Francis C. Green in the Civil War
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Civil War letters from Francis C. Green to his wife Catherine.
Francis
served in the 150th N.Y. Vols., Co. B, in the band.
(transcribed and edited by Loreen Wells)
Camp Belger My Dear Dec. 16 1862 Wife I received Your welcomb letter yesterday. I am glad to hear That all well and getting along. Rion sent a lot of Money to Mariah. I don't know how much. he works for himself he is excused from drills and it costs him nothing for rent wood light and Grub and I think he has the best job he ever had at Shoemaking in his life I'd like to know how it could be better. don't forget to send the Blacking Brush in that Box. I think that Cora and Charley must look first rate * I get along first rate with the Band. Samuel Cables is in the Band to play the Symbolus. Chas Hopkins is playing a Trombone. a Brother of our Chaplain is leader of the Band. I ment that small Glass that was kept in the little drawers but You kneed not send it as we are going to put in and buy one. That piese that You cut out of the paper and sent signed B L Smith some parts is so there is not over 550 men that can be raised there is generaly on dress parade about 350 men. As to what is going to be done with us is more than I can say but there is some talks about the 151 being * consolidated with us but I don't believe it I don't see how it is to be done. at all events the Officers are doing there best to do something. time will tell what. Give my respects to all enquireing Friends I wish Cora & Charley Their vary Merry Christmas I hope Santa Clause will find the little Stockens. I was to work on our Bunks in the Barracks to day and expect to get in them tomorrow. Give My love to all the Family and I remain Your Husband &c Francis C Green You can send me some paper ane envelopes as I have 4 sheets of paper 7 Envelopes * John R. Thompson is here to night. Also Ind_ Emegt from Poughkeepsie I sent You that money for You to use as You thought best it is all that I could share as I want to go out on town and buy somethings at times to eat and use we expect to get paid next month for 2 monthes. Bart makes some days 2 dollars and more _________________ Belger Barracks Dear Kate June 12, 1863 I received Your letter and papers I sent You 3 papers. Wm. I Bullis is comeing to Poughkeepsie to day and he will call after those shirts if You have an extra white handker chief You dont want You can put it in. Yesterday we left at daylight for to turn out for 7 loges of Odd Fellows (Dutch princeply) they had another Band also Orchestra of the Front st Theatre we had the best picknick I ever went to we got 2 dollars I send You half of it they had Dances. Speeches. Frolicking Concert singing, Bands playing, and Lager Beer, and everyone enjoyed it tiptop. to day we play in Drued Hill Park to night we * Serenade Coln. Elliott. on Monday night we play for the Floral Festival for Ice cream. I have sent home another Book by F Pells Bundle for You to take care of for me. I am very sorry to hear of Bob being so ill I hope he will get better I want to see him again Give him my kindest respects, remember me to Mrs. Coles & Family. Give my respects to Father Mother and all the Familiy and all enquireing Friends. Edd Fell was sentenced to be shot but President A Lincoln has given him an unconditional Discharge. Kiss the Children for Me & I remain Truly Your Most affectionate and loveing Husband F C Green __________________________ Kelleys Ford Friday 29th 63 Mrs Green i take the libberty to rite you a few lines to inform you of frank he wanted me to rite to you and tell you how he was. i am sitting by his side on the Bed he has got a feaver but the doctor dont know what the feaver is but he is very sick i have Been to see him Every day and he appears to be the same he dont want to go to the hospital for he is as well off in his tent. his tent mat takes the best of care of him and the Boys all do the same and i think he will get along after a while he told the doctor he wanted to go to a hospital where he can be under better care. you need not worry at all about him at all for he is in good hands he has been sick about the time he sent you the money and he has not Eat any * in about eight or nine days and he is very weak he cant sit up at all. he received your letter you sent last Wednesday. i had a small Box sent to me and i gave him a little drink of mine and a Piece of Cake and it appeared to taste so good to him. i have been sick myself but i am better now it is bad weather down here so hot days and chilley nights but Frank has got a good a bed as can be had and i hope he will get along he sends his love to you and little Charley and Corah and would like to see you and his little ones and that is the Case with myself you know i guess i will have to stop it is near noon and the mail goes at noon and i have just time Enough to get it in good bye i remain your your and his Friend Frank Pell rite as soon as you can _____________________________ Kelleys Ford Dear Sept 10th Kate I have just received Yours with 2 dollars in it could not have come at a better I was out of money and they dont give us half enough to Eat and such poor food for sick men for 4 days after Frank wrote I was perfectly Crasey but I have Got pretty strong now my Fever is broke it was the Typhoid fever that I'v had. You sent me a Box I hope You did not put in any Liquer Brandy Gin or any Thing of the sort if You have The Boxes are opened at Washington and they Confiscated * I am looking out for the Box I wish I had it now I cant write much so You must excuse me I feel I am gaining the Dr says I will get over it now and I think so to no more at present Kiss the Children for me & I remain Truly Yours F C Green PS I suppose that Henry has told You of Dear Mothers Death ________________________ Kelley's Ford Dear Kate Monday Morning Sept 14 1863 I thought as I felt pretty smart I would write I am getting along Tip Top I have got so I walk out every morning for a short walk I sett up most of the time in fact I'm getting along good I feel as if I was getting stronger slowly. Coln. Ketchem told me he received a Telegraph from You. I have not heard anything of that Box yett. I see that Abe Westmiller is drafted and all the Shurter Boys and lots of others. it has been sunshine every day and now its all rain I wish You could send me a towl though the post office they charge 50 cents for a very slimp -sey one here. I will tell * how I was taken I was out on inspection the sun was very hot I was taken with a head ache and in 2 minutes was perfectly Blind I was led to my tent and was taken with an awful fever the Dr Came and said it was a very bad case I was ordered to the Hospital and I was met by the Coln. he wanted to know what was the matter I tried to tell him but was getting out of my Head and that is the last I knew for 4 days after which I gained every day in strength I never expected to get up again I could hear the men say he is very sick but I was insenceble of everything but I thank God he has raised me out of danger. there is a very large proportion of the Reg is sick we have about * 150 men fit for duty most of these men are not dangerous they think that Lieut Marshall cannot live but all the rest are doing good. The Lieut Coln has left us and Major Smith will be promoted to his place Yesterday John Vassar held a very interesting prayer Meeting in front of our tent Joseph Bartlett is here he was drafted in Poughkeepsie he has the apppointment as Chaplan of the 145 Reg he tried to get in this Regt but I think John Vassar will be Chaplain of this Reg that is 100 dollars a month I think I have writen a long letter Give my respects to all enquireing Friends and Kiss the Children and I remain Truly Yours F C Green _________________________ Washington Hall Hospital Dear Kate, Alexandria Va, Yesterday the whole was on the move army of the Potomac ^ and I with a number of others was not able to march so we was sent here and I feel very thankful for it they give us a comfortable Bed to sleep on clean clothes under clothes I mean. and wash all over which made me feel like a different Man. it is a very large place and things are cheap as up to Poughkeepsie I cant tell you much about Hospital life Yett You must wait until my next than I will be able to tell You more there appears to be a number of Hospitals here. There was a Young man died while being brought on with us his name was Albert Reed Co. A. 150th his Father * was with him when he died in the Cars last night he will be brought on he was taken directly after me his turned into the diarea which kept him very week he was a very fine Young Man. That Box. that is the Question where is that Box - I dont ever expect to hear from that Box it know is gon I ^ think if You send one here directly I would get it if by Express by directing to -------------------------- Washington Hall Hospital Alexandria Va. -------------------------- That is where You must direct Your letters until further notice Coln. Ketchem came and shook hands with each one Wishing us a speedy return to health saying we would be quartered in Richm- -ond in 2 weeks we wished it might be so * we had a very hard time comeing on shook to pieses rideing 9 miles in an ambulance and then waiting for 4 good long hours than I amed(?) in a Soldiers Car and rode 40 miles in those cars without any Breakfast except a 1/2 cup of Tea and nothing to Eat so it made pretty hard job of it at Bealtown we got some crackers & pickels we got along with until 10 OClock when we was treated to Coffee & Bread we got to the Hospital at about one oClock so You must know that I was pretty well tired out by the time I got to Bed. when You write again take more time and write plainer as it bothered me a good deal to make it out Give my respects to all enquiring Friends and I'l remain Truly Yours F.C. Green * I would 10 times rather You would send me some money than than a Box as it would do me more good although I'm ashamed to ask it but I expect pay soon than I can return it if You do send I wish You would do it right away I kneed it very much if You can spare it ___________________________ Washington Hall Hospital Alexandria, Va. Dear Kate Sept 25 1863 I received Yours the other day but did not feel as if I could write I have been troubled with the disentary but I have got over it now. I still suffer a great deal with my head as I told You I was Sun struck it feels like hard work to write but that I had aught to is what makes me I received a letter from Georgeana Coles I will answer it before long I am as weak as a Child at times. I'v heard from the Regt they carry 8 days Ration a big load. excuse this as I don't feel like writing I remain Yours truly F, C, Green * ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Direct F C Green Washington Hall Hospitall Alexandria, Va. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ _________________________ Camp Chase Near Columbus Oct 16th 1863 Dear Kate We are here still but before this will reach You I will be off for some other place I dont know where we will fetch up. I rather think it will either be at a Hospital at Cincinati to be examined to see if I am fit to join the Regement or not, if fit I will be sent of. the Regement is about 1000 miles from here down the Missipipi River it takes about a week to go there. I would rather stay here as Wm. Stillwell and myself has got a fancy little House of own with a Stove Table Bench Bunk & c * fited up as comfortably as could be, but that is a Soldiers Fortune. to meet with disapointment at every turn we had the idear that we was going to remain here until about the first or middle of next month I expect to be of on monday morning I have improved in health a good deal since I came here but I doubt very much my being strong enough to stand an all day march. I sent You Charley Bentons letter in my last letter to You so You know all that I know about that Box I think its very likely the Boys has Eaten the Eatables and saved the best of the wearing apparal * as to that Brandy that You spoke of I will be after Dr. Cook I'l bett You if he has not lost it. when I get to my journeys end it will take some time for a letter to go through very near if not quite two weeks from Poughkeepsie to Catanooger is about 1800 miles well I think I will have to close but befor I do You have aught to see me Eat I'l bett that I can eat twise as much as I usualy did and I always thought I could do pretty well. tell Cora I'm thinking of her every day. Kiss the Children for me. Give my best respects to all enquireing friends & I remain Truly Yours F.C. Green _______________________ Normandy, Tenn Dear Kate Nov 1st 1863 This place is about 67 Miles from Nashville on the Rail Road between Nashville & Chattanoogar The Regt is here doing guard duty here they had just returned from a 80 Mile march which I not go am glad I did ^ as they have had a hard time of it being the worst march they ever had. Frank Pells has stood it first rate he looks good and hearty the Reg has built nice little huts to live in it looks as if they intended to make it there Winter Quarter the Band has a House for there Quarters and * very Comfortable I hope that we can winter here. it is very cold here nights and pleasant day times. all the Boys seemed as glad to see me as if I was related it is about 9 miles below here that The Rebs blew up that Locomotive and tore up the Track while the 12 Corps was on the March it is a pretty wild country The rations are very scanty they have been on 1/2 Rations & No Coffee which makes it a little tough on the front they are still scantier than us they are on less than 1/2 rations. The Boys of the Band says thy got my Box and eat up the things * they carried 2 pr Stockens and the shirt. Comb 2 sheets this I got of paper the rest they either left or used up but there is a satisfaction in knowing where they have you. Dr. Cook I have not seen so I cant tell any thing about the Brandy. Give my best respects to all enquireing friends kiss the Children for me. You will direct the Letters 1st Dev 3rd Brig 12th Army Corps Army of the Cumberland I saw Chas Lewis he was well and had many questions to ask about how I'd been he thought I'd been to Poughkeeps no more at present I remain Truly Yours F.C. Green * Samuel Cables is quite sick at the Tullhoma Hospital F.C. Green Band 150th Regt 1st Dev 3rd Brig 12th Army Corp Army of the Cumberland _______________________________ 1864. Normand March 13 Dear Kate In my last I forgot to tell you that I received Frank Leslies Monthly and two papers in that turnout of Eastmans Collage must have been quite a holaday for Poughkeepsie it is a big School according to all Accounts I like that Monthly very much it has good storys in. I saw F Pells to day on inspection he is well but looks very thin they had a rough time if it in Lincoln County he sends his best respects to you & the Children It is reported in the papers that the 11th, 12th, 13th and 15th Army Corps are to return to * the Army of the Potomac in Virginia but Captain Woodin says there is nothing in the report and I hope there is not for I have a horror for Virginia. the Engeniers on this Road has asked that this C__ps remain this Summer but that dont amount to much there is no prospects particular of our moving for some time. James Vassars Brother was a Quarter Master in Banks expedition in Texas and was drowned the other day he feels dreadful over it. Tell Charley Biglow that now is the best chance to enlist if he wants to Fight as they will give all a faire Chance pretty soon about the time he could get here * every train going North has lots of Famileys runing away from the Rebs like Rats Men, wimen & children. Charly Benton F Black miles Lewis 2 of Burrows Boys & myself went Rabbet hunting we caught 5 we had 6 Hound dogs. Coln. Ketchem has not got Back yett. the Grass is begining to show itself a little here. the other night we went out to Mr. Rowsburoughs House and gave him a serenade we was Guarded by a Squad of Men under Capt Scofield and Maj Smith after playin we went in and had some good singing and playing on a dulcimore * I believe I'v told You of that before I think Give my Respects to all Enquireing Friends and I remain You best wisher and Friend Truly Your Husband F Green PS let me know if You have got in debt much I cant do You any good about it as I have not got any to send You but I want to know Kiss Cora & Charley for me. ________________________ Printed heading: "The U.S. Christian Commission sends this sheet as a messenger between the soldier and his home. Let it hasten to those who wait for tidings." (Includes a drawing of a bird with a letter attached to the bird's chest. Pigeon? ) Normandy Tenn. March 27th Dear Kate 1864 This morning I received Your letter and do feel very sorry to hear such a lot of bad news of so many of the Family being so sick. Poor Robb and Phebe Give them my kindest reguards hoping that he will soon recover. It must be pretty hard for You to work and look after Charly I hope that it may be checked but I think he would want to be kept warm when I attended some persons in Buffalo some time ago they were very particular about that. I hope that Cora won't catch * the Scarlet feever but I dont expect any thing else. I think that Your Father does for You what in his mind is best for You and You aught to regard it as such. I don't mean to blame you for going to the Ball with Your Brother Ludlow for that You are welcomb too as You want some enjoyment at times as all work and no play makes any person dull. Well the long talk of time has come at last we are under orders to be ready to march in twenty four hours notice we expect to go to the front to engage in the Spring Campaign * which is nearly ready to commence Oh! how I hope that we may be able to baffle every design of the Rebs and give them the most wholesumb thrash- -ing they was ever blessed with for it would be a blessing to bring them to there sences. Popp Ostrom has been sent back to the Regiment I am sorry for it as he is not able to do Military duty and he had a good place in the Quartermasters Dept John Cambot was here he is going to Charleston he thinks hes gon that way with the 9th A.C. Give my respects to all kiss the Children and I remain Your Husband &c F C Green * You direct Your letters the Same until I tell you differently __________________________ near Atlanta Ga Aug 15th Dear Kate & Children I received Yours of the 3rd inst and felt sorry to hear the news about the Releif being stoped also about the liveing in that I'm not disapointed for I expected it was so. Kate I don't think that You are doing right always telling Cora & Charley that they are Naughty it will only come down on Your head when they grow up they will not heed your advise but on the contrary despise Your Councils to them I have tried to show You that when I was home but You may rest ashured it will be * so I don't mean to lecture You by this but only give You advise which I have seen and know will prove true. Tell Cora I am very much pleased with her letter and would like her to write often to me its a very pretty letter and I am glad to hear she is going to be a good Girl. I thought perhaps that is was only a gift from the Sanitary of paper & Envelopes well I'm thankful for that. That Money what I wrote about was from Charley E Benton I borrowed it was the last money you received from me I think almost certain it was 10 dollars they brought me in debt for Clothes and took it * out for pay out of my pay. I think if You can't tell me how You are getting along I dont know who you will tell I want to know if any one does I have to know a good many things I don't like to but its best I should. I wish the Govt. would overhere a lot of the Gambling worthless paymasters who are continualy useing our Money instead of paying us off as they aught too. Capt McConnell was sick at lookout Mountain Hospital & he got his pay and if its cowardise that keeps them back I think they had better be dis- -charged as there is lots of good men to be found I think tis * unjust to treat Men so ther is no more signs of pay now than there was 6 months ago but we may get it any day as they are going to pay us up until the first of July I have heard. at the last of this month they will owe us 8 months pay. well, I suppose You want to know what News there is at this point of the Army. night before last the 20 lb Guns with the 32 lb Guns opened very heavy fireing about 2 1/2 minutes a shell shelling the City. soon it was on fire it grew to be a pretty good fire one of the 20 lb Guns bursted Blowing about a foot of the mussle of the Gun it sounded as * if they had fired of a sawmill but it hurt no one they fire over our line of Breastworks & Pickets in the night another one bursted with the same efect I was a sleep so did not know anything about the last one until morning The Inspector came up and put his mark on the rest of them ("I. C." inspected condemed.) thes Guns are limited to fire 1000 Rounds but they had fired about 1800. Yesterday was sunday it was very quiett scarcely a gun fired until towards evening when the Rebs was seen moove -ing to the right they were opened on smartly I guess * there was no serious damage done later in the evening about 9 O clock canonadeing comenced again and the fire broke out again we could see the water playing on the flames they are Bully old Firemen to run to a fire and play while shells was explodeing around there heads it must have been something of importance for them to risk there lives to stop it like that perhaps Rations 3 O clock this morning we was roused up again be the rebs moveing to the Right it is expected that another fight is going to take place in that direction. where the 32 lb are they are throwing * up a furnace for heating Balls. on Saturday we had 3 men wounded behind the Breastworks so the Coln. orderd us to throw up logs to protect ourselves. the Sharp shooters has got an oblique fire on our works and tents they have done us considerabl damage. Good lord what a hot day it was yesterday it appears a different heat from what we get north it comes up gradualy a slight breese is felt. if we had to march now it would be the death of lots of us They would be obliged to move in the night. it is reported that every day or so in the paper * we will be in Atlanta but I dont beleive that we will be there under a month Give my respects to all the friends that enquire after me let me know if Nelson Shoemaker has enlisted. I hear that Mobile is not taken yett. I expect You get tired of these long dry letters so I will close Kiss Cora for me tell her to write shure next time You do kiss Charley also Give my respects to Robb And I remain truly Your Husband F.C. Green we are expecting some 64 lb Guns up here every hour ___________________________ before Atlanta, Ga. Aug 22nd 1864 Dear Wife & Children It has been some time since I have received any letter but the Mail has been detained some 4 or 5 days owing to the Johneys tearing up some of the track but it is all right again and I look for one to day. Yesterday we got a loaf of Bread it was quite a treat. This morning I went out on the skirmish line to have a look the Johneys Regt. Flag was in full view and lots of the infernal Gray Back to be seen they have been in the habit of getting up earley in the morning and shooting at us while we was getting breakfast it was mostly Sharp shooters. Gent.. Sons but the other morning about 1/2 an hour before there time for com- * -mencing to fire on us nearly our whole line of the 20th & 14th Corps which is about 4 miles opened very heavy with Shell on them it was one of the handsombest sights I'v seen in that way it must have killed a number of the Gentlemen's Sons. they hollowed out are You going to kill all of us Yanks? Yes if you dont stop that shooting. they have not fired any since of any account. the tradeing is stoped there Officers wont alow there men to hold any conversation with us. Atlanta is pretty well riddled there is a 32 lb. Gun fireing 4 1/2 in shell into there domiciles constant -ly sometimes You could hear a noise like a lot of Bricks tumbling down. on our right and left we can hear our Batterys belting away all the time day and night the work of sieging is steadily progress- -ing we hear big reports of terable * slaughter amung the Rebs but cant credett only now and then one. One Johney (Vidett) came in and told there was only 2 more killings left in Atlanta it would be big killings if they were all killed in the 2 killings. Frank Pell is well and all the think rest I can ^of that You know I cant find out anything about when we are to be paid I see no signs of it. as a southirner would say "Dog on if I aint dodrotten tired of looking ater it." I hear that we are receiving new reinforcements every day I feel thankful to God for them we want them and lots of them the more that come the sooner it will be done. The Johneys had quite a Yankee trick come over them the other day, we sent out a line of Battle with some artilery the Rebs sent out four lines * engagement opened instantly our men broke and run for dear life back over there Breastworks and on they kept; on came the Johneys full of Victory with a Yell then our men which we had consealed behind the Breastworks rolled down a log and opened with lots of Artilery and Muskettery and mowed the four lines down and back they went not taking all of them back with then we drove them out of there works and took a hill with a Fort and line of works. Well Kate you must let me know if You have moved yett Give my respects to the enquiring friends dont forget to kiss Cora and Charley for me as I will soon be a one Years man and I remain Truly Your Husband and well wisher F, C, Green ____________________________ Atlanta. Ga; Sept. 27th Dear Kate 1864 About a week ago Major Stone (our paymaster) came here to pay us off. I had a pass that day to go into the City The Coln. wished me to be back quick so as to cause no delay in paying and to think that the slow poke of a man has not got ready to pay and keep us in such suspense it is pretty trying to ones pationce. but when I do get it I don't know what is best to do about sending it If I can get a draft I will send one if not I will write often and * (next line got cut off the copy) I think it is best at present as by Adams Express which is exp -ensive $2.50 per hundred. we have had an adition of 49 recrutes from Dutchess more expected. I hope You have made up Your mind to take My advise and keep what money I send You and buy Your things to live on lay in a store of them for to keep You though the winter or as You think best by buying as You want it in smaller Quantities I think that Groceries will come down before long. there is nothing new going on here "Self preservation is the First law of Nature." and I shall expect to hear that You will keep every cent of what I * send You to live on for it will be sometime before I will get paid again. I have got paid as You will persieve Enclosed is an order to go to the Bank of Po'keepsie and they will pay you 75 dollars for this I have paid all the expences Send me word if You get it imeadiately they charged by sending for the Regt. 50 cents on a hundred it was through the Kindness of Capt. Cogswell of Co, A. that we had the opertunity of sending Give My respects to all enquireing friends. Kiss the Children for me I hope now You will be able to get through the winter comfortably I have paid * my Debts of borrowed money and have 15 dollars for myself to get me some thing to Eat besides Hardtack and pork we was paid 1,15.75 one hundred and 15 dollars and 75 cents they took out 25 cents of all of us for I dont know what except for the privelage of being a Soldier. I am sorry to hear that Georgia is so sick I received a letter from Henry Howgate. well I dont know any more at present so I remain Truly Your Husband F C Green there is no mail now days the RR Trunk is tore up
________________________
DEPOSITION
Case of Catherine E. Green, ..........widow of Francis C. Green, Co. B, 150th
Regt. New York Vols
On this twenty-third day of March, 1889, at Sharon, County of Litchfield State of Connecticut, before me,
Albert M. Card, a Probate Judge personally appeared Charles E. Benton, who, being by me first duly sworn
to answer truly all interrogatories propounded to him with reference to the aforesaid pension claim, deposes
and says: I am 47 years of age, my occupation Farmer, my residence and P.O. Address Sharon Litchfield
Co. Conn. I was a member of Co. A, 150th Regt. New York Vols. from the time of its organization until its
muster-out, and well remember Francis C. Green of Co. B who was also attached to said band.
Comrade Green was never a shirk, and never avoided duty. In fact he went on duty many times when he
was hardly able to stand up. My recollection of him is more general than particular, but I remember his
sickness at Kelly's Ford in the summer of -63 very well indeed; I think he had diarrhoea & Typhoid fever &
sunstroke.
I took care of him in the tent most of the time myself, as we generally tented together when he was
with the reg. He was out of his head for days there, and it seemed to us all that he would not recover. The
hospital was full and many of the sick were around in tents like him. He left the regiment when we broke
camp in the fall. I do not remember his condition at the time, as my attention was taken up with the fatal
sickness of another comrade, a near relative, but from what I recollect of later events I think he had not fully
recovered and was sent back to some general hospital. In the fall of -63 we went with the 12th Corps.
of which we were a part, to join the western army, then at Chattanooga. But after reaching Alabama we
(our brigade) were sent back into Tenn. and remained during the winter of 63 & 64 doing guard duty on the
Nashville and Chattanooga R.R. I can not tell now at what time he joined us again, but think it must have
been that winter, as I have clear recollections of him during the Sherman campaigns. I remember thinking
that he was not the same man there that he was before his sickness at Kellys Ford, Va. He had times of
being poorly, and sometimes I think he stuck to it when he was feeling so poorly that most of us in his place
would have quit and gone to the hospital. At Resaca he & I stood within a rod of Col (then Adjutant) Cruger
when he fell and together we carried him to the rear. At New Hope Church we worked together again on
the field and in the field hospital.
Our losses were severe there and we remained most of the time working in the field hospital for several days.
I think - but of this I am not sure - that at this place he failed some in strength and could not put in the full hours
and had to be excused some from duty. When Sherman flanked Johnson out of there our field hospital was
broken up & as I was detailed to go with the ambulance train I did not see him or the reg. until I joined them in
Atlanta. At Atlanta I remember bringing him some delicacies from Chaplains tent. They came from the
Sanitary Commission. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It was at this time or during the march to the sea that immediately followed, that he told me that his kidneys
were out of order.
I doubt if he ever mentioned any of these troubles to another person. We tented together and were very good
friends indeed, but he was secretive by nature, and did not take to many people, and his own complaints were
things that he seldom spoke of except in confidence to a friend.
If my memory serves me right it was during the Savanah & Carolina campaigns that he complained of Bleeding
Piles. and I think they gave him a good deal of trouble. He seemed to age a good deal by his service,
especially during the last six months of the war. My own physical troubles at that time were as much as I could
stand, but I was stronger than he was. and I used to wonder sometimes that he stuck to it and pulled through.
I have no doubt in my own mind that his death was caused by his army life.
I have no interest in any claim for which this affidavit may be used.
This statement is in my own handwriting.
Charles E Benton
Sworn to and Subscribed before me this 23rd day of March 1889. and I hereby
that the contents were fully made known to deponent - before signing and that I
have no interest in said claim AW Card
Judge
Probate Court in and for
the District of Sharon
Conn
---------------------
DEPOSITION
June 6, 1889. Sworn by Hubbard F. Roberts.
I am 50 years of age, my occupation BookKeeper and my residence and P.O. Address No. 63 Garden Street
Poughkeepsie Dutchess Co. New York. I served as Drum Major of the Band of the 150th Regt New York
Vols. from the time of its organization until the muster out of the Regt. in 1865. I knew and well recollect Francis
C. Green of Co. B who was attached to said Band Organization and remember him as a Soldier of good qualities
and know that while the Regt. was at Kelly's Ford. Va. in the Summer of 1863. Francis C. Green, the Husband
of this Claimant was stricken down with Chronic Diarrhoea and Typhoid Fever and also had a Sun Stroke, which
made him delirious for a time and well remember that he was not expected to recover by very many of us. When
we were ordered on the march in the fall of 1863, Green was sent to some General Hospital what one I do not
now remember. Our Regt was then attached to the 12th Army Corps and left Virginia to join the Army of the
West at Chattanooga, Tenn. and while going through Alabama on this march the Brigade to which our Regt. was
attached was detailed for duty in Tennesee where we continued to remain doing guard duty through the Winter
of 1863 & 4. on the Nashville and Chattanooga Rail Road. Some time during that winter Green joined us again
and his appearance showed his severe illness contracted at Kelly's Ford Va. yet he reported for duty and never
shirked it, although at times he was poorly and excused from duty. At the time of the fight at Resaca the duties
of the men were severe and arduous but Green clung to his work but looked very badly, and was on duty at
New Hope Church fight and I thought him plucky under the circumstances as he labored under the disadvantages
of reduced health and strength. It was shortly after this that he was again prostrated and I think the duties he
performed after this was light for I know that when we reached Atlanta Ga. he was very ill again. Somewhere
on this march he had Bleeding Piles, but just under what circumstances I became known to this I am unable to
state. Green was a very reticent man, uncommunicative and not given to complaining, yet about this time he did
complain to me of his Kidneys giving him a great deal of trouble. this confession surprised me at the time, so that
I can now easily recall it. I can say that Green was a good faithful Soldier and deserving if ever a Soldier was. I
am in no way related..................(etc.)
Hubbard F. Roberts
-----------------------
War Department
RECORD AND PENSION DIVISION
Washington, Aug 9 1889
Respectfully returned to the Commissioner of Pensions.
Chas E Benton, a Private of Company A, 150 Regiment New York Volunteers is
reported present on rolls for May & June & July & August/ 63.
Hubbard T. Roberts a pvt Co. H" above Regt. is also reported present on rolls
of Co May & June & July & August/ 63. Returns May or July / 63 do not show
either absent.
Roberts was subsequently Princ. Musician 150 NY Vols
Station Belger Barracks near Baltimore Md. June
1/ 63; Briceville Md June 30/ 63 Kellys Ford Aug 2 & 31/ 63
By authority of the Secretary of War
F.C. Ainsworth
Capt. and Assistant Surgeon,
U. S. A.
per (another scribble)
--------------------------
Eastern Division
Department of the Interior
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
July 11, 1889
Respectfully requested of the ADJUTANT GENERAL, U.S.A. a report from the records
of his Office as to the presence or absence, on or about Summer of 1863 of Chas.
E. Benton, Co. A
Hubbard R. Roberts, Drum Major of 150" N.Y. Inf. and the station, at that date, of the command.
Wid. Claim...........
James Tanner(?)
Commissioner
--------------------
.
War Department
RECORD AND PENSION DIVISION
Washington, D.C., Oct 4 1889
Respectfully returned to the Commissioner of Pensions.
Charles E. Benton, pvt. Co. A, 150" N. Y. Vols., is reported on rolls for May and June, July and August, 1863,
"present." Return for July, 1863, does not report him absent. Station: June 30/ 63, Bruceville, Md., Aug. 31, 1863
Camp near Kelly's ford, Va.
By authority of the Secretary of War,
F.C.Ainsworth
Capt. and Assistant Surgeon,
U.S.A.
per (scribble)
--------------------
S(or L).R.B.
Eastern Division
Department of the Interior
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Oct. 3", 1889
Respectfully requested of the ADJUTANT GENERAL U.S.A. a report from the records of his Office as to the
presence or absence, on or about summer of, 1863 of Charles E. Benton of A, 150" N. Y. Vols. and the station,
at that date, of the command
Widow Claim No......................
Hiram Smith J.
Acting Commissioner
---------------------
Catherine's last check was issued on May 8, 1915. It was for $36.00. It was returned because she died in Feb. that
year. I believe this check was for 3 mos. as I think somewhere in here her pension is given as $12.00/mo.
Francis Green died in New York City on June 11, 1887, age 57. He is buried in Woodland Cemetery, Stamford, Connectucut.
Francis C. Green in the Civil War
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