From the Hartford (CT) Daily Courant, 6/23/1865, p. 2, c. 2

First Regiment Connecticut Heavy Artillery.

ORDNANCE OFFICE, SIEGE ARTILLERY,
“FORT DREWRY’S,” Va., June 15th, 1865

Mr. Editor: - Having seen an article from the pen of an officer in another Connecticut regiment, and deeming it an injustice to the men in the 1st regiment, I would respectfully request you to publish this article. In speaking of the growing and dissatisfaction in the 1st, I think myself that there has been a great deal of unnecessary talk about it. Still the men have cause to complain a great deal of things which would not be observed by any one in another regiment. In regard to pay, &c., there are other regiments which are as badly off as this, and it may not be the fault of any regimental officer. Of that I am not competent to judge. As far as regards the men having an easy time I must beg leave to dispute your correspondent. The regiment has been under fire from the commencement to the end of the present campaign, and in that time have fired (61,613) rounds of ammunition, most of which has been 20, 30, 32 and 100 pounder, and part of this has been loaded and unloaded two or three different times. The weight of the ammunition fired is about (1000) tons. Since the capture of Richmond, the men have been at work bringing in from the batteries and loading on vessels the guns and ammunition captured from the enemy. The siege guns vary in weight from 15,000 to 21,000 lbs., making very heavy work for the men. If your correspondent is so sure that the 1st Heavy Artillery has had an easy time, why does he not sign his name so folks can know who he is? But I will not trespass further on your time. Hoping this may receive a place in your paper, I remain,

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
W. F. SAGE, Ordnance Office, Siege Art’y.

• Prev
• Next