Civil War Field Glasses and Case Picked up on the Gaines’ Mill Battlefield by Col. Clark S. Edwards 5^th Maine Infantry – These field glasses are American made and definitively from the Civil War period. The eyepiece lenses are contained within gutta percha surrounds – one of the surrounds has a raised letter descriptor – “SUPERIOR”; the other surround has another raised letter descriptor – “MARINE GLASS”.  The focus stem is also constructed of gutta percha, typical of war period glasses. Although one of the eyepiece lenses is cracked, the optics remain fine. Common to military field glasses, this pair exhibits extendable sunshades over the objective lenses. One sunshade barrel remains covered with brown, pebble grain leather; the other no longer retains the leather cover. Also typical of war period glasses, the bridge between the eyepiece lenses is straight, not bent to conform to the bridge of the user’s nose. This pair of field glasses retains its original, war period, black bridle leather, carrying case and shoulder strap; the strap is no longer affixed to the case proper; one end of the strap has been broken off, seemingly during the period of use. The case is intact but is no longer hinged to the case body. Significantly, affixed to the top of the case is an elongated, silver escutcheon that is nicely engraved, during the war (evidenced by the style of engraving) with the following:

“Col. C.S. Edwards.

Relic

From Gaines’ Hill, VA.”

Also of significance, stylistically scratched into a section of one of the black lacquered objective lens tubes, exposed when the sunshade is extended, is the following (although it appears that the Federal discoverer of the field glasses, at Gaines’ Mill, scratched out, what may have been the Confederate officer’s name and regimental designation):

“Capt. ???

1^st Reg’t ???”

 Included with the field glasses is a letter of provenance, written and signed by the great grandson of Col. Edwards.

Colonel Clark Swett Edwards (1824 – 1903) organized, at the onset of the Civil War, the volunteer Bethel Maine Rifle Company. Shortly thereafter, Edwards was promoted to the rank of Colonel of the 5^th Maine Infantry. Col. Edwards would remain with this regiment throughout the war, seeing combat at multiple, significant engagements, to include the Battle of Gaines’ Mill, in June 1862, where the 5^th Maine would sustain numerous casualties. It appears that Col. Edwards picked this pair of cased field glasses on the field at Gaines’ Mill; in consideration of the remnants of the original owner’s name and regiment, these glasses were probably in the possession of a Confederate officer at the start of the action at Gaines’ Mill. Col. Edwards would be in command of the 5^th Maine, at the Battle of Gettysburg as well as numerous other engagements. In 1864, Edwards would muster out, at the rank of Brevet Brigadier General. General Edwards, after the war, was appointed by the Governor of Maine, to the state’s Gettysburg Commission; in 1886, Edwards was Maine’s Democratic Party’s gubernatorial candidate; in 1893, he was appointed to the Columbia Exposition Commission (the World Fair of 1893 in Chicago).

Clark Swett Edwards

Residence Bethel, ME; 37 years old.
Enlisted on 6/24/1861 as a Captain.

On 6/24/1861, he was commissioned into “I” Co. Maine 5th Infantry.
He was Mustered Out on 7/27/1864

Promotions:

• Major 7/1/1862
• Lt Colonel 11/22/1862
• Colonel 1/8/1863
• Brig-General 3/13/1865 by Brevet

Intra-regimental company transfers

• 7/1/1862 From company I to Field & Staff

Born 3/26/1824 in Otisfield, ME
Died 5/3/1903 in Bethel, ME

MAINE FIFTH INFANTRY (Three Years) Fifth Infantry.–Cols., Mark H. Dunnell, Nathaniel J. Jackson, Edward A. Scammon, Clark S. Edwards; Lieut.-Cols., Edwin Illsley, William S. Heath, Edward A. Scammon, Clark S. Edwards, Capt. Millett of Co. A; Majs., Samuel C. Hamilton, Edward A. Scammon, Clark S. Edwards, Capt. Millett, A. S. Daggett. This regiment was recruited from the third militia division of the state. It was mustered into the service of the United States on June 24, 1861, and numbered 1,046 men. It was made up entirely of new companies and was raised at a time when a spirit of intense patriotism prevailed throughout the state, so that little exertion was required to fill its ranks. It left Maine for Washington on June 26, fully equipped and armed with Springfield muskets and bayonets. On its way through New York city it was the recipient of a beautiful flag, presented by the loyal sons of Maine there resident. It remained in camp at Meridian Hill, Washington, until July 5, when it commenced its march to the battle-field of Bull Run. During its three years of severe service, it was engaged in eleven pitched battles and eight skirmishes, prior to its participation in the terrible campaign of the Wilderness under Grant. Its list of battles includes First Bull Run, West Point, Gaines’ Mill, Charles City Cross-Roads, Crampton’s Gap, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Salem Heights, Gettysburg, Rappahannock Station, Wilderness, Spottsylvania Court House and Cold Harbor. In the battle of Gaines’ Mill the 5th lost 10 killed, 69 wounded and 16 missing, its gallant Col. Jackson was carried wounded from the field and Lieut.-Col. Heath was among the killed. At Rappahannock Station, the regiment was conspicuous for its gallantry, and captured 4 standards of the enemy. The flags were presented to Gen. Meade, who said: “In the name of the army and the country I thank you for the services you have rendered, particularly for the example you have set and which I doubt not on future occasions will be followed and emulated.” In a gallant charge on the enemy’s works at Spottsylvania Court House, more than half of the regiment was lost in crossing an open field subject to a raking fire of canister, but it captured the works, and took 2 flags and a large number of prisoners. In addition to the 6 captured flags, the 5th had the record of taking more men prisoners than it carried on its own rolls. It left the front near Petersburg, June 22, 1864, and started for home, arriving in Portland on the 28th with 216 men, who were mustered out of service, July 27, 1864, the veterans and recruits having been transferred to the 7th Me. During its term of service it had received some 500 recruits. Source: The Union Army, vol. 1 ********************************************************************************** Report of Col. Mark H. Dunnell, Fifth Maine Infantry. ALEXANDRIA, VA., July 26, 1861. SIR: The Fifth Regiment of Maine Volunteers is now in quarters in this city. It came to this place with the rest of your brigade on Monday. Their reports which have been called for, and the condition of the regiment, have not allowed me time to report the action of the regiment on the field July 21, and as you were and eye-witness of its action, I have not deemed it necessary to make so great haste in the preparation of this report. I deem it due to many of the officers of my regiment to make a report. The rapid movement of our men for many miles before the commencement of the action completely unfitted them for the labor of the action. None but an immediate eye-witness can fully realize the real sufferings of the men during the march. The best stoutest and bravest men failed, and fell by the roadside. The colonel, major, and surgeon were on the field, and took part in the action by a discharge of their respective duties. Capt. Scammon, Company H; Capt. Thompson, Company D; Capt. Thomas, Company G; Capt. Sherwood, Company F; Capt. Goodwin, Company B, and Capt. Heald, Company A, were each with their respective companies, and with marked courage and self-possession discharged their duties. Capt. Noyes was under arrest. Capt. Tobie was absent on furlough, and Capt. Sawyer and Capt. Edwards were absent by reason of exhaustion caused by the march. Lieut. Barrows, of Company C; Lieut. Buckman, of Company K; Lieut. Walker, of Company G; Lieut. Munson, of Company H; Lieut. Sawyer, of Company G; Lieut. Walker, of Company F, and Lieut. Millett, of Company A, were the only lieutenants in their companies at the time of the action, and these officers deserve much praise for the heroic manner in which they met duty. Company B was fully at the time of the action. Capt. Goodwin and Lieuts. Stevens and Pillsbury were all present, and it is to be reported that not one of Company B was killed or mortally wounded. Capt. Sherwood was badly wounded in the left arm by a musket ball. Lieut. Kenniston, Company D, was wounded and then taken prisoners. Dr. Buxton, surgeon, and hospital stewards were taken by the enemy. The officers and privates of the regiment are in great need of rest, and, when fully recruited, will, I doubt not, be ready to meet any of the demands may be made upon their endurance or their courage. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, MARK H. DUNNELL, Col. Fifth Regiment Maine V.M. Col. O.O. HOWARD, Commanding Third Brigade, Third Division. Source: Official Records PAGE 421-2 OPERATIONS IN MD., PA., VA., AND W. VA. [CHAP. IX. [Series I. Vol. 2. Serial No. 2.] ********************************************************************************** Antietam after battle report: Report of Col. Nathaniel J. Jackson, Fifth Maine Infantry, of the battle of Crampton’s Pass. HEADQUARTERS FIFTH MAINE REGIMENT, Camp near Williamsport, Md., September 23, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of events that transpired on the 14th instant at the battle of Crampton’s Pass, as far as relates to this regiment: About 3.30 o’clock p.m., in company with the remainder of the brigade, we received orders to move forward. We were formed in the first line of battle, in company with the Sixteenth New York Volunteers, our position being upon the left. We immediately moved forward in line to assault the enemy’s lines, under a severe and galling fire. Arriving within about 500 yards, we became engaged with the enemy’s infantry. Our line rested behind a rail fence, which position we maintained for upward of an hour, when our ammunition became completely exhausted. We then fell back a short distance, our position being occupied by a portion of Gen. Newton’s brigade. We then received orders to fix bayonets and charge upon the enemy, which we did at double-quick. We remained upon the battle-field during the night. Both officers and men behaved in a noble manner. Our loss was 4 killed and 28 wounded. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, N.J. JACKSON, Col., Commanding Regiment. Lieut. R.P. WILSON, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. Second Brigade, Gen. Slocum’s Div. Source: Official Records: Series I. Vol. 19. Part I, Reports. Serial No. 27

The 5th Maine Infantry Regiment was an infantry regiment of the Union Army during the American Civil War.

Service

Organized at Portland, Maine and mustered in June 24, 1861. Left State for Washington, D.C., June 26. Attached to Howard’s Brigade, Heintzelman’s Division, McDowell’s Army of Northeastern Virginia, to August, 1861. Heintzelman’s Brigade, Division of the Potomac, to October, 1862. Slocum’s Brigade, Franklin’s Division, Army of the Potomac, to March, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 1st Army Corps, Army Potomac and Dept. of the Rappahannock, to May, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 6th Army Corps, Army Potomac, to June, 1864.

Afterward, the regiment was combined with those of the 7th Maine Infantry to form the 1st Maine Veteran Volunteer Infantry Regiment.

Mark Hill Dunnell, First Commander of the 5th Maine.

Today the 5th Maine’s memory is preserved at the Fifth Maine Regiment Community Center on Peaks Island, Maine, formerly a reunion house for the regiment’s veterans.

Detailed History

This regiment was recruited from the third militia division of the state. It was mustered into the service of the United States on June 24, 1861, and numbered 1,046 men. It was made up entirely of new companies and was raised at a time when a spirit of intense patriotism prevailed throughout the state, so that little exertion was required to fill its ranks. It left Maine for Washington on June 26, fully equipped and armed with Springfield muskets and bayonets. On its way through New York City it was the recipient of a beautiful flag, presented by the loyal sons of Maine there resident. It remained in camp at Meridian Hill, Washington, until July 5, when it commenced its march to the battlefield of Bull Run. During its three years of severe service, it was engaged in eleven pitched battles and eight skirmishes, prior to its participation in the terrible campaign of the Wilderness under Grant. Its list of battles includes First Bull Run, West Point, Gaines’ Mill, Charles City Cross-Roads, Crampton’s Gap, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Salem Heights, Gettysburg, Rappahannock Station, Wilderness, Spottsylvania Court House and Cold Harbor. In the battle of Gaines’ Mill the 5th lost 10 killed, 69 wounded and 16 missing, its gallant Col. Jackson was carried wounded from the field and Lieut.-Col. Heath was among the killed. At Rappahannock Station, the regiment was conspicuous for its gallantry, and captured 4 standards of the enemy. The flags were presented to Gen. Meade, who said: “In the name of the army and the country I thank you for the services you have rendered, particularly for the example you have set and which I doubt not on future occasions will be followed and emulated.” In a gallant charge on the enemy’s works at Spotsylvania Court House, more than half of the regiment was lost in crossing an open field subject to a raking fire of canister, but it captured the works, and took 2 flags and a large number of prisoners. In addition to the 6 captured flags, the 5th had the record of taking more men prisoners than it carried on its own rolls. It left the front near Petersburg, June 22, 1864, and started for home, arriving in Portland on the 28th with 216 men, who were mustered out of service, July 27, 1864, the veterans and recruits having been transferred to the 7th Me. During its term of service it had received some 500 recruits.

Engagements

• First Bull Run
• Peninsular Campaign
  • West Point
  • Gaines Mill
  • Goldings Farm
  • Malvern Hill
• Crampton’s Gap(Antietam Campaign)
• Antietam
• Fredericksburg
• Chancellorsville
• Gettysburg
• Funkstown, MD
• Rappahannock Station (Bristoe Campaign)
• Locust Grove (Mine Run Campaign)
• Wilderness
• Spotsylvania
• North Anna
• Cold Harbor
• Petersburg

Detailed service

Organized at Portland, Maine and mustered in June 24, 1861. Left State for Washington, D.C., June 26. Attached to Howard’s Brigade, Heintzelman’s Division, McDowell’s Army of Northeastern Virginia, to August, 1861. Heintzelman’s Brigade, Division of the Potomac, to October, 1862. Slocum’s Brigade, Franklin’s Division, Army of the Potomac, to March, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 1st Army Corps, Army Potomac and Dept. of the Rappahannock, to May, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 6th Army Corps, Army Potomac, to June, 1864.

SERVICE.–Camp at Meridian Hill, Washington, D.C. until July 16, 1861. Advance on Manassas, Va., July 16–21. Battle of Bull Run July 21. Duty in the Defenses of Washington until March, 1862. Expedition to Pohick Church, Va., October 3, 1861. Advance on Manassas, Va., March 10–15, 1862. McDowell’s advance on Fredericksburg, Va., April 4–12. Ordered to the Peninsula April 22. Siege of Yorktown (on Transports) April 24-May 4. West Point May 7–8. Seven days before Richmond June 25-July 1. Gaines’ Mill June 27. Golding’s Farm June 28. Savage Station June 29. Charles City Cross Roads and Glendale June 30. Malvern Hill July 1. At Harrison’s Landing until August 15. Retreat from the Peninsula and movement to Centreville August 15–27. In works at Centreville August 27–31. Assist in checking Pope’s rout at Bull Run and cover retreat to Fairfax C. H., September 1. Maryland Campaign September–October. Crampton’s Pass, South Mountain, September 14. Battle of Antietam September 16–17. At Hagerstown, Md., September 26 to October 29. Movement to Falmouth, Va., October 29-November 19. Battle of Fredericksburg December 12–15. “Mud March” January 20–24, 1863. Chancellorsville Campaign April 27-May 6. Operations at Franklin’s Crossing April 29-May 2. Maryes Heights, Fredericksburg, May 3. Salem Heights May 3–4. Banks’ Ford May 4. Operations about Deep Run Ravine June 6–13. Battle of Gettysburg, Pa., July 2–4. Near Funkstown, Md., July 10–13. Hagerstown July 13. Bristoe Campaign October 9–22. Advance to line of the Rappahannock November 7–8. Rappahannock Station November 7. Mine Run Campaign November 26-December 2. Campaign from the Rapidan to the James River May 3 to June 15. Battles of the Wilderness May 5–7; Laurel Hill May 8; Spotsylvania May 8–12; Spotsylvania C. H. May 12–21. “Bloody Angle,” assault on the Salient, May 12. North Anna River May 23–26. On line of the Pamunkey May 26–28. Totopotomoy May 28–31. Cold Harbor June 1–12. Before Petersburg June 19–22. Ordered to the rear for muster out. Mustered out July 27, 1864, expiration of term. Veterans and Recruits transferred to 6th Maine Infantry.

Casualties

107 men were killed in action or died of wounds, while another 77 died of disease. Another reference only has 137 men dying or being killed in battle (though same volume, in appendix, also claims 143 for casualty count).

Commanders

• Mark H. Dunnell
• Nathaniel J. Jackson
• Edward Scamman
• Clark S. Edwards

5th Regiment, Maine Infantry

Overview:

Organized at Portland and mustered in June 24, 1861. Left State for Washington, D. C., June 26. Attached to Howard’s Brigade, Heintzelman’s Division, McDowell’s Army of Northeastern Virginia, to August, 1861. Heintzelman’s Brigade, Division of the Potomac, to October, 1862. Slocum’s Brigade, Franklin’s Division, Army of the Potomac, to March, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 1st Army Corps, Army Potomac and Dept. of the Rappahannock, to May, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 6th Army Corps, Army Potomac, to June, 1864.

Service:

Camp at Meridian Hill till July 16, 1861. Advance on Manassas, Va., July 16-21. Battle of Bull Run July 21. Duty in the Defences of Washington till March, 1862. Expedition to Pohick Church, Va., October 3, 1861. Advance on Manassas, Va., March 10-15, 1862. McDowell’s advance on Fredericksburg, Va., April 4-12. Ordered to the Peninsula April 22. Siege of Yorktown (on Transports) April 24-May 4. West Point May 7-8. Seven days before Richmond June 25-July 1. Gaines’ Mill June 27. Golding’s Farm June 28. Savage Station June 29. Charles City Cross Roads and Glendale June 30. Malvern Hill July 1. At Harrison Landing till August 15. Retreat from the Peninsula and movement to Centreville August 15-27. In works at Centreville August 27-31. Assist in checking Pope’s rout at Bull Run and cover retreat to Fairfax C. H., September 1. Maryland Campaign September-October. Crampton’s Pass, South Mountain, September 14. Battle of Antietam September 16-17. At Hagerstown, Md., September 26 to October 29. Movement to Falmouth, Va., October 29-November 19. Battle of Fredericksburg December 12-15. “Mud March” January 20-24, 1863. Chancellorsville Campaign April 27-May 6. Operations at Franklin’s Crossing April 29-May 2. Maryes Heights, Fredericksburg, May 3. Salem Heights May 3-4. Banks’ Ford May 4. Operations about Deep Run Ravine June 6-13. Battle of Gettysburg, Pa., July 2-4. Near Funkstown, Md., July 10-13. Hagerstown July 13. Bristoe Campaign October 9-22. Advance to line of the Rappahannock November 7-8. Rappahannock Station November 7. Mine Run Campaign November 26-December 2. Campaign from the Rapidan to the James River May 3 to June 15. Battles of the Wilderness May 5-7; Laurel Hill May 8; Spottsylvania May 842; Spottsylvania C. H. May 12-21. “Bloody Angle,” assault on the Salient, May 12. North Anna River May 23-26. On line of the Pamunkey May 26-28. Totopotomoy May 28-31. Cold Harbor June 1-12. Before Petersburg June 19-22. Ordered to the rear for muster out. Mustered out July 27, 1864, expiration of term. Veterans and Recruits transferred to 6th Maine Infantry.

Regiment lost during service 8 Officers and 99 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 1 Officer and 76 Enlisted men by disease. Total 184.

5th Maine Infantry Regiment

The 5th Maine Infantry Regiment lost 8 officers and 99 enlisted men killed or mortally wounded and 1 officer and 76 enlisted men to disease during the Civil War. The regiment is honored by a monument at Gettysburg.

5th Maine Infantry Regiment at Gettysburg

The monument to the 5th Maine Infantry Regiment is south of Gettysburg on the west side of Sedgwick Avenue just north of Wheatfield Road. (Sedgwick Avenue tour map) The state of Maine erected the monument in 1889.

The 5th Maine at Gettysburg

Colonel Clark S. Edwards commanded the 5th Maine at the Battle of Gettysburg. It brought 340 men to the field and suffered no casualties.

The regiment arrived at the battlefield late on July 2. It formed behind the 5th Corps, some of which was giving ground, then advanced to the front and held the position through the night. Late on July 3 the regiment supported the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 5th Corps in an advance through the Wheatfield and the woods on the south. The advance captured about 200 prisoners of Benning’s Georgia Brigade and the colors of the 15th Georgia Infantry Regiment.

Text from the monument:

5th Maine Infantry

2nd Brig. 1st Div. 6th Corps

Occupied this position from evening of July 2nd until close of battle.

Mustered into the U.S. Service Portland, Me. June 24, 1861. Served with the Army of the Potomac in the field from Bull Run to Petersburg. Mustered out, Portland, June 27,1864.

When news of the attack on Fort Sumter reached the small town of Bethel, Maine, Clark S. Edwards was high on a ladder shingling his roof. He immediately climbed down, obtained permission from the appropriate authorities to form a company of men, and set out to gather recruits from Bethel and the surrounding towns.

This group became Company I, Fifth Regiment Maine Volunteer Infantry with Edwards as its Captain. He rose through the ranks and was appointed Colonel of the regiment following the resignation of Colonel E.A. Scammon in January 1863.

Following the war Col. Edwards, who had been breveted to Brigadier General for bravery in battle, returned to Bethel to engage in farming. In 1898 he was appointed Maine’s Commissioner to the Columbian Exposition in Chicago. In that capacity he directed the construction of the State of Maine building which now stands in Poland Spring, Maine.

General Edwards retained close ties with his comrades in the Fifth Maine, spending many a summer day at the “cottage” on Peaks Island. His comrades, in turn, eulogized him in a stirring funeral service attended by Joshua Chamberlain.

Edwards, Clarke S. (Clarke Swett), 1824-1903

Clarke S. Edwards was born in 1824. He lived in Bethel, Maine, prior to the start of the Civil War. After the attack on Fort Sumter, Edwards formed a company of men, eventually Company I, 5th Regiment, Maine Infanry. Edwards began the war with the rank of captain and was later made a colonel in January 1863. He was brevetted Brigadier General of US Volunteers in March 1865. Following the Civil War, he returned to his farm and family in Maine. He died in 1903.

Civil War Union Brevet Brigadier General. Born March 26, 1824, in Otisfield, Maine, he was a merchant when the Civil War broke out and enlisted in the 5th Maine Infantry, Union Army. Elected as Captain of Company I of the 5th Maine, he participated in nearly every major battle in the eastern theater of the war, including the First and Second Bull Runs, Chancellorsville, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Rappahannock Station, Wilderness, Spotsylvania, and Cold Harbor. By July of 1864, as Colonel in command of the 5th Maine Regiment, he was notable for capturing six Confederate flags, taking more then 1200 prisoners, 1700 small arms and 1 caisson. For gallantry in action, he was brevetted Brigadier General of US Volunteers on March 13, 1865. After the war he returned home and pursued his interests in agriculture and business. He died at age 79 in Bethel, Maine.

Inscription

“I will not ask for a leave…While within the hearing…of Rebel
Cannon”

The Vernon Street home of General Clark S. Edwards was trimmed in patriotic bunting for the 1896 centenary of Bethel’s incorporation as a town.  Visible behind the porch roof balustrade, Edwards distinguished himself in several major Civil War engagements, including the Battle of Gettysburg.  He ran unsuccessfully as the Democratic candidate for Governor of Maine in 1886 and was appointed Maine’s Commissioner for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition at Chicago.

BG Clark Swett Edwards Veteran 

Birth

26 Mar 1824

Otisfield Gore, Cumberland County, Maine, USA

Death

3 May 1903 (aged 79)

Bethel, Oxford County, Maine, USA

Burial

Woodland Cemetery

Bethel, Oxford County, Maine, USA