Official Publication of the St. Lawrence County Historical Association October 1990 THE QUARTERLY Official Publication of the St. Lawrence County Historical Association

VOLUME XXXV OCTOBER 1990 NO. 4

CONTENTS

Richard J. O'Hanlon 3 Linda Richards, Nursing's Forgotten Lady

Staff 10 Press Coverage of the 1940 War Games

Captain Charles ll Creekman Jr. 13 The 106th New York Volunteers in the Last Year of the Civil War: A Family's Loss and the Nation's Loss of its President

Cover: Portrait of Linda Richards in Main Lobby of the Canton-Potsdam Hospital, Potsdam, NY.

This publication is made possible in part with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts.

Co-editors: Marvin L. Edwards ISSN 0558-1931 George F. McFarland Copyright St. Lawrence County Historical Association 1990 Advertising: Betsey Deuval Ernest Deuval Contributions: The Quarterly welcomes contributions in the form of manuscripts, drawings, and photo- The Quarterly is published in January, April, July graphs. If documentation is necessary, we request and October each year by the St. Lawrence County that it conform to The MLA Style Manual. A summary Historical Association. of the MLA format is available from the editor; Extra copies may be obtained from the St. Law- manuscripts which do not conform to the MLA format rence County Historical Association, P.O. Box 8, may be revised. Address all editorial communications Canton, N.Y. 13617, at $3.00 each plus 75& postage to Editor, The Qlcarterly, St. Lawrence County and handling. Historical Association, P.O. Box 8, Canton, NY 13617. October 1990 3 Linda Richards, Nursing's Forgotten Lady by Richard J. O'Hanlon

Sitting at the head table, in a long black gown, her white hair neatly combed and brushed, she projected a certain dignity and an air of Victorian elegance. Then she was introduced as Miss Linda Richards, America's first trained nurse, but most people in the room had long forgotten her. Indeed, many attending the meeting of the Massachusetts Nursing Association that day in 1923 had never heard of her, for she had retired a full dozen years earlier, and had quickly faded into anonymity. It was a pleasant summer day and the meeting was being held in a hotel on the Atlantic shore in Swampscott, a few miles north of Boston. Offered the oppor- tunity to say a few words, she hesitated, seemed about to demur, then decided she did have something to say, rose slowly to her feet and in a high pitched, quivering voice began to speak. It was long before air conditioning, and be- cause of open windows she had to talk over the sound of the surf pounding the beach outside, and the audience strained to hear. This would be the last public appear- This photo of Miss Richards and her Japanese rickshau, driver was taken ance she would ever make, but her outside the nurse training school she established in Kyoto, Japan. (Photo words that day served as a perfect de- first appeared in her autobiography published in 1911) scription of the true nurse-a perfect description of Linda Richards' own life. "The nurse is a human being, and the ence Nightingale, and returned to in- for an instant lest she fall asleep and patient is a human being." she said. troduce the Nightingale System into miss giving the next crucial treatment. "All your skill will not make you a the curriculum of every hospital train- The baby's eyesight was saved, one of nurse if you do not have the right feeling ing school she would be associated with countless times when this dedicated in your heart for your patient." thereafter. In mid-career she traveled woman paid the price of service to an- "It is lonely to be sick. The nurse can to Japan where she established that other by taking it out on her own body. help the sick person in his loneliness country's first nursing school, where in She had at least two physical break- by being there to help not just with the order to succeed she first had to learn downs that required long convalescing head and the hands, but with the heart." a new and complicated language. A periods, and found it necessary during She sat down to complete silence, and doctor familiar with her work there her last 20 working years to limit assign- for a moment feared that she had not wrote after her death, "What Florence ments to two or three year periods to even been heard. But then came the Nightingale did for England, Linda avoid further breakdowns. applause, then the standing ovation- Richards did for Japan." Finally upon retirement in 1911, at and the old lady smiled appreciatively Later in her career she pioneered the urging of colleagues and friends she knowing she really had been heard home care for the poor and needy in wrote her Reminiscences of America's after all. the tenement and slum areas of Phila- First Trained Nurse, for years the only Linda Richards initially secured her delphia. This was the forerunner of biographical account of her life. She place in history by being the first today's visiting nurse associations. She wrote, not out of lust for fame, fortune trained American nurse, but after re- spent most of her last working years or acclaim, but as was revealed after ceiving her diploma, Sept. 1,1873, from establishing nursing schools in mental her death, just to satisfy the many re- the New England Hospital for Women hospitals. In this she was far ahead of peated requests of those who knew her and Children in Roxbury, Mass., she her time realizing that nursing for the accomplishments best and realized their went on to a varied and distinguished mentally ill required a special type of historical significance. Though well- nursing career covering 38 years. Over- training. documented and marked with her own coming many obstacles, especially oppo- Linda Richards was what is today elegant style, the book was much too sition from the doctors, she succeeded called a workaholic. Sixteen, 18 and modest to do her justice. Dr. Edward in establishing and supervising several even 20-hour work days were not un- Cowles, a physician who knew and nurse training schools at various hospi- known to her. Once in Japan when a worked with Miss Richards for many tals throughout the east and one in baby with a severe eye infection needed years, paid this tribute to her in the Kalamazoo, Michigan. constant attention, she stayed up around introduction: She went to England and Scotland the clock bathing the infant's eyes every Many American nurses likewise at the invitation of the renowned Flor- 20 minutes, never daring to doze even are entitled to high honor in es- October 1990

tablishing the new profession of nursing and in extending the field of its beneficence; but Linda Richards, as her sisters all acclaim, outranks them all, not only in priority of her diploma's date, but also in the wide extent and variety of her services . . . . But for those who have not known Miss Rich- ards, and perhaps have never heard of her, and especially for those who know little or nothing about the wonderful development of modern nursing, something more is needed than her own modest story. Linda Richards upon retirement seemed assured of a special place in history-not only for being the first trained American nurse, but for many years one of the best. Yet today she is remarkably unknown. In the main lobby of the Canton-Potsdam Hospital in Potsdam, N.Y. hangs a large colored Members of nursing staff shoz4-~~here assisting in sztrger~jin this sccne of portrait of her in an ornate, gold leaf a Bellevue Hospital ward in the 187C )$. (Courtesy of Garrand Publishing frame. Beneath it a bronze plaque pro- Co.) claims her "The First Trained Amer- ican Nurse", stating that she was born in Potsdam in 1841. Yet in this publicity tion. In selecting her for the job, he great lady's privacy or to secure such conscious village of 7,000, home to both stated he was confident he had picked unqualified endorsement. Potsdam State College and Clarkson the most qualified nurse in America. Still, a definitive, third person bio- University where everyone takes pride Dr. Alfred Worcester in an article graphy was never devoted to Linda in their championship basketball and written for The New England Journal Richards. The most comprehensive ac- hockey teams, where a building on the of Medicine in May, 1930, a few weeks count is her own. However, she was Potsdam College campus is named for a after her death, agreed, calling her a too modest. Unlike Miss Nightingale, former resident, the late Dr. Hervey pivotal figure in establishing nurse whose biographers are legion and have Dexter Thatcher, inventor of the glass training in America. He went on to been writing her life's story for nearly milk bottle, few people seem to have compare her with Florence Nightingale. a century and a half, it has been only read that plaque. For hardly anyone If any complete story of her life recently that Linda Richards has re- in Potsdam recognizes the name Linda shall ever be written, the com- ceived any noteworthy literary atten- Richards-or knows who she was. parison will at once suggest itself tion, and that from two writers of And this lack of recognition is not between the first American and juvenile literature-Rachel Baker and limited just to her birthplace. Exam- first English trained nurse . . . David Collins. Like most writers of this ining the history of American nursing Both of them were 'born nurses', particular genre they were seeking role one finds her story, but mostly empha- that is from early girlhood each models and obviously believed they sizing her being the first trained nurse- found her greatest delight in help- found one in Linda Richards. just the chronological fact. If as one ing the helpless, and yet while Baker's America's First Trained historian has stated, "Greatness can be they both longed for training as Nurse published in 1959 is well docu- measured by one's ability to do many nurses, not until they were in mented, for the author who died in 1978 things well," then Linda Richards who their thirties was the way open for did not consider herself exclusively a certainly did many things well, deserves either of them. And then each writer for young people. She insisted, a measure of greatness-at least more within a few months time absorbed "I write for people". But her biographies than history seems to have given her. in full all of the art of nursing were most often sold to the youth de- In comparing the wealth of biogra- that had been accumulating dur- partments of libraries throughout the phical material on such famed nurses ing preceding centuries. country. Her speciality was biographies as Clara Barton, Dorthea Dix and, the And following are the words of Flor- of famous people in medicine; her re- immortalized Florence Nightingale, ence Nightingale herself, introducing search flawless. one can not help noticing the lack of Linda Richards with a written note to Collins' work, Linda Richards First such abundance on Miss Richards. the Matron of the Edinburgh Royal American Trained Nurse was published Why? Speculation suggests a few Infirmary in Scotland: in 1975 for a much younger audience. theories. First, those most familiar with I have seldom seen anyone who The author admits writing almost ex- Linda Richards, and most qualified to struck me as so admirable. I think clusively for children and has chosen pass historical judgment on her life we have as much to learn from such famous subjects as Charles Lind- were neither historians nor writers. her as she from us. berg, Abraham Lincoln and Harry They were colleagues, doctors and This from the famous "Lady with the Truman. What quality did Linda Rich- nurses. These include the previously Lamp" who welcomed Linda Richards ards share with such as these? David quoted Dr. Cowles who as chief resident into her home not once but several times Collins must have noted some greatness physician at Boston City Hospital was and was never known for either ingrati- in her, for he certainly placed her in her sole ally among the doctors there ating compliments or private audiences. great company. when she accepted his offer to establish Linda succeeded where the famous, That she was not much of a militant a nurse-training school at that institu- even royalty, had failed to breech the crusader might also have contributed October 1990 to her low historical profile. She cer- tainly had the courageof her convictions, but when giving them absolute priority would lead only to controversy, then she advocated a more gentle approach. The story is told that as a student nurse she once had been assigned to a doctor treating a pneumonia patient at home. The doctor made it clear when Linda arrived that he didn't approve of women nurses and told her that she could be of little use to his patient. Slipping off her cape and standing by the patient's bedside she paused a moment, then replied. "If I can be of little use, it is better than being of no use at all. I will do my best to follow your orders, doctor." The doctor allowed her to stay, and for a full week she visited the patient twice daily, preparing meals, giving the prescribed medicine, changing bedding, giving baths. On his next visit, the doctor was pleased and astounded to find that the man was almost completely recovered, and he praised Linda for it. "I'm glad you think I helped your patient, Doctor." she said politely. "Our patient" he corrected. Linda Richards' gentle brand of persuasion had gained another convert. But as nursing evolved as a profession this style of advocacy did not always endear her to colleagues. Again quoting Dr. Alfred Worcester: Her forte was in exemplifying her ideals of nursing, not in public pleading for their adoption, and controversy was entirely foreign Group of c~isiting)~rtr.s~s stnr.tirzg thcir rlail~r-oto~cls to her nature. But no greater mis- sonzetime arouvld the turn of the century. Linda take could be made than to ascribe Richards joined such a pioneer group and helped her preference for the line of least bring medical care to the slum areas of Philadelphia. resistance to any weakness of char- (Courtesy of Garrand Publishing Co.) acter. Her complaisance was only the perfect fruit of her innate courteous consideration of those tory, the Richards family moved there tall, and I was small and stout, with whom she differed. where Mr. Richards had purchased a and had to trot to keep up with The question thus remains; did this tract of land which included what is him. He seldom talked to me on pioneer nurse receive her just due from now the entire city of Watertown, Wis- these walks, but I could not have history? The answer lies in a more de- consin. There he built a cabin and in- been hired to stay at home. No tailed look at Linda Richards whose life tended to clear the land, but he had there was nothing hard in my nearly bridged two centuries and whose been weakened by a serious lung ail- young life; hardship began with career spanned the chasm between ment, probably advanced tuberculosis, hospital life, where the first years archaic and modern medicine. and the strenuous labor was too much were indeed very hard. for him. One night only six weeks after These are the words of a woman ob- She was christened Melinda Ann the family had arrived there he suffered viously nurtured in childhood with an Judson Richards. Her father, an itin- a lung hemorrhage, and died. abundance of family love, which helped erant preacher, had named her for Ann Mrs. Richards and her three daugh- in molding her into the loving, caring Judson Hasseltine hoping that like her ters returned to Newport, Vt. where for nurse she became. namesake she would one day become a a time they lived with Linda's maternal When Linda's grandfather remarried, missionary. She was the third eldest grandfather, a kindly and religious Linda's mother bought a small farm daughter of Sanford and Betsey (Sin- man of whom Linda speaks with tender just outside of town and she and her clair) Richards, who after their mar- affection in writing about her early life. three daughters were once more on riage in Newport, Vt., sometime in the She kllsof sitting on his lap and, "Brush- their own. Shortly thereafter, Mrs. mid 1830's, moved to a northern New ing his snow-white hair and confiding Richards began showing symptoms of York farm not far from the banks of in him all my school day joys and the same disease that had claimed her the Racquette River in a community sorrows." Again in describing the Sun- husband, and it fell to Linda to look now part of Potsdam. day afternoon walks where she had after her. She nursed her mother for When Linda was four, shortly after trouble keeping up with his long-legged three years under the direction of the the settlement of the Black Hawk War pace: family doctor. And though only 13 when and the opening of the Wisconsin Terri- He was thin and over six feet her mother died, Linda felt she had October 1990 failed; but the doctor assured her that happiest of Linda's life. She was young, eight hours: they were nearer she had been very capable and had tall, attractive, very much in love, and twice eight. We rose at 5:30 A.M. displayed all the talents of a true "born the dark clouds and bitter sorrows of an and left the wards at 9 P.M. to go nurse." approaching war were far removed to our beds, which were in little In those days in New England, nurs- from the beautiful Vermont country- rooms between the wards. Each ing was considered an act of charity, side and the thoughts of Linda Richards nurse took care of her ward of six and every community had its own "born during that wonderful, idyllic year of patients both day and night. Many nurse." She was a woman who had a 1860. a time I have got up nine times in natural way with the sick and by in- Linda and George became engaged the night: often I did not get to stinct rather than training attended and plans were made for a May wed- sleep before the next call came: them whenever and wherever she was ding. Then came the attack on Ft. but, being blessed with a sound needed. Someone else came in and took Sumter, and George Poole went march- body and a firm resolution to go over her housework while she went to ing off to war with the First Vermont through the training school, cost answer the call that had gone out "for Brigade of The Green Mountain Boys. what it might, I maintained a the born nurse." Under the supervision He returned in the summer of 1865 with cheerful spirit. We wore no uni- of old Doc Currier, the family doctor a chest wound and a consumptive cough. forms, the only stipulation being who had cared for her dying mother, He never regained his health, and that our dresses should be wash- Linda learned whatever medical know- though Linda nursed him for the next able. ledge he could give her. In describing four years, they never married. Once The reason the "pupil nurses" were on the qualities of the born nurse in her again she was "the born nurse", this ward duty almost continuously was that book she gives an insight into her own time to the only man she ever truly Dr. Dimock refused at first to hire humanistic approach to nursing. loved. He died in 1869. "night watchers" to come into the hospi- No compensation did she receive, She had to earn a living, and now she tal to care for patients during evening save the honor of bearing the title knew that teaching was not meant to be hours. Night watchers were untrained, "born nurse", the true meaning of her life's work. Motivated by stories usually uneducated, often women of low which to my mind is the possessing she had heard from George about the morals, with little or no concern for of qualities which, with proper suffering and the need for nurses during patients. It was this type of employee training, go to make the ideal the war, she went to Boston with the with whom Linda had become so dis- nurse-a love of ministering to intention of becoming a nurse. There illusioned at Boston City Hospital two those in need, a quickness to ob- she was hired as an assistant nurse in years earlier. Something had to be done, serve symptoms which should be the Boston City Hospital where she was though, so the wise Dr. Dimock relented, reported to the doctor, a gentle appalled to discover that nurses there and after six months a dependable touch, a sympathetic nature, and were no more than ward maids. She night nurse was hired. And the "pupil a love of nursing work for the found the women working as nurses nurses" were able to get some sleep, very work's sake. were for the most part ignorant, often and eventually to graduate. Linda, the After her mother died, Linda went to heartless and practically unsupervised. first to enroll, was first to receive her live with her kindly grandfather, and With her health starting to fail, she left diploma-which today is in the ar- soon became the community's "born after three months, even though offered chives of the Smithsonian Institution. nurse." But after his wife died, leaving a head nurse position. She knew she After her year of training, she was him a widower for a second time, he didn't have adequate knowledge for offered several different positions, in- became concerned about Linda's future. such responsibility and was unlikely to cluding one from her alma mater as He insisted she train as a school teacher, learn more under those conditions. head nurse. She wanted very much to and at 15 she enrolled for a year's train- It was nearly two years later that she stay with Dr. Dimock, but felt the need ing in St. Johnsbury Academy 30 miles saw a notice in a Boston book store that for her services was greater elsewhere. away. The New England Hospital for Women So she accepted a position as night She wasn't happy there. She was and Children planned to offer a nurse- supervisor at Bellevue Hospital in New homesick, and news of the death of her training program. That very afternoon York City. There she came under the tutor and old friend, Doc Currier, only she went to the hospital and presented direction of another woman who had deepened her sadness. But mostly she herself to the resident physician, Miss much to teach her, not in nursing, but missed being needed and, as she would Susan Dimock, a tall, attractive woman in the skill and intricacy of hospital put it, "having someone to tend to". But who had been studying medicine since administration. the year went by, and she did manage she was 15 and had studied surgery at Sister Helen, a nun of the All Saints to pass the state examinations. She re- the University of Zurich. Then 26, a full Order, had studied the Nightingale turned to Newport and was hired as the six years younger than Linda, it would System in London and had recently teacher in the school she had attended be this woman who would sign that taken over supervision of the newly- herself only a few years before. historic first diploma. It would be this established training school at Bellevue She had been teaching only a year woman who would teach her many of where until recently the "night watch- when her grandfather died, and Linda the skills she had been seeking. It would ers" and ward maid nurses had badly was alone. Her older sisters had moved be the beautiful and talented Susan neglected the indigent patients in that on to make their own lives. In 1858, Dimock who, along with Florence large crowded institution. However, all she sold the farm and went to live with Nightingale, would serve as inspiration that was soon to change under the strict various families in the community to Linda Richards for the rest of her supervision of the efficient Sister Helen where she received room and board as life. Linda signed up for the school that and the arrival of a newly graduated partial payment for her teaching ser- day, the first of five applicants who night superintendent. vices. One summer she went to live would eventually do so. At Bellevue Linda came in contact with a Mrs. Poole, an elderly widow In describing her duties as a student with the poor and indigent from the who lived just outside of town. There nurse at this first American training slums. This was a new experience for she met George Poole, her landlady's school, Linda wrote: her as most patients atthe New England handsome young nephew, and soon the We nurses did very different work Hospital had been private patients, two had fallen in love. from that done by pupil nurses educated and refined. Here they came The following year was probably the nowadays. Our days were not from the teeming tenements and littered October 1990

medical records for each patient under her care. This is such standard hospital procedure today that it is difficult to imagine a time when it didn't exist, but until Linda Richards instituted such a system, all reportson each patient were relayed verbally to the doctor or oncoming duty nurse. Even the famed Nightingale System benefited from this particular innovation. Another innovation that occurred dur- ing her term at Bellevue was adoption of student-nurse uniforms. Initially, just as during Linda's own training, a simple, washable calico dress was con- sidered adequate attire. Then a sugges- tion was made for student uniforms. Perhaps it was Linda's idea, but more likely Sister Helen's. At first the stu- dents resisted, considering it a demean- ing move to put them in a type of livery uniform. However, one class member, a tall beautiful young woman from an aristocratic family, must have been persuaded. One day after a short leave from the school, she appeared in a neat- ly tailored blue striped dress and a stylish white bonnet perched atop her auburn curls. She cut an attractive figure, and shortly thereafter, the other young students were all similarly at- tired. Linda Richards sensed the im- portance to the profession of nurse uniforms, and made them standard attire in her other supervisory assign- ments. In Japan she designed and sewed them herself. In November, 1874 Linda was ap- pointed Superintendent of the Boston Training School, later to evolve into A physician teaches students proper method of ap- the Massachusetts General Hospital. plying bandages in this drawing of an early nurse The training program there was floun- training school class. (Courtesy of Garrand Publishing dering. The school had been in existence Co.) only a year, and two previous superin- tendents, although excellent nurses, had been unable to show satisfactory slums of New York City. They included of turning off the gas lights immediately results. The committee running the the desperate, the defeated, the drunken. after the day nurses went off duty. school was considering closing it, but At first she feared them, but then the Night nurses then had to care for then Linda accepted the position, and true spirit of the "born nurse" prevailed, patients under candlelight and each during the next two and a half years, and she realized that these were the ward was allocated but two candles a drawing on her administrative experi- poor and the sick she had always sought week. At midnight all heat was turned ence under Sister Helen, she gradually to serve. She expressed, it this way: off and the patients lay shivering in the improved the program which eventually But this feeling [of fear] soon dark until 3 a.m. when with loud hissing was praised as one of the best in the passed away, giving place to one and banging of pipes the steam was country. of profound pity, and later in turned on again. After one hectic ex- Then, having accomplished her mis- many cases to true affection. There perience, treating an accident victim sion at Massachusetts General, Linda in the midst of all the sin and under candlelight in the frigid cold, she Richards characteristically was ready poverty were found real pearls: found herself in Sister Helen's office to seek new horizons. She had long and no true woman can come in pleading for the good nun's support in cherished the idea of visiting St. daily touch with a ward filled overturning this "cruel and inhumane Thomas's Hospital in London to study with patients without soon learn- practice". first-hand the Nightingale System at ing to look for and find the jewels, "Go tell the warden, what you told the hospital that Miss Nightingale her- and thereby make of herself a me." said the nun. This Linda did, and self had established after returning stronger woman. although she had to promise never to from her harrowing experiences in the And a stronger woman she became as use more gas than absolutely necessary, Crimean War. Through correspondence she championed the cause of these in- the night duty nurses at Bellevue never of a hospital board committee with digent patients against the sometimes worked in the dark again. Florence Nightingale, arrangements tyrannical and bureaucratic inefficien- It was during her duty at Bellevue were made for such a visit. It was like cy of administrative policies. Her earli- that she devised the first method of a dream come true for Linda when on est battle was waged over the policy charting and maintaining individual April 1, 1877, she set sail for England October 1990 for seven months of intensive work and study. At St. Thomas's she came under the direct supervision of one of the great hospital matrons of the time, perhaps all time, in the sternly efficient, self- disciplined, and appropriately named Mrs. Wardproper who was Miss Night- ingale's personal choice to run St. Thomas's. In her book, Linda would later write of Mrs. Wardproper that she never saw her out of uniform," . . . and she always wore black kid gloves, and was as much at home in writing in gloves as the ordinary individual with- out them.'' Linda, a few years later, heard from a friend that Mrs. Wardproper had spoken most kindly of her saying that she thought Linda was a good woman to have gone over as the first American nurse, that she made no trouble and seemed to appreciate the advantages given her. These remarks pleased Linda, but in The Story of Nursing, author, Bertha Dodge wondered: What had Mrs. Wardproper ex- pected in an American nurse? A feathered Indian, perhaps? One can only be grateful that Linda Richards, all unknowing, was able to quiet her fears. Given the choice of merely observing or actually working as a "probationer" (the British term for student nurse) Linda chose the latter. She found some of the customs strange, but she soon grew used to the cheerful, busy environ- ment of a Nightingale hospital. She spent two fruitful months at St. Thom- as's, working a week in each of eight Linda Richards as she appeared just prior to leaving different wards, observing surgical for England in 1877. (Courtesy of Archives Potsdam operations, attending clinics and lec- Museum) tures, attempting to absorb all the medical knowledge she possibly could. However, the highlight of her entire stay took place a few days after her Prior to this her plans included only It was his then radical assumption that arrival, when she was invited to visit St. Thomas's. But with the "lady-in- microorganisms caused the preponder- Florence Nightingale at her home. She chief", as she was always referred to ance of infections following most sur- hadn't expected that as Mrs. Ward- by the staff at St. Thomas's, opening gery, and he developed a method of proper had advised her that Miss Night- necessary doors, plans were quickly performing surgery under a constant ingale never received visitors-but the made for Linda to visit these hospitals spray of carbolic acid. It was jokingly invitation came, and the first American as well. stated that before each operation he nurse finally came face to face with her At King's College Hospital she lived would address his fellow doctors with a British counterpart and life-long under the strict discipline of the St. solemn, "Gentlemen, Let us spray." A heroine. In her autobiography she John's Sisterhood, an Episcopal order second method he later developed keep- would write: in charge of nursing. There she learned ing harmful organisms away from the Many and varied blessings have the value of unquestioned discipline, operating area entirely became known come to me through the years of even in trivial matters. On her first day as aseptic surgery and was the fore- my hospital life, but never one of duty she was mildly reprimanded by runner of today's sterilization pro- greater than the privilege of hav- the nun in charge when she unknowing- cedures. There she observed first-hand ving seen and known Miss Night- ly used a stairway reserved exclusively the latest methods then being used to ingale. I have never ceased to for doctors. She would later say that prevent the spread of disease. Dr. Lister appreciate the benefits from that rules never bothered her or seemed irk- was away during her stay there, but first visit. I was very sorry to some or out of place after learning his work was being carried on by his leave, and very grateful for all the discipline at the hands of the Sisters capable assistant, Dr. Joseph Bell, who kindness received. at King's College Hospital. gave weekly clinics exclusively for the It was at this meeting that Miss From there she went on to Edinburgh nursing staff. Dr. Bell, a tall, rugged Nightingale suggested that Linda also and the Royal Infirmary where the man with a brilliant inquiring mind, spend time at King's College Hospital noted Dr. Joseph Lister was doing his greatly inspired her. In this she was and the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. historic work with antiseptic surgery. not alone, for this was the same Dr. October 1990

Bell who served as inspirational model ture for a woman to give orders to a she appeared at the nurses association for one of his medical students, Arthur man, and in this regard she often had meeting in Swampscott where she had Conan Doyle, in creating the famous to intervene herself. Still, the Japanese spoken briefly, yet so eloquently. fictional detective, Sherlock Holmes. It women made excellent nurses, and Shortly thereafter she suffered a is not known whether Linda Richards Linda soon had them dressed in the severe stroke and was admitted to a ever knew of this strange coincidence. traditional blue-striped uniform of the nursing home in Foxboro. The New On her return to London from Edin- American training schools. The hospital England Hospital staff, upon hearing of burgh Miss Nightingale had instructed was small and hospital beds limited, her illness, sent an ambulance and her coachman to meet Linda at a small but Linda sent her students out to the brought her home to the hospital that way station near Lea Hurst and bring homes of the sick where they provided gave America its first trained nurse, her to her summer home for a few days excellent service. The small school grew and there they took care of her until visit and a final farewell. Linda was and improved gradually. Shortly after she died on April 16, 1930. During the very pleased, and those few days re- Linda left for home, it was turned over last five years of her life she was a total mained in her memory forever. They to the Japanese authorities, and it con- invalid. Yet until nearly the very end were never to meet again but remained tinued to turn out well-trained nurses she maintained her ideal of the true close and maintained a friendly corres- for many years. nurse. A few days before her death she pondence for many years. However, the climate in Japan had inquired from an attending nurse, "Do Upon her return from Europe in weakened her. At the end of her five the nurses still perform their duties January, 1878, Miss Richards assumed year commitment in March, 1891, she with nicety?" She seemed pleased when the matronship of the Boston City Hos- returned to America. There within a assured that indeed they still did-just pital where she accepted Dr. Cowles' month she was back at work, this time as this gallant but forgotten lady had offer to establish a nurse-training in charge of the Philadelphia Visiting performed her duties with such special school. If she had rested a few months Nurse's Society, again a pioneer in a nicety for a lifetime. longer she might have avoided the new and much-needed field. She had physical breakdown that came within long been an advocate of home care for six months and lasted two years. But the sick, especially in large cities. Now upon her recovery she resumed her she devoted all her skill and energy to BIBLIOGRAPHY position at Boston City Hospital in this cause. However, at 50, and in Rmini~cemesOf Linda Richards (Autobiography). September, 1881. There, where 19 years weakened health she found after six 1911. Thomas Todd Co.. Printers. earlier she had been so appalled at the months that she could no longer trudge Linda Richard*?. First American Trained Nursr. incompetence of the untrained nursing the busy streets and climb long flights 1973 by David R. Collins. Juvenile literature. A Discovery Book, Garrard Publishing Co., staff, she brought that training school of tenement stairways carrying her Champaign, Ill. within three years up to a standard heavy bag. Reluctantly she gave up this Linda Richards, First American Trained Nurse of excellence that made it one of the duty. Speech by Lillian Kiah, R.N. to St. Law. Co. best in the world. This was the accom- Subsequently, she founded a training Historical Assoc. Sept. 12, 1964. plishment both Dr. Cowles and Dr. Wor- school at Philadelphia's Methodist American Journal of Nursing. "Thirty Years of cester called her greatest triumph. Per- Episcopal Hospital and reorganized Progress", address given by Linda Richards haps it was. Then satisfied that her job and strengthened those of the New on occasion of 30th anniversary of organiza- in Boston City Hospital was complete, England Hospital for Women and Chil- tion of Training School of the Massachusetts she again felt more needed elsewhere- dren (her alma mater), the Brooklyn General Hospital (1903). The Story of Nursing. 1954 by Bertha S. Dodge. this time on the other side of the world. Homeopathic Hospital and the Hartford Little. Brown & Company. Boston. So, in December, 1885, under the au- Hospital in Connecticut. Then followed The Neul England Journal of Medicine, May 29, spices of the American Board of Mis- a two year tour as superintendent of the 1930. Article. Linda A.J. Richards. by Alfred sions, she left for Japan to establish training school at the University of Worcester. that country's first nurse-training Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia. America i First Trained Nurse Linda Richards, by school. She would be gone five years. Thereafter, she dedicated her efforts Rachel Baker. 1959. Julian Messner Inc.. 8 Linda Richards loved Japan, and her to still another new cause, improving West 40 Street, New York 18. five years there were probably the standards of nursing care in mental Four Wmenof Courage. Edited by Bennett Wayne. Garrard Publishing Company. Champaign, happiest of her professional career. hospitals. She served as director of Illinois, 1975. Arriving in January, 1886, she imme- training schools at the Taunton (Mass.) The American Journal of Nursing. "Linda Rich- diately undertook an intensive study Insane Hospital (1899-1904),Worcester ards" by Helen W. Munson, R.N. Sept. 1948 of the language. In the fall she opened (Mass.) Hospital for the Insane (1904- Vol.48 No. 9. the nurse-training school at the Doshita 1905) where she founded the school, and Notable American Women Belknap Press of Har- Hospital in Kyoto. The school followed the Michigan Insane Asylum in Kala- vard Univ. Press. Cambridge. Mass., 1971 Vol. the same two-year program as Ameri- mazoo (1906-1909). Then she returned 111. pp. 148-150. can training schools and used translated to the Taunton school for a year before Unpublished Letters of Linda Richards. (Selected) American texts. her retirement in 1911 at age 70. College archives of Sophia Smith Collection. Initially, she had to teach through After retirement Linda Richards re- Smith College. Northampton. Mass. an interpreter, but soon mastered the ceived a few early honors. Her book Contemporary Authors. language sufficiently to be able to in- published in 1911 enjoyed moderate Linda Richards Collection. Archives of The Pots- dam Museum. Presented by The New England struct her students in their native success, and the American Nurses Asso- Hospital for Women and Children upon closing tongue. She was impressed by the kind- ciation had her likeness engraved on its of that institution. ly little Japanese student nurses with corporate seal. But then she faded quick- The New England Hospital 1862-1962 One Hundred their abundance of patience. "They are ly from the professional scene. For a Years by Dorothy B. Seccomb. Centenial Book- always cheerful, and courteous, and few years she lived with a cousin on a let. they win their way where they could not farm near Lowell, then with other rela- History of The Massachusetts General Hospital enforce it," she said. She did have tives in Foxboro. In 1922 she was the Training School for Nurses by Sara E. Parsons. problems getting them to understand honored guest at the 50th anniversary Whitcomb & Barrows. Boston. Mass. 1922. Boston City Hospital Training School For Nurses their persuasive role in convincing of the founding of the nursing school at Historical Sketch. 1878-1928 by Mary M. Riddle male patients to follow doctors' instruc- the New England Hospital for Women R.N., Boston City Hospital Nurses' Alumnae tions. It was counter to Japanese cul- and Children. The following summer Asoc. 10 October 1990 Press Coverage of the 1940 War Games In response to Arthur Johnson's orandum for public as well as military from this partial list that the press article in the April, 1990, number of distribution announced a Military Field coverage of the maneuvers that summer The Quarterly, "When Roosevelt Came Mass to be held on the football field really put St. Lawrence County on the to the North Country," we recently re- at St. Lawrence University on Sunday, map. Fledgling reporter Betty Duffy ceived the materials printed below from August 18, with General Drum in at- sent home a number of breathless ac- a former contributor, Virginia Duffy tendance and the Most Reverend John counts of her own attempts to locate McLoughlin, and her sister, Elizabeth F. O'Hara, former president of Notre and keep on top of the action of just Duffy Hawkins, whose grandparents Dame University, delivering the sermon. the 169th from Connecticut. Whenever and great grandparents, you might re- The last page of Bulletin 30 for August she did find them, in spite of false re- call, had a farm for many years in 14, 1940, was a supplementary list of ports, "blown-out" bridges, and indeed North Lawrence. Their father, Ward E. additional press representatives ob- invitations from young officers to lunch, Duffy, was in August, 1940, managing serving the maneuvers of the First they were invariably "in reserve," until editor of the Hartford (CT) Times. He Army, about 70 newspaper and radio of course the day "the war ended." sent the copies of Associated Press reporters, from the major networks and First Army Headquarters in Ogdens- photos to his family, then summering press services, papers from Washing- burg seems to have known pretty clear- at Lake Ozonia, where they were in the ton, D.C. to Massachusetts, and of course ly what was going on, or should have midst of the "hostilities." He was also about every village newspaper in the been, at almost any hour of the day or able to send his 18-year-old daughter county. Without knowing the total count night. The following is a typical ex- Betty, then trying her hand at news of newsmen, one can safely conclude ample of a tactical press release. coverage, with a regular staff reporter to cover the maneuvers of the First Army in St. Lawrence County under the command of Lieutenant General Hugh A. Drum. PRESS SECTION The war games started in the middle PUBLIC RELATIONS DIVISION of July and continued until the last FIRST ARMY MANEUVERS, 1940 day of August. Every day the Public OGDENSBURG, N.Y. Relations Division of the First Army PRESS MEMORANDUM Headquarters at Ogdensburg published NO. T-4 a general information bulletin in addi- 8-15-40 10:30 P.M. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE tion to press memoranda that were (FOR FURTHER DETAILS SEE MAP IN TACTICAL SECTION) more directly concerned with specific activities of the troops. Bulletin No. 30, I CORPS August 14, 1940, for example, consisted No report since release of Bulletin T-3 of four pages. On the first were draw- ings of soldiers and their weapons in I1 CORPS the Spanish-American War of 1898 and Forward elements of the opposing Divisions, 44th (Red) and the advance cavalry several paragraphs of commentary by of the 27th Division (Blue)gained contact late this afternoon along Grass River east and General Drum making the point that west of Russell. the army in 1940 is not what it used to Strenuous fighting occurred southwest of Russell between advanced infantry elements be. "Our soldiers must know not only of the 87th Brigade and Mechanized Cavalry Units of the Blue force. The fight for the line of the Grass River between these covering detachments of the opposing divisions the techniques and tactics of modern was still going on at dark. The advantage seemed temporarily at least to be with the warfare and the use of cross-country elements of the Red 44th Division. routes and cover, but also how to operate In rear of these covering forces, the bulk of the main bodies of both divisions was tanks, how to handle airplanes, and how bivouaced in wooded areas around which anti-mechanized units had thrown a perimeter to fire modern weapons accurately. In outpost line. other words, they must not only be field Respective Division Staffs were busy developing the basic decisions of opposing soldiers, but also competent mechanics commanders into mature plans of operation for tomorrow. Sufficient is known of these and engineers." Pages 2 and 3 presented, plans to indicate that a major engagement will be fought tomorrow morning, August 16. in effect, the news of the day in brief: at daylight, in the vicinity of Kimball Hill and along the line of the Grass River. Air Nazi parachutists are reported to have Units were active for both forces. landed in England; the Senate considers I11 CORPS enabling the evacuation of English The Blue 29th Division drove in advance elements of the Red 28th Division and children to the US; in Washington Sec- pushed on north of the Flackville road. As night fell the Blue 58th Brigade was facing retary of the Navy Knox argues for the Red 55th Brigade about two and a half miles north of Flackville and about six miles conscription; President Roosevelt urges from the St. Lawrence River. Off to the east the Blue 91st Brigade was facing the 56th college students to finish their educa- Brigade along the ridges about two miles south of Lisbon. Security detachments of the tion because the nation will need well- Red and Blue forces were engaged off the Blue east flank and north of Woodbridge trained citizens; in New York City an Corners. unnamed man tries to buy information A motorized reconnaissance detachment of the Red 28th Division had marched about the Brooklyn Navy Yard from a unopposed to a position about two miles to the east and south of the Blue right flank. sailor; and so on. Announcements of Reconnaissance and security detachments of both Blue and Red forces continued active during the early evening hours. Some elements of both Blue and Red Divisions transfers of officers, the danger of grass were still moving forward on the road. Preparations for an early attack, probably fires, band concerts in the Ogdensburg at daybreak, were evident in both divisions. Park, and what was playing at the A combat patrol of the Blue 58th Brigade had penetrated between the Red 55th and movie house-something like "When 56th Brigades and at last report was about one half mile in rear of the Red front line. the Daltons Rode" with Randolph Scott and Kay Francis. A special press mem- October 1990 11

"Brass Hats" are shown durirq a discussion of war maneuvers of the First Army at Winthrop, N.E: on Aug. 9. In front of the tank are (left to right): Brig. Gen. Karl Twsdale, Commander of the First Division; Col. James Muir of the 26th Infantry; Col. Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., also of the 26th Infantry; and Brig. Gen. S.M. Harrirqton of the Marine Corps, attached to the Boston Company. New England troops joined in the maneuvers. (Associated Press Photo, August 9,1940-Courtesy of Virginia D. McLoughlin)

Three tanks in the foreground, reinforced by a "tank" from the service of supplies in the back- ground, are shown in "action" as an "enemy" plane flies overhead during maneuvers Aug. 9 at Win- throp, N.E: This picture depicts maneuvering by the 45th Tank Company from Hartford, Conn. The First Amy combined with New England troops in maneuvers. (Associated Press Photo, August 9, 1940-Courtesy of Virginia D. McLoughlin)

With a 40 pound radio outfit strapped to his back, Private John Gallagher of Arlington, Mass., A National Guard- man, stays in two-way communication with his head- quarters as he walks the roads and fields of the Ogdens- burg, N.E:war games area. Gallagher is shown with his outfit Aug. 13. (Associated Press Photo, August 13, 1940-Courtesy of Virginia D. McLoughlin) Betty Duffy identifies the site as Route 11B betweert Potsdam and Hopkinton. She recalls eating lunch with the troops in a field on the north side of the road. 12 October 1990

Troops are shown racing after the "enemy" behind four dummy "tanks " and three real ones during First Amy maneuvers Aug. 9 at Winthrop, N.Y New England troops joined in the maneuvers. (Associated Press Photo, August 9, 1940-Courtesy of Virginia D. McLoughlin)

I... . : ., :: .. . - ,. - . .... ?*,,>s.-;,,.b,T, <- t;: :;: . , : , ' :.A . . -4: L ,,'*' ,. ., . . .;., , * >,, .. . -' Y,'' < ... Troops are shown practicing an advance through a smoke screen during First Amy maneuvers Aug. 9 at Winthrop, N.Y (Asso- ciated Press Photo, August 9, 1940-Courtesy of Virginia D. McLoughlin)

Mrs. McLoughlin and Mrs. Hawkins have made a gift to the St. Lawrence County Historical Association of the photos used in this publication. October 1990 13 The 106th New York Volunteers in the Last Year of the Civil War: A Family's Loss and the Nation's Loss of its President by Captain Charles T Creekman Jr. USN

The following is the last two chapters of a longer work by Captain Creekman entitled The 106th New York Volunteers: A Civil WarHeritage (1985),which is both a brief history of the regiment formed at Ogdensburg in August, 1862, and an account of the service in the Civil War of three of his St. Lawrence County ancestors: Lieutenant Charles William Shepard, born at Ogdensburg 24 October 1842, a clerk in Morristown upon his enlistment at the age of 19; Colonel Edward Christopher James (1841-1901), born in Ogdensburg, where he was a journalist when he enlisted at the age of 21; and Captain Alfred Ives Hooker, born at Morristown 8 December 1836, a merchant when he enlisted at the age of 25. Colonel James does not figure in these episodes of the history. The second part of this article is primarily a letter and a journal of Charles Shepard's sister, Julia Adelaide Shepard (1840-1929). Their sister, Laura Susanna Shepard, (1853 -1922) married Henry Augustus Chapman (1850-1916), which couple became the parents of Charles Shepard Chapman (1879-1962), the well-known Morristown artist, and George Augustus Chapman, I1 (1876-1950) who was the father of Virginia Chapman Creekman (b. 1923). the mother of the author of this article. We are grateful to Mrs. Virginia Chapma,nand her son, the author, for permission tb print papers in their possession, and we look forward to publishing more of Captain Creekman's history of the 106th Volunteers in the coming year. The Editors Part I not engaged. But the old boy's laugh about it and have given to Maj Gen Sedgewick In late 1863 the Federal Army went the facticious nickname of "Jhonny Stick into winter quarters, with the 106th in the mud" as they said when we came back located near Brandy Station. Sporadic from Mine Run that that was the "soft bread skirmishing continued during the win- retreat" Yours of the 5th with Julias and the pictures of Judge P and lady came duly ter, with Lt. Charles W. Shepard of to hand. Morristown reporting to his family I am very glad of the pictures as they look some excitement in February 1864 as homelike and are so natural the papers come the Army staged a demonstration along regularly to hand and are carefully read by the Rapidan.' myself as well as others. I suppose Uncle B is in 0 by this time I am sorry he could HEAD QUARTERS, not come down to see the Army of the P. COMP'Y I, 106TH REGIMENT, as I am sure he would not regret it. NEW YORK VOL. INFANTRY I have not as yet seen Mrs Capt H, but Camp 106 NY Brandy Sta Va Capt Robertson of 0, 106th Cleveland QM Feb 14 1863 [actually 18641 Sergeant, AMWilson of Depeyster and Wells of Lisbon are now in camp. Dear Mother We had a white glove parade last night, We have had some excitement during the to lionize some ladies visiting Col Smith Brig past week. Last Friday at 4 AM we re- Cmdnt' they thot it would be a pity for ceived orders to be ready to march at 7. So bullets to come amongst so nice a Regt' all packed up in a hurry no one knowing but I expect they will before long Excuse whether forward or backward we were to this and attribute it to a scratching pen go. All day the booming of distant cannon Yours truly was very distinct and at 5 PM we received CW Shepard orders to "Fall in" the noise of a distant battle was very distinct and the sight of the different colums winding across the With the VI Corps, fields was rather warlike. we arrived at February 1864 - April 1865 2nd Lielctenarzt C/larl~sW Shepard Culpepper about dark and marched forward As the Army of the Potomac prepared of the 106th N.I.: Volunteer Infantry in the mud and rain till about midnight, to take the offensive under Grant in the Regiment was killed June 1, 1864 at when we halted thru ourselves down on spring of 1864, some important organ- Cold Harbor. (Courtesy of the rubbers and rested for the morrows battle. author) Dawn again started us forward and came to izational changes were made. In order a halt about a mile from the Rapidan. Rested to consolidate the five infantry corps here all day and just at dusk fell in to go into three, the I and I11 Corps were In the Wilderness, 5-7 May, the 106th back. this was the hardest march we ever abolished and the 106th in Morris' played a central part in blunting Con- made about 15 miles. mud to the knees. Brigade was transferred with the rest federate General John B. Gordon's sur- well by noon the next day all were in camp of their division to form Rickett's 3rd prise flanking effort on the evening of and Tuesday started for pickett lost our way Division of Sedgwick's VI Corp~.~ 6 May, as Brigade Commander Morris travelled about 20 miles staid out three days In May 1864 the Army of the Potomac personally led the 106th and two other and are again home. OK. The result of the fighting was about give and take, our men began its last great drive to defeat Lee's regiments to support the right wing of charged thro' the river up to the chin, and a Army of Northern Virginia. Within the the Federal Army.3 At Spotsylvania great many were drowned but the accounts space of one month the 106th took part Court House (8-21 May) the 106th joined are so exagerated that we have to consult in innumerable skirmishes and three the VI Corps in the savage fighting our papers for the fact's. the 3rd Corps were major battles. around the salient in the Confederate 14 October 1990

The Battle of Cold Harbor, June 1, 1864. (Reprinted from Frank Leslie's Famous Leaders and Battle Scenes of the Civil War, New York, 1896-Courtesy of the Canton Free Library)

lines known as the "bloody angle." Fi- men fall like rain, but the boys press onward. usual acted different was not in that home- nally, the opposing armies met at Cold Lieut Shepard of Ogdensburgh falls dead. sick mood which you will so often see among Harbor where, late in the afternoon of Lieut Blackman falls dead. The boys are in Soldiers he was feeling very well the private June lst, Rickett's Division was the only the works Cheer after cheer rends the air who stood at his side when he fell is sitting from the small band. There was nothing in at my side now so that it will be rather hard VI Corps unit to break the Confederate the rear to support the regiment. An order to put together as he says that the Col gave line.4 came for them to fall back. They did so. the order to charge and Chas Drew his Sword During this assault, Charles W. Macdonald is missing I expect wounded & and stepped out in front to repeat the order Shepard, out in front of his company, prisoner Lieut Hepburn wounded. Sergeant when he was shot through the Brain Ball was struck in the head by a rifle bullet Major Lang mortally wounded Lieut Snyder going in in front he never spoke poor Fellow and died instantly. His family didn't killed. The loss of the 106th between 100 he is gone to him that doeth all things well hear of his death until the 8th of June, and 150 killed and wounded. The 142 was he is mustered into service with a General and learned the details in a letter from fighting along side of us. Charley Shepard who will show no Partiality but will reward "a young Irish lad" of the 106th to was shot in the temple. The boys mourn for according to works his Effects has gone to Townsend and Macdonald and the rest of Adj Lieut Aldrich who is acting Quarter- his family: the officers. master of 106 in my place as I am acting Camp on Battle Field Brigade QM 1st Brigade Lieut had taken 12 miles from Richmond Two subsequent letters gave Shep- an inventory of all and Put them into his June 2d 1864 valise but must wait till we can get them to ard's family additional details: Washington as no Express is running and we Dear Brother: City Point Va cannot get any thing through we will send You are all anxious to hear from me and I June 19 18/64 8 P.M. all Baggage of Disceased officers at once am very anxious to hear from you. Brother I just as soon as we can Chas they tell me had have cried to-day and I mourn the loss of My Dear Friend Sheppard 18 dollars in his pocket but they took it from some of the bravest men that ever handled a I reed yours this morning and as I was him his grave is marked with a Board and musket. yesterday a terrible battle was unwell I kept My bed all day and to night I will be easily identified Now Friend Shep- fought Our loss must be 5000. The 106th is am down to answer your Letter and give you pard I believe I have given you all that has all cut to peices. Last night while the fight all the Information in my power in relation come to my Knowledge in relation to your was raging the hottest an order came to Col to poor Chas he Fell while Fighting nobly son and permit me to Say that I Sympathise Townsend saying "You will charge the at the head of his Company he discharged with you and his afflicted mother and His enemies works" Townsend rushed to the front his duty so Say all those who were present Much Loved Sister for Chas Loved to talk of his regiment Macdonald to the left. The at the terrible charge of June 1st his body of his home and friends we sat many an hour Col says. "Boys of New York you are ordered was Found on the 3 day and buried along- talking over home and friends he was affec- to charge. Let every man do his work well." side of Lieut Bane his body was to Long in tionate Kind hearted and unasuming and A cheer was his answer. On went the brave the sun to be sent home but at some other sufice it to say that he died Lamented by boys to victory or death. Oh God! but it was a time he can be found it was at the risk of Both his Company and all his Brother offi- fearful charge! Grape and canister & bullets their Lives that some of his company crawled cers now if you will be kind Enough to thinned the ranksof the brave. They captured out to the Enemys Lines and brought his Remember Me to My wife say that I am well the first line of rifle pits and 250 prisoners body in poor Chas if he had Lived untill after and will write her tomorrow if nothing just as soon as over the pits Townsend cheer- the Battle was over he was going to be pro- happens Divs moves to night and we will ing his band falls dead. Lieut Banes falls moted his Company suffered very much in be Quite Likely to have to move before dead, Lieut Munsen falls dead, Capt Mc the Charge the Bulk of his who are Left morning Now I will bid you good Night and Broome falls wounded. The prisoners sent regret his death as they said they did not May God help you his parents to bear this to the rear and our band all cut up An order know his wirth untill after he was gone from great calamity came-the 106th charge and capture a second them a thing which is to often the case but line of breast-works. It was hard but the one thing is certain Chas was gaining friends I am r, M P. Stohenen men went willingly. "Forward" cries one very fast. I remember when I Last talked Adjutant. A yell. They charge awfully. The with him he was very Lively more so than October 1990

106th Regiment N Y V I them (the futility of assaulting well- capturing in this charge about sixty pri- August 9th 1864 prepared earthworks having been am- soners, forty of whom we hold receipts for. Holding the position we had thus regained. Chas Sheppard Esq. ply demonstrated over the previous heavy musketry was kept up till 4 p.m.. Dear Sir month's campaigning), the Army of the Potomac settled into their trenches. In when, the lines being reformed, we made a Yours under date July 28th 1864 is duly to second charge, which decided the action of hand, I would have replied so soon as I re- an effort to relieve the pressure of his the day. In each charge the One hundred ceived it, but I was not then able to give you army and distract the Federal high and sixth was in the front line, and too all the information required respecting your command by threatening Washington much praise cannot be given to both officers son's effects. I took the first opportunity to and Maryland, Lee sent General Jubal and men for their bravery and steadiness see our acting Quarter Master, under whose Early down the Shenandoah Valley. under a murderous fire from both front and care the Officers baggage is placed, and he Grant detached the Third Division, VI flank. In both charges we lost 2 officers told me that Lieut Sheppard has 2 Valises, Corps to join with Washington Garri- wounded and 51 enlisted men killed and but that one was completely useless, and he son troops in opposing Early. Embark- wounded, which attests the hard fighting we had taken everything out that he wanted and ing in transports at City Point, Va. sustained. We went into the fight with about had thrown the Valise away. He also told me 200 muskets. At sunset we entered Win- that he had forwarded to you everything in on July 6th, the Division landed in chester and rested for the night. his possession belonging to Lieut Sheppard. Baltimore the 8th in time to march west In the fight of Fisher's Hill this regiment During an active campaign, there are two and clash with the advancing Confed- was again in the front line and participated wagons allowed to each regiment for Bag- erates at the battle of Monocacy on in all the fighting of the brigade and divi- gage, those wagons are with the train, and it 9 July. Among other casualties, Capt. sion. This command assisted in the capture sometimes happens that they do not come up Alfred Ives Hooker of the 106th and of the fort near Fisher's Hill and captured to the regiments for two or three weeks, and Morristown was killed during the battle. one Parrott gun from the enemy and fifty- then the Officers take out what change of The rest of the VI Corps joined the eight prisoners, for which we hold receipts. clothing they require, and in most cases Third Division and blunted Early's Since then, captain, the actions of this com- those they take off are thrown away, for it mand are well known to you, and in connec- is impossible to get them washed. Such has drive. Along with other units now com- tion with its sister regiments have, I venture been the case during this summer's cam- prising the Army of the Shenandoah to say, reflected high credit to the brigade paign, more than ever before, both Officers under Sheridan, they relentlessly pur- and it commander. and men have been compell'd to throw away sued the Confederates up the Valley. Very respectfully, your obedient servant. their clothing for want of time and conven- The 106th reports of the battles of PETER ROBERTSON, ience to clean them. I saw your Son's body Opequon and Fisher's Hill describe the Captain, Crvmmnnding R~giment. recovered, it had lain on the field two days Union su~cess:~ before we could get far enough advanced to Taken by surprise by a determined recover it, but soon as the bodies were per- Reports of Capt. Peter Robertson, Confederate assault on 19 October the ceived a small party went out early in the One hundred and sixth New York Infantry, Union Army, rallied personally by Sher- morning and brought in several and among of operations September 19-22 and idan on his ride from Winchester, in- them was Lieut Sheppard's. He had on at October 19. flicted the final defeat on Early's Army:= the time, his round Jacket, a pair of light HDQRS. 106TH NEW YORK blue officers pants and a fine flannel shirt, VOLUNTEER INFANTRY, HDQRS. 106th NEW YORK all of which were burried with him. He had S~ptember27, 186.4. VOLUNTEER INFANTRY. on neither Sword or revolver, I presume the No~~cn~h~r1, 186.4. Rebs had taken those from him as they did CAPTAIN: In obedience to orders from all others they could get, also all ornaments headquarters First Brigade, Third Division, CAPTAIN: In obedience to orders from such as finger rings, Corps pins & badges. Sixth Army Corps, calling for a synopsis of headquarters First Brigade, Third Division, We buried him behind our line of works the operations of this command in the en- Sixth Army Corps, calling for a synopsis of and placed a head board with his name and gagements of the 19th and 22d of September, the operations of this regiment during the regiment upon it. He lies beside Lieut James I have the honor to forward the following action of the 19th of October, I have the Bayne whose body was recovered a short report: honor to forward the following report: time previously. Had there been any possi- At 2 a.m. the morning of the 19th of Sep- At daybreak on the morning of the 19th bility of doing it his remains would have tember this regiment. with the brigade, of October, this regiment, with the brigade, been sent home, but I assure you It could broke camp at Clifton Heights and took up was aroused by heavy musketry firing on our not be done. John Coughlin is mistaken in the line of march in a southwesterly direction left front, which proved to be an attack in supposing the baggage wagons to be under for the Opequon Creek, keeping to the right force by the enemy on the left of the Eighth my care, but they never come to the regi- of the Berryville and Winchester pike. At Corps. Reveille was immediately sounded. ment without my seeing them, and I looked 7 a.m. cannonading was heard in the dir- and shortly afterward musketry firing was the wagon over 2 days ago, and could not ection of the crossing, and it was soon found heard on our right and center. The order to find anything belonging to the Lieut left that the cavalry had effected a crossing and strike tents was then sounded from brigade in it. If I can give you any further informa- forced the enemy back a distance of two headquarters, and shortly after orders were tion respecting the matter I will not fail to miles or more, when the infantry immedi- received to stand to arms. The brigade was do so, or if there is any thing you would ately crossed, and following the pike a dis- then formed into line, and stood to arms for wish to know respecting him, I beg you will tance of one mile and a half or more we took a few minutes, when orders came for the not hesitate to apply to me, for I assure you up a position on its left, with the right of brigade to move, which it did by the right I shall be happy to oblije you if it is in my our regiment resting on the left of the front flank, filing right, and formed into line, power to do so. You have Sir one consolation, line of the Second Brigade of the Third fronting toward the Middletown pike. After and that is the Knowledge that your son Division. Here we remained until about 10 remaining in this position a short time the when alive did his duty nobly, and when he a.m., when the charge was sounded and the brigade was moved to its first line again. died it was at the head of his company. regiment moved forward in fine style under It was then moved again, and formed line of a heavy fire from two of the enemy's bat- battle with its right near the Middletown I have the honor to be teries, which made sad havoc in our ranks. pike and fronting toward Strasburg. Here Sir Notwithstanding this terrible fire of shot it was broken through and driven back some Yours very truly and shell the men kept steadily on, drove distance by the retreating columns of the James Green the batteries from their positions, and in Eighth and Nineteenth Corps, but rallying conjunction with the rest of the brigade again, they succeeded in forming a junction The Union Army's determined ad- would have captured them had we been with the Second Brigade of the division. vance forced the Confederates to con- supported on the right by the Nineteenth when some sharp fighting ensued, the divi- tinue falling back until in June Grant Corps. The failure of this obliged us to fall sion falling back in good order, closely con- faced Lee's troops dug in at Petersburg. back some distance. Rallying again, we re- testing every foot of ground. This regiment, With the prospect of a long siege before gained our old position under a heavy fire, with part of the brigade, supported Battery October 1990

M. (Fifth U.S. Artillery.) and succeeded in request that these officers be recommended Part I1 recapturing two of their pieces of artillery for their gallantry and the manner in which which had been captured from them by the they accomplished the duty assigned them. Julia's Odyssey, April-May 1865 enemy in the early part of the action. This The line officers, without exception, were The story doesn't end quite yet, for regiment, with the brigade and corps, con- active and efficient during the entire oper- tinued to fall back slowly until beyond ations. Charles Shepard's hasty grave on the Middletown, when the advance of the enemy Very respectfully, your obedient servant, remote Cold Harbor battlefield led his was checked. When the advance upon the A. N. McDONALD, sister Julia on a journey south to re- enemy's lines by our troops was ordered by Colonel, Commanding. cover his body for reburial at home in Major-General Sheridan, this regiment was New York. En route she stopped off in the front line, which position it continued In hot pursuit of Lee's retreating in Washington, DC and stayed with to occupy during all the subsequent charges Army, the 106th fought its last battle of relatives. One evening she attended a made upon the lines of the retreating enemy. the war at Sailor's Creek? White House reception, and then on the This regiment lost during the action its night of 14 April she went to Ford's commanding officer and 2 line officers HEADQUARTERS 106TH NEW YORK wounded, also 8 enlisted men killed on the VOLUNTEERS, Theater to see "Our American Cousin." field, and 42 enlisted men wounded. April 10. 1865. It was during that performance, of This regiment had about forty-five recruits, MAJOR: I have the honor to make the course, that John Wilkes Booth assassi- most of whom had joined the regiment only following report of the operations of this nated President Lincoln, and Julie de- two days previous, and who behaved all regiment since the morning of the 3d of scribed the experience in a letter home through the action in the most praiseworthy April until the evening of the 9th of April, to her father? manner. 1865: Both officers and men of this and other Leaving the strong lines of works, which "Hopeton" near Washington regiments of the brigade deserve great we threw up before the city of Petersburg April 16th, 1865 praise for their cool and steady bravery on the night of the 2d, we commenced on the Dear Father: during the action. The great number of morning of the 3d a series of rapid and casualties in a regiment so small as the It is Friday night and we are atthe theatre. fatiguing marches, taking a westerly direc- Cousin Julia has just told me that the Presi- One hundred and sixth New York Volun- tion and following closely on the heels of the teer Infantry plainly shows how stubborn dent is in yonder upper right hand private demoralized and retreating rebels. Monday, box so handsomely decked with silken flags the contest was on that eventful day. Tuesday, and Wednesday wore away with no Very respectfully, your obedient servant, festooned over a picture of Washington. The incidentsof special importance and no battles. young and lovely daughter of Senator Harris PETER ROBERTSON. Thursday, about 4 p.m.. we came suddenly Captain, Commanding Regiment. is the only one of the party we can see, as the upon the enemy, when, the brigade breaking flags hide the rest. But we know that "Father into a column of regiments, we commenced With the last Valley campaign over, Abraham" is there; like a father watching one of the finest and most successful charges what interests his children, for their pleasure the VI Corps returned to the Petersburg in which it was ever our lot to participate. rather than his own. It has been announced siege lines in December 1864 and went My regiment was the third line, and gallant- in the papers he would be there. How sociable into winter quarters. Sporadic skir- ly and steadily did it move forward, for- it seems, like one family sitting around their mishes and feints characterized the getting all the pains of blistered feet and parlor fire. How different this from the trench warfare until April 1865 when cramped and stiffened limbs in the excite- pomp and show of monarchial Europe. Every the final assault drove Lee's Army from ment of the coming contest. The enemy one has been so jubilant for days, since the both Petersburg and Ri~hmond:~ opened a brisk and heavy fire; still we pressed surrender of Lee, that they laugh and shout on, driving them rapidly back for nearly a at every clownish witticism. One of the ac- mile and a half. Here the enemy, taking ad- tresses, whose part is that of a very delicate Reports of Col. Andrew N. McDonald, vantage of a strong position on the opposite young lady, talks of wishing to avoid the One hundred and Sixth New side of Sailor's Creek, made a desperate York Idantry. draft, when her lover tells her "not to be stand to prevent the capture of their trains. alarmed for there is no more draft," at which HDQRS. 106TH REGIMENT My regiment was now placed in the first line the applause is long and loud. The American NEW YORK VOLUNTEER INFTY., of battle, and moving rapidly forward, we cousin has just been making love to a young April 9, 1865. commenced crossing the creek under a gal- lady, who says she will never marry but for ling musketry fire from the enemy. The love, yet when her mother and herself find MAJOR: I have the honor to report that ground on both sides of the creek was very the One hundred and sixth Regiment New he has lost his property they retreat in dis- soft and marshy, the men frequently sinking gust at the left of the stage, while the Amer- York Volunteer Infantry left its camp on the to their hips in its miry depths. Here we morning of the 2d of April, 1865, and with ican cousin goes out at the right. We are had 11 men wounded, but none killed. Moving waiting for the next scene. the rest of the brigade participated in the rapidly around to the right after crossing, assault upon the enemy's lines. This regi- The report of a pistol is heard ....Is it all in we were soon on the enemy's left flank, when the play? A man leaps from the President's ment, with the Tenth Vermont Volunteer we were stopped in our gallant advance by Infantry, formed the first line of battle for the surrender of the enemy. box, some ten feet, on to the stage. The truth the brigade and were the first to enter the The conduct of both the officers and men flashes upon me. Brandishing a dagger he enemy's lines, assisting to capture about shrieks out "The South is avenged." and of this regiment was highly meritorious. rushes through the scenery. No one stirs. fifteen guns and a large number of prisoners. Early Friday morning we again resumed After the main line of the enemy had been the pursuit, marching through the village of "Did you hear what he said, Julia? I believe carried the regiment was reformed and Farmville, where we camped for the night. he has killed the President." Miss Harris is wheeled to the left, advancing up the line wringing her hands and calling for water. Saturday the pursuit was kept up, and Another instant and the stage is crowded- of works, taking several batteries. The regi- Sunday till about 2 p.m., when we halted mental colors were the first to be planted near Clover Hill, and here received the glor- officers, policemen, actors and citizens. "Is on the second battery taken from the enemy. ious intelligence that Lee had surrendered there a surgeon in the house?" they say. The loss in this regiment during the en- Several rush forward and with superhuman his whole army. This regiment still remains efforts climb up to the box. Minutes are gagement was 9 enlisted men killed and encamped near Clover Hill. 33 wounded. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, hours, but see! they are bringing him out. A The regiment participated in all the move- A. N. McDONALD score of strong arms bear Lincoln's loved ments of the day, building a line of breast- Colonel, Commanding Regimnt. form along. A glimpse of a ghastly face is works in front of the town of Petersburg all as they pass along.... Major Rathbone, who at night. was of their party, springs forward to sup- In the operations of the day this regiment Lee surrendered on 9 April 1865- port [Mrs. Lincoln], but cannot. What is it? was commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel the war was over. The 106th went home, Yes, he too has been stabbed. Somebody says Briggs, who was ably assisted by Maj. E. and in June 1865, was mustered out of "Clear the house," so every one else repeats M. Paine, and I would most respectfully U.S. Service. "Yes, clear the house." So slowly one party October 1990

be alone. You will hear all this from the papers, but I can't help writing it for things seen are mightier than things heard. It seems hard to write now. I dare not speak of our great loss. Sleeping or waking, that terrible scene is before me. Despite the tragedy, Julia continued south, arriving by steamer in Richmond on May 12, just a month after the end of the war. Fragments of her diary de- scribe the scene and her movements. May 11th '65 Left Washington 11 a m arriving at Baltimore for dinner at Eutaw House with Lieut Hall & bride Thunder storm on Chesepeake Bay all night. May 12th Hurried out before breakfast to see Fortress Monroe. Mr. Knowles brot us some green box as a trophy Change boats here Pass ancient Jamestown and sail up the serpentine route of the muddy James Meet boats loaded with Shermans boys going home will wave handkerchiefs they hurra. At City Point a fine looking body of negro soldiers are disembarking. At Hamsons landing The assassination of President Lincoln at Ford's Theatre on the night of a wharf runs out from the sandy beach Apm'l14, 1865. (Reprinted from Harper's Weekly, April 29,1865) The Hamson mansion a large brick building stands back from the shore. Sunken steamers & other obstructions after another steals out. There is no need to the dawn that the gentlemen went to lie along our route Yankees have a little hurry. On the stairs we stop aghast and with down, but Julia sat up in a rocking chair flag on them. Butters watch tower seen shuddering lips-"Yes, see, it is our Presi- and I lay down on the outside of the bed from three different places Also Dutch dent's blood" all down the stairs and out upon beside Cousin Ginny for the rest of the gap. After going seven miles around the pavement. It seemed sacrilege to step night, while Cousin Joe and his wife's young come to it again. Taury Bluff Hihen's near. We are in the street now. They have brother sat nodding in their chairs opposite. taken the President into the house opposite. There were rooms waiting for us but it landing Chaflins farm At Richmond He is alive. but mortally wounded. What are seemed safer to be together. He was still just as the sun is sinking Gen Patrick those people saying. "Secretary Seward and living when we came out to Hopeton, but we on dashing black horse We all have to his son have had their throats cut in their had scarcely choked down our breakfast next register our names & residences and own house." Is it so? Yes, and the murderer morning when the tolling bells announced getting into an ambulance ride to Mr of our President has escaped through a back the terrible truth. Knowles residence on 7th street alley where a swift horse stood awaiting him. Last Thursday evening we drove to the Cavalry come dashing up the street and city, and all along our route the city was one May 13th stand with drawn swords before yon house. blaze of glorious light. From the humble Drove out past Jefferson Davis house Too late! too late! What mockery armed men cabin of the contraband [a former slave which is heavily draped in mourning are now. Weary with the weight of woe the who had fled to the North] to the brilliant for Lincoln, now occupied by Gen Hal- moments drag along and for hours delicate White House light answered light down the women stand clinging to the arms of their broad avenue. The sky was ablaze with bur- leck At the corner of Grace & 94th protectors, and strong men throw their arms sting rockets. Calcium lights shone from street we stop while Sherman's boys go around each other's neck and cry like chil- afar on the public buildings. Bonfires blazed marching on beside us. We waved our dren, and passing up and down enquire in in the streets and every device that human handkerchiefs & clap our hands as the low agonized voices "Can he live? Is there no Yankee ingenuity could suggest in the way battle torn flags are carried by. The hope?" They are putting out the street lamps of mottoes and decoration made noon of mid- soldiers smile and present colors, a now. "What a shame! not now! not to-night!" night. Then as the candles burned low and compliment only paid to Generals Are There they are lit again. Now theguard with the rockets ceased, we drove home through introduced to Mr & Mrs. Van Lew Some drawn swords forces the crowd backward. the balmy air and it seemed as .though of the genuine F.F.V.'s who have been Great, strong Cousin Ed says "This unnerves Heaven smiled upon the rejoicings, and me; let's go up t~ Cousin Joe's." We leave Nature took up the illumination with a glory true to the Union thro all. Then past a Julia and her escort there and at brother of moonlight that transcended all art. church where Patrick Henry used to Joe's gather together in an upper room and To-day I have been to church through the attend in the yard of which he made talk and talk with Dr. Webb and his wife same streets and the suburbs with the humble the celebrated speech. To Church Hill who were at the theatre. DF. W. was one of cottages that were so bright that night shone called the Lovers retreat a most roman- the surgeons who andwered the call. He says through the murky morning, heavy with tic spot. A group of Sesesh ladies in "I asked Dr. when I went in black hangings, and on and on, down the deep mourning sit weeping while watch- what it was, and putting his hand on mine streets only the blackness of darkness. The ing Sherman's army crossing on a pon- he said. 'There!' I looked and it was 'brains."' show of mourning was as universal as the toon bridge beneath. Then past Battery After a while Julia and Mr. W. came in glorying had been, and when we were sur- and still we talked and listened to the cavalry rounded by the solemn and awe-stricken 4 of the river defences to where Con- rushing through the echoing street. Joe was congregation in the church, it seemed as federate soldiers are thickly buried determined to go out, but his wife couldn't though my heart had stopped beating. I feel while beside are Federal graves fenced endure the thought of any one going out of like a frightened child. I wish I could go in by Christian commission. Past negro the house. It was only in the early hours of home and have a good cry. I can't bear to pens on the Shockhol creek. The African 18 October 1990

missing] ... Accompanied by soldiers of the 106th (who gave her as a memento a blue felt Greek cross-the 3rd Division, VI Corps badge), Julia located her brother's battle- field grave and returned with his body to New York.

Epilogue "Arrived at Fairmount about noon & marched across the river where we again started our fires for dinner- which over, some laid down in the shade, while others wandered over the hills to examine the historic grounds of the late fight. immediately across the river upon the mossy bank under a grove of noble trees a small mound of upturned earth marks the grave of David Brown of Co D from Richville the first man killed in battle of the 106th. Here where he so nobly fell let him rest in his last calm sleep while the quiet waters flow by his feet and the summer winds murmer among the trees above" Jlclia Shepard in lzer later years. (Courtesy of the author) -Copied from one of Charles W. Shepard's letters church of 3000 members The monumen- two soldiers who had been confined five tal church on the side of the Theatre months in Belle Isle prison Getting into >>>>>>- <<<

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