Raynors HCA 2015-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/3/2015
GOODYEAR, Ellsworth D. (1827-1910) In 1861, he entered the service as Captain of the 6th Company, 10th Regiment of Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. He was in the battles of Roanoke Island, Kingston, Whitehall and Goldsboro, N. C, in 1862. His regiment served in the Department of South Carolina in 1863, and was in the siege of Morris Island and Fort Sumter. The night after the evacuation of the Island, by the Confederates, he was selected to lead the forlorn hope in a midnight attack by the army on Fort Sumter, and to remain in command of the fort if he succeeded in taking it. Just as he received the signal to attack, the navy interposed, and the army had to retire without result. Autograph Letter Signed “E(llsworth).D(avis).S(prague).G(oodyear), Camp 10th CN, Morris Il, Sept 13, 1863, 4pp., VG. In small part, “I write you at the Major’s request ... the regiment council met ... the 1tenh took the war path again last Wednesday evening in company with the 24th Mass, destination Fort Sumter. The Navy fitted out at the same time & the understanding was whichever commenced the attack first was to have full swing, the other party were to back off & retire. We embarked in boats in the creek off the left batteries & got out into the bay about 12-/34. .. & had just got the order ‘forward’ when the Navy opened fire. We backed water & looked on. The action lasted about 20 minutes when the Commodore ordered a recall & the Navy boats skedadled down the harbor leaving about 200 men on & about the Fort including 9 officers! The way the shot & shells flew around that old fort after the Rebel signals were given... We retired with our ususal dignity to the creek where we launched ... but not without our narrow escape from the mortar shells! ... I am sure we would have taken the Fort - our plan was better than that of the Navy. ... We were to lead the attack! Now the laugh comes in. If the affair was successful 50 men from each regmt were to be left in possession of the Fort with proper officers ...Major detailed me to remain, & you know that I outrank every line officer with the 24th ....”
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