GETTYSBURG WOUNDED COL.J. COYNE MAJ. WM HUGO 70TH N.Y.

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SEVENTIETH REGIMENT NEW YORK LIST OF ORDNANCE STORES. 1 Page Document in ink. "Received at City Point, this 23 day of June 1864 of Capt. J. N. Coyne the following Ordnance and Ordnance Stores, as per invoice dated the 28 day of June, 1864. 8 Springfield Rifles; 8 Gun Slings; 8 Cartridge Boxes & Plates; 8 Waist Belts & Plates; 8 Bayonet Scabbards; 8 Cap Boxes; 1 Ball Screws; 5 Wipers." Signed WM H. HUGO, Major 70th N.Y.V.WILLIAM H. HUGO enlisted an April 22, 1861 at Paw Paw, MI, as a Captain. On June 21, 1861 he was commissioned into 'C' Co. 70th New York Infantry. Promoted Major May 17, 1863. Wounded July 2, 1863 at GETTYSBURG, Brewsters Brigade, Third Corps. He was mustered out July 1, 1864 at New York. Subsequent service in the US Army from May 11, 1866 until Nov. 1, 1881.JOHN NICHOLAS COYNE was born on November 14th, 1839. He enlisted on April 26th, 1861 at New York City, as a Private. On that date he was mustered into 'G' Co., New York 7th Militia. He was mustered out on June 3rd, 1861. On January 20th, 1862 he was mustered into 'B' Co., New York 70th Infantry---the Excelsior Brigade. He became Sergeant on January 28th, 1862, and Second Lieutenant on May 7th, 1862. He was wounded and captured at Fair Oaks, Virginia on June lst, 1862. Coyne was exchanged on August 27th, 1862. He became lst Lieutenant on December 27th, 1862. He was wounded on July 2nd, 1863 at GETTYSBURG. He became a Captain on July 24th, 1863. Coyne was mustered out on July lst, 1864 at New York.A contemporary account of Medal of Honor winning action follows:"When the enemy were overtaken at Williamsburg the Third Excelsior, of the Seventieth New York Volunteers, was in advance. It was a dark, rainy morning. A heavy vapor covered the field, and the smoke of the battle obscured the scene. As the supporting regiment approached, the enemy, who were concealed in the thick woods, sent up the cry; "Show your colors!" The color-bearer waved the flag, and, as its folds spread out and showed the stars and stripes, the rebels advanced from the woods and opened fire. The fire was returned so effectively that they were driven back. Another advance, with re-enforcements, was also repulsed by the valiant Excelsiors.After several hours of conflict the ammunition became exhausted, and the New Yorkers were ordered to fall back by companies. Sergeant Coyne's company, which during the latter part of the battle was under his command, the captain and lieutenant having been disabled, became separated, and a number of them, missing their way, found themselves with their leader confronted by a party of the enemy surrounding their color-bearer."Let's capture their colors, boys!" shouted Coyne, and, with a ringing cheer, the little band made a dash for the enemy. Coyne singled out the color-bearer and rushed upon him. The rebel was too strong to be conquered by such an assault, and defended his flag bravely until a bullet, shattering his right hand. forced him to loosen his hold and enabled Coyne to drag the trophy from him. Tearing the flag from the staff and tying it around his body, he turned to offer battle to any one who should attempt to retake it but the survivors of the enemy were hurriedly leaving the field before a rescuing party sent by General Heintzelman. Of the brave band who had supported their leader but a few remaining standing, and Segeant Cook, Corporal Beekman, and Privates Howard and Lynch were killed outright.Segeant Coyne received the commission of second lieutenant to date from the battle. He was mentioned for bravery in general orders by General Heintzelman, and was advanced to the rank of lieutenant-colonel for several other acts of gallantry during the war."After the War Coyne worked as Chief Clerk of the New York Custom House. He received his Medal of Honor, 'for capture of a flag after a severe hand-to-hand contest' at the Battle of Williamsburg on April 18th, 1888. He died on March 4th, 1907 and is buried in the Green Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn. N.Y.Nice, frameable document regarding a Congressional... read more

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