Middletown 150 Yrs. Ago: 24th Connecticut Boys Come Home!

From The Constitution, Wednesday, September 30, 1863 (volume 26, number 1344)

War News.

The Army of the Potomac is in motion.—Transports are loading with great activity at Alexandria, and it is expected that a considerable body of forces will embark with as little delay as possible. Their destination can only be conjectured.

Meanwhile there is equal activity shown in the forwarding of troops in another direction. The government has taken possession of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, and no more travel for civil purposes is allowed upon it. Some important movement is contemplated on the line of this great thoroughfare.

A special dispatch from Washington 27th inst., says that dispatches have been received from Gen. Rosecrans’ headquarters, dated yesterday forenoon, which state that he is all right, in a stronghold, from which he cannot be driven; also, that the enemy has made no attack.

Arrival of the 24th Regiment.

The 24th Regiment, Col. Mansfield, arrived in this city on Thursday morning. Notice was received Tuesday evening, that they had arrived in New York on the steamer Continental, and would start the next day on the Granite State for this city. Accordingly arrangements were made for their reception. At half-past five, on Thursday morning the cannon announced their coming, and while the bells were ringing, the military and firemen formed in procession and marched to the wharf, where a large majority of our citizens had assembled to welcome the heroes of Port Hudson. Many and hearty were the greetings with the loved ones brought back from the dangers of the camp, the bronzed features of the veterans expressing but faintly the dangers to which they had been exposed. The regiment was received by the military and firemen. The line of march was then formed as follows:

Marshal, A. G. Pease.

Colt’s Band.

Mansfield Guard.

Chief Engineer, and Assistants.

Russell Hook and Ladder Co.

Waterbury Brass Band.

Mattabessett Fire Engine Co.

Canfield Hose Co.

U. S. 3d Artillery Brass Band.

Pacific Fire Engine Co.

Pacific Hose Co.

24th Regiment.

and proceeded up Washington street through Broad around the Park, up Main to the McDonough Hall, where a bountiful collation had been prepared by the ladies.

The regiment was then dismissed until Friday of this week, when it is expected that they will receive their pay, and be mustered out of service.

The regiment numbered when it left New York for New Orleans, 698 men; they returned with 386 men, 57 having been killed or wounded, the remainder have either died, been discharged, of been sent home sick and disabled. Their colors have inscribed on them “Port Hudson,” being the only one, we believe, thus honored. Their national colors have received thirty seven bullet holes through them. Color Sergt. John Bohan, has borne them all through their term of service. We know of no regiment which has earned a better name, or borne itself with more credit for the time they have been in service, than the Brave 24th Regiment.

Several dwellings along the line of march were handsomely decorated, among the most prominent was the residence of Wm. S. Camp Esq., the porch and windows of which was festooned with the red, white and blue, and boquets of flowers, and over the street was a banner inscribed with “Welcome brave soldiers of the 24th. God bless you.”

A detachment of the 24th C. V. under Major Maher, left at 2 o’clock for New Haven, where they had been recruited. They were received by the Mayor, members of the Common Council and the Emmet Guard. After marching about the city, they were escorted to the Fremont House, and partook of a bountiful collation.

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Fannie Virginia Casseopia Lawrence, the white complexioned flaxen haired slave child of whom we heard in New York at Cooper Institute, and whom Rev. Ward Beecher baptized, was presented to several in several of our churches last Sabbath. This little exposition of slavery is doing much to settle our consciences in regard to that matter. Childhood is irresistible, truth is potent, and the sight of young fair innocence blighted forever by an institution of man’s brutishness, brings to our hearts a feeling of shame that we who abhor it, have answered to its deeds in the nation’s name. A circumstance of war cast the child upon military protection. The United States authorities gave her into the care of Miss Lawrence, nursing in our soldiers’ hospitals. She is traveling north for health, and solicits contributions towards the education of her charge. Subscriptions are taken at the bookstores, and any one making a contribution will receive a photograph of the subject.

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The Weather last week was unusually bright and clear. The average temperature at sunrise was lower than any previous week this month, forty degrees. There were two rainy half days. Friday afternoon the showers fell heavily.

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For more articles from The Constitution, go to the Middlesex County Historical Society blog.