James Flaherty was a resident of Mansfield on August 18, 1862 when he enlisted as a Private in Co. D of the 21st Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. He deserted on March 18, 1863.

Accordingly to letters sent by fellow soldier George H. Harris to Mrs. Harris, he was granted a furlough but did not return when the time had expired.

“He has not got back yet nor [do] we not here from him wheather he is sick or skedaddled.”

The Harris Letters, March 28, 1863

The descriptive muster roll of the 21st Regiment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry lists his age as 25 and his occupation as farmer.  He is described as 5’ 8” tall with a light complexion and dark hair and blue eyes.  His marital status is married. 

The only James Flaherty living in Mansfield in the 1860 U.S. census was 9 years old which would make him no older than 11 or 12 years old in 1862 if it was the same individual.

 No further information is known.

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