Second Lieutenant Charles Wickware, assigned to Co. B., to fill the vacancy occasioned by the promotion of Second Lieut. Steele, is a native of Colchester, Vt., and the son of a widow. His great-grand father, Joseph Wickware, late of Bennington, Vt., served with great honor to himself and the country in the struggle of 1776, for Independence. The Lieut. first volunteered as a Private, March 26th, 1862, in Co. I. 6th Vt. Infantry. At the battle of Savage Station, June 29th, 1862, he was severely wounded by a ball entering his back, close to the left side, and passing out at the right side, and was at the same time taken prisoner. As is very reasonable to expect, his dangerous wound became aggravated greatly by the cruel treatment of a Libby Prison life. He was fortunately paroled, July 22nd, before death ensued, and immediately forwarded to West Philadelphia Hospital. In the battle of the Wilderness, May 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th, 1864, he was severely wounded (second day) in the left arm, on account of which it became necessary to amputate his arm above the elbow. He was discharged by reason of this wound Feb., 6th, 1865. He afterwards received the appointment of Second Lieutenant in this Regt. In connection with this command, as well as in his previous service, he has manifested undoubted ability and patriotism. His empty sleeve, also, is a mark of devotion.
He has shared in the following engagements, viz: Lee's Mill, Va., April 16th, 1862; Williamsburg, May, 5th, 1862; Golden's Farm, June 28th, 1862; Savage Station, June 29th, 1862; second Fredericksburg and Salem Heights, May 3d and 4th, 1863; heavy skirmish at Franklin Crossing, June 5th and 6th, 1863; Gettysburg, Pa., July 1st, 2d and 3rd, 1863; heavy skirmish at Funkstown, Md., July 10th, 1863; heavy skirmish at Gainesville, Oct., 1863; Locust Grove, Nov. 24th, 1863; Wilderness, May 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th, 1864; and capture of Richmond, April 3d, 1865.
CAPT. JAMES O'BRIEN.
Captain James O'Brien, assigned to command of Co. C., to occupy the vacancy made by the promotion of Capt. Bates to Maj. of 45th U.S.C.T., is a native of Glenlough, Ireland, and the son of a widow. Upon coming to this country he became a citizen of Maulius, N.Y. In the early stage of the war he volunteered as a Private in Co. I, 61st N.Y. Infantry. At the battle of Fair Oaks, June 1st, 1862, he was severely wounded in the arm, but continued heroically on the field to the close of the action. At the battle of Charles City Cross Roads, June 30th, 1862, he received a severe wound penetrating the left shoulder; and having been left on the field, helpless and weak by loss of blood, he was taken prisoner. His wound became alarmingly dangerous, by reason of his cruel imprisonment in Libby Prison. He was paroled, June 31st, and removed to Satterlee Hospital, Phila. Little hope was entertained about his recovery. While yet in the Hospital, and after he had slightly improved, he resumed his studies with a view to a collegiate course he had before contemplated. The way also appeared open for the fulfillment of his purpose in this particular, as the necessity of his discharge was decided upon. He afterwards, however, concluded if possible to return to the field. Much praise is due this maimed soldier for his patriotic determination. Before leaving the Hospital he obtained the promotion to Second Lieutenant of his Co. This honor, won by so many acts of distinguished bravery, he was unable to accept at that time, on account of his severe disability.
He was appointed First Lieutenant of this Regt., March 8th, 1864, and assigned to Co. A. He received the appointment of Adjutant of this command, April 1st, 1864, and in this position he accompanied it to the front in the army of the Potomac. In the terrible battle of the Mine before Petersburg, July 30th, 1864, and the charge by this Regt., he received another severe wound in the left shoulder. For his great gallantry in this action he is particularly mentioned by both his Regimental and Brigade Commanders, and for which, also, he was promoted to Captain by the President of the United States. He was afterwards detailed as Post Adjutant and Recruiting Officer for the North Eastern District of Va., at Camp Casey. He remained there until by order the Recruiting Rendezvous was discontinued, when he reported to the Regt., then on the Front Line before Richmond, and was assigned to the command of Co. C.
He has served as A.A.A.G. at Headquarters of the 3d Brig. 1st Div. 25th Corps, and also at same Headquarters, as Acting Asst. Inspector General, up to date of order returning this Regt. for final muster-out and discharge. This officer remained in the active field service to the close of the war, although continuing to suffer very much by reason of his wounds, which were but partially healed and very painful. He has proved himself as brave as he is efficient.
The following are engagements in which he has participated, viz.: heavy skirmish at Rappahannock Bridge, March, 1862; Siege of Yorktown, May, 1862; Williamsburg, May 5th, 1864; Fair Oaks, June 1st, 1862; Peach Orchard, June 28th, 1862; Savage Station, June 29th, 1862; Charles City Cross Roads, June 30th, 1862; Wilderness, May 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th, 1864; Spotsylvania, 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; capture of Richmond, April 3d, 1865.
FIRST LIEUT, W. E. PALMER.
First Lieut. W. E. Palmer, who was assigned to Co. C, to occupy a vacancy made by the promotion of First Lieut. Daggett to Quarter Master of the Regiment, is a native of Utica, N.Y., and the only son of a widow. His grand-father, Elias Palmer, held the position of Sergeant in the war of the Revolution. He volunteered Aug. 2nd, 1862 as a Private in Co. G, 146th N.Y. Infantry. In connection with this command he displayed the ability and bravery of a good soldier. He received the appointment of First Lieutenant of this Regiment, July 21st, 1864. At the battle of Hatchie's Run, Oct. 27th and 28th, 1864, he was wounded in the right arm. He has served on detached service as a member of General Court Martial at Headquarter of 1st Div. 25th Corps. As an officer he is esteemed by all acquainted with him.
He has taken part in the following actions, viz.: Fredericksburg, Dec. 13th and 14th, 1862; Chancellorsville, May 3d and 4th, 1863; Gettysburg, July 2nd and 3rd, 1863; heavy skirmish at Williamsport, July 9th, 1863; skirmish near Ellicott's Mills, July 7th, 1864; Hatchie's Run, Oct. 27th and 28th, 1864; heavy skirmish on Bermuda Front, Dec., 1864; Farra's Island, at Dutch Gap Canal, Jan. 25th, 1865; and capture of Richmond, April 3d, 1865.