An engineer source - Penn Yan, New York circa 1856-1860
Last month Yates County, NY, in the Civil War published two interesting letters from soldiers in the 50th New York Engineers. I found a couple articles about the 50th from Seneca County newspapers 150 years ago this month. Penn Yan and Seneca Falls are about 20 miles apart as the Canada goose flies.
From a Seneca County, New York newspaper February 6, 1862:
The 50th Regiment
The Penn Yan Democrat has the following in relation to the 50th, Col. Stuart’s Regiment: This excellent regiment is in fine and flourishing condition, and is well clothed, well treated. We do not believe there is another regiment in the service which comprises more sturdy and athletic men, of good character and intelligence. Nearly ninety members of the regiment belong to this county. This kind of service is very desirable for those who can do anything which comes under the head of military engineering, and the pay is larger than any other department. The regiment has been newly clothed “all around,” and furnished with Austrian rifles. We are glad to learn that the efforts of Col. Robbins in recruiting for the regiment in this locality continues to be successful. Fifteen additional recruits will be forwarded to the camp at Washington this week.”
A regimental envelope - from D.C. to Elmira, NY
In another Seneca County article from February 1862 the editors copy a report from a New York City newspaper. The 50th demonstrated its skill in building pontoon bridges:
Col. Stuart’s Engineer Regiment
A Washington correspondent of a New York paper says two companies of pontooners belonging to Col. Stuart’s fine Regiment of Engineers, gave a lively and novel exhibition of pontooon drill, to a large and select party of ladies and gentlemen, Tuesday last.
a young C.B. Stuart
A road-way, three hundred feet in length of sufficient strength to support the weight of the heaviest loads that accompany a well-appointed army – and to resist the action of currents – was thrown across the Anacostic in less than 39 minutes, and completely dismantled in 23. It was a splendid sight to see the batteaux rowed into place and anchored, the balks or stringers laid across, and the chessies or plank, and side rails covering all – thus making a complete and secure bridge for the passage of infantry, cavalry, artillery, &c.
The practice will come in handy
The 50th New York Engineer Regiment was recruited throughout the state. Seneca Falls was one of the towns that supplied recruits for Company K. This link also says: “Great assistance was rendered by the 50th in laying the bridges before the battle of Fredericksburg, when they were under continuous fire from the enemy’s sharpshooters.”
Approaching grave of company K's Welch
'Thomas Welch CO.K 50. N.Y. ENG.
I am Gen. Charles B. Stuart’s great great grandson!
Yes, and everything that is said above is accurate. Read the book; Bridge Building in Wartime, edited by Ed Malles, copyright 1997 by William E Hencken. Its a memoir written by Colonel Weseley Brainerd of the 50th New York Volunteer Engineers.
Charles B. Stuart built many Rail Roads across this county for many rail road companies. He built many dry docks and wrote at least 4 books. One about Dry Docks, Mail Ships and Steamers, one regarding Representative Men, another regarding Military and Civil Engineers and many reports for companies and presidents. He was a friend of Pres. Millard Fillmore and appointed by Pres. Lincoln to by the Engineer in Chief to the US Navy.
Charles B. Stuart lived between 1814 and 1881 and may Grandparents owned his home in Geneva, NY when I was a child, which I remember. Beautiful place.