Edward King Wightman (1835-January 15, 1865) enlisted as a private in Company B, 9th New York Infantry Regiment (Hawkins' Zouaves), August 30, 1862. He graduated from New York University in 1854 and obtained his master's degree in 1857. During the five years prior to his enlistment he wrote for various trade journals in New York City. He served first in the vicinity of Harper's Ferry, then in the fall of 1862 he went to Warrenton, Falmouth and then to Fredericksburg, Virginia where he took part in the battle of December 13. Early in February 1863 his regiment was transferred to Newport News where he served for sometime as clerk for the provost marshal of the 9th Corps. In April he moved to Suffolk, Virginia, and the following month, when the original members of the regiment were sent home, he and other recruits were transferred to Capt. Morris' battery, 3rd Division, 9th Army Corps. About mid-June, 1863 he was transferred to Company H, 3rd New York Infantry Regiment. He spent the remainder of his service with this unit. In July 1863, he participated in a raid on the railroad between Richmond and Fredericksburg, and the following month moved to Folly Island near Charleston where, except for a 30-day furlough, he remained until late April 1864 when the regiment moved to Virginia and participated in skirmishes and battles in the Petersburg area. He participated in the unsuccessful attack on Fort Fisher, North Carolina on December 25, 1864 and was killed in the second and successful attack on Fort Fisher the following month.
From the description of Edward King Wightman letters, 1862-1865 [microform]. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 80443275
