Robert Hamilton Spencer, son of Captain Abner Peck and Happanonia I. (Ingersol) Spencer, was born ca. 1818 in NY, and died 24 Nov 1873, Great Bend, KS. His famous Civil War nurse and matron wife, Elmina Pheiades Keeler, was the daughter of Darius Dunham and Arethusa (Powers) Keeler. Elmina was born 15 Sept 1819, and died 29 Dec 1912, Oswego, NY. The cause of her death is listed as senile gangrene of foot. The couple has no children.

Robert Hamilton Spencer, Corporal, Company G, 147th Regiment NY Infantry Volunteers, Union, Civil War. Robert H. Spencer, at the age of 44, described himself as 5' 11 1/4"; occupation teacher, gray eyes, brown hair, light complexion. Volunteer 23 Sept 1862, mustered in 23 Sept 1862; Veteran Volunteer 6 Feb 1864, discharged 15 Jun 1865. Special Order No. #30, Par. 2, 1865, Hdqr. Army of Potomac. He was employed as both clerk and ward master in hospitals No. 190229.

Ref: Military Records, National Archives, Washington, DC

Patent Book A, page 368, Vol. 1, p. 167, application 15616, Homestead Certificate 179 which was signed by U.S. Grant, President, to Elmina P. Spencer, ". . . The claim of Elmina P. Spencer, widow of Robert H. Spencer, deceased--has been established and duly consummated, in conformity to law, for the Lots numbered Five and Six and the East half of the South East Quarter of Section Eighteen in Township Nineteen South of Range Twelve West in the district of lands subject to sale at Larned, Kansas containing one hundred and twenty-eight acres and fourteen hundredths of an acre.

Ref: Mrs. Karen P. Neuforth, Route 4, Box 74A, Great Bend, KS 67530

The following articles by Elmina P. Spencer appeared in the Great Bend Register newspaper:

Great Bend, KS, 28 Dec 1876

"A young man by the name of Horton, belonging to the 147th New York Volunteers not yet accustomed to the uniform and unpalatable army rations was in the practice, with many others in camp, of purchasing from the sutler, pies, cakes, and such other luxuries as he might be able to furnish them from his tent of stores. More or less of the men comprising our regiment were suffering from homesickness for homefare. There were a great number of them, however, who were influenced from the advice given by old veterans in the service "to abstain from the craving desire", (the natural result of the restrictions of army life) for pastries, canned fruit and other variety of stuffs furnished and presented in charming array before them by the sutlers of the army, and to adhere to the army fare and wholesome food (when they could obtain it) if they wished to remain healthy and become hardy rugged soldiers. Horton, with others, considered the restrictions unnecessary and the good councils of old soldiers uncalled for, and entirely out of place, threw advice to the winds, and gave free range and wide scope to the urgent appetite which was constantly reminding them of the difference and various kind of dainties which could be procured from the store of the sutler. The consequence was adding to this craving appetite, the unaccustomed exposure of heat and cold, the change of climate with the poor water obtained. Most of the men were attacked with bowel complaints. Horton was now one of the sufferers in the hospital for medical care. Notwithstanding the premonition already given most of them by the fever heat and waiting flesh, they still continued to procure (by and from other when unable to go themselves) the food which was assisting disease to sap what little vitality yet remained in their weakened systems, and luxuries were obtained and hid in their beds and between the folds of their clothing and unperceived by the nurses would devour whatever they had ravenously, such was the iron control this morbid appetite held over them, that no power of reasoning or persuasion could prevent the gratification’s of it whenever an opportunity presented itself. Thus the effect of the medicine was weakened or destroyed and they were failing day by day, many reduced to skeletons and some to death.

My husband entered my tent one day, after going through the wards and said "Horton has got to die, the doctor says he must die, and the medicine fails to effect him one particle, nothing more can be done for him, he will surely die". He (Horton) had become attenuated to a mere bundle of bones and sinews, frightful to behold, and when attempting to walk would reel like a drunken man. The constant craving for delicacies had become a mania with him; it seemed impossible to restrain his appetite for them.

I considered upon his case a few moments with sorrow. He was a neighbor's son. I thought of his father and mother and their grief should he die and I felt that something more must be done to save him. I left our tent and found the surgeon in charge and begged that I might take this case and try the effect of diet without medicine. The surgeon kindly granted my request, saying there might be a chance for him, but he doubted it. I then hurried to the ward and started my patient by saying, "Horton, the surgeon says you must surely die, he can do nothing more for you, for you will continue to eat the stale unhealthy food furnished by sutlers, and your life will pay the forfeit. Nevertheless I think your health can be restored if you submit to the strict scanty diet which I prescribe for you. I shall nearly starve you in drink, as well as food for a few days and you must not ask for more than I give you, and meantime if you can eat food procured elsewhere during the time prescribed, I will leave you to the consequences of to accelerate their recovery.

He was anxious to live, and my abrupt manner of stating the position had given him a shock (as I intended it should) he was aroused to the sense of his condition and danger. I had succeeded in my plan beyond my utmost expectation, he was willing to submit to any course or restraint which I might impose upon him, and promised to faithfully follow my direction. . .His tent mates pledged themselves to watch and aid him to keep his good resolutions. His diet was to be a tin cup of boiled milk three times a day. Then if we succeeded in checking his diarrhea as we hoped we might, he could have a small bit of toasted cheese and a slice of bread in addition to the milk.

I left the ward feeling strong hope that with God's assistance he might yet be saved to reach his home and friends again.

The three days passed, on the morning of the fourth, I heard a rap on the door of my tent, and upon asking who was there the reply came, "It is me, Horton, I am better, can I have my rations increased?" I most cheerfully assented for it had been torture for me to know that he must be hungry and I compelled to refuse him sufficient food to satisfy the cravings of nature. Each day found him improving in health and with an increase of food at last the disease was effectual conquered. He remained during the war, was honorably discharged, and is now with his parents in Oswego and has subscribed for the Golden Rule for which I am writing my life sketches during the war.

Our tent was next to the hospital wards that we might be near our charge when needed. The Surgeon's tent was a short distance from ours.

Ours was called a wall tent, about two square with a fly or second covering for the roof to protect the inmates from the extreme heat of summer, as it was fall and we were having insufferably hot weather, and my tent shedding water right well, I decided to have the fly placed in front of the tent to serve both as an awning and to make room for our table as I occupied the tent for my sleeping apartment and storeroom for medicines, edibles, and clothing. My table was composed of two long boards, the ends of which (at first) were placed upon barrels and boxes afterwards we had branches out from the trees, one end sharpened to drive in the ground, the other end a fork forming a rest of a pole. Two of these sticks or boards were driven in the ground about two or three feet apart and across them a pole was laid to support the board at one end, thus making two legs for our table, the other two were arranged in like manner, and our table was firmly supported. My bedstead was made in the same way only of heavier material, the slats being of poles also. The feathers composing my bed were boughs cut from forest trees, most of the time, sometimes-straw bed, of that I will speak hereafter, my pillow I had taken with me from home. My first candle stick was a bayonet taken from a gun, the dagger point put in the ground and the socket, which was fastened to the gun served as a holder for the candle. This with cotton walls and roof was my sanctum, my place of rest.

The Chaplain had service on the first Sabbath after our arrival and continued the worship of God wherever opportunity and circumstances permitted. He was truly a sample of real Christian piety, besides ministering to the most diseased, he proved efficient in a medical capacity to physical suffering of the men. I repeatedly found him kneeling besides the straw on which lay someone tortured by pain and burning fever, and while wiping the sweat drops brought out by physical agony he spoke soothing words of sympathy and hope. His pleasant manner and cheering voice seemed to impart peace and comfort to the troubled mind and had apparent effect in many to accelerate their recovery. He gave his life to the cause and long before the war closed, he left this life to reap the reward promised the faithful servant of God, mourned by many, as their past benefactor and friend. The hospital was filling up with sick and disabled ones. Our duties were arduous and our rest uncertain. I found Bob, our colored boy, a great acquisition, always willing to assist and cheerful in every instance. He was a curiosity and a general favorite throughout the regiment.

Sometimes to tease him someone would say "Bob, come live with me, Mrs. Spencer does not need you. I want you to help me". His ugly features attached us all to him in a short time. He was of low stature, almost dwarfish, had a short neck, and broad shoulders with a small head, his forehead receding backward to such extent that the back of his head seemed the only receptacle for brains, his eyes were somewhat twisted and you only discovered his nose by the swelling of the nostrils and the extreme end of the nasal organ, which rose just above the full protruding lips of the mouth which seemed to occupy nearly the half of his face, his ears also were very, very large, his hair close and wooly.

I've given you nearly as I can a perfect description of our faithful Bob. He never wished for a bed but would curl down near the door of the tent upon an old blanket with perfect satisfaction. When we had been in camp a short time I proposed to Bob that he should go with me to Washington to see his old master. The Lieut. was then in Armory Square Hospital, not having yet recovered from his wounds. Bob wide with delight and jumping up from a sitting posture he said, "I don danse in juball" and straight away commenced whistling, jumping, and clapping his hands to the tune. The distance from our camp to Washington was four miles.

Great Bend, KS, 11 Jan 1877

There was no conveyance that I could procure except the Quartermaster's horse with a McClellan saddle. This would do for me and Bob would have to walk, which he was perfectly willing to do. I arranged he should start sometime before I did and stop for me at Georgetown, which is within a mile of the city, and there await my arrival for I feared if he should go on alone he might not be able to find the hospital in which his Lieut. was placed. It was nearly one hour before I started and then I moved off at a brisk pace thinking Bob would be uneasy before I should overtake him. I had not ridden much over a mile before I was startled with a "whoop" and then "yal, Yah, Yah" and Bob sprang from the corner of the fence at the roadside, with a bound he reached the side of my horse and caught hold of a strap hanging from the saddle his mouth stretched in a broad grin while he loped on beside the horse. "Why Bob", I said, "I thought you were in Georgetown by this time". "Well Missue", he replied with a chuckle at the fright he had given me, "I recon you don los you way an I take sack an see". We found the Lieut. at Armory Square sufficiently long to recuperate his physical strength, that he might be enabled to return to his command.

Bob and I returned to camp that evening without hindrance or accident. He is very simple and child-like in his ideas, seemed governed more by instinct than reason. To show his simplicity I will relate a little incident that occurred one time as I was going to Washington for supplies. I was about entering the ambulance when Bob rushed out of the tent saying "Ho" Missus if you please", and he clasped his hands entreatingly. "Oh please if you don see a colled gal that sortah favors me, drawing the palm of his open hand broadcast ovser his face at the last sentence, "das mah sistah betty, she don toled me lots times she brot me up. Tell her I'm heah Missus, will be please, Missue," and his voice was low and pleading. I replied that if I discovered a strong resemblance to him in any colled gal I should certainly tell her what he wished me to. He seldom spoke of his mother, but his sister Betty seemed his idea of all goodness and beauty. He would say "I tell you Missus, my sistah Betty's gone dun a heap of good, she's mighty handsome Missus".

I did not find his sister for some time, but long before the war closed Bob was domiciled with his dear sistah Betty and her husband in Washington, where they now make their home.

To explain to my many readers how I found Bob I shall have to go backward a few weeks and give a brief sketch of my going out to the war: My husband enlisted in the 147th NY State Volunteers in the Fall of 1862. On the 27th day of September as the shades of twilight were fast merging into the darkness of night, we reached the depot to take the cars enroute for Washington. The last farewells were exchanged and the partings were over. The signal was given and the cars moved on with its freight of patriotic men, bound for the seat of government. I was not enlisted by military rules, yet as firmly bound to fulfill my duties, as was my husband whose name stood enrolled upon the mustering papers.

We reached Geneva about 2 o'clock A.M. and immediately left the cars and went on board one of the steamers that lay there awaiting us. At or between four and five o'clock that morning the steamboats laden with soldiers were making good headway on the Genesee lake. This lake seems to lie in the natural basin formed by the land, which is graded and sloped by nature down to its edge. The farms lying in patches of triangles, squares, rounds and oblong, along the shore. The fields of dark, pale greens, brown and yellow with now and then an indention between as separating lines the whole dotted here and there with farm houses, most of them neat and some of them splendidly erected, with snug and handsome out buildings gave romance and beauty to the surrounding scenery. Added to this the rocks arising in some places to an immense height in broken masses over and down which the water tumbles into the natural reservoir and you look upon a scene grandly beautiful.

Great Bend, KS, 18 Jan 1877

We landed at Jefferson at the head of Geneva Lake about nine o'clock P.M> before the boat stopped rations were distributed to the soldiers so that there should be no delay in the transfer from boat to cars. As the boat reached the dock the soldiers fell into line and passed to the shore and on for a quarter of a mile where they got on board the cars bound for Elmira. We had not preceded many miles when the locomotive from some cause was disabled and we were delayed several hours near a small village named Havana. It was the Sabbath. We could hear the church bells ringing the call to Christians to muster to duty as soldiers of the cross of Christ. Some of us would have joined them gladly but dare not leave the cars for we expected momentarily to move on. At last the damage was repaired and the cars were again in motion. Our road through many of these beautiful, quiet little villages in southern New York and Pennsylvania was built upon the level ground surrounded by mountainous hills. Some of our company were ever running for water at each stopping of the cars and sometimes not finding it near had consequently to make double quick time or be left by the train, two men were left. One reached us at Baltimore, the other we never heard from. About non we arrived at Elmira, and stayed there until the men were all equipped with the munitions of war. It was nearly four o'clock when we took the cars again. When we reached Tioga River we received deafening cheers from the inhabitants and amid waving handkerchiefs we crossed the splendid bridge that unites the two shores. The portion of country through which we now pass is rougher and not so pleasing to the eye. As we entered the confines of Pennsylvania hills at close of day, we were encircled by mountains and the sides of the declivitous were covered were by a thick growth of tall forest trees, with an undergrowth of young saplings, and low clustering bunches of shrubbery, sometimes forming arches and arbors converted into such by the wild vines clinging to them by dame nature in her wild and varied humor. This forest descending from the mountains down the sloping slopes seemed yet more densely thick and varied then the hilltop, as it reached the valley below.

Autumn had imparted to each tree and shrub its portion of varicolored and beautifying tints from her bountiful hands, and now the setting sun was touching up and finishing the work autumn had begun, by casting her golden rays where light and shade gave more splendor and beauty of each color. I never saw more loveliness and variety in the dazzling sheen of the rainbow, than in the ever changing variegated beauty of this landscape, as it met my view in passing--sometimes on our right flashed out like a flame of fire some scarlet flower surrounded by ivy wreaths, then followed a deep orange like the leopard lily, and on the dark red and green leaves mingled with clustering crimson berries nearly embedded by the leaves of trees near which they grew, then my vision caught sight of the pale pink and yellow flowers peeping out from the partial cover of the fading green leaves, tinged white flowers came to view mixed with long spears of grass. There seemed no end to the changing loveliness of this wild garden of mountains and valleys as we sped swiftly by. Not only the flowers attracted by eye but also the forest trees held my senses almost spell bound as I gazed upon them. I recognized the tall cedar with its ever green boughs; the silver poplar with its waving scintillating branches; the maple, with flame colored leaves; the hemlock with its green sharp feathers; the birch, with yellow red and brown foliage, and the pines, tall, straight body, grim dark towering top, and in its lofty height nearly reaching the vertex of the mountains and appearing to look down in disdain upon the smaller violet and the simple ferns as something or things to insignificant for a moment thought. What a true type of man in his different capacities and positions in life, did the different positions, qualities and varieties of trees present to my mind as I saw them embellished and beautified by flowers gilded by the golden sun, whose rays represented the glory of divinity permeating and filling the soul of man preparatory for eternal glory.

These scenes of nature as I passed them gave an elasticity and happiness to my feelings that was enhanced by the enthusiastic manner with which we were received by the inhabitants of those mountain and valley homes. The flags under which their sons had fought although worn and tattered too much, to carry longer in the field were now waved to welcome us, accompanied by heart thrilling cheers. We returned them cheer for cheer and for want of flags waved our handkerchiefs. We crossed the junction of the Juanita with the Susquehanna on the Railroad Bridge, which seemed nearly a mile long.

Great Bend, KS, 8 Feb 1877

We placed the trunk, satchels and knapsack at one side of our tent, then the hospital stores, cooking utensils and other articles for use upon two other sides leaving the fourth for the bed, which was composed of straw, one comfort, my shawl and two pillows.

My tent appeared really homelike and I congratulated myself upon the ingenious arrangement with which I had settled my temporary home. I had barely finished my work when the surgeon's clerk brought me a note desiring my presence immediately at the hospital tent, which had been quickly erected as shelter for the sick. I hastened to obey the summons, and on entering the tent was surprised to find two men lying upon the ground sparsely spread with straw. The unusual heat with the long march and the weight of their accoutrements had been too much for their strength, and they were entirely prostrated, two or three were raving in delirium from sunstroke, others were vomiting from an attack of cholera morbus while two men lay quite stupid from over heating the blood.

By the surgeon's order I was installed as matron of the regimental hospital and my husband was detail from the ranks as ward master on this the first day of encamping at Champ Chase.

We remained at that place about one week, were ordered from thence to an old camping ground in Maryland about three miles nearly north of Georgetown and four from Washington in a small village named Tennally Town. We were in the vicinity of a deliapiated church near which our tents were up. This town had been excited now and then by slight skirmishing but never had a serious battle in its locality.

October 14, we received news from some source of the advance of rebel pickets, which created quite an excitement. It was amusing to see the effect of this rumor upon different members of the regiment. Those of nervous temperaments manifested their feelings by antics, contortions of the body or grimaces of the face. They had become tired of the monotony of military life when encamped; were right glad to fight or do anything to change the sameness. Others more phlegmatic, displayed a cool, quiet manner, with perhaps a little more grimness added to their usually sedate faces, while the weak vacillating in nature were pale and trembling. The enemy however only came within eight miles of us. When this was ascertained the excitement passed away and the men settled back to their indolent life again. I have now arrived to the time when I took upon myself the care of Horton of which I gave the account in the first publication of my reminiscences through your paper.

Oct. 27th we had hospital thirty-five very sick men, the most of them low with typhoid fever. Besides we had thirty-one sick in quarters they were all lying upon straw spread over the ground, using knapsacks as pillows. Their overcoats and blankets their only covering, and at times the rain pouring down in torrents, saturating the tents, and dispensing dampness as an anti-cure for the different diseases now preying upon the thoroughly deranged systems. It was impossible at this time to procure stoves, as our officers were unacquainted with the manner of making proper requisitions according to red tape, as it was called, in Washington. Our men were suffering, dying, for the common comforts of life, and were refused because we did not present a proper requisition from the sanitary commissioner. We went away thoroughly disgusted, and requested air from the Christian Commissioner, Mr. Stacy, the chief in charge at that base immediately responded by filling the ambulance to the roof with such articles of bedding and food as the sick needed. The ladies of the Washington Aid Society in some way finding our need followed with a second ambulance filled with delicacies so necessary to the sick.

I would like to present to my readers the scene in the hospital as my husband and I entered with our arms filled with pillows, but will leave the description until another time.

Note: These articles for the newspaper stopped at this time--it is believed that Mrs. Spencer went east for a visit and upon her return the newspaper had changed hands. Unfortunately, we do not know her continuing accounts of life at the battlefront. Dana R. Spencer 1/6/1984

Obituary:

The death of Mrs. Spencer: Mrs. Elmina Keeler Spencer died at 10:30 o'clock last night at the home of Mrs. William P. Smith, No. 84, west Second Street, where she has been living some time suffered from gangrene poisoning in her right leg. November 18th last conditions became such that it was amputated. Despite the fact that Mrs. Spencer was in her ninety-fourth year she rallied form the operation, but the poison in the system, together with her advanced age, was such that recovery was out of the question.

Mrs. Spencer was born in what is now the village of Mexico, September 15th, 1819, a few months after the Palladium (newspaper) was first published. The family moved to this city and Mrs. Spencer's father for a time conducted a sawmill on the river between this city and Minetto. Mrs. Spencer taught school in her younger days and married her husband who was a schoolteacher. Afterwards they taught school in Fulton. When the Civil War broke out Mr. Spencer enlisted in the 147th Regiment U.S. Volunteers, and Mrs. Spencer went with him to the Civil War, acting as nurse. She was with the regiment most of the time it was in the field and did heroic service. Later she entered hospitals in Washington and for several months nursed the sick and wounded. It was at the second battle of Fredericksburg that she saw her first field duty, she told a Palladium reporter a few weeks ago. "A number of our boys had been wounded in a skirmish", she said, "and some of them needed attention badly. A field hospital was improvised and there I cared for the injured until they were taken to the rear. But before that time our hospital quarters were full, the boys having been brought in the men from the field of battle. I can recall standing in front of the tents and seeing the shells with their time fuses attached as they went flying through the air on their errands of destruction and death".

Mrs. Spencer had many reminiscences of the war and the men of the 147th Regiment. She was present at the battle of the Wilderness, Whitehouse Landing, Gettysburg, and Fredericksburg, and although many of those to whom she ministered on the field of battle have passed on before, those remaining will see to it that memory of this famous army nurse is not forgotten.

Mrs. Spencer was a member of Post O'Brian, G.A.R., and also of the Woman's Auxiliary. In the main staircase of the capital at Albany a bust of Mrs. Spencer is preserved, showing her as the typical army nurse.

Ref: Palladium newspaper, Oswego, NY, 29 Dec 1912.

Nurse and Matron, Hospital Dept. 147th Regiment NY Infantry Volunteers, Union, Civil War.

Elmina P. Spencer, Civil War Nurse: Elmina P. Spencer was born in the town of Mexico, September 15, 1819. She first saw the light of day in a log cabin built from longs hewn in the virgin forest by her father Darius Dunham Keeler, and a little party of French Canadians who had accompanied him into that region. Her mother was Arethia Powers, a native of Vermont. In this log cabin home, with its primitive surroundings, Mrs. Spencer spent the first six years of her life, and then with her parents moved to Oswego. From the age of six until ten, Mrs. Spencer attended the little public school on Seneca Street. After a time the elder Keeler went up the river, where Minetto now stands, and operated a sawmill, the family going with him and making their home at that place.

In 1829, when she was ten years old she joined the Sunday school of the First Methodist Church here. This church was in the Southwest corner of Franklin Square (West Park) and faced Cayuga Street. Methodists in those days were thought a very peculiar people. They found closest fellowship among themselves. Quarterly meetings when communion was held, none were admitted except those who had a ticket, showing their character had been passed upon. Worldliness such as shows, cards, dancing and finery in dress was shunned and denounced. Mrs. Spencer told how when a young member she was labored with because she appeared with a Quaker bonnet trimmed with fiery red cheapness and shirred with a cape. Reverend Sayer the minister was condemned for getting his wife a box of artificial flowers. Members were disciplined for not attending church, for Sabbath desecration and another for calling a sister Methodist, "a nuisance".

The young man, Robert Hamilton Spencer, whom she married had an interesting life. He was the son of Colonel Abner R. Spencer of the US Army who served in the War of 1812. He desired his son Robert to study law. He entered the law offices of Judge William F. Allen of Oswego. He was seventeen and finding the study of law rather day, he ran away to New York City, where he shipped on a whaleboat as a sailor. He shipped as a sailor before the mast, was promoted to be mate, and finally was employed as Captain. He was away three years before he returned to Oswego. He sailed summers and taught school winters. Robert H. Spencer and Elmina P. Keeler were married at Oswego, NY, November 4, 1840 (thought to be incorrect day), by Reverend C.L. Dunning, Methodist Minister.

That winter Mr. Spencer taught school at Fulton where they lived. In 1841, Mrs. Spencer went with him on his vessel, Kirvosha, to Southport. The vessel was lost on the shores of Lake Michigan. His friends induced him to remain there and teach school which he did; and they remained there until 1844, when they returned to Oswego. He again took up the study of law and was admitted to the bar. He did not follow the profession much but continued as a teacher and kept a bookstore in Oswego. Mrs. Spencer wrote of him that "His only habit of dissipation was chewing tobacco and that moderately".

When the 147th Regiment NY Infantry Volunteers, was organized, Robert H. Spencer , although past draft age, volunteered, and was mustered into service September 23, 1862, as corporal of Co. G. He was appointed ward master of the regiment. Elmina P. Spencer also was mustered into the service of the U.S.A as matron of Hospital Department of that regiment. Together they left with the regiment. At times they were detailed at division hospitals, field hospitals, and in 1863 for the Relief of Sick and Disabled Union Soldiers in the Service of the U.S. appropriating $200,000 to carry on this work. His Excellency Horatio Seymour, governor, set up 14 agencies and appointed agents to carry on this work. No. 5 was the Agency in the Army of the Potomac under the charge of Reverend J.V. Van Ingen and Mrs. Robert H. Spencer. These agents were subject to orders from the Surgeon General of the Army, and held credentials from New York State; also the military. General U.S. Grant issued to Mrs. Spencer an order permitting her to pass in and out of Union lines, in all places. The work of these agents was to see that wounded and sick were cared for; that articles of food, clothing, medicine, etc., were theirs; that wounded were cared for on battlefields, in emergency camps, hospitals, etc.; and that hospitals be visited and things for comfort of wounded be procured and distributed and the families of the soldiers at home be contacted and informed as to whether they were living or dead, and if wounded where they were and their condition. Also later on they did a great work getting soldiers in touch with their regiments so that they might obtain their pay, having not received any pay since they were separated from their military unit, in action, and their whereabouts became lost to their military units.

The regiment arrived in Washington, 1 Oct 1862. She slept that night on a bench in front of the Soldiers Rest. Some of the men of 147th Regiment had sunstrokes crossing Long Bridge and she cared for them. The next day she began service feeding from her stores wounded from the Battle of Antietam. The regiment moved to Arlington Heights but they remained in Washington in charge of hospital stores and caring for the wounded. Supplies and tents being sent to Acquia Creek, they volunteered to stay and take care of the wounded from Fredericksburg. These were brought into the hospital in the Patent Office. 1 Jan 1863, Mr. Spencer rejoined his regiment at Falmouth, VA, and she went to New York City for supplies. Returning she joined the regiment at Belle Plains and went to Wind Mill Point and was there six months caring for the wounded in Hospital of First Corps. Mr. Spencer was an attendant there. Transferred to Belle Plain and to Acquia Creek until June 12, 1863, when they rejoined their own 147th Regiment. Mrs. Spencer was a good horsewoman and foraged for supplies for sick and wounded. By orders of Dr. Hurd, Medical Division, First Corp, she took with her, her mount and rode with the regiment o the march to Gettysburg. On this march they encamped a week at Broad Run. Mrs. Spencer's horse carried besides herself, her bedding, clothing, and 350 pounds of supplies for the sick. She had two knapsacks and two haversacks and materials to make tea, coffee, and beef broth. She often took care of soldier’s coats when they went into action, or on forced marches, when they threw them off, but later sadly needed them. Many a cheer was received from the soldiers when after forced marches or falling back, from fighting. Mrs. Spencer made coffee for them, and cared for their wounds. The Battle of Gettysburg had begun when on July 1, 1863, the 147th arrived and went into action, losing that first day 40 killed , 200 wounded and 30 missing. On this day the color bearer, Sgt. Hincheliff, was shot and had fallen upon the colors. Sgt. William A. Wybourn, Company I, volunteered to secure it and did so amid a storm of bullets. During this he was wounded.

The day before, an ammunition train attached to the regiment exploded---and Mrs. Spencer tore up her comforter that covered her bed to get cotton to care for the driver's burns, and the calico for bandages. Mr. Spencer remained to care for the man while she stayed alone with the regiment, spreading their rubber coat on the ground with others making a tent, in the mud where she slept.

July 2 she joined Mr. Spencer. They occupied a bar, where she made coffee for the soldiers. Wounded from 11th Corp were brought in and to get them off the field they had to cross between two lines of artillery firing. Orders came to fall back but they moved forward seeking to regain their regiment. The surgeon of the 1st Division hurrying past called her to help form a hospital. They two found that men of the 147th were in the ambulance train so they crossed to White Church on the Baltimore Turnpike, four miles away, arriving there after dark. There 60 wounded were crowed into the small church. Wounded were placed on boards covered with straw, placed on top of the pews. The supply train having been sent back many miles she made coffee from her knapsack. The Sanitary and Christian Commission sent supplies and here were cared for 600 wounded and 100 wounded prisoners.

By mutual agreement the supplies of the Sanitary Commission were available and could be drawn upon by Agents appointed by N.Y. State for relief of sick and disabled soldiers.

Mrs. Spencer stayed in White Church Hospital. Some trips were made to NY City with wounded men. While there she secured supplies, Mr. Spencer was clerk in Medical Purveyors Office in Gettysburg Hospital and she remained there. From there they went to Brandy Station where Mr. Spencer was discharged from the Volunteer service of 147th Regiment, and entered the regular army of the U.S. as Hospital Steward attached to the Medical Purveyors Department. Mrs. Spencer went to Alexandria to care for wounded from Battle of the Wilderness. Went to Belle Plain until May 1864, went to Port Royal. Medical Purveyors boat arriving with Mr. Spencer, she went to White House Landing where she was Supt. of the Government cooking barge and as agent for NY State distributing supplies to thousands in distress and need. June 18, 1864, she arrived at City Point. About one mile from the landing she got her kitchen set up and her station remained here until the end of the war. She visited General Hospitals to discover all NY State soldiers and be of service to them. She rode horseback 20 to 40 miles a day about Petersburg and Richmond. One day with her black hat and feather, looking quite like an officer on her mount, a sharp shooter fired at her. The bullet lodged in a tree just back of her. She dug it out with her knife and carried it for a souvenir. She said, --"I never believed I would be harmed by shot or shell". At City Point when a boat blew up, struck in the side by a piece of shell, she suffered temporary paralysis of her limbs. A small missile cut off the string of her hat. It was found the next day.

On April 8, 1865, Abraham Lincoln came to the hospital at City Point and went about shaking hands with the wounded soldiers. This was just one week before he was assassinated. Mrs. Spencer stayed at City Point until all wounded were transferred. On May 31, 1865, she went on Medical Supply boat to Washington and offered her services. Stayed there until June 15, 1865, visiting the hospitals

Mrs. R. H. Spencer's report of the New York State Agency at City Point, VA November 7, 1864

"To Mr. John F. Seymour

General Agent N.Y. Soldiers Relief

Dear Sir: -In Albany last Summer I said to you I would send you a report of my labors from the time I left Alexandria to find our wounded after the Battle of The Wilderness. My husband being Hospital Steward I made my home by consent of Dr. Brinton, Medical Purveyor of The Army of the Potomac with that Dept. Under orders of Surgeon General May 8th, cars were loaded and we left for Rappahannock Station with supplies to care for the wounded. We found no wounded and learned the enemy had intercepted our trains and the wounded had been taken elsewhere. ...We returned next morning to Washington. With monies supplied by Governor Seymour I had purchased such supplies of food and comfort as I needed, including a large supply of tabacco. On our way back we distributed tobacco to all soldier on duty. Returning to Alexandria we were ordered to load two boats with supplies for Belle Plain. I stood on the dock with my basket and haversack filled with rations. We arrived in early morning. The Sanitary boat with her stores, delegates and ladies lay beside us. Sightly wounded soldiers who had been able to walk from the field were moving slowly toward the boats with hungry anxious faces. These were fed with crackers and other food. As soon as I could land I went from the boat to the shore with my rations thinking I might make a little coffee or tea for some of them. I met Dr. Babcock our State Medical Agent moving from one wounded man to another, dressing their wounds and cheering them with kind words. After feeding my rations I went to another portion of the field and found ten theological students delegates of the Sanitary Commission employed in making coffee in camp kettles. The kettles hung upon a pole over the fire each end of the pole resting in crotched sticks driven into the ground as standards for the poles. I offered my services to stir, dip or serve in any way. My services were gratefully received and we all worked with a will. Some cut wood and brought it, some brought water, some kept the fire, other with pails and cups to distribute to our hungry wounded men.

We worked until dark and far into the night. We fed six thousand men including those brought in by ambulances, with their drivers and attendants. In the afternoon it rained without ceasing. The rain descended in torrents. The wounded lay upon the ground surrounding us by thousands; some under bushes for shelter; others without shelter except blankets; more with no covering of any kind. It was impossible to make shelter in such short time. We were thankful that we could feed them. Often when passing from one to another I have heard, a grateful "God Bless You". Often I passed a soldier lying in the mud and rain with his arm or leg off or a wound in his body he would say in answer to my inquiry, if he had had tea or coffee? "Yes, I've done well. Thank you. But you lady will get your death in this rain. How can you go through this mud to wait on us?" Their cheerfulness to me was surprising. I stood in the mud that day over the tops of my boots while preparing food for the wounded. The sanitary had but one tent erected. That sheltered their stores. At 11 o'clock it occurred to me I had no place to sleep. One of the men who had been assisting me said he would go and ask a driver to give me a place in his wagon. One of the drivers readily assented and left his wagon for my use--finding room for himself with another teamster. I got into the wagon, wrapped my shawl about me, sat myself on the bottom of the vehicle, placed the mule saddle at my back and for the first time since morning settled myself for rest. I could not sleep, my clothes were saturated with rain and mud. My bones were aching with wet and fatigue, yet I did not feel discouraged. How could I? When I thought of the thousands lying around me, crippled, wounded some dying. I found myself in prayer for my suffering countrymen.

At dawn I felt rested and ready for another days work. In going from the wagon to our cooking place I experience the difficulties of walking through Virginia mud. I found many of our wounded lying in these beds _____. The ambulances picked up all the wounded that they would and placed them on hillsides. The wounded continued to come and be cared for. Miss Dix with her lady nurses came and after a while passed to Fredericksburg. The government kitchen issued supplies to thousands furnished by the Sanitary Commission when short of meat, bread, sugar, coffee, etc. I stayed here in charge of the cooking. There was so much suffering and need for my services. My shoes were worn out and I needed clothes. We were working in an emergency. May 25th, we left Belle Plain for Port Royal. The wounded were arriving in large numbers. We found an old building with fireplaces but no wood. We tore off the outside of the building for fuel and started our fires and we worked all night distributing coffee. That day Col. Cuyler, Inspector General of the Army had stoves brought into the building and five cauldrons outside and sent 28 men to assist in the work. Two cauldrons were filled for coffee, one for soup, two for meat. With these facilities we cooked enough to feed all who came. Just before leaving for White House Landing, which was to be our next base, I met Mr. Fay, of the Sanitary Commission. He asked me if I was aware that the Commission did not employ lady agents and as their greatest need now was past, he advised me to join some hospital as a nurse. I thanked Mr. Fay telling him I could not do so as I was at present State Agent for New York, and that I could get passage on the Medical Purveyors boat on which my husband was a steward.

I reported to Col. Cuyler what Mr. Fay had said to me and he said he would place me in charge of the cooking on the government barge to oversee it and at the same time, see to my work as Agent for NY. From the barge we fed the first wounded that came to White House from the field. After a day or two our stoves and cauldrons were brought on shore and we fed our thousands again. We called it the Government kitchen and from it regiments including those from NY were supplied with nourishment. Mrs. Lyons of Williamsburgh, L.I., and Mrs. Jenkins of NY, labored with us until both returned home sick from the scenes that they had witnessed. Their superhuman exertions and overtaxed strength gave out. Senator Bell of NY visited us and helped us distribute coffee, meat, bread, and tea to the Tenth Regiment of New York, State Heavy artillery, over 1500 strong, but worn and weary with a long march without rations of any kind. We fed them al and they can testify to the benefit of having an agent on hand to give them help in their need.

We came to City Point June 10. Here again was plenty to do. The wounded were still coming in. The ground was covered with them and our labors were no lighter. Our hospital was finally established. Our Medical Purveyors boat moved around upon the Appomattox River. The Government kitchen was kept in action and I stayed until the hospital kitchen were in good order, and our hospital ready to receive patients from field hospitals or battlefields. From the time my labors were mostly distributing to needy soldiers at the front, field hospitals and rifle pits. In general hospitals I am not needed so much although I visit them and distribute portion of my supplies to them. They have their surgeon’s ladies and ward masters while at the front have many friends willing to assist me. Dr. Brinton of the Medical Purveyor has kindly given me of such things for the soldiers as do not belong to the Government but are classes as hospital stores. One reason being my husband being one ____steward. And to her he saw I did not grudge to any State soldier that I found in need.

General Grant has kindly given me a pass to visit the front with supplies where other ladies are not permitted to go. General Mead and Provost Marshal Patrick have shown me great favor. I have been furnished transportation when in need of it. I think I have great need to be thankful to an over-ruling Providence for aiding and protecting me in this great work. I never felt more sensibly my dependence on a higher power than when in the explosion of our ammunition boat at City Point. I sat on my horse about 65 feet from the boat. When it exploded pieces of shell, cannon balls, human flesh, and sticks of timber over and about me--no escape in any direction. I was hit but not seriously hurt. I felt in that moment of destruction that no power but he Almighty could save. I still feel that God in his great mercy protected me in that terrible time.

I could continue but my report is now too long. The money I have received for the soldiers ahs been faithfully expended and supplies distributed according to my best judgment. I have sent you the vouchers. Still with all you send and have sent I have not been able to reach every NY regiment. New York has an army of her own and immense supplies are needed to give to all a mite. With much respect, Truly yours, Mrs. R.H. Spencer

Ref: Anthony M. Slosek, Oswego County, New York in the Civil War. 1964. yearbook of the Oswego County Civil War Centennial Committee, pp.1-15

His wife, Elmina P. Spencer, is described in Heroines of the Rebellion; Woman's Work in the Civil War. Linus Pierpont Brockett and Mary C. Vaughan. Phila: Hubbard Brother Publisher, 1888, p. 404-415.

During the war Mr. Spencer's health failed and after they returned to Oswego he secured different employments but in none was he able to perform all the duties they entailed. His ailment seemed to be partial paralysis. Thinking Government land in Kansas might be available to them in 1872, her father, Mr. Keeler, and Mr. Spencer went there and took up some land. In May, 1873, Mrs. Spencer followed taking with her their mothers, Mrs. Keeler and Mrs. Spencer. She sold her piano and earning money teaching music and built a small house. Robert Spencer's health continued to fail. He died 27 Nov 1873. Mrs. Keeler died 17 Jul 1874, Mrs. Keller died 17 Jul 1874; Mr. Keeler died 4 Nov 1874--and on 24 Dec, 1874, Robert Spencer's mother died.

In September of that year her home and contents was destroyed by a prairie fire. . .so she sold her land and bought a small house in town, Great Bend, Barton County, Kansas. She mortgaged the house, hoping to get a widow’s pension from the government. She went to Washington in her attempt to secure it. In her application she states: "I worked faithfully for my country. I have given her my husband. I now ask that out of her abundance, she will give me sufficient to sustain my few years in comfort. I will be 61 if I live to the fifteenth of next September. I submit this to your fair consideration hoping God will direct you. Mrs. Elmina P. Spencer, Washington, DC". Her application was granted and she was awarded a pension of $8 a month on services of her husband in the Union Army.

In the early 1880's she returned to Oswego. Hon. N.W. Nuttling of Oswego, our Representative in Congress, set himself to the task of securing for her a better pension and was untiring in his efforts to that end. At this time were recited her own services in the Union Army, in the field, on the march, on battlefields, and in hospitals. Mr. Nutting said in Committee--"Her pension of $8 a month is entirely inadequate for her support. She has no child, no home, no property. She is 65 years old, bowed down with poverty and pains of disease. She cannot at the most live long. She is an object of charity and the American people owe it to themselves and to her to increase her pension to $20 a month". Congress passed it 26 Feb 1886. In the 1890's every parade in Oswego in the place of honor escorted by the military units, marched a great company of the Grand Army of The Republic and of the Woman’s Relief Corps, both of these organizations named in honor of Capt. John D. O'Brian, first Captain of Volunteers, Commissioned in NY State.

Thirty years after the Battle of Gettysburg, 1 Jul 1893, the State of NY, sent all survivors of the 147th Regiment to Gettysburg to dedicate the monument erected on the position held by that Regiment. They also received The Gettysburg Medal from the State.....150 survivors answered the roll call. Major Nathaniel A. Wright presided, and called the roll of 76 killed in that battle. Horatio N. Berry a drummer boy in the Regiment gave the oration. Mrs. Elmina P. Spencer made this trip and recounted her experiences there caring for the wounded.

In 1905, she lived in the Arcade Block. Failing health compelled her to give up living alone. She lived with Mrs. A. Vickery, 142 E. Mohawk Street, Emeline E. Gray, W. Bridge Street, and Eila H. Smith, 84 West Second Street where she died 29 Dec 1912. The ladies of the Women's Relief Corps for many years were very kind to her and she was provided for. For the several last years of her life she was bed ridden.

Ibid, p. 12-15, Yearbook of Oswego County.

48th Congress, 2nd Session, House of Representatives, Report No. 2182. Mr. Bagley, from the Committee on Invalid Pensions, submitted the following report (to accompany bill H.R. 7262).

The Committee on Invalid Pensions having examined the proofs submitted to it to sustain the right to an increase on pension of Elmina P. Spencer, submit the following facts and circumstances in justification of their favorable action on said bill.

Elmina P. Spencer, in 1862, went out with the One Hundred and Forty-Seventh Regiment, New York State Volunteers, as its matron. She joined the regiment at Oswego City, NY, on the 27th day of September 1862, and went with the regiment into active service. She remained with the regiment at Washington, DC, performing efficient duty as a matron and nurse in the regimental hospital. She administrated to the wants of the soldiers, who were sick with great energy and untiring zeal until November 31, 1862, when the regiment was ordered to join the Army of the Potomac at Falmouth, VA. Women were not permitted at that time to stay with the regiments at the front. For a little time she was employed as nurse at the Patent Office hospital, Washington, DC, and then returned to Oswego, NY, to gather supplies for the sick of the Army, and was permitted to rejoin the regiment in January, 1862, at Bell Plain, VA. She brought with her at this time a large quantity of supplies which she had gathered with great labor from those who sympathized wit the sick and wounded of the Union Army. She was soon after assigned to duty as Matron of the first division hospital, First Army Corps, under A.J. Wood, Surgeon, Second Wisconsin volunteers. She again rejoined her regiment the last of May, 1863, near Falmouth, VA. Here she remained attending to the wants of the sick and wounded with great energy and remarkable devotion until the 12th of June, when the regiment started on the memorable and world-renowned Gettysburg campaign. Here the devotion and heroism of this woman was displayed by her marching with the regiment on this campaign. She took with her supplies for sick and wounded, and she was ever active in encouraging and helped those who needed assistance.

She knew no fear; she was never too weary to minister personally to the wants of those who were sick or wounded; she never seemed conscious of weariness; the way was never too long or the roads too muddy for her; she as on the battlefield of Gettysburg, exposed to shot and shell, busy during the whole battle furnishing assistance by way of supplies of food, water, and medicine to the sick and wounded. Her acts of devotion at this one battle placed her in the first rank of heroic women of the rebellion. She was agent for the distribution of supplies from the various soldiers' aid societies of New York State. She followed the fortunes of the Union Army through its darkest days. She left home and comforts for the dangers and discomforts of the march and battlefield. Her husband was in the same regiment, and died in the service (this is incorrect--he died in Great Bend, KS), and on account of his death she now receives a pension of $8 per month. This sum is entirely inadequate for her support, however. She has no child, or home or property. She is sixty-five years of age, and bowed down with poverty and the racking pains of disease. She cannot, at the most, live long. She is now an object of charity, and the American people owe it to themselves as well as her that the pension be increased from $8 per month to $20 per month. Several Grand Army posts, scattered from New York to California, have petitioned that this relief be granted. She was injured by being struck with a spent ball at City Point, VA, from the explosion of an ammunition barge, and now suffers from its effect. The committee recommends that striking out word "Twenty-five" in line four, and inserting the "Twenty" in the place thereof amend the bill.

From Conklin, E. F., "Elmina Keeler Spencer: Matron, 147th New York", The Gettysburg Magazine, Vol. 8, 1993, pp. 121-126

"With unconquerable spirit and heroism she marched with the regiment taking with her supplies needed for the footsore and exhausted soldier and restored his drooping energies on that weary and toilsome march, often assisting him by taking upon her horse his coat and blanket which otherwise would have been abandoned on the way. Her conduct on the battlefield of Gettysburg exposed to the bursting shells from both armies, furnishing succor to the wounded form supplies furnished from her stores which she always carried with her on her horse for emergencies, is a matter of history and places her in the foremost ranks of heroic women"

Ref: A Deposition from Algenon Coe, Surgeon of the 147th New York Infantry.

As they went towards the battle they found their regiment stationed on a hill above them (East Cemetery Hill) and halting they made a fire and prepared refreshments which they gave to all they could reach. While working here the Surgeon of the First Division (First Corps) came hurrying past, and peremptorily called on Mrs. Spencer to go and help form a hospital. At Mark's Lutheran (called White Church) on the Baltimore Pike, 2 1/2 miles form Gettysburg, "They had 60 wounded undergoing every variety of suffering and torture. The church was small, having but one aisle, and the narrow seats were fixtures. A small building adjoining provided boards, which were laid on the tops of the seats, and covered with straw and on these the wounded were laid.

Ref: Brockett & Vaugh, Women's Work in the Civil War, R. H. Curran, Boston, MA, 1867, p. 408.

After the Battle of Gettysburg, both Spencers' positions were changed. In 1863, the state of New York created Agencies for the Relief of Sick and Disabled Union Soldiers in the Service of United States; the Army of the Potomac was Agency #5. Elmina was in charge of this agency, along with a Reverend Ingen. Her new position carried a good deal of power and responsibility. She was subject to orders of the Surgeon General of the Army, held new York credentials, and a permit from Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant to allow her to pass through all Union lines in all places.

The medical purveyor of the Army of the Potomac had Mr. Spencer discharged because of his propensity to sunstroke. He enlisted in the regular army as a Hospital Steward attached to the Purveyors Department. Both Elmina and her husband worked through this department, "which followed the army, she was thus carried to the front in time to care for the wounded". When Elmina was returned from the army from New York, she was sent by Surgeon General (Joseph) Barnes with the Purveyor's Dept. to Brandy Station to distribute supplies. She brought to our hospital at Culpeper (VA) stores of pillow ticks and such supplies as were needed for our sick ones. The regiment was again ordered to move. The Purveyors Dept. went to Alexander while the army moved on. The battle was at the Wilderness (May5-6, 1864). Mrs. Spencer had gone by the order of the surgeon General with supplies to Rappahannock Station where the telegraph wires were cut by the enemy and the engine was reversed and the train sped back to Alexandria (her home in that place was the warehouse where the purveyor's goods were kept. Those boxes made partitions for her room. Her time when there was filled by visiting the hospitals--many of our soldiers remember her welcome visits and the delicacies she carried them). The whereabouts of the battle had been ascertained and when she reported to Surgeon General on the return of the cars, he ordered her to Wharf #4 to take the first (hospital) transport to Belle Plain as the wounded were coming by the way to Washington and other cities by transport. She took the first steamer for Belle Plain on which she found a number of Theological students and Christian Commission men--the boat arrived at daybreak at the wharf and she with others went on shore to feed the wounded who were just arriving in ambulances and government wagons. p. 123

Sophronia Bucklin, a government nurse, remembered calling upon Mrs. Spencer for help at White House Landing:

". . . on the ground at work (was) . . .a New York State Agent, by the name of Mrs. Spencer--a noble woman, who did her work of mercy well. She occupied one of the log houses, vacated by the Negroes, on the brink of the river. Her stores had been brought on the medical purveyor's boat, the stoves erected, cooks detailed, and the food sent wherever a scanty supply existed. . .I went to Mrs. Spencer of help at near noon. . .when no breakfast had been sent in for the men, who, after feasting one day, were fasting now for a day and a half, and immediately two men were called , and they, with Mrs. Spencer and myself, repaired to the famishing soldiers with all the food we could carry in our arms.

Nurse Bucklin observed Mrs. Spencer at City Point: "Mrs. Spencer was located. . .directly on the bank of the river, where the wounded passed daily in being brought from the front. She fed hundreds each day and was allowed to draw Government supplies in addition to what was furnished by her own State. She had eight men detailed to cook and distribute, and the noble woman seemed unwearied in her extensive work of mercy. . .She often went to the rifle-pits to distribute supplies of tobacco whilst the bullets of the enemy were dropping around her. Bucklin, p. 323-4.

Elmina Spencer stayed at City Point under after the war, and until all the wounded were evacuated. She then served in Washington hospitals until June 15, 1865 when she returned to Oswego with her husband. p. 126

Ref: Sophronia Bucklin, In Hospital and Camp, John E. Potter & Co., Philadelphia, 1869, p. 258 & 271

147th NYSV

Nickname - Oswego Regiment

Recruitment area:

Company A - Oswego

Company B - Oswego

Company C - Richland, Albion and Williamstown

Company D - Fulton, Granby and Volney

Company E - Sandy Creek, Redfield, Boyleston and Orwell

Company F - Mexico, Palermo and New Haven

Company G - Oswego and Scriba

Company H - Constantia, Parish, Amboy and West Monroe

Company I - Oswego

Company K - Oswego, Scriba and Fulton

Dates of Service:

Mustered in - Sept. 22-23, 1862 at Oswego

Mustered out - June 7, 1865 near Washington, DC

Colonels:

Andrew S. WARNER

John C. BUTLER

Francis C. MILLER

Casualty Totals:

Battle Related

Killed

Officers 5

Enlisted 107

Wounded - died

Officers 4

Enlisted 52

Wounded - recovered

Officers 18

Enlisted 403

Missing

Officers 4

Enlisted 190

TOTAL 783

Died of Disease & other causes

Officers 2

Enlisted 106

As POWs

Officers 0

Enlisted 71

TOTAL 179

TOTAL CASUALTIES – 962