Augustus Pomeroy

Like many men in company C, Augustus Pomeroy was a native of New York. In the summer of 1862, he was a farmer in the small community of Salem.

"Gus" enlisted in company C, as 3rd Sergeant on August 8, 1862, at Plymouth. He was 25. He mustered into service on August 15, 1862.

His war record is outstanding. He was wounded in the foot at Gettysburg, Pa. July 1, 1863. Apparently his wound was not too severe. He quickly returned to duty. In recognition of his service, he was promoted to First Sergeant on November 1, 1863.

"Gus" was on recruiting duty in Michigan from March 21 through September 5, 1864. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant on April 20, 1865 to rank from March 21, 1865. Along with the remainder of the Regiment, he mustered out at Detroit, Mich., June 30, 1865.

He attended the Dedication of the 24th Michigan's Monument at "Michigan Day at Gettysburg", June 12th-14th, 1889.

During his service, he participated in the battles of Fredericksburg, Fitzhugh Crossing, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Locust Grove, Siege of Petersburg, Hatcher's Run, and Dabney's Mill. He was present on the Mud March, Port Royal, and Westmoreland Expeditions, Campaign of Maneuvers, Mine Run, Reconnaissances to Raccoon Ford, Vaughn Road, and the Raid to the Merherrin River.

Augustus Pomeroy, Seated Lower Right. Photo taken after Nov. 1, 1864. Other men as yet unidentified. Note the Hardy Hats have had the crown broken and are creased, but still have the hat cords. Also note that Pomeroy's hat seems to have the red disk signifying the First Division, First Corps. The chevrons on his shoulder indicate the rank of First Sergeant, and thus the photo post-dates November 1, 1863.

March 8, 1864

Dear Uncle,

I have been wanting to write to you this long time, but every time that I ask Ma she says wait till next week and now I have commenced one. I would like to have a good long talk with you. We have been looking for a letter from you this long time. Is your wrist getting well so that you can write to us? Now Uncle Gus please don't scruffle any more because I think that you are too big and heavy. I hear that you have got your box, how did the victuals taste? I guess they were pretty old. Our school was out two weeks ago. Mr. Nichols enlisted in the heavy artillery. I only staid out of school one day so I got the present. It was a nice book called the youth keepsake. And he gave Frankie one to[o] but not so nice as mine. Mine is bound in gilt and has got 252 pages and Frankie's book has got 142. Grandma and Grandpa Waterman and Aunt Ella have gone down to Detroit to day. They are going to move up to the Old Place soon. Aunt Huldah is down here this week helping ma saw carpetage [?]
Last Friday was my birthday. I was eight years old. It is about bedtime and I will stop writing. I hope that you will write to me when you have time.

Letter from Augustus Pomeroy Manuscript Collection, Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan

Photograph courtesy of David Finney, used with permission.

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