He was in Kansas with John Brown during the troublous times of Border Ruffianism, and bore a conspicuous part in that memorable struggle for freedom. He took the first printingpress into Kansas, and his office was afterward raided by Southern desperadoes. In the spring of 1859 he removed to Claremont, where he opened a law-office, and continued the practice of his profession until he entered the army. November 17, 1859, Col. Gardiner married Miss Mary P. Cooper, the daughter of Mr. Samuel P. Cooper of Croydon. Two children, a son and daughter, were born to them, both now living. In the summer of 1862 Col. Gardiner enlisted and began recruiting. When the Fourteenth was raised he was appointed adjutant, and served in that position with marked ability until September 12, 1863, when he was promoted to be major of the regiment. Upon the resignation of Col. Wilson, Major Gardiner was appointed colonel; receiving his commission and being mustered only the day before the battle in which he received his death-wound. The circumstances connected with the mortal wounding of Col. Gardiner are detailed in their proper place. He lived until October 8, and is buried in Claremont. His widow now resides in Croydon. Col. Gardiner was a brilliant officer and a cultured man, thoroughly understanding the duties of his position, and capable of leading his men to the highest achievements. One fact is to be noticed. When Col. Gardiner took command of the regiment, it was immediately improved in discipline; and he brought it up to its highest state of efficiency. He never sought popularity in the Fourteenth, and did not appear to care for it; other commanders of less ability might have won a stronger personal following, but from the first he thoroughly identified himself with the regiment. As adjutant he was equalled by few, excelled by none; while his natural abilities and military acquirements fully warranted his final promotion. He had the success of his command ever on his heart, and in that heart there was a tenderer spot than every one was able to touch. Col. Gardiner, in his ability, influence, and rank, con tributed largely to that record of the Fourteenth Regiment of which its surviving members have every reason to be proud. CAPT. W. H. CHAFFIN. William Henry Chaffin was born in Claremont, N.H., May 21, 1839. His parents, John and Delia O. Chaffin, gave him a good common-school education. He entered Kimball Union Academy in Meriden, N.H., from which he graduated in 1861. While pursuing his studies he taught school, and proved a successful teacher, while retaining his high standing in his class. He entered the Norwich Military University, but, after remaining there a year, left his studies to open a recruiting-office in his native town, August, 1862. When the Fourteenth rendezvoused at Concord, he was employed in drilling the recruits, and was very zealous in disciplining them. Before the regiment left Concord, S. M. Bugbee, captain of Company I, fell sick; and William H. Chaffin went to Washington in command of the company, though without any commission. Early in December Capt. Bugbee resigned, and he was appointed to fill the vacancy. Capt. Chaffin was distinguished for his steady observance of duty under all circumstances, and his untiring care for his men. He generally reported more men fit for duty than the captain of any other company of the same size. In cases of peculiar danger and responsibility, requiring courage, coolness, and determination, Capt. Chaffin was often selected as being eminently fitted for such duty. In the summer of 1863, he was sent to the front with a detachment of sixty men to return some convalescents to their regiments. While on the way, they overtook a large army-train of ammunition-wagons that had been attacked by nearly two hundred of Moseby's guerillas, disguised as Union soldiers. Capt. Chaffin dispersed the guerillas, and recovered nearly all the mules which they had driven off. During the voyage to New Orleans in March, 1864, he was active and efficient in preserving discipline, and stimulating the men to courage and cheerfulness. Capt. Chaffin was acting lieutenant-colonel at the time of the battle, by order of Col. Gardiner, and was among the first who fell, shot through the head by a Minié-ball. He had a presentiment of his death, and just before the battle had sent home a request that his body be not removed from the field where he fell. He was twenty-six years of age, unmarried, but left a mother and one brother to mourn his early death. His father died soon after; and the funeral sermon of both was preached at the same time, in the Congregational Church in Claremont, by Rev. E. W. Clark. CAPT. W. A. FOSGATE. William A. Fosgate was born in Winchester, June 27, 1839; and his residence remained there until his enlistment in the Fourteenth. He excelled among his fellows in the public schools, and his ambition took the wider range of liberal education. March 20, 1856, he entered Fort Edward Institute, New York, pursuing a four-years' course, and graduating, June 27, 1860. At the July commencement of that year, he entered Wesleyan University. When he enlisted, August 15, 1862, he was in his junior year. During collegiate vacations he taught school in Hinsdale and Queensborough, N.Y. While home on a furlough, January 30, 1864, he was married to Miss Frances Hosmer of Fisherville. He left no children. His widow remarried, and resides in Pallegio, Cal. Capt. Fosgate entered the service as second lieutenant of Company F. He was promoted to be first lieutenant of Company H, November 2, 1863, and to be captain of Company B, February 19, 1864. He was killed while leading his company in the first part of the battle. Capt. Fosgate was an active, able, and ambitious officer, aiming for the highest excellence of military attainment. In the company which he commanded at the time of his death, he had the reputation of being a strict disciplinarian; and his whole conduct, while in the service, was calculated to elevate the standard of discipline, and increase the efficiency of our organization. |