RHODE ISLAND UNITS

1st Rhode Island Cavalry

Company ?

Ancestors

West, George W. - I want a copy of "Sabres and Spurs" because it is a first hand historical account of the First Regiment Rhode Island Cavalry. My great-great-great grandfather, George W. West was a member of the First Regiment Rhode Island Cavalry and the author of the book, Rev. Frederic Denison who was held captive with my great-great-great grandfather at Andersonville Prison, writes about the suffering of my grandfather and his subsequent death while held prisoner at Andersonville. Denison writes, "As the weather became hotter, a disease called gangrene appeared; and attacked the healthy as well as the sick - if, indeed, there were any now healthy. This mortification would generally begin in the mouth. George West, of my company, had the half of his upper lip and face all eaten away."

I believe George West was only mentioned this one time (I had the book on loan) in the book. I was horrified to read how my grandfather had suffered and died while held captive, yet I was thrilled to see that the author had specifically mentioned him by name.

This is a brief account of my George W. West's role in the Civil War: Mustered-in on Dec.4, 1861; taken prisoner at Beverly Ford on Dec. 1, 1863; died a prisoner of war at Andersonville Prison on Aug. 31, 1864 (some accounts say July 31, 1864).

George W. West left a wife, Sarah, and three small children. There is more tragedy that happened to this family. My great-grandmother, Leanna Jackson, told me that two years later, Sarah, George W. West's wife died of a broken heart and the children were subsequently separated and sent to live with different families. I am in the process of researching my family history and am now trying to find out what exactly became of all three children. I must also tell you that George W. West's brother, Hiram West, was also a member of the same regiment and suffered a similar fate. I do have some of George W. West Civil War papers from the National Archives, I believe. I sent away for them a few years back but I haven't looked at them for quite some time. I would be happy to answer any questions you may have. JEANP116@aol.com

3rd Rhode Island Light Artillery

Battery C

Ancestors

Harris, John - I am interested in finding out about the Light Company C 3rd Rhode Island Artillery. Any info would be appreciated. My ggrandfather served in this unit and was left for dead on the battlefield. Also spent time at Andersonville. I am doing research on his life and can't find out much about this time in his life. Thanks, Jkeaton12@aol.com

5th Rhode Island Heavy Artillery

Battery ?

Ancestors

Allan, William Primrose - I am interested in verifing the fact that a relative of mine was a member of the 5th R.I. Heavy Artillery. His name was William Primrose Allan and was a private. He was born 11/1/1839 in Lockport, Illinois and died 12/22/1905 in Washington, D.C. Can you assist? Thanks for your time, Ted J Bush, at tbushwfa@shentel.net

Write us now.

Click here to Return to Previous Screen

Click here to return to Main Menu and see how to Order the Chronological Tracking of the Civil War