L B. Claiborne
Enlisted as a Private
LA Pointe Coupee Bn Light Artillery
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This may be of interest.
I would believe that Capt. F. O. Claiborne of the 3rd Maryland Battery was the son of the Colonel.
George Martin
Captain Ferdinand O. Claiborne
Enlisted as a Lieutenant at Richmond, Virginia on September 9, 1861
MD 3rd Light Artillery
Killed at Vicksburg, Mississippi on the 24 June 1863 by a piece of shell
06 26 1863 [Friday]
At eleven o’clock this Friday morning Capt. “Ferd” Osman Claiborne, Commanding the 3rd Maryland Battery, Reynold’s Brigade, was “buried in a plain black coffin, according to the forms of the Lutheran Church by Major Giesler of the 59th Tennessee Rifles, a licensed minister.
The previous day, Ferd, who thought he glimpsed the foe approaching, borrowed a field telescope from his cousin [W. H. Claiborne] and hurried to a forward artillery position. He had barely given an order to open fire when struck in the face by a shell fragment.
The word was quickly brought back to an incredulous William Claiborne, who hurried to his cousin's side. Ferd Osman died a few minutes later without gaining consciousness.
That night Captain Claiborne’s body, in full uniform, lay in the commanding colonel’s tent, attended by an honor guard, as mourning comrades filed past.
"I wished to have the service read by an Episcopal clergyman but we failed to find one," noted Claiborne. He was buried on a little knoll about 100 yards north of [Brigade Commander, Col. A. W.] Reynold’s quarters. The place was selected by Frank and Major Phifer. I was feeling too badly to go out. I regret there are no trees near the spot to shelter it from the sun and rains, but this was almost unavoidable. I will as soon as possible procure a stone with a suitable inscription to mark the spot.
His burial was attended by the colonel and staff, the members of his company and a large number of devoted friends. All were more affected than I remember to have seen on former occasion. The general [Col. Reynolds] wept like a child. It was a strange sight--while shot and shell were falling thick and fast to see strong men used to war and blood and death around them, bend the humble knee, forget their vengeful passions and by the grave of a soldier shed tears like a woman--but so is war.
"This is a terrible blow to me. I loved him more than language can express . . ."
[Col. Reynold's HQ was located a few hundred yards to the West of the Salient Point on Hall's Ferry Road. It is my understanding that his body was later removed to his home in Louisiana for reburial]
(Vicksburg, A. A. Hoehling, pp. 230/1)
During the siege many valuable lives were lost. Among others I would mention the names of Capt. F. O. Claiborne. Third Maryland Battery, and Major [J. C.] Boyd, Third Tennessee Regiment. The former was killed on the evening of June 24, while gallantly fighting at his guns; the latter died from exposure. No more gallant officers ever gave up their lives for their country.
The officers of my staff performed their duties faithfully and promptly. Major [C. W.] Phifer, my assistant inspector-general, Capt. W. H. Claiborne, my acting assistant adjutant-general, and Lieut. William A. M. Patton, my aide, were conspicuous for gallantry and good conduct throughout the siege.
The lists of my killed and wounded I have already forwarded to your headquarters.
(Reynolds, OR V24-2, pp. 355-356)
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J F. Claiborne
Enlisted as a 1st Sergeant
MD 3rd Light Artillery