New England Civil War Museum Acquires 'Uncommon' Image

VERNON, CT — An uncommon artifact featuring a man who served in a Connecticut-based Union Army unit has found its was to the New England Civil War Museum and Research Center in Vernon.

It's a "giant" image — for the day — of Frank Baker, a soldier from Windsor who served in the 22nd Connecticut Volunteers. It was recently acquired by the museum and is, according to director Matthew Reardon, "easily one of the most impressive things I've seen donated during my tenure as director."

Reardon said the image is "uncommon but not rare."

Baker's unit was the only one from Connecticut that didn't see action. His wartime journey was interesting nevetheless. According to Historical Data Systems Inc., he "mustered in" on Sept. 20, 1862 and was "mustered out" in Hartford on July 7, 1863. He was involved in the defenses of Washington and the Seige of Suffolk in Virginia and was on the front lines but saw no fighting, Reardon said.

Baker was was about 22 when he enlisted. Reardon said his name was actually Frederick Baker, but he enlisted as Frank Baker, "probably to sound more American." Originally from Prussia, Baker became a citizen in 1861, Reardon said.

The museum has an account of Baker and his fellow soldiers written by Capt. John K. Williams of Co. H, 22nd Connecticut Volunteers:

"This regiment, with the exception of Company K [From Tolland and Somers], was recruited from Hartford County, and was the first to respond to the call of the President for three hundred thousand militia to serve for nine months dated August 4, 1862 …

"It embarked by steamer for New York October 2d, and went thence by rail to Washington, and after short encampments at East Capitol Hill, Chain Bridge, Fort Ethan Allen, and Langley,
went into winter quarters at Miner's Hill, near Falls Church, Va., about eight miles from Washington.

"This regiment here entered that part of the Army of the Potomac which was assigned to the defense of Washington, under command of Major General Heintzelman.

"Early in February, 1863, the regiment was ordered to proceed to Hunter's Chapel, near Arlington, and to assist in constructing fortifications overlooking the Capital, and in guarding Long Bridge.

"April 15, 1862, it embarked on steamer at Alexandria for Norfolk, and went thence by rail to Suffolk. It participated, under Generals Getty and Gordon, in the defense of Suffolk during Longstreet's siege, supporting the Eighth and Twenty-first Connecticut Regiments and a Michigan.

"Here, for weeks, the regiment was required to stand under arms for two hours before daybreak, expecting an attack. The siege was raised May 3d, and the regiment was transported to West Point, on the York River, where, on arrival at night, entrenchments were hastily thrown up in anticipation of a night attack. The commanders at this post were: General Keyes, Department; General Gordon, Seventh Corps; Colonel Burr Porter, Second Brigade.

"After three weeks of occupation this post was abandoned, and the entire force was conveyed by
transports to Yorktown Plains, where it encamped directly in front of McClellan's massive entrenchments, in sight of the old revolutionary rifle-pits.

"June 9th the regiment formed a part of the advance column in the "advance on Richmond," and moved by way of Williamsburg and Chickahominy River to Diascund Bridge and Chickahominy
Church. Later in the month this force was joined by those of General Dix, which moved by way of the York River, the whole expedition being known in history as the "Blackberry Raid."

"Returning to Yorktown, the Twenty-second embarked by steamer for home June 26th, arrived at Hartford.

"Fortune favored this regiment in that none of its members were killed in action, but the frequent commendations of division and brigade commanders for its promptness and efficiency in circumstances of danger are proofs that it was not lacking in bravery."

The donation of Baker's photo came from some descendants in Florida, who were "ecstatic" about giving them to the museum," Reardon said.