John C. Sampson GAR Post 22

Rochester, New Hampshire

Lieutenant John C. Sampson

9^th New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry Regiment

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Organization of Sampson Post 22

January 26,1868

Attention Soldiers and Sailors!

The undersigned, honorably discharged Soldiers and Sailors, being desirous of forming ourselves into a Post of the Grand Army of the Republic, and wishing the cooperation of all who served in the late war, a meeting is hereby called for the purpose of procuring a Charter and transacting any other business, this will be held at Noah Tebbett’s office Tuesday, Feb. 1, at 7 ½ o’clock P.M.

Signed,

Noah Tebbetts, E.F. Ricker, O.B. Warren, H. Randell, C.W. Folsom, W.F. Warren, L. McD. Hussey.

In connection with the above call, a brief statement as the objects of this organization, and its growth is other portions of country may not be out of place. Briefly stated its objects are:

3. To preserve and strengthen those kind and fraternal feelings which bind together those that fought side by side, on land and sea, during the late war.

3. To assist all comrades that need help and to extend a helping hand to the widows and orphans of those who fell during the dark days of the late war.

3. Loyalty to the United States based upon the National Constitution and Laws.

These are the objects of the “G.A.R.” and they need no comments. The Order originated in Ill., in the spring of 1866, and from that hand full of men, has sprung the mighty order that has now 37 departments, 2300 Posts and an aggregate membership of 350,000.

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February 25,1870

Sampson Post, No. 22, G.A.R.

The above named Post of the Grand Army of the Republic, was organized and instructed in the Work of the Order by D. Howard, A.A.G. of the Department of New Hampshire. The following officers was elected:

Noah Tebbetts, C.

Edward F. Ricker, S.V.C.

John Beecher, J.V.C.

James Havell, Adj.

Osman B. Warren, Q.M.

Betton W. Sargent, Surg.

J.L. Rollins, Chap.

Wilber F. Warren, S. Maj.

Chas. Brackett, Q.M.S.

Edward Horney, O.D.

James H. McGrillis, O.G.

John C. Sampson for whom this Post is named was the eldest son of Mr. Luther Sampson of this town. He entered the Navy in the early part of 1861 and served a little more then one year on board the U.S. Man of War Bainbride. In the month of August immediately after his discharge from the Navy he enlisted in a company then being raised in Rochester in the 9^th N.H. Vols. and was made Sergeant in Company H. In April 1863 he was commissioned 2^nd Lieut. Of Co. B. and in 1864 1^st Lieut. In Co. E. of the 9^th Regt., which occurred in the battle before Petersburg, Va. on the 30^th of July 1864.

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The Death of John C. Sampson

August 12,1864

The Late Repulse at Petersburg, VA.

Below is an account given by a news correspondent, of the late attempt to blow up and capture the rebel works at Petersburg, on the 30^th. After giving an account of the firing of the mine and the formation of the 9^th Corps in line of battle, the writer says:

“Our troops then went over our breast works, and with deafening cheers and one continuous yell went across the plain, each man trying to outrun his companion, and no regimental organization was preserved, but the eagerness to reach the fort first was the attempt of all. The troops rushed into the fort, or the immense cavity in the earth’s surface where the fort once stood, and there witnessed a horrid scene of carnage such as seldom has been seen. Dead rebels strewed the pit and arms, legs and trunks of body; pieces of heads lay around showing what terrible execution our explosion had made. The blowing up of an immense powder manufactory or magazine as all it seemed to resemble. After occupying the fort a few minutes our troops scaled the parapets of the works on the west side of the fort, and the wild hurrahs ascended to the top and drove the “Johnnies” out of their trenches that lead out of the fort westward. The gallantry of our men while engaged in this work has rarely been equaled in this war. With bayonets and butts of muskets, when too close to fire, our brave boys went into work cheering as though their throats would break. The 9th and 11^th N.H. Vols., were the first Regiments that gained possession of these trenches, followed by the 17^th Vt., 31^st and 32^nd Maine. Col. Wentworth of the last named Regiment was wounded while his Regiment was advancing and many other officers killed and wounded in the Brigade at this point: among them Capt. Tilton, commanding 11^th N.H. Vols. These Regiments named all got orders to advance from their trenches and charge on the rebel rifle pits running parallel with them. Just then the 4^th Division, 9^th Corps. All Negroes were heard in our rear coming down on a charge, and with fearful yells they charged on a rifle pit to our right. They were met with a murderous fire of musketry on their left and front, and they broke into confusion and a panic ensued. They ran to our pits, which we had captured from the rebels and were just going to leave by charging again, and they tumbled over the sides and rolled into our pits over our men, and with fix bayonets, they bayoneted our white men of the 2^nd and 3^rd Divisions. Of course, the rebels came rushing on and the Negroes no sooner got into the pits then the rebels planted their colors on the parapets, and rushed on top of the whole mass. Then ensued a scene that beggars all description. The rebels would catch our officers and men with, “You’re my prisoner” on their lips, and our men caught them by the throat with the same exclamation. Each thought the other one their victim. Soon a hand-to-hand fight ensued that was as sure a test of valor as anything since the days of Thermopylea. Our men would use the bayonet when they could, but more frequently the butts of their muskets, and even unfixed bayonets from their guns to use in their hands. The contest was truly terrific. To escape from the trenches seemed impossible, as only an entrance to the rear into the fort admitted a few at a time. So here our troops, both black and white, received the overpowering mass of rebels advancing in four lines of battle.

At this critical period, Col. White of the 31^st Maine, tried to rally his men but was wounded and the same instant and while the rebels were pouring over the sides of the pits, Capt. A.J. Hough, commanding 9^th N.H. Vols, leaped toward the colors of his Regiment, shouting, “Rally on the Colors, Boys!” He had just given his command when he was shot through the head and throat, dying almost instantly. When he fell the hearts and hopes of his brave companions in his Regiment fell with him.

Overpowering numbers of the enemy soon compelled our brave boys to withdraw from their position in the trenches to the fort, which they did about noon and subsequently abandoned the fort and fell back to our original line of rifle pits. Server firing from the enemy killed many of our men while passing back from the rebel fort to our rifle pits. While going over this ground, Lieut. John C. Sampson, 9^th N.H. Vols. From Rochester, who was previously taken a prisoner while in the trenches was killed, and his remains lay there until the flag of truce brought them in. He was a brave and gallant officer and greatly beloved in the Regiment. His brother and Capt. Blaisdell have forwarded his remains home.

The great battle is over, the fort has been blown up, the rebels rifle pits charged and taken, then the whole abandoned, with the trenches, fort and ground around all covered with brave New England men, whose lives have been sacrificed in another fruitless attempt to storm works that are well impregnable.

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August 12,1864

Burial of John C. Sampson

On Sunday appropriate funeral services for John C. Sampson of Co. E, 9^th N.H.V., were held in the Congregational Church, which were attended by Humane Lodge of Masons of Rochester, of which order the deceased was a member and delegations from Lodges at Dover, Great Falls and Farmington. The Strafford Guards of Dover were also present, accompanied by the Cornet Band of Rochester, and performed escort duty in the procession. The religious exercises were of a very impressive character and were conducted by Rev. Eaton of the Universality Church of Dover, who selected as a text for his discourse the fitting words found in Matthew 10:39 – “He that saveth his life shall lose it and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.” The attendance was very large and the thoughtfulness of Judge Edgerly, who kindly took charge of the ceremonies, in causing to be erected a stage outside and at one of the windows of the church for the minister, in order that all might hear his words, was timely and well conceived. Rev. Eaton spoke with such earnestness and eloquently of the character and unselfish patriotism of the gallant young officer for whose untimely loss they had met to mourn and for the memory of whose brave deeds they had felt is a duty to justly honor. His remarks were listened too most attentively; notwithstanding the oppressive warm state of the atmosphere.

At the conclusion of the services at the church the Procession was formed first by the Dover Band, and Strafford Guards in uniform, with arms reversed, followed by the Masonic lodge, hearse with remains of deceased in casket and case enshrouded in the national flag, family and relatives, Great Falls Cornet Band and carriages of friends and citizens of Rochester. The solemn dirge with muffled drum from the bands, the slow and steady march to the music, and the silent yet speaking expression and action of all present, and the just appreciation which all hearts cherished of the rare virtues of the deceased, the sorrow for his untimely loss, and the general desire to pay their just tribute of honor to the memory of the patriot-soldier. At the cemetery the usual impressive Masonic ceremonies were gone through with, which embodied a very touching and appropriate charge by Worthy Master Frank McDuffee, after which the customary three volleys were fired over the grave and the procession returned to the village. Large numbers of people came from Great Falls and Dover on the extra trains in the morning and from the outskirts of Rochester, to attend the ceremonies, showing deep interest manifested by all in thus paying their respect to the memory of the brave departed.

Lieut. Sampson was the eldest son of Mr. Luther Sampson of this town and was twenty-four years of age. In the spring of 1861 he entered the navy and served above a year on board the U.S. man of war Bainbridge, thus early evincing has determination to give his service to his country. In August following his discharge from the Navy, he enlisted in a company then being raised in Rochester in the 9^th N.H. Volunteers and was given a sergeant’s warrant. In April following he was commissioned 2^nd Lieut. Of Co. B, and the first of the present year 1^st Lieut. Of Co. E, which position he held at the time of the late gallant charge of his regiment on the enemy’s works before Petersburg. His body was found inside the rebel entrenchments (which were captured by our forces and afterwards obliged to abandoned) pierced by two Minnie Bullets and his leg lacerated by an exploding shell and being obtained was immediately sent forward by his brother Lieut. L.B. Sampson of the 84^th Pennsylvania and Capt. Blaisdell of Co. H, 9^th N.H., to which he formerly belonged. Last spring during the formation of Burnside’s corps he received a brief furlough and visited his friends at this place and will be remembered by many who then greeted him; but before the expiration of his furlough he learned his regiment was to leave for the front and speedily rejoined it. All who knew him speak in terms of praise of his rare personal excellence of character, his pleasing modest demeanor, and his warm, generous friendship and as a soldier of his determined patriotism and unflinching bravery. In a letter to his family on the evening prior to his death follows:

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Civil War Letter of John C. Sampson

My Dear Parents, Brothers and Sister: - We now have orders to make an attack on the enemy to-morrow morning and I thought I would write a few lines tonight. I hope and believe that after our extensive preparations we may be able to completely use up the enemy and if we do, I do not see how the rebellion can last much longer.

I feel in good spirits and if not quite as enthusiastic as when marching on the first battlefield, it is not because I fear the rebels more, but because I have seen enough of war to learn that it is a stern reality and that there is something besides glory in it. I trust that my usual good fortune will attend me and that I shall come out all right. As there is no certainly about it, however, I will tell Capt. Blaisdell how I wish my things disposed of incase anything should happen to me.

Give my regards to all my friends and accept much love.

From your son and brother

John C. Sampson

1^st Lieut. Co. E. 9^th NH Vol.

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March 19,1886

Mrs. Hall’s remarks on the Woman’s relief Corps has aroused much interest in the subject and a branch of the corps will probably be instituted here at no far distant day. It is an excellent organization and has done a great amount of good work. Let the ladies make a move at once.

 January 25,1887

On Tuesday the 22nd Sampson Relief Corps No. 41 was organized and the following officers installed by Mrs. E.P Kent of Portsmouth, assisted by Mrs. Sophia Hall and Mrs. Sarah Bryant of Dover. President, Mrs. Emily Kimball; Senior Vice President, Mrs. Helen Edgerly; Junior Vice President, Mrs. Lucile Warren; Secretary, Mrs. Lillian B. Folsom; Treasurer, Mrs. Sadie Warren; Chaplain, Mrs. Ellen Parshley; Conductor, Mrs. Millie Worcester; Guard, Mrs. Mary E. Watson; Assistant Conductor, Mrs. Abbie Sleeper; Assistant Guard, Mrs. Josie C. Duncan.

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July 15,1892

State News Columbus Day

The Grand Army to assist the public schools in the celebration

October 21^st. It will be one of the greatest days in the history of the Country.

Commander Daniel Hall has issued a circular to his Department of the G.A.R., in relation to the proposed great celebration of Columbus Day by the public schools.

The idea of having such a celebration by the public schools is warmly commended and proposition to have the Grand Army co-operate with them is spoken of as most fitting.

Arrangements have already been made partially for such an observance of the day and the Commander calls the attention of the comrades to the matter and desires all the posts to participate in the exercises.

He suggests two things that are to be remembered in connection with the event.

1. That the public schools embracing school boards, citizens and scholars, is to be the center of the demonstration and that the Grand Army will be offering its services under their leadership should encourage them to take the initiative.

2. A most material part of the program for this celebration is a morning salute to the flag in every school in the land. Wherever a Post exists or may be represented, the Grand Army comrades may appropriately take charge of this ceremony and by a careful attention to its details make it an impressive observance and an object lesson of patriotism never to be forgotten.

The Grand Army is already identified with the great movement, which has raised the national banner over nearly every schoolhouse in the republic. Now that another opportunity to link its name conspicuously with the most memorable demonstration of modern times, when thirteen million pupils in the public schools of the United States may be made to feel that they form a great army, disciplined for the citizenship and under training to meet the momentous issues of the coming century.

The circular concludes as follows: It is probable that each of the school celebrations will have a local chapter, which will give an opportunity for Posts to vie with each other throughout our Department in making the demonstration beautiful, interesting and instructive.

This grand project has already enlisted universal sympathy and support. The Commander solicits the hearty co-operation of every comrade to the end that it may be an unqualified success.

By Command of Daniel Hall,

Department Commander

James Minot, Assistant Adjutant General

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November 2,1928

G.A.R. Disbands

 At a joint meeting recently Commander Philpot of Sampson Post, turned over the Memorial Day work of the G.A.R. to American Legion Post No. 7. A paper was drawn up to that effect and signed by each member of the G.A.R. and was accepted by the members of the American Legion. Sampson Post has also disbanded and given up their charter.

April 15,1932

Legion Meeting

The American Legion has taken over the work of the G.A.R. on the matter of carrying out the Memorial Day exercises. This duty was formally transferred to the Legion in 1928. The last commander of Sampson Post, G.A.R., was Hiram Philpot, who died in 1929. The G.A.R. also presented a cannon to the Legion in 1920, the early days of the Legion Posts and Clarence Mallette gave them a rifle used during the Civil War and the Woman’s Relief Corps presented them with a beautiful silk American flag.

At this time there are three living members of Sampson Post, Clarence Mallette of Rochester, James Lucey of Gonic and John Pugsley of South Portland, Me. All these men have been extended cordial invitations to attend the district meeting of the Legion.