The enemy made a vigorous attack on the 7th of October on Gen. Terry’s line, and came dashing on as if intent to drive the Union forces into the James
River. The Sixth was the first Connecticut regiment engaged; some of the regiments fell back under the withering fire. The One Hundredth New York Regiment especially dishonored their hitherto good fame by breaking their line and fleeing in confusion, but to the credit of all the regiments from Connecticut, be it said, they kept an unbroken front to the foe; and notwithstanding the twice repeated assaults, the enemy were forced to retire from the field and the division entrenched themselves still more, and at midnight the old picket line was re-established. An attack upon the right of the rebel line was contemplated and the troops again advanced to meet the foe. Passing out beyond the rude line of earthworks, they came upon Chapin’s Farm, and from thence they proceeded through the woods, across a wide ravine and to the plains beyond. The skirmishers opened fire and cautiously advanced; the enemy’s advance line was pressed back into their entrenched position; inactive firing was kept up for several hours while our forees neared those of the enemy. The enemy’s position was favorable to them, as the dense thicket of scrub oaks and the tangled underbrush rendered it exceedingly difficult for our troops to preserve any kind of a line; the forces seemed determined, however, to go forward, and go forward they did; but the advance resulted disastrously and the men fell back again, abandoning the assault.
Col. Rockwell was in command of the Sixth. Lieut. Col. Meeker resigned and Major Daniel Klein succeeded him. Capt. Hiram L. Grant was promoted to be Major. Rev. Charles C. Tiffany, formerly pastor of a church in Derby, was appointed Chaplain. He was said to be a man of fine scholarly attainments and with his whole heart in the cause.
Capt. Frederick B. Osborn of New Haven was honorably discharged Oct. 25, 1864, as his time of enlistment had expired. The Sixth lost no officer more loyal than him;--brave and unflinching, he often inspired courage where courage was lacking, and he asked no soldier to follow where he dared not himself lead. Through his daring and bravery the colors of the Sixth were saved in the assault on Fort Wagner. The first Union flag that waved over Morris Island was borne by him, fastened to his sword. Before the war he was a marine in the U. S. service four years, during which time he cruised 21,000 miles, touching at European cities, and visited the Holy land. He was also on the frigate Niagara when she laid the Atlantic Cable. His term of service in the navy having expired, he hastened home to remain only a few months, for the bombardment of Sumpter again enlisted his loyalty, and he joined the first company of the first regiment of three months troops, passed through the memorable Bull Run campaign, and when the three years troops were
called for, he was offered a Captaincy in the Sixth Regiment, which his modesty prevented him from accepting; but he was finally induced to accept the position of 1st Lieutenant in Co. “K,” and by the death of Capt. Gerrish was promoted to the vacancy. He acquitted himself with great credit in his position as Captain, and would have honored a field officer’s commission, for he seemed to lead a charmed life. Where bullets were thickest there he was found, gallantly leading his men, with comparatively little thought for himself, so dear was the cause of the old flag to his heart, and he often won the respect and admiration of those higher in rank, by his deeds of daring, and unflinching zeal for the cause. Within a year after his discharge he was accidentally killed on the New York & New Haven Railroad. A large number of the veterans attended his funeral, and the casket was draped with the flag he carried on Morris Island.
As early winter set in, the old regiments began the work of reorganizing. Many left the ranks, discharged after an honorable service, and new officers were appointed; and, as a lull appeared, the troops began to provide log huts for themselves to sleep in. As November came on the peace men of the North began to make threats of violence against the ballot box, and large frauds were discovered. It seemed to be their desire to stuff the ballot boxes and call the
war a failure, and to prevent, if possible, anyone from voting war measures. Gen. Butler was transferred to New York as commander of that Department, and he was accompanied by a division of troops under Gen. Jos. R. Hawley. There were two brigades in the division of 3,000 men each. The Sixth was in the 1st brigade under command of Col. Greeley. Col. Rockwell, of the Sixth, commanded the 2d brigade. The troops made a landing on Staten Island for a short time, but most of the time were kept on board the steamers in the North and East rivers. The men suffered severely on this transfer from the South to the cool air of the North. They were kept on board the boats in a crowded state, and no officer or man allowed to go on shore. Friends of the regiments, wives, sweethearts, &c., came many miles, some of them, but were not permitted to see them. After the Presidential election had passed, the troops immediately returned to their old position on the James. The Sixth found the log cabins they had made with so much care all destroyed, and were obliged to build others to protect themselves from the chilly nights.
In December, Gen. Grant ordered an advance on Fort Fisher at the mouth of Cape Fear river, N. C., in order to suppress, if possible, the blockade running which was carried on to a very great extent. Running into Wilmington and unloading their cargoes,
which were thence transferred through the confederacy, they became a great help to the rebel commissary. Gen. Butler was dispatched with about 6,500 men, assisted by Admiral Porter with 73 vessels, carrying about 655 guns. The fleet was well armed, and the land forces were in good condition for an assault. The gun boats opened fire and cannonading was terrific. The forces landed and a feeble assault was made. The troops pushed their skirmish line within 150 yards of the fort and captured a little outwork called Flag Pond battery, with sixty-five men. Gen. Butler conceived the idea that nothing short of a regular siege could accomplish the result, and therefore withdrew the army and returned to Hampton Roads. Admiral Porter was dissatisfied with the result. The President and Gen. Grant both believed that our forces, if led by a competent commander, could capture the works, and soon another advance was contemplated, but this time under the gallant Terry. The forces embarked with the addition of 1500 men and a siege train (which was not landed), and moved down the James. Gen. Terry was unaware of his destination till near Fortress Monroe, when Gen. Grant came aboard and directed him to take Fort Fisher by storm if he thought best; if not, by siege.
The expedition left Fortress Monroe, Jan. 6, 1865: put into Beaufort, N. C., on the 8th, and was detained