The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.

Friday, April 13, 2012

Rochester Goes to War-- Part 2

Nine of the ten companies of the 13th had 77 men, which was standard at this date. Later, the number of soldiers in each company was expanded to 100. They were from both Rochester and surrounding Monroe County towns.

They represented a cross-section of trades and organizations from the bustling metropolitan area surrounded by agriculture.

Sheriff Hiram Smith's company had 30 farmers, 25 mechanics, 5 clerks, 5 lawyers, 2 jewelers, a minister, a professor, a naturalist, artist, sailor, furrier and a professional soldier.

Volunteer fire companies were well represented. Thirty-four from the Red Rover Fire Co. 3 joined Francis Schoefel's company.

The local militia regiment, the 54th, remained behind, but some of the officers resigned to raise companies for Quinby's regiment and were joined by many of the militiamen.

Adolph Nolte, editor of the German-language Genessee Onserver and also a veteran of the french Army, organized a company of German immigrants from the area.

More to Come. --Old Secesh

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