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Emigrants arrival

Belgians in America

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Biography :

During the Battle of Gravelly Run, which took place a few miles Southwest of Petersburg, Virginia, the Sixth Wisconsin forged ahead toward the White Oak Road, a heavily fortified position. The Confederates counter attacked and drove back the sixth to Gravelly Run. During this fallback, Francois Francee was shot in the elbow. Eugene Delwiche and Guillaume Delsipee stopped to help their wounded comrade, whereupon all three were captured. Alixis Franc, Antoine Deprince, and Charles Vandresse managed to cross the run and were not captured. The Sixth Wisconsin had five killed 34 wounded and 32 taken prisoner during the Battle of Gravelly Run.

Fortunately this took place on March 31, 1865 and the next day at the Battle of Five Forks the Confederates were soundly defeated and a few days later Lee surendered at nearby Appomatox. Eugene was paroled by the Confederates just three days after capture. He was paroled at Varina, Virginia which happened to be the previous home of Pocahontas and John Rolfe. He was sent to Benson Baracks near St. Louis where he was issued a 30 day furlough and $10.50 travel money.

The Delwiche were burned out in the Peshtigo Fire but rebuilt. Eugene served as road commisioned and on the school board. He was injured by a falling tree and was outlived by his wife Adele.

Sources :
- J. H. Mertens : "The Second Battle"
- Alvin Mathy, ggrandson of Eugene Delwiche. The above text is adapted from the data he sent me.