Benjamin S. Pardee

Benjamin S. Pardee enlisted in the 10th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry as a Captain of Company A. He quickly climbed in rank, being promoted to Major April 1st, 1862, and thence to Lieut. Colonel June 5th, 1862. However, his service in the 10th Connecticut was relatively short-lived; he resigned September 7th, 1862. While the reasons for his resignation are not recorded.

However, he continued to serve the cause of his country throughout the war. In July of 1863, he was appointed to be the provost marshall in the 2d congressional district of Connecticut to recruit and enforce a draft of the organized militia. Shortly after he started in that role, he was instrumental in getting a bill passed authorizing the Governor to assemble regiments of color infantry. Out of this came the 29th and 30th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry regiments.

Sources

• FamilySearch
• Annual Report of the Adjutant General of the State of Connecticut
• The Military and Civil History of Connecticut During the War of 1861-65

In these letters:

1. Date Author Description
2. 1862-09-30
   • Caroline Burleigh
   • Caroline writes about how she wishes the army would let sick men go home on furlough, and speaks of visiting with neighbors.
3. 1862-09-21
   • Cecil Burleigh
   • Letter from Cecil Burleigh discussing business, camp life of a new recruit, and reassuring his wife.