Morgan Morgan Jr.
Written as “Major Morgan”, “the Major”
Morgan Morgan Jr., 31, enrolled at Jamaica, Long Island, and was mustered in as major of the 176th New York on December 19, 1862. He was mustered out on December 7, 1863. The roster spells his surname “Morgans” (176th roster, p. 992). The regiment’s history gives Morgan Morgan, Jr., and says that at Lafourche Crossing the regiment was “commanded by Maj. Morgan” (New York State Military Museum).
In June 1863 Willie thought him “the best staff officer we have got … but then he is none of the best” (Willie, June 12, 1863). James wrote that the larger part of the regiment, “under the command of Major Morgan”, beat off an attack at Lafourche Crossing (James, July 6, 1863).
That autumn the brothers held him responsible for the plan to keep the three-year men after the nine-months men went home (James, September 1, 1863; Willie, September 4, 1863). Willie “would like to dunk Major Morgan in a molasses barrel” (Willie, September 4, 1863), and wrote that “General Banks, acting on the advice of Major Morgan, will hold the men” (Willie, September 21, 1863). James found the Major in New Orleans “making arrangements … about our transportation” (James, October 15, 1863). When Willie confronted him, the Major said “the power did not lay with him of giving discharges”, and offered Willie a commission (Willie, October 22, 1863).
Willie went home anyway, hidden aboard the steamer; at one point “Morgan was right near me”, and George Fanjoy “passed right before Morgan’s eyes without being recognized” (Willie to James, December 27, 1863). Mother heard “that Morgan has lost his position” (Mother to James, December 27, 1863). In February 1864 James believed he had resigned and was “in charge of some Government Plantation on the Plaquemine” (James, February 21, 1864).
- Mentioned in 10
- 1863 Jun 12 & 13 Jul 6 Sep 1 Sep 4 Sep 21 Oct 15 Oct 22 & 25 Dec 27 (Mother) Dec 27 (Willie) 1864 Feb 21