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CANADIANS IN THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR II

© Mary M. Alward

In my last article I introduced you to Sarah Emma Edmonds, a Canadian woman who fought in the Civil War disguised as a man. When she became ill with malaria, she deserted and worked as a nurse and spy. This week, I'm going to introduce you to some Canadian men who fought beside the Americans.

Fourty-nine Canadian men fought at the Battle of Gettysburg in the 24th Michigan. On July 1st over half were killed, wounded or taken prisoner at McPherson's Woods. Three men from New Brunswick were killed defending Little Round Top on July 2nd. They were members of the 20th Maine. They were Aaron Adams, age 27; George Leach, age 25 and Alexander Lester, age 18. Two dozen Canadian men died in three days of fighting at Gettysburg.

Many Canadian men won the Medal of Honor during the Civil War.

Charles Asten

Charles was born in Nova Scotia in 1834. He served as Quarter Gunner on the USS Signal. As the Signal patrolled the Red River in May 1864, it was fired upon by batteries and sharpshooters. Though Charles was on the ship's sick list, he did his duty defending the Signal. Eventually the ship was disabled and surrendered. Because Charles fulfilled his duties while ill, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Frank Bois

Records indicate tthat Frank was from Canada, though an exact location as not listed. He served as signalman and quartermaster on the USS Cincinnati. On May 27, 1863, the Cincinnati was involved in a battle at Vicksburg, Mississippi. The ship was hit by Confederate on-shore batteries and destroyed. Frank nailed an American flag to the ship's forestall as it sank, so it would go down "showing its' colours." Frank was awarded the Medal of Honor for his efforts.

Thomas J. Higgins

Thomas was a Sergeant in the 99th Illinois Infantry, which served at Vicksburg. When Confederate forces pushed his unit back, Thomas continued forward. He made it to the Rebel line and placed an American flag in the parapet. He was captured, but was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery.

Robert F. Dodd

Robert was born in Canada in 1844. He served in the 27th Michigan Infantry as a private. He served as an orderly during the Battle of Petersburg, but volunteered to assist the wounded. He was killed at Petersburg on July 30, 1864. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his attempts to save the lives of many wounded soldiers.

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