Corporal Orlando N. Rogers

Corporal Orlando N. Rogers

A resident of New London, Orlando Rogers was a corporal in Company I. By the end of June, 1863, the regiment was down to less than 200 men fit for duty. 

Wounds, disease, and death had taken their toll.  Despite their depleted numbers, the 26th regiment was called on to participate in yet another assault on Port Hudson on June 30. 

The men fell into line (Corporal Rogers was almost certainly among them)  and advanced to a position approximately 100 yards from the earthworks. 

There they waited with great anticipation for the command to leave their cover and charge the enemy.  The men could see that their line of advance would subject them to a crossfire of grape and canister, as well as rifle balls. 

At the last minute they received a reprieve, an order from General Banks forbidding the assault.  Providence looked kindly that day on those men of the 26th who surely would have fallen in the aborted assault.  Port Hudson surrendered only eight days later.  

Corporal Rogers was among the lucky ones who returned home to Connecticut.