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THE FORTY-THIRD REGIMENT

UNITED STATES <DW52> TROOPS.


GETTYSBURG:
J. E. WIBLE, PRINTER, NORTH-EAST CORNER OF THE DIAMOND.
1866.




INTRODUCTION.


No apology can be necessary for the publication of the following
pages, as it is no unworthy or mercenary object they seek to obtain.
They have been elicited by request of numerous friends of the officers
of this regiment and of the <DW52> troops, designed for their own
use; and their object is not simply to give succinct statements of
individual military history, or of any single command of the 
Troop, but to furnish, also, at the same time, an unanswerable
argument on the subject of this Troop, as an element in the military
service on the side of Freedom and the Union; their extraordinary good
discipline, efficiency and bravery, and the fact that they are very
susceptible of intellectual and moral culture. We present it in
compliance with the request that has been made, subservient to this
purpose.

    J. M. MICKLEY,
    _late Chaplain of the Regiment_.




COMMISSIONED OFFICERS

FORTY-THIRD REGIMENT

UNITED STATES <DW52> TROOPS,

INCLUDING A BRIEF HISTORY OF THEIR MILITARY CAREER.


BREVET BRIG. GEN. S. B. YEOMAN.

This officer, formerly Colonel Commanding this Regiment, is a native
of Washington, Ohio. His great-grand-father, James Yeoman, served
with distinction as a Captain in the war of the Revolution, and his
grand-father as a First Lieutenant in the war of 1812.

Before entering the United States service the General was a sea-man,
whose experience of nautical life extends over a decade of years. He
started as a sailor before the mast at fifteen years of age. His first
voyage was on a whaling expedition of three years in the ship
"Alexander," which was wrecked on the South Island of New Zealand. The
boats, to which all fled for safety, became unmanageable; and not
until after suffering great hardships on the deep, he with a few
others were accidentally rescued. After this he made several voyages
to South America, Asia and Africa; and returned shortly before the
outbreak of the Rebellion. He at once determined to remain and
identify himself with the cause of the Union and its Free
Institutions.

He volunteered as a PRIVATE in Co. F. 22nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry
April 20th 1861, and was afterwards appointed First Sergeant of his
Company. With this command he continued in Western Virginia, under
General Rosencrans until it was discharged by reason of expiration
of term of service. At home he immediately commenced the work of
Recruiting; and returned again to the field September 15th 1861 as
CAPTAIN of Co. A. 54th Ohio Volunteer Infantry.

At Corinth, General Yeoman, then a Captain, was particularly selected
by Maj. General Sherman, to take command of ten picked men, and with
these to penetrate the Rebel lines in order to ascertain their forces,
and more especially the movements they were inaugurating. The task was
a perilous one; but he accomplished it with entire success, returning
with very valuable information, for which he obtained the hearty
thanks of the General in command and of the Department.

While gallantly in the discharge of duty he has received the following
wounds, viz.: In the battle of Shiloh, April 6th and 7th 1862,
slightly wounded in the breast and left leg; in the battle of Russell's
House, June 1862, wounded again in left leg; wounded in arm and
abdomen on different occasions on the picket line; in the battle of
Arkansas Post, January 10th and 11th, 1863, while in command of his
Regiment, severely wounded by a shell in right arm, almost entirely
severing the arm below the elbow. Amputation became necessary
immediately on the field; and after this he was conveyed to a Hospital
Boat on the Mississippi River, and finally reached home. For his
distinguished services he was appointed Major of his Regiment, but
such was the condition of his wound that any attempt to return to the
field was considered unadvisable, and he, therefore, respectfully
declined the promotion. He resigned on account of his serious loss.
This officer won an estimable name in his services with the Western
Army.

He was appointed Captain in the Veteran Reserve Corps, Commanding 6th
Co. 2nd Battalion, on duty in Cincinnati. In May 1864, he received
from the President of the United States the appointment of COLONEL of
this Regiment. Instead of reporting immediately to the command, he was
detailed by order of the War Department to Camp Casey, Virginia, as
_Superintendent of Recruiting Service_ and _Chief Mustering officer of
North East District of Virginia_. He continued in this office until
November 29th, 1864, when he rejoined this Regiment in the field, then
on the Bermuda Front, Virginia. He led this command in all the actions
after that date, including the triumphant capture of Richmond, April
3d, 1865. He has also been _Commanding Officer of 3d Brigade 1st
Division 25th Corps_.

He was promoted by the President of the United States to BREVET
BRIGADIER GENERAL OF VOLUNTEERS, "for gallant and meritorious
services during the war," to rank as such from the 15th day of March,
1865.

The following are engagements in which he has actively participated,
viz.: Shiloh, April 6th and 7th, 1862; Russell's House, June, 1862;
Easel's House, June, 1862; heavy skirmish at Corinth, July, 1862;
heavy skirmish at Holly Springs, July, 1862; Chickasaw Bayou, (lasting
six days,) December, 1862; Arkansas Post, January 10th and 11th, 1863;
siege of Vicksburg, July, 1863; capture of Richmond, April 3d, 1865
and in, at least, fifteen other different skirmishes not mentioned in
the above.

BREVET BRIGADIER GENERAL YEOMAN is an officer of ability and
experience in the active service, who has greatly distinguished
himself in action. He now carries the empty sleeve of his right arm as
the unmistakable mark of his devotion and valor.


BREVET COL. H. SEYMOUR HALL.

BREVET COLONEL H. SEYMOUR HALL, formerly Lieutenant Colonel
of this Regiment, and a native of Providence, Saratoga county New
York, is the only son of a very patriotic widow. His grand-father,
Moses Hall, was a soldier of the Revolution of 1776, and served his
country during the entire period of that eventful struggle. The
Colonel was pursuing a Scientific course in Genesee College, New York,
when the intelligence of the Rebel guns against Sumpter was
communicated to the North. With others of his collegiate companions he
immediately tendered his services to the Country, and was enlisted
April 24th, 1861, as a volunteer PRIVATE in Co. G. 27th
Regiment New York Volunteers, which Regiment was first commanded by
Colonel, now Major General Slocum, whose successor in the command was
Lieutenant Colonel, now Major General J. J. Bartlett. Upon the
organization of the Company he was chosen ENSIGN. He
afterwards was appointed SECOND LIEUTENANT, and then promoted
to CAPTAIN.

In the battle of Gaines' Hill, June 27th, 1862, he received a wound in
his left thigh by a musket ball. On account of his distinguished
services in that engagement he is specially spoken of by the
commanding officer of his Brigade, who in submitting names of officers
whose good conduct and gallantry, particularly in that action,
deserved mention, states: "H. Seymour Hall, Captain of Co. G. 27th New
York Volunteers, for coolness and intrepidity in the battle of Gaines'
Hill; and for displaying the traits of a good officer at all times."

January 15th, 1863, he became _Acting Assistant Inspector General_
on the staff of Brigadier General Bartlett, commanding 2nd Brigade
1st Division 6th Corps; and for his services in the battles of
Chancellorsville and Salem Heights, May 3d and 4th ensuing, he is
honorably mentioned in the report by that General commanding, who
states: "during the campaigns I received the most efficient aid from
Captain H. Seymour Hall, Acting Assistant Inspector General. He was
brave, energetic and untiring in his endeavors to promote the
efficiency of my command."

Upon the expiration of term of service of his Regiment he was formerly
mustered-out, but immediately re-commissioned Captain in the 121st New
York Volunteers, and continued on the staff as before. When Colonel
Upton became General Bartlett's successor in command of the Brigade,
he was placed on his staff. He is highly complimented in the report by
this latter officer of his command in the battle of Rappahannock
Station, November 7th, 1863. "From my own staff I received, in every
instance, prompt and gallant assistance, and to their united efforts
may be attributed, in a great measure, the promptness with which both
regiments re-formed inside the works. Captain H. Seymour Hall,
Assistant Inspector General, entered the rifle pits with the men."
After this engagement he was promoted to ACTING ASSISTANT ADJUTANT
GENERAL on the staff of this Brigade commander, which position he
held in connection with the other until his commission in this
Regiment.

It may not be improper to introduce here a few extracts of
communications setting forth the high appreciation of Colonel Hall for
his ability and bravery, by very competent Judges. Brigadier General
Jackson, Commander of 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, 12th Corps, in his
letter addressed to Adjutant General of the State of New York,
requesting the appointment of Captain Hall to Colonel of the 145th New
York Volunteers, which Regiment was in his Brigade, and without a
Colonel, states: "I have known Captain Hall for the past fifteen
months, and consider him every way qualified to fill the above
mentioned position." Major General Slocum's endorsement on this paper
testifies: "I know Captain Hall to be a capable, efficient and
faithful officer, and most cordially unite with General Jackson in
this recommendation." Major General Slocum himself, also, in a letter
relating to the same subject, and addressed to the same Officer of
State, closes with the remarks: "I am well acquainted with him
(Captain Hall,) and know him to be a capable and efficient officer,
and think his appointment would be a great benefit to the service.
Captain Hall has no knowledge of my intention to recommend him for
this position, and in doing it I am only actuated by a desire to
improve the condition of the troops under my command." For some reason
or other, left unsatisfactory unexplained, the State Executive made no
appointment whatever. In consequence of this the Regiment alluded to
was obliged to forego its organization, and be consolidated with
others.

Captain Hall was appointed by the President LIEUTENANT
COLONEL of this Regiment, March 20th, 1864. After reporting at
Camp William Penn, Philadelphia, he completed the organization of its
1st Battalion composed of the first six Companies, with which he
joined the 9th Corps at Annapolis, Maryland, April 19th, 1864. He
commanded it through all the engagements in the Wilderness; and in the
memorable battle of the Mine before Petersburg, Virginia, July 30th,
1864, it was the charging Regiment which he led against the enemy's
works. With regard to his own gallantry in that terrible engagement,
the Commanding Officer of the 2nd Brigade, 4th Division, 9th Corps,
testifies: "Lieutenant Colonel H. Seymour Hall, Commanding 43d
Regiment United States <DW52> Troops, lost his right arm while
bravely leading his Regiment." Such was his anxiety that he reported
again for duty to his Regiment when his wound was but partially
healed. He was afterwards ordered to Camp Casey, Virginia, as
Commander of that _Recruiting Rendezvous_ and _Chief Mustering
Officer_ of the District of Columbia. He remained in this capacity
until March 20th, 1865, the date under order of discontinuing the
Rendezvous, when he returned to his Regiment, then on the front before
Richmond, Virginia. Immediately after the capture of Richmond, April
3d, 1865, he was detailed PROVOST MARSHAL of Manchester, Virginia. He
conducted this office with his usual great ability, and also with
perfect satisfaction to the Government.

He was appointed by the President of the United States COLONEL OF
VOLUNTEERS by Brevet "for gallant and meritorious services in the
service of the United States, to rank as such from the 13th day of
March 1865." This honor from the late lamented Chief Magistrate was
most fittingly awarded.

Colonel Hall was a member of General Court Martial in Camp on the
Chickahominy, Virginia, of which Brigadier General Pratt was
President, in May and June, 1862; Judge Advocate of General Court
Martial in Camp near Bakersville, Maryland, of which Brigadier General
Newton was President, in September, 1862; a member of Military
Commission also in Camp near Bakersville, Maryland, of which now
Brevet Major General Bartlett was President, in October, 1862; a
member of a Board of Officers to examine officers as to qualification
and fitness for their positions in the 1st Division, 6th Corps, of
which now Brevet Major General Torbert was President, in October,
November and December 1862; a member of General Court Martial in Camp
near White Oak Church, Virginia, of which Colonel Cake, 96th Regiment
Pennsylvania Volunteers was President, in January, 1863; a member of
General Court Martial at Headquarters of 2nd Brigade, 4th Division,
9th Corps, near Petersburg, Virginia, of which Brevet Brigadier
General Bates was President, in June and July, 1864, and President of
Military Commission for the Western District of Texas, convened at
Brownsville, Texas, which occupied the place of Civil Court, in August
and September, 1865. Upon the discharge of his Regiment he continues
in service, having reported under orders to Major General Wright,
Headquarters Department of Texas, who assigned him to duty as
Assistant Superintendent in the Freedmen's Bureau, under Brigadier
General E. M. Gregory, Assistant Commissioner of the Bureau in that
State.

The following are actions in which he has participated, a number of
which were the most important of any during the war, viz.: First Bull
Run, July 21st, 1861; West Point, May 7th, 1862; heavy skirmish at
Mechanicsville, May 21st, 1862; Gaines' Hill, June 27th, 1862;
Golden's Farm, June 28th, 1862; Charles City Cross Roads, June 30th,
1862; Second Bull Run, August 30th, 1862; Fredericksburg, December
13th, 14th and 15th, 1862; Chancellorsville, May 3d, 1863; Salem
Heights, May 3d and 4th, 1863; Gettysburg, July 1st, 2d and 3d, 1863;
heavy skirmish at Fairfield, Pennsylvania, July 7th, 1863; heavy
skirmish at Funkstown, Maryland, July 10th, 1863; heavy skirmish at
St. James' College, Maryland, July 13th, 1863; Rappahannock Station,
November 7th, 1863; Locust Grove, November 24th, 1863; Mine Run,
November 27th, 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 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; and capture of
Richmond, April 3d, 1865.

Brevet Colonel Hall has risen from a private to his present rank and
office by his excellent military talent, energy, intelligence and
gentlemanliness, and by his great gallantry in all the engagements in
which he has participated. These have been the hand-maids of his
success. He is a patriot who has accomplished a good work for his
country, and who also carries the empty sleeve--the same unmistakable
mark of superior devotion and valor.


MAJOR HORACE BUMSTEAD.

MAJOR HORACE BUMSTEAD of this Regiment is a native of Boston,
Massachusetts, and a regular graduate of Yale College, having
completed his course in that institution in 1863. He was a member of
the _Massachusetts Rifle Club_, which has contributed quite a
number of Field and Officers of other grades to our army during this
war, who are known as worthy commanders, distinguished for their
ability and bravery. In connection with this military organization