CAPTAIN JAMES O'BRIEN, assigned to command of Co. C., to
occupy the vacancy made by the promotion of Capt. Bates to Maj. of
45th U.S.C.T., is a native of Glenlough, Ireland, and the son of a
widow. Upon coming to this country he became a citizen of Maulius,
N.Y. In the early stage of the war he volunteered as a
PRIVATE in Co. I, 61st N.Y. Infantry. At the battle of Fair
Oaks, June 1st, 1862, he was severely wounded in the arm, but
continued heroically on the field to the close of the action. At the
battle of Charles City Cross Roads, June 30th, 1862, he received a
severe wound penetrating the left shoulder; and having been left on
the field, helpless and weak by loss of blood, he was taken prisoner.
His wound became alarmingly dangerous, by reason of his cruel
imprisonment in Libby Prison. He was paroled, June 31st, and removed
to Satterlee Hospital, Phila. Little hope was entertained about his
recovery. While yet in the Hospital, and after he had slightly
improved, he resumed his studies with a view to a collegiate course he
had before contemplated. The way also appeared open for the fulfillment
of his purpose in this particular, as the necessity of his discharge
was decided upon. He afterwards, however, concluded if possible to
return to the field. Much praise is due this maimed soldier for his
patriotic determination. Before leaving the Hospital he obtained the
promotion to SECOND LIEUTENANT of his Co. This honor, won by
so many acts of distinguished bravery, he was unable to accept at that
time, on account of his severe disability.
He was appointed FIRST LIEUTENANT of this Regt., March 8th,
1864, and assigned to Co. A. He received the appointment of
ADJUTANT of this command, April 1st, 1864, and in this
position he accompanied it to the front in the army of the Potomac. In
the terrible battle of the Mine before Petersburg, July 30th, 1864,
and the charge by this Regt., he received another severe wound in the
left shoulder. For his great gallantry in this action he is
particularly mentioned by both his Regimental and Brigade Commanders,
and for which, also, he was promoted to CAPTAIN by the
President of the United States. He was afterwards detailed as Post
Adjutant and Recruiting Officer for the North Eastern District of Va.,
at Camp Casey. He remained there until by order the Recruiting
Rendezvous was discontinued, when he reported to the Regt., then on
the Front Line before Richmond, and was assigned to the command of Co.
C.
He has served as A.A.A.G. at Headquarters of the 3d Brig. 1st Div.
25th Corps, and also at same Headquarters, as Acting Asst. Inspector
General, up to date of order returning this Regt. for final muster-out
and discharge. This officer remained in the active field service to
the close of the war, although continuing to suffer very much by
reason of his wounds, which were but partially healed and very
painful. He has proved himself as brave as he is efficient.
The following are engagements in which he has participated, viz.:
heavy skirmish at Rappahannock Bridge, March, 1862; Siege of Yorktown,
May, 1862; Williamsburg, May 5th, 1864; Fair Oaks, June 1st, 1862;
Peach Orchard, June 28th, 1862; Savage Station, June 29th, 1862;
Charles City Cross Roads, June 30th, 1862; Wilderness, May 4th, 5th,
6th and 7th, 1864; Spottsylvania, May 7th to 15th, 1864; Tolopotomy
Creek, May 19th and 20th, 1864; North Anna, May 22d and 23d, 1864;
Cold Harbor, June 1st to 3d, 1864; Old Church, June 10th, 1864; Siege
of Petersburg, June 18th, 1864; Mine before Petersburg, July 30th,
1864; capture of Richmond, April 3d, 1865.