The Flags Over Hatteras Committee in conjunction with the R-W-S Civic Association is offering this program to share the unique Civil War history of Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo and to help support these communities that were devastated by Hurricane Irene.

Lee Oxford will present his talk, “Capture of the Fanny and the Chicamacomico Affair.”

Come hungry!
Fare $10.00 per person includes the “Yankee Tax.” Seating will be limited to 60 people.
For reservations go to www.flagsoverhatteras.com and find the link  at the center of the page.

For more information, contact George Mead at 252-564-2667 or geomead@charter.net OR contact the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum at 252-986-2995

How to Get There: Good Winds Seafood and Wine Bar is located in Rodanthe on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The restaurant is located sound side, roughly at Milepost 40 and is upstairs inside the Waves Village, Kitty Hawk Kites, Kite Boarding Resort.

John C. Drury turned 13 just days before enlisting with the 20th Indiana Volunteer Regiment on July 22, 1861.  Drury claimed he had enlisted as a musician, though I have found no special designation as such  in Drury’s 1900 Invalid Pension Deposition, transcribed by me below.  The deposition, given when Drury was 52,  is loaded with intriguing material about the boy’s family life, work history, multiple marriages,  and more.

One story Drury tells is of particular interest to me as a researcher of the 20th Indiana POWs’ time in Confederate prisons.  Drury was one of a handful of young soldiers 13-16 captured in the engagements on Hatteras Island, October 1861.  John C. Drury was captured by 3rd Georgia Volunteers who made an amphibious assault on the encampment of the 20th Indiana called “Live Oak.”  He spent time in at least five different prisons until his May 1862 release.

Drury tells in this deposition of being whacked in the head by an iron ramrod wielded by a Rebel guard, named “Miles,” at the Richland County Jail, downtown Columbia, South Carolina. The Richland Jail, also known as the Columbia Military Prison, was known particularly for its humane treatment of Union POWs during the Winter of 1861-1862.  The commandant of the prison was remembered by a number of the men and officers as being a particularly devout Christian man, kind and humane.  So, “Miles’” behavior seemed a very unique exhibition.  Drury tells, below, that the head wound left him unconscious for hours, and is the cause of his later and present symptoms of dizziness, pain and memory loss.  I have not yet looked further into the identity of “Miles,” though I am certain he was a South Carolina State Militia member.

I am including a scan I made at the National Archives of the final page of the original Pension deposition, revealing his signature.  This is one of about a hundred documents in Drury’s file.

Berringer endured Confederate prisons through May 1862.  His imprisonment must have somehow inspired an interest in medicine.  1870 was a busy year, and John became a physician after studying at Ann Arbor.  He also married Harriett “Hattie” Blake.  John and Hattie had three children, and set up a medical practice in Berrien County, Michigan.

Dr. John F. Berringer began treating his own hunger for opium and addiction to chloral hydrate.  The Berringer family story is tragic, plain and simple. Hattie and children went through hell because of the doctor’s addiction and resulting delusions.  John moved out of his Watervliet home, claiming Hattie was having adulterous affairs.  He refused to provide in any way for his family’s basic needs.

John F. Berringer’s Civil War Pension file is a record of the mess caused by his post-War opium and chloral addiction.  Below is the transcription of just one of the colorful documents from the NARA file.

Watervliet Mich June 30^th

1900

Mr Evans,

Honorable Commissioner

of Pensions, I have Just received

your communication stating

that rebuttal evidence of

the charges made by Dr. J. F.

Berringer against my

character will be necessary.

Most Hon Sir, while I have

employed an attorney to do

this work for me, and it

is probably some-what out

of the order of business to

write – a personal letter

to you I have concluded

to do so.  I am not

at all abashed, nor

intimidated by the

cruel charges of this

man.  I shall push

[Page Two]

the matter fearlessly to the full

extent of the law.  I can

prove that his charges are

false.  Also without any

malice in my heart

towards this man I can

say that he is a thoroughly

dishonorable and disreputable

man, his name has been

on the dead-beat list for

years.  he has been a

confirmed opium and

chloral eater for years

allowed his family to

suffer for the necessaries of

life.  At the time he told

this most cruel story I

had to call on the

Prosecuting attorney to

protect my self and

children against him

[Page Three]

as in a fit of opium tremens

he put us into the street,

and was lodged in

jail for six weeks.  I am

perfectly willing my whole

life should be open to

investigation.  I only

wish a government

officer would be sent here

to inquire into this matter,

I am growing old. I

need this money.  I

can no longer work

as I used to.  I have

suffered starvation and

neglect at his hands.

He lives on the best of

every thing.  Uncle Sam

is paying his whiskey

and opium bills

while I need bread and

coal.  Of course I

[Page Four]

fully understand how difficult

it may be for me to obtain

my rights in the matter.  But

I wish You Most Hon Commissioner

of Pensions could see, and know,

the doings of this man you are

caring for, and could know

his character.  My life, my

good name, all that can

make life worth living to

a woman has been in

jeopardy for years.  I can

suffer nothing more at

his hands but poverty.

I can prove by a hundred

witnesses if necessary that

my cause is just, that

I deserve his pension.  I

will send on rebuttal evidence.

Mrs Hattie Berringer

Box 218.  Watervliet, Mich.

LETTER FROM HATTERAS

Fort Clark, Hatteras Inlet

Oct. 7, 1861

Ed. Journal: – On the 4^th of October, a 8 o’clock in the morning, a fleet of vessels hove in sight on Pamlico Sound, and a few officers and soldiers gathered out of curiosity on the beach to witness their approach.  They were thought to be our vessels, and from their number, we judged that some of them were prizes, as there had been evidence of a fight on the Sound the day previous.   Upon nearer approach the strange action of the fleet in showing no colors, and their peculiar signals, gave rise to a suspicion that they were rebel steamers.  The fleet consisted of seven steamers, two schooners, one floating battery, and a number of transports for landing troops.

The long roll call was sounded and the 20^th prepared to repel the enemy from landing.  The fleet of the enemy gradually drew up in a line of battle, and first a shot plowing up the sand, and then a shell bursting in air, directly over the camp, told us that stern and savage war was upon us.  The regiment moved to the left of the camp to avoid exposure, and took a position on a hill in a clump of woods.  The guns of the enemy having got the range of the camp, and the shells bursting amid the tents, set on fire, and filled the camp with smoke.  The hospital seemed to be their chief aim; and it was soon destroyed.  We know not what became of our sick.  By the aid of spyglasses it was discovered that the enemy had at least three thousand troops aboard their vessels, and that arrangements were being made to land them under the cover of the bombardment.  The island here is about a half a mile wide, and the guns in some cases, threw shell clear over into the sea.

Our regiment was drawn up on a hill, flanker thrown out, sharp shooters in the woods, and the officers and men eager for a battle.  Our force was 550 men – one company being seven miles south of us guarding a landing, and three companies having been left at Fortress Monroe.  The enemy outnumbered us six to one, besides their steamers and batteries.  It has been pronounced an outrage that we should have been placed in such a position, without steamers, and out of reach of reinforcements.

It must be mentioned here that we were wholly unprepared to resist an attack with artillery, or to make a successful retreat.  We had no guns, no baggage wagons; the first vessel sent to us with provisions had been captured by the enemy, and we had nothing but the old fashioned muskets to fight artillery and resist a landing, and not food enough to last one day.  The fire became rapid. A shell struck the little wind mill in front of the camp, knocking it to splinters. – Yet we still watched them, and prepared to give them a warm welcome.

While the cannonade was going on, a movement of the fleet showed that while they intended to render our position on the island untenable they also meant to land a force about 18 miles south, near Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, where the beach is about 300 yards wide, from sound to ocean and about three miles long and by bringing that artillery to bear, take us in flank, as well as in front, thus cutting off our retreat should we attempt it, and bagging us, as it were, in a net.

The excitement was intense.  The enemy were preparing to land, our troops waiting to receive them, when Colonel Brown received a peremptory order from Col. Hawkins to retreat.  A meeting of the commissioned officers was called, and it was decided that, under the circumstances it was most judicious to retreat.  And we sorrowfully turned our backs on our camp, and prepared for the long march to Hatteras Lighthouse, where we expected reinforcements from Col. Hawkins.

This was about 9 o’clock.  The sun was shining on the white sand of the beach, heating the air as if it were a furnace.  The men had neither provisions nor water.  The haste in which they had rushed to repel the enemy had prevented this, and it was too late to go back to camp.  Company F., Capt. Logan, was thrown forward in the advance, and Company K, Captain Reed, was detailed as a rear guard, and well he performed his duty, picking up the stragglers and keeping the enemy in check.  Several times the enemy advanced in force, and he halted to give them battle, but they declined.

It was a march I shall never forget – The first ten miles was terrible.  No water, the men unused to long marches, the sand heavy and the feet of the men sinking into it at every step, and a point below to be gained in order to join company F to prevent their being cut off.  As the regiment pushed along man after man would stagger from the ranks, and fall up on the hot sand, and looking back I saw our Colonel trudging along with his men, having given up his horse to a sick soldier.

But the most sorrowful sight of all was the Islanders leaving their homes from fear of the enemy.  They could be seen in groups, sometimes with a little cart, carrying their provisions, but mostly with nothing, fleeing for dear life.  Mothers carrying their babes, fathers leading along little boys, grandfathers and grandmothers straggling along from the homes they had left before.  Relying on our protection, they had been our friends, but in an evil hour we were compelled to leave them.

We still toiled on, the heat most intense and no water.  Hunger was nothing in comparison with thirst.  It was maddening.  The sea rolling at our feet and nothing to drink.  Man after man wandered toward the Sound to drink the water of the marshes.  I started to take a scout to watch the movement of the enemy’s vessels.  I skirted the Sound for some ten miles.  In every clump of bushes I found men utterly exhausted.  The enemy’s vessels were now nearly opposite steaming down the sound to cut off our retreat.  I would tell them this, but they would say, “They did not care, they would die there,” so utterly hopeless did they seem.

Near sunset I caught sight of the army drawn up in line of battle on the beach about a mile distant.  Soon joining them I found that the enemy  were reported in force in front.  After some delay the army marched by the right flank, skirmishers ahead, until we reached the narrow inlet about five miles above Hatteras Light House, and here our great danger was at once seen.  The fleet of the enemy had drawn up in line, so as to sweep the beach and render a passage impossible, but had neglected to land their men. It was now near twilight.  The clouds in the West reflected the bright tints of the sun and showed us the enemy in the foreground.  In the East heavy gray clouds lowered and our uniforms correspondingly hid us from their view, as we silently stole along, the roar of the surf drowning the footsteps of the men and the commands of the officers, yet every little while we would watch expecting to see the flash of the enemy’s cannon, or hear the report of the bursting shell in our little band.  It was a narrow escape, and a providential one, and our Colonel was affected to tears at the danger we had passed.

At midnight we reaching Hatteras Lighthouse, having made a march of 28 miles.  Here we found water, and using the Lighthouse as a fort we encamped for the night, and woke up the next morning feeling like sand crabs, and ready like them, to go into our holes, could we find them.

As the day broke we could see two men of war anchored near the beach, and found them to be the Monticello and Susquehanna, having been sent to our relief from Fort Hatteras.  The officers treated us kindly, sent us ashore provisions, and the jolly tars gave us all the tobacco they had.  Upon informing them of the position of the enemy they immediately steamed up the coast, and as we left our camp we could hear them bombarding thye enemy, could see the smoke of both fleets , and it is reported that our fleet destroyed two of theirs.

Here we were reinforced by eight companies of Col. Hawkins’ Zouaves and at 12 o’clock left for Hatteras Inlet, and after a tiresome march through the sand, reached there at 8 o’clock.  About 4 o’clock I captured a cooked sweet potatoe, and thought it the most delicious morsel I ever ate.  The Zouaves treated us like princes, fed us, gave up their beds and slept on the sand.  They are gay boys and will always have our friendship.

We are now at Fort Clark, Hatteras Inlet.

We have borrowed enough tents to sleep in, but have nothing else, the enemy having captured everything.  As soon as we make another move you shall hear of it.

Gen. Mansfield arrived here to-day from Fortress Monroe, and assumed command of this Department.  It is said now that sufficient force will be concentrated here to hold the forts, and take the Sound, and drive the enemy from it.

The sun is shining with the heat of midsummer, and we all have our coats off, sweating, and working like so many bees in order to get things to rights again.  Our three companies arrived today in the Spaulding, so our regiment is together again.

One year and one week to the day after the military burial of Private Elias Oxford of Company “H,” Twentieth Indiana Volunteer Regiment, John S. Oxford stood before an Illinois Justice of the Peace pleading his case for Elias’ Civil War Pension to go to his heirs, William and Emaline Oxford.  Elias’ eldest brother was guardian of the two children.  William, born in 1851, was the son from Elias’ first marriage to Charlotte “Francis” (GILBERT) OXFORD.  Emaline, born in 1854, was the daughter of Elias’ second wife, Electa Hannah (GOULD) OXFORD.  Both marriages had ended in divorce – the first in 1852 and the second in 1857.  The affidavit below is clearly John Oxford’s attempt to make it clear that Elias’ “other” son, Edwin R. Oxford, was not included in any Pension distribution.  Edwin was born to Francis 1 March 1853, a full year  after their 15 March 1852 divorce.  Francis would later sue for part of the Pension for Edwin, testifying that Edwin was conceived while Elias and she were living as common-law husband and wife during 1852-1853 following the divorce.  Those documents from Elias’ Pension file will be published here in the future.

[Page One]

State of Illinois

Iroquois County

On this 25^th –day of May AD 1863

personally appeared, before me

a justice of the peace in and for the

County of Iroquois and State of

Illinois and by law authorized to

administer oaths for general

purposes, John S. Oxford Guardian

of William Oxford a minor aged

twelve years and Emaline Oxford

aged nine years, who being duly sworn

according to law declares that

he is aged forty eight years that he is

a resident of Iroquois County in the

State of Illinois and that he is the

Guardian of the above minor children

who are the only heirs of Elias Oxford

who was a private in the Company H

commanded by Captain Geisendorff

of the twentieth Regiment of Indiana

Volunteers commanded by Colonel

Brown, in the war of 1861

and that this declarant nor his wards

have in any way have engaged in or aided

or abetted the rebellion in the

United States and that the said

Elias Oxford enlisted at Tippacanoe

County in the State of Indiana

[Page Two]

on or about the xxxxxxx first of August in

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx  AD 1861 for the term

of three years and continued in

actual service in said war until

the time of his death and that said

Elias Oxford said Soldier died

at Washington in the District of

Columbia on or about the 19^th day of

May AD 1862 and the cause of

his death was sickness from

exposure and disease engendered by

Camp life and while in the Service

of the United States, and that said

Elias Oxford said soldier left

no widow and no other heirs than

these alone named and that said

minors were entirely dependent

upon their father the said

Elias Oxford for their support

and that said Elias Oxford said

soldier died on the day above

named and the Guardian of

William Oxford & Emaline Oxford

makes this application for the

purpose of obtaining the pension

to which said children are entitled

by reason of the services and death

of their father under the Act of

[Page Three]

Congress approved July 14^th 1862

and he hereby constitutes and

appoints S. G. Bovie of

Middleport Iroquois County

and State of Illinois his atty [sic]

in fact to prosecute the claim and

procure a certificate

John S. Oxford

Guardian of   William Oxford

Emaline Oxford

Sworn to and subscribed before

me the day and year first above

written and on the same day

personally came Thomas Emery [sic]

and Henry S. Van Curen [name appears as handwriting of Van Curen] residents

of Iroquois County and State of

Illinois persons whom I certify

to be respectable and entitled to

credit and who being by me duly

sworn according to law declare that

they are personally aquainted [sic]

with John S Oxford and say that

they were present and saw him sign

his name to the foregoing declaration

and were aquainted [sic] with Elias

Oxford before he entered the

service and are aquainted [sic] with

his children named by the above

declarant and that they are

the only children and heirs

[Page Four]

of said Elias Oxford said soldier

and that said Elias Oxford left

no widow and no other heirs

than those named by the declarant

that their knowledge of the identity

of the heirs and soldier is derived

from several years acquaintance

with said soldier and his

children and that he entered the

service and died as stated by the

declarant, And that from their

acquaintance [sic] with Elias Oxford

and the said children of his and

their personal acquaintance [sic]

with John S Oxford know that he

is the identical person he represents

himself to be, and said William

Oxford and Emaline Oxford are

the only heirs of said Elias Oxford

said soldier

Henry S. Van Curen

Thomas Emrey [sic]

Sworn to and subscribed before

Me, and I certify that I have no

Interest in this claim either

Direct or indirect nor am I concerned

In its prosecution

James H Rice JP

Included in this number were a number of the men captured aboard the Gunboat Fanny or at Chicamacomico, including Elias Oxford.

Lanman, Charles, ed. Journal of Alfred Ely, A Prisoner of War in Richmond. New York: D. Appleton and Co., 1862.

2 Maine

Co. A

D. B. Nason

Co. I

Dennis Mahoney

4^th Maine

Co. H

H. B. Washburn

Co. I

D. Matthews

2 N.H.

Co. F

R. F. Stephenson

Co. I

R. F. Stevens

Co. K

L. Allen

2 Vermont

Co. B

J. Bolton

9^th Mass

Co. A

Thomas Ives

1^st Rhode Island

Co. I

John F. Task

2^nd R. I.

Co. F

John Newell

2nd Light Battery (R. I. )

H. Goldsmith

2^nd Conn.

Co. K

James McCauley

9^th NY

Co. C

Cpl. J. H. Tuttle

J. V. H. Page

T. S. Rowan

J. R. Havens

Co. G

Cpl. G. Edward

W. H. Edsall

Co. H

Frank Trotter

Co. I

John Reith

11^th NY

Co. B

Richard Baker

Co. C

John Merrish

Ira Wilson

John Stacy

Co. F

Alfred Flostroy

William Girvan

P. B. Gerraghy

Co. H

Ed Walker

William Morrison

C. W. Anderson

John Shea

Co. K

James McGarr

John R. Decker

12^th NY

Co. Co. K

H. O’Brien

13^th NY

Co. C

John Merrish*

Co. H

William Morrison

14^th NY

Co. D

Augustus Ticknal

Co. E

S. H. Richardson

Co. H

F. F. Linan

25^th NY

Co. D

1. B. Mitchell

27^th NY

Co. A

Levi Barrett

Co. I

J. Andrews

Judson Oliver

Peter Thompson

38^th NY

Co. I

John Gumbalton

William Phelan

69^th

Co. C

W. H. Cunningham* 9^th

Co. D

John D. Jackson

Co. E

Michael Keating

James Ryan

Co. I

John Carson* 9^th

71^st NY

Co. F

J. W. Bowers

Co. H

John Carson

ENGINEER CORPS

Co. H

William Black

Co. K

Robert Burnes

79^th NY

Co. 8^th

William Black

1^st Kentucky

Co. I

Thomas Van Fleet

2^nd Kentucky

Co. F

James Farlay

9^th Virginia

Co. E

Thomas C. Carr

7^th Ohio

Co. E

James Stinson

9^th Ohio

Co. A

Charles Kern

Co. G

D. Dougherty * 9^th NY

10^th Ohio

Co. C

James Peters

11^th Ohio

Co. A

James Mahan

Robert Walsh

Lewis Brossey

13^th Ohio

Co. C

Christopher Bryon

William Loyd

W. R. Wolfkill

Isaac Ward

Co. D

V. W. Peck

36^th Ohio

Co. A

T. Rammage

10^th Indiana

Co. F

William Neagle

14^th Indiana

Co. G

Sgt. E. W. Redding

15^th Indiana

Co. F

Pat Kildy

Thomas Spoonmore

Co. I

John Wilson

20^th Indiana

Sgt-Maj Charles H. Comley

Sutler’s Clerk H. Watson

Co A

W. H. Dangerfield

Co. C

Sgt. M. L. Kennard

2^nd Lt. Henry A. Uruh

William Stickley

Abraham Obelner

Co. D

Nathan Brady, Cook

Robert Ingless

Washington Probest

Francis M. Glover

G. W. Clarke

Captain’s Boy George W. Gerber

Co. E

G.M Parker

L. Ruff

L. H. Reily

Charles E. Jones

Ely Schneider

Co. F

John Commigare

H. C. Wilkerson

Co. G

Charles M. Goss

Co. H

T. C. Kearns

James Clayton

John H. Andrews

Elias Oxford

F. F. B. Persons

F. B. Sackett

Jacob Shoff

Christopher Shrack

1. Van Horn

M. P. Wendell

L. L. Bennett

Co. I

Sgt. T. M. Bartlett

Sgt. C. W. Dexmott

Henry Pearsall

Jacob Rice

John Jones

H. B. Johnson

Napoleon Baum

Paul Bernhard

John Berringer

John Drury

Joseph Caffer, Cook

Co. K

Captain E. W. Keefer

Michael Kasper

Noah Kelley

J. B. Smith

30^th Indiana

Co. F

Joseph Maddox* 20^th

Co. H

J. R. Marks

Co. I

John Muster* 20^th

1^st Michigan

Co. A

Michael Kaufman

Co. K

M. Moore

1^st Minnesota

Co. B

H. Krone

2^nd Wisconsin

Co. F

John Anderson

Co. K

W. H. Martin

3^rd US Army Regiment Infantry

C. Nosida

Co. D

Lewis Richland

? 2^nd Regiment

Co. C

Thomas Wyman

US Navy

Sailor William Barnes

Benjamin Majo

Timothy Murphy

Dennis Caughlin

The Daily Dispatch, Richmond, Virginia, Thursday Morning, October 10, 1861, p. 3

The Exploit at Chickamacomico — additional Particulars.

A private letter, dated Elizabeth City, Oct. 5th, to a gentleman residing in Richmond gives some further particulars of Col. Wright’s expedition to Chickamacomico and which we are permitted to copy, The additional statement of the capture of the shipsteamer Fanny is equally interesting.

Elizabeth City, N. C.,Oct. 5, 1861.

Col. Wright, with the Georgia regiment of Col. Shaw’s, amounting in all for fifteen hundred men, went down on yesterday4th inst. to Chickamacomico, to attend a regiment of eight hundred of “Lincoln’s Hessians,” stationed, or very recently there, with resulted in the capture of two of the cowardly dogs, with several hundred muskets, many pistols, two page pieces of artillery, a large quantity of ammunition, blankets, &c., and provisions sufficient to feed a regiment for thirty days.

There was not a single man killed on either side, as the cowardly rascals did not stand long enough to fire their pieces — except one,who stopped out and shot, and killed, Col. Wright a horse from under him. He was one of the taken. Our men could have captured every one of the enemy if they (our troops could have succeeded in landing from the . The Georgia regiment succeeded, landing, after wading up to their arm-pits for over half a mile. The North Carolina troops seven hundred in number) tried to cut the retreating enemy off, by wading in a different direction from the Georgia troops; but they got into a deep channel of water (eight feet deep) and had to return.– Had they succeeded in landing, the whole of the Hessians could have been captured with perfect ease. Unfortunately for them, they could not procure any flats to carry with them to land the soldiers. Consequently they had to run the steamers in until they grounded, and then had to wade to the shore as soon as our soldiers landed and commenced to advance the enemy fied like sheep, throwing their muskets and side-arms in every direction — scattering them in the sand. They had blankets spread on the sand, playing cards, and they did not take time to pick them up, but left them dealt out on the blankets.

I presume you must have heard of the prize the Col. Wright took on Monday; 1st inst. It was as follows: Some day or two previous, ten negroes ran off from the Island, and got a boat and went down to the Yankees at Hatteras. One of the owners of the fugitives started with a flag of truce to get his negroes, and when pear Chickamacomico he saw one of Lincoln’s steamers — the “Fanny”–and becoming alarmed, returned to Roanoke and gave information to Col. Wright of the steamer. The Colonel took with him three hundred men, and the shipsteamer Curlew, with one or two Cannon, and on Tuesday, 2d inst., came in contact with the steamer “Fanny,” and after several shots from both steamers, succeeded in taking the “Fanny” and forty-nine prisoners, (Indianians,) besides a quantity of provisions, 1,050 overcoats, 1,200 pairs of blankets, two large cases of brogan shoes, two , besides sundry articles of eatables and drinkables, such as cheese, jellies, cakes, wines, brandy, cigars, &c. &c. The whole prize is estimated to be worth some $70,000 or $80,000.

There will, I think, be an attack made upon the Island by the Federals very shortly.

I located it only by chance since it was attributed to an “M. Miller.”  Since the original scan was with the transcript, I was able to take a closer look at the signature and compare it with known signatures of Wm. Lyons Brown.  What a find!  I enjoy reading of how Brown “set to work to save my little command.” Luckily, Brown saved all but 73 men and boys in the two incidents – my second-great grandfather, Elias Oxford, was one of the unfortunate captives aboard the Gunboat Fanny.

Read on…

Fort Clark Hatteras Inlet, North Carolina Nov 4th /61

My old and valued friend,

The steamer arriving yesterday brings the package of possessions bearing your name, it tells me I got here a place in your memory. I beg you my dear Sir believe me when I tell you that my acts do not truthfully tell the recollection and affection I have for acquaintances and Friends. I have not forgotten the evidence of good will and friendship extended to me by yourself and Mrs Winter when in Lafayette, often have I thought of you since leaving Indiana, have feared you would believe me unfriendly & ungrateful, I intend and wanted to call at your house. I was kept pretty busy in camp, when most un-expected and suddenly came the telegram to leave Lafayette. [over] I wish you were with us to take sketches of items. You have heard of our run, we passed over the sand in good time. we had been placed in false position, a well laid plan was put in operation to nab us (7 companies) about 500 effective men. fortunately I guessed their plans and without mere adu [adieu] set to work to save my little command. we were assailed by some 3000 with artillery, we 500 armed with old atter muskets. Nigh 50 miles from help and that from experience doubtful, our rebel friends in possession of the sound. the race
commenced. their Fleet 7 steam and 3 sail on the water. Us with army knap sacks & [] over and in deep loose burning sand, Captain Reed Company K Monticello my rear guard nobly gallantly performed his perilous task and at 12 at night brought his entire command into camp. we left with heavy hearts. the will of the officers and men was Battle. they wanted to take pay for their over Coats lost on the Fanny, to remain would find us in the net laid for us. we could cut our way through. not around as they and our men, over the sand plain would cause the life of many, too precious to be thrown away in such folly.
most fortunately the day previous I sent off our sick and nigh all the baggage. most fortunate it was. our loss was in all 25, of these 6 were sick (since the day previous) and
[ ] , the remainder one career and an other, the Battalion marched in good order, in line of Battle ready to meet our rebel friends at 10 PM we reached Hatteras Light House, a brief reconnaissance even in the dark told me I could with my wearie [weary] friends defend our selves against any harm that could be brought against us. Then, miles off our industrious friends  were hard at work endeavoring to land their forces. They were not on time, the night passed in quiet. (Captain Herron & company was not with us Adjutant Stiles nobly [seconded?] my wishes. We are here where neither us or any other land crabb have any business. I think we will soon be taken away, we have just passed through a most terrific storm, sadly damaging and destroying our camp, the atlantic rolled through camp at rate of 50 knots an hour waist deep, rain fell in torrents, wind howled terribly and really matters looked sad enough. will you be so good as to remember me to my friend
W. Hatcher, and for self, wife and Family accept my assurance of Friendship and remembrance with best wishes for you welfare.
I am most truly
Yours truly,
W. L. Brown

To
George Winter, Lafayette
Ind

Purdue ID NumberGWb1f16i16

TitleLetter, 1861 Nov. 4, Hatteras Inlet, N.C., to George Winter

CreatorMiller, M.
ContributorsWinter, George, 1810-1876
DescriptionHandwritten letter

From: [M. Miller?], Hatteras Inlet, North Carolina, Nov. 4, 1861

To: George Winter, Lafayette ALS, 4 p. (1 sheet, folded)

RepositoryTippecanoe County Historical Association/Winter, George Collection

“Those records are sealed.”   So, said the clerk with whom I was pleading my case over the phone.  My grandfather, Francis Xavier WELCH, and his big sister, Ruth Bess WELCH, were both supposedly legally adopted by their maternal grandfather, Frank WILDER, of Mandan, ND.  No, those records are sealed even to descendants in the direct lineage of the suspected adopted child.  Hmmm.

After a short discussion with my venerable Aunt Frances, it seemed that Frank WILDER most likely waited to formally adopt until after the death of the children’s birth father, Charles Olonzo WELCH, in November 1919. Frank WILDER already had the the younger Frank and Ruth living in his home for about ten years.   I theorized a number of reasons why that made sense.  ”Charlie” WELCH lived at the western boundary of the State in Beach, ND.  Margaret Jane (WILDER) WELCH had remarried an older widow named James M. NAYLOR to whom she had two children between 1915 and 1920.  Frank “Sr.” probably just felt it best to let this sleeping dog lie.  Charlie had remarried a woman in Beach who already had a young girl.

But the 1920 Census was bugging me.  Why was Ruth’s surname listed as “WELCH,” and young Frank’s surname “WILDER.”  Did this indicate a process which was taking place, or took place, since Charlie’s tragic death in November 1919?  Well, regardless of whether or not the adoption records are closed, it would seem that a legal name change would be an open record.  So, that is the subject of my next phone call to Mandan, ND, this week.

(NOTE: I am totally open to any tidbits of information which might help in this discovery process from Frank’s or Ruth’s sides of the family.)