Conclusion

Woodworth's fate took another twist in early March 1864 when he was named one of the eight color bearers, the greatest honor of an enlisted soldier, but also one with a high mortality rate. He took the appointment with pride, carrying the regimental colors during the visit from Brady's photographer, though he thought poorly of the picture because the flag cast a shadow over his face. Woodworth's surviving letters end on March 27. The regiment remained in Alexandria until April 29, when it moved back to Rappahannock Station for the beginning of Grant's Wilderness Campaign. Prior to the Battle of the Wilderness, which commenced May 5 and ended the 6^th, the 44^th quickly revisited many of the places where they camped in 1863, including Beverly Ford, Brandy Station, and Culpepper Court House. They crossed the Rapidian River for the final time on May 3. Sidney Burroughs, who had recently rejoined the regiment after an extended sick leave that had begun before Gettysburg, fell severely wounded at the Wilderness on the first day of battle, and died two days later on May 7. Hicks Campbell and William Oliver from Seneca County received non-fatal wounds, and recovered to rejoin the regiment. ⁽¹⁾

Leaving the Wilderness, the regiment started down the road to Spotsylvania Court House. On the morning of May 8, General Joseph Bartlett, the 3^rd Brigade commander, after an all-night march begun on May 7, ordered the 44^th NY and 83^rd Pennsylvania to dislodge a few dismounted cavalrymen from an eminence, Laurel Hill, which commanded the road to Spotsylvania. The 44^th took the left of the road, the 83^rd the right, and, assured of only cavalry in their front, charged the quarter to half mile between them and the positions of the Rebels. When within range of the enemy lines, the well-entrenched Confederate infantry opened fire. Additional Confederate Infantry then attacked on the left flank and the rear of the 44^th, decimating the regiment. The 83^rd Pennsylvania reached the opposing entrenchments and began a furious bayonet battle with the enemy, but a glacis of logs and sharp branches protected the entrenchments in the front of the Rebel works facing the 44th. With no chance of moving forward and the enemy closing in the rear, the regiment retreated, protecting the flag, but leaving many dead and wounded on the field, including James Woodworth. Shot during the battle, he died. Listed as missing on the early reports, that designation soon changed to killed in action. Phebe Woodworth lost her loved one and Frankie Woodworth his father in a battle that should not have been fought, and accomplished nothing. ⁽²⁾

Woodworth died at the battle along with Robert McDuffee, recently returned from a furlough to see his ill wife in Seneca County. Neither man returned home, and both remain unknown soldiers. Phebe remained in Varick, a widow, remaining unmarried as late as 1883, when she purchased paint from the same store her husband visited on furlough in 1863. Woodworth did not die in vain, as his son Frankie grew and married, enjoying the prosperity his father helped protect and later serving four years as mayor of Bay City, Michigan. James Woodworth grew into a man on the battlefield, and while never enjoying the long earthly reunion with his wife, hopefully they attained an eternal reunion next to their Creator. ⁽³⁾

1. Nash, 231, 367, 431; Woodworth Papers, James Woodworth to Phebe Woodworth, June 10, 1863, March 6, 1864, March 13, 1864.

2. Nash, 187-190, 238-239, 286-288.

3. Nash, 238-239; Woodworth Papers, James Woodworth to Phebe Woodworth, March 16, 1864, Ralph Roberts Ledger Book, Seneca Falls Historical Society, Ledger No. 57, page 353; Military Pension Index,1861-1934. National Archives and Records Administration, Northeast Region, Pittsfield Branch.

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