CAPTAIN JOHN D. BROWN, commanding Co. B., is a native of
Uxbridge, Mass. His grand-father was the boy-patriot of the
Revolution, who entered the ranks fighting for Independence when only
fifteen years of age, and who obtained for himself a bright record.
The Captain entered the United States service first, Aug. 8th, 1862,
as a volunteer PRIVATE in Co. D., 18th Conn. Infantry. He
received the appointment of Captain in this Regt., March 8th, 1862,
and was assigned to the command of Co. B. His service with this
command extends throughout Grant's Wilderness campaign of 1864, and in
the subsequent actions, in which the Regt., was engaged to the close
of the war.
At the time of the terrible battle of the Mine before Petersburg, July
30th, 1864, this officer was entirely unfit for duty by reason of
severe illness, but notwithstanding this indisposition he most
patriotically declined remaining in the Hospital, and gallantly led
his Co. in the Charge on that day. He there received a wound in the
breast. His company, which was always specially complimented for its
great bravery in action, was inspired to do noble deeds by the example
of this able and patriotic commander.
He has shared in the following battles; viz.: Winchester, June 14th
and 15th, 1863; Wilderness, May 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th, 1864;
Spottsylvania May 7th to 15th, 1864; Tolopotomy Creek, May 19th and
20th, 1864; North Anna, May 22nd, and 23rd, 1864; Cold Harbor, June
1st to 3rd, 1864; Old Church, June 10th, 1864; Siege of Petersburg,
June 18th, 1864; Mine before Petersburg, July 30th, 1864; Weldon
Railroad, Aug. 19th and 20th, 1864; Poplar Grove Church, Sept. 29th
and 30th, 1864; Hatchie's Run, Oct. 27th and 28th, 1864; heavy
skirmish on the Bermuda Front, in Dec. 1864; Farra's Island at Dutch
Gap Canal, Jan. 25th, 1865; and capture of Richmond, April 3d, 1865.