Fee

Soldier Profile: Michael Fee

Co. E, 16th New York Volunteer Infantry

Michael Fee was a stonemason by trade and a father of eight. His service with the 16th New York—a regiment known for their distinctive straw hats—placed him at the center of the war's most iconic battles, from the swamps of the Peninsula to the high-water mark at Gettysburg.  Donated by supporters and officers' wives the straw hats were intended to provide better shade and coolness than the standard wool forage caps during the hot summer months, particularly during the Peninsula Campaign. Unfortunately the hats made them highly visible and vulnerable in combat, contributing to heavy losses.

Early Life and Emigration

• Born: Circa December 1822 in Ballinamore, County Leitrim.

• Parents: Patrick Fee (1794–1853) and Rose Dolan.

• Emigration: Michael arrived in New York in May 1848, having survived the height of the Great Famine.

• Marriage: He married Bridget O’Brien in Boston on August 30, 1850.

• Family Life: The couple settled on Cedar Street in Hingham, Massachusetts. Michael worked as a stone mason, helping build the growing infrastructure of New England.

• Fathers Death: Michael’s father Patrick Fee(1794–1853)  died in 1853 in Ballinamore, County Leitrim, Ireland.

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The Children of Michael & Bridget Fee

The Fees raised a large family, with most children born in Hingham:

• Michael Jr.: Born 31 May 1851.

• James Henry: Born 26 Dec 1852.

• Rosanna: Born 30 Dec 1854.

• Susan Mary Ellen: Born 28 Apr 1856 (Mystic, CT).

• Mary Ellen: Born 25 Sept 1856.

• Alice Margaret: Born 3 Jan 1859.

• John: Born 1859.

• Frances Manus: Born 17 Dec 1860.

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Military Service: The Eastern Theatre

Michael enlisted on November 30, 1861. Although living in Massachusetts, he joined the 16th New York Infantry, mustering into Company E at Fortress Monroe, Virginia, in January 1862.

• The Peninsula Campaign: Michael fought under General McClellan at Yorktown, Fair Oaks, and Glendale.

• Second Bull Run: He survived the severe casualties his regiment took near Groveton in August 1862.

• Chancellorsville: His unit took heavy losses during this famous Confederate victory in May 1863.

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Gettysburg and Captivity

On July 2, 1863, during the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg, the 16th New York was heavily engaged along the Emmitsburg Road.

• Wounded and Captured: During the fierce fighting, Michael was wounded and taken prisoner by Confederate forces.

• Richmond Prisons: He was moved to a prisoner-of-war camp in Richmond, Virginia.

• Parole and Death: Michael was eventually paroled and moved to Stanton Hospital in Washington, D.C. However, the combined toll of his wounds and the conditions of captivity were too great. He died there on September 29, 1863, of chronic diarrhea.

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Final Resting Place

Unlike many of his comrades buried in Southern soil, Michael’s remains were returned to his family. He is buried in Hingham, Massachusetts, the town where he had hoped to raise the six children he left behind along with his wife.

Here is a detailed service timeline for Michael Fee, tracing his journey from his enlistment in Massachusetts to his final sacrifice in the aftermath of the Battle of Gettysburg.

Service Timeline: Michael Fee (1861–1863)

Unit: Company E, 16th New York Volunteer Infantry

Brigade: 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, VI Corps (Army of the Potomac)

DateMilestone / EngagementLocation /

DetailNov 30, 1861EnlistmentEnlisted as a Private in Hingham, MA.Jan 1862MusterOfficially mustered into the 16th NY at Fortress Monroe, VA.

May 3, 1862Siege of YorktownParticipated in the opening of the Peninsula Campaign.

June 18, 1862Williamsburg RoadThe regiment suffered heavy losses during a sharp skirmish.

June 25, 1862Battle of Oak GrovePart of the "Seven Days Battles" under Gen. McClellan.

June 30, 1862Battle of GlendaleEngaged in fierce fighting during the Union retreat.

Aug 29, 1862Second Bull RunEngaged near Groveton; the unit sustained severe casualties.

Dec 13, 1862Battle of FredericksburgPresent on the field, though the unit was not heavily engaged.

May 1863ChancellorsvilleThe regiment faced intense combat during the "Salem Church" phase.

July 2, 1863Battle of GettysburgWounded and Captured during the defense of the Emmitsburg Road.

July–Aug 1863CaptivityHeld as a Prisoner of War in the Richmond, VA prison system.

Sept 1863Parole & HospitalizationReleased via prisoner exchange; moved to Stanton Hospital, D.C.

Sept 29, 1863DeathSuccumbed to chronic diarrhea (a result of prison conditions).