Major James Dexter notes and research in Thomson's Conspectus book

Under the signature of Major James E. Dexter, is a set of hand-written notes. I don't think the notes are in the hand of Dr. Dexter, but apparently are those of someone who later owned the book and noted the history of where the book was found.

“Found on the battle field of Frazer’s farm, fought June 30^th, ’62, 13 miles below Richmond and 3 from James River & on the fifth day of the grand Yankee “ Skidadal” from before Richmond."

"Two (? Attenis ?) taken & Maj. Gen. McCall taken prisoner_ Gen. Branch’s N. C. Brigade in the fight. Col. Lee, 37^th N.C. Regt and 1^st Lt. John Parks & 2^nd Lt. Robert Corwan 34^th N.C. among the killed.”

Research notes on content of above notes:

37^th North Carolina Col. Charles C. Lee, graduated from West Point (class of '56)

On June 30 at Frayser's Farm, the 37th was once again engaged. As Colonel Lee yelled "On, my brave boys!" he was mortally wounded by an artillery shell.

37^th N.C. Inf. Reg. history:

http://www.historynet.com/wars_conflicts/american_civil_war/3033791.html

Glendale (Frasers, Frayser’s Farm) (June 30, 1862)

Known by several names including Nelson’s Farm, Frayser’s Farm, Charles City Crossroads, White Oak Swamp, New Market Road, Riddell's Shop, this skirmish occurred on the same date as the White Oak conflict, also in Henrico County. On June 30, Huger’s, Longstreet’s, and A.P. Hill’s divisions converged on the retreating Union army in the vicinity of Glendale or Frayser’s Farm. Longstreet’s and Hill’s attacks penetrated the Union defense near Willis Church, routing McCall’s division. McCall was captured. Union counterattacks by Hooker’s and Kearny’s divisions sealed the break and saved their line of retreat along the Willis Church Road. Huger’s advance was stopped on the Charles City Road. “Stonewall” Jackson’s divisions were delayed by Franklin at White Oak Swamp.

Confederate Major General T.H. Holmes made a feeble attempt to turn the Union left flank at Turkey Bridge but was driven back by Federal gunboats in James River. Union generals Meade and Sumner and Confederate generals Anderson, Pender, and Featherston were wounded. This was Lee’s best chance to cut off the Union army from the James River. That night, McClellan established a strong position on Malvern Hill. Totals loss was an estimated 6,500.

Information on the 40th N.Y. regiment, mentions 'asst. surgeon' Dexter' and mustering with three Mass. regiments.

http://www.dmna.state.ny.us/historic/reghist/civil/infantry/40thInf/40thInfCWN.htm

American Civil War Medicine & Surgical Antiques

Notes on James Dexter writings in Thomson's Conspectus book

Alphabetical Index for American Civil War Surgical Antiques