CHAPTER X.

THE NINTH RECEIVES MANY SOLDIERS WHO HAD SERVED UNDER GEN. TWIGGS A HIGH TRIBUTE TO THE REGIMENT FROM GEN. BUTLER IMPORTANT MOVEMENTS IN WHICH OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE NINTH PARTICIPATE DEATH OF CORPORAL JOHN P. COEN OF WATERBURY A CAPTURE BY SERGEANT PHILIP REILLY VARIOUS ORDERS TO THE REGIMENT.

THE NINTH had received a number of accessions to its ranks in New Orleans, mainly in 1862. Many of those thus enlisting had served in the old Regular army under Gen. David E. Twiggs. The latter was a native of Georgia, and entered the service as captain in 1812. He became a major of infantry in the year 1814, and in 1836 was a colonel of dragoons.

He commanded a brigade in the war with Mexico and rendered distinguished service at the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma. On June 30, 1846, he became a brigadier general and for gallantry at Monterey was breveted major general. He had command of a division, under Scott, in 1847 and the next vear ne was made civil and military governor of Vera Cruz. Early in 1861, Twiggs was in command of the U. S. troops in the De¬partment of Texas, and betrayed his trust, thus blighting his long and honorable military career. On Feb. 16, 1861, he treacherously surrendered to the Confederate authorities in Texas, all the U. S. troops in that State, numbering about 2,500, together with the stores and munitions of war valued at $1,200,000. He also surrendered the forts in his Department. He was forthwith dismissed "from the Army of the United States for treachery to the flag of his country."

He was given a position of prominence in the Confederate army and was, for a time, in command of the rebel forces in New Orleans. He resigned this place late in 1861. The U. S. troops whom he had betrayed into the hands of the Confederates in Texas remained loyal to the Union, as did most of their officers. They were allowed to leave Texas. Some of them subsequently enlisted into the Ninth Connecticut and were the accessions referred to above.

Gen. Butler pays the following tribute to' the Ninth:

''When I occupied New Orleans I wanted to encamp a regiment in Lafayette Square, a small park in the centre of the city. The streets around it were inhabited by the best families. I chose the Ninth Connecticut. They re¬mained in camp about three months, and so well did they conduct themselves that when I was about to move them elsewhere and put another regiment in their stead, * *

* I had a very large petition presented to me of all the neighbors of their camp to have them remain. Their conduct was so exemplary, their care of the children who went to play in the park so tender and kind, that the in¬habitants hoped that I would allow them to stay, as they did not think I could send them another regiment that would please them so well."

In another place, referring to this incident, Gen. Butler says: "I told them I had none better, but I thought I had one as good, so the order was executed. But the Irishmen of the Ninth Connecticut were like the Irishmen in all armies in all countries, very excellent soldiers."

Corporal John P. Coen, of Company F, was accident¬ally killed May 27, 1863, at Kennerville, La. His death cast a gloom over the company by every member of which he was highly esteemed. He belonged in Water-bury, Ct., and had enlisted Sept. 16, 1861. The circum¬stances attending his death were as follows: He and his company were ordered to proceed into New Orleans.

On May 26, 1863, with a detachment of ten men he went to the city, the rest of the company expecting to go the day following. In the meantime, however, the order was countermanded and the detachment in the city was ordered to return. They accordingly left New Orleans May 27. The train stopped for a short time at Kenner-ville and Corporal Coen and a number of others got off for a little exercise and to rest themselves. Suddenly, the train started and while the Corporal was attempt¬ing to get aboard, he slipped and fell outside the track, striking on his head. Death resulted. When his brother, Corporal Michael P. Coen, of the same company, received information of the fatality, he was twenty-seven miles away, but immediately started for the 'scene and took charge of the body. The latter was conveyed to New Orleans and given a soldier's burial at Chalmette. A braver, truer defender of the Union never lived than Corporal John P. Coen.

An officer of Company C, of the Ninth, kept a mem¬orandum of the company's movements during the war. A few extracts therefrom are here given:

"Oct. 31, 1862, to Dec. 31, 1862. The company has been constantly with its regiment since last muster until Dec. 4, '62, when the company was ordered on detached service to Lake End, La. On Dec. 13, one sergeant and twelve privates went aboard the U. S. gunboat New London and proceeded to Furnier and MadisonviUe on an expedition against guerrillas. Returned Dec. 15, after driving in the pickets of the enemy.

"Dec. 31, 1862, to Feb. 28, 1863. The company has been on detached service since last muster at Lake End; made several important captures of parties attempting to run the blocka'de.

"April 30, 1863, to June 30, 1863. On May 26 this company was sent to New Orleans for special duty; re¬mained there till June; thence proceeded, with four other

CORPORAL JOHN P. COEN.
(A good type of the Union soldier in active service).

companies of the Ninth, on an expedition to Bonita Sta¬tion, La.; remained there until June 22; proceeded thence to Bayou La Fourche where the company had a brisk engagement with the enemy; three men wounded. The expedition then returned to New Orleans.

"Aug. 31, 1863, to Oct. 31, 1863. The company in La-layette Square, New Orleans, since last muster. One sergeant and eight men were detailed to serve on Signal Corps by Special Order No. 181, Headquarters, Depart¬ment of the Gulf. One sergeant, two corporals and eight men sent North as guard to prisoners, by Orders 193-203, Headquarters, Second Brigade, Fourth Division. Lieut. Payne on detached service."

Sergt. Philip Reilly, of Company E, modestly narrates an incident in which he participated. In the winter of 1863, he was in command of a detachment of his com¬pany, stationed at Bay St. John. One evening while out reconnoitering with Corporal Ryan, the two heard an unusual sound. Listening intently, they became satisfied that it was caused by heavy wagons. Sergt. Ryan and his companion concealed themselves until the wagons had reached a point opposite, when they sprang from their hiding place and sternly called to the drivers to "Halt and surrender!" The demand was promptly complied with. An investigation disclosed the fact, that the Ser¬geant and his friend had captured two heavily laden wagons with three able-bodied men in charge. "The next step," writes Sergt. Reilly, "was to decide what to do with our prisoners. We reached a decision promptly, and took them to Lakeport, a distance of about three miles over a lonely road. As we had nothing but our side arms, we had to be very watchful. After reach¬ing Lakeport, we awoke Capt. Sheridan, and turned over to him our prisoners and the wagons. The contents of the latter proved to be quite valuable and consisted of medicine, clothing and whiskey intended for the Con¬federates across the Lake."

Sergt. Reilly, just mentioned, while in command, in March, 1863, of an outpost at Bayou St. John, partici¬pated in the capture of a blockade runner. She had aboard a large quantity of goods, including over $2,000,-000 in Confederate paper money which was being taken to Richmond for the signature of the Confederate treas¬urer. The bills had been made in Europe and brought to New Orleans by rebel sympathizers.

When Gen. Beauregard's wife died in New Orleans, her brother and some other relatives called upon Gen. Banks. They spoke to him concerning the funeral ar¬rangements, and explained that if a sympathetic demon¬stration took place, they would not be responsible in case of a clash with U. S. troops. Gen. Banks referred the callers to the provost marshal, Gen. James Bowen. The latter called in Capt. Lawrence O'Brien, of the Ninth, and introducing him to the delegation, left them to com¬plete the arrangements for the funeral. It was decided that the presence of troops would not be necessary. On the day of the funeral, Capt. O'Brien, in full uniform, rode in an open carriage with a relative of Mrs. Beaure¬gard, from the house to the cathedral. A requiem High Mass was celebrated at the latter place. Every seat in the cathedral was occupied, and the vast concourse inside and out, evidenced by their presence the esteem in which the deceased lady was held. Capt. O'Brien also accom¬panied the funeral cortege from the cathedral to the steamboat and so on to where the interment took place.

An officer of the Ninth, writing in March, 1863, from Pass Manchac, Lake Maurepas, La., gives the following interesting accounts of some events then transpiring: "For several days past arrangements had been made for an expedition across Lake Maurepas. This was, as far as I am able to ascertain, to annoy the enemy by making an attack on whatever Confederate forces might be sta¬tioned at the different villages along the neighboring rivers. By so doing, the rebels would be obliged to send

re-enforcements from Port Hudson to the several sta¬tions, thus weakening that point. By this means, the capture of Port Hudson, by Farragut's fleet and Banks' forces, would be assisted. At 9 o'clock on the morning of March 22, the Second New York zouaves, numbering about 400 men, arrived at the Lake and were immedi¬ately ordered to embark on board several schooners that were in waiting. A 12-pounder rifled gun was placed aboard one of the schooners, and a similar gun on a steamer present. These guns were manned by men of Companies C and F, of the Ninth, all under the charge of Lieut. Payne. A U. S. yacht and the gunboat Baritaria, being short of men, a call was made for some from our regiment which call was complied with, and the order was given to start.

"I asked permission to accompany the expedition, the same was granted and by invitation of Capt. Spear I went aboard the yacht just mentioned. About noon, the gun¬boat got under way and started for a station where the captain had been ordered to communicate with Col. Clark of the Sixth Michigan regiment who was to march up the Jackson railroad to Pass Manchac. The remainder of the fleet followed. We had a very rough passage across the lake. The schooners rolled and tossed and even the steamer mentioned had a hard time of it. One of her smokestacks was blown down. The boys seemed to enjoy the trip, however, the zouaves rendering their favorite war songs during the passage. We arrived off Pass Manchac about 5 p. m., and there found Col. Clark with detach¬ments of the Sixth Michigan, Twenty-fourth Maine, Fourteenth Maine and one company of the 177th New York. The fleet anchored for the night.

"The N. Y. Zouaves commenced landing on the morn¬ing of March 23, and marched up the railroad. Soon there was an encounter with rebel pickets and one man was killed at this point. The rebels fled. Our troops found two schooners, loaded with cotton, and took a

„uiiiDer of prisoners. About 4 o'clock March 23, the remainder of our troops were conveyed up the river and landed at Wadesboro that evening. Skirmishers were thrown out and soon discovered the rebel pickets. There was sharp firing on both sides, the rebels falling back. Our forces occupied Wadesboro and Ponchatoula, La., March 24, secured the telegraph station, postoffice and commissary house, burned the rebel camp, and secured a number of rifles, swords, etc. Two companies were sent out to destroy the bridge between Ponchatoula and Camp Moore.

"During the engagement with the enemy, there were wounded on our side Capt. Dodge and three men of the 177th New York and three of the New York Zouaves. On the rebel side, their commander and about a dozen men were wounded and one man killed."

On Dec. 6, 1863, Capt. John G. Healy and Lieut. John Carroll, with Company C, of the Ninth, were sent to Com¬pany Canal, La., where was stationed a battalion of cavalry, comprising 250 negro soldiers and ten white officers. The negro soldiers were committing depredations and ter¬rorizing the whites in and about that section of country. Their officers had no control over them. Company C, of the Ninth, was kept under cover while Capt. Healy re¬ported to the commanding officer of the cavalry battalion and agreed with him upon a plan of action. This under¬standing reached, Capt. Healy was introduced to the negro troops as an "inspecting officer." The ceremony was forthwith begun. During the inspection of quarters, the negroes were ordered to place their sabres in their tents, and then to parade for inspection of uniforms. At a signal to Lieut. Carroll, Company C was quietly brought to the rear of the tents, unperceived by the negroes. Suddenly, the company, with bayonets fixed and guns loaded, was moved to a position in front of the tents, thus rendering it impossible for the negroes to re-

gain possession of their sabres. The rebellious cavalry thus disarmed and foiled were marched to Fort Banks and kept there till next day when a steamer arrived and the prisoners, by order of Gen. Reynolds, were placed on board. The spirit of ugliness was completely taken out of them. Capt. Healy remained in command of Fort Banks several days. On Dec. 22, Company C returned to New Orleans.

Following is another budget of orders issued, at New Orleans, to the Ninth, by Lieut. Col. Fitz Gibbon:

July 6, 1863. "Commandants of companies will immediately take steps to have their unserviceable tents condemned by proper authority."

July 9, 1863. "In compliance with Special Order No. 118, Headquarters Second Brigade, Second Division, I hereby assume command of all convalescents now in La¬fayette Square, and all others who may hereafter be ordered to report. First Lieutenant Addis E. Payne, of Company C. and Second Lieutenant Andrew Cole, of Company K, are hereby ordered to take charge of said convalescents. They will be immediately organized into companies, at the maximum strength, and will, until fur¬ther orders, be considered as part of the regiment. Such of them as are without arms and accoutrements will be immediately supplied with such by Lieutenant Corbin

* * * The officers detailed to command these men will be held responsible for their good conduct and disci¬pline.",p. July 11, 1863. "First Sergeant Charles W. Alcott, of Company I, is hereby relieved of the command of paroled Confederate prisoners, stationed at Lafayette Square, and also of that of the negroes there employed. Second Ser¬geant J. T. Piatt, of Company K, is hereby appointed to command paroled Confederate prisoners, stationed in Lafayette Square, and also to take charge of the negroes

there employed. He will be particular in attending to the wants of the prisoners, and pay great attention to keeping the Square clean and in a healthy condition."

July 30, 1863. "William H. Andrews, Corporal, Com¬pany K, is detailed as clerk at Brigade headquarters. Private Michael King, of Company K, this regiment, is detailed as orderly at Regimental headquarters. * * ' Aug. 25, 1863. "Sergeant Eben B. Evarts, of Com¬pany E, is hereby transferred to Company F and ap¬pointed first sergeant of said company. Private John Hurlbert [Hulbert], of Company C, is hereby transferred to Company F and appointed second sergeant of said company. They will be obeyed and respected accordingly. The commandants of Companies E and C will furnish the above named sergeants with their descriptive lists, and account of pay and clothing, immediately."

Aug. 25, 1863. "The Ninth regiment will be mustered for pay on Monday, August 31. Commandants of com¬panies will see that every man is present, in full marching order, and able to undergo a very strict inspection. The companies at present stationed in Lafayette Square will form in line at 6 o'clock a. m. Company G will be mus¬tered at 10 o'clock in the rear of U. S. Barracks. Com¬panies A and H, stationed on the Mexican Gulf railroad, will be mustered on the arrival of the 10 o'clock train from New Orleans."

Sept. 17, 1863. "The regular monthly inspection of this regiment will commence on the 25th inst. The regi¬ment will be inspected by Lieut. H. K. Oliver, A. A. Inspector-General of the brigade. The inspection will com¬mence and proceed in the following order: Companies B, C, D, E, F, I, and K, at Lafayette Square, on Friday morning, Sept. 25, 1863, at 6 o'clock; Company A, at Proctorville, on Saturday the 26th of September, 1863; Company H, at Camp Chalmette, and G, at U. S. Bar¬racks, on Monday, 28th September, 1863. Commandants

of companies will see that all company books are signed and posted up to date and ready for a strict inspection; that the men of their commands have everything in ac¬cordance with army regulations; that quarters and kitchens are clean and neat, and, in fact, that everything pertaining to their commands is in perfect order."

Oct. 8, 1863. "Hereafter, on the old guard being relieved, it will, under command of its officer, constitute a police guard whose duty it shall be to keep the camp in a clean and neat condition. The officer in charge will be held responsible that the policing of the camp is com¬pleted each day before 10 o'clock a. m.

Oct. 10, 1863. "The regular monthly inspection of the companies comprising the Ninth regiment, Connecticut Volunteers, by the Acting Assistant Inspector General of the Second Brigade, Fourth Division, Nineteenth Army Corps, will take place in the following order: Companies B, C, D, E, F, and K, stationed at Lafayette Square, New Orleans, on Thursday next, the 15th inst. Companies G and H, stationed at U. S. Barracks, New Orleans, and Chalmette, La., on Friday, 16th inst. Company A, sta¬tioned at Proctorville, La., on Saturday, 17th inst. Com¬pany commanders will see that everything pertaining to their commands is in good order. * * * It not being known at what hour the inspection will take place, all companies will be in readiness to form on the color line by 6 o'clock a. m. Each company commander will in¬struct his men who are on outpost duty to report to him at the time specified, leaving only those who are stationed as sentries at that time. Immediately after inspection, each company commander will hand to the adjutant an inspection report of his company, giving the number of men present, and absent and where, the number of guns in his possession, kind and calibre; the amount of ammu¬nition on hand and, in short, a report of the company and all that pertains thereto. * * * "

Oct. 14, 1863. " * * * Company commanders are authorized to enlist, as cooks, two men of color for each thirty men of their commands. Commandants of companies will, therefore, select good men for this pur¬pose prior to the 20th inst, at which time they will be mustered into the United States service. * * * "

Oct. 21, 1863. "The following named persons of this regiment have been commissioned by His Excellency, Governor Buckingham of Connecticut, as follows: First Lieutenant Thomas Fitz Gibbon, Company G, as quar¬termaster, vice Quartermaster Thomas Corbin * * * ; Second Lieutenant John C. Curtis, Company G, as first lieutenant same company, vice Lieutenant Thomas Fitz-Gibbon commissioned quartermaster; Second Lieuten¬ant James Cahill, Company D, as first lieutenant same company, vice Lieutenant Richard A. Clancey * * * ; Second Lieutenant Garry T. Scott, Company F, as first lieutenant same company, vice First Lieutenant John Carroll transferred to Company B ; Commissary Sergeant James Lawler as second lieutenant, Company C, vice Second Lieutenant Patrick Ingoldsby."

Oct. 21, 1863. "Private Frederick Smedel, of Com¬pany I, is hereby appointed commissary sergeant, vice Commissary Sergeant Lawler promoted."

Nov. 14, 1863. " * * * Capt. John G. Healy, of Company C, with Second Lieutenant Michael Mullins, of Company E, and twenty (20) enlisted men of the for¬mer company, is hereby detailed to proceed to Company Canal, La., and assume command of that post."

Nov. 19, 1863. "Second Lieutenant Andrew Cole, of Company K, is, in addition to his other duties, hereby appointed regimental recruiting officer. No other officer is authorized to enlist men for the regiment."

Dec. 1, 1863. "A council of adminstration is hereby appointed, composed of the following named officers: Captain Patrick Garvey, of Company B; First Lieuten-

ant Francis McKeon, of Company E; First Lieutenant James Cahill, of Company D, whose duty shall be to dis¬pose of the effects of deceased soldiers, in accordance with the seventeenth Article of the Revised Regulations."

Dec. 13, 1863. "Commanders of companies will at once proceed to close all accounts, of the enlisted men of their commands, for clothing, etc., with the United States for the year 1863. The amount due the United States, and due the soldier, will be entered in the column of 'Re¬marks,' on the muster and pay rolls of November and December, 1863."