General D. McM. Gregg was a West Point graduate and had seen service in
the army before the war. He was dignified in manner and that winter I
was more or less in awe of him, when in his presence. One day he sent
for me and asked me if I knew of a certain special order from the War
Department bearing on a certain subject. Replying, "I think it is number
so and so," he said: "You should not think, sir, you should know. Go and
find out." To a layman this might seem needlessly severe, but it was
just the kind of training the young volunteer soldiers needed. Indeed,
my after experience demonstrated that one could not have been under a
more considerate and finer commander. His coolness whenever we were in
action and his thoughtfulness in looking out for his men, sparing them
needless risks and taking precautions to protect them from surprises,
secured for him the absolute confidence of every one in his command. He
was averse to newspaper notoriety and I do not recall an instance when
he seemed willing to give information to reporters. His idea was to
confine what he had to tell to his official reports, and let the records
testify to the character of his service. Indeed, on one occasion he
remarked to me, "Meyer, I do not propose to have a picture reputation."
As I am writing these lines he is still living, beloved by the survivors
of those who served under him and respected by the people of
Pennsylvania, the State in which he lives.
General Judson Kilpatrick, also a West Point graduate, was of slight
build, wiry, apparently incapable of fatigue, and physically just the
man for a cavalry leader. He was of a highly excitable and nervous
temperament. Whenever we reached camp and every one else seemed to think
that men and horses should have a rest, Kilpatrick was writing letters
and asking for authority from his superiors to start out on a
reconnoissance or a raid, or to give him a chance to get into a fight. I
was told that when at West Point he was noted for making speeches. With
us he would frequently harangue the men, but his good-natured dash and
personal magnetism made him popular. He had capacity for rallying his
soldiers and getting them into a charge. His usual method when meeting
the enemy was to order a charge. Sometimes this was very successful, and
at other times it was not so much so and very costly of men. It was
because of this that he secured the nickname of "Kil-Cavalry." He was
good-natured, approachable, and not inclined to be much of a
disciplinarian.
He was not disposed to punish his men if they took a horse from
citizens, which they occasionally did in 1862, unless they were caught
at it.
One day when we were in camp near Falmouth a citizen called on him to
complain that a horse of his had been stolen and to ask permission to go
through our companies' streets in search of it. The man rode into camp
and tied his horse to one of the stakes to which the General's tent was
attached. Kilpatrick courteously invited him in, listened to his story,
and gave him permission to go through camp looking for his horse. On
emerging from the tent the man found that while he was inside some one
had taken his saddle from the horse he rode in on. My recollection is
that he recovered neither the saddle nor the horse he was in search of.
Kilpatrick was energetic, brave, and patriotic, and as a cavalry leader
had a splendid record, and I understood that his services after he went
to Sherman's army were much appreciated by that commander.
Among the fine officers with whom it was my privilege to serve and whose
friendship has grown and still exists, were Colonel Henry C. Weir,
adjutant-general of General D. McM. Gregg's cavalry division and his
chief-of-staff, and General Walter C. Newberry, the lieutenant-colonel
commanding the Twenty-fourth cavalry in June. It was the former who took
me from the ranks and secured for me the position at General Gregg's
headquarters, which brought me under the eye of the General and gave me
opportunities that probably secured the promotion I ultimately obtained.
Weir was about twenty-one years of age in 1863, and with a most
attractive personality. He had a wide acquaintance among officers of the
army who had graduated from West Point, since his father was Professor
Weir, the famous artist on duty there, some of whose paintings are in
the rotunda of the Capitol at Washington. Weir was adjutant-general of
General Bayard's brigade when the latter was killed at Fredericksburg,
and then continued as such with General Gregg's division to the end of
the war. He was intensely patriotic, high-toned in character, and one of
the bravest men I ever knew. Indeed, General Gregg once remarked to me
after the war that Weir was so uniformly brave that he found it
difficult to recall a particular instance in order that he might
recommend him for a Medal of Honor. The Medal of Honor was, however,
awarded to Weir later and no man better deserved it.
General Newberry, to whose kindness and consideration I am so greatly
indebted, had been an officer in one of the New York State infantry
regiments that went out for two years' service. On returning in 1863,
he, with Colonel W. C. Raulston, raised the Twenty-fourth New York
cavalry. These officers were both fine soldiers.
General Newberry was a man of sound judgment, exceedingly cool in battle
and in emergencies, and a fine executive. He was most considerate of his
men and quick to appreciate any man or officer who tried to do his duty.
I doubt if any colonel of a regiment knew more of his men personally
than did he. He kept a record in which he described the character of
every officer's service, noting his impression of them both as men and
officers. Since the war he has been a man of affairs, holding prominent
positions, serving his city, State, and nation, yet with all his large
interests he has kept himself informed of the whereabouts of many of the
survivors of the Twenty-fourth cavalry, and I cannot imagine any
regimental commander more beloved by his men than he. During my short
term of service with the Twenty-fourth cavalry, which was from about the
latter part of February till the 17th of June, the last forty-five days
of which covered the campaign from the Wilderness to Petersburg, my
intercourse with General Newberry was mainly official, and it was not
until I received a sympathetic letter[5] while in the hospital that I
realized how good a friend I had in him. In later years this letter was
followed by a report to the Secretary of War recommending that a Medal
of Honor be awarded me, which was accordingly done.[6]
[Footnote 5: See Appendix B.]
[Footnote 6: See Appendix A.]
In October, the 24th New York cavalry was mounted and assigned to
General Gregg's division, which in the spring of 1865 was commanded by
General Crook. Except when commanding a brigade, General Newberry
commanded the regiment from June 18th, when Colonel Raulston was
wounded, until a few days before the end of the war. He was wounded
twice in the summer of 1864, but retained his command until March 31,
1865, at Dinwiddie Court House, where he was severely wounded, this
preventing further active service. Lee's surrender occurred ten days
later. He was brevetted brigadier-general for gallant and distinguished
service at Dinwiddie Court House, March 31, 1865.
I count the friendship of Newberry and Weir, begun during the war and
continuing up to the present time, one of the greatest privileges I have
ever been able to enjoy.
Colonel William C. Raulston, who commanded the Twenty-fourth cavalry
until he was given the command of a brigade, also treated me with great
courtesy and consideration. It was he who suggested that I be selected
to go to Washington for ammunition, and I assume he also recommended me
for other special duties which I was given an opportunity to perform. He
was an exceedingly gallant officer, was wounded on the day after I was,
recovered and returned to duty, and was subsequently captured. In an
unsuccessful attempt to break out of prison at Danville, in which he was
a leader, he was shot by a guard and died a few days after.
Among the many gallant men with whom I at different times served, I
remember especially Captain L. G. Estes, adjutant-general to General
Kilpatrick, and afterwards Brevet Brigadier-General, and his aides,
Captain, afterwards Brevet Brigadier-General, E. W. Whitaker and Captain
Theodore F. Northrop. No cavalry officer had braver staff-officers than
were these three men. Whitaker and Northrop repeatedly carried out
successfully missions involving unusual hazards and requiring great
daring.
APPENDIX A
LETTER RECOMMENDING AWARD OF MEDAL OF HONOR--WAR DEPARTMENT'S ACTION
THEREON--EXTRACT FROM GENERAL NEWBERRY'S RECORDS
CHICAGO, ILL.,
April 11, 1898.
HON. RUSSELL A. ALGER,
Secy. of War,
Washington, D. C.
DEAR SIR:
I believe there are still some Medals of Honor awaiting officers and men
of the late War who by some special act of bravery or the saving of life
or enhancing the safety of the Army have earned such a reward.
I desire to call your attention to the case of an officer of my own
Regiment, the 24th N. Y. Cavalry, who has suffered greatly, and who has
achieved most honorable position in the scientific world as a citizen
since the War. I speak of Capt. and Brevet Major Henry C. Meyer, now
Editor and Proprietor of a publication known as the _Engineering Record_
of New York City. He has two sons who were raised in the same honorable
manner and promise the very best of American citizenship to their
country that their father has, and I should very much like to see the
father's heroism and suffering rewarded as they deserve and as I believe
the Government intended by these Medals of Honor.
Meyer as a boy, against his father's desire, enlisted in '62 in what was
known as the "Harris Light" (2nd New York Cavalry). Being of good
education and writing a fine hand, he was subsequently detailed as a
clerk at Headquarters of General D. McM. Gregg of the 2nd Division of
Cavalry. On the 9th of June, '63, at Brandy Station, noticing some men
hard pressed, he rushed into the thickest of the fight and was wounded
by a sabre across the shoulder. He made light of the wound at the time
and induced Adj.-General Weir not to report his name as wounded on
account of needless alarm to his mother. Within the last few years,
however, both General Gregg and Colonel Weir reported this circumstance
to the War Department, which you will find on file under date of
November 19th, '91, addressed to the Adj.-General of the Army and
certified by those officers. Later, in an engagement at Buckland Mills,
where General Kilpatrick's Division met with a reverse, General Davies's
Brigade was imperilled by reason of the fact that General Custer's
Brigade had been driven to the north side of Broad Run, and the enemy
had gotten in between General Custer and his command, which was hard
pressed some two miles near Warrenton. General Kilpatrick expressed his
desire that somebody get to Davies that he might be made aware of the
situation. Without waiting for further orders Meyer rode up the river
and crossed the stream above the enemy and made his way around their
flank and in their rear to Davies, who was thus enabled, without serious
loss, to escape across the country to Haymarket. Meyer was recommended
by Generals Gregg and Kilpatrick for a commission, and early in '64 was
assigned to the 24th New York Cavalry, then just ready for the field.
Coming to us with a 2nd Lieut.'s commission and being familiar with
cavalry tactics he was a great addition to our effectiveness. From the
Wilderness through that entire campaign the 24th N. Y. fought
dismounted, and Lt. Meyer was most efficient from the fact of knowing
the country so well, and was frequently detailed to guide troops to
positions, especially about Spottsylvania. The Regiment being armed
with special Star Carbines used a special cartridge unobtainable except
by special requisition, and the Regiment being in constant service at
the front, the ammunition was likely to be exhausted. Gen. Burnside was
requested to send an officer to Washington for these cartridges, and he
by special letter detailed Lt. Meyer, who showed great efficiency in
bringing the ammunition to the front, seizing a wagon of Gen. Potter's
(another Division) to save time and distributing the cartridges in
blankets along the line of battle when the supply was nearly exhausted.
On the 8th of June Meyer was commissioned Captain, and on June 17th, in
that terrible assault upon the line before Petersburg, where he lost one
third of his Company, he was fearfully wounded very near the position
where Gen. Morton, the Engineer Officer of the Corps, was killed. He had
escaped wounds through the most serious part of the charge, when later
he discovered an officer, Lt. Randall, very badly wounded, Randall
having been shot in five places and lying with his face buried in the
dirt between our lines; Meyer turned back, going fifty to seventy-five
yards out of his way, and in plain sight of the enemy, turned Lt.
Randall over, brushed the sand and blood from his mouth so that he could
breathe, thus saving his life, when he himself received a most dangerous
wound. I was in sight of him, and he, after crawling in, was helped over
the works just in advance of me by two men, and as soon as I reached him
I detailed men to carry him back. For many months he lay in the Hospital
and was not able to be removed to his home until the following October,
and was a great sufferer for eleven months.
I should claim that this act alone of saving the life of a brother
officer, being an act beyond his regular duty, entitled him to a Medal
of Honor. His service and his honorable character as a civilian and the
high position he to-day holds in the scientific world seem to point him
out as a proper person to receive such high and distinguishing honor
from the Government. I earnestly recommend that the Medal of Honor be
conferred upon Captain and Brevet Major Henry C. Meyer of New York City.
With continued high regard,
I remain,
Respectfully,
WALTER C. NEWBERRY,
Late Col. 24th N. Y. Vet. Cavl.
Brevet Brig. Genl.
E. L.
Subject: Medal of Honor.
WAR DEPARTMENT,
WASHINGTON.
File No. R. & P. 517,138.
March 14, 1899.
CAPTAIN HENRY C. MEYER,
_The Engineering Record_,
277 Pearl Street,
New York City.
SIR:
I have the honor to advise you that, by direction of the President and
under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved March 3, 1863, a
Congressional Medal of Honor has this day been awarded to you for
distinguished gallantry in action near Petersburg, Virginia, June 17,
1864, the following being a statement of the particular service rendered
on that occasion:
"During an assault upon the enemy's works, this officer rendered
heroic assistance to a helpless brother officer in the face of a
heavy fire, thereby saving his life, and in the performance of
this gallant act sustained a severe wound."
The Medal will be forwarded to you, by registered mail, as soon as it
shall have been properly engraved.
Very respectfully,
G. D. MEIKELJOHN,
Assistant Secretary of War.
EXTRACT FROM GENERAL NEWBERRY'S RECORDS
CHICAGO, April 11, 1898.
HENRY C. MEYER, JR.,
New York City.
MY DEAR SIR:
Soon after the close of the War of the Rebellion, finding myself in
possession of the Descriptive List Roster of my Regiment--the 24th N. Y.
Veteran Cavalry,--and appreciating the effect of time upon my memory and
judgment, resolved to go over the list of officers and make record of my
unbiased conclusion as to their ability and character.
I have had frequent occasion to consult that record since, and knowing
how much you would appreciate this recorded opinion of your Father's
character and service I will quote my endorsement as therein written
thirty-three years ago.
"Henry C. Meyer, 2nd Lt, Jan. 26, 1864. Promoted to Capt. June 8,
1864.
"Assigned to Co. D. Wounded June 17, 1864.
"Discharged Sp. Order War Dept. Oct. 13, 1864; Disability.
"This officer was among the finest officers I have ever met. Cool,
cautious, and brave as a soldier, he was generous, true, and
sincere as a friend. He was fearfully wounded and was discharged
in consequence.
"W. C. NEWBERRY,
"Col."
May you deserve such commendation after as many years of experience.
Sincerely yours,
WALTER C. NEWBERRY.
APPENDIX B
[The following letters and copies of special orders are here reproduced
as having some bearing on my promotions, and to indicate the opinions of
those with whom I actively served in the Civil War of 1861-1865.--H. C.
M.]
FIRST PROMOTION
HEAD QUARTERS CAVALRY DIVISION.
LEFT GRAND DIVISION.
Dec. 29th, 1862.
Special Order}
No. 7. }
Private Henry C. Meyer, of C Company, 2nd New York Cavalry, is hereby
detailed as Clerk in the Adjt. Genl's office at these Head Quarters and
will report immediately.
By command of Brig. Genl. Gregg.
H. C. WEIR,
Capt. and A. A. G.
(Official Copy.)
H. C. WEIR,
Capt. and A. A. G.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR COMMISSION
HEAD QUARTERS 2ND DIV. CAV.,
ASS'T ADJ'T GENL'S OFFICE,
Sept. 5th, 1863.
HON. GEO. T. COBB, M. C.
SIR: It gives me pleasure to recommend Private Henry C. Meyer, 2nd N.
York Cav., for a commission. He has been a faithful soldier and
excellent clerk, and is eminently qualified mentally and morally for a
commission, especially as an adjutant of a Reg't.
I am very respectfully.
Your ob't s'v't,
H. C. WEIR
A. A. G.
HEAD QRS., 2ND DIV. CAV. CORPS,
Sept. 6th, 1863.
The within recommendation of Capt. H. C. Weir, A. A. G., of this
Division, is fully concurred in. I have known Private Meyer, 2nd N. Y.
Cavalry, for nearly two years and can attest his faithfulness as a
soldier, his moral, mental, and physical qualifications for the position
of Commissioned Officer.
D. MCM. GREGG,
Brig. Gen. Vols.,
Com'g, 2nd Div.,
Cavalry Corps.
HEADQUARTERS 2ND DIVISION CAVALRY CORPS,
September 9th, 1863.
LIEUT. E. B. PARSONS,
_A. A. A. G. Cav'y Corps._
LIEUT.: I have the honor to request the suspension of the order from the
Major Gen'l Commanding directing me to return Private H. C. Meyer, 2nd
New York Cav'y, to his Regiment. Private Meyer has been serving for a
year as clerk at the Hdqrs. of the 2nd Division, the former 3d Division,
and _Bayard's Brigade_. He is well instructed in his duties, and is
familiar with all the records of the Adjutant-General's office of this
Division. Capt. H. C. Weir, A. A. G., of this Division, is now absent
sick, and at this time the services of Private Meyer are invaluable. I
respectfully request, therefore, that I may for the present be permitted
to retain Private Meyer. Private W. H. Bubier, 2nd N. Y. Cavalry, was
taken prisoner at the battle of Brandy Station, and has not returned to
these Hdqrs.
I am, very respectfully,
Your ob't serv't,
D. MCM. GREGG,
Brig.-Gen'l Vols.,
Comdg 2nd Divsn., C. C.
(Official copy)
H. C. WEIR,
Capt. A. A. G.
HEAD QUARTERS 3RD DIVISION,
CAVALRY CORPS,
Octr. 5th, 1863.
Special Order }
No. 38. }
Private Henry C. Meyer, Co. C, 2nd N. York Cavalry, is hereby detailed
on special duty as Clerk in the Adjt. Genl's Office at these Head
Quarters, and will report for duty without delay.
By command of Brig.-Genl. Kilpatrick.
L. G. ESTES,
A. A. Genl.
(Official)
L. G. ESTES,
A. A. G.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PROMOTION TO A COMMISSIONED OFFICER
HEAD QUARTERS, 3rd DIVISION, C. C.
December 31st, 1863.
HON. GEO. T. COBB:
I understand that you are about to make an effort to secure a
Lieutenancy in one of the regular Cav. Regiments for Henry C. Meyer, now
a private in Harris Light Cavalry. I hope you will be successful; he
fully merits and will fill with honor the position to which he aspires.
He was for a long time a clerk at General Gregg's Hd. Qurs., and after
I was given a Division transferred to my Head Quarters. He is energetic,
well educated, and a Gentleman, and possessing as he does a thorough
knowledge of all papers, accounts, and reports which pertain to a
regiment, brigade, or division, acquired by one or two years' service in
the field, he is better qualified to discharge the duties of a
subordinate officer than many of our West Point graduates on leaving the
Academy. If you think this letter will aid in your efforts you are at
liberty to use it.
Very Respectfully,
Your Obed't Serv't,
J. KILPATRICK,
Brig. Genl. Vols.
LETTER ACCOMPANYING MY COMMISSION WHILE IN SEMINARY HOSPITAL
HD. QTS. 24TH N. Y. CAVALRY, NEAR PETERSBURG, VA., July 22, '64.
MY DEAR CAPT: Your commission has arrived and I have forwarded it to
your address at the Metropolitan Hotel, Washington. D. C, thinking it
would be more safe than at the Hospital, for we're not certain where you
are now. I congratulate you on the promotion and am happy to acknowledge
that you deserve it and much more than a bleeding, suffering country
like ours can ever give. These honors but illy pay a man for the
suffering endured, where horrible wounds like yours are the penalty of
bravery. Yet the consciousness of having done one's duty is much reward.
We all look for your return with much interest. Lt. Raulston is to-day
mustered to your Company. I enclose a morning report of your Co.
With many wishes for your health, I am,
Yours,
NEWBERRY,
Lt-Col. Comdg.
CAPT. HENRY C. MEYER.
FINAL DISCHARGE ON ACCOUNT OF DISABILITY FROM WOUNDS
WAR DEPARTMENT,
ADJT. GENL'S OFFICE, WASHINGTON, D. C.
October 13th, 1864.
Special Order}
No. 345. }
(_Extract_.)
51. The following named officers are hereby honorably discharged the
Service of the United States on account of physical disability from
wounds received in action, with condition that they shall receive no
final payments until they have satisfied the Pay Department that they
are not indebted to the Government.
2nd Lt. H. C. MEYER, 24th N. Y. Cav'y.[7]
[Footnote 7: I was discharged as 2nd Lieutenant because no opportunity
occurred to permit my being mustered in as Captain before I was wounded.
Congress, however, recognized all such cases, and subsequent legislation
gave all officers the rank they were eligible to--mine being Captain.
Subsequently I received a commission as Brevet Major, stated to be for
"gallant and meritorious services."--H. C. M.]
* * * * *
By Order of the Secretary of War.
E. A. TOWNSEND,
A. A. Gen'l.
Hd. Qrs. 2nd Cav. Division,
Oct. 23rd, '64.
(Official.)
A. H. BIBBER,
A. A. A. Gen'l.
Hd. Qrs. 24th N. Y. Cavly.,
Feb. 20th, 1865.
C. P. WILLIAMS,
(Official Copy.) Lt. and Act. Adjt.
[The following letter was never presented.]
NAVY YARD, NEW YORK,
Decr. 23d, 1863.
MY DEAR MR. POTTS:
The bearer of this is Henry C. Meyer, my young friend who has gallantly
served in the field with Generals Kilpatrick and Gregg.
He is to my knowledge a gentleman by education and association, and in
every way calculated to fill the place of a First Lieutenant.
I have given a letter to the Adj't-General, and if you can speak a good
word for him you will do me a great kindness.
All his attributes are those of a gentleman.
Your friend,
H. PAULDING.
JOHN POTTS, ESQ.,
Chief Clerk, War Department.
NAVY YARD, NEW YORK,
Dec. 23rd, 1863.
SIR: I take leave, most respectfully, to commend to your Excellency's
consideration my young friend, Henry C. Meyer, a private in Second N. Y.
Light Cavalry. He is intelligent, of a highly interesting and
unexceptionable character, well educated, and in all his attributes of a
gentleman well calculated to fill the place of an officer.
He has been serving in the field with Genls. Kilpatrick and Gregg for
eighteen months, and his commanding officers testify to his gallantry
and his manly bearing.
In speaking thus highly of Mr. Meyer I do so from personal knowledge,
having known him from a child.
I trust your Excellency may be able to advance this young gentleman to a
position worthy of his merit, feeling assured it will be for the
interest of the public service.
With high respect, your Excellency's most ob'd't serv't,
H. PAULDING,
Rear Admiral.
His Excellency,
HORATIO SEYMOUR,
Governor of the State of New York.
NAVY YARD, NEW YORK,
Decr. 23rd, 1863.
MY DEAR GENERAL:
My young friend, Henry C. Meyer, of the 2nd N. York Light Cavalry, has
been serving in the field with Generals Kilpatrick and Gregg for
eighteen months as a private, and his gallantry and manly bearing are
well attested.
I have known him from childhood as estimable and charming in all his
attributes as a gentleman.
He is well educated, high-toned in character, and in every way a young
gentleman of great merit.
He entered the service from the love of a soldier's life and motives of
patriotism.
He has won advancement by his service in the field and will make an
excellent officer.
If you can give him a helping hand, I am sure you will. I have no
acquaintance with the Sec. of War or General-in-Chief, and therefore
commend the young gentleman to you as one of our fraternity when the
Rebellion commenced.
I have the honor to be, with high respect and esteem, your friend and
most obdt servt.
H. PAULDING,
Rear Admiral.
TO GENL. E. D. TOWNSEND,
Adjt. Genl., U. S. Army,
Washington.
(True copy.)
WAR DEPARTMENT,
ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,
WASHINGTON, Feb'y 10th, 1864.
Special Order}
No. 66 }
(_Extract_.)
14. At the request of the Governor of New York, Private Henry C. Meyer,
2nd New York Cav'y, is hereby honorably discharged the Service of the
United States to enable him to accept an appointment in another
Regiment.
By order of the Secretary of War,
E. D. TOWNSEND,
Ass't Ad'j't Gen.
H'd Q'r's Cav'y Corps,
Feb. 12th, 1864.
(Official.)
E. B. Parsons,
Capt. and A. A. A. G.
Head Q'r's 3rd Div. C. C,
Feb. 12th, 1864.
(Official.) L. G. ESTES,
Capt. and A. A. G.
ADMIRAL PAULDING TO GENERAL KILPATRICK.
NAVY YARD, NEW YORK,
Febr'y 16th, 1864.
MY DEAR GENERAL:
Without a personal acquaintance, I respect and honor you for gallant
service in the field.
You have had my young friend Henry Meyer with you and have learned to
esteem him. I have known him from a boy, as an interesting youth, and as
a gentleman by education and association, and know that when he entered
the Army as a Private he was honored and beloved, and from zeal and love
of country he left a comfortable home and lucrative place.
I am very fond of him for his personal merit and have confidence in
commending him to you in every way in which he can serve you in our
sacred cause.
He is now a 2d Lieut. in a New York Regt. and will doubtless be able
soon to fill a more prominent place.
For the favor you have shown him, and for your gallant and distinguished
services to the country, I entertain the highest respect for you and
thank and honor you and beg to subscribe myself your friend and most
obd't serv't.
H. PAULDING,
Rear Admiral and Comdt.
TO GENL. J. KILPATRICK,
Army of the Potomac.
EXPLANATION OF NON-MUSTER AS CAPTAIN.
I hereby certify that Henry C. Meyer, late 2d Lieutenant 24th N. Y.
Cavalry, was severely wounded in action on the 17th day of June before
Petersburg, Va., 1864; that there was a Commission from the Governor of
New York making said Meyer a Captain in said Regiment, and that owing to
an irregularity in the mails said Commission did not arrive at the Head
Quarters of the command until about the 20th inst.; and further, that
said Meyer was acting in the capacity of Captain by authority of the
Col. commanding, and that he was absent and prevented from being
mustered by no fault of his; that said Meyer was a gallant and
meritorious officer and deserving said promotion.
W. C. NEWBERRY,
Late Col. 24th N. Y. Cavalry.
Bvt. Brig. Gen.
Sworn subscribed to before me }
this 19th day of June, 1866, at }
this city of Petersburg, Va. }
CHAS. STRINGFELLEN, }
[SEAL] Notary Public. }
[The following letter is highly prized as coming from Corporal Gundlach,
of my Company, who, although wounded himself, waited on me until removed
from the field hospital.]
WEST SENECA CENTRE, N. Y.
October 14th, 1868.
CAPT. H. C. MEYER,
New York City.
DEAR SIR: A few days back I was in Buffalo and stopped at Mr. Flach's
store; I learned that you got married. Permit me, dear sir, to give you
my best and sincere congratulation.
I always must and will respect you for your honesty, bravery, and your
good moralic advices, which you used to give your subordinate. When
others did their duty, you used to do three times more than you was
obliged to do.
I would ask you for your likeness.
Your most obt. servant,
FRED. GUNDLACH.
[The following statement with its endorsements was placed on file in the
War Department.]
NEW YORK, November 19, 1891.
TO THE ADJUTANT-GENERAL OF THE ARMY,
WASHINGTON, D. C.
DEAR SIR: At the solicitation of friends I desire to place on record the
fact, not heretofore officially reported, that I received a wound from a
sabre at the battle of Brandy Station on the 9th of June, 1863.
I was then a private in the 2nd N. Y. Cavalry, detailed as clerk in the
Adjutant-General's Department of the 2nd Division Cavalry Corps, Army of
the Potomac.
That this circumstance was not reported at the time was due to the fact
that I personally made out the list of casualties occurring in the
Division on the evening following the battle. My wound was not a severe
one, though painful.
When it was suggested that I include my name, I declined to do so on the
ground that its publication in the papers would needlessly alarm my
parents, and consequently withheld it.
I was subsequently severely wounded at Petersburg and mustered out in
consequence, which is a matter of record.
In making this request to have this circumstance go on record, I
disclaim any permanent injury or any desire or intention of claiming any
pension because of that wound.
This statement is corroborated herewith by General D. McM. Gregg,
commanding the Division, and H. C. Weir, Capt. and Asst.
Adjutant-General at the time.
Respectfully,
HENRY C. MEYER.
Late Capt. and Bvt. Major,
24th New York Cavalry.
The above was endorsed as follows:
The foregoing statement is correct and worthy of record, and I heartily
recommend the same.
Very respectfully, your ob't serv't,
HENRY C. WEIR,
Late Bv't Lt. Col. and Major,
Ass't Adjt. Gen'l, U. S. Vols.,
2d Division, Cavalry Corps,
A. O. Potomac.
BROOKLYN, L. I., Nov. 25, '91.
READING, PA., Dec. 5th, 1891.
I fully concur in the recommendation of Colonel Weir, as I readily
recall the fact mentioned within.
D. MC.M. GREGG,
Late Brig, and Bv't Maj. Gen'l Vols.,
Com'd'g 2d Cav. Division, A. P.
End of Project Gutenberg's Civil War Experiences, by Henry Coddington Meyer