Two CDVs of Union Soldier John Morse 16th New Hampshire Infantry

Two CDVs of Union Soldier John Alonzo Morse from New Hampshire with Worcester, Mass Backmark.
 
The Sixteenth New Hampshire Volunteers was mustered into U.S. service between October and December 1862 in Concord. On November 23, the regiment departed Concord, traveled via Nashua and Worcester where the photo of Morse was taken, and then boarded the steamer City of Boston to New York, arriving in the early morning. From there, they went to Park Barracks, then camped at the Battery. On December 4, seven companies boarded the Eastern Queen, a small, unfit coastal steamer, while three companies (C, F, and D) remained in New York due to space limitations.The Eastern Queen encountered severe storms and had to return to Fortress Monroe for repairs before continuing to Ship Island, then New Orleans, arriving December 20. Meanwhile, the three companies left behind suffered poor conditions at City Hall Barracks but later joined the rest of the regiment in New Orleans aboard the steamer Mississippi on January 1, 1863. Upon arrival, the regiment set up camp at Camp Parapet, part of New Orleans' defenses in Carrollton, and soon received positive remarks for its appearance during a review by Gen. T. W. Sherman.Throughout January and February 1863, the regiment was kept under marching orders, trained regularly, received new arms, and endured the loss of Lt. Prescott Jones and Assistant Surgeon Campbell. On March 5, the regiment moved toward Port Hudson, stopping at Baton Rouge and Hall’s Plantation. They advanced within a few miles of Port Hudson on March 14, witnessing the dramatic bombardment by Admiral Farragut’s fleet, including the destruction of the Mississippi. The next day, they pulled back, then endured the grueling “Mud March” through swamps and forest, returning by March 19 to Hall’s Plantation.In early April, the regiment moved to Algiers, then Brashear City, where they were tasked with holding the area. On April 18, they embarked on four gunboats to attack Fort Burton. The battle on April 20 saw the Clifton damaged but resulted in the fort’s capture. The post, held by New Orleans elites, proved a miserable and disease-ridden station. With only swamp water to drink and terrible living conditions, the regiment’s numbers fell from 600 to just 216 during their six-week stay.On June 1, the regiment abandoned Fort Burton and returned to Algiers. The sick were hospitalized, and the rest joined General Banks at Port Hudson. A detachment at Springfield Landing repelled a Confederate cavalry raid. The regiment stood in battle readiness daily and many volunteered for a final assault. On July 7, they received news of Vicksburg’s fall, and on July 8, Port Hudson surrendered. The Sixteenth entered the fort on July 10, but the toll of Butte-a-la-Rose lingered—many died, including six on one tragic day.On August 1, the regiment left for Cairo aboard the Sallie List, passing key cities including Vicksburg and Memphis. At Vicksburg, General Grant ordered sick soldiers transferred to a hospital ship. Continuing their journey, they reached Concord on August 14 and were mustered out August 20. The kindness shown by citizens during their journey home left a lasting impression on the weary and ailing men of the regiment.In less than a year of service, the regiment experienced extreme hardship, disease, and death, suffering over 23% losses by death alone—a staggering rate. The record of the Sixteenth reflects harsh realities of Civil War service, particularly in the Gulf region. Though hastily compiled, this narrative honors their sacrifices and the hardships they endured in faithful service to the Union.Let me know if you'd like it further condensed or formatted differently.