Union Regiments by State

Rhode Island

Source: The Union Army, Vol. I. Madison, Wisconsin: Federal Publishing Company, 1908.

Military Affairs in Rhode Island
1861—65

At the opening of the decade 1860-1870 Rhode Island was, in proportion to its population, the greatest manufacturing section of the country. Under the stimulus of the tariff, steam, and the power loom, the cotton and woolen industries, the manufacture of tools and implements, and the fabrication of jewelry, had grown to immense proportions. After 1820, when the slave trade was declared piracy, that profitable business rapidly lost its attraction for the men of Newport and Bristol and the sentiment for freedom had become almost universal throughout the state. The great industrial centers, like Providence, found a market for their products in every part of the Union and were dependent on the South for much of their raw material. It was with growing solicitude that the industrial and conservative people of Rhode Island saw the breach between the sections widen from month to month—a breach which attacked the vital interests of the state by threatening an interruption of all trade and the cutting off of supplies of raw material. Nevertheless, the spirit of freedom and sacrifice was present among the people as of old; the martial spirit of their ancestors, which had gained for the state the name of a fighting commonwealth and had given her renown on land and sea in previous wars, needed only the stimulus of the threatened disruption of the Union to blaze forth again. Trade interests were secondary when the integrity and perpetuity of the government were at stake. The names of Hopkins, Lippitt, Angell, Greene and Perry were enshrined in the hearts of all and when the final crisis came with unexpected suddenness, the latent patriotism of the people was at once aroused. In the war of the Rebellion the state furnished many heroes worthy to rank with those of old—men like Burnside, Slocum, Ballou, Tower, Prescott, Pierce, Stevens. Rodman, Ives, Babbitt, Curtis, Sayles, Shaw, Turner, Kelly, Hunt, Nicolai, Chedell, Tillinghast, Church, Ainsworth, Gleason, Perry, Hamill, Duffie and many others. Like the other Northern states Rhode Island made every effort to appease the angry South and avert the impending rupture-an attitude which the Southern States mistook for an unwillingness to fight. In 1854 state officers of Rhode Island were forbidden to lend aid in the rendition of fugitive slaves—a policy which the slaveholding interests highly resented. In 1860, when relations between the sections were strained to the breaking point, Governor William Sprague took the initiative in proposing the repeal of the obnoxious personal liberty bills. In his message he declared the law should be rescinded "without hesitation, not from fear or cowardice, but from a brave determination, in the face of threats and sneers, to live up to the Constitution and all its guarantees, the better to testify their love for the Union, and the more firmly to exact allegiance to it from all others." The law was accordingly repealed. The sentiment to exhaust every honorable means of adjustment of the difficulties continued strong in the North, even after the failure of the Peace Conference called by Virginia. Rhode Island had given Lincoln a majority of 4,537 in 1860, but it bad also given the conservative Governor Sprague a majority of 1,460, and the legislature was strongly conservative. The South was fully determined to secede unless its extreme demands were met, though this was doubted by a majority of the Northern people. It had long been arming and preparing for the great struggle and by February, 1861, South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana and Texas had passed ordinances of secession. The Star of the West, flying the Stars and Stripes and conveying provisions and reinforcements to Fort Sumter, was fired upon January 9, 1861, yet despite these ominous conditions, the North still temporized, being careful to make no move which might be construed as coercion, still hoping that actual war could in some way be averted, and that wiser counsels would yet prevail. In January, 1861, Governor Sprague patriotically tendered President Buchanan the use of the Rhode Island militia for the defense of Washington and the maintenance of the Federal laws, but the offer was not accepted. The same offer was to be soon repeated after Lincoln's inauguration, when it was accepted with gratitude. Such had been the trend of affairs when, on April 12, 1861, open treason boldly reared its head and assailed the sacred flag of the Union at Fort Sumter. The news was received in Rhode Island with profound indignation and the whole state was at once ablaze with loyalty. On April 15 came the first call for 75,000 militia to serve for three months, and the next day Governor Sprague issued an order for the immediate organization of the 1st regiment and a battery of light artillery, and immediately convened the legislature in special session. From this time on the military efforts of the state never ceased until the final restoration of peace in 1865. It was a remarkable sight to see a happy, peaceful and productive people, like those of Rhode Island, voluntarily forsake their customary avocations and with the utmost enthusiasm gird themselves for a great war. The patriotism of the people is attested by the fact that, with perhaps one exception, Rhode Island sent more troops into the field in proportion to population than any other of the loyal states; also by the fact that the number furnished was in excess of all calls upon the state for troops. Scant resort was ever made to the draft, to which the loyalty of the people was unalterably opposed, and to escape which Governor Smith in the later period of the war devoted his best efforts to secure the necessary enlistments. Such was the eagerness of the authorities and people of the state to defend the government in its first hour of peril, that within five days after the first call for troops, one detachment of the 1st regiment, under Colonel Ambrose E. Burnside, was on its way to protect the national capital, then in imminent danger of capture; the second detachment, under Lieut.-Colonel Joseph S. Pitman, went forward on the 24th. When the special session of the legislature convened on the 17th, the senate passed a resolution of thanks to the governor for his prompt action in support of the general government. The house at once reported a bill to provide the state's quota, and another appropriating $500,000 for military purposes. The banks of Providence immediately came forward with offers of money; the Bank of Commerce offering $30,000, the State Bank $50,000, the Providence Bank $15,000. The governor also received many generous offers from private individuals. Early in May came the call for 42,000 troops to serve for three years or during the war, and the 2nd regiment was promptly organized and went forward on June 19. The work of raising more troops went on vigorously and on the departure of the 2nd for the front the organization of the 3d regiment began: With the1st regiment, the1st light battery had also been organized and sent to the defense of Washington; and with the 2nd regiment had gone another battery of light artillery, afterwards known as Battery A, ist R. I. light artillery. The first two regiments, together with the two batteries, took a conspicuous part in the first battle of Bull Run, where Colonel Burnside earned his brigadier-general's commission.

The intelligence of the disaster to the Union arms at Bull Run served to stimulate further the patriotic enthusiasm of the people. The following incident is related as taking place at Providence: Lieut.-Governor Arnold, in the absence of Governor Sprague, appealed to the citizens for reinforcements for the front. Finding Hugh Hamill working on the engine of a steamer in the harbor, Arnold inquired if he could raise a company, and being promptly answered in the affirmative promised Mr. Hamill the endorsement of the state. Hamill was so full of the spirit of the hour and of such true military fiber, that in an instant he slipped off his overalls, tossed both them and his dinner pail into the harbor, and started for the military depot. He was, of course, successful in raising a company. Lieut.-Governor Arnold on July 23 issued a stirring proclamation, reciting the result of the battle of Bull Run, appealing for renewed efforts on the part of all loyal citizens to maintain the Federal government and to come forward and volunteer their services for three years or during the war, in defense of the constitution and the laws. Governor Sprague convened the legislature and in his message declared: "When the action of this body was first taken, the state and the country felt that the war would, from the necessities of the case, be of short duration. Since that time events have transpired which have opened the eyes of the whole country to the magnitude of the rebellion which they are called upon to crush. * * * * The war will, of necessity, be a long one. We have been in error as to the strength of the enemy, and as to the long and persistent course which has been pursued by the South, tending towards this point. While we have been occupied in our business they have been creating revolution. We were under the impression that they were lacking in all the resources which go to raise and maintain armies; whereas, in almost every particular, we have found them superior to ourselves.* * * The probabilities are that in no case on the record of the world's history has an army been called into the field possessing so little knowledge of the strength and position of the enemy; and, such being the case, it was impossible for any troops in the position ours found themselves, to have sustained themselves for any considerable length of time. It has opened the eyes of the country to the immensity of this struggle, and in that view of the subject the result may be bearable." The special session of the legislature lasted three days, yet in that short time acts were passed authorizing a $15 bounty for each recruit enlisted; authorizing the payment of bounties to the families of killed, wounded and disabled soldiers; giving towns the power to pay bounties to soldiers and their families, and confirming their past action in this respect; authorizing the treasurer to issue the bonds of the state to an amount not exceeding $500,000, payable in 10 years, with the privilege of redemption after 5 years; also to hire $500,000 or less, at not over 6 per cent. and to renew the loans from time to time—the money to be expended in raising and equipping troops under the provisions of the general military act passed the previous April. The legislature also pledged the best exertions and the entire resources of the state for the preservation of the Union; thanked the governor for his vigorous services in camp and field; (He had accompanied the 1st regiment to Washington as commander-in-chief of the state militia), by resolution, also thanked Colonel Burnside for his gallant services; expressed satisfaction that the government had rewarded those services by his promotion to brigadier-general, and signified its wish that he might be placed in command of the state's regiments.

Under the first call for three months' troops, and under the succeeding calls of May and July, for 500,000 three years' troops, the total quotas of Rhode Island were 5,735, and the state furnished by the close of the year a total of 9,433 men. In addition to about 1,000 men enlisted in the regiments of other states and the navy, Rhode Island had organized and sent to the front five regiments of infantry and eight batteries. This very creditable showing was largely due to the untiring efforts of Governor Sprague, vigorously aided by Adjt.-General Mauran and Q. M. General Stead. Such was the general satisfaction with the course of Governor Sprague that he was renominated and reelected in 1862 without opposition. Under the various calls for troops in 1862, the quota of Rhode Island was 5,424, and she furnished a total of 4,801 men. The whole number of troops furnished, however, since the beginning of the war, was still considerably in excess of all demands, there being a large surplus under the calls of 1861. An efficient National Guard for home defense had been organized, composed of 2,339 active militia, and 17,944 enrolled militia. This militia furnished an ample reserve from which to draw in May, 1862, when Stonewall Jackson made his sudden raid into the Shenandoah Valley and endangered the national capital. In obedience to a telegram from the secretary of war, received by the governor on May 25, calling for all the available troops in the state to serve in the defenses of Washington for three months, the 9th and 10th regiments of infantry were promptly organized and sent to Washington. Meanwhile, the 1st regiment cavalry, whose organization was begun in the fall of 1861, was fully recruited, and left the state for Washington in March, 1862. Two of the original battalions were from Rhode Island and one from New Hampshire. Another cavalry organization, designated the 7th squadron R. I. cavalry, composed of two companies, Co. A, enlisted chiefly in Providence, and Co. B, composed of students from Dartmouth college, New Hampshire, and from Norwich university, Vt.—was enlisted for three months' service and departed for Washington at the end of June, 1862. The 7th infantry (3 years), whose organization was begun the previous May, left for the front September 10, 1862, with ranks filled nearly to the maximum. The 11th and 12th infantry were both organized in response to the call of August 4, 1862, for 300,000 militia for nine months' service. Their ranks were rapidly filled despite the series of disasters which had overtaken the Union arms. The 10th light battery, for three months' service, was raised simultaneously with the 9th and 10th infantry. This completes the formation of short term organizations from Rhode Island. In addition to the above organizations formed in 1862, the 1st battalion, 2nd cavalry, was fully recruited before the close of the year.

In the war of the Revolution, the state had raised a regiment of colored troops, and in August, 1862, Governor Sprague made an unsuccessful attempt to enlist such a regiment. In 1863, during the administration of Governor Smith, a second attempt was made, which resulted in the formation of the 14th regiment heavy artillery, afterward known as the 11th U. S. The wisdom displayed in raising this regiment is questionable. It cost an enormous sum of money in bounties, something like $1,000,000, showed marked inferiority to the white troops in point of physical endurance, and was the object of systematic frauds.

At the second session of the legislature in 1862, Governor Sprague was elected U. S. senator and resigned the executive chair on March 3, 1863, to take his seat. Hon. William C. Cozzens, of Newport, was elected by the general assembly, then in session, to fill the unexpired term. At the election for state officers held on the first Wednesday of April, 1863, Hon. James Y. Smith, Republican, was elected governor by a majority of 2,989, over his Democratic and Union opponent, Governor Cozzens. Governor Smith brought to the duties of his responsible office the same energy and practical talent that had rendered him eminently successful in business life. As a private citizen he had been a loyal supporter of the government from the beginning of the war. The spirit with which he entered upon his duties is shown in the following extract from his first message: "This period in our history is full of interest. The eyes of the nations are upon us. Our national government has been attacked. The responsibility is great upon our people. Let us be firm although danger surrounds. Let us stand united before the world. The obligation of the solemn oath I have taken, demands of me to be watchful and convey unimpaired to posterity all the blessings we are enjoying. We are admonished by the events surrounding us that united action should govern. Let every loyal man step forward to the rescue, lay aside all partisan feelings, and join in one grand cry, 'Our country, the Union—it must be preserved.' Our country is the great object to which our efforts should be directed. Let us unite our strength, relying upon the Supreme Ruler to direct our steps, and we shall prevail. We have but one alternative—war—as has been said by an able jurist—'war without remission waged in all lawful modes and by all classes of citizens without prejudice to caste or color. A frightful prospect, indeed. But let him who shudders at it remember that the God of love is also the God of battles, and that blood is the price of progress.' My experience in public life confirms the opinion, long since advanced, that. the destruction of our national government would fasten upon us everlasting revolution. Impressed with these opinions, I shall ever be ready to advance such measures as will secure to us our fixed position under the national Union, jealously watching every vent, as without union our liberty can never be preserved."

In the legislature elected at the same time as Governor Smith, the Republicans had a majority of 10 in the senate, and 36 in the house. In 1863 an amendment to the state constitution, so as to permit soldiers to vote, was submitted to the people and was adopted by the requisite three-fifths vote. An effort was also made at this time to secure an extension of the suffrage to certain of the foreign born residents of the state, the following amendment to the constitution being submitted: "Alien residents of this state who have enlisted or volunteered, or who may enlist or volunteer in any of the regiments of this state, and shall be honorably discharged therefrom, and who are now or may become naturalized citizens of the United States, shall be admitted to vote at all the elections in this state on the same terms as native born citizens of this state." The effort met with failure and was not finally successful until 1886. The principal draft of the war was undertaken in Rhode Island in July, 1863, in compliance with a law enacted by Congress, approved March 3, 1863. The draft was completed in August, and the final returns show that of the 4,320 drafted, only 788 conscripts and substitutes were held to serve; 463 commuted by paying $300; the others were discharged as aliens, or physically disqualified. The bounty system was now in full operation, and the state was paying a bounty of $300 to recruits for regiments in the field, in addition to the liberal bounties offered by the various towns and cities for volunteers. Under the calls of October 17, 1863, and February 1, 1864, for an aggregate of 500,000 three years' men, the state's quota was 3,469, and it furnished a total of 3,686, including the 463 who paid commutation. Under the subsequent calls for troops by the general government, Rhode Island furnished men as follows: March 14, 1864, quota 1,388, furnished 1,906; July 18, 1864, the state was credited with a surplus under previous calls, and its quota was only 1,423, to fill which it furnished 1,223 men 10r one year, 196 for two years, and 891 for three years, a total of 2,310; December 19, 1864, quota 1,469, furnished 739 men for one year, 92 for two years, and 732 for three years, a total of 1,563. Early in 1863 the 2nd cavalry regiment completed its organization, and left the state to join the Banks' expedition in Louisiana, under command of Lieut.-Colonel Augustus W. Corliss. The organization of a third cavalry regiment was begun late in the summer of 1863, and the 1st battalion with full ranks, under command of Major Davis embarked for New Orleans, December 31, 1863, for service in the Department of the Gulf under General Banks.

During the winter of 1863-64 every effort was made to induce the soldiers in the field to reenlist as veterans. Among Rhode Island organizations, 1,118 men so reenlisted, and were credited on the state's quota. The exposed coast of Rhode Island, particularly Narragansett bay, which left open the approaches to Newport and Providence, caused much anxiety to the people of the state from the beginning of the war. Governor Sprague had brought the matter to the attention of the legislature, but nothing was done. On June 27, 1863, in response to a telegram to the president, authority was granted Governor Smith to at once proceed with the work of erecting suitable fortifications for the protection of the bay. Under the supervision of a government engineer strong batteries were established on Dutch island, which commanded all the approaches. While the colored companies composing the 14th heavy artillery were being organized into a regiment, details of the men at "Camp Bailey," on the island, were employed in the work of fortification.

Governor Smith was reelected in March, 1864, by a majority of 199 over his opponents, Geo. H. Brown, Democrat, and Amos C. Barstow, Conservative. The legislature chosen at the same time contained a Republican majority on joint ballot of 51. At the presidential election in the fall of this year the vote of Rhode Island stood as follows: Lincoln, 13,692; McClellan, 8470, giving Lincoln a majority of 5,222. In the course of the year 1864, the organization of the 3d cavalry was completed, Cos. E, F, and L joining the regiment on April 25, G and H reporting for duty May 28, and Co. M, together with the staff and the regimental band, arriving at Camp Parapet August 1; Cos. I and K of the 1st Louisiana cavalry, formerly the 2nd R. I., had been transferred to this regiment January 14, 1864. The organization of the 14th heavy artillery was completed in 1864, which completes the list of separate organizations furnished by the state during the war.

No change took place in the administration of the state in 1865. By reason of the withdrawal of the Democratic candidates, the election on April 5 resulted in the choice of Governor Smith by a nearly unanimous vote. The legislature elected at the same time was largely Republican, scarcely a dozen Democrats having been chosen to both houses. The second session of the legislature chosen in 1864 met in Providence in January, 1865, and adjourned sine die on March 18. Among the measures passed was a joint resolution, nearly unanimous, ratifying the anti-slavery amendment to the Federal constitution; and an act authorizing a loan of $1,000,000, payable in 30 years. At its session in May, 1865, the legislature passed by an overwhelming vote the following resolution: "That it is the sense of the general assembly and people of this state, that in the reconstruction of the government of the states lately in rebellion against the government and authority of the United States, the usual power and legal authority vested in the Federal government should be executed to secure equal rights, without respect to color, to all citizens residing in those states, including herein the right of the elective franchise."

Before the close of the year 1865, the various regiments and batteries were mustered out of the U. S. service and returned home. Each organization as it returned was accorded a becoming welcome, salutes being fired, escorts detailed, and bountiful refreshments provided. The enthusiasm aroused by the appearance of the war-worn veterans was a reminder that the people of the state had a warm appreciation of the services rendered throughout the war by her gallant sons. The men at once returned to their homes and, with few exceptions, resumed the ordinary duties of citizens. Says the report of the adjutant general for 1865: "That so many men as Rhode Island furnished for the war, surrounded for four years by unfavorable circumstances, should return to civil life, and at once engage in their former occupations or in other business pursuits, is in the highest degree creditable to them, and happily illustrates the power of early formed habits." According to the report of Adj.-General Le Favour, Rhode Island furnished a total of 24,042 men out of a population of 184,965 at the beginning of the war. Of this number 10,382 were infantry; 4,394, cavalry; 5,644, heavy artillery; 2,977, light artillery; and 645 in the navy. This force consisted of eight regiments of infantry, of whom three were for three months and two for nine months; three regiments of cavalry for three years, and one squadron for three months; three regiments of heavy artillery; one regiment of light artillery, composed of eight light batteries, and two light batteries for three months' service. In addition to the above, one company of infantry was stationed at Portsmouth Grove as Hospital Guards for the U. S. Lovell general hospital. This last named organization was recruited from those disabled in the field, yet fit for garrison duty. The above total of men furnished is, of course, in excess of the actual number of troops enlisted by the state, as many names appear several times on the record under the head of promotions or reenlistments after their discharge from their three months,' nine months,' or three years' terms of service. On the other hand the state was never credited with a very considerable number of men furnished to the organizations of other states. A statement of the troops furnished by Rhode Island as given in Fox's Regimental Losses, and identical with the summary given by the equally able statistician, Captain Phisterer, credits it with a total of 23,236 men. If we add 463 who paid commutation, the state's total was 23,699. These were divided into 19,521 whites; 1,878 sailors and marines; 1,837 colored troops. The same authority shows that during the war 18 officers and 278 men were killed in action; 10 officers and 154 men died of wounds; 16 officers and 716 men died of disease; and 116 men died from all other causes—total deaths, 1,321. According to the report of the adjutant-general for 1865, 66 officers and 1,183 men were wounded in action.

The aggregate amount of money officially expended for war purposes by the state and thirty-three towns and cities of Rhode Island was $6,500,772.15. Of this amount the cities and towns expended $820,768 for bounties, $41,531.26 for enlisting volunteers, and $757,357-93 for the support of soldiers' families—a total of $1,622,288.96. However, $465,690 of the above total was assumed and repaid by the state. The aggregate expenditure of the state was $5,344,173.19, inclusive of the $465,690 repaid the cities and towns, and $1,268,482 of claims against the United States. The general government reimbursed the state nearly the whole of the last named amount. In the figures above given no allowance is made for interest on loans subsequent to 1865; for assistance rendered to the families of soldiers after the close of the war; nor for the thousands of dollars expended by the generous people of the state in the shape of provisions, clothing, hospital and sanitary supplies.

The labor devolving on the office of the adjutant-general after the close of the war continued to be large for many months. Constant demands were made on the department for information and data which would enable the state's volunteers to obtain their back pay, bounties, pensions, etc. Says the report of 1866: "In addition to personal calls made to this office during the past year, for information (which have been from fifteen to twenty a day), 743 letters have been written, 283 commissions filled out and forwarded, 736 certificates and 24 orders issued."

The generous solicitude of the state for the welfare of its soldier sons did not cease on their departure for the front. In passing through the cities of New York and Philadelphia to join the army, and in returning home on furlough, or to be mustered out of service, Rhode Island soldiers were the recipients of much care and attention on the part of Colonel J. H. Almy, state military agent for Rhode Island in New York, and of Colonel Robert R. Corson, state military agent for Rhode Island in Philadelphia. The names of both these men are held in grateful remembrance by all Rhode Island soldiers for the innumerable services rendered them in those cities. Both were indefatigable in their labors. Colonel Almy was particularly successful in securing the transfers of Rhode Island soldiers from the hospitals of New York and vicinity to Lovell general hospital, Portsmouth Grove, where their relatives could visit them and extend consolation and encouragement; also in the work of adjusting the claims of soldiers with the general government. In Philadelphia Colonel Corson or his assistants visited each Rhode Island soldier scattered through the many hospitals, provided them with many small comforts, reported their condition to their friends and relatives at home, provided them with meal and car tickets, and aided them in the collection of their back pay, pensions, bounties, etc. Space forbids the mention of all the services rendered by these efficient agents.

Of the many soldiers' relief associations, and aid societies, maintained by the patriotic and generous people of the state, and of the other official agencies, only brief mention can be made of a few. After the Seven Days' battles before Richmond, the capacities of the U. S. medical department, and of the U. S. sanitary commission were taxed to the utmost to care for the increased number of sick and wounded soldiers in the various hospitals in and around Washington. An association was then formed to assist the sick and wounded soldiers of Rhode Island, of which Hon. James F. Simmons was president; Prof. William E. Jillson, secretary and treasurer; and W. E. Jillson, A. T. Britton, and J. H. Brown, executive committee. A committee was also organized in Providence to cooperate with this association, of which General Amos D. Smith was chairman; Hon. Seth Padelford, treasurer; and William P. Blodgett, secretary. Through this committee nearly 100 boxes of valuable supplies, which had been donated by private individuals, the Relief associations of the 5th ward in Providence, Bristol, Pawtucket, and Pawtuxet, were received and forwarded. Over $800 in money was also forwarded. After the battle of Antietam, Lieut. Walker and Prof. Jillson, in behalf of the Washington association, visited the field hospitals and gave valuable assistance. Weekly meetings were held by the association, and lists of the sick and wounded soldiers were sent to the state committee. Hon. Henry B. Anthony succeeded Mr. Simmons as president of the association. The frequent appeals of the association to the citizens of Rhode Island always met with a generous response and the soldiers of the state were supplied with many comforts, especially those in the convalescent camp near Alexandria. Among those prominent in the work of the association were Major Potter, Lieut. Walker, W. E. Gardner, Captain Bucklin and Messrs. Britton, Coleman, Tilley, Arnold, Sprague, Bowen, Sheffield, Battey and Benedict; also Mrs. Arnold, Mrs. Jillson, Mrs. Chittenden and a number of other women, who devoted much of their time to visiting sick and wounded soldiers. During the year 1863 Mr. Battey of Providence, Asa Arnold and J. T. Benedict were successively agents of the association, and spent much time visiting the soldiers in the field. Mr. Benedict was subsequently appointed state agent by Governor Smith. In 1863 about 1,165 Rhode Island soldiers in the hospitals around Washington received the aid of the association. As the U. S. sanitary and christian commissions became perfected the work of the association decreased in volume.

In December, 1862, a commission consisting of Dr. Lloyd Morton of Pawtucket, and Mrs. Charlotte Dailey of Providence, were appointed to go to Washington and visit the various hospitals and convalescent camps. Dr. Morton visited the 2nd, 4th, 7th, 11th and 12th R. I. infantry, the 1st cavalry, some of the light batteries, 21 hospitals, and the convalescent camps about Alexandria. Mrs. Dailey visited 61 hospitals. As a result, complete and accurate reports of the condition of Rhode Island soldiers were made to the general assembly. Prior to the establishment of the Lovell general hospital at Portsmouth Grove by the United States, the state granted the use of the Marine hospital in Providence as a soldiers' home. The sum of $2,000 was promptly raised for its maintenance, and its operations were conducted by a board of managers of which Mrs. Edward Carrington was president. Drs. Collins, Miller, Baker, Okie and McKnight gave their services gratuitously to the institution and during its year of operation the home cared for 750 persons, for periods varying from a single meal to several weeks. The state also cooperated generously in the work of the sanitary and Christian commissions. The agency of the sanitary commission was established in Providence in October, 1861, and many hundreds of cases of hospital supplies were forwarded to needed points. Russell M. Larned, Esq., donated his services to the agency almost from the beginning of its operations. In November, 1863, the sum of $6,347 was contributed in Providence to the Christian commission.

To the loyal women of the state, the mothers, wives, sisters and sweethearts of the boys in the field, is due a large share of the credit for the successful prosecution of the war. In numberless ways they were the soldiers' mainstay; they cheered and comforted him on his bed of pain; his children became their wards; his last moments were soothed by their tender ministrations and numberless comforts were sent him in tent and hospital through their untiring efforts. Their sacrifice was complete, not only in giving as they did their best beloved to the service of their country, but also in bestowing every possible comfort by word and deed. All honor to the heroic and patriotic women of Rhode Island for their humane and self-sacrificing labors throughout the great struggle. From the very beginning of the war, ladies' relief associations, beginning with the "Florence Nightingale" association in Providence, which took form on the day after the attack on Fort Sumter, were maintained in Providence, Newport, Bristol, Warren, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, and in every other town in the state. In the later years of the war they were helpful and efficient auxiliaries in the work of the sanitary and Christian commissions.

As early as 1862 an allotment commission was established by the state, as a method of enabling Rhode Island volunteers safely to remit their pay to their families. The first state commissioner was George B. Holmes, who served until July, 1863, when he was succeeded by Colonel Amos D. Smith, III. The work of the commission was admirably done, nearly $1,000,000 being remitted through the visiting commissioners, by the Rhode Island troops, in the period from April, 1862, to the end of 1863. The state also made prompt arrangements to obtain pensions for wounded soldiers and for the widows and orphans of those who fell in the service. This work was done gratuitously, the state's commissioner for this purpose being Colonel Joseph S. Pitman.

In the foregoing brief summary of the part taken by Rhode Island in the work of suppressing the greatest rebellion in history, it is hoped that enough facts have been presented to show that the little commonwealth performed its full share, and met its due proportion of the terrible cost of the war of the Rebellion.


RECORD OF RHODE ISLAND REGIMENTS

First Infantry.—Colonel, Ambrose E. Burnside; Lieut.-Colonel, Joseph S. Pitman; Majors, John S. Slocum, Joseph P. Balch, William Goddard. This regiment was organized at Providence early in April, 1861, from the state militia, whose services were accepted by General Scott in January, 1861, having been previously rejected by Pres. Buchanan. In April Governor Sprague was authorized to send to the front one regiment of infantry and a battery of light artillery. From the large number of volunteers 1,200 men were chosen, and the organization was completed as follows: Co. A, Providence National Cadets; B, Providence "Artillery"; C and D, Providence 1st Light Infantry; E, Pawtucket Light Guard; F, Newport Artillery; G and H, Providence Mechanics Rifles; I, Westerly Rifles and K, Woonsocket Guards. With Colonel Burnside, already a man of broad military knowledge and experience, in command, the regiment left Providence in two detachments, embarking on transports for New York, amid scenes of the wildest enthusiasm. From New York it was ordered to Annapolis, Maryland, where it was quartered at the Naval academy for a few days and then marched to Washington, arriving there during the last week of April. It was quartered at the Patent Office until May 2, when it was mustered into the U. S. service for three months and ordered into camp near the Bladensburg road. The sanitary condition of the camp was excellent and the men were little affected by sickness. After a month of drill the 1st was assigned to the forces gathering under General Patterson to attack Harper's Ferry and joined his command at Chambersburg, leaving camp Sprague on June 8. Camp Duncan at Greencastle was occupied on the 12th, and here it was learned that the enemy had withdrawn from Harper's Ferry. At Falling Waters orders were received for the return of the regiment to Washington and Camp Sprague was reoccupied on June 19. On July 8, the regiment was brigaded with the 2nd R. I., Reynolds' Battery, 2nd New Hampshire and 71st N. Y., under command of Colonel Burnside and became a part of Hunter's division. The Bull Run movement commenced on July 16 and on the 21st the regiment was closely engaged. The 2nd R. I. was first thrown into action and other regiments of the brigade soon hurried to its support . The approach of a Confederate force under the Union flag gave the enemy opportunity to fire at close range with resulting heavy loss of life, when the brigade was relieved by Sherman's division. When the retreat was ordered, the 1st returned to Washington and a few days later to Providence, where it was mustered out on August 2, 1861. During the three months that the command was at the front, 12 members were killed, 33 wounded, 22 captured, of whom 12 were wounded and 1 man was reported missing.

Second Infantry.—Colonels, John S. Slocum, Frank Wheaton, Nelson Viall, Horatio Rogers, Jr., Samuel B. M. Read, Elisha H. Rhodes; Lieut. Colonels, Frank Wheaton, William H. P. Steere, Nelson Viall. Nathan Goff, Jr., Samuel B. M. Read, Henry C. Jenckes, Elisha H. Rhodes; Majors, Sullivan Ballou, Nelson Viall, Nathan Goff, Jr. Thorndike C. Jameson, 244 Henry C. Jenckes, Stephen H. Brown, Henry H. Young. The 2nd infantry was organized at Providence and was composed of one company from Bristol, one from East Greenwich, one from South Kingston, three from Providence and a battery of light artillery from Providence. It was mustered into the U. S. service at Providence June 5 and 6, 1861, for three years. The command, over 800 strong, went into camp at the Dexter training grounds until June 19, when it embarked for the front. Landing at Elizabeth, N. J., the troops proceeded by rail to Baltimore and on the 22nd arrived at Camp Sprague, Washington, where they were warmly greeted by their comrades of the 1st. The 2nd was assigned to the 2nd brigade (Colonel Burnside), 2nd division (Colonel Hunter), and moved toward Manassas on July 16. In the battle which followed on the 21st the 2nd fired the opening volley and early showed its fighting qualities. Its loss in this engagement was 98 killed, wounded and missing, among the mortally wounded being Colonel Slocum and Major Ballou. On the return to Washington Camp Sprague was occupied until August 6, when the regiment moved to Brightwood and in the general reorganization of the army was brigaded with the 7th and 10th Mass. and 36th N. Y., under General Couch in Buell's division, whose command was later taken by General Keyes. Camp Brightwood was left on March 26, 1862, at which time the brigade, commanded by Colonel Charles Devens, Jr., moved into Virginia for the Peninsular campaign. The regiment shared in the wearisome marches on the Peninsula, a number of sharp skirmishes, and was closely engaged at Malvern hill, after which it encamped at Harrison's Landing until the middle of August, when it moved to Yorktown. The troops suffered much from sickness during this campaign. On August 31 the 2nd moved to Alexandria and the next day to Chantilly, where it was assigned to Robinson's brigade, Birney’s division, 3d corps. During the Maryland campaign it was ordered from place to place in support of the army and finally was attached to the 6th corps, which became its permanent assignment. At Fredericksburg the regiment was in action and occupied winter quarters at Falmouth until late in April, 1863, when it participated in the Chancellorsville campaign. At Marye's heights, in the victorious dash of May 3, the regiment distinguished itself under Colonel Rogers and lost 7 killed, 68 wounded and 5 missing, receiving complimentary notice for gallantry in action. On June 6, it left camp at Falmouth and was present at Gettysburg, but was held in reserve. In the pursuit which followed and the movements of the Army of the Potomac during the autumn, the regiment participated and went into winter quarters at Brandy Station, December 3, 1863, where it remained until May 4, 1864, when it broke camp for the Wilderness campaign, in which the entire regiment was active until June 11, when the original members not reenlisted were mustered out, the recruits and veterans making up the reorganized regiment, which, under command of Colonel Rhodes, remained with the 6th corps. In the fall and winter five new companies were added to the regiment, which shared in the operations before Petersburg; was active at Winchester, September 19, remaining there until December 1; was engaged at Hatcher's run, in December, 1864, and February, 1865; was in action at Forts Fisher and Stedman, and in the final assault on April 2. The regiment joined in the pursuit of Lee's army and was engaged at Sailor's creek, where it lost 49 men in killed and wounded. Guard duty followed at Burkesville, Danville and Wells' station until May 16, when faces were turned homeward. After participation in the grand review at Washington, the 2nd was stationed at Hall's hill, Virginia, and there mustered out on July 13, 1865, having earned by long and effective service the warm welcome awaiting it at Providence. The total loss of the regiment was 9 officers and i1 1 men killed or died of wounds, and 76 deaths from accident or disease, in all 196. The regiment is mentioned by Colonel Fox as one of the "three hundred fighting regiments."

Third Heavy Artillery.—Colonels, Nathaniel W. Brown, Edwin Metcalf, .Charles R. Brayton; Lieut.-Colonels, Stephen R. Bucklin, John Frieze, William Ames; Majors, Christopher Blanding, Henry T. Sisson, Horatio Rogers, Jr., Charles W. H. Day, James E. Bailey, George Metcalf. The 3d regiment gathered at Camp Ames, Warwick, in August, 1861, and was composed of ten companies, though the number was later increased to twelve. It was mustered into the U. S. service in August for three years, embarked for New York on September 7, and reached Camp Sprague, Washington, on the 16th, but returned to Fort Hamilton, L. I., on the 22nd, the urgent need for its presence in Washington having passed. On October 12, the regiment sailed for Fortress Monroe and camped near Hampton, Virginia, where it remained until October 29, when, with the 3d brigade of General Sherman's forces, the expedition to Port Royal, S. C., was commenced. After the capture of Fort Walker, November 7, headquarters were established there and the regiment shared in the work of fortifying the islands captured. Late in January, 1862, Cos. F and H were ordered to join an expedition against Fort Pulaski, Georgia, and were joined on Tybee island by Co. B, Cos. E and G being stationed on Jones and Bird islands. April, 1862, found the various companies located as follows: A, at Fort Wells (old Fort Walker); B, F and H, on Tybee island; C, at Hilton Head and Edisto island; D, at Bay Point; E and G, on the Savannah river; I, on Otter island; K, L and M, at Hilton Head. In the attack on Fort Pulaski in April, 1862, Cos. B, F and H were active, and after the fall of the fortress Co. B was there detailed for a month on garrison duty. In May seven companies were stationed on Edisto island and on June 16 were active at the battle of Secessionville with considerable loss. Embarking for Hilton Head on July 1, the regiment was there reunited on the 4th, and was engaged in garrison duty with a few expeditions of minor importance until the battle of Pocotaligo on October 22, in which it took an active part. At this time Cos. D, E and F were stationed at Bay Point, G, at Fort Pulaski, and the remainder of the regiment at Hilton Head. Early in April, 1863, a detachment of the 3d joined in the bombardment of Stono inlet. In June an expedition up the Combahee was undertaken and another to Darien, Georgia, which place was captured and burned. In July the regiment was stationed at Hilton Head and Folly island in two main battalions and took a prominent part in the assault upon Fort Wagner, which was evacuated on September 7, and immediately occupied by the Union forces. The 3d was prominent in the further operations against Charles! ton during the autumn and winter and in February, 1864, Co. C, which had been mounted as light artillery, was ordered to join the expedition into Florida, where it participated in the battle of Olustee. It remained in Florida, penetrated as far south as Palatka, and in April was ordered to the support of General Grant in Virginia. Moving by way of Hilton Head, it left there April 30 for Fortress Monroe, where Co. A was detailed to supply the necessary artillery detachment in Florida, equipped as a light battery and stationed at Jacksonville, whence it returned after a short time to Beaufort, S. C., after taking an active part in the battle of Gainesville, Florida In April, 1864, the companies of the regiment were posted as follows: A at Jacksonville; B at Hilton Head; C in Virginia; D, K and L at Fort Pulaski; E, F, H, I and M on Morris island, and G on Tybee island. Co. C remained with the Army of the Potomac until the close of the war. It participated in the operations before Petersburg and rendered important service in reducing the fortifications at various

Page 247

Rhode Island Regiments 247 points. On June 12, 1865, the company arrived in Providence where it was mustered out. During the winter of 1864-65 over 300 members of the command reenlisted and received their veteran furlough in April, returning to the regiment on April 26. The troops stationed on Morris island received their share of the Gillmore medals presented on June 26, 1864, when 10 men were thus honored. On July 1, 1864, the regiment was active in the attack on the south end of James island and on Fort Johnson at the north end of the island on the 2nd. In September the original members not reenlisted left for home and arrived in Providence, where they were mustered out on the last day of the month. The veterans and recruits were consolidated into a battalion of five companies, viz.: A at Beaufort; B at Morris island; C in Virginia, and L and M at Morris island. Until the fall of Charleston in February, 1865, the guns of the 3d played an important part unceasingly, and in March Co. B occupied Sullivan island, D, Morris and Folly islands, and A and C remained at their former posts of duty. During the summer, details were occupied at several points in routine duties, and in August all were mustered out at Providence. The regiment numbered in all 2,374 members, and was in constant and glorious service for four years, in which time it lost 127 members by death in action and suffered a much larger loss of members wounded.

Fourth Infantry.—Colonels, Justus I. McCarty, Isaac P. Rodman, William H. P. Steere; Lieut.-Colonels, George W. Tew, Isaac P. Rodman, Martin P. Buff um, Joseph B. Curtis; Majors, Levi E. Kent, George W. Tew, John A. Allen, Martin P. Buffum, James T. P. Bucklin. The 4th regiment was organized at Camp Greene near Providence by Colonel J. I. McCarty of the regular army in September, 1861, and left Providence for Washington on the Commodore, October 5. At Elizabeth, N. J., the troops landed and continued their journey by rail to Baltimore. Camp was established near Bladensburg and on October 30, the 4th was mustered into the U. S. service for a three years' term. On November 28, it was ordered into Virginia and was stationed at Edsall's hill for about a month. It was selected to take part in a movement to North Carolina and was brigaded at Annapolis with the 5th R. I., 8th and 11th Conn. to form the 3d brigade of the coast division, which embarked on January 7, 1862, for Roanoke. It was closely engaged in the battle of Roanoke island, and was active at the battle of New Berne in March. Cos. A and E were then posted at Morehead City, one company at Carolina City and the remaining seven companies in the trenches before Fort Macon, which fell on April 26. Camp was established at Beaufort, which became the headquarters of the command until July 1, when the regiment embarked for Newport News, where it arrived on July 8. It participated in the Maryland campaign, fought at South mountain and Antietam, meeting heavy losses; spent October, 1862, in camp at Pleasant Valley, Maryland, and early in November moved into Virginia. It was active at Fredericksburg as part of the 2nd brigade, 3d division, 9th corps, and was assigned soon after to the 3d brigade, with which it went into winter quarters. On February 8, 1863, it was ordered to Fortress Monroe, encamped at Newport News until March 13, when it moved to Suffolk, was engaged at Hill's point, and participated in an expedition to King William Court House in June. In July the regiment was assigned to the 3d brigade, 2nd division, 7th corps, and posted at Portsmouth, Virginia, where it remained until March 1, 1864. It was then ordered to Norfolk, thence to Point Lookout, Maryland, and on July 3, rejoined the 9th corps before Petersburg. Arduous duty in the trenches followed, and in the assault following the mine explosion, July 30, its loss was 83 killed, wounded and missing. The 4th was active at the Weldon railroad, and on October 3 left Petersburg for Providence, where it was mustered out October 15, 1864. The reenlisted men and recruits were consolidated about a week later with the 7th R. I. infantry. The 4th lost 73 members killed or died of wounds, and suffered 67 deaths from other causes.

Fifth Heavy Artillery.—Colonels, Henry T. Sisson, George W. Tew; Lieut.-Colonels, Job Arnold, George W. Tew; Majors, John Wright, George W. Tew, Thorndike C. Jameson. The 5th regiment rendezvoused at Camp Greene in October, 1861, was transferred to Camp Slocum at Providence and mustered into the U. S. service for three years as a battalion of five companies on December 27. The battalion left Providence for Annapolis to join Burnside's expedition to North Carolina. At Annapolis it was assigned to the 3d brigade under General Parke, embarked for Roanoke island, where it participated in the battle on February 8, 1862, and was also in the battle of New Berne on March 14. It was then posted at Newport City until the siege of and assault on Fort Macon, in which it was active, after which it went into camp at Bogue banks and later at Beaufort, where many new recruits were received and regimental organization effected. In April, 1863, the 5th went to the relief of Little Washington until April 14, when the enemy gave up the siege as hopeless and withdrew. Returning to New Berne the regiment reoccupied Camp Anthony and garrisoned Forts Totten and Rowan. In the meantime, Co. A, which had been stationed at Croatan, N. C., was overpowered by the enemy and captured. Cos. C and E, which had remained at Little Washington, rejoined the regiment on May 1, 1864, when the command was assigned in detachments to garrison duty at Forts Spinola, Gaston, Amory, Anderson and Chase. The remainder of the term of service was spent in the vicinity of New Berne, where the regiment was mustered out on June 26, 1865. The journey home was immediately undertaken, and the men were greeted by the citizens of Providence with enthusiastic demonstrations on July 4.

Seventh Infantry.—Colonel, Zenas R. Bliss; Lieut.-Colonels, Welcome B. Sayles, George E. Church, Percy Daniels; Majors, Jacob Babbitt, Thomas F. Tobey. The 7th was organized at Camp Bliss, South Providence, during the summer of 1862, was mustered into the U. S. service for three years and left Providence on September 10 for Washington, where it was assigned to the 2nd brigade (Paul's), Casey's division, and ordered to Harper's Ferry. The first action in which it was engaged was the battle of Fredericksburg, in which it lost 11 men killed, 132 wounded and 15 missing. The regiment went into camp at Falmouth, but was ordered with the 9th corps to Newport News on February 9, 1863. and thence to Kentucky. During April and May it was quartered at different times at Winchester, Richmond, Paint Lick, Lancaster and Crab Orchard, and was then ordered to the support of General Grant at Vicksburg. It joined in the pursuit of Johnston at the end of the siege, returned from Jackson to Vicksburg, July 24, and embarked on August 8 for Cairo. So much sickness prevailed in the regiment that it was ordered to winter at Lexington, Kentucky, and escaped the hardships of the winter in Tennessee suffered by General Burnside's forces. On April 2, 1864, the 7th again crossed the mountains, joined the Army of the Potomac, participated in the hard fighting at Spottsylvania, the North Anna river and Cold Harbor, the hardships of trench duty before Petersburg, and engagements at the Weldon railroad and Poplar Spring Church. On October 21, the veterans of the 4th R. I., 175 in number, were consolidated with the 7th and the reorganized regiment garrisoned Fort Sedgwick until the fall of Petersburg, when it joined in the pursuit of Lee's army. After a short encampment at Farmville the troops were ordered to Alexandria, where on June 9 they were mustered out and reached Providence four days later. Cos. B, D and G of the 4th regiment and the recruits of the 7th whose term had not expired were consolidated into a battalion of three companies, which was mustered out at Alexandria July 13, 1865. The total loss of the regiment was 90 members killed or wounded, and 109 deaths from other causes.

Ninth Infantry.—Colonel, John T. Pitman; Lieut.-Colonels, John T. Pitman, John H. Powell; Majors, John T. Pitman, John H. Powell, George Lewis Cooke. The 9th was organized at Providence in May, 1862, by Colonel Charles T. Robbins, and was mustered into the U. S. service for a term of three months. It left Providence in two detachments: the 1st, composed of four companies—the Lonsdale, Natic and Westerly National Guards and the Pawtucket Battalion—on May 27, and the 2nd on May 29 for Washington. The month of June was spent at Camp Frieze, Tenallytown, and the first two days of July at Fairfax seminary, Virginia. On July 4 it relieved the 99th Pennsylvania at Washington and garrisoned forts there until the expiration of its term of service. Fort Baker, which was regimental headquarters, was occupied by Cos. E and K, Co. A was posted at Fort Greble, B at Fort Meigs, C at Fort Ricketts, D at Fort Snyder, F at Fort Carroll, G at Fort Dupont, H at Fort Wagner, I at Fort Stanton, and L at Fort Davis. On August 31 the regiment was ordered to return to Providence, where it was mustered out, having lost 4 men by disease.

Tenth Infantry.—Colonels, Zenas R. Bliss, James Shaw, Jr.; Lieut. Colonels, James Shaw, Jr., William M. Hale; Major, Jacob T. Babbitt. This regiment was organized at Providence, May 26-29, 1862, and was sent to Washington in two detachments, where it was mustered into the U. S. service on May 29, for a term of three months. It was composed of companies from the Providence National Guard, viz.: First Ward Light Guards, First Ward Drill Corps, What Cheer Guards, the National Guards from the 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th wards, and the Burnside Zouaves. The regiment camped at Tenallytown, where it was assigned to Sturgis' brigade and ordered to Virginia, but upon arriving at Fairfax seminary it was ordered back to Washington and assigned to garrison duty in the forts along the Potomac and in guarding the roads to Rockville and Harper's Ferry. Co. A was stationed at Fort Franklin, B and K at Fort Pennsylvania, C at Fort Cameron, D at Fort De Russy, E and I at Fort Alexander, G at Fort Gaines, and H at Batteries Vermont and Martin Scott. Heavy artillery drill occupied the troops and considerable sickness prevailed. At the close of its term of service the regiment was relieved by the 113th N. Y. infantry and returned to Providence on August 25, where it was mustered out of the service Sept . 1, having lost by death 3 men.

Eleventh Infantry.—Colonels, Edwin Metcalf, Horatio Rogers, Jr., George E. Church; Lieut.-Colonel, J. Talbot Pitman; Major, Nathan F. Moss. The 11th infantry was organized at Camp Stevens, Providence, in August and September, 1862, mustered into service for nine months on October 1, and left for Washington on the 6th. A week was spent in camp near Fort Ethan Allen, and the regiment was then ordered to Miner's hill, where it was assigned to Cowdin's brigade. Here it remained until January 14, 1863, when it was detailed to guard the convalescent camp between Washington and Alexandria. Cos. C and K were posted at Fairfax seminary from February 3 to March 18, and on April 15 the entire command embarked for Norfolk, whence it proceeded to Suffolk, Virginia, where it was attached to General Terry's brigade. On May 16, it moved to Deserted House, where it was assigned to the 3d brigade under General Farrar. It took part in the skirmishes on the Blackwater river, after which the brigade returned to Windsor. On June 12 another expedition to the Blackwater was undertaken and a week later the regiment started for Williamsburg, where it was left for garrison duty until June 30, when it returned to camp at Yorktown. On July 2 it embarked for Providence, where it arrived on the 6th and was there mustered out, having lost by death 8 men.

Twelfth Infantry.—Colonel, George H. Browne; Lieut.-Colonel, James Shaw, Jr.; Major, Cyrus G. Dyer. This regiment was organized at Providence in September, 1862, and was mustered into the U. S. service for a term of nine months at Camp Stevens on October 13. It left for Washington on the 21 st, and upon arriving there was assigned to General Casey's command and went into camp near Fairfax seminary. Picket duty and drill occupied the men until December 1, when camp was broken and orders received to march towards Fredericksburg, where the regiment was warmly engaged in the battle on December 13. Following the battle the 12th was again on picket duty near Falmouth until February 8, 1863, when it was ordered to Newport News and encamped there until March 26. It was then sent west and on March 21 arrived in Lexington, Ky, where it was attached to the brigade under General Naglee and joined the march through Paint Lick springs, Crab Orchard, Pleasant Valley and Lancaster, arriving at General Burnside's headquarters at Hickman's bridge July 11. Here orders were received to proceed to Cincinnati, and on July 19 the regiment started for Providence, where it was mustered out on the 29th. The total loss of the 12th was 12 members killed or died of wounds, and 45 deaths from accident, imprisonment or disease.

Fourteenth Heavy Artillery (Colored).—Colonel, Nelson Viall; Lieut. Colonel, Richard Shaw; Majors, Joseph J. Comstock, Jr., Richard G. Shaw, Andrew J. Fitzwater. This regiment was organized at Providence, was mustered into the U. S. service at different times during August and September, 1863, for a term of three years. The 1st battalion left Providence on December 19, 1863, for New Orleans, the 2nd detachment followed on January 8, 1864, and the 3d on April 3. The 1st battalion was posted at Fort Esperanza, the 2nd at Plaquemine. In May, the 1st and 3d battalions were consolidated at New Orleans and moved to Fort Jackson, with the exception of Co. I, which remained on duty on the Jackson & New Orleans railroad throughout its term of service. In April, 1865, the 1st battalion was transferred to Brashear City, where it completed its term of service. October 2, 1865, the regiment was mustered out at New Orleans.

Hospital Guards, Infantry.—Captain, Christopher Blanding. This company was mustered into the U. S. service on December 6, 1862, at Providence to serve as a guard for the Lovell general hospital at Portsmouth grove and perform such sentinel and police duty as was necessary to preserve military discipline in the hospital and surroundings. It was recruited from veterans who had been disabled in the field, but were still able to perform garrison duties efficiently, and continued in service until Aug 25, 1865.

First Battery, Light Artillery.—Captain, Charles H. Tompkins. The 1st light battery, composed of the Providence marine corps recruited to its full strength, was organized with the 1st infantry—sometimes called the 1st R. I. detached militia—and left Providence on April 18, 1861, for Washington, where it was mustered into the U. S. service on May 7 for three months. Camp Sprague was established near Washington and occupied until June 9, when the battery was ordered to join General Patterson's movement upon Harper's Ferry, but on arriving at Falling Waters orders were received to return to Washington and its former camp. Another month followed at Camp Sprague, and on July 1, the battery advanced to Hagerstown and Martinsburg and thence to Harper's Ferry. The term of service having expired, the battery left for Providence, where it was mustered out August 6, 1861.

First Regiment, Light Artillery.—Colonel, Charles H. Tompkins; Lieut. Colonels, William H. Reynolds, John A. Monroe; Majors, John A. Monroe, John A. Tompkins, John G. Hazard. The organization of this regiment was begun early in 1861, but was not completed until the fall of 1862.

Battery A.—Captains, William H. Reynolds, John A. Tompkins, William A. Arnold, was organized in connection with the 2nd R. I. infantry. It was mustered into the U. S. service for three years on June 6, 1861, at Providence, and left for Washington on the 19th. It went into camp at Camp Sprague, and was attached to Burnside's brigade, Hunter's division, McDowell's corps. In the first battle of Bull Run it lost several men in killed and wounded, and had a number of its guns and horses captured by the enemy. The battery returned to Camp Sprague and on July 28, was ordered to Sandy Hook, Maryland, where it received the guns and equipment from the 1st light battery, then about to be mustered out. Upon the organization of a battalion of light artillery in August and of an entire regiment in September this command became battery A of the 1st R . I. light artillery, its captain being appointed lieutenant-colonel of the regiment. Winter quarters were established at Poolesville, Maryland, but camp was broken in March, 1862, for the Peninsular campaign, in which the battery took an active part. It was held in reserve at Chantilly; was active at Antietam, where 4 men were killed and 15 wounded; participated in the battle of Fredericksburg; wintered at Falmouth; was active at Marye's heights and at Gettysburg, losing in the last battle 5 killed and 23 wounded, besides 30 horses; then moved southward with the Army of the Potomac; fought at Bristoe Station and in the Mine Run campaign, and went into winter quarters at Mountain run. On February 6, 1864, it was engaged at Morton's ford and on May 3, broke camp for the Wilderness campaign, during which it was active at the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, the North Anna river, Cold Harbor, etc., and became noted as a reliable command. On June 18, 1864, its term of service having expired, the battery was mustered out, but Lieut. Dwight immediately reorganized it and it continued in the field with the Army of the Potomac. On September 30, 1864, it was consolidated with Battery B. During the entire term of service of the battery its casualty list numbered 1 officer and 17 men killed in action, 90 wounded and 4 captured. Four years' hard fighting was the portion of its members and its history is that of arduous duties faithfully and efficiently performed.

Battery B.—Captains, Thomas E. Vaughn, Walter O. Bartlett, John G. Hazard, T. F. Brown, was organized at Providence in August, 1861, and mustered into the U. S. service for three years. It left Providence August 13 for Washington, and was there assigned to General Stone's command, afterwards General Sedgwick's corps. It participated in the battle of Ball's bluff and in February, 1862, joined the Army of the Potomac and participated in the campaign of the spring and summer on the Peninsula. It was engaged at Yorktown; was present at Hanover Court House; active at Fair Oaks, and was also at Peach Orchard, Savage Station and Malvern hill. At the battle of Fredericksburg, 16 men were killed and wounded and 12 horses shot. After wintering at Falmouth it joined the Chancellorsville movement in the spring of 1863, and then proceeded to Gettysburg, where the losses were 4 men killed and 23 wounded. It engaged at Bristoe Station and Mine run; wintered near Stevensburg, Virginia; broke camp May 4, 1864; joined the 1st division, 2nd corps, with which it fought at the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, the North Anna, Totopotomy, Cold Harbor and Petersburg. After its consolidation with Battery A it was engaged in a desperate encounter at Reams' station, where the combined batteries lost 52 men killed, wounded and missing, all the guns and 50 horses. It resisted three attacks, but finally withdrew its remnant of 72 men. New equipment was soon received and it continued in service before Petersburg until the end of the siege. On June 3, 1865, it left Washington for Providence, where it was mustered out of the service on the 13th.

Battery C.—Captains, William B. Weeden, Richard Waterman. Battery C was recruited at Providence and mustered into the U. S. service on August 25, 1861, for a three years' term. It left Providence August 31 for Washington; was stationed at Camp Sprague until October; then successively at Fort Corcoran, Hall's hill and Miner's hill, where it was assigned to Morell's brigade, Porter's division, and participated in the Peninsular campaign. It was active at Yorktown; present at Hanover Court House; and took part in the Seven Days' battles, where its losses were 5 killed, 21 wounded and 5 missing, besides 3 guns, 2 caissons and 50 horses. It then participated in the second battle of Bull Run; was held in reserve at Antietam; was active at Fredericksburg, and went into winter quarters with the Army of the Potomac . In April, 1863, it broke camp and joined in the Chancellorsville movement; was attached to the 6th corps in June and participated in the battle of Gettysburg; was then in the engagement at Rappahannock Station and the Mine Run campaign. The winter of 1863-64 was spent in camp at Hazel run, Virginia, and in the spring and summer of 1864 was active in the constant fighting which brought the Army of the Potomac to Petersburg. On July 11, the command was ordered to Washington with the 6th corps to aid in repelling General Early, and afterwards joined in the pursuit of Early in the Shenandoah Valley, taking part in the battles of Winchester, Fisher's hill and Cedar creek, where its losses were heavy. On August 25, 1864, the original members not reenlisted were mustered out at Harper's Ferry and returned to Providence. On December 23, 1864, Battery C was consolidated with Battery G, with which it served until the close of the war. In total losses of killed and wounded, Battery C is ranked 4th of all the volunteer batteries in the war by Colonel Fox in his "Regimental Losses," and its conduct was distinguished for bravery. It lost 19 men killed or died of wounds and 8 from other causes.

Battery D.—Captains, John A. Monroe, William W. Buckley, Elmer L. Corthell. This battery was recruited at Providence, where it was mustered into the U. S. service for three years on September 4, 1861, and left immediately for Washington. It was ordered to Hall's hill, Virginia, and there assigned to Porter's division. In October it went into camp at Upton's hill until March 9, 1862, when it moved to Fairfax Court House and assigned to King's division, McDowell's corps, with which it moved to Bristoe, Catlett's station and Falmouth. In June it joined in the pursuit of General Jackson in the Shenandoah Valley; spent July in camp at Falmouth; in August it engaged at Rappahannock Station, Sulphur Springs, Groveton, and the second Bull Run, where it suffered a loss of 18 killed and wounded. At Antietam it had 39 men killed, wounded and missing; was active at Fredericksburg; was assigned to the 9th corps early in 1863 and on March 19 left Newport News for Lexington, Kentucky. It shared in the marches of the corps in Kentucky and Tennessee, being engaged at Campbell's station, and in the siege of Knoxville. Early in 1864 it returned to the Army of the Potomac and in April was stationed at Kernstown, Middletown and Winchester. In May it moved to Petersburg and was ordered to Washington, where its equipment was temporarily left at the arsenal, owing to a surplus of artillery in the field. When General Early threatened the city in July, 1864, the battery was again equipped and with the 19th corps was engaged at Winchester, Fisher's hill and Cedar creek. It remained in the Shenandoah Valley until July 10, 1865, when it left for Providence and was mustered out there on the 17th, having lost 10 men from wounds and 17 from other causes.

Battery E.—Captains, George E. Randolph, William B. Rhodes, Jacob H. Lamb. Battery E, recruited and organized at Providence, was there mustered into the U. S. service on September 30, 1861, for a three years' term, and left a few days later for Washington, where the first month was passed at Camp Sprague and the remainder of the winter in camp near Alexandria. In April, 1862, it was assigned to Hamilton's division (afterward Kearny's), with which it participated in the Peninsular campaign, being active at Yorktown and in the Seven Days' battles. Kearny then joined General Pope; was engaged at Bristoe Station, the second Bull Run and Chantilly, after which Battery E returned to Washington for refitting and was attached to Birney’s division, with which it fought at Fredericksburg. Winter quarters were occupied at Falmouth, and in the Chancellorsville movement the battery was again active, losing heavily, and four members receiving the "Kearny Cross" for bravery. At Gettysburg the battery lost 29 men killed or wounded. It shared in the actions at Kelly's ford and Mine Run, and then went into winter quarters at Brandy Station. In the Wilderness campaign the battery performed heroic service and its guns were then trained on one point after another of the Petersburg fortifications until their fall in April, 1865. After a few weeks spent at City Point, Virginia, Battery E left for Providence, where it was mustered out on June 14, 1865. The battery saw much hard service and met with heavy loss, being ranked by Colonel Fox 10th in the list of batteries, according to total number killed or died of wounds, viz.: 17 men. It also suffered 12 deaths from other causes.

Battery F.—Captains, James Belger, Thomas Simpson, organized at Providence, was there mustered into the U. S. service for three years on October 29, 1861, and left for Washington early in November. It joined the North Carolina expedition under General Burnside; camped at Hatteras inlet from December, 1861, to February 26, 1862; then moved to Roanoke island; thence to New Berne, where it performed picket duty as cavalry. Several expeditions into the surrounding country were undertaken during the following summer and winter, with actions at Whitehall Ferry, Goldsboro railroad bridge, and near Little Washington when the relief of that place was accomplished in April, 1863. New Berne continued to be the headquarters of the command during the summer of 1863; it embarked on October 30 for Norfolk, Virginia; was stationed at Yorktown during the winter, and left there on May 4, 1864, for Bermuda Hundred; engaged the enemy on the Richmond and Petersburg pike, at Drewry's bluff on May 12 and 16, the last time with the loss of 3 men killed, 14 wounded and 4 missing. It then proceeded to Petersburg, where it was engaged in the early assaults on the works; was engaged in several skirmishes; assisted in the capture of Fort Harrison; and occupied batteries Nos. 3 and 4 at Chaffin's farm during the winter of 1864-65. On April 7 it left camp for Richmond, and there remained until mustered out of the service, June 27, 1865, immediately after which the men returned to Providence . The total number of deaths in the battery was 27, of whom 10 men were killed in action or died of wounds and 17 from other causes. The record of the organization was always such as reflects credit on the state and upon its members.

Battery G.—Captains, Charles D. Owen, Horace S. Bloodgood. George W. Adams. Battery G. was organized at Providence, there mustered into the U. S. service for three years on Dec . 21, 1861, and sent to Camp Sprague, Washington, December 7. It was stationed there for several weeks, then at Poolesville, Edwards' ferry and Bolivar heights, near Harper's Ferry. In April it joined General McClellan's forces at Yorktown; was attached to Sedgwick's division; participated in the siege of Yorktown; the Seven Days' battles, and all the movements of the Peninsular campaign. It fought bravely at Antietam and Fredericksburg; went into winter quarters at Falmouth; joined in the Chancellorsville campaign, where the position of the battery was much exposed and bravely held with the loss of 5 men killed and 18 wounded. At Gettysburg it was prominent during all three days, and it continued with the Army of the Potomac during the southward march, the Mine Run campaign and in winter quarters at Brandy Station. In December, 1863, 28 members reenlisted. It participated in the battles of the Army of the Potomac early in the summer of 1864 leading up to Petersburg; was ordered with the 6th corps to Washington at the time of Early's raid; fought at Winchester, Fisher's hill and Cedar creek, rendering effective service in the last named and losing 4 men killed and 23 wounded. It then returned to Washington, was refitted and moved to Petersburg, where on April 2, 1865, Captain Adams with 17 picked men joined with the 6th corps in a daring assault on the enemy's works, in which the members of the battery captured the enemy's guns. In honor of this service the 17 men received special bronze medals issued by the war department to commemorate the occasion, and Captain Adams was brevetted Major, Lieut.-Colonel and Colonel Sailor's creek, April 6, was the final engagement of the battery and on June 16 it arrived in Providence, where it was mustered out on the 24th. The total loss was 2 officers and 8 men killed or died of wounds and 18 deaths from other causes.

Battery H.—Captains, Jeffrey Hazard, Crawford Allen, Jr. Battery H was organized at Providence in the summer of 1862, and there mustered into the U. S. service on October 14 for three years. On the 23d it left for Washington and was stationed at Camp Barry until January 23, 1863, when it was assigned to Casey's division. On May 1 a section was ordered to Rappahannock Station and a week later the entire command was ordered to Chantilly. Returning to Washington, it occupied Camp Barry, Fort Ward, Fort Richardson and other posts in the immediate vicinity of the capital until May 6, 1864. It was then attached to the artillery reserve of the Army of the Potomac at Spottsylvania Court House, but on May 31 returned to Washington. On Oct 25, it was again assigned to the artillery reserve of the Army of the Potomac and on January 3, 1865, was attached to the 6th corps, with which it shared in the final assault upon Petersburg. It was again in action at Sailor's creek and was stationed at Danville until June 16, when it left for Providence and was there mustered out on the 28th. The battery lost 2 members by death from wounds and 10 from accident or disease. While not called upon to render such difficult service as the other batteries of the regiment, the orders received by Battery H were always cheerfully and intelligently executed.

Tenth Light Battery.—Captain, Edwin C. Gallup. The 10th light battery, organized at Providence with the 9th and 10th infantry regiments, left for Washington in May, 1862, in three detachments and was mustered into the U. S. service for three months at Washington on the 26th. It was posted at Camp Frieze, Tennallytown, until June 23, when it moved to Cloud's mills, but received orders to return to Washington and spent the remainder of its term of service in camp near Fort Pennsylvania. On August 30, 1862, it was mustered out at Providence, having lost 1 member by death from accident.

First Cavalry.—Colonels, Robert B. Lawton, Alfred N. Duffle; Lieut. Colonels, Willard Sayles, John L. Thompson; Majors, Willard Sayles, William Sanford, John L. Thompson, Robert C. Anthony, John Whipple, Jr., D. B. Nelson, Edmund C. Burt, Preston M. Farrington, Stephen R. Swett, William H. Turner, Jr., John Rogers. The 1st cavalry was organized as the New England cavalry, mentioned under the New Hampshire regiments, containing two battalions from Rhode Island and one battalion of four companies from New Hampshire. It rendezvoused at Cranston in the autumn of 1861; passed the winter at Camp Arnold, Pawtucket, where it was mustered in on December 14, for three years; and left for Washington in two detachments, March 12 and 14, 1862. It numbered 1,000 members, and upon its arrival at Washington was assigned to the cavalry brigade under General Hatch of the 5th corps, with which it camped at Warrenton Junction during the month of April. On May 5 it moved to Catlett's station, and soon afterward joined the 1st corps under General McDowell on the way to Front Royal, where the 3d battalion, which was in the lead, had a sharp brush with the enemy, losing 10 men killed and wounded and recapturing a number of Union prisoners. On June 2 the regiment, with the exception of Cos. E and G, was attached to Ricketts' division and moved to Manassas. Cos. E and G, as the advance guard of the force under General Shields in pursuit of Jackson, accompanied the column to Columbia bridge and returned to the regiment. on June 11. At Culpeper, the 1st was united with General Pope's army and participated in the fight at Cedar mountain, receiving complimentary mention for gallantry in action from General Banks. The regiment was active at Groveton, the second Bull Run and Chantilly, after which it was assigned to General Stoneman's corps of observation and took part in many scouting and reconnoitering expeditions, skirmishing with the enemy from time to time. The command bivouacked at Poolesville, Maryland, until October 27, when it moved to Falmouth, Virginia, and was then constantly in performance of picket duty, engaging at Montville with some loss. On December 1, the regiment was assigned to the 2nd cavalry brigade, under General Averell, center grand division, Army of the Potomac, and during the battle of Fredericksburg was engaged in protecting supply and ammunition trains. The winter of 1862-63 was passed in camp at Falmouth, where the regiment became a part of the 1st brigade, commanded by Colonel Duffle. The women of Providence presented to the regiment by Governor Sprague a handsome stand of colors, which was greatly appreciated. In February, 1863, the cavalry repulsed an attack from the rear and at Kelly's ford in March a general cavalry engagement occurred, in which the conduct of the 1st was brilliant and the loss severe, 26 men being killed or wounded. In April the command participated in General Stoneman's noted raid toward Richmond. It fought at Chancellorsville, and at Middleburg the regiment was surrounded and had great difficulty making its escape, with the loss of 5 killed, 14 wounded and 200 captured. It was badly scattered and disorganized, but under command of Lieut.-Colonel Thompson was refitted and rejoined the Army of the Potomac at Gettysburg in time to participate in the many cavalry skirmishes and engagements of the autumn of 1863. The regiment formed a part of the 1st brigade, 2nd cavalry division, and participated in the battles of Culpeper Court House, Rapidan Station, Pony mountain, Sulphur springs, Auburn, Bristoe Station, Wolf run and Rappahannock Station. On November 20, it was ordered to report for duty to General Kenly and ordered to guard the railroad communications with the 1st corps, after which the 1st battalion was posted at Warrenton Junction, the 2nd at Bealeton and the 3d at Catlett's station. On January 5, 1864, the New Hampshire battalion was detached from the regiment, 260 members of which reenlisted and upon their return from Providence April 14, the remainder was reorganized and assigned to the defenses of Washington. Here it was dismounted and attached to Lowell's cavalry brigade. On May 14, it was again equipped and mounted, when it was assigned to Abercrombie's brigade at Belle Plain and engaged in scouting and reconnoitering along the Rappahannock and Pamunkey rivers with occasional skirmishes with the enemy. In August, when the defenses of Washington were reinforced by the arrival of the 6th corps from Petersburg, the 1st became part of General Sheridan's army and shared in all the movements of the Shenandoah Valley campaign. It was active at Charlestown, Kearneysville, Smithville, Berryville, Summit Point, Winchester, Fisher's hill, Milford creek, New Market, Waynesboro, Kernstown, Woodstock, Cedar creek and Rude's hill. Late in December the regiment was attached to the cavalry reserves and upon the expiration of the term of the original members not reenlisted it became necessary to consolidate the veterans into a battalion of four companies. This was done on January 1, 1865, and the battalion went into winter quarters with Sheridan's army near Winchester. In February, 1865, it left camp to take part in the movement which led up to the battle of Five Forks, in which it was active as also at the second battle of Waynesboro, after which it returned to Winchester as escort for prisoners. It was present at the paroling of the Confederates at Mount Jackson and on June 22, was ordered to Baltimore, where it was mustered out on August 3, 1865. The total strength of the regiment was 1,551 members, of whom 1 officer and 16 men were killed or died of wounds and 2 officers and 77 men from accident, imprisonment or disease. The regiment participated in the grand review at Washington and arrived at Providence August 5.

Seventh Squadron, Cavalry.—Major, Augustus W. Corliss. The 7th squadron was composed of two companies, one from Providence and one from Dartmouth university, New Hampshire, and Norwich university, Vt . It rendezvoused at the Dexter training grounds, Providence, and was mustered into the U. S. service June 24, 1862, at Providence, for three months. It left for Washington on the 28th; camped at Gales' wood and Camp Sprague; was ordered to Alexandria on July 25 under General Sturgis; moved to Winchester and was there stationed until the expiration of its term of service early in September. The members volunteered, however, to remain during the campaign in Maryland; camped at Maryland heights, opposite Harper's Ferry, and then moved to Greencastle, returning to Providence Sept . 26, where they were mustered out.

Second Cavalry.—Lieut.-Colonel, Augustus W. Corliss; Majors, Augustus W. Corliss, Robert C. Anthony, C. N. Manchester. This regiment, organized at Providence during the autumn and early winter of 1862, was mustered into the U. S. service in two battalions, November 21 and Dec . 1, 1862, for three years. The regiment was ordered to join the forces of General Banks at New Orleans; participated in the Port Hudson movement, the Bayou Teche expedition, the siege of Port Hudson, and in an expedition near Jackson, Louisiana, in which it was twice engaged, and was attacked at Brashear City, where it lost many prisoners. Sickness had also aided in reducing the number of effective men and on August 24, 1863, the regiment was consolidated into a battalion of four companies and joined to the 1st Louisiana cavalry. This transfer roused great opposition among the Rhode Island men, who refused to obey the order until forced to do so. Their resistance was so determined that in order to enforce discipline 2 of their number were shot in the presence of their comrades. Protests from Governor Smith of Rhode Island caused the final transfer of the battalion to the 3d R. I. cavalry, which was effected on January 14, 1864. The 2nd lost 4 men by death from wounds and 31 by death from other causes.

Third Cavalry.—Colonel, Willard Sayles; Lieut.-Colonel, Charles H. Parkhurst; Majors, George R. Davis, Edmund C. Burt, Raymond H. Perry. The 3d cavalry, recruited at Mashapaug, Providence and Jamestown during the summer and autumn of 1863, was mustered into the U. S. service for a three years' term, the 1st battalion in September, 1863, and the others during the winter of 1863-64. On December 31, 1863, the regiment embarked for New Orleans, where it received in February two companies from the 2nd R. I. cavalry and was assigned to the 5th cavalry brigade under Colonel Gooding. It participated in the Red River expedition, being engaged at Pleasant Hill, Cane river and a number of minor affairs. Returning to Alexandria on April 25, it performed picket duty for a while and was engaged at Governor Moore's plantation, Marksville and Yellow bayou. Owing to a scarcity of horses the regiment turned in its equipments on June 23 and served as infantry until September 20. In the meantime other detachments had arrived from Rhode Island until the regiment numbered twelve companies, six of which were mounted on Sept . 27 and sent to Bayou La Fourche, followed soon after by the remainder of the regiment . Picket duty and reconnoitering expeditions engaged the regiment until it was mustered out at New Orleans, November 29, 1865. The 3d cavalry lost 8 men killed or died from wounds, and suffered 139 deaths from other causes, chief among which were the diseases incident to the climate, to which the men from the northern states were particularly susceptible.


ELISHA HUNT RHODES

Elisha Hunt Rhodes is the eldest son of Captain Elisha H. and Eliza A. Rhodes, and a lineal descendant in the ninth generation from Roger Williams. He was born in Pawtuxet, town of Cranston, R. I., March 21, 1842, and was educated in the village schools of Pawtuxet, the Fountain street grammar school of Providence, and Potter & Hammond's commercial college of the same city. His father was a sea-captain and was lost at sea on Lenyard's key, Abaco, December 10, 1858, when the subject of this sketch was sixteen years old. The son left school about that time and went to work in the office of Frederick Miller. a manufacturer of mill supplies, of Providence, where he remained until the breaking out of the Civil war. On June 5, 1861, he was mustered in as a private in Co. D, 2nd R. I. infantry, with which he served throughout the war until July 28, 1865. He participated in every campaign of the Army of the Potomac from Bull Run to Appomattox, a period of 4 years and 52 days. He was made corporal on the day of his muster and promotions came to him as follows: sergeant-major, March 1, 1862; second lieutenant, July 24, 1862; first lieutenant, March 2, 1863; adjutant, November 7, 1863; captain, May 5, 1864. On June 5, 1864, he assumed the command of the regiment and retained it until the close of the war. He was commissioned brevet-major, U. S. volunteers for gallant conduct at the battle of Winchester, September 19, 1864; became lieutenant-colonel, January 31, 1865, was brevetted colonel for gallant conduct at the battle of Petersburg, April 2, 1865; and on July 18 was commissioned colonel for gallant conduct during the war. On his return to his native state he became identified with its military affairs and rendered valuable services in connection therewith. On June 25, 1879, he was elected brigadier-general of the Rhode Island militia, and remained in command for a period of thirteen years. On relinquishing command of the brigade he was placed on the retired list with the rank of brigadier-general, and the legislature by joint resolutions of thanks further showed their appreciation of his services. These resolutions by order of the legislature were cast in bronze upon a tablet of original and artistic design, embodying the insignia of the state and emblematic of the services performed. General Rhodes is a charter member of Prescott Post No. 1, Grand Army of the Republic, Department of Rhode Island, having joined in the establishment of the post. 229 He was the first adjutant of the post, holding such position during the year 1867, and was post commander in 1868. He was assistant adjutant-general, Department of Rhode Island, G. A. R., in 1871, and commander of the department during the years 1872-73. He was senior vice-commander-in-chief, Grand Army of the Republic, in 1877 and the same year held the office of vice-president of the Army of the Potomac society. He is also a member of the Massachusetts Commandery, Military Order of the Loyal Legion. He was the prime mover in organizing the Soldier's and Sailor's Historical society of Rhode Island; was the first president of the society, and continued to hold that office for seven years. He has also held the position of president of the 2nd R. I. volunteer infantry and Battery A, veteran association; has been actively identified with other military and civil societies, and by such connection has exercised a large measure of wholesome influence. He has also been a working and honored member of several benevolent and fraternal organizations; has been at the head of the Golden Rule Lodge, Knights of Honor; and has also filled the position of grand dictator of that order in the state. In the Masonic fraternity he has received many honors at the hands of his brethren, and after filling other positions he was advanced to the highest office in the state—that of grand master—which he filled for two terms. He is also a member of the Masonic Veterans' association of Rhode Island. He served as a member of the school board of Providence for a number of years; was appointed collector of internal revenue for the district of Rhode Island in July, 1875, and continued to hold that office until June, 1885. In the last named year he was elected assessor of taxes in the city of Providence, an office which he has since held by repeated elections, and is now (1907) chairman of the board of assessors. He is president of the incorporation called "Home for the Aged Men" and is vice-president of the society for the prevention of cruelty to children, devoting a great deal of attention to these charitable institutions. He is a life-long member of the Central Baptist church of Providence, a member of the board of deacons and has served many years as superintendent of the Sabbath School. General Rhodes has done a great deal of public speaking upon memorial occasions, and other gatherings of his old comrades in arms, and has also been the orator upon Masonic and other occasions. In the compilation of this work, devoted to the glorious record of the Union army, he revised and edited the manuscript pertaining to the military affairs in Rhode Island. General Rhodes was married June 12, 1866, to Caroline P. Hunt, daughter of Joshua Hunt of Providence and their union has been blessed by two children.