A Tale of Two Brothers

 

Lieutenant Nicholas "Nick" A. Caufield

       The Caufield brothers lived in New Orleans, Louisiana when the Civil War began. The oldest Nick worked as an accountant. His younger brother William worked as a clerk. Both enlisted in Company F, 5th Louisiana Infantry which was sent for service in Virginia. Nick was elected lieutenant, while William served as a private. Nick was absent back home in New Orleans from November 1861 until February 1862 where he was recruiting for the regiment. 

       Not a lot is known about the two between February of 1862 and the Battle of Sharpsburg (Antietam) in September of 1862. We know they were both present for 2nd Manassas and Chantilly. It was at Sharpsburg in Maryland that the brother's, serving in Brigadier General Harry T. Hays's Louisiana Infantry Brigade, were posted in the "Bloody Cornfield." It was there that Hays had his men lie prone on the ground because of all the incoming artillery fire. 

Private William Caufield

       As they lay on the ground, William lay in front of his brother, reclining on his elbow and talking to a Lieutenant Gubbins. A Lieutenant Fitzpatrick beside them was wounded and Nick asked if he was hit. A moment later a shell struck hitting William passing completely through his body. The same shell cut off one of Private Fitzsimmons's legs, then cut off both of a Private Jenkins feet before striking Nick in the lower part of the back and exiting his chest. Nick's heart was torn from his chest. One Federal shell had killed Nick Caufield, William Caufield, and Private Fitzsimmons and wounded Private Jenkins. 

       The burial location of these three men are unknown, probably originally buried on the field and possibly removed to a cemetery later. Nick Caufield was 26 years old. His brother William was just 21.