CAPT. B. B. BLACKMAN, commander of Co. D, is a native of
Norwich, Conn. He volunteered July 26th, 1862, as a PRIVATE
in Co. C, 18th Conn. Infantry. While gallantly assaulting the enemies
position in the action of Winchester, Va., June 14th and 15th, 1863,
he was taken prisoner. In his confinement in Libby Prison and on Belle
Isle, he shared the usual Confederate fare and inhuman treatment
visited upon our brave men by that self-styled chivalry of the South.
He received the appointment of CAPTAIN of this Regiment,
March 8th, 1864, and was assigned to the command of Co. D. In this
capacity he returned to the field with his Company, and was present in
the campaign of 1864 in the Wilderness. He has served as Recorder of
Military Commission at Headquarters 3d Div. 9th Corps in 1864; member
of General Court Martial at Headquarters 1st Div. 25th Corps March,
1865; and member of Military Commission for Western District of Texas,
convened at Brownsville, Texas, and which occupied the place of Civil
Court, Aug. and Sept., 1865. This officer possesses a fine order of
talent, and the encomiums that have been pronounced in favor of his
Company are also true compliments to its worthy commander.
He has been in the following engagements, 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.