Dimon, Charles Augustus Ropes, 1841-1902.

Charles Augustus Ropes Dimon (1841-1902), soldier, served throughout the Civil War and was colonel of the First United States Volunteer Infantry regiment of Galvanized Yankees at Fort Rice, North Dakota, October 1864-July 1865.

From the description of Daily memorandum, 1864-1865. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 79945409

From the description of Daily memorandum, 1864-1865. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 702162725

Charles Dimon, soldier, served throughout the Civil War and was colonel of the First United States Volunteer Infantry regiment of Galvanized Yankees at Fort Rice, Dakota Territory, 1864-1865.

From the description of Letter : Fort Rice, Dakota Territory, to Major General Benjamin F. Butler, 1864 Dec 8. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 702162706

From the description of Letter : Fort Rice, Dakota Territory, to Major General Benjamin F. Butler, 1864 Dec 8. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 78615305

Charles Augustus Ropes Dimon (1841-1902), soldier, served throughout the Civil War and was colonel of the First United States Volunteer Infantry regiment of Galvanized Yankees at Fort Rice, North Dakota, 1864-65.

From the description of Charles Augustus Ropes Dimon papers, 1863-1907. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 702127296

Charles Augustus Ropes Dimon was born in Fairfield, Connecticut in 1841 and moved to Salem, Massachusetts in 1859. He joined the Massachusetts volunteer militia in April 1861, was mustered out in August, and enlisted at Lowell, Massachusetts in September as adjutant of the 30th Massachusetts Infantry. During 1861 and 1862 Dimon saw action in several battles, including the bombardment of Fort Jackson and St. Philip and the capture of New Orleans.

Dimon was promoted to major in the 2nd Louisiana Infantry United States Volunteers, but resigned due to poor health in June 1863. In 1864 he re-enlisted at Point Lookout, Maryland. While serving there and at Norfolk, Virginia, Dimon organized and commanded a volunteer regiment of former Confederate soldiers popularly known as the "Galvanized Yankees." On his recommendation and to encourage rebel prisoners to enlist, the regiment became the 1st United States Volunteer Infantry.

After successfully completing raids out of Norfolk, Dimon was promoted to colonel in August 1864. On orders from General Grant, he traveled with the 1st United States Volunteer Infantry to Fort Rice, Dakota Territory, in the fall of 1864. He commanded Fort Rice for one year with orders to suppress hostile Indians and encourage peaceful trade. Difficulties were encountered with the Blackfoot, Yanktonai, and Onkpapas Indians, who threatened attacks and stole horses, but Dimon was able to secure a general peace.

In July 1865, Dimon became afflicted with chronic laryngitis and left Fort Rice on doctor's orders. After he recovered he was assigned to Lawrence, Kansas, with orders to control mutinous troops. On August 10, 1865, Dimon received a commission as brevet brigadier general and in November 1865 was mustered out of service at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

In 1866, Dimon became the military chief of police in Mobile, Alabama, and in 1869 he married Kate Thompson of Morristown, New Jersey. Returning to Lowell, Massachusetts, he served as alderman and then mayor for two years. He died in Lowell in 1902.

From the guide to the Charles Augustus Ropes Dimon papers, 1863-1907, (Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library)