CAPT. H. V. MARTIN, commander of Co. K, is a native of New
York City. Both his grand-fathers were heroes of the Revolution of
1776, and others of his ancestry served in the War of 1812. He
volunteered April 23rd, 1861, immediately after the attack on Sumpter,
in Co. A, 10th N.Y. Vols., which Regiment was one among the first
two-year organizations from N.Y. State to enter the field. Its career
proved it to be a splendid command. It was particularly selected by
Generals Butler and Wool to do garrison duty in Fort Monroe. In its
connection with the Army of the Potomac, it was associated with Syke's
Division of the 5th Corps, and afterwards with the 2nd Corps, and was
chosen Headquarter Guards to Gen. Sumner, when in command of the Right
Grand Division of the Army. On its retiring from service, at the
expiration of term, Gen. French takes the opportunity of reciting its
achievements and distinguished bravery in a published Circular. Capt.
Martin had enlisted as a PRIVATE in this Regiment, was
promoted to SERGEANT in his Company, July, 1861, and
afterwards to ORDERLY SERGEANT. He became acting SERGEANT
MAJOR of the Regiment, July, 1862, and was promoted to SECOND
LIEUTENANT of Co. H, Oct. 25th, 1862. He received also the
promotion to FIRST LIEUTENANT and ADJUTANT of his
Regiment, Feb., 1863. These promotions were awarded him on account of
his fine ability and distinguished services. At the battle of
Fredericksburg, Dec. 13th and 14th, 1862, he received a wound on the
cheek.
He was appointed CAPTAIN in this Regiment, April 8th, 1864,
and assigned to the command of Co. K. In his connection with this
Regiment he has won the name of a fine officer and most worthy
commander, whose moral character is unimpeachable, and whose Company
has been complimented for its high standard of discipline, efficiency
and bravery.
He has served as Judge Advocate General Court Martial at Headquarters
4th Div. 9th Corps; and Judge Advocate General Court Martial 1st Div.
25th Corps; and also Provost Marshal of the Post of Brownsville, in
the Western District of the Department of Texas. This latter office he
held up to date of order mustering out this command. This officer is
also recommended for Captaincy in the regular service by the Examining
Board for officers of the regular army, appointed in the field by
order of the War Department.
He has shared in the following battles, viz: Big Bethel, June 10th,
1861; Skirmish at Shelltown, July, 1861; skirmish at Cherry Stone
Creek, July, 1861; capture of Norfolk, May 10th, 1862; Gaines' Mills,
June 27th, 1862; Chickahominy, June 28th, 1862; Malvern Hill, July
1st, 1862; second Bull Run, Aug. 30th, 1862; Antietam, Sept. 17th,
1862; skirmish at Shepherdstown Ford, Sept. 20th, 1862;
Fredericksburg, Dec. 13th, 1862; 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.