Civil War 2

Canadians in the Civil War Part 2 Earl Plato

This writer wishes to follow the course of one regiment during its long service in the American Civil War. The 59th New York State Volunteer Regiment served in most of the major battles from 1861-1865.
I traced the career of one particular officer, eventually Captain Nelson Plato of the 59th. As a long time Civil War “buff” my interest was heightened by information that fellow Plato Family historian, the late Dick Dickinson, provided me. Remember your family roots. He told me of a Plato from New York State who had served throughout the Civil War. Interested? Of course. I went on a search to the Buffalo Historical Museum Archives after the Centennial of the war years in the late 1960’s. Musty old books were brought down from high shelves and I found the Muster Roll of the Field and Staff Officers of the 59th. No computer access at that time just a “hands on” search. Now you can go on the Internet and bring up much material if you’re a Civil War “nut” like me.
The 59th Regiment of Volunteers of New York State began under the command of Colonel William Linn Tidball and was called into service of the United States by President Lincoln on the 10 th day of October, 1861. The roster was as follows: Colonel Tidball, Lieut.Col. Phillip Joachimsen, Major William Northridge, 1st Lieut. Nelson Plato, 1st Lieut. Joah Jeffries, and Surgeon, Dr. Joseph Colgan.
We read that Nelson Plato was signed for duty on August 3, 1861 personally by Colonel Tidball. It records that he was the only commissioned officer so chosen. Why? Plato was to be the Quartermaster of the 59th. That’s a very important position as you will see. Nelson Plato enlisted Howard Tompkins as a Sergeant for the non-commissioned staff on October 5, 1861. These two would serve together in the Quartermaster Corps throughout the war. Both were wounded and promoted before all was over. Canadians in the Civil War? Yes.
Next: The First Battle of Bull Run