CAPT. JOSEPH FORBES, commanding Co. E, is a native of the
City of New York. His grand-father actively participated in the war of
1812, and his brother Thomas H. Forbes was a soldier in the 1st N.Y.
Vols. in this war. The Captain was, during a period of four years
previous to the rebellion, a member of the Engineer Corps of the 71st
N.Y. National Guards. This entire Regiment very promptly volunteered
its services to the Government, the day after the fire upon Fort
Sumter, and was immediately accepted. It was the sixth to arrive in
Washington for the defence of the Capitol. This loyal troop on its
march to that point, passed through disaffected Maryland, uncheered
and unprovided. Disloyalists charged them Twelve Hundred Dollars for
Two Carts, with which to transport necessary baggage, and these even
then failed to answer the purpose. This command with which the Captain
was connected, patriotically volunteered to remain in service for the
battle of Bull Run, although its term had expired. It opened the fight
of that day, and made the brilliant and successful charge upon an
entire Brigade of the enemy, composed of Alabama Regiments. In the
latter campaign, in which this Regiment volunteered its services
again, Capt. Forbes returned as Captain commanding Co. B. He received
the appointment of CAPTAIN in this Regiment (43d U.S.C.T.)
March 30th, 1864. He was wounded in the hand at the battle of
Hatchie's Run, Oct. 27th and 28th, 1864. This officer, who has seen
much service and greatly distinguished himself in connection with the
early organization of the 71st N.Y., and also with this Regiment,
deserves special compliments for his ability and bravery, and the
excellent military standard, to which he brought his command. His
Company was one among the first in neatness, discipline and
efficiency. A circular dated Headquarters 3d Brig. 1st Div. 25th
Corps, Feb. 5th, 1865, issued by order of the Brigade Commander, Brig.
Gen. H. G. Thomas, who reports the result of an Inspection of Quarters
of the different Regiments of his Brigade, states: "Capt. Forbes and
his Company deserve particular notice. Their quarters are far superior
in construction, neatness and ornament, to those of any of the
Companies in this Brigade." As a token of the high appreciation of
this officer, by his Company, they were pleased to present him with
the 25th Corps Badge and pin, pure gold and finely executed, with name
and rank of their commander engraved on the Badge and on the Pin, a
list of the engagements in which he led them, the whole beautifully
prefaced by the following inscription: "Presented to Capt. Forbes Co.
E, 43d U.S.C.T., by his Company for his bravery and impartiality in
command." This officer, also, stands recommended for Captaincy in the
Regular Service, having been so recommended by the Examining Board for
officers of the Regular army, appointed in the field by order of the
War Department.
He has taken part in the following actions, viz.: skirmish with Shore
Battery at Acquia Creek, June 1861; Bull Run, June 21st, 1861;
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; Weldon
Railroad, Aug. 19th and 20th, 1864; Poplar Grove Church, Sept. 29th
and 30th, 1864; Hatchie's Run, Oct. 27th and 28th, 1864; skirmish on
Bermuda Front, Dec, 1864; Farra's Island, at Dutch Gap Canal, Jan.
25th, 1865; and capture of Richmond, April 3rd, 1865.