, attempted to pass up alone and was driven back by a destructive fire. With these exceptions, the whole line moved steadily up the river, sailing close to the forts and pouring in broadsides of shell and grape-shot that at times swept the bastions clear of the enemy and silenced the guns. After passing by the forts, the fleet was subjected to a raking fire similar to that which it had encountered in the approach, and no sooner had it gone beyond the range of this than it encountered the Confederate fleet. But of this it made short work; some of the enemy's vessels were driven ashore, some were run down, and others were riddled with shot. The flag-ship “Hartford” grounded on a shoal, and at the same time the ram “Manassas” pushed a fire-raft against her. But the flames were promptly extinguished and the vessel gotten off into deep water, when she was approached in the smoke and darkness by a steamer crowded with men, evidently intending to board her. She at once planted a heavy shell in the stranger, which exploded, and the vessel disappeared. The “Hartford” then passed on up-stream, firing right and left into the enemy's gun-boats. The “Brooklyn” encountered several of these, into one of which she sent eleven shells at a single discharge, all of which exploded, and the gun-boat ran ashore in flames. The “Mississippi,” a side-wheel steamer, encountered the ram “Manassas,” and received a blow that disabled her machinery; but she sent a broadside through the ram, and promptly boarded it and set it on fire, so that it drifted down the river and exploded. The gun-boat “Varuna,” of Farragut's fleet, was rammed by two Confederate gun-boats and sank in fifteen minutes. At daylight the fleet continued on its way up the river, and Captain Bailey, leading in the “Cayuga,” captured a Confederate regiment encamped on the bank. On the morning of the 25th the Chalmette batteries, three miles below the city, were attacked and silenced, and an hour later New Orleans itself was at the mercy of Farragut's guns. This exploit had cost the National fleet 37 men killed and 147 wounded, and one vessel sunk out of the seventeen. The Confederate fleet was completely destroyed. At noon the surrender of the city was demanded of the mayor, and Captain Bailey was sent ashore to haul down the Louisiana flag and raise the stars and stripes over the public buildings. A troublesome correspondence with the mayor ensued, and Farragut was glad to turn over the city to General Butler as soon as the troops could be brought up, on the evening of 1 May. The forts had surrendered to Commodore Porter on the 28th. It appears that this timely capture of New Orleans changed the purpose of the Emperor Napoleon, who was about to recognize the Confederacy and take measures to raise the blockade.

Farragut wanted to take his fleet at once to Mobile, capture that place, and close the port to blockade-runners; but the government was anxious to open the Mississippi through its whole length, and the ships were therefore kept in the river for some months. Before daylight, on 28 June, 1862, he ran by the batteries at Vicksburg with eight vessels, joining Commodore Charles H. Davis's fleet of iron-clads above the city. In this passage Farragut's fleet was under fire about two hours, and lost fifteen men killed and thirty wounded. On 15 July, finding that nothing could be effected at Vicksburg by the fleet alone, he ran the batteries again, descending the river to New Orleans. The next day he was commissioned rear-admiral.

On 14 March, 1863, to assist General Nathaniel P. Banks in his siege of Port Hudson, Farragut attempted to run by the batteries at that place with seven vessels three sloops-of-war, each with a gun-boat lashed to the port-side, and the side-wheel steamer “Mississippi.” By this arrangement, if a vessel were disabled, the gun-boat could take her out of the fight. But they met so destructive a fire that only the “Hartford” and her attendant gun-boat succeeded in getting by. The “Mississippi” ran aground and was burned, and the others were compelled to drop down stream. With the “Hartford” and the “Albatross” Farragut proceeded up stream and blockaded the mouth of Red River, thus preventing Confederate supplies from coming down, or re-enforcements from going up to the army of General Richard Taylor. Coal and provisions were sent down to him by General Grant and Admiral Porter, on barges that drifted past the Vicksburg batteries in the night. Subsequently he assisted General Banks in the investment of Port Hudson, till it was surrendered, 8 July.

The Mississippi was now open to navigation through its entire length. Admiral Porter took Farragut's place at New Orleans, while Farragut sailed far New York in the “Hartford,” arriving in August. When the flag-ship was examined at the U.S. Navy-yard, it was found that she had been struck 240 times by shot and shell during her nineteen months of service. Farragut was given public welcome home and receptions by the New York chamber of commerce and committees of citizens, and rested five months while the ship was refitted.

In January, 1864, he returned to the Gulf, visited Ship Island and Pensacola, establishing depots of supplies, and prepared for his long-meditated attack on the defences of Mobile. In May a beautiful sword, with a gold and silver scabbard and the hilt set in brilliants, was sent to him by the Union League club of New York. About this time he wrote: “If anyone asks what I am doing, answer, Nothing but waiting for the world to turn round till it comes my turn to do something.” He reconnoitered the forts, and declared that an attack would be useless till he had some iron-clads. These came at last, as did also the troops under General Gordon Granger for the land attack.

The defences of the bay consisted mainly of two forts — Morgan at the eastern side of the entrance, and Gaines at the western — three miles apart. From Fort Gaines eastward to a point near Fort Morgan stretched a line of piles and a double line of torpedoes. The point where they terminated was indicated by a red buoy, and the blockade-runners were accustomed to pass in by the narrow channel between this buoy and Fort Morgan. Inside of these defences lay the Confederate iron-clad ram “Tennessee” and three wooden gun-boats. As at New Orleans, Farragut issued general orders containing the most minute instructions for every contingency. His seven sloops-of-war the “Brooklyn” leading and the “Hartford” coming second were to form one line, each sloop having a gun-boat lashed on the port side, to take her through if her machinery should be disabled. The “Brooklyn” was given the lead because she had four chase guns and a contrivance for picking up torpedoes. The four iron-clad monitors, “Tecumseh,” “Manhattan,” “Winnebago,” and “Chickasaw,” formed another line to the right of the line of wooden ships, between them and Fort Morgan. Six steamers were placed south and east of that work, to keep up a flank fire upon it. Before daylight on 5 August everybody in the fleet was astir, and at half-past five the signal was given for the advance. An hour later the combatants were within range, and the firing began immediately, and was heavy and destructive on both sides. The admiral mounted into the port main rigging, in order to see over the smoke, and as this increased he gradually mounted higher. Captain Drayton, to prevent his falling to the deck in case of being wounded, sent up a quarter-master with a piece of lead-line, which was made fast to one of the shrouds and passed around the admiral, to prevent such an accident. The commanders had all been instructed to keep to the east of the red buoy; but the leading monitor, in her eagerness to engage the Confederate ram, passed west of it, struck a torpedo, and suddenly went down. (See Craven, Tunis A. M.) A little later the “Brooklyn” stopped, and this seemed likely to throw the whole line into confusion. “What is the trouble?” was shouted through a trumpet from the “Hartford.” “Torpedoes!” was the answer. “Damn the torpedoes!” exclaimed Farragut. “Four bells! Captain Drayton, go ahead! Jonett, full speed!” Thus the “Hartford” passed the “Brooklyn,” took her place at the head of the line, and led the fleet into the bay. Every vessel suffered from the enemy's fire as it approached the fort, poured in rapid broadsides that silenced the Confederate guns when it was abreast of the work, and suffered again from raking fire after it had passed. Inside of the bay, the signal “Chase enemy's gun-boats” was given, and the lashings that held the gun-boats to the sloops were cut with axes and the former made off for their prey, and one Confederate gun-boat was captured, one was sunk, and another driven under the guns of the fort. There was a brush with the iron-clad ram, but it was not serious, and the fleet came to anchor three miles up the bay. Farragut was planning to attack the ram as soon as it should be dark enough to prevent the garrison of the fort from seeing which was friend and which foe; but the ram anticipated him, steaming directly for the flag-ship in the midst of the fleet. The admiral at once gave orders for every ship to attack her, not only with shot but by ramming, and a desperate contest ensued. The ram had the advantage in that she was sure of striking an enemy with every blow, while the fleet had to avoid running and firing into one another. Their shot had no effect on the sloping iron sides of the monster, and when the wooden vessels rammed her they splintered their own bows and only heeled her over. But the monitors, with their enormous guns, shot away her smoke-stack and steering-apparatus and jammed her shutters, while one fifteen-inch shot actually penetrated her armor. Her commander was wounded, her crew could do nothing in the smoke that filled their vessel, and she displayed a white flag and surrendered. In the fight the “Lackawanna” had accidentally run into the flag-ship and cut her down nearly to the water's edge. The victory cost the National fleet 335 men, including 52 killed by shot and 113 drowned in the “Tecumseh.” The Confederate fleet lost 10 killed, 16 wounded, and 280 prisoners. The loss in the forts is unknown. A few days later they were surrendered. Farragut in his official report awarded the most generous praise to all that had assisted in winning the victory. He said: “The commanding officers of all the vessels that took part in the action deserve my warmest commendations, not only for the untiring zeal with which they had prepared their ships for the contest, but for their skill and daring in carrying out my order's during the engagement,” and he mentioned every one of them specially. He also wrote: “I witnessed the terrible effects of the enemy's shot, and the good conduct of the men at their guns; and although no doubt their hearts sickened, as mine did, when their shipmates were struck down beside them, yet there was not a moment's hesitation to lay their comrades aside and spring again to their deadly work.” The quarter-master that tied him in the rigging says he saw the admiral come on deck just as the killed of the “Hartford” were being laid out, and “it was the only time I ever saw the old gentleman cry, but tears came in his eyes like a little child.” Henry Howard Brownell was on board the flag-ship as an acting ensign, and described the battle in one of his finest poems, “The Bay Fight.” The city of Mobile could not be captured by the fleet as New Orleans had been, because of shoal water and obstructions in the channel. But the purpose of the operation, to stop the passage of blockade-runners and so close another main avenue of supply to the Confederacy, was accomplished. The accompanying view of the “Hartford” shows the ship as she appeared in Mobile Bay after the battle. The stunted appearance of her masts is due to the fact that her top-gallants were housed. Her hull was painted lead-color.





In November, as Farragut's health was failing, the department ordered him home, and on 12 December he reached New York, where he was given a public reception, and a purse of $50,000 was presented to him for the purchase of a home in the city. A bill creating the grade of vice-admiral was passed by Congress on 22 December, and the next day President Lincoln signed it, and nominated Farragut for the office, which nomination the Senate at once confirmed. When Richmond fell into the hands of the National forces, Farragut, who was on the James, with General George H. Gordon, procured horses, and rode thither post haste, entering the city a short time before the president got there. A few days later he visited his old home, Norfolk, and was given a public reception by the naval and military officers there and those of the citizens who had remained true to the Union. In the course of his speech he said: “This meeting recalls to me the most momentous events of my life, when I listened in this place till the small hours of the morning, and returned home with the feeling that Virginia was safe and firm in her place in the Union. Our Union members of the convention were elected by an overwhelming majority, and we believed that everything was right. Judge, then, of our astonishment in finding, a few days later, that the state had been voted out by a miserable minority, for want of firmness and resolution on the part of those whom we trusted to represent us there, and that Virginia had been dragooned out of the Union. . . . I was told by a brother officer that the state had seceded, and that I must either resign and turn traitor to the government which had supported me from childhood, or I must leave this place. Thank God, I was not long in making my decision! I have spent, half of my life in revolutionary countries, and I know the horrors of Civil War, and I told the people what I had seen and what they would experience. They laughed at me, and called me ‘granny’ and ‘croaker’; and I said, ‘I cannot live here, and will seek some other place where I can live.’ I suppose they said I left my country for my country's good, and, thank God. I did!”

On 6 July, 1865. the Union club of Boston gave a dinner to the admiral, at which Oliver Wendell Holmes read one of his happiest occasional poems, a few lines of which may be quoted here:

“

Fast, fast are lessening in the light
The names of high renown —
Van Tromp's proud bosom pales from sight,
Old Benbow's half hull down.
Scarce one tall frigate walks the sea,
Or skirts the safer shores.
Of all that bore to victory
Our stout old commodores.
Hull, Bainbridge, Porter — where are they?
The answering billows roll,
Still bright in memory's sunset ray,
God rest each gallant soul!
A brighter name must dim their light,
With more than noontide ray —
The Viking of the River Fight.
The Conqueror of the Bay.
I give the name that fits him best —
Ay, better than his own —
The Sea-King of the sovereign West,
Who made his mast a throne.”

On 25 July. 1866, Congress created the grade of admiral, before unknown in the U. S. Navy, and the rank was given to Farragut. The next year he was assigned to the European Squadron, hoisted his flag on the “Franklin,” and made along cruise in European waters. By special permission of the president, Mrs. Farragut and her cousin, Mrs. Pennock, wife of his fleet captain, Alexander M. Pennock, accompanied them. They visited the principal European capitals, and were everywhere received with the highest honors. One of the most interesting incidents of the cruise was a visit to the Island of Minorca, the home of Farragut's ancestors, where the whole population turned out to welcome him. In the summer of 1869 the admiral and Mrs. Farragut visited Vallejo, California. His last official duty was to take charge of the naval obsequies of George Peabody, when the remains arrived at Portland, Maine, in January, 1870. The next summer he spent in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, the guest of Rear-Admiral Pennock. An old sailor, who had charge of the dismantled sloop-of-war “Dale,” lying in the harbor, says that one day the admiral wandered on board, and on stepping ashore again remarked: “That is the last time I shall ever tread the deck of a man-of-war.” The foreboding proved true, and not long afterward he quietly passed away. The remains were conveyed to New York, and, after a public funeral, were finally deposited in Woodlawn Cemetery.

Admiral Farragut had a strongly religious nature, believing in the constant guidance of Divine Providence. At the time of his death he was a communicant of the Protestant Episcopal Church. He is one of the few great heroes of the world whose character has never been clouded by the slightest suspicion of a want of honesty or personal purity. Many entertaining anecdotes are told of him. When we consider the novel and complicated problems that confronted him in naval warfare, and the providential manner in which he seemed to have been schooled for them through a long life when we remember how other commanders merely fought line against line in simple though courageous fashion, while he contended with casemated forts, fire-rafts, fleets, and hidden torpedoes, all at once, and conquered them all, we can hardly refuse to pronounce him the greatest naval commander the world has ever seen.

There is a colossal bronze statue of the admiral in Farragut square, Washington, executed by Vinnie Ream, and paid for by a Congressional appropriation. There is one of heroic size in Madison square, New York, executed by Augustus St. Gaudens, paid for by a subscription raised among the citizens. In the chancel of the Church of the Incarnation, New York, is a mural tablet containing a bas-relief likeness by Lannt Thompson. William Page's original picture of “Farragut's Entry into Mobile Bay” is now in the possession of the emperor of Russia; a replica is still owned by Mr. Page's family. (See illustration on page 417.) The admiral's son, Loyall Farragut, has written his life, which includes his journals and many of his letters (New York, 1879). See also James E. Montgomery's “Cruise of the Franklin” (1869) and “Admiral Farragut,” by Captain Alfred T. Mahan, U. S. N., Great Commanders Series (1892). [Appleton’s 1900 Vol. II. pp. 412-419








Farrar's Plantation, Mississippi, September 22, 1864. Detachments of the 4th Illinois Cavalry, 28th and 29th Illinois, and 71st U. S. Colored Infantry, and the 6th U. S. Colored Heavy Artillery. A few days before a foraging expedition had brought in good results from a visit to this section and this was a second expedition ordered by Brigadier-General Brayman. At Farrar's place 51 wagons were loaded with corn, 47 bales of cotton taken, and 143 head of cattle collected, after which the expedition started to return to Natchez. Soon after leaving the plantation a party of Confederates attacked the rear and skirmishing was kept up for about 6 miles. One of the enemy was seen to fall from his horse and it was thought he was killed. Fair's Mills, Arkansas, July 14, 1864. A Battalion of the 4th Arkansas Cavalry.  The Union Army, 1908, Vol. 5, p. 394.


FARRIER AND BLACKSMITH. Allowed to cavalry regiments. (See ARMY; VETERINARY.) (Scott, Military Dictionary, Van Nostrand, 1862, p. 283).


FARWELL, Nathan Allen, senator, born in Unity, Maine, 24 February, 1812. He received a public school education, graduating in 1831, studied law, was admitted to the bar, and began to practice in Rockland, Maine He was a member of the state senate in 1853, 1854, 1861, and 1862, serving as president in 1861, and of the lower branch of the legislature in 1860, 1863, and 1864. He was a delegate to the Baltimore National Republican Convention in 1864, and in that year was appointed to the U. S. Senate as a Republican for the unexpired term of William Pitt Fessenden. He was a delegate to the Philadelphia " Loyalists' Convention" of 1860. He travelled in Europe from 1845 till 1847. He has been master mariner, trader, and twenty-five years president of Marine Insurance.  Appletons’ Cyclopaedia of American Biography, 1888, Vol. II, p. 420.


FASCINES are long cylindrical fagots of brushwood, and when designed for supporting the earth of extensive epaulements, are called saucissons, and are about 18 feet long, and ten inches thick; those for the revetment of the parapets of batteries are eight or ten feet long; those for covering wet or marshy ground from 6 to 9 feet long. (See REVETMENT for construction of fascines.) (Scott, Military Dictionary, Van Nostrand, 1862, p. 283).


FASNACHT, Charles H., soldier, born in Lancaster County. Pennsylvania, 27 March, 1842. He enlisted in 1861 in the 99th Pennsylvania Regiment, and mustered out of service in July, 1865, as 1st lieutenant. On 12 May, 1864, just after the taking of the salient at Spottsylvania, he captured the flag of the 2d Louisiana Regiment, taking the color-bearer and color-guard prisoners, but was shortly afterward wounded, and fell into the enemy's hands. With over one hundred others he lay on the battle-field several days, waiting to be taken to Richmond, and was finally rescued by National troops. During this time he had the flag concealed in the lining of his blouse. For his gallantry he received the United States medal of honor, a silver medal from the directors of the sanitary fair at Philadelphia, And the bronze " Kearny badge. Appletons’ Cyclopaedia of American Biography, 1888, Vol. II, p. 421.
  


FATIGUE DUTY. Soldiers on fatigue duty allowed an extra gill of whiskey; (Act March 2, 1829.) That the allowance of soldiers employed at work on fortifications, in surveys, in cutting roads, and other constant labor, of not less than ten days, authorized by an act approved March second, eighteen hundred and nineteen, entitled “ An act to regulate the pay of the army when employed on fatigue duty,” be increased to twenty-five cents per day for men employed as laborers and teamsters, and forty cents per day when employed as mechanics, at all stations east of the Rocky Mountains, and to thirty-five cents and fifty cents per day, respectively, when the men are employed at the stations west of those mountains. Approved August 4, 1854. (Scott, Military Dictionary, Van Nostrand, 1862, p. 283 ).


FAULKNER, Charles James, lawyer, born in Martinsburg, Virginia, in 1806; died in Boydville, West Virginia, 1 November, 1884. He was graduated at Georgetown University, D. C, studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1829. Three years later he became a member of the Virginia House of Delegates, where he introduced a measure for the gradual abolition of slavery in Virginia, declaring that all children born of slave parents after 1 July, 1840, should be free, but the proposition was defeated. Mr. Faulkner after this devoted himself with success to his profession. He served as a commissioner on the disputed boundary-line between Virginia and Maryland. He was elected a state senator in 1841, but resigned in the. following year. In 1848 he was elected to the House of Delegates, and introduced a bill that was passed and sent to Congress, which became the famous Fugitive-Slave Law of 1850. He was a member of the convention for the revision of the state constitution in 1850. The next year he was elected to the U. S. House of Representatives, and was reelected by the Democratic vote for four successive terms, serving from 1 December, 1851, till 3 March, 1859. When James Buchanan became president in 1857, he offered Mr. Faulkner the mission to France, which he at first declined, but accepted in 1859. Louis Napoleon was encouraged by him to sympathize with the south in the approaching contest, rather than with the nation, and accordingly President Lincoln recalled Mr. Faulkner, who, on his return to the United States, was arrested and confined in Fort Warren as a disloyal citizen. When released in exchange for Alfred Ely, a member of Congress who was imprisoned in Richmond, he joined the Confederate Army, and served on the staff of General "Stonewall " Jackson until the death of that officer. For some years he was debarred the rights of citizenship on account of having borne arms against the government, but in 1872 his political disabilities were removed. He was a member of the State Constitutional Convention of West Virginia in 1872, and in 1874 was elected to the U. S. House of Representatives for the term that expired on 8 March, 1877. He was an unsuccessful candidate subsequently for the U. S. Senate and for the governorship of West Virginia, after which he retired to private life.—His son, Charles James, senator, born in Martinsburg, West Virginia, about 1840, was graduated at the University of Virginia, served as a private in the Confederate Army during the Civil War, and after its close studied law, and rose rapidly in the profession. In 1880 he was appointed a circuit judge, to fill an unexpired term, and in 1882 was elected to the same office. On 5 May, 1887, he was elected as a Democrat to the U. S. Senate from West Virginia.  Appletons’ Cyclopaedia of American Biography, 1888, Vol. II, pp.421-422.


FAUNTLEROY, Thomas Turner, soldier, born in Richmond County, Virginia, 6 October, 1796; died in Leesburg, Virginia, 12 September, 1883. He was commissioned a lieutenant in the war of 1812—'15 when but seventeen years old. He studied law in Winchester, practised in Warrenton, and in 1823 was elected to the legislature. In 1830 he was commissioned a major of dragoons in the regular army, and served in the Seminole War. In September, 1845, he was detached from General Taylor's army to hold in check the Indians on the frontier of Texas. From this duty he was ordered to join General Taylor, and subsequently, in Mexico, he commanded the cavalry of General Scott's army. In 1849 he was promoted to the lieutenant-colonelcy of the 1st U.S. Dragoons, and commanded the troops on frontier duty in Texas. In 1850 he was promoted colonel. In the winter of 1854-'5 he conducted a campaign against the hostile Indian tribes of the Rocky Mountains, and in 1858 he made another midwinter campaign against the Indians in New Mexico. In May, 1861, He entered the Confederate service. He was commissioned a brigadier-general by the convention of Virginia, and placed in command of Richmond and its defences. But, after the organization of the Confederate government, it refused to confirm his commission, although he ranked all the officers but one that had resigned from the U. S. Army to serve the Confederacy.—His. son, Archibald Magill, physician, born in Warrenton, Virginia, 8 July, 1837; died in Staunton, Virginia. 19 June, 1886, was graduated in medicine at the University of Pennsylvania in 1856, and in 1857 entered the U. S. Army as assistant surgeon; but he and his brother, a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, resigned at the same time with their father. He became a surgeon in the Confederate Army, and was president of the board for the admission of surgeons, and chief officer on the medical staff of General Joseph E. Johnston, and served with him until the battle of Seven Pines. He was then ordered rebuild and organize the hospitals at Danville, Virginia, and afterward had charge of the military hospital at Staunton, Virginia, until the war ended. He remained and practised at Staunton after the war, and was for several years superintendent of the lunatic asylum at that place. His contributions to medical literature include papers on bromide of potassium, chloral hydrate, the use of chloroform in obstetrical practice, and a "Report upon Advance in Therapeutics," which was printed in the Transactions of the Virginia Medical Society.— Another son, Thomas T., became judge of "the Virginia supreme court of appeals.—Their sister, Mary Thurston, married Surgeon-General Barnes,, of the U. S. Army. Appletons’ Cyclopaedia of American Biography, 1888, Vol. II, p. 422.


FAUSSE BRAIE is a second enceinte, exterior to, and parallel to the main rampart, and considerably below its level. (Scott, Military Dictionary, Van Nostrand, 1862, p. 283).


FAWN, STEAMER (CAPTURE OF), September 9, 1864. (See Currituck Bridge.) Fayette, Missouri, September 24, 1864. Detachment 9th Missouri Militia Cavalry. During General Price's Missouri expedition, the guerrilla cavalry of his command concentrated upon Fayette and charged into the town at 10:30 a. m. Their advance guard were clad in Federal uniforms, and were not recognized until they began firing. After a sharp encounter, during which the Confederates were repulsed in three attempts to dislodge the Union troops, they withdrew, leaving 13 dead on the field, their wounded numbering 30. The Union loss was 1 killed and 2 wounded.  The Union Army, 1908, Vol. 5, p. 394.


FAXON, Henry W., journalist, born in Buffalo, New York, about 1830; died in Washington, D. C., 11 September, 1864. He entered the U.S. Navy as an apprentice, but left it after two or three years, and after serving as a telegraph clerk in Troy, New York. and then as clerk in a candle-factory, became an editor of the Buffalo " Republic" in 1855. He was afterward on the staff of the Buffalo " Times," and in 1861 became an army correspondent for New York papers. Among his most noted efforts were the "Silver Lake Snake Story" and the "A. P. L. Parin Papers." The snake story, which was the original of the sea-serpent tales that have since become familiar, was published in the Buffalo "Republic," and professed to be a description of a monster seen in Silver Lake, Wyoming County Appletons’ Cyclopaedia of American Biography, 1888, Vol. II, p. 423.


FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS, July 15, 1862. Miller's Expedition. Pursuant to orders of Brigadier-General E. B. Brown, commanding the post at Springfield, Missouri, Major William H. Miller of the 2nd Wisconsin cavalry, with a section of Davidson's battery, 550 mounted riflemen, and detachments from the 2nd Wisconsin, 3d Missouri State militia, and 10th Illinois cavalry, led an expedition against a Confederate force of 1,600 at Fayetteville. The enemy was attacked at sunrise, and completely routed, Miller following for 12 miles. The casualties were not reported. The success of the expedition was due to two night marches of 75 miles, the enemy being unaware of the proximity of the Union troops until the attack was commenced. Fayetteville, Arkansas, December 7, 1862. (See Prairie Grove.)  The Union Army, 1908, Vol. 5, p. 394.


FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS, April 18, 1863. 1st Arkansas Volunteers and 1st Arkansas Cavalry. About 5 a. m. of this date, Brigadier-General W. L. Cabell with a force of 900 Confederates, attacked Fayetteville after having surprised the outposts and pickets. Colonel M. La Rue Harrison, commanding the post, drew up his men in line of battle before the camp of the 1st Arkansas cavalry, met the assault with his full force, and by 8 o'clock the enemy was driven to the outskirts of the town. In a last rally Colonel J. C. Monroe led a desperate charge of the enemy's cavalry, but the odds were against him and the troop was repulsed with heavy loss. By noon the Confederate force was in full retreat toward the Boston mountains, whence it had come. The Union loss was 7 killed, 23 wounded and 51 captured or missing. The enemy's loss was 20 killed and 50 wounded.  The Union Army, 1908, Vol. 5, p. 394.


FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS, August 23, 1863. Detachment of 2nd Kansas Cavalry. A detachment of this regiment under Lieutenant Edgar A. Barker was surprised by about 150 Confederates. The ensuing skirmish lasted 15 or 20 minutes during which time Barker and 5 of his men were captured. No other casualties were mentioned.  The Union Army, 1908, Vol. 5, p.


FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS, May 19, 1864. 6th Kansas Cavalry.  The Union Army, 1908, Vol. 5, p. 395.


FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS, June 24, 1864. Detachment of 1st Arkansas Cavalry. A Confederate force of 200 men made a dash on the mule herd of the 1st Arkansas cavalry and after scattering the guard, of whom 2 were killed and 1 captured, got away with 240 mules. Pursuit was made but it was futile.  The Union Army, 1908, Vol. 5, p. 395.


FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS, October 28, 1864. 1st Arkansas Cavalry. At sunrise of this date Fayetteville was attacked by a force of Confederates, who had posted themselves in the bluffs of East mountain, 1,000 yards east of town. Colonel M. La Rue Harrison, commanding the post, sent out Captains D. C. Hopkins and E. B. Harrison with a force of 100 men to act as skirmishers and as soon as the exact location of the enemy was ascertained, began shelling the position. When within 200 yards of the top of the bluff the skirmishers engaged the enemy, and on the third attempt carried the position. The Confederates on the east side of town had no sooner been driven back than another body was seen approaching from the southwest. This withdrew, however, as soon as fired upon by the battery. The enemy's loss was 12 killed, and Harrison had 7 men wounded.  The Union Army, 1908, Vol. 5, p. 395.


FAYETTEVILLE, GEORGIA, August 19, 1864. (See Lovejoy's Station, Kilpatrick's Raid.) Fayetteville, North Carolina, March 11-13, 1865. 4th Division, 17th Army Corps, and 3d Division, 14th Corps. At Fayetteville the two wings of Sherman's army were drawing near together. General Howard, commanding the right wing, sent forward a company of scouts, commanded by Captain Duncan, to secure the bridge oyer Little Rockfish creek on the 10th, and the next morning directed him to scout toward Fayetteville. Duncan encountered the Confederate pickets, and in the skirmish which ensued was captured, but managed to make his escape. When General Giles A. Smith reached the Little Rockfish he sent forward his escort 2nd a company of mounted foragers, to the assistance of the scouts. These forces gained possession of Arsenal hill and undertook to save the bridge over the Cape Fear river, but it had been previously prepared for firing and the flames could not be extinguished. Potts' brigade of G. A. Smith's division entered the town and about the same time Baird's division of the 14th corps entered it from the northwest. The mayor formally surrendered the town to Lieutenant-Colonel W. E. Strong, of Howard's staff, after which the forces of the right wing withdrew and went into camp just outside of the city limits. General Baird was ordered to destroy all property, public and private, which could be used to an enemy's advantage, but to protect all harmless private property. Under this order 2 large foundries, 4 factories, and a considerable quantity of railroad property were destroyed to the entire satisfaction of the general commanding. The old United States arsenal was found to contain a number of cannon and small arms, some of which were taken for the use of the army and the remainder, as well as the building, were completely destroyed. While the destruction of the property was going on two pontoons were thrown across the Cape Fear river, and on the 13th the army was ordered to take up the march to Goldsboro, the 14th corps in advance. It was soon discovered that a small body of Confederates had barricaded the road, and the 60th TU. was sent forward to dislodge them. The enemy fell back slowly to a strong position behind a swamp, when General Vandever ordered forward the 10th Michigan and the 16th Illinois to the assistance of the regiment already engaged. In a short time the three regiments completely routed the enemy and opened the way for the main body of the corps to proceed. The only casualty reported on the Union side was that of 1 man slightly wounded.  The Union Army, 1908, Vol. 5, pp. 395-396.


FAYETTEVILLE, TENNESSEE, Nov 1, 1863. 4th Indiana Cavalry. While this regiment was on a scout between Winchester and Fayetteville, the pickets thrown out toward Elk river were approached by a body of about 20 men. When challenged they replied that they had come to relieve the picket, and on being ordered to advance fired on the pickets, killing Captain Mason, and ordered the rest to surrender. This demand was refused and the guerrillas passed on to the vedettes, wounding 1 and taking 1 prisoner.  The Union Army, 1908, Vol. 5, p. 396.


FAYETTEVILLE, VIRGINIA, November 15, 1862. Unofficial accounts tell of engagements at Fayetteville, Little Washington and White Sulphur springs, during the operations of the Federal forces in Loudoun and Rappahannock counties. According to these accounts the Union troops participating were the 1st and 2nd brigades of Sturgis' division, 9th army corps, and the cavalry under Brigadier-General Alfred Pleasonton. The reports of these officers for the above date do not give any particulars of such an action. (See Warrenton, same date.)  The Union Army, 1908, Vol. 5, p. 396.


FAYETTEVILLE, WEST VIRGINIA, September 10, 1862. (See Kanawha Valley Campaign.)


FAYETTEVILLE, WEST VIRGINIA, May 18-20, 1863. 12th Ohio Infantry, Detachment 2nd West Virginia Cavalry and 1st Ohio Battery. In order to put an end to the continued menacing of Union pickets in this vicinity, Colonel J. D. Hines, commanding the post, on the morning of May 18 sent Captain Robert Wilson with four companies to drive the enemy from the Raleigh road. Posting his infantry on the Blake farm, Wilson with his cavalry drove the Confederates 6 miles farther, where he found a larger force awaiting him. After drawing their fire he returned to Blake's farm. Early the following morning the enemy attacked Wilson's position at Blake's from both front and rear. The Union detachment retreated by a flank movement into the woods, and reached the camp at Fayetteville. The Confederates then opened fire from the Raleigh road and a sharp artillery duel was kept up until dark. At 3:30 a. m. on the 20th the enemy again opened fire on the Federal position. The fighting was sharp until noon, when the Confederates withdrew. The Union loss in the 3 skirmishes was 2 killed, 7 wounded and 9 missing. The Confederate loss was not reported.  The Union Army, 1908, Vol. 5, p. 396.


FEARING, Benjamin Dana, soldier, born in Harmar, Ohio, 10 October, 1837; died there. 9 December, 1881. He was graduated at Marietta in 1856, and entered a Philadelphia publishing house. In April, 1861, he enlisted in the 2d Ohio Regiment, took part with it in the battle of Bull Run, became adjutant of the 36th Ohio In August, and on 17 December was made major of the 77th Ohio, which he commanded at Shiloh. On 26 August, 1862, he was made lieutenant-colonel of the 92d Ohio, which he had assisted in raising, and was promoted to colonel on 22 March, 1863. He defended Hoover's Gap at the head of three regiments, and distinguished himself at Chickamauga, where he was severely wounded. He rejoined his regiment in March, 1864, led it at Resaca, Kenesaw, Atlanta, and Jonesboro, and on 2 December was brevetted brigadier- general of volunteers. He commanded a brigade m Sherman's march to the sea, and was again severely wounded at Bentonville, where he led a charge, of which Anson C. McClurg, in his "Lost Chance of the Confederacy," says, "Upon this movement of General Fearing's brigade, in all probability, turned the fortunes of the day." After the war he engaged in manufacturing in Cincinnati, but illness caused by his wounds forced him to retire in 1869, and finally ended his life. General William T. Sherman spoke of him as "the bravest man that fought on Shiloh's field."  Appletons’ Cyclopaedia of American Biography, 1888, Vol. II, p. 424.


FEATHERSTON, Winfield Scott, soldier, born in Rutherford County, Tennessee, 8 August, 1821. He was educated at various academies, and in 1836, while at school in Georgia, served for three months as a volunteer against the Creek Indians. He then studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1840. He was afterward elected to Congress as a Democrat, and served in 1847—'51, but was defeated for a third term by the Union candidate. He was a presidential elector on the Democratic ticket in 1852, and was sent by his state to Kentucky in December, 1860, to confer with the authorities on the subject of secession. In May, 1861, he became colonel of the 17th Mississippi Regiment. He served in Virginia in 1861-'2, and on 4 March of the latter year was promoted to brigadier-general for gallantry at Ball's Bluff. He was wounded on the fifth day of the battles around Richmond, and in January, 1863, was transferred to Vicksburg at his own request. He commanded an expedition sent to meet Porter's gun-boats, ascending Deer Creek, joined Johnston in Georgia in May, 1864, and continued with that army till the surrender in 1865, commanding a division much of the time. After the war he returned to the practice of law, and was a member of the Mississippi legislature in 1876-'8 and 1880-'2. In 1881 he became judge of the 2d Judicial Circuit of the state.  Appletons’ Cyclopaedia of American Biography, 1888, Vol. II, p. 424.


FEBIGER, John Carson, naval officer, born in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, 14 February, 1821, entered the U.S. Navy from Ohio as a midshipman, 14 September, 1838, and was in the "Concord, of the Brazil Squadron, when she was wrecked on the eastern coast of Africa in 1843. He became passed midshipman, 20 May, 1844, and lieutenant, 30 April, 1853. He was on the "Germantown," of the East India Squadron, in 1858-'60, and on the sloop "Savannah " in 1861, and on 11 August, 1862, was commissioned commander, and assigned to the steamer "Kanawha," of the Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. After commanding various vessels in that and the Mississippi Squadron, he was given the "Mattabeset," of the North Atlantic Squadron, in 1864, and in that steamer took part, on 5 May, 1864, in the fight between the little fleet of wooden vessels, under Captain Melancton Smith, and the Confederate ram "Albemarle," in Albemarle sound, North Carolina. In this engagement the ram was defeated, and her tender, the "Bombshell," captured, and Febiger was commended for his "gallantry and skill" by Captain Smith and Rear-Admiral Samuel P. Lee. He commanded the "Ashuelot," of the Asiatic Squadron, in 1866-'8, and on 6 May of the latter year was promoted to captain. He was inspector of naval reserve lands in 1869-'72, was made commodore, 9 August, 1874, was a member of the board of examiners in 1874-'6, and commandant of the Washington Navy-yard in 1876-'80. He was promoted to rear-admiral, 4 February, 1882, and on 1 July, 1882, was retired on his own application, having been in the service over forty years.  Appletons’ Cyclopaedia of American Biography, 1888, Vol. II, pp. 424-425.


FEE, Reverend John Gregg, 1816-1901, American Missionary Association, clergyman, educator, abolitionist.  Founder of Berea College, Madison County, Kentucky, in 1855.  The lad for Berea College was granted by abolitionist politician Cassius M. Clay.  Became active in the abolitionist movement in 1844.  Founded two anti-slavery churches.  Fee was educated at Lane University.  Fee was a religious abolitionist.  He wrote Non-Fellowship with Slaveholders the Duty of Christians in 1849. (Filling, 1960, pp. 213, 222, 247, 272; Goodell, 1852, p. 492; Mabee, 1970, pp. 141, 142, 157203, 220, 228, 229, 232, 236, 238, 241, 258, 326, 339, 376; Rodriguez, 2007, pp. 166, 380; Sinha, 2016, p. 477; Autobiography of John G. Fee, Berea, Kentucky, 1891; Dictionary of American Biography, Charles Scribner’s Sons, New York, 1936, Vol. 3, Pt. 2, p. 310, Vol. 7, p. 786)


FEGAN, James, soldier, born in Athlone, Ireland, in 1827; died in Fort Shaw, Montana, 25 June, 1886. He served in the constabulary in his native country, but came to the United States in early life, and enlisted as a private in the 2d U. S. Infantry, 29 October, 1851. He re-enlisted eight times, entering the service again as soon as his term expired, and was finally retired on 8 May, 1885. He was sent to the soldiers' home in Washington in 1870, but obtained a discharge and returned to active service. Fegan was a well-known character in his regiment, and many stories are told of his shrewdness and humor. He served with credit in the Civil War, and was wounded at Antietam. In March, 1868, at Plum Creek, Kansas, he stood guard single-handed over a deserter he had captured and a powder-train, defended both against a crowd of men who wished to recapture the deserter, and brought his charge safe to camp. For his gallantry he was given the U. S. Medal of Honor. On 6 December, 1882, Fegan was made the subject of a special presidential message to Congress.  Appletons’ Cyclopaedia of American Biography, 1888, Vol. II, p. 426.


FELTON, Samuel Morse, civil engineer, born in West Newbury, Massachusetts, 17 July, 1809, was graduated at Harvard in 1834, studied civil engineering, became superintendent and engineer of the Fitchburg Railroad in 1843, and left it in 1851 to become the president of the Philadelphia, Wilmington, and Baltimore road, where he remained until 1865. Mr. Felton planned and directed the secret passage of Mr. Lincoln from Harrisburg to Washington previous to his inauguration as president in 1861. He received information that a deep-laid plot existed to seize the capital with its archives and records, and then declare the southern conspirators to be the government de facto of the United States. At the same time, all communication between Washington and other places was to be cut off, except a controlled line to the south; and the transportation of troops to defend the capital was to be prevented. He was also informed that, in case his road attempted to carry troops to the defence of Washington, the bridges were to bo burned and the trains attacked by parties disguised as Negroes. In case Mr. Lincoln was found, he was to be put out of the way. Mr. Felton organized and armed a force of trained men, who, while apparently whitewashing the bridges, were in reality a guard that could be summoned instantly, he also established a secret police force. Mr. Felton avoided a special train from Philadelphia to Washington by delaying a regular train for the nominal purpose of forwarding an "important package." When Mr. Lincoln was safely on the train the telegraph wires in all directions between Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and Washington were cut, and not united again until eight o'clock on the following morning. After they were joined the first message announced the safe arrival of the "important package." The package was merely a bundle of old reports, carefully sealed and directed, and sent by special messenger, but its arrival meant the arrival of Mr. Lincoln at the capital. Mr. Felton also planned and organized the transportation of troops to Annapolis when communication by way of Baltimore was cut off in April, 1861. He was a commissioner of the Hoosac tunnel in 1862, was chosen president of the Pennsylvania Steel Company in 1865, which office he still holds, and a government commissioner of the Union and Central Pacific Railroads in 1869. He was a member of the Centennial Board of Finance in 1876, and director of the Northern Pacific Railroad in 1870-'3, and of the Pennsylvania Railroad in 1873-'83. He published "Philadelphia. Wilmington, and Baltimore Railroad Investigation into the Alleged Misconduct of the Superintendent" (Philadelphia, 1854-'5).  Appletons’ Cyclopaedia of American Biography, 1888, Vol. II, p. 429.


FENTON, Reuben Eaton, 1819-1885, Carroll Chautauqua County, New York, statesman, lawyer, U.S. Congressman.  Voted against extension of slavery in the Kansas-Nebraska Bill.  Elected Governor in 1864.  (Appletons’ Cyclopaedia of American Biography, 1888, Vol. II, pp. 430-431; Dictionary of American Biography, Charles Scribner’s Sons, New York, 1936, Vol. 3, Pt. 2, p. 326)

FENTON, Reuben Eaton, statesman, born in Carroll, Chautauqua County, New York, 1 July, 1819; died in Jamestown, New York, 25 August, 1885. His early education was obtained at Pleasant Hill and Fredonia Academies, in his native County. He was admitted to the bar in 1841, and began practice in Jamestown, but, finding law uncongenial, he engaged in mercantile pursuits, and in a few years acquired a moderate fortune. Meanwhile he took active interest in politics, and in 1843 was elected supervisor of the town of Carroll, which office he held for eight years. In 1852 Mr. Fenton was elected to Congress, and was active in the contest over the Kansas-Nebraska bill, being one of the forty-four northern Democrats that voted against the further extension of slavery. This action resulted in his defeat in 1854, when he was nominated by the Whigs and Democrats against the Know- nothing candidate. The Republicans of his district nominated Mr. Fenton for Congress in 1856, and he was elected by a large majority, serving from 1857 till 1864, when he resigned, having been chosen governor of his state. He heartily supported the cause of the Union in the Civil War, and stood firmly by President Lincoln and his cabinet in their war measures. He was inaugurated governor at the opening of the year 1865, and was reelected by an increased majority. In 1868 he was elected to succeed Edwin D. Morgan as U. S. Senator, and served from 1869 to 1875. The only public trust held by him after leaving the Senate was that of chairman of the U. S. Commission at the International Monetary Conference in Paris in 1878. Mr. Fenton actively promoted the interests of the community in which he lived. He projected the bringing of two new railroads into Jamestown, and was one of the main contributors toward establishing there a Swedish orphanage. He also served a term as president of the village. His last public address was made on the occasion of General Grant's funeral, when a memorial service was held in Walnut Grove, his place of residence. Appletons’ Cyclopaedia of American Biography, 1888, Vol. II, pp. 430-431


FENTON, William Matthew, lawyer, born in Norwich, Chenango County, New York, 19 December, 1808; died in Flint, Michigan, 13 May, 1871. He was one of the earliest emigrants to Genesee County, Michigan, and, after taking an active part in founding the village that bears his name, he resided there and at Flint, and engaged in the practice of law. In 1848 he was elected lieutenant-governor of Michigan, and re-elected in 1850 and 1851. At the beginning of the Civil War he became a member of the State Military Board, and was one of the principal organizers of the 8th Michigan Regiment, which he commanded and which participated in so many battles in various parts that it became known as the "wandering regiment.” Appletons’ Cyclopaedia of American Biography, 1888, Vol. II, p. 431.


 FERRERO, Edward, soldier, born in Granada, Spain, 18 January, 1831. His parents were Italian, and he was brought to the United States when an infant. His father's house in New York was frequented by Italian political refugees, and he enjoyed the friendship of Garibaldi, Argenti, Albius, and Avazzana. Before the Civil War the son conducted a dancing-school, and also taught dancing at the U. S. Military Academy. At the beginning of the war he was lieutenant-colonel of the 11th New York Militia Regiment. In 1861 he raised the 51st New York Regiment, called the "Shepard Rifles," and led a brigade in Burnside's expedition to Roanoke Island, where his regiment took the first fortified redoubt captured in the war. He also commanded a brigade at Newbern, and under General Reno, and in 1862 served in Pope's Virginia Campaign. He was in the battles of South Mountain and Antietam, and for his bravery in the latter engagement was appointed brigadier-general, 19 September, 1862. He served at Fredericksburg and at Vicksburg, commanded the 2d Brigade of General Sturgis's division, 9th Army Corps, and a division at the siege of Knoxville. He afterward marched the 9th Corps over the mountains, without roads and by compass only, to Cincinnati. Ferrero was in command at the defence of Fort Sanders against the desperate assault of Longstreet, and at the battle of Bean's Station, under General Shackleford, by his timely occupation of Kelley's Ford, frustrated Longstreet's attempt to send a detachment across the Holston, and so paralyze the National forces by striking them in the rear. In Grant's final campaign, including the siege of Petersburg, he commanded the colored division of the 9th corps. He was brevetted major-general, 2 December, 1864, and mustered out in August, 1865. Appletons’ Cyclopaedia of American Biography, 1888, Vol. II, p. 441


FERRY, Orris Sanford, senator, born in Bethel Fairfield County, Connecticut, 15 August, 1823; died in Norwalk. Connecticut, 21 November, 1875. He was graduated at Yale in 1844, studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1846, and began practice in Norwalk. In 1847 he was appointed lieutenant-colonel of the first Division of Connecticut militia, and from 1849 till 1856 was judge of probate for the District of Norwalk. He was elected to the state senate in 1855, serving two years, and in 1857-'9 was district attorney for the County of Fairfield. He was an unsuccessful Republican candidate for Congress in 1856, but was elected two years later, serving in 1859-'61, and being again defeated in 1860. When the Civil War began, he zealously supported the National government, and in July, 1861, became colonel of the 5th Connecticut Regiment, joining General Banks's corps in Maryland. He was promoted to brigadier-general. 17 March, 1862, and was assigned a brigade in Shields's division, from which he was transferred to Peck's division of the 4th Army Corps under General Keyes. He served till the close of the war, resigned his commission. 15 June, 1865, and on 23 May. 1866, was elected U. S. Senator from Connecticut, taking  his seat in March, 1867. During the latter part of the reconstruction period he opposed President Johnson, and voted guilty at his impeachment trial. In 1873 Mr. Ferry was re-elected by a coalition of Independent Republicans and Democrats, but he adhered to General Grant's administration and opposed the Liberal Republican candidates at the presidential election of that year. He voted against the civil rights bill on the ground that it would prejudice the cause of public education. While in the lower house of Congress General Ferry served as a member of the committee on Revolutionary Claims, and the Special Committee of Thirty-Three on the Rebellious States. While in the Senate he was a member of the committees on Private Land Claims, Public Buildings, and Patents, and after his re-election in 1872 was chairman of the latter committee. Appletons’ Cyclopaedia of American Biography, 1888, Vol. II, pp.442-443.


FESSENDEN, Francis, soldier, born in Portland, Maine, 18 March, 1839, was graduated at Bowdoin in 1858, and studied law at Harvard and in New York. He was appointed captain in the 19th U. S. Infantry on 14 May, 1861, and was severely wounded at Shiloh. From October, 1862, till July, 1863, he was colonel of the 25th Maine Volunteers, and commanded a brigade in front of Washington and near Centreville, Virginia. He was appointed brigadier-general of volunteers, 10 May, 1864, and major-general, 9 November, 1865. In 1864 he was with General Banks in the Red River Expedition, and was present at Sabine Cross-Roads, Pleasant Hill, and Monett's Bluff, where, leading his brigade in an assault, he lost a leg. In November, 1864, he was on duty in Washington, and in 1865 was in command of the 1st Infantry Division, Department of West Virginia, and was afterward assigned to Hancock's 1st Veteran Corps. He was a member of the Wirtz Military Commission in Washington in 1865, and assistant commander of the Bureau of Refugees, Freedmen, and Abandoned Lands in 1866. He was retired with the rank of brigadier-general in the regular army, 1 November, 1866. He served as mayor of Portland in 1876, but declined a renomination. [son of William Pitt Fessenden; Appleton’s 1900]


FESSENDEN, James Deering, born in Westbrook, Maine, 28 September, 1833; died in Portland, Maine, 18 November, 1882, was graduated at Bowdoin in 1852, studied law, and practised in Portland. He enlisted a company early in the Civil War, and entered the service as captain of the 2d U. S. sharp-shooters, 2 November, 1861. He served on General David Hunter's staff in the Department of South Carolina in 1862-'3, was present at the attack on Fort Pulaski in 1862, at the operations on the Edisto, and at Dupont's attack on Charleston. He was assigned to the duty of organizing and commanding the First Regiment of Colored Troops in 1862, but the government was not then ready to use colored troops. He was promoted to colonel in 1862, and in September, 1863, reported to General Hooker, and was engaged in the campaign of Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge, and in the Atlanta Campaign in 1864. He was promoted brigadier-general of volunteers, 8 August, 1864, ordered to General Sheridan in October, and was with him at Cedar Creek. On 13 March, 1865, he was brevetted major-general of volunteers, and was on duty in South Carolina. He was appointed register in bankruptcy for the first District of Maine in 1868, and represented Portland in the legislature in 1872-'4. [son of William Pitt Fessenden]; Appleton’s 1900 Vol. II  pp. 444-445.


FESSENDEN, Joshua Abbe, born in Rockland, Maine, was appointed 2d lieutenant in the 1st U. S. Cavalry , 24 March, 1862; 2d lieutenant 5th U.S. Artillery , 6 September, 1862; 1st lieutenant, 30 November, 1865; captain, 26 June, 1882; and was wounded at Chickamauga.  [son of Samuel Clement Fessenden; Appleton’s 1900]


FESSENDEN, Samuel, 1784-1869, Portland, Maine, lawyer, jurist, soldier, abolitionist.  Vice president, 1833-1839, and founding member of the American Anti-Slavery Society, December 1833.  Leader, active member of the Liberty Party.  Member of the Anti-Slavery Party in Maine.  Nominee for Governor of Maine.  Early member of the Republican Party.  Father of Treasury Secretary William Pitt Fessenden and Congressman Samuel Clement Fessenden.  (Dumond, 1961, p. 301; Sinha, 2016, pp. 377, 405, 465-466, 561; Abolitionist, Vol. I, No. XII, December, 1833; Appletons’ Cyclopaedia of American Biography, 1888, Vol. II, p. 443; Dictionary of American Biography, Charles Scribner’s Sons, New York, 1936, Vol. 3, Pt. 2, p. 346)

FESSENDEN, Samuel, lawyer, born in Fryeburg, Maine, 16 July, 1784; died near Portland, Maine, 13 March, 1869. His father, the Reverend William Fessenden, graduated at Harvard in 1768, was the first minister of Fryeburg, and frequently a member of the Massachusetts legislature. He also served as judge of probate. Samuel received his early education at the Fryeburg Academy, and was graduated at Dartmouth in 1806. He studied law with Judge Dana, of Fryeburg, was admitted to the bar in 1809, and began practice at New Gloucester, where he rose to distinction in his profession. In 1815-'16 he was in the general court of Massachusetts, of which state Maine was then a district, and in 1818-'19 represented his district in the Massachusetts Senate. For fourteen years he was major-general of the 12th Division of Massachusetts Militia, to which office he was elected on leaving the Senate, and to which he gave much attention. He moved to Portland in 1822, and about 1828 declined the presidency of Dartmouth. He was an ardent Federalist, and one of the early members of the anti-slavery Party in Maine. In 1847 he was nominated for governor and for Congress by the Liberty Party, receiving large votes. For forty years he stood at the head of the Bar in Maine. He was an active philanthropist. He published two orations and a treatise on the institution, duties, and importance of juries. The degree of LL. D. was conferred upon him by Bowdoin in 1846. Appleton’s 1900 p. 443


FESSENDEN, Samuel, soldier, born in Portland, Maine, 6 January, 1841; died in Centreville, Virginia, 1 September, 1862, was graduated at Bowdoin in 1861. He began to study law, but soon entered the military service as 2d lieutenant in the 2d Maine battery, 30 November, 1861. He was promoted to 1st lieutenant, 3 June, 1862, was aide to General Zebulon B. Tower in July, 1862, and was mortally wounded in the second battle of Bull Run, 31 August [son of William Pitt Fessenden]; Appleton’s 1900


FESSENDEN, Samuel, born in Rockland, Maine, was appointed 2d lieutenant in the 5th Maine battery, 18 January, 1865. He is a lawyer and politician in Stamford, Connecticut [son of Samuel Clement Fessenden]; Appleton’s 1900


FESSENDEN, Samuel Clement, 1815-1881, Maine, lawyer, jurist, U.S. Congressman, Maine 37th, Congress 1861-1863, abolitionist.  Father was Samuel Fessenden (1784-1869).  (Appletons’ Cyclopaedia of American Biography, 1888, Vol. II, pp. 443-444)

FESSENDEN, Samuel Clement, lawyer, born in New Gloucester, Maine, 7 March, 1815; died 18 April, 1882, was graduated at Bowdoin, and at Bangor theological seminary in 1837, and was pastor of the 2d Congregational Church in Thomaston (now Rockland) from then till 1856. In that year he established the “Maine Evangelist,” and in 1858 studied law, was admitted to the bar, and began practice. He was elected judge of the municipal court of Rockland, and was a representative from Maine to the 37th Congress, serving from July, 1861, till March, 1863. Until the rise of the Republican Party he was an abolitionist. In 1865 he was appointed a member of the board of examiners of the U. S. Patent-Office. In 1879 he was U. S. consul at St. John's, N. B. [son of Samuel Fessenden]; Appleton’s 1900


FESSENDEN, Thomas Amory Deblois, lawyer, born in Portland, Maine, 23 January, 1826; died in Lewiston, Maine, 28 September, 1868, was graduated at Bowdoin in 1845. He studied law, was admitted to the bar, and began practice in Mechanics' Falls, Maine, after which he moved to Lewiston. He was a member of the convention that nominated Frémont for president in 1856, in 1858 was appointed aide-de-camp to Governor Morrill, of Maine, and in 1860 was elected to the legislature. In 1861 he was prosecuting attorney for Androscoggin County, and was elected a representative from Maine to the 37th Congress, to fill a vacancy, serving from December, 1862, till March, 1863. He was an able lawyer and eloquent speaker. [son of Samuel Fessenden]; Appleton’s 1900


FESSENDEN, William Pitt, 1806-1869, lawyer, statesman, U.S. Congressman, U.S. Senator, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury.  Elected to Congress in 1840 as a member of the Whig Party opposing slavery.  Moved to repeal rule that excluded anti-slavery petitions before Congress.  Strong leader in Congress opposing slavery.  Elected to the Senate in 1854.  He opposed the Kansas-Nebraska bill as well as the Dred Scott Supreme Court Case.  Co-founder of the Republican Party.  Prominent leader of the anti-slavery faction of the Republican Party in the U.S. Senate.  As U.S. Senator, voted for Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution, abolishing slavery.  Father was abolitionist Samuel Fessenden.  (Appletons’ Cyclopaedia of American Biography, 1888, Vol. II, pp. 443-444; Dictionary of American Biography, Charles Scribner’s Sons, New York, 1936, Vol. 3, Pt. 2, p. 368; American National Biography, Oxford University Press, New York, 2002, Vol. 7, p. 861; Congressional Globe)

FESSENDEN, William Pitt, senator, born in Boscawen, New Hampshire, 16 October, 1806; died in Portland, Maine, 8 September, 1869, was graduated at Bowdoin in 1823, studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1827. He practised law first in Bridgeton, a year in Bangor, and afterward in Portland, Maine He was a member of the legislature of that state in 1832, and its leading debater. He refused nominations to Congress in 1831 and in 1838, and served in the legislature again in 1840, becoming chairman of the house committee to revise the statutes of the state. He was elected to Congress as a Whig in 1840, serving one term, during which time he moved the repeal of the rule that excluded anti-slavery petitions, and spoke upon the loan and bankrupt bills, and the army. He gave his attention wholly to his law business till he was again in the legislature in 1845-'6. He acquired a national reputation as a lawyer and an anti-slavery Whig, and in 1849 prosecuted before the supreme court an appeal from an adverse decision of Judge Story, and gained a reversal by an argument which Daniel Webster pronounced the best he had heard in twenty years. He was again in the legislature in 1853 and 1854, when his strong anti-slavery principles caused his election to the U. S. Senate by the vote of the Whigs and anti-slavery Democrats. Taking his seat in February, 1854, he made, a week afterward, an electric speech against the Kansas-Nebraska bill, which placed him in the front rank of the Senate. He took a leading part in the formation of the Republican Party, and from 1854 till 1860 was one of the ablest opponents of the pro-slavery measures of the Democratic administrations. His speech on the Clayton-Bulwer Treaty, in 1856, received the highest praise, and in 1858 his speech on the Lecompton Constitution of Kansas, and his criticisms of the opinion of the Supreme Court in the Dred Scott Case, were considered the ablest discussion of those topics. He was re-elected to the Senate in 1859 without the formality of a nomination. In 1861 he was a member of the Association. By the secession of the southern senators the Republicans acquired control of the Senate, and placed Mr. Fessenden at the head of the finance committee. During the Civil War he was the most conspicuous senator in sustaining the national credit. He opposed the legal-tender act as unnecessary and unjust. As chairman of the finance committee, Mr. Fessenden prepared and carried through the Senate all measures relating to revenue, taxation, and appropriations, and, as declared by Mr. Sumner, was “in the financial field all that our best generals were in arms.” When Secretary Chase resigned in 1864, Mr. Fessenden was called by the unanimous appeal of the nation to the head of the treasury. It was the darkest hour of our national finances. Secretary Chase had just withdrawn a loan from the market for want of acceptable bids; the capacity of the country to lend seemed exhausted. The currency had been enormously inflated, and gold was at 280. Mr. Fessenden refused the office, but at last accepted in obedience to the universal public pressure. When his acceptance became known, gold fell to 225, with no bidders. He declared that no more currency should be issued, and, making an appeal to the people, he prepared and put upon the market the seven-thirty loan, which proved a triumphant success. This loan was in the form of bonds bearing interest at the rate of 7.30 per cent., which were issued in denominations as low as $50, so that people of moderate means could take them. He also framed and recommended the measures, adopted by Congress, which permitted the subsequent consolidation and funding of the government loans into the four and four-and-a-half per cent, bonds. The financial situation becoming favorable, Mr. Fessenden, in accordance with his expressed intention, resigned the secretaryship in 1865 to return to the Senate, to which he had now for the third time been elected. He was again made chairman of the finance committee, and was also appointed chairman of the joint committee on reconstruction, and wrote its celebrated report, pronounced one of the ablest state papers ever submitted to Congress. It vindicated the power of Congress over the rebellious states, showed their relations to the government under the constitution and the law of nations, and recommended the constitutional safeguards made necessary by the rebellion. Mr. Fessenden was now the acknowledged leader in the Senate of the Republicans, when he imperilled his party standing by opposing the impeachment of President Johnson in 1868. He gave his reasons for voting “not guilty” upon the articles, and was subjected to a storm of detraction from his own party such as public men have rarely met. His last service was in 1869, and his last speech was upon the bill to strengthen the public credit. He advocated the payment of the principal of the public debt in gold, and opposed the notion that it might lawfully be paid in depreciated greenbacks. His public character was described as of the highest type of patriotism, courage, integrity, and disinterestedness, while his personal character was beyond reproach. He was noted for his swiftness of retort. He was a member of the Whig National Conventions that nominated Harrison (1840), Taylor (1848), and Scott (1852). For several years he was a regent of the Smithsonian Institution. He received the degree of LL. D. from Bowdoin in 1858, and from Harvard in 1864. [son of Samuel Fessenden]; Appleton’s 1900 Vol. II., pp. 443-444.


FEVER. (See SANITARY PRECAUTIONS; MEDICINE.)


FIELD, Cyrus West, merchant, born in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, 30 November, 1819, received his education in his native village, and at the age of fifteen came to New York, where his brother David Dudley secured a situation for him in the employ of Alexander T. Stewart. When he attained his majority he began the manufacture and sale of paper on his own account, and in the course of a dozen years was at the head of a prosperous business. In 1853 he partially retired, and spent six months travelling in South America. The project of carrying a telegraph line across the Atlantic ocean was suggested to him during a conversation with his brother Matthew, in which aid was solicited for the construction of a telegraph route across Newfoundland. The matter was at once presented to Peter Cooper, Moses Taylor, Marshall 0. Roberts, and Chandler White, who agreed to contribute $20,000 each, and the enterprise was at once organized, under the title of the New York, Newfoundland, and London Telegraph. Its counsel for the company was his brother, David Dudley, and  a committee was immediately sent to Newfoundland to secure from the local legislature the exclusive right for fifty years to establish a telegraph from the continent of America to Newfoundland, and then to England. Mr. Field thenceforth devoted his time largely to the accomplishment of this purpose. He visited England, solicited financial aid, and finally subscribed, in his own name, for a one-fourth interest in the company. Several unsuccessful efforts were made to lay the cable, but finally communication was established in 1858. For a few weeks messages were sent from one continent to the other, and then the cable ceased to act. The Civil War occupied the attention of the country for several years, and it was impossible to proceed further until its termination. Meanwhile, public interest was kept alive by the efforts of Mr. Field. He made repeated visits to England, and delivered addresses on the subject on both sides of the Atlantic. Finally, in 1865, active measures were renewed, and the steamship "Great Eastern" (see illustration) began the delivery of the cable. At midocean, after 1,200 miles had been laid, the cable parted, and the vessel returned to England. In 1866 another expedition started, and on 27 July telegraphic communication was established between the two continents, and has not since been interrupted. Congress voted unanimously to present Mr. Field with a gold medal and the thanks of the nation, while the prime minister of England declared that only the fact that he was a citizen of another country prevented his receiving high honors from the British government, John Bright pronounced him the " Columbus of modern times, who, by his cable, had moored the new world alongside of the old." The Paris exhibition of 1867 gave him the grand medal, the highest prize it had to bestow. In 1869 he attended the opening of the Suez canal as the representative of the New York Chamber of Commerce. He became interested in 1876 in the development of the system of elevated railways in New York City, and has devoted much of his thought and capital to their successful establishment. In 1880 he left New York for a trip around the world, and since his return has obtained concessions from the Sandwich Islands for the laying of a cable between San Francisco and those islands, with a view toward ultimate extension across the Pacific Ocean.  Appletons’ Cyclopaedia of American Biography, 1888, Vol. II, pp. 448-449.


FIELD, David Dudley, lawyer, born in Haddam, Connecticut, 13 February, 1805. was his eldest child, and was graduated at Williams in 1825. He studied law first in Albany with Harmanus Bleecker, but after a few months moved to New York, where he completed his studies. Soon after Mr. Field's admission to the bar, in 1828, he became a junior partner in the law firm of Henry and D. Sedgwick, with which he studied. From then until 1885 he was continuously engaged in the active practice of his profession. Mr. Field has attained special prominence in connection with his labors in the cause of law reform. As early as 1839 he wrote a "Letter on the Reform of the Judiciary System," and afterward addressed a committee of the New York Legislature on the subject. In 1841 he prepared three bills, which were introduced, but the judiciary committee, to whom they were referred, failed to take any action on them. In 1846 he wrote a series of articles on "The Reorganization of the Judiciary," which were widely distributed in pamphlet-form. His influence was felt in the Constitutional Convention of 1846, and their report called for a general code and the "Reform of the Practice." Before the legislature met in January, 1847, he published "What shall be done with the Practice of the Courts Shall it be wholly Reformed? Questions addressed to Lawyers." In September, 1847, he was appointed commissioner on practice and pleadings, and as such took part in the preparation of the code of procedure. The commission reported the first installment to the legislature in February, and it was enacted in April, 1848. The remainder was reported in four sections at different times until January. 1850, when the completed "Codes of Civil and Criminal Procedure were submitted to the legislature. Both these codes have been enacted into law. The radical design of the new system of civil procedure was to obliterate the distinction between the forms of action and between legal and equitable suits, so that all the rights of the parties in relation to the subjects of litigation can be determined in one action, instead of dividing them between different suits. This system has been adopted in twenty-four of the states and territories, and is the basis of the legal reform established by the new judicature act in England, and of the practice in several of the English colonies, including India. Eighteen of the states and territories have adopted his code of criminal procedure. For some years following the enactment of these laws he continued to publish numerous pamphlets, including the "Law Reform Tracts." also frequent articles in the journals, and drafted bills that were introduced into the legislature for the purpose of effecting the completion of codification. In 1857 Mr. Field was appointed by the state of New York head of a commission to prepare a political code, a penal code, and a civil code. These, with the two codes of procedure previously made, were designed to supersede the unwritten or common law. They were completed in 1865, and covered the entire province of American law, and presented to the people in compact form the whole law by which they were governed. The state of New York has, as yet, adopted only the penal code, although other states have drawn largely from  the civil code in their legislation, and in California and Dakota they have adopted them in full. In 1866 he brought before the British Association for the promotion of social science, at its meeting in Manchester. England, a proposal for a general revision and reform of the law of nations, similar to that which he had before undertaken in regard to the civil and criminal law. He procured the appointment of a committee, consisting of eminent jurists of different countries, charged with preparing and reporting to the association the outlines of an international code, to be first submitted to their careful revision and amendment, and, when made as complete as possible, to be presented to the attention of the different governments, in the hope of receiving at some time their approval and adoption as the recognized law of nations. The distinguished jurists composing this committee resided in different countries, and hence it was difficult for them to act in concert. In consequence. Mr. Field took the whole matter upon himself, and in 1873, after the lapse of seven years, presented to the Social science Congress his "Outlines of an International Code," which attracted the attention of all jurists, and has been translated into French, Italian, and Chinese. It resulted in the formation of an association for the reform and codification of the laws of nations, also having for his object the substitution of arbitration for war in the settlement of disputes between countries. The membership includes jurists, economists, legislators, and politicians, and of this organization Mr. Field was elected first president. An eminent chancellor of England has said that "Mr. Dudley Field, of New York, had done more for the reform of laws than any other man living." Mr. Field has taken much interest in politics. Originally a Democrat, he voted with that party, although he persistently opposed its pro-slavery policy, until the nomination of John C. Fremont, in 1856, whom he supported in the presidential canvass of that year. During the Civil War he was a staunch adherent of the administration, and was active with voice, pen, and purse in aid of his country. For eight weeks in 1876 he filled the unexpired term in Congress of Smith Ely, who had been made mayor of New York City. He now acted with the Democratic Party, and was one of the advocates on that side in the dispute over the presidential election. He has delivered numerous addresses, and has contributed very largely to current literature on political topics. His "Sketches over the Sea" appeared in the " Democratic Review " at the time of his first trip abroad in 1836, and he published "Speeches, Arguments, and Miscellaneous Papers (2 vols., New York, 1886).  Appletons’ Cyclopaedia of American Biography, 1888, Vol. II, pp. 447-448.


FIELD, Dr. Nathaniel, 1805-1888, Jeffersonville, IN, physician, legislative representative, clergyman, abolitionist.  Vice President, American Anti-Slavery Society, 1835-1839.  Aided fugitive slaves.  He inherited slaves from his relatives and immediately emancipated them.  He also aided fugitive slaves in the Underground Railroad.  (Appletons’ Cyclopaedia of American Biography, 1888, Vol. II, p. 450)


FIELD, Nathaniel, physician, born in Jefferson county, Kentucky, 7 November, 1805; died in Jeffersonville, Clark County, Indiana, 28 August, 1888. His father served. in the Revolutionary War, and emigrated to Kentucky in 1784. Nathaniel was educated in the best schools, and was graduated at Transylvania Medical school, Lexington, Ky. He first settled in northern Alabama, and practised there three years, when he returned to Kentucky. In the autumn of 1829 he moved to Jeffersonville, Ind., where he afterward resided. He was a member of the legislature from 1838 till 1839. In the spring of the latter year he organized the city government of Jeffersonville, under a charter that he drafted and had passed by the legislature. In 1830 he established the first Christian (or Campbellite) Church in that city, and in 1847 the Second Advent Christian Church. He served as pastor of the former for seventeen years, and of the latter for forty years, without compensation, believing it to be wrong to earn a livelihood by preaching, or to “make merchandise of the gospel.” He voted against the entire township, in 1834, on the proposition to expel the free Negroes, and was compelled to face a mob in consequence. He was one of the original abolitionists of the west, and emancipated several valuable slaves that he had inherited. He held a debate, in 1852, with Elder Thomas P. Connelly on the “State of the Dead,” and the arguments were published in book-form. He also published a humorous poem, entitled “Arts of Imposture and Deception Peculiar to American Society” (1858). Dr. Field was the author of a monograph on “Asiatic Cholera,” contributed many essays to medical journals, and prepared in manuscript lectures on “Capital Punishment,” “The Mosaic Record of Creation,” “The Age of the Haman Race,” and “The Chronology of Fossils.” Appleton’s Cyclopaedia of American Biography, 1888, Vol. II, pp. 450.


FIELD, Stephen Johnson, jurist, born in Haddam, Connecticut, 4 November, 1816, was not three years old when his father moved to Stockbridge, and ten years later accompanied his sister, Emilia, who had married a missionary, to Smyrna, for the purpose of acquiring a knowledge of oriental languages. On his return he entered Williams, and was graduated in 1837, standing first in his class. Subsequently he came to New York, and began the study of law in the office of his brother, David Dudley. After his admission to the bar he became a partner in the firm. This connection was severed in 1848, and he spent some time in European travel. In November, 1849, he sailed from New York for San Francisco, where he practised his profession. A few weeks later he was among those who founded Marysville, becoming its first alcalde, and continuing as such until the organization of the judiciary under the constitution of the state. He was elected a member of the first legislature held after the admission of California into the Union, served on its judiciary committee, and secured the passage of laws concerning the judiciary, and regulating civil and criminal procedure in all the courts of the state. He was also the author of the law that gives authority to the regulations and customs of miners in the settlement of controversies among them, thus solving a perplexing problem. At the close of the session he returned to Marysville, and during the ensuing six years devoted himself to his profession, gaining an extensive practice. In 1857 he was elected judge of the supreme court of California for six years, beginning with January, 1858, but, on the occurrence of a vacancy, he was appointed to fill it in October, 1857. On the resignation of Chief- Justice David S. Terry, in September, 1859, Judge Field succeeded him, and continued in office till his appointment to the supreme bench of the United States by President Lincoln in 1863. Among the prominent decisions in which he has been concerned was the famous test-oath ease, in which he gave the casting vote, and wrote the opinion of the court annulling the validity of the " iron-clad" oath. His dissenting opinions in the legal-tender cases, in the confiscation cases, and in the New Orleans slaughter- house case, have also attracted attention. Judge Field was a member of the electoral commission in 1877, and voted with the Democratic minority of the commission. In 1880 his name was placed in nomination for the presidency at the Cincinnati Convention, and he received sixty-five votes on the first ballot. He was appointed by the governor of California, in 1873, one of a commission to examine the code of laws of that state, and to prepare amendments to the same for legislative action. He received the degree of LL. D. from Williams in 1864, and in 1869 was appointed professor of law in the University of California. Appletons’ Cyclopaedia of American Biography, 1888, Vol. II, p. 448.


FIELD, James Gaven, lawyer, born in Walnut, Culpeper County, Virginia, 24 February, 1826. His ancestors were identical with those of the Fields of New York. He attended for a time a classical school, and became a teacher. In 1848 he went to California, and in 1850 was elected one of the secretaries of the convention that framed the first constitution of that state. In the same year he returned to Virginia, and began the study of law, and in 1852 was admitted to the bar. He served as the attorney for the commonwealth in his native county from 1860 till 1865. During the Civil War he was actively engaged in the Confederate service, and lost a leg at the battle of Slaughter's Mountain. Since the war he has been attorney-general of the state. General Field is a Baptist, being a zealous and liberal promoter of all the enterprises in which that denomination is engaged. Appletons’ Cyclopaedia of American Biography, 1888, Vol. II, pp. 449


FIELD, Richard Stockton, senator, born in White Hill, Burlington County New Jersey, 31 December, 1803: died in Princeton, New Jersey, 25 May, 1870. He was a grandson of Richard Stockton, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, was graduated at Princeton in 1821, studied law in the office of his uncle, Richard Stockton, and was admitted to the bar in 1825. He was for several years a member of the New Jersey legislature, and in 1838 was appointed attorney-general of the state, which office he resigned in 1841. He was a prominent member of the convention that, in 1844, met to adopt the present constitution of the state of New Jersey, and in 1851 was chosen to deliver the first animal address before an association composed of its survivors. From 1847 till 1855 he was professor in the New Jersey law-school. Ever taking a strong interest in educational matters, and especially in the common schools of the state, he was in the latter year made president of the board of trustees of the state normal-school, then just organized, and thenceforward until his death he wrote all its annual reports to the legislature. In November, 1863, he was appointed to the U. S. Senate for the unexpired term of John R. Thompson, who died in office. While a member of that body he delivered an able argument on the discharge of state prisoners, in which he maintained that the right to suspend the writ of habeas corpus resided not in Congress, but in the president. On 21 January, 1863, he was appointed by President Lincoln . Southern District judge for the District of New Jersey, which office he held until his death. In 1866 he was a delegate to the, Philadelphia convention, and throughout his life he was an unflinching advocate of the Union cause. After his elevation to the bench he lived in comparative seclusion in his luxurious home at Princeton. Judge Field was a man of varied and profound learning, gentle, courteous, and dignified, and of a charitable disposition. He was closely identified with the interests of his alma mater, which in return conferred upon him, in 1859, the degree of LL. D. Judge Field, at the time of his decease, was president of the New Jersey Historical Society, and for many years a valuable contributor to its publications. "The Provincial Courts of New Jersey," etc., forming the third volume of the " Collections" (1840), is probably his most valuable contribution to historical research. Among his best-known addresses, all of which have been printed, are those " On the Trial of the Reverend William Tennent for Perjury in 1742" (1851): "The Power of Habit" (1855); "The Constitution not a Compact between Sovereign States" (1861); "On the Life and Character of Chief-Justice Hornblower" (1865); and " An Oration on the Life and Character of Abraham Lincoln" (1866). Appletons’ Cyclopaedia of American Biography, 1888, Vol. II, pp. 450-451.


FIELD. In a military sense, the scene of a campaign or battle. (Scott, Military Dictionary, Van Nostrand, 1862, p. 283).


FIELD DAY. A term used when a regiment is taken out to the field, for the purpose of being instructed in the field exercise and evolutions. (Scott, Military Dictionary, Van Nostrand, 1862, p. 283).


FIELD MARSHAL. The highest military rank excepting that of captain-general. (Scott, Military Dictionary, Van Nostrand, 1862, p. 283).


FIELD OFFICERS. Colonels, lieutenant-colonels, and majors, are called field officers. They should always be mounted, in order to give ground for movements, circulate orders, and correct pivots. (Scott, Military Dictionary, Van Nostrand, 1862, p. 283).


FIELD WORKS. Their object is to provide a body of troops, or a town, with a secure protection against a sudden assault of superior numbers by the interposition of a parapet of some material capable of resisting the effects of projectiles. This parapet may be made of very miscellaneous materials, but is usually of earth, excavated from a ditch, which will itself be an obstacle to attack. The usual figure of a parapet with its ditch is shown in Fig. 112.

The exterior slope e f, which is always exposed to the action of the FIG. 112. weather, and during an engagement to enemy's shot, must have that inclination or slope which the materials composing it would assume when poured loosely from a height, and at which they would therefore stand without any additional support. This inclination for earth of ordinary tenacity, is about 45; i. e., the base on which the slope stands is equal to its height, or it has a depression of 1 in 1. The parapet would afford the best cover if its superior slope, d e, were horizontal, or rather parallel to the plane of site; but in this case a musket-shot, fired along its surface, could not reach the ground within a very considerable distance in front of it; a gentle inclination is therefore given to it, and experience has fixed this slope at a depression of 1 in 6. The interior slope, d c, of this parapet must be nearly vertical, that soldiers may lean against it and fire easily over it. It must, therefore, be supported by a wall of some material, called a revetment. The base of this slope is usually one-fourth the height. It has a depression, therefore, of 4 in 1. A step, b c, called the banquette, is added, of a height sufficient to enable a man of ordinary stature to fire conveniently over the crest, and sloping away gently towards the rear to facilitate the alternate advance and retirement of each soldier to discharge and load his firelock. The base of this slope is usually l to 2 times the height. The depression is, therefore, 1 in H or 2. The thickness of a parapet, that is, of its superior slope, must be sufficient to withstand the effects of the projectiles likely to be discharged against it. To afford security against

Musketry . . . its thickness must be 5 feet.

6-pounders ……………………….6 feet

9-pounders ……………………….9 feet

12-pounders………………………12 feet

18-pounders………………………18 feet

24-pounders and heavier guns…….20 to 24 feet

In field-works, which are seldom made to resist heavy artillery, a thickness of parapet of 11 feet will generally be sufficient.

The height of a parapet will greatly depend upon its position. It will readily be seen from Fig. 112, that a bullet striking the parapet near the upper part will have to traverse a small portion only of the thickness of the parapet in order to pass through.

It becomes necessary, therefore, to give to a parapet a height rather greater than that to which cover is required. Hence on a plain where the attacking and defending parties are on the same level, the height of a parapet, to furnish cover to men 6 feet high, is usually 7 feet. Should the parapet be situated upon the brow of a hill, the defenders could obtain cover to any desired extent by merely retiring from it. In this case a height sufficient to protect the soldiers while firing is all that will be necessary; this will usually be from 4 to 6 feet. (Fig. 113.)

Should these conditions be reversed, that is, should the attacking party be in possession of the higher ground, a height of parapet up to 10 or 12 feet may be indispensable, and when the slope of the ground is considerable, even this will afford cover to a small distance only behind it; (Fig. 114.) It may be said generally then that the height of parapets varies from 4 to 12 feet, and the thickness from 4 to 25 feet. FIGS. 113, 114.

In the defence of field positions the following considerations require special notice:


1st. The period likely to elapse before the position is attacked.

2d. The number of troops by whom the position is to be held.

3d. The number of men available for the construction of the work, and the nature of the materials at hand.

On the first of these considerations will depend the height and thickness of the parapet, depth and width of the ditch, and the nature of the obstacles which may be added, as only a certain amount of work can be executed in a given time, and a work of even feeble profile thoroughly complete will be capable of a better defence than a stronger work only partially executed. The extent which it may be desirable to give to the work will be limited by the number of men available for its defence. There must, at least, be sufficient to man the whole of the parapet, and a reserve, in addition, is almost essential. The length of crest line measured in yards, must not exceed half the number of men allotted for its defence. When either labor or materials are scarce, it may be necessary to reduce the profile, and to contract the extent of the work below that which would be desirable under other circumstances; but in this case the details should be so arranged as to admit of subsequent additions, should circumstances allow it, so as to bring the whole work to that condition which might have been desirable, though unattainable in the first instance. When time, labor, and materials are abundant, a good parapet and ditch should always be made to secure the defenders. The dimensions and construction of such a parapet have already been given. But cover can be obtained for a limited number of men in a more expeditious way. Thus a man will be equally protected from an enemy's fire, by standing behind a parapet 6 feet high, or in a trench 3 feet deep, with a bank of earth 3 feet high in front of him. Now to dig a trench 3 feet deep, and throw the earth to the front so as to form a bank 3 feet high, may be performed by the same number of men in at most of the time required for the construction of a complete parapet 6 feet high. A trench and breastwork then will be generally used when the time is limited, and when cover and not the creation of an obstacle is the principal object of the work. Fig. 115 FIG. 11 represents a section of the slightest work of this nature which can be of any service. Here a trench 2 feet deep is dug, and the earth thrown to the front forms a rough parapet 2 feet high. The trench can contain one rank only, and the total cover being 4^ feet high, the men will not be safe except when sitting or stooping. A trench and breastwork of these dimensions can be completed in about 1^ hours. The next section (Fig. 116) is more serviceable; the total height of cover in this FIG. 116. case is 6 feet. The men will be safe therefore so long as they remain in the trench, which provides room for one rank only at a time. The completion of this work would require about 3 hours. Fig. 117 is a section of a breastwork and trench of a capacity sufficient for most of the purposes for which works of this nature are usually required. The trench is wide enough to contain two ranks of men at the same time, and affords cover 6 feet in height. Such a work can be executed in about 5 hours. FIG. 118. Fig. 118 is a profile adapted to marshy or rocky situations where shallow trenches only are practicable.

This work can be constructed very rapidly when labor is abundant, as two working parties, one in front and the other in rear, can be employed at the same time. The work to be performed then will generally be the excavation of a trench or ditch, and the formation of a parapet or breastwork, with the earth thrown out of it. It will in most cases be executed by the troops themselves, though sometimes laborers may be obtained. In constructing a simple trench and breastwork one row of workmen only can be advantageously employed at the same time, and it will be found desirable to place them 6 feet apart; as at this distance each man can use his arms freely, without interfering with or injuring his neighbor. When the saving of time is of more consequence than economy of labor, the diggers may be placed 4 feet apart, and the completion of the work will be accelerated, though not in proportion to the increase in the number of workmen. An ordinary laborer or common soldier can excavate one cubic yard, i. e. 27 cubic feet, in any but the hardest soils per hour; and can continue working at this rate for 8 hours. Should the soil be loose or sandy, so that the pickaxe is seldom required, this estimate may be nearly doubled. The trench or breastwork will be completed in the time in which each man will finish his portion, that is, a portion equal in length to the interval between any two adjacent diggers: therefore the number of hours will be equal to the number of cubic yards in such portion. “Whence the following rule is at once obtained: To find the time required for the construction of a trench or parapet, in ordinary soil --

Multiply the area of the section of the trench in square feet by the interval between the diggers (not less than 6 feet), and divide this product by 27, the quotient is the number of hours required for the construction of the work. Conversely, to find the area of the section of the trench or breastwork which can be executed in a given time --

Multiply the number of hours by 27, and divide the product by the interval (in feet) between the diggers, the result will be the area, in square feet, of the section of the trench or breastwork.

It will frequently happen that cover can be speedily obtained, and positions rendered defensible in a very short time, by taking advantage of the hedges, ditches, or walls, which may be met with, or of the obstacles which may be presented by the natural features of the ground. General rules for proceeding under all the various circumstances which may occur cannot be given, but the following examples will show what may be effected in certain cases, and indicate the character of the operations usually required. Fig. 119 represents a common hedge and ditch FIG. 120. turned into a breastwork to be defended from the hedge side. If the hedge be thick and planted on a bank, as is generally the case, and especially if the ditch be FIG. 119 tolerably deep and contain water, the breast-work will be rendered strong at the expense of little labor. A shallow trench should be excavated behind the hedge, and the earth thrown up to raise the bank sufficiently to form a rough breastwork some 18 inches thick at the top. Should the hedge be more than 6 feet high, it should be cut to that height, and the branches interwoven with the lower part to strengthen it. A hedge to be defended from the ditch side (Fig. 120) is a ready-made trench and breastwork, and will become a convenient work by a little scarping of the sides and widening and levelling of the bottom of the ditch, and by the addition, if necessary, of a banquette. A good nine-inch brick wall is musket -shot proof. Such a wall 4 feet high will require no alteration, but may be used as a parapet by forming loopholes with sand-bags laid on the top, Fig. 121. Should there be time, a ditch should be dug in front, and the earth thrown up against the front of the wall to prevent the enemy from using the loopholes against the defenders. A wall 15 feet high can be pierced with two tiers of loopholes, one at 8 feet above the ground, the other at the top of 19 FIG. 121. FIG. 122. FIG. 123. the wall. In rear a scaffolding must be erected of two stages to serve as banquettes. Such an arrangement is shown in the diagram, (Fig. 122.) A wall 8 feet high may also be pierced with two tiers of loopholes as shown trench in Fig. 123. must be dug in this case, to enable the defenders to make use of the lower tier of loopholes, and a scaffolding erected to serve as a banquette for the upper. On an emergency, materials of almost any conceivable description, as sacks or casks of earth, of sand, of coal, or even of corn or flour, bales of cotton, of cloth, packs of wool, mattresses, trusses of hay, fagots, carts or wagons of stable litter, brick rubbish or paving stones, may be formed into parapets of defence, while the approach of an enemy may be rendered exceedingly difficult, by a judicious combination of obstacles which, under urgent circumstances, may be extemporized of trees, bushes, posts, wagons, wheels, strong palings, chairs, tables, and miscellaneous articles of furniture, with iron rails, pitchforks, and agricultural implements, carefully arranged in the front, and secured by chains or ropes strongly picketed to the ground. Every soldier should be able to form for himself a rifle pit. This can be accomplished by digging a hole in the ground about 3 feet deep and 3 feet square at the top, with a little step to enable him to get in or out with ease. The excavated earth should be thrown up to the front to form a protection. A loophole should be made by three sand-bags; two placed longitudinally, and one across. FIG. 124.

 A rifle pit of this construction is shown in plan, section, and elevation in Fig. 124. Approach to field-works should be rendered difficult by the formation of obstacles of various kinds, so that troops when coming to the assault may be detained under heavy fire as long as possible while they are endeavoring to force or surmount the obstacle. Contrivances of this nature are very numerous. (See ABATIS, TROUS-DE-LOUP, CROWS'-FEET, CHEVAUX-DE-FRIZE, INUNDATIONS.) In defensive warfare it is frequently necessary to intrench towns and villages, to secure them from the incursions of small parties, or to serve as points of support for the movements of troops! If a town or village be commanded on all sides, or even by great elevations on one side, if the houses be of wood and the roofs thatched, so as to be easily set on fire, such a position should be avoided. Neither should a detachment of troops occupy a town or village too extensive for their number, unless a part of the village can be easily and effectually separated from the rest. The number of the detachment should at least equal the number of yards in the exterior line of works by which the village is surrounded. To place a village in a state of defence, the first object will be to complete a continuous line of defensive works, by which it may be entirely surrounded. To this end advantage is taken of all buildings, fences and walls, near the exterior edge. The buildings, when substantial, may serve as bastions to flank the connecting lines of works, and when due preparations have been made will become strong positions. The walls and hedges must be strengthened by banks of earth, and will form curtains connecting the stronger portions. All openings remaining must be closed by parapets, strengthened by ditches, abatis, palisading, and such obstacles as the locality may present, and the streets must be barricaded at intervals. Barricades may be constructed of materials of almost any kind of earth, of timber, of paving stones, of wagons of stable litter; (the wheels should be taken off.) In buildings occupied for defence the doors and windows should be blocked up with sand-bags, supported by frames of wood, and the glass must be removed from the windows. Should there be no projecting wings or porches, it will be necessary to obtain a flanking fire by the construction of balconies projecting from the windows, and furnished with loopholes in the -sides and bottom, so that a flanking fire can be brought to bear on the ground at the foot of the wall. This arrangement is shown in the diagram, (Fig. 125.) The beams supporting the gallery or balcony are bolted to the flooring within; the balcony is surrounded with good oak boarding of 4" or 5" thick. That the communications of the defenders may be free, all interior hedges and walls which can in any way impede their movements must be levelled, so that they may be able to bring support rapidly to any point pressed by an enemy. Those hedges which it may be desirable to retain must be strengthened in the manner already pointed out. The strength of the position may (when circumstances admit) be greatly increased by the formation of an interior keep, whither the defenders may retire and obtain favorable terms of capitulation should they be unable to withstand the assaults of their assailants. A substantial building within the town, as a gaol, may be con- verted into a keep by blocking up unnecessary openings; by covering entrances or any unflanked portions of the walls with tambours; by loopholing the walls and surrounding them if possible with a ditch, palisade, and abatis. In the absence of a building of this nature, it will be desirable to construct a redoubt, of as strong a character as time will allow. If the village be of considerable extent, and a position can be found which cannot be commanded from the neighboring buildings, the redoubt may be of earth, as in an ordinary field-work. While the actual defences of the village are thus being prepared, parties will be occupied on the ground without, in creating obstacles and entanglements in the immediate vicinity of the place, and in removing and levelling all obstructions between such obstacles and the limits of rifle range. The greatest obstacle which can be presented to an attacking force, will, in future, be a long level tract, fully commanded by a sweeping fire. It is, in fact, difficult to see how an assaulting body could pass over such a tract of 1,000 or 800 yards in extent, to attack a work in daylight without being annihilated. To remove every object, whether tree or bush, rising ground, dry ditch, or hedge, which could afford cover or concealment to a rifleman, will be an object of primary importance in executing the arrangements for defence. Ditches full of water, or which can be filled, may generally be left, as they impede, and cannot assist the assaulting party. Fig. 126 gives an illustration of the means, already described, usually applicable for placing a village in a state of defence.

A very little time devoted to the study of the subject, would enable an officer in command of a picket or charged with the defence of an outpost to determine the construction of all the works that are requisite for protection and defence. THE SELECTION OF THE POST is what will first engage attention, and the following considerations must have their weight in determining the point:

The inequalities of the ground, and the objects upon it, such as buildings or fences, &c., should be of such a nature, and in that relative situation to each other, as to be convertible into a fortified post with

DEFENCE OF A FORTIFIED VILLAGE. w, loopholed walls; P, parapets and ditches; c, ditto of casks; o abatis; r, stockades; 5, Darners; 1 1, free communication, road or passage; H, fortified house; K, keep.

ATTACK OF THIS FORTIFIED VILLAGE. ' D D, flying sap-parallel or trench of cover; B, open field battery, first opened at about 850 yards distance; E, ditto, advanced to breach; F, one 9-pounder and one 24-pounder howitzer, to made flunking d fences e e' e", breaches; A, storming party; Z, supporting ditto; , firing 11 S ' S a ' attacks to divert the attention of the garrison at the moment of THE LEAST POSSIBLE LABOR, AND IN THE SHORTEST TIME. The position should not be commanded, especially on the flanks or in the rear, within the ordinary range of a field-piece. There should be plenty of materials on the spot for the construction of temporary works, and for forming obstructions in front of them. The soil should be of a nature that is easily worked, if it is foreseen that any trenches or ditches will have to be executed. It should generally be DIFFICULT OF ACCESS, and yet offer the MEANS OF RETREATING in security. And should be in a situation for fulfilling the object for which the detachment is to be posted.

In arranging the general plan of defensive works, the following points will require more particular attention: It must be ascertained from a minute examination of the position, what figure will give the greatest quantity of fire over the most accessible points of attack, and the general contour of the intrenchment should make available buildings or fences on the ground. THE OBJECT THE WORK is EXPECTED TO FULFIL in reference to the supporting force; the distance from that force; or whether it is to bo left to itself to hold an enemy in check as long as possible; or whether it is to be defended to the last extremity. ITS SITUATION WITH RESPECT TO THE ENEMY as to distance, &c.; whether it is likely to be attacked by overwhelming forces, or only subject to the brusque attack of cavalry or infantry in smaller bodies; whether artillery is likely to be brought up against it, for in that case earthen works, when merely for the purposes of cover, are in some respects better than buildings or stockades; the parapets, too, must be thicker; whether it can be surrounded, for in such a case it must be inclosed all round, &c. THE NUMBER OF MEN THERE WILL BE FOR ITS DEFENCE, taking it as an established rule, that it is better to have a force concentrated, than too much distributed, and therefore injudicious to make works of a greater extent than can be well manned and vigorously defended. For instance, in small works there might be a file of men for every pace or yard in the length of their breastwork, and in larger ones the same, with a reserve of from one-fourth to one-sixth of the whole in addition. On some such general basis, a calculation of the proportionate extent of a work might be made. All this of course depends very much upon circumstances. THE NUMBER OF MEN, whether soldiers or inhabitants, that can be collected together for working, and whether there are tools enough for them, so as not to undertake more work than can be well done. And, which is a very important point, ' THE TIME THERE IS TO DO IT IN. Whether an immediate attack is to be apprehended, or otherwise, for this will decide not only the nature of the works, but the parts of them that require the first attention; as will be more apparent when the details of execution are brought under consideration. THE NATURE OF THE MATERIALS that can be had on the spot, or procured in the neighborhood. This will have a great influence on the details of the plan to be pursued, and will afford opportunity for the display of considerable tact and intelligence, in appropriating and adapting the means at hand for carrying the general plan into effect, and securing its objects with the LEAST POSSIBLE LABOR. No one who is not conversant with work of this description, can have any idea of the great saving of time and labor that may be effected, by taking advantage of what might appear at a casual glance to be very unimportant and local features; such, for instance, as gentle undulations in the ground.

Details of Execution. The following description of tools and stores would be found more or less necessary, where temporary works were to be thrown up. They are classed in three divisions, that their separate uses may be apparent.

Class 1. Field Exercise Tools. Shovels, for sinking trenches, forming breastworks, felling timber, making abatis and obstructions, Bill-hooks,  &c

Class 2. For Houses, Walls, &c. Sledge-hammers, Hand-borers, Crowbars, Saws. For forming loopholes, breaking through walls; preparing timber for barricades, stockade work, &c. Augers, Spike-nails,

Class 3. General service and purposes of defence. Sand-bags, The sand-bags for blocking up windows, Rockets, [forming loopholes, &c.; the rockets and Small shells, [shells for defence of houses and intrenchments Hand-grenades. 

The proportions of these necessary to be demanded would of course vary with the description of work which might be anticipated. For example, in throwing up earthen works in an open country, a pickaxe and shovel for every man that could be employed on the breastworks would be wanted. If an abatis could be formed, and there were fences to be cut up and levelled, one-third of the men would be advantageously employed with felling-axes and bill-hooks. In a case where houses were to be placed in a state of defence, walls would have to be broken through for making loopholes, and windows, doors, and passages to be barricaded; here crowbars, hand-borers, sledge-hammers, spike-nails, and saws would be required in greater proportion than spades and pickaxes. Sand-bags are included as being very useful for many purposes, such as protecting men when firing over a parapet or breastwork, quickly blocking up the lower parts of windows, &c.

A man will carry one hundred empty sand-bags, weighing about 60 lbs., each of which will contain a bushel of earth, and when full they are musket-proof. Rockets, small shells, and grenades, are mentioned as being very powerful and attainable auxiliaries in the defence of posts and houses; and one great advantage of them is, that any body who has common sense may use them, or at least be instructed in the requisite precautions in a few minutes. A CERTAIN DIVISION OF LABOR must also be attended to, and a man should always have a tool put into his hand that he has been accustomed to use; carpenters should therefore be employed where saws and axes are wanted; miners and blacksmiths where walls are to be broken through; laborers where the spade and pickaxe come into play. Those who never handled tools of these descriptions, would be most usefully employed in collecting materials. It would be well also to select such men for the first tour of duty, as patrols, and sentries, and to employ the best workmen in overcoming the greatest difficulties, which are usually found in the commencement. A little foresight will not be misapplied in considering these points. It is essential to obtain the assistance of the inhabitants in executing works of this description, and an officer should always have authority to enforce their attendance, and to pay them in proportion to their exertions. They should also be required to bring with them whatever tools they can best use, or that are most wanted.

A stick may be cut to measure lines, and stakes will be driven to show the slope and general form of the profile necessary in each particular case. Whatever form is to be given to a work, it is traced upon the ground by laying off its angles according to the number of their degrees, and its sides are designated by little furrows dug with the mattock or spade along cords stretched in the proper direction. To profile a work is to figure upon the ground its elevation by means of poles and laths nailed together; (Fig. 127.) The officer who directs the work ought to take with him four or five soldiers who carry mattocks, 100 pickets, twenty poles ten or twelve feet long, twenty laths, Page 297 some camp colors, and a cord 65 feet in length. There ought also to be a carpenter, who carries hammer, nails, and a saw.

 FIG. 127.

Fieldworks necessary or desirable in the operations of an army in the field to strengthen lines of battle, keep open lines of communication, protect bridges from destruction, &c., will generally be constructed under the supervision of engineers. They may have any extent, from a simple redan, or a battery, to a line or several lines of works, some of considerable magnitude, extending over a position of ten or twenty miles. It will only be possible here to give a brief description of the works usually adopted for these purposes.

Field-works, then, are usually arranged in three classes:

First-Class, consisting of works open at the gorge Redan, Double Redan, Redan with flanks Tenaille Head Lunette Bastion Head

Second Class, consisting of works inclosed all round Redoubt Bastion Fort

Third Class, consisting of lines both continuous or at intervals Lines of Redans Lines of Bastions Lines of Tenailles Lines at intervals Indented Lines a la Cremaillere

A redan is a work of the simplest kind. It consists of two faces of parapet and ditch, forming a salient angle. Redans serve to cover bridges, causeways, avenues, &c., and being quite open at the gorge, are only suited for positions in which their extremities rest on rivers or other obstacles, so that they cannot be turned, or else when protected by the full sweeping fire of works in their rear. Redans in front of other works are generally mere covers for an advanced post; for example, if a strong redoubt occupies the commanding summit of a hill, its elevation and position usually prevent the deep hollows and approaches by the valleys being fully seen from its faces. Redans may then be advantageously constructed on the lower knolls, or under features of the hill, to command all the hollows, which cannot always be reached by the fire of the main redoubt.

Lines. Continuous lines of rampart, parapet, and ditch, are sometimes used to connect important redoubts, or to cover the front of a position, and they may have, according to circumstances, a variety of tracings. To cover any considerable extent of country with continuous lines is generally considered injudicious, but must not be altogether condemned; as in particular cases, especially on ground unfavorable for manoeuvring, it may be an advantageous construction. Continuous lines require a great expenditure of labor in their construction, and a large force is necessary for their defence; if forced at one point, the whole is lost, and they interfere greatly with the offensive movements of the troops they cover. When circumstances oblige any considerable extent of country to be defended, lines at intervals are more generally adopted. Lines at intervals are a series of detached works arranged in two or more rows, mutually supporting each other, and each capable of enduring an independent attack. In lines at intervals the most advanced positions are usually occupied by simple works open at the gorge as Redans and Lunettes, within range of each other, that is, not more than 600 or 700 yards apart. These works, being open at the gorge, can be fully commanded by the works in rear, which can bring a fire upon every point within them; if taken by an enemy, they cannot, therefore, be held by him' until the latter works are also subdued. The second line of works are generally a series of redoubts, adapted in shape to the features of the ground, 400 or 500 yards behind the salient works, covering their intervals, and protecting their faces and ditches by a powerful flanking fire. If necessary, a third line of works on similar principles may be added. The works in the second line, i. e. the redoubts, must be made as strong in rear as in front, or an enemy would not fail to attempt to carry them by an attack on the rear, and the faces of all the works should, as far as possible, be directed on ground which the enemy cannot occupy, so as to be protected from his enfilade fire. The annexed diagram (Fig. 128) exhibits a tract of ground defended by lines at intervals, and will convey an idea of the general arrangement of works of this nature.

In the construction of these and all other field-works, the following maxims must be strictly observed: 1st. That the works to be flanked, are never to be beyond the range of the weapons of the works flanking them, that is, never out of the effective range of musketry. 2d. That the angles of defence should be about right angles. 3d. That the salient FIG. 123. angles of works should be as obtuse as circumstances will permit 4th. That, although ditches cannot always be as fully flanked, as in permanent fortification, yet that partial flanking must be carried as far as possible. 5th. That in the construction of field-works, reference should not only be had to the direct and immediate obstacles that the work itself presents to the enemy, and the positive effects of fire on the approaches to it; but likewise the relative value of the work must be considered, as to the support it can give to, or receive from, other works. 6th. That the outline of a field-work should be proportioned to the number of men intended to defend it 7th. The ground over which an enemy must pass to the attack should, if possible, be seen both in front and flank. (Consult HYDE'S Fortifications; JEBB'S Attack and Defence; Traite Theorique et Pratique de Fortification Passagere, &c., par M. ERNEST DE NEUCHEZE, Capitaine, &c.; MAHAN'S Field Fortifications; Aid Memoir to the Military Sciences, Edited by a Committee of the Corps of Royal Engineers.) (Scott, Military Dictionary, Van Nostrand, 1862, pp. 283-299).


FIKE'S FERRY, ALABAMA, April 7, 1865. Wilson's Raid. On the return from Selma Captain McKee of the 3d and Lieutenant Reynolds of the 4th la. cavalry were sent with about 100 men to reconnoiter toward the Cahawba river. At Fike's ferry they found about 300 of the enemy in the act of crossing. A platoon was dismounted and an attack ordered. The Confederates were driven back across the river, with a loss of 3 men killed and probably some wounded. In their haste to get out of range of the fire they left 24 horses and equipments, which were brought into camp by the scouting party. The only casualty on the Union side was 1 man wounded.  The Union Army, 1908, Vol. 5, p. 396.