The American Jew as Patriot, Soldier and Citizen - Simon Wolf

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can be found in the presence of large numbers of Jews in both the Union and Confederate armies throughout the Civil War.

      It should not be overlooked that the profession of arms for its own sake is not distinctively a Jewish trait; the business of war having always been taken up as the means to an end rather than the end itself. This phase of the Jewish character finds a significant expression in the large proportion of Jewish combatants in both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. In both cases the issue was one in which they felt a deep and abiding interest, and they manifested their earnestness in the most positive manner by taking an active and determined part in the decision of the issue. That interest was far from being prevalent during the War of 1812 and the subsequent war with Mexico. The former lacked the support of a large fraction of the people, being held by the Federal party of that time to be a heedless and needless undertaking, which in many respects it was, and the latter, the Mexican War, was regarded by the anti-slavery Whigs as tending to aggrandize the slave power by an extension of its territory. Both these wars were party measures, and in both a decidedly smaller proportion of Jewish combatants took part than would otherwise have been the case. Where home, or liberty or law is at stake the Jewish people have never been chary of the uttermost sacrifice, and the muster rolls of the armies in the great war between the States afford the fullest evidence of their ample share in its burdens and its sufferings.

      FOOTNOTE:

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      [25] The numerous communications from correspondents in various parts of the country, which are being received while this volume is in course of completion by the printer, renders it altogether probable that the author's hope will be realized. The information conveyed by these correspondents, frequently too late for incorporation in the present work, will be collated with the view to its eventual publication, and all who feel an interest in our present subject, and who can contribute such data as will further the correction of these records, are earnestly requested to communicate their information to the author.

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      (From a paper read by the present author before the American Jewish Historical Society, Washington, D. C., December 26, 1894.)

      On the 12th day of July, 1862, President Lincoln gave his approval to an Act of Congress, authorizing the President to cause to be prepared 2,000 "Medals of Honor," to be presented to such non-commissioned officers and privates as would especially distinguish themselves by their gallantry in action, and by other soldierly qualities during the war then in progress.

      While I am not prepared to say how many soldiers of Hebrew faith were honored with such medals, I can mention seven who have come under my notice.

      First, Leopold Karpeles, Color Sergeant, of the 57th Massachusetts Infantry, at the Battle of North Anna, distinguished himself by a noble defence of the flag under a terrific fire from the enemy. Although seriously wounded, he held the colors aloft until through weakness from loss of blood he had at last to give them to a comrade. Sergeant Karpeles has high testimonials from his superior officers for bravery, daring and discipline, and is at present a clerk in the General Post-Office Department.

      Second, Benjamin B. Levy, who enlisted at the age of sixteen as a drummer boy, in the 1st New York Volunteers. He was detailed as Orderly to General Mansfield. While on board the steamer "Express," carrying dispatches to General Wool at Fortress Monroe, the vessel was attacked by the Confederate gunboat, "Seabird." The "Express" with all on board, was in imminent danger of capture, when young Levy saved the steamer by cutting loose a water schooner which was in tow. For his prompt action, Levy was highly complimented by Generals Mansfield and Wool. At Charles City Cross Roads, two of the colors of his regiment were saved by him from capture, for which act he was promoted on the field by General Kearney to Color Sergeant of his regiment. At the expiration of his term, he re-enlisted in the 40th New York (Mozart) regiment, and was seriously wounded at the battle of the Wilderness. He was appointed by President Lincoln to the New York Custom House.

      Third, Sergeant Major and Adjutant Abraham Cohn, who enlisted as private in the 6th New Hampshire Infantry. For distinguished services he was gradually promoted to Adjutant; he served until the close of the war. Some time after Adjutant Cohn received the "Medal of Honor," from the Assistant Adjutant General's office, he was addressed the following highly complimentary communication:

      Adjutant General's Office,

       Washington, August 14, 1879.

      The Medal, mentioned within, was given for conspicuous gallantry displayed in the battle of the Wilderness, in rallying and forming disorganized troops, under heavy fire; also for bravery and coolness in carrying orders to the advance lines under murderous fire in the battle of the Mine, July 30, 1864.

      (Signed) S. N. Benjamin,

       Assistant Adjutant General.

      Adjutant Cohn has the most gratifying testimonials from his superior officers. Before enlisting in the 6th New Hampshire he had served in the 68th New York as a private and rose gradually to be captain. Owing to sickness he was honorably discharged, being then, in the opinion of the surgeons, unfit for further duty. Notwithstanding his discharge as Captain, when strong and able again, he re-enlisted as Private, in the 6th New Hampshire, and rose to the rank of Adjutant.

      Fourth, David Obranski, of the 58th Ohio Infantry, who received a Medal of Honor for distinguished bravery and coolness under heavy fire at Shiloh, Tennessee, and at Vicksburg, Mississippi.

      Fifth, Henry Heller, of Company A, 66th Ohio Infantry. He earned the Medal of Honor for daring bravery at Chancellorsville.

      

      Sixth, Abraham Grunwalt, of Company G, 104th Ohio Infantry, who earned his Medal of Honor, at Franklin, Tennessee, November 30, 1864 in the capture of Corps headquarters' flag.

      Seventh, Corporal Isaac Gans, of the 2nd Ohio Cavalry, who for bravery displayed on the battle-field was appointed escort to the colors captured by the Third Division.

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      [Compiled from a paper read by the present author before the American Jewish Historical Society, Washington, D. C., December 26, 1894.]

      One of the most remarkable facts developed by the records of our Civil War, and especially gratifying because unsurpassed, if equalled, is the spontaneous and cheerful alacrity with which our citizens of Hebrew faith entered their country's service in the hour of its need. In a number of families all the male members able to bear arms were enrolled in the army. My list of these may not be complete, and there may be other equally notable examples, but I here name only those which have been definitely reported to me.

      North Carolina is to the fore with a host of six militant brothers, united in the cause which they held at heart as well as by the ties of blood. They bear the titular name of the priestly brother of Moses, and their devotion lends it new lustre. The list of these six brothers-in-arms is as follows:

      Aaron Cohen,

       Jacob H. Cohen,

       Julius Cohen,

       Edward Cohen,

       Gustavus A. Cohen,

       Henry M. Cohen.

      Mississippi claims a set of five brothers in the field, but, remarkable enough, one of these was arrayed on the side of the Union against his four Confederate brothers, a fair example of the Jewish spirit of loyalty

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