Monday, December 29, 1862
The New Haven Daily Palladium contained the latest news from Fredericksburg and reported a partial list of casualties. The report held ambiguous information about the fate of Augustus Baldwin Fairchild. "Private Augustus B. Fairchild, whose fate is not definitely known, yet is believed to have been killed, was a young man ever prompt in the discharge of duty, and although modest and retiring in his manner, was a favorite with his company. May God, in His mercy, be present to pour into the hearts of those who mourn for these gallant defenders of our country the oil of consolation, and may the cause for which they so nobly fought and died be in itself a source of much comfort." 1
Despite the uncertainty of Augustus' fate, his death was reported in the same issue of the New Haven Daily Palladium. "Killed in the battle of Fredericksburg, Augustus B. Fairchild, aged 26 years, son of Joseph Fairchild, Esq., and member of Co. A, 27th Reg. C. V.2
References:
1"From the Twenty-seventh Regiment," New Haven Daily Palladium (New Haven, Connecticut), 29 December 1862, page 1, col 2.
2"Died," New Haven Daily Palladium (New Haven, Connecticut), 29 December 1862, page 2, col 1.
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Roll Call
Tuesday, December 16, 1862
The Twenty-Seventh Connecticut had their first roll call after the battle of Fredericksburg, and the men experienced the painful loss of those who fell during the futile siege of Marye's Heights.
Sam Waldron, the historian of Company A, recorded the sad event:
References:
1Record Book of Company A, Civil War Collection, Mss. 77, Box 5, Folder A, New Haven Historical Society, 40.
The Twenty-Seventh Connecticut had their first roll call after the battle of Fredericksburg, and the men experienced the painful loss of those who fell during the futile siege of Marye's Heights.
Sam Waldron, the historian of Company A, recorded the sad event:
Is there one who witnessed that Roll Call on the 16th Dec. that can readily forget it? The familiar form of Sergt. Fowler did not advance to the front and with military precision bring his gun to an order let it fall to a rest into the right arm pass his hand into his breast pockett[sic] and pull out the well known Roll Book. Sergt. Blair and Wilmot did not answer to their names. We missed the merry “Aye” of Corporal Goodwin the answer of Corporal Cornwall the hearty “here” of Frank Johnson and the quiet response of Hilliard and Fairchild.1
References:
1Record Book of Company A, Civil War Collection, Mss. 77, Box 5, Folder A, New Haven Historical Society, 40.
Retreat to Falmouth
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Augustus' Story - Battle of Fredericksburg
Saturday, December 13, 1862
Augustus Baldwin Fairchild was killed during the assault on Marye's Heights, most likely as he emerged from the swale near the Stratton House. During this phase of the attack the regiment was exposed to a killing fire from Confederate infantry at the base of Marye's Heights and also exposed to Confederate artillery atop Marye's Heights. Additionally the the regiment was likewise exposed to "friendly fire" from Union artillery atop Stafford Heights across the Rappahannock River. General Darius Couch of the Second Corps ordered the artillery to cease fire as he realized that several artillery barrages landed in General Samuel Zook's brigade, of which the Twenty-Seventh Connecticut was a part, as the regiment neared the Stratton House.
Augustus was a quiet and reserved young man, regarded as a gentleman and respected by his comrades. He was sorely missed by all who knew him and dearly missed by his family. The circumstances surrounding his death will unfold with the aftermath of the battle of Fredericksburg.1
References:
1Compiled service record, Augustus B. Fairchild, Pvt., Co. A, 27th Connecticut Infantry; Carded Records, Volunteer Organizations, Civil War; Records of the Adjutant General's Office, 1780s-1917, Record Group 94; National Archives, Washington, D.C. Record Book of Company A, Civil War Collection, Mss. 77, Box 5, Folder A, New Haven Historical Society, 29 - 44. Francis Augustin O'Reilly, The Fredericksburg Campaign: Winter War on the Rappahannock (Baton Rouge, Louisiana: Louisiana State University Press, 2003), 304-307.
Augustus Baldwin Fairchild was killed during the assault on Marye's Heights, most likely as he emerged from the swale near the Stratton House. During this phase of the attack the regiment was exposed to a killing fire from Confederate infantry at the base of Marye's Heights and also exposed to Confederate artillery atop Marye's Heights. Additionally the the regiment was likewise exposed to "friendly fire" from Union artillery atop Stafford Heights across the Rappahannock River. General Darius Couch of the Second Corps ordered the artillery to cease fire as he realized that several artillery barrages landed in General Samuel Zook's brigade, of which the Twenty-Seventh Connecticut was a part, as the regiment neared the Stratton House.
Augustus was a quiet and reserved young man, regarded as a gentleman and respected by his comrades. He was sorely missed by all who knew him and dearly missed by his family. The circumstances surrounding his death will unfold with the aftermath of the battle of Fredericksburg.1
References:
1Compiled service record, Augustus B. Fairchild, Pvt., Co. A, 27th Connecticut Infantry; Carded Records, Volunteer Organizations, Civil War; Records of the Adjutant General's Office, 1780s-1917, Record Group 94; National Archives, Washington, D.C. Record Book of Company A, Civil War Collection, Mss. 77, Box 5, Folder A, New Haven Historical Society, 29 - 44. Francis Augustin O'Reilly, The Fredericksburg Campaign: Winter War on the Rappahannock (Baton Rouge, Louisiana: Louisiana State University Press, 2003), 304-307.
Battle of Fredericksburg - Day 3
Saturday, December 13, 1862
General Ambrose Burnside ordered General William Franklin's Left Grand Division to strike Confederate Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson south of Fredericksburg, and ordered General Edwin "Bull" Sumner's Right Grand Division and General Joseph Hooker's Center Grand Division to assault Confederate General James Longstreet at Marye's Heights.
Early in the morning the Twenty-Seventh Connecticut formed a line of battle along Caroline Street. General Winfield Hancock, commander of their division, inspected the Twenty-Seventh Connecticut and proclaimed, "You are the only Connecticut regiment in my division. Bring no dishonor upon the State you represent." The order to march was issued around noon.
The Twenty-Seventh Connecticut proceeded past the railroad depot to an open expanse of farmland near a hill known as Marye's Heights. At the base of Marye's Heights was a stone wall that afforded protection for Confederate rifleman situated securely behind the wall. As the Twenty-Seventh Connecticut advanced across the open farmland a swale in the landscape offered some protection from the rifle fire at the base of the stone wall. As they neared the Stratton House, nearly 75 yards from the stone wall, they emerged from the swale and were exposed to a killing fire from the Confederates behind the wall. The men of the Twenty-Seventh sought protection from the Stratton House and the swale. Every attempt to assault Marye's Heights suffered the same disastrous fate, and the casualties among the Union soldiers was catastrophic. Approximately 8,000 Union soldiers were killed or wounded in front of the stone wall during this terrible, long day.
The Twenty-Seventh Connecticut suffered heavily, losing one-third of their men to death or wounding. Among those killed was Private Augustus Baldwin Fairchild of Company A. 1
References:
1Winthrop Dudley Sheldon The "Twenty-Seventh," : A Regimental History (New Haven, Connecticut: Morris and Benham, 1866), 25-30. Compiled service record, Augustus Baldwin Fairchild, Pvt., Co. A, 27th Connecticut Infantry; Carded Records, Volunteer Organizations, Civil War; Records of the Adjutant General's Office, 1780s-1917, Record Group 94; National Archives, Washington, D.C.
General Ambrose Burnside ordered General William Franklin's Left Grand Division to strike Confederate Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson south of Fredericksburg, and ordered General Edwin "Bull" Sumner's Right Grand Division and General Joseph Hooker's Center Grand Division to assault Confederate General James Longstreet at Marye's Heights.
Early in the morning the Twenty-Seventh Connecticut formed a line of battle along Caroline Street. General Winfield Hancock, commander of their division, inspected the Twenty-Seventh Connecticut and proclaimed, "You are the only Connecticut regiment in my division. Bring no dishonor upon the State you represent." The order to march was issued around noon.
The Twenty-Seventh Connecticut proceeded past the railroad depot to an open expanse of farmland near a hill known as Marye's Heights. At the base of Marye's Heights was a stone wall that afforded protection for Confederate rifleman situated securely behind the wall. As the Twenty-Seventh Connecticut advanced across the open farmland a swale in the landscape offered some protection from the rifle fire at the base of the stone wall. As they neared the Stratton House, nearly 75 yards from the stone wall, they emerged from the swale and were exposed to a killing fire from the Confederates behind the wall. The men of the Twenty-Seventh sought protection from the Stratton House and the swale. Every attempt to assault Marye's Heights suffered the same disastrous fate, and the casualties among the Union soldiers was catastrophic. Approximately 8,000 Union soldiers were killed or wounded in front of the stone wall during this terrible, long day.
The Twenty-Seventh Connecticut suffered heavily, losing one-third of their men to death or wounding. Among those killed was Private Augustus Baldwin Fairchild of Company A. 1
References:
1Winthrop Dudley Sheldon The "Twenty-Seventh," : A Regimental History (New Haven, Connecticut: Morris and Benham, 1866), 25-30. Compiled service record, Augustus Baldwin Fairchild, Pvt., Co. A, 27th Connecticut Infantry; Carded Records, Volunteer Organizations, Civil War; Records of the Adjutant General's Office, 1780s-1917, Record Group 94; National Archives, Washington, D.C.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Battle of Fredericksburg - Day 2
Friday, December 12, 1862
The Twenty-Seventh Connecticut crossed the Rappahannock River into Fredericksburg at the Upper Pontoon Crossing. They witnessed the destruction of the once-beautiful city wrought by Union artillery the previous day. They advanced to the Middle Pontoon Crossing, where they bivouacked for the day and evening. They patched the roadways with boards and planks so that the artillery could advance through the city.1
References:
1Winthrop Dudley Sheldon The "Twenty-Seventh," : A Regimental History (New Haven, Connecticut: Morris and Benham, 1866), 24-25.
The Twenty-Seventh Connecticut crossed the Rappahannock River into Fredericksburg at the Upper Pontoon Crossing. They witnessed the destruction of the once-beautiful city wrought by Union artillery the previous day. They advanced to the Middle Pontoon Crossing, where they bivouacked for the day and evening. They patched the roadways with boards and planks so that the artillery could advance through the city.1
References:
1Winthrop Dudley Sheldon The "Twenty-Seventh," : A Regimental History (New Haven, Connecticut: Morris and Benham, 1866), 24-25.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Augustus' Story - Day 1 at Fredericksburg
Thursday, December 11, 1862
Private Augustus Fairchild of Company A of the Twenty-Seventh Connecticut remained on the Falmouth side of the Rappahannock River, watching the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment cross under heavy fire. His relative by marriage, Private Oliver Stanton Bates of Company A of the Twentieth Massachusetts, was among those who crossed the river under intense fire and was later involved in the brutal fighting as the Twentieth Massachusetts fought their way into Fredericksburg. Oliver Stanton Bates was the brother-in-law of Augustus Fairchild's older brother Joseph.1
References:
1Winthrop Dudley Sheldon The "Twenty-Seventh," : A Regimental History (New Haven, Connecticut: Morris and Benham, 1866), 22-24.
Private Augustus Fairchild of Company A of the Twenty-Seventh Connecticut remained on the Falmouth side of the Rappahannock River, watching the Twentieth Massachusetts Regiment cross under heavy fire. His relative by marriage, Private Oliver Stanton Bates of Company A of the Twentieth Massachusetts, was among those who crossed the river under intense fire and was later involved in the brutal fighting as the Twentieth Massachusetts fought their way into Fredericksburg. Oliver Stanton Bates was the brother-in-law of Augustus Fairchild's older brother Joseph.1
References:
1Winthrop Dudley Sheldon The "Twenty-Seventh," : A Regimental History (New Haven, Connecticut: Morris and Benham, 1866), 22-24.
Battle of Fredericksburg - Day 1
Thursday, December 11, 1862
At 6:30 A.M. the Twenty-Seventh Connecticut assembled with the Third Brigade near the Phillips House, the headquarters of General Edwin Sumner of the Right Grand Division. From this location the Twenth-Seventh Connecticut witnessed the crossing of the Rappahannock River by the Seventh Michigan and the Twentieth Massachusetts regiments under heavy fire at the Upper Pontoon Crossing. Confederate sharpshooters fired volleys into the advancing Union troops as they crossed. In order to assist the crossing General Ambrose Burnside ordered the artillery to launch barrages on the town. After a long day of hand-to-hand street fighting the roads of Fredericksburg were cleared for the Union advance and the town was under the control of the Federal troops.
The Twenty-Seventh Connecticut remained on the Falmouth side of the Rappahannock River for the entire day.1
References:
1Winthrop Dudley Sheldon The "Twenty-Seventh," : A Regimental History (New Haven, Connecticut: Morris and Benham, 1866), 22-24.
At 6:30 A.M. the Twenty-Seventh Connecticut assembled with the Third Brigade near the Phillips House, the headquarters of General Edwin Sumner of the Right Grand Division. From this location the Twenth-Seventh Connecticut witnessed the crossing of the Rappahannock River by the Seventh Michigan and the Twentieth Massachusetts regiments under heavy fire at the Upper Pontoon Crossing. Confederate sharpshooters fired volleys into the advancing Union troops as they crossed. In order to assist the crossing General Ambrose Burnside ordered the artillery to launch barrages on the town. After a long day of hand-to-hand street fighting the roads of Fredericksburg were cleared for the Union advance and the town was under the control of the Federal troops.
The Twenty-Seventh Connecticut remained on the Falmouth side of the Rappahannock River for the entire day.1
References:
1Winthrop Dudley Sheldon The "Twenty-Seventh," : A Regimental History (New Haven, Connecticut: Morris and Benham, 1866), 22-24.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Inspection and Picket Duty along the Rappahannock River
Wednesday, December 10, 1862
At noon the General Samuel Zook inspected the newly-assigned Twenty-Seventh Connecticut regiment and declared that their rifles were unfit for use. The rifles had been issued to the Twenty-Seventh before leaving New Haven. A member of General Zook's staff proclaimed, "Boys, if you can't discharge them, you can use the bayonet."1
During the afternoon two hundred and fifty men from the Twenty-Seventh deployed for picket duty along the Rappahannock River.2
References:
1Winthrop Dudley Sheldon The "Twenty-Seventh," : A Regimental History (New Haven, Connecticut: Morris and Benham, 1866), 20.
2Winthrop Dudley Sheldon The "Twenty-Seventh," : A Regimental History (New Haven, Connecticut: Morris and Benham, 1866), 21.
At noon the General Samuel Zook inspected the newly-assigned Twenty-Seventh Connecticut regiment and declared that their rifles were unfit for use. The rifles had been issued to the Twenty-Seventh before leaving New Haven. A member of General Zook's staff proclaimed, "Boys, if you can't discharge them, you can use the bayonet."1
During the afternoon two hundred and fifty men from the Twenty-Seventh deployed for picket duty along the Rappahannock River.2
References:
1Winthrop Dudley Sheldon The "Twenty-Seventh," : A Regimental History (New Haven, Connecticut: Morris and Benham, 1866), 20.
2Winthrop Dudley Sheldon The "Twenty-Seventh," : A Regimental History (New Haven, Connecticut: Morris and Benham, 1866), 21.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Arrival at Falmouth
Tuesday, December 9, 1862
The Twenty-Seventh Connecticut arrived at Falmouth at noon and immediately reported to the headquarters of General Darius Couch, commander of the Second Corps. The Twenty-Seventh Connecticut officially joined the Army of the Potomac, assigned to General Samuel Zook's Third Brigade of General Winfield S. Hancock's First Division of the Second Corps of General Edwin "Bull" Sumner's Right Grand Division.1
References:
1Winthrop Dudley Sheldon The "Twenty-Seventh," : A Regimental History (New Haven, Connecticut: Morris and Benham, 1866), 20.
The Twenty-Seventh Connecticut arrived at Falmouth at noon and immediately reported to the headquarters of General Darius Couch, commander of the Second Corps. The Twenty-Seventh Connecticut officially joined the Army of the Potomac, assigned to General Samuel Zook's Third Brigade of General Winfield S. Hancock's First Division of the Second Corps of General Edwin "Bull" Sumner's Right Grand Division.1
References:
1Winthrop Dudley Sheldon The "Twenty-Seventh," : A Regimental History (New Haven, Connecticut: Morris and Benham, 1866), 20.
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Resuming their March To Fredericksburg
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Camped in the Snow at Acquia Landing
Saturday, December 6, 1862
The men of the Twenty-Seventh Connecticut regiment arose to a cold, clear morning. The storm ceased during the night, dropping six inches of snow. The regiment did not march today.1
References:
1Winthrop Dudley Sheldon The "Twenty-Seventh," : A Regimental History (New Haven, Connecticut: Morris and Benham, 1866), 19-20.
The men of the Twenty-Seventh Connecticut regiment arose to a cold, clear morning. The storm ceased during the night, dropping six inches of snow. The regiment did not march today.1
References:
1Winthrop Dudley Sheldon The "Twenty-Seventh," : A Regimental History (New Haven, Connecticut: Morris and Benham, 1866), 19-20.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
On the Road to Fredericksburg
Friday, December 5, 1862
On their final day on Maryland soil the Twenty-Seventh Connecticut arrived at Liverpool Point in a blinding rainstorm that turned to heavy snow in the early afternoon. They waited several hours for boats to ferry them across the Potomac River to Acquia Landing in Virginia. Disembarking at Acquia Landing they marched several miles in the snow to their evening camp. To their dismay their tents afforded poor shelter from the snowstorm. They also found their store of supplies very low, and although the supply warehouse at Acquia Landing was well-stocked, they could not procure additional supplies due to bureaucratic delays. Many of the men went hungry for the evening.1
References:
1Winthrop Dudley Sheldon The "Twenty-Seventh," : A Regimental History (New Haven, Connecticut: Morris and Benham, 1866), 18-19.
On their final day on Maryland soil the Twenty-Seventh Connecticut arrived at Liverpool Point in a blinding rainstorm that turned to heavy snow in the early afternoon. They waited several hours for boats to ferry them across the Potomac River to Acquia Landing in Virginia. Disembarking at Acquia Landing they marched several miles in the snow to their evening camp. To their dismay their tents afforded poor shelter from the snowstorm. They also found their store of supplies very low, and although the supply warehouse at Acquia Landing was well-stocked, they could not procure additional supplies due to bureaucratic delays. Many of the men went hungry for the evening.1
References:
1Winthrop Dudley Sheldon The "Twenty-Seventh," : A Regimental History (New Haven, Connecticut: Morris and Benham, 1866), 18-19.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
On the Road to Fredericksburg
Monday, December 3, 2012
On the Road to Fredericksburg
Wednesday, December 3, 1862
As they continued their southward march the Twenty-Seventh Connecticut arrived at Mitchell's Plantation, near Port Tobacco, where the camped for the evening. Some of the men foraged for chickens, pigs, and other food from local farms.1
References:
1Winthrop Dudley Sheldon The "Twenty-Seventh," : A Regimental History (New Haven, Connecticut: Morris and Benham, 1866), 18.
As they continued their southward march the Twenty-Seventh Connecticut arrived at Mitchell's Plantation, near Port Tobacco, where the camped for the evening. Some of the men foraged for chickens, pigs, and other food from local farms.1
References:
1Winthrop Dudley Sheldon The "Twenty-Seventh," : A Regimental History (New Haven, Connecticut: Morris and Benham, 1866), 18.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
On the Road to Fredericksburg
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Farewell to Camp Tuttle
Monday, December 1, 1862
At 9:00 A.M. the Twenty-Seventh Connecticut filed into line and marched across Chain Bridge through Washington D.C. and southward along the Potomac River. They made fifteen miles before making camp for the evening. Rumors circulated among the men that their destination was Fredericksburg. 1
References:
1Winthrop Dudley Sheldon The "Twenty-Seventh," : A Regimental History (New Haven, Connecticut: Morris and Benham, 1866), 17.
At 9:00 A.M. the Twenty-Seventh Connecticut filed into line and marched across Chain Bridge through Washington D.C. and southward along the Potomac River. They made fifteen miles before making camp for the evening. Rumors circulated among the men that their destination was Fredericksburg. 1
References:
1Winthrop Dudley Sheldon The "Twenty-Seventh," : A Regimental History (New Haven, Connecticut: Morris and Benham, 1866), 17.
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