Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Happy New Year

Just a quick note to wish all of my readers a safe, healthy and prosperous New Year. 2008 was a tumultuous year for many, though many good things happened as well. Here's hoping for a better 2009 for everyone.
Posted by at

4 comments:

Jim Jones said...

Don, here's a good one to start off the new year.
The 6th U.S. Cavalry appointed a total of eight sergeant-majors within the Civil War. The 1st regimental sergeant-major (RSM) was the famous Samuel Marmaduke Whitside, serving as sergeant-major (SGM) from 01AUG1861-04NOV1861. He was subsequently appointed as a 2nd Lieutenant, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Next was SGM James F. Jackson. He served in the position from 04NOV1861-08DEC1861. On the latter date, he was discovered to be "Charles" Jackson, a deserter from the General Mounted Service. Apparently he was favored by the regiment, as no charges were pressed, however, he was demoted to the rank of private, serving in company K through the remainder of his enlistment.
Taking his place was SGM John Lee, serving as SGM 08DEC1861-12MAY1862, whence he was appointed a 2nd lieutenant, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Next was Tullius C. Tupper, serving as SGM 12MAY-22SEP1862. He was also appointed a 2nd lieutenant, 6th U.S. Cavalry.
Following Tullius was SGT Martin Armstrong, serving as SGM 22SEP-01DEC1862. He was relieved after failing to inspect the incoming picket's arms on the latter date, for which one of them accidentally shot and killed his companion while playing around.
Taking his place was SGM Hercules G. Carroll, serving 01DEC1862-23JUN1863. While making his rounds inspecting the pickets at Aldie on the latter date, he was captured and sent to Libby Prison. Evidently, CPT Cram, then commanding the regiment, nor anyone else knew what happened to him, thus he was listed as deserted.
Taking his place was SGM Patrick Cusack, who was transferred from the 4th U.S. Artillery on the day Hercules went MIA. SGM Cusack would serve in the position the longest, serving from 23JUN1863-19JAN1865, whence he was appointed a 2nd lieutenant, 6th U.S.C.T.
The final RSM was SGM Henry Orsay, who closed out the war in the position and marched the troops to Texas, serving as SGM 19JAN1865-12APR1868.
Source: regimental returns

Happy Holidays!

January 4, 2009 at 7:55 PM
Jim Jones said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
January 5, 2009 at 4:07 PM
Jim Jones said...

Correction, SGM Patrick Cusack was later appointed as a Captain, 9th U.S.C.T.

January 5, 2009 at 4:09 PM
Don said...

Jim,

Thanks very much for the info, that's great stuff. Would you shoot me an email privately? dccaughey AT aol DOT com.

January 5, 2009 at 7:40 PM

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)