Company A
Sergeant
Paul D. Williamson volunteered for service at the age of 35 yrs on December 30, 1863 and received a bonus of $40.00 when he signed up.
He was assigned as a 'Staff Orderly' often referred to as a 'Battalion Man, or 'BATMAN' to Headquarters 9th Corps from July 1864 to October 1864. Staff Orderlies duties often included: Acting as a 'runner' to convey orders from the officer to subordinates while in Garrison, or in Combat. Acting as an Officers bodyguard in garrison, and during combat. Maintained the officer's Uniform, and personal equipment as a Valet. And other miscellaneous tasks the officer does not have time or inclination to do. Along the way, He was present with IX Army, and saw combat in numerous Battles, most notably. The Battle of Cold Harbor, Battle of Petersburg, and the Battle of The Crater. He was sent back to his unit, the 3rd N.J. Cavalry in October 1864, and saw combat in the following Battles. Back road near Cedar Creek, VA., Mount Jackson, VA., Lacey's Spring, VA., Moorfield, VA., Waynesboro, VA., Dinwiddie Court House, VA., Five Forks, VA., Capture of Petersburg, VA., VA., Deep Creek, VA., Sailor's Creek, VA., Appomattox Station VA., and most notably was present at Appomattox Court House, VA., for General Lee's Surrender. He was promoted from Private to Sergeant on March 1, 1865 (Don't know why he skipped over Corporal to Sergeant) He was released from His service contract on December 31, 1865.