During the Civil War New York’s 33rd Volunteer Infantry was a two-year regiment. After it was mustered out on June 2, 1863, one of its members who re-enlisted was Robert H. Brett, who later joined the 1st Veteran Cavalry and went back for more. Despite some date discrepancy there is a good chance Captain Brett was killed or mortally wounded 150 years ago today.
From a Seneca County, New York newspaper in June 1864:
Capt. Brett Killed in a Skirmish.
A corresponend [sic] of the Baltimore American gives the following account of the skirmish, in which Capt. BRETT was killed:
MARTINSBURG, May 31st, 1864. – On Monday morning early, as a train of sixteen wagons, loaded with medical stores, with a guard of eighty-five men from this place, was proceeding to general Hunter’s headquarters, when at Newton, eight miles beyond Winchester, they were assailed by about three hundred and fifty Rebel cavalry, under the notorious Gilmore. After a gallant resistance our men were obliged to leave their train in the hands of the enemy, who cut the horses loose and burnt the wagons. Just at the time they were winding up their little programme a train of empty wagons, with a guard of infantry coming this way, came upon them, when they were obliged to beat a hasty retreat, leaving some twenty prisoners in our hands. We have to regret the death of Captain Brett, of the 1st New York Veteran Cavalry, who fell gallantly leading his men. Yours, D.J.A.
I did not notice anything about this skirmish in Harry Gilmor’s book
Another clipping from a Seneca County, New York newspaper in June 1864:
CAPT. BRETT’s FUNERAL. – The funeral of ROBERT H. BRETT, of the 1st Veteran cavalry, took place at Waterloo on Sunday afternoon, and was very largely attended. – He was buried with Masonic honors, and delegations of the order were present from Geneva, Seneca Falls, and Bearytown.
Robert H. Brett
You can see captain Brett’s grave stone in Waterloo, New York here. Waterloo still observes the traditional May 30th Memorial Day.
