Blast From the Past: Paying respects to Eddie Quinn, the boy soldier

Young Eddie Quinn (third from left) stands with the Third New Hampshire Regiment, Company C, during the Civil War. Quinn joined Company C as a teenager as a waiter and later died on the battlefield.  Courtesy of N.H. Historical Society
Young Eddie Quinn (third from left) stands with the Third New Hampshire Regiment, Company C, during the Civil War. Quinn joined Company C as a teenager as a waiter and later died on the battlefield. Courtesy of N.H. Historical Society

The Third Regiment New Hampshire Infantry was organized in Concord and mustered in on Aug. 23, 1861, serving their country bravely until they were mustered out on July 25, 1865. When the time came to sign up at Concord, there was a young teenaged boy who wanted to serve. He was persistent until the recruiter finally acknowledged him and assigned him to Company C as a “waiter,” to serve the company food and take care of the tasks at camp. He had a desire to serve and was proud to be the waiter for Company C.

As the Civil War raged and the troops saw much action, young Eddie Quinn completed his assigned duties, stayed with the men and provided whatever comfort he could to make the war easier for them. He witnessed more than any young teenager should and heard the chilling “Rebel Yell.” He did see death, destruction and the enemy at close range.

As the years progressed and the New Hampshire Third Regiment, Company C saw battles at Fort Wagner, Deep Bottom and Fort Fisher, many men were killed. They were scared, but they fought bravely and certainly made New Hampshire very proud. As men continued to fall in battle, Eddie Quinn, without the captain’s knowledge, picked up a discarded musket from the battlefield and took his place on the front line in full battle against the Confederate forces.

Young Eddie Quinn, recruited out of Concord, is said to have been the first to fall in battle that day. Though just a boy, he died the death of a soldier, died on the battlefield from a shot to his head.

He was a brave young lad from Concord who believed in his country and supported his company.

I know that Eddie found eternal peace with his maker, for in battle he served his time in hell.

Author: James W. Spain II / For the Insider

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