Asians in the mid 19th C.

[Mgreer]

Interesting photos of Asians that dressed in western clothes and one in traditional clothes.

Marvin

[jones56ga]

Re: Asains in the mid 19th C.

Thats a cool picture of the guy in uniform. I suppose Ive never given much consideration to Asian fellas serving in the WBTS. I wonder how many others served...pretty neat!

[PetePaolillo]

Re: Asains in the mid 19th C.

http://www.tfoenander.com/asians.html

http://www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=16938

It is a little known fact that several Chinese served in the Union and Confederate armies and navies during the Civil War. Even less well known is the fact that there were natives of other Asian countries who served during the war, mainly in the Union Army and Navy.

With the very able assistance of Mr. Ed Milligan of Alexandria, Virginia, and also Mr. Tom Brooks of Ontario, Canada, I have been able to compile a basic list of the names and service details of some of these personnel. Because many of these Asians had anglicized their names on coming to the U.S., it is often difficult to confirm their nativity, and efforts are continuing to corroborate the fact that they were natives of the Asian region. Other sources have also been consulted with good results. Entries showing a reference to a volume number and page number refer to the Naval Rendezvous Reports, available at the National Archives, Washington, D.C.

In recent times it has become rather fashionable amongst several researchers and authors to emphasize upon the achievements of one section of the Asian population during the Civil War, at the expense of the many others who served. For quite a few years now this author has attempted to collect data on the various Asians (as well as other natives of Pacific, Eastern and Middle Eastern countries) who participated in the struggle, with rather amazing results. I have found that the statement made by one well known Civil War researcher (and repeated in at least one other publication) that a higher percentage of Chinese served in the Civil War than any other ethnic group is highly unlikely. Obviously the service of Filipinos, Indians (from the Indian sub-continent), Malays, Indonesians and several others of that region were not taken into account.

The following list contains the names of natives of several Asian countries including those from China, India, Singapore, Malaya and other nations in the region. I have also chosen to include the names of natives of other obscure and interesting nations, such as Guam, Mauritius and several countries only found on a detailed map of the world. The reason for this inclusion is to ensure that researchers have an idea of the vast participation involved by non-Caucasians during the war. The names and details have been culled mainly from the muster rolls in the National Archives in Washington, D.C., and also from other sources, such as newspaper articles and information provided by other researchers, especially Dr. Tom Lowry, of Woodbridge, Virginia. Basic details as taken from the service records are included, and additional information that has been located in other sources, also included. Because this author has been concentrating on Civil War naval research for more than a decade, the entries for Army personnel included here have very minimal information. The majority of Chinese in the Civil War Armies and Navies are adequately covered in Gordon Kwok's excellent site.

Some degree of caution should be exercised when consulting this list, as there were probably a number of personnel born in Asian, Pacific, Middle Eastern and Eastern countries who may have been sons of American parents. This author found one officer of the Union Navy, Adoniram Judson, who was born in Turkey, but when copies of his pension papers were received, it was found that his parents were American, residing in Turkey at the time of his birth. Where factors seem to indicate that a native of Asia, etc., was probably Caucasian, this is stated so after the entry. However, it should be noted that there are some natives of places such as Northern India, whose complexion can be mistaken for Caucasian.

Tannroi Acoaw, Officer's Cook, USS Pinola, aged 23, occupation Cook, enlisted August 14, 1862, for 3 years, at New Orleans. Born Canton, China, eyes black, hair black, dark complexion. (Muster Roll.)

Pedro Acon, laborer, born Canton, China; enlisted in Company K, 2nd Louisiana Infantry, USA, at New Orleans, September 30, 1862. Aged 28, gray eyes, black hair dark complexion. Deserted April 14, 1863, at Algiers City. (Muster Roll.)

John Adams, Ward Room Cook, USS Antona, aged 44, resident of Massachusetts, enlisted November 18, 1864, for 3 years, at New Orleans. Born Hindostan [India]. (Muster Roll.)

John Adams, 6th United States Colored Troops; born Honolulu, Sandwich Islands; enlisted January 3, 1865, aged 23, at Portsmouth, New Hampshire, as substitute. (Muster Roll.)

Pedro Aelio, Landsman, aged 29, occupation Cook, enlisted March 15, 1865, for 2 years, at New York. Born Manila, eyes black, hair black, sallow ? complexion. Page 156, Volume 42.

John Afoo, Landsman, aged 40, enlisted March 3, 1862, for 3 years, at New York. Born China, eyes bronze, hair black, swarthy complexion. Page 106, Volume 19. (See next entry).

John Afoo, Landsman, aged 44, occupation Cook, enlisted March 3, 1862, for 1 year, at District of Columbia. Born China, eyes black, hair black, complexion dark. Page 473, Volume 35.

Jose Aglur, Seaman, aged 19, occupation Steward, enlisted September 3, 1861, for 3 years, at New Bedford, Massachusetts. Born Guam, eyes dark, hair black, copper complexion. Page 218, Volume 16.

Ah Chee, Ward Room Steward, USS Camanche, aged 21, occupation Waiter, enlisted March 8, 1865, for 1 year, at Mare Island, California. Born China, eyes dark, hair black, yellow complexion. Resident of California. (Muster Roll.)

John Ah Heng, Landsman, aged 22, occupation Cook, enlisted July 24, 1863, for 2 years, at New York. Born China, eyes black, hair black, dark complexion. Page 397, Volume 27. (Muster Rolls for the USS Albatross show a John Ah Hang, Landsman, aged 22, born in Ning Po, China, who enlisted at New York, for 1 year, on July 21, 1863.)(Pension.)

John Ahnsoo, born China, previous occupation, sailor; enlisted March 27, 1865, at New York City in Company F, 102nd NY Vols; black eyes, black hair, yellow complexion. (Muster Roll.)

John Ahoy, Landsman, aged 28, enlisted March 3, 1862, for 3 years, at New York. Born China, eyes dark, hair black, tawny complexion. Page 106, Volume 19. (Muster Rolls for the USS Pinola show John Ahoy, Officer's Cook, aged 28, native of China, enlisted March 3, 1862, for 3 years, at Philadelphia.)

Ah Poa, USS Camanche, aged 40, occupation Waiter, enlisted March 8, 1865, for 1 year, at Mare Island, California. Born China, eyes dark, black hair, yellow complexion. Resident of California. (Muster Roll.)

Ah Sin, Landsman, USS Narragansett, aged 22, enlisted February 10, 1863, for 3 years, at San Francisco. Born China, described as Chinaman, resident of California. (Muster Roll.)

Ah Soo, Landsman, USS Monongahela, aged 22, enlisted July 9, 1863, for 3 years, at New Orleans. Born China, eyes hazel, hair black, dark complexion. (Muster Roll.)

Ah Wo, Landsman, USS Monongahela, aged 21, enlisted July 9, 1863, for 3 years, at New Orleans. Born China, eyes hazel, hair black, dark complexion.

Ah Wong, Landsman, USS Camanche, aged 17, occupation Cook, enlisted March 8, 1865, for 1 year, at Mare Island, California. Born China, eyes dark, hair black, yellow complexion. Resident of California. (Muster Roll.)

John Akee, Landsman, aged 20, occupation Steward, enlisted May 24, 1864 for 1 year, at New York. Born China, eyes black, hair black, complexion dark. Page 366, Volume 34.

John Alexander, Seaman, aged 36, enlisted October 10, 1861, for 3 years, at New Bedford, Massachusetts. Born Mauritius, eyes gray, hair dark, swarthy complexion. Page 113, Volume 16.

John Ali, Landsman, aged 22, occupation Cook, enlisted October 5, 1864, for 2 years, at Brooklyn. Born China, eyes black, hair black, swarthy complexion. Page 773, Volume 39.

William Allan, Ordinary Seaman, aged 28, enlisted February 26, 1864, for 3 years, at New Bedford, Masachusetts. Born Mahe, Seychelles, eyes black, hair black, black complexion. Volume 36.

William C. Allen, enlisted at New York City, June 16, 1862, aged 23, in the 5th New York Independent Battery; previous occupation, sail maker; born Cape Colony; deserted, date unknown. (Muster Roll.)

John Ammahoie (also shown as Emahe), original name, Mohammed Kahn; native of Persia. Enrolled August 2, 1861, at New York in Company E and H, 43rd New York Infantry. Wounded in action at Malvern Hill, 1862 and at Spotsylvania, Virginia, May 12, 1864. (Information from copies of pension papers in possession of the author.)

Stephen Amos, Ordinary Seaman, aged 33, occupation Caulker, enlisted November 25, 1863, for 2 years, at New Bedford, Massachusetts. Born Manila, eyes black, hair black, copper complexion. Page 682, Volume 30.

John Anderson, Landsman, aged 21, occupation C/S, enlisted March 4, 1864, for 1 year, at Boston. Born Java, described as East Indian. Page 169, Volume 32.

Robert Andrews, of the USS Black Hawk, a Polynesian, died on the USN hospital vessel, Red Rover, March 7, 1863. [Researched by Ed Milligan, of Alexandria, Virginia, from the Medical Log of the USN hospital ship, Red Rover, page 166.]

Thomas Andrews, Ordinary Seaman, aged 22, enlisted July 6, 1862, for 1 year, at New Bedford, Massachusetts. Born Guam, eyes dark, hair black, copper complexion. Page 480, Volume 35.

Francis Antonio, Seaman, aged 26, occupation Cook, enlisted December 12, 1861, for 3 years, at New Bedford, Massachusetts. Born Guam, eyes black, hair black, copper complexion. Page 348, Volume 17.

Auguste Aps, Seaman, USS Pinola, aged 19, occupation Mariner, enlisted January 1, 1864, for 1 year, at New Bedford, Massachusetts. Born Mahe Island, eyes gray, hair brown, light complexion. (Muster Roll.)

John Arnang, Landsman, aged 22, occupation Cook, enlisted August 22, 1864, for 3 years, at New York. Born China, eyes black, hair black, dark complexion. Page 25, Volume 37.

John Ase, Landsman, aged 25, occupation Cook, enlisted February 25, 1864, for 3 years, at New York. Born China, eyes black, hair dark, in(?) complexion. Page 18, Volume 36.

Lake Asqur, Landsman, aged 20, occupation Farmer, enlisted March 9, 1863, for 3 years, at Philadelphia. Born Calcutta, eyes black, hair black, dark complexion. Page 130, Volume 25. (Muster Rolls for the USS Arizona show Sake Asgin, Officer's Steward, aged 20, occupation Farmer, native of Calcutta, India, enlisted on February 9, 1863, for 3 years.)

John Assough, Landsman, aged 32, occupation Cook, enlisted June 25, 1864, for 1 year, at New York. Born China, eyes black, hair black, dark complexion. Page 443, Volume 35.

Joseph Astor (or Castor?), Ordinary Seaman, USS New Ironsides, aged 23, occupation Mariner, enlisted August 19, 1863, for 3 years, at New York. Born Manila, eyes hazel, hair black, swarthy complexion. (Muster Roll.)

A-Ti, Landsman, aged 22, enlisted November 30, 1861, for 3 years, at New York. Born Canton, eyes ----, hair black, complexion described as Chinese. Page 331, Volume 17.

Felix Baher, Landsman & Captain's Steward, USS Aries, aged 18, occupation Steward, enlisted July 25, 1863, for 1 year, at Boston. Born Manila, eyes dark, hair black, dark complexion. Page 393, Volume 27. (Muster Roll.)

Daniel W. Baker, Ordinary Seaman, aged 24, occupation Carpenter, enlisted August 23, 1864, for 3 years, at Boston. Born Mauritius, eyes dark, hair brown, dark complexion. Page 13, Volume 37.

Felix Cornelius Balderry, Phillippines, Company A, 11th MI Vols. Employed by sea farer Joseph Foster of Leonidas, Michigan, aboard his vessel before the war, Balderry moved to Michigan and worked as a farmhand before enlisting December 7, 1863 at Kalamazoo for 3 years. He served in the western theater, and was sent to hospital at Nashville in June 1864. Discharged in September of that year, he returned to Michigan, where he worked as a tailor. On September 1, 1885 he married 16 year old Ada May Barns at Constantine, Michigan. Balderry passed away on August 18, 1895, of tuberculosis, at the age of 49. (Pension Records. See also Military Images magazine Nov/Dec 1994, p. 13 for an image of Balderry.)

Caystana Baltazar, Landsman, aged 19, enlisted November 10, 1863, for 1 year, at Boston. Born Manila, eyes black, hair black, dark complexion. Page 644, Volume 29.

Joseph Banards, Landsman, aged 21, occupation Cook, enlisted March 21, 1865, for 3 years, at Philadelphia. Born Manila, eyes brown, hair black, dark complexion. Page 191, Volume 43.

John Bank, East Indies, 31st U.S. Colored Troops. (Muster Roll.)

Jacob Banyan, Ordinary Seaman, aged 18, enlisted July 7, 1862, for 1 year, at New Bedford, Massachusetts. Born Tahiti, eyes black, hair black, copper complexion. Page 480, Volume 35. (Muster Rolls for USS Lehigh show Jacob Bunyan, Ordinary Seaman, aged 28, occupation Mariner, enlisted July 7, 1864, for 3 years at Boston. May have also served aboard the USS A. Houghton. Muster rolls of this vessel show a Jacob Bamfan with exactly the same statistics.)

Charles Beeb, Seaman, aged 35, enlisted June 3, 1864, for 3 years, at New Bedford. Massachusetts. Born Otahiti (Tahiti?), eyes dark, hair black, complexion dark. Page 385, Volume 34.

Henry S. Bell, Landsman, aged 21, occupation Baker, enlisted February 24, 1862, for the war, at New York. Born Calcutta, described as Malay. Page 61, Volume 18. (Muster Rolls of the USS Orvetta show Henry Bell, Cabin Steward, aged 21, native of Calcutta, enlisted at New York, for the war, on January 17, 1862. Also shown on Muster Rolls of USS Pontiac and described as Negro.)

Andrew Bellino, Seaman, aged 27, occupation Mariner, enlisted May 6, 1864, for 3 years, at Philadelphia. Born Manila, eyes black, hair black, dark complexion. Page 308, Volume 33.

Benjamin Bengall, Ordinary Seaman, USS Commodore Perry, aged 37, occupation Seaman, enlisted June 10, 1863, for 1 year, at Boston. Born East Indies, resident of Maine. (Muster Roll.)

Joseph Bernard, Landsman, aged 21, occupation Cook/Steward, enlisted February 4, 1864, for 1 year at Boston. Born Manila, described as East Indian. Page 72, Volume 31.

Joseph Bernardo, Landsman, aged 23, occupation Steward, enlisted March 25, 1865, for 3 years, at Boston. Born Manila, eyes black, hair black, dark complexion. Page 169, Volume 43. (See entry for Joseph Bernard, above - probably the same person. Muster Rolls for USS Conemaugh also show Joseph Bernardo, Landsman, aged 21, born Manila, occupation Cook, resident of New Jersey, enlisted March 31, 1865, for 3 years, at PP (Philadelphia?). Received bounty of $100.)

William Bill, born Sandwich Islands, joined the CSS Shenandoah, as Seaman, May, 1865, from the captive Abigail; died October 26, 1865. (Information from a List of the Officers and men of the Shenandoah, included with an affidavit filled out by William A. Temple at Liverpool, on December 6th, 1865.)

Morris H. Bird, company A, 7th Michigan Infantry; aged 21; born East Indies; dark hair, black eyes, brown complexion; transferred to regular cavalry, October 26, 1862. [Information provided by Ed Milligan, of Alexandria, Virginia, in an e-mail (emilligan@earthlink.net) dated Saturday, May 25, 2002.]

Peter Blake, Landsman, aged 23, occupation Printer, enlisted June 13, 1864, for 1 year, at Boston. Born Ceylon, eyes black, hair black, dark complexion. Page 422, Volume 34.

Frank Blicklock, Seaman, aged 22, occupation Mariner, enlisted May 7, 1864, for 2 years, at New York. Born Turkey in Europe, eyes bronze, hair dark, dark complexion. Page 303, Volume 33. (Muster Rolls of USS Merrimac shows Frank Blacklock, Seaman, aged 22, native of Turkey, enlisted May 10, 1864, for 2 years at New York. The rolls note that he had a scar on his lips, and that he deserted at Havana on July 25, 1864.)

John Boguor, Ordinary Seaman, aged 23, enlisted April 15, 1864, for 3 years, at New Bedford, Massachusetts. Born Manila, eyes black, hair black, copper complexion. Page 239, Volume 32.

Charles L. Boultbee, Ceylon [Sri Lanka], Company B, 1st OR Vols. (Muster Roll.)

John Boy,born Sandwich Islands, joined the CSS Shenandoah, as Seaman, May, 1865, from the captive Abigail. (Information from a List of the Officers and men of the Shenandoah, included with an affidavit filled out by William A. Temple at Liverpool, on December 6th, 1865.)

James Bradshaw, Landsman and Officer's Cook, USS Mystic, aged 35, occupation Cook, enlisted May 21, 1862, for 3 years, at Baltimore. Born Calcutta, eyes black, hair black, black complexion. Residence - Maryland. Page 219, Volume 20. (Muster Roll.)

Jose Brosol, Ordinary Seaman, occupation S/M, enlisted July 22, 1861, for 3 years, at New Bedford, Massachusetts. Born Pacific Islands, eyes dark, hair dark, dark complexion. Page 161, Volume 15.

Andrew Brown, East Indies, 26th U.S. Colored Troops. (Muster Roll.)

James Brown, Seaman, USS Pursuit and USS Powhatan, aged 24, enlisted October 10, 1864, for 3 years, at New Bedford, Massachusetts. Born Manila, eyes hazel, hair black, dark complexion. (Muster Roll.)

John Brown, 11th United States Colored Troops; born Honolulu, Sandwich Islands; enlisted January 1, 1865, aged 22, at Providence, Rhode Island; previous occupation, sailor. (Muster Roll.)

John Brown, Java Island, [Indonesia], Company F, 40th NY Infantry. (Muster Roll.)

John Brown, Ordinary Seaman, aged 21, enlisted March 16, 1863, for 1 year, at New York. Born Manila, eyes dark, hair black, copper complexion. Page 140, Volume 25. (See next entry.)

John Brown, Ordinary Seaman, USS Augusta, aged 27 (or 22?), occupation Mariner, enlisted April 18, 1864, for 2 years, at New York. Born Manila, eyes black, hair black, dark complexion. Page 261, Volume 33. (Possibly the same person as the previous entry. Muster Rolls for USS Augusta show that he was transferred to hospital on May 28, 1864.)

John Brown, Ordinary Seaman, aged 22, enlisted July 23, 1862, for 1 year, at New Bedford, Massachusetts. Born Friendly Islands, eyes black, hair brown, copper complexion. Page 517, Volume 35.

John M. Brown, Ordinary Seaman, aged 25, enlisted January 17, 1865, for 3 years, at New Bedford, Massachusetts. Born Society Islands, eyes black, hair black, copper complexion. Page 36, Volume 41.

Joseph Brown, Ordinary Seaman, aged 25, enlisted November 25, 1862, for 1 year at Boston. Born Guam, eyes bronze, hair black, brown complexion. Page 516, Volume 23.

William Brown, born Sandwich Islands, joined the CSS Shenandoah, as Seaman, May, 1865, from the captive Abigail. (Information from a List of the Officers and men of the Shenandoah, included with an affidavit filled out by William A. Temple at Liverpool, on December 6th, 1865.)

William Bruce, Malaya, CSS Shenandoah, Confederate States Navy. (From the list of personnel aboard the vessel included with affidavit signed by William G. Temple at Liverpool, in November, 1865.)

Joseph Bulah, China, Company C, 28th PA Vols. (Muster Roll.)

John Burnes, Seaman, aged 23, occupation Mariner, enlisted June 17, 1864, for 3 years, at New York. Born Madras, eyes gray, hair black, dark complexion. Page 426, Volume 34. (Muster Rolls of the USS Minnesota also show a John Burns, native of India, as having served on that vessel.)

George Burton, Calcutta, India; Company G, 69th NY Infantry. (Muster Roll.)

George Buttery, born Madras, India; enlisted April 18, 1864, in Company B, 7th NY Infantry; promoted sergeant, May 31, 1865; previous occupation, sailor; black eyes, black hair, dark complexion. (Muster Roll.)

Benjamin Button, Coal Heaver, USS Kearsarge; aged 32, enlisted January 1, 1863. Born Guam; dark eyes, dark hair, mulatto complexion. (Muster Roll; see also William A. Marvel, The Alabama and the Kearsarge: The Sailor's Civil War.)

James California, born Sandwich Islands, joined the CSS Shenandoah, as Seaman, May, 1865, from the captive Abigail. (Information from a List of the Officers and men of the Shenandoah, included with an affidavit filled out by William A. Temple at Liverpool, on December 6th, 1865.)

William Carroll, Ordinary Seaman, aged 20, enlisted July 9, 1861, for 2 years, at Boston. Born St. Pauls, China, eyes black, hair brown, fair complexion. Page 145, Volume 15. (Probably Caucasian.)

Joseph Carter, Landsman, aged 23, occupation Captain's Steward, enlisted August 23, 1864, for 3 years, at Boston. Born Guam, eyes black, hair black, copper complexion. Page 13, Volume 37.

Leon Cepeda, Ordinary Seaman, aged 21, enlisted March 18, 1862, for 3 years, at New Bedford, Massachusetts. Born Guam, eyes black, hair black, copper complexion. Page 164, Volume 19.

John Charley, laborer, born Canton, China; enlisted in Company K, 2nd Louisiana Infantry, USA, at New Orleans, September 22, 1862. Aged 30, gray eyes, black hair dark complexion. Deserted February 1, 1864. (Muster Roll.)

John Clements, Seaman, aged 38, enlisted December 22, 1862, for 2 years at New York. Born Calcutta, eyes black, hair black, dark brown complexion. Page 599, Volume 23. (See next entry.)

John Clements, Seaman, aged 38, occupation Sailor, enlisted March 20, 1865, for 3 years, at Brooklyn. Born Calcutta, East Indies, eyes black, hair black, bronze complexion (Indian). Page 174, Volume 43. (See previous entry, probably the same person.)

Joseph Corsman, Seaman, aged 22, occupation Mariner, enlisted April 24, 1864, for 3 years, at Boston. Born Ladrones, eyes bronze, hair black, dark complexion. Page 277, Volume 33.

John W. Craig, Calcutta, India, Company C, 29th PA Vols. (Muster Roll.)

Joseph Cross, Ordinary Seaman, aged 25, enlisted May 22, 1862, for 3 years, at New Bedford, Massachusetts. Born Ladrone Island, eyes dark, hair black, copper complexion. Page 5, Volume 20.

Martin Cross, Seaman, aged 22, occupation Mariner, enlisted April 11, 1864, for 2 years, at New York. Born Manila, eyes bronze, hair black, brown complexion. Page 24, Volume 32. (Muster Rolls of USS Owasco describe his birthplace as Malaya.)

Valentine Cross, Seaman, aged 21, enlisted March 8, 1862, for 3 years, at Boston. Born Manila, described as East Indian. Page 153, Volume 19.

James Crow, Ordinary Seaman, aged 23, enlisted 9 June, 1864, for 3 years, at New Bedford, Massachusetts. Born Friendly Islands, eyes black, hair black, copper complexion. Page 405, Volume 34.

Joseph Cruise, Seaman, aged 33, occupation Sailor, enlisted October 31, 1864, for 3 years, at New Bedford, Massachusetts. Born Ladrone, eyes brown, hair black, dark complexion. Page 843, Volume 39.

William G. Cruise, Ordinary Seaman, aged 26, enlisted March 22, 1865, for 3 years at Kennebunkport, Maine. Born Manila, eyes black, hair black, mulatto complexion. Page 169, Volume 43. (New Hampshire Naval Rosters also show service aboard the USS Constitution and the USS Florida.)

Joseph Cruze, Ordinary Seaman, aged 20, enlisted May 22, 1862, for 3 years, at New Bedford, Massachusetts. Born Ladrone Island, eyes dark, hair black, copper complexion. Page 5, Volume 20.

Martin Cruze, Ordinary Seaman, aged 20, enlisted March 5, 1863, for 1 year, at New Bedford, Massachusetts. Born Manila, eyes black, hair black, copper complexion. Page 116, Volume 25.

Joseph Dailey, Landsman, USS Mohican, aged 24, occupation Cook, enlisted August 16, 1864, for 1 year, at New York. Born Macau, China, eyes Brown, hair black, swarthy complexion. Page 157, Volume 36. Resident of Maryland. (See also Muster Roll for USS Mohican.)

Antonio Dardell, China, 27th CT Vols. (Pension.)

Antonio Davis, Seaman, aged 29, occupation Sailor, enlisted August 5, 1863, for 2 years, at New York. Born Manila, eyes dark, hair black, brown complexion. Page 426, Volume 27.

Mario De La Cruz, Ordinary Seaman, aged 20, enlisted December 16, 1861, for 3 years, at New Bedford, Massachusetts. Born Guam, eyes dark, hair black, copper complexion. Page 358, Volume 17.

Joshua Dennis, Salom, Asia, 102nd U.S. Colored Troops. (Muster Roll.)

Michael J. Dillon, Coal Heaver, USS Colossus, aged 22, occupation Carpenter, enlisted February 9, 1865, for 2 years, at Erie, Pennsylvania. Born Dundun, East Indies, eyes gray, hair dark, dark complexion. Page 82, Volume 41. (See also Muster Roll for USS Colossus.)

Ab Dola, China, 31st U.S. Colored Troops. (Muster Roll.)

John Douty, Ordinary Seaman, aged 22, enlisted November 25, 1862, for 1 year at Boston. Born Guam, eyes bronze, hair black, brown complexion. Page 516, Volume 23.

Antonio Ducastin, Ordinary Seaman, aged 24, enlisted August 6, 1864, for 3 years, at Jc(?). Born Manila, eyes black, hair dark, dark complexion. Page 83, Volume 36.

Simon Dunn, born Japan; previous occupation, laborer; enlisted at New York City, for 3 years in Company D, 100th NY Vols. (Muster Roll.)

Joseph Fernandez (Fannades), East Indies, 19th U.S. Colored Troops. (Muster Roll.)

John Fernando, Third Class Boy, aged 17, enlisted March 23, 1863, for 3 years, at Boston. Born Manila, described as Malay. Page 149, Volume 25.

John J. Finn, Calcutta, India, Company E, 3rd MO State Cavalry. (Muster Roll.)

Benjamin Floros, Ordinary Seaman, aged 21, occupation Sailor, enlisted November 11, 1864, for 2 years, at Kennebunkport, Maine (?). Born Manila, eyes black, hair brown, brown complexion. Page 867, Volume 39.

Edward Flynn, Bombay, India, Company F, 64th NY Infantry. (Muster Roll.)

John R. Foote, Landsman, aged 32, occupation Cook, enlisted April 22, 1863, for 1 year at New York. Born China, eyes bronze, hair dark, dark complexion. Page 214, Volume 25.

John Foster, Coal Heaver, USS Albatross, aged 28, enlisted December 6, 1864, for 1 year, at Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Born Otahiti (Tahiti?). (Muster Roll.)

John Fouenty, Hong Kong, conscripted at Savannah, GA. in C.S. Army about 1862 (NY Times)

Adam Fow, laborer, born Canton, China; enlisted in Company K, 2nd Louisiana Infantry, USA, at New Orleans, September 23, 1862. Aged 26, gray eyes, black hair dark complexion. Deserted July 1, 1864. (Muster Roll.)

John Francis, laborer, born Canton, China; enlisted in Company K, 2nd Louisiana Infantry, USA, at New Orleans, September 30, 1862. Aged 28, gray eyes, black hair dark complexion. Deserted September 14, 1863. (Muster Roll.)

John Francis, Seaman, USS New Hampshire, aged 25, occupation Mariner, enlisted July 13, 1862, for 1 year, at New Bedford, Massachusetts. Born Manila, eyes dark, hair black, dark complexion. Page 498, Volume 35. (Muster roll shows John Francis, aged 22, enlisted July 13, 1864, at Boston, for 3 year, eyes black, hair black, copper complexion. See also next entry.)

Johnny Francis, Ordinary Seaman, aged 27, enlisted October 9, 1861, for 3 years, at New Bedford, Massachusetts. Born Manila, eyes black, hair black, copper complexion. Page 113, Volume 16. (Probably the same person listed in the previous entry.)

Peter Francis, Seaman, aged 31, occupation Sailor, enlisted August 5, 1863, for 2 years, at New York. Born Manila, eyes dark, hair black, brown complexion. Page 426, Volume 27.

James French, born Sandwich Islands, joined the CSS Shenandoah, as Seaman, May, 1865, from the captive Abigail. (Information from a List of the Officers and men of the Shenandoah, included with an affidavit filled out by William A. Temple at Liverpool, on December 6th, 1865.)


Hachadon P. Garabedian, born at Constantinople, Turkey. Appointed Third Assistant Engineer in the United States Navy, August 6, 1864, from Massachusetts; served aboard USS Geranium. Discharged August 19, 1865. Married Tillie H. Wynkoop on June 18, 1871, at Philadelphia. Employed as a machinist after the war. Died on August 25, 1881, at Philadelphia, of phthisis pulmonalis, and bured at the Fernwood Cemetery. (Information from copies of his pension papers in possession of the author.)

Joseph Garido, Ordinary Seaman, aged 19, occupation Sailor, enlisted December 18, 1861, for 3 years, at New Bedford, Massachusetts. Born Guam, eyes black, hair black, copper complexion. Page 358, Volume 17.

Henry Givens, born Sandwich Islands, joined the CSS Shenandoah, as Seaman, May, 1865, from the captive Abigail. (Information from a List of the Officers and men of the Shenandoah, included with an affidavit filled out by William A. Temple at Liverpool, on December 6th, 1865.)

John Glacy, born Turkey; served with Company K, 47th New York Infantry. (Muster Roll.)

James Godfrey, East Indies, 16th NY Cavalry. (Muster Roll.)

Antonio Frank Gomez, Landsman, aged 25, enlisted February 8, 1862, for 3 years, at New York. Born Hindostan, eyes dark, hair black, yellow complexion. Born in December 10, 1836, the son of an Indian prince, he had his name changed by Reverend Henry Ward Beecher, from Conjee Rustumjee Cohoujee Bey, when he arrived in New York, from London, where he had previously undergone an education. Gomez served aboard the USS North Carolina, USS Dacotah, USS Louisville, USS Iroquois and the USS Niagara. He died in San Francisco on February 17, 1911, of pneumonia, and is buried at the National Cemetery in that city. Page 109, Volume 18. (Some details from copies of his Pension Papers in the author's possession. See next entry.)

Antonio Gomez, Landsman, aged 26, occupation Steward, enlisted January 21, 1864, for 1 year, at New York. Born Lahore, described as East Indian. Page 40, Volume 31. (Probably the same person as listed in the previous entry.)

Marino Gomez, Ordinary Seaman, aged 21, enlisted July 1, 1864, for 1 year at New Bedford, Massachusetts. Born Philips Island, Guam, eyes black, hair black, copper complexion. Page 461, Volume 35.

Manuel R. Govier, USN; born Madras, India; enlisted at Boston, Massachusetts; hazel eyes, black hair, dark complexion. (Information from Ed Milligan, Alexandria, Virginia.)

William Haig, Pondicherry, India, Company K, 20th OH Vols. (Muster Roll.)

John Hamilton, Seaman, aged 61, enlisted March 17, 1862, for 3 years, at New York. Born Smyrna, eyes bronze, hair gray, swarthy complexion. Page 206, Volume 19.

J.W. Hancock, Second Class Fireman, USS Wabash, aged 37, enlisted May 21, 1864, for 3 years, New York. Born India, eyes brown, hair brown, light complexion. (Muster Roll.) (Probably Caucasian.)

Joseph Handy, landsman, died, aged 23, at the USN hospital, Chelsea, December 18, 1864, of typhoid; born at Decatur Island, South Pacific; negro; black eyes, black complexion, curly hair; enlisted at New Bedford, December 1, 1864. [Information researched by Ed Milligan, of Alexandria, Virginia, from the Medical Log of the USS Red Rover, page 265, at the National Archives.]

Thomas Harman, Landsman, aged 21, occupation Button Maker, enlisted August 4, 1863, for 2 years, at New York. Born India, eyes gray, hair red, fair complexion. Page 427, Volume 27. (Probably Caucasian.)

William Harrison, East Indies, Company L, 1st WV Cavalry. (Muster Roll.)

John Harry, Landsman, aged 30, occupation Cook, enlisted June 25, 1864, for 1 year, at New York. Born China, eyes black, hair black, dark complexion. Page 443, Volume 35.

John Harvey, Seaman, Commodore Morris, aged 30, occupation Cook, enlisted June 30, 1864, for 3 years, at New York. Born China, eyes black, hair black, dark complexion. (Muster Roll.)

Charles Heatley, 5th Massachusetts (Colored) Cavalry; born Niyahu, Sandwich Islands; enlisted May 9, 1864, aged 26, at Princeton, New Jersey; previous occupation, sailor; died at Fortress Monroe, Virginia, July 15, 1865. (Muster Roll.)

George Height, Ordinary Seaman, USS Ohio and USS Colorado; enlisted September 9, 1864, aged 32, for 3 years; previous occupation, mariner; born S. Island (Sandwich Islands?); described as mulatto. (From the Muster Roll of the USS Colorado, dated January 1, 1865, copy of which is in possession of the author.)

Antone Henry, Ordinary Seaman, aged 22, enlisted September 3, 1864, for 3 years, at New Bedford, Massachusetts. Born Roto near Guam, eyes black, hair --, mulatto complexion. Page 103, Volume 37. (Muster Roll of USS Colorado shows he was received from the USS Ohio.)

John Henry, Seaman, aged 25, occupation Mariner, enlisted June 29, 1863, for 1 year, at Philadelphia. Born Manila, eyes black, hair black, copper complexion. Page 353, Volume 26. (See next entry.)

John Henry, Ordinary Seaman, USS Little Ada, aged 26, occupation Mariner, enlisted September 22, 1864, for 3 years, at Portland, Maine (?). Born Manila, East Indies, eyes dark, hair black, dark complexion. (See previous entry - probably the same person.)

George Hitchings, Landsman, aged 21, occupation Cook, enlisted March 3, 1862, for 3 years, at Boston. Born China, described as Chinese. Page 78, Volume 18.

Henry Hollins, Seaman, aged 32, enlisted August 16, 1864, for 3 years, at New Bedford, Massachusetts. Born Taluhana, eyes brown, hair brown, dark complexion. Page 155, Volume 36.

John How, Landsman, aged 30, occupation Cook, enlisted July 2, 1864, for 1 year, at New York. Born China, eyes black, hair black, complexion dark. Page 464, Volume 35. (Muster Rolls of the USS Pawtucket show John Howe, Cook, aged 30, native of Hong Kong, China, enlisted July 9, 1864, for 3 years, at New York.)

William R. Howard, Landsman, USS Wabash, aged 32, occupation Farmer, enlisted May 20, 1864, for 3 years, at Chicago. Born India, eyes brown, hair black, dark complexion. (Muster Roll.)

George Huggins (or Wuggins), dis. exp. (?) February 6, 1863, l. (?) February 16, 1860 Valparaiso (?), described as Indian. Volume 23.

James C. Hunter, Macao, China, 6th KY Cavalry. (Muster Roll.)

William C. Hunter, Macao, China, 6th KY Cavalry. (Muster Roll.)

George W. Huson, Calcutta, India, Company D, 20th MI Infantry. (Muster Roll.)

John Hussey, laborer, born Canton, China; enlisted in Company K, 2nd Louisiana Infantry, USA, at New Orleans, September 23, 1862. Aged 28, gray eyes, black hair dark complexion. Deserted July 1, 1864. (Muster Roll.)

Char Iwan (Kwan?), Landsman, aged 23, occupation Mariner, enlisted November 26, 1861, for 3 years, at Philadelphia. Born Hong Kong, eyes black, hair black, black complexion. Page 332, Volume 17.

George James, Seaman, USS Louisville, aged 23, enlisted February 25, 1862, for 2 years, at New Bedford, Massachusetts. Born Zanzibar, eyes dark, hair dark, dark complexion. Resident of Massachusetts. (Muster Roll.)

James Johnson, Company M, 18th New York Cavalry; previous occupation, sailor; born China; enlisted at New York City, February 1, 1864, aged 27; black eyes, black hair, yellow complexion; deserted July 22, 1864, at Thibodeaux, Louisiana. (Muster Roll.)

John Johnson, Company L, 6th New York Cavalry, native of Calcutta, India; previous occupation, laborer; enlisted at Saratoga, New York, October 22, 1861, aged 26; black eyes, black hair, dark complexion. Mustered as servant; discharged January 17, 1862, at York, Pennsylvania. (Muster Roll.)

Henry Judson, USS Monitor, aged 21, occupation Student, enlisted January 28, 1864, for 3 years, at Albany. Born Burmah [Myanmar]. Discharged December 12, 1864. (Muster Roll.)

Joseph Kanaca, born Sandwich Islands, joined the CSS Shenandoah, as Seaman, May, 1865, from the captive Abigail. (Information from a List of the Officers and men of the Shenandoah, included with an affidavit filled out by William A. Temple at Liverpool, on December 6th, 1865.)

John Kim, China, Company G, 61st PA Vols. (Muster Roll.)

William King, Calcutta, East Indies, Company C, 61st MA Infantry. (Muster Roll.)

Ki-Ying, Landsman, aged 20, enlisted November 30, 1861, for 3 years, at New York. Born Canton, eyes ----, hair black, complexion described as Chinese. Page 331, Volume 17.

William Henry Kwan, China?, Company B, 15th VA Bn., CSA. (Mil. Im. Sept. 1983.)

John Johnson, India, Company L, 6th NY Cavalry. ("Archergram" newsletter, No. 171 dated May 28, 1995, page 4.)

James Labord, China, Company D, 1st MS Mounted Rifles, CSA(?) (Muster Roll.)

Thomas Lamb, Landsman, aged 21, occupation Sailor, enlisted August 15, 1864, for 3 years, at New York. Born East Indies, eyes gray, hair brown, fair complexion. Page 162, Volume 36.

Younger Lamb, enlisted January 17, 1864, aged 29, at Thompkins (?), in Company A, 13th New York Heavy Artillery; born Calcutta, India; gray eyes, brown hair, fair complexion. (Muster Roll.) (Probably Caucasian.)

George Lathrop, Landsman, aged 24, occupation Seaman, enlisted March 29, 1865, for 3 years, at Brooklyn. Born Africa, eyes gray, hair dark, ruddy complexion. Page 189, Volume 43.

William Lawrence, Seaman, aged 21, occupation Sailor, enlisted April 12, 1861, for 3 years, at Philadelphia. Born Madras, India, eyes black, hair black, dark complexion. Page 53, Volume 13.

Vincente Leon, Ordinary Seaman, aged 18, enlisted March 5, 1863, for 1 year, at New Bedford, Massachusetts. Born Guam, eyes black, hair black, dark complexion. Page 116, Volume 25.

William C. Letter, Seaman, USS Mohican, aged 22, occupation Mariner, enlisted September 23, 1862, for 1 year, at New York. Born Moulmein, East India, eyes hazel, hair dark, dark complexion. (Muster Roll.)

Juan Lodigo, Nanking, China, 31st U.S. Colored Troops. (Muster Roll.)

Joseph Long, born Sandwich Islands, joined the CSS Shenandoah, as Seaman, May, 1865, from the captive Abigail. (Information from a List of the Officers and men of the Shenandoah, included with an affidavit filled out by William A. Temple at Liverpool, on December 6th, 1865.)

Antonio Lopes, Seaman, aged 31, occupation Seaman, enlisted August 22, 1864, for 3 years, at Brooklyn. Born China, eyes dark, hair black, dark complexion. Page 41, Volume 37.

John Lucas, Seaman, aged 28, enlisted March 8, 1865, for 3 years, at Hoboken, New Jersey.. Born Guam, eyes black, hair black, copper complexion. Page 207, Volume 43.

John Mahoe, born Sandwich Islands, joined the CSS Shenandoah, as Seaman, May, 1865, from the captive Abigail. (Information from a List of the Officers and men of the Shenandoah, included with an affidavit filled out by William A. Temple at Liverpool, on December 6th, 1865.)

Abel Mahomet, private, company A, 11th Maine Regiment, Army of the James; described as an "Arab," who spoke very little English, but was intelligent, and was well liked by his comrades; mustered out with the Regiment in February, 1866. (Information provided by Wayne Reuel Bean, of Greeneville, Tennessee.)

Stephen Martyn, Coal Heaver, aged 23, occupation Jeweler, enlisted August 8, 1863, for 2 years, at New York. Born Turkey, eyes black, hair black, dark complexion. Page 427, Volume 27.

Thomas Matthew, Ordinary Seaman, aged 32, occupation Barber, enlisted October 1, 1863, for 3 years, at Boston. Born East Indies, eyes bronze, hair black, copper complexion. Page 541, Volume 28.

Thomas McCarty, Ordinary Seaman, aged 35, occupation Mariner, enlisted April 20, 1864, for 2.9.13 (?), aboard USS Anacostia. Born Calcutta, eyes gray, hair brown, light complexion. Page 297, Volume 33. (Muster Rolls for the USS Anacostia show that Thomas McCartey, born Calcutta, India, aged 26, enlisted from the US Army, at W. Lebanon, on October 3, 1863.)

George McHalley, Calcutta, India, Company G, 4th PA Cavalry. (Muster Roll.)

George McMillan, Landsman, USS Cherokee, aged 46, occupation Laborer, enlisted January 19, 1864, for 3 years, at Chicago (?). Born Ceylon, eyes bronze, hair black, fair complexion. Resident of Louisiana. Page 149/29, Volume 32.

George McMillan, Ceylon [Sri Lanka], USS Cherokee. (Muster Roll.)

Ernest Megger, Second Class Boy, USS Osceola, aged 14, enlisted August 17, 1863?, for 3 years, at Boston. Born Constantinople, eyes hazel, hair brown, fair complexion.

Charles Messer, Ordinary Seaman, USS Colorado, aged 24, enlisted September 12, 1864, for 1 year. Born Sumatra [Indonesia], eyes black, hair black, dark complexion. (Muster Roll.)

Constantine Michaels, born Turkey; 61st Massachusetts Infantry. (Muster Roll.)

Joseph B. Miller, First Class Fireman, aged 29, occupation machinist, enlisted October 22, 1861, for 3 years, at New York. Born Calcutta, eyes black, bair brown, fair complexion. Page 154, Volume 16.

Peter Mindola, Ordinary Seaman, aged 23, enlisted May 30, 1863, for 1 year, at New Bedford, Massachusetts. Born Guam, eyes black, hair black, copper complexion. Page 272, Volume 26.

Charles Mine, Singapore, USS Hartford. (Muster Roll.)

Alfred G. Mitchell, Seaman, USS Beauregard and USS Dale, aged 27, occupation Seaman, enlisted August 31, 1864, for 3 years, at Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Born Calcutta, eyes gray, hair black, dark complexion. Page 93, Volume 37. (See also the New Hampshire Navy Rosters.)

Pierre Moliere, Batavia, East Indies, Company G, 41st NY Infantry. (Muster Roll.)

Marcella Montez, Landsman, aged 28, occupation Seaman, enlisted August 22, 1864, for 3 years, at Brooklyn. Born China, eyes dark, hair black, light complexion. Page 41, Volume 37. (Probably Caucasian.)

Peter Mullen, Ordinary Seaman, USS Onondoga, aged 28, occupation Mariner, enlisted April 12, 1864, for 2 years, at New York. Born China, eyes bronze, hair black, swarthy complexion. Page 240, Volume 32.

Andrew S. Murdock, East Indies, Company G, 33rd NC Infantry, CSA. ("North Carolina Troops", Volume IX, page 205.)

Alex Murray, Seaman, aged 21, occupation Mariner, enlisted August 3, 1863, for 3 years, at Philadelphia. Born Calcutta, eyes brown, hair brown, fair complexion. Page 428, Volume 27.

Charles Newton, Seaman, aged 40, enlisted September 11, 1861, for 3 years, at New Bedford, Massachusetts. Born Marquasar (?), eyes bronze, hair dark, dark complexion. Page 230, Volume 16.

George Nichols, Ordinary Seaman, aged 38, enlisted July 12, 1862, for 1 year, at New Bedford, Massachusetts. Born Guam, eyes dark, hair dark, dark complexion. Page 498, Volume 35.

Henry Ogden, Landsman, aged 21, enlisted September 3, 1864, for 3 years, at New Bedford, Massachusetts. Born Guam, eyes dark, hair b/s, copper complexion. Page 104, Volume 37.

Emile Onferme, Ordinary Seaman, aged 25, occupation Mariner, enlisted February 21, 1865, for 3 years, at New York. Born Mauritius, described as Black. Page 109, Volume 42.

John Owens, Landsman, USS Norwich, aged 35, occupation Cook, enlisted May 24, 1864 for 1 year, at New York. Born China, eyes black, hair black, complexion dark. Page 366, Volume 34.

William Packenham, First Class Fireman, USS Narraganset, aged 24, enlisted June 6, 1864, for 2 years, at San Francisco. Born Bangalore, East Indies, eyes gray, hair brown, dark complexion. Resident of California.

Pascal Pacrad (or Pacard?), Landsman, USS Passaic, aged 19, enlisted November 30, 1863, for 1 year, at Boston. Born Turkey, eyes bronze, hair black, light complexion. Page 700, Volume 30.

Thomas Palmon, Ceylon [Sri Lanka], Company H, 54th NY Infantry. (Muster Roll.)

William Parange, Landsman, USS Lancaster, aged 38, occupation Mariner, enlisted September 15, 1862, for 1 year, at Boston. Born Bay of Isles, eyes black, hair black, black complexion. (Muster Roll.)

William J. Patterson, enlisted at Albany, August 25, 1862, aged 20, in the 11th New York Independent Battery; previous occupation, bookkeeper; born Burhanapour, India; gray eyes, brown hair, light complexion. (Muster Roll.)

Jaque (?) Pereira, Landsman, aged 24, occupation Cook, enlisted March 24, 1865, for 3 years, at Brooklyn. Born Bombay, eyes black, hair black, bronze complexion. Page 174, Volume 43.

Joseph Perez, Ordinary Seaman, aged 28, enlisted September 3, 1864, for 3 years, at New Bedford, Massachusetts. Born Guam, eyes black, hair b/s, copper complexion. Page 104, Volume 37.

Arnold Pierce, Ceylon [Sri Lanka], Company B, 99th NY Vols. (Muster Roll.)

Joseph Pierce, China, Company F, 14th CT Vols. (Pension.)

Sabas Pilisardo, Seaman, aged 37, occupation Mariner, enlisted September 3, 1864, for 3 years, at New York. Born Manila, eyes black, hair black, dark complexion. Page 123, Volume 37.

George Read, Landsman, aged 25, occupation Printer, enlisted October 11, 1862, for 1 year, at New York. Born East Indies, eyes gray, hair black, light complexion. Page 442, Volume 22. (Probably Caucasian.)

Lewis Reid, Landsman, USS Cincinnati, aged 25, enlisted October 11, 1862, for 1 year. Born East Indies, eyes gray, hair black, light complexion. (Muster Roll.) (Probably Caucasian.)

Andreas Rodgers, Ordinary Seaman, aged 20, enlisted July 6, 1862, for 1 year, at New Bedford, Massachusetts. Born Guam, eyes dark, hair black, copper complexion. Page 480, Volume 35.

Prince Romerson, 5th Massachusetts (Colored) Cavalry; born Nyhee, Sandwich Islands; enlisted April 23, 1864, aged 24, at Boston, Massachusetts; previous occupation, barber; promoted to Sergeant, June 1, 1864; mustered out of service, October 10, 1865. (Muster Roll.)

Mananea Romulus, Landsman, aged 26, enlisted September 3, 1861, for 3 years, at New York. Born Manila, described as Lascar. Page 222, Volume 16.

James Rontongo, Seaman, USS Potomac, aged 24, enlisted November 16, 1864, for 3 years, at Boston. Born Tahiti, eyes black, hair black, dark complexion. Sent to hospital January 21, 1865.

Joseph Rontongo, aged 27, occupation Sailor, enlisted November 10, 1864, for 3 years, at Baltimore. Born Otahiti, eyes black, hair brown, dark complexion. Page 858, Volume 39.

Manuel Roymanus (or Raymanus), Manilla [Phillippines], Company H, 25th NY Cavalry, enlisted February 15, 1864, aged 25; previous occupation, sailor; black eyes, black hair, dark complexion; deserted at Camp Stoneman, August, 1864. (Muster Roll.)

Lester L. Russell, China, USS Montgomery. (Muster Roll.)

John Sailer, born Sandwich Islands, joined the CSS Shenandoah, as Seaman, May, 1865, from the captive Abigail. (Information from a List of the Officers and men of the Shenandoah, included with an affidavit filled out by William A. Temple at Liverpool, on December 6th, 1865.)

Manuel Santos (or Santoz), Seaman, USS Monitor, aged 45, enlisted April 8, 1863 (1865?), for 1 year, at Boston. Born Manila, described as Manila ----. Page 175, Volume 25.

William Scarman, Seaman, aged 39, occupation Sailor, enlisted October 11, 1864, for 2 years, at New York. Born India, eyes gray, hair dark, dark complexion. Page 791, Volume 39.

Edward M. Schneider, Private, Company K, 57th Massachusetts Veteran Volunteers; born Bronza, Turkey; enlisted at Boston, Massachusetts, March 8, 1864, at age 17; mortally wounded at Petersburg, Virginia, June 17, 1864, died June 19. (Information from roster in Warren Wilkinson's Mother, May You Never See The Sights I Have Seen.)

Charles D. Scott, Calcutta, India, 60th OH Vols. (Muster Roll.)

John Scott, Seaman, aged 24, enlisted August 21, 1863, for 1 year, at Boston. Born East Indies, eyes black, hair light, light complexion. Page 452, Volume 27. (Probably Caucasian.)

William Shawn, 1st New York Independent Artillery; born India; enlisted April 16, 1864, aged 25; gray eyes, dark hair, dark complexion; died of typhoid fever, February 22, 1865. (Muster Roll.)

John Shin, Landsman, aged 24, occupation Captain's Steward, enlisted August 22, 1864, for 3 years, at New York. Born China, eyes black, hair black, dark complexion. Page 30, Volume 37.

Ryland K. Shucky, Macao, China, Company A, 4th KY Cavalry. (Muster Roll.)

John A. Shun, Officer's Cook, USS Pursuit, aged 23, enlisted December 18, 1861, for 3 years, at New York. Born Macao, China, eyes dark, hair black, complexion described as China. (Muster Roll.)

Duke Simmons, Malaya, CSS Shenandoah, Confederate States Navy. (From the list of personnel aboard the vessel included with affidavit signed by William G. Temple at Liverpool, in November, 1865.)

Charles J. Simons, India, Company A, 9th NH Vols. ("The Congressional Medal of Honor" - Sharp & Dunnigan Publications, page 907.)

Benjamin Smart, Landsman, aged 25, occupation Labourer, enlisted June 27, 1864, for 1 year at Boston. Born Navigator Island. Described as a Pacific Islander. Page 459, Volume 35.

Harry Smith, Ordinary Seaman, aged 39, enlisted April 5, 1865, for 3 years, at Hoboken, New Jersey. Born (???) --- abroa, eyes dark, hair black, copper complexion. Page 207, Volume 43.

John Smith, Seaman, USS Monongahela, aged 40, enlisted July 18, 1862 (or 1864?), for 1 (3?) year, at New Bedford, Massachusetts. Born Friendly Islands, eyes dark, hair dark, dark complexion. In hospital at Key West, January 13, 1865. Page 517, Volume 35.

Robert Smith, 11th New York Independent Battery; previous occupation, bookkeeper; born East Indies; enlisted at Albany, New York, August 8, 1862, aged 33; discharged December 6, 1862. (Muster Roll.)

Thomas Smith, Landsman, aged 30, occupation Mariner, enlisted November 26, 1861, for 3 years, at Philadelphia. Born Hong Kong, eyes black, hair black, dark complexion. Page 332, Volume 17. (Muster Rolls of the USS Potomac show Thomas Smith, Landsman, native of Canton, China, aged 23, enlisted November 26, 1861, at Philadelphia.)

William Smith, Landsman, USS New London, aged 21, enlisted February 15, 1865, for 3 years, at New Orleans. Born India, eyes ---, hair brown, fair complexion, resident of India. (Muster Roll.)

Joseph Sortee, Officer's Cook, USS Narraganset, aged 28, occupation Cook, enlisted October 24, 1863, for 3 years, at Calleo. Born Madras, eyes black, hair black, dark complexion. (Muster Roll.)

Robert Spicer, Landsman, aged 18, occupation Fisherman, enlisted July 21, 1862, for 3 years, aboard USS Sabine. Born China, eyes black, hair black, olive complexion. Page 305, Volume 20.

Theodore Spooner, Landsman, USS Mount Washington and USS Minnesota, aged 20, enlisted April 12, 1861, for 3 years, at Boston. Born Smyrnia, Asia Minor, eyes hazel, hair black, dark complexion. (Muster Rolls.)

Moses Stalvey, Landsman, USS Osceola, aged 28, occupation Stone Cutter, enlisted November 29, 1864, for 3 years, at Point Lookout. Born Arabia, eyes gray, hair dark, fair complexion. (Probably Caucasian.)

Nicholas Stavon, Ordinary Seaman, USS Powhatan, aged 25, enlisted January 30, 1865, for 3 years, at Boston. Born Turkey, eyes hazel, hair black, dark complexion. (Muster Roll.)

C. William Sutter, Seaman, aged 22, occupation Mariner, enlisted April 6, 1865, for 3 years, at Philadelphia. Born Calcutta, East Indies, eyes hazel, hair black, dark complexion. Page 208, Volume 43.

Thomas Sylvanus, China, Company H, 59th NY Infantry. (Muster Roll.)

Robert Tahiti, Ordinary Seaman, US Steamer George Maugham, previous occupation Mariner, aged 29, enlisted July 7, 1862 (or 1864?), for 1 year, at New Bedford, Massachusetts. Born Tahiti, eyes dark, hair black, copper complexion. Page 480, Volume 35.

John Thompson, Ordinary Seaman, aged 23, enlisted March 3, 1863, for 1 year, at New Bedford, Massachusetts. Born Manila, eyes black, hair black, copper complexion. Page 116, Volume 25. (See also next entry.)

John Thompson, Seaman, aged 24, occupation Sail Maker, enlisted March 31, 1864, for 2 years, aboard USS Brandywine. Born Manila, eyes black, hair black, copper complexion. Page 199, Volume 32. (Probably the same person shown in the previous entry.)

John Thompson, Officer's Servant, USS Commodore Jones, aged 29, enlisted April 27, 1863, for 1 year, at New York. Born China, eyes hazel, hair black, dark complexion. (Muster Roll.)

Samuel Thompson, Landsman, aged 20, enlisted July 12, 1862, for 1 year, at New York. Born China, eyes black, hair black, yellow complexion. Page 501, Volume 35.

John Tomney, China, Company D, 70th NY Vols. (Article in Daily Alta California, Aug. 5, 1863)

N.K. Van Husen, India, Company B, 100th NY Vols. (Muster Roll.)

George Voglesang, Landsman, USS Neptune, occupation Waiter, enlisted September 2, 1864, for 1 year, at Brooklyn. Born in the East Indies, described as Mulatto. (Muster Roll.)

John Voglesang, Landsman, USS Neptune, occupation Waiter, enlisted September 5, 1864, for 1 year, at New York. Born in the East Indies, eyes dark, hair dark, dark complexion. Deserted November 10, 1864, at Philadelphia. (Muster Roll.)

Samuel M. Watt, 20th United States Colored Troops; born Sandwich Islands; enlisted October 16, 1864, aged 21, at Kingston, New York; previous occupation, sailor; discharged for disability at New Orleans, Louisiana. (Muster Roll.)

James Williams, Seaman, aged 27, occupation Sailor, enlisted May 24, 1864, for 3 years, at New York. Born Otahiti, eyes bronze, hair dark, dark complexion. Page 365, Volume 34.

Thomas Williams, Seaman & Coxswain, USS Mohican, aged 29, occupation Mariner, enlisted July 9, 1862 (or 1864?), for 1 year, at New York. Born Asia, eyes black, hair black, dark complexion. Page 481, Volume 35. (See also the Muster Roll of USS Mohican.)

John A. Wing, Officer's Steward, USS Pursuit, aged 25, occupation Mariner, enlisted December 18, 1861, for 3 years, at New York. Born Canton, China, eyes black, hair black, complexion described as China. (Muster Roll.)

Alfred Wong, China, 12th NY Cavalry. (Muster Roll.)

John A. Wong, Landsman, aged 27, occupation Mariner, enlisted March 20, 1865, for 2 years, at New York. Born China, eyes dark, hair black, sallow complexion. Page 172, Volume 43.

John Wylee, Landsman, aged 28, enlisted March 4, 1862, for 3 years, at New York. Born China, eyes dark, hair black, swarthy complexion. Page 106, Volume 19.

Thomas Young, Officer's Cook, USS Monitor, aged 24, enlisted March 10, 1861, for 3 years, at Boston. Born Cape Town, South Africa. (Muster Roll.)

Leon Zapanta, Carpenter's Mate, USS Owasco, aged 45, occupation Carpenter, enlisted September 11, 1860, for 3 years, at Norfolk. Born Manila, eyes hazel, hair black, dark complexion. Resident of Virginia. (Muster Roll.)

Sources:

MA Roster - Massachusetts State Rosters.

Mil. Im. - Military Images magazine.

Muster Roll - Information obtained from original muster rolls at the National Archives.

NH Rosters - New Hampshire Rosters issued by State Adjutant General.

Pension - Pension records, National Archives, Washington, D.C.

Copyright, 1999-2000 (Updated June, 2003), Terry Foenander

[PetePaolillo]

Re: Asains in the mid 19th C.

Below is another picture of Felix Balderry


Asian / Pacific Islander, Civil War Veteran

A preliminary search indicated this Union soldier came from the South Sea. That got me (the webmaster) interested, for I had been looking for Asian and Pacific Islander as representative of that region, serving in the American Civil War. The exotic South Sea, or Nam Yeung, represented a vast area south of China, including, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Phillippine and perhaps entended to the Polynesia.

A reader of my website, and a friend's re-enacting group member, David Naumec (14th CVI, N-SSA) wrote me, saying "Just came across photo's of a Felix C. Balderry. I first noticed the photo of him in full uniform with his Springfield. Without checking the caption I thought he might be Indian, especially being from a Michigan unit. Turns out he's from the South Seas."
David Naumec first came across my webpage through his friend Chris Carter a few years ago. David was always interested in the various people who became wrapped up in the American Civil War. He does quite a bit of research into New England African American and Indian Civil War vets but keep an eye out for any persons of color in the ranks.

[Credit of the discovery first goes to David Naumec (14th CVI, N-SSA)]

Further research indicated that Felix C. Balderry's Nationality is from the Phillipines. His picture indicated he, or his forefathers, could be immigrated from China, and having Chinese blood or Chinese heritage. I am glad to select him in my web site, as he came from the South Sea. I would like to include an Asian and Pacific Islander serving in the American Civil War in my website.

Asian / Pacific Islander, Civil War Veteran. Felix C. Balderry

http://sites.google.com/site/accsacw/Home/south-sea

[Emmanuel Dabney]

Re: Asains in the mid 19th C.

Pete,

Thank you for sharing this information! This is exactly what this forum is about. A. information from primary sources B. sharing information to better our understanding of the Civil War era C. exciting us to learn more about people in the past!

[PetePaolillo]

Re: Asains in the mid 19th C.

Emmanuel , Thanks. My daughter is Chinese born and I have wanted to do research on this very subject since, Here is more good information.

http://sites.google.com/site/accsacw/

Introducing the Research Work of Dr. King Zhang, a/k/a Dr. Qingsong Zhang on Chinese serving in the American Civil War
A short Biography of Dr. Zhang

Dr. Zhang came from Yangzhou (Yeung Chow, in Cantonese) city, Jiangsu (Kong So) province, China. In his youth, he liked to gaze at the waves of Yangtze River and daydreamed that one day, he would cross the ocean to see the world. His dream was gradually fulfilled. First, he entered Nanjing (Nanking) University in 1978, majoring in History. Graduated in 1982, he became a graduate student at the same Nanjing (Nanking) University. In 1984, he crossed the ocean and attended the University of Virginia as an exchanged student and got his Master Degree in 1986, and then, his Ph.D. Degree in History in 1994.

On 05/18/2000, Dr. Zhang contacted me after he found my website, and he graciously provided some information on his independent research and contribution on Chinese serving in the American Civil War to me. He had written a book called "Dragon In The Land Of The Eagle", in Chinese language and Chapter 12 dealed with Chinese serving in the American Civil War. He is also a contributer on the same subject, written in English, to a Civil War Encyclopedia. That was done prior the publication of the Chinese in the Civil War article in the North and South magazine by Tom Lowry and Ed Milligan. The following are Dr. Zhang's writing.

In 1998, Dr. Zhang saw the news that some scholars were editing a book of Encyclopedia of American Civil War. He contacted the editor and suggested to include an entry for "Chinese soldiers in Civil War". Although they had completed the entries, after understanding the important merit of this missing piece, they agreed to insert an entry and asked Dr. Zhang to write the text. He wrote a 500 word piece for them and it was accepted. So, when the book comes out, it will include a piece on the Chinese soldiers.

The name of that "to be published" book in year 2001 is: Encyclopedia of the American Civil War, A Comprehensive Reference from ABC-CCLIO, Colorado Springs.

GENERAL EDITORS: Jeanne T. Heidler, PhD; David S. Heidler, PhD; ASSOCIATE EDITOR: David J. Coles, PhD; EDITORIAL BOARD: Gary W. Gallagher, PhD; University of Virginia; James M. McPherson, PhD; Princeton University; Mark E. Neely, Jr., PhD; Penn State University;

The Encyclopedia of the American Civil War will be a multi-volume reference published by ABC-CCLIO in the year 2001. Abundantly illustrated with maps, photographs, and other art from the period, it will contain approximately 1,500 articles for a total of about 1.6 million words. Topics will cover all aspects of the war, including causes, major and minor figures, campaigns, engagements, social issues, places, and events pertinent to the conflict.

Title: "Chinese American Soldiers"; words: 500

Contributor: Qingsong Zhang, Ph.D.(History, 1994, University of Virginia). Author of Mei Guo Bai Nian Pai Hua Nei Mu (Dragon In The Land Of The Eagle), Shanghai People's Publishing House, 1998.

Chinese American Soldiers

In 1860, according to a United States Census Bureau report, all of the 34,933 Chinese in the United States resided in California. It seemed that no Chinese participated in the American Civil War. However, recent research has revealed at least three Chinese volunteers in the Union Army and one Chinese in the Union Navy.

It is believed to be WOO Hong Neok's picture in Union uniform, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Courtesy of Michael Musick, archivist of Civil War Military Record at the National Archive, Washington, D.C., and Courtesy of Dr. Thomas P. Lowry, a retired physician and author of several Civil War books.

Hong Neok Woo, who came to the United States on board a U.S. warship, lived in Lancaster, Pennsylvania for nine years and became a citizen on September 22, 1860. On June 29, 1863, he joined the 50th Infantry of the Pennsylvania Volunteers. After the battle of Gettysburg, Woo was honorably discharged along with his company on June 15, 1863. Woo later returned to China and worked for U.S. missionaries in Shanghai.

see pictures below

The picture of Joseph Pierce in Union uniform. Courtesy of the owner of the picture, Michael J. McAfee, Senior Editor of the Military Images magazine and Curator of the Museum of United States Military Academy, and courtesy of Philip Katcher, Senior Book Review Editor of the Military Images magazine.
Photo credit also goes to Irving Moy.

see pictures below

Picture Shown above: Joseph Pierce. Copy of the original picture of Joseph Pierce in Oval picture frame,
published in History of the Fourteenth Regiment, Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, by Charles D. Page,
(Boston, 1906.), on the Chapter named "The March from Falmouth to Gettysburg" page 131.
Photo credit also goes to Irving Moy.


Joseph Pierce, who at age of 10 was bought by a captain Peck in Canton, China and brought to Kensington, Connecticut. The Peck family named him "Pierce" after then President Franklin Pierce. On July 26, 1862, at age 20, Pierce joined the 14th Infantry of the Connecticut Volunteers. The 14th Infantry took part in 34 battles and suffered heavy casualties (234 heads when discharged in 1865 as opposed to 1015 when formed in 1862). Pierce was honorably discharged with the Infantry on May 31, 1865 in Alexandria, Virginia. He received a promotion from private to corporal on November 1, 1863. After the war, he married Martha Morgan and lived in Meridan, Connecticut until his death on January 3, 1916.


Antonio Dardelle. Masonic Burial For Union Veteran; Antonio Dardelle, Civil War veteran who was buried with Masonic rites this afternoon. The photo appeared with his obituary. New Haven Register, January 19, 1933; courtesy of Andrew Cusati.

Antonio Dardell was also a Chinese boy bought by a sea captain and brought to Connecticut. He joined the 27th Infantry of the Connecticut Volunteers at New Haven on August 23, 1862. The 27th Infantry suffered heavy casualties in three battles it engaged. On July 27, 1863, Dardell was honorably discharged in New Heaven along with the 27th Infantry. After the war, he married Mary Payne and lived in New Haven. On March 17, 1882, he became a naturalized citizen. He died on January 18, 1933 and was buried in Madison, Connecticut.

Tsui Kuo Ying, Chinese ambassador to the United States, wrote in his diary in 1891 that there was a Chinese named Ah Mei in Chicago. Ah Mei studied in a military school for several years and served in the U.S. Navy during the Civil War. After the war, he became an American citizen and was permitted to vote in important elections. The name and story has not been confirmed. However, it has been known that in 1865 there was a Chinese in Chicago who sent letters to relatives in China. Census also show that there was a Chinese in Chicago in 1870.

The stories of Hong Neok Woo, Joseph Pierce, Antonio Dardell and Ah Mei demonstrate that Chinese Americans are as patriotic as any other ethnic groups in the United States. They contributed to the war against slavery and helped save the Union of the United States.



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Dr. Qingsong Zhang's additional writing on Joseph Pierce

From Chapter 12 of his book "Chinese Exclusion U.S.A." written in Chinese language.
Translated into English by the webmaster Gordon Kwok, on selected paragraphs that haven't appeared anywhere else in this web site.

(1) A Family story about Joseph Pierce circulated by the Peck Family.

The descendents of the Peck family circulated many little interesting episodes on a family member, a small Chinese boy from the East. One of the stories started like this. The mother of Amos Peck faced some challenges in raising Joseph Pierce. For example, the small Chinese boy was not used to eat American style dinner. So very often, he sneaked out to the animal farm, the straw-roof shelter, and cooked his own Chinese style dishes for his consumption. He moved the hay and grass aside, and chose a piece of flat area, where he built a fire. The sparks from the fire flew and jumped around, and scared the Peck family plenty much (for fearing the buildings might catch fire.) Later on, Mother Peck decided to let Joseph Pierce to cook his Chinese meal in a safe place ------ on the stove in the kitchen. (From Hartford Courant, August 4, 1863.)

(Notes from Irving Moy: I saw this story in the Hartford Courant during my research. The article said that he would sneak out and cook rice in the barn and one day set the straw on fire and ,in turn, the barn. I did not use it because there was a cartoon with it showing Pierce running out of the barn, looking rather foolish. The way it was drawn I thought it was another racial sterotype of the Chinese. The article was written in 1963. I also could not see how he could have gotten rice and at that age, 10-12 ? Tried to cook it. It also was a story that was handed down third hand and not from a family member.)



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(2) The Battle of Gettysburg

During July 1 to 3, 1863, the 14th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry participated in the Great Battle of the Civil War.

General Robert E. Lee took his Confederate Army of Northern Virginia to Pennsylvania and fought with the Army of the Potomac, led by the newly appointed Union General George Gordon Meade at Gettysburg. This was the most decisive conflict, and the turning point of the Civil War.

July 3, 1863, the Confederate Army attacked the Union force. Joseph Pierce served in the 14th Connecticut Volunteer regiment, which had only about 200 soldiers left from the 1,000+ when they first organized, and one of the five Connecticut regiments of the Army of the Potomac. The 14th regiment was placed on the right wing.

Situation unfold, showing Gen. Lee and Gen. Longstreet had ordered Gen. Pickett to lead 10,000+ men, in 3 or 4 lines, charging on the fortified Union defense post behind the low stone wall. After the Confederate cannons bombarded the Union line, they marched with colors and drums. The bayonets of their rifles reflected sparks of shining bright light, dazzling one's eyes.

The Union army were well prepared and waited for the Southerners to approach at the right distance, within the range of their cannons and rifles. It happened that the position of the 14th CT regiment was on the pathway of the Confederate's attacking point. The Union soldiers quietly examined their rifles, loaded the bullets and gunpowder, and prayed silently. Some took out the pictures of their loved ones and had their last look. One of the war history recorded as follow: (John Niven, Connecticut for the Union: The Role of the State in the Civil War, New Haven, 1965, pp. 239-241.) "A private named, Joseph Pierce, from the 14th Connecticut Voluntary Regiment, carefully put his long hair, pleaded as a pig tail, and tucked it inside the collar of his soiled Union uniform. He was the only Chinese soldier serving in the Union Army. He carefully checked the bullets in his gun barrel, and examined the trigger. He put his finger on it, pressed it tight, and got ready to fire."

The Union soldiers waited until the Confederates approached within the range of their weapons. The North opened fire. Hundred cannons opened up and cut down the Southerners like cutting weeds and grass with a scythe. For the Southerners who escaped the cannon balls, would face lines of Union soldiers shooting at them. The first line knelt and shot with their rifles. The second line stood and fired with their rifles. And quickly reloaded their gunpowder and bullets. And so on went the continuous shooting, fighting and bayoneting. When the smoke and dust got settled, Pickett's charge turned fizzled. Thousands of the Confederates laid injured and dead. The remaining Confederates retreated, walking backward. (If they got shot, they didn't want to be shot at their back. They preferred to be shot at their front, and showed bravery. So they walked backward.)

Joseph Pierce and his 14th regiment contributed a lot to the victory in the Battle of Gettysburg.



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Dr. Qingsong Zhang's writing on Antonio Dardelle
From Chapter 12 of his book "Chinese Exclusion U.S.A." written in Chinese language.
Translated into English by the webmaster Gordon Kwok. Parenthesis [xxxxxxx] were added by the Webmaster to clarify the facts.

There was another Chinese serving in the Connecticut Volunteer Regiment. We would not have known his story, if he had not disclosed that this unsung hero was from China. His name is Antonio Dardelle.

I could not figure out the detail of Dardelle's background, but I could say his situation was very similar to Pierce's. Scanning his known documents, the section on date of birth and place of birth indicated that he was born in China, and was raised by a sea captain [Captain David White of the town Guildford] from Connecticut.

Dardelle was born on January 1844, in Kwangtung Province, China, and therefore, he was two years younger than Joseph Pierce. He enlisted at 18. His height was 178 centimeters. His muster roll described him as having black hair and black eyes, and undoubtedly a Chinese.

Dardelle enlisted in [Company A] twenty-seventh Connecticut Voluntary Infantry, in New Haven [at Camp Terry] on August 23, 1862. Yale University is located in New Haven, and therefore, the education level of this regiment is the highest of all Connecticut regiments. His residence was in Clinton.

The organization of 27th was complete in September 1862. On October 22 [1862], the regiment received order to leave New Haven and proceed to Washington, DC. The 27th had 829 soldiers and officers.

In October 25 [1862], the 27th arrived in Washington, DC, and mustered in part of the Army of Potomac. Later on, they engaged in three big battles, but unfortunately, they did not win. Their rifles came from Austria, of inferior quality. One of their commanders commented, "Soldiers, if the bullets could not be fired from your rifles, use your bayonet." The 27th was assigned to the second Corps, first Brigade. The Army of the Potomac [of 1862] was well known to be bungling. The Army was led by a General [General Ambrose Burnside] who was really courageous, but knew nothing about strategy and tactics.

The first battle of 27th regiment, under the command of [General Winfield Scott] Hancock, fought in the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virgina, in December 1862. That morning, the Union army [crossed the Rappahannock] and arrived in Fredericksburg, marched towards Marye's Heights. Between the city and the [stonewall of] Marye's Heights, laid an unprotected ground. The Confederate fire power, [well protected behind the stonewall] covered the whole panoramic view. The North repeatedly charged [Marye's Heights]. The South opened up their fire. ["When we opened up, not a chicken down there would survive." said Confederate General Edward Porter Alexander.] The North suffered severely. When some the Union army moved closer to the stonewall, rain of bullets washed over them. Under a net of cannon balls and bullets, the Union's charge subsided. The North gave up the attack in the evening and retreated.

375 soldiers of the 27th Infantry participated in this battle. One officer and 15 soldiers laid dead; 5 officers and 84 soldiers were wounded; and 3 missing; total 108 casualties, losing about one third of its strength. Just before the battle, some soldiers of the 27th were transferred to perform some other duties, otherwise, the casualty list would have been more severe. [Dardelle later told people he had suffered a severe wound in his right shoulder during heavy fighting in Marye's Heights, which was a part of the Battle of Federicksburg, and his military records confirmed that he was indeed 'in hospital' in December 1862, but the notation is "sick" rather than wounded. On January 27, 1863, he was transferred from the General Hospital at Portsmouth Grove, Rhode Island, to the one in New Haven, and he remained "sick in hospital at New Haven" from January through June, 1863. When speaking of his wound, however, he claimed that "after a brief period of treatment, he returned to his company and served until the end of the war."]

After resting for the Winter camping, the 27th participated in another great battle in May 1863, in the Battle of Chancellorville, Virginia. Owing to the error of the high command [General Joeseph Hooker], the Union army suffered another defeat. [Dardelle was not there.]

At 11 a.m. in the morning of June 6, 1863, 27th marched to an important sentry position of the front line as ordered, with other regiments, composed of about 400 plus soldiers. Along the way, they were ambushed by the enemy and had some casualties. When they arrived the destination, they found out the two wings of the enemy started to envelope them, intending to surround them and cut off their escape route. At this crucial juncture, they could find their commander, and they couldn't decide what to do.

The Confederate then completed the encirclement, and sent officer under the flag of truce to persuade the 27th to surrender, telling them they had no chance and would be soon annihilated. The 27th had no choice but to give up their arms and surrendered.

In this skirmish, 27th lost 2 soldiers, and 1 officer and 6 soldiers wounded, and 18 officers and 265 soldiers got captured, making a total of about 292 soldiers. It was not certain whether Antonio Dardelle was among the prisoner of war. [Other source indicated Dardelle was not there, but recuperating in a New Haven hospital.] The 2 left over regiment of 27th were re-organized with others to form a brigade.

The re-organized 27th marched to Pennsylvania and participated in the famous Battle of Gettysburg in July 2, 1863. The 27th regiment had only 75 soldiers left. July 2, Union 3rd Army engaged with and attacked the Confederate force on the left wing. Owing to the long line and their thin composition, their attack collapsed upon the Confederate's counter-attack.

The next day, July 3, the 27th was assigned to guard [the center], beside the 14th Connecticut Infantry. At that time the 27th had only 37 soldiers left in their regiment. Well, the 14th was the focal point of the Confederate attack. [To make a long story short], the Confederate Pickett's charge were crushed by the Federal, and the South lost 5,000, killed, and 1,000 captured. The Confederates were forced to withdraw.

In Gettysburg, the 27th lost 2 officers and 8 soldiers, 4 officers and 20 soldiers injured; 5 missing; total casualty was 39.

After 9 months of fighting, 27th regiment had only 37 effective soldiers left for combat duty.

Gettysburg was the last battle of the 27th. Afterward, the name 27th regiment was taken away from the organizational chart, and disbanded the surviving soldiers. Connecticut had provided 5 regiments and 4 of them were disbanded. Only the 14th [Joseph Pierce's] was left to continue to carry on.

On July 18, 1863, the survivors of the 27th departed the Army of the Potomac and went home. The captured soldiers of the 27th, after paroled and exchanged, also were released and joined their comrades in Baltimore. On July 22, 1863, the 27th returned to New Haven, and received warm-hearted welcome by their families and friends. Only about half of their original enlisted number were left. On July 27, 1863, the 27th Connecticut Voluntary Infantry was mustered out in New Haven. According to the Government's record, Antonio Dardelle, with his comrades, were "honorably discharged." Most soldiers on record were "honorably discharged," and only a small portion of soldiers got "discharged." Only a soldier with "honorably discharged" could received various benefits, [such as a pension.]

Dardelle served in the military for eleven months and five days, as a private. He had no injury record. Owing to his non-Chinese sounding name, nobody could imagine he was a Chinese (by just looking at his names.) Local military historian often thought Joseph Pierce is the only Chinese serving in the Civil War. Thanks for a reporter from New York Times, who wrote an article in 1882, revealing his Chinese background, otherwise, we might never find out his existence.

{Please note: Dr. Zhang translated the original English text into Chinese. The Webmaster translated the Chinese text back into English. Therefore, this translated English text may not match the original English text. The webmaster hopes that 99% of the original message and meaning would be retained.}

(New York Times) March 17, 1882 printed an article:
In New Haven, Connecticut, there is a Chinese named Antonio Dardelle. He was Naturalized as an U.S. citizen in the Superior Court of New Haven on October 22, 1880. He did not go through the process of Declaration of Intention to become a citizen three years prior, and instead, directly applied for Naturalization. We found out he held the "honorably discharged" Certificate of the 27th Connecticut Volunteer Regiment, enlisted in October 22, 1862 and mustered out in July 25 (should be 27), 1863. According to the U.S. law, that could substitute "the first document."

The law we are referring, is the Bill passed by the U.S. Congress on July 17, 1862, that "Any foreigner over age 21, and if he has been, or will be, honorably discharged from the U.S. Army, and if he permanently lives in the United States, he could apply to become U.S. citizen immediately, without the procedure of declaring intention to become U.S. citizen three years prior. He must demonstrate to the Court that he was honorably discharged, and lived and observed all moral turpitude."

In order to recruit more people to join in the Union Army during the Civil War, U.S. Congress passed this law to encourage foreign-born immigrants to enlist. Joseph Pierce applied to become citizen in 1882, just before the passing the Chinese Exclusion Law, in order to protect his status to stay in the United States.

After honorably discharged, Antonio Dardelle returned to his hometown, Clinton. On April 9, 1868, he married an American girl named Mary Payne. The wedding was held in a church in Madison. Madison could be Mary's hometown. Mary's father was also a sea captain. Clinton and Madison are about 4 miles apart, at the coast of the Atlantic. Dardelle grew up around this area.

In 1869, they moved to New Haven, and lived there ever since; their address was at 292 George Street, New Haven, Connecticut. His occupation was a tinsmith.

Antonio and Mary Dardelle had three daughters. The oldest daughter, Minie, was born in November 1, 1873; second daughter Carrie, was born in July 7, 1875, and later married to a Mr. Cowan; third daughter Alice, was born in November 18, 1880.

Joseph Pierce applied for military pension in 1890. Antonio Dardelle applied in 1907. Dardelle applied in February 23, 1907 and got approval in June 15. He received $12 per month. From May 25, 1912, his pension increased to $15.5 per month. In August 23, 1914, the sum increased to $19. From August 23, 1919, his pension jumped to $22.5 per month. Dardelle passed away at age 89, in January 18, 1933. His death certificate said he was buried in Madison, Connecticut, in January 21, 1933.

COPYRIGHT (C)

All rights reserved.



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Webmaster and editor, Gordon Kwok
(
gordoncwrt@gmail.com)
JULY 1, 2000
Revised March 9, 2001
Revised and updated on January 26, 2009

[PetePaolillo]

Re: Asains in the mid 19th C.

Here are some other links of interest

http://books.google.com/books?id=SdrYv7S60fgC&lpg=PA434&dq=chinese%20in%20the%20american%20%20civil%20war&pg=PA434#v=onepage&q=chinese%20in%20the%20american%20%20civil%20war&f=false

http://books.google.com/books?id=-ogYAAAAIAAJ&q=chinese++american++civil+war&dq=chinese++american++civil+war&source=gbs_similarbooks_s&cad=1

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05190/535482-85.stm

http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=44949

http://www.asiawind.com/oca-columbus/histmarker.htm

You will have to copy and paste this link for some reason
http://www.civilwarhome.com/ethnicpage.htm#generalethnic>

a video documentary

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsQDk6OqToY

[gilham]

Re: Asains in the mid 19th C.

Great info Pete.
This subject is somthing I never realy gave any thought to.
I love the anglicized names that were used.
Aside from the couple of John Adams and several John Browns the best ones were William Bill and Joe California.

[Mgreer]

Re: Asains in the mid 19th C.

I find it intersting that they lumped a few guys in with the USCT. But looking at their nationalities most of them were darker complexion

[gilham]

Re: Asains in the mid 19th C.

I find it intersting that they lumped a few guys in with the USCT. But looking at their nationalities most of them were darker complexion

I noticed that as well.
The area I grew up in had a lot of Pacific Islanders. Mostly Samoans. Alot of the Samoan kids I went to school with had very dark skin tones.

[sam H]

Re: Asains in the mid 19th C.

Where is Spellman? He has done a ton of research on his impression.

[BrandonEnglish]

Re: Asains in the mid 19th C.

Where is Spellman? He has done a ton of research on his impression.

That's exactly what I was going to say Sam...Spellman where you at?

[Mgreer]

Re: Asains in the mid 19th C.

Pete you should talk to Fuji and conpair notes.

[Shockoe Hill Cats]

Re: Asains in the mid 19th C.

Where is Spellman? He has done a ton of research on his impression.

Hey, thanks for thinking of me.

I have nothing further to add to the information Mr. Paolillo has presented, other than to say that I chose to portray Corporal John Tommy (sic Tomney) when I first began the hobby nearly... seven years ago now! Most of the information I developed my impression from was the Daily Alta California article, which was likewise published in the Chicago Daily Tribune on July 13, 1863, eleven days after his death. His is a great story, and I chose to represent him to bring more notice to the contributions of Asian immigrants during the war.

Nice to hear names such as Dr. Tom Lowry, Dr. Gordon Kwok, and Irving Moy were mentioned. I have fallen out of touch with them in the last few years. I feel like this topic has come up before and I feel less inclined to write about until I have time to research more. I look forward to developing my masters thesis about this same issue in the near future.

And for your viewing pleasure, an image that came up on eBay that a comrade sent to me:

[PetePaolillo]

Re: Asains in the mid 19th C.

Irving Moy, Who Jason mentioned has done some suberb work and research into the life and record of Chinese Soldier Joseph Pierce. Here is his link and a link to a Joseph Pierce memorial service in 2006

http://members.tripod.com/bliss_barn/pierce.html

http://members.tripod.com/bliss_barn/Pierce%20Monument%20Dedication.htm