Captain Henry C. Smith in 1862

There are two steely glances worth knowing about in this Civil War photo: The 1^st belonged to Union Officer, Captain Henry C. Smith of Hartford, CT. The 2^nd, a Collins Company sword given to Captain Smith by his fellow volunteer firefighters in 1862, as he set off on his second tour of duty. Here’s their story.

Henry C. Smith was married to Mary Slingsby about 30 days before the 3^rd Regiment Infantry left Connecticut for Washington D.C., on May 19, 1861. He was part of the advance to Manassas, Virginia and fought in the Battle of Bull Run on July 21, 1861. Smith would remain in the field until August 12, 1861, then return home to Mary in Connecticut and to his job as a printer at The Hartford Press.

By the new year, Jan. 25, 1862, Smith and his wife would have a  son, Lyman Henry Smith. The boy was barely eight months old when Smith was back in New Haven, now with the 20^th Regiment; readying for their deployment to Washington, D.C. once again. He would march into Fredericksburg, Virginia in December 10, 1862, then move onto Stafford Court House, Virginia on Jan. 19, 1863.

The 20^th Regiment would be in the field almost continuously. In January, their days were full of marching, fighting, advancing and attempting to rest through pouring rain, cold nights, missed food rations and even snow. It was during one of these snowy days, that Captain Smith was walking beside the camp. The collar of his coat was pulled up above his shoulders, shielding him against the weather. As he walked, he was apparently unaware that a tree in his path had been chopped and was falling over. Despite calls of warning, Captain Smith did not look up until a large branch was upon him, striking him in the chin and breaking his neck.

When his body was returned to Connecticut, to lie in state at St. Paul’s Church in Hartford, his sword and cap lay upon the coffin. The sword was a very personal artifact. Not only was it a quality Collins sword, but it also had an engraving; a dedication from  Smith’s brothers in the fire service.

Smith was an assistant foreman of Neptune Steam Engine Company No. 2. It was apparently upon his redeployment with the 20^th Regiment, that his fellow volunteer firefighters presented him with the gift. Engraved on the sword are the words: Presented to Capt. H. C. Smith by the members of the Neptune Engine Co. No. 2. Co C 20^th Reg. C.V.  

On the top part of the blade  are the words “The Collins Co. Hartford, Conn. 1862.” The sword, also, bears the scars of an injury. About a foot from the tip, there is a bend to a right angle. Perhaps another victim of the tree branch that felled its master?

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Special thanks to Captain Smith’s relatives for sharing their family history with About Town.