344 - HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.

CHAPTER XXII

CINCINNATI IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION.

[BY COL. D. W. McCLUNG.]

ANTI-SLAVERS VERSUS PRO-SLAVERY SENTIMENTS - INTENSITY OF POPULAR FEELING - THE FIRST GUN FIRED - CINCINNATI'S NOBLE RESPONSE TO THE FIRST CALL FOR TROOPS LATER ENLISTMENTS - HER SOUTHERN NEIGHBORS - THE BURNET RIFLES - MEMBERS OR THE LITERARY CLUB IN THE SERVICE --THE UNITED STATES SANITARY COMMISSION-THE CINCINNATI BRANCH OF SAME-WESTERN SANITARY FAIR - THE CINCINNATI CHRISTIAN COMMISSION-EXCITING ALARMS--CONCLUSION.

FOR many years the people of Cincinnati were extremely reluctant to take a hostile attitude toward the South. Her history from the first was closely associated with Kentucky, going back to the years when the elder State sent her sons to defend the infant settlement. Continual social and commercial relations-visits, intermarriages, friendships and common interests- made her people feel as if those beyond the river were her kin. The growth of anti-slavery sentiment had been slow, and its expression cautious and mild. The enraged populace of Cincinnati had destroyed anti slavery printing presses, and mobbed negroes because they were black. Anti-slavery speakers had scarcely been tolerated, and anti slavery meetings were a dangerous experiment.

The repeal of the Missouri Compromise in 1854, much as it was condemned and deplored, did not give the control of the city to the party of opposition to the extension of slavery. At the outbreak of the war, the mayor of Cincinnati represented the extreme sentiment of deference and concession to the Southern people, even after seven States had proclaimed themselves foreign territory, and committed many acts of undisguised hostility, But as events hastened to a climax, the public temper grew impatient and resentful--the feeling so tense and eager that it required but a signal to create an explosion. The bombardment of Fort Sumter brought out all the feeling hitherto suppressed, and roused patriotism which had never diminished, but had forborne demonstration in deference to angry and misguided friends.

Crowds of people eagerly scanned the bulletins announcing the progress of the assault, and when the surrender was announced an excited populace poured along the principal streets, cheering for the Union, and displaying the American flag. In those days it fared ill with the man who expressed sympathy with rebellion, or seemed lukewarm in the national cause.

The President's proclamation calling for troops appeared April 15, 1861, and without delay three companies of the organized militia of the city offered themselves for service. On the 18th, the Rover Guards, the Lafayette Guards, and the Zouave Guards of Cincinnati were mustered into the Second O. V. I. at Columbus. Without pause or remission of zeal, other organizations were rapidly formed and prepared for action. The County Fair grounds were converted into a camp of instruction, and named Camp Harrison. The choice military company of the city, the Guthrie Grays, was expanded to a regiment, the Sixth O. V. I., and reported at Camp Harrison on the 18th. The Fifth Regiment entered camp on the 20th, the Ninth on the 22nd of April, and the Tenth on the 7th of May. These regiments were made up entirely of young men from Cincinnati and Hamilton county, and numbered about four thousand men. They were all transferred to Camp Dennison, their first route, marching on the 23d of May. They all performed faithful service to the end of their three-years term of enlistment, and one of them (the Fifth), though "fought to a frazzle," re-enlisted for the war.

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The zeal in behalf of the country did not slacken with the first offerings, but became a steady and systematic force. At the close of the year the county of Hamilton had sent to the field more than eight thousand men. These, in addition to the regiments already named, were mostly in the Twenty-eighth. Thirty-ninth, Forty-seventh, Fifty-fourth, Seventy fifth Regiments of Infantry, and the Fourth and Fifth Regiments of Cavalry, and in the First and Second Kentucky which were organized at Camp Clay (Pendleton) within the city. Less than half the soldiers of those two Kentucky regiments were citizens of the State in whose name they enlisted.

The prompt and vigorous response to the country's call by a people so conservative. with such great resources and wealth, situated on the border of disputed territory, was a gratifying and memorable surprise. On the part of many, the first feeling was one of apprehension for the tempting stores so near to danger: but there was soon an unanimous feeling that the only way to avoid danger was to meet it manfully.

The first subject pressing for immediate settlement was her commercial relations with the people of Kentucky and other southern States. The attitude of Kentucky was most unfortunate, not only for the national cause, but for her own fair faille. She was not prepared to join the Rebellion, and not ready to defend the nation. Her governor had defiantly--even insolently----refused to respond to the call for troops, and the governor of Ohio had offered to fill her quota. after answering all demands upon his own State--an offer which was made good. The people of that State were so nearly balanced between conflicting interests and feelings-their governor bent on mischief as far as his ability and courage might serve-that, like a double-minded man, their hesitation and instability made them the derision of men, and set them helpless in the pillory of history, It could not but be a question of deepest solicitude whether Cincinnati was to have a hostile or a friendly population within gunshot of her banks and warehouses, and great manufactories. Hon. Thomas M. Key, of Cincinnati, was sent by Governor Dennison to confer with the recreant governor of Kentucky. The latter gave assurance that he would not permit anything to be done that might seem like a menace to Cincinnati. But the people of Cincinnati had better judgment than to put implicit confidence in the professions of a governor that could not determine on which side of the great contest he belonged. They insisted in a rather irregular and menacing way that shipments to Kentucky, of everything which might aid rebellion, should cease at once. This action brought a large delegation of citizens from Louisville whose trade was menaced by this popular embargo.

They were received in the Cincinnati Council Chamber, April 23, 1861. The mayor, Mr. Hatch, presided, and Hon. Rufus King, after an address of friendship, appealing to old and kindly remembrances, read a letter from Governor Dennison, in which he laid down the rule that "so long as any State remains in the Union, with professions of attachment to it, we can not discriminate between that State and our own." The governor of the State could not well speak otherwise; but the people of Cincinnati were not restrained by executive limitations or diplomatic necessities. Before the meeting closed Hon. Bellamy Storer warned the Kentuckians that "this is no time for soft words. We feel that you have a governor who can not be depended upon in this crisis. While we rejoice in your friendship, while we glory in your bravery, we would have you understand that we are your equals, as well as your friends,"

Evidently the people were not satisfied with the inconclusive action of this meeting, for, only four days later, an indignation meeting was held at which in speeches and resolutions the people denounced the attempt to draw fine distinctions or to refine upon rebellion, Not satisfied with this plain speaking and the prepared expression of feeling, a resolution, evidently struck out in the heat of the meeting, was adopted with a storm of cheers, denouncing as a "traitor, and meriting the doom of a traitor, anybody and everybody, who would sell any article contraband of war,

346 - HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.

to any person or any State. that had not declared a firm purpose to sustain the government." This was sufficiently clear as to the temper of the people in Cincinnati in April, 1861. It was not long, however, until trade regulations, issued by the government, and enforced by the surveyor of the port, gave an orderly and effective operation to this determined and outspoken loyalty.

Not many days after the outbreak of hostilities, effervescent and tumultuous zeal gave way to organized effort, in accordance with the unfailing capacity of the American people for orderly movements,

Among the organizations which thus sprang into existence the Burnet Rifles is worthy of special notice on account. of the subsequent history and achievements of its members. It was composed of members of the Cincinnati Literary Club. an association of educated and professional gentlemen. organized in 1849, and still in existence. April 17, 1861. two days after the call of the President for troops, a special meeting of the club was called to order by P. B. Hayes, one of its members. Who was to be much heard of in after times. A committee of three was appointed which reported in favor of forming a military company at, once, and making all necessary preparations for its equipment and efficiency. The roll of members was called, and thirty-three at once agreed to join the new company.

Robert W. Burnet was named as the commander, and the work of drilling the company in daily military exercises was begun. Capt. John Pope, at that time on duty in this city as an officer of engineers, afterward the distinguished major-general in our army, then a member of the club, was the first drill officer. After a few days a sergeant from the Newport barracks named Reichman was engaged to perform this duty, and the company Was drilled by him three times daily.

In a short time, as regiment after regiment was organized, the membership of this company was drawn upon for officers in every branch of the service. The company enlisted in this service of drill and instruction a total number of fifty-one. A most remarkable fact, is that of these fifty became commissioned officers of various ranks, from second lieutenant to major-general. All entered the service. The only one who did not receive a commission was Andrew J. Rickoff, who at that time was superintendent of public schools of Cincinnati.

The Literary Club gave so many members to the military service that it could hold no meetings for months. In the following October it recruited new members, and reorganized. The following summary history of its members shows strikingly its influence upon subsequent events. Our limit of space will not permit a more extended notice.

MEMBERS OF THE LITERARY CLUB IN THE SERVICE OF THE UNITED STATES DURING THE WAR.

Anderson, Thomas M.- May 7, 1861, second lieutenant U. S. Cavalry; May 14, 1861, captain U. S. Infantry: August 1, 1864, brevet lieutenant-colonel U. S. A.; March 26, 1868, major U. S. Infantry.

Baldwin, William H.-July 16, 1862, lieutenant. colonel Eighty-third O. V. I.; March 13, 1865, brevet colonel; April 9, 1865, brevet brigadier-general.

Billings, John S.-April 16, 1862, captain and assistant-surgeon U. S. A. March 13, 1865, major and brevet lieutenant-colonel.

Bond, Frank S.-March 11, 1863, major and aid-de-camp U. S. Volunteers, Gen. Rosecrans' staff; November 18, 1864, resigned.

Bonte, J. H. C.-January 2.1, 1862, chaplain Forty-third O. V. I.; September 3, 1862, resigned.

Corwine, Richard M.-March 21, 1862, major and A. D. C. judge advocate Fremont's staff; July 27, 1863, resigned.

Cross, Nelson-June 20, 1861, lieutenant-colonel Sixty-seventh N. Y. State Volunteers (First Long Island).

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Disney, William-May 10, 1864, captain Company I, 137th O. V. I. ; August 19, 1864, mustered out with regiment.

Dumont, Robert S.--April 25, 1861, captain Company B, Fifth N. Y. V. I. (Duryee Zouaves); October 1, 1861, resigned; December 11, 1861, secretary and aid to Admiral Bell, commanding Pacific squadron; July 16, 1862, volunteer lieutenant U. S. Navy; May 15, 1803, naval judge advocate Pacific Department; March 1, 1864, resigned.

Ewing, Thomas, Jr.-September 15, 1862, colonel Eleventh Kansas Volunteer Infantry; March 13, 1862, brigadier-general U. S. Volunteers; September 27, 1864, wounded at battle of Pilot Knob; March 9, 1865, resigned.

Foote, Henry E.- -February -, 1865, major and surgeon U. S. Volunteers (Thirteenth Missouri, afterward Twenty-second Ohio); medical director Second Division, Seventh Army Corps; November 18, 1864, mustered out with Twenty-second Regiment.

Force, Manning Ferguson-August 19, 1861, major Twentieth O. V. I.; September 11, 1861, lieutenant-colonel O. V. I. ; May 23, 1862, colonel O. V. 1. ; August 11, 1863, brigadier-general U. S. Volunteers; July 22, 1864, severely wounded at Atlanta. March 13, 1865, brevet major-general U. S. Volunteers; January 15, 1866, mustered out; August 29, 1866, colonel Thirty-second Infantry, U. S. A.; September 7, 1866, declined appointment.

Garrard, Israel-September 18, 1862. colonel Seventh O. V. Cavalry; June 21, 1865, brigadier-general U. S. Volunteers; July 4, 1865, mustered out of service.

Garrard, Jeptha--September 11, 1861. captain Sixth Independent Cavalry Company; December 10, 1861, attached to Third N. Y. Volunteer Cavalry; September 10, 1862, major Third N. Y. Volunteer Cavalry; December 7, 1862, colonel U. S. Colored Cavalry: April -, 1865, resigned.

Uoshorn, Alfred T.-May 10, 1864, captain Company G, 137th O. V. I.; August 19, 1864, mustered out with regiment.

Greenleaf. Charles R,.- August 5, 1860, captain and assistant-surgeon, U. S. A.; March 18, 1865, brevet major.

Hayes, Rutherford B.-May 18, 1861, major Twenty-third O. V. I. ; October 24, 1861, lieutenant-colonel Twenty-third O. V. I.; October 15, 1862, colonel Twenty-third O. V. I.; September 14, 1862, wounded severely at South Mountain; wounded slightly May 10, 1863. July 25, 1864, and October 19, 1861; October 19, 1864. brigadier-general U. S. Volunteers; March 13, 1865, brevet major-general U. S. Volunteers; June 10. 1865, resigned.

How. W. Storer-May 27, 1861, private Ninth N. Y. State Militia; February 23, 1864, captain and acting quartermaster; March 19, 1865, brevet major; June 10, 1866, mustered out of service.

Ingram, Alex.-May 28, .1861, first lieutenant and assistant-surgeon, U. S. A.; lost on steamboat "Brother Jonathan," Pacific Ocean.

Johnson, John Waterman-Served three months as private in the Fifth Ohio Volunteer Infantry; February 19, 1862, second lieutenant in Thirty-ninth O. V. I.; January 24, 1864, private Company K, 108th O. V. I. ; May 14, 1864, died from wounds received at battle of Resaca, Ga.

Jones, Frank Johnston-April 19, 1861, private Company A, Sixth O. V. I.; June 28, 1861, second lieutenant Thirteenth O. V. I.; January 1, 1862, first lieutenant and adjutant Thirteenth O. V. I. ; January 9, 1863, captain O. V. I.; March 11, 1863, captain and A. D. C., U. S. Volunteers (McCook's staff); March 13, 1865, brevet major U. S. Volunteers; July 2, 1864, resigned.

Leake, J. Bloomfield-August 26, 1862, lieutenant. colonel Twentieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry; wounded at the battle of Sterling Farm, Morganzie, Louisiana; July 8, 1865, mastered out with regiment.

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Loomis, Charles--May 31, 1861, private Company A, Sixth O. V. I.; January 14, 1862, second lieutenant Fifty-fourth O. V. 1. ; April 3, 1863, resigned.

Lord, Nathan, Jr.-May -, 1862, captain Seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry, August -, 1862, lieutenant-colonel Fifth Vermont Volunteer Infantry; June 29, 1862, wounded at Savage Station; ---, colonel Sixth Vermont Volunteer Infantry; February 19, 1863, resigned.

Matthews, Stanley-June 7, 1861, lieutenant-colonel Twenty-third O. V. I.; October 14, 1861, colonel Fifty-first O. V. I.; April 14, 1863, resigned.

Moline, James F.-June 30, 1862, major and aid-de-camp U. S. A. (Gen. Pope's staff); March 5, 1865, lieutenant-colonel U. S. A..; :March 9, 1865, colonel.

Menzies, S. G.-April -, 1861, major of cavalry and surgeon U. S. Volunteer Infantry; August -,1861, medical director First Missouri Army Corps; June----,1864, mustered out with regiment.

Mills, Lewis E.-June, 1863, captain Volunteers and aid on staff of Gen. R. B. Potter, Ninth Army Corps; September, 1863, resigned.

McLaughlin, Jamey W.-September 10, 1862, first lieutenant Company C, Fremont Infantry Body Guard; December 11, 1862, resigned.

Morgan, Christopher A.-July 31, 1861, captain Thirty-ninth O. V. I.; January 6, 1862, resigned; January 6, 1862, major and aid-de-camp (Gen. Pope's staff); June 30, 1862, colonel and aid-de- camp (Gen. Pope's staff); January 20, 1866, died in service at St. Louis.

Mussey, R. Delavan-May 14, 1863, captain Nineteenth U. S. Infantry; June 16, 1864, colonel 100th U. S. Colored Infantry: May, 1865, brevet brigadier-general U. S. Volunteers; September, 1865, colonel U. S. A.; December 12, 1865, resigned.

Nixon, O. W.-August, 1861, major and surgeon Thirty-ninth O. V. I. and medical director; August, 1862, resigned.

Noyes, Edwin F.-July 21, 1861, major Thirty-ninth O. V. I.; July 8, 1862, lieutenant-colonel Thirty-ninth O. V. I.; October 1, 1862, colonel Thirty-ninth O. V. I.; July 4, 1864. severely wounded at Atlanta; March 13, 1805, brevet brigadiergeneral U. S. Volunteers; April 22, 1865, honorably discharged.

O'Leary, Charles-August 3, 1861, major and brigade surgeon.

Owens, William-September 26, 1861, first lieutenant Company K, O. V. Cavalry; May 13, 1863, captain Company K, Fifth O. V. Cavalry; December 3, 1864, mustered out by expiration of service.

Partridge, Charles A.-October 2, 1861, second lieutenant Company G, Forty-eighth O. V. I.; December 13, 1861, first lieutenant Company G, Forty-eighth O.V.I.; January 22, 1863, resigned.

Piatt, Donn-June 28, 1861, captain and acting adjutant-general; October 30, 1862, major and acting adjutant-general; January 1, 1863, lieutenant-colonel and assistant inspector-general.

Pope, John --, captain Topographical Engineers, U. S. A.; May 17, 1861, brigade general U. S. Volunteers; March 21, 1862. major-general U. S. Volunteers; July 14, 1862, brigadier-general U. S. A.; March 13, 1865, brevet major-general U. S. A.

Rickoff, Andrew J.-May 10, 1864, private Company E, 138th O. V. I. Skinner, J. Ralston-November 19, 1862, major and judge advocate (Gen. Rosecrans' staff); March 20, 1865, resigned.

Slocum, J. J.-February 10, 1862, captain and C. S., U. S. A.; March 13, 1865, brevet major, U. S. A.; October, 1865. colonel U. S. A.; July 7, 1866, resigned.

Smith, Thomas C. H.--August 23, 1861, lieutenant-colonel First O. V. Cavalry; November 29, 1862, brigadier-general U. S. Volunteers; January 31, 1866, mustered out of service.

Straub, Walter F.---August, 1861, captain and aid-de-camp (Gen. McCook's staff); October, 1862, resigned.

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Warnock, James-August 31, 1861, second lieutenant Company D, Second O. V. I.; October 2, 1863, captain Company D, Second O. V. I.; October 10, 1864, mustered out with regiment.

Webb, Joseph T.- July 2, 1861, major and surgeon Twenty-third O. V. I.;, 1865, brevet lieutenant-colonel; July 26, 1866, mustered out with regiment.

White, M. Hazen-September 2, 1861, volunteer second lieutenant; January 1, 1862, second lieutenant and aid-de camp; January, 1864, first lieutenant and aidde-camp; October 16, 1864, major Fourth Arkansas Cavalry; July 2, 1865, mustered out with regiment.

White, William Sutton--September 12, 1861, private Fourth O. V. Cavalry; November 27, 1861, sergeant Company F, Fourth O. V. Cavalry; June 12, 1862, second lieutenant Fourth O. V. Cavalry; February 1, 1863, first lieutenant Fourth O. V. Cavalry; November 21, 1864, mustered out with regiment.

Williamson, Milton T.-October 29, 1861, second lieutenant O. V. I.; February 12, 1862, first lieutenant Company C, Seventy-second O. V. I.; May 31, 1863, severely wounded at Vicksburg; January, 1864, commissioned as captain, but declined commission; October 28, 1865, mustered out by expiration of service.

Wilson, Charles P.--April 17, 1861, private Company C, Second O. V. I.; August 9, 1861, mustered out with regiment; -, medical cadet; May 2, 1864, major and surgeon 138th O. V. I.; September 1, 1864, mustered out with regiment.

Wilson, James K.--July, 1861, first lieutenant Company -, Third N. Y. Volunteer Cavalry; April, 1862. resigned.

Wood, E. Morgan--May 14, 1861, captain United States Infantry; March 1, 1863, resigned.

Analysis of Rank on Entering Service.-Colonels, 2; lieutenant-colonels, 4; majors, 13; captains, 16; first lieutenants 4; second lieutenants, 5; privates, 7.-Total, 51.

Analysis of Rank Attained Excluding Brevets.-Major-generals, 1; brigadier-generals, 5; colonels, 8; lieutenant-colonels, 4; majors, 11; captains, 14; first lieutenants, 5; second lieutenants, 2 -Total, 50.

In May, 1861, associate members of the United States Sanitary Commission were appointed in Cincinnati, and the work of supplementing the government appliances for the comfort of soldiers had begun. The building now known as the Good Samaritan Hospital was unfinished, having been erected for the United States Marine service. Through the efforts of Dr. W. H. Mussey, it was secured as a hospital for the use of the army. A board of ladies and gentlemen was organized for its management, by whose efforts and the liberality of the people it was furnished, and in May opened for the reception of patients. Until the next August it was kept in full efficiency, with surgeons, nurses, hospital supplies, and necessary furniture provided by the citizens. It was then adopted by the government, and passed under the control of the Medical Department of the army. In this, as in many instances afterward, this voluntary action of an intelligent and zealous people anticipated and pointed the way to the slower and more regular movements of the army authorities. It was a war of the people, and the people led, whenever practicable. A little later the Western Branch of the United States Sanitary Commission was organized in Cincinnati, and continued its remarkable work of patriotism and charity, until years after the last returning soldier had reached his home. The subsequent history of this great organization from its beginning until August, 1864, is briefly told in the following extract from a report made in that month: "The Western Secretary of the Sanitary Commission having given notice to the associate members resident in Cincinnati of their appointment, the Cincinnati Branch was formally organized at a meeting at the residence of Dr. W. H. Mussey, November 27, 1861. Robert W. Burnet was elected president; Geo. Headley, vice-president; Charles Fosdick, corresponding secretary; B. P. Baker, recording secretary; and Henry Pearce, treasurer."

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The body thus created was left almost wholly without instructions or specification of powers. It had no other charge than to do the best it could with what it could get. It was permitted to work out its own fate by the light of the patriotism and intelligence of its members. If any authority was claimed over it, or power to direct or limit its action, it was not known to the members for nearly two years from the date of its organization.

The steps actually taken, however, from time to time, were communicated to the United States Sanitary Commission at Washington, and by them approved. Delegates more than once attended the sessions of that body, and were permitted to participate in its action. The Branch were requested to print, as one of the series (No. 44) of the publications of the Commission, their report of their doings to date of March 1, 1862, and 2,500 copies of the edition were ,,out to Washington for distribution from that point.

Previous to the organization of this Branch. an address had been issued by the United States Sanitary Commission to the loyal women of America, in which the name of Dr. Mussey was mentioned as a proper party to whom supplies might be sent. A small stock had been received by him, which was transferred to the Branch, and circulars were at once prepared and issued, appealing for the means of such useful action as might seem open. A Central Ladies Soldiers' Aid Society, for Cincinnati and vicinity, was organized, and the co-operation of more than forty societies of ladies in Hamilton county was thus secured. This Society, it is proper to add, continued its beneficial connection with the Branch in vigorous activity, furnishing large quantities of supplies of every description, for nearly two years, and until the dispiriting effect of the change, hereafter to be noticed, in the relations of the Branch to the work of distribution, paralyzed its efforts, and resulted, finally, in a practical transfer of the labors of the ladies to other fields of no less patriotic service.

The camps and hospitals near Cincinnati were subjected to inspection, and all necessary relief was furnished. Concert of action was established with the Volunteer Aid Committee, appointed at a public meeting of citizens in October, 1861, of whom Messrs. C. F. Wilstach, E. C. Baldwin, and M. E. Reaves were elected members of the Branch. Their rooms, kindly furnished, free of expense, by the school board, became its office and depot, and finally, in the spring of 1862, a complete transfer was made of all the stock in the hands of that committee to the Cincinnati Branch, and the former body was merged in this.

Under the stimulus of constant appeals to the public, and by the wise use of the means received, the confidence of the community having been gained, large quantities of hospital and camp supplies, and some money, were received, and the members entered with zeal upon the duty of distribution. The force, which the United States Sanitary Commission then had in the West, consisted of the Western secretary and a few inspectors, who were engaged in traveling from camp to camp, without any fixed headquarters. That body was not prepared, and did not profess to undertake this duty.

A serious question soon presented itself to the mind of every active member of the Branch. whether to prosecute the work of distribution mainly through paid agents, or by means of voluntary service. At times there have been differences of opinion upon the subject, and some of the members have had occasion, with enlarged experience, to revise their views. The result of this experience is to confirm the judgment that the use of paid agents by such an organization, in such a crisis, is, except to a limited extent, inexpedient. It has been clearly proved that voluntary service can be had to a sufficient extent, and such service connects the army and the people by a constantly renewing chain of gratuitous, valuable and tender labors, which many who can not serve in the field esteem it a privilege to be permitted to perform in the sick-room and the hospital.

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The members of this Branch felt at liberty to pledge publicly in their appeals for contributions, that the work of distribution should be done under their personal supervision, subject of course to the control of the proper medical officers of the army; and, until late in the autumn of 1862, they faithfully kept this pledge, and were able to effect, as they believe, a maximum of benefit with a minimum of complaint. Fault finding never ceases while the seasons change; but the finding of fault with the gratuitous services of men well known in a community has no power to injure.

While their labors were prosecuted under this plan, nearly every member of the Branch was brought into personal contact with the work of distribution. They were present on the battlefield of Shiloh. They were first at Perryville and Fort Donelson, at which point they inaugurated the system of hospital steamers. They called to their aid successfully the services of the most eminent surgeons and physicians, and the first, citizens of Cincinnati. They gained the confidence of the Legislature of Ohio, which made them an appropriation of $3,O00, and of the city council of Cincinnati, who paid them, in like manner, the sum of $2,000, and of the Secretary of War and Quartermaster-General, who placed at their control, at government expense, a steamer, which for months navigated the western waters in the transportation of supplies and of the sick and wounded.

They fitted out, in whole or part, thirty-two such steamers, some running under their own management, others under that of the governor of Ohio, and the mayor of Cincinnati, the United States Sanitary Commission and the War Department.

The relief furnished at Fort Donelson by this Branch constituted a marked, and at the time, novel instance of their mode of management, which may properly receive more specific mention here, as it elicited high praise from the Western secretary, and the compliment of a vote of encouragement from the United States Sanitary Commission. In this case a handsome sum was at once raised by subscription among the citizens, and the steamer " Allen Collier " was chartered, loaded with hospital supplies and medicines, placed under the charge of the five members of the Branch, with ten volunteer surgeons and thirty-six nurses, and dispatched to the Cumberland river. At Louisville the Western secretary accepted an invitation to join the party. It was also found practicable to accommodate on board one delegate from the Columbus, and another from the Indianapolis, Branch Commission, with a further stock of supplies from the latter. The steamer reached Donelson in advance of any other relief agency. Great destitution was found to exist, on the field no chloroform at all, and but little morphia, and on the floating hospital, "Fanny Bullitt," occupied by 300 wounded, only two ounces of cerate, no meat for soup, no wood for cooking, and the only bread-hard bread; not a spoon or candlestick. The suffering was corresponding. Happily the `^c Collier" bore an ample stock, and with other parties on a like errand, who soon arrived, the surgeon's task was speedily made, lighter, and his patients gained in comfort. The " Collier " returned, after a short delay, bringing a load of wounded to occupy hospitals at Cincinnati, which this Branch had meanwhile, under the authority of Gen. Halleck, and with the aid of that efficient and able officer, Dr. John Moore, then post surgeon at Cincinnati, procured and furnished.

This was but the beginning of very arduous and extensive services, personally and gratuitously rendered by members of this Branch. They traveled thousands of miles on hospital steamers on their errands of mercy, and spent weeks and months in laborious service on battlefields, and in camps and hospitals. They aided the government in the establishment of eight hospitals in Cincinnati and Covington, and suggested and assisted in work of preparing Camp Dennison, seventeen miles distant, as a general hospital for the reception of thousands of patients. They bought furniture, became responsible for rent, and the pay of nurses, provided material for the supply table, hired physicians, and in numberless ways secured that full and careful attention to the care and comfort of the soldier, which from inex-

352 - HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.

perience, want of means, or the fear of responsibility, would otherwise, during the first and second year of the war, have been wanting.

During the period to which allusion has been made, the United States Sanitary Commission had few resources, and those mostly employed in proper service at the East, where the members principally resided. This Branch was called on to aid that body, and, to the extent of its means, responded. At one time (early in 1862), it was supposed impossible to sustain that organization, except by monthly contributions from each of the several Branches, continued for six months; and this Branch was assessed to pay to that end the sum of $250 per month, for the time specified, which call was met by an advance of the entire sum required, viz.: $2,375. This sum, small as it now seems, in comparison with the enormous contributions of a later date, was then considered no mean subsidy by either of the parties to it.

In May, 1862, the Soldiers' Home of the Branch was established, an institution which, since its opening, has entertained, with a degree of comfort scarcely surpassed by the best hotels of the city, over eighty thousand soldiers, furnishing them 372,000 meals. It has recently been furnished with 100 new iron bedsteads, at a cost of $500. The establishment and maintenance of the Home, the members of the Cincinnati Branch look upon as one of their most valuable works, second in importance only to the relief furnished by the "sanitary steamers" dispatched promptly to the battlefields with surgeons, nurses, and stores, and with beds to bring away the wounded and the sick; and they may, perhaps, be permitted with some pride, to point to these two important systems of relief, inaugurated by them. The necessity for the last mentioned method of relief has nearly passed away; we hope it may soon pass away entirely, never to return. The Home still stands in our midst, offering food and rest to the hungry and wayworn soldier, and reminding us of the kind hearts and loyal hands, whose patriotic contributions and patient toil, supplementing the aid furnished by the government through the quartermaster and Commissary Department of the army, have enabled them to establish it. To this aid of a generous and benign government, dispensed with kindness and alacrity by the officers who have been at the heads of these departments in this city, this institution is indebted, in a great measure, for its existence and usefulness.

May we not hope this aid will be continued, and that so long as the necessity for a Soldiers' Home exists, it may be able to send forth its invitation, open at all hoursfree to all soldiers; and that the efficient superintendent, G. W. D. Andrews, Esq., who, under the supervision of a committee of the Branch, has managed its affairs from its birth, may, when the necessity for it shall cease, be there to bid God speed to its last guest?

The importance of perpetuating the names of the soldiers whose lives had been, or might be, sacrificed in the defense of our government, being an anxious concern of many of the members of the Commission, and regarded by them as of so much importance, they early resolved that, so far as they could control the matter, not only should this be done, but that their last resting place should be in our beautiful city of the dead---Spring Grove Cemetery. Au early interview was had with the trustees, who promptly responded to the wishes of the Commission, and gratuitously donated for that purpose a conspicuous lot, near the charming lake, of a circular shape, and in size sufficient to contain 300 bodies. In addition thereto this generous association have interred, free of expense for interment, all the soldiers buried there. This lot having become occupied, the Commission arranged for another of similar size and shape, near by, for the sum of $1,500. The subject of the payment of the same having been presented to the Legislature of Ohio, the members unanimously agreed that, as a large proportion of those who were to occupy this ground as their last home, were the sons of Ohio, it was the proper duty of the State to contribute thereto. In accordance therewith, an appropriation of $3,000 was made for the purpose, subject to the approval of his Excellency, Governor Tod. A third circle of the same size and shape, adjacent to the others, was, therefore, secured at the same price.

HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY. - 353

The propriety of this expenditure was approved by the governor, after a careful examination of the ground and its value. Two of these lots have been filled, and the third is in readiness for occupancy, should it become necessary. A record is carefully made on the books of the cemetery of the name, age, company and regiment of each soldier interred there, that relatives, friends, and strangers may know, in all time to come, that we, for whom their lives were given, were not unmindful of the sacrifice they had made, and that we properly appreciate the obligations we are under to them for their efforts in aiding to secure to us, and future generations. the blessings of a redeemed and regenerated country.

In view of the work of this Branch from the commencement, we can not but express our heartfelt gratitude to that kind Providence, which has so signally blessed its efforts, and made the Commission instrumental in the distribution of the large amount of donations, which have been poured into their hands by full and free hearts, for the benefit of sufferers who are bravely defending our country and our homes.

It will be seen that one and a half per cent on the cash receipts from the commencement will cover all expenses for clerk hire, labor, freight, drayage, and other incidental matters; and this comparatively small expense is, in a great measure, owing to the extreme liberality, which should here be gratefully acknowledged, of the free use of the telegraph wires, and the free carriage of hundreds of tons of stores by the several express companies, railroads and steamboats.

With all this liberality, our supplies would long since have been exhausted by the constantly increasing requirements of our soldiers had not the sagacity and enterprise of a number of energetic and patriotic gentlemen suggested the idea of, and inaugurated, the Great Western Sanitary Fair of this city, the wonderful result of which realized (to the Commission) over a quarter of a million dollars, which will enable us to relieve the wants of the sick and wounded soldiers for some time to come.-R. W. Burnet, president; George Hoadley, Larz Anderson, vice-presidents;. S. J. Broadwell, recording secretary; R. W. Burnet, Thomas G. Odiorne, Charles F. Wilstach, executive committee; George K. Shoenberger, A. Aub, M. Bailey, Eli C. Baldwin, Joshua H. Bates, E. S. Brooks, A. E. Chamberlin, Rev. B. W. Chid law, Charles E. Cist, C. G. Comegys, M. D., George F. Davis, Charles R. Fosdick, L. B. Harrison, James M. Johnston, B. F. Baker, David Judkins, M. D., Edward Mead, M. D., George Mendenhall, M. D., W. H. Mussey, M. D., Henry Pearce, Elliott H. Pendleton, Charles Thomas, Mark E. Reeves, E. Y. Robbins, all of Cincinnati; Charles Butler, of Franklin; James McDaniel, J. D. Phillips, R. W. Steele,. of Dayton; David S. Brooks, of Zanesville. Treasury, the First National Bank of Cincinnati.

The following statement shows fully the receipts and disbursements of money from the treasury to August 11, 1864. A detailed account of the variety of stores and supplies which has passed through the store-room of the branch would cover many pages. The value can not be accurately estimated, but the donations alone exceed one million of dollars.

RECEIPTS.

From the State of Ohio (part of $3,000 appropriated) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . 0$ 1,000.00

" city of Cincinnati--donation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,000.00

" citizens of Cincinnati-donations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . 35,265.73

" " other parts of Ohio... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14,423.43

" sale of unconsumed rations at Soldiers' Home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . 2,175.52

" Sanitary Fair (per committee) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235,406.62

" citizens of California, through the United States Sanitary Commission . . . .15,000.00

" interest and premium on securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,655.00

$313,926.30

354 - HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.

DISBURSEMENTS.

For purchase of medicines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 1,412.37

" three sets of hospital-car trucks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 3,108.00

" expense at rooms (for salaries of clerks, porters, laborers, freights on receipts

and shipments, etc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16,402.18

" Ladies' Central Soldiers' Aid Society. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,104.65

" Charter of Hospital steamboats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13,272.31

" disbursements on account of Soldiers' Rome. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,502.49

" supplies for distribution to hospitals, camps, etc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..140,215.40

" remittance to United States Sanitary Commission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,003.75

Balance on hand, Eighty five-twenty bonds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$80,000.00

Thirty-eight one-year certificates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37,184.45

Cash in bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 5,720.70

" . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .122,905.15

$313,926.30

The persons whose names are signed to the above report constituted the Cincinnati Branch of the United States Sanitary Commission. They are worthy to be emblazoned upon the pages of history--that wherever the story of love of country and of mercy to suffering humanity is proclaimed their works may be told as a memorial of them.

The great Western Sanitary Fair, to which allusion is made in their report, is worthy of separate notice. Chicago had set the example of a popular fair to raise money for the Sanitary Commission, and her enterprise was in progress with good promise of liberal results. Nothing was left to Cincinnati but to accept the friendly challenge, and endeavor to excel her rival in well doing. The Cincinnati Times of November 7. 1863, published a communication signed " A Lady," which was written by Mrs. Elizabeth Mendenhall, wife of one of the best known of Cincinnati's physicians, calling upon Cincinnati to follow the example of Chicago. The summons was responded to from every side. Meetings were held composed of those who had the desire and the ability to work, and soon the enterprise began to assume definite shape. Gen. Rosecrans, who was at that time in Cincinnati waiting orders, consented to take the position of president of the great Fair. Most fittingly, Mrs. Mendenhall was made vice-president. The enterprise was largely under the management and direction of the women of Cincinnati and southwestern Ohio. So rapid was the organization and preparation that on the 27th of November, but twenty days after the first suggestion, the Fair was inaugurated at Mozart Hall (now the Grand Opera House). That building, entire, had been arranged for the use of various departments of the Fair. Also the "Palace Garden," as it was called, situated where the "Hotel Emery" now stands, was arranged as a refreshment hall. A huge building for the purposes of a bazaar, 64 x 400 feet, was erected upon the space between Main and Walnut streets, in front of the present government building.

When completed the organization embraced sixteen principal committees, which were divided into more than seventy sub-committees, as the only means of meeting the many phases of eager liberality. Mozart Hall building, the Palace Garden, the Great Bazaar, and warehouses, according to need, were made ready to receive, forward or sell whatever might be obtained. Mozart Hall was used for lectures and concerts, while the other apartments in the building were used as store and committee rooms. An art gallery was furnished by loans of pictures and other works of art, and many works of great excellence were donated to be sold for the benefit of the cause. Curiosities, relics, objects of interest, valuable relies, added to the attractions. Churches, societies, villages.^- and every form of association responded in generous rivalry to the call for help. More than 150 organizations were actively engaged, most of them being women, who could only in this way testify their spirit of helpfulness and sacrifice. All railroads, steamboats and express companies gave

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free transportation to all commodities consigned to the Sanitary Fair. December 21, 1863, the Fair was opened, and during the succeeding weeks the great forces set in motion by enthusiastic patriotism gathered gifts of whatever kind could be made available.

The first week in January was intensely cold. A storm, unequalled in severity, swept over the Mississippi Valley as the old year went out, which made the next day memorable as " the cold New Year." During the next six days the winds were out, and the temperature hovered about zero. Among the ladies who stood at the counters in the Great Bazaar suffering was not uncommon, and impaired health in not. a few cases was an additional sacrifice. The closing of the Fair, with its gifts, labors, lectures, concerts and sales, did not take place until April 21, 1864. On that date the managers submitted their final report to the public.

In that report the chief credit is given to the ladies for inspiring the people of all classes and conditions to contribute the unprecedented amount of $234,500 net to the Fair. The actual outlay for expenses had amounted to a little more than 8 per cent in the net amount paid to the Sanitary Commission. It furthermore appeared that while the people of the State outside of Cincinnati had contributed $30,000, the people of Cincinnati had contributed $175,000. The rest came from citizens of other States. The entire history of the enterprise, from its inception to the final report, has been preserved in an octavo volume of 578 pages, published by C. F. Vent & Company.

The Cincinnati Branch of the United States Sanitary Commission continued its work, diminishing as the storm of war settled down to the level of peace. On February 1, 1800, a statement was made showing total cash receipts of $330,769.53, and a total expenditure of $290,101.02, leaving still on hand an unexpended balance of $34,0108. 51 invested in United States bonds to await another call for deeds of charity.

The Soldiers' Home, which stood on the south side of Third street, about one hundred feet east of Broadway, on ground now occupied by the Lorraine building, kept open its hospitable doors from May 15, 1862, until October 8, 1865. During that period it was a "soldiers' hotel," which never turned away a guest and never presented a bill. Soldiers found lodgings, stationery, information and clothing, according to their need. The total number of lodgings furnished was 45,400, and of meals 656,704. All this was accomplished with an expenditure of $64,000.

After February, 1866, no public statement seems to have been made, but all the books, accounts, minutes and records of every kind, now deposited in the custody of the Historical Society, show very fully the work subsequently done, and the disposition made of the remaining funds. The Commission continued to hold meetings and direct relief operations. The last Ohio soldiers were not mustered out of the service until the summer of 1866, and, after that date, waifs and strays, stranded and destitute, fell into the kindly hands of the Commission. Their pressing wants were supplied, and they were furnished transportation to their homes. Au executive committee of three members, to whom the Commission at each meeting made appropriations, carried on the work of relief. Widows and orphans of soldiers, whose circumstances made theta proper objects of charity, were sought out, and their pressing wants relieved. The Orphan Asylums in Cincinnati were caring for 209 orphans of soldiers, and at one time the Commission appropriated $10,450, to aid in carrying their burden. The sum of $500 was at one time sent to Dayton, Ohio. Aid was given to the Ohio Soldiers' Home, a temporary shelter at Columbus, maintained by private munificence, until the State and Nation could provide at public expense more efficient and permanent homes. Relief in some cases was given to certain destitute regions of the South, that had been desolated by war. Seed corn, provisions, and in some cases schoolbooks were supplied. The last of the funds was not disposed of until 1880. It was a splendid charity, worthily administered by men who were

356 - HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.

not only honest and unselfish, but whose accounts and records, carefully kept and deposited in safe custody, remain to vindicate them, and serve for an example to others.

Another organization of great influence for good was the Cincinnati Branch of the United States Christian Commission. As early as June, 1861, the association of Evangelical ministers of Cincinnati put themselves upon record by formal declaration, in which they expressed their gratitude to God for his mercies to this Nation, professed their love for Him as the Author of all good, by which they were Constrained to proclaim: " The rebellion which now afflicts our land, and jeopardizes some of the most precious hopes of mankind, is the result of a long contemplated and widespread conspiracy against the principles of liberty, justice, mercy and righteousness proclaimed in the word of God, sustained by our constitutional Government, and lying at. the foundation of all public and private welfare. In the present conflict, therefore, our Government stands before us representing the cause of God and man against a rebellion threatening the Nation with ruin in order to perpetuate and spread a system of unrighteousness and oppression. In this emergency we can not hesitate to support, by every legitimate method, a government in maintaining its authority unimpaired throughout the whole country, and over this whole people."

From the first, the clergy of all denominations, with unanimity and inspiring zeal, sustained the authority of the Government. The venerable Bishop McIlvaine, in his address to the Episcopal Convention of that year, urged his hearers "bravely and earnestly to sustain our Government and its administration, in the use of all lawful means for preserving the integrity of the Union." Archbishop Purcell, the venerated head of the Catholic clergy, manifested his sympathy and love for his country by causing the American flag to be raised over the Cathedral in Cincinnati, and over the parish churches of his diocese.

It soon became evident that organization would be necessary, in order that zeal and enthusiasm might have due effect; and so the Cincinnati Branch of the United States Christian Commission entered upon its career. It was not a new movement, but an organization of the old and spontaneous enthusiasm, which had everywhere manifested itself. The officers were as follows: President, A. E. Chamberlain; vicepresident, H. Thane Miller; secretary, Rev. John F. Marley; general agent, Rev. B. W. Chidlaw. The president gave two years of his life and labor to the cause, and in addition furnished an office and store room, free of rent.

The value of this organization can never be calculated. It called into play religious motives and convictions, the deepest and most powerful of all the influences that direct and control men. The cause of the country became sacred, when the Church, the Sunday-school and the family altar, had devoted themselves to its maintenance. Around these holy places where worship is offered, and prayer ascends, clustered not only devout piety, but glowing, patriotic fervor. These became the abiding and uplifting force, that daily replenished the failing energies of the people. The cause of the country became a holy crusade. Every sacrifice made in its behalf became a holy offering. Every religious organization became a center of patriotic zeal.

During the term of its existence, the Cincinnati Christian Commission raised and disbursed cash to the amount of $108,889, and stores and supplies of the estimated value of $289,002. It distributed 9,994 Bibles, 55,091 Hymn and Psalm Books, 458,083 knapsack books-a compilation of valuable and interesting reading matter in pamphlet form, suitable for a soldier's knapsack-8,678 bound volumes, and almost a million copies of magazines, pamphlets, religious newspapers, and tracts of various kinds. Of course, this catalogue but very feebly indicates the work performed by that organization. Its agents and laborers were not only everywhere employed in giving moral and religious tone to our armies, comforting the sick and dying, Communicating between the soldiers in the field and their friends and relatives at home, but they largely ministered to the physical welfare of the army. While the moral

HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY. - 357

and intellectual cultivation of soldiers was the leading object and purpose, the Christian Commission by no means stopped their work at that point.

The situation of Cincinnati, within cannon range of disputed territory, early gave her citizens serious concern for the security of her homes and wealth, and this feeling of apprehension was not wholly dissipated until the war was drawing to a close. It was early awakened into painful activity whenever the hostile force came near enough to be a menace. After the first awakening at the outbreak of the war, this feeling subsided, especially during the period of earlier victories in the West. The battle at Mill Spring, and the capture of Fort Donelson and Fort Henry, had thrown the rebels back to the southward of Nashville, but unfortunately, after the evacuation of Corinth, the race for Chattanooga was won by the rebels, and East Tennessee, the citadel of the continent, was still in the hands of the enemy, in which ho had a safe retreat, and from which he could make dangerous sorties at will. The campaign of 1802 gave proof, never to be forgotten, of the commanding strength of that mountain fortress.

The effective national troops were in distant fields, and neither the State nor the city was prepared with arms or soldiers for defense. The line of attack and defense had receded, until danger was scarcely apprehended even by the most cautious. Suddenly, in the afternoon of July 11, 1862, it was announced in Cincinnati, that John Morgan with his troopers, was at Tomkinsville, Ky., with no efficient force to oppose his march to the Ohio river. For the next few days he was dashing about central Kentucky, capturing outposts, paroling prisoners, burning bridges, securing horses, enlisting adventurous young men in the rebel service, mystifying his enemies and spreading general alarm and confusion.

The city became thoroughly alarmed, and on the 13th a public meeting was held. Speeches were delivered, and the people made eager responses. The city council resolved to pay all necessary expenses of protecting the city, and at once made an initial appropriation of $5,000. The police force, under Chief Dudley, and a single field piece manned by firemen under Capt. Glass, were forwarded by the Kentucky Central railroad. In the absence of the police, rioting broke out in the city. The lowest class of whites manifested their riotous disposition in assaults upon the negroes, and the city was menaced with serious disorders. Leading citizens met and organized a force of 1,000 men to patrol the city and enforce the peace. The stay of Morgan was brief, but just before he started upon his return he captured Cynthiana, and, among other men and material, the gun and firemen from Cincinnati.

The only abiding result was that the people were reminded of the urgent need for enlistments in our army, and that their own safety depended upon their success in upholding the National Government. Liberal donations were made to encourage volunteering, and to care for the families of soldiers during their absence. Public opinion was intensified, meetings wore held, and the people became more determined as the final object seemed to become more remote.

The guerilla dash under John Morgan was only an overture. It demonstrated the ease with which a movement might be made to the rear of the Union armies, so as to threaten the cities along the Ohio river. It revealed to the most obtuse observer the startling fact, that the mountain ranges of East Tennessee had innumerable passes, which might serve as sally-ports for the enemy concealed within.

In August. Gen. Kirby Smith with probably 15,000 men moved from his camp at Knoxville, Tenn., upon Lexington, Ky., avoiding the National forces at Cumberland Gap, and turning their position by a rapid movement. That force was compelled to fall back to the Ohio river by the valley of the Big Sandy. Gen. Buell with his army was still in Tennessee. Almost before the military authorities were well-advised of this movement, a battle was fought at Richmond, Ky., on the 29th of August, 1862, in which the National forces were completely routed. They were undisciplined troops, recently enlisted, and hurried directly to the front. News of this disaster reached

358 - HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.

Cincinnati Saturday evening, August 30, 1862. It was supposed by the people of the State that the defeated army at Richmond, reinforced by other troops, would fall back upon Cincinnati. But on Monday evening it was known that these troops had retreated toward Louisville, and that there was no force worth mentioning between the enemy and Cincinnati. On the 1st of September, Kirby Smith's army entered Lexington without opposition. All at once the people of the city apprehended the fact that they were utterly defenseless. The city council was convened in special session. The credit and faith of the city were pledged for all expenses necessary for the public defense. The mayor was authorized and directed to order the suspension of business, and to call the citizens to arms. The Military Department at that time was commanded by Gen. Horatio G. Wright. The city council and mayor put all the military resources of the city at his command. He responded to the situation by sending from the front Gen. Lew Wallace, who arrived at 9 P.M. September 1st. The mayors of Cincinnati, Covington and Newport waited upon him at the " Burnet House " soon after his arrival. The executive officers of the three cities had the same message to deliver, from the respective councils and people. Everything was placed at his disposal, and all were willing to obey his orders and uphold his hands. Before two o'clock of that night, a proclamation of martial law was prepared by him, which appeared in the newspapers of the next. morning.

In that proclamation the people were warned that an active and powerful enemy threatened them with all the consequences of war; announced that the cities must be defended, and that their inhabitants must at once engage in the work; that there should be no distinction of classes, and no exemption from any duty while the danger was imminent; that at nine o'clock the next morning every business house in the cities must be closed; and that citizens must an hour later assemble in convenient places ready for orders; that this labor ought to be a labor of love, but. that anyhow it must be done. Martial law was proclaimed in the three cities, and it was ordered that it should be enforced by the police, until soldiers might arrive. Even the schools were closed, and the ferry boats were forbidden to ply after four o'clock A. M.

The order was indeed a sweeping conscription, and an absolute prohibition of all kinds of private pursuits. It soon appeared that even in such great danger the order had been too comprehensive and inclusive. It was soon afterward modified so as to allow the schools to proceed with their work, drug stores and bakeries to conduct their usual business, physicians to visit their patients, and bankers to open from 1 to 2 o'clock daily. It would not seem unnatural if so drastic a measure had caused complaint and ill humor, but on the contrary it. seemed to produce the highest satisfaction. Every citizen beamed upon his neighbor, as if there had been a proclamation of a great festival. They not only perceived that the way to avoid the threatened danger was to meet it, but they seemed to take pleasure in the prospect of defending their homes.

Governor Tod hurried down from Columbus, and, as soon as the situation was fully understood, issued telegraphic orders for all available enlisted men to be sent to Cincinnati, and for a full supply of arms and ammunition, He sent out a warning to all the border counties to organize for their defense. In response to numerous offers of assistance from neighboring counties, he announced that all bodies of men who were armed would be received, that they must repair at once to Cincinnati and report to Gen. Lew Wallace, who would complete their organization. None but armed men were to be received, and all the railroad companies were notified to pass such at the expense of the State. Exception was made of armed men residing in the river counties; who were directed to remain for the protection of their homes. These orders and proclamation were issued by Governor Tod on the 2nd of September. Next morning, the first companies from the rural parts of the State, who have passed into history as the "Squirrel Hunters," began to appear in Cincinnati. They were a motley but enthusiastic assemblage of people. Without uniforms, without

HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY. - 359

practice in marching, or in the manual of arms, ignorant of the duties of a soldier, possessing nothing but arms and courage, they had hurried to the scene of threatened war.

At that time there was no bridge across the Ohio river in front of Cincinnati. Those splendid arches, high in air, springing from one State to another, and spanning the mighty river, have all been constructed since our Civil war. Rapid and certain communication between the two States, menaced by this invasion, was an imperative necessity. As soon as it was known that Cincinnati must prepare for her own defense. a pontoon of novel construction was laid almost in a night, under the direction of Wesley M. Cameron. Coal barges were laid side by side, parallel with the current, and anchored firmly in position. On top of these, timbers were laid from shore to shore. on which were placed the bridge planks, wide enough for four wagons abreast. It served every purpose of a permanent bridge.

For two days after the first appearance of the first Squirrel Hunters, they kept pouring along; the streets from all the railroad depots, and moving across the huge pontoon. Every necessary preparation for their comfort had been made by the liberality of the citizens. The Fifth Street market-house, which stood where the famous Tyler -Davidson Fountain now stands, was turned into an eating establishment, where all were bountifully fed before crossing the river. In addition to the committees of citizens who were busy providing for the wants of the defenders of the city, the Sanitary Commission was energetic and liberal in the performance of all duties that., came within its reach.

At the front, as it was called, that is, the hills to the southward of Newport and Covington, details of citizens were kept busy with pick and spade under the direction of competent army engineers, constructing earthworks at every available point. Whatever may have been possible, if a rapid movement had been made at first by the enemy, it became clear within three days that the city could not be taken by a hurried assault. Time had been gained, and time assured final safety. The enemy had halted three days in Lexington, and, even when the movement on Cincinnati was made, it had not the energy and rapidity that betokens serious business. On the 5th of September the governor announced to the public that no more volunteers would be needed for the defense of Cincinnati: but he advised that all military organizations be kept up for future needs.

At this time about 15,000 of these picturesque citizen soldiers had reached the city. On the 0th of September Gen. Wright, commanding the Department, issued an order permitting resumption of all lawful business, except the sale of liquors until 4 o'clock of each day. After that hour, all business houses were required to be closed, and the citizens were to respond to requisitions which were daily made for laborers, and these were equitably distributed among the different wards of the city.

The enemy dud not attack or even provoke a collision of any kind, until the 10th of September. when some forward movements were made, which indicated a purpose to assault. There were some trifling skirmishes, but no attack. The general commanding the Department again appealed to the governor. and the march of the Squirrel Hunters from the interior was resumed. On the 13th this movement was checked, and the volunteers were turned back. It was ascertained on the 12th of the month that the enemy had quietly departed. The advance of the army under Gen. Buell froth Nashville threatened Bragg's main army so that he was compelled to concentrate his forces. The relief of Cincinnati from threatened attack was at last secured by the movements of an army more than a hundred miles away. On the 15th of September Gen. Wallace took leave of the city. All restrictions upon business were removed, and all apprehension ceased.

Nothing occurred to bring hostilities near Cincinnati until midsummer, 1863. While Gen, Rosecrans with his army still lay inactive along Stone river, John Mor-

360 - HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.

Fan, the rebel guerilla chieftain, crossed the Cumberland river at Burkesville on the 2nd of July, and moved directly for the Ohio river. He had been ordered by Gen. Bragg to make a raid through Kentucky, so as to break up communications between Gen. Rosecrans and his base of operations. Disregarding the orders of his commanding officers, he crossed the Ohio river below Louisville, and started upon his aimless march through the States of Indiana and Ohio. He was closely pressed by the National cavalry under the command of Gen. Hobson, so that his march partook more of the character of a flight than a military expedition. Navigation was suspended upon the Ohio river above Louisville, and all river craft put in position to be out of his reach. On Monday July 13th at 1 P. M He entered the State of Ohio at the town of Harrison. The military forces at hand were sufficient to intercept Morgan's forces, and with the assistance of the forces of Gen. Hobson completely destroy them. Gen. Burnside has been criticised for his failure to end Morgan's career in Hamilton county; but that general purposely declined, as he expressed it to himself, to fight a battle in the suburbs of a great city. His opinion was that to bring on a conflict would result in useless destruction of property, and unnecessary suffering. So he purposely allowed the enemy to pass to the eastward, taking care that his march through the populous and wealthy regions about Cincinnati should be as harmless as possible, intending to capture or destroy his forces somewhere on the upper Ohio.

As soon as it was known that Morgan was pushing energetically toward Cincinnati martial law was proclaimed in Cincinnati. and hurried preparation was made to overhaul his forces. The city was in a tumult, and confusion of futile preparation. But, before an organized body of men could be formed, the great raider had passed to the eastward, through the village of Glendale, and continuing in an easterly direction, had reached the Little Miami by daylight on the morning of the 14th. There was no destruction of property in this county, except the burning of a bridge over the Great, Miami river at Now Baltimore. There was considerable loss by the exchange of broken-down and worthless horses for good ones taken from the farmers along the route. Morgan's flight continued eastward until he reached the Ohio river at Buffington Island, where he had intended crossing the river. The night was pitch dark, the ford was guarded by a battery, and precious time was lost by the enforced delay. Gunboats arrived to make the crossing impossible, and Hobson's cavalry had time to overtake the enemy they had pursued so far. About onehalf of Morgan's force was captured, the rest escaping to continue their flight to the eastward, until they finally found it necessary to surrender.

The final capture of Morgan and the remnant of his force occurred at Salineville, in Columbiana county, on the 28th of July. He had been thirteen days in crossing the State of Ohio, had plundered many small towns, taken many horses by the way, had fought several skirmishes, and so rapid had been his movements that, although 50,000 men from all directions were hurrying to overthrow him, he was within a few miles of the eastern limits of the State when he was captured by soldiers who began their pursuit from Wheeling. The total loss to the citizens of Ohio by this raid was about a half million dollars.

After the Morgan raid the tide of war drifted away to the southward, so that Cincinnati was never again disturbed by the approach of a hostile force. The wasted armies of the rebellion were too remote to be a menace, and too feeble for diversions. Nevertheless, during the entire period of the war, the city was the center of military activity. Its situation on the border of loyal territory, and upon a great system of navigable rivers, in the center of a populous, wealthy and patriotic region, abounding in all military supplies, fully established as a manufacturing and commercial center, had necessarily become a great depot, and was continually alive with the hum of military preparation. Millions of dollars were expended here in the purchase of clothing and camp equipage, harness, wagons, forage,

HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY. - 361

horses and mules. The ordinary business of the city was much reduced. Traffic in army supplies, and manufacturing of army stores, largely disturbed its labor and capital. In this respect it was the foremost city in the West, if not in the United States. The pursuits of peace were made secondary to these temporary diversions to the necessity of war.

The city suffered permanently by this forcible interference with her growth and trade. Her rivals to the northward, far from danger and apprehension, grew and prospered in the permanent occupations of peace. Extensive shops were busy turning out army wagons and ambulances, others in manufacturing harness, others in turning out, clothing; horses and mules were bought by thousands, often at the rate of 400 per day, In addition it was a distributing point for great quantities of supplies purchased elsewhere for army use. Steamboats and railroad trains were daily loaded with the material and supplies of war, to be forwarded wherever needed. Soldiers daily marched through the streets, at first filing southward, but afterward tattered remnants of regiments passed through the city on their homeward march. Recruiting officers were everywhere, and the sound of the fife and drum was continually heard in the streets. Courts martial sat side by side with our civil courts throughout the whole period. Some of the trials by these courts have become famous in history. the most notable being the trial and conviction of Clement L. Vallandigham for treasonable utterances in violation of the orders of Gen. Burnside.

The history of the city during that period of trial and danger will always be remembered to her credit, and honor. She responded to every call made by the constituted authorities. She went beyond these requirements and furnished hundreds of thousands of dollars to be put to charitable uses. The work of the Sanitary and Christian Commission is itself a splendid and enduring monument to the liberality and patriotism of her citizens. Nor was she less willing in furnishing soldiers. for our armies. As early as September 1, 1862, she had to her credit 14,795 volunteer soldiers in the field.

From that time until the end of the war she responded to every call, and at the close she had filled every requisition without resorting to a draft. Nearly or quite one-third of all her citizens liable to military duty were in the military service of their country.