James Stewart, Civil War Soldier

Title

James Stewart, Civil War Soldier

Subject

United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865

Description

James Stewart
Born on Prince Edward’s Island,_Son of James Stewart,_by occupation a Farmer,_Unmarried,_at the age of 21 enlisted for three years in the 1st Regiment of Cavalry, Mass.Vols._Company E.
Mustered into service in September, 1861._
During the encampment at Readville, Mass. a disturbance occurred between the officers and men. Through some misapprehension Stewart was ordered by Lieut. Col. Sargent to the guard house for 15 days: but Col. Williams, learning the facts of the case, ordered him released and appointed him Corporal.
While on St. Helena Island, S.C. he performed special service in taking care of the contrabands, and f his faithfulness was promoted to Sergeant.
Accompanied the regiment in all movement until September 5, 1862. At that date occurred the affair at Poolesville Md._The rebel force proving too strong, a retreat was ordered. This was done at full speed. All would have escaped, but the treacherous citizens of Poolesville had piles up stones in the road over which the horses fell and piled the men in a heap. About 30 were taken prisoners. Stewart’s horse fell on his leg; but he succeeded in extricating himself and escaped into a cornfield. He was pursued and fired on several times, but reached the woods in safety. He lay there concealed till Sunday, the 7th, when he crawled out to a brook to get some water. At noon started to find his regiment. Passed the rebel pickets and our own with great danger. Travelled 14 miles to rejoin the company; and after resting four days, took part in a skirmish near Frederick, Md.
Participated in the Battles of South Mountain, and Antietam.
A short time previous to the Battle of Fredericksburg he was appointed Color Sergeant.
During the winter of 1862-3, he was sick and off duty, but not in hospital. February 2 1863 arrived home on a furlough of 12 days. At the expiration of this period he was unable to return. His leave of absence was therefore extended from time to time till the first of April following, when he was discharged from the service.
After remaining a few months in Chicopee, and finding that his disease still resisted cure, he went to his father’s residence in {???} {???} Minnesota. Here he remained until February, 1865, when he returned to Chicopee. On the 13th of that month he enlisted for one year in the 31st Regiment of Infantry, Mass. Vols.

Source

Soldier's Record, Town of Chicopee

Date

ca. 1861-1865

Rights

Public Domain

Type

Text

Coverage

Chicopee (Mass.)

Identifier

SR-252.0

Files

SR-252.0.jpg

Citation

“James Stewart, Civil War Soldier,” Chicopee Archives Online, accessed March 19, 2024, https://www.chicopeepubliclibrary.org/archives/items/show/2635.