Re: Soldiers from maine
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In reply to:
Re: Soldiers from maine
Jason F 7/08/02
Go to a library with a good Civil War Collection. Find:
"Company D of the Eleventh Regiment, Maine Infantry Volunteers in the War of the Rebellion," Brady, Maxfield, Press of Thos. Humphery, N.Y. 1890 and read page 60. This book is available as a re-print - you might check bookfinder.com
"The Story of One Regiment, The Eleventh Maine Infantry Volunteers in the War of the Rebellion," Brady, Maxfield, N.Y., 1896. George is mentioned a lot and there is a long, personal sketch of him on p.402. This book is available in hard-bound re-print from higginsonbooks.com for about $50 - an original will cost closer to $300.
Another notable thing about George - in 1863 he was the senior enlisted man in a six man gun crew under Lt. Charles Sellmer, Company D, 11th Maine that manned the famous Swamp Angel - the 200lb. Parrot gun that fired the first shots into the city of Charleston, South Carolina. For his actions, 23AUG63, he and Bradley Levi Kimball were awarded the "Gillmore Medal," General Quincy Gillmore's personal version of the medal of honor. George and Bradley were the only medal recipients in the 11th Maine. They were also two of the first people to serve in Fort Wagner on Morris Island (the fort featured in the movie, "Glory")after its capture.
You wouldn't happen to have a photo of George? Out of the seven Swamp Angel men, I have only found two photos - one of Lt Sellmer and one of Pvt. Kimball. As much as has been written about the cannon - the men have been neglected.
I am working on a biography of another fellow who served in Wagner - Charles Rolfe. He also commanded part of the skirmish line along with George at Forts Gregg and Whitworth so George figures prominently in much I'm doing. I won't get much about the Sharpshooter Brigade figured out until I get to the National archives.
Feel free to e-mail me - looks like we will be conversing some!
Wayne Bean