Civil War Experiences Part 5

E. L.

Subject: Medal of Honor.

WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON.

File No. R. & P. 517,138.

March 14, 1899.

CAPTAIN HENRY C. MEYER, _The Engineering Record_, 277 Pearl Street, New York City.

SIR:

I have the honor to advise you that, by direction of the President and under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved March 3, 1863, a Congressional Medal of Honor has this day been awarded to you for distinguished gallantry in action near Petersburg, Virginia, June 17, 1864, the following being a statement of the particular service rendered on that occasion:

"During an a.s.sault upon the enemy's works, this officer rendered heroic a.s.sistance to a helpless brother officer in the face of a heavy fire, thereby saving his life, and in the performance of this gallant act sustained a severe wound."

The Medal will be forwarded to you, by registered mail, as soon as it shall have been properly engraved.

Very respectfully, G. D. MEIKELJOHN, a.s.sistant Secretary of War.

EXTRACT FROM GENERAL NEWBERRY'S RECORDS

CHICAGO, April 11, 1898.

HENRY C. MEYER, JR., New York City.

MY DEAR SIR:

Soon after the close of the War of the Rebellion, finding myself in possession of the Descriptive List Roster of my Regiment--the 24th N. Y.

Veteran Cavalry,--and appreciating the effect of time upon my memory and judgment, resolved to go over the list of officers and make record of my unbiased conclusion as to their ability and character.

I have had frequent occasion to consult that record since, and knowing how much you would appreciate this recorded opinion of your Father's character and service I will quote my endors.e.m.e.nt as therein written thirty-three years ago.

"Henry C. Meyer, 2nd Lt, Jan. 26, 1864. Promoted to Capt. June 8, 1864.

"a.s.signed to Co. D. Wounded June 17, 1864.

"Discharged Sp. Order War Dept. Oct. 13, 1864; Disability.

"This officer was among the finest officers I have ever met. Cool, cautious, and brave as a soldier, he was generous, true, and sincere as a friend. He was fearfully wounded and was discharged in consequence.

"W. C. NEWBERRY, "Col."

May you deserve such commendation after as many years of experience.

Sincerely yours, WALTER C. NEWBERRY.

APPENDIX B

[The following letters and copies of special orders are here reproduced as having some bearing on my promotions, and to indicate the opinions of those with whom I actively served in the Civil War of 1861-1865.--H. C.

M.]

FIRST PROMOTION

HEAD QUARTERS CAVALRY DIVISION.

LEFT GRAND DIVISION.

Dec. 29th, 1862.

Special Order} No. 7. }

Private Henry C. Meyer, of C Company, 2nd New York Cavalry, is hereby detailed as Clerk in the Adjt. Genl's office at these Head Quarters and will report immediately.

By command of Brig. Genl. Gregg.

H. C. WEIR, Capt. and A. A. G.

(Official Copy.) H. C. WEIR, Capt. and A. A. G.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR COMMISSION

HEAD QUARTERS 2ND DIV. CAV., a.s.s'T ADJ'T GENL'S OFFICE, Sept. 5th, 1863.

HON. GEO. T. COBB, M. C.

SIR: It gives me pleasure to recommend Private Henry C. Meyer, 2nd N.

York Cav., for a commission. He has been a faithful soldier and excellent clerk, and is eminently qualified mentally and morally for a commission, especially as an adjutant of a Reg't.

I am very respectfully.

Your ob't s'v't, H. C. WEIR A. A. G.

HEAD QRS., 2ND DIV. CAV. CORPS, Sept. 6th, 1863.

The within recommendation of Capt. H. C. Weir, A. A. G., of this Division, is fully concurred in. I have known Private Meyer, 2nd N. Y.

Cavalry, for nearly two years and can attest his faithfulness as a soldier, his moral, mental, and physical qualifications for the position of Commissioned Officer.

D. MCM. GREGG, Brig. Gen. Vols., Com'g, 2nd Div., Cavalry Corps.

HEADQUARTERS 2ND DIVISION CAVALRY CORPS, September 9th, 1863.

LIEUT. E. B. PARSONS, _A. A. A. G. Cav'y Corps._

LIEUT.: I have the honor to request the suspension of the order from the Major Gen'l Commanding directing me to return Private H. C. Meyer, 2nd New York Cav'y, to his Regiment. Private Meyer has been serving for a year as clerk at the Hdqrs. of the 2nd Division, the former 3d Division, and _Bayard's Brigade_. He is well instructed in his duties, and is familiar with all the records of the Adjutant-General's office of this Division. Capt. H. C. Weir, A. A. G., of this Division, is now absent sick, and at this time the services of Private Meyer are invaluable. I respectfully request, therefore, that I may for the present be permitted to retain Private Meyer. Private W. H. Bubier, 2nd N. Y. Cavalry, was taken prisoner at the battle of Brandy Station, and has not returned to these Hdqrs.

I am, very respectfully, Your ob't serv't, D. MCM. GREGG, Brig.-Gen'l Vols., Comdg 2nd Divsn., C. C.