174 - HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, OHIO.
CHAPTER XX.
WAR OF THE REBELLION—CONTINUED.
Women's Work in the War.—The Marietta Military Hospital.—Short Sketches of the Military Organizations from the County.—Buell's Pierpoint Battery.—Huntington's Battery.—De Beck's Battery.— K, Second Ohio Heavy Artillery.—General Thomas' Body Guard (L, First Ohio Volunteer Cavalry)—Company H, Seventh Cavalry.—Company B, Ninth Cavalry.—Company F, Second West Virginia Cavalry.—Eighteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry.—Thirty-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry.—Thirty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry.—Sixty-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry.—Seventy-third Ohio Volunteer Infantry.— Seventy-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry.—Ninety-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry.—One Hundred and Forty-eighth Ohio National Guards.—The Silver Grays.—The Pony Section.—The War Editors. —Biographical Sketches of Officers from Washington County.— Major General Don Carlos Buell.—General B. D. Fearing.—General H. F. Devol.—General R. R. Dawes.—Colonel Jesse Hildebrand.— Colonel Melvin Clarke—Colonel Ebenezer B. Andrew.—Colonel John C. Paxton.—Lieutenant Colonel Alexander L. Haskins.—Lieutenant Colonel Ephraim C. Dawes.—Major Jewett Palmer.—Major George T. Rice.—Captains Jacob Koenig, James C. Selby.—William B. Whittlesey.—Madison Hoon.—Frank Buell.—Augustus T. Ward.—Arthur D. Eells.—Theodore E. Greenwood.—John J. Jumper.—George B. Bartlett.—Lieutenants Levi J. Fouraker.— George B. Turner.—Timothy L. Condit.—Charles B. Gates.—Richard D. Mason.—Edgar P. Pearce—Richard B. Cheatham.—Assistant Surgeon Pardon Cook, jr.—Luther Hathaway.—William L. Porterfield.—Roll of Honor.—History of the Washington County Soldiers Monument Association.—Roll of the Dead.
WOMEN'S WORK IN THE WAR.
WHILE recounting the deeds of Washington county soldiers, let us not forget the noble part taken by the women of the county during that struggle, in ministering to the wants of the Union, soldiers and in alleviating that world of suffering in the hospital and camp, and on the field of battle.
Their work was done quietly and without ostentation, and they modestly hoped that by helping the sick and wounded of the grand armies, to bear their burdens of pain and disease, they should be counted as having done something for the Union.
They had husbands, sons, brothers, fathers and other very dear friends with Grant, Sherman or Sheridan, at the front. Not a day passed but that their hearts were troubled for the welfare of the loved ones. How anxiously did they look for the letters. If only a few lines were received, those few lines told the story that he was still among the living and battling for his country. How they tried the patience of the postmasters, especially after a great battle. "Are you sure there is no letter? Please look again," and then, perhaps, the mother, in her anxiety, before another mail, would send around the little boy to ask still again. Then there came too often, not the longed-for missive, but the telegram or hurried line from a comrade, stating that he was dead. Dead for his country, for liberty and union, in so much a great consolation, but how could even that console her who bent under the stroke. All the courage and fortitude was not displayed on the battle line. By thousands of hearthstones, here and there through the land, came occasions for great courage and great fortitude, especially when it was the bread-winner stricken down in his prime, leaving a young family, with none to provide.
Who can tell to what extent the loyal homes at the north influenced men in the field. The brave words sent, the noble sentiments penned by fair hands, all glowing with patriotism and love at country. All honor to the noble women of the great north.
On Monday, October 28, 1861, seventy-five ladies of Marietta and Harmar met at the vestry of the Episcopal church, pursuant to a call of the United States sanitary commission, and organized by electing Mrs. Mumford, president; Mrs. Stephen Newton, vice-president; and Mrs. W. L. Rolston, secretary; Mrs. James Dunn, Mrs. Pardon Cooke, Mrs. T. P. Harshberger, Miss M. Woodbridge, Mrs. William S. Ward, Mrs. M. P. Wells, Mrs. C. B. Hall. Miss Phebe Fuller, Mrs. C. Regnier, Mrs. O'Leary, Mrs. Paul Bradbeck, Mrs. McLeod and Mrs. S. R. Turner, receiving committee; Mrs. James Ball, Mrs. Judge Green, Mrs. William Pearce, Mrs. L. Hathaway, Mrs. Bonner, Mrs. Beman Gates, Mrs. I. W. Andrews, Mrs. D. R. Sniffen, Mrs. H. Hill, Mrs. Levi Barber, Mrs. Oscar Chapin, Mrs. E. R. Cadwallader, committee for preparatory work.
The society was called the Union Soldiers' Relief association. Each member paid a small initiation fee with liberty to contribute as much more as possible. Application was made at once for material to make up into quilts, socks, slippers, comforts, etc. Donations of canton- flannel, fruits, half-worn calico, etc., were also received, which were speedily made up, boxed and ready to ship. Gallipolis hospital was the first place supplied, there being many men from Washington county lying there sick and destitute. Two boxes were sent within a few days, one filled with clothing and bedding from Marietta; the other with wine, jellies and fruit from Harmar.
The society met at the lecture room of the Episcopal church during all the war, varying the frequency of its meetings with the demand made upon them—usually meeting once a week.
Mrs. Rolston, in the first report, dated April 28, 1862, a semi-annual one, says:
We have had thirty-one regular meetings, and three extra ones. The attendance has ranged from seventy to eighty, and the average about twenty-five, and at no time has the interest flagged, for when few were here they worked the faster.
We have met from week to week, and this gathering has been a source of pleasure as well as profit, and will long be remembered a bright day amid the dark horrors of this war. The merry peals of laughter have lightened many a heart that came here sad.
. When we learn through reports from the different hospitals of the west ; how much the sufferings of our wounded soldiers have been alleviated by the sanitary commission we are amply repand, and must feel like continuing our labors unwearied.
The German ladies of Marietta also formed a society, as did the ladies of Waterford, Barlow and Salem townships, and others of which we have no record.
In April, 1863, the Beverly Advertiser contained the following: "No accurate record of the contributions of the Waterford Township Soldiers' Aid society for three fourths of its existence can be procured, but recently its records show items, viz: one hundred and seventy-five dollars cash, one hundred and forty-three shirts, one hundred and seventy-four pairs socks, sixty-eight blankets, fifty-three handkerchiefs with canned fruits, lint, bandages, etc., in abundance.
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, OHIO - 175
The heart of old Waterford is wholly pledged to the glorious cause, and she has still enough sturdy sons of patriot sires, lovers of freedom and union to make the air of this part of the Muskingum valley exceedingly unwholesome to traitors.
In this connection it should be said that the first woman to subscribe to the Soldiers' Relief fund in the county was Mrs. William R. Putnam. On December 15 and 16, 1863, a special effort was made by the society at Marietta to raise funds by a sanitary fair. Contributions were sent in from all the townships in the vicinity, in money, apples, quinces, potatoes, turnips, onions, cabbages, pumpkins, butter, cheese, eggs, chickens, honey, dried and canned fruits, flour, buckets, ornamental and fruit trees, blankets, socks, furniture, and many other things—"almost everything that could be turned into money, or sent to the soldiers." From Union and Muskingum townships, large lots of fruits, vegetables, and trees were received. From Rainbow, fifty dollars in cash—Lowell, eighty-six dollars in cash and a large contribution in socks and canned fruits. Belpre, Warren, Barlow, Fearing, Salem, and Newport, all gave large contributions. A dinner was donated by the citizens of Marietta which added largely to receipts, the net amount cleared being one thousand nine hundred and ninety- one dollars and seventy-five cents.
The following are the items:
Cash contributions - $ 427.00
Receipts from door - 234.70
" from dinner - 108.00
" from supper - 245.25
“ from fancy tables - 243.10
“ from cake table - 163.36
“ from grab box - 39.30
‘ from toys and confectionary - 49-57
“ from pictures - 43.00
“ from pipe of peace - 33.50
“ from ring cakes - 30.00
“ from guess cake - 32.45
“ from auction - 82.00
Sums from various sources - 73.49
Receipts from Harmar table - 339.30
Total - 2166.52
Expenses - 174.77
Net - $1991.75
Part of the above amount was paid over to the Harmar association, how much we cannot ascertain.
In Belpre the Ladies' Union circle on February 22, 1864, held a festival "for the aid of soldiers in the field," and cleared three hundred and seventy dollars, and so in all parts of the county the generous hearted women devoted themselves to the work.
At Bonn, in Salem township, they formed a branch No. 420 of what was called the "Union League of Loyal Women of America," an organization which originated in Illinois, having the same purpose as similar societies. This was begun in the fall of 1864 and continued during the balance of the war. It had between sixty and seventy members, and notwithstanding lhe lateness of the start they forwarded a number of invoices of sanitary supplies to the Cincinnati branch of the United States sanitary commission, amounting in all to about one hundred dollars. The fund remaining at the close of the war, amounted, August 2, 1865, to seventeen dollars and twenty cents which was donated to Washington County Soldiers' Monument association.
Among the many women of Washington county deserving of special mention, we can only notice one whose talents and industry gave her special prominence—Mrs. Francis Dana Gage, "Aunt Fanny Gage." She acquired a national reputation by her devotion to the cause of the freedmen and her untiring energy in working for the sanitary commission: "Through all the inclement winter weather (1863-4), through Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Illinois, and Missouri, she pursued her labors of love, never omitting an evening, when she could get an audience to address, speaking for soldiers' aid societies, and giving proceeds to those who worked only for the soldiers,—then for freedmen's associations. She worked without fee or reward, asking only of those who were willing, to give enough to defray her expenses—for herself—thankful if she received, cheerful if she did not."* Mrs. Gage was the daughter of Joseph Barker, late of this county, and Elizabeth Dana, a descendent of Mary Bancroft, thus being allied on maternal side to the well- known Massachusetts families of Dana and Bancroft. She has also acquired a reputation in literature from the beauty and pathos of her numerous poems.
On December 2, 1865, Mrs. Rolston made her final report, showing the work of the Marietta Soldiers' Relief association from October, 1861, to June, 1865, when the meetings ceased, as follows:
During the three and a half years over two thousand garments were made. Articles made: one thousand and forty shirts, three hundred and seventy-five pairs of drawers, sixty comforters, one hundred and sixteen sheets, two hundred and sixteen pillow-cases, fifty-nine pillows, two hundred and three towels, thirty-one pairs slippers, two hundred and seventy-one pairs socks, thirty-four pairs mittens, twelve pairs suspenders, three hundred and thirty-four pocket-handkerchiefs, twenty-one dressing-gowns; in all, two thousand eight hundred and thirty, besides many other articles for hospital use.
The association has been well supplied with material, which was made into bandages, compresses, towels, pocket-handkerchiefs, lint, etc. There have been bought four thousand three hundred and thirty yards of cotton and flannel, besides much donated. Goods were sent once a month, or oftener, where most needed, generally to the Cincinnati branch of the United States Sanitary commission; but the hospital here (at Marietta), and those at Parkersburgh, Charleston, and Cairo, and sometimes regiments in the field, have been supplied.
Boxes sent: sixty-five—containing shirts, sheets, drawers, socks, mittens, blankets, towels, etc., to the number of three thousand five hundred and forty-three, besides slings, wound-supporters, eye-shades, pincushions, compresses, bandages, lint, etc., too numerous to mention.
In February, 1863, the hospita! at Marietta having been abandoned, the military committee gave all the goods remaining there to the association. . . . .
More than six hundred cans and jars of fruit, at least forty gallons of pickles, several barrels of sauerkraut, more than twenty bushels of dried fruit, with various articles of hospital aid have been sent.
The association has never asked in vain for anything that could be of service to the soldier, nor have the citizens ever failed to respond to the call for money. The association has not been for one day out of funds. Voluntary contributions of ninety-three dollars and fifty cents have been received from different sources. The military committee gave, at different times, forty-five dollars; four public entertainments realized one thousand six hundred and seventy-six dollars and sixty-seven cents; a fee of five cents per month from members raised fifty-two dollars and ninety cents; with one hundred and fifteen dollars and fifty-eight cents interest on the money deposited, gives the total receipts one thousand nine hundred and eighty-three dollars and sixty-five cents.
The expenditures have been chiefly for materials for work, with inci-
* Women's Work in the Civil War.
176 - HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, OHIO.
dentals, such as fuel, boxes, although most of these have been donated. About fifty dollars have been given in small sums to sordiers and their families.
Receipts - $1,983 65
Expenditures - 1,274 15
Balance in treasury - 709 50
This balance, by vote of the association, was given as follows: two hundred dollars to the Washington County Soldiers' Monument association; and five hundred and nine dollars and fifty cents to the Marietta Charitable association.
After a vote of thanks to the vestry of St. Luke's church for the use of the tecture room for over three years, the association dissolved.
S. C. ROLSTON,
Secretary and treasurer.
The officers of the Marietta and Harmar society were as follows: 1861—Mrs. T. F. Mumford, president; Mrs. Stephen Newton, vice-president; Mrs. W. L. Rolston, secretary and treasurer. Work committee: Mrs. James Booth, Mrs. Beman Gates, Mrs. Davis Green, Mrs. Luther Hathaway, Mr. I. W. Andrews, Mrs. Bonner, Mrs. D. R. Sniffen, Mrs. Levi Barber, Mrs. Oscar Chapin, Mrs. E. R. Cadwallader.
The Harmar ladies formed a separate association in 1862.
1862—Mrs. Nahum Ward, president; Mrs. Melvin Clarke, vice-president; Mrs. W. L. Rolston, secretary and treasurer.
1863—Mrs. Nahum Ward, president; Mrs. William A. Whittlesey, vice-president; Mrs. R. P. James, second vice-president; Mrs. W. L Rolston, secretary and treasurer. Work committee: Miss McFarland, Miss Hobby, Mrs. R. E. Harte, Mrs.. Joseph Lovell.
1864 and 1865—Mrs. William A. Whittlesey, president; Mrs. B. W. Lovell, vice-president; Mrs. W. L. Rolston, secretary and treasurer. Work committee: Miss McFarland, Miss Hobby, and Mrs. R. E. Harte.
After the first year the Harmar ladies had their own association, an account of which, by Mrs. John Pool, is given herewith.
The foregoing is a brief record of the part taken by the women of Washington county during the great war for the preservation of the Union. It does not fully record their work. No historian will attempt to do it; for who could ever hope to adequately describe the burden of heart, the burden of work, and the burden of patriotism borne by the devoted women of the north during that eventful struggle. Let us honor them, and let posterity hold them in grateful remembrance.
SOLDIERS' AID SOCIETY OF HARMAR, OHIO.
Immediately following the departure of our volunteers from Marietta, Harmar and the adjoining towns, in response to President Lincoln's call for troops in 1861, to suppress the great Rebellion,—the loyal women, all aglow will the patriotism which had inspired the hearts of those who had so recently left—anxiously inquired in what way they, too, could serve their country.
The weeks preceding had been eventful and stirring times in the history of our quiet town, for the call for troops had met with a hearty and ready response. Students from the college, mechanics from factories and workshops, clerks from offices and stores, and young men from country homes had volunteered their services —companies had been formed and drilled in military tactics,—while over dwellings and stores the stars and stripes waved, and the streets resounded with the notes of warlike preparation.
At length marching orders were received, and the volunteers had left, and then to the mothers, wives and children of these—some of whom were sick and destitute, the attention and sympathy of the patriotic women was directed. Subscriptions had already been received from many of the citizens, to meet the present necessities of such as needed help, and as far as possible, generous assistance had been proffered.
Then, followed letters from our volunteers in camp, or on the march, some of whom unaccustomed to exposure, were sick, and requiring home comforts or articles of clothing. These supplies were immediately sent from private sources until, as the wants became greater, committees were appointed, who went from house to house soliciting donations.
Meanwhile, our troops had moved southward, rumors of anticipated battles were reported, and as the necessity of hospital supplies became apparent, meetings were held for consultation to meet the approaching emergency.
The various benevolent and church organizations were merged into soldiers' aid societies, and articles for the comfort of the sick and wounded were in constant preparation. The following ladies were prominently connected with the Harmar Aid society, and until the close of the war, closely identified with its interests: Mrs. Levi Barber, president; Mrs. Harlow Chapin, Mrs. Douglas Putnam, Mrs. David Putnam, Mrs. Henry Fearing, Mrs. Oscar Chapin, Mrs. Dr. Frank Hart, Mrs. L. Wheeler, Mrs. Dr. L Hart, Mrs. S. Stratton, Mrs. W. Crawford, Mrs. Barber, Mrs. Rev. Wakefield, Mrs. Newton, Mrs. Fuller, and Mrs. L Reppert.
To this committee a corps of young ladies was added, as follows: Miss Julia Barber, Miss V. Reppert, Miss Martha Putnam, Miss J. Wheeler, Miss E. Stratton, Miss E. Barber, Miss M. F. Newton, Miss Mary Hart, Miss A. Reppert. Through the newspapers, from the pulpit, and in every available way, urgent appeals were made for assistance, and from individuals and churches liberal donations were sent. From country societies and from sources unknown to us, supplies of delicacies, jellies, canned and dried fruits were added, which to the stores of clothing in readiness were carefully packed and consigned to surgeons in various regimental hospitals, who by letter had specified previously the articles most needed. From month to month this work went on, varied only by sad tidings of battles fought and the intelligence of many of our brave soldiers wounded or sick in hospitals, requiring special supplies, when boxes of bandages, lint, and the various appliances for hospital use were hastily prepared and dispatched. No official record has been preserved of shipments made to Western Virginia, Louisville, Pittsburgh Landing, Murfreesborough and other points, which were forwarded in request of surgeons and officers in Ohio regiments, with whom our society was in direct communication.
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, OHIO - 177
While sending supplies to distant hospitals, the ladies of the Aid society and others were not unmindful of the present wants and needs of the Union soldiers at our doors, to whom a helping hand could be extended. There were regiments encamped temporarily within the precincts of our own town-some awaiting transportation to the front or for regimental supplies, which had been detained or interrupted on the route thither, in consequence of which the soldiers were exhausted from want of proper food. The presence of these troops would stimulate anew the patriotism of the citizens, whose generosity was unbounded; and everything which could be provided for their comfort was most freely bestowed.
In these kindly offices of hospitality, of which also no record has been preserved, the capacity of the dwellings and the resources of the larder were often tested to their utmost limit; our doors were thrown wide open, and all who could be accommodated were most cordially invited to enter and served with impromptu meals, calling forth, as our guests departed, their warmest thanks, and leaving us with the cheering thought that we had "done what we could."
There were also unwritten kindnesses which could be rendered our Union soldiers on these occasions-sometimes in writing letters at their dictation, to wives, mothers, and sisters, far distant, bearing messages of comfort and cheer; to others some forgotten or lost article could be supplied, or some needed repair of clothing made, while to all words of encouragement and kindness could be spoken which were always gratefully appreciated. To those regiments, also, who were in transit to distant points, and who for long, weary hours were detained in railroad cars near the town, awaiting orders to move onto these we could render service. On many a cold and chilly morning the intelligence would come that these soldiers, too, were within reach of sympathy and help; and as speedily as possible messengers would be dispatched with plentiful supplies of hot coffee and sandwiches, distributed amid the cheers of the soldiers, to whom this unexpected repast was a welcome surprrse.
Each day brought special demands upon the time and attention of our Aid society, either in supplying the wants of our troops passing through the town, or in preparing boxes of sanitary stores for points already designated.
There were also the families of our volunteers, who needed assistance. Liberal subscriptions had been repeatedly made for this purpose, by the citizens, and also for the purchase of hospital supplies. Numerous collections had been taken in the churches for the same object; and as larger cities and towns had raised sums of money by means of sanitary fairs and entertainments, it was proposed that a fair be held in Marietta, in which the ladies of Harmar be invited to unite. This plan met with hearty approval, and a committee was appointed, consisting of Mrs. Levi Barber and Mrs. John Poole, to make necessary arrangements. Subsequently other committees were added, to obtain articles of beauty and utility to be placed on sale, and for refreshments, etc., who canvassed the town thoroughly. After weeks of preparation. the fair was opened, with an admiring throng of visitors in attendance, and its success was assured. The receipts were unexpectedly large, many pleasant acquaintances formed, harmonious feelings prevailed, and results were in every respect satisfactory. The receipts, of which the ladies of Harmar received a fair proportion, were expended for the relief of soldiers' families, and paid in weekly instalments, after a careful investigation of the circumstances of each family had been made. The fund, amounting to several hundred dollars, was Judiciously and systematically disbursed, bringing much comfort to the recipients and gratification to all those who by personal effort or influence had secured these results.
In all these beneficent efforts, extending through the war, and never ceasing until the conflict was over, the aid society was indebted to many of the citizens of Harmar for invaluable assistance, rendered in the prosecution of their work, at home and abroad, for which services, we record in behalf of the society, our appreciation and thanks.
The foregoing pages comprise but a fragmentary and imperfect report of the work accomplished by the Soldiers' Aid society of Harmar; but are submitted in the hope that they may be of some interest to the home workers, who were thus privileged to minister to some of the Union soldiers, without expectation of either mention or reward-but grateful then and now, for the opportunity of expressing, in the slightest degree, their gratitude to those brave men who were willing to sacrifice their lives in the service of our country.
THE MARIETTA HOSPITAL.
About May 26, 1861, a hospital was opened for the soldiers then in Camp Putnam. It was located on the upper or eastern side of Second street, a short distance from the camp, and was conducted and supported by the ladies of Marietta and Washington county, assisted by the officers in command at the camp. Drs. Frank Hart, Samuel Hart, and George 0. Hildreth were in attendance when their services were needed, and always without pay. No records of this hospital have been preserved, but it was used more or less all through the war.
BATTERY C, FIRST WEST VIRGINIA LIGHT ARTILLERY.
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
Captain Frank Buell, mustered March 30, 1862, died from effects of wounds at battle ot Freeman's Ford, August 23, 1862; Captain Wallace Hill, mustered August 1, 1862 promoted to captain August , 1862; First Lieutenant Dennis O'Leary, mustered March 30, 1862; First Lieutenant John G. Theis, mustered August , 1862, promoted to junior first lieutenant; Second Lieutenant Theodore G. Field, mustered December 23, 1863. promoted to first sergeant August , 1862, to second lieutenant December 23, 1863, vice Langley, resigned; Second Lieutenant John W. Jacobs, mustered December 29, 1863, promoted from corporal, vice Miner, resigned, December 29, 1863.
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
First Sergeant William H. Goldsmith, mustered March 3, 1864. veteran; Quartermaster Sergeant Thomas Phelps, mustered March 3, 1864, veteran; Sergeant Owen O'Neil, mustered March 3, 1864, veteran; Sergeant Alexander H. Bukey, mustered March 3, 1864, veteran; Sergeant L. R. Miraben, mustered March 3, 1864, veteran; Sergeant David Dow, mustered March 3, 1864, veteran; Sergeant Adam B. Rook, mustered February 24, 1864, veteran; Corporal Turrell Cusack; mustered March 31, 1864, veteran; Corporal John Meighan,
178 - HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, OHIO.
mustered March 3, 1864, veteran; Corporal William F. Minster, mustered March 3, 1864, veteran; Corporal Charles Clogson, mustered March 3, 1864, veteran, promoted January , 1864; Corporal William H. Ranger, mustered March 3, 1864, veteran; Corporal Milton H. Laughlin, mustered March 3, 1864, veteran; Corporal John Lehnhard, mustered September 2, 1862, promoted to corporal September , 1862; Corporal George W. Stanley, mustered March 3, 1864, veteran; Corporal Jeremiah H. Dooley, mustered March 31, 1864, veteran; Corporal John H. Miner, mustered March 3, 1864, veteran; Corporal James Wright, mustered March 3, 1864, veteran, wounded at Bull Run, August 3o, 1862; Corporal Frank R. Benan, mustered March 3, 1864, veteran; Corporal William Jenvey, mustered March 3o, 1862.
BATTERY C, FIRST WEST VIRGINIA LIGHT ARTILLERY.
When President Lincoln made his first call for troops to serve three months, a company of infantry, under coin" mand of Captain Frank Buell, left Marietta in April, 1861, and as heretofore noticed became company B, Eighteenth Ohio volunteer militia. The other officers were Dennis O'Leary, first lieutenant; William Bisbee, second lieutenant, who was afterward elected major of the regiment, and Wallace Hill elected to fill the vacancy.
The company served in West Virginia under General Hill, and was most of the time guarding railroads. There was no engagement with the enemy and it was mustered out in August, 1861. This company reenlisted almost entire, as a battery of light artillery, the reenlistment dating from September t, 1861. Owing to a misunderstanding among those in authority in Ohio, the service of the battery was offered to Governor Pierpont, of West Virginia, and accepted, and was named by the captain in the governor's honor.
The battery left Marietta for Wheeling, West Virginia, in October, 1861. The officers: Frank Buell, senior captain ; Dennis O'Leary, junior first lieutenant; Wallace Hill, senior first lieutenant; John P. Theis, junior second lieutenant; William W. Witherow, second lieutenant.
The battery remained in Wheeling until ordered to Point Pleasant, West Virginia, for recruiting purposes, and from there to Charleston, West Virginia, where it remained till early in the spring of 1862, when it was ordered back to Wheeling and was mustered into the service of the United States, March 3o, 1862. Here the injustice was done the battery of not dating the muster back to the date of enlistment, it having been in the service seven months.
These seven months had not been idly spent. Although not fully mounted, the battery had thorough and continued drill and practice in firing, with study of the tactics, so that when at this time they were fully equipped, they were by no means raw recruits.
The battery was supplied with six ten-pounder Parrott guns. After the effective work done with those guns at Cross Keys, Bull Run, Gettysburgh, and elsewhere, it would be hard to convince any member of this battery that it was not the most accurate shooting gun in the service.
General Fremont having taken command of the mountain department, the battery served under him during his campaign in West Virginia in the summer of 1862.
Leaving Wheeling in May for New Creek, West Virginia, we immediately proceeded to reinforce Milroy and Schenck, who were hard pressed by Stonewall Jackson on the upper south branch of the Potomac. Here they were assigned to Stahl's brigade, of Blencker's division. Arriving at Franklin, in Pendleton county, they found Generals Schenck and Milroy had fought Jackson at Bull Pasture Mountain, but had been compelled to fall back to Franklin.
In the meantime Jackson, instead of remaining in front, as it was supposed he would, had gone over the mountains into the Shenandoah valley, and had driven General Banks out. In order to intercept Jackson, Fremont fell back from Franklin to Moorefield and crossed the mountains into the Shenandoah valley and struck Jackson's army on his retreat at Strasburgh. Jackson sent out a force and held Fremont in check near Strasburgh, where he had quite a skirmish, while his army passed up the valley. The next day Fremont started in pursuit, and the battery was assigned to the cavalry advance, and the Eighth West Virginia infantry and the Sixtieth Ohio infantry under Colonel Cluseret—the infantry was called the Cluseret light brigade. This colonel, afterward General Cluseret, was subsequently in the war of the French commune.
BATTLE OF TOM BROOK.
At Tom Brook, some few miles above Strasburgh, the battery came up with the enemy's rear and forced him to form. Here, for the first time, the battery met the foe, June 2, 1862. Unfortunately two of the guns were temporarily disabled by loosing the wheels while galloping into action, caused by the finch-pins bouncing out. This defect was afterward remedied throughout the army by using a pin with a clamp. The right and left sections, however, went into position under fire, which proved to be inaccurate, and when the centre section came up the chief of artillery, Colonel Pilsen, moved it to a position to the right and front some three hundred yards. The ground being very uneven, the progress was slow, which was trying to new troops going into their first engagement under fire, but every man stood to his post like a veteran, and all of them were complimented by the chief of artillery for coolness and accuracy of firing, which, all things considered, was admirable. The enemy was compelled to retreat.
The next day, at Woodstock, they met the enemy, and the next at Mt. Jackson, where "Stonewall Jackson," to delay the Union pursuit, burned the bridge over the Shenandoah. The river was very high and swift, which rendered fording impossible, and the current was too strong to admit of laying pontoons. They were compelled to wait till the water receded. The next morning was rather hazy. They were aroused very early by the "long roll" and the cavalry and artillery buglers calling to "boots and saddle." Orders were given to hitch up as quickly as possible, as the enemy had flanked us on the left. The river, some distance below the bridge, makes an abrupt turn, and the sentries had discovered, through the fog, as they thought, a six gun battery, which would enfilade their position and would open on them as soon as the fog lifted. During the bustle and confusion of a change of front the fog cleared away and disclosed six
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, OHIO - 179
beautiful piles of rails, at about the usual interval of a battery of field guns in position. After great delay in laying the pontoon bridge, which was a clumsy affair, the battery again started in pursuit, this time bringing the enemy to bay a short distance above Harrisonburgh, where he had left the main turn-pike and started on a cross-road to the left, where he was vigorously attacked by the light brigade and the Pennsylvania Buck Tails. The deadly aim of the latter punished the rebels severely. Among their slain was the notorious General Ashby, Jackson's chief of cavalry. General Fremont, not wishing to bring on a general engagement, the enemy were not pushed, but were allowed to retire unmolested.
CROSS KEYS.
The following morning the army of General Fremont moved out and found the enemy in position at Cross Keys, eight miles from Harrisonburgh, and about nine from Port Republic. Stahl's brigade, including the battery, held the left, Milroy the right, and Cluseret the centre. The battle had continued about four hours when Jackson massed on the left and swept Stahl's infantry from the field, driving all of the line to the left of the battery back to the rear, and leaving the battery in a very exposed position, Captain Buell hesitated to leave the field, and did not attempt to retire until the general in person ordered him to do so, as they were about to be surrounded and cut off Finally the order was given to "limber to the rear." In doing so they were compelled to pass to the left and rear through a wood, on the other side of which were the victorious " Johnnies," coming up to capture a lone, unsupported battery, as they doubtless imagined, but they were badly mistaken, for there was the Buck Tail battalion, who deployed among the trees between the battery and the rebels, who, as soon as they saw the deer tails on their caps, fell back and allowed the battery to retire unmolested. Captain Buell, not wishing to desert his friends who had so bravely defended him, unlimbered the left section in the woods, determined to stand by the Buck Tails. Although in a military sense this movement would have been considered highly imprudent, yet it showed the indomitable courage of the man. On coming out of these woods the balance of the brigade, mistaking our battery for the enemy, opened fire doing perhaps better firing than they ever did before, killing one of the battery horses. It was by force that a demoralized infantry color bearer was induced to advance with his colors, when the firing was slopped. This ended the battle. Stahl's brigade lost about five hundred, while the troops to the right suffered but little loss and held their position.
At the request of Jackson an armistice was granted to bury the dead, and in the night he folded his tents, and, Arab-like, stole away.
The next morning the army was to move to the attack at 5 A. M., the battery in columns of sections, the infantry in columns of divisions, with a strong skirmish line in front ready to deploy instantly into line of battle. The signal to move was to be two cannon shots in succession. For some reason this signal was not given until 9 A. M., or rater, when we could distinctly hear fighting at Port Republic, where Carroll, with his brigade, was holding the bridge against Jackson's whole army. We moved on to port Republic, arriving in time to see the rear of the rebel army passing over the Blue Ridge mountains miles away.
The battery then fell back to Harrisonburgh, thence to Moorefield, thence crossed over the Blue Ridge, at Thornton's Gap, and joined Pope's army at Sperryville.
BATTLE OF FREEMAN'S FORD.*
One evening at dark an orderly dashed up with orders to fall back to Culpeper without delay; then came one of the most trying campaigns we ever experienced. We marched eleven days and nights, and never took the harness off our backs, and the only time we could get to cook would be when our advance would encounter the enemy, causing a check, or when we were guarding some ford while the infantry were passing. It was a terrible experience. At length the enemy were discovered strongly posted at Freeman's Ford.
Johnson's, De Beck's, Dickman's, and a portion of Weidrick's batteries had tried in vain to dislodge them, when we were ordered up with our long range Parrots. This was August 22, 1866. I shall never forget the last order Captain Buell ever gave me. I was then his color-bearer. As soon as he received orders to go into position he turned with sparkling eye to me and exclaimed:
"Show your colors, Will."
I unfurled my colors and rode by his side up the hill. The rebels having engaged so many of our batteries on that hill had the exact range, and every shell came thundering in our midst, cutting up the ground terribly. The rebels picked out every conspicuous mark; my brigade flag (a present from the Marietta ladies) soon drew their fire, when Lieutenant Hill ordered me to draw otf to the left, as it formed too good a target. The battle waged warmer and warmer; our boys having got the range were soon enabled to sena as good as we received; this was perceptible from the increasing wildness in the rebel fire.
Captain Buell, mounted on "Billy," a light dun horse, formed a fair and easy mark, passing continually along the line directing here, encouraging and applauding there; he appeared omnipresent. His daring recklessness soon drew the attention of officers on him. General Milroy, renowned for gallantry, turning to his staff, remarked: "Gentlemen, if you desire to see a brave man look there." But all anticipations of our gallant captain's future were soon to be cut off. A shell, as fatally aimed as the bullet which laid our martyred President on a bloody bier, and set a Nation in mourning, struck his horse in the shoulder, and, passing through, broke his left leg. So suddenly did the horse fall that the captain, unable to extricate himself, was thrown violently forward as the horse fell backward, injuring the captain internally. As he fell four boys sprang to his side and carried him from the field. I was watching him as he fell. It appeared as if the grave had suddenly yawned wide and taken father, mother, brothers, sisters, friends, all, so blank did life appear to us, and I have heard many of our bravest and truest say that they were not ashamed to confess that they cried like children. But our misfortune never for a moment interfered with the battle; if anything, all appeared to enter still more heartily into it, influenced, as they were, by a desire for revenge. Gun after gun was discharged with fearful rapidity. The men worked with a will that promised soon to turn victory's uncertain scale in our favor. Each and all appeared oblivious to al! else than seeking a terrible retribution. Nor were our endeavors futile. Soon we beheld a wavering and wildness in their fire; soon one by one their guns ceased, until all became silent, and we saw them drawing from the field. Corporal A. H. Bukey, fortunately having his gun loaded, took deliberate aim as the last gun was leaving and fired. I saw horses rear, cannoneers scattered in a manner not laid down in artillery tactics, so I should judge the piece was dismounted. The battle was over.
Captain Buell died of his injuries, loved and lamented by his men, and respected and admired by all who knew him.
Orders came August 23, 1862, for the battery to leave its position at Freeman's Ford and take up the line of
* From account by William Jenvey.
180 - HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, OHIO.
march with their corps. They had not gone far when they encountered the enemy at Sulphur Springs, where they gained an easy victory, after an hour's vigorous shelling, driving them from their position, and enabling the corps to resume its march in peace.
The next day, the twenty-fourth, they met the enemy at Waterloo bridge, and held the bridge until the army had all passed, when they witnessed its destruction by the Union troops, and again sped on. The march now became a race between the Union forces and the rebels, on parallel lines, the objective point being Bull Run. During the still marches of midnight they could distinctly hear the rumbling of Jackson's artillery, and by day they would occasionally catch the gleam of lines of bright muskets in the sunlight.
SECOND BATTLE OF BULL RUN.
The following is from an account by William Jenvey:
Bull Run was at length reached on the evening of the twenty-eighth of August, r1362. Milroy's brigade deploying, encountered their skirmishers, drove them, and pushed back a portion of their lines, and enabled our whole line to take position that night. All slept on their arms and tried to snatch a few moments' sleep to enable them to do well their parts on the coming morrow.
The next day's sun found us all bustle and activity. Aids-de-camp on jaded horses, were dashing and tearing here and there, receiving and delivering orders. Brigade commanders were busy arranging and disarranging their lines. Division commanders, older and wiser, were coolly witnessing the preparatory manoeuvres, and concentrating all their energies for the desired time.
Suddenly Milroy, advancing, sought the foe, and full soon did he find them, for with his characteristic recklessness he advanced too far and encountered a full rebel division. Not a whit intimidated, he deployed his lines and opened with a murderous fire, but numbers soon told on him. Rapidly his lines thinned, and he stood in imminent danger of being cut off; but, collecting all his energies, he charged, extricated himself, and rejoined our line.
By this time the battle had become general. Our battery, being in position near the Washington pike, was keeping clear all before it. Maneuvers and counter-maneuvers took place, yet neither side gained any advantage. After noon, Hooker and Kearney coming up and taking position with us, we gained visible successes; gradually we gained' ground, though every step was hotly contested. Night closed on the combatants, leaving the Union forces in possession of fully a mile of conquered ground.
The "sun of Austerlitz " scarcely dawned with prospects of a more sanguinary conflict than did the sun of the thirtieth. McDowell had abandoned Thoroughfare Gap, Lee had largely reinforced Jackson, and we had been reinforced by several divisions of McClellan's Peninsular army.
Our battery was scattered on three parts of the field. The right, under Lieutenant Witherow, was ordered to report to General McLean, of Schenck's division. The centre section, disabled by the heavy and incessant firing of the previous day, was nevertheless kept close at hand ready for any emergency, while the left, under Lieutenant Hill, together with three brass guns placed under his command, advanced up the Washington pike, and poking their noses fair in the midst of the Johnnies, soon created havoc and dismay in the rebel ranks. The first day's fight taxed our energies greatly, but the exertions of the second were two-fold greater: The rebels outnumbered us greatly and punished us terribly. The part of the field on which our right section was in position, was a scene of terrible carnage, the rebels opening with artillery strove in vain to dislodge us, the infantry was then called into requisition. Advancing in perfect order they attempted to take the place by assault, a terrible discharge of cannister met them and forced them back. Several times did they rainy and advance, but as often were they repulsed. At last, largely reinforced, they took advantage of a Piece of woods to our left and flanked us from that direction. Turning our guns on them we poured storms of canister into their faces, cutting swaths through their massive ranks. Piercing their column appeared like piercing a rubber ball, the hole was scarcely made before it closed. Notwithstanding the dreadful havoc, on they came, and still on until they nearly grasped our guns. Our canister had all been expended. Bukey, intent on fighting to the last, inserted a shell minus either fuse or cap in his gun and sent it as a solid shot right through their ranks. McLean's brigade, not unlike the British Home Guards at Waterloo, sprang from their cover, and as we limbered to the rear to fall back they closed in on our rear and opened such a storm of musketry that mortal men could not withstand it. The rebel charge was thus checked, and we were allowed to draw off in peace. Lieutenant Witherow, on mounting his horse was badly wounded, eventually causing his discharge. Thomas Driscoll in the hurry forgot his sponge bucket, and on going back after it got several holes through his blouse, but fortunately none hit the brave fellow. Several horses were shot.
In the meantime Lieutenant Hill and the left section had been hard pressed. Being in position in the centre of the pike, he presented a fair target to the whole of the rebel artillery, and well did they improve their opportunity, for shot and shell and the more deadly shrapnel fell on all sides with one continuous roar and hiss, and added to this the whistling of the musket balls and the discharge of our own guns, it created confusion enough to try the bravest of hearts. During the whole engagement Siegel remained in our midst, his uniform and splendid staff drawing the fire of the rebel sharp-shooters on us quite briskly. After a while Hooker established himself with us, and also for a while Reno and Kearney. These generals centering in us caused the tide of war to rol! all around us. Assaults would be made in front, then the task would lie comparatively easy, but when the flanking charges came then came danger. Sergeant Wes. Miner, having possessed himself of a musket, had busied himself during the whole engagement picking off sharp-shooters. One in particular we saw roll in the dust from his unerring aim.
To the right and left of us the day was going badly. Fitz John Porter, lying within hearing of our guns and knowing of the fearful slaughter, refused to support us. Our overtasked and outnumbered boys were gradually obliged to give way, still we in the centre held our own until the rebels concentrating their infantry and a portion of their artillery, opened on us most terribly; for a while it seemed as if nothing could stay there and live. At last a shell, surcharged with destruction, came hurtling along, and striking Sergeant Goldsmith's gun on the right side, glancing, struck the elevating screw and bursting severely wounded Corporal James Wright and John Eaton; the former in seven places, the most of them severe, the latter in four places and mortally. For a time all appeared confounded, so close did the shell come to all, and so severe was the concussion. The shell passed over Sumner Ellis' shoulder, for a time stunning him. Soon the confusion died away, and they found the extent of the injuries. To stay longer was madness, for certain death awaited them; so limbering up and carefully supporting their wounded comrades they coolly and slowly made way for the rear.
All had now become lost; "rout, ruin, panic scattered all." The baggage wagons, having been foolishly brought up to the very front, commenced a base and confused retreat; but one road led to the rear, and to this road all fled. Artillery, baggage wagons, ambulances and vehicles of almost every sort were locked in utter and inextricable confusion, unable to move themselves, and preventing egress to those who were retreating in good order. In vain did officers ride to the rear and entreat, and curse, and shoot, and cut, and do all that mortal man could do to stop the rout. No; fear had seized all, and all sought to save themselves. Our battery, by strange though lucky fortune, from their different parts of the field, found each other, and, although three pieces were disabled, we drew ourselves across the road, and drawing sabres and revolvers, refused to let a man pass. Staff and field officers perceiving our design, galloped to our aid and assisted in rallying. As soon as a battalion could be formed, an officer would put himself at their head and march them back. Thus our line was restored, and we were enabled to hold the enemy in check. Many a man did I see who, having escaped death in the two days' engagement, would be either shot or cut down for refusing to halt. It was hard, but it was necessary. The cause of the Union demanded that they should be checked, and even though it should cause the loss of the best half of the army, still it had to be done. The field of Bull Run was a terrible one; full eight thousand had fallen, but the Capital was saved and the rebel designs foiled. They marched into Maryland, and at Antietam they were most signally defeated.
The battery was not actively engaged at the battle of Fredricksburgh, but was in all the marches of that disastrous campaign, and was waiting within easy reach of the field during the battle, the men listening to the up-
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, OHIO - 181
roar of the engagement, and expecting momentarily to be ordered to the front. Finally the troops were all back across the Rappahanock, and the retreat was commenced.
Mr. Jenvey, wishing to get a view of the battle field before they left, says:
I succeeded in gaining an admirable spot where I could overlook the whole field. First, the Rappahanock rolled under my feet. So smoothly did it flow that one would not imagine that but the day before it was witness to such a dreadfu! encounter. Next, a vast plain, fully two miles nn width, stretched itself under the low range of hills on which the rebel host was encamped. It looked to me impossible that men could charge as far as they did. The rebe! entrenchments were on successive hills, each commanding the other, and all commanding the plain. Our artillery was unable to manage them, on account of the infantry intervening, thus throwing the brunt of the battle on the infantry and a portion of the cavalry. Still, the day would have gone well had General Franklin performed his duty. Oh ! it appeared mockery to the gallant dead to allow such a man as him to walk the earth.
We were encouraged as if ten thousand men had been captured by the report of "Stonewall" Jackson's death, as his name alone was sufficient to carry fear into the northern ranks.
The following is from an account by William Jenvey:
BATTLE OF CHANCELLORSVILLE, MAY 2, 1863
Captain Hill and I rode to the scene of conflict and such a scene! The rebels under Jackson, numbering from thirty to forty thousand, had attacked our right and rear, and had driven brigade after brigade in inextricable confusion, until all organization was lost. Colonels and brigade commanders were slain; division generals were riding about, their staffs either killed or scattered, striving to restore the line; wounded men were pouring back; detachments began to give way, then all gave way, and from a retreat it became one confused rout; men refused to obey orders and were shot down; color bearers in vain stopped on every elevation, striving to effect a rally; they rallied but to fall, for bullets from the throats of thirty thousand guns were carrying all before them. I retired with the retreating army until reaching my own battery, found the boys already loaded with cannister, and ready to fight to the last.
The rout at length reached our guns. We drew our sabres, handspikes, sponge staves, armed ourselves with stones, anything to keep the cowardly mob from our front. They crowded us so that we were unable to fire. At length all had got back, and we were left almost alone to check the onset of the victorious foe. As well might a child strive to dam up Niagara, but still we refused to give way, until General Schurz riding up, gave us peremptory orders to fall back. Nothing daunted, some one proposed "three cheers for the general, they were given, and then three times three. The general raised his hat in acknowledgment as gracefully as if on parade. After the battle we were complimented in a general order.
Captain Hill commanded "limber to the rear," and the order was executed without any confusion. The road was found completely blocked up, so we took to the woods. All went well until Sergeant Bukey's piece ran foul of a sapling; an axe was produced, the sapling cut, but by that time the rebels were close upon us. About eight of us were there. Out of the eight—Corporal Ranger while lifting at the gun, was hit badly in the side; Smith Miner and Henry Hutchinson slightly wounded, and Wiley Reeves captured, and five horses out of six fell. Can any one wonder that we were obliged to leave the gun. By this time the rebels had brought a piece of artillery captured from us to bear on us. They were but a short distance off, and we saw they would soon have a clean sweep of the road; so, remembering that "discretion was the better part of valor," we dashed off and rejoined the battery.
Just as Lieutenant Miner, disdaining to fall back any farther, had placed the boys in position with the artillery of the Twelfth corps, soon the rebels announced their intention to charge by the usual yell peculiar to them, so we were ready for them. As soon as they made their appearance we fired on them such a storm of shot and shell as would stop a whirlwind, were it composed of animal matter; nothing could withstand it, however brave or desperate; hack they went, and cheer on cheer and the most derisive yells arose from our lines. While they were reforming we improved the opportunity, and commenced throwing up intrenchments. Night was coming on, but a good moon furnished enough light to fight by. The rebels, having reformed, advanced with deafening yells to encounter our iron hail. Trees were cut down on their heads, shell and shrapnel! were exploded in their midst. At times it appeared as if the whole woodsy as lighted up, so continuous was our fire. Our line could be easily seen, as could the rebel line, by the long glare of discharging muskets. Both lines stood close to each other, each seeking to destroy the other; but no human power of endurance could withstand the fire we hurled at them. The-second time they broke and ran. Again while they were reforming did we further intrench ourselves. And thus did it continue, fight and intrench, fight and intrench, until tired nature could stand it no longer.
Morning at length dawned and brought with it prospects of amore sanguinary conflict than had been fought on the day and night previous.
I said the morning of the third gave prospects of a terrible engagement, nor were they unverified, for with the early dawn. began the battle in front of the Third corps, and such musketry I never heard before or since. I was actually glad when our guns began their continuous roar so as to deafen me and prevent me from hearing the noise. I am safe in saying that at times from one hundred to one hundred and twenty-five thousand muskets would be going off at once, fairly making the ground shake with each discharge, and the battle in the woods made the noise doubly great. Little by little the rebels gained ground, until at last the. Chancellor house was reached. The brave Hooker refused to relinquish his headquarters, although surrounded by danger. At length it had to be abandoned. Inch by inch we fell back, and every inch was hotly contested. At last night set in, and as if by mutual consent both armies wearied and worn rested from the contest. On the morning of the fourth the Rappahanock was discovered to be rapidly rising and our provisions were nearly exhausted, with all of our trains on the other side. Hooker, fearful that the pontoons would be swept away, ordered the army to recross. We retired very reluctantly; to many of us it was the most reluctant thing we ever did, for weal I went over confident of success.
Our boys behaved nobly throughout the whole engagement. Captain Hill, usually brave, surpassed himself. Lieutenant Miner acted in such a way as to receive the commendation of all, but were I to mention all who distinguished themselves, I should have to begin at the top of the battery roll and enumerate every one. Our casualties were as follows: Will Regnier, Smith Miner, Louis Fougeres, Henry Hutchinson, wounded, and Wiley Reeves captured; twenty horses lost, three caissons and one gun captured; the latter, however, was recaptured the ensuing fall. By the evening of the fourth the whole army had recrossed and were ordered to Brook's station.
About the last of May, 1863, the battery was transferred from the Eleventh corps to the artillery reserve, under General R. 0. Tyler, and they remained in that splendid organization ever afterward.
The following is an account by William Jenvey:
BATTLE OF GETTYSBURGH.
We at length reached Taneytown, Pennsylvania, just one day’s march from Gettysburgh. All of June 30, 1863, we remained here to allow the artillery to concentrate. All July 1st we heard heavy and incessant cannonading. but could gain no tidings, until toward evening reports came in announcing the disaster to the First and Eleventh Corps, and the death of General Reynolds. All this dampened our enthusiasm considerably, for we all perceived that our duties would be doubly severe to recover the lost ground, and restore confidence. The morning of the second we broke camp early and started briskly toward the contested ground, which we reached early, halted long enough to make coffee, when we were ordered into position on Cemetery hill. Those who are familiar with the history of .that memorable day, will remember that Cemetery hill, situated as it was in the centre, and being the most advanced position of the line, was, as a consequence, the most hotly contested part of the field. Directly in our rear lay the Baltimore pike, a most tempting bait, leading as it did to Baltimore.
On a gallop under a heavy fire we dashed up the hill, unlimbered and prepared for action. Soon the conflict raged with redoubled fury, reinforcements were coming up and rapidly taking position, and by noon both lines were completed.
Stretching off to our left in a valley intervening between the two lines, lay a long dark line of blue coated men with gleaming bayonets. By their battle flags we recognized the Third corps, always on hand and always bearing their banners where death flies thick and fast. Their line was fully a quarter of a mile in advance of the Second corps, on their right, thus leaving an interval between the two flanks. General Meade
182 - HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, OHIO.
was explaining to General Sickles the danger of his position, when the enemy made a furious assault upon his lines. The moment the rebel host appeared they discharged such a volley as to make the earth quake; their whole line blazed with a sulphurous light, their guns hurled death and destruction into the surprised ranks of our men. Gallantly the brave Third corps held its position. Sickles, dashing into the thickest of the fight, sought to retrieve the fortunes of the day, but was soon brought off bleeding and mangled, almost lifeless, a ball having broken his leg.*
Mortal men could not stand such a fire. They wavered, then rallied, then wavered again, then broke, and with terrific and appalling yells the rebel infantry pursued. Back fell our men, and still back until they were directly in our rear, until we thought our line was broken and all was lost, when lo! a long bright line of bayonets appear, quickly the men are deployed in the field, their knapsacks are unslung, their line formed and all are in readiness for the fray. By their battle flags we discern that the Fifth corps has opportunely come up, by the exultant and confident cheers they charged. A long bright flash burst from their ranks and havoc and dismay were sent into the enemy's ranks. Their line staggered. Another volley from our boys and they fell back. Just then a battery of twenty-pound Parrots secreted on Sugar Loaf hill, opened on them and cut swaths in their retreating ranks, and the orderly retreat was turned to a mob, all organization was lost, and with it all hope.
Many a southern hearthstone was minus a member, and many a sorrowing family can tel! how their joy and pride was cut down in that fatal charge. Our lines were firmly reestablished.
All this time we had been actively engaged with the rebel artillery in our front. They were strong in force, and had been tasking us pretty severely. The sharpshooters, too, secreted behind a stone wall but a short distance away in our front, and had been annoying us terribly, but as yet no casualty had taken place. All were congratulating themselves when a shell too surely aimed, came crashing through the air. Louis Fourgeres saw and avoided it, but poor Stephen Braddock more unfortunate, was struck fair in the head, the shell taking as it went, a portion off the top part of his head. If his body had been made of stone, he could not have fallen more rigidly. He threw out his arms, and with a gentle oh! returned his soul to Him who gave it. His death for a time threw a gloom over all, for no one knew but he would be the next. I am convinced from the suddenness of the blow that he never knew the cause of his death.
So hotly were we engaged that no one had a leisure moment to remove him; there he lay grim and ghastly. Although 1 was commanding the gun next to the one on which Braddock was killed, and was but a few feet from him, still I was ignorant of the fact until quite a time afterward, when Lieutenant Thies informed me. So you may imagine how actively we were engaged. A lull soon occurred in the firing when Braddock's remains were carried off, and laid in their last resting place. Truly a soldier's burial was his, the noise of war was resounding on all sides when we laid him in his grave. He was wrapped in his blanket, a good deep grave dug, and a head board with his name carved on by a comrade, placed at the head. We left his body, but carried away a just appreciation of his worth as a man and a soldier. Soon, however, under the renewed energy of the battle all else was forgotten, and little by little accidents happened; two of my horses had their fore legs cut off by one shell, and so close did it strike to Charley Boyce, their drive, that it knocked the dust over him, and stunned for a time. Supposing him killed, I ran to his assistance, but found him safe and cool as if nothing had happened. I ordered to unharness his crippled horses, take them to the rear, and have them shot, and am not positive that I did not see a glistening in the poor fellow's eyes, very much like a tear, when he received the order.
John Lehnhard and Martin Wendelkin, both cannoneers on my gun, were standing side by side, taking. ammunition out of the chest, when a shell came thundering between them, tearing otf half the axle, and burying itselt in the ground. Each looked at the other, and grasped their legs, thinking one at least was gone, so close did the shell pass, but finding themselves intact, they laughed and went on with their work. Another of my boys, whilst leaning against a wheel, heard a dull thud; on looking around, he found a musket ball, half buried in the wheel close by his head. Sergeant Dow seeing a shell coming too friendly a course, leaped aside, and escaped death. Captain Hill, while
* This wound necessitated amputation, and we find it recorded in another place by one who saw him borne from the field, that after his leg had been taken off and the wound dressed, this impetuous leader was borne from the field on a stretcher, lying with his hat drawn down over his eyes, his arms folded tightly on his breast and a cigar in his mouth.
walking up and down the line, encouraging all, nearly lost both his legs by a shell.
Seeing a shell coming bent on mischief, I called out " Look out." L. R. Moore on my right hearing me, fell to the ground, and the shell passed so close to him across his back, that he thought he was wounded, and placed his hands on his back like one in intense agony; he looked towards me, and seeing me laughing, found himself uninjured. He raughed also, and went on with his duty. It was now getting dark, and the fire of the artillery was beginning to die away, but still the sharpshooters kept up an incessant fire. I was standing by my gun when I felt a sharp stinging sensation in my throat. I clapped my hand to the spot, imagining myself badly wounded. I felt a second time, but found no blood, and came to the conclusion that it was nothing. The next morning, on mentioning the fact, I was told that there was a red streak across my throat.
About so o'clock P. M., the firing ceased, and every man laid down by his gun, and slept.
The next morning, July 3d, we awoke refreshed and ready for the attack, nor had we long to wait, for with the break of day began the engagement, and we kept up a brisk fire until about noon, when a deadly calm fell on the whole field.
Early in the morning a general officer rode up to Captain Hill and told him that they had learned that the rebels designed concentrating all their artillery on our front, to be supported by ten thousand picked men under Rhodes. The artillery was to destroy our lines, when the infantry was to charge and occupy them. He further said that General Meade could not afford us any support, and that we must defend ourselves to keep clear our front, and asked the captain if he could do it. Captain Hill answered, "If any men can, mine can," or words to that effect. The general replied that our position must be held at all hazards, or the day was lost. Knowing as we did the immense responsibility resting upon us, we shut our teeth and vowed we would hold our position.
The intense calm over the whole field we knew portended the anticipated attack, nor were we long in anticipation, for at a signal from a gun on the rebel right, the whole field was as convulsed as if an earthquake had occurred. The whole of the rebel artillery, estimated at trom two hundred and twenty-five to two hundred and fifty guns, by General Meade in his official report, had opened on us at once. Mortal pen cannot describe the horrors of that unparalleled cannonade. Nearly five hundred guns were going all at once. The air was alive with shrieknng and bursting shells, guns discharging, men shouting, and many crying out in pain, horses rearing and neighing as they were being horribly mangled, caissons bursting, carrying death and dismay to their possessors, until it appeared as if it was impossible for man to survive the destructive missies. For four long hours did this continue. Men by scores and hundreds had been killed. In the first battery to our left forty men had been killed and wounded, and nearly all their horses. Four pieces had been disabled, and at one time we saw three of their limber chests blown up. I rode over their position the next morning, and the sight fairly sickened me. Their guns had to be hauled off in baggage wagons. Still, although our position was higher and more exposed, it appeared as though some guardian angel was watching over us, for our losses were but few. Charles Lacey, a driver on Sergeant O'Neil's gun, while keeping his horses still, was struck by half of a light twelve pounder shell above the right eye, killing him the same way as Braddock, but there he had to lay until after the battle, when we gave him a decent burial. James Loufman was struck in the breast with a piece of shell, but its force had been spent, causing no injury.
The battle still raged hotter and hotter. Our ammunition having given out, we fired back a few of the rebel shells, hot as they were, literally paying them back in their own coin. Our ammunition being exhausted, we were compelled to withdraw.
Our journey down the Chambersburgh pike was, if anything, hotter than the field itself, for it is proverbial that the rear is the most dangerous place, for on it is concentrated all the shot and shell that have passed over the front. We had no sooner got out of harm's way than the firing ceased. The artillery having failed to break our line, the rebel infantry was drawn up in line to attempt it. Right nobly they came, but it was to their death, for our whole line opened on them with full force, and sent such a deadly storm of canister into their ranks that it appeared as if the whole line was doomed. Fully one-third fell, as many more threw down their arms and surrendered, and the rest, demoralized and scattered, sought the shelter of the woods. Thus ended this memorable engagement. Skirmishing, it is true, was still kept up, but the heavy fighting was over. Some of the boys, on going over the field to our front and left, said that fully three acres could be traversed without touching the ground, so thickly were the bodies strewn. I was
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, OHIO - 183
content to take a view from our position. It was too horrible to take a nearer look at. We remained in position until noon of the fifth, when it was fully known that the rebels were retreating.
The battle being over and the rebels in full retreat, we started after them, nor were we loth to leave the place. For four days and nights had we been there almost without food, water, or sleep. Is it any wonder that the place had no fascination?
Men blame Meade for not following Lee more closely, and preventing his escape across the Potomac, but had they been there they could readily have seen the reason.
THE LAST BATTLE.
Lee having got fairly away, we started by easy and pleasant marches towards our old haunts. We camped at Warrentown, then at Culpeper, and when in the fal! Lee slipped by us and again made demonstrations on Washington, we again took part in that "masterly fall-back." Although the rebels had the start, and the inside track, still, Meade hoped that by stratagem he might defeat them. He placed the army in three columns, and marched them by three different roads, keeping each column in sight of the other nearly constantly, and the race became so close that when the head of our column reached and occupied Centreville Heights, the head of the rebel Hill's column could be seen crossing the old Bull Run bridge. Lee manoeuvred around a good deal, hoping to find an assailable point, but not finding any, he again fell back. We in this campaign fought our last battle. The Second corps had been warmly engaged, their artillery had run out of ammunition, and it became necessary to relieve them. We were sent up to their relief, and hardly had we reached the front when a rebel battery of four guns opened on us from Mitchell's ford.
We asked no better fun than to engage them. Dashing into position we soon exchanged cards, and opened an intimate acquaintance. A short time was sufficient. They tired of our acquaintance and very unceremoniously withdrew, leaving us exulting over our easy, and on our part bloodless victory. We followed Lee to the Rappahannock, where a part of our troops made such a gallant assault on his works, at Rappahannock Station. Here the gun captured from us at Chancellorsville was, to our great joy, recaptured.
Our battery reenlisted and came home on a veteran furlough, and returned expecting to take part in the anticipated engagements under Grant, but that general, having more artillery than he needed, sent us, in connection with a number of other batteries, to man the defences of Washington, where we remained until peace was declared and we were allowed to return to our homes, proud that we should never have cause to blush at our record.
BATTLE RECORD OF THE BATTERY.
Strasburg, Virginia, June a, 1862; Tom Brook, Virginia, June 3, 1862; Mt. Jackson, Virginia, June 4, 1862; Cross Keys, Virginia, June 8, 1862; Port Republic, Virginia, June 9, 1862; Luray, Virginia, July 1, 1862; Cedar Mountain, Virginia, August 9, 1862; Freeman's Ford, Virginia, August 22, 1862; Sulphur Springs, Virginia, August 23, 1862; Waterloo Bridge, Virginia, August 24, 1862; Bull Run, Virginia, August 29, 1862; Bull Run, Virginia, August 30, 1862; Leesburgh, Virginia, September 17, 1862; Catlett's Station, Virginia, September 25, 1862; Chancellorsville, May 2, 1863; Gettysburgh, Pennsylvania, July 2 and 3, 1865; Mitchell's Ford, October x5, 1863.
HUNTINGTON'S BATTERY H, FIRST OHIO VOLUNTEER LIGHT ARTILLERY.
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
Captain James F. Huntington, mustered November 7, 186, resigned on surgeon's certifncate of disability October 26, 1863; Captain George W. Norton, mustered October 26, 1863, resigned March 2, 1864; Captain Stephen W. Dorsey, mustered April 13, 1864, mustered out with battery; First Lieutenant George W. Norton, mustered November 7, 1861, promoted to captain; First Lieutenant George Davenport, mustered November 7, 186, resigned January 7, 1863; First Lieutenant Charles G. Mason, mustered March 12, 1862, resigned April 26, 1862; First Lieutenant William A. Ewing, mustered June 4, 1863, mustered out October 24, 1864; First Lieutenant Albert G. Merrill, mustered March 3, 1864, resigned October 52, 1864; First Lieutenant James Harris, mustered February 8, 1865, mustered out with battery; First Lieutenant William H. Perrigo, mustered February 8, 1865, mustered out with battery; Second Lieutenant Thomas M. Bartlett, mustered November 7, 1862, promoted; Second Lieutenant Martin B. Ewing, mustered November 7, 1862, promoted; Second Lieutenant Albert G. Merrill, mustered September 15, 1862, promoted; Second Lieutenant Frank B. Reckard, mustered January 7, 1863, promoted; Second Lieutenant Albert Reagler, mustered May 9, 1864, mustered out with battery; Second Lieutenant Lewis B. Maxwell, mustered May 2, 1865, mustered out with battery; Second Lieutenant Silas H. Judson, mustered May 2, 1865, mustered out with battery; Second Lieutenant Wallace W. Pixley, mustered October 20, 1864, mustered out July , 1865; Second Lieutenant William E. Parmelee, mustered February 8, 1865, mustered out July , 1865.
In October, 1861, about sixty men were raised for the field artillery service, in Washington and Monroe counties. An arrangement was made to complete a battery by uniting them with about the same number of recruits from the vicinity of Toledo.
On November 6th the organization was perfected at Camp Dennison, and battery H, of the First light artillery, came into existence. The following was the roster of commissioned officers at that date: I. F. Huntington, of Marietta, captain; G. W. Norton, of Toledo, senior first lieutenant; George Davenport, of Salem, junior first lieutenant; M. B. Ewing, :of Cincinnati, senior second lieutenant; T. M. Bartlett, of Cleveland, junior second lieutenant.
The junior subaltern never reported for duty with the battery, and was afterwards transferred. Private W. A. Ewing was promoted to the vacancy. Of the men thus brought together from opposite frontiers, of the State, it is but justice to say, that in character and intelligence they were above the average.
The battery was armed with six James' guns-the old bronze six-pounder rifled to throw a thirteen-pound conical shot. It was admirably horsed-better than at any subsequent period.
In January, the battery being reported as ready for the field, it was sent to join General Lander's, afterwards Shield's division, neat Cumberland, Maryland. It was first engaged at the battle of Winchester, March 22, 1862; losing one man, Private Jacob Tager, and one horse killed by the same shot. General Shields was wounded while sitting on his horse near the pieces watching the fire. The battery took part in the various operations in Shenandoah valley for the next two months. In May the division was ordered to march for Fredericksburgh and join McDowell's corps, then about to unite with the right wing of McDowell's army in an attack on Richmond.
When Shields' division was fairly out of the way, Stonewall Jackson returned and drove General Banks' small command out of the valley. The advance on Richmond was postponed, and Shields' division, followed by the bulk of McDowell's corps, was started post haste towards the valley. In combination with Fremont, who was to come in from Franklin, they were to "bag Jackson."
As usual, the string slipped-McDowell gave it up at Front Royal, and left Shields to follow Jackson on his own hook. The bridges of the Shenandoah had been burnt, and the stream was unfordable. Shields sent two brigades and three battalions, "H" among them, up the north bank to the village of Port Republic, where a bridge was standing.
Jackson proposed to cross at this point. He found these two brigades under General Tyler, of Ohio, likely to interfere with him. Fremont pressed him south of
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the river. On Sunday, June 8th, he checked that General at Cross Keys, and, crossing at Port Republic early the next morning, attacked Tyler's small command, expecting to wipe him out in season to return and join with Fremont. In this action battery H was severely handled. Posted on the left flank, without infantry support, a thick wood sheltered the enemy within pistol-shot of the guns. It was charged in front and flanked by the "Louisiana Tigers," and forced to retire, leaving two pieces on the field, having several men killed and wounded, with a large number of horses. Tyler's command made a gallant fight, and the enemy made no serious attempt to follow their retreat. Shields' division retired to Front Royal; the general resigned his command, and the division was broken up.
In July battery H arrived at Alexandria much reduced in strength by the casualties of service. Before the losses in men and material could be repaired, the battery was ordered to Marietta to join General Pike's army At this place it was inspected and ordered back to Alexandria. Recruiting officers were sent to Toledo and Marietta who soon raised men to fill the attenuated ranks. The James guns were turned in and replaced by six ordnance guns, three inch wrought iron rifles. By this time General Pope was falling back on the deer of Washington. The battery joined him in time for the battle of Chantilly. After various marches and counter-marches the battery permanently assigned to General Whipple's division, proceeded by rail from Washington to join McClellan in Maryland. Thenceforward it belonged to the army of the Potomac.. The battery, next came in contact with the enemy during a reconnaissance. in Manassas gap with Piatt's brigade early in November 1862
After General Burnside succeeded to the command, the battery marched to Fredericksburgh. She was detailed with others to cover the laying of the center pontoon preparatory to the bloody battle and disastrous battle of Fredericksburgh. It took part in shelling the city, b6 did not cross the river. In Burnside's next attempt, known as the "mud march," battery H was one of those assigned to cover the crossing at Bank's ford. It reached the designated position and got back to the old camp by one of the hardest marches in its history.
During the winter of 1862-63, spent at Falmouth, Lieutenant Davenport resigned on a surgeon's certificate. Sergeant F. B. Richard was promoted to the junior lieutenantacy.
Battery H marched to Chancellorsville with Whipple's division of Sickle's corps. When the division went out to join the attack on Jackson's column as it crossed the front of Hooker's position, its batteries H, First Ohio, First and Thirteenth New York Independent, were left in a field near the turnpike. Here it became their duty to meet and repel a strong attack from Jackson's advance after the rout of the Eleventh corps. This was done so as to elicit the warmest commendation from General Sickles when he reached the field.
Early the next morning battery H was left in the same field with two regiments of infantry to make a show of resistance till the new line of defence was completed. The front attack of the enemy was repelled, but being outflanked, the infantry support having retreated in confusion, the battery was forced to retire as best it could through boggy ground and across a creek. It sustained a heavy loss in men and material—two pieces had to be left across the stream, the horses being killed or disabled.
After the return of the army to Falmouth, the artillery was reorganized and a strong reserve formed under General R. 0. Tyler, United States Army. It was soon afterwards sent to Banks' Ford, on temporary duty, with the regular division of the Fifth corps. It marched with that division as far as Manassas Junction, en route for Gettysburgh, then rejoined the reserve. Just before this, First Lieutenant M. B. Ewing resigned to accept promotion into the First regiment, heavy artillery. Sergeant Albert Merrill became junior subaltern. At Fairfax Court House a new brigade was formed in the reserve, made up of company H, First Ohio, company C, First Virginia, and company L, First Pennsylvania. Captain Huntington, First New Hampshire independent battery, was assigned to the command; so the immediate charge of the battery devolved on Lieutenant Norton.
At Gettysburgh the battery, posted on Cemetery hill, was exposed, to a heavy fire of artillery, as well as from sharpshooters near the edge of the town. Some of the best Men in the battery fell in that hard-fought battle.
After the return of the army to Virginia, battery H, .with Huntington's brigade, did out-post duty on the Rappahannock , and Rapidan rivers. In November, 1863, the battery was at Warrentown, Virginia.
Captain Huntington, in consequence of an injury, resigned on a Surgeon's certificate, to accept an appointment in the veteran reserve corps. Lieutenant Norton became captain. The battery took part in the Mine Run campaign, and passee the remainder of the winter of 1863-64 Brandy Station.
In March Captain Norton resigned. Up to this time promotions had been made by seniority, a selection in the battery where the vacancy occurred. A new rule had been introduced about this time, under which Lieutenant S. W. Dorsey, as senior subaltern of the regiment, became captain of battery H.
Soon after the opening of the spring campaign, the battery was transferred to the Sixth corps, and with it fought at Spottsylvania.. At the sanguinary action of Cold Harbor the battery was the first to take position, and was heavily engaged. In the advance on- Peters- burgh the battery held a very exposed position for three days and nights, trying to prevent the enemy from crossing the railroad bridges. In July the battery had a little vacation from siege duties.
In consequence of Early's raid on Washington, it was sent to that city, but after a very brief stay was ordered to return to the front of Petersburgh. For over two months the battery held the earthwork officially called Fort Sedgewick, but better known as Fort Hell, the hottest place on the line. Constantly under fire, no amount of active field service is so harassing and trying to soldiers.
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The battery was among the first sent home after the surrender. The muster-out took place at Camp Taylor, near Cleveland, June 15, 1865. The roster of officers then stood as follows:
S, W. ,Dorsey, captain ; James Harris and W. H. Pervigo, first lieutenants; W. W. Pixley and W. E. Parmelee, second lieutenants.
Battery H thus completed a record of arduous and honorable service. No man who ever fought at its guns need blush to tell his children, "I belonged to old Battery H." In the matter of losses in action the battery was remarkably fortunate. Few, if any, that saw so much service were equally so. The following is a resume of its career:
Whole number borne on the rolls during service, two hundred and sixty-two; killed in action, twenty-eight; died in hospital, fifteen; discharged on surgeon's certificates, forty; discharged expiration of enlistment, thirty- six; discharged for promotion, etc., eighteen; mustered out at Camp Taylor, one hundred and twenty-five.
About six of the original horses went through with the battery. Promotions from the enlisted men were as follows:
To commissions in the battery, seven; commissions in other batteries, three; commissions in heavy artillery, two; commissions in infantry, two; commission in United States navy, one; total, fifteen.
Battery H was present at the following battles and skirmishes:
Battles-Winchester, Port Republic, Chantilly, Fredericksburgh, Chancellorsville, Gettysburgh, Wine Run, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Chickahominy, Petersburgh.
Skirmishes-Edenburgh, Strasburgh, Rudis Hill, New Market, Mount Jackson, Manassas Gap, Mitchell's Station, Bank's Ford, Weldron Railroad.
DE BECK'S BATTERY-K, FIRST OHIO VOLUNTEER LIGHT ARTILLERY.
ROSTER OF OFFICERS.
Captain William L. De Beck, mustered October 10, 1863, resigned May 11, 1863; Captain Louis Heckman, May 11, 1863, mustered out with battery; First Lieutenant George B. Haskins, October 10, 1861, resigned October 20, 1862; First Lieutenant John D. Holden, February 19, 1862, resigned March 27, 1862; First Lieutenant Henry F. Camp, March 27, 1862, died September 55, 1862; First Lieutenant Thomas M. Bartlett, September 15, 1862, resigned October 30, 1863; First Lieutenant Louis Heckman. October so, 1862, promoted; First Lieutenant Charles M. Schilley, May , 1863, mustered out with battery; First Lieutenant Columbus Rodamour, October 15, 1863, mustered out with battery; First Lieutenant Andrew Berwick, October 30, 1863, mustered out with battery; Second Lieutenant John D. Holden, October 10, 1862, promoted; Second Lieutenant Louis Heckman, February 20, 1862, promoted; Second Lieutenant Henry F. Camp, January 7, 1862, promoted; Second Lieutenant Hiram B. lams, March 27, 1862, resigned May 11, 1863; Second Lieutenant Charles M. Schilley, October 20, 1862, promoted; Second Lieutenant Columbus Rodamour, May 11, 1863, promoted; Second Lieutenant John H. Reis, May 11, 1862, promoted; Second Lieutenant Joseph Maloney, May, 9, 1864, mustered out with battery; Second Lieutenant Otto Marolotze, May 2, 1865, resigned June 10, 1865.
DE BECK'S BATTERY, "K," FIRST OHIO VOLUNTEER LIGHT ARTILLERY.
Washington county has just cause to be proud of the three batteries she furnished for the Union during the civil war, viz: DeBeck's "L" and Huntington's "H," of the First Ohio and Buell's Virginia First.
"De Beck's Battery," so called in honor of its organizer and first commander, Captain William L De Beck, of Cincinnati, was first started, in June, 1861, under authority from the State of Virginia with headquarters at Williamstown, West Virginia, opposite Marietta, but recruiting in "Dixie" proving slow, October l0th, of the same year, the command was offered to Ohio, which was accepted, and the company went to Camp Dennison, near Cincinnati, where it was designated as "K" Company, First regiment Ohio volunteer light artillery. During the fall and winter of 1861 and 1862, the drilling and disciplining were incessant, and so proficient did the men become, that the governor of Ohio, as a special recognition, furnished the company six of the famous Wierd steel guns. March 1, 1862, the command went to Parkersburgh, West Virginia, and was incorporated into the army of West Virginia, then under General Rosecranz. Two weeks later, it went forward to Cumberland, Maryland, and reported to General Robert C. Schenck. A few days afterwards it was sent on a forced march, reaching the Wire Suspension bridge over the South Potomac, near Romney, and by its timely arrival, prevented a raid upon the Baltimore & Ohio railroad by a division of Stonewall Jackson's cavalry. For the promptness here displayed, the battery was publicly thanked by General Rosecrans, and Captain De Beck promoted to chief of artillery, on the staff of General Schenck. Early in April, 1862, "K" was engaged in engagements at Grassy Lick, Lost River, Moorefield and Crab Bottom Church, again receiving the thanks of the general.
May 8th of the same year, after a forced night and day march, of more than one hundred miles, Schenck's army reached the overwhelmed forces of General Milroy, the combined army numbering seven thousand, at once engaging Jackson's army of twenty-three thousand in the fierce battle of Bull Pasture Mountain, which lasted till late in the night, and by mutual consent ending as a "drawn game." The Union army under Schenck, being largely outnumbered, withdrew that night, closely followed by Jackson in its retreat, fighting at Mountain Summit, Ighs' Church, Handy's Gap, Washington's Meadow, and Franklin; in all of which Jackson's attempt to cut the army off from its base of retreat was frustrated. During the five days and nights of this terrible retrograde movement, De Beck's battery was assigned the first place of honor, in covering the retreats and driving back the fierce onslaughts of Jackson, in which it was again so successful that General Fremont who had succeeded Rosecrans, in the presence of his staff and other commanding officers, thanked Captain De Beck for splendid work he had done, General Schenck adding that battery K had saved the army.
Fremont now started on his memorable march, to intercept Jackson in the Shenandoah valley, during which were fought the battles of Strasburgh, Middletown, Cedar Creek, New Market, Edinburgh, Woodstock, Mt. Jackson, Harrisonburgh, Rockingham Fields (where the rebel cavalry general, Ashby, was killed), and Cross
186 - HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, OHIO.
Keys, and in the latter the terrible firing of De Beck's battery, and work it did, exciting the greatest admiration of all officers and men from the highest to the lowest. Fremont was now succeeded by General Siegel, and Captain De Beck was chief of artillery of the army. While under Siegel, the battery took part in the great battles of Cedar Mountain, Freeman's Ferry, Kelly's Ford, Warrenton, Warrenton Junction, Bristow Station, New Baltimore (second), Chantilly and the second Bull Run, all under Pope.
After this K was assigned to the army of the Potomac, closing the year 1862 by taking part in Burnside's great and fatal battle of Fredericksburgh. General Joe Hooker was now made commander, and K battery was sent to the Eleventh corps under General 0. O. Howard.
May 1st, 2d and 3d. battery K was in the terrible field at Chancellorsville, its discipline and drill never proving of greater value than when the Eleventh corps so unexpectedly became demoralized, and began its disastrous retreat. K battery was remained like a solid wall, with cannister and shrapnel again and again driving back the fierce charges of Jackson, remaining in position until our forces had either reformed their lines, or new troops came to the rescue. The next day, while temporarily serving in the Fifth corps under General Meade, the battery again distinguished itself, by driving back with cannister Longstreet's veterans. Captain De eck being now called to another command, Lewis Heck an, senior first lieutenant, was commissioned captain, a d took charge of the battery.
July 1, 2 and 3, 1863, was fought the eatest battle of the war, Gettysburgh, in which battery K was prominently engaged, its terrific fire on Cemetery Hill, eliciting the highest enconiums.
In October the battery went to the west with the Eleventh and Twelfth corps under Hooker, and at Chattanooga. was incorporated into the army of the Cumberland, and while there, was participant in all of Grant's battles at Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, etc., and during the rest of the war, remained at Stevenson and Bridgeport, Alabama, finally returning to Camp Dennison, where it was mustered out of service, delivering its guns over to the Ordnance Department of the United States, and having had the rare good fortune of never having surrendered a single gun to the enemy.
Gallant, noble Frank Buell died in battle, lamented and beloved by all the officers and men of the three batteries, while De Beck and Huntington had the good fortune to live through the contest, to see the country restored and reunited, and peace reigning throughout the land.
BATTERY K, SECOND OHIO HEAVY ARTILLERY.
COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
Captain Daniel W. Hoffman, mustered August 22, 1863, promoted to major September 30, 1863; Captain Walter S. Bradford, June 16, 1865, mustered out with regiment; Captain Stowell S. Hazen, September 30, 1863, resigned June 24, 1865; First Lieutenant Richard Burns, August 25, 1863, promoted to captain of battery L; First Lieutenant Stowell S. Hazen, August 27, 1863, promoted to captain of battery K; First Lieutenant Thomas M. Sechler, September 30, 1863, resigned June 3, 1865; First Lieutenant Charles A. McManus, October 18, 1864, resigned June 24, 1865; First Lieutenant Francis Reichman, June 16, 1865, mustered out with regiment; Second Lieutenant Thomas M. Sechler, August 25, 1863, promoted to first lieutenant; Second Lieutenant Charles H. Newton, August 25, 1863, promoted to first lieutenant of battery D, and resigned January 19. 1865; Second Lieutenant George W. Bell, September 30, 1863, promoted to first rieutenant of battery B, on General Carter’s staff at muster out of regiment; Second Lieutenant Thomas Underwood, September 15, 1864, mustered out with regiment; Second Lieutenant Henry A. Frary, mustered out with regiment.
This was a Washington county organization. By the middle of the year 1863 the National armies had made important captures of forts and other strongholds of the enemy. It became necessary to recruit a class of troops whose duty it should be to fortify, garrison and hold these captures. The Second regiment of heavy artillery was therefore authorized, and rank and file consisted of twenty-four hundred men.
K battery was mustered into the service September 7, 1863, at Covington barracks, Kentucky, and on October 11th, was removed to Mumfordsville. On May 26, 1864, it was transferred to Charleston, Tennessee, where, on the eighteenth of August, it was engaged with the enemy's cavalry, under Wheeler, and participated in the subsequent movements of General Ammen, moving to Fort Saunders and Knoxville, and on November 18, 1864, matched to open communication with the Union forces, then in a critical position at Strawberry plains. On November 20th, returned to Knoxville, and on December 7th, marched with General Ammen's command to Bean's Station, Tennessee. It occupied fortifications at Clinch Gap, Tennessee, until December 31, 1864, when it returned to Fort Lee, at Knoxville. Shortly thereafter the battery was ordered to Greenville, Tennessee, and thence to Nashville, where, on the twenty-third of August, 1865, it was mustered out of the service. On August 29, 1865, it was finally paid and discharged at Camp Chase.
COMPANY L, FIRST OHIO VOLUNTEER CAVALRY.
(General G. W. Thomas' Body Guard.)
REGIMENTAL OFFICERS.
Colonel Owen P. Ransom, mustered August 17, 1861, resigned; Colonel Minor Millikin, January 11, 1862, killed at Stone River December 31, 1862; Colonel Thomas C. H. Smith, December 31, 1862, revoked; Colonel Beroth B. Eggleston, April 1, 1863, mustered out with regiment; Lieutenant Colonel Thomas C. H. Smith, August 23, 1861, promoted to colonel December 13, 1862, appointed brigadier general by President November 29, 1862; Lieutenant Colonel lames Laughlin, December 31, 1862, resigned April 1, 1863; Lieutenant Colonel Valentine Cupp, April 1, 1863, died September 20, 1863; Lieutenant Colonel Thomas J. Pattin, September 20, 1863, mustered out with regiment; Lieutenant Coloner Stephen C. Writer, December 9, 1864, mustered out with regiment; Major John D. Mosley, February 25, 1865, A. A. A. G. at Camp Webster, Nashville, Tennessee; Major William McBurney, February 28, 1865, mustered out with regiment; Major Minor Millikin, August 24, 1861, promoted to colonel; Major Michael W. Smith, October 31, 1861, resigned June 10, 1862; Major E. B. Dennison, November 27, 1861, resigned June 10, 1862; Major James Laughlin, June 10, 1862, promoted to lieutenant colonel; Major Beroth B. Eggleston, June 2o, 1862, promoted to colonel; Major J. W. Robinson, June r, 1862, died; Major David A. B. Moore, September 7, 1862, killed at Stone River December 31, 1862; Major Valentine Cupp, December 31, 1862, promoted to lieutenant colonel; Major Thomas J. Pattin, December 31, 1862, promoted to lieutenant colonel; Major Stephen C. Writer, April I, 1863, promoted to lieutenant colonel; Major James N. Scott, April I, 1863, mustered out with regiment; Major John C. Frankenberger, September 20, 1863, mustered out; Surgeon Rudolph Wirth, September 7, 1861, resigned May 23, 1862; Surgeon John Cannan, February 1, 1862; Wilson V. Cowen, December 16, 1863, resigned October 4, 1864; Assistant Surgeon John Cannan, October to, 1864, promoted to
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surgeon; Assistant Surgeon John B. McDill, August 21, 1864, mustered out; Chaptain J. M. Drake, December 13, 1864, resigned May 23, 1862.
COMPANY OFFICERS.
Captain Thomas J. Pattin, mustered September 17, 1864, promoted to major; Captain john D. Barker, December 31, 1863, resigned January 21, 1864; Captain Henry C. Reppert, December 14, 1864, mustered out with regiment; First Lieutenant John D. Barker, September 18, 1861, promoted to captain; First Lieutenant Samuel H. Putnam, September 7, 1862, resigned October 26, 1863; First Lieutenant Henry C. Reppert, March 31, 1864, promoted to captain; First Lieutenant Robert B. Rhodes, January 6, 1865, mustered out May 5, 1863, as second lieutenant; First Lieutenant Daniel W. Dye, July 24, 1865, mustered out with regiment; Second Lieutenant Oscar H. Underwood, September 18, 1861, resigned May 29, 1862; Second Lieutenant Timothy L. Condit, May 29, 1862, killed at Stone River December, 31, 1862; Second Lieutenant Samuel H. Putnam, November 20, 1862, promoted to first lieutenant; Second Lieutenant Henry C. Reppert, December 31, 1862, promoted to first lieutenant; Second Lieutenant Robert B. Rhodes, December 9, 1863, promoted to first lieutenant.
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS.
First, second and third sergeants at date of muster out.
First Sergeant Edward P. Burlingame, March 31, 1864, mustered out with regiment; Quartermaster Sergeant John Huff, March 31. 1864, mustered out with regiment; Commissary Sergeant Henry Duden, March 35, 1864, mustered out with regiment.
The following sketch of company L, First Ohio volunteer cavalry, was compiled from brief notes taken by Sergeant E. P. Burlingame from a journal kept by him during the war. Many soldiers kept journals, but few were as fortunate as Mr. Burlingame in getting through all the marches and battles and not losing them :
September 5, 1861, Governor Dennison authorized a regiment of cavalry to be raised for the three years' service. Through the efforts of the military committee of Washington county, and especially two members, John Newton, esq., and Colonel William R. Putnam, together with Thomas J. Pattin and John D. Barker, a company was raised in this county, and by September 14, 1861, ninety-three names were enrolled. Thomas J. Pattin was elected captain, John D. Barker first lieutenant, and Oscar H. Underwood second lieutenant.
On the seventeenth of the same month the company reported at Camp Chase, and was assigned to the First Ohio volunteer cavalry, as company L. They were mustered in on the eighteenth, received uniforms the twenty- first, horses the twenty-eighth, horse equipments October 22d, sabres and belts November 25th, and revolvers December 3d. Meanwhile they were exercised at mounted and dismounted drill, until they became very efficient in the manual of arms and cavalry evolutions.
December 11th, the regiment arrived at Louisville, Kentucky, and on the twentieth were reviewed by General Don Carlos Buell, commanding the department.
January 30, 1862, the company made a short tour in search of the rebel chief, John Morgan, but failed to come up with him.
The regiment proceeded southward through Nashville and on March 24th, encamped at Spring Hill, Tennessee, where a detail from company L was made as an escort for General George H. Thomas, under command of Lieutenant John D. Barker.
April 6, 1862, while on the March with General Buell's army in the direction of Pittsburgh Landing, the cannonading at the battle of Shiloh was distinctly heard. The regiment arrived at Pittsburgh Landing April 8th, too late to take part in the battle, and were actively employed up to May 30th, having several skirmishes with the enemy, and lost one man, William M. Robinson- missing.
On June 4, 1862, they fought their first battle. Company L with part of company D were on picket duty three miles from Booneville, at Carolina church, when the rebels, four companies strong, attacked them. Forming hastily they checked the enemy's advance, and then fell back in good order, to entice the enemy into the open ground. The rebels, supposing they were retreating, charged with a yell, but our men wheeled by fours and faced the enemy, opening on them with their Sharps' carbines, Captain Pattin riding up and down the line, urging the boys to "give it to them." The rebels having a larger force now endeavored to flank them. They consequently were compelled to fall back still farther, turning on the rebels several times, and finally reached their supports at Booneville, when the enemy retired. The company escaped without loss; two of company D, however, were wounded.
In July, 1862, the company was engaged in the siege of Corinth, and on the twenty-fourth of that month joined the regiment at Tuscumbia, Alabama. During August they were engaged in scouting along the line of the Nashville & Chattanooga railroad. September 3oth found the regiment at Louisville again under the command of General Buell, where they were clothed and equipped and received four months' pay.
On October 2d company L was thrown out from Louisville to make a flank movement on the rebels who had taken possession of Mt. Washington. Captain Pattin advanced part of the company, dismounted, who were supported by other troops; they were soon briskly engaged, when the enemy opened on them with grape and cannister; they thereupon retired to give room to our artillery; moving now to the other flank the company got into the town, and the rebels rapidly retreated. Loss, Henry Duden, wounded.
October 4, 1862, a detachment under Major Laughlin having been sent out to the front, they left the direct road to Bardstown, and proceeding via Fairfield, came into it again at Bardstown fair-grounds. After some skirmishing we gained the road. Company L was formed parallel to the road, close up to the fence, and was on the left of the line, disconnected. We had commenced letting down the fence to enable us to get on to the road, but a rush of cavalry from the direction of Louisville caused us to make other disposition of our time. We were between a brigade of Texan rangers and Bardstown, and they were charging down upon us in columns of platoons, evidently intent upon cutting through. We fired a few rounds at a right oblique, and the right having broken, we had to fall back. The rebels were between us and our reserves. We must run the gauntlet or jump a rail fence and take a wide circuit around. Captain Pattin's bridle rein caught on a gate latch, and he barely escaped capture. Corporal Daniel W. Dye having dropped his carbine, dismounted and picked it up, and with the reb-
188 - HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, OHIO.
els demanding his surrender, he put spurs to his horse and escaped. Jonathan H. Smith was mortally wounded after he had been compelled to surrender. Corporal Jacob Gano and privates Edward P. Bigelow, Calvin C. Broughton, Peter Cline, David M. Grimes, John Hoskinson and William Rice were captured and paroled. John Duden and William Reese were captured and dismounted, but watching their opportunity, they escaped.
On October 8th the detachment took part in the battle of Perryville, and bivouacked that night on the field.
By order of General Buell, Major Laughlin's detachment on October loth started for Bardstown, with a large number of rebel prisoners, and on the fourteenth joined the regiment at Danville, Kentucky.
After another fruitless chase after Morgan, the company was for some time engaged in carriying dispatches from Gallatin to General Rosseau at Tyree Springs, Tennessee.
The regiment was about this time (November, 1862) brigaded with the Third Ohio cavalry, and the Second and Fifth Kentucky cavalry under Colonel Zahn of the Third Ohio. The Fourth Ohio cavalry was afterwards substituted for the Fifth Kentucky.
On December 30, 1862, Captain Pattin was ordered to take his platoon and with a section of artillery, to drive some rebel troops out of Lavergne, Tennessee. Upon coming in sight of the town the artillery was brought into positron, and a few shots were fired as "feelers." One of these passing through a house took of the arm of Mr. Tidd of Harmar, Ohio, who was employed by the government, in putting up telegraph lines. The rebels retreated. Pattin pursued and captured a number of mules. The Second platoon, under Lieutenant Timothy L Condit, accompanied the train, and both platoons met at Wilkes' crossroads, and went into camp there at so P. M.
THE BATTLE OF STONE RIVER.
December 31st we were preparing to break camp, when, from the right over the fields, came excited soldiers, with tales of disaster. General Willich's command had been surprised, and the plain was covered with his fleeing troops. The wounded, as they passed, inquired where they might find a hospital, and all seemed more or less panic-stricken. Hastily forming we proceeded to join the regiment, and hardly had we done so when the rebels opened on us with artillery; one of the first shots killing our major, David A. B. Moore. Acting under orders, we fell back to a new position. The enemy, mistaking the movement for a retreat, set up a cheer and charged. Upon our again facing them, however, they came to a sudden halt, and we engaged them with our carbines. Colonel Miliken was cool and brave. "Give it to them, boys," said he, "and if they get too close take your sabres to them." The disaster to General McCook's corps made it necessary for us to fall back again, that the line of battle might not be disconnected. We were closely followed by the rebels, who used the artillery at every opportunity. He had no artillery, and in this the enemy had the advantage. As we were compelled to go through fences we lost our formation
and became mixed up. This kept getting worse; we were like a drove, and still harder pressed, the foe riding down on us, and with their revolvers firing upon us as they came. We were nearing the pike; our line of communication to the rear, and the sight of the long line of wagons must have given the rebels encouragement. At this juncture Colonel Miliken ordered "Charge!" repeating the command. Seventy-five or a hundred men wheeled and dashed toward the enemy, but they took to flight. We pursued and had nearly overtaken them when a strong force was hurled against our right flank, and made retreat a necessity. This was a matter of difficulty, and in trying to make it successful Colonel Miliken and Lieutenant Timothy L. Condit, our best officers, were killed; Adjutant Scott was severely wounded, Sergeant George Warren and Bugler John Dulty were taken prisoners, and James S. Parker was captured, disarmed and shot in two places. He managed to escape with his horse. The rebels now had undisputed possession of the train. Our cavalry was scattered, discouraged and fleeing. It was late in the day ere we were again in order. Captain Pattin brought up the first battalion and took command of the company. The rebels were driven from the road by the Fourth regulars, and the fighting for the day, as far as we were concerned, was over. Our colonel died nobly. His loss was deeply lamented, for his place could never be filled. The death of Lieutenant Condit was a grief to all the company. He had no enemies; every one was a friend, and each felt an individual sorrow.
January 1, 1863. Fulton Guitteau was killed by a cannon ball. He belonged to the escort of Major General Thomas, and was on the field when killed. His comrades bear testimony to his excellent qualities as a soldier and his uniform courtesy and gentlemanly bearing.
We were not actively engaged to-day. The rebels advanced but once, and being met with grape and canister from a masked battery, they precipitately retired.
January 2d. The company was in order of battle all day. There was considerable skirmishing, but no general engagement by the Second brigade.*
January 3d. We held our position; raining all day.
The next day it was discovered the rebels had left Murfreesborough, and pursuit was begun, company L taking part, and on the fifth entered the town.
The company, soon after this battle, was assigned to duty carrying dispatches, until April 21, 1863, when the company was permanently detailed as escort of General George H. Thomas.
Captain T. J. Pattin having been promoted to major, Lieutenant Barker was now promoted captain of the company.
The duties of escort to a general in the field are aptly illustrated by the following incident on July 15, 1863:
During the operations against Tullahoma, Tennessee, we were engaged as orderlies and couriers, and in time of expected battle, as General Thomas' personal escort on the field. We are now at Winnefred's Ford, at Elk river, six miles north of Dercherd, Tennessee. To-day
* Second brigade, Second division of cavalry, commanded by Colonel Zahm, and afterward by Colonel Eli Long, Fourth cavalry.
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General Thomas, accompanied by General Reynolds, went to General Rosecrans' headquarters at Este11 Springs. When returning, as he was crossing Elk river, his horse stumbled over a stone and he was thrown into the water. Corporal John W. Price had charge of the detail then with the general, and was close behind him. The current was very rapid, and the general was being carried down stream unable to reach the shore. Corporal Price, without a moment's hesitation, sprang from his horse into the water, and, being over six feet high, by a few rapid strides, reached the general and caught hold of his coat tail. Setting himself against the current he tried to check their progress down the stream, but to no purpose; at each surge the general went under. Finally they reached the shore, the general much exhausted.
THE BATTLE OF CHICKAMAUGA.
September 18, 1863. At dusk General Thomas received a dispatch from General Rosecrans, through the signal corps, which caused orders to be issued immediately for breaking camp. We marched to Crawfish Springs, where General Thomas stopped to have an interview with General Rosecrans. The company, at so o'clock P. M., built fires and unsaddled, but remained ready for marching at a few mimutes' notice. Troops and trains are passing rapidly towards Chattanooga. The fences on each side of the road are on fire, and diffuse light and warmth.
September 19th, at 2 o'clock A. M. we left Crawfish Springs and proceeded toward Chattanooga. A short time atter daylight the general took a detail from the company, and with his staff took a road to the right, leaving the company to escort the headquarters train to Rossville. The road taken by General Thomas ran almost parallel to the line of battle which he proceeded to form as the troops came up. To secure certain advantages an advance was ordered early in the day, and the rebels were driven to the creek, but soon after they advanced and drove our men, capturing some artillery. There was evidently a slight panic, and the movement to the rear was being made in confusion and haste. Officers and men were mixed indiscriminately, and they rushed by the general, paying no heed to the injunction "look behind you." Had they done so they would have stopped, for the rebels had ceased to advance, and of those of our men who had remained to oppose them quite a good line was formed. The detail under Sergeant Daniel W. Dye made efforts to stop those who were fleeing, but it was some time ere they could be convinced that they were out of danger. Fortunately this was confined to but one brigade, and in the remainder of the battle it proved faithful and courageous. Another detail joined the general in the afternoon and performed whatever service was required. At night we stood around the field headquarters, ready at a call. The general sat on a log in the woods near a dim fire, dictating dispatches to his aid. At twelve o'clock he went to see General Rosecrans, a part of the company going as escort.
September 20th those of the company who were with the train yesterday came to the field, and those who were relieved to get rations and forage. These returned again in the afternoon. When the centre was forced to give way the escort was used to supply additional aids with orderlies, and a number of the company performed very satisfactorily the duties of staff officers. Captain John D. Barker, when returning from a distant point, whither he had gone with a message, not knowing that the centre was so far driven back, came unawares upon the rebels, who fired upon him, shooting his horse through the neck. Taking a more roundabout course he came in rear of the left and was again fired upon. At this same place General James A. Garfield, a few minutes later, had his horse shot from under him. Captain Barker reached the General and reported, and was sent with Captain Killogg, aid de camp, to conduct the loads of ammunition to General Reynolds. Here the services of the company were required. The rebels were in the rear of General Reynolds' position, and the ammunition was in some danger of being captured. A number of the company were deployed as skirmishers, and with raised pistols we advanced through a piece of woods on the left supposed to be occupied by the extreme right flank of the rebel army. This was not the case, however, until half an hour later, when General Turchin, with the Thirty-sixth and Ninety-second charged upon them and routed them completely. The ammunition was delivered to the proper officer and we returned to the general During the afternoon a cloud of dust was seen to the rear at a distance, and as it came nearer troops were discovered. General Thomas had been watching them, and calling Corporal Franklin W. Prunty he instructed him to go and ascertain whether they were rebel or Union troops, cautioning him to be sure to return with a correct report. Rapidly galloping toward the approaching column, Corporal Prunty discovered that they carried the flag of the Reserve corps, and getting sufficiently near to remove all doubt of their being friends he turned back and reported the approach of General Steedman's division of the Reserve corps. The general himself, a few minutes later, came up and was assigned to duty on the right of the line held by General Thomas. At sunset the divisions on the left began to retire, and the general, after seeing everything in order, started late in the evening for Rossville, where the troops were concentrating. We lay down around the fire and being warm and weary fell asleep.
During the entire engagement the officers and men of the company performed valuable services. Captain Barker was on the field all the time, and rendered efficient service as an aide-de-camp. Lieutenants Putnam and Reppert were alternately on the field, and in command of the train guard. There was no manifestation of cowardice on the part of any member of the company. Those who witnessed the coolness of Quartermaster Sergeant John Huff, when danger was most imminent, will not forget it, and the quiet, determined manner in which private Benjamin S. Turner performed his duties was admirable. He realized that there was danger, but never let it keep him from his post of duty. Others are deserving of as great praise as these, but all did not become equally prominent.
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After the battle of Chickamauga company L was with General Thomas during all the movements and engagements from Chattanooga and Mission Ridge to Atlanta. On November 19, 1863, the subject of reenlisting veterans came up and Corporal William H. Snodgrass reenlisted at once, one of the first in the army to pledge his services to the country for another term of three years. Afterwards many others of the company took the same step. On December 5, 1863, Captain J. D. Barker having been assigned to duty at headquarters of the department of the Cumberland as acting assistant inspector general, Lieutenant Henry C. Reppert assumed command, and retained that position to the end, receiving his commission as captain June 30, 1865.
On April 27, 1864, the company was joined by thirty- five recruits, and by May 4th they found themselves well equipped, rested, healthy, and ready for the arduous campaign before them. Then began General Sherman's brilliant movements, flanking the enemy to the right and compelling him each time to abandon one stronghold after another until he finally drew up before Atlanta, and then by another flank movement compelling him to abandon that also. During all these movements and battles General George H. Thomas was an important figure as well as a powerful factor in every important move. Sherman, no doubt, owed much of his success on this memorable campaign to his able lieutenants, his corps commanders. General Thomas was himself constantly in the field and his body guard were constantly subjected to dangerous and fatiguing service.
Mr. Burlingame relates the following incident which we give in full:
August 28, 1864. We reached Red Oak post office this evening. During the day the larger part of the company was thrown out as flankers for the protection of the headquarters train. Soon after we arrived at Red Oak (on the Atlanta & West Point railroad) we received information that private Harrison Naylor had been captured by a squad of rebel cavalry about a mile to the rear. A detachment of the company under Sergeant Daniel W. Dye immediately went in pursuit of them and succeeded in falling upon them and capturing four prisoners with their horses, arms and equipments. Naylor was rescued and with him several others who had been captured earlier in the day. Corporal Henry Duden has the credit of capturing the prisoners, having with a few men followed them as they fled until he overtook them. These rebels were scouting here under special orders, from General Hood to get information of our movements. Had they escaped that night they would the next day have been in Atalanta. They affirmed that but for having captured that cavalryman they would have successfully accomplished their object. General Thomas expressed his satisfaction with the performance of the company on this occasion. Naylor had stopped in a sweet-potato patch a short distance from the road, and was engaged in digging potatoes when a voice called " Come here," in such a tone as to cause him to look around. From behind a fence there appeared a " Johnny " who, presenting a revolver, repeated his command, "Come here." Naylor was unable to resist the persuasive summons and yielded to the demand. Behind the fence concealed in the bushes and weeds were the rest of the party.
On September 2d, about two o'clock in the morning, heavy explosions were heard in the direction of Atlanta, and they broke camp early and moved towards the city and on the eighth moved up to Atlanta and went into camp, Hood and his army having retreated.
On November 6th, arrived at Chatanooga and began at once to build winter quarters. On January 6th, 1865, arrived at Nashville.
The company continued in service after the fall of Richmond and the final collapse of the Confederacy, scouring the country in the neighborhood of Nashville, Gallatin, Hartsville and Lebanon, Tennessee, looking after Government property and protecting loyal citizens until September 26, 1865, when the company was paid and mustered out at Nashville. The company before disbanding did something that showed their high opinion and regard for General George H. Thomas, the "Pap" Thomas who was so brave, so able and so "popular with the boys." It was a tribute to his social and personal worth.
The company contributed fifty dollars for the purchase of a full length colored photograph of General George H. Thomas, which was taken in charge by a committee, to be placed in the hands of the military committee of Washington county, for exhibition in the soldiers' gallery in connection with the company. And so we part, some to take the evening train for home. Others remain to spend a few days in Nashville as citizens.
Of the ninety-one enlisted men in the company, there were forty-one farmers, twenty-eight carpenters, smiths, machinists, moulders, masons, coopers, etc., ten clerks and students, and twelve of various occupations. Six were commissioned, thirty discharged at expiration of term of service, eighteen discharged for disability, one on writ of habeas corpus, twenty-seven reenlisted, one deserted, one missing in action, and eight dead.
SEVENTH OHIO VOLUNTEER CAVALRY.
REGIMENTAL OFFICERS.
Colonel Israel Gerrard, mustered September 18, 1862, refused promotion, mustered out with the regiment; Lieutenant Colonel George G. Miner, September 18, 1862, on detached duty; Major William Reany, September 20, 1862, mustered out July 4, 1865; Major Augustus Norton, December 28, 1862, resigned January 30, 1864; Major James McIntyre, July 1, 1863, resigned March 26 1864; Major William T. Simpson, March 28, 1864, resigned August 26, 1864; Major John Leaper, July 13, 1864; Major Solomon L. Green, October 12, 1864, mustered out with regiment; Surgeon Isaac Train, October 9, 1862, mustered out with regiment; Assistant Surgeon R. H. Tullis, November 6, 1862, died at Marietta, Georgia; Assistant Surgeon P. G. Barrett, June 9, 1863, honorably discharged October 26, 1864; Assistant Surgeon John Kraps, January 4, 1865, mustered out with regiment.
OFFICERS OF COMPANY H.
Captain Arthur D. Eelts, August 27, 1862, resigned June 28, 1863; Captain Theodore F. Allen, April, 2, 1864 mustered out July 4, 1865; Captain Andrew Hall, brevet major, lieutenant colonel and colonel United States volunteers, April 2, 1864, mustered out with regiment; First Lieutenant William L. Tripp, September 2, 1862, resigned December 25, 1863; First Lieutenant John J. Smith, April 2, 1864, resigned as second lieutenant October 30, 1863; First Lieutenant Andrew J. Hardy, May 25, 1864, mustered out with regiment; Second Lieutenant John J. Smith, September 2, 1862, promoted to first lieutenant; Second Lieutenant Andrew J. Hardy, April 19, 1864, promoted to first lieutenant; Second Lieutenant Samuel C. Tappan, March i6, 1865, mustered out with regiment as first sergeant.
SEVENTH OHIO VOLUNTEER CAVALRY.
Company H, named at the time "Newton Guards," in honor of John Newton, esq., of the military committee of Washington county, was organized at Marietta, Ohio, September 8, 1862. It had been speedily enlisted by that popular officer, Captain Arthur D. Eells, who became the first captain of the company. On October 25, 1862,
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, OHIO - 191
they were mustered in at Camp Marietta, and on the twenty-ninth were ordered to Ripley, Ohio, where they became company H, Seventh Ohio volunteer cavalry, the famous "river regiment." Over sixteen hundred men were offered for this regiment, so popular was this branch of the service at the time.
They left Ripley on January 2d and arrived at Lexington, Kentucky, January 8, 1863. On February 3d they were sent on a scouting expedition to Mt. Vernon, Kentucky, and on Mareh z 1st were again on a scout, this time meeting the rebel raider Basil Duke, near Mt. Ster_ ling, Kentucky, on the twenty-second and driving him from the State.
With the other forces under General Gilmore they engaged in the pursuit of the rebel general Pegram's command, which had invaded Kentucky, and at Dutton's hill, near Somerset, where the enemy made a stand in a strongly entrenched position, a sharp battle took place. "Companies G, I, K, L and M made a gallant sabre charge, which decided the day, and the enemy fled in the greatest confusion," leaving in the hand of the companies that charged up the hill one hundred and thirty prisoners and forty-nine dead and wounded on the field. The rebels, however, had sent some veteran cavalry around to the rear and the Nationals had scarcely taken possession of the hill when from their rear was heard the rebel yell, and two regiments of rebels charged at full speed down the valley. They were met at once by a counter charge, led by Captain Saunders, of General Gilmore's staff (afterward General' Saunders killed at Knoxville), who charged with companies E, F and H of the river regiment, routed and scattered the rebel charging columns, capturing from them nearly two hundred prisoners and two battle flags. Then followed a vigorous pursuit of the enemy for five miles or more up hill and down, through woods, shooting, shouting, taking prisoners, and strewing the woods with wounded, slain and all the debris of battle. At one place they came unexpectedly onto a company of women from Somerset, who had taken refuge in the woods; these began screaming and were expecting doubtless to be killed in a very short space of time, but the gallant troopers halted in their mad career and allowed the women to pass and then resumed the pursuit, which continued until darkness intervened.
The next work in hand was to drive Pegram beyond the Cumberland mountains, in May, 1863, which they did. Pegram, however, refused to stay whipped, and information being received that he had collected a force near Monticello, the Seventh, with four other cavalry regiments, all under Colonel A. V. Kautz, attacked the enemy June 9, 1863, and drove him from that place. On the return march the river regiment was in the rear of the column, with companies D and H thrown out as rear guard. Presently a huge cloud of dust to the rear announced the approach of the enemy. The two companies nerved themselves to check the rebel advance, and selected a position behind a stone wall. The enemy, coming up, received the well directed fire of the guard, which emptied several saddles; but the rebels, charging gallantly, drove the guard from its chosen position. Galloping along the road, closely pursued by the enemy, the guard loaded their carbines, wheeled into line, and delivered a fire which checked the rebel advance for a moment. The rear guard was soon reinforced by the entire regiment, and afterwards by other regiments and a battery, when a close and desperate fight ensued, lasting till after dark, when both parties withdrew. This engagement was known as that of Rocky Gap. General Burnside complimented the regiment, in orders, for their service in this action, which he announced as "the spirited cavalry engagement at Rock Gap, Kentucky."
The regiment next engaged in cutting the Knoxville & Chattanooga railroad, at Lenoir station, marching from there to a point so close to Knoxville that they threw a few shells into the town. They then drew back and proceeded to Strawberry Plains, and burned a fine railroad bridge over the Holston, the depot, and large quantities of army supplies.
They next joined in the pursuit of the famous raider, John Morgan, who on July 3, 1863, had succeeded in crossing his command over the Cumberland, estimated at three thousand five hundred men. On the tenth Morgan crossed the Ohio at Brandenburgh, Kentucky, with Shackelford and his cavalry in hot pursuit, the route taken being through southern Indiana eastward through Ohio, Morgan having the advantage of twenty-four hours' start and all the fresh horses on the line of march. Morgan, becoming anxious for the safety of his command, had resolved to make a desperate effort to cross the Ohio at Buffington's island. His pursuers, however, were too close upon him. At daylight on the morning of July 19th the advance guard of the pursuing column drove in the rebel pickets, and the enemy was found in line of battle near Buffington's island. The river regiment, being in the advance, was the first to attack, and being reinforced by other troops, a sharp engagement ensued, which resulted in the defeat of the enemy, who fled from the field in the greatest disorder, leaving their artillery and dead and wounded on the field. The pursuit was continued until dark, up to which time eight hundred prisoners had been brought in, and the rest of the raiders scattered or hiding in the woods. After the pursuit ceased, a flag of truce was sent to Colonel Garrard, of the Seventh, the bearer announcing that Colonels Basil Duke and Howard Smith, of Morgan's command, with staff officers, had been cut off and were anxious to surrender. Two officers were sent to receive the surrender, and, upon arriving at the designated place, found that two colonels and several other officers and about fifty men had surrendered to one soldier, Sergeant Drake, of the Eighth Michigan cavalry.
The river regiment took part in the movement against Cumberland Gap, the gateway to East Tennessee, which stronghold was invested, and on September 9, 1863, the garrison of two thousand six hundred men, with fifteen pieces of artillery, surrendered, and the Seventh was detailed to receive the surrender.
On August 31st company H was acting as advance guard of the force moving on the Gap, and that night, being well in advance of the main column, they went
192 - HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, OHIO.
into camp at a convenient place, and in the morning found they had gone into camp with a party of rebels. The enemy thinking there was a large force present "folded their tents and stole away" during the night, and stole some of the company's horses also. Camping with the enemy was an experiment they did not repeat.
On September Toth the Seventh cavalry took part in the night fight at Carter's station, in upper East Tennessee, driving the enemy away. They then repaired to Bull's gap, in Bey's mountain, forty miles east of Knoxville, and held that position until October ioth, when, in the battle of Blue Springs, it took part in the final charge, near nightfall, routing the rebels, who beat a hasty retreat.
On November 6th occurred the disastrous defeat at Rogersville, Tennessee, where the gallant Seventh, the Second Tennessee mounted infantry, and battery M, Second Illinois light artillery, in all about one thousand combatants, under command of Colonel Garrard of the Seventh, made a desperate stand against greatly superior numbers, losing one hundred and twelve men and some of its best officers. The orderly—Bugler J ustus Schminke, a company H man from Marietta, was shot at his post by the side of Colonel Garrard. The enemy were said to number three thousand five hundred men.
From the thirteenth to the seventeenth of December, after the enemy retreated from Knoxville, the Seventh regiment was constantly fighting and skirmishing, subsisting during that time almost entirely on parched corn.
December 23, 1863, they engaged the rebels at New Market, and drove them out of that town. Christmas day they crossed Bey's mountain and joined battle with a largely superior force of the enemy, and, after hard fighting all day, being surrounded at two different times, they were compelled to cut their way out.
The ten days following New Year's day, 1864, were the most dreary days in the history of the regiment; they. and their comrades of the other regiments and army lay on the hills about Mossy creek, half starved. A bushel of corn meal was issued to a brigade of men for a day's rations. Horses died by the hundreds from starvation. It stormed fearfully, and the men were without shelter. There was but one blanket for every two men, and they were but scantily clothed for such severe weather.
On January 27, 1864, the regiment joined the force under General Sturgis, and gave battle to Morgan's and Armstrong's divisions of Wheeler's cavalry, at Fair Garden, Tennessee, defeating them and driving them across the French Broad river.
On June 11, 1864, the Seventh, with the force under General Burbridge, began the pursuit of Morgan's force, which had invaded Kentucky, and at daylight of June 12th, at Cynthiana, Kentucky, attacked, driving the rebels in confusion from the field. The left wing, led by company H, and commanded by Colonel Garrard, charged the enemy's right, broke through and reached the rear of the rebel line before it gave way on the centre or left, captured the bridge over the Licking river, on the rebel line of retreat, taking position on the opposite bank, with the rallying cry of "Rogersville," killed, wounded and captured a large number of the same
enemy who had defeated them at Rogersville, Tennessee, November 6, 1863. The regiment followed Morgan into the mountains of eastern Kentucky, until forage and supplies failed, when they returned. They had marched two hundred and seventy-two miles in six days and nights.
The regiment was ordered to join General Sherman's army then moving on Atalanta, and by July 26th arrived at that fated city, participated in all the movements around Atalanta, scouting and doing picket duty, until November 6th, when they were ordered to Nashville, where they arrived November 17, 1864.
On November 28, 1864, the Seventh was ordered to join the National forces, then retreating in the direction of Nashville, and at Duck river the regiment was surrounded by the enemy, and were compelled to cut their way out. At the battle of Franklin, Tennessee, the Seventh held the left of the line. In December, 1864, the regiment was assigned to the First brigade, Sixth division cavalry corps, commanded by General Wilson.
On December 15th the regiment participated in the great battle of Nashville, and, charging by squadrons, drove the enemy in its front a mile and a half, and captured four pieces of artillery, with men and horses. On the second day of the battle the regiment was actively engaged; and in the pursuit of Hood's army, on December 17th, marching by a detour to cut of the rebel rear guard, they struck the rebel centre at Franklin, and, charging into the town, found it swarming with rebels, who were fleeing and endeavoring to hide from their pursuers. The rebel officers were unable to bring their men into line, and hundreds of them were taken prisoners, including seven hundred officers and men, two thousand seven hundred rebel wounded, and a large number of National wounded in hospital at Franklin.
On Christmas day, 1864, the regiment engaged the rebel rear guard at Pulaski, drove them from that place in disorder, and captured three pieces of artillery, an ammunition train, etc. The pursuit ended on December 27th, when the rear guard of the defeated army of Hood crossed the Tennessee.
The Seventh then went into winter quarters at Gravelly Springs, Alabama, where they remained until March 22, 1865. At that date the cavalry corps commanded by General Wilson, started on the last great raid of the war. This force numbered about eighteen thousand men, the finest and best equipped body of cavalry of the war. They moved southward with irresistible momentum, driving the few scattered fragments of the rebel army like chaff before the wind. The object of the expedition was to cut off communication between the rebel armies of the east and west. The line of march of the Seventh regiment lay through Jasper, Georgia, Plantersville, Alabama, where three hundred prisoners were taken, Selma, Alabama, where a large number of prisoners were taken; at which place, on April 3d, the regiment had three thousand rebel prisoners in their possession. On April 12th they passed through Montgomery, the capital of Alabama; April i5th, through Tuskegee, Alabama:– April 16th the regiment attacked Columbus, Georgia, at
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night, and captured the same, and on the eighteenth moved down the railroad toward the Andersonville prison pen ; and on the twentieth, while skirmishing with the enemy, a rebel officer appeared with a white flag, announcing the surrender of Lee at Appomatox, and end of the war. The pursuit was at once stopped, and the forces which a short time before had been engaged in deadly conflict joined hands and bivouacked on the same field.
The regiment went into camp at Macon, Georgia, on April 25th, and remained there until May 5th, when they were ordered to Atlanta, where they arrived May 9th.
On May 13th eighteen men from company H were detailed to guard Jefferson Davis, the president of the defunct confederacy, who had been captured in women's attire, endeavoring to effect his escape He was taken to Augusta, Georgia.
On May 22d the regiment was ordered to Nashville, where they arrived June 6th, completing a ride of fifteen hundred miles on horseback.
June 30th the "River regiment" was mustered out of the United States service, and company H arrived at Marietta July 6, 1865.
The total number, including recruits, in the regiment during its service, was fourteen hundred; when mustered out it numbered eight hundred and forty, showing a loss of five hundred and sixty men by the casualties of war.
NINTH OHIO VOLUNTEER CAVALRY.
REGIMENTAL OFFICERS.
Colonel William D. Hamilton, mustered December 2, 1863, brevet brigadier general April 18, 1865; Lieutenant Colonel William D. Hamilton, October 30, 1863, promoted to colonel; Lieutenant Colonel Thomas P. Cook, December 2, 1863, discharged September 9, 1864; Lieutenant Colonel William Stough, October 1, 1864, mustered out with regiment; Major William D. Hamilton, December 6, 1862, promoted to lieutenant colonel; Major Thomas P. Cook, October 30, 1863, promoted to lieutenant colonel; Major William Sims, October 30, 1863, resigned June 21, 1864; Major John Williamson, December 2, 1863, resigned July a, 1864; Major Henry Ptessner, December 7, 1863, discharged January 13, 1865; Major Elijah Hoague, July 13, 1864, resigned March 9, 1865; Major William Stough, September 8, 1864, promoted to lieutenant colonel; Major L. H. Bowlus, October 1, 1864, mustered out with regiment; Major John W. Macumber, February 20, 1865, mustered out with regiment; Major James Irvine, May 31, 1865, mustered out with regiment; Major Joseph B. Daniers, February, 186+ mustered out with regiment; Surgeon C. M. Finch, October 5, 1863, mustered out with regiment; Assistant Surgeon William McMillen, March 26, 1863, mustered out with regiment; Assistant Surgeon James C. Thorpe, October 5, 1863, discharged April 18, 1864; Assistant Surgeon Charles H. Pinney, April 22, 1864, mustered out with regiment; Chaplain Ezekiel S. Hoagland, January 18, 1863, resigned August 20, 1864.
OFFICERS OF COMPANY B.
Captain John Williamson, mustered November 16, 1862, promoted to major; Captain Joseph B. Daniels, December 2, 1863, promoted to major; First Lieutenant Joseph B. Daniels, November 6, 1862, promoted to captain; Frrst Lieutenant Richard B. Mason, December 22, 1863, deceased June 25, 1864; First Lieutenant James Stonehawker, July 30, 1864, mustered out with regiment; First Lieutenant Allen J. Alexander, February 10, 1865, honorably discharged March 25, 1865; Second Lieutenant Richard B. Mason, February 2, 1863, promoted to first lieutenant; Second Lieutenant James Stonehawker, October 10, 1863, promoted to first lieutenant; Second Lieutenant Allen J. Alexander, December 22, 1863, promoted to first tieutenant; Second Lieutenant Edward Ashley, May 31, 1865, mustered out with regiment; Second Lieutenant Bishop Martin, May 31, 1865, mustered out with regiment.
NINTH OHIO VOLUNTEER CAVALRY.
Company B, of this regiment, was from Washington county. They were raised in the fall of 1862, under the authority of Governor Tod, to make three new regiments of cavalry, the Eighth, Ninth and Tenth. Captain William D. Hamilton, of the Thirty-second Ohio volunteer infantry, then stationed at Winchester, Virginia, had been sent to Ohio to recruit another company for that regiment. He had secured fifty men, when his regiment, with others, was captured by "Stonewall" Jackson, on the fifteenth of September, 1862. Governor Tod then ordered Captain Hamilton to proceed at once to organize a cavalry regiment, to be called the Ninth Ohio volunteer cavalry.
The fifty recruits above referred to formed a nucleus for the new organization, which rendezvoused at Zanesville, and on December 1, 1862, seven companies were ready for muster. Three companies, however, were transferred to the Tenth cavalry, then organizing at Cleveland, to complete that regiment. The four remaining companies were ordered to Camp Dennison. They were designated as the First battalion of the Ninth cavalry, were equipped and drilled until April 23, 1863, when they were ordered to Lexington, Kentucky. The battalion under command of Captain Hamilton, numbering three hundred men, were soon actively engaged driving out raiders and marauders who were so frequently coming down from the Kentucky and Tennessee mountains into the Blue Grass region.
On June 15, 1863, they joined an expedition designed to penetrate into East Tennessee and find out the situation of the loyal inhabitants of that region. The whole force consisted of about two thousand mounted men, of which two hundred were from the battalion, including company B. Crossing the Cumberland river on the night of June 16th, they were soon at Pine Mountain gap, a rebel stronghold. Here the garrison was surprised and captured without firing a shot, and they passed on to Big Creek gap, the Ninth cavalry battalion in the advance. The rebel force at this gap evacuated and fled.
The objects of the raid were accomplished without further opposition, and they returned to London, Kentucky. The battalion on July 5th was ordered to move out after John Morgan, but Morgan having passed by, the battalion was ordered to watch and embarrass the progress of the rebel General Scott, who was reported moving to the support of Morgan. The battalion joined a hastily gathered force at Camp Dick Robinson, and went in pursuit of Scott, who had passed with his command to the right. They then had a running fight for ten days; the battalion marching at the rate of fifty-seven miles in twenty-four hours, the men living chiefly on blackberries gathered at the roadside while the horses were resting.
On August 1st the battalion went from Stanford to Glasgow, Kentucky, and were there assigned to a cavalry brigade for General Burnside's advance into East Tennessee. The capture of Knoxville was effected without much opposition, and Major Hamilton was appointed provost marshal of the city, and the first battalion as-
194 - HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, OHIO.
signed to patrol and guard duty on the approaches of the city.
The Second battalion was organized November 6th, and the Third battalion December 16, 1863, thus completing the regiment. The two battalions were filled to their maximum, and together with one hundred recruits for the old battalion, were rendezvoused at Camp Dennison and furnished with horses, equipped with sabres and Smith carbines, and carefully drilled until February 6, 1864, when they were ordered by water to Nashville, Tennessee. Arriving at Louisville they were disembarked to follow some guerillas, who were reported to be making trouble in Kentucky. They marched through the country to Nashville without opposition. The regiment was then attached to the left wing of the Sixteenth army corps, and ordered to Athens, Alabama, for field duty along the Tennessee river.
Colonel Hamilton at this time went to Knoxville with orders from the First battalion to join the regiment. The severe campaign through which the First battalion had passed, ending at Knoxville, rendered an entire new equipment necessary. For this purpose they were ordered to Nashville, and after considerable delay waiting for horses, they were again ready for active service. Captain Joseph B. Daniels was now placed in command of the First battalion and so remained until the end—towards the last being in command of the entire regiment. The battalion now moved to Pulaski, Tennessee, and occupied that place about six weeks, Captain Daniels being in command of the post. Several movements were undertaken against the rebel cavalry under Wheeler and Forrest, for which the whole regiment combined, but were not permanently united until all of the battalions reached Athens, in April, 1864.
On the night of April 13, 1864, a company of the Ninth, which with others had been sent out to look for. stock, was surrounded in a barn where they were sleeping. The attack was made by an Alabama regiment, and after a short struggle, two officers and thirty-nine men were captured. The remaining three companies soon came to the rescue, but not in time to rescue their comrades.
The non-commissioned officers and men thus taken were sent to Andersonville prison. Eight months after, a report from Orderly Sergeant Kennedy showed that twenty-five of their number had died from brutal treatment.
The two officers taken were Captain Joseph N. Hetzler and Lieutenant Frank H. Knapp, who were sent to Columbia, South Carolina. Lieutenant Knapp, after two efforts to escape, in which he was retaken by the aid of bloodhounds, finally succeeded in reaching Knoxville, Tennessee, after travelling three weeks, principally at night, securing food and assistance from the negroes. At one time he heard the hounds on his trail, and again would have been captured but for the generous assistance of a negro, who, after giving him something to eat, said: "Now, bress de Lord, massa Yank, you jist trust to me and we'll fool dem dogs. You trot along fust, den I'll come too, steppin' in your tracks. Go 'bout half a mile, den you come to some watch; you take right through dat, den I'll keep on t'other way. See dem dogs is used to huntin' niggers, dey knows de smell, and likes to follow de black man's foot." "But," said the lieutenant, surprised at this singular offer, "the dogs will catch you and probably tear you to pieces." "Oh, massa," said he, "let dis nigger alone for dat, I'se fooled dem dogs afore for de Yanks, and, bress de Lord, I'll try it again. Now trot along, massa, for I hear dem dogs a comin'." Shortly after crossing the pond the lieutenant heard the hounds howling in the direction taken by the negro, and he was no longer disturbed by them. He afterwards joined the regiment at Savannah, Georgia, in January, 1865. Captain Hetzler remained a prisoner until near the close of the war, when he was exchanged.
Another battalion of the Ninth was sent out in the vicinity of Florence, to guard the river, thus, for a distance of fifty miles, the Tennessee was patrolled by the two battalions of the regiment, having frequent skirmishes with the enemy.
On May 5, 1864, the regiment arrived at Decatur, Alabama, and on the eighth the place was attacked by the enemy. The Ninth moved out beyond the works a mile and a half, to develop the enemy's strength. The country was about equally divided between timber and level, open land. The rebels formed on the open ground, and, as the Ninth swung around the timber, a battle ensued, in which the rebels were driven back in confusion. The regiment lost one man killed and three severely wounded. From this time until June 1st, cavalry skirmishes were of daily occurrence.
The Seventh Illinois infantry having been driven from Florence to Pulaski, the Ninth went to reinforce that regiment. After driving the enemy beyond Florence, they returned to Decatur.
The Ninth was engaged on various expeditions in the region about Atlanta up to the fall of that city, immediately before the evacuation being attached to the cavalry division under Colonel Garrard, on the extreme right of General Sherman's army. The First battalion was engaged in the battle of Jonesborough.
Four hundred men of the Ninth were now ordered to Nashville to procure horses. On the night of September 2, 1864, while the train containing the men was passing Big Shanty, Georgia, it was thrown from the track and six cars demolished. The enemy, concealed beside the track, opened fire on the wreck; the fire was returned, and the cowards fled. One man was killed and three wounded by the accident, and two killed and five wounded by the enemy's fire. Failing to procure horses at Nashville, the regiment proceeded to Louisville, and having received fresh horses returned to Nashville en route to the front.
This battalion arriving at Nashville found the rebel General Wheeler within twelve miles of the city, and they were sent out with other forces to meet and drive him back. They encountered him at various places during the next ten days until he was finally compelled to retire beyond the Tennessee. They soon received orders to report at once to Marietta, Georgia, to join the regi-
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, OHIO - 195
ment which was to form a part of one of Sherman's new cavalry divisions in the "March to the Sea." The battalion found Marietta burned, and pressing on rapidly arrived at Atlanta November 17th, and found it evacuated, having marched eighty miles in thirty-six hours. They proceeded on to McDowell, seventeen miles southward, where they joined the balance of the regiment. They now numbered seven hundred effective men. From this time on they were busily engaged covering the march of the infantry, making false marches to deceive the enemy, and fighting almost daily, until December 4th, at Waynesborough, when a general engagement occurred, in which the Ninth made the second charge that broke the rebel lines.
Arriving at Savannah they were sent on an expedition during the progress of the siege, to destroy railroad communication with the city. Captain Joseph B. Daniels, with the First battalion, was ordered to approach and burn the bridge, and engaging the enemy with their Spencer carbines drove them to cover and burnt the bridge.
The army remained at Savannah after its evacuation until the latter part of January, 1865, at which time one hundred and fifty men of the Ninth, that had been left with the army of General Thomas, and who participated in the battle of Franklin and Nashville, joined the regiment.
On the night of February 3, 1865, the cavalry division crossed the Savannah river at Sisters' Ferry, forty miles above the city, and entered upon the march through the Carolinas. On the sixth the Ninth having the advance, engaged the enemy at a swamp near Barnwell. The men were dismounted and wading the swamp under cover of the timber, drove the enemy from their position. As they progressed through the Carolinas, the forage and grain grew scarce and together with wearing service in the swamps, rendered a great many horses unfit for service, and as a consequence many of cavalrymen were dismounted. These were organized into a "dismounted command." On the night of the ninth of March General Kilpatrick went into camp with the Third brigade and the dismounted men, about three miles in advance of the remainder of his command. On the tenth the rebels under General Hampton dashed in upon the camp, and captured the wagons, artillery and many of the officers and men before they had time to dress themselves. The dismounted men, however, opened a close and heavy fire upon the rebels, who were pillaging the camp. A sharp fight ensued, during which the artillerymen recovered their cannon, and opened on the enemy. The Second brigade soon arrived, and the rebels were forced to retire. The loss of the Nationals was twenty-five, and the rebels, seventy-five killed in this short but desperate contest.
In the battle of Averysborough, on March 15th, the Ninth supported the right flank of the Twentieth corps, and was in the thickest of the contest, and at the battle of Bentonville, North Carolina, March 18th to 21st, the final contest of the grand army under General Sherman, General Kilpatrick's entire command occupied the left flank. The enemy being defeated, they occupied Goldsborough, and remained there until April loth. They entered Raleigh after a slight skirmish April 14th. On the morning of the eighteenth, part of the rebel army occupied the village of Chapel Hill. General Wheeler's rebel cavalry covered the approach to the town, occupying a swamp through which the road passed. At daylight the regiment was ordered to effect a crossing if possible. Arriving at the swamp, the second battalion was ordered forward, dismounted, through the water. They advanced under cover of the cypress timber until the enemy came within range of their Spencer carbines. A spirited engagement ensued, in which the enemy were driven from their position, leaving a captain and staff- officer of General Wheeler, and three men dead on the field.
Orders in the meantime arrived from General Sherman suspending hostilities.
After the surrender the command was ordered to Concord, North Carolina, where it remained until the last of July.
On August 2, 1865, the regimental colors and property were turned over at Columbus, Ohio, and the regiment was mustered out of the service.
SECOND VIRGINIA VOLUNTEER CAVALRY.
REGIMENTAL OFFICERS.
Colonel William M. Bolles, mustered September 16, 1861, resigned June 25, 1862; Colonel John C. Paxton, July 18, 1862, honorably discharged; Colonel William H. Powell, May 18, 1863, promoted to brigadier general; Lieutenant Colonel John C. Paxton, September 16, 1861; promoted to colonel; Lieutenant Colonel Rollin L. Curtis, August 19, 1862, resigned October as, 1862; Lieutenant Colonel William H. Powell, December 5, 1862, promoted to colonel; Lieutenant Colonel David Done, May 18, 1863, resigned July 5, 1864; Lieutenant Colonel John J. Hoffman, July 14, 1864, mustered out; Lieutenant Colonel James Allen, November 26, 1864; Major Rollin L. Curtis, October 2, 1861, promoted to lieutenant colonel; Major John J. Hoffman, October 2, 1861, promoted to lieutenant colonel; Major Henry Stembach, February 5, 1862, mustered out; Major William H. Role& August 19, 1862, promoted to lieutenant colonel; Major John McMahon, January 2, 1863; Major James Allen, April 29, 1864, promoted to lieutenant colonel; Major Charles E. Hambleton, July 14, 1864 mustered out; Major Edwin S. Morgan, November 26, 1864; Adjutant John P. Merrill, October 25, 1861, resigned June 5, 1862; Adjutant Elijah F. Mon, November 5, 1862, resigned September 7, 1864; Adjutant Earl A. Cranston, November 12, 1861, resigned June 2, 1862; Adjutant George E. Downing, October 25, 186z, resigned May 1, 1862; Quartermaster Sayres G. Payton, October a, 1861, mustered out; Quartermaster William Holden, October 23, 1861, resigned March 13, 1862; Commissary George S. South, January 2, 1863, mustered out at expiration of term; Surgeon Thomas S. Neal, October as, 1861, resigned February 9, 1864; Surgeon Matthew McEwen, January 17, 1863; Assistant Surgeon Lucien L. Comstock, November 6, 1861, promoted to surgeon of Eighth West Virginia infantry; Assistant Surgeon Oziae Nellis, March 6, 1863, mustered out at expiration of term; Assistant Surgeon Edward L. Gillian, May 18, 1863; Chaplain Charles M. Bethauser, October 2, 1861, resigned October 12, 1862.
OFFICERS OF COMPANY F.
Captain Arthur D. Eells, November 22, 1861, resigned May 6,1862; Captain Oliver H. P. Scott, June 26. 1862, resigned December 23, 1862; Captain George Millard, April 1, 1863, mustered out at expiration of term; Captain Henry F. Swentzel, November 26, 1864, promoted from Seventy-ninth Pennsylvania infantry to company E, and from company E to company F; Captain George W. Gilmore; Captain Ed. A. Rosser, promoted from company B; Captain E. S. Fisher; Captain Oliver C. Ong; First Lieutenant Oliver H. P. Scott, November 22, 1861, promoted to captain; First Lieutenant William M. Fortescue, June 26, 1862, promoted to captain of company I; First Lieutenant George Millard, November 5, 1862, promoted to captain; First Lieutenant