Edward S. Fitz, Civil War Soldier

Item Information

Title:
Edward S. Fitz, Civil War Soldier
Description:
Edward S. Fitz Born in Pembroke, N.H._Son of George W. Fitz,_by occupation a Student,_Unmarried,_at the age of 20 enlisted for nine months in the 43rd Regiment of Infantry, Mass. Vols._Company K._He signed the enlistment roll at Springfield, Mass. August 25th 1862, and was mustered into service at Readville, Mass. September 16, 1862. Regiment left camp November 5th, went to Boston, and embarked on the steamer Merrimac, bound for Newbern, N.C._Owing to a severe storm and the need of an armed convoy, they did not leave Boston Harbor till the 10th_Arrived off Beaufort, N.C. on the 14th; but the steamer got aground, and a landing was not made till noon of the 15th_Encamped on Gen. Spaight’s plantation, about three miles from Newbern. Participated in Gen. foster’s expedition to Goldsboro, leaving Newbern, December 11th_During the march of the first two days, Fitz was obliged to fall behind, and was assisted along by the ambulance train. But he afterwards overtook the company, and came into line with them. He served in the engagements at Kinston, Whitehall, and Goldsboro. The 43rd was detached to cut off the rebel retreat at Goldsboro, and advanced within four miles of the town._Returned to Newbern with the rest of the forces. December 21st. January 17th, 1863, when the 43rd went up to Trenton and {Pollocksville}, Fitz was left behind, by surgeon’s order, and performed guard duty at the camp. March 14th he participated with the regiment in a reconnaissance up the Trent Rad, in the expectation of a rebel attack on Newbern. In the afternoon marched about six miles. To Rocky Run, and encamped for the night. The next day moved on about four miles. On the morning of the 16th advanced five miles, formed in line of battle to receive an expected attack; but, no rebels having appeared, they afterwards countermarched, and reached Newbern late at night. April 1st the regiment received marching orders to relieve the garrison at Washington N.C. then besieged by the rebels. During the night of April 7th, they marched to Newbern from their camp, crossed the river, and encamped. Advanced 14 miles next day, and encamped at Swift Creek. At this point. Company K. and another company were detached from the regiment, and ordered to remain in the rear as a guard to the pioneer corps. Afterwards they were ordered to make a hurried march in order to overtake the rest of the regiment. After marching seven miles. Fitz was unable to go further. After resting a short time, he set out to return to a position held by a New York regiment. On the way he was attacked by guerrillas; but, by pretending to have comrades near by, he threw them off their guard, and escaped by a circuitous route through the woods._The regiment afterwards retreated, and Fitz returned with them to Newbern. April 11th the 43rd started again for Washington by boat, but were stopped by a rebel battery on the Far River._On the 13th, Fitz was sick, the next day, sent back to Newbern, and returned to camp. In the regimental hospital one day, and for about a week after, off duty around his quarters. April 27th to May 1st engaged with the regiment in a reconnaissance toward Kinston. June 24th the regiment sailed from Newbern for Virginia; at Fortress Monroe on the 27th. Sailed up the York River, reporting on the 30th to Gen. Dix. At White House Landing. Thence back to Hampton, Va and encamped two days_July 2 went to Baltimore. Immediately on arrival, Fitz was sent to the General Hospital and there remained till the 15th._Returned to Chicopee, via New York and Boston, arriving on the 17th. Mustered out of service with the regiment, July 30th, 1863, at Readville, Mass.
Date:
[ca. 1861–1865]
Format:
Manuscripts
Location:
Chicopee Public Library
Collection (local):
Soldier's Record, Town of Chicopee
Subjects:
United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865
Places:
Massachusetts > Hampden (county) > Chicopee
Link to Item:
http://www.chicopeepubliclibrary.org/archives/items/show/2503
Terms of Use:
Public Domain
Contact host institution for more information.
Notes:
Soldier's Record, Town of Chicopee
Identifier:
SR-375.0