Hello, I appreciate your site. In perusing it I see that my Great-great grandfather, Henry Spencer Wells, is possibly being confused with a James Wells. Please know that Henry first enlisted as a private on July 15, 1861 in Capt. Achilles Co. K, 17th New York Infantry. His birth being October 17, 1842 he was 18 years of age. He was captured in the Battle of Bull Run, by cavalry on the open field, taken to Richmond, confined in tobacco warehouses (which later became Moore's Hospital) remaining until September 21 when he, and 500 other Union prisoners, were taken on a long journey to New Orleans. He was incarcerated in the Parish prison, under civilian charge until February 8, 1862 when he was removed to Salisbury, N. C. Here he was confined to a cotton factory until May 31, 1862 when he was paroled. He was restored to the rolls and participated in the battles of Fredricksburg, the futile Mud expedition and Chancelorsville, being in the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 6th Army Corps. He was ordered to Elmira, N. Y. for muster-out, which occurred May 31, 1863.

Returning to his family in Michigan he enrolled in Hillsdale College, February 13, 1864 but, restless, he enlisted as Sergt. in the C. B. Vanvalers Independent Company, 4th Michigan. Henry saw service in this company at Spottslvania Court House, Va. (command being in the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 5th Army Corps). He was wounded in the side at North Anna River May 23rd, after having buried his tent mate. Disabled for a week he returned in time to participate in the battle of Cold Harbor June 3rd, on which day he was hit three times in the charge, but only slightly injured. Henry participated in the seige of Petersburg (its earliest assaults). Henry, along with the consolidated 4th and 1st Michigan engaged in what was known as the Battle of Peeble's Farm. Captain Wheaton commanded the regiment and was killed. Henry received a gunshot wound to the hip, which disabled him from further service and plagued him the rest of his life.

Henry Spencer Wells returned to civilian life June 10, 1865. He was mustered out of the service at Arlington Heights by the commissary Gen. of Muster for the 1st Division, 5th Army Corps. He would marry Frances Neff January 24, 1867, have 8 children and die in Quincy, Il. December 10, 1916.

Henry was active in the GAR and I, as well as many relatives, would be grateful to anyone who could direct us to any more information regarding him. A photo would be a godsend as we (to my knowledge) have no image of him.

Henry's uncle Charles K. Wells died in the rebel prison Andersonville (he possibly serving in a Vermont regiment). Henry's cousin, Charles A. (Marvin Henry Wells' son) served in Co. A, 4th Michigan Infantry and died of wounds received in the battle of Malvern Hills on July 7, 1862. The information on Charles A. Wells comes from Vermont historian and family member Frederic Wells in his 1902 book "History of Newbury VT 1704-1902."