The State Military Authorities at Albany are now collecting biographies of all the commissioned officers from this State, to be printed and preserved among the archives of the Commonwealth. It was customary at Rome and Athens to engrave the names of their warriors on marble-tablets erected at the street corners, that all might see who had perilled their lives in defence of their country.
COLONEL ROBERT F. TAYLOR
Was born in Erie, Pa., June 19th, 1826. He attended school until fifteen years of age, when he became employed as an apprentice in the clothing business. In 1843 he proceeded to Toronto, Canada, remaining there until the spring of 1845. After spending several months in travelling, he settled in Rochester, and during the following December associated himself with the Rochester Union Grays. April 14th, 1847, he enlisted in Captain Wilder’s Company, 10th Infantry, and was appointed Orderly Sergeant. The Regiment, which was raised for the war by Colonel Robert E. Temple, immediately proceeded to Mexico, and served in various campaigns until August 1848. Sergeant Taylor distinguished himself on various occasions, but especially at the battle of Meir. The Regiment was detached from the army, and stationed at this post village, for several weeks. Learning this fact, a considerable force of the enemy advanced cautiously through the mountain defiles, and made a sudden night attack, hoping to capture the entire command. On entering the village they proceeded immediately to the barracks where the men were quartered, and opened a hot fire on them. Not a commissioned officer was present at that time. Sergeant Taylor immediately roused the men from their slumbers, rallied them around him, and after a brief engagement, routed the Mexicans and put them to flight.
Returning to Rochester during the fall of 1848, he remained a short time, and then settled at Stafford, Genesee County. He was engaged in the clothing business here until the spring of 1851, when he removed to South Byron. During the fall of the same year he proceeded to Cuba, Allegany County, and in the following spring, returned to Rochester, where he has continued to reside until the present time. Soon after returning, he, with several others, organized the Rochester Light Guard. He was immediately elected Orderly Sergeant, and promoted to Second Lieutenant, January 26th, 1856. July 4th, 1856, he was made Division Inspector, with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, on General Fullerton’s Staff. Resigning this position, he was elected First Lieutenant of the Light Guard, which had now become Co. C., Fifty-fourth Regiment State Militia. January 25th, 1857, he was elected Major of the Regiment. August 19th, 1857, he resigned his Majorship to accept the Captaincy of the Light Guard. On the firing of Fort Sumter, April, 1861, he commenced raising a company for the war, and in fourteen days tendered eighty-six men to the Governor. His Company was immediately accepted, and mustered into the service as Company A, Thirteenth New York Volunteers. On the 22d day of May, he was unanimously elected Colonel of the Thirty-third New York.
Colonel Taylor was present with his command in all the engagements of its two years’ campaign, with the exception of Antietam, when he was absent on recruiting service. Owing to his soldierly qualities and skill in manœuvring troops, he was frequently placed in command of a Brigade. His gallant conduct during the last series of battles around Fredericksburg greatly increased the esteem and regard with which he was held among his fellow-officers and men.
LIEUTENANT-COLONEL J. W. CORNING
Was born in Yarmouth, North Scotia, Nov. 4th, 1813, and when eleven years of age removed with his parents to Rochester. The father losing all of his property by an extensive conflagration, the son was thrown on his own resources, and resorted to various shifts for a livelihood. In 1829 he joined a military organization, and devoted much time to the manual. During a part of the years 1833 and 1834, he resided in Waterloo, where he was elected Captain of a Company of Fusileers. In the spring of 1834 he proceeded to Clayton, Jefferson Co., and spent two years in teaching and agricultural pursuits. He was here likewise chosen Captain of a Militia Company. In the spring of 1837 he started on a travelling tour, and spent several months among the Western wilds, meeting with numerous adventures. Returning to New York in December, he settled at Ontario, Wayne Co., where he remained ten years, engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1847 he removed to Palmyra, and embarked in the mercantile business. May, 1850, he sailed for California, and after spending three years in mining operations, returned to Palmyra. He now commenced the study of law, was admitted to the bar in March 1855, and continued the practice of his profession until the outbreak of the war. He was chosen Justice of the Peace, Police Magistrate, Mayor of the village, and filled other positions of trust. In the fall of 1860 he was elected by a heavy majority to represent his district in the State Legislature.
He took a prominent part in the various Legislative proceedings of the session, and when the South rebelled, urged the enforcement of the most stringent measures for their subjection. On the adjournment of the Assembly he returned home, and the next day commenced raising a Company for the war. He was promoted from Captain to Lieutenant-Colonel of the Thirty-third, November, 1861, and was present with the Regiment in all its encounters with the enemy, being frequently complimented by his superior officers for “gallantry and courage.”
MAJOR JOHN S. PLATNER
Was born at Clyde, Wayne County, March 23, 1837. During the month of April, 1857, he proceeded to Geneva, and became Assistant Postmaster. On the following June he entered the Dry Goods House of S. S. Cobb as accountant, and in the spring of 1859 became a partner. When the Geneva Company was organized he enlisted as a private, his name being the second on the roll, and was unanimously elected First Lieutenant. On the promotion of Captain Walker to the Lieutenant-Colonelcy of the Regiment, Capt. Platner was unanimously chosen to succeed him. January 24, 1861, he was appointed Major of the Thirty-third, which position he filled with much distinction until the close of the two years’ campaign, participating in all the battles and skirmishes of the Regiment, and having two horses killed and two wounded in action. He commanded the Thirty-third during the engagements at Savage’s Station, White Oak Swamp, and Malvern Hills, bringing it safely through all the toils and dangers of the retreat from before Richmond.
ADJUTANT CHARLES T. SUTTON
Was born in the city of New York, in the year 1830. He marched to the defence of Washington, April 17th, 1861, with the famous Seventh Regiment, of which he had long been a member, and on returning, received his appointment in the Thirty-third. October 29th, 1863, he resigned in consequence of ill health.
ADJUTANT JOHN W. CORNING
Was born in the town of Ontario, Wayne County, September 8th, 1841. At the age of six years he removed with his parents to Palmyra, where he attended school and engaged in teaching until the fall of 1861. During the month of October he was appointed Second Lieutenant of Co. B, and on the following May, promoted to first Lieutenant. He had charge of his Company during the months of July and August 1862, and acquitted himself with much credit at the battle of Golden’s Farm, and during the seven days’ retreat. Returning to Palmyra, after the army reached Harrisons’ Landing, on recruiting service, he was prostrated with a severe fit of sickness. Recovering, he rejoined his Regiment in November, and was appointed Adjutant.
QUARTERMASTER HIRAM LLOYD SUYDAM
Was born in Geneva, April 26th, 1822, was appointed Quartermaster on the organization of the Regiment; resigned his position September 14th, 1861. He now resides in Geneva, being extensively engaged in the confectionery business.
QUARTERMASTER HENRY N. ALEXANDER
Was born in Rochester, April 18, 1823, where he remained until 1850, engaged in various pursuits. He was residing in Chicago when the Thirty-third was organized. Enlisted as a private, and was promoted to Quartermaster, September 14th, 1861.
CHAPLAIN GEORGE N. CHENEY
Was born in Richmond, Ontario Co., June 3d, 1829. He graduated at Hobart College, Geneva, in the year 1849. In 1850 he proceeded to the Episcopal Seminary in Fairfax County, Virginia, remaining there until June 1852, when he was ordained Deacon in Christ’s Church, Alexandria. He then came to Rochester, to assist Rev. H. W. Lee, D. D., then Rector of St. Luke’s Church, and since Bishop of Iowa. December, 1852, he took charge of St. Mark’s Church, Penn Yan, and in June, 1853, was admitted to the priesthood by the Bishop of Western New York. October, 1854, he was called to the charge of Trinity Church, Rochester. He remained here until receiving the appointment of Chaplain to the Thirty-third. Accompanying the Regiment to Washington, he resigned, December 1st, 1861, and returned to his Church. He afterwards accepted a call from the Episcopal Church at Branchport, where he was prostrated by disease, and died June 12th, 1863. The men became very much attached to him during his brief sojourn with the Regiment.
CHAPLAIN AUGUSTUS H. LUNG
Was born in Rush, Susquehanna County, Pa., November 1st, 1827. After devoting several years to study and teaching, he entered the Harford Academy, where he remained two years and a half. At the expiration of that time, he was admitted into the Sophomore Class of the Lewisburg University, and graduated in 1853. In the fall of the same year he became a student in the Theological Seminary at Rochester, and completed his studies July, 1855. During the year 1857 he was settled Pastor of “the First Baptist Church of Canandaigua Village,” laboring with marked success until commissioned, January 2nd, 1862, Chaplain of the Thirty-third. While on the Peninsula, he was attacked with a severe fit of sickness, and lay at the point of death for several days. He, however, recovered his health, and rejoining the Regiment, remained until its return home, when he resumed his pastoral labors at Canandaigua.
SURGEON T. RUSH SPENCER
Was appointed Surgeon of the Thirty-third on its organization, afterwards promoted to Brigade Surgeon.
SURGEON SYLVANUS S. MULFORD,
Who resided at Cherry Valley, was chosen Assistant Surgeon of the Thirty-third on its organization and was afterwards promoted to full Surgeon. He resigned at Stafford Court House.
SURGEON D’ESTAING DICKINSON
Was born in the town of Watertown, Jefferson County, May 19th, 1836, and graduated from Albany Medical College in 1858. After practising in Watertown and vicinity four years, he was chosen Surgeon to Sing Sing Prison, which position he held when appointed Assistant Surgeon of the Thirty-third. He was promoted to full Surgeon in the fall of 1862, and remained with the Regiment until its return home. While in charge of the Liberty Hall Hospital on the Peninsula, containing nearly five hundred men, he was made prisoner, refusing to leave his patients. After being detained by the rebel authorities for several weeks, he was set at liberty and rejoined the Regiment. During the winter of 1863 he was placed in charge of Howe’s Division Hospital at Acquia Creek, and when General Hooker’s series of battles occurred, was given, the entire supervision of all the hospitals of the Sixth Army Corps.
ASSISTANT SURGEON RICHARD CURRAN
Was born in Carrahill, Clare County, Ireland, January 4th, 1838, and coming to this country at the age of twelve years, settled at Seneca Falls with his parents. He graduated from the Medical Department of Harvard College in 1860, and enlisted as a private in the Thirty-third. He was appointed Hospital Steward, when the Regiment reached Washington, and promoted to Assistant Surgeon, August 15, 1862. General Smith complimented him, after the battle of Antietam, in a special order, for having advanced with his Regiment into the thickest of the fray.
ASSISTANT-SURGEON DUNCAN M’LACHLEN
Was born in Caledonia, Livingston County, January 30th, 1832. Studied medicine with Dr. Chamberlain, of Le Roy, New York. Graduated at the Buffalo Medical College, and was appointed Assistant Surgeon of the Thirty-third, January 22nd, 1863.
CAPTAIN GEORGE M. GUION,
Co. A, was engaged in the druggist business at Seneca Falls, on the outbreak of the rebellion. Remained with the Regiment until September, 1862, participating in the various battles of the Peninsula, when he was promoted to the Lieutenant-Colonelcy of the 148th New York Volunteers, which position he still retains.
CAPTAIN EDWIN J. TYLER,
Co. A, was born in Onondaga County, New York, April 1st, 1828. He moved at an early age to Seneca Falls, which has been his home until the present time. Engaged in the mercantile business at eighteen years of age and, followed it until 1847, when he sailed for California, being nine months and twenty-two days on the voyage. Returned to Seneca Falls, in the spring of 1851, and re-engaged in business. Was elected as First Lieutenant of Company A, on its formation. Acted as Adjutant of the Regiment from May until August 1862, and on the following October was promoted to the Captaincy.
FIRST LIEUTENANT PRICE WESLEY BAILEY,
Co. A, was born in Newtown, North Wales, August 18th, 1837. Emigrated to this country in 1847, settled at Skaneateles; moved from thence successively to Auburn, New York City and Utica. Returning home, attended school one year, and then proceeded to Seneca Falls. Enlisted as a private in Company A, afterwards elected to Second Lieutenant, and detached to General Davidson’s Staff at Yorktown. Promoted to First Lieutenant, May 21st, 1862; was relieved from Staff at Harrison’s Landing, and took charge of his Company. Appointed on General Neill’s Staff, January 16th, 1863.
SECOND LIEUTENANT THOMAS H. SIBBALDS,
Co. A, on the organization of the company, was elected Second Sergeant, and promoted to Second Lieutenant, October 1862, immediately after the battle of Antietam.
CAPTAIN HENRY J. WHITE,
Co. B, succeeded to the command of the Company when Captain Corning was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel, November 1861. Afterwards resigned and was succeeded by First Lieutenant Draime.
CAPTAIN HENRY J. DRAIME,
Co. B, was born in the City of Sadan, France, and coming to America in 1832, settled with his parents in Canton, Ohio. March 27th, 1839, he enlisted in the Fifth Regular Artillery, was soon promoted to non-commissioned officer, and remained in the service five years. During that time, he was stationed in Detroit, Chicago, Buffalo, Sackett’s Harbor, Fort Columbus, Fort Adams, &c. Fired the minute guns at Sackett’s Harbor on the death of President Harrison, and was ordered to Rhode Island with his battery, to assist in suppressing the insurrection known as the “Dorrite War.”
After leaving the army, he resided, among other places, in Rochester, Fredonia, &c., employed in superintending engineering operations. He was living in Palmyra when the war commenced; enlisted as a private in Co. B, was elected Second Lieutenant, and promoted to First Lieutenant, and then Captain.
FIRST LIEUTENANT L. C. MIX,
Co. B, was born in New Haven, Conn., in 1829. Removed to Ithaca, N. Y. Having early developed a taste for drawing, he was induced to go to New York to learn the “art and mysteries” of engraving. After five years’ practice, started business in Rochester. Was engaged for ten years, until the war, when he went with the Thirty-third as Commissary Sergeant. Promoted to Second Lieutenant of Co. C, July 29th, 1861. Acted in that capacity until the battle of Antietam, when he was wounded. Promoted to First Lieutenant, and assigned to Co. B, October 17th, 1862. Afterwards rejoined the Regiment and was detailed Aid-de-Camp to Colonel Taylor, Colonel Commanding First Brigade, Second Division, Sixth Corps, not being sufficiently recovered to resume active duties as a line officer.
SECOND LIEUTENANT JOHN J. CARTER,
Co. B, was born in Troy, June 16th, 1842. His parents dying when he was quite young, he was removed to Buffalo, and sent to school. Two years later he was placed under the care of Rev. John Sherdan, of Portageville. Soon after Cyrus Rose, of Nunda, adopted him, receiving him into his family as his own son. He was nearly prepared for College when the war commenced, but laying aside his books, enlisted as a private in Co. F. On reaching the field, was appointed Quartermaster-Sergeant. Nine months afterwards he was promoted to a Second Lieutenancy, and assigned to Co. B. General Smith mentioned Lieutenant Carter, among others, after the battle of Antietam, “whose conduct was particularly gallant under my own observation.”
CAPTAIN JOHN F. AIKENS,
Co. C, was born at Newburg, N. Y. Removed at the age of fourteen to Waterloo. Was employed in various pursuits until the breaking out of the war, when he was made Captain of Co. C. Resigned at Washington, July 28th, 1861.
CAPTAIN CHESTER H. COLE,
Co. C, was born in Leray, Jefferson County, October 3rd, 1828. When sixteen years of age he proceeded to the West. Returned to Leray, and soon removed to Pillar Point, where he became employed as a ship-carpenter. Afterwards worked in Oswego, Syracuse, and New York. When the war broke out, he was residing in Waterloo; enlisted as a private in Co. C, was elected First Lieutenant on the formation of the Company, and promoted to Captain, July 29th, 1861. He was with the Thirty-third in all its engagements up to the storming of Marye’s Heights, when he was severely wounded in the thigh. He recovered sufficiently, however, to return home with the Regiment.
FIRST LIEUTENANT ROBERT H. BRETT,
Co. C, was born in Yorkshire, England, May 17th, 1829, came to this country when above five years of age, and settled at Utica. At twenty-one years of age sailed for California, where he remained two years. Returned to Utica, and engaged in the machinist business. In 1860 moved to Waterloo. Was elected Orderly Sergeant of Co. C, and promoted to First Lieutenant, July 29th, 1861.
SECOND LIEUTENANT J. E. STEBBINGS,
Co. C, was born at Madrid, St. Lawrence County, August 2, 1833. Enlisting as a private in Co. C, at Waterloo, was elected Third Sergeant; promoted to Orderly Sergeant, July 29th, 1861, and to Second Lieutenant, October 17th, 1862.
SECOND LIEUTENANT ANDREW J. SCHOTT,
Co. C, was elected Second Lieutenant on the organization of the Company, and resigned, July 29th, 1861. Since died at Waterloo, N. Y.
CAPTAIN HENRY J. GIFFORD,
Co. D, succeeded John R. Cutler to the command of Co. D, at Camp Griffin. Was educated for the law. Enlisted as a private in the Thirteenth New York Volunteers, and afterwards promoted to First Lieutenant of Co. D, Thirty-third New York. On the departure of the Regiment from the field, the one hundred and sixty-three three years’ recruits were organized into one Company under him, and attached to the Forty-ninth New York.
FIRST LIEUTENANT STEPHEN T. DUEL,
Co. D, was chosen First Lieutenant on the formation of the Company; since resigned.
SECOND LIEUTENANT WM. E. ROACH,
Co. D, was born in Colchester, Vermont, October 9th, 1825, moved, at seven years of age, to Troy, and from thence to Rochester in 1838. Proceeded to California in 1849, and returned to Rochester. Was appointed Second Lieutenant, Co. D, during the fall of 1862. Has since performed service, at battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, in the ambulance Corps, to which position he was assigned in February, 1863.
CAPTAIN WILSON B. WARFORD,
Co. E, was born in Hunterdon, New Jersey, July 27th, 1822. Removed to Geneseo in 1839, where he remained until the breaking out of the rebellion. Enlisted as a private in Co. E, and was immediately elected Captain. Was very fond of military pursuits, and for many years served as Captain of a Military Company.
FIRST LIEUTENANT JOHN GUMMER,
Co. E, was born in Dorsetshire, England, July 23d, 1819; came to this country during the spring of 1851, and settled in Geneseo. Enlisted as a private in Co. E, and was elected Second Lieutenant. Promoted to First Lieutenant, July 28th, 1862.
SECOND LIEUTENANT WALTER H. SMITH,
Co. E, resigned, March 18th, 1863.
CAPTAIN JAMES M. McNAIR,
Co. F, was born on the 8th of June, 1835, in Nunda, N. Y. His earlier years were spent at school, and upon the farm. He prepared for College under the tutorship of Prof. Judson A. Bassett, at the Nunda Literary Institute, and after teaching a term, entered the University of Rochester in July, 1857. He graduated with his class in July 1860, and immediately entered the law office of Orlando Hastings, in Rochester. During the winter of 1860 and 1861 he taught the Academy in West Bloomfield, N. Y., where he was engaged when the rebellion broke out. He immediately enlisted with a company forming at Nunda, of which he was elected Captain, May 10th, 1861. He continued with the company until it was mustered out of service, June 2nd, 1863, at Geneva, N. Y. The degree of Master of Arts was conferred upon Captain McNair at the Commencement of the University of Rochester in July, 1863.
FIRST LIEUTENANT H. A. HILLS,
Co. F, was born at Nunda, Livingston Co., Feb. 1st, 1834. Proceeded to Shelby County, Ky., in the year 1856, and afterwards to Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska, being employed most of the time in teaching. Returning to Nunda, enlisted as a private in Co. F, elected Orderly Sergeant on the organization of the Company, promoted to Second Lieutenant, February, 6th, 1862, and to First Lieutenant at White Oak Church, December 27th, 1862.
FIRST LIEUTENANT GEORGE T. HAMILTON,
Co. F, enlisted as a private in Co. F, was elected First Lieutenant on its permanent organization, and resigned at Camp Griffin.
FIRST LIEUTENANT HENRY G. KING,
Co. F, was born at Mount Morris, August 15th, 1835. When the war commenced, enlisted as a private in Co. F, was chosen Second Lieutenant, and promoted to First Lieutenant, February, 1862. He was detailed for a time as Acting Quartermaster.
SECOND LIEUTENANT JOHN F. WINDSHIP,
Co. F, was born in Queensbury, Warren County, June 11th, 1832. At nineteen years of age removed to Angelica, Allegany County; afterwards resided in Illinois, Missouri, and Michigan. Returned to Wyoming, Pike County. During the winter of 1861, enlisted as a private in Co. F; promoted to Second Sergeant, May 6th, 1861, afterwards to First Sergeant, and, December 27th, 1862, to Second Lieutenant.
CAPTAIN THEODORE B. HAMILTON,
Co. G, was elected Captain of the Company on the organization, and participated in all the earlier engagements in which the Regiment was engaged. During the month of December, 1862, he was promoted to the Lieutenant-Colonelcy of the Sixty-second New York, which position he still holds.
CAPTAIN GEORGE A. GALE,
Co. G, was born in London, Canada West, November, 1st, 1839. In 1845, removed to Watertown, and three years later to Buffalo; attended school until sixteen years of age, and then became employed in the printing establishment of Jewett, Thomas & Co., where he remained four years. When hostilities commenced, he enlisted in a three months’ Regiment, and afterwards in Co. G, as a private. Was immediately elected First Sergeant, and served in that capacity until May 20th, 1862, when he was promoted to Second Lieutenant. October 16th, 1862 he was promoted to First Lieutenant, and during the following December, to Captain of the Company. He was wounded in the left leg before Yorktown, but remained but a brief time away from the Regiment.
FIRST LIEUT. ALEXANDER E. EUSTAPHEIVE,
Co. G, was elected First Lieutenant on the organization of the Company, and resigned October 14th, 1862.
FIRST LIEUTENANT G. W. MARSHALL,
Co. G, was born in Elizabethtown, N. J., March 1st, 1840. Removed to Buffalo with his parents at an early age, where he remained until the breaking out of the rebellion. Enlisted as a private in the Buffalo Company, elected Fifth Sergeant on the formation of the Company. Promoted to First Sergeant, May 20th, 1862, Second Lieutenant, October 15th, 1862, and to First Lieutenant, December 27th, 1862.
SECOND LIEUTENANT BYRON F. CRAIN,
Co. G, was born at Manchester, Ontario Co., April 26th, 1836. At ten years of age he removed with his parents to Shortsville; enlisted as a private in the Canandaigua Co. D; promoted to Second Lieutenant, December 27th, 1862, and assigned to Co. G.
CAPTAIN CALVIN C. WALKER,
Co. H, was elected Captain of Co. H, on its formation. When the Regiment was organized at Elmira, he was chosen Lieutenant-Colonel, but resigned not long after reaching Washington.
CAPTAIN ALEXANDER H. DRAKE,
Co. H, was born at Starkey, Yates County, October 18th, 1832. At the age of fifteen, removed with his parents to Steuben County, where he remained until the year 1858. Then became employed as a clerk in Canandaigua and afterwards at Geneva. Enrolled himself as a private in Co. H, elected Second Lieutenant on the organization of the Company, and promoted to First Lieutenant, May 25th, 1861. He was taken prisoner at Williamsburg, and after several months’ confinement in Salisbury, North Carolina, was exchanged and returning to the Regiment, January 24th, 1862, he was promoted to the Captaincy of Co. H.
FIRST LIEUTENANT REUBEN C. NILES,
Co. H, was elected Orderly Sergeant on the formation of the Company, promoted to Second Lieutenant, Jan. 24th, 1862, and resigned December 27th, owing to ill health.
FIRST LIEUTENANT MARSHALL J. GUION,
Co. H, was appointed Commissary Sergeant at organization of Regiment. Was transferred from Co. A, and made Second Lieutenant of Co. H, January 24th, 1862; resigned December 27th, 1862.
FIRST LIEUTENANT OTIS COLE,
Co. H, was born in Perinton, Monroe Co., Sept. 14th, 1834. At nineteen years of age, entered the Rochester University, remaining there nearly two years. Returning home, engaged in farming and stock growing until twenty-four years of age, then became employed two years on the Michigan Southern railroad. Returning home again, engaged in nursery and vineyard business until August 27th, 1862, when he enlisted as a private in a body of recruits for the Thirty-third. Was commissioned First Lieutenant, October 13th, and assigned to Co. H. Remained with the Company until Jan. 27th, when he was appointed A. A. G., First Brigade, Howe’s Division. Served in this capacity, and also as Acting Brigade Commissary, until March 23d. April 14th, was transferred to General Russell’s Staff.
SECOND LIEUTENANT SYLVESTER PORTER,
Co. H, was born in the town of Seneca, Ontario County, April 17th, 1842, where he resided with his parents until the outbreak of the rebellion. Enlisted as a private in Co. H, and was elected Second Sergeant, May 23d, 1861. He was afterwards promoted to First Sergeant, and to Second Lieutenant, October 16th, 1862. Was wounded, at the battle of White Oak Swamp, in the left shoulder, and confined to the hospital for two months. At the end of that time he rejoined the Regiment, and was again wounded in the right thigh, during the sanguinary struggle on Salem Heights. Returned home, and was mustered out with his Company.
CAPTAIN JAMES M. LETTS,
Co. I, was engaged in the Daguerrean business at Penn Yan on the outbreak of the rebellion; was chosen Captain of Co. I, on its organization, and resigned at Camp Griffin.
CAPTAIN EDWARD E. ROOT,
Co. I, was born in Washington County, August 24th 1839. Removed at an early age to Yates County. After spending several years, at the Prattsburg Academy and Rochester Commercial College, he became employed in the Stationery House of George R. Cornwell, Penn Yan, as confidential clerk. Was elected First Lieutenant of Co. I, on its organization, and promoted to Captain, December 27th, 1861. He received a severe wound in the left thigh while leading his Company in the charge on Marye’s Heights. For several weeks his life was despaired of, but after lying two months in the hospital, he recovered sufficiently to return home.
CAPTAIN WILLIAM HALE LONG,
Co. I, was born in New York City, February 22nd, 1835. At fifteen years of age went to sea. Returned in three years; engaged in mercantile pursuits till the outbreak of the rebellion, then joined the Seventh Massachusetts as a private. Was afterwards elected Second Lieutenant Fifth New York, and a few days succeeding, Second Lieutenant, Co. I, Thirty-third. After being promoted to First Lieutenant, served as Provost Marshal under General Brooks, and as Aid-de-Camp to General Davidson. October, 1862, was promoted to Captain, and A. A. General, and assigned to duty under General Vinton. Remained with him until General Neill took Command of the Brigade, when he became his A. A. General.
FIRST LIEUTENANT GEORGE BRENNAN,
Co. I, was born in Penn Yan, December 18th, 1838. Remained there until the outbreak of the rebellion, when he enlisted as a private in Co. I. Promoted to Sergeant, August 1st, 1861, to Orderly Sergeant, January 1st, 1862, and to First Lieutenant, December 1st, 1862.
SECOND LIEUTENANT CHARLES HOWE,
Co. I, was elected Orderly Sergeant at its organization. Promoted to Second Lieutenant, December 31st, 1861, and resigned, October 1862.
CAPTAIN PATRICK McGRAW,
Co. K, was born in the county of Down, Ireland, June 16th, 1824. When seventeen years of age, enlisted in the Eighty-ninth Regiment English Infantry, serving in Canada three years, and in England, Ireland and Scotland eleven more. Came to this country in the winter of 1853, and settled at Seneca Falls. Was elected Captain of Co. K, and remained with the Regiment till the close of its two years’ campaign.
FIRST LIEUTENANT BARNARD BYRNE,
Co. K, served as First Lieutenant of Co. K, until severely wounded while charging up Marye’s Heights.
SECOND LIEUTENANT PATRICK RYAN,
Co. K, was elected on the formation of the Company, afterwards resigned.
SECOND LIEUTENANT EDWARD CAREY,
Co. K, was appointed to fill Lieutenant Ryan’s place, but was immediately assigned to General Smith’s Staff.
DECORUM EST PRO PATRIA MORI.
FIRST LIEUT. GEORGE W. BROWN,
Co. D, born in Rochester, was an only son, and, employed as mercantile clerk, proved a most efficient and trustworthy young business man. He entered the Regiment as a private. Promoted to Lieutenant of Co. D, he fell mortally wounded at the battle of Williamsburg. His agreeable manners and gallant conduct had endeared him to the Regiment, every member of whom mourned his loss as if he had been a brother.
FIRST LIEUTENANT MOSES CHURCH,
Co. E, was born in New England, about the year 1817. He was residing at Geneseo when the war commenced, engaged in the hardware business. Fond of military pursuits, he connected himself with a Militia company, and was chosen Lieutenant. On the organization of Co. E., he was elected first Lieutenant, participated in the various skirmishes near Washington, and the battles at Williamsburg and Mechanicsville. At the battle of Golden’s Farm he exhibited great bravery, going fearlessly out in front of the breastwork, and firing round after round at the enemy, until he fell dead, pierced through the head by a minie-ball. He was universally beloved by the Regiment. A brave soldier, and skilful officer, he died, leaving a bright record behind him.
FIRST LIEUT. CHARLES D. ROSSITER,
Company D, the youngest son of William and Electa B. Rossiter, was born in Rochester, New York, March 4th, 1842. His parents soon after removed to Little Falls, Herkimer County, N. Y., where his father died. In the year 1856 he entered the Farmers and Mechanics’ Bank at Rochester, and, writes the Cashier, “though quite young, soon learned to count money, and became a very rapid and accurate accountant.”
In 1861 he enlisted in Co. G, Fifty-fourth Regiment N. Y. S. M., and was soon after promoted to Sergeant. During the following spring he was again promoted to Orderly, and served in that capacity with his home regiment until September, when he was authorized with others to raise a Company for the war.
Lieutenant Rossiter was wounded by a ball, entering the left side and passing completely through his body, in the fatal retreat of Sedgwick’s Corps, after storming Fredericksburg Heights. He was carried in a blanket a short distance by four of his faithful men, but owing to the extreme pain it gave him, he asked to be left behind, and was accordingly left in the rebel hospital at Banks’ Ford. He lived just a week from the day he was wounded, and owing to a merciful peculiarity of the wound, his sufferings were not excessive. Lieutenant Roach, at the risk of his own life, succeeded in finding his body, and at dead of night carried it on his shoulders nearly a mile. Lieutenant Rossiter’s remains were taken to Rochester and interred at Mount Hope, May 20th, 1863.
In a communication written since his death, his Captain says of him, “Charlie was ardent and enthusiastic, firmly devoted to his country’s good, and he fell nobly, a martyr to her cause. I have never seen an officer to whom the trying scenes of a battle-field were new, bear himself with more bravery and cool courage than did Charlie.”
SERGEANT-MAJOR GEORGE W. BASSETT
Was born in the town of Barrington, Yates County, November 6, 1838. When the war broke out, he was a Law Student at Penn Yan. Enlisting as a private in Co. I, he was chosen Third Sergeant, and promoted to Sergeant-Major, May 22nd, 1861. Having borne off Lieutenant Mix from the battle-field of Antietam, he returned to the front and was immediately shot through the head. By his winning ways and zealous attendance to duties, he had won the esteem of his officers and commanders, and fell universally regretted.
TO THE NEW YORK THIRTY-THIRD REGIMENT.
BY A. A. H.