ABERSYCHAN MAN IN CONFEDERATE ARMY
1862 - AMERICAN CIVIL WAR
Local historian , Neil Waite (Councillor), well known for his books and research on the Race and Blaendare area in particular, has found some of his research has brought links to USA citizens who have historical connections to our area. The information drawn to his attention by some of his American friends relate to local people who fought in the American Civil War of
1861 –5. He is currently researching these links and has already discovered that some men from the Pontypool area received the Congressional Medal of Honour, the highest award for bravery in the USA armed forces. Neil is preparing information on the people from this area who served during this war on either side – Republic or Union – and we hope that he will write an article on this subject for our next journal..
To whet our appetites Neil has given us this extract about an Abersychan man, which is drawn from the Free Press files of 1862
Sir – It is a common practice among the various nations of the world to commemorate something great that takes place among them, and we Welsh are not very far behind in such matters; hence I feel great pleasure in commemorating the few Welsh that are in this camp. This evening I had the pleasure of seeing one of our countrymen being presented with a most beautiful scarf. The person thus presented is Mr. Wm. Roberts orderly sergeant, native of Abersychan, Monmouthshire, South Wales. He came to this country in the year 1854, and has worked most of his time in Danville. He joined the Army with the men of three months, and did his duty as a soldier during that time; after serving three years he joined again the army for three years. He also joined for his life by marrying Miss Harriet Williams, of Danville PA. The company that presented him is D., or 3rd Maryland regiment, who at present encamp near Baltimore; in which company are many Welsh, Irish, English, and German. In this company Mr. Roberts is orderly Sergeant and is highly respected by his fellow soldiers, and by all his acquaintances. To show their respect towards him D. Company presented him with a most beautiful scarf, which was presented to him by Mr. Laley, in the presence of a large multitude he received it with thanks and three loud hurrahs. All was appearing well pleased.
The Soldier brave, That mainly Strives,
In a just cause, mid loss of lives,
Deserves reward, respect and love;
Our hearts desire, moved from above
Welshmen where are you? I may say that many of you are on the battlefield, but I hear not of one of my beloved countrymen being promoted. Oh! No. Irish or German, or Yankees are continually being promoted. But I believe that the scale has turned, and to begin on our new side here is a Welshman, yea, a young Soldier, promoted in a slave state. Is not the duty of Welshmen to strive for promotion? I am certain that it is their own fault, for want of energy, because it is in their power to be superior to any nation upon earth; but they subject themselves from being heartless. They fancy everyone to be better than themselves. They are as a man running in a race – if he believes his opponent to be swifter than himself, he is sure to lose. Then let us cast aside fear, and take courage, then we are sure to win the day.
We, as Welshmen in this camp are, determined henceforward to be as one, and to go forward through all difficulties, and to show power. Here is my young friend Mr. Roberts, on his journey through difficulties, and I hope that he shall have strength to go far before fail; and we may endeavour to follow him through all his perils.
David, Son OF David. Camp Belger, Baltimore, Feb. 14, 1862