Images provided by Dr. George Oldenbourg (WillNickO@aol.com), 2140 Shattuck Ave., Ste. 701, Berkeley, California.
"Second Lieut. Wm. Tompkins entered the regiment from Saratoga Co., N.Y., as a 2nd Lieut of Co. C., Aug. 26th, 1862. He took part in the Maryland and Virginia campaigns of 1862, and fought at Olustee in 1864. Co. C. presented him with a beautiful sword, sash and belt at Hilton Head as a token of their love for him. At Olustee he acted nobly his part in that great conflict, until a rebel bullet pierced his brain and he fell to the ground a lifeless corpse. His body had to be left where it fell, and Capt. McKittrick took the blade of his sword and carried it to his old father in Saratoga county. Upon his person was left a fine gold watch and considerable money, which some rebel, no doubt, took possession of. General Seymour mentioned his bravery in general orders, and caused a redoubt in the defenses of Jacksonville, Fla. to be named Tompkins in honor of his memory."
- from The Iron Hearted Regiment: Being An Account of the Battles, Marches and Gallant Deeds Performed by the 115th Regiment N.Y. Vols. - written by 1st Lt. James H. Clark, Company H, in 1865.
Images provided by Dr. George Oldenbourg (WillNickO@aol.com), 2140 Shattuck Ave., Ste. 701, Berkeley, California.
Return to the 115th New York Infantry page.
Battle of Olustee home page.