An unknown Volunteer Infantryman from the 23rd Massachusetts, Company A, circa 1862.

Braman and his older brother George both joined the 25th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, Company H during the Civil War. Here is the link to their company register, after it loads click on “Co. H” at the bottom of the screen.

In early 1862 the company camped at Annapolis then departed with Burnside's expeditionary force for Roanoke Island.

A letter in my possession written by Braman on Feb. 2nd 1862 from the deck of the Steamer New York reports they are set to attack the Confederate positions on Roanoke Island in Hetaeras Inlet, North Carolina the next day. (See bottom of this page!)

The Steamer New York in 1863

Here are period maps of Roanoke, scroll about ½ way down the page.

Here are some illustrations of the battle from Harper’s Weekly. I have been unable to locate any photos from the battlefield on line. Do you know of any?

Scroll about ½ way down this page for more scenes of the Amphibious assault.

The Landing and Assault.

Scroll about ½ way down this page for more Battle scenes.

Here is a web site of the battle of Roanoke.

After the battle of Roanoke the 25th was next engaged in the battle of New Berne on March 14 and remained stationed there for a time. They often were ordered to support a battery of guns at this time and on December 16th rushed to the aid of 'Berger's' battery and fought back a Confederate surprise attack.

Gun crews of Company H, 3d Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, at Fort Lincoln, circa 1865

They were involved in skirmishes at Deep Gully and moved to Newport in October and remained until January, 1864.
They were then moved several times including Portsmouth and Yorktown. They then joined Butler's operations against Petersburg, Richmond, Swift Creek, Port Darling, Drury's Bluff and Bermuda Hundred.

Earthen works at Bermuda Hundred, 1864

They next engaged in the Battles of Cold Harbor in June 1864. They were involved in the Siege of Petersburg and Richmond from June to September.
A number of men were ordered home October 5, 1864, and mustered out October 20 including George and Braman.
During the war the Regiment lost in conflict 7 Officers and 154 Enlisted men and 169 died from disease.

This letter was written by my Grandfather Braman Grout Feb. 2^nd, 1862

This is the text of a letter written by Braman Grout

Hetaeras Inlet- Sunday Feb. 2^nd 1862

Friend Mrs. Sibley

I will write you a few lines to day: I received your letter of the 16th Friday the 31st and was very glad to hear from you! These words do not begin express it: This was the first news that we had since we left Fortress Monroe; I might have said since we left camp Jan 6. You may imagine the joy that was on board when the men saw a sack bag stuffed full of mail matter. This was enough for one day. I tell you I read your letter with interest and also the papers, you do not know how much good it did me! We are all well and hope this will find you all the same. I hope that Fannie has recovered of the measles if I was there and she was not to sick I would tell her what Father used to tell me when I was sick with them (the cure I mean).

We are on board the steamer New York, 8 companies, I think the rest will be delivered on her soon to have the 25th all together. We shall start tomorrow morning early for Roanoke Island that being our place to make an attack! I must close as the mail is soon to go.

Remember me to Joyce and tell she can have one of those profiles on condition hang it w/ game!

I was intending to have written a long letter but will have to wait until the next time. Give my love to Fannie and all of the folks.

I will write you again the first opportunity if am spared in the conflict which we are soon to meet.

Tomorrow I think will be the greatest day & even sun. It may be my last: if so it will be well there is a higher fence than mans fences.

I hope to do my whole duty and leave all with Him. Oh I wished you had sent Fannies Picture. Perhaps not to late now.

Yours in rush

Braman Grout

Here are some more links to interesting web sites.

Here is a detailed history of the Company with a breakdown by year at the bottom of the page.
Several period photo’s of Massachusetts fighters can be found here
Here’s the best site I’ve found of Civil War photos with over 1,000 high resolution pictures. They’re well organized too!
So far I haven’t been able to locate an H Company photo on-line, but here is a link to Col. Upton of the 25th with photo.
Here is the web site of the 25th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Reenacting unit.
Here is the web site of Willie Grout, who died in the Civil War and who had a song written about his sacrifice.
Here is some more information on Willie Grout and an interesting account of how he fell.