John C. Crowninshield was living in California in 1861 when the United States Civil War began. Between September & October 1861 the Fourth California Volunteer Infantry Regiment was organized. It was organized primarily in Sacramento, Placerville and Auburn CA. Mr. Crowninshield and many others enlisted in the Regiment in Weaverville, CA. Weaverville, CA was a typical "Gold Rush Town" in Trinity County, CA at that time. Mr. Crowninshield enlisted on Sept. 10, 1861 with a rank of Captain. Capt. John C. Crowninshield from Company "E" is not to be confused with Capt. John C. Crowninshield (1820-1898) that fought in the Mexican War and rose to the rank of Captain. Company "E" was moved around but the Regiment served principally in Oregon, Washington Territory and the southern region of California with a few small detachments being stationed in Arizona. The Company was stationed at Fort Steilacoom in Pierce County, WA until about October 1862. During that time approximately 17 soldiers deserted. On Jan. 25 and Feb. 12, 1862 six soldiers deserted the Fort. J. C. Crowninshield gave his depositions on Feb. 13, 1862. He stated that he saw Privates Eugene Rose, Charles Winney, Adam Nabor, James Bishop, Daniel Slane and Charles Derbin deserting, described what he saw and that he believed that they had fled Washington Territory. Unfortunately, Capt. Crowninshield did not have a long or stellar military career. On Dec. 15, 1862 he was dismissed from the Service for intemperance. It is unknown whether he stayed in Washington Territory or moved on. The company was discharged in 1866.
Fort Steilacoom is located in Pierce County, WA. It played a significant, but little-known, role in the settling of Washington State. The Fort was established in August 1849 by the U.S. Army. The military strengthened its connections with settlers by developing a road system throughout the Territory. All roads led to the Fort. The Fort served as the headquarters for the Army during the "Indian Wars" of 1855-1856. Around this time there was continued growth at the Fort. In 1861, the Civil War changed everything. Regular Army officers stationed at the Fort chose their sides and some tendered their resignations. Fort Steilacoom was left to the territorial militia in 1861. Company "E" of the Fourth California Volunteer Infantry Regiment was stationed at Fort Steilacoom for about a year during 1861 until about October 1862. The Fort was abandoned as a military post in 1868 when it became the Western State Hospital, which is a state psychiatric hospital.
From the description of J.C. Crowninshield's depositions about desertions from Fort Steilacoom, Washington, 1862 February 13. (Washington State Library, Office of Secretary of State). WorldCat record id: 194376385
