Episode 32: 1LT C. Seton Fleming and the 2nd Florida at the Battle of Williamsburg

At the Battle of Williamsburg, 5 May 1862, the 2nd Florida engaged two Union regiments southeast of the town. COL Ward, the 2nd Florida’s commander, was killed in action and the regiment was forced to retreat to a second position. Once the lines stabilized, 1LT Fleming joined a party to recover COL Ward’s body, but was himself wounded. Brought to the town of Williamsburg by his brother and several volunteers, 1LT Fleming was not evacuated as the Confederates retreated from the town and he was captured the next day.

Sources used for this episode:

Fleming, Charles S. Memoir of Capt. C. Seton Fleming, of the Second Florida Infantry, C.S.A. Jacksonville: Times-Union Publishing House, 1884. https://diginole.lib.fsu.edu/islandora/object/fsu%3A96836#page/1/mode/2up.

Scott, Robert N. The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies. ser. 1, vol. 11, pt. 1. Washington: Government Printing Office, 1884. https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=coo.31924079609560&view=1up&seq=3.

Transcript

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Hello everyone. My name is bill Caughlin and welcome to first person civil war podcast, which retells the stories of the soldiers and officers on the ground in the battles of the civil war. Episode 32 is entitled first Lieutenant C Seton Fleming, and the second Florida at the battle of Williamsburg. And relies on his book, published by his brother, Francis P Fleming in 1884. Entitled. Memoir of captain C Seton. And Fleming of the second Florida infantry, C S a. Charles. Fleming was born just north of the city of Jacksonville, Florida in 1839. With roots in Ireland and Scotland. The Fleming family claim to fame was an ancestral marriage into the family of king. Robert, the Bruce King of Scotland in the early 13 hundreds. Who led the war against England after William Wallace is death. C Seton Fleming desire to career in the military. And sought an appointment to the United States military academy at west point. He was unsuccessful in this endeavor. And instead attended Kings mountain military school in Yorkville, South Carolina from 1858 to 1859. As Florida and several other states seceded from the union. See Seton Fleming showed his enthusiasm for the impending war with a letter dated 23, January, 1861. To his brother Francis, who was surveying in Southern Florida and was unaware of the crisis beset upon the nation. The first gun may be of a long war has been fired. It was discharged by the South Carolina troops on Morris island, near the entrance of Charleston Harbor at a United States theme ship. The ship was the star of the west. And he continues. Which had on board troops to reinforce Fort Sumpter. After receiving six or eight shots, some of which struck her, she was driven back without accomplishing her object. Georgia has taken Fort Pulaski and has a large Garrison in it. Several of the fortifications at Pensacola have also been taken. Besides those at mobile and some in Louisiana, all of which were in the hands of the secessionists by last accounts. The Jacksonville light infantry, and some of the citizens are erecting a battery at the bar. After Florida passed the ordinance of secession on 10, January, 1861. C Seton Fleming joined a local company called the minute men and drilled with them for a time. By April of that year, it became clear that the minute men would remain around Jacksonville, Florida. And instead of staying in this unit, he assisted in raising company G of the second Florida infantry. On 13, July, 1861. He was mustered into service with company G with the rank of first Lieutenant. First Lieutenant Fleming and his brother Francis. Uh, private and company H of the second, Florida were sent to Virginia and arrived at Richmond on 21, July, 1861. Which was the day of the first battle of bull run. The second Florida was eventually assigned to the defenses around Yorktown Virginia. As the union army of the Potomac under the command of major general McClellan prepared for its advance upon Richmond from the coast. The second Florida soughts first tastes of action on the skirmish line had Yorktown. But retreated along with the rest of the army up the peninsula, it was at the town of Williamsburg that the union. pursuit caught up with the Confederates. At this point in the war, the second Florida was the only regiment from that state in Virginia. As all others either stayed within Florida or were sent to the Western armies. This meant that the second Florida was known as a representative regiment of the state. And after retreating from Yorktown, the second Florida marched in Brigadier general, Jubal a earliest brigade. And major general D H Hills division. Of the army of Northern Virginia commanded by general Joseph E. Johnston. On the evening of four May, 1862 first Lieutenant Fleming, the second Florida and the rest of their brigade had marched through Williamsburg and were in readiness to continue the March on the fifth. By that morning, the union army caught up with the Confederate rear guard on the east side of the town. The retreat towards Richmond was slow going and major general DHL's entire division had yet to depart when it was ordered to turn around and March to the ring of her doubts on the Southeast side of Williamsburg. The Confederate forces at Williamsburg on five may. We're approximately three divisions of infantry and one brigade of cavalry under the tactical command of major general James Long street, who was the senior division commander on the field. His division was the first to engage the advancing union third Corps as the battle continued to develop major general long street discovered that the forces he already sent into the fight or we're running low on ammunition. At three 30, I received messages from some of the brigadiers that their ammunition was getting short. Ours being in wagons and therefore on available. My only means of furnishing. It was to get fresh troops. I consequently sent to major general hill for the balance of his division. Colston brigade and two regiments of earliest brigade were ordered forward through the woods at our right. First Lieutenant Fleming, the second Florida alongside the 12th, Mississippi. battalion received these orders and advanced beyond Fort Magruder toward the union lines. The second Florida on reaching the scene of action was salted to load and then thrown into line of battle. And in this, their first engagement advanced with the steadiness of veterans across an open field, under heavy fire from the enemy. Who were posted and strong force in a fallen wood beyond. As the regiment advanced, they witnessed the gallons cavalry charge of the Jeff Davis Legion. But the experience of this arm of the service against well drilled infantry is almost universally the same. This proved no exception to the rule and many, an empty saddle bar, silent witness to the valor of the unfortunate trooper. As the second Florida advance toward the union lines in the woods, south of the fortifications, the 38 New York commanded by Colonel J H Hobart maneuvered into position to meet them. On arriving near the front, under the direction of general Burnie. My regiment filed to the right of the road, into the woods, and then deployed an open order. Fronting the enemies works in the vicinity of Williamsburg. General Bernie had in the meantime, formed the 40th New York in our rear as support. The general now directed me to advance cautiously to the edge of the woods. But not to advance in the open field beyond and not to fire unless they could hit. But after driving the enemy from the woods to hold my position until further orders. I accordingly advanced and in obedience to orders drove the enemy from the woods as the enemy retreated across the open space and road. I continued to drive them. The 38th and 40th new York's advance was in conjunction with another brigade on their left flank. And private Francis Fleming noted that it was this combination of a flank attack and the loss of their commander. That forced the regiment to retreat. On reaching the fallen timber, they advancing lines of the second Florida were halted and opened fire. Almost immediately after Colonel ward fell, it became apparent that the enemy were flanking the Confederate, right. The regiment was there for ordered to fall back, which was done across the field over which the advance had been made, where they reformed having been thrown into some confusion and falling back under a heavy fire. The regiment was then advanced to a position along an old line of fence, almost midway of the field. The 38th and 40th New York regiments pursued the Floridians and Mississippians, but seem to stop short of where the second Florida had just retreated. As the line stabilized first Lieutenant Fleming volunteered alongside 10 other men to venture to their old position and attempt to recover the body of Colonel ward. This was fraught with Greg danger, the party having to advance in the face of a steady fire from the enemy. They reached the body, however, in safety and taking it up, proceeded to bear it toward the Confederate lines. When Lieutenant Fleming was shot down. The ball entering just above and in front of his right hip. Passing through the body and making its exit at the center of the back. Captain call and others attempted to take up their wounded comrade and bear him in. But he would not permit it. Every movement of the body causing him great pain. Supposing himself, mortally wounded. He said to them, Leave me and let me die in peace. The remainder of the party returned to the regiment. When Francis learned that his brother was left wounded between the lines, he immediately organized a party to retrieve him. But I was told to wait until evening when the firing slackened. In the meantime, Lieutenant Fleming. Having somewhat revived from the first shock of his wound, managed by great effort to drag himself a short distance toward the regiment, waving his sword and was discovered and brought in. It was about sunset. And the writer with volunteers from Stark's company took the wounded man on a blanket and afterward on a litter to carry into Williamsburg for medical assistance. The battle of Williamsburg was inconclusive with the Confederate retreat and union pursuit. Continuing up the peninsula toward Richmond. The Confederate wounded from the battle of Williamsburg stayed in the town that night. And many like first Lieutenant Fleming. We're not evacuated before the union army sees the town. And a letter to his parents dated nine August, 1862 first Lieutenant Fleming recounted. What happened to him after his capture? The Yankees who came in town next morning did not have may remove to a hospital. But let me remain at the same house. Where I was indeed very lucky to get for the lady who stayed there was just as kind and attentive to me as though I was her own and only child. There was nothing that I wanted that was not gotten for me, if it could be had in town. I was confined to my bed for about seven weeks. During which time I suffered more from fever than the actual pain that my wound occasioned. Mall first Lieutenant Fleming recovered from his wounds and Williamsburg. The second Florida held regimental elections. The regiment's initial term of enlistment was only for one year. But just before the peninsula campaign began, the Confederate Congress passed legislation that extended their enlistment by two more years. As a trade-off. The regiment was allowed to hold an officer's election. This was set for three May, 1862. But it was delayed because of the siege of Yorktown. As the regiment camped somewhere along the banks of the Chickahominy river, they held elections. The wounded and absent from the second Florida. First Lieutenant Fleming remained on the ballot for elections. And as a result, garnered a number of votes. As there was no guarantee of his brother's return Francis intervened. With the great uncertainty as to the fate of Lieutenant Fleming. The probability that his wound would prove mortal and remembering with gratitude, the generous offer of captain call his rival candidate for majority. At the great risk of his life to accompany the party to his assistance on the field of Williamsburg. The author thought it best to remove the name of Lieutenant Fleming as a candidate. The reorganization of the regiment was therefore affected without his election to an office. When first Lieutenant Fleming recovered from his wounds, the town was still under union control and he was sent further down the peninsula to be with Confederate prisoners from the ongoing campaign. As soon as I got well enough to be sent away from Williamsburg. I was sent to Fort Monroe. And from there Ford wall, commonly known as the rip raps. Which is an artificial island at the mouth of Hampton roads made by depositing rocks there for the purpose of building afford upon. There was a strict guard, kept over us. Our fair was salt meat, bread and coffee. But the coffee was not fit to drink. And our beds consisted of one blanket each. It was no very pleasant thing to be a prisoner. But such as the result of war and we must take our chances. On five, August, 1862. First Lieutenant Fleming was exchanged and returned to the second Florida. On 15 August, he received a promotion to captain. And took command of company G at the battle of second Manassas. When it's commander was killed in action. Captain Fleming remained with the second Florida from 1862 until three, June, 1864. When he was shot and killed while on the picket line at the battle of cold Harbor. No. Francis P Fleming published his brother's book memoir of captain C Seton Fleming of the second, Florida infantry, C S a N 1884. His initial purpose of organizing his brother's memoirs were for his friends and family to read. Upon perusal, however, of the manuscript as originally prepared by those in whose judgment I ever posed confidence, it was suggested to me that it would interest not only the survivors, as well as the friends and relatives of those who were actors in the scenes through which we are taken as we follow the last three years of the life, which I have endeavored to portray. But that that interest would be shared by a large number of the people of the state. Who can not, but feel a pride in the record made by the Florida troops in Virginia. Thank you for listening to the 32nd episode. The link to first Lieutenant Fleming's book is now available on the podcast website. First person, civil war, podcast.com. On Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn this week. He will find a sketch of see Seton. And Fleming as a captain in the second Florida. Over the past week, I have updated the format of the home page. So if you do not have access to any of these social media accounts, you can find the pictures of the soldiers at that location. While there please consider supporting the podcast by following the support podcast link at the top of the page. Any contributions are welcome and payments are secured by the Clover network. And two weeks time, captain William H Chamberlain. I have company C 81st Ohio provides next episodes. First person account. At the second battle of Corinth. My name is bill Coughlin. And thank you for listening. To first person, civil war podcast.