YALE UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY

Bought with the income
of the
ALFRED E. PERKINS FUND

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INDIANA'S

ROLL OF HONOR.

BY DAVID STEVENSON, A. M.

VOLUME I.

A. D. STREIGHT, PUBLISHER:
N. E. COR. WASHINGTON AND MERIDIAN STREETS,
INDIANAPOLIS, IND
1864.

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1864, by
DAVID STEVENSON",
In the Clerk's OflBce of the District Court of the United States, for the District of Indiana.
Half interest in the copy-right transferred to A. D. STBEiGnr, 1854.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT.
Growth of Indiana — Comparison of Her Military Resources with those
of Great Britain — Materiel of "War — Purchase of Arms — The
State Arsenal — Quartermaster's and Commissary's Departments —
The Soldiers' Home — Organization of Troops — Care of Soldiers
— Sanitary Commission — Surgeons — City Hospital, 13-32
CHAPTER II.
THREE months' CAMPAIGN IN WESTERN VIRGINIA.
The Situation — Diversity of Sentiment — Secession of Virginia — "Wes
tern Virginia refuses to Secede, and Establishes a Provisional
Government — Gen. McClellan Assigned to Command of Depart
ment — Visits Indianapolis and Reviews Troops — Gen. T. A.
Morris — Federal Troops Sent to "Western Virginia — Gen.
McClellan's Address to the Union Citizens — Battles of Philippi,
Laurel Hill, Rich Mountain, and Carrick's Ford — -Death of Gen.
Garnett — Return of Three Months' Volunteers, ,33-64
CHAPTER III.
HISTORY OF REGIMENTS.
History of the Organization of the Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth,
Tenth and Eleventh Regiments for the Three Months' Service, 65-116
CHAPTER IV.
FIRST POTOMAC CAMPAIGN.
Early Operations on the Potomac — Eleventh Indiana Ordered to
Cumberland, Maryland — Destruction of Harper's Ferry —
ni

XV CONTENTS.
Destruction of Gosport Navy Yard — Attack on Massachusetts
Troops while Passing through Baltimore — Landing of Federal
Troops at Alexandria— Battle of Bethel— Ambuscade at Vienna
—Gen. Patterson's Corps— Battles of Bull Run and Manassas, 117-134
CHAPTER V.
KANAWHA CAMPAIGN.
Appointment of Gen. Rosecrans — Guerrilla "Warfare — Situation of
Union Forces — Gen. Lee — Position of Rebel Army — Designs
of Confederate Leaders — The Kanawha — Gen. Cox's March to
Charleston — The Policy with Prisoners — Gen. Rosecrans'
Address — The Gauley — Battle of Cross Lanes — March to the
Gauley — Battle of Carnifax Ferry — Retreat of Gen. Floyd, 135-152
CHAPTER VL
CHEAT MOUNTAIN CAMPAIGN.
Gen. Reynolds Assumes Command — Disposition of Troops — Descrip
tion of Camps — Camp at the Summit — The Pass — Elk "Water —
Scouting — Incidents — The Advance and Repulse of Gen. Lee —
Scouting Again — Battle of Greenbrier — Evacuation of Camp
Bartow — Battle of Allegheny — Huntersville, 153-204
CHAPTER VII.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
History of the Organization and Services of the Thirteenth and Four
teenth Regiments, with their Marches, Battles, Incidents, &c.,
205-234
CHAPTER VIII.
ARMY OP THE POTOMAC.
Gen. McClellan Organizes the Army — Extent of its Lines  Affair at
Lewinsville— Battle of Ball's Bluff— Death of Col. Baker 
Retirement of Gen. Scott— Appointment of Gen. McClellan as
Commander-in-Chief— Battle of Drainsville — Division of the
Army into Corps- Advance on Manassas— Advance on "Winches
ter—Advance on Fredericksburgh— Address of Gen. McClellan
to the Army, 235-244

CONTENTS. V
CHAPTER IX.
ARMY OF THE POTOMAC — PENINSULA CAMPAIGN.
Arrival at Fortress Monroe — March up the Peninsula — Seige of
Yorktown — Battles of "Williamsburgh and "West Point — Capture
of Norfolk — Situation before Richmond — Battle of Fair Oaks —
Stuart's Cavalry Raid — The Situation — Battle of Orchards —
Incidents — Further Movements — Battle of Gaines' Mills — The
Retreat — Battles of Peach Orchard and Savage Station — The
Rout — Battles of "White Oak Swamp and Glendale — The Situa
tion — Battle of Malvern Hill— Closing Scenes — After the Battle ,
— Camp at Harrison's Landing, 245-288
CHAPTER X.
ARMY OF VIRGINIA.
Gen. Pope Assigned to the Command — Battle of Cedar Mountain —
Movements of the Enemy — March of the Army of the Potomac
Across the Peninsula — Joins the Army of Virginia — Jackson's
Raid on Manassas — Fight at Bull Run Bridge and Kettle Run —
Battles at Manassas — Retreat of the Union Army — Battle of
. Chantilly — Death of Gen. Kearney — Re-appointment of Gen.
McClellan, 289-314
CHAPTER XI.
MARYLAND CAMPAIGN.
Gen. Lee Crosses the Potomac — Movements of the Army of the
Potomac — Battles of South Mountain, Crampton's Gap, and
Antietam — Reconnoissance — Stuart's Cavalry Raid, 315-330
CHAPTER XII.
BURNSIDE'S CAMPAIGN.
Army re-crosses the Potomac — Gen. McClellan removed and Gen.
Burnside appointed — Charge of Sigel's Body Guard into Frede
ricksburgh — Army in Camp on the north bank of the Rappa
hannock — The Situation — Battle of Fredericksburgh — Mud
March — In Camp Again — General Order No. eight, 331-346

VI CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XIII.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
History of the Organization and Services of the Nineteenth and
Twentieth Infantry Regiments, Third Cavalry and Sixteenth Bat
tery, with the Marches, Battles, Incidents, &c., and Biographical
Sketches of Lieut. Col. Bachman, Capt. Drum, Col. "William L.
Brown, Col. John "Wheeler, and Lt. John "W. Andrew, 347-420
CHAPTER XIV.
SHENANDOAH VALLEY.
Appointment of General Lander — Bloomery Gap — General Shields
appointed — Movement on "Winchester — Battle of "Winchester —
Battle of Front Royal — Retreat of General Banks — Fremont's
Pursuit of Jackson — Battle of Cross Keys — Battle of Port
Republic, 421-436
CHAPTER XV.
MISSOURI CAMPAIGN.
Introductory — Capture of Camp Jackson — Gen. Harney's Address — •
Gen. Harney Relieved — Appointment of Gen. Lyon — Gov. Jack
son calls for fifty thousand men — Gen. Lyon takes the field — Bat
tle of Booneville — Col. Sigel — Battle of Carthage — Skirmish at
Monroe Station — Arrival of Fremont — Skirmish at Dug Springs
- — Occupation of Bird's Point — Skirmish at Athens — Battle of
"Wilson's Creek — Death of Gen. Lyon — Disaster to Sigel's col
umn — More aid for Missouri — Defense of Lexington — Skir
mishes and Guerrilla Operations — Death of Major Tanner — ¦
Battle of Frederioktown — Death of Major Gavitt and Capt.
Highman — Fremont's Pursuit of Price — Gen. Halleck's Admin
istration — Black "Water Expedition — Battle of Silver Creek —
Battles of Pea Ridge, Leeville and Elk Horn Tavern, 437-488
CHAPTER XVI.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
History of the Organization and Services of the Twenty-Second
Regiment, with its Marches, Battles, Incidents, &c., with Bio
graphical Sketches of Major Gordon Tanner and Lieut. Col. S. I.
Keith, 489-508

CONTENTS. VII
CHAPTER XVII.
INVASION OF KENTUCKY.
Position of Kentucky — State Guard — Assembling of the Legislature
— Gov. Magoffin to President Lincoln and Jefferson Davis — Gon.
Polk Occupies Columbus — Excitement in Kentucky — Appoint
ment of Gen. Anderson — ^Neutrality Repudiated — Arrival of
Troops from Indiana and Ohio — Appointment of Gen. Buell —
Fight at Munfordsville — Defeat of Humphrey Marshall — Battle
of Mill Springs — Evacuation of Beech Grove — Occupation of
Bowling Green and Nashville, 509-532
CHAPTER XVIII.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
History of the Organization and Services of the Thirty-Third Regi
ment, with its Marches, Battles, Incidents, &c., with an account
of the Cumberland Gap Expedition — Characteristic Sketch of
the Thirty-Fifth (Irish) Regiment, with its Marches, Battles,
Characters, Incidents, &c., and Biographical Sketches of Adju
tant Mullen and Captain Prosser. 533-584
CHAPTER XIX.
grant's first CAMPAIGN.
Gen. Grant at Cairo — Battle of Belmont — Capture of Fort Henry —
Fort Donelson — The Situation — The Battle — Expedition up the
Tennessee — Pittsburgh Landing — The Situation — Battle of
Shiloh— First Day— Arrival of Buell— Second Day, 585-610
CHAPTER XX.
biographical sketches.
Biographical Sketches of Lieut. Gwin, U. S. N., Col. Hathaway,
Major Abbett, Major Arn, Lieut. Col. Topping, Private Dodds,
Sergeant "Wylie, Col. Bass, Col. Link, Major May, Sergeant
Kemper, Brig. Gen. Hackleman, and Private Bassett, 611-654

TO THE MEMORY OF
INDIANA'S PATEIOTIC DEAD.
THIS WORK
IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED
BY THE AUTHOB.

INTRODUCTION.

The General Assembly of the State of Indiana, at its ses-
eion of 1862-3, unanimously passed the following resolution :
"Resolved, That it shall be the duty of the State Librarian
to carefully collect, and arrange, in the manner hereinafter
prescribed, for future preservation, for the use of the State,
the names of all the Indiana soldiery (oilicers and men), who
have fallen in this struggle, or who may hereafter fall, whether
by disease or by the violence of the enemy; the time, place,
and cause of their death ; their names, ages, places of nativity
and residence; place and date of enlistment, draft or substi
tution ; regiment, company, commanding officers, from Colo
nel to Captain inclusive; length of service; the battles, skir
mishes, or any other engagements with the enemy, in which
they may have participated; and any other incidents of spe
cial interest connected with their history; and if officers, the
office, date of commission, division, brigade, regiment or
company, commanded by them, or to which they were
attached, with the promotions, if any, and the causes for the
same, and any and all other matters that may be interesting
and useful in the transmission of these illustrious names, to
the posterity of the State. That the whole be inscribed in
a clear and legible hand, in such form as to be convenient for
printing, in a large and suitable book or books, entitled
'Indiana's Roll of Honor,' and the same to be placed in the
Library of the State.'
The above resolution suggested the idea of the present
work. It ^\'as at first my intention to have published in con-
is

X INTRODUCTION.
nection with the "Roll" contemplated by the Legislature, a
volume of sketches of our most distinguished dead. On
visiting the armies much valuable information respecting the
services of our Indiana regiments was obtained. To put
this in proper form so that it might be preserved for the use
of the future historian seemed an object worthy of ambition.
Having collected the necessary materials, it soon became
apparent that in order to make the regimental sketches
intelligible to the reader it would be necessary to give an
account of the various campaigns, and general descriptions
of the several battles in which our regiments participated.
Thus the work has grown to its present dimensions.
The " Roll " contemplated by the resolution of the Legis-
ture will be published in the last volume of this work. The
second volume will be devoted chiefly to regimental histories
and biographical sketches.
I acknowledge my obligations ix) many officers and soldiers
for valuable information furnished, without which it would
have been impossible to have prepared reliable sketches either
of campaigns or regiments.
This volume is illustrated only with the portraits (the
frontispiece excepted) of those who have sealed with their
lives their devotion to our Government. The next volume
will contain the portraits of the most prominent of our living
officers. Never has auy nation of the earth increased so rapidly as
the United States. In 1793 the population of New York
was thirty-three thousand, it is now over four millions. In
1793 the entire population of the IJnited States was a little
over three millions, it was, in 1860, nearly thirty-two mil
lions. Forty-five years ago this place (Indianapolis) was a
thick forest, now we have a population of thirty-five thousand.
There is nothing in the history of the world that will com
pare with the growth of the United States. The Hebrew
State did not reach its glory in the days of Solomon, but by
the slow progress of five hundred years. The Assyrian
Empire was twelve hundred years in rising to its enormous
magnitude It took Greece ten centuries to reach her Athe
nian power. It took Rome seven centuries to arrive at the

INTRODUCTION. XI
splendor of the Augustan age, but in this land where a cen
tury ago its broad plains and lofty mountains were covered
with the unbroken green of the forest, or waving grass of
the wide prairie, we now see large and populous cities.
It has been customary for orators in describing our national
career, to say that we have, by a single bound, sprung from
infancy to manhood; but the truth is, we have had no
national infancy — we have had no barbarism to overcome.
The first cry of this nation was for liberty, and her first
struggle secured it. "We began our national career with the
accumulated experience of sixty centuries. The Declaration
of Independence is a monument more enduring than marble
or granite, of the intelligence and wisdom of its framers.
The heroes of the revolution bequeathed to their children,
the richest of all earthly legacies — republican institutions !
"Whether this rich legacy will prove a blessing or a curse,
depends, under God, on the course pursued by the present
generation. Were this Government destroyed by the hands of her own
misguided and infatuated children, it would be the deadliest
blow that has ever been given to the cause of virtue, and the
greatest obstruction that has ever happened to the onward
march of civil and religious liberty. Unto America are
turned the anxious eyes of all nations, to see the result of the
experiment we are now making of popular self-government,
and of the ability of a free people to sustain the Government
of their own choice. From this land, consecrated to freedom
by the blood of our fathers, goes forth the only ray of hope
to cheer the fainting heart of the oppressed nations of the
earth. Shall this ray, now so dim and flickering, be totally
extinguished? Destroy this Government, and what becomes
of the fair genius of liberty which has been driven out from
older climes? Is she, broken-hearted, doomed to be an out
cast in the land of her adoption?
Americans ! what will posterity say of us, as they read the
history of these times, should they learn that we tamely and
ignobly surrendered, the most inestimable of all earthly bless
ings — a free Republican Government? If we have one spark
of gratitude to the heroes of the Revolution ; if we have any

xn INTRODUCTION.
veneration for things sacred; if we have one tender feeling
for our children; if we would not be despised and execrated
by all the nations of the earth, let us, with determined pur
pose, declare aud vow that this Government must, and shall
be, preserved. Let not our faith in freedom, in right, in God,
waver. The darker the clouds which hover over us, let our
faith in the success of the right be the more steadfast and
subhme. This Government, bequeathed to us, is a reality, a
glorious possession ; yea, it is a sacred trust, which we are
bound to transmit to our children, and must be defended
against all foes, whether internal or external. Let us, on all
proper occasions, and in every proper manner, express our
gratitude to the noble and brave sons of Indiana, who are
fighting our battles, and let us cherish and revere the
memory of our sacred dead, who, far removed from their
loved ones, have slowly wasted away by disease, or suddenly
fallen on the battle field. Indiana has many gallant dead^
whose deeds in life, and whose heroic deaths, should be
recorded for all coming time. Her soldiery have never yet
turned their back on the foe. Let us honor their patriotism,
and perpetuate their memory.

EXECUTIVE DEPAETMENT.

CHAPTER I.

The history of the military operations of the State of
Indiana, during the present war, while they may be paralleled
by a few of the other States of the Union during the same
period, will, on a strict search of the records of the past, be
found in many respects without a parallel in the history of
the world.
At the commencement of this century, Indiana, then a
wild territory, for the possession of which the white man
contended with the Indian, had less than five thousand
inhabitants. Ten years later she had little short of twenty-
five thousand. In 1816 she became a State with a popula
tion little, if any, exceeding one hundred thousand. Less
than half a century has since elapsed; and, in defense of that
Union of which she is one of the younger members, she has
already sent into the field a large army ; an army equal in
number to her entire population forty-seven years ago; an
army larger than any which, during all that terrible struggle
with the elder Napoleon, Great Britain — one of the first
powers of the world — with her population of thirty millions,
ever placed in the field ; an army outnumbering more than
four to one the number of English soldiers who landed on
the Crimea, and moved to attack Sebastapol; an army larger
by one-third than the entire force — English, French, and
Turkish — which disembarked against Russia on that occasion.
Yet even to-day Indiana has but little over a million aud
13

14 EXECUTIVE department.
a third of population. That million and a third of people
have already (December first, 1863,) sent into the field, fully
armed and equipped, upwards of a hundred and ten thousand
men: all, with an exception almost too trivial to deserve men
tion, volunteers. Only four companies, numbering less than
four hundred men, finally marched into the field as conscripts.
Even these were in excess of her quota.
The population of Great Britain outnumbers that of
Indiana more than twenty to one. To match the efibrts of
Indiana in this struggle, she would have to send into the field,
of her own subjects, at least two millions and a quarter of
men. Yet Great Britain is deemed one among the most
warlike and powerful of the nations of the earth.
Still another view of this subject may be taken. Indiana's
vote at the late general election was about two hundred and
forty-six thousand. The last demanded quota having been
filled, Indiana, without resort to a draft, has sent to the field
a number of men equal to half her voters.
And all this Indiana has done, not to repel invasion of her
own soil, but to sustain the integrity of that Union into
which she entered forty-seven years ago.
materiels of war.
In March, 1861, Gov. Morton, seeing that the storm was
about to burst, repaired to "Washington, where he obtained
about five thousand second class arms. He also collected a
few more from some of the militia regiments throughout the
State; beyond these, when Sumter was first fired on, he had
no means of arming the State. As the arming and equipping
of men, in the approaching crisis, was of primary importance,
the Governor, having called together the Legislature in extra
session, recommended to them, in his message of April twen
ty-fifth, 1861, that a million of dollars be appropriated for
the purchase of arms and munitions of war; together with
other provisions as to the militia system, the definition of
treason, the issuing of State bonds, &c. The Legislature
responded with groat unanimity. They voted, and placed
under the control of tho Governor, five hundred thousand

executive department. 1.5
dollars for arms and ammunition, together with one hundred
thousand dollars for military contingencies, they also voted a
miUion of dollars for enlisting, maintaining and subsisting
troops, and providing munitions of war.
Having thus the control of the necessary means, the Gov
ernor, on the thirtieth of May, 1861, commissioned Robert
Dale Owen, formerly member of Congress from the First
District, Agent to purchase arms and munitions of war for
the State.
At first Mr. Owen's instructions were limited to the pur
chase of six thousand rifle muskets, and one thousand car
bines. But these were gradually enlarged until the total
amount of purchases made by him reached thirty thousand
rifle muskets, all English Eufields of the first class; two thou
sand seven hundred and thirty-one carbines; seven hundred
and fifty-one revolvers, and seven hundred and ninety-seven
cavalry sabres. All the other arms needed, with the excep
tion of a small occasional lot, were supplied directly by the
General Government.
Of the above thirty thousand rifles, twenty-six thousand
were turned over to the United States, and paid for by the
War Department; four thousand were paid for by the State
of Indiana.
The average cost of these rifles was, for the first twenty
thousand bought, nineteen dollars and fifty-nine cents, and,
for the last ten thousand, seventeen dollars and eighty-five
cents. They were the best class of small arms, excepting
only the interchangeable Springfield rifie, new pattern, which
could be purchased; and to this may, in some measure, be
attributed the efficiency of Indiana troops during this war.
A large portion of the arms furnished directly by the Gov
ernment were, unfortunately, of second rate quality, it being
impossible to procure a full supply of first class guns.
As to the price paid by Mr. Owen for the first twenty
thousand rifles bought, that gentleraan, in his report,
remarks :
" This is very considerably lower than the average price
paid by the General Government for first class Enfield rifles
during the period of my purchases. The later contracts for

16 executive department.
sixteen thousand guns could, some time after they were made,
undoubtedly have been sold at an advance of not less than
forty or fifty thousand dollars."
This, however, does not include the last lot of ten thou
sand. As to these Mr. Owen says :
"The difiierence between the price paid by me for these
guns, certified to be of the very best quality, and that paid
by the Government for ordinary Eufields at the time of the
transfer, was twenty-three thousand, three hundred and eigh
ty-eight dollars."
"Including these last," says Mr. Owen, "the difierence
between the contract prices and those ruling at the time the
arms were delivered, of all the rifies bought by me, would
fall little, if any, short of seventy thousand dollars. It was
in consequence of the fortunate or judicious character of
these purchases, that the State found no difficulty in pro
curing the assumption of most of my contracts by the Gen
eral Government.. In this way Indiana was enabled, without
throwing her bonds into market, or incurring losses by
advances made, except for a few of the first rifies she bought,
to place in the hands of a considerable portion of her troops
arms of a quality very superior to the average of those which
fell to the lot of other States."
Arms thus provided, ammunition was the next want. Not
a single round of cannon ammunition, scarcely a ball cart
ridge, was prepared. Unlike the South, Indiana had never
looked forward to the day when treason, led by folly, would
assault with armed hand the life of the nation itself. There
fore, she had laid up no military stores whatever.
But on the twenty-seventh of April, 1861, just one fort
night after the telegraph had borne to Indianapolis the news
that the Charleston batteries had opened fire upon Fort Sum
ter, the Governor had Capt. H. Sturm, then an artillery
officer in an Indiana battery, detailed for the purpose of
establishing at Indianapolis a State Arsenal. Capt. Sturm
had been educated to this special branch of the service in
a European military school, and had much practical expe
rience in the manufacture of every species of ammuniton.
He at once commenced the erection of suitable buildings

executive department. 17
and the purchase, with State funds, of sufficient materials to
manufacture, in large quantities, ammunition for field pieces
and small arms.
As the demand for ammunition daily increased and the
necessity, so tar from passingaway, constantly became greater,
as fresh troops were called into the field, calls were made
not only from Indiana's own regiments, but, also, from other
portions of our Western armies, so that what was first
intended as a temporary convenience became a large and per
manent establishment. Gens. Anderson, Sherman, Fremont,
Buell and others were successively supplied.
The efl'ect of this establishment on the success of the war
in the West was far beyond the expectations of its founders.
On sundry emergencies the armies in the South and West
were supplied from this source when they were unable to
obtain ammunition from any other. On more than one occa
sion serious disasters were thereby averted. This was espe
cially the case at the time Cincinnati was threatened, in the
months of July and August, 1862; when large and pressing
orders were filled without a single day's delay.
At one time the number of hands employed in the arsenal
reached six hundred; and during the past two years and a
half the number of men employed have averaged three hun
dred and fifty. Great and much needed relief was thus
afforded to many families who were thrown out of employ
ment by the contingencies of the war. Preference, iu every
case, was given to those whose parents, children or near rela
tives had volunteered as soldiers, and who, in consequence^
had been left more or less destitute and without the means of
procuring employment elsewhere.
The report of the military auditing committee, signed by
Messrs. Paris C. Dunning, John C. New, A. Kilgore and
Samuel H. Buskirk, and made to the Governor under date
October second, 1863, brings up the accounts of the arsenal
till September fifteenth, 1863, and shows that, up till that time,
the ammunition fabricated and turned over to the General
Government amounted to the sum of six hundred and seventy-
six thousand and ninety-one dollars and thirty-nine cents,
($676,091.39). From the fifteenth of September till the first
YoL. I.— 2.

18 executive department.
of December, 1863, an additional araount of about thirty-
two thousand dollars has been made and delivered ; making
the total ammunition furnished by the Indiana Arsenal to the
General Government, from the commencement of the war
till the first of December, 1863, upwards of seven hundred
and eight thousand dollars, ($708,000).
The funds for the preparation of this ammunition were all
advanced by the State, and the ammunition was paid for,
after actual delivery, by the General Government. Though
the average rate of prices was lower than the cost to the
government elsewhere, the net profit to the State by the ope
ration, after payment of all claims and liabilities, was, up till
September fifteenth, 1863, as reported by the above named
auditing committee, eighty-two thousand and sixty-two dol
lars and fourteen cents, ($82,062.14) : a sufficient evidence of
the economy and good management with which the arsenal
was conducted by its Superintendent, Captain (now Colonel)
Sturm. To this the auditing committee aforesaid, composed
of members taken in equal numbers from the two political
parties of the State, testify in the following terms:
"We can not close this report without bearing testimony
to the ability, integrity and economy with which Col. Sturm
has managed the afiairs of the arsenal. His position has
been a most difficult and responsible one, requiring constant
and unremitting labor and great skill and perseverance. For
tunately for the State, he has shown himself equal to every
duty that has devolved upon him; and we congratulate you
upon the great success which has attended his and your
•efforts, as well on account of the pecuniary advantage which
has resulted to the State from the operations of the arsenal
as for the great service it has rendered to the government."
It is, indeed, difficult to estimate the importance of the
results in a national point of view, especially as regards mili-
tary operations in Kentucky and Missouri, which have been
obtained through the agency of the Indiana arsenal.
Almost as important as the supply of arms and ammunition
was the procuring of clothing and camp equipage for the
troops as they were mustered. At first the burden of this
fell wholly upon the State, as it was not until the month of

executive department. 19
August, 1861, that the Quartermaster General of the United
States, at the instance of Governor Morton, appointed an
Assistant United States Quartermaster for this State.
The report of the Quartermaster General of this State,
made to the Governor in May, 1862, shows that the State
expended under his direction, for clothing, including blankets,
four hundred and six thousand four hundred and eighty-
four dollars and seventy-five cents, ($406,484.75). To this
is to be added the amount of great coats and blankets
bought by Mr. Owen, in New York, in the months of Sep
tember, October and November, 1861; as shown in his report
of August first, 1862, to be one hundred and thirty-five
thousand two hundred and thirty-six dollars and six cents,
($135,236.06). This, with the amount bought by the Quarter
master General gives as the total advanced by the State, for
clothing and blankets, the sum of five hundred and forty-one
thousand seven hundred and twenty dollars and eighty-one
cents, ($541,720,81). The Quarterraaster General of the State
expresses, in his report, the opinion, that the above purchases
" will compare very favorably with those of any other State
on the score of economy."
For camp equipments the same report shows that he
expended the sura of sixty-five thousand eight hundred and
one dollars and seventy-seven cents, ($65,801.77).
As in the Quartermaster's Department, so in that of the
Commissary, the State government had to provide supplies
throughout most of the year 1861, no arrangement having
been made by the General Government to furnish these until
the month of September, 1861.
The report of Asahel Stone, Commissary General, shows
that the State furnished to her soldiers seven hundred and
twenty-eight thousand and eight (728,008) rations, at a total
cost of ninety-four thousand one hundred and fifty-nine dol
lars and sixteen cents, ($94,159 16) or twelve cents and ninety-
four hundredths of a cent per ration. This is one-third less
than the average cost of Government army rations delivered.
And in the above cost are included the salary of the Com
missary General, the wages of the men employed by him,
and all other expenditures in his department.

20 executive department.
The Soldiers' Home, a building erected but not furnished
by the General Government, and capable of lodging two
hundred and fifty men, and of accommodating, at one time,
in its dining room, one thousand soldiers, opened August
first, 1862, was placed in charge of Gen. Stone. The rations
were furnished by the Government. By a strict system of
economy, the saving on these in the months of September,
October, and Noveraber, 1862, was three thousand seven
hundred and seventy dollars ($3,770). This gentleman was
also placed in charge of the Post Bakery, at Camp Morton.
This bakery frequently furnished to the soldiers eleven thou
sand loaves per day. Its nett profits, after paying all
expenses, amounted, for the months of September, October,
ancl November, 1862, to six thousand and ninety-one dollars
and forty cents ($6,091.40). This sum was expended in fur
nishing stoves and such other conveniences, and comforts
for soldiers' quarters and regimental hospitals, as could only
have otherwise been procured from the State, or by volun
tary contribution.
In concluding the brief summary of the efforts made by
the Executive Department of Indiana to supply the materiel
of war, it is proper to add, that, in the case of various arti
cles deemed necessary to the health or comfort of the troops
of the State, as for example India rubber blankets, these, by
order of the Governor, have been supplied from State funds.
organization oe troops.
On no State in the Union, to judge from the results, did
the first blow struck by the rebels at Fort Sumter, produce a
deeper impression than on Indiana. In nine days from the
issuing of the President's proclamation calling for seventy-
five thousand men — so prompt was the response — there were
in carap companies enough to organize nine regiments.
Indiana's quota was four thousand four hundred and fifty-
eight, rank and file. On the twenty-fifth of April, six regi
ments, containing more than five thousand men, were mus
tered into service; companies enough for three regiments
more reluctantly returning home.

executive department. 21
On the sixteenth of May, 1861, the Secretary of War gave
notice to the Governor, that, on the second call of May third,
four regiments were assigned to Indiana, making ten in all.
The restriction appended to this requisition is remarkable.
Secretary Cameron adds: "It is important to reduce rather
than enlarge this number, and in no event to exceed it. Let
me earnestly recoraraend to you, therefore, to call for no more
than ten regiments iu all, including the six regiments first
called for." The ardor and the patriotism of the people of
Indiana had to be restrained, not excited. In advance of this
call, and in anticipation of it, three regiments had been
already organized under State authority. They were at once
turned over to the United States, and a fourth added a few
da3's later, frora companies waiting for acceptance. Thus,
the second call was iraraediately filled. The urgency of the
people to join the array was such, that, at the instance of the
Governor, in advance of the July call for five hundred thou
sand troops, the Secretary of War allowed Indiana to send
into the field: by order of June eleventh, 1861, six regiments;
by order of June nineteenth, 1861, four regiments. Each of
these contained one thousand and forty-six men. One regi
raent of cavalry (the Twenty-Eighth regiment. First Indiana
cavalry) was included. Thus, the excess beyond the call was
ten thousand four hundred and sixty men.
The calls upon Indiana by the General Government for
troops in 1861 amounted to thirty-eight thousand eight
hundred and thirty-two (38,832.) In reply, she sent, up till
January, 1862, forty-eight regiments of infantry, three regi
raents of cavalry, and seventeen batteries; in all, fifty-three
thousand and thirty-five men; (53,035) being in excess of the
call fourteen thousand two hundred and three men (14,203).
In the months of July and August, 1862, the President
called for six hundred thousand additional men; and Indiana's
quota was fixed at forty-two thousand five hundred (42,500.)
By September twentieth, Indiana's quota, under all these
calls, had been filled by volunteers, with the exception of
six thousand and sixty. A draft was ordered; but before it
took effect, on October sixth, the nuraber deficient had been
reduced to three thousand and three, for which number the

22 executive department.
draft was made. The drafted men were to serve nine months.
Of these, however, all but four corapanies (three hundred
and ninety-five men) volunteered to serve three years, and
were sent on, as volunteers, to fill up old regiments.
There is one episode connected with the response to this
last call, which merits especial notice. It is the promptitude,
unexampled, we believe, even among the wonders of this
rebellion, with which regiments were poured into Kentucky,
on tho occasion of the sudden and unexpected invasion of
that State by Gens. Morgan and Kirby Smith, when both
Cincinnati and Louisville were seriously threatened. On the
eighth of August, Gen. Buell telegraphed to Gov. Morton,
that "a formidable raid threatened Kentucky," and urged
that " troops be at once sent to Gen. Boyle." On the next
day the Executive received an urgent appeal from the "War
Department, to which he replied, that "the quota of twenty-
one thousand two hundred men called for in July would be
raised in twenty days." Incredible of performance as the
promise seemed, he kept his word. Within the space of six
teen days, eighteen regiments were not only raised, but also
mustered in, armed, equipped, and dispatched by railroad to
Kentucky's relief. Within nine weeks, in July, August, and
September, 1862, thirty-one thousand men were recruited.
Some of the details of this gigantic efibrt indicate the untir
ing exertions necessary to produce such results. On the six
teenth of August, late at night, Gen. Boyle telegraphed that
"no time was to be lost," adding : " I hope the patriotic soldiers
of Indiana will not wait for bounties. Our State will be over
run if they do." That night one regiment went to Kentucky.
On the next night four regiments were dispatched. The next
day two additional regiments were sent off", and that night
two more, which were mustered in by candlelio-ht. Cincin
nati and Louisville were saved.
It ought to be stated, that Col. (now General) Carrington,
detailed as mustering officer for the State of Indiana, arrived
at Indianapolis on the eighteenth of August, 1862, and oreatly
aided in the emergency of that eventful crisis; and subse
quently, by his prompt energy in procuring the enlistment
and dispatch to the field of Indiana's troops. In other

executive department. 23
respects the Executive was equally fortunate, as well iu offi
cers detailed by the General Government, as in those selected
by himself. No one could have conducted the department
of United States Quartermaster more faithfully or more effi
ciently, than Capt. (now Lieutenant Colonel) Ekin.
The Governor was also most ably seconded throughout all
his arduous duties, by his private and military secretaries.
Colonels Holloway, Terrell and Schlater, as also by Adjutant
General Noble. In the times of urgent emergency to which
we have alluded, these gentlemen labored with unflagging
zeal and distinguished ability; thus greatly contributing to
the successful results which have followed our State efforts.
Though Indiana was called upon, in 1862, as already stated,
for drafted men, and actually did draft, as we have shown,
three thousand and three, it is to be borne in mind that this
occurred solely because — in consequence of irregularity in the
filing in Washington of certain muster-rolls. — she had not, at
the time, obtained credit, as afterwards she did, for a number
of troops exceeding this deficiency, which she had actually
sent into the field. She actually had then, filled all the calls
of 1862, without draft, and had a surplus. This fact, in jus
tice to the efforts of her Governor and the noble response of
her patriotic citizens, should be distinctly borne in mind.
So, again, in the present year, 1863. Under the call of
August (one-fifth of first class enrolled) amounting to twenty-
eix thousand eight hundred and thirty-two men, (26,832) she
furnished the whole by volunteering, with a surplus of six
teen hundred and sixty-nine (1,669). Recruiting under the
second call, of September, the quota being eighteen thousand
nine hundred and ninety-seven, (18,997), is completed and
volunteers for old and new organizations continue to enlist.
Such has been the response of Indiana to the calls of the Gen
eral Government, not for her special defense, but for the sup
pression of the rebellion.
When her own State limits were passed by a hostile band —
when the celebrated guerrilla, Morgan, crossed the Ohio, first
mto Harrison county, passing thence through the south-east
ern tier of counties to Ohio — the effect was electrical, nay,
seemed the work of magic. It was as if some modern Cad-

24 executive department.
mus had sown again the fabled dragon's teeth over Indiana's
forests and prairies; so did these teem Avith armed men, self-
marshaled in defense of their native or adopted State.
On Thursday, the ninth of July, 1863, news reached Indi
anapolis that a rebel force estimated to be six thousand strong
had crossed the Ohio and was marching on Corydon. Where
upon the Governor instantly issued a call to the patriotic
citizens of the State, to leave their various occupations and
turn out for its defense. Incredible as it may appear, within
forty-eight hours from the time this call was issued, sixty-five
thousand raen had tendered their services, and were on their
way to the place of rendezvous ; while thousands more were
preparing and had to be notified to remain at home. Within
three days thirty thousand men, full}' armed and organized,
had taken the field at various points to meet the enemy.
The result was, that though on the first landing of Mor
gan's men a handful of troops who opposed them were driven
back, yet within twenty-four hours, when attempting first to
penetrate into the interior of the State, afterwards to retire
across the river, they were confronted, in both attempts, by
bodies of armed men, and their march converted into a flight
which in five days, carried them across our eastern border
into Ohio.
To provide against such incursions in the future, on the
fifth of September, 1863, the Governor issued a proclamation
for a more permanent organization of the militia. In the coun
ties which were the most exposed, to-wit : those bordering on
the Ohio river, he ordered that places of business in towns,
except drug stores, telegraph and post offices, be closed after
three o'clock, so that the able-bodied citizens, after having
formed themselves into military companies, might meet and
drill daily for not less than two hours. In other counties they
were required also to organize and to drill at stated periods.
In concluding this brief sketch indicating the willingness
and ability of Indiana to put forth, whether in immediate
self-defense, or for the preservation of the national unity an
armed force with a promptitude and to an extent which to
warlike Europe will seem incredible, we give but a faint Id
of the enthusiasm and the deterraination which, for the last

EXECUTIVE department. .25
two years and a half, have been exhibtod from one end of the
State to the other. If the occasion was great, the efforts
were commensurate. If an insurrection so gigantic in its
proportions, so vast in its resources, so persistent in its rage,
be unexampled in all modern history, neither can be found
in that history, up till the date of this rebellion, an example
of so large a proportion of any civilized nation sent to the
field of battle, not by forced conscription, but voluntarily by
the spontaneous zeal and patriotism of the people.
care of soldiers.
In no State of the Union have soldiers, rushing to the
defense of their coramon country, been more specially cared
for than in Indiana. The benevolence of those who reraained
at home has kept pace with the patriotisra of those who
entered the field.
Early in 1862 the State Sanitary Coramission was organ
ized in accordance with the suggestions and plans of Gover
nor Morton, and during that year received and disbursed in
sanitary goods and money sixty-six thousand and eighty-eight
dollars and forty-one cents. During the year 1863 the opera
tions of the commission were greatly extended.
The officers and agents of the coraraission have conducted
the very large and important business entrusted to them with
great zeal, securing thereby the confidence of our citizens at
home and the gratitude of many of our soldiers in the field
In addition to the contributions which have been collected
and distributed through the coramission, probably an equal
araount has been sent to the array through irregular channels.
Nor have the families of our soldiers been neglected. In
many counties a regular weekly or monthly allowance has
been paid to thera frora the public funds; hundreds of Sol
dier's Aid Societies have been forraed, through which the
needy have been sought out and supplied with the necessa
ries and comforts of life.
A well regulated system of military agencies was devised
for the care and relief of our sick and wounded. Offices
were opened at the following important points: Washington

26 EXECUTIVE department.
City, Louisville, Saint Louis, Cairo, Columbus, Kj'., Mem
phis, Nashville, New York City, Philadelphia, Keokuk, Evans-
ville, Vicksburgh, New Orleans and Chattanooga, and placed
in charge of well qualified business men. Regiments have
been visited, their scattered sick and wounded collected and
cared for, and when practicable removed to hospitals within
the State, or furloughed to their homes. Besides, a general or
supervising military agency was established at Indianapolis in
connection with the State Sanitary Coramission, to which regu
lar reports from other agencies are sent, giving the names of
all Indiana soldiers in the various hospitals, the regiment and
company to which each belongs, date of adraission, nature of
disease or wound, prospects of recovery, lists of deaths, casu-
alities and discharges. From these reports information
respecting our wounded, sick and dead can at all tiraes be
obtained. The agents visit the hospitals regularly, distribute
under-clothing and sanitary supplies, procure descriptive rolls,
discharges, furloughs and transfers, collect pay, cause abuses
to be corrected, and exert theraselves to the utmost of their
ability to assist and encourage our suffering men. A supply
of sanitary goods is kept at each agency, together with under
clothing and other needed articles for distribution. In case
of a battle, the nearest agency at once dispatches efficient
agents, with such stores as are likely to be needed. Indiana
— with her surgeons and sanitary stores — is generally the
first State represented on the battle field. The good accom
plished through this instrumentality is incalculable. This
system, first inaugurated by Indiana, has been adopted by
most of the loyal States, but by none upon a scale so exten
sive as our own. All business by these agencies is conducted
with the utmost promptness and dispatch, and in every case
without charge. The Rev. I. W. Moufort, agent at Wash
ington City, besides attending to the usual duties of his
office, makes out all necessary papers for procuring pensions,
bounty and back pay, due widows, orphans or other heirs of
deceased or discharged Indiana soldiers, and collects and
remits the same for which no fee is asked or received. The
estimate placed on this feature of the agency by the officials
in the various departments at Washington, is evident from

EXECUTIVE department. 27
the fact that they give all business presented from it prece
dence over that of private agents and claim brokers.
The first decisive and important battle in the West, in
which a very large number of Indiana troops were engaged,
was at Fort Donelson, Tennessee. This place being on a
navigable river, the Executive, on receiving news by tele
graph of the battle, immediately dispatched, by steamer, to
that place, an efficient corps of surgeons and nurses, with a
large supply of hospital and sanitary stores. The boat
arrived in advance of all others sent by other States. The
weather being cold and inclement, the relief afforded to
many of the Indiana troops was of the greatest importance.
Other boats were afterwards sent under the same auspices.
A few months afterwards the battle of Shiloh took place, a
larger number of Indiana regiments and batteries participa
ting in it than in any previous fight. The steamer Crawford,
iu charge of Commissary General Stone, was promptly char
tered, and sent forward with surgeons and nurses, and an
ample supply of necessary stores. As at this time much sick
ness existed among our troops, steamers were kept con
stantly running from Evansville to Pittsburgh Landing, until
all the sick and wounded Indianians in that army were
brought to hospitals in our own State, or made comfortable
in the field by special medical aid, and sanitary supplies and
stores, generously contributed by our citizens. Subsequently,
when our armies on the Mississippi, and at Nashville, Ten
nessee, were suffering for lack of food, especially vegetables,
and the sick in hospitals were almost destitute of proper sup
plies, the Governor dispatched boat after boat, laden with
vegetables, 'fruit, underclothing, ice, and everything that
could contribute in any way to the comfort of our brave men.
During the seige of Yicksburgh, when hospital accommoda
tions were sadly deficient, the relief afforded from Indiana
was prompt and timely. Maj. Gen. Grant, on more than one
occasion, expressed his hearty approbation of the Governor's
efforts in looking after the large number of Indiana troops in
his army; and Maj. Gen. McClernand, on the arrival of one
of the relief boats, during the time he was in command of a
large number of our regiments, declared that tho. succor thus

28 EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT.
afforded was of more value than the reinforcement of a
brigade of fresh troops. At the present writing, a stearaer,
sent to New Orleans with supplies, for our sick and wounded
in the Department of the Gulf, is returning with nearly two
hundred discharged and disabled Indiana soldiers.
No iraportant battle has occurred during the war, at any
point within reach, without having on the ground at the
earliest practicable moment efficient and energetic agents from
Indiana. After the disastrous battle of Richmond, Kentucky,
where our troops, although raw and untried, fought most
gallantly, but unsuccessfully, and where many were killed
and wounded, the Governor at once fitted out au ambulance
train under charge of experienced surgeons, and sent it
through the enemy's lines under a flag of truce, to relieve the
sufferers. This humane mission was most ably and success
fully performed. We have not space to enter into details
respecting the care and supervisiou exercised in behalf of our
troops. The Executive, in his biennial raessage, bearing tho
date of January ninth, 1863, on this subject, says:
" These agents had their instructions to follow in the track of
our armies, to pick up the sick and wounded who might have
fallen by the way-side, visit the hospitals, report the names of
the sick, wounded and dead, afford relief wherever it could
be afforded, inform the State authorities what kind of sup
plies were needed, and where; also to visit the troops in the
field, ascertain their condition and wants, and aid in having
their requisitions for their supplies promptly filled. These
agents have generally performed their duty well; and I
believe have been the instruments of saving the lives of hun
dreds of our gallant soldiers, and of relieving a vast amount
of suffering and destitution."
After the battle of Shiloh, and in anticipation of the con
flict at Corinth, the Governor applied for, and obtained, from
the Secretary of War, perraission to appoint two additional
assistant surgeons to each Indiana regiment in the army of
Gen. Halleck. Seventy surgeons were accordingly sent; and
the necessity for having additional permanent medical force
attached to the army was so completely demonstrated, that

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT. 29
Congress promptly passed an act authorizing a second Assist
ant Surgeon to be appointed for each regiment.
Early in 1862 arrangements were made with responsible
agents to collect from the various Indiana regiments such
portions of pay as the soldiers desired to transmit to their
homes. The Congress of the United States had already
authorized the President to appoint Allotment Commis
sioners for this purpose; but as there was no provision for
paying the expenses incurred, the plan was, practically, use
less. The Executive of Indiana appointed a number of Pay
Agents to visit the arm}' from time to time for this purpose.
Many of our brave soldiers, who would never have saved a
cent of their pay, were induced, by the ready facilities thus
afforded, and by the example of the more thoughtful and
frugal, to remit portions of their pay to loved one's at home.
It has been often estimated by commanding officers, that a
regiment will save and send away at least five thousand dol
lars more on pay day by means of the allotment system, now
adopted by most of the States, or by the regularly appointed
State Agents, than if left to the ordinary means of transmis
sion. This is often money rescued from the sutler or gam
bler, which, instead of being uselessly spent, is sent to the
relief of the wives and farailies of soldiers. Through this
agency, during the year 1862, over one million of dollars were
collected in the army, and distributed in accordance with the
wishes of the soldiers, without charge, save the trifiing cost
of the express from the agents' residence to points of desti
nation. In all this business not a single defalcation occurred,
and not a dollar was lost. The risk, hovpever, of traveling
through the army, collecting large amounts of money — the
agents being frequently compelled to stand guard for the trea
sure entrusted to them, was so great the plan was abandoned,
and early in 1863 a permanent office was established by the
Governor at Indianapolis, and a plan devised for the easy
and safe transmission of funds by means of allotment rolls.
It took several months to introduce the new system; the sol
diers did not understand it, and the Paymasters, upon whom
it imposed new duties, were for a time specially averse to it.
Gradually, however, it gained a foothold and secured coufi-

30 EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT.
dence. Commanding Generals gave it encouragement, the Pay
masters began to appreciate it, and of each paymeut now
made to the army, the single State Agent usually receives,
without expense or risk, about three hundred thousand dol
lars. The distribution is made by draft on eastern cities,
without any cost except that of exchange. The plan is in
great favor with our regiraents in the Army of the Cumber
land, who have, by extensive trial, learned to appreciate its
value. Other arraies are beginning to avail themselves of it,
and remittances are coming in from Texas, and other parts
of the Departraent of the Gulf, Vicksburgh, Memphis,
Knoxville, etc. CITY HOSPITAL.
The establishment of the city hospital at Indianapolis at
the commenceraent of the war, and the location of hospitals
at Evansville, New Albany, Jeffersonville and Madison, in
which the military authorities of the State took great inter
est, were alike creditable to them and to the government.
The city hospital alone from May, 1861, till January, 1863,
received five thousand four hundred and ninety-five patients,
who were treated by the accomplished and skillful Surgeon,
Dr. John M. Kitchen, who was placed in charge. The hos
pitals at Evansville, under charge of army surgeons, being on
the, Ohio river, and nearer the army in the south and west,
received a much larger number.
The capital of the State being the great railroad center at
which was located the several departments having control
over the military affairs of the Commonwealth, a large num
ber of soldiers continually arrived and departed — many pas
sing to join their regiraents in the field, others returning
discharged, or on furlough or "sick leave." During the first
year of the war it was often impossible to procure accommo
dations suflicient to provide for these men. To remedy the
evil Governor Morton, eariy in 1862, determined to establish
a Soldier's Home, on a scale commensurate with the wants
and interests of the public service, where our brave defenders
could obtain food and rest. By the kind co-operation of the

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT. 31
accomplished United States Quartermaster, Capt. (now Lieut.
Col.) Ekin, and Commissary of Subsistence, Capt. Thomas
Foster, the requisite buildings were speedily erected, and the
Horae put in successful operation. Afterwards it was greatly
enlarged, and is now regarded as one of the most complete
establishments of the kind in the country. Individuals or
regiments can there obtain good warm meals and comfortable
lodging almost on a moment's notice. Convalescents and
others connected with the army are always made welcome,
and the raanagement, under Capt. Frank Wilcox, is such as
to merit the highest commendations.
During the fall of 1863 a "Soldier's Families Horae," waa
opened under the same auspices. The large number of ladies
and children, generally the families of soldiers, visiting their
relatives in the hospitals here or elsewhere, made it necessary
that some well conducted home be provided for thera during
their temporary stay, where they could be comfortably cared
for and protected from imposition. It is a source of pride to
our State that this institution has also been attended with
great success. It is under the direction of an experienced
manager and matron, and is governed by rules and regula
tions which insure all who partake of its hospitalities of a
quiet aud comfortable retreat.
Allusion has been made in this sketch to the special sur
geons and nurses sent out by the Governor to administer to
the sick and wounded in the hospitals and in the field, but
the valuable services which many of them have rendered to
the cause of their country call for a more extended recogni
tion. In the last raessage of the Governor this subject is
referred to as follows: "I have employed and sent to tho
field many additional Surgeons, to remain until the emer
gency they were sent to relieve had passed. After severe
battles, the regiraental Surgeons, worn down by fatigue and
exposure, were found inadequate to the care of the wounded,
and additional aid became indispensable. Many times all the
Surgeons of a regiment were either sick or absent on detached
duty, and their places had to be supplied by temporary
appointments. They have generally discharged their duties
with ability, and to the satisfaction of those to whom they

32 EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT.
were sent, and for the promptitude with which they left their
business and responded to these sudden calls, are entitled to
the thanks of the State."
In many cases these special Surgeons, actuated only by the
largest patriotism, and the warmest humanity, to the neglect
of their practice at home, have labored for weeks with the
sick, the wounded, and the dying — on the battle field, by the
road side, in camp, in hospital, wherever they could relieve
distress and serve their country.
And the nuraerous nurses, many of them ladies of the
highest character and social position, actuated by a desire to
lend their aid in the great struggle, and influenced by the
purest philanthrophy, volunteered also, and served long and
faithfully in the hospital. Some of these noble spirits volun
teered their services in the early stages of the rebellion, and
are yet patiently and cheerfully soothing the pangs of suffer
ing far away from their comfortable and happy homes.

WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN.

CHAPTER II.

Western Virginia was the first section of the Union to feel
the desolating effects of civil war. Among her rugged hills,
along her deep valleys, and by the pure streams which gush
from her mountain sides, the troops of Indiana first learned
to endure the hardships of the camp.
The first Western Virginia campaign was short, but bril
liant. Events of greater magnitude — the shock of vast
armies, and the spacious and blood stained fields, where the
slain have been numbered by thousands, — have eclipsed the
early victories of our armies. Yet they are not the less
important, and the faithful historian, who has carefully
observed the tide of success rolling onward to the suppres
sion of the rebellion, will see and acknowledge the infiuence
of these early victories upon the successful issue of the
struggle ; and will carefully record them in his pages.
Virginia is susceptible of three grand divisions. These
have always been recognized by her people. The first, or
Eastern section, extends from tide water to the Blue Ridge
Mountains; the second, or Middle section, called the Valley,
embraces the country between the Blue Ridge and the Alle
ghanies; and the third, or Western Virginia, embraces the
mountain regions from the Valley to the Ohio River.
A feeling of hearty friendship never existed between these
sections. The East, or Old Virginia, was largely slavehold
ing; and had succeeded in forcing through the Legislature
Vol. L— 3.

34 WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN.
a system of taxation, which shielded the wealth of that
section, at the expense of the Middle and Western portions
of the State.
The question of a division of the State had long been
agitated. The people of the West, had very little interest in
slavery. Their's was an agricultural and mineral region.
Their wealth, consisted in stock and lands. To develop the
resources of their soil, required the miner's labor and
machinery. With interests directly opposed to those of the
eastern part of the State, they knew their connection under
the same State government, with a people who could always
outvote them, would continue to cramp their energies, and
prevent the full development of their agricultural and
mineral resources. In these views the people of the valley
sympathized. In the discussion of the question at issue
between these people, the Legislative Halls at Richmond
were the scenes of many stormy debates.
Two-thirds of the inhabitants of Western Virginia, long
before the question of secession was agitated, were warmly
in favor of a division of the State. With this, the question
of slavery had little to do. It was sometimes brought
into the controversy by politicians, but had scarcely any
weight, either in forming, or confirming, the opinions of the
masses. A majority of the people were attached to their
local institution, and, in the event of a division, were willing
it should continue.
That, however, was not the issue, although the politicians,
beyond the Blue Ridge, knowing the early prejudices of the
people, on all occasions brought it into the controversy. In
the East, slave property constituted the bulk of the planter's
wealth ; in the West, it was but the tithe of the farmer's
estate. When, therefore, it was declared that slaves should
be taxed per capita, while taxes on other property should be
ad valorem, it was so manifestly unjust, that the strongest
pro-slavery men in the West were as firm in their demands
for a separation, as were those who were solely engaged in
manufacturing and commercial pursuits. It was not Aboli
tionism, but unequal taxation, which caused the feeling of
discontent among the inhabitants of the hills and valleys of

WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN. 35
the West, to the government at Richmond. Internal improve
ments was another fertile theme in this local agitation. The
West complained that the East received too large a propor
tion of the outlays of the State, and that the money drawn
from the coffers of the poor and hardy settlers of the moun
tains, was used in opening up lines of communication east of
the Blue Ridge, while the West was comparatively neglected.
This subject was always agitated with zeal, and sometimes
with great bitterness.
Such, briefly, was the condition of affairs in Western
Virginia, when it was reached by the tide of secession which
had rolled across the Eastern counties of the State.
The secessionists demanded a Convention to assemble at
Richmond, to consider the position Virginia should assume
in the crisis. Many of the public men of the Eastern and
Central portions of the State, were strong in their expressions
of love for the Union, but the controlling element, with per
sistent and fiery zeal, urged their mad project of disunion.
The West had very little, if any, sympathy with secession.
Appeals and invectives from beyond the mountains; and
from those who had by threats and bribery been brought to
advocate the radical views of the Southern leaders, had no
power to draw away the hearts of the people of the West,
from their love of the old Union. After an active canvass, a
delegation in Western Virginia was elected, and instructed to
oppose a secession ordinance.
The Convention met at Richmond. That city was in the
hands of a mob, determined to control the action of the Con
vention, by argument if possible, by force if necessary. Nearly
all the western members heroicly held out against the threats
of violence, with which they were assailed, and fought at
every step, the measures of the majority, even after all hope
of checking the tide was lost. At length, in secret session,
on the seventeenth of April, 1861, the ordinance of secession
was passed. Agents were immediately despatched to Mont
gomery, to negotiate with the Rebel Government, for the
admission of Virginia into the so-called Confederacy.
On the return of the Western Virginia delegates to their
homes, those who had betrayed their constituents, were

36 WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN.
received with merited scorn. A party, small in number, soon
sprung up, who advocated the adoption of the secession ordi
nance. This party was sustained by squads of troops, sent
from the eastern counties to dragoon public sentiment. But
in spite of the most strenuous efforts of the secession leaders,
the people were true to their convictions, and the ordinance,
when voted upon, was defeated by a large majority, in nearly
all the trans- Alleghany counties.
The strife continued, and ripened into bitter persecution of
those who reraained true in their allegiance to the old
Government. Larger bodies of troops were pushed through
the mountain passes. These overran the country bordering on
the Baltimore and Ohio railroad. Gov. Letcher, on the twen
tieth of April — three days after the passage of the secession
ordinance — wrote to Andrew Sweeney, Mayor of Wheeling, to
" take possession of the Custom House, Post Office, all public
buildings, and public do9uments, in the name of Virginia,"
adding, "Virginia has seceded." Mayor Sweeney, faithful
to the trust which the public had committed to him, gave
true expression of the popular sentiment, when, in his reply
to Gov. Letcher, he said: "I have taken possession of the
Custom House, Post Office, and all public buildings, and pub
lic documents, in the name of Abraham Lincoln, President
of the United States, whose property they are." A noble
reply, from the loyal Mayor of the loyal city of Wheeling.
This brought the issue directly between the State and Fed
eral Governments. It was evident to those who had watched
the current of public sentiment in the West, that the hardy
mountaineers, left to their own impulses, would rally around
the old fiag, which from childhood had been to them an object
of reverence. This they were not permitted to do. By
authority of Gov. Letcher, who had been legally elected Chief
Magistrate of the State, squads of troops scoured the valleys,
urging, entreating, and coramanding men, to take up arms.
Their State pride was appealed to, and, when all else failed,
force was used, to compel them to corarait some act, to com
promise their loyalty to the Federal cause. In this way, a
considerable militia force was raised in the counties where
the Confederate troops were quartered, or through which
they roved.

WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN. 37
The Union men Avere not idle. A Convention was called
at Wheeling. It assembled on the thirteenth of May. Nearly
four hundred delegates were present. A determination to
share in the fortunes of the old Union was manifested. The
greatest enthusiasm prevailed. The National standard fioated
frora the top of every public building. The favorite orators
of the people were received with exultant shouts. Their
patriotic sentiraents were cheered to the echo. Twenty-six
counties were represented by regularly elected delegates. A
proposition was raade to adrait inforraal delegates. John S.
Carlile, the most prominent politician present, who at Ricli-
mond had nobly contended against the secession heresy,
opposed the admission of informal delegates, on the ground
that a regular organization and parliaraentary precedence was
essential to give force and effect to the proceedings. Much
feeling was exhibited by speakers representing counties where
formal conventions had uot been held. Finally the matter
was referred to a Committee of one from each county repre
sented. Delegates frora some of the Valley counties were
present who entreated to be taken along in the event of the
secession of Western Virginia. Various plans of action
were proposed. The boldest was by Mr. Carlile, who advo
cated the withdrawal of two congressional districts, compris
ing thirt3'-one counties, and containing a population of two
hundred and fifty thousand, and the organization of a Pro
visional Government. Another plan was to organize a State
Government to be recognized by Congress under the Consti
tution ; and to submit it to the vote of the people. The vote
on the secession ordinance was not yet taken, and the vote
on the new State organization could be subraitted at the same
time. These, with other plans, were referred to the Commit
tee on Federal Kelations, who reported without recoraraend
ing any definite action. The fear of committing treason to
the State, seemed to weigh heavily on the hearts of members.
Mr. Carlile moved the reconsideration of his resolutions, and
supported the motion bj" a brilliant and powerful speech,
depicting in eloquent terms the absolute necessity for prompt
and immediate action. The adoption of the report of the
Committee, he contended, would disappoint tho people, and

38 WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN.
result in the utter and inevitable subjugation of Western Vir
ginia, to the Southern Confederacy. He declared, that in
three weeks after the passage of such resolutions, every able-
bodied member of the Convention would, at the tap of the
Confederate drum, be drafted into the rebel army. Mr. Car-
lile's proposition was opposed by Mr. Willey, who declared
that there was as much treason in acting now, as there ever
would be, as by the terras of the secession ordinance, it was
already operative. Besides, they had no means to set a gov
ernment in motion, much less to maintain it by war; and the
adoption of Carlile's plan would make their fair fields the
theater of a relentless war, between two hostile powers. The
Convention, having been in session one week, adjourned
without taking any final action, but ordered the assembhng
of another body, at the same place, on the eleventh of June.
The Convention met on the day appointed. Arthur J.
Boreman, of "Wood county, was chosen perraanent president.
In his address, he reviewed the action of the Richraond Con
vention, and exhorted the delegates to firra, decided, and
thorough action. The first action of the body was the adop
tion of a resolution offered by Mr. Carlile, thanking Gen.
McClellan for sending troops to Western Virginia; com
mending the gallant troops at Phihppi, and complimenting
the bravery of Col. Kelly.
On the nineteenth of June, a Declaration of Independence
was unanimously adopted. Fifty-six members voted for, and
signed it. Thirty were absent on leave. The declaration set
forth the grievances entailed upon the people, by the Conven
tion at Richmond, and solemnly declared, that the safety and
security of the people of Virginia, demanded the re-organiza
tion of the Government of the Commonwealth, and that all
acts of said Convention were without authority, and void,
and that the offices of all who adhered to said Convention,
whether Legislative, executive or judicial, were vacated.
Under this declaration, Francis H. Pierpont was chosen Gov
ernor. He summoned the Legislature to meet at Wheeling
on the first day of July. The machinery of a State Govern
ment was put in motion, and recognized by the Federal Gov
ernment, by the admission of Senators to Congress chosen
under it.

WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN. 39
PHILIPPI.
General McClellan, in May, 1801, was assigned to the
Department of the Ohio, which included Western Virginia.
He rapidly organized the troops called from the several States
within his command. Indiana had six regiments ready for
the field. One of these, the Eleventh, Col, Wallace's, had
been sent to Evansville, to prevent the passage South, of
supplies and munitions of war, and to protect the interests of
tlie Government on the southern border. The following
extract from the special order issued by Gen. Morris, on assign
ing the Eleventh to the border, will show how careful he was
to recognize the supremacy of the civil authorities : " The
regiment is charged with the duty of protecting the city and
country from invasion, insurrection, or violence of any
character; being held in strict subordination to the civil
authorities, and being extremely careful to abstain from all
interference with private property, the rights of citizens, or
the good order and peace of society."
On the twenty-fourth of M&j, 1861, Gen. McClellan visited
Indianapolis, and reviewed the brigade under the command
of Gen. Morris, which consisted of the Sixth regiment, Col.
Crittenden's; Seventh, Col. Dumont's; Eighth, Col. Benton's;
Ninth, Col. Milroy's; aud Tenth, Col. Manson's — all three
months men. The review was the most grand military
pageant that had ever been witnessed at the Capital of
Indiana. The troops were in fine condition, and eager to be
led to the field. They were highly complimented by Gen,
McClellan. Their equipment was pronounced complete. In
a short speech at the Bates House, Gen. McClellan assured
the assembled thousands, that the Indiana troops would soon
be called upon to follow him, and have an opportunity of
winning the distinction they so eagerly coveted. These were
not idle words. '*
The events just sketched convinced the Government, that
if Western Virginia was saved, it must be done by force of
arms. Although the result of every ballot proved the Union
sentiment to be in a large majority, yet the secession element
was well organized, and ably supported by armed bands from

40 WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN.
the Confederacy. Gen. Lee was in command of all the State
troops of Virginia. The Confederacy, while forming a strong
military line on the Potomac, were hurrying troops through
the passes of the mountains, to support the roving detach
ments, with a view to the permanent occupation of the terri
tory. The Union men of the river counties raised a regi
ment, which was placed under comraand of Col. Kelly, of
Wheeling. A Confederate force under Col. Porterfield occu
pied Grafton. They forced many citizens to fly from their
homes, leaving their property to be pillaged by the enemy.
These fugitives warned the people of the fate awaiting them,
in the event of the success of the Confederates. The people
flew to arms, and being joined by friends from Pennsylvania,
marched toward Grafton in force about one thousand strons'.
On their approach Porterfield fled to Philippi. Col. Kelly,
with his first Virginia regiraent, arrived at Grafton shortly
after its evacuation, and assuraed coraraand.
On the evening of the twenty-sixth of May, Gen. McClel
lan received notice at his headquarters, then in Cincinnati,
that the rebels had burned two bridges near Farraington, on
the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, and were preparing to burn
others between that point and Wheeling. He iramediately
issued the following address to the Union men of Western
Virginia :
"Virginians: — The General Government has long enough
endured the machinations of a few factious rebels in your
midst. Armed traitors have in vain endeavored to deter you
from expressing your loyalty at the polls; having failed in
this infaraous attempt to deprive you of the exercise of your
dearest rights, they now seek to inaugurate a reign of terror,
and thus force you to yield to their schemes, and submit to
the yoke of the traitorous conspiracy, dignified by the name
of Southern Confederacy. They are destroying the property
*of citizens of your State, and ruining your magnificent rail
ways. The General Government has heretofore carefully
abstained from sending troops across the Ohio, or even from
posting them along its banks, although frequently urged by
many of your prominent citizens to do so. It determined to
await the result of the late election, desirous that no one

WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN. 41
might be able to say that the slightest effort had been made
from this side to influence the free expression of your opinion,
although the many agencies brought to bear upon you by the
rebels were well known. You have now shown, under the
most adverse circumstances, that the great mass of the peo
ple of Western Virginia are true and loyal to that beneflcent
Government under which we and our fathers have lived so
long. As soon as the result of the election was known, the
traitors commenced their work of destruction. The General
Government can not close its ears to the demand you have
made for assistance. I have ordered troops to cross the river.
They come as your friends and brothers — as enemies only to
the armed rebels who are preying upon you. Your homes,
your families, and your property, are safe under our protec
tion. All your rights shall be religiously respected.
Notwithstanding all that has been said by the traitors to
induce you to believe that our advent among you will be sig
nalized by interference with your slaves, understand one thing
clearly — not only will we abstain from all such interference,
but we will, on the contrary, with an iron hand, crush any
attempt at insurrection on their part. Now, that we are in
your midst, I call upon you to fly to arms and support the
General Government. Sever the connection that binds you
to traitors — proclaim to the world that the faith and loyalty
so long boasted by the Old Dominion are still preserved in
Western Virginia, and that you remain true to the Stars aud
Stripes." This address was accompanied by the following to the vol
unteer army under his command:
" Soldiers : — You are ordered to cross the frontier and enter
upon the soil of Virginia. Your mission is to restore peace
and confidence, to protect the majesty of the law, and to res
cue our brethren from the grasp of armed traitors. You are
to act in concert with the Virginia troops, and to support
their advance.
I place under the safeguard of your honor the persons and
property of the Virginians. I know that you will respect
their feelings and all their rights. Preserve the strictest dis-

42 WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN.
cipline; remember that each one of you holds in his keeping
the honor of Ohio and of the Union.
If you are called upon to overcome arraed opposition, I
know that your courage is equal to the task; but reraeraber
that your only foes are the armed traitors — and show mercy
even to thera when they are in your power, for raany of them
are misguided. When, under your protection, the loyal men
¦of Western Virginia have been enabled to organize and arm,
they can protect themselves ; and you can then return to your
homes, with the proud satisfaction of having preserved a gal
lant people from destruction."
The troops from Ohio and Indiana were immediately put
in motion, for the seat of war. A portion of Gen. Morris'
brigade, the Seventh, Col. Dumont's, and the Ninth, Col. Mil
roy's, started by railroad to Wheehng, — the Sixth, Col. Crit
tenden's, went to Parkersburg, from thence to Philippi, where
it joined the other two. The Eighth regiment. Col. Benton's,
and the Tenth, Col. Manson's, subsequently were sent by rail
and water to Parkersburg, where they joined the column
which was eventually led by Gen. McClellan in person. Tho
Ohio regiments, commanded by Colonels Irvin and Andrews,
crossed the river from Benwood to Wheeling on the twenty-
seventh of May.
Through the State of Ohio, the approach of our troops
was everywhere hailed with enthusiasm. Letters from our
officers and men were filled with graphic descriptions of the
attentions shown them at every station. It was different
when they crossed the Ohio river. Along the railroads, a
Union flag, occasionally waved as the train swept by, but no
enthusiasm was evinced. Some poetical accounts were at that
time written of lively and heartfelt demonstrations of wel
come to our troops, but they fade from view, in the prepon
derance of testiraony, that the wealthier classes were sullen,
and the poorer classes at least undemonstrative.
The Ninth Indiana crossed the river at Benwood and pro
ceeded on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad to Grafton, where
it arrived on the first of June. The Sixth and Seventh regi
ments followed next day.
Gen. Morris arrived at Grafton in company with the Indi-

WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN. 43
ana troops. The General was accompanied by a very able
staflf. Major Love, a graduate of West Point, who had served
with distinction in the regular cavalry during the Mexican
war, was Brigade Major. John A. Stein, of Lafayette, was
Acting Assistant Adjutant General, and Milo S. Hascall,
afterwards Gen. Hascall, a West Point graduate, was aid-de
camp, and Dr. Fletcher, Mr., afterwards Col., Hines, and
other young men of intelligence from Indianapolis, were
members of the military family, as volunteer aids.
Col. Kelly was on the eve of starting for Philippi, to rout
Col. Porterfield's force at that point, when Gen. Morris
arrived at Grafton. Kelly's troops were already in line. The
expedition and its object were known to every one in Graf
ton. Gen. Morris sent fol- Col. Kelly. On consultation this
expedition was abandoned.
Rebel sympathizers who eagerly watched our every move
ment, and had means of communication with the rebels,
which the Federal commanders could not detect, supposed
that no attack would be made on the rebel forces. Morris
felt convinced that the small force of Col. Kelly, — inferior in
numbers to the army he was about to attack — would be met
in some of the mountain defiles and perhaps defeated.
The utmost Kelly with his forces, could do, was to defeat
Porterfield; Morris wished to capture him. The Seventh and
Ninth Indiana regiments were already in Grafton, the Sixth
Indiana and Fourteenth Ohio were expected at Webster that
evening. Col. Lander, volunteer aid to Gen. McClellan, was
coraing with a section of Burnett's Ohio artillery. These
troops carae as expected. Gen. Morris, instead of making
the direct attack, contemplated by the gallant Col. Kelly,
planned an expedition, which was to start quietly and secretly,
and attack the enemy's camp in front and rear.
The attacking force was to move in two columns, by differ
ent roads. The First Virginia, the Ninth Indiana, and a por
tion of the Fourteenth Ohio, were to move east to Thornton,
a small railway station five miles from Grafton, and from
thence march under command of Col. Kelly to the rear of
the enemy's position. The second column, consisting of the
Sixth and Seventh Indiana, and Fourteenth Ohio — Col. Lan-

44 WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN.
der accompanying the column in charge of the artillery — ^were
to march from Webster, a distance of twelve miles, and assail
the enemy in front. The attack of the two divisions was to
be simultaneous, at four o'clock in the morning. The column
from Webster was instructed to wait on the hills above Phil
ippi, for the signal of the approach of Col. Kelly's column.
The march was made at night, through darkness, rain
and mud. Bravely the soldiers toiled in a drenching storm,
through a strange and mountainous country. Their route
lay through valleys crossed by swollen streams, over the
spurs, and winding along the slopes, of the more elevated
range of mountains. The early dawn found the column
from Webster on the heights above Philippi. At the foot
of this range of hills, ran Tygart's Valley River — a branch
of the Monongahela — across it, nestling in one of the most
roraantic little valleys in Western Virginia, laj'- the pretty lit
tle village of Philippi. The road wound down the ridge to
a fine bridge, which spanned the river at the entrance to the
town. The advance of this column was discovered by the enemy.
Col. Lander was riding ahead of the troops in the graj'' of
the morning, when he was seen by a woman who twice fired
at him with a pistol, and started her little boy across the hills,
to apprise Col. Porterfield of the approach of Federal troops.
Impatiently the column awaited the signal of the approach
of Col. Kelly. The officers swept the hills across the val
ley with their glasses, straining their eyes to note the most
trivial evidence of a moving object. The camp below was
in commotion, the firing of the pistol by the woman having
aroused them. The boy sent never reached the camp. He
was overtaken and held by some of our men until the action
opened, when he was sent back to his belligerent mother.
The hour appointed for the attack carae and passed, but
still Col. Kelly's division had not arrived. Col. Lander,
fearful that the enemy might escape unhurt, if he longer
waited for the arrival of Col. Kelly — who might still be some
miles away toiling among the hills — ordered the battery to
unlimber and begin the attack. Soon after the sound of the
first gun woke the echoes of the hills. Col. Kelly's command

WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN. 45
appeared in sight, but not at the point expected. The treach-
ous guide, in the darkness and storm, had led the column
astray. It entered the town iramediately below the camp,
instead of debouching from the hills upon the Beverly pike,
which would have thrown it directly in the rear of the enemy,
and secured his capture. The battery soon got range of the
rebel camp, which was about a quarter of a mile distant.
The first ball pierced though a barn and took off" the leg of
a man named Dangerfield.
The enemy made no attempt to take a position of defense.
At the first flash of the guns, they fled, each eager to secure
his own safety. While the artillery thundered from the hills,
the infantry moved down the road at double quick, rushed
through the bridge, shouting like Indians; Kelly's forces
closed upon the fugitives from the flank, the two colurans
uniting on the main street of the town, and continuing the
pursuit along the Beverly pike. The rebels were fresh. The
Federals were wearied by a long and fatiguing night march.
The pursuit was continued for about two miles, when our
troops, failing to overtake the retreating foe, returned and
took possession of the abandoned rebel camp.
The only casuality to the Union forces in this brilliant sur
prise, was the wounding of Col. Kelly, the chivalrous Vir
ginian, who was shot in the shoulder by a pistol ball, while
leading the pursuit through the town. It was never known
who fired the shot. A rebel Quartermaster, named Simras,
was seized and accused of the act. He would have been
roughly handled by the heated followers of Col. Kelly, had
not that noble soldier interfered to protect him. It was
reported that the shot was fired after the fight, and by the hand
of an assassin. Capt. Benham, the Chief of Engineers, who
subsequently investigated the matter, says in his report to
Gen. Morris, "notwithstanding one report to me that he was
shot from a house, I am still disposed to think he was shot
in a fair fight by a gallant fellow who was surrounded, and
fired at the brightest mark."
The life of Col. Kelly was for a long time despaired of, but
he finally recovered and has since, as Brigadier General, been
actively engaged in the field.

46 WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN.
Porterfield's force consisted of twelve hundred men, five
hundred of whora were cavalry. He had represented to the
citizens that he had twenty-five hundred men. His object
in exaggerating the number of his force, being to overawe
the Union, and strengthen the secession, feeling. A large
amount of stores was left behind by the fugitives, but the
captures were not so important as then represented. CoL
Porterfield's baggage and official papers fell into the hands
of the Union army. Three hundred and eighty stand of
arms and a flag of one of the rebel regiments, were among
the trophies. Col. Willey, who had led the bridge burning
party, was taken prisoner. Upon his person was found his
commission in the Confederate service, and letters from Gen.
Glarnett, the rebel commander.
Col. Dumont, of the Seventh Indiana, assumed the com
mand on the fall of Col. Kelly, and immediately commenced
vigorous efforts to secure the approaches to the town, — to
ascertain the state of the country, and the condition of the
enemy. In this work he was ably assisted by Capt. Benham
of the Engineers. In his first official report, written on the
fourth of June, Col. Dumont speaks of the services of Jona
than W. Gordon — of the Ninth Indiana — who had at his
solicitation "led a small mounted scouting party on a
hazardous expedition and performed it in a very satisfactory
manner." This seems to have been the origin of that efficient
system of scouting which characterized the operations of both
carapaigns in Western Virginia. Araong the mountains it
was a perilous service, but had the charms of adventure and
romance, which raade it irresistible to the bold and active
sons of the Hoosier and Buckeye States.
The occupation of Philippi developed the fact, that nearly
all the wealthier classes were strongly tinctured with seces
sion. The leading men of the place had abandoned their
homes, and gone with the Confederate troops. Those who
remained were sullen, and unwilling to commit themselves to
the Union cause. They argued that the retirement of the
Federal forces would leave thera subject to every species of
oppression, and the most that could be expected from them
was strict neutrality between the opposing forces.

WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN. 47
The question of the permanent occupation of the place
was at once presented to the mind of the comraander.
Should our forces fall back to Grafton, those who were yet
uncommitted to the Confederate cause, would at once be
forced by the rebels to commit the overt act of treason, and
unite their destiny with the armed bands, which would soon
be poured upon them. Capt. Benham carefully corapared
the reports of his scouts with the testimony of citizens, and
came to the conclusion that Porterfield's forces, twelve hun
dred strong, were at Beverly, twenty-five or thirty miles from
Philippi, at the junction of the Staunton pike, with the road
passing through Philippi, and winding along the Laurel Hill
range, to the passes leading to the Great Central Valley.
Through these passes troops could be thrown from Eastern
Virginia. Benham, in his report to Gen. Morris, suggested
an advance upon Beverly, urging if Philippi was held,
Beverly must be occupied.
Gen. Morris found it impossible to advance with a view to
a permanent occupation. He had no wagons, the troops had
been hurried from Grafton without even their camp equipage,
and the limited number of teams obtainable in the country
barely sufficed to forward supplies to Philippi. He assented,
however, to an expedition to attack the forces gathering at
Beverly. But a continued storm, such as frequently sweep
over these mountain regions, delayed the proposed movement
until the enemy pushed forces through the gaps of the
Alleghanies, and effected, as they supposed, a permanent
lodgment with Beverly as a center.
LAUREL HILL.
Col. Porterfield, before falling back from Grafton, had
notified the authorities at Richmond, that it would be impos
sible to prevent the Federal troops from overrunning Western
Virginia, unless a strong force was at once sent there. He
reported that not over one-third of the militia were willing to
take up arms for the State ; the majority declaring if they must
fight, they would fight for the Union. This notice did not
pass unheeded. A plan of campaign was quickly adopted to

48 WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN.
check the further advance of the Federal forces. Gen. Wise,
who had organized a brigade in the Kanawha region, waa
ordered to cross the intervening mountains, and co-operate
with the forces which were then being hurried through the
Valley to oppose the army of Gen. McClellan. Gen. Garnett
was placed in command of North- Western Virginia. He at
once fortified the passes on. the roads leading to Beverly.
Beverly is the principal town in Tygart's Valley, and the seat of
justice for Randolph county. The fine turnpike road from
Webster through Philippi, crossing the Laurel Hill range —
and the Parkersburg and Staunton pike, crossing Rich Moun
tain, there unite, and form the only practicable road for an
army to cross the Alleghanies, which divide Western and
Central Virginia. The authorities at Richmond evidently
feared Gen. McClellan would push through the mountain
passes, and effect a junction with Gen. Patterson, for the pur
pose of occupying the valley of the Shenandoah. Pollard, a
Southern writer, in his " First Year of the War," says : " The
demonstrations of the Federal forces in the direction of the
Valley of Virginia, were certainly thwarted by the timely
falling back of our army from Harper's Ferry to Winchester.
Gen. Patterson's approach was expected by the great route
into the Valley from Pennsylvania and Maryland, leading
through Winchester, and it was an object of the utmost
iraportance to prevent any junction between his forces and
those of Gen. McClellan, who was already making his way
into the upper portions of the Valley." The positions of
Gen. Garnett were adrairably chosen, as may be seen by
glancing at a map of Virginia. If, at any point on his line,
he might expect to check McClellan's advance, it was either
at Rich Mountain or Laurel Hill ; and in the event of that
General moving his forces by rail to the Potomac outlets of
the Valley, and thus effect a junction with Patterson, he could
sally from his mountain fastnesses, and overrun the country
thus left to his mercy.
We have no evidence that Gen. McClellan's instructions
extended farther than to drive the enemy from his Depart
ment. His measures to do this were promptly taken. He
dispatched Gen. Cox with a considerable force to the Kanawha

WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN. 49
region, to hold Wise and Floyd in check. This end was
accomplished, although a column of Gen. Cox's forces, under
Col. Lowe, was repulsed in an attack on the enemy's works
at Scareytown. Gen. Morris was ordered to advance from
Philippi to Bealington, a small village, within a mile of the
camp at Laurel Hill, where Gen. Garnett commanded in
person, and where he was strongly intrenched. The instruc
tions of Gen. McClellan were full and explicit. Gen. Morris
was not to attack. He was to reconnoiter the country
thoroughly, and amuse the rebel General with the idea that
the main attack was to be made on that position. The plan
was to hold Garnett at Laurel Hill, while McClellan gained
his rear. Gen. McClellan himself moved from Parkersburg
through Clarksburg and Buckhannon, and encamped at Roar
ing Run — a small stream which crosses the main Staunton pike,
directly in front of the rebel works at Rich Mountain — where
Col. Pegram commanded. Gen. Morris faithfully carried
out the instructions given him. He moved to Bealington,
and closely invested Gen. Garnett.
The skirmishing in front of the Laurel Hill intrenchments-
was heavy and constant. The enemy occupied the wooded
hills in front of his works with masses of troops, and
resolutely disputed the advance of reconnoitering parties.
Nothing could restrain the ardor of the Indiana and Ohio
soldiers. They frequently stole out from their camps, drove
in the outer pickets, and engaged in a brisk fight with the
enemy. The regular scouts of Gen. Morris were constantly
in the saddle, and penetrated every by-path on the surrounding^
hills. Their adventures, always daring, and often perilous,
would fill a volume. The Colonels were eager to lead their
regiments in the storming of the works. This, Gen. Morris,
under his instructions, could not permit. The orders given
him were imperative. He was only to threaten — not to attack.
The position and range of the enemy's works were concealed
by the thickly wooded mountain spurs ; but the scouts had
penetrated by stealth to positions overlooking them. The
situation was well known to Gen. Morris. He also knew
the position could be turned. The laurel thickets, — from
which the range of hills takes its name, — while they screened
Vol. I.— 4.

50 WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN.
the enemy, afforded shelter for our scouts, who were soon
familiar with every rock and path in the vicinity. The only
approach for artillery was by the pike, winding along the
hill sides, lined with thick undergrowth, and overshadowed
by tall forest trees. Our skirmishers often drove the enemy
from their hiding places. The artillery frequently dashed up
the road, and threw shells into the woods beyond. The men
occasionally accorapanied their charges with a yell, and poured
vollies of musketry upon the startled rebels, whom they
pursued until superior numbers from the works bej^ond drove
them back. They then sought the shelter of trees and logs,
and continued the fight, until positive orders recalled thera to
camp. Thus the skirmishing continued from day to day.
The instances of individual daring and courage were numerous.
Col. Milroy's Ninth regiment was especially conspicuous in
these scenes. They had acquired the soubriquet of " Swamp
Devil-s;" and from their annoyance of the rebel pickets and
outposts, at Laurel Hill, they might also have appropriately
been termed " Mountain Imps." Their Colonel there exhibited
the qualities that have since distinguished him in the war — a
daring akin to rashness, and a bravery which seldom sought
counsel from judgment.
Gen. Morris, cool and cautious, carefully watched over his
little army. While gathering information respecting the
enemy's strength, he was willing our men should test their
abihty on his outposts, and occasionally feel his position. It
seasoned the men, and accustomed them to stand fire. When
the order to advance came, he knew he could depend upon
them. The Seventh and Ninth regiments lost several brave men
in these skirmishes. The regimepts opposed to them, so far
as could be learned, were Georgians, who seemed to be foemen
worthy of their steel. On one occasion, a Georgian, after a
sharp engagement, in which neither party seemed to have
gained much advantage, peeping from behind his tree, asked,
"What troops are you?" "Ohio and Indiana Volunteers,"
was the response. " Volunteers!" exclaimed the Georgian,
"you need not tell me volunteers stand fire that way!"
George P. Buell, the editor of the Democratic Review,—

WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN. 51
formerly published in Indianapolis, — and who had once rep
resented Marion county in the State Legislature, accompanied
the Ohio troops to Western Virginia, and took an active part
in these dashing enterprises. One Sunday morning he went
with the advanced skirmishers to the wooded hill which
concealed the enemy's works. It was swarming with rebels.
When the skirmishers halted to deploy, and moved forward
from tree to tree, Buell, who was well raounted, kept straight
on to Laurel Hill. The audacity of the proceeding startled
the rebels, who permitted him to proceed several hundred
yards before they opened fire, which at length came in a per
fect storm. Buell, hatless, rejoined his comrades, having run
the gauntlet untouched by a shot.
The enemy's cavalry made several charges down the slopes
of the hills, exciting the admiration of our men. On one
occasion, a charge had been repulsed, with considerable loss.
A wounded cavalryman was seen to reel upon his horse. A
comrade who rode by his side had his bridle arm shattered.
He took the bridle in his teeth, and with his sword arm drew
up his falling companion on the saddle behind him, and suc
ceeded in making his escape to camp, followed by the admiring
cheers of the brave men with whom he had been battling.
But the thousand instances of chivalry on both sides must
be left to the sketches which will be written concerning this
war, in which the highest and noblest traits which dignify
the race have been so frequently exhibited. Written they
will be. There is a love for brave deeds — an admiration of
the heroic — implanted in the human heart, which no sys
tem of ethics has been, or ever shall be able to eradicate.
We admire a courageous enemy, however we may condemn
the motive which incites hirn, provided there be nothing low
or base in his acts. A mistaken motive we may condemn,
but, in spite of our reason, we can not but admire the acts of
a brave, noble and chivalric soldier. How often, when our
brave volunteers returned from their first campaign, have we
sat, hour after hour, listening to their recital, interspersed
with complimentary remarks of the daring deeds of the foe
they had so gallantly repulsed.

52 WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN.
RICH MOUNTAIN.
Gen. McClellan, meantime, in his camp at Roaring Run, was
preparing to move upon the Rich Mountain works. Could
he drive Pegram frora his stronghold, across the mountain,
he would be in Garnett's rear, and entrap that General and
his Laurel Hill force. Pegram felt secure in his fortified
gorge. He boasted that his position could not be turned; and
that he could resist a front attack from any force that could
be brought against him. But his position was turned, in spite
of the seemingly impassable barriers which frowned from his
flanks. There was very little skirmishing about Roaring Run.
Col. Pegram left his front door open, hoping Gen. McClellan
vjrould walk into the vestibule of his mansion, which was
intended to be converted into a slaughter pen. A reconnois
sance was made on the tenth of July, and on the eleventh
the movement was made to turn the position, which resulted
in the battle of Rich Mountain and in the capture of the
stronghold. A young man named Hart, son of the proprietor
of the mountain farm upon which Pegram was encamped,
agreed to guide a force by bridle paths over the mountain on
the enemy's left, to their rear. At three o'clock in the
morning, the Eighth, Tenth and Thirteenth Indiana, and the
Sixteenth Ohio, regiraents, with Burdsall's troop of cavalry,
left carap, under comraand of Gen. Rosecrans. The troops
were in light marching order, with one day's rations in their
haversacks. Taking a wide detour to the south-east, the
column commenced to ascend the mountain, through tangled
undergrowth, over slippery paths, often so narrow that two
men could not move abreast, and so steep that they had liter
ally to chrab from rock to rock. They passed far above
Pegram's carap, following the ridge that curved to the rear.
While following the uncertain path, the mountain top was ¦
reached, then the beautiful Valley of the Tygart river, with
the Cheat Mountain range beyond, broke in the grey hght
of the morning upon the vision of the tired soldiers. Each
turn in the narrow winding road changed the delightful scene
which stretched far away below them. To their view was
presented an ever-changing panorama of mountain and vale.

WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN. 53
The pike struck the mountain at a depression between two
high ridges, and wound up through the camp. The ridges
almost meet at Hart's house, the highest point on the road.
The column, without being disturbed by pickets, had reached
the elevation above the farm house, a mile in the rear of the
fortifications, when suddenly a volley was poured into them.
It was evident the enemy had been apprised of their move
ment, and had disposed his force to meet it. The men were
ordered to lie down. Gen. Rosecrans dashed along the
mountain side, rapidly scanning the condition of affairs. At
the first fire Capt. Chris. Miller, of the Tenth Indiana, fell,
having been shot through the left lung. His subsequent
recovery was a source of as great surprise, as joy, to the
citizens of Indiana.
The rebels were discovered in force, intrenched behind log
breastworks, on the opposite side of the road, and on the
slope of the twin mountain spur upon which our forces had
advanced. They had three pieces of cannon, partially pro
tected by the farm buildings, from which they kept up a
lively cannonade during the brief reconnoissance. Gen.
Rosecrans moved his force from the thick wood on the hill
top, to the cleared land on its side. There he formed his
line — the Tenth Indiana on the right, the Eighth in the center,
and the Thirteenth on the left, flanking or bending toward
the front. The Nineteenth Ohio was formed in reserve. After
considerable skirmishing, in which both parties lost many
men, a large body of rebels, under cover of their battery,
charged across the road. The Hoosiers lay still in the grass.
The grape, canister and shells from the rebel battery passed
over them. They were ordered to fire. Each man in the
line sprang to his feet. A murderous volley was poured into
the ranks of the advancing foe. They hastened back to their
cover. Our men broke line and followed, each company and
squad fighting independently of the other. The daring Col.
Lander, who was with the party, leaped upon a high rock — a
conspicuous object for the rebel marksmen — urging the men
to form in companies, and charge the batteries. A Lieutenant
and twenty men, deployed as skirmishers, commenced picking
off the gunners. In the meantime. Gen. Rosecrans, dashing

54 WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN.
over rocks and stumps, and fallen timber, appeared among
the troops, and reformed the line broken by the headlong
daring of the men. The order to take the batteries was
given. The skirmishers poured in a volley. The line dashed
like a thunderbolt down the hill. The struggle was short.
The rebels fought well, but nothing could withstand that
furious charge. The batteries were taken — by what regiments
it matters not — for all fought gallantly and well. The rebels
fled towards their main position at the foot of the east slope
of the mountain, followed for some distance by our troops,
who could scarcely be restrained from rushing into the rebel
intrenchments below.
The battle commenced about two o'clock and lasted for an
hour and twenty minutes. A portion of the time, the firing
was very heavy, and distinctly heard in Gen. McClellan's
camp at Roaring Run. The Federal loss was light com
pared with that of the enemy, who besides their killed and
wounded, had a number made prisoners. The entire force
of Gen. Rosecrans was one thousand seven hundred and
forty — that of the enemy about nine hundred. The disparity
in numbers was more than equalized by the artillery and
breastworks of the enemy.
When the battle opened two regiments of Confederate
troops, were ascending the eastern slope of the mountain
from Beverly to reinforce Pegram's rear guard. They were
advised by fugitives of the defeat, and fell back, but were
still in a condition to join in a night attack, should Pegram
sally from his camp, upon the isolated little force of Gen.
Rosecrans. Pegram, however, was threatened in front by a
heavy force under Gen. McClellan, and, having been defeated
in the rear by Gen. Rosecrans, took advantage of the night,
which set in dark and stormy, to abandon his camp with all
his stores, and fly over a mountain path in the direction of
Laurel Hill. The regiments advancing to his aid, retired
through Beveriy towards the Cheat Mountain Pass. Early
next morning Rosecrans moved upon Pegram's main works,
and found only a few stragglers and sick, to tell the story of
the hasty flight of their comraander.
Gen. McClellan immediately moved his column to Beverly,

WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN. 55
and took active measures to cut off the retreat of Garnett
from Laurel Hill, and to capture the fugitives from Rich
Mountain. The mountains were scouted iu every direction.
Prisoners were picked up on every by-path, who, wearied and
dispirited, were brought to headquarters.
carrick's ford.
The capture of a courier despatched by Gen. McClellan,
revealed the plan of his attack upon Rich Mountain. Gen.
Garnett, at Laurel Hill, being advised of the movement and
anticipating its success, hastily abandoned his camp on the
night of the eleventh of July, hoping to pass Beverly before
the force of Gen. McClellan could reach it from the Weston
pike. The roads were heavy from the constant rains. He
had proceeded but seven or eight miles in the direction of
Beverly, when he found the route blocked in his front.
Retracing his steps a few miles, he struck off at Leedsville,
on the Leading Creek road, towards St. George, in Tucker
county. This road plunges at once into the wild mountains
of the Cheat range, and has all the characteristics of a toler
able pass-way over rugged and broken spurs swept by moun
tain torrents. The retiring force hastily disencumbered
themselves of all superfluous baggage, and marked their
track with blankets, knapsacks and clothing.
At daylight on Friday morning, the twelfth, conflicting
reports were received at the headquarters of Gen. Morris,
from the night scouts. One party reported that the enemy
had evacuated, while another who had occupied a different
stand point was positive he had been reinforced during the
night. These conflicting reports rendered it necessary to send
out other parties, who soon returned with stories quite as
much at variance as those received in the early morning.
Gen. Morris then ordered three regiments to approach the
works cautiously by the pike. They marched up and found
them evacuated ; the tents, however, were still standing.
The entire column was put in pursuit of the enemy. Then
followed one of the most exciting races between a retreating,
and pursuing force recorded in the annals of the war. The

56 WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN.
graphic accounts of the chase which reached us through the
press at the time must be familiar to our readers. The
advance had scarcely passed the deserted camp when they
met with obstructions. The enemy had felled heavy trees
across the road. Axes had to be obtained, and men set to
work to remove the obstructions. The Seventh and Ninth
Indiana, the Fourteenth Ohio, and a section of Barnett's
Ohio battery, led the advance. There could be no mistake in
reference to the line of retreat, for the deep mud was worked
to a jelly by the active feet of men and horses. The mouth
of the Leedsville road was closely blocked with fallen trees.
It was evident the retreating foe had doubled on his track.
He had turned and blockaded the road behind him. There
was evidence too, that he had advanced towards Beverly. A
short halt was made. A guide was found who led the advance
by a rough and broken path around the obstructions. Night
coming on, the men bivouaced on the rocks and among the
bushes, many of them going supperless to their airy beds,
those best provided for partook of a slice of raw pork or a
piece of soaked cracker, which chance had left in their haver
sacks. At two o'clock on Saturday morning, the advance was
again in motion. The sky was overcast, and the weather
cold. A chilling mist followed, which soon turned into a
pitiless storm. The rain descended in torrents, and rushed
in cataracts from the hill sides. The road was miserable.
The soldiers slipped, and plunged, and scrambled along, often
reefing like drunken men in the mire; but they overcame
every obstacle in their eagerness to overtake the foe. The
evidence of the haste of the rebels increased as our troops
advanced. Broken wagons were upset in the gorges, and
hung to the sides of precipices. The thickets on the road
sides were strewn with officers' baggage, having been thrown
out to lighten the teams. The soft mud in the road was
thickened with blankets and other articles, dropped by
fatigued and overmarched men. The enemy started twelve
hours in advance of our troops. After fruitless efforts to
bring up his train, he abandoned, first, much of the contents
of his wagons, next, many of the wagons themselves. About

WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN. 57
noon, the advance emerged from the defile upon Cheat River
at Kahler's Ford. The main body was several miles in the
rear, their march even more severe than that of the advance,
as the mud became deeper by each additional body of men
that tramped through it. At the ford the advance perceived
the enemy. He was evidently seeking a position to make a
stand. He halted a large portion of his force until the
remnant of his train, lightened of nearly all its load, passed
on. The Ohio and Indiana soldiers dashed into the stream,
the water being nearly, waist deep. With great difficulty,
they were halted on the opposite side of the river, until the
artillery arrived. A single shot set the rebel infantry in
motion. On went the eager Union soldiers in pursuit,
splashing through the mud, trampling the bushes beneath
their feet. The rebels rally to cover their train. A scatter
ing fire of musketry opens, and continues, until the artillery
unlimbers. A few shells compel them to scamper. Thus a
running fight was kept up for three miles to the second cross
ing, called Carrick's Ford, which takes its name from the
owner of the farm. At this point, the mountains recede on
both sides of the river, leaving a comparatively level bottom
of about a mile in width. On the opposite side, the rebels
prepared to make a stand. Here the bank is bold and high,
rising about sixty feet above the shore, down which, the
Fourteenth Ohio, being in advance, rushed for the ford.
Rebel wagons were stuck fast in the stream. The teamsters
implored the skirmishers not to shoot, as they were about to
surrender. Gen. Garnett now rose from the bushes on the
opposite bank, ordering his men, who were in position behind
a fence, in an oat field, to fire. The Fourteenth Ohio,
without flinching, received the volley. The rebel battery
now opened. The Seventh and Ninth Indiana hastened up,
Barnett's artillery unlimbered, and the battle, for a few
minutes, raged with fury. The fire, however, was not
destructive ; the principal loss falling on the Fourteenth Ohio,
which had received the first deliberate volley of the enemy.
Capt. Benham, who commanded the advance, ordered Col.
Dumont, with six companies of the Seventh Indiana, to cross
the river above the ford, pass up the hill, and reach the

58 WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN.
enemy's rear. The order being given, the Seventh, with
their gallant Colonel at their head, plunged into the rapid
stream. The head of the column reached the opposite bank,
and were working up its almost perpendicular sides by the
aid of rocks and bushes, when Capt. Benham, seeing the
hopeless task in which they were engaged, ordered Col.
Dumont to form his men in the river bed, to march down the
river under cover of the bank, and charge the enemy in front
at the ford, while the two regiments, the Ninth Indiana, the
Fourteenth Ohio, and Barnett's battery, should pour their
fire on the foe over the heads of his men. The command had
to march about five hundred yards. The river's bottom was
covered with bowlders, which turned at every step ; yet the
men formed with remarkable regularity. The moment the
head of Dumont's column reached the ford, the rebels broke.
Gen. Garnett strove to rally his men, but in vain. He stood on
the bank waving his handkerchief, urging them to return,
and exhorting them to dispute the further advance of our
force. The Seventh rushed forward like a whirlwind. Major
Gordon, who had accompanied the Ninth Indiana to Virginia,
and joined the Seventh at the crossing, jumped upon a stump
to cheer on the men. Gen. Garnett directed the attention of
a few of his followers, who still clung to him, to the Major.
A volley from their guns literally riddled the stump upon
which he was standing. The Major, at the same moment,
caught sight of Garnett, and directed Sergeant Burlingame,
of the Seventh, to bring him down. The Sergeant fired,
when the brave and gallant General of the routed and hard
pressed rebel army, fell dead. A young Georgian, a mere
youth, who, amid all calamity, had clung to his General, fell
dead by his side. The battle was ended. The enemy fled in
the wildest confusion, followed by our troops, until the hope
lessness of further pursuit in those wild and dreary hills was
self-evident even to the most eager and earnest. They
returned. The reserve came up, and the army bivouaced for
the night on the banks of the ford, forever made memorable
by the operations of that day. Our loss was two killed, two
mortally, and eight slightly wounded — in all twelve. The
enemy's loss is not known. Eight of their dead were buried

WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN. 59
on the field, three died in hospital, and twelve wounded fell
prisoners into our hands. All night long the scouts and
pickets continued to bring prisoners into our camp, until
their number became an incumbrance to our wearied soldiers.
GENERAL GARNETT.
Major Gordon was the first to reach the fallen General.
Life was already extinct. The brave commander of the
Confederate army of Western Virginia had given his last
order. Tenderly did Major Gordon straighten the limbs,
close the eyes, and tie the face, of the gallant dead. The
body was recognized by Major Love, who had been a class
mate and an intimate friend of the deceased at West Point,
and who, to his honor and manhood be it said, shed tears
over the lifeless body of his former friend. He had it con
veyed to headquarters, and gently assisted in preparing it for
the coffin.
Gen. Garnett graduated at West Point in 1841. He was a
military character by choice and education. He distinguished
himself in the Mexican war, and since that period held very
important positions in the army. He was at one time Super
intendent of the Military Academy, and was regarded by the
officers of the old army as one of its brightest ornaments.
A personal description written at the time of his death says :
"In person General Garnett was about five feet eight inches,
rather slenderly built, with a fine, high arching forehead, and
regular and handsome features, almost classic in their regu
larity, and mingled delicacy and strength of beauty. His
hair, almost coal black, as were his eyes, he wore long on the
neck, in the prevailing fashion of the Virginia aristocracy.
His dress was of fine blue broadcloth throughout, and richly
ornamented. The buttons bore the coat of arms of the State
of Virginia, and the star on his shoulder strap was richly
studded with brilliants.'
Major Gordon was placed in charge of the body of the
fallen General, and of the effects found upon it, and was sent
with them to the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, that they
might be transmitted to his friends.

60 WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN.
THE CAMPAIGN ENDS.
Gen. Morris returned to his camp at Bealington, where he
made preparations for the return of his three months regi
ments to their homes, their term of service having expired.
Gen. Hill was ordered from Rowelsburg to intercept the scat
tered army. Although he had a large force, the fugitives
slipped through his fingers, and escaped bj the way of Rom
ney to Winchester, where they rallied and reorganized.
Gen. McClellan, in the meantime, had received an offer of
surrender from Pegrara, who, with six hundred of his
followers, had wandered over the hills — unable to find a
loop-hole of escape — until fatigue and want of food had
broken their proud spirit. Gen. McClellan tendered them all
the kindness due prisoners of war. Pushing on to Huttons-
ville, he learned that the force which had occupied Beverly —
the reserve of Garnett's army — after having destroyed the
bridge, had followed the Staunton pike over Cheat Mountain,
and were in full retreat beyond the confines of Western
Virginia. He followed to the " Summit," a place afterwards
famous in the annals of the war, and sent detachments to the
foot of the Alleghanies. The only evidence of an army there
seen, were the brushwood camps on the rocky and wooded
hills, the smoking embers of bivouac fires, and the wreck of
wagons at the foot of mountain declivities, down which they
had tumbled in the hasty flight of the rear guard of the
Confederate Army of Western Virginia.
Gen. McClellan left a portion of Col. Kimball's regiment,
the Fourteenth Indiana, as an outpost on the summit of Cheat
Mountain, established a camp at the foot of its western slope,
which he placed under coramand of Gen. Schleich, and returned
to Beverly. Truly could the young General say — "the enemy
is driven out of Western Virginia." The following address
was issued by the Commanding General, and read at the head
of the several regiraents :
'^Soldiers of the Army qf the West:
" I am more than satisfled with you.
"You have annihilated two armies, commanded by educated
and experienced soldiers, intrenched in mountain fastnesses

WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN. 61
fortified at their leisure. You have taken five guns, twelve
colors, fifteen hundred stand of arms, one thousand prisoners,
including more than forty officers — one of the two commanders
of the rebels is a prisoner, the other lost his life on the field
of battle. You have killed more than two hundred and fifty
of the enemy, who has lost all his baggage and camp equipage.
All this has been accomplished with the loss of twenty brave
men killed and sixty wounded, on your part.
"You have proved that Union men, fighting for the preserva
tion of our Government, are more than a match for our
misguided and erring brethren; more than this, you have
shown mercy to the vanquished. You have made long and
arduous marches, often with insufficient food, frequently
exposed to the inclemency ,,of the weather. I have not
hesitated to demand this of you, feeling that I could rely on
your endurance, patriotism and courage.
"In the future, I may have still greater demands to make
upon you, still greater sacrifices for you to offer ; it shall be
my care to provide for you to the extent of my ability; but I
know now, that by your valor and endurance you will accom
plish all that is asked.
" Soldiers ! I have confidence in you, and I trust you have
learned to confide in me. Remember that discipline and sub
ordination are qualities of equal value with courage.
"I am proud to say that you have gained the highest
reward that American troops can receive — the thanks of
Congress, and the applause of your fellow citizens."
The victory of the Union army was complete. The short
campaign was brilliantly conceived and ably executed. The
Confederate plan for overrunning and subjugating the moun
tain districts was also marked with genius. The master
players met, the first move of the Federal commander on the
mountain chess-board scattered, in hopeless confusion, the
rebel pawns. Rapidly did he follow his advantage, from
skirmish to skirmish, and from outpost to outpost, from camp
to camp, until the duty assigned him was thoroughly per
formed. Gen. McClellan had scarcely time to place his troops
in positions to hold what they had gained, before events on
another field called him to part from his victorious little army.

62 WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN.
Ou the return of Gen. Morris' Indiana brigade to the capi
tal of the State, to be mustered out of service, he issued the
following address to his brave comrades :
" To the Officers and Soldiers of the Brigade :
" The term of service for this brigade, in the army of the
United States, having expired, and the relation of officers and
soldiers about to be dissolved, the General, in relinquishing
his command, deems this a fit occasion to express his entire
approbation of the conduct of the brigade, whether in the
camp, on the march, or on the field of battle. The General
tenders to all his thanks for the soldierly bearing, the cheerful
performance of every duty, and the patient endurance of the
privations and fatigues of campaign life, which all have so
constantly exhibited. Called suddenly by the National
Executive from the ease and luxuries of home life to the
defense of our Government, the officers and soldiers of this
brigade have voluntarily submitted to the privations and
restraints of military life ; and, with the intelligence of free
Americans, have acquired the arts of war as readily as they
relinquished the pursuits of peace. They have cheerfully
endured the fatigue of long and dreary marches by day and
night, through the rain and storm — they have borne the
exhaustion of hunger for the sake of their country. Their
labor aud suffering were not in vain. The foe they met, they
vanquished. They scattered the traitors from their secure
intrenchments in the gorges of Laurel Hill, stripped of their
munitions of war, to flee before the vengeance of patriots.
" Soldiers ! you have now returned to the friends whose
prayers went with you to the field of strife. They welcome
you with pride and exultation. Your State and country
acknowledge the value of your labors. May your future
career be as your past has been, honorable to yourselves and
serviceable to your country.
"The General in command, sensible of the great obligation
he IS under to the members of his staff, can not refrain from
this pubhc acknowledgment of the value of their services
"To Brigade Major Love he can but feebly express his
obligations. To his ripe and practiced judgment, his accurate
knowledge of the duties of officers and soldiers, his unremii^

WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN. 63
ting labors to secure instruction and discipline, to his cheerful
and valuable counsel, the General is greatly indebted.
"For the valuable services of Captain Benham of the
United States Engineers, not only in the appropriate duties
of his station, but in his voluntary and arduous labors in the
field, the General desires, in the name of the Brigade, to
thank him. He has proved himself not only the skillful
engineer, but competent to discharge any and every duty
incident to military life.
"To Captain Hines, Aid-de-Camp, and to Acting Assistant
Adjutant General Stein, the General tenders his acknowl
edgments for their req,dy and cheerful performance of the
severe duties imposed upon them."
This short campaign had a decided influence in increasing
the military spirit of the State. Everwhere the soldiers were
received with enthusiasm by the people, and their narratives
listened to with eager interest. When the regiments returned
to the Capital ovations awaited them. When corapanies
reached the county seats, crowds greeted them with enthu
siasm. When the soldiers arrived at their homes, they were
objects of especial attention and regard in their respective
neighborhoods. As every district in the State was repre
sented, and every county had at least given individual mem
bers to the regiments engaged in the campaign, a martial
spirit was kindled throughout the length and breadth of
Indiana. We do not think it is unreasonable to claim that
our State owes much of the military reputation acquired in
this war, to the experience gained by her sons in the first
Western Virginia campaign, and to the love of the stirring
scenes of camp life there acquired, and reflected on the masses
of her citizens when they returned. The hardships they had
endured were soon forgotten, and the pleasures and the wild
excitement of the bivouac and the battle-fleld, were remem
bered and related with zest to eager listeners. As the mag
nitude of the struggle Avas unfolded, and as additional forces
were demanded by the Government, the returned volunteers
stepped forward and raised companies with comparative ease.
As officers and as drill-raasters, they soon brought the new
levies to a state of efficiency, which, without their aid, would

64 WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN.
have required time to perfect. The three years regiments,
when sent to the field, had many experienced officers who
had confidence in themselves, and in whom the men confided.
The regiments bearing the same numbers with the six raised
for the three months service, had a large proportion of the
old members in their ranks. As additional troops were
required, these men were promoted, and now are in every
division of the armv where Indiana is represented.

;a'»'-ea bjJ.CBu-ttre.Sw""'

LIEUT. COM. WILLIAM G-WH-J, 0. S.F.

HISTORY OF REGIMENTS.

CHAPTER III.
THREE months' SERVICE. — SIXTH REGIMENT.
The booming of the cannon that battered Sumter's walls
had scarcely died away, when, with lightning speed its rever
berations were transmitted to a slumbering and startled
nation. The call to arms was sounded, and thousands,
anxious to wipe out the stains of traitor hands, rallied around
our nation's emblera of liberty — the Stars and Stripes. . None
responded more promptly than Indiana, the Queen of the
brave north-west. The Sixth was the first regiment organized
in the State. It was in rendezvous at her Capital, on the
twentieth of April, 1861, less than a week after Sumter had
fallen into rebel hands.
Hagerman Tripp, of North Vernon, Jennings county, was
among the first to offer his services. He reported a company
of one hundred and sixteen men, having raised it in a small
inland town, in the short space of thirty-six hours. Other
companies, among them Crittenden's and Harrison's, were
as speedily raised. The regimental organization was not
completed until the twenty-seventh of April. The following
is the roster, as prepared by Adjutant General Noble :
Field and Staff Officers. — Colonel, Thomas T. Crittenden,
Madison ; Lieutenant Colonel, Hiram Prather, Vernon ; Major,
John Gerber, Madison; Adjutant, George W. Wiley, Madison;
Regimental Quartermaster, Josiah H. Andrews, North Ver-
Vol. I.— 5.

66 WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN.
non; Surgeon, Charles Schussler, Madison; Assistant Sur
geon, John W. Davis, Vincennes.
Company ^.—Captain, Philemon P. Baldwin, Madison;
First Lieutenant, Samuel Russell; Second Lieutenant, Isaac
Stephens. Company B. — Captain, Augustus H. Abbett, Columbus;
First Lieutenant, Allen W. Prather ; Second Lieutenant, "
Wm. C. Wheeler.
Company C. — Captain, Charles Childs, Washington ; First
Lieutenant, R. W. Meredith; Second Lieutenant, Alamson
Solomon. Company D. — Captain, Thomas J. Harrison, Kokomo;
First Lieutenant, Thomas Herring ; Second Lieutenant, Wm.
R. Phillips.
Company E. — Captain, Rufus Gale, Madison ; First Lieu
tenant, John T. Hendricks; Second Lieutenant, Wilham
Hamilton. Compiany F. — Captain, Will C. Moreau, Knightstown;
First Lieutenant, Robert Allison ; Second Lieutenant, John
Cole. Company G. — Captain, Hagerman Tripp, North Vernon;
First Lieutenant, Josiah C. Andrews ; Second Lieutenant,
George W. Kendrick.
Company H. — Captain, Fielder A. Jones, Seymour; First
Lieutenant, Stephen Story; Second Lieutenant, Calvin B.
Trumbo. Company 1. — Captain, John D. Evans, Noblesville; First
Lieutenant, John F. Longley; Second Lieutenant, George A.
Wainwright. Company K. — Captain, Alois 0. Bachman, Madison ; First
Lieutenant, George W. Wiley; Second Lieutenant, William
T. Doys.
The large majority of the members of this regiraent resided
within the bounds of the Third Congressional District. The
regiraent was fully equipped with arms, and hoosier grey
uniform, and remained at Indianapolis under almost constant
drill, until the thirtieth of May, when, upon receiving march
ing orders, it started for Western Virginia. Passing through
Cincinnati, it stopped for the night at Camp Dennison, where

WESTERN^ VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN. 67
its members were the guests of the Sixth Ohio, the gallant
"Guthrie Greys." In the morning the regiment renewed its
journey through the "Buckeye State." At every station
the trains were hailed, and edibles of every description fur
nished to the passing soldiery. The choice viands were
accompanied with boquets of flowers, fresh from the hands
of Ohio's fair daughters. While memory remains true to her
trust, they will never be forgotten by the members of the
Sixth Indiana. How different the reception when, at Par-
kersburgh, the Ohio border was passed and Hoosier feet
struck Virginia soil. A black pall seemed to hover over the
city. There the Hoosier soldiers received no smile of welcome,
no friendly hand-grasp, but were confronted with scowling
countenances, and haughty stand-off" airs. The streets were
quiet as the city of the dead, and the few who were in them,
seemed to stalk along like "ghosts of the damned." Com
panies A, D and K were left here under Capt. Baldwin, to dis
perse a rebel organization at St. Mary's. The rest of the
regiment went by rail to Webster, which place they reached
on the evening of June second; here they were joined by
portions of the First Virginia, Seventh Indiana, and Four
teenth Ohio. Hard crackers were now first issued to the
troops. The night was dark and stormy. In a drenching
rain, company after company formed, and filed away through
the darkness, to surprise a rebel carap at Philippi, fourteen
miles distant. Silently they wended their toilsome way up
the mountain, carrying heavy knapsacks through mud and
mire. The long night hours passed slowly and heavily, and
morning dawned upon our wearied troops, near the enemy's
encampments. Many, fatigued and exhausted, had dropped
by the way-side. But hark! the boom of the cannon rings
out merrily upon the morning air. It is the first gun of the
war. It rouses the weary, and animates the laggard. Boom
upon boom is echoed far and wide over mountains unused to
such sounds. .There are no laggards now; new energies are
roused within them. The heights above Philippi, overlook
ing the quiet village — hid away among the hills — are reached
at last. What a scene meets the eye ! a scene which painters
would rejoice to witness. The "God of Day" had not yet

68 WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN.
risen from his slumbers. The tints of morning had just
begun to dispel the gloom of night. A dense fog was rising
like a curtain from the village. Barnett's Cleveland Battery
now belches forth her loud thunder. Federal troops rush
down the hill and dash over the bridge that spans a branch
of the Monongahela, Tygart's Valley River. They enter the
village. The quick volley of musketry rattles — the rebels
hurriedly and rapidly retreat — men almost naked and daugh
ters of chivalry frantic and en dishabile, fly down the Beverly
pike, and clamber up the mountain sides, endeavoring to flee
from the wrath of an outraged nation. From a hotel window
where lately a rebel flag had waved, the stars and stripes now
gaily float. The court house campus is filled with Union
soldiers, who, with great relish, discuss a smoking breakfast
which had been prepared for rebel palates. The doors of the
jail are now unbarred, and men whose only crime had been
love of the old Government, are set at liberty.
On the outside of the court house square stood several
wagons filled with rebel property, which now fell a prey to
the victors. Many articles never seen amongst Quartermas
ter's stores, nor mentioned in army regulations, were appro
priated by our troops, in anticipation of the confiscation act
afterwards passed by Congress. Owing to a want of proper
co-operation, most of the enemy escaped toward Laurel Hill,
and were not pursued. A small garrison was here left, and
the Sixth, with the rest of the brigade, marched back to
Grafton, where Gen. Morris, the commander of the brigade,
established his headquarters, to watch the "drift of events."
Every thing bid fair for a quiet time ; no armed organization
of the rebels was near. The Sixth went into camp on a high
bluff north of the city. Gen. Morris had no cavalry, and to
obviate this deficiency, Capt. Tripp, of Co. G, was put in
command of a party of volunteer scouts. An order was
given on the Quartermaster for a dozen horses and revolvers.
The scouts were from the Sixth regiment, and consisted of
the following persons:
Capt. Tripp, in command; Capt. Jones, Co. H; Lieut
Allison, Co. F; Lieut. Longley, Co. I; Lieut. Hendricks, Co.
E; Lieut. McKeehon, Co. G; Ord. Johnson, Co. D; Corp

WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN. 69
Ellingham, Co. K; Corp. Potts, Co. H; Sergt. Boxley, Co.F;
Wm. Lower, Co. F; H. L Burge, Co. G; L T. Patterson,
Co. G.
The equipments, though the best the country afforded, were
very inferior, consisting of broken bridles, and worn-out
saddles. Away sped the light-hearted-party, ready alike for
fun or hard service, none knowing their destination. The
orders given the Captain were queer for war times. He was
to reconnoiter the country, watch the movements of the
enemy, and mingle as much as possible with the inhabitants,
and enlighten them respecting the purposes of the Federals
in the prosecution of the war. Their minds had been poisoned
by the cunning leaders of the rebellion, who took advantage
of their prejudice against slavery — for Western Virginia was
opposed to that institution — and told them the Union army
intended to free the slaves and settle them in Western Virginia.
It was important these erroneous opinions should be removed.
So this little band started on its mission. They visited Prun-
ty ville and the adjacent country, penetrated the enemy's lines
to Tunnelton and St. George, in Tucker country; from thence
they proceeded to Cranberry Summit, on Laurel Mountain;
thence to. Kingstown, conversing freely with the principal
citizens. At St. George, they met a stanch Unionist, an old
acquaintance of the Captain's, in the person of the hotel-
keeper — a Mr. Tate — who had formerly resided in Jennings
county; frora him much valuable iuformation was received.
Three and a half miles distant was a regiment of rebel
cavalry. Captain Tripp, with his scouts, visited the most
prominent rebels in the vicinity, and gave them their choice,
either to take the oath of allegiance, or be placed in arrest.
The little band knowing — from their proximity to the rebel
cavalry — that they were on dangerous ground, moved at night
fall up the mountain, to prevent capture, and be in a position
for defense in case of attack. They afterwards learned their
caution Avas well timed. A party of rebels visited the town
that night to capture thera; but the birds had flown. Thus
these scouts traveled from house to house, and from village to
village. Many of the citizens, ignorant of the purposes of
the Federal army, fled at their approach. The clatter of

70 WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN.
their horses' hoofs down the little valley roads, and the sight
of their uniform, made houses tenantless — caused men and
women to collect their families, and clamber up the rough
mountain sides, to hide among the rocks and caverns. So
much for the fear of Federal soldiers entertained at the com
mencement of the war, by the people who inhabit Western
Virginia — a country as beautiful as the eye ever rested on.
Her fertile valleys — limpid streams — her rock-ribbed moun
tains and flowery vales, make her the "Switzerland of
America." One day, as the scouts were passing through ' a
little valley at the base of Laurel Mountain, they espied a
hamlet — rode up, and inquired for the master of the premises.
The mistress told them he had been absent five days — she
knew not where. Dinner being upon the table, she invited
the party to dine. They cheerfully accepted the offered hos
pitality, dismounted, and were in the act of providing hay
for their jaded animals, when one of the party, in plunging
the pitchfork into the mow, scratched a limb of the owner,
who had been reported as absent, but who now sprang to his
feet, and stood trembling in the presence of the surprised
scout. The affrighted rebel expected immediate death, and
asked for a few njoments with his family. When he heard
his fate, and the terms upon which he could still enjoy "life,
liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," he was wild with
delight. Joyfully he took the oath, and has ever since been
a stanch Union man. This little band traveled in seven
days more than a hundred miles — conversed with many of
the principal citizens of four counties, commenced the organ
ization of a Union company at Kingstown, and passed around
several rebel camps, without loss of life, or serious accident.
After spending a day at camp, they made another trip to St.
George, where they remained over night, and administered
the oath to several refractory citizens. While there, Capt.
Jones, Lieut. Longley, and Sergts. Boxley and Patterson,
were sent to administer the oath to a leading rebel, who at
first refused to take it, but finally consented, deeming it more
prudent to swear loyalty to government than be a prisoner
in the Federal camp. How he kept his oath the sequel will
show. After the route of the enemy at Carrick's Ford, the

WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN. 7l
Federals, iu returning to Laurel Hill, passed through St.
George, at which place Capt. Jones was in the rear of the
brigade, in charge of a wagon train. On a former occasion,
his operations in this vicinity had made him a "raarked"
man. As the train was passing through a defile of the
mountains, it was fired upon by bushwackers, and Capt.
Jones, now Lieut. Colonel of the Thirty-Ninth — whose name
is on Gen. Rosecrans' "Roll of Honor" — received a severe
wound. A detachment under Major Gerber and Lieut.
McKeehan were sent back to punish the guilty offenders, but
all search for them proved unavailing. The old rebel, to
whom Capt. Jones had previously administered the oath,
boasted publicly that he had wounded the Captain. A Fed
eral scout, named "Blackhawk," secreted himself near the
old rebel's house, and remained there eight days, waiting for
an opportunity to punish him, but he did not return. After
the return of the scouts from the second trip to St. George,
they received a reinforcement of thirty-eight men, and were
ordered to Oakland, thirty-five miles distant, on the Balti
more and Ohio Railroad. They had procured a special train
for shipment, when the order was countermanded, and they
were sent to Philippi, to which place Morris' brigade had
moved. On arriving at Philippi, Capt. Jones was ordered to
go down the Laurel Hill road, until he encountered the
pickets, and found the position of the enemy. The Captain
and his men gaily dashed five miles along the winding turnpike
to a point where they received information that the enemy's
pickets were close at hand. They now moved more cautiously,
and passed the supposed line without molestation. They
proceeded eight or nine miles and found no enemy. The
Captain then concluded he would go to Laurel Hill or find
the enemy. He determined to dash through the rebel pickets,
and cut them off from the main body. The ranks were
closed, and a long strip of dark woods galloped through ; but
no enemy was yet visible. Fears were entertained that he
had evacuated. Bealington, one mile from Laurel Hill, lay
at the base of the hill below the party. Down the southern
slope the troops gaily sped, with their faithful "navies" in
their hands, and were just slacking their pace, preparing for

(2 WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN.
a charge over the bridge, when the rebel volley came. Horses
shrunk back on their haunches, girths broke, and rider and
horse lay fioundering in the road. After the shock, back
plunged the horses, and a general stampede seemed inevitable.
A few of the horses had stood the fire, and the Captain
ordered Lieuts. McKeehan and Longley to rally the men and
move over the bridge. The order was quickly executed.
The rebel pickets, taking advantage of the temporary shock
caused by their fire, escaped through the darkness. The
object of the expedition having beeu accomplished, the party
.returned to camp. Not one of them was hurt. The enemy
aimed too high ; several received shots through their hats.
The loss was three horses aud one man missing, and twenty-
one saddle-girths broken. The horse equipments were all
procured from the farmers, and could not stand the severe
test to which they had been subjected. At dawn of day, the
party reached Philippi, where our own pickets informed them
they were all supposed to be killed or captured, and that one
man, and three riderless horses, had passed them, occasioning
great alarm in camp. Such proved to be the case. The
troops were all under arms. The streets of Philippi, and the
bridge, were barricaded. The scout who was in the rear had
seen the men and horses fall as the volley came, and supposed
"he was all that escaped to tell the tale." The scouts were
warmly welcomed back, and shouts rent the air, as they
passed by the different regiments to their camp, on the hill
north of the village. They now entered on the most arduous
duties of the trooper. They furnished all details for Morris'
headquarters, and sent daily detachments to the front to
watch the movements of the enemy, besides throwing out
videttes on the several roads leading to Philippi. For twenty-
two days they were kept almost constantly in the saddle,
scouring the country in every direction, and bringing the
General most valuable information. On one dark and rainy
night. Captain Tripp, accompanied by six men, took the
Meadowville road, running south-east from Philippi, penetra
ted the enemy's lines, confiscated several fine horses — the
property of a noted rebel sympathizer — and returned with
them to camp, having passed the rebel pickets without detec-

WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN. 73
tion. A few videttes were daily thrown out a distance of
seven miles from camp, on the Laurel Hill road, near where
the enemy's cavalry picketted in force; on this road there
were several Union men, who gave notice of the movements
of the enemy. A dwelling, known as Thompson's house,
upon this road, was a disputed point, but was occupied by
our scouts at dinner hour, one eating while the others kept
guard. Several amusing and spirited chases occurred in this
vicinity. Rebel citizens displayed great tact in their efforts
to ascertain our moveraents. The following will serve as an
illustration. An old man at Thompson's, who was by our
men considered harmless, on account of his extreme old ae-e.
used to sweep the roads, at different points, so that he might
inform the enemy how many Federal troops had passed
during the night. When caught in the act, he said it was
through mere curiosity. He was, however,, henceforth
regarded as capable of aiding the rebels, and appropriately
admonished not to repeat the operation.
On another night, all the scouts, and four companies of the
Ninth Indiana infantry, were sent out to watch the enemy,
who were reported advancing. The infantry, under command
of Lieut. Col. Dunn, of the Ninth, were halted near Thomp
son's. The scouts dashed ahead, drove in the pickets near
Col. Elliott's, at Bealington, went to within a mile of the
enemy's camp, and heard the " long roll " beat on the arrival
of their pickets; soon the rattling of the artillery wagons; the
noise of the enemy's infantry, and the commands of their
officers Avere distinctly heard. The Captain had dropped
sentinels on all the cross-roads to notify him of any attempt
that might be made to cut him off from his infantry reserve.
In this state of affairs, it was found prudent to retire. The
command to fall back was executed without loss. Next
morning all were safe within our own lines. Such were the
scenes witnessed, and such were the duties performed, by
these fearless Hoosiers, for more than thirty days — days of
ceaseless vigilance and unremitting toil. Horse and rider
were inseparable. The country they traversed was entirely
unknown to them, and full of dangers. Their march lay
over rough mountains, and through dense valley-jungles, that

74 WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN.
gave every advantage to the enemy's secret ambuscade. Their
ceaseless labors and brilliant exploits, resulting in so much
good to this little army, isolated from all commands, were
attended without the loss of a man, and refiect much credit
upon the skill and daring of the commander and his men.
On the fourth of July they were relieved, and returned to
their regiments, receiving warm thanks from their brigade
commander, for the able and successful manner in which they
had discharged their duty.
Lieut. Col. Prather, of the Sixth, was left in command at
Webster, for the purpose of forwarding supplies, in which
work he was actively engaged until the close of the campaign.
The forces under Morris soon moved to Laurel Hill; after
two days' brisk skirmishing, the rebels evacuated their posi
tion, and were hotly pursued, overtaken, and completely
routed at Carrick's Ford. The main body of the rebels
escaped, having fled toward Romney. The march from
Laurel Hill to Carrick's Ford was one of the hardest on
record ; though the men were on short rations, they bravely
pressed forward through drenching rain and rivers of mud.
After a march of forty miles, they overtook the enemy, who,
on leaving Laurel Hill, had started several hours in advance
of them. Morris now returned with his brigade to Laurel
Hill, and the three month's campaign was virtually ended.
The baggage captured from the retreating foe was collected,
and the troops marched to Grafton. They returned to Indi
anapolis in the latter part of July. Who does not remember
their bronzed features, and veteran-like appearance, as they
marched through our Capital. Only one man of the Sixth
was killed. The regiment was discharged on the second of
August, and returned to their homes, where they received the
warm congratulations and thanks of their neighbors and
friends. SEVENTH REGIMENT.
The regimental organization of the Seventh was completed
at Indianapolis ou the twenty-second of April, 1861. Ebenezer
Dumont, a brave and energetic officer, who had served with
distinction in the Mexican war, was appointed Colonel.

WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN. 75
Three of the companies, viz : D, G and E, were from Dear
born county. Two, viz : B and F, were from Decatur. Co.
A was from Hendricks county, Co. C from Shelby, Co. H.
from Johnson, Co. I from Ohio, and Co. K from Morgan
county. The following is the roster :
Field and Staff Officers. — Colonel, Ebenezer Dumont, Indian
apolis; Lieutenant Colonel, Benjamin J. Spooner, Lawrence-
burgh; Major, Samuel P. Oyler, Franklin; Adjutant, James
Gavin, Greensburgh; Regimental Quartermaster, David E.
Sparks ; Surgeon, Geo. W. New, Indianapolis ; Assistant Sur
geon, William Gillespie.
Company A. — Captain, James Burgess, Danville; First
Lieutenant, Peter S. Kennedy; Second Lieutenant, Joseph S.
Miller. Company B. — Captain, James Morgan, Greensburgh ; First
Lieutenant, Ira G. Grover; Second Lieutenant, Benjamin
Rickets. Company C. — Captain, John M. Blair, Shelbyville; First
Lieutenant, John Flynn ; Second Lieutenant, John C. Mayo.
Company D. — Captain, John F. Cheek, Lawrenceburgh;
First Lieutenant, Jesse Armstrong; Second Lieutenant, Eli
Matlock. Company E. — Captain, John H. Ferry, Aurora; First
Lieutenant, Henry Waller; Second Lieutenant, A. B. Pat
terson. Company F. — Captain, J. V. Bemusdaffer, Greensburgh;
First Lieutenant, Benjamin C. Shaw; Second Lieutenant,
Josephus L. Tucker.
Company G. — Captain, Nathan Lord, Lawrenceburgh;
First Lieutenant, L. K. Stevens ; Second Lieutenant, William
Francis. Company H. — Captain, Joseph P. Gill, Franklin; First
Lieutenant, William B. Ellis ; Second Lieutenant, Welcome
B. McLaughlin.
Company I. — Captain, John W. Rabb, Rising Sun; First
Lieutenant, Solomon. Waterman, Second Lieutenant, David
Lasterman. Company K. — Captain, Jefferson H. Scott, Martinsville;

76 WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN.
First Lieutenant, Charles Day; Second Lieutenant, Theodore
Orner. The regiment remained in camp at Indianapolis until the
29th of May, 1861, drilling and preparing for the field, under
the direction of its able and efficient Colonel. While at
Indianapolis, the officers of the regiment presented to him a
fine sword. The presentation was made by Adjutant Gavin
in a neat and appropriate speech, to which Col. Dumont very
handsomely replied. About this time, news of the rebel
movements in Western Virginia, and of the taking and occu
pancy of Grafton by Col. Porterfield's rebel command, was
received. The Seventh Indiana, together with other regi
ments, were ordered to Western Virginia. With hght hearts
and brilliant anticipations, they started for the battle field.
Passing through Richmond, Indiana, Dayton, Columbus and
Zanesville, Ohio, they arrived at Bellair, on the Ohio river,
on the evening of the thirtieth. In every town and city they
were hailed by large and enthusiastic crowds, who testified
their devotion to the Union by their kindness to her soldiers.
The regiment crossed the Ohio river to Benwood, and pro
ceeded to Grafton. Gen. Morris, who was in command at
that place, determined to surprise Col. Porterfield at Philippi.
The attacking force was divided into two columns — one of
which was under the immediate command of Col. Kelly, the
other was accompanied by Col. Dumont, and by Col. Lander
of Gen. McClellan's staff. On Sunday evening, the second
of June, the Seventh Indiana proceeded by rail to Webster,
vrhere it was joined by the rest of the command. At eight
o'clock on the night of the second, the column took up its
line of march to Philippi^the Seventh being in the advance.
The night was dark — the rain continued to fall in torrents
until daybreak. The heavy roads rendered it impossible for
the comraand to reach the town at the tirae indicated in Gen,
Morris' order. The advance guard, under Lieut. Benjamin
Ricketts, of Co. B, Seventh Indiana, when within a mile of
the town, engaged the enemy's pickets, and drove them back.
The artillery was quickly placed in position on the bights
overlooking the town, and fired a few rounds; then the Sev
enth, followed by the rest of the column, crossed the bridge.

WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN. 77
and entered the town at double quick, driving the rebels
before them. In passing through the town, the Seventh
observed a rebel flag waving from the top of the principal
hotel, which they captured. Iu its stead, the stars and stripes
were run up and given to the breeze. The regiment, though
exhausted by a long and fatiguing night march, continued the
pursuit of the rebels for two miles, took some prisoners, and
captured a large amount of baggage. Col. Dumont, in his
official report, justly compliments the officers and men of the
Seventh for their determination and bravery.
Col. Kelly, of the First Virginia regiment, having been
severely wounded, while riding in advance of his troops
through Philippi, was carried by some of the members of the
Seventh to a hotel, where his wounds were properly dressed
by the skillful and accomplished Surgeon of the regiment.
Dr. Geo. W. New, who, according to Col. Dumont's report,
" had proved himself as gallant and courageous in the field,
as he is skillful in his profession." When the excitement of
the rout of the rebels from Philippi was over, the members
of the Seventh returned to camp, refreshed themselves, and
laid down to rest. Never was sleep and rest more welcome
and sweet to tired and foot-sore soldiers. These volunteers
nad taken their first practical lesson in the military art, and
enjoyed, as they never did before, "nature's sweet restorer,
balmy sleep."
The Seventh went into camp at Philippi, under command
of Col. Dumont, who, as ranking officer, assumed command
of all the forces at that place. The regiment, on the six
teenth of June, marched across the river and took a strong
position ou the bights west of town. It contributed its share
to the scouting parties which performed such valuable service
during the campaign.
Among these scouts. Private Smith, of Co. C, was con
spicuous. He was an excellent marksman, and such sport to
him was glorious. When he fired his gun, it was well under
stood that rebel blood had been spilled. A squad of Geor
gians were concealed behind rocks, one hundred yards from
our skirmishers, and were exceedingly annoying to our men.
It was desirable they should be driven from their position.

To WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN.
Sraith, eager for the task, with gun in hand, crawled upon
the ground to a log, about two hundred yards to their left.
He fired three successive shots. The rebels ran. Smith, too
much elated at his success, rose from his hiding place, and
was in the act of returning to our lines, when the enemy fired
at him a volley, which brought him lifeless to the ground. It
was afterwards ascertained that each of his three shots, pre
vious to his death, killed a rebel soldier.
A party of four Union scouts went out frora camp in the
direction of Laurel Hill, to investigate the condition of affairs
in that direction. At a turn in the road, they suddenly came
upon a force of twenty rebels, with whom they exchanged
shots, and then retreated. In the encounter, John Lowe, a
member of Co. G, Seventh Indiana, was thrown from his
horse. He quickly remounted. The rebels were upon him.
One rebel, mounted on a fleet horse, passes him. Lowe sees
his danger, deliberately draws his revolver, shoots the rebel in
advance, coolly seizes the riderless horse, and triumphantly
dashes along towards camp, leaving far behind him the tardy
rebel pursuers.
The horse captured by Lowe proved to be the one which
had previously been owned by one of Col. Steadman's men,
who, while scouting, was killed by a rebel, who appropriated
the horse to his own use. Thus the death of the soldier of
the Fourteenth Ohio was avenged by a gallant member of the
Seventh Indiana.
On one occasion, Capt. Bemusdaffer's corapany was on
picket duty when the enemy was expected. Two mounted
scouts, of the Second Virginia, passed the position occupied
by the company, and were hailed by one of the pickets, who
requested them to dismount, ground arms, and give the coun
tersign. The scouts foolishly turned and fled. The picket fired
and inflicted a severe wound upon one of them. No blame
could be attached to the soldier who fired; he acted strictly
within the line of duty. FOURTH OF JULY IN CAMP.
The newly-risen sun on the fourth of July was saluted by

WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN. 79
a round of thirty-four guns from Col. Barnett's Cleveland
battery. The day was celebrated by Gen. Morris' command
on the plain in front of the General's headquarters, in regular
old-fashioned style.
After having been in camp for upwards of six weeks, the
Seventh accompanied the comraand to Bealington. On
arriving in front of the town, skirraishing with the eneray com
menced. The impetuosity of the Seventh to be led against the
enemy, was almost uncontrollable. They took part in skirmish
ing every afternoon for three successive days. Some of them.,
contrary to orders, broke away from their companions to have
a shot at exposed rebels. In vain did the Comraanding Gen
eral issue orders to restrain these restless, fiery spirits. On
one occasion, Geo. H. Rodgers, of Co. H, stepped out in full
view of the rebels, and read in their hearing a fictitious
account of the death of their rebel President. Such acts
surprised the :-rebel skirmishers, who believed the Indiana
troops were regulars.
While at Bealington, a part of the Seventh and a part of
the Ninth Indiana regiments, mustering about five hundred
men, commanded by Col. Dumont, made a reconnoissance to
the right and rear of the eneray's line. They marched within
five hundred yards of their works. The rebels placed their
artillery and infantry in position to cut off or capture the
expedition on its return. But Col. Dumont returned by
a different route, aud avoided the danger to which he was
exposed. The following night was one of alarms. At nine o'clock
the long roll was sounded. The Adjutant of the Seventh
formed the regiment in line of battle, and impatiently awaited
the expected attack. Again the men lay down to rest.
Again they were ordered to form in line of battle. No sign
of an enemy being visible, the men were once more oi-dered
to break ranks, when they again lay down to sleep.
The following night. Adjutant Gavin was detailed, with
two companies of the Seventh, to hold the steep, high hill on
the left. The pickets of the enemy had been advanced in
that direction, and it was expected they would attempt to get
possession of the hill, which would have given them com
mand of our position.

80 WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN.
During the night of the eleventh of July, our men posted
on the hill could distinctly hear the swearing of the teamsters
and the commands of the officers in the rebel camp. The
night was one of almost Egyptian darkness. The rain fell in
torrents. No soldier on that dismal hill closed his eyes that
night in sleep. All surmised that Gen. Garnett was making
preparations, either for battle, or for abandoning his position.
At length the welcome morn came to cheer the wet, weary
and care-worn soldier. The order to march was given. It
was soon whispered in camp that the rebels had fled, and
were in full retreat southward. On the morning of the twelfth
the pursuit commenced — the Seventh being in the rear — and
continued until two o'clock P. M., when our forces arrived at
Leedsville. While here Capt. Blair and Lieut. Tucker cap
tured three rebel prisoners. In the afternoon rain began to
fall, which continued uninterruptedly until the next morning.
The soldiers slept that night upon the bare ground, and slept
as only soldiers can sleep, in spite of the pitiless storm. The
Seventh, next morning, before daylight, wet, gloomy and
hungry, were formed into line, and very soon were on the
march towards St. George. The roads were slippery and
almost impassable. The rain was falling rapidly. Cheat river
was reached and forded. Soon the advanced guard overtook,
as they supposed, the enemy. The troops were formed in
line of battle. The Fourteenth Ohio, being in the advance,
fired several volleys at an imaginary enemy in the woods, on
the opposite bank of the river. Col. Barnett's battery was
soon in position, and took part in the imaginary struggle.
The Seventh advanced to the bank of the river, prepared to
charge across, but no enemy was visible. A ludicrous cir
cumstance here occurred. As the Seventh, during the firing,
advanced across the field to take position, a mounted officer,
Jehu-like, rode up, and ordered the Seventh forward at double
quick, stating that the Fourteenth Ohio were being "cut to
pieces by the enemy." Col. Dumont hastened the regiment
forward, and was surprised to find not a man of the Four
teenth Ohio had been either killed or wounded. There had
not been a rebel within gunshot when the firing occurred.
This imaginary battle having been fought and won, the

WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN. 81
Seventh, with the rest of the command, recrossed the deep,
swift stream, and renewed the pursuit of the enemy. The
opposite bank of the next ford is very steep, and covered
with thick undergrowth, which effectually concealed the
enemy from view. At this ford Gen. Garnett prepared to
resist our advance. Here he formed his infantry, aud placed
artillery on the left, which commanded the opposite shore.
Col. Steadman's command, being in advance, were fired upon
as they neared the ford. The fire was returned in gallant
style. The Seventh now advanced and charged down the
banks of the river. They crossed the river and captured the
eneray's baggage, over which Col. Dumont placed guards,
and hurried on in pursuit of the retreating foe. At the next
ford, three-quarters of a mile from Carrick's Ford, the enemy
made another stand, under the personal command of Gen.
Garnett. They fired a few shots and retreated, leaving their
fallen General dead on the field. Col. Dumont continued the
pursuit for two miles, and then halted for the night. The
next day, the Seventh, with the rest of Gen. Morris' com
mand, took up the line of march to St. George, from thence
to Bealington. Here the regiment rested for a few days. Their
time of service being now expired, they were ordered to
Indianapolis. On arriving at the Capital of their native
State, they were welcomed back by Gov. Morton in a neat
and patriotic speech, to which Col. Dumont eloquently replied.
The regiment was then mustered out of service. During the
short campaign in Western Virginia, the brave members of
the Seventh nobly discharged their duty, for which they
received due praise from their patriotic fellow citizens on their
return to their homes. EIGHTH REGIMENT.
The Eighth regiment was organized from the companies
assembled at Indianapolis from the several counties in the
State. Three companies were from Wayne county, and one
from each of the counties of Grant, Randolph, Delaware,
Madison, Henry, Hancock and Wabash. The following is
the roster of the regiment :
Vol. I.— 6.

82 AVESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN.
Field and Staff Queers.— Colonel, William P. Benton, Rich
mond; Lieutenant Colonel, Silas Colgrove, Winchester;
Major, David Shunk, Marion; Adjutant, A. I. Harrison, Indi
anapolis; Regimental Quarterraaster, John Robinson; Sui'::,
geon, James Ford; Assistant Surgeon, G. W. Edgerly,
Muncie. Company A. — Captain, Jacob Widemar, Cambridge City;
First Lieutenant, Francis Swiggett; Second Lieutenant, Geo.
Adams. Company B. — Captain, Oliver H. P. Carey, Marion; First
Lieutenant, John Reuss; Second Lieutenant, Jacob M. Wells.
Company C. — Captain, Thomas J. Lee, Winchester; First
Lieutenant, E. M. Ives; Second Lieutenant, Allen 0. Neff.
Company D. — Captain, Thomas J. Brady, Muncie; First
Lieutenant, Joseph T. Kirk; Second Lieutenant, Nathan
Branson. Company E. — Captain, Hiram J. Vanderventer, Anderson;
First Lieutenant, John T. Robinson; Second Lieutenant,
James Fergus.
Company F. — Captain, Frederick Tykle, Newcastle; First
Lieutenant, Henry Ray; Second Lieutenant, Joseph "W.
Connel. Company G. — Captain, Reuben A. Riley, Greenfield ; First
Lieutenant, H. C. Rariden; Second Lieutenant, George W. H.
Riley. Company H. — Captain, Charles 0. Howard, Richmond;
First Lieutenant, A. I. Kenney; Second Lieutenant, Robert
A Douglass.
Company I. — Captain, Mayberry M. Lacy, Richmond;
First Lieutenant, Irwin Harrison ; Second Lieutenant, James
Conner. Company .K— ^Captain, Charles S. Parish, Wabash county;
First Lieutenant, Joseph W. Thompson; Second Lieutenant,
Franklin Dailey.
The history of the Eighth is sirailar to that of the Tenth,
as it left Indianapolis for the seat of war at the same time,
was in the same brigade, performed the same marches, and
participated in the same skirmishes and battles. At Rich
Mountain it charged side by side with the Tenth and Thir-

WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN. 83
teenth. In the camp, on the march, in the bivouac, or on
the battle-field, the Eighth was always ready for the duty
assigned it. There are many incidents of personal bravery
connected with the short and decisive campaign in which the
regiment bore an honored part, which would be well worth
recording, but we have been unable to obtain them. The
officers to whom we have written for details of their service,
have replied that the history of the Eighth is substantially
that of the Tenth. NINTH REGIMENT.
The Ninth regiment was organized at Indianapolis, on the
twenty-fifth day of April, 1861, by two companies from
Laporte county, two from Cass county, and one company
from each of the counties of Carroll, Elkhart, Allen, Jasper,
Porter, and St. Joseph. The following is the roster:
Field and Staff Officers. — Colonel, Robert H. Milroy; Lieu
tenant Colonel, David M. Dunn; Major, Don J. Woodward;
Adjutant, Henry Loriug; Regimental Quartermaster, Carter
L. Vigus; Surgeon, Daniel Meeker; Assistant Su,rgeon, M.
G. Sherman.
Company A. — Captain, J. C. Hannam, Delphi ; First Lieu
tenant, John H. Gould; Second Lieutenant, W. A. Pigman.
Company B. — Captain, William H. Blake, Michigan City;
First Lieutenant, Ashael K. Bush ; Second Lieutenant, Alson
Bailey. Company C. — Captain, Theodore F. Mann, Elkhart ; First
Lieutenant, Chas. H. Kirkendall; Second Lieutenant, James
D. Braden.
Company D. — Captain, Thomas G. Dunn, Logansport; First
Lieutenant, Clinton Weyner; Second Lieutenant, Orlando
W. Miles.
Company E. — Captain, William P. Segar, Fort Wayne;
First Lieutenant, Henry A. Whitman; Second Lieutenant,
W. S. Story.
Company F. — Captain, Thomas J. Patton, Laporte ; First
Lieutenant, George W. Carter; Second Lieutenant, Joseph
Richards.

84 WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN.
Company G. — Captain, Gideon C. Moody, Renssalear; First
Lieutenant, Edwin P. Hammond ; Second Lieutenant,  .
Guthridge. Company H. — Captain, R. A. Cameron, Valparaiso ; First
Lieutenant, I. C. B. Suman; Second Lieutenant, G. C. Pierce.
Company I. — Captain, Andrew Anderson, South Bend;
First Lieutenant, Henry Loring; Second Lieutenant, Henry
J. Blowney. Company K. — Captain, Dudley H. Chase, Logansport; First
Lieutenant, Frank P. Morrison; Second Lieutenant, Alexan
der Hamilton.
The Ninth left Indianapolis by rail ou the twenty-ninth of
April, four days after its muster into the service of the United
States. It proceeded directly to Benwood, and was immediately
ordered to Grafton, where it arrived on the first of June.
The expedition to Philippi was about to start, and the Ninth
was assigned to the column of Col. Kelly. Capt. Patton's
company was detailed as a camp guard. When his men
heard the duty to which they were assigned, they were
greatly disappointed, and deeply chagrined. The Captain in
vain endeavored to have the order changed. Such was his
anxiety to enter the field that he offered all his wages during
the campaign, to any other Captain of the regiment, who
would exchange places with him. He did not find any one
to accept his offer, and had to bear his disappointment as
philosophically as the circumstances would admit. In Capt.
Cameron's company, some of the men complained because
rations for the expedition were uot served out to them. The
Captain promptly informed those who were dissatisfied, that
if he heard another murmur, those who complained should
remain in camp. This threat effectually silenced all murmur
ings. The dreary night march, and the incidents of the rout
of Porterfield's force, have been dwelt upon in other parts of
this work. It is sufficient to say, that the Ninth participated '
in the toils and dangers of the expedition, and was distin
guished for its order and steadiness.
At Laurel Hill, at Carrick's Ford, and in all the skirmish
ing of the campaign, the Ninth Indiana was always where
the Commanding General wished it to be. Its history haa

WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN. 85
yet to be written. Nearly all the members of the regiment
re-entered the service ; and those who still survive, are holding
positions in the several divisions of the army, widely scattered,
and from whom we have been unable to collect incidents that
could properly be used in this regimental history. The reader
has only to follow the brief sketch of the campaign to see
that the Ninth took a prominent part in every important
movement of the troops in Western Virginia.
TENTH REGIMENT.
This gallant body of men was among the first to offer to
the country its services as a regiment. It was Organized by
Colonel Joseph J. Reynolds, of Lafayette, Indiana, who com
manded it until the tenth of May, when the following organ
ization took place :
Field and Staff Officers. — Colonel, Mahlon D. Manson,
Crawfordsville ; Lieutenant Colonel, James R. M. Bryant,
Williamsport ; Major, William C. Wilson, Lafayette; Adju
tant, Joseph C. Suit; Regimental Quartermaster, Zebulon M.
P. Hand, Lafayette ; Surgeon, Thomas P. McCrea ; Assistant
Surgeon, William H. Myers.
Company A. — Captain, Chris. Miller, Lafayette ; First Lieu
tenant, John E. Naylor; Second Lieutenant, Alvin Gay.
Company B. — Captain, Dickson Fleming, Williamsport;
First Lieutenant, Levin T. Miller ; Second Lieutenant, John
F. Compton.
Company C. — Captain, John W. Blake, Lafayette; First
Lieutenant, Alexander Hogeland ; Second Lieutenant, John
Brower. Company D. — Captain, Samuel M. Wilson, Frankfort ; First
Lieutenant, Joseph C. Suit; Second Lieutenant, Samuel M.
Shortle. Company E. — Captain, William Taylor, Lafayette; First
Lieutenant, John A. Stein; Second Lieutenant, Henry C
Tenney. Company F. — Captain, Ezra Olds, Brazil; First Lieutenant,
Demetrius Parsley ; Second Lieutentant, Isaac W. Sanders.
Company G. — Captain, James H. Watson, Crawfordsville ;

86 WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN.
First Lieutenant, Ebenezer H. Morgan ; Second Lieutenant,
George W. Riley.
Company H. — Captain, William Conklin, Greencastle ; First
Lieutenant, E. R.Bladen; Second Lieutenant, David N. Steel.
Company I. — Captain, William C. Kise, Lebanon ; First
Lieutenant, John W. Perkins; Second Lieutenant, Reuben C.
Kise. Company K. — Captain, Charles C. Smith, IndianapoHs;
First Lieutenant, Richard T. Fahnestock; Second Lieuten
ant, Z. M. P. Hand.
The Tenth was mostly from the Eighth Congressional Dis
trict. The regiment was quartered at Camp Morton until
about the middle of May, when it was removed to Camp
McClellan, about three miles east of Indianapolis. While
stationed at this camp the officers and men advanced them
selves in the drill to a great degree of proficiency. It
remained in camp at this place until the nineteenth of June.
At three o'clock on the morning of that day the order to
move so soon as possible was received. The announcement
pleased all. It was thought too good to be true. The
regiment in "double quick" attacked bundles of clothing,
bedding, cooking utensils, and packed them in almost impos
sible places; tents were stricken to the ground; affec
tionately young men wrote letters, and hungry ones cooked
and ate rations. All was bustle and confusion. At nine
o'clock the regiment marched to Indianapolis and then
boarded the cars for Cincinnati, being en route for Parkers
burg, Va., via Cincinnati and Marietta. At noon they left the
city amid the cheers of an excited multitude.
The regiment arrived in Cincinnati at nine o'clock p. M.,
where a hearty supper awaited them. The Colonel thanked
the good people of the Queen City, and then marched his
command to the Marietta depot, where it remained during
the night.
It then went on board the cars. Soon the familiar sound,
" All aboard ! " was heard. All were tired, and some seemed
out of humor. After twenty hours tiresome, tedious riding,
the clear, sharp whistle of the locomotive announced their
arrival at Marietta. There the hungry and brave men

WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN. 87
expected to find huge baskets filled with eatables. But alas!
It was past midnight and the patriotic citizens of Marietta had
retired to rest — having fed regiment after regiment for two
weeks, and being both physically and ration&Wj exhausted.
The regiment was immediately marched to the government
transports lying in the river below, and was soon joined by
Gen. McClellan, who made every possible arrangement for their
comfort. The next morning the fieet, containing the officers
and men of the Eighth and Tenth Indiana, and General
McClellan and staff, steamed down the Ohio. After a pleas
ant ride of an hour and a half, they were landed below the
beautiful little city of Parkersburg, where they immediately
cooked rations and prepared for another railroad trip, which
they took in two or three days. The next road traveled was
the Parkersburg branch of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad,
to Clarksburg. Here they arrived on the day following and
went into camp on a large elevation called " Clark's Hill."
They had no sooner cooked their rations than orders were
received to fortify the hill, and place it in a condition for
defense, which was done during the night after their arrival.
The regiment remained at Clarksburg two days, and then
took up the line of march for Buckhannon, about thirty
miles distant, where it was reported the enemy was awaiting
them. After two days march they arrived in sight of .Buck
hannon. The enemy had abandoned his position and moved
on to Rich Mountain. The Tenth Indiana was in the brigade
under command of Brig. Gen. Rosecrans. Nothing transpired
while at Buckhannon except a grand review on the fourth
of July by Gen. McClellan. On Sunday, the tenth, the
brigade took up the line of march for Rich Mountain, and
camped that night twelve miles beyond, on a small stream
called Middle Fork. After resting nearly a day they moved
on, and that night camped two miles from Rich Mountain,
on a creek called Roaring Run.
Gen. McClellan had made preparations for the coming con
test, but the movement did not begin until the second morn
ing after the arrival of the Tenth Indiana. At three o'clock,
on the morning of the eleventh of July, Gen. Rosecrans'
brigade took up the line of march for the enemy's position

88 WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN.
on the mountain, the object being to attack him in the rear,
and, at a given signal, open on him in front. At daylight,
the little army was seen winding its way up the steep, narrow
road that led to the enemy's works. When within a mile of
their front, the command turned to the right and occupied
a path which was barely wide enough to admit of the pas
sage of one man at a time. They pursued this narrow defile
for the distance of nearly nine miles, when they alarmed the
enemy's pickets, who fired and ran, killing several of Co. A,
and severely wounding the Captain — Chris. Miller, of
Lafayette. The Tenth took a position behind the hill, and
there remained until the orders came to "charge!" This was
done in gallant style, and resulted in the total rout of the
enemy, and capture of his guns. The Tenth lost many brave
men in the attack, but their success banished all thoughts of
danger. After taking the battery which had been playing
on them with sueh fearful effect, they drove the rebels, with
great loss, from their chosen position. To no regiment
belongs more honor for this victory, than the Tenth Indiana,
whose gallant Colonel handled his command with great skill.
After the battle, the Tenth camped on the ground, and the
next day marched to Beverly, about three miles distant,
where they remained nearly two weeks, making arrange
ments for a homeward trip.
They left Beverly on the twenty-fourth of July, and arrived
at Indianapolis on the twenty-eighth, where they were cor
dially received. The citizens of the Hoosier Capital were
glad to do honor to the noble victors of the most sanguinary
battle of the three month's campaign in Western Virginia.
Col. Manson, in his official report of the battle of Rich
Mountain, after complimenting the field and line officers of
his regiment, says: "I can not close my report without men
tioning the name of private J. H. Boyle, of Co. C, for great
gallantry; also young Hart, whose great knowledge of the
country, and efficiency as a guide, I doubt not, contributed
largely to our success."

WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN. 89
ELEVENTH REGIMENT.
Under the President's call for seventy-five thousand men,
the quota of Indiana was six regiments. The companies
required to organize them being accepted and in rendezvous
at Camp Morton, Adjutant Gen. Wallace filed his report with
the Governor, and obtained permission to take one of the
regiments into camp. Proceeding immediately to Camp
Morton, he selected ten companies, and on the 26th of April
marched them to the old Bellefontaine Depot, in the north
eastern part of Indianapolis, which he hastily converted into
barracks. The regimental organization was completed next
day. Excellent use had been made of the carte blanche with
which Col. Wallace had been entrusted, when he went into
Camp Morton to select his companies. It had happened that
a State Military Encampment, originating in private enter
prise, had been held the preceding fall at the old military
grounds near the city. That encampment had been attended
by the following independent companies: The National
Guards, City Greys, and Independent Zouaves, of Indianap
olis ; the Vigo Guards, and Harrison Guards, of Terre Haute ;
and the Montgomery Guards, of Crawfordsville. These com
posed all the companies of any actual vitality in the State at
that time. Col. Wallace had been chosen commandant.
There, in the pleasant September days, lasting friendships
had been formed between officers, men and companies. Aside
from the advantages accruing from association with gentle
men of considerable military experience as company officers,
all of whom had demonstrated the possession of a natural
love of arms — in those days the most costly pleasure that could
be indulged — it was natural that Col. Wallace should seek
association with acquaintances whose abilities he knew, and
whom he had reason to respect and love. Accordingly, when
he visited Camp Morton, and found there those six compa
nies, organized and constituted very nearly as they had been
at the previous encampment, they were his first selection.
To them he added the Rumsey Guards, of Tipton ; the Wal
lace Guards, recruited chiefly in Camp Morton ; the Indian
apolis Zouaves, of Indianapolis; and the Ladoga Blues, of

90 WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN.
Ladoga, Montgomery county. In the final organization, these
companies, of course, sunk their original names, and were
known by letters. A, B, C, &c. These letters fell to the Cap
tains by lot, as did also their position in the regimental line
of battle.
The organization thus reported was approved by Gov.
Morton, and commissions were promptly issued to the officers.
The following is the roster:
Field and Staff Officers. — Colonel, Lewis Wallace, Craw
fordsville; Lieutenant Colonel, George F. McGinnis, Indian
apolis; Major, Charles 0. "Wood, Terre Haute; Adjutant,
Daniel McCauley, Indianapolis; Regimental Quartermaster,
Henry Rice, Terre Haute; Surgeon, Thomas W. Fry, Craw
fordsville; Assistant Surgeon, John C. Thompson, Indian
apolis. Company A. — Captain, Robert S. Foster, Indianapolis; First
Lieutenant, George Butler; Second Lieutenant, Joseph H.
Livsey. Company B. — Captain, John Fahnestock, Indianapolis;
First Lieutenant, Orin S. Fahnestock; Second Lieutenant,
Daniel B. Culley.
Company C. — Captain, Jesse E. Hamill, Terre Haute; First
Lieutenant, John E. Moore; Second Lieutenant, Frank Scott.
Company D.— Captain, Jabez Smith, Terre Haute; First
Lieutenant, N. S. Brown; Second Lieutenant, Thomas P.
Wells. Com.pany E. — Captain, De Witt C. Rugg, Indianapolis;
First Lieutenant, Henry Tindall ; Second Lieutenant, Nicholas
R. Ruckle.
Company J?'.— Captain, Ed. T. Wallace, Tipton; First
Lieutenant, John Steveson; Second Lieutenant, Isaac M.
Rumsey. Company G^.— Captain, Henry M. Carr, Crawfordsville;
First Lieutenant, H. B. Wilson ; Second Lieutenant, John F.
Cavin. Company 1?.— Captain, Wm. J. H. Robinson, Indianapolis;
First Lieutenant, Fred. Knefier; Second Lieutenant, Wallace
Foster. Comi^ani/ /.—Captain, Isaac C.Elston, Crawfordsville; First

WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN. 91
Lieutenant, A. 0. Wilson; Second Lieutenant, John M.
Ross. Company K. — Captain, W. W. Darnell, Indianapolis ; First
Lieutenant, John A. McLaughlin; Second Lieutenant, Wil
liam Dawson.
Though this regiment was the first of the six to be organ
ized, and was, therefore, entitled to be nurabered first, its
Colonel voluntarily chose the last, viz : the Eleventh. As it
was the unaniraous wish of all parties, officers and men, that
the system of tactics known as Zouave should be adopted and
practiced, the regiment added to its name the word Zouave.
Hence the name Eleventh Regiment — Indiana Zouaves.
No time was lost in preparing the regiment for the field.
Everybody connected with it, besides the possession of ordi
nary military pride — an inspiration better know among
soldiers as esprit d' corps — felt that the national necessities
were as immediate as they were pressing. Within an hour
after the election, quietly the work of discipline began. Each
man felt that in some way, how he hardly knew, and could
not describe, he had been divested of the large liberties of
the citizen, and was a soldier whose will and judgment had
been magically merged in the commanding officer. Leaves
of absence were suspended, visitors were turned away from
the lines, the hours of service were so arranged that not a
minute of the day was lost. Without going into minutiae, it
is enough to say, that the discipline adopted in the Eleventh
regiment was more systematic and rigidly adhered to than in
any regiment that ever left the State. In some instances the
discipline was regarded as almost unendurable. A few officers
and some of the men bitterly complained of it; but no atten
tion was paid to their complaints. The Colonel was heartily
supported by his field officers. He had the honor of his
regiment in view. Those who appreciated his motive, worked
on resolutely and earnestly.
The advantage of experienced officers very early manifested
itself. The Eleventh had battallion drills on the commons
north of their barracks, before the other regiments were
organized. The War Department had not yet issued regula
tions respecting the uniform of volunteers. That important

92 WESTERN VIRILNIA CAMPAIGN.
matter was, therefore, in the hands of the regiments. Tho
Eleventh, having adopted the name and tactics of Zouaves,
adopted also their costume, except that the color was entirely
steel gray. The only red in their uniform was the narrow
binding of the loose collarless jacket and the top of the little
jaunty "cap. The breeches were baggy, buttoning below the
knee, over the boot tops. The shirt was of dark blue flannel.
The General Government was slow in its Quartermaster's
department. Indianapolis was not yet considered of suffi
cient importance to justify the establishment of such an officer
in it. In the absence of any prescribed system. Col. Wallace,
upon his own responsibility, contracted for the adopted uni
form with citizens of Indianapolis; and as something very
creditable to the energy and enterprise of Mr. Eli Hall, the
contractor, and the Messrs. Geisendorft" & Brothers, his cloth
manufacturers, it is not improper to add that a large portion
of the wool consumed was not yet sheared when the agree
ment to furnish was made. As may be imagined the first
parade of the Eleventh in uniform created a sensation.
By the eighth of May the regiment was fully equipped,
lacking nothing for the field except colors. On that day took
place their flag presentation, altogether the most memorable
and imposing military ceremony that had been witnessed in
the State.
The composition of the regiment was of a kind to excite
the liveliest interest in its success. Its ranks were filled with
young men of the highest social position in their respective
communities. In Co. I alone there were thirty students from
Wabash College. The Zouave system of tactics, then novel
and popular, had attracted many of the boldest spirits of the
State. The ladies of Terre Haute and Indianapolis prepared
colors and concerted the ceremonial of presentation, which
took xalace on the south side of the State House square.
The day was very beautiful. The march from the barracks
was a grand ovation. In column of companies the regiment
moved down Washington street, the even step, the well
poised musket or rifie, the elbow-touch never lost, and the
consequent unbroken alignment, testified already to a rigid
discipline. Moreover it was the first regiment that had been

WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN. 93
seen in march in the Capital, indeed, the first in the State.
It is not strange, therefore, that the multitude which crowded
the streets were thrilled with wild enthusiasm, and vented
that enthusiasm in cheers which never ceased until the column
halted in front of the State House, and drew up in order to
receive the colors. The concourse there was immense. Space
for formation in close column of divisions was made Avith the
utmost difficulty. Hon. W. E. McLean eloquently presented
the national fiag in behalf of the ladies of Terre Haute.
Mrs. Cady, of Indianapolis, presented the regimental fiag
which she had finely embroidered. The ladies of Indianap
olis had appropriately delegated her to speak for them. The
speech was in all respects creditable to herself and her many
fair coadjutors. It was elegantly written and gracefully
delivered. The effect upon spectators and Zouaves was most
lively and touching; tears fell freely amidst rousing " tigers."
Col. Wallace responded. After expressing his gratitude to
the ladies for their patriotism, and the interest they had
shown in the regiment, he turned to his men, and reminded
them with great earnestness of the unmerited stain which
had been cast upon the military fame of Indiana at Buena
Vista, by the arch traitor Jefferson Davis. He besought
them, while they did battle for the whole country, to remem
ber that vile slander, and to dedicate themselves especially to
its revenge, he bade them kneel, and with uncovered heads
and uplifted hands, swear, "To stand by their flag and
remember Buena Vista!" There had been no pre-concert
in this matter, no resolving upon a scene, but so full had the
regiment become of his feeling, that when he repeated, " kneel
doAvn, my men ! " like one man, almost in the same motion
and time, they all sunk upon their knees, and with upraised
hands and faces took the oath, amid loud amens and fast
falling tears. The scene was spontaneous and thrilling.
Remember Buena Vista, became the motto of the regiment,
and is so yet. The feeling there and then engendered spread
through all the regiments of the State, and has contributed,
in no small degree, to the glory our troops have won. Many
a brave soldier has been held true to his colors, by murmur
ing in the storm of the charge, the simple words. Remember
Buena Vista.

94 AVESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN.
Upon returning to the barracks. Col. Wallace received
orders to proceed immediately to Evansville. Promptly that
night the regiment took up its line of march.
AT EVANSVILLE.
This destination had not been anticipated. Being the first
of the regiments to be organized, armed, uniformed, and
respectably drilled, its officers and friends had supposed it
would be the first sent to the theater of action, which about
that time fairly opened, under Gen. Morris, in Western Vir
ginia. Moreover, they believed, that to go to Evansville, was
to pass out of sight. "With many misgivings, and some
grumbling, they disembarked from the cars, and pitched their
tents about a mile and three-quarters from the city of Evans
ville. The place of encampment had been inconveniently
chosen. The locality proved unhealthy. The rains made it
indescribably muddy. Upon proper representation of the situa
tions, Col. Wallace received authority to remove his camp to
the high hill, close to the river bank, and about a mile and a
half below the town. A more beautiful encampment is sel
dom found. The white tents were visible through the trees
from the city, while from the river, at night, the many fires,
duplicated in the waters below, indicated the presence of a
great army.
The reception of the regiraent by the city was very cold.
There were no cheers. Only one Union flag was observed
during the march through the streets. Whether the suspi
cion of disloyalty against the citizens, was just, it was very
certain that but few of them made public manifestation of
welcome to their newly arrived defenders. This was better
understood afterwards. A few days proA^ed that the fealty
of the city was merely dormant under the shadow of the
secession influence which reached it from across the river.
Hardly had the regiment pitched their tents, before the
inflexible system of discipline was resumed. It was drill,
drill, all the time — officers in the morning, companies at
noon, the battalion in the afternoon. The Colonel, believing
that he had been sent to protect the city, permitted no intru-

WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN. 95
sion upon citizens, or violations of their municipal laws.
This care soon won respect and confidence. A week scarcely
elapsed before fifty banners, flying from the house-tops, could
be counted from the summit of the hill. The reputation for
good order thus established, became wide-spread, and many
were the gay parties, which came picnicing from the towns
alcove and below on the Kentucky shore, to see the Zouaves.
Their parade ground grew into a fashionable resort for the
citizens of Evansville. The non-interference policy of the
Colonel, so rigid that officers were not even permitted to
attend the social parties Avhich were made for them, established
the regiment permanently in the affection of the people of
Evansville. The regiment, shortly after its removal to the new camp,
became charged with a duty delicate as it Avas exciting. It
had been discovered that a brisk contraband trade Avas car
ried on by boats on the river. Goods and cargoes, serviceable
in war, from Pittsburg, Cincinnati, Louisville, &c., in despite
of the trade regulations issued by the Secretary of the Treasury,
too frequently found their Avay, by Green River, to BovAding
Green, and by the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers far into
the heart of the Southern Confederacy. The blockade at
Carlo AA'as effective on the Mississippi, but not on the Ohio.
Mr. Robinson, the collector of the port at Evansville, was
ordered to call on the commander of the regiment located
there, for assistance. An arrangement was speedily effected,
by which all passing steamers were subjected to search, and
made liable to seizure of contraband commodities. It will be
readily perceived, that the strange neutrality into which
Kentucky had fallen, and which she vehemently insisted
upon, made this duty one of great delicacy.
Two field pieces from the city, under Capt. Klaus, and a
few German artillerists of experience, were put in position
on the bank below the camp. Every passing craft, whether
raft, barge, or steamer, was compelled to bring to, and submit
to a thorough inspection. Two companies were every day
detailed to support Capt. Klaus. All examinations were con
ducted by the officer of the day ; and so prudently were they
conducted, that offense was seldom given.

96 WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN.
Meantime, Gen. Morris, with some Ohio and Indiana regi
ments, opened the campaign iu Western Virginia. The vic
tory at Philippi sent pleasure and confidence all through the
West. The Eleventh had Avitnessed, with bitter regret, the
younger organizations depart, without them, for the scene of
honor. The Colonel heartily sympathized Avith his men ; and
having unsuccessfully invoked marching orders from other
authorities, prevailed upon his friends to carry the application
directly to the General-in-Chief. This succeeded. On the
sixth of June, the following dispatch was received and pub
lished to the regiment : " Washington, June 6, 1861.
" Col. Lewis Wallace : — You will proceed, by rail, to
Cumberland, Maryland, and report to Major General Patter
son. Winfield Scott."
The military situation at the time may be briefly stated. A
Federal army occupied Washington audits environs. Another
column, under Gen. Patterson, was at Hagerstown, observing
the rebel Gen. Johnston at Harper's Ferry. Gen. Morris,
with his Philippi victors, had his headquarters at Grafton, in
Western Virginia. Cumberland is situated about midway
between Grafton and Hagerstown. A force sent there would,
on account of the railroad communication between the two
places, look to Grafton for support. That communication,
however, was constantly at the mercy of the rebels, who had
a strong force at Winchester, and a respectable outpost at
Romney. The effect of this latter circumstance was, that
troops at Cumberland were, to all intents and purposes, com
pletely isolated and self-dependent. With a superior rebel
force at Romney, their situation would at all times be pre
carious. The sending of the Eleventh to Cumberland was
precisely like sending it to a post far in advance of the army.
They broke up their camp the day after the receipt of the
order, and taking the cars, bade adieu to Evansville. The
demonstration on the part of the citizens Avas in the highest
degree complimentary, contrasting strongly Avith the feeling
shoAvn upon their arrival. The whole populace had become
their fast friends.

AVESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN. 97
The route of the regiment Avas through Terre Haute,
Indianapolis, Greensburgh, LaAvrenceburgh and Cincinnati,
thence to Bellair and Grafton. Seldom have troops been the
recipients of such marks of popularity. At Indianapolis the
crowd, in spite of the efforts of the officers, detained the
trains through the night. The impression they made in
Cincinnati is not yet forgotten. Their complete equipment,
steady demeanor AA'hile marching, and strange gray uniform,
astonished the thousands Avho lined Fourth street, witnessing
their passage.
In the night of the ninth of June- the regiment reached the
viciuity of Cumberland. Not wishing to enter the city until
day, they Avere halted outside, and on the bank of the Poto
mac prepared their breakfast. Never Avere a people more
completely surprised, than were the citizens, when, in the
gray of the morning, from the summit of a hill which sepa
rated the bivouac from the town, they caught the first view
of the unexpected visitors. It Avas some time before they
could be induced to open communication Avith them. When
the men in the "outlandish big breeches" were found to be
friendly Federal soldiers, good feeling was speedily estab
lished. At Grafton the train had been stopped to take ammunition
on board. While there. Col. Wallace ascertained frora Gen.
Morris that the rebels occupied Romney VAnth a body of troops
supposed to. be at least tAvelve hundred strong. The General
Avarned him to keep a look-out against them, as the enemy
Avould be but a day's march from his post at Cumberland,,
while Winchester was heavily garrisoned by them.
On the way to Piedmont, the Colonel resolved to. attack
Romney, concluding that it Avould be better by such a demon
stration to place the rebels on the defensive, than to assume
it himself. To secure his command from molestation, the
surest policy Avas to keep the foe in constant apprehension of
attack. At Piedmont he secured two loyal men, who agreed to
guide him wherever he was pleased to go. One of them was
afterwards caught and hung by the rebels. From them he
obtained thorough information respecting the locality of
Vol. I.— 7.

98 WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN.
Romney and the approaches to it. Starting from Cumber
land, a good pike road led down the Potomac a few miles,
then branched off to the southeast, passing through Romney
and terminating at Winchester. Another route was to return
by rail to New Creek, from whence a narrow and dangerous
mountain road conducted to the point of attack. By the
pike, the line of march would be twenty-three miles ; by New
Creek, it was forty-six miles; one-half of it, however, by rail.
Col. Wallace resolved to take the latter route, and attempt a
surprise. He believed the enemy, trusting to the difficult
nature of the road, would most likely leave it unguarded.
The regiment had no rest after leaving Evansville, except
that which they had on the cars. Nevertheless, the Colonel
resolved to attempt the enterprise before a tent was pitched
in Cumberland. The rebels would undoubtedly hear of his
passage down the road, but go to rest again, under the suppo
sition that it would be some time before he would leave his
camp, if he left it at all. Nobody knew the physical ability
of the Zouaves better than the Colonel and his field officers.
Their incessant training for six Aveeks at Evansville, wa?
proof they could endure the march.
All that day the Zouaves slept and rested on the cars at
Cumberland, while CoL Wallace, with his field officers, rode
about the town and neighborhood, pretending to be looking
out for a camping place. About five o'clock in the afternoon
be informed the citizens that he would be compelled to return
up the road four or five miles to a convenient ground by the
river; he was very sorry suitable camp ground could not be
found closer to the city. In fact, this industrious search for a
camp Avas to deceive the secessionists, of whom the town was
full, and who were sure to communicate Avith the rebels at
Romney. With mauy regrets the citizens saAv the train depart. Four
miles out, a halt was called and supper cooked. Then the
route was resumed. Leaving the cars at New Creek, the
little column pushed boldly out across the mountains. The
night was dark; the ravines and gorges were hideously black.
It was the Colonel's purpose to reach the town, if possible,
by daybreak. Unfortunately, the guides, in endeavoring to

WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN. 99
take a near cut, got the column badly entangled, occasioning
a loss of three hours. The surprise, hoAvever, was complete.
The rebels, having fired a few random shots, fied. The
Zouaves pursued for some distance, and captured a consider
able amount of arms, ammunition and provision. This expe
dition accomplished all its purposes, and showed conclu
sively the metal of the regiraent.
The citizens of Cumberland Avere inspired with confidence
in the courage of their protectors, and their loyalty, hereto
fore suppressed, at once flamed out so fiercely that many of
the most prominent secessionists absented themselves from
fear of their neighbors.
The rebel soldiers, fiying from Romney to Winchester,
reported the attacking force so strong that it was regarded in
Richmond as the advance of an army. Harper's Ferry was
forthwith evacuated. This latter result is given on the
authority of the Richmond papers.
The fight was comparatively a trifiing skirmish, but it was
not the fault of the Zouaves. They could not make the
enemy stand and give battle. The spirit exhibited in the
enterprise attracted universal admiration. Gen. Scott com
mended it in language of the highest encomium. The enemy
in a short tirae discovered that the victors at Romney were
neither an army nor the advance guard of an army. Reas
sured by the intelligence, they reoccupied the toAvn, but with
an increased force of infantry, cavalry and artillery, about
four thousand men of all arms. This Avas not the security
Col. Wallace and his officers bargained for. Without a can
non or a horseman, with no chance for immediate assistance,
within a day's march of an enemy possessed of every advan
tage, they had every reason to believe that an attempt would
be made to avenge the audacious raid upon Romney by a
return visit to Cumberland. The situation was faithfully
represented to Gen. Patterson, and reinforcements were
asked. Similar requests were made to Gen. McClellan, who,
about that time, relieved Gen. Morris at Grafton. Neither of
those officers could spare the required aid. Gov. Curtin was
appealed to, and, after long consideration, he responded by
sending two regiments of Pennsylvania Reserves, with a bat-

100 WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN.
tery, under orders, however, not to cross the State line into
Maryland, unless an attack should be made ou the Eleventh.
So tender and careful were the loyal authorities at that early
stage of the war, of the assumed neutrality of the border slave
States. Military necessity, with rude hands, has crushed out
many chimeras, but none so hollow and unsubstantial as that
called " neutrality." The tAVO Reserve regiments keenly felt
the peculiarities of their position, and despised the myth that
held them chained to a geographical line. Campbell, the
gallant Captain of the artillery, ascertained exactly where the
line of division ran, ana, camping his men close by, with cut
ting practical sarcasm planted his guns so that the wheels
were in Pennsylvania and the muzzles in Maryland. This
force Avas iu command of Col. Biddle, of Philadelphia. In
compliance with his orders, he took position on the road from
Bedford to Cumberland, nine miles distant from the latter
point, and there waited events.
But the period betAveen the capture of Romney and the
arrival of Biddle was exceedingly interesting to the Eleventh.
The mountains, their passes, valleys and streams — all the
region, in fact, separating Romney and Cumberland — became
debateable land, and the scene of constant petty strifes and
stratagems. The Potomac river Avas so Ioav that the places
where it Avas not fordable were the exceptions. Parties on
both sides crossed and recrossed it at pleasure. Detachments
of rebel cavalry frequently stole over in the night, and
abducted Union men from the Maryland side, within three
miles of the camp of the Eleventh.
Col. Wallace tried to impress horses to raount a portion of
his command. He succeeded in mounting only thirteen.
The thirteen thus mounted he converted into videttes, some
times using them as scouts. As he could not afford to divide
his regiment even a day, he prevailed on a company of home
guards, belonging to Cumberland, to undertake the task of
guarding the bridge at New Creek, which was essential to
the keeping open of the communication by rail to Grafton.
To increase his perplexities, the regiment ran short of ammu
nition; at the time the enem}' was most threatening, the
stock of cartridges was reduced to an average of ten rounds

WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN. 101
to the man; nor could he obtain a supply frora either Hagers
town or Grafton, although his applications Avere of almost
daily occurrence. Feeling the urgency of the necessity, he
finally sent Capt. Knefier in person to see Gen. Morris on the
subject. Knefier reached Grafton in safety, but found his
retreat cut off"; the enemy, the night after he passed up the
road, attacked the Home Guard at New Creek, drove them
off in spite of a gallant resistance, and burned the bridge
they were guarding. In nowise despondent, a detail of the
regiment commenced the Avork of manufacturing cartridges ;
but for that the supply Avould have been entirely exhausted.
The march from Indiana had been with rations for fifteen
days; these began to fail. All that conld be found in Cum
berland were purchased or impressed. After much trouble a
sufficiency was obtained in Pennsylvania. Altogether the
situation of the Eleventh during this period furnished a good
school, in which officers and men were taught valuable lessons
in that important branch of the art of soldiering, called " taking
care of themselves." As to the citizens of Cumberland, it is
to this day pleasant to hear members of the regiment speak
of the continued kindness and courtesies received from them.
This period of which we are now speaking will not soon
be forgotten by the friends of the Eleventh. They lived from
day to day iu continued apprehensions of its welfare and
safety ; these apprehensions were constantly excited by almost
daily telegrams announcing its cutting off, defeat or capture.
Had they been in camp, however, they would have seen the
groundlessness of their fear. Picket duty was so well and
systematically performed that surprise was impossible ; nearly
a hundred wagons, impressed from the town and surrounding
country, were kept on hand ready at a moment's notice to
move the baggage. The regiment could not have been draAvn
into a fight unless at the pleasure of the Colonel. A retreat
was always possible by way of the Bedford road into Penn
sylvania. Probably the most remarkable circumstance connected
with the history of this regiment is its "luck" or rare good
fortune. It seemed almost impossible to kill a Zouave.
Deeds of such extraordinary recklessness and desperation

102 AVESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN.
were performed that they can Avell be attributed to a belief
in " a good star." Many instances might be given in illus
tration, but we will content the reader with ono, taken from
what the old members of the Eleventh call their " secret his
tory." The incident is known among them as —
M'LAUGHLIN'S DEFEAT.
The enemy's scouts, and the Zouaves, doing picket duty at
post number four, seven or eight miles above the Potomac,
had, for several days and nights, been practicing "sharp" on
each other. One evening, just after dress parade. Corporal
Ford, in charge of that post, sent word that a body of rebel
cavalry, had, as they thought, crossed the river unseen, and
were in cover waiting for night, to make a dash. Colonel
Wallace concluded to try an ambush on them. He sent the
picket men, Avho had brought the intelligence, back to tell
Ford that two full companies would be in the thicket close
by the road side, at a designated point, by twelve o'clock at
night; and that at that hour, or a little after, he must open a
skirmish with the rebels, and by making frequent stands,
followed by short retreats, gradually draw them down to the
ambuscade. A certain Avhistle was the signal by which the
pickets were to signify their identity to the secreted com
panies. The man hurried off' to Ford. At nine o'clock, two
companies were quietly called out, and the command given
to Lieut. McLaughlin, of Co. K. The Lieutenant was fully
initiated into the plan, and, with a full knowledge of the
business on hand, led his men in good time to the point
designated, where he posted them. Unfortunately, Ford, for
a reason never known, instead of following his instructions,
had Avithdrawn his pickets from the post before the time, and
by pursuing a by-path, got on the Cumberland side of the
ambuscade, where, to his astonishment, he found the rebels
ready to attack him. A skirmish at once commenced, result
ing in Ford's headlong retreat back upon the ambush.
McLaughlin heard the firing, and the clatter of horses feet.
He placed his men in position. Down came the picket, their
horses stretching out like hounds at full speed, nearer, nearer.

WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN. 103
Now they march on the ambush. McLaughlin stood up, and
with all his men, listened breathlessly for the signal. The
foremost rider Avas opposite the left flank of his left company,
and still no whistle. It was too dark to judge any thing by
sight. The flying horsemen might be friends or foes. Of
one thing he was certain : he had not heard the signal. With
a palpitating heart, he sung out to his ready men — Fire!
The thicket kindled as Avith lightning. Every gun Avas dis- '
charged. There Avere screams of terror, and mad plunging
of horses, in the road. McLaughlin aud his companies darted
from the thicket, and captured every man of our own pickets,
including the Corporal. The fire had been direct. The imag
inary foe was not ten yards distant. Yet, strange to say,
only one man was wounded, and he eventually recovered.
Four horses were killed, one or two wounded, and every rider
thrown. The secret of the misfortune Avas: Ford, at the
critical moment, forgot to whistle. The rebels in pursuit
never inquired into the matter, but turned away and hastened
up the mountain. THE FIGHT AT KELLEY'S ISLAND.
Col. Wallace had been accustomed to send his mounted
scouts to different posts along the several approaches to Cum
berland. There were only thirteen of these scouts; but they
were picked men, who, from much practice, had become
accustomed to their peculiar duty. The folloAving are their
names and companies :
Company A — ^D. B. Hay, E. H. Baker. Company B — Ed.
Burkett, J. C. Hollenback. Company C — Tim Grover, James
Hollowell.' Company D — Thos. Brazier. Company E — Geo.
W. Mudbargar. Company F — Lewis Farley. Company H —
Frank Harrison. Company I — P. M. Dunlap. Company K —
Robt. Dunlap, E. P. Thomas.
On the twenty-seventh of June, the Colonel found it
impossible to get reliable information of the enemy. Uniting
the scouts in a body, he gave them in charge of Corporal D.
B. Hay, with directions to proceed to a little town on the
pike from Cumberland to Romney, named Frankfort, and
ascertain if rebel troops Avere there-

104 WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN.
Hay was sharp, cunning and bold — the very man for the
business. Filling their canteens and haversacks, the brave
men strapped their rifles on their backs, and started on their
mission. Their horses were of the class now knoAvn as con
demned. Hay's was the only good one. He had some repu
tation as a racer, and went by the name of " Silverheels."
His rider had captured him in a scuffie a foAv days before, and
prized him highly as a trophy. All the rest had been
impressed into the service, and noAV made sad profert of their
ribs by Avay of protest against their usage.
A rumor passed through the camp that morning, that Hay
was going to have a fight before he returned. His procedure
was certainly that of man in search of a fight. He took the
turnpike to Romney, and never drew rein, until, from a little
eminence, he looked down into the straggling village of
Frankfort. The street was full of infantry. The horses
picketed about indicated a large body of cavalry. Most men
would have been anxious, after that sight, to return to camp
quickly as possible. Not so Hay and his comrades. Sitting
on their horses, they cooly made up their estimate of the
enemy's number, and when they were perfectly agreed on the
point, turned about, and rode leisurely away. On the return,
they took another road very much broken, and which, thread
ing among the hills, after many devious windings, finally
brought up to the track of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.
The taking of this road was a mere freak of fancy. It was
by no means the shortest to camp, nor Avas its exploration of
any probable use; yet it led to a fight; and if the scouts had
knoAvn that beforehand, it is not likely they Avould have
changed their course.
Three or four miles from Frankfort, while descending a
mountain side, after turning a sharp elbow in the road, the
men came suddenly upon a party of rebel cavalry. Each
instinctively drcAV his bridle rein, and for an instant halted.
Rapidly they commenced counting.
"Forty-one of them, boys!" cried Hay, turning in his sad
dle. " What do you say? Will you stand by me?"
" Go in, Dave," Avas the unanimous vote.
It took but a moment to unsling their rifles.

WESTERN A'IRGINIA CAMPAIGN. 105
" Are you ready ?" asked Hay.
" All ready," they replied.
"Come on, then," shouted the leader. "The best horse
gets the first man !"
With the last word they were off.
It happened the rebels themselves were going in the same
direction. They Avere also someAA'hat below them in the
descent of the road. With his usual shrewdness, and quick
as thought. Play grasped his advantage of position. An
abrupt declivity on the left of the narrow road, made it
¦impossible for the enemy to form line. Neither could the
rebels turn and charge up hill. They must go on to escape.
If they stopped, "Silverheels" would go through like a
thunderbolt. The rebels heard the shout, and, in surprise, halted and
took a look. The sight, under ordinary circumstances, would
have been interesting to them. Not seventy -five yards behind,
they saw Hay and his party galloping down the decline at
break neck speed; their glance rested briefly on the little
jackets, and big grey breeches, on the short, brown rifles
shaken menacingly over the scarlet tipped caps, and on the
straining horses; their ears recognized the yell of pursuit;
and then they stayed not on their order of going. What
they said, and whether they counted the assailants, we know
not; but they began a retreat that soon took the form of a
promiscuous fox chase, except that the shouts, which momen
tarily neared them, had little likeness to the joyous halloo of
hunters. Hay led the pursuit ; Farley was next ; the others followed
as best they could; not one hung back. It is to be doubted
whether, in his best days, " Silverheels " had made better time.
A short distance from the foot of the hill he overtook the
rebels. Just before the collision. Hay rose in his stirrups and
fired his rifle into the party. He was so close that to miss
would have been an accident. Swinging the weapon round
his head, he hurled it at the nearest man, and the next
moment, with drawn pistol, plunged furiously amidst them.
They closed around him. The pistol shooting became sharp
and quick. Hay received one wound, then another, but for

106 WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN.
each one he killed a man. When his revolver was empty he
drew his sabre bayonet. The rebel Captain gave him from
behind a heavy cut on the head. Still he sat his horse, and
though weakened by the blow, and half blind with blood, he
laid out right and left. He fared illy enough, but it Avould
have been worse if Farley had not then came up and pitched
loyally into the melee. Close at his heels, but singly or
doubly, according to the speed of their horses, rode all the
rest. The rebel Captain was shot before he could repeat his
sabre blow. Farley was dismounted by the shock of the
collision. He clinched a foeman in like situation, a struggle
ensued, he was throA\'n, but his antagonist was knocked down
by young Hollowell before he could use his victory. Farley
caught another horse. The eager onset relieved Hay, and
again started the rebels Avho, in their flight, took to the rail
road. Not a moment was allowed them to turn upon their
pursuers. Over the track belter skelter they went. Suddenly
they came to a burnt culvert. It was too late to dodge it ;
over or into it they had to go. Eight men were killed in the
attempt to cross it. Hay, in close pursuit, saAV the leap just
as it was unavoidable. "Silverheels" in his turn cleared the
culvert, but fell dead a few yards beyond. The chase ended
there. When his comrades crossed over, they found Hay sit
ting by his horse crying like a child, on account of the death
of " Silverheels."
The scouts then proceeded to collect the spoils. When
they were all in, the nett proceeds of the victory Avere seven
teen horses, Avith their equipments, and eleven dead rebels,
three on the hill-side, and eight in the culvert. Hay
re-mounted himself, and started with the party for Cumber
land. It may be imagined with what satisfaction the brave
victors pictured to each other their triumphal entry into
camp. After going a few miles, Hay became so faint from
loss of blood, that he had to be taken out of his saddle. The
dilemma in which they now found themselves was settled by
sending two of their number to a farm house for a Avagon ;
meantime they laid their leader in the shade, and brought
water for him from the river. While they Avere thus nursing
him back to strength, a fire was suddenly opened upon them

WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN. 107
from a hill on the left. This was a surprise, yet their cool
ness did not desert them. Hay bade them put hira on a horse
and leave him to take care of himself. They complied, cling
ing painfully to the saddle, he forded the Potomac and was
safe. The others could probably have saved themselves, but
in a foolish effort to save their horses, they lost the opportu
nity. Farley then became leader.
"Let the horses go, and give the rebels thunder," was his
simple emphatic order.
The fire, thickening on them, Avas then returned. Years
before Farley had lost one of his eyes; the sound one, how
ever, was now admirably used. He saw the rebels were
trying to surround the party, and would succeed if better
cover was not soon found. Behind them ran Patterson's
creek. The ground on its opposite shore was scarcely higher
than that which they occupied, but it Avas covered with rocks
washed naked by the flowing stream. Farley saAV that to get
there would be a good exchange.
"It's a pretty slim chance, boys," he coolly said, "but it
wont do to give in or stay here. Let's make a rush for the
big rocks yonder, and get the creek betAveen them and us."
The rush was made; under a sharp fire, they crossed the
creek and took shelter behind the boAvlders. Ten of them
were there, but, to use their own language, they were all
"sound as new fifty cent pieces, and not whipped by a long
sight." Peering over the rocks, they counted over seventy rebels
on foot making at full speed for the creek, evidently with the
intention of crossing it. Each one felt the trial had come.
"Look out, now, and don't waste a cartridge. Recollect
they are scarce," said Thomas.
"Yes, and recollect Buena Vista," said Hollowell.
The first rebel entered the creek before a gun was fired, so
perfectly calm were those ten men. Then crack, crack, in
quick succession, went the rifies, scarcely a bullet failing its
mark. The assailants recoiled, ran back, and finding cover
as best they could, began the exciting play of sharpshooters.
This practice continued for more than an hour. The sun
went down on it. About that time a small party of horse-

108 WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN.
men galloped down the road, and hitching their horses, joined
the enemy. One of the new comers made himself conspicu
ous by refusing to take the ground. Walking about, as if
in contempt of the minnies Avhich were sent Avhistling round
hira, he gave directions AArhieh resulted in another sudden
dash for the creek. Again the rifles went crack, crack, in
quick succession, and with the same fatal consequence; but
this time the rebels had a leader ; men Avere seen to fall in
the water, but there Avas no second recoil ; the obstructions
were cleared in the face of the rifles, and with much cursing
and shouting the attacking party closed in upon the Zouaves.
The fight was hand to hand. No amount of courage
could be effective against the great odds at such close quar
ters; nevertheless, all that Avas possible was done. Night
was rapidly closing upon the scene ; over the rocks, and
through the tangled thicket, and in the fading twilight, the
struggle for revenge and life went on. There was heroism
on both sides; that of the Zouaves was matchless, because it
was in no small degree the prompting of despair.
Farley found himself again engaged with the leader of the
rebels, a man of as much strength as courage; Hollowell
saved his life at the cost of his rifie, but snatching the dead
man's pistols, he resumed the fight. The pistols were brought
into camp, and next morning presented to the young hero by
the Colonel.
Thomas killed two by rifie shots; while loading a third
time, he was struck by a pistol ball on the side of the temple,
and fell senseless. A man in the act of striking him with a
sabre, was shot through by Grover, and died on Thomas. It
was dark when Thomas recovered; hearing no sound of
fighting, he pushed off the dead body from him, secured his
rifle, and hid himself in vines and bushes. In a little while
the rebels came to remove the dead. He saAv them carry
thirteen dead bodies across the creek. In searching the
island they found Hollenback, Avho had been shot through
the body. Thomas heard the exclamation announcing the
discovery. " Here's a Yankee ! " was the shout.
" Kill him, kill him ! " arose on all sides.

WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN. 109
" Come, get out of this ! " said a strong voice.
"I can't, I'm shot," feebly protested Hollenback.
Yet they made him rise and wade the creek. When all
was still, Thomas escaped by Avading and swimraing the
Potomac. Baker and Dunlap, of Co. I, the men sent for the wagon,
hearing the second engagement, galloped with all speed to
camp, and reported. The regiment was on drill Avhen they
arrived. Fifty men, under Major Robinson, were instantly
detailed to go to the rescue. When the detachment reached
the edge of toAvn it was SAvelled to two hundred — the guards
found it impossible to keep the Zouaves in the lines. The
relief traveled fast, but arrived too late. The island Avas
deserted. Pistols, broken guns, dead horses, and rocks stained
with blood told the story.
The detail returned late in the night. Early next morning
tAVO companies, under Major Robinson, were sent down to
search for some of the missing men and property, and bury
such dead as they might find. In the afternoon the Major
came back with some trophies, eight horses, and poor Hollen
back. He had found Hollenback lying on a farmer's porch
dead, but warm and bleeding, Avith a bullet hole and a bayo
net thrust through his body. The woman of the house told
Major Robinson hoAV he died. '
"The man wasn't dead Avhen they brought' him here,"
she said, " but a little while ago, when they heard you coming,
they set him on a horse to take him off with them; but he
fainted; he couldn't stand it. A man then stuck a bayonet
into his back."
The Major glanced at the porch, and observed blood on
the floor.
"Did they bring anybody else here. Madam?" he asked.
" Oh, yes ! I reckon they did. Me and my man came out
while they Avere at Avork, and we counted twenty-three men
laid out side by side on the porch there. Tavo or three of
them were wounded. I heard some one say that they had
brought some of the dead men doAvn the railroad. Ashby
was one of the wounded."
The Ashby alluded to was a brother of the Col. Ashby of

110 WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN.
Black Horse Cavalry renown. He afterAvards died of his
wounds. By five o'clock the day after the fight the scouts were all
in camp. They straggled in one by one. Citizens and soldiers
turned out to receive them. Never did returning heroes have
more sympathizing and admiring audiences. Thomas shoAved
the kiss of the bullet on his temple. Baker wore the cap of
a rebel — his OAvn had been shot off his head. Dunlap had
three bullet holes through his shirt. HoUoAvell exhibited his
captured pistols and broken rifie. Farley yet retained the
handle of his sabre-bayonet, shivered in the fray. Several
of the men testified to his killing six enemies with his oavu
hand. Not a man but had some proofs of the engagement,
such as torn clothes and bruised bodies. But Hay Avas the
hero. Three ghastly wounds entitled him to the honor.
Their final escape had been effected in the same manner.
Finding themselves overpowered and separated, each one, at
the first opportunity, had abandoned the battle ground,
which proved to be Kelly's Island, at the mouth of Patter
son's creek, and plunging into the river succeeded in crossing
it. The enemy folloAved to the canal, ou the northern side.
Hollenback Avas buried in the cemetery. A more solemn
funeral never took place in the old toAAm. The sorroAV was
universal. Loyal citizens thought —
"To every man upon this earth,
Death cometh soon or late ;
And where can man die better,
Than facing fearful odds,
Por the ashes of his fathers,
And the temples of his Gods I "
Col. Wallace officially reported -the fight to Gen. Patterson,
and the latter wrote the foUoAving general order and pub
lished it to his army :
Headquarters Dep't of Pennsylvania,
Hagerstown, June 30, 1861.
General Orders, No. 29.— The Commanding General has the
satisfaction to announce to the troops a second victory over
the insurgents by a small party of Indiana Volunteers, under

western VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN. Ill
Col. Wallace, on the twenty-sixth instant. Thirteen mounted
men attached to the regiment attacked forty-one insurgents,
killing eight aud chasing the rest tAVO miles. On their return
with seventeen captured horses, they were attacked by seventy-
five of the enemy, and fell back to a strong position, which
they held till dark, Avhen they returned to camp, Avith the loss
of one man killed and one wounded.
The Commanding General desires to bring to the attention
of the officers and men of his command the courage and
conduct with Avhich this gallant little band of comparatively
raw troops met the emergency, by turning on an enemy so
largely superior in numbers, chastising him severely, and
gathering in retreat the fruits of victory. By order of
Major Gen. Patterson.
, J. F. Porter, Assistant Adjutant General.
On the twenty-seventh. General McClellan telegraphed Col.
Wallace for the particulars of the fight. The Colonel, after
narrating the particulars, closes his report to Gen. McClellan
by stating that the account "of the skirmish sounds like
fiction, but it is not exaggerated. The fight was one of the
most desperate on record, and abounded in instances of won
derful daring and coolness."
Next day. Gen. McClellan sent the following compliment,
which was enthusiastically received when published to the
regiment : " Grafton, Va., June 28.
To CoL. Lew. Wallace : — I congratulate you upou the gal
lant conduct of your regiment. Thank them for me, and
express to the party how highly I honor their heroic courage,
worthy of their French namesakes. I more than ever regret
that you are not under my command. I have urged Gen.
Scott to send up the Pennsylvania regiments. I begin to
doubt whether the Eleventh Indiana needs reinforcements.
" Geo. B. McClellan,
Maj. Gen. U. S. Army."
Prior to the fight at Kelley's Island, an incident occurred,

112 western VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN.
strikingly illustrative of the fear with which the Eleventh
had inspired the enemy at Romney. A force, estimated at
four thousand men, of all arms, had been concentrated at
that place, under Col. McDonald. That officer had frequently
sent messages to Col. Wallace, declarative of a fixed purpose
to burn Cumberland. Ou the nineteenth of June, informa
tion came that the rebels Avere coming. The news was con
firmed by an attack made that night on the guards of the
New Creek bridge, twenty-three miles from Cumberland.
As already stated, the guard, after a stout resistance, was
driven off, and the bridge burned. At daylight next morning,
the enemy Avere reported in force on the Maryland side of the
Potomac, moving rapidly upon Cumberland, by way of
Frostburgh. Upon receipt of this ncAvs, the regiment made all necessary
preparations. The sick Avere provided for, the tents all struck,
and the baggage loaded in the wagons, then in camp, for such
an emergency. About ten o'clock the pickets galloped in,
and reported the enemy at Frostburgh, only six miles distant.
Col. Wallace ordered Quartermaster Ryce to move out Avith
the train on the road to Bedford, Pa. When the last wagon
had passed through the town, the regiment was formed, and,
with fiying colors, and band playing, marched after the train.
As the Colonel had kept his oavu counsel, the men were in
ignorance of his purposes. They at once concluded that the
movement was a retreat. Their shame and mortification vA'^ere
amusing. "Is this the way Ave remember Buena Vista?" was
the common exclamation. The secessionists iu the town had
the same opinion of the movement, and took no pains to
conceal their satisfaction. The companies passing the houses
could see their smiles and sneers. These, coupled Avith the
tears and despair of the many loyal people, turned the shame
of the Zouaves into rage. Col. Wallace, pleased by the feel
ing manifested, paid no apparent attention to their bitter
exclamations. As he rode along, hoAvever, he busied himself
in telling prorainent Union citizens to keep in their houses
with their Avomen and children, if the rebels came into town.
It was afterwards knoAvn that these Avarnings had connection
with his plans.

AVESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN. 113
Slowly and sorrowfully the regiment folloAved in the wake
of its train, going toAvards Bedford. Two miles and a half
out of town, hoAvever, all were surprised to heai* the bugles
bloAv the halt; then no less pleased -at the order to face about,
and comraence a return raarch toward Cumberland.
It appears that when the regiment was about half a mile
out of toAvn, the Colonel had called the attention of Lieut.
Col. McGinnis and Major Robinson to a place Avhich, he said,
was good fighting ground. They agreed with him; and to
that point accordingly the regiment returned, and Avent into
position for battle." Then the Zouaves comprehended the
object of the movement; the baggage had been moved for
safety; the departure from camp Avas to obtain a better posi
tion for action, aud one iu which the line of retreat Avas at
all times secure — a matter not to be lost sight of, when it is
considered that the little force had no cavalry or artillery,
and but an average of ten rounds of cartridge. The spirits
of the men arose ; and behind the stone wall, Avhich stretched
across the narrow valley, they Avaited for the enemy. When
the Union citizens heard that the regiment had not left them,
they again hung out the flags, which, a little before, they had
taken down and concealed.
While speaking of Col. Wallace's purposes on this occasion,
it is not improper to add, that he expected the enemy, when
they took possession of the town, would scatter in search of
plunder. If so, he intended to attack them in the streets.
Hence his warning to Union men to keep in their houses.
The rebels, however, did not come. McDonald halted at
Frostburgh, and hearing that the Zouaves were ready to fight
him, he, that night, turned about, and marched back to
Romney. Next morning the Eleventh re-oocupied its old
camps as if nothing had occurred.
The incidents given show distinctly that the duties per
formed by the Eleventh at Cumberland, were hard, fatiguing,
and dangerous. They were, nevertheless, relieved by pleasant
social intercourse with the people of the city, avIio took the
fourth of July as a proper day on which to express their
gratitude to their defenders. About ten o'clock in the morn
ing, a train of wagons, under escort of the Continentals, the
Vol. I.— 8.

114 WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN.
independent company, which had so gallantly defended New
Creek bridge a short time before, Avas observed to cross the
bridge, and take the road to camp. Passing the lines, it
stopped in the tented streets, and satisfied the wonder of sol
diers by unloading a splendid dinner. Never Avere men more
agreeably surprised. The festivity of the day was concluded
by the presentation to the regiment of a beautiful garrison
fiag. The dance and song were continued far into the night.
On the seventh of July, Col. Wallace received an order
from Gen. Patterson to join his army at Martinsburgh, Va.,
so s^oon as possible. On the eighth camp was broken up.
The route of the regiment in this march was through Flint
Stone, Hancock, Clear Spring, and Williamsport.
HOW THE ZOUAA^ES CONQUERED A MASSACHUSETTS REGIMENT.
It happened that a regiment, from the old Bay State,
marched into Martinsburgh immediately after the Eleventh,
and was assigned to an encampment in an adjoining field.
Two bodies more dissimilar in every respect, could not have
been thrown together. Some of the Ncav England officers
were foolish enough to forbid their men from associating
with what they contemptuously called the "Indiana grease
bags." This amused the -Zouaves, who resolved to bring
their aristocratic friends to terms.
The two regiraents turned out in their respective fields for
battalion drill. Col. Wallace quickly saw that his competitors
had the advantage of him in the possession of a new uniform,
and a splendid brass band, and that the music of the latter
was attracting the mass of spectators who had come over to
see the new regiments ; but he had an unexpected resource.
Ellsworth had been to Boston with his celebrated Zouaves;
and on the boards of a theater, there made exhibition of the
tactics a la France. He believed, however, that few persons
in New England had ever seen those tactics performed by a
full regiment in a broad field. If so, he knew they would be
irresistible. Breaking the regiment into column of platoons.
he began the drill, in which the commands are all given by
the bugle, and executed on the double-quick. The men

WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN. 115
understood the joke, and did their best. A few movements
brought back the spectators. Advancing, retreating, moving
by the flanks, firing in advance, and in retreat, the rallies and
deployments, &c., were done in superb style; and in the midst
of them, a New York regiment, on drill a little Avay off,
halted, wheeled into line, and while watching the perform
ance, soon broke into cheers. Massachusetts alone remained
obstinate. It was easy to see, however, that, despite the
officers, the curiosity of the men was becoming ungovernable.
In practicing the march in column, whenever the direction
of their movement brought their front to the Zouaves, it was
all right; but the moment their backs were turned, the
utmost vigor was required to keep thera from looking back.
The field on AA'hich the Eleventh was drilling, was enclosed
on its north side by a high rail fence, beyond which, was a
hollow; then a low mountain side, covered on the top by a
dense growth of cedars. The bugles blew "by the right
flank, march," and off went the regiment at intervals taken;
they leaped the fence, crossed the hollow, and, still on the
double-quick, disappeared in the cedars. How will they be
brought back? was the query. Suddenly the Massachusetts
regiment halted, and, at ordered arms, became spectators
The victory was won. Directly the bugles sounded; the call
was repeated promptly, and soon the companies re-appeared ;
and in perfect order returned to the field again. As the last
man cleared the fence, an involuntary cheer broke from the
Massachusetts regiment; the Zouaves replied with a "tiger"
in addition ; and from that time, the fraternization went on
uninterruptedly. After that, the men with the big grey
breeches were without rivals, and had the liberty of the town
with or without the password.
THE END OF THE TERM.
In a few days the Eleventh, with the rest of Patterson's
army, marched to Bunker Hill, about seven miles from Win
chester, at which place Gen. Johnson was intrenched. A
battle was the common expectation, and a proper climax to
the service of the Zouaves. Gen. Patterson's movement

116 WESTERN VIRGINIA CAMPAIGN.
turned out, however, a mere observation. The morning the
army should have been marched to Winchester, to the sur
prise and mortification of every body not duly informed, it
was turned to the left, and taken to Charlestown. The night
it laid at Bunker Hill, Johnson carried his force by rail to
Manassas, where it was chiefiy instrumental in the defeat of
the Federal army at Bull Run.
At Charlestown the term of service of the regiment expired,
together with that of a number of others from other States.
Gen. T'atterson had issued a general request to all such out
going regiments to remain with him until their places could
be supplied by new troops. Upon a vote taken, the Eleventh
agreed to do so, and marched to headquarters to report their
conclusion to the General, who complimented them in the
most fiattering manner for their patriotism worthy their fame.
Shortly after, they were marched to Harper's Ferry; but
before ten days, they were relieved, and ordered home. It
arrived at Indianapolis ou the twenty-ninth of July, Avhere
it AA'as accorded a magnificent reception. On the second of
August it was mustered out of service.
During almost the entire campaign, the Eleventh was iso
lated from all other commands; hence We have deemed it
proper to give an extended account of its operations.

FIRST POTOMAC CAMPAIGN.

CHAPTER IV.
EARLY OPERATIONS ON THE POTOMAC.
In the early operations on the line of the Potomac, the
Indiana troops took but little part. There was no regiment
from the State in the first grand army gathered at Washing
ton. The Eleventh was ordered to Cumberland, and received
instructions from Gen. Patterson, who held the upper Potomac.
They held an important outpost, but did not participate in the
series of maneuvers Avhich characterized that campaign. In
order to connect the links in the chain of events, it is neces
sary to glance at the leading movements around Washington,
Avhich culminated in the disaster at Bull Run.
Before the State of Virginia had formally seceded, troops
from other Southern States were welcomed within her borders.
The martial spirit Avhich aniraated her people was directed to
revolutionary ends. It was evident to every thoughtful mind.
North and South, that her soil Avould be the great battle
field. The aggressive spirit Avhich breathed from her public
press, and aAvakened an echo in the hearts of her people,
pointed to the capture of Washington, and the possession of
Norfolk, Harper's Ferry and Fortress Monroe. On the nine
teenth of April, the important works at Harper's Ferry were
destroyed, to prevent their falling into the hands of the
enemy. On the twentieth, all that was combustible in Gos
port Navy Yard was burned, the cannon spiked, and the ships

118 FIRST POTOMAC CAMPAIGN.
of war DelaAvare, Pennsylvania, Columbus, Merrimac, Raritan,
Germantown, Plymouth, and United States, Avere scuttled,
and set on fire. The frigate Cumberland Avas toAved out of
the harbor in the light of the blazing docks, stores and
fieets. The garrison of Fortress Monroe was strengthened,
and military possession taken of the Baltimore, and Ohio
Railroad. A heavy guard was placed at Long Bridge, and
a line of pickets posted beyond. Troops were hurried up to
Washington for the defense of the Capital. The activity and
determination of the rebel leaders awoke a corresponding
energy of purpose in the Federal authorities. Day after day
the preparations for the impending struggle assumed larger
proportions. On the twentieth of April occurred one of those exciting
incidents which stir the heart of a nation, and form an epoch
in its history. A Massachusett's regiment, in passing through
Baltimore, was attacked by a mob. Tavo of their number
were killed and eight wounded. The military struggled
through the surging tide of maddened and infuriated men,
while a perfect shower of bricks, stones, and other missilesj
was poured upon them. They abstained from firing as an
organized body. A fcAv straggling shots were fired upon the
assailants; but at no time during the affray, did a single
platoon deliver its fire. From this time, until works were
erected commanding the city, no attempt was made to pass
troops through it. The Executive of Maryland and the
majority of her people, were opposed to the revolutionary
schemes of the Southern leaders. The riot was doubtless
incited to hurry the State into the vortex of secession. The
Avisdom of the course adopted, after a full consultation at
Washington by the National, State and city authorities, is
noAv clearly seen. The Mayor guaranteed to preserve order
in the city if the troops were sent by some other route. This
Avas done. The excitement, no longer fanned by opposition,
died away. The giant roAvdyism which had long controlled
the Monumental City, was shorn of its power for mischief.
On the twenty- seventh of April, by an order from the
Adjutant General's office, three departments were formed
from what might be termed the defensive line of Washington,

FIRST POTOMAC CAMPAIGN. 119
or the base for operations in Eastern Virginia. These
departments, we will, for the purpose of our sketch, call the
Army of the Potomac. The first, under command of Col.
J. R. F. Mansfield, Inspector General of the army, embraced
the District of Columbia according to its original boundary —
Fort Washington, and the county adjacent, and the State of
Maryland as far as Bladensburgh. The second, under com
mand of Gen. B. F. Butler, included the counties on each
side of the railroad from Annapolis to Bladensburg, Mary
land. The third, called the Departraent of Pennsylvania,
commanded by Gen. Patterson, included Pennsylvania, the
State of DelaAvare, and all that part of Maryland not included
in the two first departments.
The proclamation of Gov. Letcher, of Virginia, calling out
the militia to defend the State from invasion, aud the procla
mation of President Lincoln, calling for forty-tAvo thousand
additional volunteers, and eighteen thousand sailors, for three
years, bear the same date — May the third.
The Confederate forces occupied Norfolk, and were actively
engaged in fortifying the approaches to the James River.
Another rebel column, called the army of the Shenandoah,
threatened, the upper Potomac. Aud a third, having their
pickets and outposts in sight of the dome of the Capitol,
were menacing the center of our line.
On the tAventy-third of May, our forces iu Washington
numbered about forty thousand. On the same day, about
nine thousand of this army marched over Long, Bridge for
Eastern Virginia. Ellsworth's regiment of Fire Zouaves
were sent by steamer to Alexandria. That town Avas taken
without a struggle. Col. Ellsworth there lost his life at the
hands of a hotel keeper, named Jackson, who shot the ardent
young officer Avhile in the act of taking down a secession
flag, Avhich had waved from the roof of the Marshal House.
Col. Wilcox, Avith the First Michigan regiment, reached the
town by the Washington pike soon after Col. Ellsworth had
entered it from the water front, and surprised a small body of
cavalry near the depot of the Orange and Alexandria Rail
road. Arlington Hights were occupied. The work of
throwing up defenses commenced. The organization into

120 FIRST POTOMAC CAMPAIGN.
brigades and divisions rapidly followed. Brigadier General
McDowell was placed iu command of the forces south of the
Potomac. The work, of reconnoitering the country, of
endeavoring to find out the disposition of the enemy's forces,
and of divining his plans, proceeded. Unfortunately, the
Northern press, dazzled by the display of force, and misled
by the falling back of the enemy, commenced clamoring for
an advance, unmindful and reckless of the fact, that our
officers, who Avould be held responsible in case of a defeat,
were the best judges of the preparations essential to secure
victory. On the first of June, Lieut. Torapkins, with Co. B, of the
Second regular cavalry, made a dashing charge through the
town of Fairfax, driving out and routing a superior force of
Confederate cavalry and infantry, and capturing some pris
oners of note. His loss was one killed, four wounded, and
one missing. The exploit Avas brilliant and startling.
THE BATTLE OF BETHEL.
General Butler in the meantime had taken command at
Fortress Monroe. It was under his orders the first serious
contest in Virginia was fought. The enemy had established
a carap at a place called Bethel. Big Bethel is a short dis
tance from Little Bethel. These places take their names
from tAVO churches situated about eight miles north from
NeAA'port NeAvs, and the same distance north-Avest frora
Hampton. Our troops were stationed at NcAvport Ncavs and
at Hampton. The rebels Avere at Big and Little Bethel,
from Avhich places squads of cavalry sallied at night upon our
pickets. General Butler resolved to route the rebels. The expedi
tion, though well planned, was defeated by one of those
blunders Avhich raAV troops frequently make. Gen. Pierce
was in coramand of the force. It Avas to march in two col
umns. Duryea's Zouaves were to move from Hampton
via New Market bridge, from thence by a by-road and take
position between Big and Little Bethel, to cut the commu
nication, and be in readiness to attack Little Bethel Avhen

FIRST POTOMAC CAMPAIGN. 121
assailed in front. Colonel Townsend's regiment, and two
hoAvitzers, were to support this movement and move about
an hour later. Another force was to move from NcAvport
News, under command of Lieut. Col. Washburn, supported
by Col. Bendix's regiraent and tAA'o field pieces. These forces
were to effect a junction one raile and a half from Little ¦
Bethel and attack it in front. Duryea andBendix had taken
position. ToAvnsend's column was approaching.' Bendix,
supposing it to be the enemy, opened upon it Avith artillery
and musketry. This blunder gave notice of the impending
attack. All hope of a surprise was abandoned. Col. Duryea,
at the moment of the firing, had surprised and captured the
outlying guard at Little Bethel, and being ordered to fall
back he joined the other columns, Avhich Avere there concen
trated for an attack. When the united force moved upon
Little Bethel it was abandoned.
The enemy took a strong position on the opposite side of
the south branch of Black river, Avith lieaA'y batteries pro
tected in front by earth works. Capt. Kilpatrick with two
companies of skirmishers drove in the pickets, and secured a
position for three pieces of artillery, supported by the advance
of Duryea's regiment. The artillery, under Lieut. Greble of
the First United States Artillery, opened fire. It Avas returned
from the Parrott guns of the enemy, which told with fearful
effect upon the exposed line of the Union forces. An attempt
was made to storm the works under cover of Greble's guns,
which had been advanced to within tAVO hundred yarfs of
the enemy's intrenchments. The order to Avithdraw was
given. Capt. Kilpatrick afterwards reported that the rebel
works would have been carried had not orders to retire been
prematurely given. Lieut. Greble, who was serving one of
his guns, fell at the last fire, a cannon ball having shot off'
his head. Major Winthrop, while standing on a log waving
his sAvord and cheering his men to a charge, Avas pierced by
a rifle shot from a rebel sharpshooter, and fell dead in full
view of the enemy's line. Our loss was fifty killed and a
proportionate number wounded. The eneray fought under
shelter and did not su.stain much loss — our troops, whenever
they advanced from the cover of the woods on the left, were"

122 FIRST POTOMAC CAMPAIGN.
exposed to the full sweep of the enemy's batteries and mus
ketry. This battle took place on the tenth of June.
At the South this repulse Avas raagnified into a great vic
tory, and used with effect by the press and politicians to
feed the vaunting spirit of the people — a spirit too common
both North and South in the early stages of the contest.
THE AMBUSCADE AT VIENNA.
Gen. Scheuck was ordered, on the seventeenth of June, to
make a reconnoissance from Alexandria to Vienna, on the
Leedsburgh road, and to station guards at the bridges and
other exposed positions. Vienna is thirteen miles from Alex
andria. The road runs through a valley with hills on either
side, screened by heavy thickets. The Third Ohio regiment.
Col. McCook's, embarked on platform cars, propelled hj a
locomotive, went through this valley, every yard of which
might have masked a foe. Squads of men were dropped at
the exposed points as the train moved backwards through
the pass. The party were enjoying a merry ride when, within
half a mile of the little hamlet of Vienna, a battery concealed
by the thicket, opened upon them. The first round tore five
men to pieces and crippled the locomotive. The cars were
abandoned, and the men formed in line of battle, but suc
cessful resistance in such a position Avas out of the question;
they fell back to the shelter of a wood a mile in the rear.
The enemy did not attempt to follow. The Federal loss in
this affair was five killed, six wounded and ten missing.
While the sympathy of the people of the North flowed
out to the sufferers in this disaster, the criticisms upon it
Avere severe — almost savage. Gen. Scheuck was censured
and ridiculed without measure. " Going scouting on a rail
road train," passed into a proverb, when speaking of military
incapacity. GENERAL PATTERSON'S CORPS.
In the early part of June, Gen. Patterson moved from his
camp at Chambersburgh for the Potomac.

FIRST POTOMAC CAMPAIGN. 128
Along the line of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad there
had been some very important skirmishes by detachments of
Gen. Patterson's command, the most memorable of which
was by a party of eleven scouts belonging to the Eleventh
Indiana, under command of Corp. Hay, who encountered
forty of Ashby's cavalry on Patterson's creek, tAvelve miles
from Cumberland, and succeeded, after a severe struggle, in
routing them. It Avas a hand to hand fight, and proved
the gallantry of Corp. Hay and of the brave men who accom
panied him. The history of the Eleventh Indiana contains
the particulars of this engagement.
Previously, Col. Wallace having learned that a force was
collecting at Romney, marched his regiment to that place,
from Cumberland, and routed the rebels.
This moA'ement alarmed Gen. Johnston, who feared a junc
tion between Patterson and McClellan, and a demonstration
in force in the Shenandoah valley. Such a movement would
hold him at Harper's Ferry, then supposed to be a stronghold,
and effectually cut him off from the center of the Confederate
line at Manassas.
While Gen. Patterson Avas moving rapidly upon Martins
burg, Johnston destroyed the magnificent railroad structures
spanning the river at Harper's Ferry, and fell back towards
Winchester. His advance, after reaching that point pushed
on to Romney, and found it evacuated by our troops. A
detachment followed to Ncav Creek, on the Potomac, where
they observed a Federal force on the Maryland side. Their
further progress was checked. The main column of Gen.
Johnson halted at Charlestown, in light marching order. The
sick soldiers and heavy baggage Avere sent on to Winchester,
and he Avas thus in a position to move upon Patterson and
dispute his advance, or hurry to the relief of the center in
front of Washington, as the progress of events might direct.
Gen. Patterson crossed the Potomac at Williamsport, on
the second of July, skirmishing with the enemy's pickets.
At Falling Waters, five miles from the ford, on the pike lead
ing to Martinsburg, his advance had a brisk engagement with
a force of the enemy, in which our troops were successful.
Falling Waters — the romantic name given to the battle field,

124 FIRST POTOMAC CAMPAIGN.
suggestive of the idea of a stream dashing over a ledge of
rocks, or leaping down the precipitous side of a mountain-
takes its name from a dam Avhich gathers the waters of a
limpid brook for the prosaic, but useful, purpose of turning
the machinery of a mill. The rebel force Avas commanded by
Colonel, afterwards the celebrated. General Jackson. Mar
tinsburg Avas abandoned before the Federal army reached it.
After a delay of two weeks at Martinsburg, Gen. Patterson
moved towards Winchester. Gen. Johnston marched his;
main force in the same direction. The pickets of the two
armies met at Bunker Hill. After several days skirmishing
Patterson fell back to the abandoned camp of the enera}' at
Charlestown. Gen. Johnston resuraed his original march and
occupied Winchester, leaving large bodies of skirmishers to
cover his movements.
Tho period of the enlistment of Gen. Patterson's men had
almost expired, Avhen it was decided to make an ad\'ance
upon Manassas. His orders were to engage Johnston, and
prevent him from effecting a junction with Beauregard, who
had assumed coraraand of the Confederate force in front of
Washington; but this, with an army, hastily collected and
anxious to return to their homes, the General found it impos
sible to accomplish.
Gen. Patterson has been hastily censured for his inability
to prevent the raarch of Gen. Johnston to the relief of Beau
regard; but as the light of tirae breaks through the cloud
which passion, prejudice, disappointed hopes and ill-directed
arabition, throws around current events, it Avill be found that
it was raore the misfortune than the fault of the Pennsylvania
•General, that his wily antagonist eluded his grasp.
THE BATTLE OP BULL RUN.
When Congress met in July, 1861, fifty-five thousand sol
diers of all arms, were encamped around Washington. It
was the most magnificent army that had ever been seen on
this continent. Its equipment was pronounced complete.
The praises of the Grand Army were upon every tongue,
in the loyal States. So little was the magnitude of the

FIRST POTOMAC CAMPAIGN. 125
struggle understood, that it was considered treason to doubt
for a moment, the ability of this force to march without any
serious difficulty direct to the heart of the Confederacy.
Our politicians and editors had all become military critics.
Their zeal was mistaken for knowledge. Their ignorance
of the resources of the enemy was esteemed patriotism. On
account of the clamor raised by them, the North became
impatient for an advance.
It was Avell known the enemy were strongly entrenched a
few miles from Centerville, in a position to cover the junction
of the Orange and Alexandria and Manassas Gap Railroads.
This seems to have been decided — in the popular mind at
least — as the route to the rebel capital. The "on to Rich
mond" frenzy demanded the dispersion of the hordes at
Manassas, and the forAvard march from thence without rest
or delay.
Our people were unaccustomed to the sight of large armies.
The glittering military array around Arlington Hights, turned
the heads of the people and of their leaders. To check such
an army, composed as it was of the most loyal citizens of our
loyal States, Avas regarded as an impossibility. Fired Avith
enthusiasm in our cause, and placing unbounded confidence
in the prowess of our soldiery who were supplied Avith the
most approved appliances of modern warfare, we were ready
to stigmatize as traitors all Avho doubted the ability of that
army to march direct to Richmond, and plant the stars and
stripes on the dome of the rebel capitol. Gen. Scott for a
long time resisted the public entreaties for an immediate
advance, but at length surrendered his judgment to the pop
ular clamor. The fact that the term of serA'ice of a portion
of the troops was about to expire, might have infiuenced him
to consent to the advance. It is not probable he indulged
the prevailing idea, that our troops, after forcing the strong
hold at Manassas, would have a holiday march to Richmond.
The advance, however, was decided upon. How much
doubt of success lingered in the mind of the grand Old Chief,
who had the general supervision of its movements, we per
haps will never knoAv. We know, however, he has since
reproached himself with moral cowardice for bending to the

126 FIRST POTOMAC CAMPAIGN.
storm of enthusiasm which for a season swept aAvay calm
judgment from the minds of our people. Forward! was the
word. Leaving twenty thousand men to cover 'Washington,
Gen. McDowell with thirty-five thousand, moving in several
columns, by different roads, felt his way cautiously to Fairfax
Court House.
No correct maps of the country could be obtained. The
engineers had to penetrate in advance and collect that infor
mation in regard to roads, which is absolutely essential to
the safe marching of a large army. It was one of these
armed reconnoisances Avhich brought on the first fight, called
by the South, Bull Run, in contra-distinction to the decisive
contest Avhich is usually termed the battle of Manassas.
The enemy's line extended for ten miles along the Avestern
bank of Bull Run, a small stream rising among the eastern
slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and gliding between
rugged and thickly wooded banks to the Occoquan river.
Their right rested at Union Mills, the crossing of the Orange
and Alexandria railroad, and extended beyond the main
turnpike road leading from Centreville to Warrenton.
Although the banks of the stream are high and rocky it can
be crossed at several points on the line by old and long used
fords, at which a glimpse may be obtained of the rolling pla
teau beyond, called the Plains of Manassas. The most noted
of these fords, or the most frequently named in describing
the battle, are Sudley's above, and Blackburn's and Mitchell's,
beloAVj the left of the enemy's line. A stone bridge spans the
stream on the line of the turnpike. This stone bridge in the
croAvning battle became the key of the rebel position.
On the eighteenth of July Gen. Tyler, who led the advance
division with seven regiments — Richardson's brigade — took
the road from Centreville to Blackburn's ford, to feel the
enemy and test the practicability of crossing there. On
emerging from the woods which at that point crown the
hights between Centreville and the Run, the descent was
found to be between gentle and open slopes. On the oppo
site side the banks rose more abruptly and were wooded to
the edge of the water. Higher up cleared fields could be
seen, and away beyond, the more prominent elevations of the

FIRST POTOMAC CAMPAIGN. 127
plateau were visible. It was reasonable to expect that the
wooded slopes beyond were filled with armed men, although
not a glimpse could be seen of an enemy. A wary general
would not neglect such an opportunity of checking the
advance of an adversary, and the country had at that time
evidence that every movement of our array Avas instantly
communicated to the rebel commanders. The scene which
broke upon the view of our troops as they emerged frora the
shade of the Avoods was one of beauty. The limped water
danced over the rocky channel of the stream. The leaves
murmured in the gentle summer breeze ; all beyond seemed
lulled to sleep. The quiet Avas soon broken by the storm and
roar of battle. Tavo twenty pound Parrott guns were ordered
to occupy the rise where the first observations were made.
They opened upon the opposite hills in different directions,
without meeting with a response. Ayer's battery was put in
position on the right and joined its thunder to that of the
Parrott guns. Suddenly a battery placed near the base of the
opposite hill, commanding the ford, replied rapidly. Troops
were seen moving over the plateau, but it could not be deter
mined whether they were moving to, or from, the Junction
at Manassas. Under this fire Richardson's brigade was
ordered to advance along the skirts of the timber, and take,
if possible, the opposing battery. They moved up in splendid
order little dreaming of the reception aAvaiting them. When
the column was fairly within the ambuscade, a deadly fire
Avas opened upon them from infantry concealed in the thickets.
No force, however brave or determined, could live amid such
a shower of leaden hail. After struggling in vain to unmask
the enemy, our infantry retired slowly, and in order, to the
shelter of their guns. An artillery duel was kept up for a
short time, after which the entire force returned to Centreville.
Our loss was sixty killed and about tAvo hundred and fifty
wounded. The official report of Beauregard makes the rebel
loss of killed and wounded at sixty-eight.
Although. this movement of Gen. Tyler's was intended
simply as a reconnoissance, it assumed the proportions of a
battle, and as a prelude to the conflict which shortly after
shook like an earthquake the Plains of Manassas, its impor-

128 FIRST POTOMAC CAMPAIGN.
tance can net be over-estimated. Exaggerated reports of tho
action were carried back by stragglers, and heralded over the
country; but in no military view can it be regarded as a
defeat. The effect was doubtless to dampen the ardor of the
Union forces, and to inspire confidence in their opponents.
It was certainly an error of judgment in Gen. Tyler, to push
his infantry, in force, farther than was absolutely necessary
to gain the information Avhich the engineers, accompanying
the expedition, were instructed to obtain.
Gen. McDowell's first plan of attack was to turn the
enemy's right, by moving his main column upon the Junction.
This plan was altered, and the battle fought upon the extreme
left. THE BATTLE OF MANASSAS.
In the early morning of the twenty-first of July, while
the stars were still tAvinkling in the sky. Gen. McDoAvell put
his column in motion for the attack. The troops moved by
different roads. The plan Avas admirable. The force was
divided into three divisions. One, under Gen. Tyler, was to
march by the Warrenton pike, and threaten the bridge, while
one brigade (Richardson's) was to move to Blackburn's Ford,
and menace that part of the line, and guard against a fiank
movement by the enemy. The second, under Hunter, Avas to
move on the same road, to a point between Bull Run and
Cub Run, thence march to the right to Sudley's Ford, where
they Avero to cross the stream, turn to the left, and uncover a
ford between Sudley's and the bridge. Heintzelman was to
foUoAV Hunter to the middle ford, and there unite Avith him.
The demonstrations against Stone Bridge and Blackburn's
Ford were feints to cover the real attack; the full force of
which, under Hunter and Heintzelman, was to be hurled
against the left of the enemy's line. The fifth division, under
Col. Miles, was to be held in reserve at Centreville, and to
this division, Richardson's brigade — which was to threaten
Blackburn's Ford — Avas temporarily attached.
Tyler's division and Richardson's brigade Avere early in
position. The attacking columns of Hunter and Heintzel-

FIRST POTOMAC CAMPAIGN. 129
man having a longer march, did not reach the crossing until
the morning Avas Avell advanced. Hunter pushed across the
stream, and, Avithout much opposition, formed his line. The
enemy's pickets fell back as he advanced. Tyler's guns had
been playing from half-past six o'clock, and lower doAvn the
creek, the roar of Richardson's artillery Avas heard. Hunter's
advance brigade, under Burnside, soon became engaged, and
the supports, rapidly as they could be hurried up, joined in
the exciting AVork. Heintzelman, failing to find the expected
ford beloAV Sudley's, pushed forward after Hunter, and thrcAV
his division across, and upou, the enemy. They Avere upon
the plains of Manassas. The plateau Avas rolling, broken by
ravines, and dotted with groves and cedar thickets. Behind
the crests of these hills, the enemy concealed his infantiy.
From their slopes, his artillery belched forth storms of shot
and shell. The solid masses of the Union army moved on
sloAvly, pushing back, by their irresistible weight, the enemy's
line. The roar of the batteries was incessant. The crash of
musketry, mingling Avith the thunder of the artillery, rolled
in loud volumes of sound over hill and dale. The echoes
of the strife from that famous and ill-fated field, fell upon
listening ears at Washington.
The Confederate commander was not long deceived by the
feint upon Stone Bridge and Blackburn's, He saw where
the Aveight of the attack was to fall, and made his prepara
tions to meet it. He drcAv in his line from Union Mills, and
hurried up his brigades to strengthen his left, now giving Avay
before the fierce onslaught made upon it. OuAvard and still
onward the divisions of Hunter and Heintzelman pressed,
until they had crossed the Warrenton road. The struggle at
several points was desperate and deadly. The enemy clung
obstinately to his ground, and only left it Avhen forced away
by an overpoAvering hand to hand encounter. Sullenly and
doggedly he seized the next shelter, and buried back
defiance to his flushed and confident adversary. About
noon, Sherman's and Keyes' brigades, of Tyler's division,
crossed the Run. Sherman loads his infantry up the rugged
sides of the creek at a point inaccessible to- artillery, and joins
in the fight. The tide rolls on. Keyes? brigade sweeps the
Vol. L— 9.

130 FIRST POTOMAC CAMPAIGN.
road doAvn the stream, until they pass below Stone Bridge.
The engineers clear away the abattis placed there. Now
victory is with the Union arms. The enemy is held at bay
on his right and right ceuter. His left fiank is doubled and
dispirited. But our forces, having for hours toiled in the
broiling sun, become wearied and exhausted. The turning
point in the battle has arrived. All the reserves of the
enemy have been hurried up from the Junction, and still he
is not able to check the steady advance of the Northern
troops. The Confederate Generals are meditating plans for
retreat. But, lo! clouds of dust from the direction of the
Junction, betokening the arrival of the remnant of the
Shenandoah army, are clearly visible. The cry, "Kirby
Smith is advancing," files from lip to lip along the Confed
erate line. Cheer after cheer arises. Their drooping spirits
are revived. Strong in hope, they nerve themselves for a last
desperate struggle. The victorious Union troops are far
within the Confederate lines. The columns of Hunter and
Heintzelman have draAvn in the left, and are nearing the
brigades of Tyler. On a hill, below the Warrenton road, the
enemy has planted a powerful battery. This hill is the key
to his position. For its possession the final struggle is made.
The confiict sways with varying fortunes around its slopes.
Through sheer exhaustion, there is a lull in the storm of
battle. Our wearied men seek rest on the trampled green
¦SAvard beneath them. The guns cool their heated throats.
But a long rest can not be expected while the fate of two
vast armies hangs in the balance. Emboldened by the arrival
of reinforcements, the enemy advanced from their cover behind
the crest of the hill. The batteries again belch forth fire and
death from their heated throats. The enemy rush upon our
lines. Three times is Griffin's battery assailed. Three times
are the bold assailants driven back. On other parts of our
lines, their furious charges are also repelled. Our batteries
are advanced. The hillsides swarm with fresh troops, who
pour a murderous fire into our infantry supports. One regi
ment runs, another follows. The brigade of regulars, under
Major Sykes, moves from the left to the right of Hunter's
line, to cover the retreat. The order to fall back to Centre-

FIRST POTOMAC CAMPAIGN. 131
ville is given. The day is lost. The battle of Manassas is
over!

THE RETREAT
Commenced, and that retreat soon degenerated into a panic.
It is now known, from the reports of the rebel generals, that
they intended to have attacked McDoAvell's force at Centre
ville, had he not moved upon their works, and offered battle
to them on their chosen ground. Their route would have
been over the direct road from Manassas Junction by Black
burn's ford. All through the terrible confiict the dream of
throwing an overwhelming force upon McDoAvell's left, by
this channel, haunted the brain of Beauregard, and even
when leading the furious charges from the left of his line
upon the right of McDoAvell, he watched for a favorable
opportunity to make that flank movement. McDowell Avas
aware of the risk he ran. The attention of the commandant
of the reserves was directed especially to that point. Daviess,
who outranked Richardson, and had assumed command of
the forces on the left, blockaded with fallen timber every
approach to his position. An attempt to throw a column of
infantry and cavalry upon him was gallantly repulsed.
The brigades of Sherman and Keyes, from Tyler's central
position at the bridge, had crossed, and shared in the perils
of the fight on the plains, leaving Schenck's brigade to hold
the road, engage the batteries, and if possible clear away the
abattis Avhich prevented a direct advance by the Warrenton
pike. This duty was well performed. Carlisle's battery with
six brass guns, and two twenty pound Parrotts, under com
mand of Lieut. Haines, poured a storm of shot and shell into
the works erected to sweep the approaches to the bridge, and
the demonstrations of the infantry against the opposing bat
teries kept a large force of that arm from moving to the aid
of their hard pressed battalions on the left.
The retreat — the rout — the panic. Who can describe it ?
Who can realize it? It is difficult to form a true conception
of the horrible confusion of the fiight of those terror stricken
men. Chaos is the only word sufficiently expressive to con-

132 FIRST POTOMAC CAMPAIGN.
vey an idea of it. The directing mind had lost all power
over the animal man, and matter animate and inanimate,
tumbled together in one inextricable mass of confusion.
Such a scene Avas probably never before witnessed. Thou
sands of civilians — from the members of Congress doAvn to
the most abject of the sycophantic expectants of govern
mental contracts — confident of an easy victory for our troops, ,
had followed the army until they were within long range of
the enemy's guns. When the tide, which had for hours
rolled steadily onward to victory, turned, and the receding
mass threatened to overwhelm them, their terror kncAV no
bounds, they threw themselves into the disorganized mass,
their frenzy adding to its volurae and intensity. The scene
was most disgraceful. Members of Congress and other civil
ians had been invited to witness the battle, and Avere as hila
rious in prospect of their expected enjoyment as ever Avere
the invited guests of any prince in vicAV of the martial sport
of the tournament.
It has been charged, but very unjustly, against those in
authority, that this scene Avas so arranged as to take place on
the Sabbath. Happy the day for our country Avhen our peo
ple learn, that so far as right is concerned, men might as well
attempt to annul God's providential laAvs, as those Avhich he
has given for the regulation of man's moral conduct. It
would involve no greater impiety, or lack of sound judgment,
for President-3, Cabinets or Generals, to issue proclamations
forbidding the eclipse of the sun, or the ebbing and floAving
of the tide, than it does to issue orders releasing men from
their obligation to keep the fourth comraandment. So soon
as our forces broke on the right and commenced fallino-
back, the enemy threw forward his cavalry, and advanced his
light batteries in pursuit. The regulars, under Major Sykes,
presented an unbroken front to the horsemen, and held them
in check. Had they broken through that wall of steel, and
mingled Avith the disorganized and powerless mass, the result
would have beeu far more terrible.
Our right Aving crossed the Run without sustaining much
loss by the enemy's cavalry charges. On the center Schenck's
brigade checked their advance. Tavo companies of tho

FIRST POTOMAC CAMPAIGN.

133

second Ohio breasted a furious charge and sent the assailants
back with many of their saddles emptied. The ground Avas
not well adapted for the operations of cavalry. It was diffi
cult for the most dashing horsemen to reach the flanks of
our columns, but the idea of cavalry had complete possession
of the minds of the men, and haunted them like a nightmare.
The word "cavalry," repeated at any point in the line of the
struggling mass, Avould cause the most Avearied to strain every
nerve, and to put forth alraost superhuman efforts to escape.
An effort was made to rally the broken forces at Centre
ville, but it would have been almost as easy to have checked
the course of the unchained mountain torrent. The fugitives
swept on. The road to Washington for its entire length, was
lined with wearied men, determined to put the Potomac
between them and the imaginary terrors Avhich pursued
them. The reserves formed at Centreville, and threw up temporary
defenses. Gen. McDoAvell called a council of officers at which
the question of reorganizing at that place was debated. It
was decided to fall back to the Potomac. Orders Avere given
to that effect, and the proud army which a few days before,
had so confidently marched forth to meet a foe they had
hoped to conquer, fell back dispirited and in fragments to the
shelter of the intrenchments at Washington.
The enemy made no effort to follow up his success. His
cavalry retired after a fcAv ineffectual efforts upon our rear,
and we have no evidence that he threw any infantry supports
to his light batteries across the Run. Indeed he was in no
condition to do so. He had been severely punished. His
victory Avas gained by the death of some of his bravest
leaders. The drain upon the vitality of his men had left
him prostrated. His fresh troops and those which had not
been exhausted in battle Avere demoralized by their success.
Raw levies battled against raw levies. The absence of that
rigid discipline acquired only by long habits of military
restraint, was severely felt in hi.s lines. With raw troops a
victory is almost as demoralizing as a defeat. The critical
time with a commander of such a force is immediately after
a temporary success.

134 FIRST POTOMAC CAMPAIGN.
The losses in the battle were not so great on either side as
at first represented. Gen. McDowell's loss was four hundred
and eighty-one killed, one thousand and eleven Avounded, and
one thousand two hundred and sixteen missing; total, two
thousand seven hundred and eight. The Confederate loss,
according to their official report, was three hundred and
ninety-three killed and ono thousand two hundred wounded.
We can not more appropriately close our brief notice of
this first great battle between Americans, wherein the highest
degree of courage and endurance was exhibited on both sides,
than by an extract from the History of the War, by that
accomplished and graceful writer, Mrs. Ann S. Stephens :
" There have been rumors of great cruelty on the battle
field after the fight was over — of men prowling like fiends
among the dead, and murdering the wounded; but these
things should be thrice proven before we believe them of
American citizens. Rumor is ahvays triple-tongued, and
human nature does not become demoniac in a single hour.
One thing is certain, many an act of merciful kindness waa
performed that night, which an honest pen should prefer to
record. Certain it is that Southern soldiers in many instances
shared their water — the most precious thing they had — Avith
the Avounded Union men. A soldier passing over the field
found two wounded combatants lying together — one was a
New Yorker, the other a Georgian. The poor wounded
felloAV from New York cried out piteously for Avater, and the
Georgian, gathering up his strength, called out: 'For God's
sake give him drink ; for I called on a New York man for
water Avhen his column was in retreat, and he ran to the
trench, at the risk of his life, and brought it to me.'
" One brave young enemy lost his life, afterpassing through
all the perils of the battle, in attempting to procure drink for
his wounded foes.
" If there were individual instances of cruelty on either
side, and this is possible — ^let us remember that there Avas
kindness loo ; and Avhen the day shall come — God grant it
may be quickly — AAdien we are one people again, let the cru
elty be forgiven and the kindness only remembered."

KANAWHA CAMPAIGN.

CHAPTER V.
When Gen. McClellan — after the disaster at Manassas—
W£s called to the comraand of the army of the Potomac,
Gen. Rosecrans, who had been made a Brigadier in the re^u-
lar army, succeeded him in Western Virginia. The Depart
ment was soon afterwards circumscribed by the proposed
limits of the neAV State, AA^bich it seemed to be the settled
policy of the controlling element at Wheehng to create. Tho
force left for its defense was called the Army of Occupation.
The rebel army AA^as broken and scattered. The greater por
tion of it was captured or driven beyond the territorial lines
jf the department, but it must not be supposed that peace
and quiet reigned over the wild and rugged region which the
new commander Avas left to protect. A spirit of resistance
to the authority of the Federal Government had taken pos
session of the minds of the mountaineers inhabiting the
border counties. Bands of guerillas roved over the hills
inaccessible to^ny regular force, ready to sweep doAvn through
every unguarded pass upon the loyal settlements. The agents
of the rebel government were active in promoting discontent,
in inflaming the passions and arousing the prejudices of the
simple minded mountaineers. The General had not only to
capture and destroy these troublesome bands, but also to
adopt a policy to prevent the spreading of the baleful influ
ence Avhich created them.
On the tAventy-fifth of July, 1861, Gen. Rosecrans issued
135

136 KANAWHA CAMPAIGN.
his first general order from Grafton. The three months vol
unteers had either left for home or were on their Avaj thither.
The force remaining was divided into four brigades. The first
brigade, consisting of six regiments or parts of regiments of
infantry, one battery of artillery and one corapany of cavalry,
occupied the Cheat Mountain region and Tji-gart's Valley.
The second and third brigades, consisting of six regiments
of infantry, two batteries of artillery and one company of
cavalry, Avere scattered over the region between the left on
Cheat Mountain, and the right cm the Kanawha. The fourth
brigade under Gen. Cox, consisting of eight regiments of
infantry and one company of cavalry occupied the Kanawha
region. These troops were necessarily scattered. The lines of rsiil-
road had to be guarded at every bridge, and outposts estab
lished far in advance of the depots of supply for the troojs.
Scouting became a prominent feature in the campaign, and
was reduced to an almost perfect system. To meet the mode
of warfare adopted by the enemy, it Avas necessary to hav^
small bodies of troops constantly in motion following thi
trail of the guerrillas and finding their hiding places.
The short season of seeming inactivity and rest Avhichi
foUoAved Gen. Rosecrans appointment Avas really one of cease-,'
less activity and untiring labor. No great battles Avere fought,!
nor were there any startling reports received from blood
stained fields; but there Avas hard Avork performed, and manyj
exhibitions of individual courage and endurance Avere given, ,
all of which tended to prove that the Army of Occupation \
possessed the highest soldiery qualities. The mountain region
became the school for scouts; there, mauy Avho have since
distinguished themselves took their first lessons iu the art of
war. The rebel government Avas disappointed, but not discour
aged, by the rout of their army under Garnett, and the
failure of Wise to drive Cox from the Kanawha Valley.
Thej^ collected their scattered energies for another effort to
drive the Federal troops frora the seceded counties, which
they desired to reduce to the authority of the government at
Richmond. The success of their arms at Manassas had dis-

KANAAVHA CAMPAIGN. 137
pelled the temporary shadow of their early defeat, and they
were now confident of their ability to drive our army across the
Ohio. Gen. Robert E. Lee was appointed by the authorities
at Richmond to command their forces in Virginia, and Avas
ordered to recoA'-er the territory to the Ohio border. General
Lee was, even then, regarded as the ablest officer in the Con
federate service. He resigned his coraraission as Colonel of
cavalry in our array, to share the fortunes of Virginia — his
native State — when she renounced her allegiance to the Fed
eral Government. liis reputation as a scientific soldier in
the old army was Avell established. During the Mexican Avar
he Avas on the staff' of Gen. Scott, and enjoyed the entire
confidence of his chief. The popular opinion of the army at
that period Avas, that he was entitled to the credit of the plans
which were so eminently successful from Vera Cruz to the
City of Mexico. Since that time he had been Superintendent
of the Academy at West Point, and also Chief of Staff to
the Commanding General. He had every facility for per
fecting himself in all the branches of his profession. It is
true he had never directed a battle, but he had planned cam
paigns or assisted in planning them, and folloAved Scott's vic
torious star from the Gulf to the Halls of the Montezumas.
That the rebel government felt the conquest of Western
Virginia to be of prime importance, may be inferred from
their appointment of Gen. Lee to the command of the forces
assigned to that duty. Among the Confederate Generals he
was second in rank, but first in all the attributes of a success
ful commander.
Gen. Lee hurried from Richmond by way of Staunton
with reinforcements. He established his headquarters at
Huntersville, in Pocahontas county, and called the scattered
forces of Garnett to his standard. He placed a strong force
on Buffalo mountain, at the crossing of the Staunton pike,
extended his line from the Warm Springs in Greenbriar
county, and matured his plans for bursting through the Fed
eral lines and planting the stars and bars on the Custom
House at Wheeling. What these plans were we have no
means of knowing, except from the demonstrations made ;
but they Avere such as to inspire the Confederate Government

138 KANAAVHA CAMPAIGN.
with the utmost confidence that the mountain region, with
its untold mineral wealth, would soon be restored to them.
Pollard, iu his history of the war, says: "Gen. Lee's plan,
finished draAvings of Avhich Avere sent to the War Department
at Richmond, Avas said to have been one of the best laid plans
that ever illustrated the consummation of the rules of strategy,
or ever Avent aAvry on account of practical failures in its
execution." It will be seen that the territory, Avhen Gen. Rosecrans
assumed command was threatened at tAvo points. Gen. Lee,
with at least sixteen thousand men, Avas preparing to cross
Cheat Mountain, while Wise and Floyd AA-ere ready to unite
their commands and SAveep down the KanaAvha river.
Gen. Rosecrans had comparatively a small force Avith which
to thAvart the plans of the Confederate General. In speaking
of the several districts in which his troops were located Ave
will, for convenience, call Cox's brigade on the KanaAvha the
right, the Cheat Mountain division the left, and the sraall
detachments on and near the lines of railroad the center.
The center could be thrown to the support of either Aving
when hard pressed. THE KANAWHA.
This stream, rising in the Blue Ridge Mountains in North
Carolina, where it is called Ncav River, and fiowing in a
northeasterly direction, breaks through the ridges of the
Alleghanies, and, after receiving the AA'aters of several large
tributaries, becoraes navigable before it empties into the Ohio.
It is the outlet to the best coal and salt region in the State of
Virginia. The salt works on the Kanawha were famous
through the southAvest. On the Ohio and Mississippi the
fleets of salt boats, slowly floating with the current, had
been familiar to the inhabitants along their banks from child
hood; who had been accustomed to look to the region, from
whence they came, for an unfailing supply of the essential
article Avith Avhich they were laden. It was one of the wild
dreams of the North, that the stoppage of the supply of salt
would materially aid in starving the South to submission.

KANAWHA CAMPAIGN. 139
The South dreaded the loss of the salt region as a calamity
they could not repair. Gen. Wise had been early sent to the
KanaAvha region, and labored hard, Avith tongue and pen, to
raise an army for its defense. We can easily believe, that
the doughty Ex-Governor, like some of our own wordy war
riors — Avho for years had planned political campaigns in their
closets, and fought great battles on the stump — could wield
the pen with more grace and skill, than he could the sword.
Gen. Rosecrans established his headquarters atClarksburgh,
took personal direction of the campaign on the KanaAvha,
and directed Gen. Reynolds, who had been appointed to the
comraand of the Cheat Mountain division, to hold Gen. Lee
in cheek. He organized a force to proceed by way of Weston
and Sutton to the Gauley, intending himself to folloAv and
cut off the retreat of the rebel General, whose roving bauds
of cavalry, under Jenkins, had penetrated to the Ohio River.
Gen. Cox, in the meantime, was feeling his Avay up the
river from Guyandotte and Point Pleasant, skirmishing Avith
Jenkins and his irregular cavalry, who seemed to be sAvarm-
ing on every hill and in every valley. Our troops moved by
land and water. A large fieet of steamers moved cautiously
up the river scouting the banks to guard against masked bat
teries as they advanced. Col. Guthrie, Avith the First Kentucky
regiment, was ordered to move from RavensAVOod to Cissonville,
where he would be met by reinforceraents. Reaching that place
by a forced march, he routed a cavalry force, and captured their
camp, but was unable to proceed further with his train, and
returned to Ravenswood to follow the main column by boats.
Gen. Wise was not so absorbed in the construction of his long
periods, as to decline listening to the reports which reached
him of the preparations for weaving a military net around
him. He penetrated the design of the Federal General; and,
although strongly intrenched at Charleston, fell back to the
Gauley as Gen. Cox approached. The rebels, to retard pur
suit, burned the bridges in their rear. The cavalry of
Jenkins' hovered round the distant hills, watching the progress
of events; but vanished from view at the first whistle of a
Federal shell. A correspondent, writing at the time, says
"Jenkins, to us, is an illusion, hovering just beyond our

140 KANAWHA CAMPAIGN.
reach, aggravating us by his constant contiguity, but without
giving us the slightest annoyance in any other manner." It
is evident Jenkins understood his business. The design of
such a force is to keep the raain body advised of all the
movements of the approaching eneray, and to cut off' any
reconnoitering party A'enturing too far ahead of the column.
When nearing Charleston, Cox's fleet captured the rebel
steamer Julia Moffitt, laden Avith Avheat, for the rebel camp.
The main column came upon the first deserted intrenchments
six miles from the town. It Avas on the brow of a hill, Avhich
commanded the road for nearly a mile, and protected by
abattis of high trees, and stones rolled frora the hill sides.
The Avoods beyond Avere filled with brush tents. Everything
around indicated that the rebels, in large force, had recently
been there. Their position Avas Avell chosen, and almost
impregnable against a direct assault. Further along, across
a sAvampy ravine, Avas the blazing remains of a bridge, A\'hich
the retreating force had fired. The summit of the hill near
Charleston was girdled with intrenchments; so that, if the
outer Avorks had been stormed, the victors w^ould have to
press for miles through a lane of fire before reaching the
point they were built to protect.
On the twenty-fifth of July Gen. Cox entered the town
closely following the rebels. The splendid suspension bridge
over the Elk River, Avhich empties into the KanaAvhn, had been
destroyed. The main coluran passed in pursuit; and, after a
march of four days, reached Gauley Bridge, Avithout over
taking the enemy. Pie had retired from that point before the
arrival of our troops, and destroyed the bridge in his rear.
Pursuit beyond this point was not deemed advisable.' A base
of supplies Avas there established for operations in front, when
the time Avould arrive for a forward movement in the direc
tion of Lewisburgh. The design of Gen. Rosecrans was to
have a strong force in the rear of AVise; but his precipitate
flight, before a column of sufficient strength could be pre
pared, Avith a train of supplies, to move across the rugged
country between Clarksburgh and the Gauley, foiled that
design. Gen. Cox erected a temporary bridge over the river, forti-

KANAAA'HA CAMPAIGN. 141
fied his position, and sent out strong scouting parties in front
to feel the enemJ^ The adventures in these expeditions Avere
frequently of the most romantic nature. They Avere always
hazardous; but there Avas an excitement attending them so
diff'erent from the dull monotony of camp routine, that vol
unteers AA'ere ahvays ready to follow the most dashing leader
through the most dangerous roads. At all the frontier poets
active bodies of men were constantly in motion during the
month of August, feeling the enemy in front, and breaking
up dens of guerrillas in the mountain fastnesses.
THE POLICY AVITH PRISONERS.
The policy adopted by the Commanding General Avas firm
but conciliatory. Depredations committed upon peaceable
citizens Avere severely punished. All supplies taken or pur
chased for the use of the army were paid for. Arrests on
mere suspicion, and without strong proof, were strictly for
bidden; but armed persons arrested, were sent to the military
prison at Wheehng, Va., or Columbus, Ohio. In the early
stage of the struggle, the unscrupulous hordes Avho haunted
the mountains, and preyed alike on citizens and the army,
Avhen arrested, were, upou taking the oath of allegiance,
released. In some instances, the same men Avere captured
tAVO or three times, and as often turned loose after kissing the
book. The imbecility of such a proceeding was fully dis
cussed among the troops. If the men were guilty, why not
punish .them? If innocent, why AA'aste our energies iu hunt
ing them down? Thus the men reasoned.
It became apparent, that unless the policy in reference to
captured guerrillas was soon changed, our men so long as they
could make good use of their guns, Avould not impose on
themselves the trouble of bringing captured guerillas into
camp. A well authenticated anecdote illustrates the feeling
then prevalent among the soldiers.
A squad of men resting during a fatiguing tramp, caught
on a rocky ledge, a rattle snake in the very act of springing
upon them. T^hej captured it and tied a withe around its
neck. They admired its spots, counted its rattles, treated it

142 KANAWHA CAMPAIGN.
very tenderly and jested over the anxiety of the little snakes
for the return of their parent. When the corporal ordered
the men to fall in, one of them, looking at his snakeship,
asked "Avhat will Ave do Avith our prisoner?" "Swear him
and let him go," said the corporal.
Our soldiers Avere greatly incensed against the inhabitants
of the guerrilla districts. Their determination not to take
any more prisoners, Avas abandoned when the wholesome
order, subjecting the guilty to punishment and protecting
the innocent from molestation, Avas issued. There were
many Avho avoided taking any active part in the contest.
The role of neutrality in the region between the advance
guaixls of the tAvo armies was a difficult one to play. Yet
there were many, untutored in the diplomacy of the Avorld,
who had never been beyond the narroAV valley AA'hich bounded
their vision, unless to mill or market, Avho played it Avith
consummate skill, and escaped uninjured in person and prop
erty. The duty of a division commander, to investigate the
numerous charges preferred against citizens, Avas one requir
ing much wisdom and prudence. He had frequently to stand
as an arbiter, betAveen his oavu soldiers and a divided people,
Avhom he was commissioned to protect from their own dis
sensions. That this duty Avas performed, during this campaign, with
strict regard to justice, the impartial historian must admit.
Gen. Rosecrans, to guide the division and post commanders,
and to instruct the people in the policy to be pursued, pub
lished the following address, aud caused it to be widely cir
culated :
" To the Loyal Inhabitants of Western Virginia:
"You are the vast majority of the people. If the princi
ple of self-government is to be respected, you have a right to
stand in the position you have assuraed, faithful to the con
stitution and laAvs of Virginia as they Avere before the ordi
nance of secession.
"The Confederates have determined, at all hazards, to
destroy the Government which, for eighty years, has defended
our rights and given us a name among the nations. Contrary

KANAAVHA CAMPAIGN. 143
to your interests and your Avishes, they have brought Avar
upon your soil. Their tools and dupes told you you must
vote for secession as the only means to insure peace; that
unless you did so, hordes of Abolitionists Avould overrun you,
plunder your property, steal your slaves, abuse your wives
and daughters, seize upon your lands, and hang all those who
opposed thera.
"By these and other atrocious falsehoods they alarmed
you, aud led many honest and unsuspecting citizens to vote
for secession. Neither threats, nor fabrications, nor intimi
dations, sufficed to carry Western Virginia, against the inter
ests and wishes of its people, into the arms of secession.
"Enraged that you dared to disobey their behests. Eastern
Virginians, who had been accustomed to rule you and count
your votes, and ambitious recreants from among yourselves,
disappointed that you would not make good their promises,
baA^e conspired to tie you to the desperate fortunes of the
Confederacy or drive you from your homes.
"BetAveen submission to them and subjugation or expul
sion they leave you no alternative. You say you do not wish
to destroy the old Government, under Avhich j-ou have lived
so long and peacefully; they say you shall break it up. You
say you Avish to remain citizens of the United States ; they
reply, you shall join the Southern Confederacy, to which the
Richmond junta has transferred you, and to carry their will,
their Jenkins, Wise, Jackson, and other conspirators, pro
claim upon your soil a relentless and neighborhood war;
their misguided or unprincipled followers re-echo their cry,
threatening fire and SAvord, hanging and expulsion to all who
oppose their a.rbitrary designs. They have set neighbor
against neighbor and friend against friend; they have intro
duced among you warfare only knoAvn among savages. In
violation of the laws of nations and humanity, they have
proclaimed that private citizens may and ought to make Avar.
"Under this bloody code, peaceful citizens, unarmed trav
elers, and single soldiers, have been shot doAAm, and even the
wounded and defenseless have been killed; scalping their
victims is all that is Avanting to make their warfare like that
which seventy or eighty years ago Avas waged by the Indians

144 KANAWHA CAMPAIGN.
against the white race on this very ground. You have no
alternatives left you but to unite as one man in the defense
of your homes, for the restoratiou of law and order, or be
subjugated or expelled from the soil.
"I therefore earnestly exhort you to take the most prompt
and vigorous measures to put a stop to neighborhood and
private Avars; you must remember that the laAvs are sus
pended in Eastern Virginia, Avhich has transferred itself to
the Southern Confederacy. The old Constitution and laws
of Virginia are only in force iu Western Virginia. These
laws you must maintain.
"Let every citizen, Avithout reference to past political opin
ions, unite Avith his neighbors, to keep these laAvs in opera
tion, and thus prevent the country from being desolated by
plunder and violence, Avhether committed in the name of
Secessionism or Unionism.
"I conjure all those Avho have hitherto advocated the
doctrine of Secessionism as a political opinion, to consider
that noAv its advocacy means Avar against the peace and inter
ests of Western Virginia; it is an invitation to the Southern
Confederates to come in and subdue you, and proclaims that
there can be no law nor right until this is done.
"My mission among you is that of a fellow citizen, charged
by the Government to expel the arbitrary force Avhich domi
neered over you, to restore that laAv and order, of Avhich you
have been robbed, and to maintain your right to govern
yourseh'es under the Constitution and LaAVs of the United
States. "To put an end to the saA^age Avar Avaged by individuals
Avho Avithout Avarrant of military authority, lurk in the
bushes and Avaylay messengers, or shoot sentries, I shall be
obliged to hold the neighborhood in which these outrao-es
are coramitted as responsible, and unless they raise the hue
and cry and pursue the offenders, deal Avith them as accesso
ries to the crime.
"Unarmed and peaceful citizens shall be protected, the
rights of private property respected, and only those Avho are
found enemies of the GoA^ernment of the United States and
the peace of Western Virginia Avill be disturbed. Of these

KANAWHA CAMPAIGN. 145
I shall require absolute certainty that they will do no mis
chief. "Put a stop to needless arrests and the spread of malicious
reports. Let each town and district choose five of its most
reliable and energetic citizens a committee of public safety,
to act in concert with the civil and military authorities and
be responsible for the preservation of peace and good order.
" Citizens of Western Virginia, your fate is mainly in your
own hands. If you allow yourselves to be trampled under
foot by hordes of disturbers, plunderers and murderers, your
land Avill become a desolation. If you stand firm for law and
order and maintain your rights you may dwell together
peacefully and happily as in former days."
THE GAULEY.
This stream, which unites with New river, and forms the
Great Kanawha, rises in the Greenbriar mountains, and
drains but a portion of three counties until it loses its name
by a union of waters. The army of Gen. Cox Avent into
camp just below the junction, and at the falls, of the
KanaAvha, where the waters of the Gauley and New rivers,
after gliding through the hills, leap in loving embrace over
the rocky ledge, and are lost to view by sweeping around the
base of a jutting bluff. At this point the famed valley dwin
dles to a mere gorge. The mountains roll their rugged sides
almost to the waters edge, leaving barely room for an encamp
ment and a road. There are no broad valleys or rolling
uplands ; no smiling fields covered with golden grain tempt
ing the eye. Above and around are high mountains which
seem dovetailed into each other, for the apparent purpose of
twisting the river into the shape of a corkscrew. The spot
Avas romantic, and, as a military position, very strong.
The men soon became tired of gazing upon the monoto
nous sides of the huge mountains, which, like prison walls,
seemed to bar them from the outer world. The desire to
advance became a passion. The heavy details for guards and
outposts in such a position, soon weary and dishearten the
soldier, and he longs for the bivouac and the march.
Vol. I.— 10.

146 KANAWHA CAMPAIGN. '
CROSS LANES.
On Sunday morning, the tAventy -fifth of August, Col. Tyler,
with the Seventh Ohio regiment, was ordered to march to
Summersville to disperse or capture a small force of the enemy
reported there. He moved up to Twenty Mile creek, where
he left his train, and advancing his regiment a few miles, he
scouted the country in his front and on his flanks for several
miles, but could not ascertain the number or position of the
enemy. A fcAV pickets or videttes were discovered and driven
back into the hills. Night coming on, the regiment bivouaced
at Cross Lanes. Early in the morning, while the men were
cooking their breakfast, the pickets immediately around the
camp were driven in, followed by a furious charge of cavalry
and infantry. The men flew to arms, but the onslaught was
so furious and unexpected that they could not be formed
under the galling fire poured upon them. They fought
bravely, but it was indiA^idual effort, and indiscriminate and
h'and to hand resistance against an organized attack. They
Avere forced to fiy to save themselves from destruction. Com
panies A and C on the fianks, formed and retired fighting to
the Avoods, a distance of three-quarters of a mile. The cav
alry charge along the road cut the regiment nearly in two.
Col. Tyler with one portion retreated to Gauley Bridge. Major
Casement Avith the remainder took to the mountain. After a
circuitous march of one hundred miles along Elk river, they
reached Charleston foot-sore and almost exhausted AAdth hun
ger and fatigue. The train was saved. Capt. Baggs, of the
Virginia scouts, called "Snake Hunters," was at the bivouac
when the attack Avas made, and seeing the hoplessness of
resistance, hurried back to the train, set it in motion, and con
ducted it safely to camp.
This aff'air caused great excitement at the time, particularly
in Ohio. The first exaggerated reports represented the regi
ment " cut to pieces " and the men "butchered," but as the
light of truth broke in, it took its place in the public mind,
as a mere affair of outposts to be expected in all movements
of an army. Col. Tyler suffered himself to be surprised, but
there was nothing unsoldierly or censurable in the conduct

KANAWHA CAMPAIGN. 147
of his officers or men. Under circumstances calculated to
appall the veteran soldier, they were surprised by an over
whelming force, and fought while there Avas the faintest hope
of holding their ground, and, even when overpowered, cut
their way out singly and in squads. The loss, when the
stragglers from the mountains reached camp, was ascertained
to be fifteen killed and thirty wounded. Capt. Schutcliff' and
several of his men were taken prisoners. The attacking
force was not so large as at first represented. The tendency
on such occasions is always to magnify the number of the
enemy. THE MARCH TO THE GAULEY,
Gen. Rosecrans, having thoroughly organized a strong col
umn at Clarksburgh, took up his line of march for the Gau
ley, on the first of September, movingthrough Lewis, Braxton
and Nicholas counties, via Weston, Jacksonville, Braxton C.
H., and Summersville. Floyd was known to be on the river
near Summersville entrenching for a stand, and establishing
a base for movements down the Kanawha Valley, in the
event of the Federal force in that region being reduced.
The recent attack on the regiment of Col. Tyler, confirmed
the intelligence received from citizens that Floyd had con
centrated a large force for a vigorous campaign. His cavalry
scouted the mountains in the counties through which Gen.
Rosecrans would pass, coaxing all who could be coaxed, and
forcing others to join his standard.
The march was over one of the wildest mountain roads in
Virginia. The long trains wound around the rugged slopes,
climbed the steep hills, dipped into the beds of streams, and
passed through defiles, where the huge cragged rocks seemed
almost to meet overhead. At Sutton the scattered outposts
were called in, and joined the advancing column. Then
onward swept the army over still higher hills, and along
deeper defiles, the romance of the scenery increasing at every
step. The army, leaving the valley of Big Birch Creek on
the morning of the ninth, began to climb the mountain.
After a tortuous winding of six miles, the summit was

148 KANAWHA CAMPAIGN.
reached, Avhen a magnificent scene burst upon the view of the
weary soldiers. The point they had reached overlooked the
surrounding ranges, and ouAvard, so far as the eye could reach,
rose ranges of tree-topped hills, like the billows of the
ocean, growing smaller as they receded, until lost in the dim
haze of blue Avhich bounded the vision. The advance had
scarcely passed the summit when picket firing commenced.
The enemy had an advance camp just beyond, called "Mud-
dlethy Bottom." Their videttes hastened in to give the alarm.
Our advance moved on, and found the camp fires burning
brightly. It was near night. Fearing an ambush, the cavalry
was recalled from the pursuit of the flying enemy, and the
army bivouaced for the night.
The vanguard were in motion at four o'clock on the morn
ing of the tenth, for Summersville, eight miles distant. As
the scouts ascended the crest of a hill, overlooking the little
town, a party of mounted rebels were seen hastening down
the road. Stewart's Indiana cavalry gave chase. It soon
became an exciting race. The shots from the Hoosier car
bines only increased the speed of the fugitives. After a long
ride, Capt. Stewart succeeded in capturing two prisoners, and
in bringing them into camp. The Thirty-Sixth Virginia had
left the toAvn a few hours before the main column of Gen.
Rosecrans entered it. CARNIFAX FERRY.
The army passed through Summersville about eight o'clock
A. M., Benham's brigade being in the advance. The conflict
ing reports from scouts and citizens rendered it extremely
difficult to obtain an intelligent idea of the position or strength
of the enemy. He, was reported to be at Cross Lanes, and at
several other points, in large force. That his camp was near
was evident, and that he felt secure, Avas inferred from
the fact that no attempt had been made to block the roads
against the advance of our army. Benham's skirmishers felt
every foot of the road in advance, and scoured the jungle
which skirted it on either side. The country, after leaving
the village, is broken and thickly Avooded. About three

KANAWHA CAMPAIGN. 149
miles from the town, a road was reached, which led through
ravines, thickly shaded with timber, to a ferry on the Gauley.
Col. McCook was sent down with Schaumberg's Chicago
cavalry to destroy the boat. He reached the river. The
boat was on the opposite shore. Two men plunged into tho
stream to bring it over. This drew the fire from the thicket
beyond. Col. McCook sent back for a support of infantry.
The gallant cavalrymen brought over the boat, which was
scuttled and sent over the falls^below.
About noon, the column halted at the forks of the road,
one branch leading to Cross Lanes and Gauley Bridge, the
other to Lewisburgh via Carnifax Ferry. It was here ascer
tained, that Floyd was intrenched on the heights overlooking
Carnifax Ferry. Arrangements were at once made to recon
noiter the position. Columns were posted on the hills in thp
rear, and bodies of skirmishers occupied the ridges in front.
Gen. Benham's brigade was sent by the direct road to the
Ferry. They moved rapidly until they arrived within a mile
of the works, when they halted. Gens. Rosecrans and Ben
ham made a reconnoisance. The position was strong. The
river swept around a bend in the rear of the works. In front
a crest of hills, crowned with fortifications, reached across the
semi-circle formed by the bend. The valley, at the base of
the hills, was thickly wooded. Their main battery was placed
to sAveep the approach by the road. Some distance in front
was an open field; still nearer was another on a small plateau,
Avhere one of the spurs of the defensive hills juts out on the
line of the road. Gen. Benham moved up with the Tenth
Ohio, Col. Lytle's. The road through the forest was narrow
and muddy. Suddenly turning an angle, the skirmishers
were exposed to a heavy fire. The advanced camp was routed,
and driven hastily into the works. The remainder of Ben
ham's brigade, the Twelfth Ohio, Col. Lowe's, and the Thir
teenth, Col. Smith's, with McMuUen and Snyder's batteries,
advanced and occupied the abandoned camp. The Tenth
still pushed on. What was intended to be a reconnoisance
in force, ended in a battle. Debouching upon the clear ground,
a fire of musketry, grape and canister, was opened upon the
Tenth. The regiment staggered under the murderous fire.

150 KANAWHA CAMPAIGN.
They instantly rallied. The aim of the enemy was uncertain
The shots of artillery and musketry rose like the smoke to
the tree tops; only the random shots were effective. The
two rifle guns of Capt. Schneuder, and the four mountain
hoAvitzers of Capt. McMullen, were ordered up, put iu posi
tion on the edge of the Avoods, and threw shells into the
right of the intrenchments. Gen. Benham, after carefully
scanning the works, concluded the weakest point Avas to his
left. The Twelfth and Thirteenth regiments were ordered to
advance across the deep valley, and attack under cover of the
woods. Adjutant General Hartsuff" led them. It Avas here
the gallant and lamented Col. LoAve fell, pierced by a musket
ball in the head, while waving his SAVord and cheering on his
men. Gen. Rosecrans, under a heavy fire, sped along the
hills to the right of the road, and formed McCook's brigade —
the Third, Ninth, and Twenty-Eighth Ohio. McCook was
supported by Scammon's brigade a little in the rear. The
battle raged furiously on the left and center of our line.
Col. Lytle, becoming impatient, led, without orders, his fiery
Irishmen across the cleared space, to storm the battery in his
front. He fell wounded. His force, too weak for such an
undertaking, retired in good order to the shelter of the
Avoods. At length the enemy's fire slackened. ITe shifted his guns
as if sorely pressed at certain points. It Avas determined to
feel his left. McCook's brigade Avas ordered to advance.
Adjutant General Hartsuff volunteered to lead them into
position, having carefully reconnoitered the ground in com
pany with the Commanding General. Col. McCook shouted
to his "Dutchmen" Avith a wild cheer. They ansAvered the
summons. The Ninth, McCook's own regiment, and the
TAventy-Eighth, Col. Moore's, led. Col. Porschner's Third fol
lowing a little in the rear. Over densely wooded ravines,
under a galling fire of musketry, McCook and his Germans
raoved rapidly. The courage and daring of their leader
seemed to inspire every man of the command. The Ninth
had attained a position flanking a rebel battery ; and were
about to rush upon it, when orders were given to halt. It
was dusk when the brigade moved to the attack. In those

KANAWHA CAMPAIGN. 151
shaded ravines, night, with pitchy darkness, soon follows
twilight. The battle had raged for four hours. Only the
dim outline of the strong works were visible. Prudence
dictated that the men should not be exposed to ambuscades
on ground, every inch of which was familiar to the enemy,
while to us it was an unmapped Avilderness. The curtain of
night dropped upon the scene, and the battle of Carnifax
Ferry was ended.
The army had marched seventeen miles, scouted the Avoods,
hills and ravines on the line of march, and fought the enemy
in his chosen fortified camp. The regiments, wearied and
exhausted, slept on the ground they occupied when the battle
closed. Every effort was made by the Commanding General
and his vigilant staff, to guard against a sortie, and to prevent
a retreat. It was feared the wily Floyd would slip away in
the night, if he did not make a dash at our lines. But the
total ignorance of our Generals respecting the country, and
the thick darkness, made it impossible to discover his avenues
for retreat, much less to guard them. The intention was to
storm the works in the morning; but when morning broke,
it was found the enemy had put the turbulent stream between
his force and ours, had burnt the bridge, and sunk the flats
ou which he had crossed. The General was anxious to pursue,
the officers and men were wild for the chase, but the roaring
torrent Avas between them and the retreating foe. Our force
actually engaged at Carnifax Ferry did not exceed four thou
sand men. The nature of the ground rendered it imprac
ticable to use the whole force. With the exception of Stew
art's Indiana, and Schaumberg's Chicago, cavalry, our troops
were all from Ohio. The Southern accounts state that
Floyd's force was seventeen hundred. They fought behind
intrenchments, and lost, according to their own report, one
killed and ten wounded. Our loss was fifteen killed and sev
enty wounded.
On the twelfth, McCook's brigade crossed the river, and
found the roads so obstructed, that all idea of successful
pursuit was abandoned.
Gen. Floyd fell back to Dogwood Gap; from thence to the
summit of Big Sewell Mountain. After resting there a few

152 KANAWHA CAMPAIGN.
days, he retreated to Meadow Bluff, to cover the approaches
to Lewisburgh, the principal town in South- Western Virginia.
Gen. Wise, who was Floyd's junior, refused to foUoAV his
superior officer, and intrenched himself in Fayette county,
calling his stronghold Camp Defiance. Here we must leave
these two belligerent chieftains, while we trace, in another
portion of the rugged mountains of their native State, the
discomfiture of their master in the art of war.

'ed bviC.Buttxe.lJew^f'^'''^ "

COL. SION S. BASS
30*^ Indiana Reg'

CHEAT MOUNTAIN CAMPAIGN.

CHAPTER VI.

The Cheat Mountain campaign in the summer and fall of
1861, has been but imperfectly understood by the great mass
of our people. Opening at a time, when the nation was
bewildered by the unexpected defeat at Manassas, and con
tinuing through a period when all eyes were directed, either
to the gathering hosts on the Potomac, or to the struggle in
Missouri and the South- West, involving the opening of the
Mississippi, the central defensive chain was regarded as
comparatively unimportant. The Cheat Mountain link in
that chain was scarcely ever thought of, except by those who
had personal interests at stake, or whose immediate friends
were in that portion of the Army of Occupation. When
Western Virginia was thought of, the forward movement of
Gen. Rosecrans to the valley of the Kanawha, stood out in
relief, and obscured the more humble part of those who kept
watch and ward at the North- Western gate. The defeat at
Manassas had not entirely sobered the minds of our people.
They still looked upon war through rose-colored spectacles.
The idle dreams in which they had so long indulged, had not
yet been dispelled. They still loved to contemplate a Gen
eral mounted on a flery charger bedizened with gold lace,
having a sword flashing the rays of the sun in a circle around
his head. Their beau ideal of a soldier, was a brigandish
looking boaster with a sabre bayonet, breathing out profane
imprecations against all who dared to doubt his ability to
153

154 CHEAT MOUNTAIN CAMPAIGN.
stride from the Potomac to the Rio Grande Avithout having
even a hair of his moustache singed. While such Avas the
popular delusion, in which the leaders of public sentiment
shared, it is not surprising that a little army, stationed in an
obscure outpost, should be almost forgotten, although the
position they held might be the key to a long line of defense.
The privations they endured and the labor they performed,
scarcely gave birth to a paragraph, while whole columns
could be filled with brilliant parades, and the popular ear
tickled with the workings of the "anaconda." It was a
period of great expectations !
Gen. Reynolds was assigned to the command of the first
brigade of the Army of Occupation, on the twenty-fourth
of July, 1861, and joined it immediately afterAvard. It con
sisted of the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Indiana,
Third and Sixth Ohio, detachments of the First and Second
Virginia regiments, Burdsall's and Bracken's companies of
cavalry, the former from Ohio, the latter from Indiana, and
Loomis' Michigan battery. Burdsall's cavalry was with
drawn shortly after, leaving but one company of cavalry on
the line. This force held the roads and passes from Webster
on the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, to the summit of Cheat
Mountain. The Virginia detachments were at Buckhannon,
watching the guerrillas in Upshur county, and at the passes
on the line of the main Staunton pike, to prevent raids from
Tucker, Hardy, and Pendleton counties, around the rear of
the advanced positions of our forces. The Sixth Ohio Avas
at Beveriy charged with the care of the subsistence depot of
supplies, and with the duty of scouting the hills, around tJ
the front of the Cheat Mountain station. This was an im
portant point, as there were open paths by which infantry
and cavalry could pass from the Allegheny Mountains at
Monterey. The Third Ohio and the Thirteenth and Fif
teenth Indiana with Loomis's battery, and a part of the cav
alry, were at the Pass at the foot of Cheat Mountain, and at
the junction of the Huntersville and Staunton pikes; and
the Fourteenth Indiana with forty cavalrymen were on the
summit, which was the advanced post.
Gen. Reynolds did not make any immediate change in the

CHEAT MOUNTAIN CAMPAIGN. 155
disposition of the troops, but worked resolutely and actively
to make himself master of his situation, and to penetrate the
designs of the enemy, who was evidently gathering a heavy
force in his front. To aid him he had excellent troops, and
an able staff. Capt. Geo. S. Rose, of Lafayette, was A. A.
General; Capt. Levering, of Lafayette, Chief Quartermaster;
Capt. Tarkington, of Bloomiugton, Chief Commissary;
Lieut. McDonald, of the Seventeenth Indiana, and Lieut,
Anderson of the Sixth Ohio, Aids-de-camp; Capt. Bain-
bridge, of the regular army. Judge Advocate.
The men adapted themselves to the duty required of them.
There Avere few among them who could not, with compara
tive ease, penetrate the thickest jungle or scale the loftiest
mountain peak.
Two young officers, Lieuts. Merrill and Bowen of the
engineer corps, were attached to the head quarters to plan
defenses and map the country. Dr. William Fletcher of
Indianapolis, Avho had been one of the most active and zeal
ous scouts in the three months campaign, Avas also attached
to the staff, and was untiring in his efforts not only to obtain
information of the condition of the enemy, but also to sketch
the topography of the country. He was a close and correct
observer; his reports were of great value to the commanding
General and to the engineer corps.
After a thorough inspection of the position at the Gap,
Gen. Reynolds resolved to establish another outpost above
Huttonsville on the Huntersville road, near the junction of
the Elk and Valley rivers. The point chosen was admirably
adapted for defense. There the valley narrows to a width
of five hundred yards; bold spurs from the Cheat and Rich
ilountain ranges jut their thickly wooded sides through the
meadoAvs, and frown at each other across the stream. The
Fifteenth Indiana, Col. Wagner's was ordered up, and at once
commenced to fortify the pass. The labor performed by this
regiment was almost incredible. Col. Wagner kept one-third
of his force constantly in front, scouting and reconnoitering,
while the remainder worked in the trenches, or on the hill
sides, felling timber for abattis. The outlying pickets when
relieved, returned to camp only to exchange their rifles for

156 CHEAT MOUNTAIN CAMPAIGN.
the spade or the axe. The weary working parties were rested
by relieving the weary pickets. Their rest was only a change
of Avork; yet cheerily the men worked on, jesting about the
variety which spiced their frontier life. A skirmish in front
was hailed with delight, and the appearance of any consider
able reconnoitering force of the enemy, on the debatable
ground between the two armies, was always responded to by
the little garrison marching to off'er them battle in front of
their intrenchments.
From the headquarters at the Pass, lines of telegraph were
constructed to Kimball's camp on the Summit, and to Wag
ner's on Elk Water. Paths were blocked out through the
mountains, across which infantry supports could be thrown
from one camp to another in case of attack, without marching
by the roads around two sides of the triangle. These paths
were rough, they AAdnded along the slopes of precipitous hills,
pitched into deep ravines, led out at the same angle at Avhich
they entered, and twisted in all imaginable shapes around the
crags strewed promiscuously on the elevations. Difficult as
they were to travel, after the main roads were cut up by the
teams, the men preferred them, and soon, except for supply
trains, they formed the chief channel of communication
betAveen the camps. The cavalry and infantry were constantly
in motion. At any hour of the day small squads might have
been seen dashing over the rude trails, guiding their steeds
along precipices where it would seem difficult for a goat to
climb. The camp at the Pass was in a nook at the base of the
ascent to the Summit, on the banks of a lovely limpid moun
tain brook, kept constantly full by living springs above, and
at a point where the crystal waters first sobered their glad
some glee to greet the softer scenery of the valley. In front
rose a high rocky and wooded cliff. From the topmost
branch of the tallest tree on its Summit, waved the Ameri
can fiag, which some adventurous spirit had securely fastened
there. In the rear, the gently swelling hills, tamed to the
use of man, dotted with open woods where flocks and herds
were wont to feed, rolled in park-like splendor away until
lost in the blue line of mountains beyond. The right rested

CHEAT MOUNTAIN CAMPAIGN. 157
in the gorge at the head of the dell, down whose rugged sides
the mountain torrent, which wound through the camp, leapt
from rock to rock. The left was open to Tygart's Valley,
with its beautiful river tAvo miles aAvay, with the Rich Moun
tain range in the distance.
The pike to the Summit ran along the foot of the cliff" iu
front of the camp, and then began its winding way up tho
mountain side. At short intervals a "clearing" for a
mountain farm let the rays of the cheerful sun fall upon the
road, when the sun deigned to shine. Enormous overhanging
rocks, covered Avith moss and vines, projected into the line
of the road. From the excavations innumerable springs
gushed out, whose waters crossed the road and fell down the
steep declivities on the opposite side. About half way up
the Summit a magnificent prospect breaks upon the sight.
Rolling off for miles and seemingly running into a distant
mountain range, appear a succession of cultivated hills and
dales, interspersed with farm houses half concealed by the
beautiful foliage. It is an elevated and varied plateau, high
above the level of the streams. Approach it and what from
the mountain stand point, appears soft as an Italian lansdcape
is destitute of all beauty. The slopes which at a distance
seem so gently curved, present, on a close inspection, sharp
angular points. No vehicle of any sort ever was driven
over its uneven surface. The pack saddle carries the scanty
surplus to market, and the grain to mill. Rude bridle paths
traverse it, and these alone form the medium of communi
cation with the outside world. The tillable ground is con
fined to small portions of smooth surface where the washings
from the stony pastures have accumulated and formed a soil
deep enough for the ploAV and the spade. Grazing is the
chief business of the primitive inhabitants, and the best farms
are OAvned by the Avealthy landlords of the valleys below.
The traveller, hoAvever, Avho pauses in his ascent to the
surdmit of the now historical Cheat Mountain, to drink in
the lovely vision which breaks upon his view at the half-way
house, need not inspect the texture so closely as it was the
duty of the soldier to do, and he can depart with the enchant
ing panorama graven upon his memory. This spot was in

158 C'fEiT MOUNTAIN CAMPAIGN.
the summer evenings a favorite resort for those who could
obtain passes to cross the lines of their respective camps.
Passing on the winding way upwards, the character of
the timber changes; soon the pine thickets shut out the
light, and nothing is seen but the green leafy curtain on
either hand, until crossing a brook at a sharp angle, the
opening at White's house reveals the camp. The clearing
comprised about sixty or seventy acres on the slopes of the
twin peaks between which the road ran. The tents Avere
pitched on the slopes of the mountain. Their occupants had
to stay their feet against rocks, when they lay down at night,
to prevent them from sliding down the mountain while they
slept. Where the road inclines to the south tall trees Avere
felled to form abattis for a line of rifle pits which skirted the
brow of the hill, and gave a glimpse of a clearing on a minor
elevation beyond, and of the Allegheny range of mountains
in the distance; but with this slight exception the camp Avas
fenced in by the cheerless pine thickets. It was a dreary
place for a camp. The clouds rested constantly upon and
below it. Rain fell daily. The slightest breeze caused the
trees to give forth a most melancholy dirge. When it stormed
they howled as if all the demons of the mountains had con
gregated to frighten off the intruders who had dared to set
foot on their domain. To add to the discomfort, the soil was
a sort of bog turf which never dried out. It is true there
Avas not much soil, but what there was soon worked into slush
and soiled the rocks, which otherwise might have remained
clean. Such was the situation of the camp on Cheat Mountain
Summit when the Fourteenth Indiana and thirty or forty cav
alrymen first held it. Before the events narrated in this
chapter had all transpired the scene had changed. The huge
pines which had so long been their prison house fell before
the woodmen's axe. The old mountain top was shorn of its
luxuriant growth, and strong forts frowned defiance from the
heights where for ages huge trees had bent to the gale, and
sung the storm king to sleep Avith their plaintive melody.
Of the south point of the mountain, we will hereafter have
occasion to speak. We have endeavored to show the situa-

CHEAT MOUNTAIN CAMPAIGN, 159
tion of Gen. Reynolds' force when the operations in the Cheat
Mountain region commenced. It Avill be seen, after the Elk
Water camp Avas formed, that the camps were relatively to
each other as the points of a triangle, and each guarding an
important pass. The communications were kept open by
unceasing AA-'atchfulness ; and by incredible labor, shorter
routes were made to forAvard reinforcements. It was ten
miles from Beverly to Huttonsville, four from Huttonsville to
the Pass, nine from the Pass to the Summit, and eight from
the Pass to Elk Water, The front from Elk Water to the
Summit Avas not traversed by any regular road, and was
probably, by a straight line, twelve miles. The enemy had
but one fortified position, about twelve miles distant by the
Staunton pike, on the crest of the Alleghany range; but he
was gathering forces at dift'erent points in front, and shifting
his camps so as to confuse and puzzle his opponent. Gen.
Lee was trying a game of strategy ! We will leave the two
armies watching each other for advantages, Avhile we devote
a short space to incidents of mountain warfare of which this
campaign Avas so prolific. SCOUTING,
It is singular hoAV Avandering through the mountains
became a passion with the men. For days and nights, and
sometimes for a week, they would lie out in the deep soli
tudes which intervened between the opposing forces, watching
for some sign of life in the enemy's camp, or tracking his
scouts to intercept or circumvent them. An intimation that
a few men were wanted to go in front, would at any time
crowd the headquarters with anxious applicants. They had
all been on outpost picket in turn, and became infatuated
Avith the idea of scaling the rugged peaks which lifted their
heads on every side, and of exploring the deep intervening
valleys and ravines, where the silence of the grave seemed to
reign. The regular scouts were regarded with a species of
reverence. As they related their adventures around the
camp-fires at night, the young soldiers sighed to emulate
their exploits, and looked anxiously forward to the time

160 CHEAT MOUNTAIN CAMPAIGN.
when they could tell how they had groped their way alone
through the laurel thickets. Many of the scouts scaled the
summits of moss-covered rocks, slept for nights behind a
log, watching the clear stars shining above them as they
dropped to sleep, to find themselves swept from their resting
place by the mountain torrent, which a sudden storm had
sent upon them; and after days and nights of privation and
suffering, deemed themselves sufficiently rewarded by the
,3ight of an enemy's camp on a distant hillside. It might be,
that some lucky chance would lead them to the discovery of
an unguarded path, by w^hich they could lead a party to sur
prise the camp they had discovered. Remote from the pomp
of war, locked up in their mountain fastnesses, AAnth no hope
of an advance in force, these dreams occupied the soldiers'
thoughts. They were Western men. The rifle had been
their early compauion. The hunters' instincts were deeply
implanted in their very nature. They had the self-reliance
of frontiermen. They never thought of the possibility of
getting lost ; and as to the fear of an enemy, while there was
a tree for shelter, that was not to be thought of,
Happy, then, when a detail was made for a scout, Avas he
who was counted in the number. A few hard crackers, and
a slice or tAvo of ham or bacon, was all the provision needed.
The crystal springs, Avhich everywhere gushed from the
mountain sides, Avould supply the rest. With smiling faces,
they would parade for instructious, and singly, or in small
squads, plunge at once into the rocky thickets. Nothing
more would be seen of them for days, when, one by one, they
would drop in and relate each his story to the commandant.
Doubtless some would select a cozy retreat, build a brush
tent, and pass the time in fishing; but the great majority
Avere anxious to win distinction, and faithfully performed the
duty assigned them. Their stories sometimes partook of the
marvellous. It would be strange were it otherwise. They
rarely saAV a human habitation in their wanderings, and,
when seen, their instructions were usually to avoid them.
Their communings were not with man, but with nature, in
her most sublime mood.
It would be impossible, in the limited scope of this work.

CHEAT MOUNTAIN CAMPAIGN. 161
to notice one-tenth of the romantic and often perilous inci
dents of this campaign, or to dress thera with word-painting
to convey a just idea of the surroundings. The reader must
bear in mind that tw^o hostile armies were playing "hide and
seek" among the mountains; that there AA^as debatable ground
betAveen them, over which small bodies from both forces
roved ; that this ground was rugged as nature, in her most
forbidden temper, could clothe a hill, or scoop out a ravine,
and dotted with vales, soft and smiling as the dream of a
poet could picture. We must leave the colorings to the
imagination of the reader, while we relate a few incidents
Avhich Avill recall to the mind of every soldier, AA'ho made the
campaign in Western Virginia, something similar in his oavu
history. Lieut. Milliken, with thirty men of Burdsall's troop of
Ohio cavalry, was left with Col. Kimball's command on the
summit. The infantry scouts had penetrated by mountain
paths the enemy's encampment on the top of Buffalo Ridge —
the summit of the Alleghany range. The cavalry Avas
ordered to make daily visits to the Greenbrier running between
the Cheat and Alleghany ranges. It Avas a dangerous service,
for there Avere at least fifty places betAveen the outposts of
our army and the south end of the valley, where they could
be ambushed by infantry, and be powerless to make a success
ful resistance. The little river — the Greenbrier — glides along
the foot of the Cheat, where the pike crosses it. The descent
of the road to the river is steep, and cut into the face of the
rock. Below the bridge is a ford, used by horsemen Avhen
the stream is not swollen. A high rock, covered with thick
and tangled bushes, overhangs the ford. This gives the name
"hanging rock" to the crossing. One day the dragoons had
passed up the valley. No signs of the enemy were seen.
Their pickets had been drawn back. The dragoons were
returning gaily in the evening, and had stopped at the ford
to water their horses, when a volley was poured down upon
them from the "hanging rock." Three or four of their men
reeled in their saddles and fell. The remainder dashed up
the steep road to meet the assailants, but they had escaped,
and were probably secreted among the cliffs.
Vol. L— 11.

162 CHEAT MOUNTAIN CAMPAIGN,
The next day, a company of the Fourteenth Indiana, under
Capt. Willard, was sent down the mountain to search for the
party who had laid the ambush, Col, Kimball rightly judging
that they were still proAvling round the outlets of the valley,
Willard left the pike at the Gum road — a mountain pass
branching to the right about tAvo-thirds of the way down the
south eastern slope of Cheat. Scouts were sent out who dis
covered the bivouac of the enemy. Capt. Willard attacked
them, killed and captured a number, and drove the remainder
within the shelter of their fortified camp.
From this time till the close of the campaign, the rugged
country between the hostile camps on the summit of Cheat
and the summit of the Alleghanies, was fought for by the
scouts, and was the scene of many thrilling adventures.
Col. Johnson, Avho commanded the Confederate camp on
Buffalo Ridge, had, by authority of the State of Virginia,
called out the militia of Pocahontas and the adjoining coun
ties. They were to report to him, and receiA^e from him their
orders. They were to repair to the designated rendezvous,
armed with squirrel rifies, and were to be distinguished,
Avhile in active service, by strips of Avhite cotton cloth, sewed
across their hats or caps. The mountains Avere soon infested
with them. Their orders Avere to lie in wait behind the
rocks, and in the bushes, and shoot Union soldiers as they
passed. When captured, they invariably told the same story,
that Col. Johnson's orders were to spare no one wearing a
Federal uniform; and whenever any such were seen, to shoot
and run. To the credit of the regular Confederate soldiers,
it must be said, they denounced these proceedings, and often
refused to support the "bushwhackers" in their murderous
plots. When Gen. Lee arrived and assumed command, he
opposed the guerrilla system of warfare, and held it in check
in his immediate front; but around the foot of Cheat Moun
tain, the "bushwhackers" continued to rove.
Shortly after their surprise at " hanging rock," Burdsall's
dragoons were relieved by Bracken's Indiana cavalry. One
detachment was sent to the summit, and scouted alono' the
slopes of the Cheat and the Alleghanies. The other was left
at the Pass, and ranged over Tygart's Valley, feeling the

CHEAT MOUNTAIN CAMPAIGN. K3
enemy's lines on Point and Valley Mountains. Their first
expedition to the Alleghanies resulted in a thorough recon
noisance of the eneray's position, and the roads around it.
Capt. Coons, Avith tAvo companies of the Fourteenth Indiana,
preceded the cavalry to the Valley, and drove in the enemy's
pickets. The whole command then bivouaced at the foot of
the mountain, at the place where Camp Bartow was after
wards constructed. The cavalry, divided into small squads,
penetrated every path leading up and around the slopes, and
captured a number of prisoners. Col. Johnson sent doAvn a
large force to cut off the reconnoitering party; but, by skill
ful maneuvering, they, without injury, returned with their
prisoners to camp.
It became almost the daily duty of the cavalry, after this
affair, to visit the valley and Avatch the movements going on
betAveen the camp on Alleghany summit and Gen. Lee's forces
at Big Spring and Huntersville, They Avere frequently am
bushed on these excursions, Ou one occasion, when return
ing from a long scout, in the direction of Greenbank, a party
of "bushwhackers," supported by regular Confederate troops,
got between them ancl their camp at the summit, concealing
themselves in the thicket at the Gum road, they poured a
volley into the advance of the cavalry, mortally wounding
three men, William Hanthorn was shot through the lungs,
Harry Chayne through the thigh and shoulder, and the third
through the bowels. Poor Chayne lingered for some months,
bearing his sufferings Avith great fortitude, and finally died at
BeA'erly, whither his comrades, with tender care, had carried
him. The small squad of cavalry charged into the bushes,
and drove the enemy through the woods until darkness put
an end to the pursuit.
With varied fortune these skirmishes continued, until Col.
Johnson moved his camp to the base of the mountain and
commenced to fortify that strong position. He moved in the
night. When the next morning dawned the hill sides were
dotted with his tents. Capt. Thompson, of the Fourteenth
Indiana, with his company, was on a scout when the move
ment was made. Marching boldly through the little valley,
he encountered, at the base of a hill, round which the road

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170 CHEAT MOUNTAIN CAMPAIGN.
Huntersville pike ten miles in front of the intrenchments.
The regimental marches up this turbulent stream Avere usually
made at night. Numerous were the bruises and cuts received
by the men as they moved in the dark over the rolling stones
and shelving rocks. On the ninth of September, tho Seven
teenth Indiana relieved the Sixth Ohio at Point Mountain.
Col, Hascall, before starting out, remarked that his regiment
had marched hundreds of miles in Western Virginia, and
had always heard of the enemy in force a short distance
ahead, but had never yet been able to find him. He began
to doubt whether there was any considerable rebel force in
the country. It was late Avhen the regiment arrived. The
night Avas clear, and the stars tAvinkled brightly. Col. Has
call asked where the enemy were. Col. Anderson, pointing
to the distant hills, replied, "they are there," and directed
the attention of Col, Hascall to the smoke curling like mist
above the crest of the hills. Hascall said, "I can not see it."
Anderson dryly replied, " You will see it in the morning."
The pickets were relieved. The men of the Seventeenth,
like their Colonel, had little faith in the report that a large
army Avas iu their front. The remembrance of their tedious
night marches to the summit of Cheat, and other points, for
a fight, afld their repeated disappointments, chafed them.
They felt that a sortie from the enemy's camp would be a
relief. The videttes danced on their posts, and fired into the
thickets. The reserve bivouaced over more ground than
there was necessity for occupying, and built roaring fires to
moderate the cold mountain breeze. The enemy Avere not
slow to accept the challenge thus thrown out. From behind
the quiet dreary crests, a moment before so still that the very
smoke seemed to steal upward, as if fearful of throwing a
wave of sound upon the air, signal lights streamed, and bon
fires blazed. The rumbling of wheels, and the murmur of
voices, soon followed on the clear morning air. The Seven
teenth had stirred up a hornet's nest at last. The officers
prepared to meet an attack. The first impulse of the com
mandant of the nearest camp Avas to attack; but Gen, Lee
was not to be turned aside from his long deliberated plan.
He was sure of cutting off' the force. The rumbling of wheels

CHEAT MOUNTAIN CAMPAIGN. 171
heard was the moving of detached forces to concentrate for
the advance upon our main Avorks. When morning broke,
the hillsides were still dotted Avitli tents, the teams were pass
ing to and fro to mill, as Avas their custom days before. The
field-glasses '^shoAved the sentries A^'cre on post; but the army
was on its march to cut off" the audacious regiment which had
dared to disturb their morning slumbers.
The same evening that these events Avere transpiring on
Point Mountain, Lieut. Col. Oavcu was sent, Avith fiA^e com
panies of the Fifteenth Indiana, one company of the Third
Ohio, and a squad of Bracken's cavalry, along the Hunters
ville or Marlin pike, to feel the enemy. Their advance, eight
thousand strong, were reported to be at Marshall's Store,
twelve miles distant. Col. OAven advanced beyond the picket
station at Conrad's Mill, and bivouaced for the uight. At
four o'clock iu the morning he pushed on, throwing out
Lieut. Driscoll, with ten men of the Third Ohio, and Lieut.
Bedford, with ten men of the Fifteenth Indiana, to scout the
laurel thickets in advance. Capt. Wing, of the Third Ohio,
was in advance of the column. Immediately after passing
through a dense thicket, Avhich lined the road on both sides,
the scouts commenced firing, having suddenly came so close
to the enemy that a hand to hand scuffie ensued between
private EdAvards, of the Fifteenth Indiana, and a soldier of a
North Carolina regiment. At a small house on the road side,
private Morris surprised four dragoons at their breakfast.
The firing aroused the camp, three-quarters of a mile distant.
The long roll beat to arms. The picket reserve exceeded the
force of Col. Owen, AA'ho retired sloAvly with his command,
firing by sections, countermarching and re-forming. The
enemy did not pursue, but steadily moved his columns up,
occupying the valley as well as the road which skirted the
side of the mountain. It was highly important to hold the
junction of the Huntersville and Point Mountain pikes, until
the ScA^enteenth regiment could retire from their exposed
position. Capt, Templeton, with two companies of the Fif
teenth Indiana, was sent there, supported by Major Christo
pher, of the Sixth Ohio, with two hundred men of that regi
ment. On the morning of the eleventh, Capt. Templeton's

172 CHEAT MOUNTAIN CAMPAIGN.
pickets, under command of Sergeant Thompson, Avere sud
denly confronted, at a sharp turn in the road, by a solid col
umn of the enemy moving down in irresistible force. The
Sergeant fell back, firing from the thickets, aud lost tAvo
killed, two seriously, and one shghtly Avounded, and one
taken prisoner. He brought his dead and wounded wdth him.
Capt. Templeton dispatched a dragoon for reinforcements,
and fell back on Major Christopher's post at the mill. In
the meantime, a scout, who knew the country well, reported
two regiments advancing by a mountain road — Avhich inter
sects the pike in the rear of the mill — Avith the intention of
cutting off Christopher and Templeton. The left Aving of
the Fifteenth Indiana, under Major Wood, was hurried rap
idly up to that point, and orders sent the advance to retire.
They reached the support under Major Wood in advance
of the fianking force, closely followed by the solid column
of the enemy's center, Avhich now closed rapidly up, and in
the evening General Lee's army was in position in front of
the works at Elk Water. Colonel Hascall and his gallant
regiment escaped by the Elk Run road, reaching the outer
works as the enemy Avas massing his columns for the assault.
Two companies, under Capt. Thompson and Lieut. Jones,
had been detached to the junction of the turnpike, aud there
engaged the advance of the enemy, holding them in check.
When the regiment was ordered in Avith all speed, it was
supposed these companies, so far in advance, Avere hopelessly
cut off. Lieut. Col. Wilder, however, refused to return Avith
out them, and dashing ahead, found them deployed in the
thickets skirmishing as they retired, and brought them safely
to camp.
In the meantime a brigade of Arkansas and Tennessee
troops, numbering twenty-eight hundred, under command of
Gen, Anderson, had been toiling around the rugged and
pathless slopes of the Cheat Mountain range, to reach the
rear of the works on the Summit, This movement was the
key to Gen, Lee's great strategic plan to entrap the Cheat
Mountain army. If he could get this force securely posted
on the Staunton pike between the Pass and the Summit, he
could hold Kimball's garrison in their prison house on the

CHEAT MOUNTAIN CAMPAIGN. 173
bleak hill top, and, storming the Avorks at Elk Water, SAvecp
down the valley and dictate his oavu terms for a surrender.
The march of Gen. Anderson's brigade OA'cr the untamed
hills is described by the prisoners as one of the most arduous
ever undertaken by a large body of troops. They had two
nights of rain and Avere constantly wet. The air Avas cold.
When they reached the path betAveen the Summit and Elk
Water, in the elevated valley heretofore described, they were
exhausted. They had been so long creeping in the darkness,
through the thickets, that like mariners Avho had taken to their
boats in a fog, they kneAV not Avhere to go. They with bouy-
ant spirits and light hearts had left their camp, confident they
could fall upon Kimball's rear, while another force attacked
him in flank, and drlA'c him into the jaws of Johnston, Avho
was holding the main road in front. The Arkansas men,
and a feAv Texans, had burnished the blades of their boAvie
knives and loudly boasted of the number of stubborn Yan
kees they Avould slay. Their leader was sure he could hold
the pike and isolate the camps. There is nothing like cold
and hunger, and mountain marches, to take the braggardism
out of troops, and reduce vain glorious boasters to the dimen
sions of ordinary men. When the Arkansas and Texan
troops arrived at the path and the pike they had no inclina
tion to test the metal of their burnished blades even on a
Yankee — nor had they any disposition to fight, except des
peration urged them to do so. They could not retreat in a
body the Avay they came, for few knew hoAV to get there ;
their scouts who had craAvled through the bushes and got a
vieAV of the Avorks on the Summit, reported them nearly as
strong in the rear as in front ; they feared to advance to the
Pass as the notes of preparation came up from there, and
they Avere uncertain as to the force the General had around
him; to folloAv the path to the left would lead them directly
to the Elk Water camp, where they feared to go, and they
accordingly clung to their screen of wet bushes, more than
half whipped by hunger, fatigue and the utter confusion of
ideas, before a shot was fired.
Thus matters stood on the evening of the eleventh. The
bulk of Gen. Lee's force massed in front of the works at Elk

174 CHEAT MOUNTAIN CAMPAIGN.

Water, with his fiankers feeling their Avay along StcAvart's
and Elk Runs to the right and left of our entrenchments;
Gen. Jackson with three thousand men in front of the dead
ening at the Summit, tAvo regiments creeping on Kimball's
right, and the brigade of Gen, Anderson lurking in the
bushes midway betAveen the Pass and the Summit, ready to
spring upon the pike and charge either to the right or the
left. Thus far Gen. Lee's plan, so far as he Avas aware, had
Avorked to a charm. His divisions were just Avhere he had
designed to place them. He knev/ not the feeling of terror
which took hold of the brave men of Anderson's column
after their dreary mountain march. Intelligent prisoners
afterAvards related how, as they lay in their hiding places, the
conA'iction crept over them that instead of surrounding oui
forces they themselves were securely trapped. They could see
companies of our troops, deployed in the distance like regi
ments, marching along the path and the pike ; to their right
and rear Avere the strong works of Cheat, with its vigilant
garrison; to the left and rear Elk Water, and in front the
Pass; and miles away in their rear through the tangled
bushes w-as all their hope of succor, and they dreaded that
the Hoosiers, accustomed to the woods, had followed the
Aviudings of Cheat River and cut them off'.
Gen. Reynolds, sleepless and watchful, was aAvare that a
large force AA'as moving on the mountains. Their shifting
bivouacs and stealthy watch fires had been noted, but he
could not tell upon which wing of his army their weight Avas
to fall. His headquarters were at the Pass — with the Thir
teenth Indiana, Col. Sullivan, tAvo pieces of artillery, and his
devoted cavalry escort — but he personally directed the move
ments at Elk Water. His labor at this time was herculean.
So quietly and unostentatiously was it done, that only those
of his own army, who were near headquarters, had any
conception of it. He had the stores from the Pass removed
to Huttonsville, putting the Tygart Valley river between
them and danger of a raid, and he hastily constructed field
Avorks, while Col. Sullivan disposed his regiment along the
approaches to the Pass to guard against surprise.
On the night of the elcA'cnth, or rather on the early morn-

CHEAT MOUNTAIN CAMPAIGN. 175
ing of the tAvelfth, one of those cold storms of Avind and
rain which visited the Cheat region so often in the summer
of 1861, sAvept over the hills. The telegraph to the Summit
ceased to tick after midnight. The operator supposed the
wire had been broken by fallen timber, and early in the
morning despatched men to repair it. The last message from
the General to the Summit was one of Avarning. Lieut. Mer
rill, of the Engineers, passed the headquarters on his Avay up
the hill at dawn. He Avas Avarned by the scouts not to pro
ceed, but he laughed at the idea of the enemy getting round —
kept on, and was captured a short distance beyond the picket
line. A picket post of the Thirteenth Indiana was attacked
a short distance to the right in the direction of Elk Water,
aud still further on, Capt, Pence with a company of the Sixth
Ohio, on picket, Avas captured Avith his entire command.
These captures revealed the position of Anderson's force.
The General AA^'as exceedingly anxious to convey orders to
Col. Kimball directing the disposition of his force iu the rear
of his post. Tavo members of Bracken's cavalry, H. C. Britz
and William Pulfer, volunteered to carry them. The orders
were hastily sketched, and the cavalrymen putting spurs to
their horses dashed up the mountain by the pike. In a short
time Pulfer returned hatless, his clothes being perforated
with bullets. They had dashed into a solid body of infantry,
and strove to cut their Avay through. Britz was shot through
the head, and having the despatches on his person the enemy
if they read them, had the satisfaction of knowing the Gen
eral was advised of their movement and would figh t them at
every point. Three companies of the Thirteenth Indiana,
under Capt. Clinton, were ordered up the pike to hold the
road, Avhile the remainder of the regiment Avere deployed at
the head of the gorge or pass to watch the movements of
Anderson. Col. Kimball did not of course receiA'cthe orders
sent him, but his soldierly instincts led him to adopt the very
measures indicated in those orders.
On the evening of the eleventh, Capt, Coons, of the Four
teenth Indiana, Avith sixty men from the different regiments
at the summit, and four cavalry men were sent to picket the
bridle-path to Elk Water. It was this little force, together

176 CHEAT MOUNTAIN CAMPAIGN.
with other small detachments from Elk Water and the Pass,
marching to the several picket stations, that the enemy had
seen when they came in vieAV of the cleared ridge, and that
had so alarmed them. Capt. Coons disposed his little picket
guard in close proximity to the overAvhelming force, but so
quietly did the enemy lie in their ambush that he did not
discover them until morning.
On the morning of the tAvelfth one of Lieut. Delzell's com
mand of Bracken's cavalry Avas started down the mountain
with dispatches, A supply train of the TAventy-Fifth Ohio
had started before day. The dragoon had proceeded only a
mile and a half when he found the Avagons standing in the
road without horses or drivers and Avith evident marks of a
struggle in the deep mud. He returned Avith all speed and
reported the fact. Col. Kimball, accompanied by Col. Jones
of the Twenty-Fifth Ohio, Lt. Col. Gilbert of the Tw^enty-
Fourth Ohio, and Lieut, Delzell of the cavalry, proceeded
with two companies of the Fourteenth Indiana and twelve
dragoons to the point of attack. Capts, Brooks and Wil
liamson deployed their men as skirmishers in the thicket, and
soon found the enemy iu great force and drove them. One
hundred men, under Capt. Higgins, made up of details from
the Fourteenth Indiana, and TAventy-Fourth and TAventy-
Fifth Ohio, Avith Lieuts. Green and Wood, were advanced by
the pike to the Pass, to reinforce Capt. Coons, Avho Avas
engaged on the Pass, and Avhom it was feared Avas cut off.
Hastening on, Capt. Higgins soon met a cavalry soldier Avho
reported a large force at the junction of the pike and the
pass and that Capt. Coons was endeavoring to cut his Avay
through. Major Harrow, with two companies of the Four
teenth Indiana, was coming up and Capt. Higgins moved
cautiously on. He soon received a volley from the bushes
which passed over the heads of the men, and they Avere
ordered to charge the ambush, which they did in gallant
style, routing the large force concealed there, who Avere
pressed back by Lieut. Green upon their reserves in the val
ley, Avhere Capt. Coons Avas fighting, and communicated the
panic to that part of the line, Capt. Coons had stubbornly
held the ridge, repulsing every assault upon him Avith fearful
slaughter.

CHEAT MOUNTAIN CAMPAIGN. 177
The panic was now complete. Brooks and Williamson
were driving them at one point, Higgins, Green, and Wood
at another, Coons, Avith his unerring marksmen, was picking
them off in scores Avhenever they attempted to assail the
ridge he so gallantly held. A detachment of the Thirteenth
Indiana, returning from a scout, ran into them at another
place and poured in a galling fire, escaping Avithout loss by
dropping behind a ledge of rocks; the advance of the same
regiment was in view hastening up the pike. Major HarroAV
Avas at the junction of the pike and path, and far over on the
ridge, near Elk Water, a battalion of the Second Virginia,
under Col. Moss, attracted by the firing from the picket post,
had formed in line of battle. The bushes on every hand
belched forth fire, and every opening in the trees glistened
AA'ith bayonets. The enemy fied in dismay, throAving aside
everything which would encumber their flight.
No sooner had Col. Kimball made the disposition of the
forces in his rear, described above, than he was informed that
the enemy was advancing in force on his front and right
flank. Company E of the Fourteenth Indiana, under Lieut.
Junod, held the deadening as a picket post. He was sur
rounded, and in endeavoring to force his way through to the
bridge was shot through the head and killed, private George
Winder falling dead by his side. The men made their escape
in the thickets and reached camp. Placing a strong force at
the bridge, which, with its flooring removed and its heavy
wings loopholed, could be easily defended. Col. Kimball sent
Capt. Foote, with one company of the Fourteenth and one of
the Twenty-Fourth Ohio, up Cheat river to feel the force on
his right flank. Capt. Foote found the enemy two miles above
the bridge and attacked them vigorously. They fled in con
fusion, making but little resistance, and left behind some
prisoners captured by them in the early morning. This
ended the fighting. Anderson's force was hopelessly routed.
Pursuit would have been imprudent, Jackson still held the
deadening in front with a large force. All day he waited
there, his artillery in position looking for the signal from
Anderson in the rear; but that signal he never received.
¦^he force engaged on Kimball's rear and flank, consisted of
Vol. I,— 12.

178 CHEAT MOUNTAIN CAMPAIGN.
the Twenty-Third, Twenty-Fifth, Thirty-First and Thirty-
Seventh Virginia regiments, and one battalion from the same
State under Cols. Talliaferro, and Heck, and the First, Seventh
and Fourteenth Tennessee, under Cols. Manny, Hadden and
Forbes, the whole commanded by Gen. Anderson in person.
Our whole force, actually engaged, did not exceed five hun
dred men.
These skirmishes around the summit, so brilliant and so
important in their results, were not known at head quarters.
Gen. Reynolds, satisfied with the ability and zeal of Col.
Kimball, knew he would hold his post. Leaving Col. Sulli
van, with the Thirteenth Indiana, to hold the Pass, he has
tened round to the Elk Water Front. It was towards even
ing when he arrived there. The dark masses of the enemy's
columns could be seen from the outpost, three-quarters of a
mile in front of the intrenchments, apparently resting on
their arms aAvaiting an order to move. They had been in
that position for some hours. A few skirmishers on their
front and on their flanks, kept up a lively fusilade with our
restless pickets, but not a sound came up from the long dark
column of men. The artillery was strung along the road
and the infantry in the meadow below. It was a beautiful
picture as seen from some of the elevations which jutted out
from the mountain range. On the one side, the Federal sol
diers stood upon their entrenchments peering through the
winding valley to get an occasional glimpse of the enemy.
From the main works but little of the movements in front
could be seen, but from the lookout stations over the ravines
and from the outposts the whole panorama was distinctly
visible. Thus the two rival hosts stood for hours silent spec
tators of the skirmishing in the little arena between them.
There were more amusing incidents than serious accidents,
in the ring where the actors performed. Mounted officers,
orderlies, or squads of dragoons, anxious to do something to
attract the special attention of the vast audience, would ride
up close to some house or cluster of bushes from which a
flash of musketry would occasionally issue. Then they would
scamper away followed by a squad of sharp shooters who
would keep up the chase until driven back by our own rifle-

CHEAT MOUNTAIN CAMPAIGN. 179
men going on the "double quick" to the rescue. Occasion
ally a horse would flounder in the mire compelling his rider
to execute a feat of ground and lofty tumbling, and a laugh
would come up from the sharp shooters as they hastened to
the rescue. But the spectators on the parapets and hill sides
soon tired of such scenes, and longed to see the threatening
host advance. Tha.t host was evidently waiting for a signal
to attack.
Gen. Reynolds, accompanied by the Colonels of the several
regiments and his escort, rode out among the skirmishers as
the setting sun threw the shadow of the hills across the val
ley. As he swept the enemy's position with his glass, the
rebel gunners sent a twelve pound shot, over tho heads of
their men at the cavalcade. It fell short. The General has
tily wrote a line and handed it to an orderly. In a fcAv mo
ments Loomis' Parrot guns were out and hurling shell at the
head of the enemy's column. Their long and quiet dream
was broken. They hastily fell back out of range and partly
out of view. Loomis turned his guns upon the houses and
bushes which concealed the reserves of their flanking skir
mishers, and soon scattered them. Gen. Reynolds then
became convinced that no attempt would be made upon Elk
Water that night. He also felt confident that Kimball had
baffied their designs on his position. Turning to Col. Marrow
he ordered him to have his regiment, the Third Ohio, ready
to march at three o'clock in the morning. It was important
to open communication with the summit. The Third Ohio
and the battalion of the Second Virginia were to take the
bridle path across to the Staunton pike, and the Thirteenth
Indiana, moving up from the Pass was to effect a junction
with them and force a passage up the mountain.
Late in the evening Lieut. Col. John A. Washington, of
Gen. Lee's Staff', formerly proprietor of Mount Vernon, while
reconnoitering our works in company Avith two other officers,
ran into a picket post of the Seventeenth Indiana and was
killed, three minnie balls passing through his breast. He fell
from his horse ; his companions wheeled and escaped, one of
them wounded. When approached he asked for water, which
was instantly handed him, but before his lips touched the

180 CHEAT MOUNTAIN CAMPAIGN.
canteen he expired. When the body was brought to camp it
was recognized by Capt. Loomis, Lieut. Col. Anderson, of
the Sixth Ohio, and several other officers, who had known
him in happier days. His remains were tenderly cared for.
In the morning they were sent with a flag of truce to the
enemy's lines, meeting a flag from Gen. Lee on its way to our
picket line to inquire respecting him.
The columns of Marrow and Sullivan marched at three
o'clock on the morning of the thirteenth as ordered, the first,
by the path, and the second, by the Staunton pike, and found
the work they had been sent to perform already accomplished
by the skirmishing we have already described. They found
the road strewn with the debris of the routed army, and
marched into the fortifications at the Summit without seeing
a rebel soldier.
Gen, Lee's forces were in position again in front of Elk
Water when day dawned. Again there were long hours of
waiting. Gen. Reynolds had not heard of the success on the
mountain. Reports were received from men who had been
cut off from their commands, and who made their way into
camp, that Gen. Anderson's forces were retreating in disor
der, but there was no report. from the Summit. Gen. Lee
had doubtless heard the same rumors, but still hoped for the
signal of success from his flanking force. Gen. Loring A\'as to
have led the storming party. He sat on his horse at the head
of the column — two dragoons on each side of him — stern and
silent, chaflng at the delay. For hours on the thirteenth he
sat there as he had on the twelfth. At length an aid dashes
up and delivers an order. It was from Gen. Lee, commanding
him to fall back. Loring raved like a madman, and with a ter
rible imprecation vowed he would disobey ^the command. Put
ting spurs to his horse he dashed among the troops and by
wild appeals fired their enthusiasm. He then called the regi
mental commanders and proposed to make the assault in
defiance of orders to the contrary. The majority assented to
it, and the fiery Loring was about to give the command to
advance when a second imperative order from Gen. Lee
checked him. Gen. Loring had been long in the Federa"
army, and was, when the war broke out, in command of one

CHEAT MOUNTAIN CAMPAIGN. 181
of our cavalry regiments on the frontier. He had distin
guished hiraself in Mexico where he lost an arra. He was a
rigid disciplinarian, and accustomed to yield the same implicit
obedience to superiors which he unrelentingly exacted from
those under him. His habits of discipline prevailed, and he
fell back.
General Lee had by this time heard of Anderson's repulse,
and he saw in that the failure of his grand strategic plan.
The large bodies of troops reported marching on the moun
tains — Marrow's and Sullivan's columns — might mean an
attack upon his flank, and prudence dictated that he should
fall back. Loring still urged the storming of the Elk Water
works — he Avas confident they could be carried. Gen. Lee
admitted they might, but at a fearful loss of life, such as he
was not willing to hazard.
On the fourteenth Gen. Lee retired to his old position along
the Valley mountain, and Jackson's force fell back to the
Alleghanies from the front of Cheat Mountain, and the pro
ject of bursting through the Tygart Valley to the Ohio river
was abandoned.
The Confederate loss in this movement was never known
in the North. They buried in the mountains most of their
dead, and carried off' a portion of their wounded. Their loss
Avas estimated at one hundred killed, and ninety prisoners.
Our loss was ten killed, fourteen wounded, and sixty-four
prisoners. The combinations of the great Confederate strat
egist were foiled by the genius of the Federal commander.
SCOUTING AGAIN.
A series of skirmishes by small bodies of troops followed
the Avithdrawal of Gen. Lee's forces to their old positions.
The orders of Gen. Reynolds were to hold his line at all
hazards. He was not prepared, if he had been permitted, to
advance it. He could only harrass the enemy by reconnois-
sances, aud seek to cut off his detachments wherever they
could be found. Our skirmishers followed up the enemy as
they retired. A cavalry picket post was established at Point
Mountain, and kept th^-e until the swelling of the mountair

182 CHEAT MOUNTAIN CAMPAIGN.
torrents from the rains rendered it difficult longer to commu
nicate with the camp. It would be impossible to enumerate
all the movements in front during the month of September.
The men were not suff'ered to rest in camp while there was an
enemy in front. Regimental marches to feel the enemy were
made whenever the turbulent streams in front were fordable.
We shall refer to a few of these.
Two companies of the Third Ohio, accompanied by a
detachment of cavalry under Sergeant Garner, were sent by
an old Indian trail across the dividing ridge, Turkey Bone,
to the Back Fork of Elk, to communicate with the outposts
of Gen. Rosecrans on the Gauley. The trip was over one of
the wildest regions of that wild country. The route lay up
Elk Run to Brady's Gate, from whence the party, to avoid
the scouting parties of both Lee and Floyd, plunged at once
into the mountain wilderness, with nothing but the long dis
used trail to guide them. The cavalrymen had to lead their
horses, and to help them up and down the steep and rocky
slopes. The animals were useful to carry the men dry shod
across the swollen torrents; but when the opposite valleys
were reached, they were so exhausted and foot-sore that they
had to be nursed instead of mounted. The expedition was
four days out, and returned after passing round the flank of
Lee's army without detection.
On the twenty-eighth Col, Sullivan, with his own regiment,
the Thirteenth Indiana, the Sixth Ohio, Lieut. Col. Ander
son's, a section of Loomis' battery, under Lieut. Gilham, and
a detachment of Bracken's cavalry, marched from Elk Water
to feel the enemy at Mingo Flats, one of their old encamp
ments on Valley Mountain, and to ascertain his strength.
Leaving heavy pickets to hold the passes, and carry informa
tion should the enemy attempt to get round in his rear. Col.
Sullivan cautiously approached within three miles of the
enemy's pickets. A heavy storm which had been raging
with fury, swelHng the streams to angry torrents, compelled
him to halt and bivouac. The storm subsided in the night,
and the streams faihng rapidly as they had risen, by day
light the troops were again in motion. Reaching the neigh
borhood of Marshall's Store, where the enemy's outer pickets

CHEAT MOUNTAIN CAMPAIGN. 183
were reported to be, Lieut. Shields, in charge of the sharp
shooters, Avas ordered to deploy his command and get round
the post, AA'hile Col. Sullivan moved up with three companies.
Advancing in this AA'ay — Shields deployed along the mountain
slopes, and Sullivan in the road — Marshall's Store was reached
and passed, without any signs of the enemy. Continuing on,
the pickets were encountered and driven in, within half a
mile of the elevated plateau called Mingo Flats. They were
reinforced by three companies from the camp beyond. Col,
Sullivan ordered up six companies under Major Foster, who
drove them across the Flats to their works. The road from
Marshall's Store was terrible. It had been much used by the
enemy during the summer, and was almost impassable from
deep mud. Lieut. Gilham succeeded in getting up one piece
of artillery. Then disposing his forces to resist an attack,
should the enemy leave his works to offer battle. Col. Sulli
van leisurely surveyed the position. Mingo Flats is a clear
ing of about two hundred acres on the mountain — ^flat, as its
name indicates. The camp was beyond this clearing, at the
base of a hill, protected by ravines and earthworks. Col.
Sullivan estimated the force there at fifteen hundred infantry
and a squadron of cavalry.
Having accomplished the object of his march Col. Sullivan
prepared to return to camp. The storm, which had only
lulled, broke out Avith redoubled fury. To use an expression
of one of the narrators, "the rain came down in great sheets
of water," The streams were over their banks, and the
ravines fiooded. The road crosses the Tygart Valley River
in three or four places, between the Valley Mountain and
Elk Water camp. The command succeeded in crossing the
first ford. By the time it reached the second, the water was
over the narrow meadows that skirted the banks of the
stream. Great trees were being whirled rapidly down the
channel by the boiling and foaming waters. Sorae of the
horsemen plunging in were swept away, and with difficulty
rescued. Two or three men, who, contrary to orders, persist
ently attempted to cross were drowned. The troops had to
bivouac on the mountain side, and wait for the waters to
subside. This storm is memorable in that region. It was

184 CliEAT MOUNTAIN CAMPAIGN.
one of the most terrible that ever swept over it. In some
places, particularly at the outlets of small runs, the face of
the country was entirely changed by the force of the torrents.
At Cheat Mountain Pass, where Gen. Reynolds so long held
his head quarters, the little mountain brook we have hereto
fore described, forsook its original bed and worked out a neAv
channel, carrying out nearly a mile of the Staunton pike with
it. Here Mr. Howell, of Terre Haute, sutler to the Four
teenth Indiana, who had started for Beverly, Avas drowned
in attempting to cross the stream on horseback.
At Elk Water camp the valley was submerged. The Sixth
Ohio had left their tents standing with all their baggage not
required by men in light marching order. The turbid water
was four feet deep all over it during their absence. When
they returned all their camp comforts had been swept away
by the angry flood. The water in twelve hours had risen ten
feet in the valley, and some of the mountain rivulets Avere
said to have risen several feet in the same time.
The Fifteenth and Seventeenth Indiana regiments were out
in a very exposed position during this terrible storm. They
had marched for the summit without their tents, and were
bivouaced on one of the slopes of the mountain, without any
shelter except what the bending pines and vine covered rocks
afforded. Their suffering — thinly clad as they were, without
overcoats or blankets — was such as no pen can adequately
describe. The Second Virginia was holding the bridle path
on the ridge, between Elk Water and Cheat summit, and
althougli exposed to the storm, they were above the turbu
lent streams, and suffered more with cold than by the con
centrated force of the waters. On Cheat summit the storm
raged Avith greater fury than on the slopes of the Rich Moun
tain and Valley Mountain ranges. There it was intensely
cold. Several small scouting parties were out, and were
forced to the shelter of rocks over which the water poured
in cataracts. There was no shelter for the animals on the
summit, the brush stables having been cut down during the
seige. Fifteen horses perished during the night. The gal
lant but ragged Fourteenth Indiana — the heroes of Cheat
Mountain — whose name and fame will, Avhile time lasts, be

CHEAT MOTINTAIN CAMPAIGN, 185
associated AA'ith that bleak and cheerless mountain peak,
endured their full share of suffering during the terrible
storm. But we must hasten on. Recounoissances Avere pushed in
every direction, of which those we haA'e described are only a
sample. The conclusion arrived at AA'as, that a portion of the
eneray's force had been removed from the Elk Water front,
to some other scene of operations, and that Gen. Lee himself
had taken his departure.
The roads in the rear of both armies had been worn out
during the campaign, and a sea of mud interposed between
Staunton and Valley Mountain and the Greenbrier, on one
side, and between Webster and Elk Water and Cheat Sum
mit, on the other.
There Avas debatable ground between the fronts, over which
scouting parties, or "movable columns," alone had passed,
where the roads were good. The enormous trains to and
from the base of supplies, had not cut them up. From Elk
River to Marshall's store, on the Huntersville road, was a
delightful ride to those who were willing to take the risk of
a random shot from the bushes. Down the south-eastern
slope of Cheat Mountain to the Greenbriar, and along the
little valley to the foot of the Alleghanies, the Staunton pike
was as firm as before the war. Either army had but to
remove a few miles back from their original line, to place an
impassable barrier to artillery in their front. This, the force
left on Valley Mountain, seems to have done. The column
in front of Cheat, however, still held their post at the " Trav
eler's Repose," at the foot of the Alleghanies. The position
was fortified with great skill. Their pickets extended to the
foot of Cheat, and since the advance, they had been stubborn
in holding the valley. THE BATTLE OP GREENBRIAR.
Gen. Reynolds was reinforced in the latter part of Septem
ber by the Seventh and Ninth regiments of Indiana infantry,
one regiment from Ohio, the Thirty-Second, Col. Ford; by
HoAve's regular battery, and by a company of cavalry from

186 CHEAT MOUNTAIN CAMPAIGN.
Ohio, under Capt. Robinson, and one from Pennsylvania,
under Capt. Greenleaf.
It had long been a cherished idea with Col. Kimball to
drive the enemy from his position on the Staunton pike. He
had frequently asked permission to march against the works
on the Alleghany Mountain, when the enemy's principal
camp was there, and afterwards to move against the fortifi
cations at Greenbriar, with such force as could be spared.
But while the Elk Water front of our line was threatened
by Gen. Lee, this favor could not be granted to the gallant
Colonel. Having satisfied himself by recounoissances in
force, in the direction of Huntersville, that Gen. Lee had
abandoned all idea of forcing a passage down Tygart's Val
ley, and as the mud Avas impassable between his camps on
that road and our forces. Gen. Reynolds resolved to throw a
large force temporarily on the top of Cheat Mountain, and
feel the position, which frowned in front, and which the
rebels boasted was impregnable.
It was with this view that the Fifteenth and Seventeenth
Indiana had been ordered up the mountain ; and other pre
parations made for a march on that line. The Thirteenth
Indiana, HoAves' and Loomis' batteries, and the cavalry, Avere
moved there so soon as the swollen streams fell sufficiently to
admit of their being forded. The temporary bridges erected
during the summer had all been swept away by the fioods.
The storms followed each other in such quick succession, that,
rapidly as the streams ran out, it seemed almost impossible to
get three days' food for any considerable force of men, and
forage for animals, collected on the Summit. The road up
the north-west slope of the mountain had become impassible.
Where it passed into the pine thickets it had been worn three
or four feet deep, and the mingled mud and rocks, in which
the wheels sunk to their axels, so impeded transportation
that it took several days to get a train through.
After incredible labor, the ammunition, and three or four
days supplies of food for men and horses, were landed ou the
Summit, and six thousand men, with three batteries of artil
lery, and three companies of cavalry, were resting on the
cold bleak crest of the inhospitable Cheat, ready at a word

CHEAT MOUNTAIN CAMPAIGN. 187
to move down its eastern slope, where small skirmishing par
ties had so often gone. The clouds hung gloomily. The
chilling Aviuds moaned plaintively through the pine trees,
and cut into the very flesh of the thinly clad soldiers. The
sun might be shining cheerfully in the little valleys at the
mountain base, but all the time preparations were going on
for the reconnoissance, the Summit of Cheat was enveloped
in heavy black clouds, or in a thick mist, which would soak
those exposed to it thoroughly as a rain storm. The only
chance for living through such weather Avas by building huge
fires, and these it was difficult to have without exciting the
suspicion of the enemy that a heavy force was concentrating
to attack them. The march to Staunton and the occupation
of the rich valley of the Shenandoah, had long been a favorite
dream Avith the men. They could never become reconciled
to the idea that they should be kept in those cold and cheer
less mountains, merely to hold a country which, in their esti
mation, was not worth the life of one brave man, while the
garden of Virginia lay apparently within their grasp. They
hoped to winter at Staunton, and they were willing — nay
anxious, to be led across the intervening barriers, confldent
that they could fight their way to that goal of their hopes.
As they gathered around their camp fires on those cold, damp
October days and nights, and noted the preparations around
them, they hoped it meant a march straight forward through
those bleak hills to a more hospitable clime. Cheerfully they
spoke of these things, and of their willingness to take the
chances of obtaining supplies by the way, rather than winter
where they were. But no permanent advance was intended.
It was difficult to get subsistence to the army even to the
western slope of Cheat, and beyond, it would have been an
impossibility; yet the soldiers loved to indulge in the fancy
that before the snows of winter whitened the hill tops, they
would move onward and shake hands with the Union army
of the Potomac, on the banks of the Shenandoah,
The movement contemplated, however, was only a recon
noissance. Gen. Reynolds deemed it prudent to feel the
strength of the enemy's fortified position, and ascertain his
force, before he matured his plans for its reduction. The

188 CHEAT MOUNTAIN CAMPAIGN.
reconnoissance terminated in a battle, although that was not
the intention.
On the morning of the third of October the troops com
menced their march down the mountain. A drizzling rain
was falling. The Thirty-Second Ohio, Col. Ford, with one
piece of Daum's Virginia battery, took the advance, so far as
the Gum road. This road was a mountain path, which leaves
the pike a mile above the valley, and winds through the hills
to the Green Bank road, on the left fiank of the enemy's
Avorks. It was a noted spot, where our scouting and small
reconnoitering parties had frequently been ambushed, and it
was important that it should be held by a strong aud reliable
force, to guard against an attack on the flank or rear of the
advancing column. Col. Ford was to halt his command here
and hold the road. It was about flve miles by the pike from
the enemy's works, and eight or nine by the path to the Green
Bank road.
After giving the advance under Col. Ford an hour's start,
the reconnoitering column moved down the mountain in the
following order : The Ninth and Fourteenth Indiana, Twenty-
Fourth Ohio, Seventeenth Indiana, Loomis' battery, six ten-
pound rifled Parrotts, Thirteenth Indiana, Howe's regular
battery, four brass six pounders, and two ten pound howit
zers. The reserves — Fifteenth Indiana, Twenty-Fifth Ohio,
Lieut. Col. Richardson, and Brackets Indiana, Robinson's
Ohio, and Greenfield's Pennsylvania cavalry companies —
immediately followed.
Col, Milroy prepared to encounter the enemy's pickets
after passing the Gum road, and deployed two companies as
skirmishers. Pie met with no opposition until he reached
the first Greenbriar bridge just after daylight, A company
was stationed there, which delivered a random volley and
fled. One of Milroy's men was killed and another wounded.
He crossed the bridge and halted until the column came up.
The little valley of the Greenbriar, upon which the Union
troops were now entering in force, is one of the most pictur
esque spots in Virginia. It is about six miles long and two
wide. The cold pine clad Cheat is at one end, and the Alle
ghany at the other, the spurs from each interlocking on the

CHEAT MOUNTAIN CAMPAIGN. 189
sides, softening on the left to an open grove and thickly tan
gled with undergrowth on the right. To look japon the little
dell from the road or the hill sides one wonders where the
river Avhich dances through the meadows enters, and where
it takes its exit. The openings in the hills are so narrow that
the trees interlock across the chasms, and it requires a critical
survey to trace the stream. The pike runs through this vale,
crossing the winding river at the foot of Cheat and at the
foot of the Alleghany range. The enemy's works, Avhich
they had named Camp Bartow, were located where the pike
crossing the little stream at a sharp angle, receives the Green
Bank road, and commences its winding ascent of the Alle
ghany. A noted tavern called the " Travelers Repose," and
a mill stood near the bank of the river. The mill race run
ning on the bank eight or ten feet above the ordinary level
of the river, skirted the right flank and two-thirds of the
front of the works, forming a double moat for the first line
of intrenchments. In the rear of the house and stables, the
ground rising in terraces, Avas girdled with rifie pits. The
defences on the left flank Avere screened by the thick timber
which clothed the hill down to the Avater's edge. They could
not be seen at any time during the battle, but they were after
wards found to be stronger than those in front and on the
right. The valley is winding. The gently sloping hill on the left,
as if to assert its mountain origin, about half AA'ay up the
valley, throws out a rough spur, covered with dense under-
groAN'th, and the thicket extended to the river on the opposite
side. This spur hid the terraced camp from our forces. It
was to this thicket the pickets retreated from the bridge. A
reinforcement of six companies had been sent out to assist
them in holding it. Col. Kimball, Avith his Fourteenth Indi
ana, was ordered to charge it in line, while Col. Milroy, with
the Ninth, and Col. Dumont, with the Seventh, marched by
the flank along the river, where they would be prepared to
give an enfilading fire and join in the pursuit. Steadily, as
if on parade, the Fourteenth, with their ragged garments fiut-
tering in the breeze, formed across the road, and with a cheer
moved up, preserving a beautiful alignment. The right wing.

190 CHEAT MOUNTAIN CAMPAIGN.
under Kimball, was on the level; the left, under Major Har
row, on the slope, facing the ragged spur. The Fourteenth
had no desire to Avaste ammunition, and paid no attention to
the random shots from the bushes. They reserved their fire
until they entered the thicket, when Kimball gave the order,
and a ringing volley started the rebels from their ambush.
They broke and fled. The Seventh and Ninth Regiments
Vi'ere by this time on their flank, and poured a volley into them.
They Avere thus driven to the hill on our left, and eagerly
the Fourteenth clambered up the rocks after them, driving
them from cover to cover, until the bugles sounded the recall.
The number of the enemy killed in this charge was never
knoAvn. Sixteen dead bodies Avere found in the bushes, and
ten or twelve prisoners Avere taken.
The approaches being thus cleared, Gen. Reynolds selected
the ground for Loomis' battery. Loomis moved rapidly up,'
unlimbered his guns, and opened fire. The enemy replied
from a battery near the house, and from some guns on the
crest of the hill, concealed by the thicket Avhich crowned it.
In the meantime Capt. Howe had selected a spot within six
hundred yards of the enemy's first line of fortifications, and
dashed up to it over the meadows. Daum folloAved Avith his
single gun. The infantry, except the reserves, advanced as
supports to the artillery. In a few minutes the thirteen guns
were pouring a tornado of shot and shell into the devoted
rebel camp, tearing into shreds tents and wagons, and driv
ing the troops to the shelter of their ditches, or the woods
in the rear. The enemy replied briskly, but at random, and
did but little damage. Very few of their shells exploded.
They were picked up all over the field. The roar for thirty-
five minutes was terrific. The artillerists, on both sides,
worked without cessation. Loomis advanced his battery
aud sent shells from his Parrotts into the wooded hill, Avhere
the enemy had masked one of his batteries. The view of
the field during this cannonade was beautiful to those who
loved the noise and roar of battle. The sun had broken
through the clouds which had hung over the hills in the
early morning, and glistened from the proud array of bayo
nets stretched across the meadows, and moving along the

CHEAT MOUNTAIN CAMPAIGN. 191
slopes of" the hill to the left. Our whole force was in full view
of the Avorks, the reserves having advanced beyond the knotty
spur. The cavalry was in column on the road. The Four
teenth Indiana and the TAventy-Fourth Ohio, Avere advanced
along the open woods to our left. The Ninth Indiana was
watching our right flank, skirmishing with the enemy, who
had sent out sharpshooters to annoy us from the thickets
on the river bank.
The flre of the enemy gradually slackened, it was then
discovered that all the guns, except one, in his first tier of
entrenchments were silenced. Upon this one gun the whole
Aveight of our batteries was poured, but Avithout effect. It
continued to reply. The gunners got range on Howe and
Daum. Daum's gun was disabled by a solid shot, aud two
of Howe's men, aud several of his horses, were killed. The
guns of both batteries were discharged simultaneously at the
spirited piece, and forced it to retire to the shelter of a knoll,
from whence it occasionally emerged during the eugagement,
and delivered a shot. But its power was gone. It was
conjectured that the skillful gunners, who handled it in the
early part of the engagement, were killed, for its shots Avere
henceforth harmless. During the cannonade Gen. Reynolds
advanced so closely to the works that he had a full view of
the position. He accomplished his object and wished to
retire. But about this time a number of wagons were seen
winding down the mountain, and it was reported heavy rein
forcements for the enemy were arriving by the Green Bank
and Monterey roads. To give color to this story a rifie gun,
not yet heard from, opened from one of the upper terraces.
The enthusiasm of the Colonels, who had with deep interest
watched the cannonade, was fired. They clustered around
the General urging for permission to storm the works. The
General positively refused, but consented to let them make a
flank movement to our left, and attempt a dislodgment from
that direction. The Seventh, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Indi
ana, and the TAventy-Fourth Ohio were selected, the Seventh
leading. At the same time the Ninth Indiana was to move
up on our right, and the Thirteenth Indiana and Twenty-Fifth
Ohio in front. The cavfJry was also put in position to charge.

192 CHEAT MOUNTAIN CAMPAIGN.
the moment the road was opened by the infantry. The ene
my observed the movement and prepared to check it. They
massed their remaining guns under cover, and as the flanking
column moved for their works, they hurled at it a perfect
hailstorm of grape and canister. The Seventh staggered
and threw the column into confusion. They soon rallied.
Gen. Reynolds, who had yielded only to the importunate
entreaties of his regimental commanders, sent a peremptory
order for them to retire.
Had the camp been stormed it would have been a barren
victory. The roads in the rear were open, and there Avas no
probability of capturing the men. They could escape over
the hills from the pursuit of cavalry. The practiced eye of
the General also discovered that the enemy, even in their
retreat, could slaughter his men from the rocky and wooded
hill sides. The batteries shelled the hills where it was sup
posed the reinforcements were, until their ammunition Avas
exhausted, then they limbered up and leisurely retired. Our
loss in the action was ten killed, and thirty-two Avouuded.
The enemj^'s loss was heavy in the infantry fight at the out
post. The Southern accounts state that our artillery firing
Avas not destructive. Gen. Jackson, in his report, acknowl
edges a loss of six killed and eight Avounded in the entrench
ments. His loss in the picket fight was over two hundred.
Our troops were under the enemy's guns for four hours.
With the exception of the slight disorder in the SeA^enth
Indiana, they Avere cool and steady as the bravest veterans.
The regiments supporting the batteries were required to lie
down, and when the orders were given to retire many of the
men, notwithstanding the furious cannonade, were sound
asleep, and had to be roughly shaken to rouse them for the
march. In one companj' of the Thirteenth Indiana a small
squad had collected, and were deeply absorbed in a game of
seven up, when Col. Sullivan rode along the line ordering
them to fall in. The game seems to have been very exciting,
for one of the men swore he had high, Ioav and jack in his
hand, and would take the penalty of a court martial before
he would throw up.
Leisurely the troops marched to the Summit, where bivou-

CHEAT MOUNTAIN CAMPAIGN, 193
acing for the night, the several regiments returned to their
camps the day after the fight,
THE ENEMY RETIRES.
Gen. Reynolds returned to Elk Water and sent the Third
and Sixth Ohio, Avho had been left to hold that post during
the reconnoissance, to watch the carap at Big Spring. A
portion of the Second Virginia, three pieces of Loomis' bat
tery, and Capt. Robinson's Ohio cavalry accompanied the
expedition. Col. Marrow, of the Third Ohio, Avas in com
mand. In a drenching rain, as usual, the column took the
line of march from Elk Water. The next day it reached
Mingo Flats, four miles from Big Springs, where the enemy's
advanced carap had been found by the force under Col. Sul
livan, The place was deserted. The camp had covered an
area of a thousand acres on a hill sloping gently from the
center to a range of lofty hills, which, like giant sentinels,
guarded it on every side. The autumn foliage of the oak,
Avith its variegated tints, crowned by the deep green of the
pines waving defiantly above the battlemented rocks, made
the scene indescribably beautiful. Here the infantry bivouaced,
b}' the side of the clear streams gushing from the rocks, and
Col. Marrow, Avith the cavalry, pushed on. Arriving at Big
Spring, where Gen. Lee's headquarters had been, he found
ruin and desolation in striking contrast to the grandeur and
beauty of the scene which a distant vicAv had presented. The
enemy had evidently retired hastily aud in disorder. The
tents Avere standing, but cut into shreds; army stores, strewn
around, Avere trampled into the deep mud; the charred
remains of barrels and boxes Avere everyAvhere visible ; wagons
with their axles cut and spokes broken were sticking in
the mire; gun barrels, bowie knife blades^ and pistol barrels,
were found amid the embei-s of the fires which had consumed
their stocks and handles, and great masses of cartridges were
trampled into the muddy pools. The mud from this point
onAvard was very deep. To escape with any of their stores
the enemy had been compelled to cut trees and make cordu
roy roads. Frequently Avagons were to be seen stuck immova-
VoL, I.— 13.

194 CHEAT MOUNTAIN CAMPAIGN.
bly in the mud and abandoned. The sites of fifteen detached
camps Avere counted betAveen Big Spring and the crossing of
Greenbriar river, not ono of Avliich had held less than a regi
ment — many of them had held brigades.
It was ascertaini'd that the rear guard of the enemy, on
this line Avas at Huntersville, the sick and Avounded at Warm
Springs in Greenbriar county, and the main army on its
march to some other scene of operations.
This virtually ended the campaign of Gen. Reynolds in
Western Virginia, Gen. Jackson abandoned his camp at the
Greenbriar, and fell back to the summit of the Alleghany
range, uuAvilling to risk another bombardment iu his strong
hold at Camp Bartow. Had he remained. Gen, Reynolds,
Avith the force then at his disposal, and the knoAvledge he
had acquired of the country, Avould have cut hira off.
Colonels Dumont and Milroy had in the meantime been
promoted. The Cheat Mountain army was divided into three
brigades. In the month of November the most of the troops
Avere ordered to Kentucky. Gen. Reynolds Avas ordered to
report in person to Gen. Rosecrans at Wheeling, and Gen
eral Milroy, with one brigade, was left to hold the mountain
passes. THE BATTLE OF ALLEGHANY.
Gen. Milroy, on being assigned the command of a brigade,
established his headquarters on Cheat Summit, and during
the mouths of October and November scouted the hills and
valleys Avith small detachments. The little valley of Greenbrier
again became the theater of frequent skirmishes. Some of
these were sharp and Avell contested. The evacuation of
Cam'p BartoAv left the Green Bank mud open to our recon
noitering parties, and both flanks of the enemy's position
Avere thoroughly examined. Tho General himself, with a
small body of cavalry, advanced to the base of the steep bluff
upon which the enemy's works Avere erected. Col. Edward
Johnson, of Georgia, had been left in .command when Gen.
Jackson Avas ordered South. He had a force of tAvelve hun
dred Confederate troops, togothcr wi h seven or eight hundred

CHEAT MOUNTAIN CAMPAIGN. 195
Virginia militia. Small detachments Avere also stationed at
Monterey, Iluutersvillo, and other points inaccessible to any
considerable Union force. Johnson felt secure in his moun
tain fastness. lie disregarded the demonstrations of Milroy
against his rock bound fortress, but indulged his troops in
occasional skirmishes with tho restless detachments of Mil
roy in the valley. Milroy chafed like a caged lion, Johnson
Avas willing to accommodate him with small afl'airs, but Avhen
ever a battalion moved down the valley, he drew in his pick
ets, and quietly watched from the heights. On one occasion
on]}-, Avhen three or four companies had bivouaced near the
deserted Camp Bartow, and built large fires, did he consent
to march out. He did it so quietly, that the first intimation
the detachraent had of the presence of an enemy was a volley
upon their fianks from the Avooded hillsides. Our brave men
unable to approach the concealed enemy, collected their
wounded and retired.
In the month of December Gen, Milroy succeeded to the
comraand of the Cheat Mountain division of the array, and
established his headquarters at Huttonsville, His force con
sisted of the Ninth and Thirteenth Indiana, the Twenty-Fifth
and Thirty-Second Ohio, the Second Virginia, Bracken's
cavaliy, and an artillery company without field guns, under
Capt. Rigby. The Ninth Indiana was stationed at the Sum
mit, the Twenty-Fifth Ohio and Second Virginia at Huttons
ville, with an outpost at Elk Water, the Thirteenth Indiana
and the Thirty-Second Ohio at Beverly, Rigby's batttery at
the Pass, and the cavalry scattered along the line, wherever
there Avas a stream to cross, a scout to make, or a message to
be carried.
With such of this small force as could be spared from the
duty of guarding his long line — subject to incursions of guer
rillas from Hardy and Tucker counties — Gen. Milroy resolved
to attack Johnson in his fortified camp at Alleghany.
The Twenty-Fifth Ohio, under Col, Jones, and a detachment
of the Second Virginia, under Major Owens, raoved to the
Summit on the twelfth, and three hundred of the Thirteenth
Indiana, under Major Dobbs, and one company of the Thirty-
Second Ohio, under Capt. Hamilton, marched from Beverly

196 CHEAT MOUNTAIN CAMPAIGN,
for the same destination. The roads in the valley were
almost impassible. The deep mud Avas covered with a light
frozen crust, which broke at every step. The provision trains
had to be forced by the hands of the meu to the foot of the
mountain slopes. The mountains Avere covered with snow.
The troops Avere exhausted Avhen they reached the Summit,
but were required, after a short rest, to resume the march.
The Ninth Indiana, CoL Moody, descended to the Greenbriar
Valley on the morning of the twelfth, and skirmished Avith the
enemy to retain possession of the temporary bridges over the
river. By ten o'clock at night the AA'hole force, numbering
two thousand men, was concentrated at Camp Bartow, but
many of them so exhausted that it Avas evident the mountain
march before them Avould overtask their energies. The night
was intensely cold. Gen. Milroy allowed the men to build
fires and make coft'ee. Soon the mountain sides were red
with flames. Some person set fire to the mill — the only build
ing at that time left standing in the Valley — and the fiaraes
from the dry timbers ascended toward the clear cold sky.
To surprise the enemy was now impossible. From any of
the heights overlooking the bivouac he could count our men,
and distinguish the arm of service to which they belonged.
Gen. Milroy called the commanders of detachments to his
camp fire, unfolded his plan and gave his instructions. Col.
Moody, with the Ninth Indiana and the detachment of the
Second Virginia, was to march six miles by the Green Bank
road, then turning to his right ascend the mountain and
attack the left fiank of the enemy. Their batteries were placed
at the edge of the bluff' commanding the Staunton pike.
These Col. Moody was to charge and capture. The guide
asserted that the road was clear, and the guns Avere unpro
tected by either abattis or earthworks. Capt. Rigby, with
sixty unarmed cannoneers, was to accompany Col. Moody,
and turn the guns upon the enemy when they were taken by
the infantry. The brow of the hill was to be reached quietly,
and the attack made at four o'clock precisely. Col. Jones,
with the Twenty-Fifth Ohio and the detachments of the
Thirteenth Indiana and Thirty-Second Ohio, Avas to move
up the mountain by the pike to the foot of Buffalo ridge,

CHEAT MOUNTAIN CAMPAIGN, 197
turn to his left, scale the heights, and charge the right and
rear of the works simultaneously with Col. Moody's attack
on the left. The reserve under Major Dobbs, consisting of
sixty-seven men of the Thirteenth Indiana, under Captains
Clinton and Johnston, and forty cavalrymen under Captain
Bracken, was to accompany Col. Jones' column to the foot
of the bluff and turn to the right on the road, which was cut
into the face of the hill at an angle of forty-five degrees,
striking the summit and turning square to the left upon the
plateau, at the point AA^bere the batteries were massed. The
reserve was to Avait on this road, where it was supposed they
would be out of range of the batteries, which were so placed
as to SAA-eep the road beyond. Col. Moody took up his line
of march about eleven o'clock, and at twelve the column of
Col. Jones and the reserve moved up the mountain. It Avas
a clear starlight night. At every step upward the cold
increased in intensity. Silently and cautiously the command
advanced. The measured tread of the men on the hard frozen
ground was the only sound. The hill side gave no indications
of a concealed foe. An ambush was expected by thfe men, and
there were a hundred places before they arrived at the foot of
the fortified ridge, which they proposed to storm, where their
ranks might have been decimated by a single volley. The
first picket post was met about one mile from Buffalo ridge.
The Twenty-Fifth Ohio, being in advance, received their fire
and had one man killed. The pickets fled over the hills, and
reached their camp. From this time until the battle opened
on the right an ominous silence rested over the hill soon des
tined to Avitness the hardest battle, for the number engaged,
that had yet been fought in Western Virginia.
Col, Jones left the pike while the stars were brilliantly
twinkling in the clear cold sky, and advanced up the steep
and rocky face of the ridge. The distance to the summit,
by the route traveled was about one mile. As the command
approached the brow of the hill the enemy's pickets were
discovered, but they retired without exchanging shots with
our men, A company of the Thirteenth Indiana, led by
Lieut, McDonald, of Gen. Reynolds' staff, was in advance.
They were ordered to follow the pickets at double quick.

198 CHEAT MOUNTAIN CAMPAIGN.
They soon reached the edge of the Avoods and Avere in full
view of the camp. The enemy Avas formed and advancing.
Lieut. McDonald deployed into line. Col. .Jones formed the
remainder of the command on his left, and the whole line
opened fire. After a few rounds the enemy retreated in con-
fusiou. They AA^ere rallied, and again adA^anced, firing with
great vigor. Then it Avas, that some of our men, startled at
the bold front and rapid advance of the enemy, fell to the
rear. Capts. CharlesAVorth and CroAA^, of the Twenty-Fifth
Ohio, Capt. Hamilton of the Thirty-Second, Lieut. McDonald
and Capts. Mj'crs and NeAA'land of the Thirteenth Indiana,
rallied them, and the enemy, unable to face the storm of lead,
again fell back. Their next effort was to turn the right flank
of our line. In this they failed, but our men, in changing
ground to meet the attack, fell into confusion, and it required
extraordinary exertion on the part of the officers to again
present an unbroken line. Three other attempts to drive our
force from the woods Avere met and repulsed. The enemy
then attempted a fiank movement on the left. Col. Jones
ordered a portion of the command to advance and attack the
flanking party, which was done with a yell. They broke and
our men pursued to the cabins within the camp enclosure,
Avhen they in turn were driven back. The firing until this
time had been very heavy. Col. Moody's command had not
appeared. Many of the men having expended their ammu
nition and become discouraged, left the field. The efforts of
the officers longer to control them Avere unavailing. A little
band of choice spirits hoAvever, presented a bold front to the
advancing column. The artillery at this time finding their
efforts on the reserve unavailing, turned upon the devoted
band of heroes who still contested the field on their right.
Their situation Avas desperate, and they fought like demons,
driving the heavy column of the enemy towards their cabins.
Col. Jones then gathered his little band and descended the
hill. The enemy did not pursue, for Col. Moody's column
about this time appeared on their left.
While the fight on the right was progressing, and up till
the moment that the last desperate charge was made upou
the thinned ranks of Col. Jones, the batteries on the hill had

CHEAT MOUNTAIN CAMPAIGN. 199
been A'aiuly striving to get range on the reserve. They could
SAveep the road up to the point where it turned to the right
to ascend the ridge, but there from the configuration of the
ground, they could not land a shot or shell. The persistent
effort hoAvever, was annoying, and Gen. Milroy resolved to
take it by a charge from the road. He had sent off all but
sixteen men of his cavalry, to rally the fugitives from the
right, and to form them if possible, a short distance iu the
rear, under the protection of a spur. Ordering Capts. Clin
ton and Johnson, of the Thirteenth Indiana, Avith their small
command of sixty men, to deploy on the hill side and under
cover of the timber get a position on the left hand side of
the road facing the battery. Gen. Milroy put himself at the
head of those sixteen horsemen, and dashed up the pike to
capture the guns. By this time the Ninth Indiana, on the
enemy's left, had opened fire. Milroy got right under the
enemy's guns, Avhich were placed on a perpendicular bank
fifteen feet above the road bed, and protected by heavy tim
bers. The grape shot flew over the heads of the horsemen.
The cannoneers, enraged that they could not depress their
pieces, threw shot by hand, and hurled stones over the bank.
In the meantime Capts. Clinton and Johnson had ascended
the hill where they were met by the enemy's troops returning
from the fight with Col. Jones on the right. By a rapid
movement one battalion of this force Avas throAvn in the rear
of the little handful of the Thirteenth. Their capture seemed
inevitable. Clinton and Johnson drew their men together,
and charging with a shout upou the center of the enemy's
line, broke through, and drove thirteen prisoners before them
to the foot of the bluff". Milroy and his cavalrymen were left
in the gorge. From the position he occupied no Union
infantry could be seen. Pie was poAverless there. The shots
from the carbines of his men Avere Avasted on the heavy tim
bers. The broken battalion through which Clinton and
Johnson had charged Avas approaching. Gen. Milroy gaA'e
the order to gallop to the turn in the road at the foot of the
bluff". He was foUoAved by a storm of grape and canister
from the batteries, and by a volley from the infantry on the
broAv of the hill ; but the iron and leaden hail sung its song of
battle far above his head.

200 CHEAT MOUNTAIN CAMPAIGN.
The fight was over in this part of the field, and nothing
remained but to collect the wounded, and carry them to the
hospital established by Dr, Gall, of the Thirteenth Indiana,
under the protection of a spur of a hill. The Doctor
climbed the hill Avith Col, Jones' column, and remained
under the leaden storm until the men of the Thirteenth
begged hira, for their sakes, to retire. At great personal risk,
he sought the wounded, and had thera conveyed to a cabin,
where he assiduously labored in relieving their sufferings.
The wounded had to pass for a quarter of a mile over a ridge,
swept by the enemy's batteries. Four of his guns constantly
played on this sole avenue of escape ; but Providence thrcAV
a protecting mantle over our wounded in passing over that
ridge. Not one of them Avas hit. Several shells burst in the
midst of men as they sloAvly toiled along with their precious
freight of wounded men; but the shells Avere harmless. The
cavalry were carrying the last of our wounded on their
horses, when halfway over the ridge, four shells fell in their
midst. The only effect Avas to startle the horses, at which a
loud laugh rung out from the enemy's camps.
The column of Col, Moody Avas still engaged. Every shot
and shout could be heard where Gen. Milroy stood. He Avas
Avithin half a mile of the position they occupied. A deep
ravine, and an inaccessible bluff, interposed. It was evident
Col. Moody had failed in taking the batteries; for now that
the reserve was out of sight, and the exposed ridge no longer
traversed by the wounded and those who were caring for
them, the guns were all turned in the direction of Col.
Moody's command. Gen. Milroy becarae uneasy for the
safety of his men. His favorite Ninth, every man of whom
he loved, might be in peril. To reach them by any road
known to the guides or scouts, he must return to Carap Bar
tow and follow the route they had taken. This he resolved
to do. Leaving Dr. Gall Avith the wounded, he started down
the mountain Avith the cavalry. The distance he had to go
was sixteen miles. He rode at the utmost speed down the
steep hills, and up the rugged slopes. As he passed through
Camp Bartow, where Col, Jones' column had re-forraed, and
was gathering up the stragglers, he gave orders, without

CHEAT MOUNTAIN CAMPAIGN. 201
draAving rein, for a train to be sent to Doctor G^all for the
wounded, and for other Avagons to folloAV him. One by one
the escort fell off. Their horses gave out. Some fell on the
rocky slopes, and injured their riders. Tavo miles on the
Green Bank road, stragglers from Moody's column Avere met.
Some were in charge of wounded comrades, who had been
brought from the field; but the great majority had never
been in the fight after the first charge was made on the bat
tery. They reported that the Ninth was still skirmishing in
the woods on the bluff", but were in .a position to retire at any
moraent. The roar of the enemy's artillery still reverberated
through the hills, and the blue puff's of smoke could be seen
on the left curling up over the summit. Gen. Milroy dashed
on. When he reached the point where Coh Moody had left
the road to climb the ridge, he suddenly checked his panting
steed, and pointing up, exclaimed, "My glorious Ninth!"
On the face of the hill, troops were seen slowly descending.
The spaces between the companies, even at that distance,
could be distinguished. The Ninth was retiring in perfect
order, bearing with them their dead and wounded. It was
not many minutes until the General was in their midst, and
welcomed with lively demonstrations of regard.
Col. Moody, after leaving the Green Bank road, had found
the track he was to pursue exceedingly difficult on a night
raarch. The ascent up the rugged bluff was far more pre
cipitous than he expected to find it. The hour for the attack
had passed when he reached its base. They heard the firing
and hastened on. But with all their efforts, it was eight
o'clock before they reached the broAv of the hill. A sharp
picket fight took place there. Col. Moody formed his line
on a slight depression in the ground. Contrary to the repre
sentation of scouts, a thick abattis of timber extended three
or four hundred yards in front of the intrenchments. Col .
Moody ordered a charge. Gallantly his men rushed forward;
and while struggling in the fallen timber, a murderous fire
was poured upon them. Volley after volley followed. So
thick Avere the obstructions, that Col. Moody at once saw
that to continue the attempt to reach the works over the
tangled heaps of logs and brush would insure the destruction

202 CHEAT MOUNTAIN CAMP.AIGN.
of his command. The men lay down behind the logs, and
kept up the tight for four hours. Major Milroy now asked to
lead a storming party. He Avalked back and forth along the
line, encouraging the men to continue the fight. At one
time he got close up to the Avorks, and an entire company
rose and fired at him. The shots passed over his head.
Turning indignantly, he taunted the rebels with their bad
shooting, and told them to fire low. A laugh from the rifie
pits, and a promise to hit him next time, Avas the reply.
Many of our men craAvled close up to the Avorks, and con
versed with the rebels, daring them to take a shot singly or in
platoons. The instances of individual daring Avere numerous.
Joseph Gordon, of the Ninth Indiana, Avas killed while stand
ing on a log calling for an officer to lead a storming party he
had improvised. But a second attempt to storm the Avorks,
with thinned ranks, and Avith the whole force of the enemy
centered at that point, Avould have been murder. Col. Moody
Avould not perrait it. Judging that our left wing had been
repulsed, he held the enemy from pursuit, aud retired in time
to reach the main road before nightfall. He drcAV oft' his
men leisurely, and in splendid order. The enemy did not
dare to pursue.
For the numbers actually engaged, this was the bloodiest
fight which had yet occurred in Western Virginia, Our loss,
by the reports on file, Avas twenty killed, one hundred and
seven wounded, and ten missing. The enemy report about
the same. The losses on both sides were doubtless heavier.
The reports of the battle, published at the time, iu the
papers North and South, Avere incorrect. The dispatches
North claimed that the enemy Avas completely defeated, and
that they burned their camp and retired to Staunton. The
dispatches South boldly asserted that our troops Avere driven
off in confusion, and pursued down the mountain Avith great
slaughter. The truth is, the enemy defended their position
with great valor, and at no period of the engagement did
they show symptoms of deserting their post. Our attack
was repulsed on both flanks, from the failure of the columns
to begin the fight simultaneouslj^, thus enabling the enemy
to beat us in detail. The rebels did not pursue. Not a man

CHEAT JIOUNTAlN CA.AIPAIOy. 203
ihoAved his face outside tho intrenchments, ;i,s our forces
moved off'. Dr. Gall, Avho remained on the pike, Avilliin a
mile of the works until late in the night, Avas uninterrupted.
and the Avagons sent for tho Avounded returned Avithout haviuc:
been hailed, much less attacked. HUNTERSVILLE.
The last expedition undertaken by Gen. Milroy, Avhile iu
command of the Cheat Mountain division of the army, Avas
entirely successful. It Avas planned with skill, and executed
Avith ability. Learning that Gen. Loriug had removed his
headquarters from Huntersville to Staunton, aud left a large
amount of stores at the former place under a small guard,
Gen. Milro}' resolved to destroy them. To reach Hunters-
A'ille the attacking force Avould be obliged to pass a road lead
ing directly to the enemy's camp at Alleghany, from Avhcnce
they might be attacked on the flank, or if permitted to pro
ceed, their retreat could be cut off'. Gen. Milroy, to prevent
the possibility of failure, deterrained to divide his force into
three columns. The Ninth Indiana, under Col. Moody, Avas
ordered to bivouac at old Camp BartoAV, and make a feint of
moving up the mountain, A battalion of the Twenty-Fifth
Ohio and a detachment of the Second Virginia, with Bracken's
cavalry, were to move through Elk Water, and by a rapid
march reach Huntersville, destroy the stores and return.
This column was under the command of Major Webster, of
the TAventy-Fifth Ohio. A third column under command of
Lt. Col, Richardson, AA'as to follow Major Webster to the
junction of the Green Bank road Avith the Huntersville pike,
and hold that position until he returned.
Major Webster made a rapid march. From the old camp
of Gen. Lee at Big Spring, the road Avas blockaded with tim
ber. Without Avaiting to remove the obstructions, the teams
Avere left with a small guard, aud the infantry and cavalry
Avent round the obstructions. The rebels, notwithstanding
the celerity of the moveraent, were advised of the approach.
On January fourth, Major Webster reached the Greenbriar
bridge. The enemy Avas in position to dispute his passage.

204 CHEAT MOUNTAIN CAMPAIGN.
Intrenchments, evidently thrown up before the retirement
of the rebel army, extended on each side of the bridge,
behind which the infantry was posted. Their cavalry was
on the opposite bank. They had no cannon. Major Web
ster rode forward and reconnoitered the works. His judg
ment was that the force behind the breastworks did not
exceed three hundred men. Their cavalry could be counted.
They nearly doubled our force. Seeking a ford a short dis
tance below the bridge. Major Webster ordered Lieut. Delzell
to cross with his command, and charge the rebel cavalry,
while he moved upon the intrenchments Avith the infantry.
Delzell, followed by fifty men, dashed into the stream and
was soon galloping up the meadow in line. Webster in the
meantime was moving at double quick upon the breastworks.
The rebel infantry gave one wild volley and broke for the
hills. The cavalry, observing the fiight of the infantry,
turned and fied, before Delzell could get within striking dis
tance. The chase was exciting. Our cavalrymen, for weary
months, had scouted the mountains, and skirmished amid
rocks and tangled thickets and this Avas the first chance they
had to air the heels of their horses on a clear turf in pursuit
of an enemy. The rebel cavalry fied through the town of
Huntersville, and the infantry were soon lost to sight among
the hills on the opposite side of the river, where pursuit was
hopeless. There was no opposition made to the entrance of our
forces into town. A large amount of commissary and quar
termasters stores Avere found, which were burned Avith the
buildings in which they were stored. The jail, so long used
as a prison for Union citizens and soldiers, was also burned,
but private property Avas respected. The command returned
to Huttonsville without the loss of a man.

REGIMENTAL HISTORY.

CHAPTER VIL
THIRTEENTH REGIMENT,
The history of this regiment is full of stirring incidents.
So gallant has been their conduct, aud so invincible have they
been on the field of battle, that, by common consent, they
have been named the "Old Guard;" AA'hich name they
proudly cherish, and so far the "Old Guard" has never
recoiled. Organized at Indianapolis in May, 1861, it rendezvoused
at Camp Sullivan. It was raised as a State regiment, for one
year, but when the proposition was made to volunteer for
three years, it was unanimously adopted, and the regiment
was transferred to the service of the United States.
Two companies were recruited at Indianapolis; one in
Miami county; one in Jefferson county; one in Howard
county; one in Huntington county; one in Washington
county; one in Ripley county; one in Johnson county; one
in Bartholomew county. The following is the roster :
Field and Staff Officers, — Colonel, Jere C, Sullivan, Madi
son; Lieutenant Colonel, Horace Heff'ren, Salem; Major,
Roberts. Foster, Indianapolis; Adjutant, Charles H. Ross,
Zanesville, Ohio ; Regimental Quartermaster, Thomas H.
Collins, New Albany; Surgeon, Ferdinand Mason, Indian
apolis; Assistant Surgeon, Alois D. Gall, Indianapolis; Chap
lain, Joseph Cotton. 205

206 KEGIMEXTAL HISTORY.
Company A, — Captain, Cyrus J. Dobbs, Indianapolis; First
Lieutenant, George E, AVallaee, Indianapolis; Second Lieu
tenant, George H. Rupp, Indianapolis.
Company B. — Captain, John M. Wilson, Peru ; First Lieu
tenant, AVilliam II. Shield.?, Peru; Second Lieutenant, Wil
liam F. iL AVallick, Peru.
Company C. — Captain, John C Burton, BrookA'ille; First
Lieutenant, Edmund Finn, Brookvilie; >Sccoiid Lieutenant,
James C. Rothrock, Brookvilie.
Company D. — Captaiu, John D.P, A. M. Chauncy, Madison;
First Lieutenant, Robert Scott, Madison; Second Lieutenant,
William C. Stiueback, Madison.
Company E. — Captain, Thomas ISl. Kii-kpatrick, Kokomo;
Fir.-t Lieutenant, Barnabas Busby, Kokomo; Second Lieuten
ant, N. P. Richmond, Kokomo.
Company F. — Captain, Henry A. Johuson, Roanoke; First
Lieutenant, Isaac Delong, Huntington; Second Lieutenant,
Harmon H. Hendricks, Huntington.
Company G. — Captain, Stephen D. Sayles, Salem; First
Lieutenant, Plorace il. Attkisson, Salem ; Second Lieutenant,
Ed^A-ard }.I. Butler, Salem.
Company H. — ^Captain, Wharton R. Clinton, Indianapolis;
First Lieutenant, P. P. Price, Indianapolis; Second Lieuten
ant, George Seese, Indianapolis.
Company I. — Captain, Benjamin H. Myers, Versailles; First
Lieutenant, John R. Coverdill, Versailles; Second Lieutenant,
John II. Roerty, Versailles.
Company K. — Captain, George W. Harrington, Columbus;
First Lieutenant, Joseph B. Hunter, Columbus ; Second Lieu
tenant, Daniel Stryker.
On the fourth of July the regiment left Indianapolis for
Western Virginia, arriA'ing at Clarksburgh, Va., during the
afternoon of the sixth. The iio.xt morning it marched for
Rich Mountain, and reached Roaring Run, at the foot of
the mountain, on the morning of the tenth. Here it was
assigned to Gen. McClellan's command.
At daylight, on the morning of the cleA'enth of July, this
gallant band, only seven days from their quiet homes, moA^ed
into battle. Preceded by the Eighth and Tenth Indiana, and

REGIME.XTAL HISTORY. 207
followed by the Nineteenth Ohio, and a conqiany of cavalry,
all under command of Brig. Gen. Wm. S, Rosecrans, the
column moved along a narrow by-path. Quietly they
pressed through the Avoods, over the mountain spurs and
through deep ravines, until miles of Avilderness were traversed.
About one o'clock our pickets came in sight of the enemy,
Avho at once opened on our advance Avith tAvo pieces of artil
lery. The column pressed forward until within range of the
enemy's rifle pits, when it halted and the dift'erent regiments
took position.
The enemy Avas posted behind breastworks ou the Beverly
pike, at the edge of a wood, in a small valley, between the
summits of Rich Mountain, The Thirteenth Avas on the left.
The right of our column opened fire, and the regiraent moved
sloAvly forward. Gen. Rosecrans rode up to the advance and
ordered a charge. With a wild shout, the glittering bayonets
of the Thirteenth plunged forvpard, led by Col. SuUivau.
The contest was hand to hand, short, sharp, bloody and
decisive. Tlie enemy fied in terror from their stronghold.
In less than three hours from the time the first shot Avas fired,
our forces took the position and the enemy AA^ere fugitives in
the mountains. The regiment lost eight killed and nine
wounded. It AVas knoAvn that Col. Pegram, with a large force of the
enemy, Avas strongly intrenched between the position of the
regiment and its old camp, so the column halted for the night.
On the thirteenth the regiment marched to Beverly. Rest
ing a few days, it started, on the twentj'-third, up Tygart's
Valley. Moving up this valley, it passed through Huttons
ville, and at dark reached Cheat Mountain Pass.
On the twenty-ninth of August, the regiment started on a
scouting expedition. Following up a small stream, between
two mountains, OA'er rocks, brush and fallen timber, the men
pressed on in the night, guided, at times, by the splashing
footsteps of their comrades in the mud and Avater. At mid
night the regiment halted, having made a march of tAvelve
miles. At three o'clock they resumed the march, and at day
light reached Brady's Gates, a small cleared spot on the top
of a mountain, in an almost unbroken forest. No enemy

208 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
was met, however, and, retracing their steps, through woods
and mud, the regiment reached Cheat Mountain Pass on the
first of September. On the third of September the regi
ment started on another scouting expedition and reached the
top of Shaver Mountain, returning on the evening of the
seventh, after having marched fifty-eight miles.
On the eleventh of September it Avas reported that the
enemy in force, under Gen. R, E, Lee, were moving on our
positions at Elk Water and Cheat Mountain Surarait, and
that a force of three thousand Avere marching round the
mountain to flank the other camps, or attack us. Next day
communications Avere cat ofl" with the Summit. Gen, Rey
nolds moved his headquarters to Camp Elk Water,
At daylight on the thirteenth Col. Sullivan started with
the regiment to open communications with the Summit.
Winding up the mountain road the regiment passed the
camp lately occupied by the enemy, Avho had just been driven
aAvay, The enemy retiring from our front, the regiment
returned to Elk Water, having had sixteen men taken pris
oners. On the tAventy-sixth of September, the regiment moved to
reconnoiter the enemy's position at Mingo Flats, and, after
marching through a heavy rain, and fording several streams,
reached their camp on the second day, to find it SAvept aAvay
by the fiood.
The first of October the regiment marched for Cheat Moun
tain Summit, arriving there on the second. Here it joined a
force of six thousand men, under Gen, Reynolds, Avho was
about to make a reconnoissance of the enemy's position on
the Greenbriar River. Leaving the Summit early on the
morning of the third, on the Staunton pike, our advance, at
daylight, drove in the enemy's pickets. Crossing the river,
and turning up a valley to the left, the column came in sight
of the enemy's position. It consisted of strong fortifications
at the head of the valley, flanked by steep mountains. Our
artillery opened fire, and advanced Avithin eight hundred
yards of the enemy's works. The enemy's artillery replied
Avith much spirit. The regiment supported Howe's battery.
Fourth U. S. Artillery, The valley being narroAv, the moun-

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 209
tains flanking it impassable, there was no room to maneuver.
A fierce artillery duel took place, lasting until noon, when
our whole force withdrew. The enemy Avas found to be very
strong, in an impregnable position. The regiment lost one
killed, and one Avounded. The next day our forces fell back
to Cheat Mountain. Soon afterward the eneray abandoned
his position on the Greenbriar.
The regiment went into camp near Huttonsville on the
tenth of October. Lieut. Col. Heffren Avas transferred to tho
Fiftieth regiment. Major R. S. Foster was promoted to
Lieutenant Colonel, and Capt. Cyrus J. Dobbs, company A,
promoted to the Majorship. The men, after their hard
marches, gained new strength by a short rest in their new
camp. SCOUTING.
On the twenty-ninth of October the regiment left on a
scouting expedition, through an unfrequented and unknown
part of this truly wild region. So rough were the roads that
the rations were placed on pack mules. Passing through
Huttonsville and Elk Water, the regiment moved up Tygart's
Valley, and turned to the right up Point Mountain, bivou-
acing near Brady's Gate. Ascending Pilot Mountain, it
marched all day along its ridge, part of the time on a rude
mountain path. The country was wild and desolate; the
roads were covered with briars; and not a house was visible.
Still the column pushed on. Crossing Holly River, on the
first of November, it marched over several mountain spurs^
and again came to the crooked Holly river. Following the
course of this stream, on a foot path, through a narrow val
ley and an unbroken wilderness, save here and there a rude
cabin, the column pushed on through the chaparral and
unbroken Avoods. Presently our scouts were fired on, but
the guerrillas were speedily captured. About two o'clock,
Noveraber second, the command reached the forks of Holly
River. A few miles off was the enemy's camp on the Big
Elk River, under Gen. Floyd. Turning up the left fork of
the Holly, the regiment climbed Brown's Mountain, and
Vol L— 14.

210 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
marched along its summit; then, leaving the mountain,
crossed the Little Kanawha, aud at night arrived at a place
called "Fort Pickens." Here, amid the wilds of nature, sur
rounded by rebels, Avith all the energy of the foe brought to
bear against them, a band of mountaineers had erected a
small block house, and Avere holding it against fearful odds.
True to their country, the Union and the flag, they held their
own against the guerrillas, and bid them defiance. Thus does
the Union spirit live in many portions of the South. Bless
the noble band among these desolate mountains, for they are
truly a band of heroes! There were sixty of these hardy
mountaineers; they lived and cooked in their small fort.
They filled immense iron boilers with coffee, and treated the
men of the Thirteenth like brothers. One gray-haired vet
eran of eighty, being asked if he A\'as not too old to fight,
drcAv himself proudly up, and, raising his rifie, said his eye
sight Avas good for two hundred yards. It made the hearts
of our men strong to hear that brave old patriot speak.
On the fourth of November, the march was continued
through a thickly settled and fertile country. All this time
our scouts were out, sometimes representing themselves as
fleeing from the Union men, and getting loads of provisions
for our hungry soldiers, sometimes telling Union citizens who
they were, and gaining valuable information.
Bivouacing on Buckhannon River, for a night, the column
pressed on, aud on the fifth reached Middle Fork Bridge, on
the Beverly pike. The next morning the march was contin
ued, over Rich Mountain, and through Beverly. It had
rained almost incessantly for several days. The roads were
a floating mass of mud; the fields, swamps; sometimes the
men Avent down to their knees in the sticky mud. It was
struggle, splash and struggle. Over boots, and out of
patience, in the bitter cold of November, our men moved
resolutely forA\'ard, sometimes jovial and sometimes angry;
hungry as men could be, yet on they pressed. The troops at
Beverly fed the men as they passed through, and at sundown
on the sixth they reached their camp, having traveled over
one hundred and eighty miles in extent, broken up several
nests of guerrillas, captured nine, and overawed these des-

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 211
peradoes so thoroughly that no organized band could after
Avards be raised. Such was the famous scouting expedition
of the Thirteenth, through the mountains of Western Vir
ginia. A nine day's march with flve day's rations; a great
extent of country explored; much valuable information
obtained; and the loyal men encouraged.
Col. Sullivan was appointed commander of the post at
Beverly on the twenty-flfth of November, and the regiment
performed guard and picket duty for three weeks. On the
eleventh of December, Major Cyrus J. Dobbs, with about
two hundred of the regiraent, left camp for Cheat Mountain,
to join Gen. Milroy in an expedition against the enemy at
Camp Alleghany on the Staunton road. They bivouaced that
night at Huttonsville, reaching Cheat Mountain Summit next
day. After a short rest, the force moved on to Greenbriar,
At midnight the column left Greenbriar, along the main road.
The night was clear and cold; the roads rough. The column
pushed steadily forward, and before daybreak on the thir
teenth, came in contact with the enemy's pickets, who fired
and fled. Advancing rapidly, the enemy's camp fires were
seen on the top of a high mountain directly in front. At
daylight, leaving the main road, the column turned td the
left, following a path which circled round and up the moun
tain. At eight o'clock it reached the Summit, near the
enemy's works, consisting of a fort and rifie pits. Halting to
form line of battle, it Avas fired on from an ambuscade. A
charge Avas made, the enemy fled to their rifle pits, from
which they poured forth a destructive fire. By manuevers,
the enemy Avere three times dra.wn frora their rifle pits, and
suffered heavily ; but each time retreating to the cover of his
works, he skillfully eluded an open fight. The fight lasted
until noon, when, not having sufficient force to charge upon
the works, our column withdrew. The attack Avas a gallant
one, but failed for lack of proper support. The loss of the
regiment was six killed, sixteen wounded, and one missing.
Lieut. Jones was killed in this action. Leaving the battle
field, the regiraent reached Beveriy on the fifteenth.
On the eighteenth the regiment left Beverly for the east;
crossing the Alleghany Mountains, it arrived at Green Spring

212 -REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
Run on the twenty-second. In six months it marched five
hundred and fifty-five miles. On the fourth of January,
1862, it left Green Spring Run to reinforce our troops at
Berkley Springs, but met the force falling back before the
rebel General Jackson. Returning, it took its old position,
and Gen. Lander took command of the department.
On the thirteenth of February, the regiment started on an
expedition against a rebel force at Bloomery Furnace. The
attacking column moved along a by-path ; the , Thirteenth
taking the main road. Upon reaching the Pass, our troops
Avere found in possession, the enemy having fied. On the
second of March, Gen. Lander died, and the Thirteenth acted
as a guard of honor over his remains. On the fifth the com
mand left for Martinsburgh, arriving there on the seventh.
Gen. Shields took command of the division to which the
regiment was attached, on the ninth. Col. Sullivan com
raanded the brigade, and Lieut. Col. Foster the regiment.
On the eleventh the column moved towards Winchester, and
the next day bivouaced one mile north of that place.
On the eighteenth of March, Shield's division started on a
reconnoissance toAvards Strasburgh, reaching Cedar Creek at
night, across which a small body of the enemy fell back,
burning the bridge. After an artillery skirmish, the column
bivouaced. Crossed the creek at early dawn, the enemy fall
ing back. Pushed on two miles beyond Strasburgh, and
halted for the night. The next day the command returned
to Winchester.
Near sundown, on the twenty-second of March, the enemy
attacked our pickets on the Strasburgh road. The regiment
was called out and remained (fi? picket during the night.
The next morning it marched nearly to Kernstown. With
the exception of artillery firing, all 'wa,s quiet till noon. At
that time the fire swelled in volume, denoting a battle. At
four o'clock the enemy unmasked his position on our right,
and our infantry became engaged. The battle raged for
several hours. The regiment held its post on the left for
some time, when it was moved to the right. The enemy was
posted in a wood. To reach his position, the regiment had
to pass over an open field exposed to a terrific fire from shell,

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 213
grape and musketry. As the comraand approached the edge
of the wood, the word was given for a bayonet charge- The
eager line rushed upon the enemy, forcing him from his cover,
and winning the battle. By night, our forces had driven the
enemy from the field, and held possession of every part of
the ground fought over. Night rendering pursuit difficult,
the regiment bivouaced in the woods. The loss was six
killed, two officers — Major Dobbs and Capt. Sayles — and
thirty-one men, wounded.
On the twenty-fourth, the enemy was in full retreat. Col.
Sullivan, with his brigade, in rapid pursuit. Gen. Banks
took command of the troops at noon. The enemy's rear
guard, consisting of cavalry and artillery, made a short stand
at every favorable position, and somewhat retarded our pur
suit. At night the regiment bivouaced at Cedar Creek.
The next day — the enemy still retreating — the regiment
passed through Strasburgh, and encamped at the foot of
Round Hilh
On the first of April, the march was continued up the
valley. A small force of the enemy's cavalry, with artillery,
burning bridges and skirmishing, fell back as the regiment
advanced. The regiment halted and encamped near Edin
burgh. On the seventeenth, at one o'clock, a. m,, it moved up the
valley, and at daylight reached Mount Jackson, the enemy
still obstructing their advance. From Mount Jackson, the
brigade was sent on a flank movement to the rear of New
Market. After marching all day over muddy roads, the col
umn reached the west branch of the Shenandoah River at
dark and bivouaced. The next day crossed the river, and
entered New Market.
On the twenty-sixth, the regiment marched over Massa-
nutten Mountain to Columbian Bridge, and took position on
outpost duty. On the second of May, Col. Sullivan was con
firmed as Brigadier General. Lieut. Col, Foster succeeded
to the Colonelcy, Major C, J. Dobbs to the Lieutenant Colo
nelcy, and Capt. John M. Wilson, of Co. B, was promoted
to the Majority.
On the seventh, the regiment started on a reconnoissance

214 REGIMENTAL HISTORY'.
to a place known as Summerville, or Dogtown, seven miles
up the river, Avhere the enemy Avas known to be in force.
Crossing the river, the force moved up the eastern bank six
miles, discovering the enemy's pickets, who fell back. Com
panies were posted on the left to protect our flank, our right
being on the river. The remaining companies went forward,
and, having succeeded in the reconnoissance, were falling
back, when word came that a company of the First Vermont
cavalry, Avhich had accompanied the regiment, had been cut
off. The Thirteenth moved to their assistance. Gaining the
crest of a hill, it engaged the enemy for a short time; but
seeing him make a flank movement, the regiment fell back,
the cavalry, meanwhile, escaped by sAvimming the river.
The loss was four wounded, and twenty-four prisoners.
On the twelfth, in hght marching order, the regiment left
the outpost, joined the division on the Luray road, and
bivouaced near White House Bridge, The next day, passed
through Luray, down the valley ; and on the morning of the
fourteenth, reached Front Royal. The succeeding day ascen
ded the Blue Ridge at Chester Gap, and bivouaced on the
eastern slope. The day following reached Gaines' Cross
Roads, and on the seventeenth arrived at Warrenton. The
next day marched to Catlett's station, and halted for two
days. On the twenty-flrst started for Falmouth, reaching
there on the night of the tAventy-second.
On the twenty-fourth it Avas reported that Gen. Banks had
been overwhelmed in the Valley of the Shenandoah, and the
regiment was ordered to retrace its march to Front Royal,
and try and gain the enemy's rear. The next day reached
Catlett's Station, and, following the railroad to Manassas
Junction, turned to the left and proceeded along the Manas
sas Gap railroad, passing through Thoroughfare Gap, and
bivouacing near Rectortown, The day after the march was
continued till midnight, the regiment halting at the foot of
tho Blue Ridge mountains. On the thirteenth passed through
Manassas Gap and at night reached Front Royal.
On the first of June, Gen. McDowell reached the command
with reinforceraents. During the morning firing was heard
in the direction of Strasburgh. The command was ordered

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 215
in that direction. It was soon ascertained that Gen. Fremont
had failed to intercept the enemy at Strasburgli, The divis
ion then proceeded in the direction of New Market, in hopes
of intercepting the enemy. On the second it passed through
Luray and reached the Shenandoah, but the enemy had
burned the bridges, and the river was not fordable. The
brigade was theu ordered to Port Republic. Reaching Rock
ingham on the ninth the Thirteenth met the brigade frora Port
Republic, who reported the enemy as having forced its way
through, and being in rapid march to Staunton. The division
then took up its march doAvn the Valley, the Thirteenth cov
ering the movement. On the eleventh it reached Luray and
went into camp. On the fifteenth continued the march, and
on the seventeenth arrived at Front Royal. On the twenty-
first again crossed the Blue Ridge, and on the twenty-fourth
arrived at Bristow Station.
On the twenty-eighth the regiment left for Alexandria, and
on the thirtieth embarked on transports for Fortress Monroe,
arriving there on the first of July. The next day sailed up
James River, arriving at Harrison's Landing that night.
All over the muddy flat around the Landing, in confusion
and disorder, were scattered the weary veterans of the Army
of the Potomac, crouching in the rain, Avithout food or shel
ter, after seven days of terrible fighting. Through the rain
and mud, each man with a sheaf of wheat on his back for a
bed, the gallant members of this brigade pushed forAvard to
the front. As they AVOund their way through the tangled
mass of wagons and camps, cheers greeted them from their
brother A'eterans. Through the swamp and up the steep hill
they pushed, to the extreme front, Avhore they entered on
picket duty. Here it remained until the sixth, when it
returned to the James River and went into camp. For tAVO
or three Aveeks the regiment Avorked on the defenses. On
the fifth of August it went on picket toAvard Malvern Hill,
remaining there till the fifteenth.
On the sixteenth it left the deserted camps at Harrison's
Landing for the march across the Peninsula. The whole
Army of the Potomac was moving, and clouds of dust cov
ered every column. Crossing the Chickahominy on a pontoon

216 REGIMENTAL HISTORY,
bridge, the regiment passed through Williamsburgh on the
eighteenth, and on the twentieth reached Yorktown, where
it camped. On the twenty-fourth it marched to Hampton.
On the thirtieth embarked on a steamer, crossed Hampton
Roads, ascended the Nansemond River to Suffolk, and
encamped near that town. Gen, Mansfield was in command
of the post. Upon the arrival of the brigade Gen, Ferry
took command, and the force took the place of troops whose
term of service had expired.
During the latter part of September other troops arrived.
Gen, Peck took command of the post, and Col, R. S, Foster
was assigned to the command of a brigade of new troops,
the command of the Thirteenth falling on Lieut, Col, C. J.
Dobbs. On the second of October the regiment started on a march
in a south-west direction, near the line of the Roanoke and
Seaboard Railroad, the forces being commanded by Col,
Spear, of the Eleventh Pennsylvania cavalry. Halting for a
short time, near daylight on the third, the forces pushed on
and confronted the enemy at Franklin, where the railroad
crosses the Blackwater River, The artillery and skirmishers
were engaged three hours, and our column withdrew, falling
back on the Deserted House. The next day arrived in camp.
On the twenty-fourth of October the regiment started on
another reconnoissance. Marched some distance along the
Franklin road, then turned to the right along the line of the
Petersburgh railroad beyond Winsor. Turning to the left,
about noon arrived near Blackwater bridge, where a small
force of the enemy was found, and some skirmishing took
place. Next day returned to Winsor, and on the twenty-
sixth arrived in camp at Suffolk.
On the seventeenth another expedition was made to the
Blackwater region. The enemy was found in small force at
Joiners' Ford on the Blackwater. After two days absence
reached camp, losing seven men who were taken prisoners.
On the eleventh of December another march was made alone-
the Petersburgh railroad. At dayhght the next morning
arrived at Miner's Ford ou the Blackwater River. Here a
small force of the enemy, posted in a stockade commanding

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 217
the ford, made a gallant fight. Several attempts to cross
were repulsed. Companies I and K crossed below, stormed
the position, and took all in the stockade prisoners, losing
one man killed. The regiment then returned to camp.
On the fourth of January, 1863, it was transferred from
Gen, Ferry's brigade to that of Col, R. S, Foster. The camp
was moved to the south side of Suffolk. This was the front,
under command of Col. Foster.
On the twenty-ninth of January the column moved toward
Franklin. A force of the enemy, under Gen. Prior, was
known to be at the Deserted House, eight miles from Suffolk.
The next morning, at half past three o'clock, the enemy's
pickets were encountered, who at once fell back. A short
distance further their camp fires were discovered across an
open field, about eight hundred yards distant. The regiment
filed to the right and formed in a wood, unmasking one of
our batteries, which had hastily taken position. The battery
promptly opened fire upon the enemy's camp, taking him
evidently by surprise. The fire was soon returned, however,
from several pieces of artillery, and Avas very fierce on both
sides until daylight revealed the position of the enemy. The
infantry was then formed for a charge on the enemy's line,
the Thirteenth being on the right. The line moved forward
slowly. The enemy fired one round of grape upon the
advancing column, and then fled. When our advance
reached the wood the enemy was a mile beyond. His rear
guard made a short stand, but our artillery soon drove it
from position. The pursuit was continued for six miles till
a narrow bridge was reached at King Soil's Swamp. Here
the enemy's cavalry made a flnal stand, until their main body
were too far oft" to be overtaken. The regiment then returned
to Suff'olk, having lost one officer — Lieut. Newsom — and ten
men, wounded.
On the tenth of April it was reported that the enemy,
under Gen. Longstreet, was moving to attack Suffolk. The
next evening the outer pickets were driven in, and the enemy
appeared in front. The whole Union force prepared to meet
the enemy. The Thirteenth was stationed along the line of
breastworks east from Fort Union, on the south front. The

218 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
two folloAving days the enemy invested our Avorks from the
Dismal Swamp on our left to the Nansemond River on our
right. The regiment remained in the works until the six
teenth. The enemy did not make a direct assault during
that time.
On the eighteenth the regiment was ordered to take one
of the enemy's batteries on the river bank, the gunboats
failing to co-operate, the design was abandoned. On the
twenty-fourth a reconnoissance was made on the Edenton
road. Three miles out the enemy was found in force. Skir
mishing was carried on day and night. Our gunboats and
batteries kept up an almost constant fire. Reinforcements
were constantly arriving, and our connection with Norfolk
was uninterrupted. The enemy failed in every attempt to
gain our rear.
On the fourth of May the siege was raised. Col. Foster,
with part of his brigade, at once started in pursuit of the
enemy. The pursuit was continued about fourteen miles; a
few stragglers Avere captured, but the main force of the
enemy crossed the Blackwater River, before our force could
reach him. Our loss was one killed, Lieut. Couran, and
eight wounded. The siege lasted twenty-three days.
On the thirteenth the regiment moved up the Roanoke and
Seaboard railroad, with a force coramanded by Col. Foster, to
protect the workmen while they removed the rails from the
road. The next morning arrived at Carsville. Near night
the Avorking force was attacked by a small body of the enemy,
but they immediately fied upon our approach. The iron Avas
removed, and on the nineteenth the regiment returned to the
Deserted House. Gen. Corcoran then took command of the
expedition, and the next day it marched to Winsor on the
Petersburgh road. From this road the iron was removed and
brought to Suffolk. On this expedition the force marched
fifty miles, and removed, and brought into Suffolk, forty
miles of railroad iron, without losing a man.
On the tAvelfth of June left with a force under Gen. Cor
coran to reconnoiter the positions of the enemy on the Black-
water. Bivouaced at Hollins' Corners. Next day marched
to South Quay, finding a small force of the enemy. Moving

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 219
up the river camped that night at Carsville. Next day
marched neariy to Franklin; then turned to the right and
halted near Anderson's Corners. On the fifteenth marched
to Blackwater Bridge; then back to Anderson's Corners;
then to Carsville. The next day marched to Franklin, and
saw the enemy on the other side of the river. Gen. R. Sand
ford Foster then took coramand, having received his commis
sion of Brigadier General, Avhich he had so well earned. On
the seventeenth fell back to Beaver Dam Church, and the
next day reached camp, having marched eighty-six miles.
No enemy being in force in front, and the troops being
needed at other points, preparations were made to evacuate
Suffolk. On the tAventy-first of June, Gen. Foster took leave of the
regiment. Lt. Col. Cyrus J. Dobbs was promoted Colonel,
Major John M. Wilson, Lt. Colonel, and Capt. John C. Bur
ton, company C, Major. On the tAventy-seventh the regi
ment left Suffolk for Norfolk. The regiment, during the
time its camp was at Suffolk, a period of ten months, marched
four hundred and thirty-six miles.
Upon arriving at Norfolk, the regiment was placed on the
steamer Columbia, sailed down Elizabeth River, and anchored
in Hampton Roads. On the twenty-eighth started up Ches-
peake Bay, to the York River, thence up the York River to
the Pamunkey, and up that stream to White House, arriving
there at night, when it landed and joined a force under Gen.
Keyes, which had rendezvoused there.
On the first of July the expedition started on a reconnois
sance towards Richmond, the main force moving on the York
River railroad, while Gen. Getty, with his division and Fos
ter's brigade, made a detour to the right, hoping to destroy
the railroad connections north of Richmond. The regiment
crossed the Pamunkey River early in the morning and at night
reached King William Court House. The next day moved
slowly and cautiously and bivouaced at Rumford Academy.
The next day marched to Enfield, then turned west to Mon-
gohick; then south to Taylor's plantation, arriving there late
at night. On the evening of the fourth recrossed the Pamun
key and reached Hanover Court House ; then moved along

220 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
the Virginia Central railroad to South Anna Bridge. Here
the enemy was found in strong force; therefore no attempt
was made to burn the bridge. The regiment took position
in front, however, while details destroyed the track for some
distance. At daylight the next day returned to Taylor's
plantation, and early the next morning started on the return
marchj bivouacing that night at King William Court House,
and arriving at White House Landing on the seventh, having
marched ninety miles. The object of the expedition having
been accomplished. White House Landing was evacuated.
At noon the next day, started on the march down the Pen
insula, passing through New Kent Court Plouse, Williams
burgh, Yorktown, and Big Bethel, arriving at Hampton on
the thirteenth. The next day embarked on steamboat,
crossed Hampton Roads, went up Elizabeth River, disem
barked at Plymouth, and marched to Bower's Hill, eight
miles distant, where the command went into camp. Gen.
Foster comraanding the XDOst.
On the twenty-ninth of July the regiment left for Ports
mouth. Here it embarked on the steamer Kennebec, and on
the thirty-first left Fortress Monroe for an ocean trip to
Charleston. On the second of August arrived inside the bar
of Charleston, off Morris Island. The next day sailed down
the coast to Stono Inlet, and disembarked on Folly Island,
marched along the beach four miles and went into camp.
Here it was busily employed in furnishing guards and pro
tecting the working parties in the trenches. On the seven
teenth acted as support to a battery, while the iron clads
and batteries demolished Fort Sumter.
On the morning of September seventh, this gallant regi
ment had the proud honor of being among the first to enter
Fort Wagner, the last of the enemy's strongholds on Morris
Island. During the year ending the first of September, 1863, the
regiment marched five hundred and twelve miles, traveled on
railroads thirty miles, and on steamers five hundred and
eighty-four miles. Since it has been in the service it has
marched nineteen hundred and five miles, traveled on rail
road seven hundred and thirty-three miles, and on steamers

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 221
nine hundred and thirty-four miles, making a grand total of
three thousand five hundred and seventy-two miles in twenty-
six months.
The number of men in the regiment on the first of Sep
tember, 1863, was six hundred and thirty-two. Officers,
thirty-two. Here we leave it in its adventurous career, on the burning
sands of Morris Island, South Carolina, in sight of the birth
place of the rebellion. At another tirae its faraous history
may be continued. FOURTEENTH REGIMENT.
The Fourteenth regiment was organized in April, 1861, for
one year's State service; and on the seventh of June, 1861,
was SAA'orn into the United States service for the term of
three years, at Terre Haute, Indiana. It was officered as
follows :
Field and Staff Officers. — Colonel, Nathan Kimball, Loogoo-
tee; Lieutenant Colonel, John R. Mahan, Greencastle;
Major, William Harrow, Vincennes; Adjutant, John J. P.
Blinn, Terre Haute; Regimental Quartermaster, Tousant C.
Buntin, Terre Haute; Surgeon, Joseph G. McPheters, Bloom
iugton; Assistant Surgeon, George W. McCune, Montezuma;
Chaplain, Thomas E. Webb, Terre Haute.
Company A. — Captain, Lucien A. Foote, Rockville; First
Lieutenant, Thomas G. Williamson, Evansville; Second Lieu
tenant, Tighlman A, HoAvard, Rockville,
Company B. — Captain, Jonathan D. Wood, Vincennes;
First Lieutenant, Lynch M. Terrell, Vincennes; Second Lieu
tenant, WiUiara D. Lewis, Vincennes.
Company C. — Captain, LcAvis Brooks, Loogootee; First
Lieutenant, William Houghton, Loogootee; Second Lieuten
ant, Harvey Taylor, Loogootee.
Company D. — Captain, Elijah H. C. Cavins, Green county;
First Lieutenant, Walter C. Lyman, Greencastle; Second
Lieutenant, Balthazer Tremelin, Greencastle.
Company E. — Captain, Noah S. Thompson, Evansville;
First Lieutenant, Nathan Willard, EA'ansville; Second Lieu
tenant, John C. C. Miller, Evansville.

222 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
Co7npany F. — Captain, Jonathan B. Hager, Terre Haute;
First Lieutenant, Charles M. Smith, Terre Haute; Second
Lieutenant, Edward P. Williams, Terre Haute.
Company G. — Captaiu, John Coons, Vincennes ; First Lieu
tenant, William N. Denny, Vincennes; Second Lieutenant,
William H. Patterson, Vincennes.
Company H. — Captain, John H. Martin, Spencer; First
Lieutenant, Dudley Rogers, Spencer; Second Lieutenant,
Wiley E. Dittemore, Spencer.
Company I. — Captain, Philander R. OAven, Chnton ; First
Lieutenant, John Lindsey, Clinton; Second Lieutenant, Wil
liam P. Haskell, Clinton.
Company K. — Captain, James R. Kelley, Bloomington;
First Lieutenant, Milton L. McCullough, Bloomington; Sec
ond Lieutenant, Paul E. Slocum, Bloomington.
On the 25th day of June, 1861, the regiment Avent into
camp at Indianapolis, and in a few days Avas fully armed and
equipped. It left Indianapolis for the seat of AA'ar on the fifth
of July, crossed the Ohio River at Bellaire, Ohio, and took
the railroad for Clarksburgh, Va. On the seventh of July it
took up its line of march towards Rich Mountain via Buck
hannon, and arrived there on the morning of the eleventh —
the day of the battle at Rich Mountain. The regiment was
held in reserve in line of battle during the engagement, but
was not iu the engagement. It then moved on, with the
army under Gen. McClellan, to Cheat Mountain Summit, in
close pursuit of the retreating enemy, each day seeing his
abandoned camp fires, but Avas unable to overtake him. The
Fourteenth Avas left on the summit — the extreme outpost — to
guard it; and for six Aveeks no other Union troops were
nearer than twelve miles. In September other troops were
sent to strengthen the position. Soon after the regiraent
established its camp on the summit, a series of scouting
parties were sent out to learn the position of the enemy.
Distinguished among the many intelligent scouts belonging
to the regiment, was a private named Summerfield, whose
adventures would rival the history of raany of those whom
our border warfare with the Indian tribes have made famous.
He closed his career by a glorious death on the field of
Antietam.

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 223
Scarcely a week passed without a skirmish. BushAvhackers
were constantly proAvling around the camp, and firing upon
the men. This resulted in a system of retaliation on the part
of the Fourteenth. Pickets passing in rifle range of each
other, were exposed to the shots of the opposing pickets.
A butternut coat was a sufficient mark to draw the shot of
the Federal soldier, as the blue coat Avas for the rebel. These
shots on picket often brought out the whole command under
arms like magic, each man eager for the fray. On the tAven-
ty-fifth of August, Dr. Joseph G. McPheters resigned, and on
the fifth day of September, Dr. Geo. W. Clippenger was
appointed Surgeon.
On the night of the twelfth of Septeraber the enemy sur
rounded the camp in large force. At that time tAA'o other
regiments (Twenty-Fourth and Twenty-Fifth Ohio) Avere on
the summit, all under command of Col. Kimball. The first
notice given of the presence of the enemy was by teamsters,
who had started early in the morning of the thirteenth to
Huttonsville for supplies. The enemy attempted to capture
their train within half a mile of camp, and succeeded in cap
turing a part of it, which Avas afterwards retaken. Simulta
neously Avith the attack in the rear, the pickets in front Avere
surrounded, some of them killed and wounded, and the rest
dispersed iu the mountains. The command was soon under
arms, and detachments sent out in various directions to
engage the attacking party. The enemy in the rear soon
became panic stricken, and fied, leaving their dead and
wounded, and large quantities of blankets, overcoats, arms,
&c. In the front they remained in sight several days, but no
general attack was made on the camp. The prisoners taken
reported that they had ten thousand men around the camp,
and they confidently expected that they would be retaken.
This engagement made a strange and beneficial impression
on almost every soldier. The night before the attack was
one of those cold, rainy and stormy nights which are seldom
experienced at that time of the year, except iu a mountainous
country. One brigade of the enemy, under Col. Rust, of
Arkansas, became lost in the mountains in attempting to get
in the rear of the camp. The others were hungry and

224 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
benumbed with cold. Although they had fully four times
the number of men that garrisoned the camp, yet they
became panic stricken, and fled without making any material
resistance after they were attacked. The impression made
on almost every one was, that it was an interposition of
Providence in behalf of the Federal arms. Hundreds of pro
fane, as^Avell as Christian men, gave utterance to what seemed
to be the universal belief.
On the third day of October, the battle of Greenbriar was
fought, under command of Gen, Reynolds, of Indiana, The
expedition was intended to be a reconnoissance in force. Only
a part of the troops were engaged. The expedition started
out from the summit at one o'clock, a, m., on the third, and
encountered and drove in the enemy's pickets at daylight.
After the pickets were driven in, the Fourteenth took the
advance on the left of the line of battle. They met a regi
ment of Arkansas troops, sent out to hold a position in front
of their works, and drove them from their chosen position
into their intrenchments, kilHng, wounding, and capturing
fifty-three of them. An artillery duel of three hours and a
half followed, when Gen. Reynolds withdrew his troops in
good order, having accomplished the object of the expedition.
This was the first artillery fire the Fourteenth Avas ever under;
and the small number of casualities resulting from it, caused
very little uneasiness from artillery in subsequent actions.
Thus ended the severest campaign of the Fourteenth. Its
severity consisted not in hard marches or hard fighting; but
in the cold and rain of that dreary country, and iu the
suffering, induced from lack of sufficient clothing and rations.
In midsummer, men, poorly clad, suff"ered more from cold
than they would in a winter campaign Avith proper clothing.
Ragged and hungry, the soldier Avalked his rugged and lonely
beat day after day, for three months, without seeing but one
human habitation. Not a corn field, Avheat field, or orchard,
was to be seen in this wilderness of mountains — nothing to
disturb the dull monotony, save the occasional crack of the
bushAvhacker's gun.
On the seventh of October, the regiment left the summit,
and went into camp at Huttonsville, in Tygart's Valley, where

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 225
it remained tAvo months, during which time the health of the
soldiers very much improved. In December they Avere
ordered to that portion of Virginia, on the line of the Balti
more and Ohio Railroad, under command of Gen. Kelley,
and arrived at Romney, Va., on the twenty-first. On the
seventh of January, 1862, the regiment accompanied the
expedition to Blues' Gap, under command of Lieut. Col.
Mahan. Very little fighting Avas done there. The rebels
fled in disraay, leaving one piece of artillery, and several
prisoners. About this tirae Gen. Lander Avas assigned to the command
of that division of the army; and on the eleventh he evacua
ted Romney, and fell back on the line of the Baltimore and
Ohio Railroad, at North Branch Bridge. On the twentieth
Lieut. Col. Mahan resigned on account of ill health, and
Major Harrow was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, and
Capt. Foote was promoted to Major. The latter part of
Januarj' and the month of February were spent in gradually
opening up communication on the railroad toAvards Martins
burgh, Avith an occasional expedition some distance from tho
road. On the thirteenth and fourteenth of February the regiment
took part in an expedition knoAvn at that time as "Lander's
Midnight Bloomery Dash." The troops started out on the
evening of the thirteenth, marched within eight miles of
Bloomery, and bivouaced until three o'clock, a. m., on the
fourteenth. By some means the enemy were apprised of the
movement before the attack Avas made, and sent the greater
portion of their stores away. The cavalry first made the
attack and Avere driven back, Avhen the Fourteenth Indiana
aud Seventh Virginia came up, and the rebels Avere soon
routed, with a loss of eight killed, and fifty-eight prisoners,
twenty-six of the prisoners being officers. Col, BaldAvin Avas
in command of the enemy, and Avas captured.
After the death of Gen. Lander, Gen, Shields Avas assigned
to the command of the division. The regiment arrived at
Martinsburgh on the sixth of March. On the eleventh
marched toward Winchester, and entered it on the tAvelfth,
the enemy having evacuated it the night before. On the
Vol. I, — 15.

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228 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
enemy on this occasion made no resistance, but abandoned
everything and dispersed through the woods. This piece of
artillery was given the regiment for their gallantry. It was
the intention to have sent it to Indianapolis, but it afterwards
exploded at Alexandria in firing at a target.
The greater portion of June Avas spent in marching and
countermarching over the road between Front Royal and
Columbia bridge, aboA'c Luray. A large portion of this road
was marched over four times during the month, many of the
men willingly making the march Avith bare feet, over a stone
pike, with blood dropping from their feet at every step.
They confidently expected to capture Jackson aud his army.
They Avere in hearing of tho enemy's guns while Fremont
was pushing Jackson up the Valley, and at one time a march
of eleven miles AvouldhaA'e enabled Shields' division to attack
Jackson's rear, while Fremont was in his front. The soldiers
were all anxious to make it, because such a march gave
promise of success and victory.
It Avas in this month, so replete with military blunders, that
the Port Republic aff"air came oft". While that battle Avas
being fought, Kimball's brigade was on a forced march to
assist them, but, notAvithstanding their efforts, did not reach
them until that gallant little army of tAVO brigades Avas in
full retreat. It Avas here the Seventh Indiana won immortal
glory. Kimball's brigade met the retreating brigades at a
point near Conrad's Store, and aAvaited the approach of the
enemy several hours, but no enemy appeared. They then
covered the retreat to Luray.
Ou the thirtieth of June, the Fourteenth embarked at
Alexandria for the army of the Potomac. They thought
that "ouAvard to Richmond" had emerged from the ideal to
the real, but Avere soon doomed to a greater disappointment
than ever. Disembarked at Harrison's Landing on the CA'en-
ing of the second of July, and Avent immediately to the front.
Ou the third had a heavy skirmish, with considerable artillery
firing, and droA-e the enemy. On the fourth were engaged in
a light skirmish all day, the enemy trying to advance their
lines. On the fifth had some picket skirmishing, after Avhich
everything reraained quiet on their line Avhilc they Avcre on

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 229
the Peninsula. The brigade Avas attached to Sumner's corps,
(second army corps,) and has, since that time, remained Avith
it. On the eleventh of August Lt, Col, P. R, Owen and
Major J, H. Martin resigned, and Capt, John Coons Avas pro
moted to Lt. Colonel, and Capt, E. H. C. Cavins was promoted
to Major.
Sumner's corps covered the retreat from Harrison's Land
ing. The regiment left the old camp on the sixteenth of
August, and marched to NcAvport NeAv§, via Williamsburgh
and Yorktown. On the tAventy-sixth embarked at NcAvport
News, and on the twenty-ninth disembarked at Alexandria.
On the thirtieth marched to Arlington, and on the thirty-first
to Centreville, but did not arrive until after the battles under
Pope were over. On the second of September the army fell
back under the defenses around Washington, the Fourteenth
being a part of the rear guard. The enemy hung upon their
rear and flanks, throAving an occasional shell towards and
among them, until dark.
On the sixth of August the third division of the second
corps was formed, and Gen. French assigned to its command.
The Fourteenth was engaged in the battle of Antietam on
the seventeenth of September. At that battle the line formed
by Kimball's brigade moved into action very handsomely, and
was the only part of the line that did not, at some time dur
ing the engagement, give way. Line upon line of the enemy
was hurled against it, but each time repulsed with great
slaughter. The battle flags of seven of the enemy's regi
ments were borne in rifle range of the Fourteenth, and each
bearer Avas shot, while the colors of the Fourteenth floated
triumphantly and defiantly throughout the engagement. The
last effort made by the enemy, was by sending a column on
their right flank, when the Fourteenth Indiana and Eighth
Ohio changed front and drove him from the fleld. For their
gallantry and obstinate fighting on that day. Gen. French
named the brigade "The Gibraltar Brigade." The Four
teenth fought for over an hour Avithin sixty yards from the
enemy's line. For four hours they fought on one line, and shot
their sixty rounds of cartridges. The officers gathered cart
ridges from the boxes of the dead and wounded, and distrib-

230 REGIMENTAL HISTORY,
uted them to the men in the thickest of the fight. The loss
of the regiment in killed and wounded, was fifty-seven per
cent, of the number engaged. The regiment was commanded
by Col. Harrow. After the battle the enemy's dead were
found in heaps all along their front.
After the battle of Antietam, the army of the Potomac
settled down to its characteristic quiet. A reconnoissance to
Leesburgh, under Gen. Kimball, by his brigade and a regi
ment of cavalry, on the first of October, was the ouly episode
to relieve the regular routine of picket and camp duty, dur
ing that month. They moved out from Harper's Ferry to
Leesburgh, captured one hundred and fifty prisoners without
any fighting, and on the following day marched back to camp.
It was a hard march and came very nearly resulting in their
capture, the rebel cavalry, in large force, having been only
one hour too late.
On the first of November the second corps took up its line
of march from Harper's Ferry, along the valley east of the
Blue Ridge towards Warrenton, The advance guard were
skirmishing with parties of the enemy every day, but they
gave way without making any decided stand. The Four
teenth had a skirmish on the second of November, and droA'e
the enemy out of Roekford Pass, and held it for twenty-four
hours until relieved. The enemy made several demonstra
tions towards retaking the pass, and were driven back. The
second corps arrived at Falmouth on the seventeenth day of
November, and the regiment was iramediately sent up the
river on picket. On the eighteenth the enemy's cavalry cap
tured a foraging train, near and outside of the picket line.
The alarm was soon given, and the reserves of six companies
were hastened to the rescue. They recaptured the train with
a loss of only two horses. The rebel leader was wounded
while charging in advance of his command. During the
time the army of the Potomac remained on the Rappahan
nock, nothing outside of the usual routine of camp life
occurred, in which the Fourteenth took part, except the
battles of Fredericksburgh and Chancellorsville.
The battle of Fredericksburgh commenced on the thir
teenth of December, 1862. The regiment was under com-

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 231
mand of Major Cavins, Col. Harrow being sick, and Lieut.
Col. Coons being absent on account of wounds. Kimball's
brigade, the Fourteenth being on the left, was the first to
assault the Avorks. The troops moved out of the city by a
flank movement, under a heavy, well directed and destructive
fire from the enemy's artillery. One shell exploded in the
ranks of the Fourteenth, killing four, and Avounding eleven
men. Many others cut great openings in their ranks, but
each time they Avere promptly and fearlessly closed up.
Under a front and enfilading fire, it formed in line of battle,
and advanced so far as it was possible for a single line to
advance, receiving the enemy's fire from the front, and from
their left flank.
For nearly an hour, the Fourteenth, unsupported, kept up
this unequal contest. The flrst support that came up in less
than five minutes broke and gave way in confusion. When
entreated not to fall back, they answered that the whole line
had given way, and the rebels were in the town. Then the
question Avas asked, "What shall Ave do?" The commanding
officer said, "Remember Antietam, the Fourteenth never
runs from the enemy, we will hold this hill till our ammuni
tion is exhausted, and theu hold it AA'ith the bayonet." Soon
the smoke cleared up, and on the right the Fourteenth saw
that the "Gibraltar Brigade" still stood firm, and soon after
they Avere supported by troops Avho stood. After expending
all their ammunition, they fixed bayonets, and aAvaited an
expected charge from the enemy ; but the charge Avas not
made. Eleven brigades Avere sent in after Kimball's, none of
which advanced the line beyond the point taken by his
brigade. The regiment remained on the field tAvo hours after
the brigade had been ordered oft". The order was not received
until the battle was neariy over. It was very difficult to con
vey an order to the regiment. The loss of the regiment in
this action, in killed and Avounded, Avas thirty-four per cent of
the number engaged. The dead of the Fourteenth, and of
Kimball's brigade, were found nearer the enemy's intrench
ments than the dead of any other regiment.
While the dead Avere being buried, under a flag of truce.
Gen. StcAvart asked one of the men Avhat bi-igade made the

232 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
first charge, and said it was the most desperate charge ever
made by any troops. Gen. Sumner said, before the com
mittee to investigate the causes of the failure at Fredericks
burgh, that he selected Gens. French and Hancock's divisions
to make the attack, because their troops had never turned
their backs to the enemy in battle.
On the first of January, 1863, Dr. Anson Hurd resigned,
and Assistant Surgeon Geo. W. McCune Avas promoted to
Surgeon, and Dr. E. H. Sabin appointed First Assistant Sur
geon. In January Col. Wm. Harrow resigned, and Avas sub
sequently appointed Brigadier General. On the twenty-first
of January, Lieut. Col. Coons Avas promoted to Colonel, and
Major Cavins promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. On the
twelfth of February, Capt. William Houghton was promoted
to Major. On the tAventy-third of January, 1863, Maj. Gen.
French presented to the color guard of the Fourteenth a fine
breech loading rifie, as au evidence of his appreciation of the
regiment in the battles fought under his comraand.
The Fourteenth participated in the battle of Chancellors
ville, fought on the first, second and third of May. On the
third of May the Gibraltar brigade, then comraanded by Col.
Carroll, Avas in line with Sykes' division on the left, aud
Hancock's on the right. At seven o'clock, a. m., the line
advanced. The enemy was encountered after passing about
seventy-five yards into the Avoods. After the third volley,
they broke and fied, closely pressed by the Gibraltar brigade.
Au advance of two hundred yards further, disclosed a con
siderable force on the right of the brigade, AA'hile the Four
teenth, changing front, soon drove them out of their position,
and across the Gordonsvillle plank road. Ou arriving at the
plank road, the eneray Avas discovered again massed in force,
with artillery so placed as to enfilade the line- The regiment
fell back to the Avoods, and held the position there until
relieved by fresh troops. They captured tAvo pieces of artil
lery, but Avere unable to bring them oft' the field. They sent
eighty-five prisoners to the rear. Later in the day, the
brigade Avas moved further to the left, and took ground
between the Eleventh corps and Hancock's division, Avhcre
they constructed breast Avorks. Here they Avere exposed to a

REGIMENTAL HISTORi!. 233
heavy artillery fire. On the fourth, the portion of the works
held by the regiment, was shelled by the enemy. On the
fifth there Avas a spirited skirmish in front, but no further
general engagement; and on the sixth the brigade returned
to camp at Falmouth. The loss of the regiment, iu the
several days fight, Avas seven killed, forty-nine Avounded, and
eight missing.
At this battle the enemy evidently thought that Carroll's
brigade (Kimball's old brigade) was a part of their forces,
and Carroll's men at first thought the enemy was another line
of Union troops. After the first volley, the Fourteenth gave
a Hoosier yell, and each volley Avas folloAA'ed by a yell Avhich
told their friends in the rear they AA'ere driving the enemy.
This little brigade, Avith less than one thousand men, unsup
ported ou either fiank, drove the enemy over the sarae ground
over Avhich they had driven line upon line of other Union
troops. It can not be accounted for ou any principle, except
that they Avere seized with a panic. Many officers tried to
rally them; but a yell and a charge by the old brigade would
cause five times their number to recoil and break. Prisoners
since taken, say that Jackson's men were never before. known
to be in such panic and confusion. While this brigade droA'e
the enemy. Gen. Meade entreated Gen. Hooker to let him
support Gen. French Avith his corps, but no support Avas sent.
Many military men say if ten thousand troops had followed
up that charge, it would have resulted in a signal victory to
the Union army Col. Carroll Avas compliraented on the field
by Gens. Hooker, Meade, Hancock, French and others, for
the gallantry of his brigade on that occasion.
On the morning of the fifteenth of June the second corps
left Falmouth, the other corps having left some days before.
They had a hard and tiresome march, via Dumfries, Centre
ville, Gainesville, Edward's Ferry and Frederick City to Penn
sylvania. They marched by day and night, under the burning
sun and in torrents of rain, arriving at Gettysburgh on the
evening of the first of July.
The battle of Gettysburgh was fought on the first, second
and third days of July. The Fourteenth Avas supporting
Woodruff's battery near the center of the Federal line, and

234 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
participated in the famous charge Avhich drove the rebeid
with terrible slaughter from Cemetery Hill. With the Four
teenth it Avas a night fight. The moon had not yet risen,
and the darkness Avas made more impenetrable by the dense
smoke of powder. When they moved up to support the
battery on Cemetery Hill, the cannoneers were engaged in a
hand to hand conflict Avith the enemy. The deep booming
of artillery, the heavy rattle of musketry, the bursting of
shell, the missiles of destructioil which filled the air, the
darkness of the night, aud the lines of fiashing guns, together
with the great importance of holding this key to the AA'hole
position, made the scene one of thrilling interest. It was a
headlong dash in the dark — a yell — and a fcAV rounds aimed
at the fiash of the enemy's guns, and all was over for the
night. When the moon arose and shed her sickly light over
the field, none of the enemy could be seen, except their dead
and severely wounded. The enemy seem to have realized
the importance of taking this hill. Their correspondents
poured out their vituperation on Gen. Anderson for what
they conceived to be his fault in not taking it on the night
of the second. A heavy mass of infantry formed in front of
this hill on the evening of the third for the purpose of
assaulting it, but when their masses on their right were
repulsed Avith such great slaughter they gave up the assault
on Cemetery Hill. Had they carried that hill — as they would
have done had not reinforcements arrived just at the time
they did — Gen. Meade would have been completely defeated,
for this hill commanded his whole line. The loss of the
Fourteenth Avas six killed and tAventj'-six wounded.
The Fourteenth, with the exception of the right and left
companies, Avas originally armed Avith smooth bore muskets.
Whenever a capture of Enfield or Springfield rifle Avas made,
they were retained, and the smooth bores turned over. After
the battle of Antietam, it was found that the entire command
had the improved arm without having made a requisition
upon the ordnance department for thera.
We leave this gallant regiraent in front in the Army of the
Potomac. Its toils and marches, and daring feats may fur
nish another chapter at some future period.

ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.

CHAPTER VIIL

On the twenty-second of July, 1861, Gen. McClellan was
called to Washington, and at once proceeded to reorganize
the army. The disaster at Manassas was folloAved by a sea
son of extraordinary activity in raising troops. The States
responded with alacrity to the calls of the General Govern
ment. Men volunteered for the three years service, faster
than arms and equipments could be furnished. Gen. McClel
lan's great ability was demonstrated by the rapidity with
AA'hich he brought order out of confusion.
On the seventeenth of August he was assigned to the com
mand of the army of the Potomac, comprising the troops
serving in the departments of Washington and north-eastern
Virginia, in the valley of the Shenandoah, and in the States
of Maryland and Delaware. It was an array formidable in
numbers and magnificently appointed. The lines extended
from Williamsport, on the upper, to Port Tobacco on the
lower Potomac. The enemy had blockaded the Potomac by
erecting batteries at Mathias Point, and their line extended
from Aquia Creek to Leesburgh. They had formidable for
tifications at Manassas, at Centreville, and at Leesburgh.
There was a long season of quiet along this line, broken ouly
by a few skirmishes. On the eleventh of September, Gen.
Smith, comraanding the advance brigade on the south side
of the Potomac, near Chain Bridge, Avas directed to make a
topographical reconnoissance in the direction of Lewinsville.
235

236 ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
Battalions from the Seventy-Ninth Ncav York, the Third
Vei'mont, and the Nineteenth Indiana, Avitli four pieces of
Griffin's battery, aud tAvo companies of cavalry, Avere detailed
for the purpose, and placed under the comraand of Gen. Ste
vens. The column proceeded to LewinsAdlle, a distance of
four or five miles, reaching there at ten o'clock, in the morn
ing, and driving out a cavalry picket of fifty men. Cavalry
and infantry pickets were throAvn out on the diverging roads,
to watch the enemy, and Lieut. Poe of the engineers and his
assistants commenced his surveys and proceeded over an area
of four miles square. At half past two o'clock, the recon
noissance was completed and the pickets called in. They all
responded to the recall except a party from the Third Ver
mont, and one from the Nineteenth Indiana. They sent
Avord they Avere Avatching the movements of a heavy column
of cavalry, infantry, and artillery, who Avere coming from the
direction of Fall's Church. No attention Avas paid to this
report, and the column was formed for its return inarch, when
the enemy, three quarters of a mile distant, opened a rapid
cannonade upon them. The firing Avas continued for teu
minutes, Avhen two ten- pounder rified guns of Griffin's bat
tery were unlimbered, placed in position and replied. A
rapid fire of musketry was also opened by the enemy, from
behind trees and other places of concealment, but without
effect. Our infantry did not Avaste their ammunition upon a
concealed enemy, but quietly supported the battery. The
enemy's infantry did not emerge from the shelter of the tim
ber, and after an artillery duel of an hour, our forces retired.
The rebel cavalry made a demonstration as if to charge the
rear of our column, but a few shells from Griffin's rifled guns
induced them to desist, and shift their ground out of range.
Our troops on this occasion behaved Avith great steadiness,
and Avere highly complimented by the commanding general.
The rebel force was commanded by Col. J. E. B. Stuart, after
wards so distinguished as the leader of the cavalry force of
the Confederate army of the Potomac. The expedition accom
plished its object, with but little loss. Lieut. Hancock, of the
Nineteenth Indiana, was taken prisoner, and remained several
months in Southern prisons before he was exchanged.

ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. 237
BATTLE OF BALL'S BLUFF.
The disastrous battle of Ball's Bluff, which for a period
plunged the nation in gloom, grew out of one of those recon-
noissances, so essential before any plan of attack upon an
enemy's line should be determined. Gen. McCall Avas ordered
to make a reconnoissance in force in the direction of Dranes-
ville, and Gen. Stone, who commanded a portion of Gen.
Banks' division, Avas ordered to send a small force in the
direction of Leesburgh to distract the attention of the enemy
while the coluran of McCall should make their observations.
Our army on that part of the line was encamped on the
Maryland shore. The Potomac opposite Leesburgh is crossed
by two ferries, one called Conrad's, a little beloAV Leesburgh,
and the other Edward's, five miles above. Between the two
ferries stretches a long narroAV strip of land called Harrison's
Island. Col. Devens Avas iu command at that point and was
ordered to send afcAV men across to reconnoiter, and hold the
remainder in readiness to move at a moments notice. The
scouts who had crossed returned, and reported a small
encampment of the enemy about a mile from the river. Col.
Devens, Avith three hundred men of his regiment, the Fif
teenth Massachusetts, crossed over to attack it. He had only
three small boats, each capable of carrying teii men. It was
nearly four o'clock when all Avere transferred to the Virginia
sbbre. They ascended the bank knoAvn as Ball's Bluff", by a
path discovered by the scouts, Avhere they found au open field
surrounded by woods, upou which they encamped, and Avere
there joined by Col. Lee Avith one hundred of the Twentieth
Massachusetts. Early on the morning of the twenty-first of
October this little force pushed forAvard to the spot supposed
to be the rebel encampment, and found that the scouts had
been deceived by a roAV of trees on the brow of a slope, the
uncertain light through which resembled a line of tents.
Col. Devens left his command concealed in the Avood.s, and
with two or three officers and raen, ascended the slope and
obtained a view of Leesburgh and the country around.
ObserA'ing but few tents, he deterrained to hold his position
and send back for reinforcements.

238 ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
Gen. Stone, in the meantime, had made a feint of crossing
a considerable force at Edward's Ferry, to favor the move
ment of Gen. McCall in the direction of Dranesville, The
ruse Avas successful. Gen. McCall accomplished the purpose
of his march and returned. The messenger from Col. Devens
informed Gen, Stone of the supposed condition of affairs,
and word was sent him to hold his position, and reinforce
ments Avould be forwarded to enable him to make a valuable
recounoissance. Col. Baker, of the First California regiment,
was directed to move to Conrad's Ferry with his brigade at
sunrise on the morning of the twenty-first. Gen, Gorman's
brigade was sent to Edward's Ferry to make a demonstration
on the Leesburgh road, and other movements Avere ordered
to assist the force that had advanced from the bluff. To Col.
Baker was given the direction of the force which was to cross
the river to the aid of Col. Devens. He proceeded to the
island and followed the same track at Ball's Bluff' which the
first detachraents had taken.
As early as seven o'clock on the morning of the tAventy-
first, skirmishing commenced at the advanced position held
by the Massachusetts men, and continued Avith varied success,
the enemy advancing and retiring in turn till tAVO o'clock.
At this time the enemy appeared in force, and Col. Devens
fell back to a position occupied by the First California regi
ment, which had crossed, and the line Avas formed, by Col.
Baker, who now assuraed command. The attack was maie
with great vigor by the enemy, Avho rushed from the timber
with a yell. They were met by a withering fire — wavered
and fell back. Q^hey again advanced, and again a steady line
of fire greeted them. Col. CoggSAvell, with the Tammany
regiment, reached the field, and his men joined the line with
a defiant shout. One piece of the Bunting battery, and two
howitzers, came up, and poured a Avell directed fire iuto the
rebel columns. But the rebels Avere reinforced, and again
advanced with a shout. Their fire was destructive. The
gunners fell, and the cannon was draAvii to the rear. With
terrible earnestness, the fight continued for an hour, when
Col. Baker fell, pierced through the brain with a bullet. The
enemy were pressing closely, and Col. Coggswell, who had

ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. 239
succeeded to the comraand, made his dispositions to fall back
to the river. The retreat Avas rapid, but orderly. The line
was again formed near the river, and a hopeless contest kept
up for nearly an hour longer, Avhile efforts Avere being made
to remove the wounded to the island. But, alas! no arrange
ments had been made for a defeat. There Avas but one boat —
a scoAV — to ferry all that worn and Aveary crowd to the island.
Our brave but unfortunate soldiers had to swim, surrender or
die. The enemy, flushed with victory, continued to press
them doAvn the bluff. The men plunged into the stream.
Many were shot Avhile SAviraming. Some escaped along the
bluff bank, and reached the Union camps after several days;
andothers succeeded iu escapingthe shots Avhich rained around
them while struggling in the Avater. The scow, overloaded
with Avounded, left the Virginia shore. In their desperation,
men clung to it. In the middle of the stream, it sunk Avith
its precious freight of mairaed and bleeding heroes. The
scene Avas one to appall the stoutest heart. Still struggling
on the bluff", were officers and soldiers fighting hopelessly
against fearful odds to cover the escape of those who were
struggling in the water, until they Avere shot down. "Fewer
of the officers and men would have been killed," say the rebel
accounts, "if they had not been too proud to surrender."
Our loss in this disastrous aff'air, in killed, captured and
wounded, amounted to nine hundred. The rebels acknowledge
a l^ss Of three hundred.
Col. Baker, who fell, bravely fighting at the head of his
command, Avas, at the time of his death, a meraber of the
United States Senate from the State of Oregon. He was
a chivalrous soldier, an accomplished gentleman, an able
and eloquent speaker. When Avar was declared to exist
against Mexico, he held a seat in Congress from the State of
Illinois, He resigned, raised a regiment in his adopted State,
and led it to the seat of war. At Cerro Gordo, he com
manded a brigade after the fall of Gen. Shields, and fought
it in such a manner as to draw an especial compliraent from
Gen. Twiggs, his diA'ision commander. He was wounded on
the Rio Grande. Returning home, he was again elected to
Congress. Later in life, he emigrated to California, aud from

240 ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
thence to Oregon, where his popular manners and surpassing
eloquence soon gave him prominence, aud he Avas elected a
Senator in Congress. When the rebellion broke out, he raised
a regiment, composed largely of returned Californians;
refusing a Major General's commission, he led it to the field,
and, "foremost fighting, fell."
On the thirty-first of October, Gen. Scott addressed a letter
to the Secretary of War, asking to be placed upon the retired
list, in consequence of age and increasing infirmities. The
letter was placed before the President, aud the request of the
veteran soldier granted in full Cabinet council. Gen
McClellan was named as his successor in command of the
army. BATTLE OF DRANESVILLE.
The Pennsylvania reserve division, under command of Gen.
McCall, Avas encamped beyond Langley's Church, the line of
encampment stretching towards LcAvinsville. The position
held was the last point abandoned by the enemy, Avlien they
fell back frora Munson's Hill and Fall's Church before the
massive columns of the Union army, Avhich had gathered
along the line of the Potomac after the battle of Manassas.
Between their picket lines, and those of the enemy, there
Avas an open country not occupied by any military force. In
this space, the village of Dranesville is situated. On the
twentieth of December, Gen. McCall ordered Gen. Ord to
march his brigade, as a foraging party, to seize a lot of forage
knoAvn to be iu the viciuity of the little town. The brigade
consisted of the Sixth, Ninth, Tenth and Twelfth Pennsyl
vania regiments, the " Bucktails," a rifle regiment from the
sarae State, a battery of Campbell's artillery, and a squadron
of Bayard's cavalry.
It happened that a foraging party had been sent out by
Gen. Stuart from Centreville on the same day. The forces
were about equal in numbers. The rebels had four regiments
of infantry, one battery of artillery, and a squadron of cavalry.
Gen. Ord left camp iu the early morning. The raarch was
sloAV aud monotonous. The long line of Avagons had to be

ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. 241
flanked ou the narrow and winding road by strong bodies of
infantry ; and it AA'as essential to scout the woods in advance,
to guard against an ambush. The coluran crossed Difficult
Creek by a stone bridge about noon, and halted for dinner.
The advance corapanies, approaching Dranesville, reported
that a large body of rebels could be seen from a neighboring
hill. Shots about the same time were exchanged by some of
our flanking companies with the enemy's scouts. Gen, Ord
immediately formed his line of battle. The enemy occupied
the Centreville road. Their battery Avas in position to sweep
it. The battery was flanked by infantry, and supported by
infantry and eavalry. Their front line was in and near a
house in afield in advance of and to the right of their position.
Gen. Ord planted his battery on an elevation directly in front
of the rebel guns, and opened fire, adv^ancing his infantry at
the same time. The first half hour was what is termed an
artillery duel. The rebels overshot our infantry line, and did
but little damage. The practice of our gunners was perfect,
and the rebel battery was soon obliged to change position,
the most of their horses being killed by the unerring aim of
our gunners. In the meantime, they tried a flank movement,
with their infantry to the right of our line, advancing through
the timber, and Avere driven back with great loss. The Buck-
tails pursued them to the woods, and drove the scattering
regiments to the shelter of their guns, which had been put in
position again. The entire line was now ordered to advance,
Gen, Ord leading. The command to advance was received
with a cheer. Steadily they pressed forward into the timber,
over gullies and ravines, tangled with thickets, the enemy's
shell whistling above them. They passed the belt of timber,
and entered upon an open field, to find the enemy in rapid
retreat, his battery being drawn off' by hand. Gen. Ord did
not deem it prudent to pursue, as the enemy might have
easily been reinforced from either Centreville or Leesburgh ;
and the topography of the country beyond was unknown to
us. The enemy left their dead and wounded on the field.
Gen. McCall arrived as the battle closed, and ordered an
immediate return to camp. We lost but seven killed and
sixty wounded in the battle, while the enemy acknowledged
Vol. I.— 16.

242 ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
a loss of forty-three killed, one hundred and forty-three
wounded, and forty-four missing, making a total of two hun
dred and eighty. ADVANCE ON MANASSAS.
On the twenty-seventh of January, 1862, the President's
General War Order, number one, directing an advance of
our armies on the twenty-second day of February, was writ
ten. The Secretaries of War and of the Navy, and their
subordinates, the General in Chief and other commanders,
were to be held responsible for its observance. Especially
were the army at and about Fortress Monroe, the army of
the Potomac, the army of Western Virginia, the army near
Munfordsville, Kentucky, the army and fiotilla at Cairo, and
the naval forces in the Gulf of Mexico, ordered to be ready
for a movement on that day.
It was the tenth of March, however, before the advance
movement was made on Manassas. On the eighth, the Pres
ident's General War Order, number two, was issued, dividing
the army of the Potomac into four corps, to be commanded
respectively by Gens. McDowell, Sumner, Heintzelman and
Keyes. A fifth corps was formed of the forces on the upper
Potomac, and placed under the command of Gen. Banks.
Gen. Wadsworth was made Military Governor of the District
of Columbia, and commanded the troops designated for the
defense of Washington.
The heavy columns of the Federal army moved early on
the morning of the tenth, and labored through the deep mud
to Fairfax Court House. There rumors of the evacuation by
the rebels, of Centreville, and even of Manassas Junction,
reached them. Gen. Kearney, at the head of a portion of
his brigade, pushed boldly forward and passing the deserted
rebel camps, — which, like little villages, with tidy streets and
neat, substantial weatherproof huts, were dotted over the
hill sides, — marched into the intrenchments at Centreville.
The evacuation was complete. Armament and stores were
all removed. Nothing remained but their winter huts, and
their long lines of intrenchments. It was evident the rebels

ARMY OP THB POTOMAC. 243
had wintered under comfortable shelter, and that they had
been prepared to make a stubborn aud vigorous defense.
The advance pushed on to Manassas Junction on the morn
ing of the eleventh. The rebel rear guard had just left it,
destroying the railroad and burning bridges as they retired.
The division of Gen. Banks advanced upon Winchester
about the same tirae, and entered the town without opposi
tion. Gen. Jackson having retired up the valley as our army
approached his stronghold.
Gen, McDowell's corps occupied the country north of the
Rappahannock, recently held by the rebel army. On the
fifteenth of April, Gen. Augur's brigade was advanced to
Catlett's Station. On the sixteenth the trains with King's
division came up, and on the seventeenth, at dawn of day,
the command of Gen. Augur started for Falmouth. Lieut.
Col. Kilpatrick, with the Harris light cavalry, led the column,
skirmishing with the enemy's cavalry as he advanced. Sev
eral dashing charges were made. During the night Col. Kil
patrick continued to harrass the enemy, and on the morning
of thes eighteenth drove a strong force from a barricade across
the road, and dashed into Falmouth. The enemy retired
across the river, burning the bridges behind them. Augur's
brigade soon came up. The rebel troops hastily evacuated
Fredericksburgh, and a deputation of citizens waited upon
Gen. Augur and made a formal surrender of the city.
Previous to the march on Fredericksburgh, the Army of
the Potomac had been moved in transports to Fortress Mon
roe, where it halted for a short time.
On the fourteenth of March Gen. McClellan, then at Fairfax
Court House, Va., issued the following address to his army:
Soldiers of the Army of the Potomac :
For a long time I have kept you inactive, but not without
a purpose. You were to be disciplined, armed and instructed ;
the formidable artillery you now have, had to be created;
other armies were to move and accomphsh certain results. I
I have held you back that you might give the'death-blow to
the rebellion that has distracted our once happy country.
The patience you have shown, and your confidence in your

244 ARMY OF THB POTOMAC.
General, are Avorth a dozen victories. These preliminary
results are now accomplished. I feel that the patient labors
of mauy months have produced their fruit; the Army of the
Potomac is now a real army — magnificent in material, admir
able in discipline and instruction, excellently equipped and
armed — ^your commanders are all that I could wish. The
moment for action has arrived, and I know that I can trust
in you to save our country. As I ride through your ranks,
I see in your faces the sure presage of victory; I feel that
you will do whatever I ask of you. The period of inaction
has passed. I will bring you now face to face with the rebels,
and only pray that God may defend the right. In whatever
direction you may move, however strange my actions may
appear to you, ever bear in mind that my fate is linked with
yours, and that all I do is to bring you, where I know you
wish to be — on the decisive battle field. It is my business to
place you there. I am to Avatch over you as a parent over
his children; and you know that your General loves you
from the depths of his heart. It shall be my care, as it has
ever been, to gain success A\dth the least possible loss; but I
know that, if it is necessary, you will willingly follow me to
our graves, for our righteous cause. God smiles upon us,
victory attends us, yet I Avould not have you think that our
aim is to be attained without a manly struggle. I will not
disguise it froYn you; you have brave foes to encounter, foe-
men well Avorthy of the steel that you avIU use so well. I
shall demand of you great, heroic exertions, rapid and long
marches, desperate combats, privations, perhaps. We will
share all these together; and when this sad war is over we
will return to our homes, and feel that "we can ask no higher
honor than the proud consciousness that we belonged to the
Army of the Potomac."

/"^

^^.(1^^;^^.

?.0L_ JOHW A-HEWDRICKS.
2,2^ Rex " Tn.diaTia Voi^

PENINSULAR CAMPAIGN.

CHAPTER IX.

MARCH TOWARDS RICHMOND.

On Friday, April fourth, 1862, the army of the Potomac
commenced its march from Fortress Monroe towards York-
town. The right was assigned to Gen. Porter's division.
Near Big Bethel, the rebel pickets were encountered. After
a slight skirmish they retreated. On the seventh the army
arrived in front of the rebel works at Yorktown.
The march up the Peninsula was attended with difficulties
and privations which would appall the stoutest heart. For
two weeks after the army landed, the rain poured down in a
perfect sheet of water. The roads were turned into floating
mud. Teams stalled, and men waded in mud. Transporta
tion of provisions and ammunition was almost impossible.
Men built corduroy roads upon the floating mud, but the
Avater floated their roads away. Generals bivouaced on the
stumps of trees.
In the midst of this dreary scene, all nature was beautiful.
Gorgeous flowers sparkled in the morning sun; birds sang
their sweetest notes; the budding beauties of spring were all
around. The semi-tropical beauties of the forest budded
amid the deluge.
The armyvA'ere without tents or shelter for tAvo weeks, before
they marched, and left at Newport News a large number of
sick, many of whom, for lack of pi;oper accommodations, died.
245

246 ARMY OF THB POTOMAC.
On the nineteenth of April a rebel fort was carried by a
gallant charge of the Third and Sixth Vermont. On the
twenty-seventh another fort was taken by company H, First
Massachusetts. Constant skirmishing continued all the time,
and batteries were rapidly erected.
There were many instances of individual daring. One
rifleman, called " California," kept the rebels dancing. He
had a rifle pit, to which he went before daylight every morning
as regularly as he would go to a day's Avork. His position
commanded a heavy gun of the enemy. Whenever a head
appeared at that gun, down it went with a bullet in it. One
day the rammer got fast. Man after man mounted the para
pet to remove it, but each one fell before the deadly rifle of
" California." The rebel army evacuated Yorktown on the third of May.
Upon entering the works, four hours after their evacuation,
everything was found in confusion. About fifty pieces of
heavy artillery, spiked, also a large amount of stores, ammu
nition, and camp equipage were captured.
Gen. Stoneman, with a large force of cavalry and artillery,
was sent in pursuit, on the Williamsburg road. The gun
boats, with Franklin's division, went up the York River to
West Point, while Smith's division advanced on the left.
BATTLE OF WILLIAMSBURGH.
The defences held by the enemy at Williamsburgh con
sisted of nine forts. The central work was called Fort
Magruder. A few hundred yards from this was a dense
forest. A ravine approached the fort. In front was a level
field. Along the edge of this field, by the side of a road, hid
by bushes, were the rebel rifie pits.
At about eight o'clock in the morning. May sixth. Gen.
Hooker gave the order to drive in the rebel pickets. The
fight soon became furious. Our musketry fire was terrible.
Soon the enemy began to reinforce, and our ammunition to
be exhausted. At about noon the enemy made a charge with
a large number of fresh troops. They pushed back our col
umn and captured three pieces of artillery. We had about

ARMY OF THB POTOMAC. 247
eight thousand troops. The eneray twenty-five thousand.
All through the fight the woods impeded our advance, for
behind each tree was a rebel rifleman. But the woods afforded
us some protection from the fire of their artillery. Hooker
fought on, though the rebels were pouring like an avalanche
upon him.
It was noAV almost one o'clock. All through this gloomy
morning had Hooker's division fought the battle alone. Our
ammunition was exhausted, aud empty guns could not keep
back an enemy. Gen. Berry, of Kearney's division, wading
through the mud, came with his column to the rescue. A
wild cheer went up from the army, and with an electric yell
his brigade formed a line and commenced a volley which no
troops on earth could withstand; then, at a double-quick,
they dashed with the bayonet at the confident foe, sent them
reeling to their earthworks, pursued them into their strong
hold, and drove them out with cold steel. Again and again
did the enemy endeavor to recover their lost ground, but each
time they were repulsed with loss.
It was now four o'clock, and the gallant Kearney, with
Jameson's and Birney's brigades, came steaming through the
mud to the rescue of the brave Hooker. They took the
front, soon our line of battle was formed, and the enemy fell
back from their earthworks to the cover of the forest.
At dark our troops were in possession of the battle field
and earthworks. They were ready to renew the fight on the
morrow. Our men lighted their fires, cooked their coffee,
and bivouaced in the rain.
The morning came, but, in the mists of the rainy night,
the rebel army quietly stole away from their position, and
rapidly fell back towards Richmond.
While Hooker was fighting on the left, Hancock was bat
tling on the right. His force was about five thousand. They
met the enemy and drove him back, making a gallant charge.
Hooker, however, won the battle, having done all the hard
fighting. The loss of our forces was three hundred killed,
and six hundred wounded.

248 ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
BATTLE OF AVEST POINT.
About the same time Avith the fight at Williarasburgh,
occurred the battle of West Point. Gen. Franklin's division,
which had sailed up the York river, reached the junction of
the Pamunkey and Mattaponey rivers, and landed on the
south side of the Pamunkey, near West Point.
Upon landing, our troops camped iu a large field, sur
rounded by a dense wood. During the night the rebel
pickets aunoyed our advanced line, and the next morning
our forces were ordered to rouse the rebels from their hiding
places. The Thirty-Second New York led the advance on the right.
The Fifth Maine on the left. Entering the woods they
approached a ravine, at the bottom of which they were fired
on by the rebel skirmishers. Up they charged driving the
enemy from their position. Soon a second ravine appeared
in view. In attempting to cross this our raen received a
destructive fire, but still pressed on, driving the enemy out
of the tangled thickets which concealed him from view.
This invisibleness of the enemy has been to us a terrible
and destructive feature in this war. They have frequently
selected their own ground, and then decoyed us into it.
Most of the battles have been fought in AA^oods and ravines.
Upon the sides of these ravines the enemy have had their
rifie pits and batteries. Often, in the battle, volleys are heard
which make the very ground quake. The bullets quickly
hiss. The shells sing their murderous song through the air.
Yet amid the quivering branches of the leafy trees — for the
trees are always leafy in the South — naught perchance may
be seen, except a little bird, singing upon a bough in the
intervals of the volley. The leaves rustle in the wind, and
you look for the branches to part, and a mad foe to rush for
ward. Look until your eye-balls strain, but no foe is visible.
The groans of the Avounded and dying fall upon your ear.
You look and wonder, a fierce volley now comes through the
waving branches, comrades fall dead and wounded around
you, aud the earth and heavens seem to pour forth flame
and death. A battery opens on a hill. The quick hiss of

ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. 249
the grape shot decimates our ranks. Yet no foe can be
seen. How dreadful and terrible this trampiug on to almost
certain death, we must learn from those who, with a prayer
on their lips, have gone into these awful scenes, and have
come safely out again. It is something which can not be
described, and can be thought of only as a wild dream.
At a third ravine the rebels had erected a breastAvork from
which they opened on our men with musketry, and grape,
and canister. We charged to within a fcAv feet of this work,
but were forced back.
Soon our gunboats opened fire upon the enemy. The
immense guns seemed effective, for a rebel battery, that had
withstood all our attacks, was soon silenced.
At four o'clock the infantry rallied for the final charge.
Our artillery had damaged the rebels, and the time had come
to decide the battle. The whole division advanced, the First
New Jersey charging, at a double-quick, upon the rebel work
in the ceuter, our artillery, all the Avhile, keeping up a heavy
fire. Our shells burst in their works. The cheers of the '
troops announced the position was won. The battle was
over, and the field was ours. We lost two hundred and fifty
killed and wounded. Our victory opened the way to White
House Landing, further up the Pamunkey.
After these battles the array proceeded steadily towards
Richmond. One column marching from the White House
Lauding, another by the way of New Kent Court House.
Unimportant skirmishes occurred, and on the twentieth of
May the advance reached New Bridge, eight miles distant
from Richmond, driving the rebel pickets before them.
In this connection it Avill be necessary to give a brief account
of the capture of Norfolk, and the destruction of the rebel
monster Merrimac, The blockade of the Jaraes river by this
formidable vessel, prevented the army from advancing on Rich
mond by that route, and changed the whole course of the
campaign. CAPTURE OF NORFOLK.
The morning of the eighth of May broke brightly and

250

ARMY OP THE POTOMAC.

beautifully upon the quiet banks of James River as if the
whole world were at peace. Not a cloud in the sky — scarcely
a ripple on the waters.
Early in the morning a heavy volume of smoke was
observed stealing along from Craney Island, until, just as it
reached Tanner's Creek, it changed direction, and moved
towards Newport News. It was soon made out to be the
steam tug J. B. White, which, with its owner and crew, had
run away from the rebel stronghold, and brought us impor
tant information.
At seven o'clock, the gunboats Galena, Port Royal and
Aroostack, steamed up the James River, and commenced an
attack on Day's Point, some miles up the river.
At twelve o'clock, the Dacotah and Monitor approached
Sewell's Point, the Dacotah opening the fight. She steamed
up to the enemy's batteries, pouring in shot and shell like
hail. The Monitor crowded herself off the beach, firing
cooly and deliberately as if it were practice. In the mean
time, the Susquehanna, Seminole, San Jacinto and Naugatuck,
drew near, and poured in broadsides.
It seemed as if each sand hill was a battery; for so fast as
one was silenced, another opened. The enemy had one large
battery, which kept up a terrible fire. On this work our fleet
poured a concentrated fire for two hours. Our shot and shell
tore up their breastworks, and burst among the gunners.
Still they fought. Confusion was at last visible. A thick
smoke soon burst out in a vivid flame. Our shells flred their
barracks; yet, amid the raging fire, they clung to their artil
lery, while in the smoke could be seen the rebel flag.
At three o'clock, the Merrimac, in all her huge proportions,
with her bomb proof roof, and her long iron prow, hove in
sight. The bombardment had almost ceased. A formidable
monster was in the field.
Our steamers retired in the direction of the Rip Raps,
Avhile the Monitor hugged close to Sewell's Point, at first
retiring as the Merrimac approached, in hopes to get her out
of the narrow channel, and from under the batteries of the
enemy. But the Merrimac was cautious, creeping around
like a mole, and looking like one. She came down to the
Point, turned clumsily around, and put back again.

ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. 251
The sun went down, leaving the iron-clad monsters Avatch
ing each other ; and the moon looked in quiet beauty upon
the day's strife. Save the smoking ruins of the rebel bat
teries, all Avas peaceful as if there were no war. The morn
ing found the Merrimac standing picket, three miles from
Sewell's Point — the grand rear guard of the retreating enemy.
At dusk the batteries on the Rip Raps opened fire, and the
shells fell in the rebel works. The darkness added beauty to
the scene. A quick flash, like lightning, was seen, and then
a ball of fire. It was the bursting shell.
All this time the rebels had been destroying property in
and around Norfolk. Fires were burning on Craney Island,
and at the Gosport Navy Yard. At times the whole island
was enveloped in a dark cloud, bright flame shooting from
beneath. Perhaps a grander spectacle was never witnessed. Cer
tainly no combat ever had a group of more interested specta
tors. It was a theater — nature furnished the scenery, and
art the performance. An audience of twenty-five thousand
looked upon the drama. In each breast was a feeling of
retribution, for the waters rippled at their feet, in which was
buried the gallant tars of the Cumberland and Congress,
Hearts swelled with exultation as each shot told on treason.
On May ninth, at midnight, Gens. Wool and Mansfield,
and Gen. Max Webber, with his brigade, consisting of the
Twentieth New York, Sixteenth Massachusetts, Tenth New
York, Fifty-Eighth Pennsylvania, two cavalry companies,
and a battery, took steamers at Fortress Monroe, and made a
landing in Willoughby Bay, at a place called Ocean View.
The Twentieth New York landed first, and, deploying as
skirmishers, pushed rapidly forward, starting up a rebel cav
alry picket from breakfast, and following so rapidly as to
occupy their barracks, and capture their dry goods. This
was one mile from the landing. Our force pushed rapidly
forward, until within three miles of Norfolk. At Tanner's
Bridge a small force of rebels were met, with three pieces of
artillery. The bridge was in flames. Part of the brigade
countermarched on another road, and the rebels, seeing the
movement, suddenly left. Our soldiers pushed forward, and

252 ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
at eight o'clock, Saturday night, the Sixteenth Massachusetts
and Twentieth Ncav York rushed through the intrenchments,
and Norfolk Avas ours. The enemy had abandoned the city.
There was a good road, about ten miles in length, leading
from Norfolk to Ocean VIcav — a fashionable watering place.
Here the surf brealcs heavily on the beach. By a singular over
sight, no cannon had been placed upon this naturally 'strong
position. The formation of the sand banks, which are a
peculiarity of the sea coast, made embankments unnecessary.
In fact, they are natural fortifications. They rise abruptly
from twenty to fifty feet' on the ocean side, and descend as
abruptly on the land side.
When the rebels heard of our landing at what they sup
posed to be such an impossible place, their feelings of chagrin
were indescribable. They telegraphed to Richmond that
seventy-five thousand Yankees had landed, though there
were not over five thousand. Then comraenced the work
of destruction and terror. For two days they Avere busy in
destroying property. On Craney Island, they burnt buildings,
machine shops, and founderies. They burnt the Gosport
Navy Yard, blew up the dry dock, and destroyed the shops.
They tried to burn the railroad bridge, but were prevented
by the tiraely arrival of the Union soldiers.
On Sunday the Federal troops raarched through the city
of Norfolk, The men sneered at our sunburnt volunteers,
and the women scowled. But what cared we? We were
the victors, and could endure sneers.
At daylight, Sunday, the rebel crew of the Merriraac,
learning of the surrender of their harbor, and our possession
of the entire peninsula, fearing the guns in fi-ont, and dread
ing a visit frora the Monitor, abandoned, in utter desperation,
their vessel, having previously applied a slow match to the
magazine, which, upon igniting, shook the earth for miles
around. Thus did the Merrimac — the great terror of our
navy — corarait suicide.
Norfolk, Avith its narrow streets, and old-fashioned brick
stores, resembled the lower portion of New York City.
Nine-tenths of the stores Avere closed, and the dAvelling
houses seemed to lack inhabitants, though through the closed

ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. 253
blinds, as the martial music preceded some new force of Union
soldiers, might be seen curious eyes, sometimes Stern, but
oftener frightened.
The scenery around the city was beautiful. A healthier
location could not be found. The sea breeze cooled the air,
and made the heat of the sun endurable. The river wound
its way among capes and islands, its banks covered with
pines, and adorned by many beautiful residences. A splendid
building was the Naval Hospital. A very handsome garden
surrounded it. The green lawn in front was soon covered by
our troops, and Union music issued from its portico,
THE SITUATION BEFORE RICHMOND.
The line of defense against the further advance of the
Union army towards Richmond, was the Chickahominy
River. This river is formed by the junction of several small
streams north of Richmond. Its general course is south-east.
It is a sluggish stream, with swampy shores and low banks,
which overflow after heavy rains. Its bed is full of stumps,
and reserables our western bayous. Along both sides of the
belt of wooded swamp, inclosing the Chickahominy, is a
tract of level, open country, running back for a short dis
tance on each side. Beyond, on- the Richmond side, are
heavy pine woods, intersected with numerous winding paths,
for it is an old country, having been settled nearly two hun
dred years.
With this difficult stream to cross, its fords guarded by the
enemy's artillery and riflemen, and its woods swarming with
troops, the army necessarily moved slowly. There were
bridges to build under fire of the enemy, roads to make,
transportation to accompany the column; yet, by immense
effort, all this was accomplished, and after a few brilliant skir
mishes at Bottom Bridge, New Bridge and other points, the
advance division of the army of the Potomac, under the
command of Gen. Casey, crossed the Chickahominy, within
six miles of Richmond, near Fair Oaks Station. There had
been heavy rains the day previous, the ground on which they
camped was flooded, and being of a clayey texture rendered

254 ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
it impossible to move artillery. A more desolate country is
seldom seen. Acres of trees had been felled to prevent the
further advance of our army. Every house was in ruins.
The men, to quench their thirst, had to drink slimy water.
On May thirtieth occurred a terrific thunder and rain storm
which lasted all night, converting the spongy soil into a bog,
and raising the waters of the Chickahominy so as to carry
aAvay two bridges Gen. Sumner had prepared for the passage
of his column. The men having dug a few rifle pits, and
felled timber, were exhausted by the storms of the night and
the labors of the morning; and while cooking cofi'ee and
preparing dinner, the outer pickets were driven in. Thus
began the battle of Fair Oaks, May thirty-first.
BATTLE OF FAIR OAKS.
It Avas noon, when the scattered fire of our pickets startled
our camp. The One Hundred and Third Pennsylvania
advanced to support the pickets. They went out quickly,
and came in contact with the enemy's front line of battle
before our men had loaded their guns. At once they received
a full and destructive volley, which cut down one-fourth and
demoralized the rest. They fell back in confusion, carrying
with them discouragement to the forming columns, and were
no more in the fight that day.
That surprise, while it disorganized the regiment, proved
the great error which had been comraitted, in allowing our
selves to be surprised, and in sending out a sraall force with
erapty guns.
Gen, Casey's force hastily formed, and Col. Bailey, getting
his artillery in position, opened fire as the rebel column
poured through the woods in front.
The rebel army had started from Richmond in three col
umns; one came down the railroad on the right, another
attacked the camp through the woods, directly in front, and
the third came down the Charles City road, on the left, but
failed on account of the high water to take part in the battle.
Their object was to crush Casey's force before reinforcements
should cross the Chickahominy. From the proverbial slow-

ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, 255
ness of our movements, they had every reason to look for
the success of their plan, and failed only from the facts that
their left column did not connect, and that our surprised
troops fought with a desperation wholly unexpected. Per
fectly informed of our position and force, they chose a point
for the attack which could least endure it. They intended
the blow to be desperate, and made it Avith their best troops.
Eighteen thousand men, of high courage and discipline, of
the rebel army, led by Gen. Longstreet, left Richmond that
day and went out to battle. Never did courage and daring
come nearer success. But they were beaten, and if our com
manders had known the state of affairs, we could have fol
lowed their shattered columns into Richmond.
Gen. Casey's force, on that day, consisted of about six
thousand effective men ; they were broken down by sickness
and hard marches, and from the effects of the surprise, fought
at great disadvantage. With this feeble division Gen. Casey
had but a small force to meet the combined rebel attack.
But no thought of yielding entered the mind of this old sol
dier, scarred with the wounds of many battles and familiar
with danger. His troops were at once formed, his three
brigades maintaining their positions on the right, left and
center. Preparations were made to resist the attack. Spratt's bat
tery was posted on the right, Regan's next, near the Wil
liamsburgh road. Bates' battery on the left, and Fitch's bat
tery in the rear.
The vigor with which the enemy pressed forward indicated
the confidence of superior strength. Tavo rebel regiments
pressed Gen. Naglee on the right ; another felt Gen. Wassell
on the center ; and a third Gen. Palmer on the left, pouring
in a fire hot and heavy, advancing with great resolution in
face of a steady fire of canister and grape. The rebels had
little artillery, and were evidently disposed to make good
that deficiency by coming to close quarters, with their supe
rior force, to break down by numbers the skeleton regiments
of the advanced column.
Most of Gen. Casey's troops were thrown forward to the
edge of the woods in front, to meet the advance of the rebels,

256

ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.

a few regiments having been left behind the slight rifle pits,
rifle pits but in name, for they were only two feet deep, and
afforded no protection to the men. Besides this, their camp
was on an open field, with no protection, while the rebels", as
usual, advanced through timber.
Thus a division, unused to war, was suddenly exposed, in
an open field, to the heaviest fire, from a concealed eneray.
Terribly the tempest raged ; musket balls filled the air like
hail; officer after officer fell before the deadly fire; men Avere
cut down like grass; and the rebel column pressed on to vic
tory. They took possession of the carap and buried their
dead on the battle field.
For four hours Casey's men fought three times their num
ber, and yielded only half a mile to the enemy. Gen. Casey
showed great courage and skill. Although he lost one-fourth
of his division, he held the rebels in check till Couch's divis
ion advanced.
The troops of Gen. Couch then advanced to the battle. It
has often been our misfortune to put our troops forward in
detached bodies, while the enemy massed his solid columns
within supporting distance.
A short pause took place between the retreat of Casey's
division, and the advance of Couch. The troops of the latter
were so drawn up that when the enemy pressed forward his
right wing became first engaged. Here the Twenty-Third
Pennsylvania regiment was posted. They reserved their fire
until the enemy was close upon them, and then poured in a
sheet of living flame. But the increasing forces of the enemy
compelled them to fall back. Rebels seemed to spring from
the very earth. From each bush, and brake and tree an armed
warrior sprung. The bushes shook with their rustling move
ment. They sprung up, as if by magic, and, with triumphant
yells, their columns swept onward. Our ranks broke like glass
before their terrible fire; our shattered column fell back, and
left the enemy in possession of the camp, the battle field, and
its trophies.
Col. Bailey, Chief of Artillery, who so gallantly opened
the battle, was shot early in the afternoon. Major Van Val-
kenburg was also killed, with many other brave officers and
men.

ARMY OP THE POTOMAC. 257
The rebel army camped on the ground occupied by Casey's
division before the battle. All night they Avere burying their
dead, and placing little shingle slabs, marked with the narae
and regiment of their fallen comrades. Sometiraes they
were buried singly, but oftener in clusters. Huge pits Avere
dug in which the dead Avere tumbled without ceremony.
For weeks after the battle the mounds raised over these pits
swarmed AA'ith green carrion flies, and the sides of the mounds
cracking open, exposed the decaying remains under their
light covering of clay.
Sometiraes, in the bushes, the dead could not be found; for
the battle was fought mostlj' in a thick undergroAvth, although
it culminated on the open field Avhere Casey camped. Stroll
ing araong these bushes, a fcAV days after the battle, the bodies
of dead soldiers could be seen. The dead lay with "their
back to the field and their feet to the foe."
THE SECOND DAY.
Flushed with their victory on Saturday, the rebel army
awoke with confidence on Sunday, to folloAV up their move
ments, sure of driving our column this tirae into, or beyond,
the Chickahorainy. Our army was ready to meet them.
During the night the divisions of Gens. Sedgwick and
Richardson had crossed and taken position. Heintzelman
was there Avith the fighting divisions of Hooker and Kear
ney. Sumner, French, Keyes, Meagher, and Howard had
arrived, with part of their forces.
The rebel army occupied a piece of woods and the open
field of our camp ; their line extended from our extrerae left,
on White Oak Swamp, to the railroad near Fair Oaks Sta
tion, on our right.
On our right, on the other side of the railroad, the divis
ions of Gens. Sedgwick and Richardson were posted, their
left resting on Hooker's right. Hooker's division occupied
the center, in the wood fronting Sneed's house, on the Wil
liamsburgh road, and Gen. Keyes the left.
About seven o'clock in the morning the fire of our pickets
denoted the advance of the rebels. Heintzelman sent Hooker
Vol. I.— 17.

258 ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
to drive them from the woods, from which the head of their
column was emerging. Kearney was fighting desperately on
the extreme left. Our whole line advanced delivering terrific
volleys. Again and again, the enemy pushed forward. They
gathered in masses in the woods and dashed at our batteries,
but were swept back by the murderous hurricane of grape
and canister. The rebels found it impossible to break our
lines and we found it difficult to shake them off.
The officers were all in their places, animating their men,
who moved steadily forward, delivering their fire coolly and
regularly. Thus continued the desperate struggle all day.
The sun at last went down shining dismally through the sul
phurous smoke of the battle. Dark night came on only to add
to the horrors. The enemy still gathered in masses in the
woods, occasionally making a dash at our batteries, only to
be driven back. Sheets of flame issued from the woods;
storms of bullets tore through the leaves and struggling men ;
the wild yells of the combatants drowned at times all other
sounds, and it seemed as if human beings were turned into
fiends. It was past eight o'clock when the battle ceased.
We held our position, but the enemy held his, and was
consoled for his disappointment in not driving us from ours
by the spoils of Casey's and Couch's camp. The battle begun
in disgrace to us, and ended with a severe repulse to the enemy.
The battle was over, but what pen can describe its scenes
of agony? Friends and foes lay scattered over the field in
their dying struggles. Here were deserted camps — dead and
dying filled its tents- -horses, wounded and mangled rushed
to and fro. Here were Union soldiers ; there rebels. Every
wound known to the human body was seen in ghastly reality.
All wanted water, those who could, crawled through mud,
and drank eagerly the slimy flood. Some screamed, others
moaned, and a few turned their eyes upward and breathed a
silent prayer.
While lying thus, between life and death, a thousand
thoughts croAvd in a moment's space, upon the busy mind.
The dearest scenes of life pass vividly before you. All seems
quiet and pleasant. No thought of pain, or of death; but
an abandonment of mind, filled with beautiful scenes dearest

ARMY OF TUB POTOMAC. 259
to the heart. Is this death? Happy they Avho thus pass
through the dark valley, leaning on the arm of their Saviour,
Our loss, during the fight of these two days, was eight
hundred and ninety killed, three thousand six hundred and
tAventy - seven wounded, one thousand two hundred and
twenty-two missing, most of whom were prisoners, total five
thousand seven hundred and thirty-nine. The rebel loss was
four thousand two hundred and thirty-three, killed, wounded
and missing. The rebels claim to have taken ten pieces of
artillery, six thousand stand of arms, five colors, and a large
amount of camp equipage.
The rebel army retired leisurely and in good order from
the battle field of Fair Oaks, finding, from the rapidity with
which the Union army received reinforcements, that they
could not drive them back.
Our forces did not pursue, but contented themselves with
occupying the battle ground, building redoubts, aud con
structing rifle pits. In the meantime, the Army of the Poto
mac was reinforced by Wool's veterans from Norfolk, and
McCall's division. Most of our army was over the Chicka
hominy. The Williamsburgh road was open. B. Estvan,
in "War Pictures from the South," says:
" The nearer the Federal forces approached Richmond, the
greater became the tumult and disorder there. The conduct
of the Confederate Government on this occasion, instead of
allaying, served to increase the confusion; for instead of
makiug a decisive effort with the forces then at Richmond,
they ordered all the public officials to pack up their effects,
and hand them over to the charge of the ordnance depart
ment, and directed the magazines to be cleared, and their
contents carried away farther South. President Davis him
self shoAved the white feather, for he hurried off with his
wife and family to North Carolina ; and, as may be supposed,
that did not serve to allay the alarm of the people. In short,
dismay and confusion reached their highest pitch. Gen.
Winder's secret police lost all power of acting. The civic
authorities of Richmond were anxious to do something, but
were too bewildered to grapple with the mischief. A small
number of desperate fellows from Baltimore took advantage

260 ARMY OP THE POTOMAC.
of these circumstances, and, at a public meeting, which they
conA^ened, actually passed a resolution for burning doAvn
Richmond the moment the enemy should attack the tOAvn.
The sick and AVouuded were conveyed into the interior; many
public buildings, as well as private houses, were made ready
to be set fire to ; and the distracted city Avas apparently on
the eve of a great catastrophe."
This statement, if true, confirms what has frequently been
asserted, that after the battle of Fair Oaks, our army could
have easily taken Richmond.
From the second of June until the thirteenth, our army
was busy digging, and felling timber, to prevent the rebels
from taking us, while in the rebel capital all was confusion
and terror, and its chief was sending messengers to CA'ery
portion of the Confederacy to send to Richmond every regi
ment; to sacrifice all for the preservation of the threatened
capital. Soon they Avere joined by a portion of Beauregard's
army, which had slipped through Halleck's fingers at Corinth.
While we were digging, and countermarching, and losing
valuable time, the enemy Avere massing troops to overwhelm
us. The series of battles came, alas! too soon. Gen.
McClellan deemed it advisable to withdraAV his army to the
shelter of the gunboats on the James River.
Eveiy few days, from the third until the twelfth of June,
there vs'as skirmishing along our line in .front of Richmond.
Occasionally a regiment was sent through the woods or
¦swamps in front, to discover the position of the enemy, but
were generally driven back with loss, after penetrating a
short distance Avithin the enemy's lines.
The enemy seemed to be sleepless, and every night our
entire front line Avas aroused by heavy picket firing. Falling
in behind their rifle pits, the Federals waited soraetimes all
day for an attack. The Union soldiers Avere ordered out
every night to construct rifle pits. Some, Aveary and sick,
continued to dig, until death relieved them from fatigue.
Thus dragged along the movements in front of Richmond,
until June the thirteenth, when our sluggishness AA'as startled
by a bold and dashing movement of Gen. Stuart's rebel cav
alry on our rear. This feat w-as so daring that a detailed
account Avill be interesting.

army op thb potomac. 261
Stuart's cavalry raid.
The rebel force consisted of about tAvelve hundred cavalry,
and a section of flying artillery, under command of Gen. J.
E. B. Stuart. It quietly met beyond the Chickahominy, near
Kilby's station, on the Richmond, Fredericksburgh and Poto
mac Railroad, and moved thence parallel to, and to the left
of, the road. It proceeded by the way of Hanover Court
House, where it encountered the pickets of McDoAvell; but
they fell back towards Fredericksburgh, thus opening a gap
in our lines. So soon as Gen. Stuart was informed of this
overcaution of McDowell's pickets, he expressed great satis
faction, and dashed rapidly forward. The column proceeded
by the Avay of Eden Church, and Haw's Shop. Between
these places, they were encountered by the Fifth United
States cavalry, and a spirited fight ensued, resulting in driving
our men back. They then proceeded to Tunstall's Station,
on the York River Railroad, on their route capturing wagons,
and destroying property. One part of the force was detached
to the Pamunkey River, where they destroyed two transports,
and a large amount of stores. The railroad bridge over
Black Creek was burned, thus cutting off the Army of the
Potomac from its supplies. They then proceeded to New
Kent Court House, and destroyed more stores. At a little
before dawn, on Sunday, June the sixteenth, they arrived
upon the banks of the Chickahominy, near Forge Bridge.
The bridge had been destroyed. This was near Charles City
Road, and under the fire of the Union gunboats on the James
River, The stream was not fordable. What was to be done ?
The Union forces were in rapid pursuit. Thousands were
filling the woods and pushing on to capture their daring foe.
First one horseman, then another, plunged into the fiood —
too deep; no ford to be discovered; no bridge. At last they
thought of the old bridge at Jones' Ford; that could be
repaired. At it they went, and soon accomplished the task.
Then the daring band galloped up the Charles City Road,
and entered the rebel lines.

262 ARMY OP THE POTOMAC,
THE SITUATION,
For nearly three weeks the opposing armies had looked
upon each other Avithout any decisive combat. But there
Avas very little rest, for every night our pickets were attacked.
Every day we had a hot sun or a drenching rain. The men
were exhausted with work in the rifie pits. The immense
labor imposed on the soldiers, with its constant alarms,
reduced our effective force nearly one-fourth. The left wing,
which was on the right bank of the Chickahominy, had
intrenchments along its entire front, for it was exposed at
any time to an attack from the whole rebel army. The right
wing was on the left bank of the river, and reached to Me-
chanicsville. Thus the army laid in the shape of a V after
the battle of Fair Oaks, and until the grand attack of the
rebel army on the twenty-sixth of June.
The right wing, consisting of McCall's, Morrell's and
Sykes' divisions, about twenty-five thousand strong, was
posted from Beaver Dam to New Bridge. The center, com
prising Smith's, Sedgwick's and Richardson's divisions,
reached from New Bridge to the York River railroad. The
left wing, consisting of Hooker's, Kearney's and Couch's
divisions covered the front from the railroad to the edge of
White Oak Swamp. It was seventeen miles to the James
river, and twenty-five miles to the Pamunkey, where our
base was at the White House. White Oak Swamp covered
our left, although several roads, between it and the James
river, Avould have enabled the enemy to cut off any commu
nication in that direction, provided they moved in time. The
effective force of our army was about ninety-five thousand
men. In front of Kearney's lines Avas an open space, partly swamp
and partly felled timber, forming an abattis. In front of
Hooker was a series of open fields and swamps; at their
further edge thick woods.
On the twenty- fifth of June, early in the morning, Heint-
zelman's corps was ordered to advance and drive the enemy
from cover. Pushing rapidly forward. Hooker's division
drove the enemy from their rifie pits, and into the woods

ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. 263
at their rear. The fight raged fiercely for a time, but the
enemy, finding theraselves in danger of being fianked on
their right, by Gen. Kearney, fell back, and Hooker held his
position. Gen. Kearney meanwhile had advanced through swamp
and slashed timber a mile in front of his rifie pits. So soon
as his force entered the woods skirmishing commenced, but
the enemy was steadily pressed back, until his left came sud
denly in contact with a log house filled Avith rebels. A volley
was poured into our advancing column, killing and wounding
several men, but the line pushed rapidly forward and the
rebels fled, leaving behind their haversacks and blankets.
This log house had once been a school house. Near it was
an abandoned dwelling surrounded by an orchard. To the
right was a wheat field. To the left a meadow. Beyond
heavy woods.
Our advanced line took position along a fence in the wheat
field, orchard and meadow, while the reserve lay down in the
woods. Soon a shell burst in the road close to the house,
and then a shower of grape hissed through the branches of
the apple trees over the heads of our troops. We then dis
covered the enemy had batteries commanding the position.
Presently a shell whizzed at right angles over our heads. The
enemy had a cross-fire on our troops. Gen. Kearney quickly
got a section of a battery in position and replied, and suc
ceeded in setting fire to a house in which their sharpshooters
were posted, and had a lively skirmish. The fire of our bat
tery brought on a battle. BATTLE OF ORCHARDS.
It was now about six o'clock. The reserve was resting in
the woods, listening to the shells flying through the branches
of the trees. It seemed too late for a general battle. An
orderly ran up to Gen. Robinson, with information that the
enemy were advancing in force across the wheat field. The
Eighty-Seventh New York was in front, and its Colonel had
sent the message to Gen. Robinson asking for support.
Col. Brown, of the Twentieth Indiana, whose regiment

264 ARMY OP THB POTOMAC.
was lying in column of division, at once ordered his men to
deploy, and they at once advanced. The fire grcAV fierce in
front. The Twentieth, so soon as they reached the crest of
a hill in the Avoods, were assailed with a heavy fire; with a
yell and a cheer they gallantly charged the enemy. They
were provided with patent water proof cartridges, which
required no biting. Charging down the hill they met the
enemy at a fence iu the wheat field. Then roared forth
their fire. The battle raged furiously. The Twentieth,
eager and enthusiastic, rushed like wild Avolves upon the
First Louisiana, Third and Fourth Georgia, and a North
Carolina regiment, driving them like frightened sheep. In
front of them was a rebel battery. Capt. Lytle seeing it
waved his sword and ordered his men to take it. Just then
the gallant Captain fell mortally wounded. Still our line
pushed forward, the enemy giving way, Avhen suddenly, from
the sedgy pines on the right, a destructive fire enfiladed our
line. The men hesitated. They could not fight an unseen
foe. A fire noAV opened from concealed forces on the left.
Rising from behind a fence in front, swarms of grey-backs
appeared. The regiment fell back, losing one hundred and
ninety-two in killed and wounded. The rebels reported their
loss six hundred and fifty in killed and wounded.
AFTER THE BATTLE.
The dark night came on, and, although reinforcements
arrived, it was too late to renew the fight. The forces slept
that night iu the woods and swamps, under the heavy fogs
of June. The quiet of the night was occasionally broken by
the fire of frightened pickets. The battle field was betAveen
the contending forces. All night long could be heard the
groans of the wounded. From ditches and swamps came up
their doleful cries, causing even the hardest hearts to weep.
Their sufferings could uot be relieved, for when efforts were
made to remove the wounded, the rebel pickets fired on our
details. A few of the most daring of the Twentieth, suc
ceeded in rescuing the gallant Capt. Lytle, who afterwards
died in hospital at Washington.

ARMY OP THE POTOMAC. 265
In the darkness some of our pickets killed their OAvn com
rades. The dreary liours dragged along till the gray dawn
stole sloAvly in, and found our men waiting anxiously for the
events of the day.
The sun arose, baking the fields into clay, its fierce rays
scorching the wounded, who were dying for lack of water.
The order came to fall back. INCIDENTS.
In the rear of the column, at a turn in the road, behind a
wood pile, lay two "blue coats" apparently sleeping. All was
now quiet in the woods, the insects Avere chirping, and the
birds singing their morning songs. The dewy leaves fluttered
softly in the gentle breeze. The sun, Avhere it penetrated the
leafy coverts, sparkled upon the glittering drops of water the
dew had left upon the leaves. All nature was hushed, as if
it were a Sabbath of quiet. No sounds of strife; no noise
of tumult. The men were quietly sleeping. One lay close
to the wood pile; the other a little further off. Quietly
approaching, a Union officer gently laid his hand on the
shoulder of one and bade him wake up ; but he could not be
waked. His pantaloons were tucked into his socks, his rifle
was clasped in his hands; his overcoat was on; he was full
rigged as a soldier, and yet he slept. Stooping down the
officer looked into his face, and observed a bullet hole in hia
left temple. He slept his last sleep. He went to the other
sleeper ; alas ! he also slept the sleep of death. Quietly as
little children, they slumbered upon the green moss of the
woods in front of Richmond. No friends will ever know
where they lie. No happy family on earth, will ever greet
their return. A rifle, taken from one of them, had on the
belt, "F. McCuUouch, company F." Thus do our braves lie
unknown among the swamps of the Chickahominy. But the
sacrifice will not be in vain. They need no monument to
perpetuate their memory, for their deeds will live in the
hearts of a grateful people. Their little fatherless children,
now too young to realize their loss, may pronounce the sim
ple and beautiful eulogy upon them, " My father fought and
died for his country."

266 ARMY OP THE POTOMAC,
FURTHER MOVEMENTS.
On the morning of June twenty-sixth, Heintzelman's corps,
composed of the divisions of Hooker and Kearney, fell back
from their advanced position to their rifle pits, redans and
fortifications on the Fair Oaks battle field. Here they rested
for the day. At ten o'clock the rebels sent up a balloon from
which a view of our position Avas taken.
At twelve o'clock there was heavy firing on the right.
The troops of Gen. Hill had crossed the Chickahominy at
Meadow Bridge, and attacked McCall, the advance of our
right on the left bank. The fight was severe ; but our troops
held a strong position at Beaver Dam. There McCall had
cut an abattis and thrown up earthworks, which held the
enemy till dark. This vigorous resistance compelled the
enemy to throw numerous reinforcements across the river.
During the night our troops fell back and took position at
Gaines' Mills.
In the meantime Gen. Jackson had crossed at Mechanics-
ville Bridge, and, bearing in the direction of Coal Harbor,
threatened our communications with the White House. Gen.
D. H. Hill was crossing at New Bridge. So soon as Jackson
arrived at Coal Harbor, Gens. Lee and Longstreet took com
mand of the three columns, and approached Gaines' Mills.
One portion of our army was on the south side of the
Chickahominy, fronting Richmond, and confronted by Gen.
Magruder. The other portion, on the north side, had fallen
back to a new line, and were confronted by the united forces
of Jackson, Hill and Longstreet.
As the rebels, who had advantage of position, greatly out
numbered the Federal forces. Gen. McClellan, — not having
received the expected reinforcements, — made preparations for
retreating to the James River, across White Oak Swamp, to
Harrison's Landing, a distance of about seventeen miles.
The battles which ensued, were fought to cover the retreat
of the army and save its immense trains. There was but one
narrow road to pursue. Its course was due south from the
Williamsburgh road, through White Oak Swamp, to the
Charles City Road, about eight miles from the James River,

ARMY OP THE POTOMAC, 267
near Turkey Bend. Thence it took a south-westerly course
to Malvern Hills, which was our last line of defense.
The night of the twenty-seventh, the whole of the long
train connected with the right wing of the army, crossed the
Chickahominy by diff'erent bridges, and joined the long train
which took its winding way towards the James River.
Orders were given to destroy all the stores and magazines
along the railway to the White House, and evacuate that
position. BATTLE OP GAINES' MILLS.
This battle was fought in a rolling country, heavily wooded,
at intervals open, with a few cleared fields. There is an
unbroken succession of undulating hills two miles round the
battle field. The whole country, as seen from the north door
of Gaines' house, is unbroken, open, undulating, and table
land. The right of this table land descends from Gaines'
house to the creek. To the left there are ravines, with dense
timber further to the left; the front being mostly table land.
To the southeast, there is a large tract of timber commanding
all advances upon the main road, in which were posted our
troops and batteries.
At three, p. m., the enemy advanced, under Gen. Prior, and
made an onslaught on our skirmishers posted in the woods,
who fell back to the main column. Meanwhile, our batteries,
from the high grounds, swept the whole face of the country.
All that saved the rebel columns from utter destruction, was
the guUeys and dips in which they screened their men.
Suddenly, in front, appeared a large force of the enemy,
who rushed down into a wide guUey, crossed it, climbed over
the felled timber, under a fierce fire, and began to ascend the
hill on which our batteries were posted. An incessant dis
charge of grape and canister swept their ranks. Twenty-six
pieces of artillery thundered a leaden storm through their
line. Yet on they came, with guns at right-shoulder-shift,
ready for the charge. They had nearly reached our guns,
when, springing from the low timber, which had concealed
them, several regiments poured a deadly fire in their faces.

268 ARMY OP THE POTOMAC.
This, they could not stand, and fell back iu terror and dismay.
Generals and Colonels had to march on foot, their horses
having been shot. Regiments were commanded by Captains,
and companies by Sergeants.
Receiving new supports, they again, with savage yells and
colors flying, advanced. A perfect hurricane of fire met
them, yet on they came. Swarming from the woods — spring
ing from the solid ground — one interminable mass of foemen
rushed upon us only to be driven back again with immense
slaughter. Our infantry, from the A^'oods, thinned their ranks,
while our artillery, from the knobs, swept them from the
ground. Finding they could not force our center, they massed their
troops on our left, but were met by a gallant resistance. Sud
denly the roar of musketry increased in volume towards the
extreme left. Jackson had got to our flank and rear, and
was pouring in his fresh troops.
It was now past six o'clock. The ringing volleys of musk
etry sounded like the reverberating thunder, while the louder
roar of artillery was the thunder itself, followed by its vivid
flashes, lighting up the heavens. For two hours our left
withstood this terrible shock of battle. The columns surged
back and forth. First one yielding, then another. Our
reserves were exhausted. The enemy still poured in masses
of fresh troops. At last our line gave Avay, and swept back
over the river. We had about thirty-five thousand men
engaged. The rebel force was estimated at sixty thousand.
The loss was very heavy on both sides. At night our forces
crossed the grape vine bridge, and moved down the Williams
burgh road toward White Oak Swamp.
THE LEFT.
While this fight raged on the right, all was calm and peace
ful on the left. They thought they were going into Rich
mond. They had heard nothing of defeat or disaster, and
when at night the flashes of artillery, and the continued roar,
told of the battle, they listened anxiously for the result, and^
when the battle ceased, they anxiously looked for a messenger

ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. 269
with good ncAVS. The first thing they heard was a band
playing in front. A report rapidly spread that our right had
gained a hill near Richraond, and were about to shell the city.
The men fell into line, and gave long and continued cheers;
and, for the first time, music poured forth its cheering and
stirring notes amid the SAvamps of the Chickahorainj'. Out
came the veterans from their tents, and cheered. Cheered
till they were hoarse, aud, turning in, went to sleep again, to
wake up and find all delusion, aud the whole Union army in
rapid retreat. THE RETREAT.
On the morning of June twenty-eighth, the left wing of
the array, which had been eagerly waiting to receive the
order of "forward march," was startled at the strange move
ment of our columns. All night long the rumbling of artil
lery had been heard, and the white tops of our wagons been
seen disappearing through the woods and swamps doAvn the
Williamsburgh road. Fatigue parties, too, Avere working at
a second line of defenses, a mile in the rear of our first line,
covering a turn in the Williamsburgh road. This did not
look like "onward to Richihond,"
Then came an order to draw six day's rations ; pack up
everything the Avagons could hold; burn and destroy Avhat
we could not carry. Each man in Heintzelman's corps drew
one hundred and fifty rounds of cartridges. The fighting
division of the knightly Kearney Avas assigned as the rear
guard of the Array of the Potomac.
From early daylight immense trains of artillery, intermin
gled Avith infantry, and cavalry, stragglers, cooks, sick and
wounded, and droves of cattle passed our camp at Fair Oaks
and poured down the narrow road in our rear. At the sta
tion huge piles of array stores were burned, the smoke of
which curled dismally upwards. The rising sun, shining
through the dismal curtain of smoke, appeared to be stained
with blood. The sick, who could walk, were ordered to a
hospital in White Oak Swamp. One of the most heart sick
ening features of this retreat was to see those pallid, dying

270 ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
heroes, wandering helplessly and almost hopelessly along to
some haven of rest. The government had not furnished our
Chief with sufficient means for attending to the wants of our
wounded, for there Avere at that time only a fcAV two-wheeled
arabulances attached to each brigade. These rude vehicles
jolted so painfully that it was enough to kill a wounded man
to ride in them.
But the most awful feature was the fact, which soon became
apparent, that our wounded and mangled heroes who lay in
the hospitals moaning in agony, would have to be deserted
and left to the enemy. Hoav could men fight, when they
knew this would be their inevitable fate, if wounded. Yet
they did fight, and like a band of knightly heroes, hurled
the enemy back from every position they occupied in defense,
until worn out and almost dead with fighting aud fatigue,
they plunged down in the muddy flat of the James river, at
the end of the Seven Day's Battles. Some reached there
only to lie down and die. Numerous graves dot the plain
where our weary army rested.
The right wing of our army, after crossing the Chicka
hominy on Friday night, moved down the Williamsburgh
road toward White Oak SAvamp. On Saturday a force of
the enemy attacked a position on Garnett's farm, near New
Bridge. They were repulsed with heavy loss, and our forces
fell back to Savage Station about six miles from Richmond,
on the York River railroad. In the meantime, Jackson,
moving between the Chickahominy and Pamunkey, captured
the raost of the Fourth New Jersey and Eleventh Pennsyl
vania regiments.
At daylight on the twenty-eighth our whole line on the left
were drawn up in line of battle, having left our intrench
ments in front, and fallen back to a position about a mile in
the rear. Here small earthworks were thrown up, batteries
masked in the woods, and infantry placed in the rifle pits.
Before us were deserted camps. The thick smoke from the
burning stores notified the enemy that we had undertaken
some important movement. Behind us were the struggling
masses of wagons, artillery, infantry, cavalry, sutler's carts,
sick and wounded. In short, the paraphernalia of a large
army.

ARMY OP THE POTOMAC. 271
It was a melancholy and desolate scene. As the banners
waved, and the smoke ascended, and the long lines of men
were drawn up to cover the retreat, a feeling of desolation
spread over the hearts of the Union soldiery.
The enemy had thrown forces between our army and the
Pamunkey to cut off retreat in that direction, and now they
came pouring out from Richmond to complete their pro-

BATTLB OP PEACH ORCHARD.
At daylight, June twenty-ninth, one column came down the
railroad from Richmond, and another down the Williams
burgh road. They had with them a railroad battery, mounted
on a platform car. The Federal forces took position near the
old battle ground of Fair Oaks, designated as Peach Orchard
Station. The enemy opened with two batteries on our left,
but their fire was ineff'ective. The rebel columns were per
mitted to come within three hundred yards of the Federal
lines, when the whole terrible fire of our column burst upou
them. They staggered, and before they could close up their
broken ranks, our pieces again belched forth destructive fire.
The enemy were fearfully cut up. For half an hour the fire
was so rapid that it seemed the echo of one continued roar.
They replied feebly, but were repulsed at every point with
heavy loss.
They tried to flank us on the left, but our lines were
extended to a creek about a mile in the rear of Savage Sta
tion. Our line of retreat was covered on the Williamsburgh
road, and the enemy beaten back every time he made a new
charge. To us it was a decisive victory, for it gave us time,
and time was everything at this eventful crisis. The fight
lasted from eight, a. m., till noon. Our forces fell back to
Savage Station. THB BATTLE OP SAVAGE STATION.
At Savage Station there is, on the right of the railroad
facing Richmond, an open field of several hundred acres.

272 ARMY OF THB POTOMAC.
It was surrounded on three sides by timber, with the road
from Smith's old camp debouching from the Avoods into the
field at the west end.
Smith's division took position on the north side, in the
edge of the woods, and Sedgwick's division on the east side,
in the AVOods. At the open side, towards the railroad, two
guns were planted, Avhile in front tAvelve brass Napoleons,
hidden by bushes, were ready to pour grape and canister
into the advancing foe.
The enemy advanced rapidly, his skirmishers in advance
of his main line. As they emerged from the Avoods into the
open field, they caught sight of our two guns, purposely
exposed, and having a mania for charging batteries, they at
once advanced with great confidence and terrific yells.
Their onset was met and repulsed. Like wild beasts they
charged and poured in their fire. With cool, calm courage
our veterans hurled in their faces a fire so terrible that their
colurans recoiled in confusion. Our Napoleons thundered
through' their ranks, while a whole diA'ision poured in a fire
of musketry.
In the meantime a rebel brigade Avas observed stealing
dowm to the right, apparently Avith the design of fianking
our troops by reaching a point on the Williamsburgh road.
Tavo guns were quickly planted on the railroad, and swept
Avith grape and canister their column, till it broke in confusion
and fled to the A\'oods.
LleaA'y infantry fighting then ensued, in which parts of
SedgAvick's, Hooker's, Kearney's and Sraith's divisions were
engaged. The enemy advanced with great confidence; but
they Avere as confidently met by our cool soldiers. Their
steady columns melted before the fire of four thousand mus
kets and the deadly hail of our batteries.
Night came on, but put no end to the carnage. The steady
roar of cannon, and the sharp, quick ring of musketry, now
rolling in volleys, and anon reverberating as our men fired by
file, proved that the bold rear guard Avas doing its whole
duty. The dark night was lit up by the glare. The woods
caught fire from bursting shells, and painted ruthless war
upon the sky. The battle commenced about five, p. m., and

AR3IY OP THB POTOMAC. 273
lasted till eleven at night. It Avas one of the desperate bat
tles of the war. Our loss in killed and wounded was about
one thousand. The enemy were repulsed, our trains saved,
and at midnight our Aveary but resolute soldiers fell back to
White Oak Swamp.
All through Sunday night our fiank guard marched to the
left, with the eneray following and evincing a disposition to
harrass them. But the Union forces moved in good order
down the single road which crossed the White Oak Swamp.
Reaching the bridge, the column crossed, and, planting
artillery on the hills, destroyed the bridge, and waited the
approach of the enemy.
A deep creek crosses White Oak Swamp, emptying into
the Chickahominy. It was six feet deep at the point where
our men built the bridge. As it is approached from Rich
mond, the road, skirted Avith woods, descends abruptly. On
the opposite side, it winds around hills, shaped like bee-hives.
This Avas our strong position of defense. The swamp could
not be crossed, save by this road. Jackson was sweeping
doAvn on the left bank of the Chickahominy, threatening our
line of retreat by the Charles City Road, and Magruder Avas
pouring his veterans down the New Market road from Rich
mond. McClellan relied on our gunboats, and delay, to out
general Jackson, and knew that Heintzelman, Hooker, and
Kearney, Avould attend to Magruder, How they accomplished
their task, the battle of Frazier's Farm, or Charles City Cross
Roads, will testify.
Each bee-hive hill was planted Avith artillery, the light field
pieces in front, the long range Parrotts in the rear. The
infantry lay in front in rifle pits, supporting the batteries,
' while reserves were concealed by the woods. The Federals
thus waited, on the quiet Sunday, for their eager foe.
All this time the vanguard of the Union army was pushing
forward to the James River. As the head of the column
emerged from the woods, a body of rebel cavalry suddenly
charged upon it. McClellan expected annoyance in his front,
and had masked artillery behind bushes. As the grey coats
yelled in anticipation of triumph, our cavalry fell back till
they were in short range. Then, from out their hiding placeS)
Vol. 1,-18.

274 ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
belched death, like hghtning, killing their Colonel and forty
men, and utterly disorganizing the force, which, like wolves,
fled through the forest, troubling us no more.
THE ROUTE.*
After crossing White Oak Swamp Bridge, new roads were
found through the forest, and the column pushed silently on.
" One path was an old road for planters' use, overhung with
trees, and cut up by time and rains. Darkness came soon
within its shades ; and from the moment it grew dark, the
immense line of wagons and troops began to hitch and halt.
All night long these stoppages and delays occurred; and as
often as they took place, the foot-falls of stragglers, upon the
dried branches of the woods on either side, could be heard;
and when forced to the road, their stealthy march could be
seen flitting by in the faint starlight, which stole through the
tree-tops, "Halting and marching, waiting and moving, silent and
listening, tlie great corps d'armee crept through the dark
woods. To light a match, to fire the tobacco in a pipe, was
a crime. Conversation, save in Avhispers, was interdicted.
The armed thousands, and the batteries of cannon, and the
immense trains of wagons, moved in darkness and silence
over the sandy and tree-capped road.
"Listening for musketry in the rear; listening for cavalry
on our fianks; halting and marching, sleeping and waiting —
silent as if in funeral procession, we walked and walked, till
a hill-top reached, and a clearing in the east, enabled us to
see the coming day. With the sunrise the progress was
steady. At half-past seven in the morning of June thirtieth,
the column carae out of the forest upon the wheat and clover
fields of the Haxall estate ; and, from the high ground which
skirted it, the James River could be seen, and the masts of
our iron-clad gunboats on its waters."
But we must leave the right on the banks of the James
River, at Malvern Hill, watching the roads debouching from
Richmond, while we go back to the gallant band of heroes
to the left and rear, who were the salvation of the army.

ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. 275
Sunday passed Avithout a fight ; our tired men retreating;
the enemy following, shelling the woods as he advanced.
Near White Oak Swamp was a general hospital, where all
the Union sick and wounded, able to walk, had been sent
previous to the retreat. The men had stretched a few tents,
and were comfortable as circumstances would permit. But
the enemy Avere upon them, and their tents had to be aban
doned. Some could not walk. They were worn out and
dying; and although despair lent energy to many, yet all
through the terrible battle of White Oak Swamp the fire of
both armies tore through the woods, where they lay helpless.
The pursuit and retreat were too rapid to allow of rest, or to
remove our sick and wounded from the hospital in the M'oods.
They fell into the hands of the enemy.
White Oak Creek runs through a belt of svparap timber,
precisely as the Chickahominy fiows through its encompassing
morass. The creek is about six feet deep, and was bridged
by our engineers. A strip of bottora land lies on both sides
of the swamp, and on the north side a steep hill, crowned
with a farm house. This was encircled by a line of rifle pits.
An abattis stretched across the bottom land. Beyond the
stream the country was undulating. Near the stream was a
farm house; beyond which, ran a small creek, covered by
thick woods. This was the right of our position.
The house on the steep hill was the headquarters, for a
time, of our Generals. Around jts paling fence, on that
Sunday night, many a weary soldier slept. One officer,
severely wounded, lay on the grass in the door-yard. A
woman bathed his wounds. Orderlies were flying to and fro.
Artillery Avas taking position. Masses of infantry were flling
through the woods. Cavalry were scouting, and soldiers
building their camp-fires. Across the swamp could be heard
the sound of the enemy's artillery folloAving our colurans.
The rear guard lay down to rest on that dismal Sunday night
in doubt and uncertainty; for they had not yet reached the
James River, and knew not that our advance was there. The
army, save the pickets and sentinels, slept. The gray dawn
of the next day ushered in another battle.

276 ARMY OP THE POTOMAC.
BATTLE OP AVHITE OAK SWAMP.
At daylight, Monday, June thirtieth, the head of the ene
my's column, emerging from the woods, opened fire on our
skirmishers. Under cover of a hill on the left bank of White
Oak Creek, they thrcAv artillery forward and opened a storm
of fire from twenty-six cannon in seven batteries. Their fire
was very damaging, blowing up several caissons, and creating
much disorder among the troops and trains. Soon recover
ing, our batteries vigorously responded. An artillery duel
took place. The enemy attempted to cross the stream, but
were met and repulsed. Suddenly our long range Parrott
guns opened fire, and the enemy recoiled. He attempted to
gain the broken bridge, but so terrible was the fire of artil
lery ancl musketry that the head of their coluran melted
away. Finding it impossible to cross, they sent a powerful
force to our left, on the Charles City Cross Roads. While
the battle raged on the right, the thunders of artillery and
musketry rolled up from the left, reverberating frora the
waters of the SAvamp, as if the Federal forces Avere sur
rounded by a line of fire. This battle has been called by the
various names of Frazier's Farm, Glendale, and Charles City
Cross Roads. It was a continuation of the battle of White
Oak Swamp, The artillery still poured forth its terrible fire,
frora the hills on Avhicli opposing batteries were placed.
Louder crashes opened the battle of Glendale.
BATTLE OF GLENDALE.
The battle Avas fought on a plane of sedgy pines, under
cover of Avbich our forces were disposed and our batteries
skillfully masked. At about four o'clock, a heavy force of
the enemy, under Gen. A. P. Hill, comprising eight brigades,
were observed quietly working their way doAvn the New
Market road, in order to get betAveen McClellan's trains and
his army, to cut him off' from the James River.
Heintzelman's corps, consisting of the divisions of Hooker
and Kearney, were in position and met the advance of the
enemy with a terrible fire. Orders Avere sent to our advance

ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. 277
to countermarch up the Charles City road, and Porter, Sura-
ner, and Keyes hastened to the rescue.
Meanwhile the enemy hurled immense masses against our
lines. McCall's division was routed, and broke in disorder.
Following closely upou their footsteps came the howling
masses of the enemy, pressing our columns into the woods.
They were met by a front fire frora the Sixteenth Massachu
setts, and a diagonal fire from the Sixty-Ninth Pennsylvania,
which broke their advance and caused them to fall back.
The firing from musketry and field batteries was now inces
sant. The enemy did fearful execution in our ranks. Some
of our most valuable officers fell. Painfully the battle Avent
on. The roar of artillery and musketry was so familiar to
the soldiers, that to them it seemed to be the natural condi
tion of things that men should fight.
The fresh troops of the eneray pressed forward with great
exultation. Column after column uncovered from the woods
and poured terrible volleys into our lines. The bushes rustled
with their thronging footsteps, and the sunlight gleamed from
their almost countless muskets. Human nature could endure
no more. Our line fell back, and the battle seemed to be lost.
It Avas now five o'clock. The fate of the army was trembling
in the balance, when a louder roar on our left spoke of a new
ally. The gunboats had come to our rescue, and the battle
was saved.
When the gunboats opened their loud fire, the previous
roar of field artillery seemed faint as the rattle of musketry.
Their colossal shells shook the solid earth, and completely
droAvned the feeble chorus of battle. As the shells descended
among the thronging masses of the eneray, whole ranks were
scattered. Confusion and terror took place of confidence.
The Galena poured whole broadsides of fire, her shells fiew
through the forests carrying death and destruction in their
track. The. Jacob Bell and Aroostook poured in their fire,
the moral effect was most encouraging for the Union army.
A saviour had come, and the army gathered new life.
It was almost dark. The battle must soon be decided. The
foe was gathering new force in front. Heintzelman collected
his forces, and, with Kearney and Hooker, prepared to end

278 ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
the combat. The enemy advanced. As if lightning had
burst from the earth, a sheet of fire met them. They stood
a little while. But Kearney, Grover and Sickles, rushed for
ward with their veterans. The enemy's lines gave Avay, and
could not be rallied. Of fourteen thousand men that left
Richmond, it is said only eight thousand marched back. Our
loss was three thousand five hundred. This battle saved the
army. All that night the torches of the enemy could be seen in
our front. They were gathering up the wounded. The cries
of the wounded sounded most piteously from the deadly
swamps, and the light of the lanterns cast a sickly glare
where so many dead and dying lay. The unbroken, mourn
ful wail of human suffering was all that was heard from Glen
dale during that long and dismal night.
During the night our army fell back, down the Quaker
road toward Malvern Hill, about half a raile within the inter
section of the New Market or River road, and the Quaker road,
and two miles from the gunboats on the James River. Here
the Union forces took position. This was where our army
were to make the last desperate stand, and this was where
the grandest battle of this campaign was fought on Tuesday,
July first, 1862, knoAvn as the battle of Malvern Hill.
Before describing it, it will be necessary to show the plans
of the Confederate leaders. THE SITUATION.
If you take a map of Virginia, and run your eye along the
line of the Virginia Central railroad, until it crosses the
Chickahominy at MeadoAV Bridge, you will be in the vicinity
of the position occupied by the Union army on the twenty-
fifth of June, 1862.
Tracing from this position a semi-circular line, which
crosses the Chickahominy in the neighborhood of the New
Bridge, and the York River railroad, you arrive at a point
southeast of Richmond, a short distance from the Jaraes
River, where rested the Union right. This was near White
Oak Swarap.

ARMY OF THE POTOMAC 279
To give a familiar simile. Spread your fingers so that their
tips will form as near as possible the arc of a circle. Suppose
Richmond situated on your wrist; the outer edge of the
thumb the Central railroad; the inner edge the Mechanics-
ville turnpike; the first finger the Nine Mile or New Bridge
road; the second the Williamsburgh turnpike, running nearly
parallel with the York River railroad; the third the Charles
City turnpike, which runs to the southward of White Oak
Swamp ; and the fourth the Darbytown road. Commanding
these several avenues were the forces of the Union army.
The enemy's troops, with the exception of Jackson's corps,
occupied a smaller, but similar circle, immediately around
Richmond; the heaviest body being in the center, south of
the York River railroad.
Such Avas the situation previous to Jackson's attack on our
right. The plan of battle then developed was, first, to make
a vigorous flank movement upon the extreme right of the
Union army, which was near the Central railroad ; secondly,
BO soon as we fell back to the next road, the enemy's divisions
were to advance across the Chickahominy, change front, and,
in co-operation with Jackson, who was to make a detour, and
attack the Union army in flank and rear, drive us still further
on, and, finally, when our army reached a certain point,
known as " the triangle," embraced between the Charles City,
New Market, and Quaker roads, all of which intersect, these
several roads were to be possessed by the rebel forces. Our
army would thus be hemmed in, and compelled either to-
starve, capitulate, or fight. How so excellent a plan failed,
can only be attributed to the splendid generalship of Mc
Clellan. The enemy, on Sunday, June twenty-ninth, learned the
prompt and successful movements of Gen, McClellan. Then
it was they first realized that he had stolen a march of twelve
hours on Gen. Huger — who had been placed in position on his
flanks to watch his movements — and had foiled their strategic
plans, massed his entire force on the Richmond side of the
Chickahominy, aud was falling back on the James River.
The Union army was now entering the triangle formed by
the Quaker road, the New Market or Long Bridge road, and

280 ARMY OF THB POTOMAC.
the Charles City road. Here, the plans of the rebel Generals
were to culminate, and our army to be destroyed or compelled
to surrender. Jackson was coming up the Charles City road
on our right. Longstreet, Hill and Magruder Avere pouring
down the Long Bridge road on our flank, and D. H. Hill,
Whiting and Ewell were coming down the Quaker road from
the direction of White Oak Swamp.
The road to Malvern Hill winds along through a Ioav flat,
and then ascends a hill as it approaches the river. Winding
down the side of this hill through a corn field, it debouches
on an elevated plateau of about twelve hundred yards in
length and three hundred aud fifty in width, surrounded by
a skirt o|, dense, dark Avoods, This plateau, when our army
reached it, was covered with shocks of wheat. On our left,
Turkey creek penetrated the countiy for a short distance,
forming an almost impassible barrier. On our right was a
swamp and heavy timber. Upon the crest of the hill a dwel
ling, knoAvn as " Crew's house," was the center of our posi
tion. This hill we had lined with batteries, covering every
square yard of approach.
This house at Malvern Hill is a quaint structure of the last
century, built of red brick, and stands about one thousand
yards from the James river, whose Avindings could be seen for
several miles from its commanding position. Our gunboats,
too, could be seen moving restlessly to aud fro, ready to take
part in the coming fight. Just beloAV Malvern Hill Avas a
small landing, where tents Avere pitched to shelter our
wounded, but thousands sought cover in the woods, and
thousands more plunged into the waters of James river to
refresh their tired frames.
It was harvest time, when our Aveary columns poured down
the Quaker road, and through the forest, upon the plateau of
Malvern Hill. Here they inhaled the fresh breeze from the
Jaraes river, and breathed new life. The wheat was cut and
standing in shocks. Each artilleryraan carried off a bundle
to feed his horses, or to rest upou. Presently the infantry
arrived. Each soldier had a bed of wheat. They rubbed
the heads of the stalks between their hands, and eagerly
devoured- the raAV grain. Our army here prepared for a new

ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. 281
battle. Our wounded and sick heroes were sent to the river;
our artillery placed in position; our infantry covered; when
the enemy's advance appeared and opened the battle of Mal
vern Hill. BATTLE OF MALVERN HILL.
About four o'clock in the afternoon, the skirmishers of the
enemy, coming out from the woods in our front, were met
and driven back by our fire. Tavo batteries of their artillery
immediately took position, and opened fire, while their
infantry gathered, under cover of the woods, to charge at
the proper moment. Their batteries were soon silenced by
our concentric fire, and the njen supporting them thrown
into hopeless confusion. As the battle progressed, and the
eneray advanced, the roar of our guns and heavy artillery
was terrific. The concussion shook the solid earth, and
reverberated in crashes over the waters and along the hills.
The deterrained manner in which the enemy pressed forward
showed that theyintended either to capture the Union army,
or drive it with great slaughter into the river.
The fearful havoc of the rapidly bursting shells, from guns
ranged to sweep any advance far or near, was terrible to
behold. The burning sun which, for a few days had poured
down its terrible heat, was now obscured by the smoke of
battle. The enemy's guns poured their fire into our ranks,
but more deadly, destructive and fatal was our reply. A per
fect tempest of iron broke over the field.
At about five o'clock. Gen. Magruder ordered his men to
charge across the field and storm our batteries. The rebel
column advanced in excellent order, and, for a few moments,
our guns ceased playing. Gathering courage from the still
ness, the rebels broke into a full run, charging upon our bat
teries. Then our batteries opened, and the consuming fire
of grape and canister seemed to lick up their forms like
devouring flame. Their colurans fell back in disorder to the
woods. New troops were thrown forward, and again the eneray's
line advanced. Their columns moved nearer and nearer,

282 ARMY OF THB POTOMAC,
partially lost to sight in the thick curtain of smoke which
overspread the crimson battle field. Again our batteries
belched forth their lightnings, and the whirlwind of death
swept through the advancing masses of men. Back they
rolled like a retiring wave, their cries dismally echoed
through the woods, and plaintively quiA'cred over the waters,
A third column from the enemy's center moved upon our
batteries. The dark mass disappeared in the cloud of smoke
which hung over their comrades, yet on they moved. No
sound of drum cheered their advance; no cheer announced
their approach. At every step their ranks were thinned; yet
on they rushed, till they gained the slope where our batteries
hurled death into their ranks, then, with a yell of anguish,
and of terror they recoiled. Recoiled, never to be rallied;
back they fell, in terrible confusion, to the dismal forest.
To add to the horrors of the scene, our gunboats, on the
James River, which had been moving restlessly to and fro
during the fight, at last, by a series of signal flags, got the
proper range, and begun to throw immense projectiles into
the enemy's ranks. One shell struck a gun of their batteries
shattering it into fragments. By the explosion which instantly
followed, seven men, standing near the piece, were killed.
They fell without the moveraent of a muscle, stifl'ening at
once into the stony fixedness of death; one of them grasped
the lanyard of his gun; another held in his hand the ramrod
with which he Avas driving home the load in his rifle ; while
a third with compressed lips, retained in his mouth the little
portion of the cartridge he had just bitten off. The faces of
the victims expressed in death the emotions which animated
them in battle — indiff'erence, hope, terror, rage, were there
depicted, but no trace of suffering. They passed into eter
nity unconscious of the bolt which sent them there.
It was now dark; the attack of the enemy's infantry had
ceased, yet our gunboats continued to pour forth their fire.
From the dark bosom of the river burst forth lurid columns
of flame, while a semi-circle of light, like the path of a
rocket, marked their course, and a bursting globe of fire,
over and among the green woods, shoAved where they accom
plished their mission of death. Move back as the rebels

ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, 283
would, the deadly missiles followed them, plowing their
way through the forest, shivering the trees in their course.
The moral effect of these floating allies was most beneficial
to McClellan. The enemy could not stand before the fioat-
ing monsters of the James River, and fell back into the
woods. All that dismal night, the shouts of the officers ral
lying their men, and the groans of the wounded, mingled in
horrible discord, while from the thick clouds the rain poured
down its glad flood upon the dead and dying.
The last gun was fired at about ten o'clock at night, and,
by general consent, both parties began to search, amid the
dreadful slaughter, for their killed and wounded. Lanterns
glistened over the ensanguined field. The cries of the woun
ded were heard amid the laughing corn, and the deep, dark
woods. Friend could hardly tell friend, or brother recognize
brother. CLOSING SCENES.
It Avas now midnight. Down in the little glade, by the
river side, were gathered thousands of our sick and wounded
heroes. Some were lying on beds of dry leaves ; others in
barns and stables. The terrible roar of battle had sounded
in their ears all the afternoon. From the receding fire they
thought our forces held the hill, and they in gladness lay
down to sleep. But word came that Jackson was coming up
the Charles City road; that we were surrounded, and must
fall back on Harrison's Landing, seven miles below. Then
ensued another scene of terror. Those that were able to
walk, dragged themselves wearily over hills, and waded
through bayous. But, alas! many could not stir. These
their weak conirades supported. Many and heart-rending
were the scenes of suffering. There was one little boy, with
fair, rosy cheeks, and light blue eyes, who lay exhausted.
His comrades could not endure the thought that he should
die or become a prisoner. So weary and wounded as they
were, they tenderly carried him seven railes, through swamp
and woods, till they reached the friendly transports at Harri
son's Landing. He was Allen Frizzell, drummer boy of the

284 ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
Twentieth Indiana. He still lives to bless his comrades for
their kindness.
All through that night our army moved along, the road
leading to Harrisou's Lauding. Through woods and fields
poured the scattered columns. Alas I with all the punishment
we had infiicted on the enemy, we were not the victors ; for,
although they were beaten back, we had no adequate force
with which we could successfully pursue the foe. The
streams of infantry, cavalry, aud artillery, Avaded through
the rain and mud, every moment expecting an attack. At
noon they reached the James river, and the disordered mass
lay down in the muddy fiat at Harrison's Landing.
Thus closed the terrible battle of Malvern HilL The battle
field, and the surrounding region, seemed as if blasted by the
lightnings of heaven. The splintered branches of a thousand
trees told of the fearful havoc of the artillery. Houses were
riddled, fences utterly demolished, and the earth itself plowed
up. Thick and many were the graves. On the plateau,
across whose surface for hours the utmost fury of the battle
raged, the remnants of tender corn, which had groAvn up,
betrayed no sign of having ever laughed and sung in the
breeze of early sumraer. Everything but the blue heaven
above spoke of the frightful carnival of death.
Our loss in these battles, on our retreat to the Jaraes river,
was, in killed and Avounded, nearly as follows : Mechanicsville,
one thousand; Gaines' Mills, three thousand; Peach Orchard,
five hundred; Savage Station, one thousand; White Oak
Swamp, three thousand five hundred; Glendale, four hun
dred ; Malvern Hill, two thousand. A total of eleven thou
sand four hundred. This does not include the missing, most
of Avhom Avere taken prisoners. The rebel loss is supposed
to have been about sixteen thousand.
AFTER THE BATTLE.
The lowering clouds gathered in the sky, while the battle
raged at Malvern Hill. Night came on, and our weary men
rested. The rain fell iu torrents, refreshing the wounded,
and washing the clammy faces of the dead.

ARMY OP TUB POTOMAC. 285
Our meu slept in the rain. Sleep they Avould, though a
thousand batteries roared iu their ears. Sleep standing;
sleep on horseback; sleep anywhere; sleep everywhere. For
battle fatigues, and fatigue induces sleep. Tired nature must
have rest. It was midnight, Avhen along the line passed the
whisper, "Wake, men! Wake! The enemy are in our rear."
It was difficult to Avake thera. Each man had to be shaken
to rouse him from his deathlike slumber. But they must
wake, and Avake they did.
The early, disraal daAvn found our columns pouring doAvn
the road to Harrison's Landing. Cavalry Avere stationed at
the crossing to shoAV us Avhere to go. Meu streamed along in
lines, cavalry went by in squads, artillery filed along by sec
tions. Ours was an exhausted and tired array Avheri it lay
doAvn to rest on the muddy plain at Harrison's Landing.
When the army reached their camp that night, and in their
Aveariness lay down to rest, their eyes met a body of veterans
marching up the rlA'er bank. Who were these ncAV troops
that had come to us in our hour of great trial? From their
swinging tramp, we kncAV they were veterans. Each man
had a sheaf of Avheat on his back for a bed. AAvay they
went, with shouts and cheers. "Who are you?" was the cry
that went along our line. "We are Western boys — troops
from Shields' diA'ision" — was the answer. There were Gen.
Kimball, of the Fourteenth, and Col. Foster, of the Thir
teenth Indiana. Six thousand men were marching to the
front to take position. They swept past our camp, plunged
through the muddy stream, climbed the hills, and took post
for the night.
This Avas July third. The reinforcements moved across
Herrou Creek on the extreme right. Soon after passing a
swamp on the Charies City road, the skirmishers reported
the enemy in front, who fired from the bushes upon our men.
The enemy was posted in the Avoods on the right and left of
the road, with four field pieces iu position, in an open field
commanding our adA'ance. The brigade at once pushed for
ward, the Fourth Ohio on the right of the road, and the
Fourteenth Indiana on the left; the Seventh Virginia, and
the Eighth Ohio, in reserve, with orders to take the guns;

286 ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
but, before the guns were reached, a halt Avas ordered by
Gen. Ferry, comraanding the division; and the eneray at
once withdrew their pieces to a coramanding position about
half a mile to the rear, and commenced shelling our brigade
and the mass of the army lying iu the fiat at Harrison's
Landing. At this juncture, Tidbald's battery came forward,
and, taking a position on the left of the Avoods, soon silenced
the enemy's guns.
About noon of the fourth of July, the enemy threw for
ward three regiments of Jackson's corps, who attacked our
lines; but, after a short skirmish, he was driven back with
loss. There was no further attack from the front while our
army rested at Harrison's Landing.
CAMP AT Harrison's landing.
The ground our army occupied was once the farm of the
father of Wm. Henry Harrison. Near the family burying
ground, shaded by a grove of locust trees, stood the mansion.
It was an old fashioned tAvo story house — built of colored
brick — with a hall in the center, the walls ornamented with
choice paintings, and the floors covered with rich carpets, the
chimneys heavily corniced. The garden around the mansion
was surrounded by a row of thriving Swamp Elms.
This described the farm as the array found it. Soon all
except the lovely scenery was changed. A blacksmith's shop
Avas put in full blast at one end of the grave yard, and a tent
filled Avith sick soldiers occupied one of its corners. Mules
and horses AA'ere munching oats around the fence, and a com
missary dealt out food at the main gate. The rich carpets
disappeared beneath a coat of mud, and the chimneys were.
crowned with signal stations. Out of the windows hung
blankets, and out of the doors looked sick and wounded sol
diers. The house was a hospital, and its traitor owner in the
rebel army.
For miles, when the column marched in, a broad field of
corn stretched along the river bank, which became in wet
weather a muddy flat, in dry, a dusty, or baked, clay field.
The quiet river, too, seemed changed ; for, so far as the eye

ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. 287
could reach, vessels of all sizes and kinds floated upon its
waters. The river, at this point, bends in a curve much like a horse
shoe, the open end being inland. This gave a large water
front. On the hills surrounding this natural amphitheater
the army was encamped. The hills stretched from water to
water, in a semi-circle. Thus both flanks rested upon the
river, covered by gunboats.
The scenery upon the river bank is one of beauty. Woody
promontories project into the water, and bushy islands lie
scattered on its sparkling surface. Here a white sail nestled
among the green islands, and there a gunboat floated like a
grim sentinel upon the glassy river. Upon the land all was
life. There was an interminable train of wagons, for they
reached from the river bank to where the road disappeared
in the wood's. Tents covered the plain. Cavalry rode to and
fro, and large droves of cattle moved towards the hills. The
air was also filled with life. For look ! There goes the bal
loon "Intrepid." Earth, air, fire and water, all united to
carry on the war.
The camps were chiefly in the pine forests, that they might
be shaded from the scorching rays of the sun. At night the
Avhippowill sung his notes so regularly, and human-like, that
it sounded like the signals of a scout, and the soldiers listened
in their bushy houses till sleep turned the notes into a dream.
At early dawn the air was A^ocal with music. The bugle no
sooner sounded than the birds joined in the notes; then there
was melody in the forest.
Ou a bold promontory about six miles u\p the river, on the
opposite shore, was City Point — a collection of shattered
houses — above Avhich Malvern Hill towers up from the edge
of the river. Still further up was the strange and mysterious
Fort Dariing, which bade defiance to our gunboats.
The north bank of the river, on which Avas our supply
depot, was covered with the tents of the quartermasters and
other officials. The banks were about twenty feet in bight,
and very abrupt. Roads, which teams could travel, ran
through these banks to the beach.
The weather was sultry and sickly, the water bad. There

288 ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
were fine bathing places, however, within our lines, these our
soldiers regarded as luxuries. The flies SAvarmed.
For about a month the army remained quiet, at Harrison's
Landing. Ou the night of July thirty-flrst, the rebels opened
a heavy cannonade from a bluff on the south side of the river
upon our camps and transports. Six of our men were killed
and nine wounded. Our transports were scarcely injured.
Our batteries soon silenced theirs, and, the next day our
forces occupied the position.
On the fifth of August, a small part of our force made a
rapid moveraent and took position at Mah'ern Hill. It was
held for one day, our forces retiring the next.

/yyyvwv-^^ri^i^

COL A^aLLJAM L. F^.KOWN

GEN. POPE^S CAMPAIGN IN VIRGINIA,

CHAPTER X.

While the Army of the Potomac Avas resting at Harrison's
Landing, important events were transpiring in the valley of
Virginia, which, connected as they afterwards were, with the
history of that array, had an important bearing on its subse
quent movements.
Major General John Pope, on the twenty-sixth day of
June, 1862, by special order of the President, was assigned
to the command of the Army of Virginia, His command
embraced the first corps, under Major General Sigel; second
corps. Major General Banks; third corps. Major General
McDowell, Also a small force under Brig, Gen, Sturgis,
besides the forces in the intrenchments around Washington,
making an active force of about forty thousand men.
These forces were soon placed in position to cover the Rap
pahannock from Fredericksburgh to Sperryville. Sigel on
the right. Banks and McDoAvell in the center, and King's
division on the extreme left, at Fredericksburgh. No impor
tant movement occurred until the middle of July, when Gen.
Hatch, of Gen. Banks' command, moved from Culpepper —
where he had taken position — in the direction of Gordons-
ville, but, in consequence of bad roads, only succeeded in
reaching Madison Court House, fifteen miles from Gordons-
ville. Meanwhile the advance of Jackson's forces, under the
rebel General EavcII, had reached Gordonsville, and defeated
the proposed movement.
Vol. L— 19. 289

290 ARMY OF VIRGINIA.
On the seventh of August, a large portion of the infantry
and artillery of the army of Virginia — the name by which
Gen. Pope's command was designated — were assembled along
the turnpike from Sperryville to Culpepper. King's division
still remained opposite Fredericksburgh.
The cavalry forces were covering the front of the army.
They were posted as follows : Gen. Buford, with five regi
ments, was at Madison Court House, with his pickets along
the Rapidan river, from Burnett's Ford to the Blue Ridge,
Gen. Sigel had a battery of artillery and a brigade of infantry
supporting Gen. Buford, at a point where the road from Mad
ison Court House to Sperryville crosses Robertson's river.
Gen. Bayard, with four regiments of cavalry, was in position
near Rapidan Station, where the Orange and Alexandria rail
road crosses the Rapidan river, with his pickets extending to
Raccoon Ford, east, and connecting with those of Gen.
Buford on the West. From Raccoon Ford to the forks of
the Rappahannock, above Falmouth, the Rapidan was lined
with cavalry pickets.
On the eighth of August, Crawford's brigade, of Gen.
Banks' corps, were occupying Culpepper Court House, and
Rickett's division, of McDoAvell's corps, had reached there
from Waterloo, a small town in the Blue Ridge mountains,
about six miles west of Warrenton. In the meantime Gen.
Bayard was skirmishing with the advance of the rebel col
umn, and falling slowly back from Rapidan Station in the
direction of Culpepper, the enemy advancing in heavy force
on Madison Court House, from Gordonsville.
At the beginning of the campaign. Gen. Pope had issued
an order requiring the troops to subsist off' the country. The
corn was in ear ; the harvest waved over the plains in the
beautiful valley of Virginia, and the hungry soldiers were
not long in obeying the order. But, like all such orders, it
soon spread into indiscriminate plunder. Everything was
taken. The last cow, the last beehive, the last loaf of bread.
Orchards were stripped, and property destroyed. The men
helped themselves, and turned every citizen into an active
enemy. Such was the situation previous to the battle of Cedar

ARMY OF VIRGINIA. 291
Mountain. Our troops had swept the country above the
Rappahannock, and confiscated all food for man or beast.
We secured the hatred of every man, woman and child,
Avhom we had robbed. This may be one reason why the
enemy were kept so well informed of all our movements.
Early on the morning of the ninth of August, Gen. Banks'
corps moved forward from Culpepper towards Cedar Moun
tain, or, as the rebels call it. Slaughter's Mountain. It is a
sugar-loaf mountain, about eight miles from Culpepper, and
two miles west of Mitchell's station, on the Orange and Alex
andria railroad. Our column advanced on low ground. In
the rear, was Cedar river; behind which was a small wooded
ridge. At eleven, a. m., a dash was made upon the enemy,
stationed on a knoll, from which they were driven, and a
small number of prisoners taken. This opened the battle of
Cedar Mountain. THE BATTLE OF CEDAR MOUNTAIN.
The column of Gen. Banks, in the hot sun and dust, moved
steadily forward through a small piece of woods into a
meadow, and formed in line below the mountain. The
division of Gen. Williams was on the right; Gen. Auger on
the left and center ; Gen. Green on the extreme left. Gens.
Prince, Geary, Gordon and Crawford, occupied positions next
to Gen. Green.
In a few moments a line of fire opened from the enemy's
batteries, concealed in the woods, in the mountain, extending
along our whole line. Our line at once advanced. A desper
ate effort was made to drive the enemy from position, and
capture his guns. But we failed. From behind fallen tim
ber, from ravines and bushes, a heavy infantry and artillery
fire swept the open meadow, thinned the ranks of our
advancing columns, and compelled our forces to fall back,
with great loss.
Another column advanced. Upon emerging from the
woods, across a new mown wheat field, they were met by a
destructive cross-fire ; but they pushed on, in the face of con
cealed batteries, until driven back by the murderous volleys
and overpoAvering force of the enemy

292

ARMY OF A''IRGINIA.

It was now six o'clock; the battle had been going ou, with
slight cessation, since mid-day. Several divisions of infantry
now made some most desperate bayonet charges upon the
rebel artillery. They everywhere met a heavy infantry fire,
slaughtering them fearfully. It was death to gain that hill,
frora the slopes of which the enemy poured forth his deadly
fire. Our line again pressed forward through the dense woods
up to the rebel batteries. The enemy fell back. The leaden
hail poured through our devoted columns. Yet on they
pressed till the slope was gained, when, from out its deep
recesses, came a living sheet of flame. Cannon poured forth
grape; musketry flashed in the very teeth of our men. The
woods swarmed with the concealed foe. Our Generals Avere
wounded; our fleld officers disabled; yet on our column
pressed, till the cartridge boxes Avere empty. Then, sloAvly
retreating, we fell back to our first position steady as veterans,
though we had lost the battle.
The battle was over, with great loss to the Union army.
The enemy's loss was severe, but not so heavy as ours.
McDowell's corps had arrived to reinforce our tired men.
But Hill's forces arrived at the same time to strengthen the
enemy. Our tired troops fell back under cover of the woods to rest.
It Avas night; the moon was full — not a cloud in the sky.
Presently the wagoners commenced building fires to cook
their coff'ee. These were so many beacon lights for the
enemy, who at once opened from several batteries upon our
camps. This created some confusion, and caused our troops
to change position.
Suddenly, from out the dark woods, rushed a body of rebel
cavalry, charging the staff of the commanding General. Our
infantry replied. The General was placed between two fires,
but fortunately escaped.
Our killed, wounded, and prisoners, amounted to about
eighteen hundred men. The enemy lost about nine hundred
killed and wounded.
The battle was a military blunder, and accomplished noth
ing. The hill, which was the strength of the position, had

ARMY OF VIRGINIA. 293
been passed by our scouts several daj'S previous, aud could
have been in our possession without a fight. But the unac
countable delays, Avhich have cursed everything near Wash
ington, lost us not ouly the lives of many brave men, but the
battle also.
On the fourteenth of August, Gen. Reno, with eight thou
sand meu, of the forces which had arrived at Aquia Creek,
under Gen. Burnside, joined the army of Virginia. The
whole force was at once pushed forward in the direction of
the Rapidan, with the right, under Gen. Sigel, resting on
Robertson's riA'er, where the road from Cedar Mountain to
Orange Court House crosses the river; the center, under Gen.
McDowell, occupying both flanks of Cedar Mountain ; the
left, under Gen. Reno, taking position near Raccoon Ford,
and covering the road from that place to Culpepper.
On the sixteenth of August our cavalry captured the Adju
tant General of Gen, Stuart, and found upon his person
papers showing that it Avas the intention of Gen, Lee to
overwhelm the Array of Virginia, before it could be joined
by the Army of the Potomac.
Just after the battle, in a skirmish which took place. Ser
geant Thomas Harter — of Sharra's Indiana cavalry, Avhich
composed part of Sigel's body guard — suddenly appeared
Avithin our lines, bringing the important information that
General Lee intended to make a move on our rear, and
cut oft' Pope's army. The Sergeant left the company in the
latter part of June, on secret service within the enemy's lines.
He was arrested by the enemy shortly after penetrating their
lines, and he was at once conveyed to Richmond and impris
oned. Being acquainted in the country, he was released on
parole, and the better to disarm suspicion he enlisted in the
rebel army. Here he gained the important information
which saved our army from annihilation, and, deserting from
rebel ranks, brought the ncAvs at the risk of his life to our
General, Previous to this, however. Gen. Halleck had became con
vinced of such a movement on the part of the rebel General,
and had accordingly ordered Gen, McClellan, on the fifth of
August, to evacuate Harrison's Landing, and join the forces

294 ARMY OP VIRGINIA.
under Gen. Pope, via Aquia creek and Alexandria. The
march of the Army of the Potomac did not commence until
August fifteenth. It was August twentieth when Kearney's
division, the advance of the Army of the Potomac, reached
Alexandria. Gen. Burnside, in the meantime, had removed
his forces from Newport News to Aquia creek. It will thus
be seen that the Army of the Potomac, Gen. Burnside's
forces, and the Army of Virginia were now consolidated under
command of Gen. Pope.
On the eighteenth of August Gen. Pope became convinced
that with his small force he could no longer hold his advanced
position. He accordingly withdrew to the north side of the
Rappahannock. Gen. Reno sent over his trains and took
post on the bank of the river, leaving his cavalry at Raccoon
ford. Gen. Banks crossed at Rappahannock Station on the
Orange and Alexandria railroad. Gen. McDowell crossed at
the same place. Gen. Sigel crossed near Warrenton.
The topographical features of the country, at the head
waters of the Rappahannock, gave the opposing enemy's
force great advantages. The river Avas fordable at several
points. The Blue Ridge mountains skirt the sources of the
river, and, having several gaps, gave to the enemy who was
well acquainted with the country, great advantages.
Thus, while our forces were watching the line of the Rap
pahannock from Fredericksburgh to Waterloo, on the twenty-
fifth of August, a large force of the enemy suddenly appeared
at the junction of Carter's creek and Hageman's river, and,
driving our pickets before thera, crossed with cavalry, artil
lery and infantry.
Starting frora Jeff'erson, Culpepper county, the whole of
Jackson's force, about eighteen thousand, with cavalry and
artillery, while our forces were fighting at Rappahannock
Station with Lee's main army, made a detour, and marching
through Amosville, in Rappahannock county, crossed the
Rappahannock river, within ten miles of the Blue Ridge
mountains, and pushed rapidly north. Gen. Longstreet fol
lowing. At Waterloo the enemy had a fight with Gen. Mil
roy's troops, but although Milroy beat them back from the
bridge, the column that had crossed kept rapidly on to the
north.

ARMY OF VIRGINIA. 295
Over unfrequented country paths, and across open fields,
the enemy's column marched forty-five miles in forty-eight
hours, and pouring through Thoroughfare Gap pounced upon
our unprotected rear.
On the night of August twenty-second, a small cavalry
force of the enemy, that had crossed at Waterloo bridge, and
been lying concealed in the woods near Warrenton, suddenly
appeared at Catlett's Station, and driving away the baggage
guards, and scattering the green cavalry, destroyed the head
quarter baggage of General Pope. They disappeared sud
denly as they came, but created much panic at the time.
In the meantime Kearney's veterans of the Army of the
Potomac were pouring down the Orange and Alexandria
railroad, to the relief of Pope's army. They were approach
ing on the cars when the raid took place at Catlett's Station.
There were many trains on the road, filled with wounded
from the battle of Cedar Mountain.
Gen. Pope attempted to hold the whole line of the Rappa
hannock. He had already been flanked on his right by
Jackson, and despatched the news to Washington ; but was
ordered to keep up his line to Fredericksburgh, happen what
would. He was told that if he could hold his line till the
twenty-third of August, he would be reinforced sufficiently
to resume offensive operations. On the twenty-fifth of August
two thousand five hundred men, under Gen. Reynolds, joined
him, and the division of Gen. Kearney, four thousand five
hundred strong, reached Warrenton Junction.
Finding that the enemy still continued to move on his
right, while heavy masses confronted him at Rappahannock
Station, Gen. Pope massed his force, on the twenty-third of
August, on the north side of the Rappahannock, and disposed
it to meet the enemy.
On the twenty-fifth of August the Army of the Potomac had
arrived in the valley of Virginia. Masses of men swarmed
at Aquia creek. Column after column poured through the
streets of Alexandria. Every crooked road and by-path
which led over Stafford Hills was crowded Avith troops.
They swarmed in the woods and fields, and bivouaced in the
sedgy pines. Their lines were interminable.

296 ARMY OF VIRGINIA,
The columus of the Union army marched on. Gen. Pope
said " he wanted nothing but men and guns," and he got
them; but what use they were to him remains to be seen.
Foragers scoured the country; stragglers eat up the green
corn and stole the poultry; cavalrymen confiscated everything
a horse could eat. Masses of men choked up the roads, and
trains of wagons got into the most convenient places for
capture by rebel guerrillas. Still the columns poured on,
fcAv knowing what the plans were, and fewer seeming to care.
While the tired and dusty heroes of the Army of the Poto
mac were pursuing their devious way among the hills of
Stafford; winding through sedgy pines; climbing hills; pick
eting on railroads; sleeping in woods, and hunting up a fight,
events of great importance were culminating. It will be
necessary here to relate how the Array of the Potomac joined
the Army of Virginia. How, in avoiding the rocks of Scylla
they plunged into the Avhirlpool of Charybdis.
MARCH ACROSS THE PENINSULA.
For several days previous to the fifteenth of August, there
were mysterious movements in the Array of the Potomac, at
Harrison's Landing. The rumbling of artillery wheels was
heard all night. At the Landing transports were loaded to
their fullest capacity.
At daylight, August fifteenth, Heintzelman's corps moved
outside the breastworks down the Charles City Road, The
main body of the army marched directly along the bank of
the James river, by the Charles City road, and crossed on a
pontoon bridge at the mouth of the Chickahominy, This
bridge was six hundred aud sixty yards long. Thirty
miles of trains and sixty thousand men passed over it. It
was built by Capt. James C, Duane, U. S. A, The march of
the main body Avas of course unmolested, for one flank was
covered by the gunboats, the other by Heintzelman's vete
rans ; their front by cavalry, and their rear by Pleasanton.
Of course they foraged. The corn was in roasting condi
tion, and was stripped for miles. Every farm house was
patronized by soldiers. Eggs and chickens, pigs and calves.

ARMY OF VIRGINIA. 297
rapidly disappeared. Horses and mules were confiscated. In
every kitchen there AN^ere soldier cooks.
The sick had been sent aAvay in steamers; everything of
value had been placed upon boats and trans'ported doAvn the
James river, and nothing was left for the enemy. Even to
their bush houses the soldiers applied the torch, and the last
glimpse they caught of their old camp, it Avas crowned by a
column of smoke. They left Harrison's Landing, with its
suff'ocating dust and myriads of tormenting files.
The main column moved on down the Charles City Court
House road. Soon the old county seat was reached, Avhere a
short time was spent in cooking coffee. This village con
sisted of a court house, a dilapidated tavern, and a jail. The
tavern Avas a residence for OAvls and bats; the court house for
straggling soldiers; the jail, Avith its iron cage, was empty.
Early daylight revealed the James river to the right, and
the Chickahominy in front, with gunboats to protect the
pontoon bridge. The army halted at night in a field on the
north bank of the Chickahominy, and at daylight took up
its march, by the way of Williamsburgh, to Yorktown.
Reaching there, Avithout any incident worthy of note, on the
eighteenth of August, some portions of it marched down the
peninsula to Fortress Monroe, while other portions went to
NcAA'port NcAvs, where they took steamers for Alexandria
and Aquia Creek.
Meantime Heintzelman's corps was marching inland, to
protect the flank of the grand army, passing down the James
river. Its march was a tour of romance, and its history is
worthy of special note. Upon reaching Charles City Court
House, it debouched from the main army and filed left until
it reached Jones' bridge, where it took position, threw out
pickets and halted for the night.
All the night long the white tops of our wagons glistened
in the moonlight; now winding up some hill, now disappear
ing beneath the overhanging branches of the woods, looking
like a fleet of land ships, carrying the food for the veterans
guarding them.
They halted at Christian's Mill, about seven miles from the
Charles City Court House, up the Chickahominy. Here was

298 ARMY OF VIRGINIA.
a ford, called Jones' or Providence ford, and here Stuart's
cavalry crossed, on their return to Richmond, after their cele
brated raid, June fifteenth. Here stood an old mill, and a
small bridge. To the right a mill pond ; crossing this bridge
was a road Avhich wound along the pond, and penetrated the
open country beyond. To the right was an old brick house,
on the summit of a hill. The line stretched along the river,
reaching to the ford at which the teams were crossing, three
miles on the left ; the right was covered by the mill pond ; in
front, where the road emerged from the woods, a battery of
artillery was masked; the center stretched from the mansion
once occupied by the Christian family, to the old brick house
on the hill.
The door yard of this old Virginia mansion was shaded by
locusts. Here two companies stacked arms as a reserve.
The men helped themselves from corn fields; the negroes
baked corn bread; the clear stream furnished water; the sun
went down, and the full moon came up, shining upon the
glistening bayonets ; looking upon the reclining forms on the
green sward beneath the locusts ; sparkling upon the water ;
while the hum of the summer insects, and the curious sounds
of the denizens of the swamp, lulled the men to repose.
This was the very romance of war.
The old soldier has a sense of perfect security in the ene
my's country. Marching all day, though surrounded by
hostile bauds, he no sooner halts, than the camp fire is built,
the coffee cooked, his shelter tent up, and down he lies, in
blissful unconsciousness of danger, as though in his quiet
home, far from the field of battle.
Our forces were not attacked at Christian's Mill. They
waited the greater part of the day; and in the shades of
evening, took up their line of march towards the New Kent
Court House road, reaching Burnt Ordinary at midnight.
Here the column halted.
The next day they marched through the streets of
Williamsburgh, with bands playing and colors flying. Soon
York river was reached, and our tired and dusty soldiers
plunged into its refreshing waters.
Upon arriving here, they learned that the main body of our

ARMY OF VIRGINIA. 299
army had preceded them down the Peninsula. Camping for
the night, the next morning, August twentieth, Heintzelman's
corps took steamers for Yorktown, where they arrived
August tAventy-second.
The Army of the Potomac, on the twenty-third of August,
had arrived at various points in Eastern Virginia to reinforce
Gen. Pope's army. They numbered about ninety-one thou
sand veterans, but were scattered at widely diff'erent points.
When the Twentieth Indiana was marching up the Orange
and Alexandria railroad, from picket at Rappahannock Sta
tion, under orders to join their brigade in Kearney's division,
to help Gen. Plooker in his desperate fight at Kettle Run,
August tAventy-seventh, having marched fourteen miles, they
were greatly surprised to see a large number of troops quietly
in camp, while the artillery of a terrible battle was sounding
in their ears. Such an unusual scene at such a time caused
inquiry. Stepping out from the ranks, an officer went into one of
the tents, and asked, "What troops are these?" "We are
Sykes' division, of Gen. Porter's corps." "Why don't you
go into battle?" "We have no orders. We march ten miles
a day, and then camp." This was at four o'clock in the
afternoon of August twenty-seventh, while Heintzelman's
corps were battling for life at Kettle Run and Bristow Station.
The Twentieth rushed onward, some of its weary men falling
exhausted by the way.
From August twenty-first till August twenty-fifth, there
was constant skirmishing along the line of the Rappahan
nock, from Rappahannock Station to Waterloo.
Gen. Pope constantly watched this line, and reported to
Gen. Halleck, that heavy columns threatened him at Rappa
hannock Station. Yet the Twentieth Indiana, which was on
picket at that station, on August twenty-sixth, saw no force
of the enemy in front. Co. G, of that regiment, under com
mand of Capt. W. C. L. Taylor, who was left behind on the
morning of the twenty-seventh, in consequence of our rapidly
moAring up the railroad to drive Jackson from Manassas
Junction, saw no enemy in front, when they withdrew from
their picket line.

300 ARMY OF VIRGINIA.
It is evident Gen. Pope's lines Avere too extended, or he
had a larger force under his command than he was capable
of handling. For, on the tAventy-fourth, he says, "he was
satisfied that no force of the enemy was on the north side of
the Rappahannock," and just before that he reported as fol-
loAvs :
"During the day of the tAventy-fourth, a large detachment
of the enemy, numbering thirty-six regiments of infantry,
with the usual number of batteries of artillery, and a con
siderable cavalry force, marched rapidly north iu the direction
of Rectortown. They could be plainly seen from our signal-
station, established at high points along the Rappahannock."
RectortoAvn is on the Manassas and Strasburgh railroad,
an iraportant point ; and a force of the enemy reaching there,
would cut off our communications Avith Washington at
Manassas, and threaten our rear. Gen. Pope was deceived.
Although he fought his best, Jackson out-generaled him ; and
Gens. Longstreet and Lee, following rapidly on, beat him in
the series of battles which followed.
Manassas Plains covers an area of perhaps sixty miles in
extent. It is a series of hills and Avoodlands, dotted here and
there with small villages, intersected by small streams, and
abounding in clear springs. From its hills a battle can be
seen in the distance, when you can not even hear the report
of artillery.
On these undulating plains have the principal battles in the
valley of Virginia been fought. Bull Run is a small stream
intersecting this valley, crossing the Centreville road. Cub
Run is a branch of Bull Run. Several other creeks empty
into it. The various battles in August were fought at Grove-
ton, Ncav Market, Gainesville, Hay Market, Kettle Run, and
on the old Manassas Gap railroad, and should have the gen
eral name of the Battles of Manassas Plains, and not that of
Bull Run, as there was but little fighting done on that fatal
battle ground.
The cavalry force of the enemy that made the raid upon
Catlett's Station, on the night of August twenty-second, was
but a foretaste of what foUoAved. Our General did not seem
to note the danger. When Heintzelman's corps carae down

ARMY OP VIRGINIA 301
the railroad that night, instead of posting his veteran force
at Manassas, where the depot of our valuable stores and main
supply Avas, he ordered the various regiments composing the
command, to stretch along the line of the Orauge and Alex
andria railroad, from Warrenton Junction to the Rappahan
nock river, a distance of at least fourteen miles. In fact,
none of these scattered regiments Avere within supporting
distance. Such was the situation, when, on the night of August
twenty-sixth, Jackson's force, pouring through Thoroughfare
Gap, captured Manassas, and cut the railroad at Kettle Run.
Then Gen. Pope suddently realized his danger, and at once
deterrained to abandon the line of the Rappahannock, and
throw his whole force in the direction of Gainesville and
Manassas Junction, in hopes to crush that portion of the
array of the daring foe, which had passed through Thorough
fare Gap, before it could be joined by Gen. Lee.
The coluran of the rebel Gen. Jackson, eighteen thousand
strong, consisting of A, P, Hill's, EavcU's and the Stonewall
divisions, with no opposition, moved rapidly through White
Plains, Hay Market, Thoroughfare Gap, and Gainesville, to
BristoAv Station. At Bristow Station they captured several
detached companies of Union soldiers ; burned tAvo or three
raihvay trains, and Ewell's division took position on the
railroad to capture any isolated regiment that might approach.
Hill's division moved on Manassas Junction, driving away
the cavalry stationed there, and capturing six pieces of artil
lery, three trains of cars loaded with Quartermasters' stores,
and an immense stock of Sutlers' goods.
Our cavalry had used their swift feet well; for they brought
the news to Alexandria in advance of the telegraph. The
First Ncav Jersey brigade at once started to meet the enemy.
. Upon crossing Bull Run bridge, they were met by a heavy
artillery fire, and compelled to fall back, losing many killed,
wounded and prisoners. Here they were reinforced by the
Eleventh and Twelfth Ohio, which held the enemy in check.
Meantirae, a fight was going on four miles west of Bristow
Station. Ewell's forces, sweeping down the railroad, picking
up detached companies of guards, suddenly came in contact

302 ARMY OP ATERGINIA.
with the head of the column of Gen. Hooker, who had col
lected his troops at the first alarm. The fight began about
noon, and lasted till dark, Ewell having been driven back
along the railroad, in the direction of Manassas Junction.
At night both parties rested near the field of battle. The loss
ou each side was about three hundred killed and wounded.
The enemy, that night and the next day, held a grand
jubilee at Manassas Junction. Their ragged and famished
men helped themselves to every article of luxury or necessity.
They had no wagons; they could carry nothing away. So
they marched up, and ate, and filled their haversacks. Here
was a starving man eating lobster salad, and drinking Rhine
wine ; there a man in tatters luxuriating on canned oysters
and rare fruits. It Avas a magnificent feast at our expense.
At nightfall, the long trains, loaded with valuable goods,
were fired. As the costly confiagration lit up the heavens,
the rebel forces moved away. One division went towards
the old battle field of Bull Run; two divisions towards Cen
treville. Orders flew thick and fast. Gen. Pope seemed to think
that the whole corps could move at once, however much the
troops were scattered. Thus, Kearney was ordered to move
his division at daylight, when, under previous orders, his
command was stretched for fourteen miles — from Warrenton
Junction to the Rappahannock river. Gen. Pope was great
ou orders, but still greater on dispatches. When the army
was falling back upon Washington, we received newspapers
containing official dispatches " that Ave had whipped the enemy
at Bull Run, and killed, Avounded and captured sixteen thou
sand of his men." The following is the official dispatch of
Gen. Pope:
" To Maj. Gen. Halleck, Commander in Chief:
"We fought a terrific battle here yesterday with the com
bined forces of the enemy, which lasted with continued fury
from daylight until after dark, by which time the enemy was
driven from the field, which we noAV occupy.
"Our troops are too much exhausted to push matters; but
I shall do so in the course of the morning, as soon as Fitz-

ARMY OF VIRGINIA. 303
John Porter's corps comes up from Manassas. The enemy
is still in our front, but badly used up.
" We have lost not less than eight thousand men killed and
wounded; and from the appearance of the battle fleld, the
enemy lias lost at least tAvo to our one. He stood strictly on
the defensive, and every assault was made by ourselves. Our
troops have behaved splendidly.
" The battle was fought on the identical battle field of Bull
Run, which greatly increases the enthusiasm of our men.
"The news just reaches me from the front that the enemy
is retreating towards the mountain. I go forward at once to
see. "We have made great captures, but I am not yet able to
form an idea of their extent."
Gen. McDowell was ordered to push forward at daylight,
August twenty-eighth, from GainesAdlle toward Manassas
Junction, resting his right on the Manassas Gap railroad,
and throwing his left well to the east. Gen. Reno was to
march at the same time from Greenwich direct upon Manas
sas Junction, and Gen. Kearney, at the same hour, upon
Bristow Station.
Thus our army moved in three columns upon Manassas
Junction ; halting occasionally, to give the enemy time to
burn and destroy. The column moved deliberately on in
pursuit of a flying enemy ; taking care, however, not to catch
him. At length word was received that Jackson had left
Manassas, then the column pushed rapidly forward and cap
tured the position.
This was about noon, August twenty-eighth. The enemy
retreated through Centreville. We immediately pursued.
When Jackson reached Centreville he turned off to the left,
on the Warrenton pike, towards Gainesville. By marching
on the Manassas railroad, or, upon reaching New Market,
turning to the left, we might have intercepted Jackson at
Groveton or Gainesville. We did neither, but, slowly follow
ing his circuitous course, attacked him only when he took
position. As the pursuing column was marching over the Bull Run

304 ARMY OP VIRGINIA.
battle gi-ound, and Avinding among the hills approaching
Centreville, towards sunset, away off to the left they saw the
smoke of artillery, and evidences of a battle. It was King's
division of McDowell's corps, fighting with Jackson's advance,
which was retreating towards Thoroughfare Gap.
Darkness ended the fight. Each party maintained its
ground. There was no escape now for Jackson, provided
McDowell and Sigel maintained their position betAveen him
and Thoroughfare Gap. But this they did not do.
Gen. Pope says, "that he sent orders to Gens. McDowell
and King, several times during the night of the twentieth, to
hold their ground at all hazard."
Gen. Sigel says, "that just as he was in position to fight
the enemy near Buckland Mills, a short distance from Hay-
market, he received orders to march to Manassas Junction,
away from the enemy; and he reluctantly obeyed the order."
Thus, amid the confiict of orders, Jackson held his position
until Longstreet Avas enabled to reinforce him on the second
day of the series of great battles.
BATTLE OP GROVETON.
Gen. Sigel pushing rapidly forward, on the morning of
August twenty-ninth, found the enemy posted beyond Young's
branch, near Haymarket. His left wing rested on Catharpin
creek; his front towards Centreville; with his center he occu
pied a long stretch of Avoods parallel with the Sudley Spring
New Market road ; his right was posted on the hills on both
sides of the Centreville-Gainesville road.
Gen. Schurz had the right; Gen. Milroy the center, and
Gen. Schenck the left, and planted their batteries on hills in
range of the enemy's position. The whole line advanced
from point to point until involved in a desperate artillery and
infantry contest. This fight was to prevent Longstreet from
reinforcing Jackson. While the forces of Sigel were fighting
Jackson's advance, those of Hooker, Kearney and Reno were
closing on his rear.
The enemy's forces fell back several miles under the fierce
attack of Sigel, but were so closely pressed that they were

ARMY OF VIRGINIA. 305
compelled to stand and make the best defense they could.
Accordingly they took position with their left near Sudley
Springs, their right a little south of the Warrenton turnpike,
and their front covered by au old railroad grade, leading from
Gainesville in the direction of Leesburgh. Their batteries
were numerous and well posted; some of them were of heavy
calibre. The mass of their troops Avere sheltered in dense
woods behind the old railroad embankment.
The left of the Union army fought Avith varied success
from early dawn till ten o'clock in the morning, when the
pursuing colurans of the right got into battle, and then com
menced the deadliest conflict.
The battle raged furiously, commencing on the left it
extended along the whole line in front to the right. Gens.
Sigel, Milroy, Schurz, and Schenck were battling terribly.
About five o'clock, a brigade that held position along the
line of an old railroad grade, which formed a natural breast
work, was startled by a heavy enfilading fire of the enemy
on their left flank, sweeping the breastwork, and causing the
whole brigade to break in confusion through the woods.
Then Kearney came to the rescue. His division moved
rapidly forward, to cover their retreat. But no eneray could
be seen. The green leaves of the forest moved in the gentle
breeze, eager eyes could not pierce their leafy cover. A
moraent before, the very echoes quivered with the roar of
battle; now all Avas still, except the murmuring winds. The
silence was thrilling as the roar of battle had been terrible.
The division filed into a road running alongside of the rail
road grade. This had been the battle ground of the morn
ing, the killed and Avounded lay thickly around. The grade
varied in bight from three to six feet, and was a splendid
natural breastwork, provided the enemy appeared in front.
The troops were filing behind this breastwork, by the left
flank, in column, when a flre from the enemy, fierce, terrible,
and destructive, swept the inside of the breastAvork, from the
left, enfilading the whole line, throwing several regiments
into confusion. Gen. Kearney at once ordered the line to
change front to the left, and swept over the railroad grade at
right angles. The line advanced, driving the enemy before
Vol. I.— 20.

306 ARMY OP VIRGINIA,
them, but our forces were too light, and could not hold the
ground. The enemy rapidly brought up heavy reserves, and
our line was driven back. Gen. Stevens came to the support
but did not have enough men to retard the advance of the
foe. The eneray had sharp shooters posted in trees, to pick oft'
officers, OAving to the thick foliage they could hot be seen,
nor could the sound of their shots be distinguished amid the
roar of musketry.
The firing grew fiercer; bullets seemed to fly thick as hail.
The men lay down to avoid the fire, suddenly through a gap
in the woods, a rebel battery, on a hill side on our right,
opened fire, enfilading the line, and a storm of grape swept
through the ranks, making a noise like the rushing wind.
We were flanked on both wings, and fell back over the rail
road grade, the surface of which was swept by the flanking
fire of the enemy.
The rebels seeing this retrograde movement, rushed for
ward Avith hideous yells, thinking our destruction certain.
They pursued our forces through the woods, and, catching
sight of our covering batteries on the hills beyond, charged
upon them with great fury. But a storm of death met them
from the mouths of our cannon, which hurled them back iu
disordered fragments.
Again they formed, under cover of the woods, and advanced
upon our batteries on the broAv of the hills, only again to have
their shattered columns driven back. A third time they
appeared, in larger force, and advancing rapidly, approached
within six hundred yards of our guns, when a perfect storm
of grape and shell tore through their ranks, from a double
row of batteries, and sent them shrieking to the woods.
Yells and groans filled the air, and mangled limbs and bodies
covered the hill side.
Fresh troops now advancing rushed upon the enemy, com
pleting the discomfiture our batteries had begun. The enemy
were driven from the woods, the railroad bank was repos
sessed, and the victory, for that day, was ours. Night closed
upon the scene, and the weary combatants sunk to rest.
The scene that night, when viewed from the hill top, com-

ARMY OF VIRGINIA. 307
manding the principal portion of the battle field, was beau
tiful. A thousand camp fires glistened in the woods and
shone out in the cleared fields and upon the slopes of hills.
Dusky forms flitted to and fro. Away to the south a brisk
skirmish was going on; jets of flame, in long lines, told of
volleys of musketry; occasionally a larger, brighter glare,
spoke of artillery. These bright lines of fire looked very
spiteful to soldiers who knew how deadly were their mis
siles. In melancholy contrast to this scene were our field hospi
tals. Here death waited for his victims. Under bushes, on
the grass, in every conceivable place, our wounded and man
gled heroes lay. Surgeons were busy all night, but so numer
ous were the sufferers that proper attention could not be paid
to all. Some lay quietly down on the green sward and died
peacefully, as if going to sleep. Others moaned and writhed
in agony. Thus the mournful night slowly dragged away.
Our loss was about six thousand, in killed, wounded and
missing; that of the enemy about five thousand.
Day broke to see the gathering anew of armed hosts, and
to witness a more furious battle than that of the day before.
SECOND DAY.
The heavy atmosphere and gray clouds in the east denoted
rain. The dead of the previous day were on the field of bat
tle. All our wounded had not been removed. There was
little firing in the morning, occasionally a battery in our front
sent a stray shot towards the enemy. There was no reply.
The silence was ominous.
Directly in our front, and apparently in front of the center
of the enemy's position, on the top of a hill was a stone
church, partially hid by an orchard and forest. To the right
the hill descends in gentle slopes ; to the left it winds away
among other hills, till lost in the forests.
As part of our army stood in position, dense columns of
Federal troops were seen marching and countermarching,
while clouds of dust in the distance, showed that new col
umns were approaching. A heavy force of infantry took

308 ARMY OF A'IRGINIA.
position in column of division, just beneath the brow of the
hill, in front of the stone church.
Along the broAv of this hill, at two o'clock, in the after
noon, the battle began. Stationed upon the ridge of the hill
was our artillery. From fifty batteries great volumes of
sraoke leaped frora heated guns. The air was filled Avith the
fantastic white shapes which floated from the bursting shells.
Men were leaping to and fro, loading, firing, handling the
artillery. Occasionally a cry reached the ear, Avhich spoke
of disaster or death by some well aimed ball. The men
gathered in little groups around their pieces, till the signal
was given for firing. Then they scattered, leaving only the
gunner, grasping the lanyard of his gun. The piece belched
forth its smoke and fire and deadly missile; and then the
little group gathered again, appearing in the distance like
pigmies, while far off the white puff of the enemy's batteries
showed an answering fire.
Heavier grew the fire. Deadlier the shock of battle. The
air was filled with cheers and yells, and cries of struggling
men. Above all rose a dismal canopy of smoke, through
which the sun shone like a ball of blood.
Down in the green woods men were dying; along the
banks of quiet streams soldiers lay dead. Shot and shell
and death were everywhere; still the battle went on.
A rebel brigade crossed the field. Suddenly a shell fell
among them, another, and then another, until the thousands
scattered like a swarm of flies, and disappeared in the A^'oods.
The fight was fearful, from two until five o'clock in the
afternoon. Suddenly the storm burst Avith ten-fold fury
upon our center. Battery after battery, took position, only
to be met by new batteries of the enemy. The storm of
shot and shell filled the air with iron fragments. The roar
of artillery eclipsed the thunders of heaven. The sulphur
ous smoke of the gunpowder, like a dismal cloud, obscured
the sun. On the hill sides, in the woods and valleys, the long
rolling crash of musketry filled up pauses in the deafening
roar, and showed that the enemy Avas making his crowning
effort. Suddenly there was a mil; the artillery ceased its thunders;

ARMY OP VIRGINIA. 309
at intervals a single musket shot was heard ; the smoke of
battle curled upwards aud mingled with the clouds. A
strange hum buzzed over the battle field, lately so noisy, now
fearful in its silence.
A single cannon shot upon our left, then a terrible roar of
musketry, mingled with cheers, announced that to be the
main point of the enemy's attack. Swarming from out the
woods the rebel hosts appeared in countless thousands. They
captured our batteries, and poured a destructive fire into our
supporting infantry. Our line gave way on the left at their
fierce charge. Two brigades broke and could not be rallied.
Soon the whole left wing of oijr army gave way. At first
with great disorder. This was soon remedied. Then our
forces fell back deliberately.
The enemy pushed heavy masses of infantry after our
retreating columns, and, planting his batteries upon hills,
commanded the whole battle field. We were outflanked and
beaten, partially by concentrated forces, but chiefly by supe
rior generalship. The loss on both sides was very heavy.
During the night our army fell back on Centreville, Gens.
Kearney, Reno, and Gibson bringing up the rear. Crossing
Cub Run, Slocum's division of Franklin's corps, was met
advancing deliberately to the field. But they halted so soon
as they met the head of our retreating column, and camped
for the night. The enemy did not pursue us; but contented
himself with throwing a few shot and shell into our wagon
trains. After midnight we reached Centreville. Every house and
shed in it was filled with our wounded. Ambulances had
been running all day, bringing them from the battle field.
Wagons were rumbling through the streets; soldiers hunting
their regiments; orderlies galloping to and fro. Confusion
made that night dismal.
The morning of August thirty-first found the main body
of our army within the intrenchments of Centreville. The
scene at daylight was discouraging. It was raining, and
round the camp fires were gathered crowds of hungry, tired,
wet and wounded soldiers. Everything was dripping; the

310 ARMY OF VIRGINIA.
mist steamed from the horses and the clothes of the mer.
Soldiers were trying to find their regiments; artillerymen
their batteries : here could be seen the forcAvheels of an artil
lery truck — the gun being in possession of the enemy. EA'^ery-
where disaster stared in our faces. Meantime ambulances
poured in along the Fairfax road from Washington, and
everything having wheels was brought into use to remove
our Avounded. All that day there was a constant double
stream of vehicles, moving in opposite directions, to and
from Fairfax to Centreville.
Winding along the muddy road, long columns of reinforce
ments appeared in sight. They were soldiers from Sumner's
and Franklin's corps; but, alas! they were too late. A day
after the battle.
. Gen. Pope, all that day, was engaged in getting the army
in condition, resting the men, getting up supplies of provis
ions and ammunition. Fitz John Porter failed to assist him.
Sumner and Franklin's corps had been delayed. Pope, sick
at heart, applied for leave to fall back on Washington.
The enemy's advance appeared in force at Cub Run, on the
morning of August thirty-first, fired a few shots from their
artillery, but made no attempt to cross. Subsequent events
showed they were making a bold movement on our right.
The army remained at Centreville all day, covering the
movement of our avraj trains and ambulances. The New
Jersey brigade was posted about two miles west of Fairfax
Court House. About sundown a body of rebel cavalry
appeared on a cross road near Fairfax, with two pieces of
artillery, and captured a few wagons. They were soon driven
off' by the Jerseymen.
While Ave were waiting at Centreville for the enemy to
attack us in the fortifications, they were moving slowly
along the Little River pike to our right. They knew the
strength of our position too well to attack us at Centreville.
A reconnoissance developed this fact, and troops were at once
pushed forward to Fairfax Court House, Chantilly, and Ger
mantown. Just before sunset, September first, the enemy
attacked us on our right, as our column was moving on the
Centreville road.

ARMY OF VIRGINIA. 311
BATTLE OF CHANTILLY.
General Reno occupied the right; General Stevens com
manding the second division on the left, immediately moved
against the enemy, leading his troops in person. While
doing this he was shot dead by a bullet through the head,
and the troops fell back in disorder. The movement of Gen.
Stevens had been intended to cover the right of Reno's other
division, which was in danger of being flanked. When the
brave Stevens was killed, and his troops driven back, there
was danger that our right wing would be turned, and the
Avhole force destroyed. Unable to send forward regiments to
occupy Stevens' position, Reno himself was falling back, and
the whole line seemed likely to be lost.
At this critical moment the fighting division of Kearney
appeared upon the field, and at once rushed into the battle.
Gen. Kearney, penetrating too far in the enemy's lines, was
instantly killed. Gen. Birney then took comraand, and
ordered his own brigade to charge. This was done gallantly,
and decided the contest. The rebels broke and run, making
no effort to renew the fight. The field was held by our men
for the night.
A terrific thunder storm raged while the battle was going
on, the crashes of thunder drowning the roar of artillery and
musketry. Thus was fought the battle of Chantilly. In it we lost
two valuable officers. Gen. Philip Kearney, the knightly
hero, who had cheered his division through the bloody bat
tles of the Peninsula, and who was a meteor in every fight,
and defied death in every encounter. General Stevens,
too, fell. He had been with Burnside in his battles, and was
a brave and gallant soldier.
On the second of September the whole army fell back to
the intrenchments in front of Washington. Part of the col
umn proceeded on the Washington road, and part on the
Alexandria road. The enemy raoved north towards Lees
burgh, and made no pursuit. Halting in front of Washing
ton, the army was reorganized and Gen. McClellan again
appointed Commander in Chief.

312 ARMY OF VIRGINIA.
Gen. Kearney's old division went into camp at Arlington
Heights. It was the first time in four months they had slept
under tents. They rested there for one month. It seeraed
but a few days — so welcorae was Rest. It was a great bles
sing to the tired soldier, and only next to Home, It meant
new health, energy, life and joy. Only those who have been
in battle, know the terrible drain upon the mental and physi
cal energy of man. The soldiers were resting, therefore
happy. During the long Indian summer days they lay under
their shelter tents, smoking the soldier's pipe of enjoyment.
Ah ! those were happy days for the veterans.
When Gen. Pope took command of the Army of Virginia
he issued the following address, which caused rauch feeling
in the army of the Potomac, as it was regarded as a reflec
tion upon the conduct of Gen. McClellan in his campaign
before Richmond :
" To the Officers and Soldiers of the Army of Virginia :
"By special assignment of the President of the United
States, I have assumed command of this army. I have spent
two weeks in learning your whereabouts, your condition, and
your wants; in preparirig you for active operations, and in
placing you in positions from which you can act promptly
and to the purpose.
" I have come to you from the West, where we have always
seen the backs of our enemies — from an army whose business
it has been to seek the adversary, and to beat hira when found,
whose policy has been attack and not defense.
"In but one instance has the enemy been able to place our
Western army in a defensive attitude. I presume that I have
been called here to pursue the same system, and to lead you
against the enemy. It is my purpose to do so, and that
speedily. "I am sure you long for an opportunity to win the distinc
tion you are capable of achieving — that opportunity I shall
¦endeavor to give you.
"Meantime I desire you to dismiss from your minds certain
phrases which I am sorry to find much in vogue amongst
you.

ARMY OF VIRGINIA. 313
"I hear constantly of taking strong positions and holding
them — of lines of retreat and bases of supplies. Let us dis
card such ideas.
" The strongest position a soldier should desire to occupy
IS one from which he can most easily advance against the
enemy. "Let us study the probable lines of retreat of our oppo
nents, and leave our own to take care of themselves. Let us
look before us and not behind. Success and glory are in the
advance. Disaster and shame lurk in the rear.
" Let us act on this understanding, and it is safe to predict
that your banners shall be inscribed with many a glorious
deed, and that your names will be dear to your countrymen
forever." Here Gen. Pope's campaign in Virginia ends. Next' fol
lows the fortunes of the favorite comraander of the Array of
the Potomac, Gen. George B. McClellan.
The people of the loyal States were thrilled with pain on
account of the disaster of the Union army at the second
battle of Manassas Plains; but gathering new energy from
misfortune, prepared to meet the shock of battle upon the
soil of Maryland. The North freely poured forth her men
and treasure. The President's call for new troops was
promptly answered. With an elasticity which nothing could
subdue, the Union army marched forward to meet the inva
ders. The rebel leaders had made their boast that they would
dictate terms of peace to the loyal North on their own soil.
That threat they fondly hoped to execute. Their victorious
army had unresisted crossed the Potomac, and were rapidly
marching on the Capital. But a new power was in the field.
They were at last to feel the vengeance of a free people.
With all their skill, daring and strategy they, with great loss,
were hurled back into the desolated war fields of Virginia.
The army gathered new life after crossing the Potomac.
The pure air of the North invigorated the men. The pleas
ant country roads, neat farm houses, shady lanes and rural
scenes, brought to the memory of many a veteran the dear

314 ARMY OP VIRGINIA.
home he had left to fight the battles of his country. From
the gently rolling slopes and croAvning hills of Maryland our
men looked upon a scene of peaceful beauty. Industry was
unharmed. The locomotive sped on its way unassailed, no
secession, no guerrillas, no ruin here. The night closed in
quiet. The morning broke with no wild alarm. The chim
ing bells of Sabbath sounded musically upon the ear, indica
tive of that peace and rest which all need. From out the
doors of cottages and farm houses, poured gray haired men,
lovely maidens, and little children — all eager to bless the
sun-burnt A'eterans of the Union army. It was a march of
triumph. - Garlands of roses decorated the bayonets of our
men. Wreaths of fiowers hung upon the necks of the horses.
The people laughed and wept for very gladness. Thus the
column moved on, till battle and misery changed the lovely
scene and filled the land with mourning.

CAMPAIGN IN MARYLAND.

CHAPTER XL

On the second of September, Gen. McClellan was placed
in command of the fortifications of Washington, and of all
the troops for the defense of the Capital. The various gar
risons were at once strengthened, and the troops disposed to
cover all approaches to the city.
Meantime, the enemy had crossed the Potomac near Lees
burgh, and threatened to invade Pennsylvania, or capture
Baltimore. His forces had already occupied Frederick, Md.,
and Washington was in danger. New troops had been called
for hj the President, and thousands were rushing to defend
the Capital.
The First and Ninth corps, under Gens. Reno and Hooker,
forming the right wing under Gen. Burnside, were ordered
to move on the fifth of September. The First corps was to
move by the way of Brookvilie, Cooksville and Ridgeville,
to Frederick ; the Ninth corps by Dainascus, on New Market
and Frederick. The Seventh and Eleventh corps, under
Gens. Sumner and Williams, on the sixth, moved from Tenal-
lytown to Rockville ; thence by Middleburgh and Urbana, to
Frederick; the Eleventh corps moving by a lateral road
betAveen Urbana and New Market; thus maintaining the
communication between the center and right wing, and cov
ering the direct route from Frederick to Washington. The
Sixth corps, under Gen. Franklin, moved to Darnestown on
the sixth ; thence by Dawsonville and Barnsville on Buckeys-
315

316 ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,
town, being in position to support the center. Couch's divi
sion moved forward to Poolsville. The troops were thus in
position to cover Baltimore and Washington; our line extend
ing from the Potomac river, near Poolsville, to New Market,
near the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, our front facing north
west. Through every country road in Maryland, in the direction
of Frederick, our columns pushed. The veterans were
greeted with a hearty welcome as they toiled along the dusty
roads. At many a farm house gate were gathered loyal citi
zens, cheering, waving handkerchiefs, and furnishing our
soldiers with food and water. This was so entirely diff'erent
from the sullen manner we had been received in Virginia,
that it tended much to cheer the spirits of the troops.
On the twelfth a part of our right wing entered Frederick,
after a brisk skirmish at the outskirts of the city. The next
day the main body of the right and center passed through
the town. The entrance of the Union army into Frederick
was a perfect ovation. The people were wild with joy. They
showered fiowers upon the bayonets of our heroes. Every
house opened its doors and received our troops with enthusi
astic welcome.
On September thirteenth, our advance, consisting of Plea-
santon's cavalry and horse artillery, after skirmishing, cleared
the main passage over the Catoctin Hills, leaving no serious
obstruction to the movement of the main body until the base
of the South Mountain range was reached.
BATTLE OF SOUTH MOUNTAIN.
The enemy occupied the sides and summit of the spur of
the Blue Ridge Mountains, called the South Mountain. The
range, near Turner's Pass, averages in bight one thousand
feet, and forms a strong, natural military barrier. Through
this Pass lies the turnpike which leads from Middletown to
Hagerstown. The passes through this range of mountains
are not numerous, and are easily defended. Turner's Pass,
through which lies the National road, is the most prominent,
and therefore was chosen as the route for the main body of

ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. 317
our army. The mountains in the immediate vicinity are
steep, and on account of loose rocks, difficult of ascent.
They are covered with thick woods, affording good hiding
places for an enemy.
Early on the morning of the fourteenth, Gen. Pleasanton,
with a cavalry force, reconnoitered the position of the enemy,
wjiom he discovered to occupy the crests of comraanding
hills on each side of the National road, and upon coramand
ing ground in the center, with artillery bearing upon all
approaches to their position. The enemy's force was sup
posed to amount to forty thousand men, AA'ith tAvelve pieces
of artillery, under command of Gens. Longstreet and D. H.
Hill. The broad road, winding up through the Pass, appeared to
be peaceful and safe. No enemy was to be seen. The beau
tiful woods glistened in the sunshine of a September sun.
Over the green fields fiitted the shadoA\f of a passing cloud.
Our column pushed on. So steep was the ascent, that field
officers dismounted and led their horses. The infantry, with
bodies inclined at an angle of forty-five degrees, breasted the
hill, and climbed its rugged face.
Suddenly, a puff' of smoke from the dark green Avoods
shoAvs that the wily enemy is not sleeping. Another, and
a succession of puffs, and his batteries rain shot and shell
over and around our advancing colurans. Our men cheer
and press onward.
Cox's division, of Reno's corps, first entered the battle.
So soon as the head of the column was A\dthin range, the
enemy opened a heavy artillery fire, Robertson's battery
replied, while our troops filed right and left into the fields,
and the two columns — Scammon's and Cook's brigades —
storraed the crest in front, giving us an important position
for further operations. The enemy threw forward fresh
troops, pressing Cox. Gen. Willcox's division, of Reno's
corps, arrived to support our column. At one o'clock,
Sturgis' division was sent forward by Gen. Burnside. The
fight raged desperately. Several times the enemy Avas com
pelled to change the position of his batteries.
At two o'clock, the head of Gen. Hooker's column

318 ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
appeared, winding along the road. Our men cheered the old
veterans. Gen. Meade rushed forAvard, and, with his Penn
sylvania regiments, carried an eminence. Hatch's division
plunged into the dark woods, which swarmed with concealed
foes. Doubleday and Phelps rushed to the support. The
crest was carried, and our forces pusshed forward. Here the
bravery of the Indiana and Wisconsin soldiers was conspi
cuous. Hatch's brigade fought desperately at a fence near
the skirt of the woods. The enemy pressed onward with
confidence, sweeping over an open space in front, but were
met with a sheet of fire. For an hour their columns rushed
against this band of heroes only to be hurled back in disorder.
Rickett's division took part in the fight. Then Gibbon's
brigade arrived, and drove the enemy before them. Deploy
ing his brigade. Gibbon engaged a superior force of the
enemy, and steadily pressed them back until dark, holding
the field.
Twihght came on; objects looked indistinct; yet from out
the woods fiashed forth the enemy's musketry. At intervals
there was a lull, a straggling volley, and then a bright sheet
of flame flashed in the face of our soldiers. Soon it was so
dark that our men fired at the fiashes of the enemy's musk
etry. The enemy sullenly retired. Occasionally a single
piece of artillery flashed, and a single musket shot was heard.
But the Union army won the battle, and slept upon the fleld.
We lost a noble General — Reno — who was killed while
observing the enemy's movements. Our loss was three hun
dred and twenty-eight killed, one thousand four hundred and
sixty- three Avounded and missing. That of the enemy, about
two thousand. BATTLE OF CRAMPTON's GAP.
This battle was fought by the famous corps of Gen. Frank
lin. He had followed the shores of the Potomac, on his
march towards the enemy. On the thirteenth of September
he reached Sugar Loaf Mountain, surrounded it with cavalry,
cleared it of the enemy, and established on its summit a look
out for the Union signal corps. Leaving the mountain on

ARMY OF THB POTOMAC. 319
the fourteenth, he passed through Burketsville, and advanced
but a short distance, Avhen he came in contact with the
enemy's pickets at the top of the South Mountain range,
near Crampton's Gap. The enemy was strongly intrenched
at the base, on the sides, and in strong force in infantry
behind the mountain. Eight pieces of artillery, planted on
the slope of the mountain, at once opened on our advance.
Gen. Slocum's division then formed in line of battle, and
moved on the enemy's batteries. The brigades of Gens.
Bartlett and Torbitt had moved but a short distance, when
they received a fire from the enemy concealed behind a high
stone wall running along the base of the Gap. Here a des
perate fight occurred. In one hour the enemy was flying
before the flerce charge made by the New Jersey brigade of
Gen. Torbitt, and the brigade of Gen. Bartlett.
The rebels made a stand when they gained the crest of the
mountain. Up the steep mountain rushed the gallant troops
of New Jersey, New York and Pensylvania. The top gained,
another fierce struggle ensued. The enemy finally gave way,
and fled in disorder doAvn into the valley beyond, leaving in
our possession four hundred prisoners, two pieces of artillery,
and three thousand Springfield rifies. Our loss was one hun
dred and five killed, four hundred and forty-eight wounded.
The enemy lost, in killed and wounded, about one thousand.
The position was an important one, as it threatened the
enemy's rear.
The enemy fled in much disorder, and fell back on Antietam
creek, abandoning the mountain, our cavalry in rapid pursuit.
The corps of Hooker, Sumner, and Mansfield, pursued the
enemy by the way of Boonsboro; Burnside and Porter
advanced on the old Sharpsburgh road; and Franklin moved
into Pleasant Valley, in hopes to relieve Harper's Ferry, then
iuA^ested by the enemy. Franklin moved forward to Browns
ville, and found a force of the enemy, greatly superior to
ours, drawn up to receive him. The total cessation of firing
in the direction of Harper's Ferry, about this time, indicated
the surrender of that position.

320 ARMY OP THE POTOMAC,
SURRENDER OF HARPBR'S FERRY",
On the fifth of Septeraber, Col. Thomas H. Ford, Thirty-
Second Ohio, took comraand of the forces on Maryland
Heights, They were placed at Sandy Hook and Solomon's
Gap. Those at Sandy Hook, under Col, Maltsby, retired
by Col. Miles' order, to the eastern slope of Maryland Heights,
two or three days previous to their evacuation by Col. Ford.
On the eleventh of September the force at Solomon's Gap
were driven in by the eneray. Col. Ford called upon Col.
Miles for reinforcements. The One Hundred and TAventy-
Sixth and Thirty-Ninth Ncav York regiments Avere sent him on
the twelfth; and on the morning of the thirteenth, he was
further reinforced by the One Hundred and Fifteenth New
York. Col. Ford made unsuccessful requisitions for axes and
spades, to enable him to construct defenses on Maryland
Heights. With a few borrowed axes, he cut down trees, and
formed a slight breastwork in front of his position.
Eariy on the morning of the thirteenth the enemy made
an attack on the crest of the hill, and, after some fighting,
our troops fell back in confusion to the breastwork, Avhere
they rallied. About nine o'clock they made a second attack,
which the troops at the breastwork resisted until Col. Sherrill,
of the One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth New York, was
wounded and carried from the field. Then the raost of that
regiraent fled in confusion, notwithstanding the efforts of Col,
Ford and others to rally them. Soon afterAvards, the rest of
our forces, under a misapprehension of orders, fell back.
Then Maryland Heights A\'ere abandoned, by order of Col,
Ford. On the fourteenth the enemy attacked the extreme left of
our line on Bolivar Heights, After a sharp engageraent,
they were repulsed by our troops, under command of Gen.
White. On the same day the battle of South Mountain was
fought. The distance is about seven miles, and each party
could hear the artillery of the other.
That night, tAvo thousand cavalry, under command of Col.
Davis, of the Twelfth Illinois cavalry, made their escape from

ARMY OF THB POTOMAC. 321
Harper's Ferry, and reached Greencastle next morning, cap
turing on their route an araraunition train belonging to Gen.
Longstreet, consisting of fifty wagons.
At daylight, on the morning of the fifteenth, the enemy
opened their batteries from seven different positions, directing
their attack principally upon our batteries on tho left of Bol
ivar Heights. About seven o'clock in the morning, not hav
ing fought two hours, Col. Miles concluded to surrender, as
the araraunition for his artillery was exhausted. He then
hoisted the white flag. The enemy, not observing it, kept
up a constant fire for half an hour, mortally wounding Col.
Miles, At eight o'clock they perceived the fiag, Avhen the
post was surrendered unconditionally.
So soon as the place was surrendered, Gens. A, P. Hill and
Jackson, Avith their staff and some of their troops, rode into
town. We then ascertained that their forces numbered
nearly seventy thousand men. The Union loss, by this sur
render, was eleven thousand five hundred and eighty-three
prisoners, fifty pieces of artillery of various calibre, and six
days' rations for twelve thousand men. The loss, in killed
and wounded, on both sides, was very small.
BATTLE OF ANTIETAM.
On the sixteenth of September our advance came upon the
enemy posted upon the heights on the west side of Antietam
creek; their left and center being upon, and in front of, the
road from Sharpsburgh to Hagerstown, and protected by
woods and irregularities of the ground. Their extreme left
rested upon a wooded eminence near the cross-roads, to the
north of G. Miller's farm ; their right rested on the hills to
the right of Sharpsburgh, covering the crossing of Antietam
creek, and the approaches to Sharpsburgh from thfe south
east. Broken and wooded ground behind the hills concealed
the mass of the enemy's forces. The ground in the enemy's
front was undulating. Hills intervened, whose crests are
commanded by the crests of others in their rear. On all
favorable points their artillery was posted. Their line formed
a semi-circle on a range of hills, its concave side towards us.
Vol. L— 21.

322 V ARMY OP THE POTOMAC.
The rebel Gen. Jackson commanded their left. Gen. Long-
street their center, and Gen. A. P. Hill their right. All
under command of Gen. Lee. Their force was supposed to
be about seventy thousand strong.
Under the base of these hills, runs the deep stream called
Antietam creek, fordable only at distant points. Three
bridges cross it — one on the Hagerstown road; another on
the Sharpsburgh pike; the third to the left in a deep recess
of abrupt hills. It was evident, from the force of the enemy,
and the strength of their position, that desperate fighting
alone could drive them from their chosen ground. AJl felt
that a terrible battle was on hand.
The plan of attack of Gen. McClellan was nearly as fol
lows : Gen. Hooker was to cross Antietam creek on the right,
establish himself on the enemy's left if possible, fianking the
position of the enemy, and opening the battle. Sumner,
Franklin and Mansfield were to send their troops also to the
right, acting with Hooker's attack, while advancing nearer
the center. The heavy work in the center was left princi
pally to the batteries. Porter massing his infantry supports
in the hollows. On the left, Burnside was intrusted with the
difficult task of carrying the bridge across the Antietam,
near Rohrback's farm, and of assailing the enemy's right.
Gen. Hooker moved with his corps across the creek at a
ford to the right of Keedysville, without opposition. Front
ing south-west his line advanced threatening the enemy's
flank. Cavalry skirmishers were sent into the woods and
over the flelds beyond. Presently they were met by a sharp
flre from a concealed battery. They at once fell back on the
main column.
Infantry skirmishers then advanced to an open field
inclosed on two sides with woods, protected on the right
by a hill, and having a corn field in the rear. Penetrating
these woods they were met by a sharp fire. Receiving sup
port they rapidly advanced and cleared the timber of the
enemy. Gen. Hooker at once formed his line. Rickett's division
went into the woods on the left. Meade, with the Pennsyl
vania Reserves, formed the center. Doubleday was sent on

ARMY OF THB POTOMAC. 323
the right, and planting his guns on a hill opened at once on
a rebel battery that conimenced to enfilade our central line.
Meade's troops had a sharp contest and held their own. It
was now dark. The enemy's position could only be discov
ered by the flashes of their guns. They pushed boldly for
ward on the right, and attempted to recover lost ground, but
did not succeed. The fight flashed, glimmered, and ceased
with the dark night.
With the first break of daylight the battle began. Morn
ing found both armies as they had lain down the night before,
looking almost in each other's eyes. Hooker attacked, but
masses of the enemy soon checked his advance. Mansfield
brought his corps to the support of Hooker. The fire now
became fearful and incessant. What at first Avere distant
notes, clear and consecutive, soon merged into a tumultuous
chorus which made the earth tremble. By the help of Mans
field the enemy were driven back ; but the good and gallant
Mansfield lost his life in the effort.
Our lines pushed forAvard with cheers. Through the corn
field, and into the dark woods, went the retreating enemy.
Meade's division followed close after them, and endeavored
to penetrate the woods. Out of its dark recesses came terri
ble volleys which checked their further progress. Closing
up their shattered lines, our troops fell back. The enemy's
column quickly pursued, with exulting yells, and deadly
volleys of musketry. Gen. Hooker sent his nearest brigades
to check them ; but they surged back before the savage masses
of the enemy. At last Doubleday sent in his best brigade.
They went forward at a run. Through the woods, and storm
of shot and shell from the enemy's batteries; over the open
field, into the corn field, passing their retreating comrades,
firing in volleys and then at will, they pushed rapidly for
ward. They reached the ridge of the hill, and held it. There
were gaps in their line, but they closed up and kept an
unyielding front. These were Gen. Hartsuff's troops, con
sisting of the Twelfth and Thirteenth Massachusetts regi
ments. For two hours the tide of battle ebbed and flowed;
now in our favor; then against us. Whole companies were
swept away before the iron storm; the ground was strewn

324 ARMY OF THB POTOMAC.
with Avounded and dead. Eight batteries Avere in full play.
The din of heavy guns, the whistling and bursting of shells,
and roar of musketry, were almost deafening.
To the right of the corn field and beyond it was a point of
woods. Once carried and held it was the key of the position.
Hooker determined to take it. Reconnoitering the enemy's
position he was Avounded by a bullet passing through his foot.
He at once ordered Crawford and Gordon to advance and
carry the woods and hold them, saying if they did this, " It
is our fight." And so it was. His part of the battle Avas
won, for this was the battle on the rebel left. The severity
of Hooker's wound compelled him to leave the field at this
critical moment.
It was noAV ten o'clock. The fight had been raging four
hours. Gen, Sumner arrived and took command just as
Hooker left. CraAvford and Gordon were fighting in the
woods, and holding them. Sedgwick advanced to their sup
port. Gen. Sumner sent forward Richardson and French to
the left. The enemy's reinforcements were approaching also,
and the struggle for the position was again renewed. In
attempting to extend his front, one of Sedgwick's regiraents
broke, under a terrible fire. The enemy came in force on
that fiank, CraAvford was compelled to give way on the
right, and his troops, pouring through the ranks of Sedg
wick's advance brigade, threw it into confusion, and back on
our second line. The enemy rapidly advanced, their fire
increasing in intensity.
It Avas now one o'clock. Franklin came up with fresh
troops and formed on the left. Slocum, with one division,
was sent forAvard along the slopes lying under the first range
of the hills which the enemy held. Smith with the othei
division, Avas ordered to retake the corn fields and woods,
which all day had been so hotly contested. This was gal
lantly done. His division went forward on a run, and cheer
ing as they advanced, swept like a rushing wind through the
corn-fields, pierced the woods, cleared them of the foe, and
held them. The key of the enemy's position was won.
It was noAv two o'clock. The plan of battle made it nec
essary for success that the attack of the separate columns

ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. 325
should be simultaneous. Unless this Avas done, the enemy,
from his interior lines, could throw the greater portion of
his force upon one column of our attack. The fight along
the center was chiefly with artillery ; batteries were vigor
ously worked. But all was quiet on the left. Where was
Burnside? Why was not the bridge carried, and the enemy's
retreat threatened?
The valley of the Antietam at the bridge, near Ronroacic s
farm, is narrow, with high banks. On the right of the stream
the bank is wooded, and commands the approaches to the
bridge and ford. The steep slopes of the banks were lined
with rifle pits and breastworks of rails and stones. These
and the woods, were filled with the enemy's infantry, while
their batteries commanded and enfiladed the bridge and ford.
At three o'clock, Burnside had made little progress. He
had carried the bridge; but could not advance further. There
are two hills on the left of the road ; the enemy had batteries
on both. At four o'clock, Burnside was ordered to storm
these positions.
The day had been clear and bright, and now the scene
shone with the splendor of a September sun. Four miles of
battle visible ; its glory seen ; its horrors hidden ; the fate of
the nation hanging on its issue ; could any one be insensible
to its grandeur?
Gen. McClellan had signal stations on the Blue Ridge,
commanding a view of every movement of the enemy. They
could not make a maneuver which was not instantly seen by
our keen look-outs, and as promptly communicated; and
from our batteries, shot and shell met their strategic moves.
It Avas the information, conveyed by the little flags upon the
mountain tops, that enabled our troops and batteries to suc
cessfully meet the concentration of the forces of the enemy
at any given point.
At four o'clock. Gen. McClellan sent simultaneous orders
to Burnside and Franklin to advance. Franklin held his
own; his movement was a success. The moveraent of Burn
side now became the turning point of the battle. Had he
pushed forward as ordered, at ten in the morning, he would
have co-operated with Hooker, and had he succeeded in

326 ARMY OF THB POTOMAC.
reaching the Sharpsburgh road, would have been in the ene
my's rear.
Burnside moved rapidly forward; he 'took the first hill;
planted his batteries, and silenced the opposing battery on
the next hill ; the infantry then advanced rapidly and stead
ily; their long, dark lines were plainly visible as they moved
over the green hill. The next moment the road was filled
with clouds of dust. The hill was carried. New columns
of the enemy appeared; his guns sent shot and shell among
Burnside's column. In a short time a line of battle of the
enemy appeared on the brow of a ridge above our men, and
moved swiftly down in perfect order, and, though met by
volleys of musketry, did not fire a gun. More columns
of the enemy appeared, splendidly handled, they swept on
like an overAvhelming wave. Backward, forward, surging
and swaying like a ship in a storm, the struggle went on. It
was folly to contend against such an overwhelming force.
Burnside was flanked and driven from the hill he took so
bravely. He sent to McClellan for reinforcements. None
Avere received. Burnside slowly fell back, and held the hill
he first captured. The enemy did not push their advantage.
Their fire gradually ceased. Before it was quite dark the
battle was over.
Antietam was a drawn battle. The enemy could not be
forced from his position, and fell back deliberately the day
after. His loss was about six thousand, killed and wounded.
The Union army captured thirteen guns, thirty-nine colors,
fifteen thousand stand of small arms, and six thousand pris
oners. Our loss in killed and wounded, was about six thou
sand. This was indeed a memorable battle, although productive
of no decisive result. For fourteen hours nearly two hun
dred thousand men had been engaged m combat. The enemy
fought Avith a bravery worthy of a better cause.
Long before daylight, on the morning of September eigh
teenth, our men were awake and ready to renew the battle.
The silence of death brooded over the enemy's front; we
could not penetrate their dark lines. Their pickets were
heavy in our front, and with exultant feelings, the Union

ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. 327
army aAvaited the Avord of command, fully confident of being
able to drive the enemy into the Potomac, or disperse his
army. Morning came, hours slipped by, yet no order to
advance was received by our eager troops. No attack was
made by the enemy, and the day passed in waiting and hop
ing. Alas ! delay let the prize slip through our fingers.
Gen. McClellan, with that caution which is part of his
being, unwilling to risk all on the decisive result, awaited the
arrival of reinforcements. The next day the order Avas given
to advance, but the wily foe had disappeared over the Poto
mac. His movement was very quiet, and our advance cap
tured only a few stragglers.
The retreat of an army so large as that of the enemy,
across a river, carrying with him all his artillery and bag
gage, was certainly creditable to the commander. They
passed away like the mist before the morning breeze.
A reconnoissance was made across the river on the nine
teenth, which resulted in finding the enemy there, and cap
turing a few guns. On the twentieth, another reconnoissance
found the enemy in force; our men were drawn into ambush
and driven back with severe loss. This was near Shepherds-
toAvn, Va. The One Hundred and Eighteenth Pennsylvania
proceeded to ford the Potomac, as the advance of Sykes'
division. When they crossed they were ordered to climb a
bluff. This bluff was very steep, rugged and rocky, and had
to be ascended through ravines. When the regiment reached
the brow of the bluff, they were confronted by an overpow
ering body of the enemy, who poured a destructive fire into
their ranks. The rest of the brigade retired over the river ;
but the One Hundred and Eighteenth did not receive the
order, and staid there to be murdered. At last its gallant
colonel, Charles M. Prevost, having been wounded while
holding the colors, concluded he could not fight the whole
rebel army, and ordered his men to recross the river, which
they did with a loss of forty-five killed, one hundred and
twenty-one wounded, and one hundred and twelve missing.
Then came a season of rest. All was " quiet in the Army
of the Potomac." Occasionally Stuart, with an impertinence
wholly incompatible with our dignity, made a dash into our

328 ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
lines; but he was driven back. It was necessary that the
army should be clothed; the men must have shoes; the offi
cers wall tents; red tape at Washington was slow. The
army must travel with a caravan, and the men must carry
enormous knapsacks, only to throw them away in the first
fight, and have them charged by the paymaster to the poor
soldiers who drew only thirteen dollars per month.
The beautiful days of September glided away. The roads
were in splendid condition ; the Potomac low and easy ford
able. Yet the army waited and halted at Sharpsburgh;
gazed upon the bluffs on the Virginia shore, while dispatches
flew along the wires, telling this, that, and everything, but
nothing Avas done. At length the enemy wakened us from
our dream by one of his bold exploits.
Stuart's cavalry raid.
A cavalry force of eighteen hundred men, and four pieces
of flying artillery, under command of Gen. J. E. B. Stuart,
erossed the Potomac between Williamsport and Hancock on
the tenth of October, at daylight, capturing our pickets, and
pushing northward towards Pennsylvania. Reaching the
National road, between Hagerstown and Hancock, they
nearly ran against Gen. Cox's coramand, consisting of six
regiraents and two batteries, which had passed an hour pre
vious. Pushing on, they entered Mercersburgh, Pa., about
noon. Here they conflscated a few horses. Passing through
the town, they took the route to Chambersburgh, arriving
there after dark, in a heavy rain. Planting a battery on a
hill, they demanded the surrender of the town, which was
instantly acceded to. They entered the town in force, and a
general plunder was commenced among the Government
stores. The streets of Chambersburgh were converted into a
vast dressing room. On every porch, and on every corner,
rebels were to be seen putting on the new uniforms they had
captured from the Union warehouses. The rebels donned
blue attire, and the citizens were blue at the joke perpetrated
at their expense. During the night a detachment scoured
the country for horses, and brought in about six hundred.

ARMY OP THE POTOMAC. 329
Those that remained ranged their horses along the streets,
facing the sidewalks, and lay on the sidewalks themselves.
They did not enter any private houses. The officials all fled
from the toAvn at the approach of the rebel cavalry. No one
could be found who admitted he held an office in the place.
Combustibles were placed in the railroad depot, the Govern
ment warehouses, and the machine shop. A train was laid
to the powder magazine. Three locomotives and cars, and
the buildings mentioned, were consumed. About five thou
sand muskets were also destroyed.
From Chambersburgh the enemy's cavalry sta-rted towards
Gettysburgh; but having passed the Blue Ridge, turned back
towards Hagerstown, and then crossed to Maryland by
Emraettsburgh. They continued their march through the
night by the way of Liberty, New Market and Monrovia.
Reaching Hyattstown at daylight, they captured a few army
wagons. They then pushed for Barnsville, and thence to
White's Ford, near Poolesville.
Meanwhile, the telegraph had flashed the news to Wash
ington of the daring feat of this body of cavalry, and the
whole line of the Potomac swarmed with soldiers to capture
the bold adventurers. Stoneman had four thousand troops
at Poolesville guarding the fords. Birney was after them ;
so was Berry; and Robinson's brigade, then at Arlington
Heights, was sent flying to catch them.
It may be well to give a sketch of the march of Gen. Rob
inson's brigade, as it serves to show the manner in which
military affairs were conducted in the Army of the Potomac.
On the night of October tenth, the brigade was ordered to
march instanter for Poolsville. Everything was ready in
half an hour. The men waited in a drizzling rain until day
light. Then the brigade left Arlington Heights to intercept
Stuart's cavalry at Conrad's Ford, a distance of forty miles.
As the cavalry had a day the start of the infantry brigade, it
did not seem possible to unmilitary minds to catch them.
The brigade passed over the Georgetown bridge and entered
Maryland. At dark it reached Rockville, and camped in a handsome
fair ground near that village. At four o'clock the next

330 ARMY OF THB POTOMAC,
morning the brigade started for Conrad's ford, or wherever
the rebels might try to cross. There were three new regi
ments in the brigade, and before it marched sixteen miles,
the men were strung along the road from sheer exhaustion.
There were no proper rests ; no time given for meals ; the
men had to snatch what they could from their haversacks
during brief pauses. Two men died from fatigue. One
hundred and fifty gave out. But there Avas no stop; no rest.
The brigade arrived in Poolsville at dark. It Avas then said
the rebels were crossing at Conrad's ford. A scout might
have found out whether this was true. But the whole brigade
was rushed through mud and rain four miles further, only to
find the river not fordable, and the rebels safe on the other
side of the Potomac.
The rebel cavalry crossed at White's ford, without the loss
of a man, having made a circuit round our lines, destroyed an
immense quantity of stores, and obtained valuable informa
tion regarding the topography of the country aud distribution
of our forces.
After the flurry caused by this foray had subsided, the
Army of the Potomac again lay down to peaceful slumber.
The usual despatches passed to and from Washington. The
usual bold moves were promised. But the rebel General Lee
was not yet ready to move, and it would not do to hurry him.
All this time, stretched at ease along the banks of the
river, slept and rested the grand army of the Potomac. Each
man had plenty to eat, and little to do. A regiment of cav
alry occasionally crossed the river; but always returned when
they found the enemy in force. At last it was ascertained that
Gen. Lee was falling back towards Richmond. The rebel
General having a good start, it was thought safe to follow
him. Accordingly, on October twenty-eighth, the Army of
the Potomac received marchine: orders.

BURNSIDE'S CAMPAIGN.

CHAPTER XII.

The Army of the Potomac crossed at Harper's Ferry, Ber
lin, and other points, and moved leisurely through the Lou
don Valley, between the Blue Ridge and Bull Run mountains.
Several cavalry skirmishes occurred, but no where was the
enemy to be found in force.
Burnside's corps crossed at Conrad's Ford, climbing the
abrupt bank on the Virginia shore. The country for a short
distance is a succession of rolling fields, then comes bold
hills and heavy timber, and soon the outlines of a range of
mountains appear in the horizon. The first is the Kittoctan
mountains, a continuation of the Bull Run Range. In the
distance they appear like a blue cloud. This valley is good
farming land.
The column wound its way through a scene of rural beauty.
War had not desolated this portion of Virginia. The road
wound along the edge of a hill, springs gushing from its base
and rippling over the road. The wheat was springing up,
and cattle grazing in the meadows. The men were in joyous
spirits. Soldiers love activity. The column moved along
the base of the mountains, through Salem and Warrenton.
On the fifth of November Gen. McClellan was removed
from the command of the army and Gen. Burnside appointed.
Meantime the army halted for a few days near Warrenton.
The removal of Gen. McClellan while the army was march
ing, was unfortunate, it caused a delay in the transfer of com-
331

332 ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
mands. Iu other Avords it brought the army to a halt, and
enabled the enemy to concentrate a force at Fredericksburgh.
November seventeenth the Union army left Warrenton for
Fredericksburgh, the advance arriving opposite that place on
the nineteenth. Gen. Sumner at once demanded its surren
der. Gen. Longstreet declined his request. The result was
that the army went into camp among the hills of Stafford;
and the enemy begun a series of formidable earthworks on
the hills back of Fredericksburgh. Thus the two armies
gazed upon each other until the morning of December elev
enth, when that terrible disaster to the Union army took
place, called the battle of Fredericksburgh.
While the long columns were filing through the valley of
Virginia, resting in woods, bivouacing on plains, and halting
for orders, a brilliant episode in the war was performed by
Gen. Sigel's body guard, under command of Capt. Dahlgren,
of Gen. Sigel's staff, composed of portions of Bracken's and
Stuart's Indiana cavalry.
On a very pleasant day in November, about the twelfth, the
squadron reached the bluff's on the Rappahannock above Fal
mouth. They had with them a scout who was a resident of
Fredericksburgh. He crossed, and returned AA'ith the infor
mation that none but stragglers were in toAvn. Crossing the
difficult ford above Falmouth, over the rocky bed of the
river, the troops wound along the river road and charged
suddenly into the town on Sunday morning ; the bells were
ringing for church as their horses hoofs clattered on the
streets. They reached the railroad depot ; there four hundred
rebel cavalry were drawn up in line, ready for a charge. Not
halting an instant, this gallant band of fifty-seven men, led
by Lieut, Carr, of Bracken's cavalry, with whoops and yells,
charged through the enemy's line, capturing forty men and
putting the rest to fiight. Pursuing the fugitives, they came
upon another line of the enemy on the right, which they
instantly charged and broke. Turning, they charged a body
of cavalry in the rear. The citizens took part in the fight,
firing on our men from houses. Our cavalry captured more
prisoners than their own number, destroyed fifty thousand
dollars' worth of property, and held the town of Fredericks-

ARMY OF THB POTOMAC. 333
burgh for an hour, Avith the loss of one killed, Robert Gapen,
of Terre Haute, Avho had folloAved the company as a volun
teer, and one wounded, Serg't Warren, of Stuart's cavalry,
and four prisoners. The rebels lost about sixty killed and
wounded. Lieut. Garner, of Bracken's cavalry, was at Falmouth, with
the reserve. When he heard of the flght, he desired at once
to cross the river and hold the town; but the Major of the
Sixth Ohio cavalry, Avould not permit his men to cross. Our
gallant band returned, with the loss above stated, having,
with their small number, surprised and held a toAvn of
four thousand inhabitants. Capt, Sharra, and Lieuts. Miller
and Carr, were complimented by Gen, Sigel, A single divis
ion of our army could have promptly followed up this move
ment, and held the toAvn, thus avoiding the unfruitful battle
Avhich afterwards took place.
For twenty-two days the Army of the Potomac camped
on the north bank of the Rappahannock, opposite Frede
ricksburgh. For the flrst time in the history of that army,
the opposing pickets gazed upon each other without flring
a shot. The strange spectacle was presented of two immense
opposing armies quietly watching each other, peaceful as
if all were a holiday pageant. From the hights of Stafford
our army could see the enemy throwing up earthAVorks, dig
ging rifle pits, building forts, making every preparation for a
desperate defense. Their pickets lounged along the opposite
shore, or gathered in groups under the shade of some build
ing, scarcely one hundred and fifty yards from our pickets.
Sometimes friendly conversation and trading took place
between each side. On the hills, back of Fredericksburgh,
details of the enemy's fatigue parties were seen busy at work.
In the streets of Fredericksburgh, rebel soldiers strolled about,
mostly without arms. Occasionally a gaily dressed staff offi
cer galloped through the streets. On the distant hills tents
sprung up like magic, and signal men, with their little flags,
could be seen talking to other little flags on the blue horizon.
The golden sun of Indian summer shone upon the troops.
Every natural advantage urged a prompt movement. But
with that delay which has always characterized the move-

334 ARMY OF THB POTOMAC.
ment of large bodies of troops in the present war, the army
waited until the enemy had finished his last earthAVork, dug
his last rifle pit, planted all his artillery; aud then, having
no further excuse for delay, the army was ordered to storm
the position in front.
The sick were ordered from the comfortable log huts they
had built in their respective camps, to report to the division
hospitals. These hospitals were myths. A bare hill was
selected for each hospital, the sick and dying soldiers— about
seven thousand in number — were ordered out one rainy night
in December, to said hospitals. They went staggering
through the mud to lie down and die in the rain on the hill
top. There were no tents, and but few surgeons. All was
confusion ; the moving army had no time to look after its
sick men. Many a brave soldier, far removed from those he
loved, died from the exposure of that dismal night.
THE SITUATION.
The Rappahannock river, in its course from west to east,
is skirted, at the point where Fredericksburgh stands on its
southern bank, by low crests of hills, Avhich, on the northern
bank, run parallel and close to the river, and on the southern
bank trend backward from the stream, and leave a semi-cir
cular plain six miles in length, and two or three in depth,
inclosed within their circumference before they again
approach the river in the neighborhood of Massaponax
creek. Immediately above the town, and ou the left of the
enemy's position, the bluff's are bold and bare of trees; but
as the hills, in their eastward course, recede from the river,
they become lower, and are densely Avooded, while low spurs,
covered with copsewood, run down at right angles to the
range of hills into the plain, behind and between which spurs,
the center and right of the rebel army was posted, stretching
for a distance of six miles from the extreme left, and ending
near Massaponax creek, flve miles below^ Fredericksburgh.
It will be apparent to the reader, that the left of the rebel
army occupied a stronger position than the center and right.
There was not sufficient room for the Union troops to deploy

ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. 335
and form, except under deadly fire from the enemy's batteries
and infantry. On the center and right, there were fewer dis
advantages ; but the crest of every hill was crowned with a
rebel redoubt, which, with its guns, swept the open plain.
Even in its AA'eakest point, the enemy's line possessed great
advantages. No wonder Gen. Lee was elated at the prospect
of a coming battle in his chosen position ; for he felt confi
dent of the defeat of the Union army.
The enemy's troops Avere divided into two large corps ;
Gen. Longstreet's corps was on the left, and Gen. Jackson's
on the right; the whole under the immediate command of
Gen. Lee.
The Union troops were divided into three grand divisions.
Gen. Summer commanded the right. Gen. Hooker the center,
and Gen. Franklin the left; all under the command of Gen.
Burnside. It is estimated that the enemy's forces consisted of seventy
thousand men, while the Union troops numbered about one
hundred and twenty thousand.
The dark night came on as the Union columns moved ; the
solemnity of the approaching battle cast its shadows over the
faces of the men; earnestness was seen in every eye. The
columns disappeared in the deep ravines and among the thick
woods on Stafford Hills; and the heavy rumble of artillery
trains, or quick clatter of horses feet, was all that broke the
silence of the night that was to witness the opening of the
terrible battle.
On the river bank all was silence. A heavy fog hung over
the water; and although a distant sound occasionally gave
evidence of life upon the south bank, yet nothing could be
seen, and our men halted and waited for the pontoons to be
stretched across the river.
THE BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBURGH.
It was a clear, cold night, for after midnight the rain had
ceased, and the ground was thinly sprinkled with snow, as,
on the eleventh of December, the advance of our army
descended from Stafford Heights into the valley of the Rap-

336 ARMY OP THE POTOMAC.
pahannock. Dense clouds of fog hung over the bed of the
river, rendering it impossible to obtain a view of the opposite
shore. Directly in front of Fredericksburgh, the Union engineers
were working silent as possible, laying a double pontoon
bridge. Boat after boat was quickly placed in position, until
the bridge was nearly completed. Then the fog was illumined
by a quick succession of flashes, and a spiteful musketry fire
killed several of our bridge builders, and drove the rest to
the shelter of the bluff's. Tavo heavy guns sounded out in
the night from the enemy's position, and then wc knew he
was fully awake and ready for the struggle. Again and
again did our engineers rally on the bridge, and try to
reach, with their pontoons, the opposite shore, only to be
driven back by the deadly fire of the enemy's sharpshooters,
who were posted along the bank, and in buildings near the
shore. The Seventh Michigan regiment. Col. Hall, then deployed
along the edge of the bank, and opened fire on the enemy;
but, under the protection of brick houses, cellars and rifle
pits, it was found impossible to dislodge hira.
One hundred and forty pieces of artillery then opened on the
town. It was now daylight. The shot ploAved through the
buildings of the devoted city, and the shell tore up casements,
or burst like snow flakes over the town. From one stone
building, near the river bank, a deadly flre had poured
all the morning upon our bridge builders. Suddenly, at a
given signal, the fire of a dozen batteries was concentrated
upon the spot. The building crumbled, and a cloud of dust
marked where it stood. Our engineers again went to work
to build the bridge. But, will it be believed? From out the
very ruins came a deadly fire, and rebels thronged its ruined
walls. Again our batteries opened, but Avith little eff'ect.
Thus the struggle went on all the morning of December
twelfth. Artillery could not dislodge thera; iufantry must.
Volunteers were called for. The Seventh Michigan regiment,
Lieut, Col. Baxter, (Col, Hall commanding the brigade,) vol
unteered to lead the forlorn hope. The men rushed to the
pontoons, carried them to the water, jumped into them, and

ARMY OP THE POTOMAC. 337
pushed gallantly out into the stream amidst a shower of bul
lets from the enemy. Nothing daunted them. They reached
the shore, charged gallantly through the streets of Freder
icksburgh, driving the eneray from the rifle pits and build
ings, and taking thirty-five prisoners. They lost five killed,
and sixteen wounded. They were promptly supported by
the Nineteenth and Twentieth Massachusetts, and held the
position till the bridge was laid.
Gen. Nathan Kimball's fine brigade then rushed over the
bridge, and, charging gallantly through the main streets,
drove the enemy from the city, and took position in front,
where they remained during the night.
On December thirteenth, the day of the great battle, this
brigade was selected to lead the forlorn hope in the attack on
the enemy's works in the rear of the town. Crossing the
canal in the rear of the town, they moved rapidly up the
green slope toward the silent earthAvorks of the enemy. All
at once the rebel batteries opened. Sometimes shells burst
in the ranks. The fire was murderous. Yet the brigade
moved swiftly on, closing up gaps in their lines, left by their
fallen comrades, and pushed forward through fences and
other obstacles, until, reaching the enemy's rifie pits, it was
met by a terrific fire from behind stone walls, earthworks,
and under cover of a ravine, from a superior force of the
enemy. One-fourth of the command had fallen on the plain
they had crossed, and the whole line was exposed to a most
terrific fire of grape and musketry. Gen. Kimball was
severely wounded, and the brigade fell back to meet the fiery
veterans of the Irish brigade, under command of Gen.
Meagher, rushing to the rescue.
How well they performed the task assigned them, will be
immortalized in history. Emerging from the streets of the
city, they encountered the full force and fury of the enemy's
fire; and unable to resist or reply, pushed gallantly forward.
Bursting from the town, and forming under the withering
fire of the enemy's batteries, they proceeded to storm St.
Mary's Heights, towering immediately in their front. Never
in the battles of the old world was more undoubted courage
displayed by the sons of Erin, than during the six frantic
Vol. I.— 22.

338 ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
dashes against the almost impregnable position of the enemy.
From out the very blades of grass came a sheet of fire, car
rying death with it. Yet on they rushed, till their bodies
lined the sloping hill iu front of the enemy's batteries.
Their corpses strewed the ground like'"autumn leaves, and
gave eA'idence of their desperate courage. No human force
could have carried the position before which they were sacri
ficed, defended as it then was. Their loss is the best evidence
of what manner of men they Avere, who pressed on to death
with the valor of a race which has gained glory on a thou
sand battle fields, and never more richly deserved it, than at
the battle of Fredericksburgh. Out of one thousand two
hundred men that Avent into battle, but two hundred and
fifty escaped from the murderous repulse at St. Mary's
Heights. The history of one regiment is the history of all that tried
to storm the heights during that terrible day — the thirteenth
of December. At every point our brave legions struggled
against the terrible combinations of the enemy's artillery and
infantry, whose unremitting fire shook the earth, and filled
the plain, in rear of the city, with deadly missiles of war.
The struggling hosts of the Union stretched along the plain ;
their ranks were plowed by the merciless fire of the foe.
In the stubborn, unyielding resistance of the enemy, there
seemed no point likely to yield to the repeated assaults of
our brave soldiers.
The enemy's batteries, from sixteen different positions,
poured shot and shell upon our devoted men, in the plains
below. It was a sight magnificently terrible. Every dis
charge of the enemy's artillery, and every explosion of his
shells, Avere visible in the dusky tAvilight of the smoke-
crowned hill. There his direct and enfilading batteries, with
the vividness and intensity, aud almost the rapidity of light
ning, hurled the messengers of death into the midst of our
brave ranks, which vainly struggled through the murderous
fire to gain the hill and the guns of the eneray.
The Thirteenth New Hampshire, and the TAventy-Fifth New
Jersey, among other regiments, tried to storm the "stone
wall," from behind which the celebrated " Washington Artil-

ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. 339
lery," of New Orleans, Col. Lawton, hurled its murderous
fire. Coming to au irregular ravine, the troops plunged in,
climbed its opposite side, and advanced along the level ground
toward the stone wall. Behind that wall Avas a sunken road.
In rifle pits, on its flanks, were posted the enemy's infantry,
four ranks deep, and on the hill above, lay, in ominous silence,
their death dealing artillery.
While the Union troops were moving steadily forward, a
startling crash, with a simultaneous sheet of fire and flame,
was hurled by the eneray into our advancing lines. The
powder from their musketry burned our very faces. The
"leaden rain and iron hail" forced back our advancing lines
to the cover of the ravine.
We had won a position near enough to the enemy's lines
to find out their impenetrable strength ; but thousands of
brave men had been killed and wounded, and not a single
battery captured from the enemy, or a single earthwork
stormed. Such was the result of our disastrous attack on
the enemy's center. Howard, Hancock, and French, had all
been driven back; and although Sturgis held a position in
the ravine, yet he could accomplish nothing.
The woods and hills of Stafford Heights were by this time
filled Avith our wounded. They came in rapidly; some feebly
struggling along on foot ; some supported by comrades ; some
gasping in agony in ambulances. From the city to the Phil
lips' House, a distance of two miles, one continuous stream
of ambulances filled the road; and along side a column of
wounded men on foot covered the distance. This moving
mass of mangled humanity was indeed sickening to witness.
At least ten thousand mutilated men lay down that night in
the field hospitals, or under the pine sedge of the hills.
Meanwhile, the left grand division, under Franklin, was
fighting on the left. Much was expected from his attack.
He had met but little opposition in crossing, and Stoneman's
division had been sent to his assistance from the center. It
was thought that by a bold attack, he could carry and enfi
lade the crest of hills, on which were the enemy's batteries,
and sweeping down, by a simultaneous attack with the right
and center, drive the enemy from their stronghold.

340 ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.
Franklin moved before sunrise, his right resting on the
outskirts of the city; his center advanced a mile from the
river; his left resting on the river, three miles below. Skir
mishing commenced after daylight on his extreme left. A
rebel battery opened on our troops, and the fire became so
annoying that the Ninth New York regiment were ordered
to take it. They advanced swiftly, but were driven back.
Gen. Meade's division then went in, supported by Gen.
Tyler's brigade, and by a rapid charge, carried the first line
of the enemy's Avorks, but Avere met at the edge of the woods
by a destructive fire, which drove them back, and exposed
Randolph's battery to capture. At this time Stoneman's
division arrived. What was their surprise, after crossing the
pontoons, to see whole divisions drawn up in line, with arms
stacked, the battle raging a mile in front, while they were
double-quicked past these halting divisions to the front.
They arrived in time to meet Meade's veterans, overpowered
by the enemy, falling back from the deadly woods. To save
three Union batteries, Robinson's brigade, with a yell,
charged, drove the rebel columns back, penetrated their first
line, and were pushing on, when the order Avas received to
halt. They held their ground, under a severe fire of the
enemy for the rest of the day, and only fell back when the
army re-crossed the river.
Had Gen. Franklin thrown his whole force into action, he
might have carried the crest Of the hill on the left, and
secured us the position. Gen. Sturgis, at one time, held the,
advance, and met the enemy's full attack, and Gen. Ferrero,
with his brigade, by a dashing charge, approached within a
short distance of the enemy's works, driving them from their
first line of intrenchments. But, as usual there was no sup
port, aud the gallant brigade fell back.>
Night coming on, the battle was virtually ended. Our
weary braves, with gratitude to God, saw the sun go doAvn.
The artillery which had thundered all day long, shaking the
solid earth, and reverberating along the river, ceased to play.
The angry musketry volleys were hushed. At intervals a
single piece of artillery belched forth flame. This was soon
silenced, and all Avas still, save the rumble of ambulances and
army wagons.

ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. 341
Thus ended the bloody battle of Saturday, December thir
teenth. We had fought all day, and accomplished nothing.
The batteries poured their deadly missiles into our columns,
until night was welcomed, and its shadows closed on the
ghastly scene. The enemy were strong as ever; we were
weakened by our loss. We made our main attack on the
strongest point of the enemy's lines. The battle was a mili
tary blunder; a useless sacrifice of life.
The Sabbath morning dawned brightly on December four
teenth. The air was pleasant as in May; the leaves fiuttered
in the gentle breeze ; the birds sung their sweet notes on the
bluffs of the Rappahannock. Away, in the distant Avoods,
crowning the crest of the enemy's position, rose the blue
smoke of their camp fires. On a hill, commanding -a view
of the whole battle field, a number of large tents were seen,
said to be the quarters of Gen. Lee. Along the slope of the
hill were several long blue lines; they were our troops; a
little in advance were posted the skirmishers. Our batteries
opened on the enemy's works, but he made no reply. Occa
sionally there was musketry firing, but there was no general
engagement. The shrill scream of the locomotive echoed through the
hills; the cars were bearing our wounded to Aquia Creek;
the poor fellows swarmed by thousands round the* depot;
there were not cars enough to take them all away; some
died on the platform. Those that had charge of the trans
portation, say that they carried twenty-five thousand wounded
men to the transports, at Aquia Creek. Many of the Avounded
were wandering around among the woods and hills of Stafford,
not knowing where to go.
All that lovely Sabbath day our army was draAA'ii up in line
of battle; every moment expecting orders to advance. It
was a long, sad, lonely day in the field hospitals. During the
afternoon the Union generals were in consultation at the
Phillips House. The night came on and no general engage
ment took place ; several times during the night there were
rapid volleys of musketry.
On Monday, December fifteenth, the opposing arraies were
in the same positions. Our long lines of battle were yet

342 ARMY OP THB POTOMAC.
unbroken; our advance still clung to the edge of raA'ines
below the crests, over which the enemy's batteries frowned.
The lines of our supply wagons still crossed and recrossed
the river. All our wounded were ordered across; the field
hospitals on the south bank of the river were vacated. Our
men regarded these preparations as preparatory to a bloody
and decisive battle. It was reported Sigel had come up, with
forty thousand men, and would flank the enemy on their left.
There was a truce between the pickets, they met each other
half way, traded coffee, tobacco, and other army luxuries.
The day passed in anxious expectation.
Night came upon us; the rain fell; the winds howled
through the pines like the roaring surf of the ocean. Orders
came to move. Silently the men took up their line of march,
and tramped drearily through the mud. They supposed they
were to make a uight attack. Soon they reached the river;
then they knew they were retreating. The wild storm
sounded in their ears like the murmur of a pursuing enemy.
Silently the columns moved over the pontoons. The artil
lery wheels made scarcely any noise in the deep mud. The
commands passed along the lines in whispers. What if the
enemy should know this? Every moment they expected to
have heard the volleys of his pickets, or seen the glare of his
artillery flashing amid the storm. But he does not know it,
for our pickets are yet in front. Towards morning, the last
brigade had crossed the river. The bridges were all removed,
save one for the passage of the pickets. These brave men
still stood in front, amid the storm and darkness, peering
anxiously into the night. An officer approached, and whis
pered to the officer in command of the pickets; the whisper
passed along the line; they fell in, and swiftly reached the
bridge; crossing rapidly they were soon on the north bank
of the river. The next morning the battle field was vacant,
save of the many dead who strewed its surface.
IN CAMP AGAIN.
The morning of December seventeenth, found the regi
ments composing the Array of the Potomac, marching to

ARMY OP THE POTOMAC. 343
their various camps. Sigel's corps was marching in. We
again had the usual spectacle of a large body of fresh ti'oops
reaching us after the battle was over. The men stretched
their shelter tents over the frames of logs, and prepared to
make themselves comfortable for the winter. Some poor
fellows, who had lost their blankets, bivouaced in the bushes
in the low valleys, to escape the bitter winds which swept the
hills, and Avere found frozen and dead in the morning.
Usually the Generals paid but little attention to the com
fort of their men, in selecting camps. While they had their
headquarters in some pleasant grove, shaded from the fierce
sun, or bitter winds, the men were obliged to camp upon
some ridge, where they were exposed to both heat and cold.
The selfishness and cruelty of some of these Brigadier Gen
erals disgusted whole brigades. It is unnecessary to particu
larize. It may be our Generals thought discipline required
such treatment, but it crushed the hearts of our men and
destroyed their confidence.
The Army of the Potomac, after the disastrous battle of
Fredericksburgh, was ordered to make itself comfortable as
possible. Our line extended across the narrow neck of land
from the Rappahannock to the Potomac, guarding the rail
road from Aquia creek to Falmouth, and protecting the stores
at Aquia creek and Belle Plain. The men built neat log
huts with fire places at the end, and chimneys made of clay.
Over these they stretched their shelter tents, making a com
fortable shelter for five or six men. Much ingenuity was
displayed in the construction of some of these little buildings.
Carpets were made of cedar and pine; tables of cracker
boxes, and arm chairs of pork barrels. Around the open
fire places soldiers sat, smoked and joked. The weather was
cold and clear; drilling, road building, and picketing kept
-them busy enough to enjoy good health.
Stuart's rebel cavalry made a dash into Dumfries Decera
ber twenty-third; captured a few sutler's wagons, killed three
men, and on the advance of our force quickly fled.
The weather was pleasant; the roads were in such excel
lent condition, that General Burnside deterrained to make
another move towards the enemy.

344 ARMY OP THB POTOMAC.
Friday, January sixteenth, the army received marching
orders. There was three days delay, aud it did not start
until Monday. The men were in high spirits ; artillery and
baggage moved rapidly along the roads ; everything bespoke
success; but clouds gathered in the sky. About four o'clock
in the afternoon it began to rain. The clothing of the men
were soaked as they staggered on in the rapidly gathering-
mud. The roads soon became bottomless; artillery trucks
sunk in the mud, and mules and horses went down to their
bellies. Men staggered and struggled, and stuck fast. Yet
still the rain came down.
The pontoons could not be moved. The troops halted that
night in the mud; while they slept they were covered with
more mud than glory.
At daybreak they moved forward. Every portion of the
flat country was liquid mud. Horses and riders looked like
images of clay. When the adv^ance reached the bank of the
river they saw on the other side a huge sign-board, with this
inscription : "Burnside stuck in the mud."
It was impossible to move forward. The army was ordered
back to its old quarters. The men, glad to return to their
log huts, w^illingly moved, and soon were in their respective
camps. Then the sun came out, and the men felt glad to
think they were at rest again. They were in winter quarters,
although the winter was nearly gone.
It is to be regretted that ever since the organization of the
army of the Potomac a deep seated jealousy has existed
among its prominent officers. Illustrative of this feeling we
give the following testiraony of Gen. Burnside before the
Committee on the Conduct of the War :
" Gen. Burnside states that, beside the inclemency of the
weather, there was another powerful reason for abandoning
the movement, viz : the almost universal feeling among his
general officers against it. Some of those officers freely gave
vent to their feelings in the presence of their inferiors. In
consequence of this, and also what had taken place during
the battle of Fredericksburgh, &c.. Gen. Burnside directed
an order to be issued, which he styled General Order number
eight. That order dismissed some officers from the service.

ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. 345
subject to the approval of the President, relieved others from
duty with the array of the Potoraac, and also pronounced
sentence of death upon some deserters who had been tried
and convicted. * * The order was duly signed and issued,
and only waited publication. * * He (Gen. Burnside) was
informed that the President declined to approve his order,
number eight, but had concluded to relieve him from the
command of the Army of the Potomac, and appoint Gen.
Hooker in his place."
The following is the order referred to by Gen. Burnside :
GENERAL ORDERS — NUMBER BIGHT.
"¦First. — Gen. Joseph E. Hooker, Major General of Volun
teers and Brigadier General of the United States Army, hav
ing been guilty of unjust and unnecessary criticisms of the
actions of his superior officers and of the authorities, and
having, by the general tone of his conversation, endeavored
to create distrust in the minds of officers who have associated
with him, and having by omissions and otherwise, made
reports and statements which were calculated to create incor
rect impressions, and for habitually speaking in disparaging
terms of other officers, is hereby dismissed the service of the
United States, as a man unfit to hold an important commis
sion during a crisis like the present, when so much patience,
charity, confidence, consideration and patriotism are due from
every soldier in the field.
This order is issued subject to the approval of the President
of the United States.
Second. — Brig. Gen. W. T. II. Brooks, commanding first
division, sixth army corps, for complaining of the policy of
the government, and for using language tending to demoral
ize his command, is, subject to the approval of the President
of the United States, dismissed from the military service of
the United States.
Third. — Brig. Gen. John Newton, commanding third divis
ion, sixth army corps, and Brig. Gen. John Cochrane, com
manding first brigade, third division, sixth army corps, for
going to the President of the United States with criticisms

346 ARMY OP THE POTOMAC.
upon the plans of his commanding officer, are, subject to the
approval of the Presiden t, dismissed from the military service
of the United States,
Fourth, — It being evident that the following named officers
can be of no further service to this army, they are hereby
relieved from duty, and aa'III report in person without delay
to the Adjutant General of the United States Army:
Major Gen. W. B. Franklin, commanding left grand divis
ion. Major Gen, W, F. Smith, commanding sixth army corps.
Brig, Gen, Sam. D. Sturgis, commanding second division,
ninth army corps.
Brig. Gen. Edward Ferrero, commanding second brigade,
second division, ninth army corps.
Brig, Gen. John Cochrane, commanding first brigade, third
division, sixth army corps.
Lieut. Col. J. H. Taylor, Acting Adjutant General right
grand division."

REGIMENTAL HISTORY.

CHAPTER XIU.

NINETEENTH REGIMENT.

On the eleventh of June, 1861, the War Department decided
to accept six additional regiments from Indiana. The mar
tial spirit of her people was aroused, and the Nineteenth was
among the first to organize and report for duty. The follow
ing were its officers :
Fleld and Staff Officers. — Colonel, Solomon Meredith, Rich
mond; Lieutenant Colonel, Robert A, Cameron, Valparaiso;
Major, Alois 0. Bachman, Madison; Adjutant, John P.
Wood, Indianapolis; Regimental Quartermaster, James S.
Drum, Indianapolis; Surgeon, Calvin J. Woods; Assistant
Surgeon, William H. Kendricks, Indianapolis; Chaplain,
Lewis Dale, Muncie.
Company A. — Captain, Isaac M. May, Anderson; First
Lieutenant, James L. Kilgore, Chesterfield; Second Lieuten
ant, Alonzo J. Makepeace, Anderson.
Company B. — Captain, William W. Dudley, Richmond;
First Lieutenant, Davis E. Castle, Richmond; Second Lieu
tenant, Samuel Hindman, Hagerstown.
Company C. — Captain, Robert W. Hamilton, Winchester;
First Lieutenant, Reuben B. Farra, Winchester; Second Lieu
tenant, William M. Campbell, Winchester.
Company D. — Captain, Valentine Jacobs, Indianapolis; 347

348 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
First Lieutenant, Harry Vandegrift, Indianapolis; Second
Lieutenant, Frederick R. Hale, Indianapolis.
Company E. — Captain, Luther B. Wilson, Muncie; First
Lieutenant, George W- Green, Muncie; Second Lieutenant,
John M. Russey, Muncie.
Company F. — Captain, John M. Lindley, Indianapolis;
First Lieutenant, Bejamin F. Reed, Indianapolis; Second
Lieutenant, John A. Cottman, Indianapolis.
Company G. — Captain, John R. Clark ; First Lieutenant,
Leander Yaryan, Richmond; Second Lieutenant, Johnston D.
Curi. Company H. — Captain, Richard M. Kelley, Edinburgh;
First Lieutenant, Theodore Hudnut, Edinburgh; Second
Lieutenant, Lorenzo Fulton, Edinburgh.,
Company I. — Captain, John H. Johnson, Spencer; First
Lieutenant, John F. Baird, Spencer; Second Lieutenant,
Benjamin F. Hancock, Spencer.
Company K. — Captain, Samuel J. Williams, Muncie ; First
Lieutenant, Benjamin C. Harter, Muncie; Second Lieutenant,
William Orr, Muncie.
The regiment was mustered into the service at Camp Mor
ton, Ind., by Lieut. Col. Thomas J. Wood, July twenty-ninth,
1861. On August fifth it received marching orders, and left
its camp, filing through the streets of Indianapolis to the
railroad depot, following the lead of its tall, brave Colonel,
as determined and patriotic a band of heroes as ever faced a
foe. On the ninth of August they arrived at Washington,
and went into camp on Kalorama Heights, having been
assigned to duty with the grand army of the Potomac, then
commanded by Maj. Gen. McClellan,
Leaving the habits of civil life and assuming those of the
soldier operated unfavorably upon the men, and for weeks
while encamped here the sick were forty per cent, of the
command. So alarmingly great had the sick list become, and
of such a peculiar nature was a large portion of the eases
treated, that it was supposed, by physicians and others, poison
had been put into the springs which supplied the men with
water. An examination, however, proved the supposition
erroneous ; yet the large number of sick continued, and not

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 349
until the meu had become acclimated and inured to the life of
the soldier, was any improvement in the health of the regi
ment noticed.
On the fifth of September the regiment, not yet brigaded,
was assigned to duty temporarily under Brig. Gen. Smith,
and participated in the advance of the right wing of tho
army at Chain Bridge. Many days Avere spent here by the
army in establishing a safe position, fortifying, &c. At night
the men slept on their arms in line of battle — the day saw
them constantly in the trenches — until forts Marcy and Ethan
Allen were completed.
On the eleventh of September the regiment was engaged,
with other troops, all under command of Col. I. I, Stevens,
in the affair at Lewinsville, where it displayed a courage and
coolness of which veteran soldiers might well be proud, and
Avhich elicited a complimentary notice from their brigade Gen
eral. In this affair one man was killed, two wounded, and
three taken prisoners. On the twenty-eight of the same month
Falls Church was advanced upon and occupied by our troops,
in which the Nineteenth bore its part. Two days afterwards
the regiment was brigaded with three Wisconsin regiments.
The whole, under command of Brig, Gen, King, re-crossed
the Potomac, and went into camp. Soon afterAvards the
brigade was ordered to occupy a position on Arlington
Heights. In the rear of Fort Craig the Nineteenth put up
winter quarters. The campaign for that year was over, and
the men allowed to rest from the constant Avearing labors of
the past month. Nothing outside the usual routine of camp
life — drills, picket duty, &c. — transpired until the tenth of
March, 1862.
The army of the Potomac had been thoroughly schooled
in the interim, in all that pertains to the education of the
soldier, and high hopes were entertained by the country
respecting its future achievements. At one o'clock of that
morning this army commenced moving. The regiment Avhose
history we are now tracing, left its winter houses and famil
iar parade grounds, filed into its appropriate place in the
moving column, with a firm, soldierly tread, each ready and
willing to do and dare whatever their gallant commander,

350 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
McClellan, dictated. Fairfax Court House was reached,
between which point and Centreville the regiment encamped,
eighteen miles from the point of starting in the morning.
Manassas, the rebel stronghold, was evacuated, and no pros
pect of an immediate collision between the two armies
remained. Soon after, the army fell back to Alexandria,
Va., which distance (twenty miles) was marched by the regi
ment between the hours of ten, a, m., and five, p. m., of the
eighteenth of March, 1862,
Here the army was divided; McClellan, with one hun
dred and eight thousand men, embarking upon transports;
the remainder being formed into what was then, as uoav,
known as the first army corps, and placed under com
mand of Major General Irwin McDowell, The Nineteenth
formed a part of this corps, April fifth found the regiment
again on the march. Passing, the next day, the Bull Run
battle ground, it encamped at BristOw Station, on the Orauge
and Alexandria railroad, eight miles from Manassas Junction.
Soon after, the lines of the army being advanced, the regi
ment moved forward, and was stationed on Cedar Run at
Catlett's, twelve miles from Bristow. When the railroad
bridge at this point, which had been destroyed by the rebels,
was rebuilt, the position was evacuated, and the army, leaving
the line of the railroad, advanced doAvn the Peninsula between
the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers, and took a position on
the latter, opposite the town of Fredericksburgh, which for
mally surrendered to Gen. McDoAvell. The position was an
important one for our army to hold, in that it did away Avith
the blockade of the Potomac which had considerably annoyed
its navigation, and served as a base line of intended opera
tions in conjunction with McClellan's army, then on the
Peninsula. On the twenty-fifth of May, McDowell crossed the Rappa
hannock, and marched southAvard a distance of eight miles.
Here a halt was made, in order to repair the railroad for
army uses, and the Nineteenth Avent into camp near Guinney's
Station, on the Fredericksburgh and Richmond railroad. At
the time of McDowell's advance, Gen. Jackson was throwing
his force upon Banks' little army, in the valley of the She-

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 351
nandoah, forcing his precipitate retreat. McDowell was
ordered into the valley, to intercept Jackson, if possible, and
prevent the occupation of that fertile region by his ariny.
At one o'clock, p. m., of a sweltering day of May, the regi
ment left its camp to do what soldiers invariably dislike —
retrace their steps. The march partook of the character of
a forced one ; the roads were dry and dusty ; the men were
required to carry an extra outfit of clothing, and in conse
quence they suffered greatly; indeed, many of the discharges
for disability, is attributable to this and similar marches, in
which the regiment has participated. The next night found
them near their old camp, at Catlett's Station, forty-three
miles having been traversed in the time mentioned. From
this point to Haymarket, a station on the Manassas Gap rail
road, distant fifteen miles, the regiment next went, where it
remained a few days, until Jackson had encountered the
advance of the army at Front Royal, and been sent to the
right-about. Warrenton was then advanced upon and occu
pied, the rebel cavalry retiring as ours rode into town. Here
again came the usual halt of two or three days, Avhen the
force was again set in motion for Fredericksburgh, forty-five
miles distant, where they arrived after three days of march
ing, and went into camp. Here the regiment camped until
the August following.
In the meantime, many changes had taken place amongst
the officers. Lieut. Col. Cameron had been transferred as
Lieut, Col, of the Thirty-Fourth regiment Indiana volun
teers; Major Bachman promoted to fill the vacancy; Capt,
May, company A, advanced to the Majority; Adjt, Wood
resigned to accept a promotion, Lieut, Russey taking his
position. The Surgeon had retired to civil life, Dr, Jacob
Ebersole, of Aurora, Indiana, was commissioned in his stead;
Dr. Haines resigned. An additional Assistant Surgeon being
now recognized. Dr. Green was assigned to the position.
Many vacancies had also occurred in the line by resignations.
These were filled by the advancement of officers of inferior
rank, and the appointment of non-commissioned officers.
Many enlisted men had been discharged on account of dis
ease contracted in the service; many others had died, still a

352

REGIMENTAL HISTORY.

large number languished in hospitals. These causes reduced
the regiment, originally ten hundred and forty-six strong, to
six hundred fit for duty.
It must not be presumed that the time here was passed in
idleness or inaction, nor that the experience in discipline and
endurance secured by so many wearying marches, drills,
parades, etc., was lost upon the men of the regiment. Lying
in camp conveys to civilians the idea of a life of listless inac
tivity, to the soldier it conveys the idea of duties but a trifle
less onerous than those of active service; at least, this idea
Avas borne out so far as the soldiers of the department of the
Rappahannock were concerned. The most rigid discipline
was enforced; regimental and brigade guards were daily
mounted; drills instituted; thorough inspections of men,
clothing, and quarters, ordered regularly. The theoretical
knowledge of the soldier's calling was faithfully instilled
into their minds, thoroughly fitting them for the stern, prac
tical duties they were so soon to be called upon to discharge,
and in which they achieved for themselves great honors.
The Nineteenth Indiana is in part indebted to that stern dis
ciplinarian, and brave, though unfortunate soldier. Gen.
McDowell for the reputation of bravery and soldierly quali
ties which it enjoys in the army, as well as State from which
it comes.On the fifth of August, at two o'clock, a. m., the regiment
was in line, ready to march. A reconnoissance had been
ordered, under Gen. Gibbon, and the regiment composed a
portion of the forces for the purpose. At daylight the boat
bridge on the Rappahannock at Fredericksburgh, Avas crossed,
and the head of the column turned south, on the telegraph
road. Eight miles Avere marched, when a halt Avas ordered,
to allow the men to breakfast. An hour passed in this nec
essary occupation, and the coluran again passed on. The
day was oppressively hot, the dust completely enveloped the
moving mass ; Avater scarce, and many fell out of ranks by
the way side, from sheer exhaustion. At eleven o'clock, a
small stream of pure water was reached, and regardless of
orders a simultaneous rush was made for it. Though the
column had not halted, a fcAv minutes Avere given the men of

REGIMENTAL HISTORY, 353
the regiment to bathe and cool their heated blood. While
doing so, several reports of cannon, iu quick succession, were
heard, "Fall in," Avas the comraand of the Colonel, and in a
few rainutes the regiment Avas again on the march.
The advance of the expedition, composed of cavalry and
artillery, had been opened upon by a raasked battery of the
eneray. It was deeraed necessary to get the infantry in posi
tion Avith the least possible delay, as the number of the
opposing force Avas not known. The regiment Avent forAvard
in quick time four miles and took position behind a section
of a battery, as its support. It Avas impossible for men to
endure such a march under that broiling August sun, and be
in condition to fight at its termination. Many fell in the
road; others, less exhausted, sought the shade of some
friendly bush or fence. Of the Avhole number, five hundred
men, who started Avith the regiment that morning, less than
one hundred took position behind the guns; these had
marched eighteen miles by tAvelve o'clock, m. The enemy,
so soon as our infantry Avas seen, had withdraAvn, leaving the
field clear. Pickets were then established, and the force went
into camp for the night. Meantime, many of the men had
come up, and the regiment began again to look like itself.
Foraging by individual soldiers, was indulged in — it Avas per
mitted in those days — and each mess that night, regaled
themselves on a repast of fresh potatoes, chickens, etc.,
almost repaying them' for the hard march of the forenoon.
At sunrise, the next morning, the march again commenced,
still southward, continuing for eight or ten miles Avithout
incident, save the capture of a few straggling rebels, when
ncAvs of an attack on the rear, by cavalry, gained currency,
and the column was turned back without a halt. Upon
approaching the spot on which the regiment had quietly
slept the night previous, the enemy's cavalry was descried,
and it Avas thought a skirmish would ensue. A fiery aid rode
at full speed towards the rear of the column, shouting, "We
must cut our way back to Fredericksburgh; the enemy is in
full force in our road!" This, hoAvever, Avas an error; for a
single charge of the Third Indiana cavalry sent this "heavy
force" flying in all directions. They had, during the day.
Vol. L— 23.

354 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
captured several Avagons which had folloAved the expedition,
besides thirty-five men of the regiment, who had either given
out, or straggled the day before. An hour or two afterwards
the regiment encamped for the night. This little episode
changed the direction of the march.
In'the morning, filing to the left, the column marched to
Spottsylvania Court House, near Avhich it halted. This move
served to protect the rear of a force that had gone on this
route to cut the Virginia Central railroad at Frederick Hall,
which it accomplished. The next raorning, the detached
portions of the expedition being called in, the Avhole force
started for its caraps opposite Fredericksburgh, where it
arrived at four, p. M., having marched a distance of seventy-
five miles.
Previous to this date, the army of Virginia had been crea
ted, and placed under the command of Maj. Gen John Pope,
"headquarters in the saddle."' The army of the Rappahan
nock had been assigned to him, and only awaited the devel
opment of his plans to form a junction with his forces near
Warrenton; the advance of which was, at this date, at Cul
pepper. On the ninth day of August the battle of Cedar
Mountain Avas fought, between forces under Gen. Jackson,
and a portion of the army of Virginia, under Gen. Banks,
On the morning of the tenth, the first division of the first
corps (the other two divisions having previously joined Pope,)
left its camp en route for that point, marching tAventy-five
miles that day. The regiment arrived at Ely's Ford, on the
Rappahannock, where the river was waded, and the men, at
ten, p. M., lay down to rest on its south bank, too tired to pre
pare their supper, AttAvo o'clockthe next morning, the regi
ment marched, reaching Stephensburgh at twelve, m., Avhere
they dined, and rested till five, p. m. ; after which, they marched
six miles to the position occupied by our army, near Cedar
Mountain. It was expected a great battle would be fought
next day. But Jackson had withdrawn his army to the south
side of the Rapidan, and Pope advanced his to the late battle
field. The Nineteenth laid until the nineteenth at the foot
of Cedar Mountain. On that raorning the army commenced
its retreat.

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 355
All that long day, and far into the night, the tramping of
troops, and rumbling of artillery and trains, were heard. At
ten, p. M., the Nineteenth bivouaced, one mile from Rappahan
nock Station, ou the south side of the river; the next morn
ing crossed over and took position in line of battle, aAvaiting
the coming of the fast following foe. At ten, a. m., the din
of battle commenced. Our rear guard became engaged with
their advance. Nothing, except an occasional boom of the
cannon, was heard that day. The men slept quietly through
the night. On the morning of the tAventy-first the fog lay
on the river. At about ten it lifted, and the enemy could
be seen bringing their forces into position on the opposite
side. Batteries lined the banks on either side, and battle, in
all its terror, commenced. The regiment took a position
supporting a battery. That night they slept upon their arms.
During the series of battles, from the twentieth to the twen
ty-seventh of August, the infantry, save a small portion of
the array, was not engaged. The Nineteenth suffered no loss,
though for five days it was exposed to the shells of the
enemy. August twenty-fourth the first division fell back, the Nine
teenth marching to Warrenton, where it remained until the
morning of the twenty-sixth. Going from thence to Sulphur
Springs, it supported a battery which played upon the rebels
'for twenty- four hours. While these events were transpiring,
Jackson marched through Thoroughfare Gap, laid Manassas
Junction — immediately in rear of Pope — in ashes. One divi
sion had attacked, and been routed by Hooker's corps, near
Catletts. Stuart had attacked many of our wagon trains —
among them the train of the Nineteenth, which was saved
by the bravery of the guard and teamsters. The army Avas
cut off from its base, and only one corps of the promised aid
from McClellan had arrived.
McDowell's corps retreated on the Warrenton and Centre
ville pike, leaving Sulphur Springs, and marching through
Warrenton on the twenty-seventh day of August. At ten, p.
M., near New Baltimore, the regiment lay down to sleep.
Many of these brave men, who, in the prime of life, and
manly vigor, wrapped their blankets around them that night,

356 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
and "lay down to quiet slumber," were destined soon to sleep
their last, long sleep. Eariy next morning the column again
marched. Near Gainesville, perfectly unconscious of the
proximity of the foe', the regiment halted, the men were sup
plied Avith fresh meat butchered on the ground, and towards
sunset the regiment filed on to the pikes towards Centreville.
One mile Avas marched, when reports of cannon gave unmis
takable evidence of an attack. Two or three times during
the day the column was fired upon by masked batteries.
This Avas supposed to be but a section of flying artillery,
which had annoyed the march that day. The brigade to
which the Nineteenth belonged had reached a point opposite
that frora which this last gun had been fired, when it AA'as
opened upon by several guns at short range. The brigade
Avas immediately put in battle order. The unearthly sound
of these fearful missiles struck terror to the stoutest heart;
yet cool and collected stood that line, obeying with alacrity
every coraraand, and Avaiting impatiently for the order to
advance. The order was given ; shells burst in front, above,
and behind, crashed through the branches of the trees,
ploAved up the ground, and yelled demoniacly through the
air, yet steadily forward pressed the line. Soon the cannon
ceased ; a dead silence prevailed. Up a gradual rise, for three
or four hundred yards, at double quick, the column pressed,
when, on reaching the surarait of the ridge the line Avas
halted. The tall Colonel of the Nineteenth rode along the line —
"Boys," said he, "don't forget that you are Hoosiers, and
above all, reraeraber the glorious flag of our country. If
secesh tenders her currency, show them that Indiana is wil
ling to take stock!" The determination of each to stand by
the flag, was indexed in the countenance, A moment's
silence ensued — a calm preceding a storm — when the crash
of musketry was folloAved by yells from a thousand throats.
The Nineteenth had received its first volley from infantry.
The reply Avas quickly given— gun ansAvering gun— fiame
flashing to fiame— yell echoing to yell. Indiana was taking
stock. The demoniac yells of the belligerants, the piercing
screams of the Avounded, and the deep groans of the dying,

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 357
could be heard above the din of battle. Men in the agonies
of death and men already dead, lay thick along the line.
The brave and gallant Major May, beloved by his regiraent,
received a mortal wound, and was carried from the field.
Artillery was opened upon the line a hundred yards from the
rebel right, and grape, canister and shell, AA'histled through
and screamed above it. One hour and twenty minutes the
battle raged. TAvilight had deepened into darkness, and for
the last half of this time the men were guided in their aim
by the flash of the enemy's guns. At last, tired of the car
nival of death, as if by mutual consent, the firing ceased.
Each withdrew a short distance, and established pickets.
The folloAving extracts are taken from Col. Meredith's
report of this battle:
" The officers and men of my command behaved with great
gallantry. When the ranks were thinned out by the deadly
fire of the enemy, they were closed up with as much prompt
ness as if on drill. The battle was fought at a range of about
seventy-five yards. It was terrific from beginning to end. *
* * I ara informed, by what I consider reliable authority,
that the Nineteenth Indiana had to contend against four reg
iments — the celebrated Stonewall brigade. Their colors were
shot down twice during the engagement.
" Of the number, four hundred and twenty-three, who went
into the battle, forty-two Avere killed, one hundred and forty-
five wounded, and thirty-three missing, an aggregate loss of
two hundred and twenty.
"During the engagement ray horse was shot, and fell upon
me, severely injuring me for a time. The command then fell
upon Lieut. Col. Bachman, until I recovered frora the shock.
He exhibited great courage and coolness during the whole
tirae, riding the lines and watching every movement of the
enemy. From the commencement of the battle, he rendered
me important services. Major May fell eariy in the engage
ment, which left no other assistance. Major May was a brave
and gallant officer; his loss is felt, and regretted by the entire
regiment. "From information received of prisoners, I ascertained
that Gen. Ewell commanded, in person, the forces we were

358 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
fighting, and Avas wounded by a musket ball, by which he
lost his leg."
At eleven o'clock, p. m., Gen. King, commanding first
division, called a consultation of his brigade commanders,
when it was decided to withdraAv the forces which had been
engaged, to a safe position, as daylight Avould bring on
another battle, and — unless reinforcements should arrive — sure
defeat. Accordingly, shortly after midnight, the shattered
column was put in motion, and about sunrise reached Man
assas Junction, where they rested a short time, received
rations and a mail. Communication had been established by
Gen. Porter's corps, which arrived the day previous, and was
now lying at this point. At an early hour in the forenoon,
the loud booming of cannon and the sharp rattle of mus
ketry, announced that the battle was resumed, and at about
ten o'clock, Fitz John Porter's troops commenced marching
toAvards the battle field. After this corps passed, the first
division was put in motion, also towards the field, Avhich it
reached about five, p. m. The Nineteenth supported a bat
tery the rest of the evening.
The result of this day's fighting, the twenty-ninth, Avas
very favorable to our arms. Gens. Pope and McDowell, both
telegraphed to Washington, that the enemy Avas defeated,
and the stain that had rested upon our arms, from the first
Bull Run, was completely Aviped aAvay. It might have been
had all our available forces beeu brought into action; but
they were not. Thus we failed to destroy Jackson's army,
and secure a decided triumph to our arms.
At noon, of the thirtieth, Longstreet, who had succeeded
in forcing his corps through Thoroughfare Gap, precipitated
his whole command upon the left Aving of the armj', with
such fury as to threaten its entire destruction. At the begin
ning of this attack, the Nineteenth, with the other regiments
of Gibbon's brigade, were advanced into a thick wood, near
the center of the line, where it remained under a furious fire
of shot, shell and musketry, until the line was fianked on
the right and left. At this juncture the order was given to
fall back, which was done in good order, for three-fourths of
a mile ; here the brigade was halted to support battery .B,

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. §59
Fourth U. S. artillery. The advance of the rebels was repeat
edly checked by this battery. By this time, the extreme left
had been completely throAvn around by an overAvhelming
force of the rebels, thus rendering the position untenable, and
the brigade Avas forced once more to fall back. It was evi
dent the day was irretrievably lost, and continuing the retreat
the regiment, at about eleven, p. m., reached Bull Run, and
crossed over on the bridge spanning that historic stream.
As they crossed the axes of the engineers Avere busy cutting
the beams Avhich supported the bridge, and its rear guard
was scarcely over Avhen the structure fell, thus effectually
preventing pursuit,
Ou the morning of the thirty-first, the march was still con
tinued toAvards Washington, passing on through Centreville,
the nights of the thirty-first of August, and first of Septem
ber, Avere spent betAveen that place and Fairfax Court House.
On the evening of the first of September, was fought the
battle of Chantilly, where the lamented Generals Kearney
and Stevens fell. This was the closing struggle of Pope's
famous campaign. On the afternoon of the second the regi
ment Avas again on the march, and about dark arrived at
Upton's Hill. Here they met Avith their old and best loved
commander. Gen. McClellan, who had again been assigned
to the command. Giving him three hearty cheers they went
into camp, safely guarded by the guns of Fort Buffalo,
On the night of the sixth of September, the army Avas put
in motion. The Nineteenth received marching orders, and
at nine o'clock, started on the meraorable first Maryland
campaign. Crossing the Potomac river at the aqueduct at
GeorgetoAvn, the column marched slowly through the silent
streets of the capital, and turning to the left, passed out of
the city on the Rockville pike. At daAvn a halt Avas ordered;
coffee was prepared, and after a brief rest, the Avearied sol- '
diers pressed on. As the day advanced the heat becarae
alraost insupportable, and the men, fatigued with their long
night march, sank down in the road by files. At four, p, m.,
the column halted and Avent into carap, near Brookvilie.
The division, which was noAV comraanded by Gen. Hatch,
Gen, King having been wounded at Bull Run, remained here

360 REGIMENTAL HISTORY
until about noon of the ninth, when it again started on the
march, and proceeded ten miles a day, until the evening of
the thirteenth, Avhen Gen, Hatch halted and camped his
division on the banks of the Monocacy, in sight of Frederick
City. The march of the army thus far, had partaken of the
character of a triumphal procession; everyAvhere the men
Avere cheered and feasted, flags were displayed, and on every
hand the most unbounded enthusiasm was shOAvn at the
sight of the Union soldiers. The veterans began to forget
their late hardships; demoralization disappeared; order
began to appear Avhere confusion had reigned supreme; dis
cipline resumed its Avonted SAvay; and once more the army
felt, that, under its favorite leader, it Avas equal to the hercu
lean task before it. At an early hour of the fourteenth, the
division crossed the Monocacy, passed through Frederick
City and MiddletoAvn, By this time the advance guard,
which had been engaged Avith the eneiny all day, at the foot
of the South Mountain, had developed the fact that the
passes were occupied by the enemy in force, aud that it
would require a general engagement to dislodge him. Gen.
McClellan ordered the attack to be made immediately, assign
ing to the first corps the duty of carrying Turner's pass,
through Avhich the national road Avound its tortuous Avay
over the mountain, toAvards HagerstoAvn.
In the meantime the Secretary of War had releived Gen.
McDoAA'ell frora the command of the first corps, and appointed
Gen. Hooker to succeed him. Although the soldiers of the
first corps Avere much grieved at the loss of their old com
mander, yet, recognizing Gen. Hooker as one every Avay
worthy to vA'ear the mantle of that stern old Avarrior, at once
transferred to him their allegiance.
In his plan of attack, Gen. Hooker assigned to Gibbon's
brigade the honorable and iraportant duty of carrying the
pass itself by a vigorous advance along the national pike.
Accordingly the Seventh Wisconsin was formed in line of
battle on the right of the road, its left resting on the road,
supported by the Sixth Wisconsin. The Nineteenth Indi
ana AA'as formed in line on the left of the road, its right rest
ing on the road, supported by the Second Wisconsin; and a

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 361
section of battery B, Fourth Artillery, U. S. A,, occupied the
road itself. Skirmishers Avere throAvn forAvard and the line
advanced. The rebel skirmishers Avere soon found, but as
the line pressed on they fell back, taking occasion to pour an
annoying fire into the line from every fence, building or bush
which lay in their Avay. Although many Avere killed and
wounded by this fire, still the line pressed steadily, but sloAvly,
forward. At length, just as the shades of night were begin
ning to fall, a sharp and Avell directed volley admonished
Gen, Gibbon that he had reached the rebel line. The skir
mishers Avere called in, the regiments in reserve ordered into
line, and the battle of South Mountain, so far as this gallant
brigade was concerned, was begun in earnest.
Here, as at Gainesville, the Nineteenth fought after dark;
volley after volley echoed through the mountain gorge, and
reverberated far over the valley beneath. The Nineteenth
had been placed in position to enfilade the rebel line, and
soon their line, unable to Avithstand the fierce onset, broke in
disorder, retiring with more haste than military precision, A
hearty shout from the brigade, gave an unmistakable token
of victory. It was then nine o'clock, p, m., and pursuit being
considered dangerous, the troops lay doAvn upon their arms,
holding the battle field. Many wounded prisoners were
brought in. At twelve, midnight, the brigade was relieved
by fresh troops, and retired from the front. The loss in
the regiment at this battle was six killed, thirty-four wounded
and seven missing, making a total of forty-seven, " The boys
of the Nineteenth," said Col. Meredith, ih his report of the
aff'air, "behaved most gloriously. Too much praise can not
be bestowed upon them for their courage and gallantry. The
officers all were active in the discharge of their duties. Lieut.
Col. Bachman was very efficient on this occasion, rendering
me important service."
The next morning it soon became apparent the enemy had
abandoned his position and were in full retreat towards the
fords of the Potomac, at Shepherdstown. Gen. McClellan at
once ordered a pursuit, and Gibbon's brigade Avas assigned to
the advance. As the troops approached Boonsboro' they
were met by crowds of people, Avho, with joy depicted in

362 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
every lineament of their faces, gave the most graphic details
of the rapid and confused flight of the rebels, and all
along the Avay the guns, knapsacks and clothing which had
been thrown aAvay, to put space between them and the
"Yanks," attested the truth of their statements. At Boons
boro' the column filed to the left and took the pike toAvards
Sharpsburgh, and after passing through Keedysville the
brigade halted in a field, where an hour before the flying col
umus of Lee had, halted for a fcAv moments rest. Here it
became apparent the rebels were disposed to make a stand.
Reconnoitering parties were sent out, Avhile the gallant Nine
teenth, suffering for lack of rest, were permitted to lie down
and sleep. Soon the skirmishers, who Avere sent to the front,
discovered that the rebels had selected an admirable position
<in the ^Antietam hills, and that our further advance Avould
be resisted by the entire rebel army. At that moment the
shriek of a shell from a rebel battery on an adjacent hill con
vinced us that that position Avas not very far off'. General
McClellan at once began to make his arrangeraents for the
irapending conflict.
About four, p. m., of the sixteenth. Gen. Hooker, who had
been assigned to the extreme right, put his corps in motion
for the purpose of taking his position. This he did not reach
till nine o'clock in the evening, when, forming his corps in
the darkness, and throwing out pickets, he permitted the
rest of the men to lie down. During the entire march, the
flankers of the corps on the left, composed of detachments
from the Pennsylvania Reserves, had been sharply engaged
with the enemy. As the darkness increased the firing dimin
ished, but did not entirely cease. During the entire nio'ht
the pickets kept up a lively, though comparatively harmless
fire. At length the Aveary night wore away, and the first gray
streaks of daAvn of the memorable seventeenth of September
found every man at his post; feeling that that Avas the day,
and that the place, and they the raen, Avho were to decide the
destinies of the nation. One hundred thousand heroes Avere
there ready to die, if need be, in the defense of their homes
and government. On the other hand, one hundred thousand

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 363
brave men as ever stood in line of battle were there ready to
give up their lives in a mad and impious eff'ort to overthrow
a kind and benificent government, and to fasten on them
selves a heavy yoke. From this long line of veteran warriors
many prayers went up to God for the success of their arms
and for their oavu safety. Many tears were shed as they
thought of the loved ones at horae. But much time was not
given for reflection. The fiery and impetuous Hooker ordered
the first corps to advance ; soon the din of battle made the
old hills of Maryland quake to their very foundation.
The Nineteenth, about five o'clock, a. m., was ordered to
advance in column by division, across a field and take posi
tion in a wood, AA'here it Avas to support another regiment
which was in line.
Col. Meredith, who, notwithstanding his injuries receiA'^ed
at Gainesville, continued Avith his regiment during the cam
paign, and commanded it with signal ability at South Moun
tain, found himself after that battle, unable to keep the field,
and Avas compelled, notwithstanding his determination to the
contrary, to remain in the rear. The command of the regi
ment then devolved on Lieut. Col. Bachman. After remain
ing in the Avoods a short time, as a support, the Nineteenth
advanced through Avoods into an orchard, and on to a
corn field, near straw stacks, Avhere Gen. Doubleday, who
was commanding the first division, afterAvards sat and watched
the fierce struggle of the division. Here the rebels began to
pour doAvn their battalions from their extreme left, threat
ening to turn our flank. At this critical juncture the Nine
teenth Indiana and Seventh Wisconsin were ordered to cross
the pike and occupy a position on the right of the pike, and
prevent or defeat, if possible, the threatened attack on the
flank. This was done, the Nineteenth deploying on the right
of the Seventh. Shortly after Gen, Patrick's brigade came
up as a support, and the advancing rebel line halted and was
driven quickly Lack, with considerable loss.
During this time the right of Gibbon's brigade, the Second
and Sixth Wisconsin, were hotly engaged with a large force
01 rebels, who Avere striving to capture battery B, Fourth
Artillery, U. S, A., which was stationed near the pike and

364 EGIMENTAL HISTORY.
not far from the stacks previously mentioned. At length
this rebel hne, unable longer to stand the terrible fire to
which they were subjected, broke and began to retire with
considerable speed. At this moment, the Nineteenth, having
completely silenced the enemy in front, changed front and
double quicked forward a hundred yards, thus getting range
on the flying rebels, and pouring a volley into their ranks
Avhich quickened their pace into a run. Col. Bachman,
believing that a quick movement Avould secure a large num
ber of prisoners, ordered a charge. To this order the Nine
teenth quickly responded, and in an incredible short space of
time, gained the road along which the rebels retreated and
captured many prisoners.
To the left of the road, and immediately in front of the
regiment, Avas a small hill, over Avhich the flying rebels had
retreated. On the brow of this hill were to be seen tAvo'
pieces of artillery, which they had been forced to abandon
in their rapid flight. Col. Bachman, glancing to the rear to
see that his supports were close, ordered another charge to
take the pieces. As the regiment gained the top of the hill
they Avere greeted by a terrible volley of musketry from a
full brigade of rebel infantry. For a moment the line stag
gered. The clarion voice of Bachman was heard urging his
men to hold the hill until reinforcements could come up.
The men rallying to his call began to fire into the dense mass
of rebels in front; for five minutes they held the hill. Gen.
Patrick, who was hurrying forAvard as rapidly as possible,
was two hundred yards behind. In those five minutes, one-
third of the line had fallen. Still Bachman cheered on his
men, A rebel bullet struck him, and he fell to rise no more,
Capt. Dudley, who succeeded to the command, seeing that
the effort to hold the hill could not be successful, save at the
sacrifice of the entire regiment, reluctantly gave the order to
fall back, which was done in good order.
Another rebel line on the right of the road advanced in a
line at right angles with the road, to short range, and began
pouring a destructive fire iuto the regiraent from the flank.
Gen. Patrick reached the road Avith his brigade; and, imme
diately forraing a line at right angles with it, poured a fire

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 365
into the rebels, Avhich effectually checked them, aud sent
them to the right-about. The Nineteenth lost fully one-half
its men; and, not beinsr iu condition to do much further efl"ec-
tive service, was withdrawn from the front, and supported a
battery during the remainder of the day. The regiraent
went into this battle with about two hundred raen. Of the
many gallant heroes who were that day numbered with the
dead, there was none of nobler presence, or more undaunted
courage, than Alois 0. Bachman.
For many days after the battle, the regiment lay encamped
upon the hights overlooking the Potomac, near Sharpsburgh,
The army was fearfully shattered in its struggle at Antietam,
Regiments, Avhich before had perfect organization, and admi
rable discipline, lost their commanders in the fierce onset.
Company officers were killed. Indulgences were granted
men in consideration of their bravery and sufferings. These
things tended to destroy discipline. Reorganization was
necessary to make the regiments eft"ectiA'e,
Col, Meredith received a Brigadier General's commission,
Capt, Samuel J. Williams Avas promoted to the Colonelcy — a
better choice than which could not have been made. The
men Avere uoav veterans, and desired a leader in Avhom they
could trust. Such a leader they found in CoL Williams.
Cool, cautious and brave, he Avas respected and obeyed. He
promoted the discipline and efficiency of the regiment, which
had beeu so nearly destroyed in the late fearful struggles in
which it had been engaged, Capt. William W, Dudley was
promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. Drilling Avas again the
order of the day; and the ground over which the fierce com
batants had so lately surged in dread array, now resounded
only to the sharp, quick command of the drill ma.ster.
About the middle of October the regiment moved to
Bakersville, Avhere it remained but a few days. On Sunday,
the twenty-fifth of October, Avhile the rain Avas pouring down
in torrents, the regiment marched, passing 'through Keedys
ville after dark, and encamped a few miles further on. The
next morning, at an eariy hour, the column was again on the
march, stopping that night near Crampton's Gap, of the
South Mountain range— through Avhich it passed next morn-

366 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
ing. In the MiddletoAvn valley, near Berlin, the brigade
encamped a day or two, Avaiting the completion of the pon
toon bridge over the Potomac.
On the morning of the thirtieth of October the column
passed into Virginia, Lee's threat of transferring the war
to Northern soil proved but an empty boast, and the Army
of the Potomac again stood upon the sacred soil of the Old
Dominion. A few days afterAvards found the regiment at
Warrenton, Avhere, on the tenth of November, the army A^'as
draAvn up in line io take leave of Gen, McClellan, He had
been removed from the army. Gen, Burnside assuming com
mand. Soon after, the line of march towards Fredericks
burgh was taken up. Stopping several days at every remove,
sometime elapsed before the army was opposite that Avell
knoAvn place. They did not arrive there until the rebel Gen
eral had firmly located his troops on the hights in the rear of,
and commanding it. The regiment went into camp at Brooks'
Station, on the railroad between Falmouth aud Aquia Creek,
Cold Aveather had made its appearance; snow had fallen; the
shelter tents were poor protection against the cutting winds
and drifting snoAV. Huts Avere built to guard against these
inconveniences. On the morning of the ninth of December
the order to march Avas given and responded to. Gen. Sol.
Meredith, recovering from his injuries and illness, had
returned to the field, and been assigned to the command of
the brigade, Gen. Gibbon having been transferred to the
command of a division. Another regiraent — the Twenty-
Fourth Michigan — had been added to the brigade, and it Avas
again prepared to make its mark upon the battle field. It Avas
soon to. have an opportunity to do so. The Nineteenth lay
doAvn that night on ground covered with snoAV. The morn
ing of the eleventh of December, at four o'clock, the troops
Avere aroused frora their slumbers by the heavy boom of can
non in the^direction of Fredericksburgh. All day the bom
bardment continued, and the Nineteenth bivouaced near the
river bank the night of the eleventh.
On the morning of the tAvelfth, under cover of the heavy
fog, which had settled over the valley, the passage of the
river was commenced, the Nineteenth crossing at eleveo a.

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 367
M. About noon the fog moved slowly away, and the rebels
opened their first fire, their guns having remained provok-
mg\j silent during the cannonading the day previous. Only
a fcAv shots were exchanged. The remainder of the day was
occupied iu putting the army in position.
The battle commenced iu earnest on the morning of the
thirteenth. Meredith's brigade Avas formed on the extreme
left of the army, resting on the river, two miles below the
point of crossing. Moving down the river bank, it Avas found
necessary, iu furtherance of general operations, to dislodge
the enemy from a grove of timber, in which he had posted a
battery, SAveeping the river southward. The brigade Avas
chosen for this duty. After the woods had been shelled, a
charge was ordered and executed. Forward went the regi
ments, through an open field, SAveeping into the Avoods, and
out again into the enemy's immediate front, capturing many
prisoners, horses, etc. The movement was a moraent too late,
however. Just as the brigade eraerged frora the Avoods, the last
caisson of the battery, Avhich had been there, Avas seen pass
ing Avithin their lines. Back and forth over the plain beyond
this grove, the regiments maneuvered all day. No infantry
fighting took place on this part of the field. A spirited artil
lery engagement was kept up all day, at sunset approaching
to a close combat with grape aud canister, and continuing till
eight, p. M., when the firing ceased, and the men stretched
themselves on the ground, without fires, and raany without
blankets, to rest. An occasional report of fire-arras from the
picket line, the contiguity of the enemy, and the chill night
air, kept them wakeful. Had an alarm occurred, one minute
Avould have beeu sufficient to put the men in readiness for
the emergency.
No alarm however took place, and Sunday morning the
fourteenth, dawned upon the battle field, bright and glorious.
The Nineteenth supported a battery all day, the other regi
ments, being partly on similar duty, and partly in reserve.
The army had beeu engaged on the right, but not on the left.
Another night Avas passed, as before. The two armies lay
quietly facing each other all day of Monday. The calm was
improved by removing all the wounded to the opposite side

368 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
of the river, the dead were buried, and the intrenching tools
scattered over the field, Avere carefully collected aud removed.
At dusk the Nineteenth regiment Avas placed on picket; the
usual provision for alarms, signals, etc., was made, and again
silence reigned, save the subdued hum of human voices.
Strict orders Avere given to the officers of the pickets, to
keep the line quiet, and alloAv no firing, unless attacked.
At eight, p. M., the army coramenced evacuating the posi
tion it had maintained, crossing the river on the bridges over
Avhich the advance had been accompHshcd, To insure safety
to the array during this retrograde movement a perfect quiet
had to be preserved on the outposts. No communication
between the pickets and the army was permitted, and though
only a fcAv rods intervened, between the points occupied that
evening by each, nothing of the movement was known on
the line, until the order relieving it Avas received. It Avas
first thought necessary to sacrifice the outposts to save the
army, and Gen, Burnside so determined. But the Avith-
draAval of the army, had occupied less time than Avas antici
pated, and an order to call them in, Avas issued about four, A.
M. The line picketed that night, by the Nineteenth, rested
on the Rappahannock, three miles beloAV the bridge, thence
running nearly west for three-fourths of a mile, protecting
the left fiank of the army, there being joined by the line of
other divisions, running in a northerly direction, accommo
dating itself to the conformation of the rebel fortifications
and breastworks, being immediately in front, less than three-
fourths of a mile distant from the bridge. As the moon
arose, the last post Avas relieved, and the men were ordered
to fall back quickly to the bridge. By daylight all, save a
few stragglers, were safely on the east bank of the river.
As the outposts had not been formed Avith the portion of the
regiment which had been on the reserve, immediately on
being relieved, but had retired, each man to care for himself,
sorae time was necessary to collect them. This being done,
the regiraent soon after moved to Belle Plain Landing, on
the Potomac, where it went into carap.
Col. Cutler, of the Sixth Wisconsin volunteers, being tem
porarily in command of the brigade, in his official report of
the affair, says:

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 369
* ^ " Before leaving, I sent an order to Col. Williams of
the Nineteenth Indiana, who was doing picket duty that
night, to call in his pickets at four and a half o'clock, a. m.,
and to follow the brigade in silence to a new position up the
river, without intimating to him that they were to recross
the river. He obeyed the order to the letter, and when
day dawned, found himself and his regiment following the
army across the Rappahannock. Our position being on the
extreme left, he had at least three miles to march to reach
the bridge, and was the last of that vast army to cross. The
enemy's sharpshooters and cavalry were close on his rear
when ho reached the bridge, and some of his men Avere
obliged to cross in skiffs, the pontoon bridge having been cut
aAvay before his rear guard arrived, I am under great obli
gations to all the officers and men, for their cordial co-opera
tion, during the brief period I Avas in command; but most
especially to Col. Wilharas, for the coolness and good judg
ment which he exercised in obeying my orders, and which
resulted in saving one of the best regiments in the service,"
Not many days were the troops allowed to rest here. On
the twentieth of January, 186-3, another move was inaugu
rated. Gen. Burnside issued a general order telling the army
that " they were about to meet the enemy once more, and that
under the Providence of God, the army of the Potomac, strik
ing a great and mortal blow at the rebellion, and gaining that
decisive victory over the enemy on theRappahanock due to the
country, will have taken the great step toward restoring peace
to the country and the government to its rightful authority."
At tAvelve, M., of this date, the regiment left its encampment,
marching towards Falmouth, near which place it encamped
for the night. Rain had commenced falling at seven, p. m,,
and the march of the next day Avas greatly retarded by the
muddy condition of the roads, and grounds, over which the
troops went. At one o'clock, of the twenty-first, a halt was
ordered. The roads had becorae irapassable, subsistence
trains could not reach their coramands, and mud alone pre
vented the culmination of this grand advance. Lying until
the twenty-third, the regiment received orders to return to
its old encampment at Belle Plain, and at eight, a. m,, fell
Vol, I.— 24.

370 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
into line and moved off, arriving at their old quarters at six,
p. M. Those who, the winter before, had so persistently urged
that Gen. McClellan should "move the army," noAV became
convinced that a winter campaign in Virginia Avas impracti
cable, and were Avilling to wait the advent of a season Avhich
would give settled Aveather and a solid earth — two conditions
necessary to successful military operations.
Another change took place in the commander of the army.
Hooker succeeded Burnside. Major Gen. John F. Reynolds
now commanded the first corps. Steps were at once taken to
reclaim the army from the effects of demoralization, conse
quent upon the battle of Fredericksburgh, and the abortive
advance of the twentieth of January. The tirae, when the
weather permitted, was spent in drills, parades and reviews,
until the approach of settled weather in the spring.
On the twenty-eighth of April the army commenced moving,
the first corps marching to near Fitzhugh House, four or five
miles below Fredericksburgh, and exactly opposite the point
from which the regiment had withdrawn on the morning of
the sixteenth of December previous. It had been determined
to cross troops at this point, afterwards knoAvn as Fitzhugh
crossing, to deceive the enemy as to the true point of attack,
while the main army crossed at the United States ford, a few
.miles up the river, and near Chancellorsville. Meredith's
brigade was chosen to lead this storming party. At daylight,
the tAventy-ninth, the brigade was formed in a slight depres
sion of the ground on the east bank of the river, and within
easy range of the enemy's sharpshooters on the opposite
shore. It had been planned to approach the river before
daylight, cross in pontoon boats, surprise, and, if possible,
capture the picket line, and establish a force on the opposite
bank, before it should get light enough for the enemy to exe
cute any counter moveraents. But the pontoons did not arrive
in time, and when at sunrise the heavy fog cleared away, the
movement was exposed to the enemy, and a surprise then
was of course out of the question. Skirmishers were thrown
forward on the bank of the river, to engage those of the
rebels, while the pontoons were being unloaded near the
water's edge, and cA-erything being in readiness the brigade

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 371
was ordered to advance, and starting forward with a yell,
the men seized the cumbrous boats, launched them, and jump
ing into them, they were quickly on the opposite side, and
clambered up the bluff bank, in the very face of the opposing
force, under a deadly fire.
Men of the Sixth Wisconsin volunteers first reached the
opposite shore, and planted their banner on the hights.
The other regiments closely followed. In this charge, the
Nineteenth lost one man killed, and three wounded. The
rebel skirmishers, numbering two hundred aud seven, were
captured. Twenty-five rebels lay dead upon the opposite
bank. Only a few of their wounded were captured, they
having carried all, except those Avounded in the charge, across
the river, to the rear. Soon as reaching the summit, the regi
ments forraed again, and lay in line of battle, until the bridge
was repaired, when the remainder of the division also crossed.
The line extended up and doAvn the river, the Nineteenth
occupying a position in the same field, over which it fought
on the thirteenth of December, 1862, The rebels had moA'ed
down one gun, and opened upon the line, during the con
struction of the bridge, but did no damage; this was the
only move of an offensive nature during the remainder of
that day.
On the thirtieth, towards evening, the rebels opened upon
the line, and continued pouring shot and shell upon it for
two hours, only occasionally receiving a reply from Gen.
Reynolds' guns. Under this fierce fire, the Nineteenth Avas
mustered for pay, by Col, Williams and Major John M, Lind
ley — rather a cool proceeding under the circumstances. The
night was spent in throwing up breastAvorks, small redans
also being constructed for artillery, and next morning a line
of fortifications two miles in length, and of sufficient thick
ness to resist cannon, greeted the sight of the enemy. The
troops lay all day behind their breastworks, no move taking
place, and not a gun fired from either side.
The army proper had by this time effected a crossing; and
the object of the crossing at this point being accomplished,
the order to withdraw was given; and about ten, a, m.. May
second, the movement commenced. This was a signal for

372 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
the opening of the enemy's guns. Firing continued during
the time the troops were recrossing the river; which move
ment was somcAvhat retarded by one of the boats of the
bridges being struck by a solid shot from the rebel battery,
requiring a suspension of the movement, and the removal of
the boat. After the division had reached the east bank, the
firing ceased, and the corps took up its line of march towards
Chancellorsville. At ten, p. M., the regiment stopped near
United States ford, crossing the pontoon at four, A. M., of the
third, and took position in line of battle, to the right of the
Chancellorsville House, and a few rods in rear of the front
breastvv'orks, composing a portion of the second line of battle.
The regiment remained here until the morning of the sixth,
not being engaged, one person was wounded while tempo
rarily away from the command.
Sunday, May third, was fought the main battle. It com
menced by an attack by the rebels at daylight, continuing
until after ten o'clock. Both armies lay quiet the rest of
Monday, But little skirmishing took place on Tuesday.
That night the army commenced its retreat. At daylight,
next morning, the Nineteenth moved from its position to the
rear, crossing the Rappahannock at ten o'clock. Marching
that day to Falmouth, it bivouaced for the night on familiar
ground. The next day, moving to Fitzhugh House, it went
into camp. The regiment suffered less in this affair, than in
any previous engagement in which it had taken part. It
had been kept well in hand, and required but little time to
be placed again in fighting trim.
An expedition, consisting of four regiments — the Nine
teenth being one of the number — of the brigade, under Col.
Morrow, of the TAventy-Fourth Michigan, set out from Fitz
hugh House, on the twenty-first of May, to assist the return
of a cavalry force, which had advanced doAvn the Peninsula,
betAveen the Rappahannock and Potomac rivers, and which
had been cut off by the burning of Mattox creek bridge by
the rebels. This expedition was to rebuild the bridge, and
hold possession until the cavalry returned and crossed.
Leaving their camps at daylight, the coluran marched thirty
miles, and bivouaced for the night, without any incident

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 373
worthy of note. The next day Mattox creek was reached,
and a temporary bridge thrown across. Here the original
plan of the expedition was changed; and leaving a small
guard to protect the bridge, the column marched in a zigzag
manner, apparently with no definite end in vicAv, until at last,
toward sunset, it reached a point on the Rappahannock,
knoAvn as Leeds. A ferry here afforded the rebels a fine
opportunity for the passage of the river; and as the Penin
sula is but a few miles in breadth, the country wild, and the
Potomac easy of passage for small boats, smugglers drove a
thriving trade, furnishing the rebels with many delicacies
and necessaries; the legitimate trade in which had been cut
off by non-intercourse with rebellious States. It was thought,
by making a dash upon this point, some of these illegitimate
traders might be captured. The dash was made by the
mounted officers of the force, along the river bank for three
or four miles, but resulted in no captures. Next morning,
however, going over the same ground, the Colonel of the
Fifteenth Virginia cavalry Avas captured while trying to
make his way to the river, where he had a boat to convey
him across. From this point the column marched to West
moreland Court House, where it met the cavalry which it
went to succor. The next morning, with the head of the
column turned campward, the column marched. The object
of the expedition had been accomplished, and nothing
remained but to return. This it accomplished by twelve, m.,
of the next day; having in the six days of its absence
marched one hundred and five miles — an average of seven
teen and half miles per day.
On the morning of June twelfth, 1863, the regiment left its
camp at Fitzhugh House, crossing the Falmouth and Catlett
road, over which it had so many times marched, and took
the road leading to Bealton Station, twenty miles southwest
of Manassas Junction ; near which point it camped the second
night after starting; marching from thence to Manassas Junc
tion, which place was reached at seven o'clock on the morn
ing of the fifteenth, having marched all the night before.
After getting breakfast, and taking a short sleep, the column
pushed on, and reached Centreville at three, p. m., and camped

374 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
within the walls of that once famous rebel stronghold. On
the morning of the seventeenth, reveille was sounded at two
o'clock and forty-five minutes, A. M., and at five o'clock the
march began. The regiment went into carap at Herndon,
on the Alexandria, Harapshire and Loudon railroad, at two,
p. M.; in which vicinity it remained until the tAventy-fifth,
when it again moved ; and at one, p. m,, of that day, crossed
the Potomac at Edward'sFerry, and was once more in Mary
land. This time it was evident that the rebel General was not
satisfied with his campaign of September, 1862, into Mary
land, and that he was about to make another desperate effort
to transfer the war to Northern soil. That night the regiment
encamped at Barnesville ; and, pushing on by rapid marches,
reached Middletown, bivouacing for the night near the
field of one of its most magnificent triumphs — South Moun
tain, On the tAventy-eighth the long roll sounded — tents were
struck, and the column was soon moving towards Frederick
City, remaining here over night, and marching next day
through a drenching rain to Emmettsburgh, a small town near
the line between Pennsylvania and Maryland, On the morn
ing of the thirtieth the column again moved — crossed the
line, and for once the Army of the Potomac was in Pennsyl
vania, This day the Nineteenth was in front, and, after a
short march, reached Marsh creek. Here the troops camped,
the Nineteenth crossing the creek for the purpose of picket
ing the advance line, companies A, B, C, and E being placed
on the outposts, the remaining companies being held as
reserve at a little hamlet called Green Mount, near Marsh
creek. As during the first campaign north of the Potomac, so in
this — the good people of Maryland seemed to vie with each
other in attention and kindness to the Union soldiers, and
everyAvhere manifested the most uncompromising loyalty
to the Government, and the veterans now found the people
of Pennsylvania to be not a whit behind their Maryland
neighbors, either in devotion to the cause, or in their exhibi
tion of it.
The Nineteenth was, on this occasion, so fortunate as to

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 375
have the advance — a circumstance from Avhich they did not
fail to profit, as their Avell filled haversacks of turkey, chicken,
fresh bread and pie, bore abundant testimony — the result, not
of foraging, but of the unbounded hospitality of the good
people of Green Mount and vicinity.
It was here rumored that the rebels were posted in some
force near Gettysburgh, on the Cashtown road, and the men
began to think that perhaps once more they were to have an
opportunity of settling au old account Avith the Confederates,
which had been running since the first Bull Run.
In the meantime. Gen. Hooker had been relieved from the
command of the army, and Gen. Geo. G. Meade asssigned to
it — a worthy and gallant officer, with whom the first corps
were intiraately acquainted, as he had commanded it after
Hooker Avas wounded at Antietam.
On the morning of the first of July, Col. Williams was
early notified that the division was to move at eight, a m.,
towards Gettysburgh, and that the regiraent should fall into
its proper place in the column as it came marching by.
Shortly after starting out, the sound of distant cannon
announced that the skirmishers of the two armies had met.
The column pressed on uoav more rapidly than before; and
reaching a little hill which commanded a fine view of Gettys
burgh and the country beyond, the position of the batteries
engaged were disclosed to plain view. As the Nineteenth
raised the hill, a shell, thrown from a rebel gun, burst high
in the air, and was greeted by the men with a hearty cheer.
Word was now passed along the line, from one officer to
another, that the rebel caA^alry were jiressing Gen. Buford, of
the cavalry corps, who was in the advance; and that if the
infantry did not hurry up, he Avould lose some of his guns-
So the ranks were closed, and the speed of the march very
much accelerated, until at last, about eleven, a. m., the shriek
of a shell, directly overhead, proved conclusively to the vet
erans, that the march for the present was over, and that the
fighting was about to commence.
It had been the supposition that the rebel force consisted
entirely of cavalry; but Gen. Reynolds, who had been close
to the front, reconnoitering the position in person, sent an

376 REGIMENTAL HISTORY,
aid hurrying back to Gen, Wadsworth, with the information
that a line of rebel infantry were close to, and threatening
the battery of Gen. Buford, and Avith orders to deploy his
division, charge, and drive back the rebel line. The column
immediately faced to the left, thus forming a line of battle
directly in front of the foe, and giving a good hearty Avestern
yell, dashed forAvard ou the run. To gain the summit of a
little hill, behind which the rebels were in part sheltered, was
the work of but a few minutes, and there at the foot of the
hill, about fifty yards distant, waving their tantalizing battle
flag, lay Archer's rebel brigade. The men did not stand
upon the order of their firing, but fired at once into the rebel
ranks. For a time Archer tried to hold his ground, but to
no avail; the fire of the western "Yanks" was too hot and
heavy for the chivalry to stand; turning their backs towards
the Nineteenth, they made an earnest effort to terminate an
interview that was becoming decidedly unpleasant; but it
was too late even for this, the Hoosiers and the Badgers were
upon them, and the result was the entire brigade Avas cap
tured and sent to the rear.
This engagement, which was fought exclusively by the first
division, developed the fact that the corps of Hill and Long-
street w^ere in front, that Gen. Ewell was on the march, and
that in all probability Gen. Lee intended to risk the success
of his second great invasion of the north, on a great battle
at Gettysburgh. In the meantime the second and third divis
ions of the first corps, and the eleventh corps had arrived on
the ground, and were placed in position for the purpose of
holding the rebels at bay until the main army should come
up. The position now occupied by these troops, was the
same as that held by the rebels in the morning. The firing
now slackened to a mere skirmish fire, with an occasional
shot from the batteries. At three o'clock, p. m., upon the
arrival of EavcH's corps, the rebels formed their lines of
attack, with the view of annihilating the first and eleventh
corps, before Gen. Meade could give them any assistance,
and thus, by attacking in detail, render a victory over the
Army of the Potomac absolutely certain.
Having made his preparations, the foe advanced in three

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 377
lines of battle, so forraed as to outflank the little army
opposed to them, ou both flanks. At an eariy hour in the
day, the gallant and heroic Reynolds had fallen, and Gen.
Doubleday assumed comraand. For want of men he was
obliged to dispose his troops in a single battle line; two
divisions of the eleventh corps were formed on his right, one
division of that corps being held as a reserve, on Cemetery
hill, at the south east boundary of the town and nearly two
miles to the rear of the line of battle. So assured were the
rebels of the inability of the line to resist their advance, that
their men were ordered not to fire until fired upon, but to
charge right on, sweeping round on the flanks, and holding
back in the center, thus hoping to capture the greater por
tion of both corps. The men saw the immense host bearing
down upon them; they looked along their own thin line, and
felt that, though they had been often tried in battle, and had
Avon high honors for their bravery before the foe, anything
they had ever done, was nothing, compared to the work now
before them.
The Nineteenth was on the extreme left of the line, and
consequently the most exposed, as it was subject to a fire
from the front, and also an enfilading fire from the fiank.
"Boys," said Col. Williams, "we must hold our colors on
this line, or lie here under them." On came the rebel line,
their fianks sweeping round without difficulty, there being
nothing to oppose them. As they came within range they
were opened upon from the whole length of the line, the fire
being immediately returned. But all in vain; our single line
stubbornly resisted their advance, their first line melted away
and the second came up. The eleventh corps had given way,
the right of the line having been first attacked, and it became
evident that to remain longer on this line would but insure
the capture of the entire force, so the order was reluctantly
given to retire slowly, holding the enemy in check as much
as possible, which was done in splendid style, the line repeat
edly halting, re-forming, and firing into the advancing mass
of rebels with deadly effect.
Some distance in rear of the first line, Wadsworth's, was
formed two regiments under Col. Dana, of the third division.

378 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
This small force, hoAvever, availed nothing against the over
whelming number of the attacking force, and the rebel linS,
not even checked for a moment, pushed steadily forward,
forcing the valiant, but now shattered line, slowly back to
the seminary building, near town, where, taking advantage
of a barricade of rails, Wadsworth made a final desperate
effort to hold the advancing masses of Lee. Here he
re-formed the regiments of his division, and once more the
rebels were halted, and compelled to fall back and reform
their lines, which having been done, on they came to within
thirty yards of the barricade. Great gaps in their lines told
of the severity of the fire they sustained, and notwithstand
ing the frantic efforts of their officers, they could not advance
another pace; still they were held to their work, and it has
beeu asserted by eye witnesses, that not one man of all that
long line, which came up with fiaunting banners and derisive
yells, Avas left — all, all lay on that bloody field. In all history
there is no parallel to that heroic charge, so desperately made,
so determinedly met, and so tragically ended.
Though the rebel line in front was now annihilated, yet
their fiank, on WadsAvorth's left, far overlapping him, was
sweeping round seriously threatening his rear. On the right,
the eleventh corps which was rapidly falling back before the
overwhelming forces of Ewell, and Wadsworth was once
more obliged to retire, to save his men from capture. This
was done in tolerable order, and his division again reformed
on Cemetery hill — the position occupied by the reserve of
the eleventh corps. The rebels followed up into town, of
which they took possession, but made no further demonstra
tion on the line that night.
Shortly after dark the twelfth corps came up and went
into position, closely followed by the other corps. Gen,
Meade hiraself arrived and began his preparations for the
great and decisive battle.
During this day's desperate fighting, the loss of the first
and eleventh corps may be stated at six thousand. The
Nineteenth lost many gallant men, who fell gloriously, their
faces to the foe, the old flag waving above them. But their
memories shall live. The Nineteenth will never forget Lieut,

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 379
Ri-chard Jones, company B, Lieut. Crocket T. East, company
K, Asa W. Blanchard, Sergt. Major, Sergts. Furgason and
Beshears, company H, Winsett and Dougherty, company K,
Michner of company E, Ogborn, company B, and many
others of less rank, but whose courage Avas as undaunted,
and Avhose hearts as true, as any of the fabled knights of
old. Green be the grass and light the sod over their graves.
Many others, also, Avere left upon the field, still living, but
badly wounded — among these Lieut. Col. William W. Dud-
lev. This gallant young officer had fought in the front rank
at Gainesville, second Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam
and Fredericksburgh, unharmed. Here he lost his right leg.
Major John M. Lindley, than whom a braver man never
lived, was also scA'erely Avounded in the hand. Capts, Shafer,
Holloway and Ives, and Lieuts, Schlagle, Branson, Wilson,
Patrick and Campbell, were also severely Avounded. The
loss of the regiment was tAvo hundred and ten out of two
hundred and eighty-eight that went into the battle !
The telegraph wires had fiashed to every city and hamlet
in the land the news of the terrible fight of the first; of the
unrivaled gallantry and almost total annihilation of the first
corps; it told of the concentration of both armies at Gettys
burgh, and now the whole country stood as anxious specta
tors of the impending confiict. On the one hand Lee, Avith
his array of veterans ninety thousand strong, flushed with
their victory at Chancellorsville, and haughtily vaunting
themselves as invincible. On the other hand that gallant old
army of the Potomac, reduced by the casualities of the terri
ble battles through which it had already passed, to sixty-five
thousand men. Oh! how anxiously the country watched
that contest. If Lee was victorious the last barrier which
stood between him and the great cities of the North was
broken down, and Pennsylvania, New York and New Eng
land lay helpless at his feet; on the contrary, if he was
defeated, his retreat to Virginia would necessarily follow,
the rebellion receive a heavy bloAV indeed, and the threatened
North would again be safe.
The morning of the second of July was spent by both
Generals in placing their armies for the battle. Shortly after

380 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
noon, Longstreet opened the attack by a determined charge
upon Meade's left; this being met in the same spirit in Avhich
it was made, and Longstreet was driven back, defeated. The
wily Lee having failed in his attack on the left, noAV directed
all his energies to one earnest effort to turn the right. The
picked corps of Ewell moved to the attack of the position
held by the twelfth corps under Slocum. This attack was
suspended by the darkness, only to be renewed at early dawn
on the third. For six hours and forty minutes the hitherto
invincible soldiers of Ewell (Jackson's old corps) dashed
themselves madly against the living wall of Slocum; but to
no avail. Slocum stood firm, and at elcA'en, A. M., Lee with
drew the remnant of his once proud corps from the hopeless
contest. Repulsed in both their attacks, the rebels now gath
ered up all their energies for one final desperate effort.
At half past one o'clock, p. m., the fight opened by one
of the most terrific artillery duels of modern times. For two
hours four hundred pieces of artillery shook the earth, and
under cover of this fire, Lee once more moved his column
forward to the charge, Avith a resolution only equaled by that
with which it was met. But as before, he was doomed to
defeat. Notwithstanding his frantic efforts, he was unable
to break Meade's line, and shortly before sunset Avithdrew
his defeated army, leaving the gallant Meade the undisputed
victor of the bloodiest field of the war. The results of this
victory were all that could reasonably have been anticipated.
Lee retired slowly toward the Potomac river, constantly har-
rassed by Meade's cavalry, and on the night of the thirteenth
of July, favored by the darkness, succeeded in crossing the
river in safety.
At Gettysburgh the Nineteenth was not actively engaged
after the first day. Ou the second and third it occupied a
position on Cemetery Hill, and although the shells shrieked
fiercely overhead, and the minnie balls from th6 sharpshooters
whistled uncomfortably close, the regiment suff"ered no loss,
save the wounding of Lieut. Macy, Co. C, slightly, and of
Sergt. Reeves, Co. H, a man universally respected, mortally.
On the morning of the eighteenth of July the first corps
crossed the Potomac at Berlin, and camped that night at

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 381
Waterford, in Loudon Co., Va., which proved to be a village
of loyal people, Avho gladly welcomed back the old flag and
opened their houses cheerfully to the heroes of Gettysburgh.
On the next day the march Avas resumed towards the Rap
pahannock river. Lee was in the mountains retiring on the
west side of the Blue Ridge towards Culpepper. At length,
after a succession of sharp skirmishes and rapid marches,
both Generals seemed to conclude to give their wearied sol
diers a little rest, and so went into camp. Gen. Meade on
the north side of the Rappahannock, and Gen, Lee on the
south side of that historic river. The Nineteenth pitched its
tents near Rappahannock Station, August first, 1863, just two
years and two days from the date of its muster into the ser
vice of the United States.
Here we leave this gallant regiment. The record of its
battles is the proudest monument of its fame. Of the two
hundred and eightj'-eight men who went into the famous
battle of Gettysburgh, only seventy-eight returned. The
rest were numbered with the killed, wounded and missing,
LIEUTENANT COLONEL ALOIS OCTAVIUS BACHMAN
Was born at Madison, Indiana, May seventeenth, 1839, His
parents were Swiss, and were among the early settlers of
Indiana. At the outbreak of the rebellion, our country had
few men of more promise. Young, rich, educated, Avith a
physical presence rarely equaled, he certainly had prospects
of a brilliant future.
He entered Hanover College in 1856. He remained at this
institution two years, during which time he displayed superior
abilities as a debater and declaimer. He had determined
upon the profession of laAV. He believed that the Republic
depended for its perpetuity upon the virtue and courage of
its citizens; and that every one became a better citizen as he
became better able to defend his country in tirae of peril.
Entertaining such sentiraents, he entered the Kentucky Mili
tary Institute, near Frankfort, Ky., where he remained two
years and a half, rapidly and thoroughly acquiring those
qualifications, Avhich his country so soon would sorely need.

382 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
and Avhich he so Avillingly offered. During his summer vaca
tions, he organized a company, called the "Madison City
Greys," whose drill and general efficiency, in a short time,
attested the ability of the Captain, and won the admiration
of all Avho saAV it maneuver. In that company were schooled
many of our now efficient line aud staff officers.
It Avas on that April Sunday — which all remember so well —
the thrilling ucavs came from the now historic Sumter. On
Monday morning Capt. Bachman's office Avas open — his
country's fiag waving conspicuously on the house-top — his
drums out beating up recruits. During the early part of that
week, his company — the "Madison City Greys" — then on a
war footing, and beyond the maximum number, reported at
Camp Morton for duty. In the organization of regiments, his
company Avas assigned to the Sixth Indiana. He led his
company with credit through the three months' campaign in
Western Virginia, under McClellan. On his return. Gov.
Morton comraissioned hira Major of the Nineteenth Indiana
regiment; which, being already organized and equipped,
started immediately for Washington City, then seriously
threatened. Here he did garrison duty under McClellan,
until that General moved to the Peninsula, Avhen he was
assigned to McDoAvell's corps, Avhich was doomed to inac
tivity for a time. Here Lieut, Col. Bachman (he had now
been promoted) fretted like a restless charger, that he should
be compelled for weeks to look down the empty Shenandoah,
while others were achieving and enduring so much around
Richmond. At last came the evacuation, and then Pope's
short and active campaign, Lieut, Col. Bachman participa
ting in all its battles — oftentimes as regimental comraander.
The official reports of his superiors always commend him for
his skill and courage. After Manassas, he followed McClellan
in his Maryland campaign. In his element at last — fighting,
fighting, fighting. His horse was killed under him at Sharps
burgh. During the day at Antietam a rebel battery played
Avith terrible eff'ect upon our men. The General said it must
be taken, and ordered Lieut. Col. Bachman to do it, assign
ing to his command, besides his OAvn regiment, one from
Wisconsin. He and his troops moved forAvard gallantly to

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 383
the charge. Under the galling fire of the battery, and its
infantry support, his ranks were fearfully thinned ; and his
own good right arm, which had gallantly struck his country's
foes on many a bloody field, fell shattered at his side; but
yet another arm remains to wave defiance to his foes, and
with this he still moves forward; and when at the very
mouths of the rebel guns, they belch forth a terrible discharge
of grape and canister. Lieutenant Colonel Bachman's body
is pierced by three grape shot. He was carried to the
rear, and placed under a tree, in hearing of the guns. Know
ing his end had come, he sent a verbal message to the dear
ones at home, and then became unconscious — talking incohe
rently of the strife raging around him — anxiously inquiring
if the battery had been taken; in attempting Avhich he had
given his life. And thus, on the battle field, September sev
enteenth, 1862, in the twenty-third year of his age, died Lieut.
Col. Bachman — than Avhom our country had no more devoted
defender — nor braver or more accomplished officer.
His reraains were conveyed home, and there interred; and
there, neath his native sod, rests one whose friends were as
numerous as his acquaintances, and whose brilliant career
and glorious end reminds us of that true Roman — the young
Marcellus. Old Anchises' words are not inappropriate :
Mmium vobis Komana propago
Visa potens, Superi, propria Iiaeo si dona fuissent * *
* * Heu pietas, Heu prisoa fides! invicta que bello
Dextera! * * •» *
Manibus date lilia plenis :
Purpureos spargam flores !
CAPTAIN JAMES S. DRUM
Was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in January, 1833, and removed
with his parents to Indianapolis while yet a boy. After
receiving a liberal education, he engaged in mercantile pur
suits. His military tastes were early developed. For several
years he was one of the number of generous and high spirited
young men at the Capital, who kept up, at great expense to
themselves, the volunteer military companies of the city. It

384 REGIMENTAL HISTORY
was at a period Avhen such associations Avere regarded with
but little favor by a large portion of the community. The
difficulties under which their supporters labored, and which
they bravely surmounted, are knoAvn only to those avIio were
familiar with the inner life of our armories in those peaceful
days. He Avas a member of the National Guards — an organ
ization which has given to the country a large nuraber of
accomplished officers. That association, kept alive by the
indomitable will and untiring energy of a fcAV young men —
conspicuous among whom Avas James S. Drum — Avas able,
when the country became involved in war, to furnish the
Government with a number of trained soldiers, possessing
the ability to instruct others.
When the Avar broke out, Capt. Drum left the peaceful pur
suits of commerce, and gave himself at once to his country.
He ouly asked to be placed where his services Avere most
needed. His first appointment was under the State — as
Commissary at Camp Morton. While the first regiments
were being raised and organized, he labored with them faith
fully and acceptably. When the Nineteenth regiment was
formed, he was appointed its Quartermaster, and Avent Avith
it to the field. He accompanied it during all its trials, marches
and battles. How well he performed his difficult and labo
rious duties, the records of the departments, and of the regi
ment, will show. He was the same gallant, unselfish gentle
man in the field, that he was at home, and won the Ioa'c of
all with Avhom he associated. His faithfulness to his trusts
Avas rewarded by promotion to the rank of Captain iu the
Commissary Department, U. S. A.
In March, 1863, Capt. Drum was ordered to report to Gen,
Burnside for duty in the West, He was placed in charo-e of
the depot of supphes at Nicholasville, Ky., and proceeded Avith
his wonted energy in systeraatising the business at that post.
He had been but a short time there, Avhen he was suddenly
stricken down with disease, and died, after a few days illness
on the eighteenth of April, 1863. He escaped the perils
through Avhich his regiment passed; but the exposures aud
labors of the campaigns on the Potomac sowed the seeds of
death in his system.

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 385
Among the many, very many, noble spirits Avho have given
up their lives to their country, none deserve a more grateful
remembrance, than Capt. Drum. No one labored more faith
fully and devotedly, and no one entered the service Avith a
more sincere conviction of duty. He had all the noble qual
ities of a soldier. He was proud of his profession, and
labored constantly and earnestly in the discharge of duty.
TWENTIETH REGIMENT.
Was organized at Lafayette by Col. Wm. L. Brown. The
following is the roster :
Field and Staff Officers. — Colonel, William L. Brown, Lo
gansport; Lieutenant Colonel, Charles D. Murray, Kokomo;
Major, Benjamin H. Smith, Logansport; Adjutant, Israel N.
Stiles, Lafayette ; Regimental Quartermaster, Isaac W. Hart,
Attica; Surgeon, Orpheus Everts, Laporte; Assistant Sur
geon, A. Hurd, Oxford; Chaplain, William C. Porter, Ply
mouth. Company A. — Captain, John Van Valkenburg, Peru ; First
Lieutenant, William B. Reyburn, Peru ; Second Lieutenant,
Jonas Hoover, Peru.
Company B. — Captain, John Wheeler, Crown Point; First
Lieutenant, Chas. Alex. Bell, Corydon ; Second Lieutenant,
Michael Sheehan, Crown Point.
Company C. — Captain, Oliver H. P. Bailey, Plymouth;
First Lieutenant, William C. Cassleman, Plymouth; Second
Lieutenant, Joseph Lynch, Plymouth.
Company D. — Captain, George F, Dick, Attica; First Lieu
tenant, Charles Reese, Attica; Second Lieutenant, James A.
Wilson, Attica.
Company E. — Captain, James H, Shannon, Laporte ; First
Lieutenant, John W. Andrew, Laporte; Second Lieutenant,
John E, Sweet, Laporte,
Company F. — Captain, John Kisler, Danville ; First Lieu
tenant, Thomas H, Logan, Logansport; Second Lieutenant,
Edward C. Sutherland, Logansport.
Company G. — Captain, Nathaniel Herron, Lafayette ; First
Vol. 1,-25.

386 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
Lieutenant, William C, L, Taylor, Lafayette; Second Lieu
tenant, William B. Brittingham, Lafayette,
Company H. — Captain, George W, Geisendorff, Indiana
polis; First Lieutenant, George W, Meikel, Indianapolis;
Second Lieutenant, William 0, Sherwood, Indianapolis.
Company I. — Captain, James M. Lytle, Valparaiso ; First
Lieutenant, Erasraus C. Gilbreath, Valparaiso; Second Lieu
tenant, William T. Carr, Valparaiso.
Company K. — Captain, Alfred Reed, Monticello; First
Lieutenant, John T. Richardson, Monticello; Second Lieu
tenant, Daniel D. Dale, Monticello.
The regiment left Lafayette in July, and drawing arms and
accoutrements at Indianapolis, left for Cockeysville, Md., on
the second of August, where it performed guard duty on the
Northern Pennsylvania railroad, and perfected itself in regi
mental drill, and the duties of camp. September twenty-
fourth the regiment left for the seat of war. Arriving at
Baltimore, it toqk steamer for Fortress Monroe, camped there
one day, and took steamer for Hatteras Inlet.
On the twenty-seventh of September, arrived at Hatteras
Inlet. A heavy gale blowing, and the breakers running high,
rendered landing very dangerous; but the pilot was skillful
in his profession aud took his gallant ship through the stormy
breakers, and safely anchored her in the inlet, off Fort Hat
teras. The next day the regiment was transferred to small steam
ers of light draft, and started for Pamlico Sound. Traveling
steadily all the afternoon, much of the time seeing nothing
but sky and water; at sunset the Colonel's steamer ran under
the lea of a forest, and signaled a halt. Going ashore in a
small boat, the Colonel found fiags of truce flying from the
few houses on the beach, and the settlement was named
Chickamacomico, It was a wild spot, and, notwithstanding
the white sand which covers the surface, was luxuriant with
vegetation, and a heavy growth of small timber. The trees
were loaded with wild grapes, and yellow persimmons glis
tened like gold in the sun. The pine tree and live oak com
pose the groves, and the mocking bird sings among their
leafy branches. The inhabitants are fishermen; most of

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 387
them were born here and know no other spot. One small
Avindmill ground corn for the settlement. It was daylight,
Sunday morning when the regiment landed, and selecting a
pine grove on the Pamlico beach, went into carap. At once
a lively traffic arose with the fishermen, aud the price of fish
advanced. Four days passed pleasantly in this semi-tropical life. The
men roamed over the island, gathering grapes, or wandering
upon the beach picking up shells. Save a few fishing skiffs,
not a sail dotted the smooth waters of Pamlico Sound. Dur
ing the night the camp fires glistened among the dark Avoods,
while the roar of old ocean,, and the sighing Avind through
the fibre leaves of the pine, lulled the soldiers to sweet slum
ber. This Avas the poetry of war; the reality soon came,
and when it did come was terrible.
The second of October was an eventful day. Supplies had
become short, and as they must come by Pamlico Sound, its
horizon was watched for a steamer. In the afternoon the
propeller Fanny arrived within two miles of shore and ran
aground, heavily laden with provisions, ammunition and
baggage. Major Smith, Sergeant Evans and E. M. B. Hooker
boarded her in a skift', and having received in a batteaux
enough provision for supper, put rapidly for shore. Shortly
after a steamer loomed up in the distance, followed by two
others. This rebel fieet opened a heavy fire on the Fanny.
Soon as the attack was made the Captain and crew aban
doned the Fanny, and jumping into a small boat rowed rap
idly to the shore, leaving Lieut. Hart, Quartermaster of the
Twentienth, to do battle as a naval officer. He ordered the
artillerist to fight the boat till she sunk. But the loyalty of
the Captain of the gun was suspected; after firing a shot or
two he disabled his gun and the Fanny was taken.
It was an exciting and a mortifying scene. The regiment,
ready and eager for battle, had nothing but a few fishing
skiffs to fight three swift armed rebel steamers. They had
to stand and see their boat, provisions and men captured,
without the least hope of resistance or rescue. The regiment
lost thirty men captured on the Fanny, besides Lieut. Hart.
Dark night came on ; when morning broke no vessel was in

388 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
sight. October third two small steamers came from Hatteras
Inlet with a few days provisions, which were safely landed.
On the morning of October fourth, at eight o'clock a fleet
of vessels hove in sight on Pamlico Sound. A few officers
and soldiers gathered round the small fishing houses on the
beach, watching their approach. The fleet consisted of seven
steamers, tAvo schooners, and one floating battery. Each
vessel was alive with troops. Upon near approach it was
evident they were rebels. The regiment had no artillery and
could not make an effective resistance. The fleet of the
enemy drew near, and opened a fierce cannonade upon the
camp and regiment drawn up in line of battle upon the beach.
While the shelling was in progress, part of the fleet sailed
off in a southerly direction, intending to land twenty miles
south, near Hatteras Light House, where the beach was about
three hundred yards wide, and thus cut off the regiment from
all hope of reinforcement. The Twentieth, however, pre
pared to make the best resistance possible, when Col. Brown
received an order from Col. Hawkins to retreat to the Light
House. With sorrowful hearts the men obeyed the order.
It was a terrible march. The sun baked the white sand.
No water was to be had for the first ten miles. The sand
gave way at every step, and, as the column moved on, man
after man staggered and fell back exhausted, to be taken
prisoner by the enemy. The regiment still toiled on, with
out canteens or haversacks. Hunger was nothing in com
parison with thirst. That was exhausting, this Avas madden
ing. In every clump of bushes were men utterly exhausted.
All this time the vessels of the enemy steamed down the
Sound to cut off reinforcements. He had previously landed
a force Avhich was rapidly coming up.
But the most sorrowful sight was the Islanders leaving
their homes frora fear of the foe. They could be seen in
groups, sometiraes with a little cart carrying provisions,
fleeing for dear life. Mothers carrying their babes, fathers
leading little boys, grandfathers and grandmothers leaving
homes they had never left before. There was an air of sad
ness and desolation about these poor people truly heart
rending.

REGIMENTAL HISTOllY, 389
About sunset the regiment reached a narrow part of the
beach about five miles north of Hatteras Light House, The
fleet of the enemy was already draAvn up in line, Avith guns
bearing to sweep the beach. The clouds in the west reflected
the bright tints of the sun, and showed the black hulks of
the gunboats. In the east heavy gray clouds loAvered, and
the twihght hid the regiment from view as it quietly passed
along; the dashing of the ocean surf tendering a welcome
aid to drown their footsteps. At midnight they reached Hat
teras Light House, having made a march of twenty-eight
miles. Here water was found and the tired soldiers lay down
to rest. The next day the regiment reached Hatteras Inlet.
Forty -five men were captured on this march, who spent seven
months in rebel prisons.
The regiment camped, that is lay down on the white sand
at Hatteras Inlet, with the vault of heaven for a canopy.
The beauties of this delightful place are worthy description.
The sea bounds the view on one side and Pamlico Sound on
the other. When it storms, fine particles of sand fill eyes,
ears aud mouth with judicious impartiality. When it does
not storm, the sun scorches indiscriminately. There are
two forts — Clark and Hatteras. Fort Clark is built of sand
piled up, covered up Avith turf to keep it from blowing away.
Fort Hatteras is a little more sand, more turf, and a few more
guns. The rest of the landscape is white sand.
At four o'clock on the morning of the first of November,
the cry went through camp, "Wake, wake, for your lives —
the sea is coming on us ! " The sea was running like a mill
race through the avenues between the tents. Towards the
Inlet nothing was visible but stormy breakers and angry
waters — no hope there. At the north the sea had formed a
bayou across the beach, and no land was to be seen. To the
east the breakers of the Atlantic roared and hissed like a
million serpents. In the west the Sound, covered Avith fog,
stretched forth its waters. Nothing remained for safety but
the enclosure of the fort, rising a few feet above the beach.
Here the men clustered, watching the rapidly gathering
waters — watching for a glimpse of daylight; hoping the
dawn of day would bring relief. The gray dawn came at

390 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
last, to show through fog and driving spray the utter destruc
tion of the camp, and the loss of a great part gf the clothing
and provision a steamer had brought the night before. The
tide, too, ceased to rise, but the fieeting spray and drifting
rain, cutting like a knife, rendered it dangerous to move.
At last the tide went down, and the half drowned regiment
moved to high sand hills seven miles up the beach.
The day after the deluge six rebel steamers came down the
Sound, evidently expecting to find the force drowned ; but it
was destined to another fate. On the ninth of November
the regiment left Hatteras Inlet, and on the tenth arrived at
Fortress Monroe.
The regiment lay at Camp Hamilton, near Fortress Mon
roe, until March, 1862, when it moved to Newport Ncavs, at
the mouth of the James river. Here it witnessed the great
naval battle between the Merrimac and Monitor. All the
time, at both these camps, was profitably employed in field
maneuvers. On the tenth of May the regiment moved to Norfolk, Va.,
and participated in the capture of that stronghold of rebel
lion. At daylight, as it was bivouacing upon the beach, near
Sewell's Point, the Merrimac was blown up, shaking the
earth for miles around. The regiment camped near Norfolk
for a few days, then it moved across the river to Portsmouth,
and on June sixth, 1862, left for the Army of the Potomac,
engaged in front of Richmond, Avhere it arrived June eighth,
and Avas assigned to Jamieson's brigade, Kearney's division,
Heintzelman's corps, and took position on the Fair Oaks
battle ground.
The fights in front of Richmond, after the battle of Fair
Oaks, May thirty-first, consisted in a series of recounoissances
and skirmishes, until the battle of Gaines' Mill, June twenty-
sixth, when a combined movement was made by the whole
rebel army, upon the right and rear of our lines, resulting in
the seven days' battles, and the retreat of the Army of the
Potomac to Harrison's Landing, ou the James river.
The movements of the regiment are interesting in this con
nection, as it Avas the only Indiana regiment that took part
in these battles, and composed part of the rear guard of the

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 391
army. In fact it was the last regiment to leave the intrench
ments in front of Richmond.
On the eighteenth of June, the regiment had a brisk picket
skirmish, losing three men wounded, and holding in check
the enemy. BATTLE OF THB ORCHARDS.
On the twenty-fifth of June, a battle took place ou the left
of the Army of the Potomac, in which the regiment took an
important part. The enemy's line was driven back a mile,
when it was heavily reinforced, and the regiment retired to
the woods, still holding part of the ground they had gained.
While it lasted, this was a desperate battle. It was named
the "Battle of the Orchards," and was in the vicinity of the
Charles City road, leading to Richmond. The battle field is
five miles from that city. The fight occurred partially in
timber, ending in a wheat field. The struggle Avas terrible;
in less than tAventy minutes, the regiment lost one hundred
and ninety-two men, killed, wounded and missing. The
rebels charged upon our battery, and were repulsed with
great loss. The rebel papers report the loss of the First
Louisiana regiment in this engagement, to be fourteen offi
cers and two hundred men, killed and wounded. The Third,
Fourth, and Twenty-Second Georgia regiments, were also
engaged, and lost heavily. On the Union side two regiments
were engaged, with these four rebel regiments. Here fell
Capt. Lytle, while waving his sword and cheering his men to
charge a rebel battery. Other brave men fell by his side ;
their names will be found in the Roll of Honor, Night com
ing on, the regiment retired to the woods, and the next day
took position in the intrenchments.
On June twenty-seventh, when all were expecting orders
to advance on Richmond, it was whispered around camp that
Jackson had turned our right, and was threatening our rear
and supply depot at the White House, Then came an order
to destroy all stores that could not be carried. Gen. Kear
ney's division was detailed to cover the retreat. For nearly
two days the regiment remained in the second line of rifle

392 REGIMENTAL HISTORY,
pits, seeing the mass of the army file past in retreat. It was
a sorrowful sight to abandon our redoubts and rifie pits with
out firing a gun. Still more heart-rending to witness the
immense destruction of property, and to see the sick and
wounded tottering along; for no ambulance corps existed
then in the Army of the Potomac, The column of glitter
ing bayonets filed past; artillery and cavalry disappeared in
the woods. Abandoned works, burning stores and desolation
were all that met the view of the forlorn hope of the Twen
tieth Indiana.
Presently a rustling was heard in the woods ; a rebel bat
tery, supported by large bodies of infantry and cavalry, sud
denly appeared, unlimbered and opened on the Union force.
There being no artillery with the regiment it fell back. The
rebels seemed to know the windings of the road, for several
men Avere killed while filing through it, although the column
was hidden by the woods. Moving half a mile a cavalry
attack was made in the rear, but it was quickly repulsed. At
dark Kearney's division was reached, when it camped for the
night. BATTLE OF FRAZIER'S FARM.
On June twenty-ninth. Gen. Kearney selected a position to
fight the enemy. The division formed in the edge of timber,
an open field in front, our right and center supported by
heavy batteries; our left resting on a swamp. The line of
battle being about four miles long. At two o'clock the
enemy appeared in force, and opened with artillery, which
was promptly silenced by our batteries. At three o'clock
their infantry moved in column, and, deploying, charged
along our whole line, howling like fiends. Our artillery
swept them from view, as the wind licks the dust from the
earth. Fresh columns were pushed forAvard, and the rebels
seemed to deem no sacrifice too great to drive us from our
position. The conflict was terrible; missiles of death filled
the air; each moment had its sound of terror; CA'ery spot its
scene of horror. Again the rebels charged, and again were
repulsed ; dark night came on and the battle ceased.

REGIMENTAL HISTORY, 393
The force attacking our line consisted of the divisions of
Gens. Hill and Longstreet, each containing six brigades.
Opposed to them were the divisions of Gens, Kearney and
Hooker, each containing five brigades.
A rebel history of the war (Pollard's) says in regard to this
battle: "It was now about half past nine o'clock, and very
dark. Suddenly, as if it had burst from the heavens, a sheet
of fire enveloped the front of our advance. The enemy had
made another stand to receive us, and, from the black masses
of his forces, it was evident that he had been heavily rein
forced, and that another whole corps d'armee had been brought
up to contest the fortunes of the night. Line after line of
battle was formed. It was evident that his heaviest columns
were now being thrown against our small command, and it
might havebeen supposed that he would only be satisfied
with its annihilation. The loss here on our side was terrible.
"The situation being evidently hopeless for any further
pursuit of the fugitive enemy, who had now brought up such
overwhelming forces, our troops retired slowly."
In this battle Lieut. Andrew was killed. He fell like a
hero, cheering on his men. Other comrades fell with him.
At midnight our lines Avithdrew, and took position upon Mal
vern Hill. BATTLE OF MALVERN HILL.
The battle of Malvern Hill has been rendered memorable
by its monument of carnage, and the desperate tenacity with
which it was fought. It was the last struggle of the enemy
to keep us from safety on the banks of the James river.
Harrison's Bar, the depot of our supplies, is seven miles from
Malvern Hill. The rebel Generals knew they must pierce
our lines and whip us, or all hopes of our capture were gone.
While attacking us in front, they sent a column, under Jack
son, to cut off our rear, by way of Jones' ford, on the Chick
ahominy, and the Charles City Court House road; but that
column arrived one day too late, and the army was saved.
During the night, and eariy in the morning, the succession
of elevations, known by the general name of Malvern Hill,

394 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
was planted with artillery, rising tier above tier, until three
hundred pieces were in position. Our right rested upon an
impassible swamp, and our left on the James river, covered
by the fire of our gunboats.
At nine o'clock the rebels opened Avith a heavy fire of
artillery, which was responded to by our batteries. The day
was clear and cloudless; a fine breeze refreshed the tired
troops; while the James river — our haven of rest — sparkled
in the sun.
At about five o'clock, the enemy, under Gen. Magruder,
made their first charge. They approached in solid columns
on a run. From our line of batteries a murderous storm of
grape and canister met them, and hurled their shattered col
umns to the earth. Officers and men went doAvn by hun
dreds, but yet, undaunted, they formed and dashed nearer.
Here the carnage was dreadful. They broke and ran. No
effort of their officers could rally them. Night ended the
battle; and at midnight the army fell back to Harrison's
Landing, the enemy being in no condition to pursue.
Here the weary veterans rested until the fifteenth of August,
doing picket duty occasionally, but not being engaged in any
action. The regiment formed a portion of the flank guard
of the Army of the Potoraac during its march across the
Peninsula to Yorktown. Taking steamers there, it proceeded
to Alexandria, and from thence moved to the Rappahannock
river, where it was on picket when Jackson made his famous
raid on Manassas Junction, Immediately marching to meet
the enemy, it reached Bristow Station after the battle of Ket
tle Run, where Hooker defeated Ewell's division, of Jackson's
corps. On the twenty- seventh of August the regiment moved Avith
the army on Manassas, and from thence pursued the enemy
to Centreville, and thence to Manassas Plains,
On the twenty-ninth it took part in the battles, and its
Colonel, William L, Brown, fell early in the engagement.
The second day it acted as a support to a battery, and com
posed part of the rear guard when Pope's army fell back
upon Centreville.
On the flrst of September, amid a terrific thunder storm, it

REGIMENTAL HISTORY, 395
took part in the battle of Chantilly, Avhere the brave Phil.
Kearney fell — the gallant leader of a division to which it had
so long been attached. In respect to his memory, his brave
veterans now wear the Kearney cross — a badge of honor.
About the sixth of September the regiment reached
Alexandria, where it remained in camp six weeks.
On the eleventh of October the regiment left its camp on
Arlington Heights, crossed the Georgetown bridge, and
entered Maryland. Stuart's cavalry Avere making a raid in
Pennsylvania, and our column moved rapidly, in hopes of
intercepting the rebel force near Conrad's ford. A beautiful
country met our eyes along the route. Tired with gazing on
the never changing green Virginia pines, the men looked
with delight on the huge chesnut trees, towering oaks and
black walnuts. The contrast, too, between the ruined tene
ments and war desolated fields of Virginia, and the thrift of
Maryland, told the men they were in a State not yet desolated
by the ravages of war. The column reached Rockville at
dark. At four o'clock the next morning started for Poolesville ;
and after marching rapidly all day, passing through Pooles
ville at dusk, reached Conrad's ford at midnight, ten hours
after Stuart's cavalry had crossed. The river being too deep
for infantry to ford, the regiment returned to camp near
Poolesville. On the twenty-ninth the regiment crossed the Potomac at
Conrad's ford. The water was running swiftly, the ford
deep, but the men, eager for a forward move, plunged in
with cheers, although it was quite chilling to blood and
patriotism. Climbing the abrupt bank, on the Virginia
shore, the regiment moved rapidly towards Leesburgh.
About this time there was a general forward movement of
the Army of the Potomac. The right was crossing at Har
per's Ferry, Williamsport and other points, and moving up
the Loudon Valley, along the eastern side of the Blue Ridge:
while the left, crossing at Conrad's ford, Edward's ferry and
other points, moved along the Kittoctan and Bull Run moun
tains. Meanwhile, the rebel army was leisurely retiring up
the Shenandoah Valley, their fianking parties holding all the
gaps.

396 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
For a few days the regiment camped near Leesburgh.
Early in November moved over the Kittoctan mountain, and
proceeded up the Loudon Valley. This portion of Virginia
had not been desolated by war. The column wound through
a well cultivated country. At one halt the people turned out
and welcomed the Union army. In one neat town, called
Quaker Church, every hospitality was offered. There were
many really handsome residences and gardens ; and the Qua
kers, proverbial for their industry and frugality, had made
the wilderness blossom. The Quakers were all Union men,
and one old patriarch guided the column through by-paths
across the country. Along well graded pikes, through fields,
across rapid streams ; now passing orchards filled with fruit,
ahd then climbing mountain paths, where no team could
penetrate, the force pressed on. At Goose creek a fcAV strag
glers from the rebel army were captured, but no enemy was
to be seen in force, although from the gaps, lying west, artil
lery firing could be heard.
At Waterloo the regiment had a skirmish with the enemy.
On November seventh camped near Warrenton. While the
Twentieth were marching and halting, guarding the fords of
the Rappahannock, the main army was swinging through
Manassas Gap, and marching toAvards Fredericksburgh.
Gen. McClellan was removed about this time, and Gen.
Burnside appointed to the command. It was an unfortunate
removal, as it necessitated a halt of the whole army, and lost
several days in the onward movement.
On the nineteenth of November the regiment saw the
church steeples of Fredericksburgh. The city had been aban
doned by its inhabitants, and Gen. Longstreet, with his divi
sion, held the hights in its rear. The advance of our army
was too late to occupy this important position.
After demanding the surrender of the city, and being
refused, the Union army quietly went into camp upon the
hills of Stafford. For weeks the two armies were quiet, the
enemy all the time strengthening his position.
On the eleventh of December the regiment left camp ; and,
marching down the river, crossed on a pontoon bridge, and
took part in the battle on the left, Avith Franklin's corps.

REGIMENTAL HISTORY, 397
The brigade to which they were attached arrived in time to
save three Uniou batteries from being captured by the enemy.
The Pennsylvania Eeserves, by a bold charge, succeeded in
driving the enemy from their first line of rifie pits, and were
following up their success rapidly, when out of the woods, in
their frorit, the enemy swarmed in overwhelming numbers,
and hurled them back. Pushing on, in pursuit of the disor
dered brigade, the rebels caught sight of our batteries, and
charged with a yell. Capt. Randolph, Chief of artillery, was
in despair. The supports had fled. The rebels were within
fifty yards of his guns. Just then he caught sight of the
Twentieth coming up the hill at a double-quick. He knew
their bronzed faces. His countenance lightened Avith glad
ness. Swinging his sword over his head, he shouted to his
heroes of the Peninsula, "Forward, boys, and save my
battery!" Like a drove of wolves, on rushed the rebel hordes. They
thought the battery theirs; their wild yells filled the air, and
their matted locks waved in the breeze; but a glistening line
of bayonets met them in their mad career. They saw^ famil
iar faces before them; they had seen these Hoosiers in front
of Richmond, and knew their fighting qualities; they had
fought with them, for it was the old Georgia foe charging
upon our batteries. Halting, hesitating, they gave a wild
cry, as our steady line swept on; then broke in confusion, and
fell back to the woods. It was a bayonet charge; not a shot
was fired by the regiment. The moral strength of the line
of bayonets saved our batteries.
For two days and nights the regiment lay along the crest
of a hill, exposed to the fire of the rebel sharpshooters, and
annoyed by the constant excitement of watching their artil
lery, which opened on our lines at every opportunity. Their
batteries, however, were quickly silenced by ours, whenever
they opened.
The regiment waited and watched, until the order Avas
given to recross the river. Burnside's army fell back to
their camps, amid the pines of Stafford hills, after losing
many men, and accomplishing nothing. The loss of the
regiment was small.

398 ' REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
About the middle of January, 1863, occurred the famous
mud march of Burnside's army. The weather was very
pleasant when the march began, but on the twentieth it
began to rain, and soon turned into a cold driving storm.
In a short time the roads became almost impassable, on
account of mud. The regiment was detailed to bring along
the pontoon train; mules and horses having given out in the
deep mud of the ruts and gorges along the base of Stafford
hills. It seemed a task almost impossible, but the men of
the Twentieth never gave up without an effort, and wading
through mud and mire, with the pitiless storm beating in
their faces, they succeeded in bringing horses and pontoons
to the banks of the Rappahannock. The labor of the men
on that day, was pronounced by all who witnessed it, to have
surpassed any they had ever seen.
The storm, however, defeated the proposed movement, and
Gen. Burnside having been relieved, his plan was abandoned,
and the forces returned to their respective camps, under com
mand of Gen. Hooker, The regiment remained in camp
until the battle of Chancellorsville.
BATTLE OF CHANCELLORSVILLE.
In the latter part of April, the army took the field. The
cavalry, with several divisions of infantry, moved up the
Rappahannock, and prepared to cross. The second, fifth,
eleventh, and twelfth corps moved up the river, while the
first, third and sixth moved down to Franklin's old crossina'.
at the battle of Fredericksburgh. MeauAvhile, after hard
fighting, the cavalry crossed, and moved rapidly south, intend
ing to destroy the railroads, and cut ofi' the enemy's supplies.
The fifth corps moved south-east, towards Chancellorsville.
On the thirtieth the third corps joined the main arm}^, and at
noon, of the first of May, the whole army, with the excep
tion of the first and sixth corps, were on the south bank of
the Rappahannock, at and near Chancellorsville, That after
noon a fierce attack was made upon our advance.
The country occupied by the army, Avas a perfect wilder
ness, broken by ravines, and intersected by numerous creeks.

REGIMENTAL HISTORY, 399
running in a northerly direction. Our army quickly took
position, and on the second was ready for battle. The right
faced west of south; the center formed on the plank road
running from Fredericksburg to Culpepper; the left faced
nearly east. No attack had as yet been made on our right.
The assault on the day previous had been on our center, on
the plank road, from the direction of Fredericksburgh.
The third corps was in the center, along the north bank of
a small stream, called Mott's run, Avhich was a little south of
the plank road and nearly parallel to it. The rebels were
found in force. The Twentieth was detached, and sent on
picket on the banks of this stream. During the night the
regiment threw up a rail breastwork. The next day, at day
light, the enemy was seen moving rapidly in the direction of
Gordonsville, and the impression was that he was retreating.
Stoneman, however, had destroyed the railroad, and the
Union army were in possession of the only wagon road by
which they could obtain supplies.
About eight o'clock in the morning, a wagon train Avas
seen winding its way among the hills, south of Mott's run.
Soon after. Gen. Birney determined to take the south bank
of the stream. Deploying one company as skirmishers, the
Twentieth moved up the hill.
When the third corps moved forward, the troops on its
right, consisting of the eleventh corps, moved also to accom
modate themselves to the new line. During the night, the
eleventh corps was attacked by Jackson's rebel corps, with
great fury, and in a few minutes fell back in great disorder;
leaving the center of the army broken. By the exertions of
Gens. Sickles and Pleasanton, and the obstinate bravery of a
few scattered regiments, the enemy's advance was cheeked.
It was now dark; the second and third divisions of the
third corps, were getting into position on the plank road,
facing Avest. The first division was falling back from its
advanced position, as quietly and rapidly as possible. The
Twentieth was the last regiment to move back, getting to
the main body at about eleven at night. Upon reaching
their breastworks, the Union forces took position on the
reverse side, facing to what had been their rear.

400 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
Next morning our forces commenced falling back. Upon
seeing this, the rebels made a furious assault, and the battle
raged with great fury until one o'clock, when all the Union
troops south of the plank road were withdraAvn, and a new
line formed, shaped like a V, with its apex pointing south
ward, its fianks resting on the river. This position the army
held for two days, defying every attempt of the enemy to
force it. On the sixth of May, the whole Union army had
recrossed the Rappahannock, and thus ended the battle of
Chancellorsville. This battle was fought on the first, second and third of
May. Perhaps few regiments had so many compliments
showered upon them, as Avas bestowed upon the Twentieth,
during this terrible battle. From the very first, in the
extreme front, its gallantry was so marked, its courage so
undaunted as to bring forth expressions of delight from the
commanding Generals. At one time, while skirraishing, the
regiment captured the whole of the Twenty-Third Georgia,
numbering more than their own men. When the eleventh
corps broke, and thus enabled the enemy to turn our right,
and cut off the third corps from the main army, rendering a
midnight attack necessary, the regiment was withdrawn from
the front, and facing to the rear, prepared to cut their way
through. Advancing quietly, in line with the rest of the
division, the charge was made with the bayonet, the enemy
driven back and communication established. After the bat
tle, when Gen. Ward called for a report of the regiment. Col.
Wheeler reported it gay. "Yes," said Gen. Hooker, "that
regiment is gay."
The army rested for about a month after the battle of
Chancellorsville. Lee, in the meantime, had moved his force
on our right, penetrated Maryland and invaded Pennsylvania.
The army of the Potomac followed, and covered Washing
ton. On the first of July the armies faced each other at
Gettysburgh. BATTLE OP GETTYSBURGH.
On the second the terrible battle on the left of the army

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 401
of the Potomac, at Gettj'sburgh, was fought. The regiment
was posted on a rocky hill called Round Top, in front of
which the enemy made his fiercest attack. Column after
column of rebel troops Avere hurled upon this part of our
line. The enemy seemed determined to lose no effort to
carry our position. Fortunately for the Union army, the
" Iron Third," commanded by the gallant Sickles, was thero
to meet them. How well it performed its duty, the four
thousand braves of that corps, who fell killed and wounded
that day, speak in mute eloquence.
On the morning of the second of July the first, second
and eleventh corps were in line, and the rest of the array in
reserve. The second faced west; the first and eleventh north
and north-east; all occupying a semi-circular ridge, with a
high hill at each end, the center projecting towards the enemy.
Soon after daylight the enemy threatened our left, and the
third corps was placed at the left of the second. Heavy
skirmishing was carried on all the forenoon. About one, p.
M,, a heavy force of the enemy was seen advancing up the
west side of the ridge, along which runs the Emmettsburgh
pike. The second brigade of the first division, in which was the
Twentieth, was now on the extreme left of the army. It was
posted on a low ridge, overlooking a wooded hollow, through
which ran a small stream. On the opposite side of this
stream was the ridge on which runs the pike. The rebel
forces moved rapidly up its western slope, planted their bat
teries upon the crest, while their infantry swarmed in the
hollows. Their right extended far beyond our left.
The third corps had but one line, and there were several
gaps in it. Soon the skirmishers came in contact, and shot
and shell from opposing batteries filled the air. A heavy
column of rebels crossed the stream and charged up the hill
upon our batteries. At one time one of them was in their
possession, but they were soon driven off. In a short time,
and with hard fighting, the enemy were forced back to the bot
tom of the hollow ; our troops closing after them. In front
of the Twentieth was a stone wall and scattered rocks. Behind
these the rebels took shelter. The Twentieth were exposed.
Vol. L— 26

402 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
yet for two hours they faced the concealed foe, firing at the
rebels whenever they exposed themselves. Here the regi
ment met its heaviest loss. Col. Wheeler was killed by a
ball which passed through his throat. Lieut. Robbins was
shot through the heart. Capt. Reese shot in the eye, and
almost half the regiment killed and wounded.
The regiment had a sheltered position in small timber, but
gallantly pushing forward drove the enemy before them.
Then the enemy gathered new numbers, and poured in ter
rible volleys. Not a step backward moved the TAventieth,
They deployed as skirmishers and quietly lay down. Heavy
lines of the enemy advanced against them. They melted
before the single line of fire poured from the "Iron Third."
Not a man flinched, each tried to excel the other in personal
daring. This was the second time this regiment had a gal
lant Colonel fall at the head of its stubborn column. Its
colors were riddled with shot and shell. The color Ser
geant, and six of the eight of the color guard, were killed or
Avounded. One hundred and fifty-three of that gallant band
were left on the field. Every man proved himself a hero.
Each man had made up his mind that that battle must be
won. It was one of the most savage fights of the war.
Next day the enemy attempted to break through our cen
ter. After a terrific cannonade of an hour's duration. Long-
street's veterans, confident of success, untutored to defeat,
charged, with savage yells, upon our position. With guns at
a "right-shoulder-shift," on they came, at a double-quick,
right into our line of fire. On and still on, until they almost
reached the mouths of our cannon. Great gaps were made
in their lines, by the fire of our artillery. Yet, closing up,
solid as a stone wall, they rushed into the jaws of death.
But a more terrible foe was to meet them. The "Iron
Third " corps again advanced, the Twentieth in the first line.
Then a vivid fiame like lightning flashed along the ranks,
and swept the hitherto unconquered corps, like grass before
the scythe. With disordered ranks they fell back. Few
indeed of that brave enemy rejoined their comrades. Thirty-
eight stand of rebel colors were among the trophies of the
Union army.

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 403
On the fourth the regiment was again thrown forAvard as.
skirmishers, and had a severe fight, losing one officer and
several men. Then followed the pursuit of the retreating
enemy. Tired, shoeless, ragged, with empty haversacks and bleed
ing feet, day after day, the Union army followed the rebel
forces, until they crossed the Potomac at Williamsport, Md.
Our weary troops could not bring the enemy to battle.
Neither, in their exhausted condition, could they overtake
him. The brigade to which the regiment was attached crossed
the Potomac at Harper's Ferry, and moving along the base
of the Blue Ridge, in pursuit of the retreating army of Lee,
after passing Snicker's and Ashby's Gaps, came upon the
rear guard at Manassas Gap, Here a brilliant engagement
took place between the third corps and the rear guard of the
rebel army. The Twentieth was in the advance as skir
mishers. The enemy was defeated. Here ends their battles
for the present.
By order of the War Department the regiment was sent
to New York City, in July, to protect public property and
quell a riot. Col. Taylor had command of a portion of the
regiment at Fort Schuyler. Lt. Col. Meikle of the remainder
at David's Island. Here the regiment passed several weeks,
doing provost duty, and guarding rebel J'prisoners. In Octo
ber the regiment was again ordered to the front.
Here we leave it. Its ranks are decimated. Brother
mourns for brother; comrade looks around for comrade.
Many a file leader has stepped from its ranks into eternity.
Alas ! there is many a gap to fill in many a happy home.
But its breast is still bared to the storm. Onward, still
onward, is and shall be its motto, until the Union is saved,
and the rebellion crushed. A GAIiANT INDIANIAN.
While the Army of the Potomac was lying at Harrison's
Landing, all the wounded, and most of the sick, were sent

404 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
north. It was truly a lamentable sight to see steamers filled
with crippled patriots. The scene described took place on
one of them :
" While among the wounded on the State of Maine, yes
terday, we stopped by the stretcher of a fine looking fellow,
and inquired about his wounds. " Shot through the shoulder,
sir, bones' broken, but am getting along well. Do you think
they will put me ashore here ? " I replied that, as his wound
was so severe, I thought he would be sent north, and proba
bly he might be so disabled as to require a discharge, "Oh !
no, sir ! I don't Avant a discharge ; I want to go back to my
regiment as soon as I can ; I want to have another chance at
the rebels." "What regiment do you belong to ? " " Twen
tieth Indiana," he replied, "but you have not heard of us
among so many other regiments. We were the only 'Hoo
sier ' regiment in the week's battle before Richmond, but we
did our Avork in the rear guard, and whipped the rebels every
time they attacked us." Said I, "Your State is raising eleven
neAV regiments and six batteries more for the war," "Is she?
I kncAv it! I knew it! God bless the Hoosier State ! " he
exclaimed, while his eye lighted up with fresh fire, and his
wan emaciated face flushed with blood quickened into action,
"I knew it, sir; there will never be any need of drafting in
Indiana, We went into this war to save the Union, and
every man in our State will volunteer to uphold the old stars
aud stripes and crush out this rebellion,"
"Finding that he was becoming too earnest for his welfare,
and perceiving that he was nearly exhausted by excitement,
I grasped his hand and bid good bye. He was a true type
of the noble men from the West."
BRAVE PHIL, KEARNEY.
On Monday night, September first, 1862, at the battle of
Chantilly, the brave and brilliant General Philip Kearney fell.
Gen. Kearney was a native of New York, and was about
forty-eight years of age. His family have resided in New
Jersey since 1816. He was appointed in 1837 an officer of
dragoons in the United States army. During the Mexican

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 405
war he was sent abroad to inspect the armies of Europe.
Kearney's cavalry was the pride of the service in the Mexican
war, and Kearney was named " Ouf Murat." At the gates
of the city of Mexico his left arm was carried away by a
cannon ball. After the war, he resigned his commission in
the regular army, and traveled extensively abroad. He took
an important position in the Algerine war, and Avas aid-de
camp to a French Marshal at Solferino.
WTien intelhgence of the present war reached him in
France, he returned at once, and offered his services to his
country. He was appointed Brigadier General May seven
teenth, 1862. He was made Major General a fcAv weeks
after, having fairly won it on the bloody fields of Williams
burgh, Fair Oaks, Orchards, White Oak SAvamp, Cross Roads
and Malvern Hill.
On the Peninsula his splendid division was in almost every
fight, and everywhere the fighting Phil. Kearney, with his
single arm, Avas a terror to the foe. He ordered his diA'ision
to wear a patch of red flannel on their caps, so that they
might be known, and that he might know them. Hence,
this red patch has become a badge of honor ; and whenever
the rebels find our dead, with this mark, they bury them Avith
the honors of war. He always led his men in person, and
never allowed the front of battle to get ahead of him. It
was a familiar sight to see him, dn his white steed, sweep
along the front, between opposing volleys, as if he courted
death. Many stories are told of his bravery. His voice
rang out in the roar of battle, and he ahvays sought the
thickest of the fray. Rebel prisoners always desired to see
him, for in the roar of battle he had often passed so swiftly
before their astonished eyes, and had so often defied the shots
of their best men, that he seemed invulnerable,
A splendid officer, a fighting General, a brave soldier, a
patriotic citizen — all these qualities united in Philip Kearney,
who has set the seal of his life as his attestation of the ines
timable value of the cause for which he struggled and fell.
In such ¦ respect was he held by the enemy, that, upon his
death. Gen. Lee sent, under a flag of truce, his body, sword,
horse and equipments, through our lines, Avith a testimonial
to his bravery.

406 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
COLONEL A7ILLIAM L. BROAVN.
Through the untiring energy of this earnest man, the
Twentieth Indiana was organized. At the time he proposed
forming the regiment, the Government had refused to receive
any more troops. But his importunity overcame all obstacles,
and he was authorized to raise a regiment. In less than one
month it was raised, equipped, and in the field.
Col. Brown was a strict disciplinarian. In military matters
he ruled with an iroa hand, and none could say nay against
his orders. In his regiment he took a personal pride. It
was his, and he meant to make it, and did make it, one of
the most effective in the service. The officers who neglected
their duties received from him little mercy. He was an
enthusiast in the cause. He believed that his life, and that
of his men, belonged to his country; that nothing should be
thought of, nothing done, inconsistent with his country's
good. Fearless, no danger daunted him; persevering, no
disappointment checked his hopes. At Hatteras, when he
was told there were no vessels_to convey his troops, he said,
"' Give me wood and iron, and I will make ships." As the
column marched along, through the valley of Virginia, the
form of the Colonel could always be seen in advance. Some
times, in the moonlight, winding through dark woods, the
moon breaking through the trees, the Colonel, on his black
horse, "Lincoln," could be seen, like an adventurous knight
of old, leading on the column. He knew the ground ahead
of him. His slim figure at times disappeared in the distance,
and again appearing, he rode along the line to see that all
was right. The regiment felt, that, under him, a surprise
was impossible, and the men followed his lead with perfect
confidence. He was watchful of the comfort of his men.
His rule was, they should have every thing they were entitled
to. Hence, the regiment was well fed and clothed, whenever
possible. Thus through the storms of Hatteras, on its desolate sands;
through the campaign of the Peninsula, amid the swamps
and malaria of the Chickahominy ; during the march across
to Yorktown, and the picketing on the Rappahannock, did

REGIMENTAL HISTORY, 407
Col, Brown lead his gallant band, until at the battle of Bull
Run, August 29, 1862, he yielded up his life to the cause he
loved and fought for so well. He was instantly killed by a
shot in the left temple. Thus, in the prime of life, was cut
off all his earthly ambition and hope. Wm. Lyons Brown was
born at St. Clairsville, 0., the nineteenth of November, 1817.
COL. JOHN AYHEELER,
Was born in Connecticut, on the sixth of February, 1825.
At an early age his parents moved to Ohio ; thence to Indi
ana, in 1847. He enlisted as a private in company B, Twen
tieth Indiana, on the twentieth of June, 1861 ; shortly after
wards he was elected Captain of the corapany. This position
he held for seven months, when he was promoted to Major.
After serving as Major seven months, he was promoted to
the Lieutenant Colonelcy. At the end of seven months he
received a Colonel's commission.
All the men of company B, loved John Wheeler as a Cap
tain. He was a father to them. Often, after the duties of
the day were over, did they collect around his tent to consult
him about their friends at home. His pleasant manners,
genial disposition, cordial smile, and kindness of heart
secured for him the confidence and esteem of the regiment.
Upon the resignation of Major Smith, he was promoted to
the vacancy. This position he filled with marked ability.
He was, during the seven day's fight in front of Richmond,
always at the post of duty, and, upon the death of Col.
Brown, at the Battle of Bull Run, took command of the
regiment. When the TAventieth went into camp upon Arlington
Heights, after seven months' fighting and marching, Lieut,
Col. Wheeler let the men rest to their heart's content.
Just before the battle of Chancellorsville, John Wheeler
was commissioned Colonel. He went through that bloody
fight, accompanied the regiment in its pursuit of Lee to
Pennsylvania, and in the famous battle of Gettysburgh,
sealed with his hfe, his devotion to the cause he loved.
Those who knew him best, loved him most.

408 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
LIEUT. JOHN W. ANDREW,
Was born in Hamilton, Ohio, on the seventh of January,
1831. His father, Daniel Andrew, was the son of Dr, John
Andrew, a surgeon in the army of the revolution. Descended
from such a patriot, it was but natural that he should be one
of the first to buckle on the armor in defense of his beloved
country. His parents died when he was quite young, and he
sought a home in the family of his uncle. As a boy he was
gentle and kind, a universal favorite, yet intimate with few.
After completing his studies in the Miami University, he
settled in Laporte. The gentle boy grew into a brave man.
When the rebellion broke out, his character seemed to have
undergone a complete change; the timid, peaceful citizen was
transformed into an avenger of his country's honor, and by
voice and example, he called upon his comrades to rally for
their country and their flag. Never before had he shown
such earnestness. His most intimate friends gazed in wonder
as he evinced his flery zeal and courageous patriotism.
He enlisted as a private, in company E, Twentieth Indiana.
Upon its organization he was chosen First Lieutenant, and
entered camp on the second of July, 1861. He was with the
regiment in all its sufferings at Hatteras, and upon all occa
sions cheerfully performed every duty.
The protracted stay of the regiment at Fortress Monroe
and Newport News, while the Army of the Potomac was
marching up the Peninsula, was impatiently endured by the
Twentieth, and by none more than by Lieut. Andrew. At
length, to his great joy, it was ordered to Norfolk, which was
captured Avithout resistance, and his company was one of the
first to land at the wharf of that stronghold of rebellion, and
march in triumph through its streets.
Remaining there about a month, the regiment left for the
front of Richmond. Here Lieut. Andrew was placed in com
mand of the sharpshooters, who were employed in various
important duties. On the eighteenth of June the regiment
took part in a skirmish. On the twenty-fifth it lost a large
number of men in the battle of Orchards. In this battle

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 409
Lieut. Andrew was conspicuous in rallying his men, and
cheering them on to the charge.
On the twenty-sixth the army commenced its retreat to the
James river. Kearney's division, to which the Twentieth
was attached, was the rear guard. In the terrible battle of
Glendale, on the thirtieth, just before dark, while directing
his men to fire a little more to the left, a bullet pierced Lieut.
Andrew's head, over the right eye, and he fell dead not five
paces from the front.
The chaparal and timber in front, swarmed with the foe.
They were pressing on in countless thousands; yet the posi
tion was held till midnight, and then the command fell back ;
but, alas! the body of the brave Lieut, Andrew was left upon
the field. It could not be removed. And he sleeps with
other heroes, beneath the evergreen pines of the Peninsula.
THIRD INDIANA CAVALRY.
The following was the roster of the regiment, when fully
organized :
Field and Staff Officers. — Colonel, Scott Carter, Vevay;
Lieutenant Colonel, Jacob S. Buchanan, Vevay; Major,
Geo. H. Chapman, Indianapolis; Major, Charles Case, Fort
Wayne; Adjutant, Geo. H. Thompson, Madison ; Regimental
Quartermaster, John Patton, Vevay; Surgeon, Elias W.
H. Beck, Delphi; Assistant Surgeon, Luther Brusie, Laporte.
Company A. — Captain, Jacob S. Buchanan, Vevay; First
Lieutenant, William Patton, Vevay; Second Lieutenant,
Robert P. Porter, Vevay.
Com.pany B. — Captain, James D. Irvin, Corydon; First
Lieutenant, Benjamin Q. A. Gresham, Corydon; Second
Lieutenant, Marshall Lahue, Corydon.
Company C— Captain, Theopile M. Danglade, Vevay; First
Lieutenant, Charles Lemmon, Vevay; Second Lieutenant,
Paul Clark, Vevay.
Company D,— Captain, Daniel B, Keister, Aurora; First
Lieutenant, Matthew B, Mason, Aurora; Second Lieutenant,
Henry F, Wright, Aurora,
Company _E7.— Captain, William S. McClure, Madison;

410 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
First Lieutenant, George W. Thompson, Madison; Second
Lieutenant, Abner L. Shannon, Madison.
Company F. — Captain, Patrick Garland, Connersville;
First Lieutenant, Oliver M. Powers, Connersville; Second
Lieutenant, Thomas W. Mofl'ett, Connersville.
Company G. — Captain, Felix W. Graham, Johnson county;
First Lieutenant, Geo. F. Herriott, -Johnson county; Second
Lieutenant, John S. Kephart, Johnson county.
Company H. — Captain, Alfred Gaddis, Frankfort; First
Lieutenant, Joseph M. Douglass, Frankfort; Second Lieu
tenant, Uriah Young, Frankfort.
Company I. — Captain Will. C. Moreau, Knightstown;
First Lieutenant, Tighlman Fish, Knightstown ; Second Lieu
tenant, Oliver Childs, Knightstown.
Company K. — Captain, Robert Klein, Switzerland county;
First Lieutenant, Christopher Roll, Switzerland county; Sec
ond Lieutenant, George Klein, Switzerland county.
Company L. — Captain, Oliver M. Powers, Connersville;
First Lieutenant, George J. Langsdale, Indianapolis; Second
Lieutenant,|^Simeon J. Mitchell, Indianapolis.
Company M. — Captain, Charles U. Patton ; First Lieuten
ant, James W. Haymond, Greensburgh; Second Lieutenant,
James W. Stephens, Corydon.
The Third regiment of Indiana cavalry (Forty-Fifth of
volunteers) was formed in October, 1861, by a transfer of six
companies of the First Indiana cavalry, (A, B, C, D, E, and
F) then in Hooker's division of the Army of the Potomac,
under comraand of Lieut. Col. Scott Carter. Lieut. Col.
Carter was promoted to the Colonelcy of the regiment, and
Geo. H. Chapman, of Indianapolis, who was then holding a
position in the clerk's office of the lower house of Congress,
was appointed Major, and joined that portion of the regi
ment, in the Army of the Potomac, about the first of Novem
ber. It was understood, from the outset, that the Lieutenant
Colonelcy would be most likely filled by a selection from
among the Captains of the first six companies ; and in the
spring of 1862, Captain J. S. Buchanan, of Co. A, was pro
moted to that place, with commission dating from the
fifteenth of December, 1861. Four new companies were

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 411
added, (G, H, I, and K) which Avere in Indianapolis iu camp,
and were hurried to Kentucky under the pressure of troops
occasioned by the concentration of Johnston's army at Bowl
ing Green, and have since remained attached to the Army of
the Cumberland.
As before stated, the first six companies formed a part of
Gen, Hooker's division, which was then stationed on the
Maryland side of the Potomac, south of Washington, with
headquarters near Budds' ferry. On the eighth of December,
Major Chapman was ordered to take two companies — B,
Capt, Gresham, and F, Capt. Garland — and proceed into St.
Mary's county for the purpose of breaking up the contraband
travel and trade, there being carried on to some extent
between Baltimore and Virginia. This detachment was
increased in a few days by the addition of Co. A, Capt.
Buchanan, and remained on duty there about four months,
until the withdrawal of the troops from that locality. While
there they captured several small cargoes of contraband
goods, took a number of prisoners, succeeded in effectually
breaking up communication with the disloyal States by that
route, and received the commendation of the General com
manding for the efficient manner in which they had dis
charged the duty assigned them. During the same period,
Co. E, Capt, McClure, was doing detached duty along the
river, in the vicinity of Maryland Point and Port Tobacco,
having duty assigned to it similar to that assigned the detach
ment under Major Chapman,
When the Army of the Potomac embarked for the Penin
sula, Gen, Hooker was ordered to leave the Third Indiana
behind, because of the limited means of transportation, and
the small field for the operations of cavalry before York-
town. The General expressed his regret that the regiment
should be separated from his command, and the men and
officers of the regiment parted with the General with much
reluctance, as he was a favorite with all, and endeared to
them by long association. The command remained on duty
in southern Maryland until May, Avhen orders were received
to proceed to Washington, which city it reached on the
twelfth, and went into camp on its northern suburbs. Vari-

412 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
OUS conjectures were indulged in as to Avhat Avas to become
of the command ; and, among others, one was c[uite prevalent
with the men, that it was to be paid off and mustered out of
the service. But it was uot realized. In a day or two a part
of the command — four companies — were ordered on provost
duty in the city, under command of Major Chapman, and
were directed to go into quarters designated. That portion
of the command which was not so detailed were several
times called out to quell insubordination in other commands,
lying in and about the city, which they succeeded in doing
in each instance without resorting to bloodshed. The men
of those companies detailed on provost duty were set to
work cleaning up the quarters assigned to them ; but before
the work was completed, there came the report of Jackson's
advance down the Valley of the Shenandoah; and on the
twenty-fourth day of May the command was ordered to pro
ceed early next morning, marching light and rapidly to rein
force Gen. Geary in Thoroughfare Gap, Eariy next morn
ing it was in motion, and on the morning of the twenty-
sixth reached its destination. The command followed the
fortunes of this officer for about three weeks, when it was
ordered to report to Gen. Shields at Luray; and did so in
time to join his movement back to Front Royal, and from
thence, after a few days, to Bristow Station, on the Orange
and Alexandria railroad. Gen. Shields was relieved in a few
days afterwards, his division broken up, and otherwise
assigned — a considerable portion going to the Peninsula.
The Third Indiana remained at Bristow until the seventh of
July, when it was ordered to report to Gen. King, at Fal
mouth, and marched for that point. The regiment remained
at Falmouth until the evacuation of the place by Gen. Burn
side on the last of August ; and during that time was engao-ed
in scouting the country to the south of Fredericksburgh, and
had several skirmishes with the enemy's cavalry. On the
twenty-third of July, a cavalry detachment, consisting of Co.
A, Capt. Wm. Patton, and Co. B, Capt. Gresham, of the
Third Indiana, under command of Major Chapman, and a
part of the Harris Light cavalry— the whole under command
of Lieut. Col. Kilpatrick, of the Harris Light — proceeded to

REGIMENTAL HISTORY 413
Anderson Turnout, on the Virginia Central railroad, within
about twenty miles of Richmond ; and, after a brief engage
ment, dispersed a squadron of rebel cavalry encamped at
that point, destroying their tents and other property, and
capturing several prisoners. It was the nearest approach
made to Richmond, from the direction of Fredericksburgh,
during the summer of 1862, and took the rebels somewhat
by surprise. Afterwards, a squadron of the regiment — com
panies C and D — ^took part in a reconnoissance made by Gen.
Gibbon to the neighborhood of Orange Court House, and
won most flattering commendations from that officer.
After the evacuation of Fredericksburgh the Third Indiana
proceeded by transports from Aquia creek to Washington,
joined the army of the Potomac, and during the Maryland
campaign, which ended Avith the battle of Antietam, formed
a part of Gen. Pleasanton's command. The regiment was
engaged in a number of cavalry skirmishes commencing Avith
Poolesville and ending with Martinsburgh, and also in the
battles of South Mountain and Antietam, and always so con
ducted itself as to win golden opinions from the General
Commanding. It Avas during this campaign that the regi
ment became associated with the Eighth Illinois cavalry,
which association has continued to the present writing, and
throughout the army of the Potomac the "Eighth Illinois
and Third Indiana " are coupled together as two of the best,
if not very best, cavalry regiments in the army.
On the twenty-fifth of October, 1862, Lieut. Col. Buchanan
resigned on account of ill health, and Major Chapman Avas
promoted to fill the vacancy thus occasioned. In July Capt.
Robert Klein had been commissioned as Major for the bat
talion in the army of the Cumberland, and during the sum
mer two new companies (L and M) had been raised, but were
retained on service in Indiana, where they still remain. There
being a vacant Majority by virtue of the promotions before
named, Capt. William S, McClure, of Company E, was pro
moted, dating from October twenty-fifth, 1862, Lieut, Geo,
H, Thompson, Adjutant of the regiment, was promoted to
the Captaincy of Co, E, and Sergt, Gam. S. Taylor, of Com
pany E, appointed and commissioned Adjutant.

414 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
On the eleventh of March, 1863, Col. Carter tendered hia
resignation on account of physical disability. He was hon
orably discharged, and Lieut. Col. Chapman was promoted
to fill the vacancy thus occasioned, and Major Robert Klein
to the Lieut. Colonelcy. Subsequently Capt. Charles Lem
mon and Capt. William Patton were promoted to the rank
of Major.
The regiment, or to speak with more precision, the battal
ion to which this account mainly refers, has formed a part
of the Army of the Potomac since the commencement of
the first Maryland campaign, and shared in all the movements
of that army. At the battle of Fredericksburgh in Decem
ber, 1862, the command, though drawn up on the hights
imraediately opposite the city of Fredericksburgh and ready
for action during the entire engagement, was not called upon
to place itself under fire, there being no field for cavalry ope-
tions. When Gen. Stoneman started out early in April,
1863, with the cavalry, for the purpose of making a "raid"
in the rear of Lee's army, but one brigade of Pleasanton's
division was taken, that being the first, to which the Third
Indiana belonged. Heavy rains prevented the expedition
from crossing the Rappahannock until the twenty-ninth of
April, though several attempts were made ; and after crossing,
the force was divided into columns, one being under com
mand of Gen. Averill, to which the brigade of Pleasanton's
division Avas assigned. Gen. Stoneman accompanied the other
column AA'hich crossed the Rapidan and made what is known
as " Stoneman's raid." The column under Gen. Averill was
also to have crossed the Rapidan higher up, and eff'ected a
junction with Gen. Stoneman below Gordonsville. He pro
ceeded to Rapidan ford, where the enemy's cavalry were
found holding the south bank of the river, and skirmished
one day without accomplishing any result. The next day
orders came from Gen. Hooker to return to the army, and
the command entered the lines on the day succeeding the
battle of Chancellorsville, and before the army had recrossed
the river.
Upon Gen. Pleasanton succeeding Gen. Stoneman in com
mand of the cavalry corps. Gen. John Buford was assigned

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 415
the command of the first division, which assignment was
made only a short time prcA'ious to the second invasion of
Maryland by Lee's army. The cavalry corps took up their
line of march for the purpose of heading Lee's cavalry, who
were preparing to start on a raid at Culpepper Court House.
At Warrenton Junction the corps was divided into two col
umns. One under Gen. Gregg, AA'hich proceeded to Brandy
Station via Kelly's ford; the other, under General Buford,
crossed the Rappahannock at Beverly ford, near which cross
ing one of the severest cavalry battles took place that had
occurred during the war, and in which the Third Indiana
bore no mean part; on the contrary, it sustained nobly the
already enviable reputation enjoyed by the command. On
the twenty-first of June, 1863, occurred the cavalry battle
at Upperville, between the cavalry corps of the army of the
Potomac and " Stuart's cavalry," resulting in a complete
success for the Union army. The Third Indiana bore an
honorable part in that engagement, and, together with the
Eighth Illinois, and a detachment of the TAvelfth Illinois, met
a rebel brigade at close quarters, and drove them back with
heavy loss. A few days afterwards the army crossed the
Potomac in pursuit of Lee, and Gen, Buford's division of
cavalry was ordered to proceed along the South and North
Mountain as far as Gettysburgh,
On the morning of the thirtieth of July his division entered
Gettysburgh as the advance of the army of the Potomac, and
passing through the toAvn, the first brigade, of which the
Third Indiana formed a part, encamped about a mile out of
town on the Chambersburgh pike. The next morning, July
first, about half past seven o'clock, our pickets reported the
enemy advancing in force. Dispositions A\'ere soon made to
meet tbem, and for two hours, until the arrival of the advance
of the first army corps, the cavalry held the enemy in check.
Thus opened the first days fight of the battle of Gettysburgh,
So soon as the infantry came up the cavalry were withdrawn
from the immediate front, but still remained on the field.
About the close of the first days fighting, and whilst our
troops were faihng back through the town, hard pressed by
the enemy, the Third Indiana and Eighth New York cavalry

416 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
were sent forward to check a heaA-y fianking force of rebel
infantry, until our troops could get into position on the hills
behind the town. The position was a hazardous one for cav
alry, but the regiments went to the work with alacrit}', and
succeeded in checking the rebels until our infantry had retired
through the town. It was here Major Lemmon fell mortally
wounded, AA'hile gallantly urging the men to hold their posi
tion against the advancing foe. Major Lemmon had risen
from the rank of First Lieutenant to that of Major, and was
a most efficient and zealous officer, and his loss Avas deeply
felt and sincerely mourned. He Avas extensively known
throughout the army as an excellent cavalry officer — one who
had but few equals.
It would hardly be possible, within reasonable limits, to
mention in detail each engagement and skirmish, in which
the Third Indiana has taken part, but it has been of the
advance of almost every move of the Army of the Potomac,
and has achieved a reputation for gallantry and bravery of
which it is justly proud. Up till the present time, it has been
in over forty engagements with the enemy, and has won the
confidence of its commanding officers and been mentioned by
them in most fiattering terms.
The battallion has participated in the following engage
ments and skirmishes, up till August fourth, 1863: Four
picket fights, sixteen cavalry fights, and tAventy-two skir
mishes. It is yet in the Army of the Potomac, and always
in the front, under Col. Chapman.
Skirmish, companies A and B, Anderson Turnout, Virginia
Central railroad, July twenty-three, 1862.
Skirmish, Matta river, August fifth and sixth, 1862.
Engagement, Cos. A and B, Poolsville, Sept. eighth, 1862.
Skirmish, Barnsville, September ninth, 1862.
Engagement, Kittoctan Mountain, Sept. thirteenth, 1862.
Engagement, Middleburgh, September thirteenth, 1862.
Skirmish, South Mountain, September thirteenth, 1862.
Engagement, South Mountain, September fourteenth, 1862
Engagement, Antietam, September seventeenth, 1862.
Skirmish, ShepherdstoAvn ford, September nineteenth, 1862
Skirmish, Shepherdstown ford, September twentieth, 1862.

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 417
Skirmish, Shepherdstown ford, Sept. twenty-eighth, 1862.
Skirmish, Shepherdstown ford, Sept. twenty-ninth, 1862.
Engagement, Martinsburgh, October first, 1862.
Skirmish, mouth of Monocacy, October twelfth, 1862.
Reconnoissance, Charlestown, Va., Oct. seventeenth, 1862.
Skirmish, Philemont, November first, 1862.
Engagement, Union, November second, 1862.
Engagement, Upperville, November third, 1862.
Engagement, Barber's Cross Roads, November fifth, 1862
Engagement, Little Washington, November eighth, 1862.
Skirmish, companies A and B, Jefferson, Nov. tenth, 1862
Skirmish, Cos. A and B, Jefferson, Nov. eleventh, 1862.
Skirmish, Cos. A and B, Jefferson, Nov. thirteenth, 1862.
Engagement, Corbin's Cross Roads, Nov. eleventh, 1862.
Engagement, Fredericksburgh, December thirteenth, 1862.
Skirmish, Beverly Ford, April fifteenth, 1863.
Skirmish, Kelly's Ford, April twenty-ninth, 1863.
Skirmish, Rapidan Ford, May first, 1863.
Engagement, Beveriy Ford, June ninth, 1863.
Skirmish, Philemont, June eighteenth, 1863.
Engagement, Upperville, June twenty-first, 1863.
Engagement, Gettysburgh, July first, 1863.
Engagement, Williamsport, July sixth, 1863.
Engagenjient, Boonsborough, July eighth, 1863.
Skirmish, Beaver Creek, July ninth, 1863.
Engagement, Funkstown, July tenth, 1863.
Skirmish, Falling Waters, July fourteenth, 1863.
Skirmish, Chester Gap, July twenty-first, 1863.
Skirmish, Chester Gap, July twenty-second, 1863.
Engagement, Brandy Station, August first, 1863.
Skirmish, Rappahannock, August fourth, 1863.
SIXTEENTH BATTERY.
Formeriy called Meigs', now known as Deming's, was
organized at IndianapoHs on the eighth of February, 1862,
under the superintendence of Capt. Charles A. Naylor, with
the following officers :
Captain, Charles A. Naylor, Lafayette; First Lieutenant,
Vol. L— 27.

418 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
Henry F. Jennings; First Lieutenant, Charles R, Doming;
Second Lieutenant, Claudius Dutiel; Second Lieutenant,
Frederick Sturm,
Being the only Indiana battery with the Army of the
Potomac, much interest attaches to its history. It left for
Washington on the first of June, and went iuto camp on
Capitol Hill. On the tAventy-sixth it was attached to the
second division of Banks' corps. Army of Virginia, then
under command of Gen. Pope, and took part in the series of
battles which ensued. It took part in the battle of Slaughter
Mountain, on the ninth of August, performing its duty gal
lantly. Immediately after followed the battles along the line of the
Rappahannock river. Each ford had to be defended against
the threatened advance of the enemy, and as the fighting was
chiefiy with artillery, the various batteries in the Army of
Virginia were kept busy, night and day, in hopes to check
the enemy long enough to enable the army of the Potomac
to form a junction with Pope's command. The fighting
lasted from August twenty-second, until September first,
ending with the battle of Chantilly, when the entire army
fell back on Washington,
A short sketch of the part this battery took in the numer
ous artillery fights, which followed each other so rapidly, will
be of interest.
At daylight, on the twenty-second, a shell from the section
of the battery, commanded by Lieut, Deming, upon the left,
announced the battle begun. For two days and nights the
thunder of a hundred cannon reverberated along the banks
of the river. The firing was almost incessant, mingled occa
sionally with musketry, as our skirmishers became engaged.
During the first day's fight two guns were dismounted by the
enemy's fire, and eleven horses killed. At midnight the bat
tery was ordered to advance and take position within six
hundred yards of the enemy. The enemy had batteries
numbering sixteen guus, bearing on our position; yet our
men had brave hearts, and with ready will they began their
dangerous advance. So quietly and admirably was the move-

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 419
ment executed, that a good position was secured without
attracting the attention of the enemy.
The battle of August twenty-third was opened at daylight
by Lieut. Deming's two guns, who occupied the center.
Lieuts. Dutiel and Sturm quickly followed, and soon the
entire front line of batteries was engaged. The battery had
only four effective guns, yet for nine hours it withstood the
concentric fire of sixteen guns from the enemy. It was sta
tioned in a small clump of pine trees. So savage was the
enemy's fire, so terrible the showers of grape, canister and
shell, which swept like a simoon through the trees, that the
little clump of pines was entirely stript of its fibre-leaves,
and the tops clipped off as if by a scythe. At four, p. m., the
rebel batteries were silenced and withdrawn from the fight,
leaving on the field two disabled guns, the remnants of three
caissons, several of their dead and a number of horses killed.
The battery was supported by the Fourteenth New York
regiment, which lost thirteen killed and many wounded.
These tAvo days fighting was very trying on the men; yet
they endured aU hardships without a murmur. Gen. Hatch,
commanding the division, complimented them for their
bravery and endurance.
On the morning of the twenty-sixth the whole army fell
back from the line of the Rappahannock. A skirmish took
place near Sulphur Springs, in which the enemy were handled
so roughly as to abandon two guns, after having loaded them
to the muzzle, with the expectation that they would explode
when discharged. Our men drew the charges, however, and
attached 'the guns to the Sixteenth battery.
In the battles of Manassas Plains this battery took an
active part. On the night of the twenty-eighth, at the battle
of Groveton, the rebel twelve gun battery, styled the "Wash
ington Light Artillery," attacked the Union lines upon the
right, capturing the guns of two Pennsylvania batteries.
The Sixteenth battery was immediately thrown forward, and
by their courage and determination saved two regiments of
Union troops from annihilation. The gallant conduct of the
men on this occasion was ^commended by the commanding
General.

420 REGIMENTAL HISTORY
The battery was Avith Gen. McClellan at South Mountain
and Antietam, ancl shortly after, Lieut. Deming was appointed
Chief of Artillery, second division.
In October, 1862, Lieut. Deming proceeded to Washington
and drew two sections of three inch guns complete, in charge
of which he left for Warrenton, Va., by the way of Harper's
Ferry, Leesburgh, and Snicker's Gap, for the purpose of
joining the corps of Gen. Reynolds. Near Snicker's Gap,
on the eleventh of November, he was attacked by about
three hundred of Mosby's and White's rebel cavalry. Having
no cannoneers, and nothing but drivers, he was compelled to
retire, managing the guns himself, and after a fighting retreat
of twenty-eight miles, crossed the Potomac at Berlin, saving
his guns, and losing four men killed and three wounded.
This battery has been pronounced equal to any regular
battery in the service.

"¦S^aTeiiyxo.Eiitcre. --'«'-

L^M. ^^

MAJ. AUGUSTUS H_/^-"
67'^ Tu[](.aria Fee.^

SHENANDOAH VALLEY.

CHAPTER XIV.
Early in January, 1862, Gen. Lander, well known as one
of the brave veterans of the Western Virginia campaign, took
command of a force to protect the Baltimore and Ohio rail
road from the inroads of the enemy.
As the history of the operations in the Shenandoah Val
ley is intimately connected with the subsequent movements
of the army of the Potomac, it will be necessary to enter
into a detail of the various battles and maneuvers which had
so great a bearing on the future action of that army, and of
the Union cause.
Gen. Lander inaugurated his campaign by a series of rapid
movements against the redoubtable "Stonewall" Jackson,
who was then infesting the valley. By a bold dash he drove
Jackson from Bloomery Gap, and kept the enemy con
stantly watching him. He also occupied Romney, and upon
the advance of Jackson, with an overAvhelming force, fell
back, leaving nothing but a naked, frozen country, for the
enemy to subsist upon. For his vigilance and energy he was
publicly thanked by Secretary of War Stanton. His gallant
campaign was brief, for he died on the second of March from
wounds received in October, while engaged in a skirmish.
On the ninth of March Gen. Shields took command, and
with that impetuosity which always characterized his move
ments, commenced a series of recounoissances down the
valley. Moving towards Strasburgh he encountered the
421

422

SHENANDOAH A''ALLBY.

enemy, who retreated before his advance. During the night
of March twenty-second the enemy attacked his column, but
was repulsed. Gen. Shields had his arm fractured by a shell.
This bold movement of Gen. Shields brought on the battle
of Winchester. The forces at this battle were under com
mand of Col. Nathan Kimball of the Fourteenth Indiana,
Gen. Shields being too severely wounded to be on the field.
Winchester is approached from the south by three roads;
the Cedar creek road, the Valley turnpike, and the Front
Royal road. On the Valley turnpike, about three miles from
Winchester, is a small village called KernstoAvn. About half
a mile north of this village is a ridge of high hills, com
manding the approach by the road and part of the country
in the immediate vicinity. This ridge was the key point of
our position ; here Col, Kimball took his station. Along
this ridge three Union batteries, supported by infantry, were
posted. The main body of the enemy was in order of battle about
half a mile beyond Kernstown; his line extended about two
miles, from the Cedar creek road on his left to a ra\'ine near
the Front Royal road on his right. He had so skillfully
selected his ground that, while it gave him facilities for
manuevering, he was completely masked by Avooded grounds
in front, BATTLE OF WINCHESTER,
At an early hour on March twenty-third Gen, Jackson's
forces appeared in our front, and opened the battle. It com
menced with artillery, the enemy occupying the hights on
the Kernstown road, along which they advanced. The Eighth
Ohio, Col, Carroll, was thrown forward to meet him. At
first he attempted to turn our left, but was soon repulsed.
His attack on the left was only a feint to draw our forces
frora the right. Col. Kimball anticipated this moveraent and
reinforced his right with all his available force. Meanwhile
the eneray was heavily reinforced, and moved with his left
wing on our right. The third brigade, under Col. E. B.
Tyler of the Seventh Ohio, consisting of the Seventh and

SHBNANDCAH VALLEY. 423
Twenty-Ninth Ohio, Seventh Indiana, First Virginia, and
One Hundred and Tenth Pennsylvania, were sent to support
our right. They fought the overwhelming numbers of the
enemy at short musketry range. The fire was terrible aud
deadly. The Eighth Ohio and Forty-Eighth Pennsylvania
came to their support. The second brigade, commanded by
Col, Sullivan, of the Thirteenth Indiana, consisting of the
Thirteenth Indiana, Fifth Ohio, Sixty-Second Ohio, and
Thirty-Seventh Illinois, which had supported Davis' and
Robinson's batteries on our left, and did good service, Avere
sent forward to support Tyler's brigade. Each brigade
moved forward gallantly, sustaining a heavy fire from the
enemy. Soon all the regiments were sharply engaged. The
fire was destructive. Our line wavered. The Thirteenth and
Fourteenth Indiana came up to decide the battle. These tAvo
brave regiments fought most gallantly. Four times during
that bloody charge their colors went down, only to rise again.
Lieut. Col. Foster led the Thirteenth and Lieut. Col, Harrow
the Fourteenth, As they gained the crest of the hill they
gave a Hoosier yell, then poured forth a terrible volley, and
charged boldly upon the sAvarming masses of the rebels,
who then broke and fied. The enemy were posted in woods,
to reach which the Thirteenth Indiana had to pass through
an open field, exposed to a sharp fire; but they met the
scathing fire, charged gallantly across the field and drove the
enemy from the woods. The column still pressed forward,
and amid a shower of grape and canister from the enemy's
batteries drove them from every new position.
Col. Kimball's forces numbered five thousand seven hun
dred and fifty men. Gen, Jackson had nine thousand six
hundred. It was a glorious victory for the Union army, and
refiects great credit upon Col. Kimball aud the gallant men
under his command. The headlong, impetuous charge of
the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Indiana broke the enemy's
line and routed him.
The gallant Col. Murray, of the Eighty-Fourth Pennsyl
vania regiment, fell while leading forward his men amid a
fearful storm of shot and shell. Col. Tyler Avas active and
brave, and Carroll, Harrow, Foster, Voris, Patrick and Sulli-

424 SHENANDOAH VALLEY.
van all fought bravely. The Fifth Ohio, Sixty-Second Ohio
and Thirty-Ninth Illinois, Avere on the left supporting Car
roll's skirmishers, and Davis' and Robinson's batteries, and
prevented an attempt to turn that fiank. Our forces retained
possession of the field of battle and bivouaced for the night.
Our loss was one hundred and three killed and four hundred
and forty-one wounded. That of the enemy was about
tAvelve hundred.
The rebel army fled towards Strasburgh. Our forces rap
idly pursued. Ashby, with his cavalry, and two brass how
itzers, covered their retreat. The people living on the route
were so frightened that they fled to the woods, carrying with
them much of their household effects. Gen. Banks, the day
after the battle, took command of the forces, and the pursuit
was continued to Mt. Jackson. Part of our forces advanced
up the valley to New Market, the enemy, all the time^
obstructing their progress.
The Thirteenth Indiana regiment. Col. Foster, made a
reconnoissance towards SomerviUe, and, on the seventh of
May, had a sharp fight with three rebel regiments of infantry
and three companies of cavalry, losing twenty-nine men
killed, wounded and missing.
About this time Garfield's division, formerly Gen. Shields',
was ordered to join the command of Gen. McDowell, then
stationed near Fredericksburgh, in order to join Gen. Mc
Clellan in his advance upon Richmond. They performed
the long march, but only arrived in time to find that the
movement had been abandoned on account of the daring
raid of "StoncAvall" Jackson upon the weak forces of Gen.
Banks. Then followed the battle of Front Royal, and
retreat of Gen. Banks down the Shenandoah Valley.
BATTLE OF FRONT ROYAL.
The First Maryland regiment. Col. J. K. Kenly, two com
panies of the Twenty-Seventh Pennsylvania, two corapanies
of the Fifth New York cavalry, one company of Captain
Mape's pioneers, and a section of Knapp's battery were sta
tioned at Front Royal, to protect the railroad and bridges

SHENANDOAH VALLEY. 425
between that town and Strasburgh. One company of the
Second Massachusetts, one company of the Third Wisconsin
and one company of the Twenty-Seventh Indiana were also
posted along the road. These forces were under the com
mand of Col. Kenly, when, on the twenty-third of May, the
enemy, numbering about fift;een thousand, under command
of Gen. Jackson, were discovered moving doAAm the Valley
of the Shenandoah, between the Massanutten mountain and
the Blue Ridge, in close proximity to the town.
Front Royal is not easily defended except by a large force.
Two mountain valleys debouch suddenly upon the town from
the south, commanding it by almost inaccessible hills. The
town is exposed to fiank movements by other mountain val
leys, by the way of Strasburgh on the east, and Chester Gap
on the west.
The little band, eleven hundred strong, found itself instantly
compelled to choose between an immediate retreat, or a con
test with the enemy against overwhelming numbers. Col.
Kenly was not the man to hesitate. He at once drew up his
troops in the same order he had contemplated provided he
was attacked by an equal number. The infantry was drawn
up in line about half a mile in rear of the town. Five com
panies were detailed to support the artillery on the crest of a
hill commanding a meadow, over which the enemy must pass
to reach the bridge. The companies left to guard the town
were soon driven back by the rebels. The battery on the
hill opened fire on the enemy, and did much damage. The
position was held for an hour, then our whole force retreated
across the river, having destroyed the camp and stores. On
the opposite side, our battery, Lieut. Atwell commanding,
again took position, and opened fire on the enemy while
fording the river ; but their numbers were overwhelming,
and the coramand was ordered to fall back on the Winchester
road. It proceeded about two miles and was overtaken by
the rebel cavalry, when a fearful confiict eusued, resulting in
the disorganization of the whole command. Col. Kenly was
wounded and taken prisoner, and the entire train and one
gun captured. We lost about forty killed and wounded.
Seven hundred of our men were taken prisoners.

426 SHENANDOAH VALLEY.
RETREAT OF GEN. BANKS.
Gen. Banks at once collected his forces and prepared to
cover the movement of his trains. His command amounted
only to five thousand. It would have been madness to fight
a battle with the overpowering columns of the enemy. He
determined to fall back upon Winchester. The race between
the two armies was for Winchester, then supposed to be the
key of the valley, and to our army a place of safetj'.
At nine o'clock, on the morning of the twenty-fourth, the
column left Strasburgh. Col. Donelly was in front; Col.
Gordon in the center, and Gen. Hatch in the rear. The col
umn had passed Cedar Creek, about three miles from Stras
burgh, when the enemy suddenly attacked the train near
Middletown, directly in our front, and took possession of the
road by which our column must march to reach Winchester.
They had moved rapidly from Front Royal by a cross-road
and cut off our retreat. The troops were sent to the head of
the column, and the trains to the rear, and the command pre
pared to cut its way through.
The head of the column encountered the enemy neai
Middletown, thirteen railes from Winchester, and about four
miles from Strasburgh. The Forty-Sixth Pennsylvania, Col,
Knipe, penetrated the woods on our right and discovered
five companies of rebel cavalry in an open field iu rear of the
woods. Cochran's battery opened fire on them. They soon
fell back, pursued by our skirmishers. The Twenty-Eighth
New York, Lieut. Col. Brown, then advanced in support,
under a heavy fire of the enemy's artillery and infantry,
and drove the rebels back two miles from the road. The
contest lasted nearly an hour. Had the rebels attacked in
force, they would have captured or demoralized the entire
command. During the fight. Col. Brodhead, of the First
Michigan cavalry, cut his way through to Winchester, and,
coming back, reported the road unoccupied by the enemy.
The column moved on to Kernstown, five miles from Win
chester. Here a halt was ordered. But the rebels were hov
ering on our flanks, and soon opened a fire from the dark
woods on our men in the road. The column moved slowly

SHENANDOAH VALLEY. 427
on to Winchester, fighting all the way, and halted for the
night outside of town. At daylight all were called to arms.
Col. Donnelly's brigade was on the left of the road south of
Winchester. Col. Gordon's was on a ridge on the right. A
little ravine was in front. On higher ground, in their rear,
the artillery was posted. Here these two brigades, for three
hours and a half withstood the assault of tAventy-eight rebel
regiments, and repulsed them. As the rebel troops, in heavy
masses, were moving to flank our right, the Twenty-Seventh
Indiana, Twenty-Ninth Pennsylvania, and Second Massa
chusetts, rushed forAvard with cheers, and, firing terrible vol
leys, checked for a Avhile their advance. But the rebel force
was too formidable, and our men fell steadily back. Win
chester was entered, the enemy in hot pursuit. The com
mand fell back in good order; the Second Massachusetts in
column of companies, moving by the flank; the Third Wis
consin, in line of battle, moving to the rear. On every side,
above the surrounding crest, surged the rebel fire. Sharp
and Avithering volleys came from the enemy on the crest on
our center, left, and right. The yells of a pursuing, victorious,
and merciless foe, sounded above the din of battle. But the
comraand was not dismayed. Steadly, they halted, returned
the fire, reformed their ranks, covered the passage of the
trains, and then pushed on.
Then came the march through Winchester. The rear
guard suffered terribly from the rebel cavalry. Brig. Gen.
Gordon asserts in his official report that a spirit of murder
Avas evinced by the enemy's cavalry, who struck down and
butchered, with pistol and saber, the wounded and helpless
soldier, sinking from fatigue, unheeding his cries for mercy,
indifferent to his rights as a prisoner of war. And Gen.
Banks in his report states that "officers whose word I can
not doubt, have stated as the result of their observation,
that men were fired upon from private dwellings in passing
through Winchester," At last our forbearance ceased.
Houses Avere stormed, and the assassins bayoneted. We
fired store houses, and blew up the powder magazine. Then
the guerrilla war ended.
Still against our rear the rebel cavalry pressed ; but pressed

428 SHENANDOAH VALLEY.
in vain. Shot and shell could not break our defiant column,
and, a few miles out of Winchester, Gen. Banks halted his
men, and reformed his lines.
The column moved towards Martinsburgh, hoping there to
meet with reinforcements. The troops moved in three par
allel columns, each protected by a strong rear guard. The
enemy pursued promptly and vigorously, but our movements
were rapid, and we repulsed his successive attacks. The
Avhistle of the locomotive, heard in the direction of Martins
burgh, inspired us with the hope of reinforcements, and
stirred up the spirits of the men.
Presently two squadrons of cavalry, with wild hurrahs,
came dashing down the road. They were supposed to be the
advance of the expected support, and were received with
deafening cheers. Hearing the firing they had hastened
forward to take part in the fight. They proved to be the
First Maryland cavalry, sent out by Lieut. Col. Wetsehky
in the moi^ning as a train guard. Advantage was taken of
this stirring incident to reorganize the column, and the men
pressed on with renewed ardor.
At Martinsburgh the forces halted for about three hours,
and arrived at the Potomac at sundown. It was a march of
fifty-four miles, thirty-five of which was performed in one
day. A wagon train of five hundred Avagons, neariy six miles
long, Avas brought this distance, and only fifty wagons were
lost. Our loss was killed thirty-eight; wounded one hun
dred and five; missing seven hundred and eleven.
Let us sum up the result, and .see how admirably the
retreat was conducted by Gen. Banks : A retreat of fifty-
four miles was made by five thousand men, closely pursued
by an enemy numbering fifteen thousand, with a perfect
knowledge of the country, and the sympathy of the inhab
itants ; Gen, Banks with his advance interrupted, and the
enemy pressing upon his flanks and rear, fought this over
whelming force for three hours and a half, and yet lost only
thirty-eight killed, one hundred and five wounded, and seven
hundred and eleven prisoners.
The scene at night, upon the lovely banks of the Potomac,

SHENANDOAH VALLEY. 429
when the rear guard arrived, was beautiful beyond descrip
tion. A thousand camp fires burned upon the hill sides and
sparkled in the waters. Five hundred Avagons crowded the
banks of the river ; while the splashing of horses and tramp
ing of men, showed the eagerness of our troops to reach the
opposite shore, for rest and safety.
On the twenty-sixth of May the crossing of the Potomac
was effected at Williamsport, Md., by the command of Gen.
Banks. The ford was deep, and there was but one ferry
boat. By good management, however, all the sick and
wounded, and all the teams, artillery and troops were safely
conveyed across the river. Five thousand weary men lay
doAvn that night on the north bank of the Potomac, thankful
that they were within reach of reinforcements. They were
grateful for rest ; and confident in the wisdom of the com
mander who had so skillfully saved his small army.
The troops hurried from all directions. The streets of
Baltimore were filled with excited men. The line of the
Baltimore and Ohio railroad was thronged with moving
troops. Secessionists in Maryland were exultant, predicting
the speedy arrival, in Baltimore, of the redoubtable " Stone
waU" Jackson. Shield's veteran troops, who had joined Mc
Dowell at Fredericksburgh, tired and footsore, were ordered
to retrace their steps to intercept the enemy, Avhile the fresh
troops of McDowell quietly staid behind.
Gen. Fremont, who had conducted a successful campaign
in the Mountaiti'Department and had defeated the enemy at
Lewisburgh, McDowell, and elsewhere, was ordered, with his
entire command, to join Gen. Banks at Williamsport, and
drive Jackson out of the Valley.
The occupation of Front Royal by the enemy was brief.
They captured it on the twenty-fourth of May, and were
driven out of it by Gen. Kimball' s brigade on the thirtieth.
This movement of the enemy was the commencement of the
evacuation of the Valley. Then followed the splendid retreat
of Jackson, and the rapid pursuit of Fremont.

430 SHENANDOAH VALLEY.
FREMONT'S PURSUIT OP JACKSON.
Gen. Fremont was at Franklin, Va., when the order
reached him to join Banks at Williamsport, Md. His troops
were exhausted by previous marches to relieve Milroy and
Schenck, who had been fighting in the mountains. Rapidly
gathering the main body of his command, he started over the
mountains. The first day the army marched fifteen miles ;
the next it reached Petersburgh, thirty miles from Franklin.
Here the roads were almost impassable for teams. About
the same time Jackson left Winchester.
Knapsacks, tents and baggage were left behind, and our
army marched to Moorefield. Thence it marched to Ward-
ensville, twenty miles distant.
On the thirty -first of May the last of the mountain ranges
was crossed, and the western barrier of the Shenandoah Val
ley alone remained to be traversed. Our army was now
pushing for Strasburgh. The troops marched twelve miles
through the rain, halting at night at the forks of the Win
chester and Strasburgh roads.
The advance moved early the next morning and encoun
tered the advance of the enemy about five miles from Stras
burgh, on the Winchester road. Col. Cluseret's brigade were
the first engaged. Four companies of the Sixtieth Ohio, and
two of the Eighth Virginia, advanced as skirmishers, and the
contest was sharp. An effort of the enemy to fiank our
position Avas repulsed. It was soon ascertained that we were
fighting the rear guard of Jackson, his main force pushing
rapidly through Strasburgh, toward Woodstock, during the
fight. Jackson reached Strasburgh in time to slip betAveen
McDoAvell's troops on one side, and Fremont's on the other.
McDowell's troops entered Strasburgh twelve hours too late.
Col. Cluseret entered Strasburgh that night, June first,
in the midst of a heavy thunder storm. The advance
marched through the town, and when four miles beyond
Strasburgh, was stopped by an ambush. It was dark, the
storm was terrible, and the column halted for the night.
The next morning the pursuit of Jackson was continued.
The First New Jersey cavalry, Stewart's Indiana cavalry.

SHENANDOAH VALLEY 481
and the Sixth Ohio cavalry, with Buell's and Schirmer's bat
teries, under command of Gen. Bayard, hurried on. The
morning was clear and pleasant. The troops moved Avith
alacrity in the pursuit. Cavalry and fiying artillery pressed
onward. Presently the sound of artillery told that the
enemy had made another stand. Col. Pillson brought up his
batteries, and soon drove the rebels frora position, A second
stand was made by the enemy's rear guard, but with no
better success. Our cavalry and artillery forced them to give
way. A third time, under Gen. Ewell, they halted and
opened fire. Conspicuous among the enemy was Col. Ashby,
with fifteen hundred cavalry. At every halt he brought his
howitzers to bear, and made dashing charges upon our
advance. But nothing could stand before our men. Our
cavalry drove their rear guard before them, and our artillery
silenced their batteries. The enemy fell back and our pursuit
continued. By this time we had taken several hundred
prisoners. The enemy passed through Woodstock without
halting. Our column reached there the next day.
Through Woodstock, Mt. Jackson and New Market, our
forces pressed in rapid pursuit. The enemy's rear guard
made a stand at every favorable point, drove back our
advance cavalry, but retired upon the approach of our artil
lery and infantry. Thus the pursuit continued through the
Shenandoah Valley, without any striking incident, until the
sixth of June, when, upon reaching Harrisonburgh the ene
my was found to be in force. The entrance to the town was
not disputed. Our advance cavalry passed rapidly through
the main street, and, turning to the left, advanced through
open fields to the summit of a hill overlooking an open
valley. No enemy was in sight. The cavalry halted, and
skirmishers were throAvn out. They returned without hav
ing seen the enemy.
Col, Windham determined to advance. He had proceeded
with his regiment, the First New Jersey cavalry, about two
miles, when the enemy's cavalry were suddenly discovered
in front, drawn up across the road, their Hne extending into
the woods on either side. On the left of the road were
woods; on the right, was a field of wheat. In this field Avas

432 SHENANDOAH VALLEY.
concealed a strong body of the enemy's infantry. Col
Windham, ignorant of the force on his flank, charged up
the hill. So soon as the first squadron was within the line
of flanking fire, the enemy in the wheat field poured in a
volley, which threw the squadron into confusion. Col.
Windham's horse was shot under him, and he was taken
prisoner. Gallant efforts were made, but in vain, by the
other officers to rally our troops. They fell back with a loss
of thirty-six killed and wounded.
As our troops were falling back, Gen. Bayard, with four
companies of the Bucktail Rifies, the First Pennsylvania
cavalry, and Col. Cluseret, Avitli his brigade, comprisin'g the
Sixtieth Ohio and Eighth Virginia regiments, advanced to
the rescue. A severe fight ensued. The enemy were driven
back, losing a portion of their camp equipage. It was
almost dark; Gen. Bayard ordered Col. Kane of the Bucktail
Rifles, to penetrate the pine woods on the left. The brave
band at once advanced; in proceeding through the woods
they received a heavy fire from the concealed foe. They
fought gallantly, but were overpowered by superior numbers,
and compelled to retire, with a loss of six killed, thirty-six
wounded, and ten missing. The loss among our other troops
was eighteen killed, forty wounded, and thirty missing. In
this fight Gen. Ashby, the fearless, dashing and gallant com
mander of the rebel cavalry, was killed. Under cover of
night our troops were withdrawn.
BATTLE OF CROSS KEYS.
The next day, June eighth, our column again advanced.
Upon reaching Cross Keys, seven miles from Harrisonburgh,
the enemy was discovered advantageously posted in timber,
and on commanding hills.
The country being hilly and heavily timbered was not
favorable for open fighting. The enemy's troops were in a
small circle, and formed en masse. Gen. Stahl, with his
brigade, advanced on the left, driving the enemy's pickets
through a belt of woods and over an open wheat field into a
heavy piece of woods. While crossing this wheat field the

SHENANDOAH VALLEY. 433
Eighth New York suffered much loss. The enemy, ambushed
in the wheat, on the edge of the field, suddenly opened a ter
rible fire decimating the two companies in the advance. The
rebels gave way as Stahl advanced. They suddenly rallied.
Stahl's brigade and batteries were nearly surrounded. The
enemy rushed forAvard with yells to capture his guns, but the
brave troops of Stahl held him at bay and fell back in good
order. Gen. Milroy, who held the center, pressed steadily forward,
Planting his guns each time nearer and nearer the enemy's
batteries, he delivered his fire with great accuracy. His
infantry deployed through the woods, taking advantage of a
deep gulley to cross a wheat field, where they were exposed,
and charged up a hill where one of the enemy's batteries was
posted. The enemy withdrew their guns in time to prevent
their capture. Milroy's men made the hill too hot for the
enemy again to take position.
Gen. Schenck was on the right to support Milroy and Col.
Cluseret, — the latter having the extreme right and the
advance. Our right wing was hot engaged. Col. Cluseret's
brigade, however, had a sharp brush with the enemy. Stein-
way was in command of our reserve, supported by Bayard,
The fight ended about four o'clock. The enemy made a
stand only to hold our forces in check while his trains crossed
the Shenandoah at Port Republic, for he commenced crossing
it during the engagement. Our loss was very heavy. Noth
ing but the superiority of our artillery, and the fact that
Jackson's progress was threatened by Shields' advance on
the south side of the river, prevented our total destruction.
Our loss was about five hundred killed and wounded. That
of the enemy about three hundred.
The next day the pursuit Avas continued ; the enemy retired
leisurely taking his trains and wounded with him. Jackson's
force greatly outnumbered that of Fremont. Why he did
not take time to crush Fremont can be accounted for only
on the supposition that he feared being" intercepted by Mc-
Dow^ell's corps, or that he had something greater to accom
plish in front of Richmond.
The army of Fremont reached the bridge at Port Republic
Vol. I.— 28.

434

SHENANDOAH VALLEY-

only to find its charred and smoking ruins. Jackson had
safely crossed with his Avhole command. While Fremont's
guns were thundering on his rear, his advance was fighting
Col, Carroll's brigade of Shields' division, Avhich had been
sent forward, unsupported, to check the advance of a hostile
column of twenty-five thousand men. This brought on
another disastrous battle for the Union army,
BATTLE OP PORT REPUBLIC.
On the seventh of June Colonel Carroll, the advance of
Shields' division, Avith one thousand infantrj', one hundred
and fifty cavalry, and one battery of six guns, left Conrad's
store with orders to intercept the retreat of Jackson at Port
Republic, and save the bridge at that place. Halting six
miles before reaching Port Republic, Col. Carroll sent out
scouts, Avho returned with the information that Jackson's
train Avas parked near Port Republic, guarded by three hun
dred cavalry. Col. Carroll at once pushed forward with hia
cavalry and two guns, drove the enemy from the town and
took possession of the bridge. Before he had occupied it
twenty minutes, and before the remainder of his force could
come up, he was attacked by three regiments of rebel infantry
and a large force of cavalry, and driven at once from his
position. Retiring from the town two miles, he was rein
forced by Gen, Tyler's brigade, numbering about two thou
sand. It was deemed injudicious to make an attack at that
time, and our forces bivouaced for the night.
At six o'clock in the morning the battle commenced. The
enemy, with twenty pieces of artillery, opened on our advanced
brigade, commanded by Carroll, consisting of the Eighth
aud Tenth Pennsylvania and Seventh Indiana. Meantime
we replied from a section of two guns on our right, and
another on our left. Col. Gavin, with the Seventh Indiana,
was sent to the extreme right to support a battery. The
enemy made a desperate effort to take this battery. Three
rebel regiments, creeping stealthily through a wheat field until
they were within two hundred yards of our line, sprung up
with a yell and charged upon the battery. They were met

SHENANDOAH VALLEY. 435
by a withering volley from the Seventh Indiana and held in
check for half an hour, when the heavy artillery fire of the
enemy compelled the regiment to fall back. The Twenty-
Ninth Ohio came to their support, and the engagement
became very Avarm. The Seventh Ohio advanced to support
Clark's guns, and the Fifth Ohio to support Huntington's
battery. Well did these gaUant regiments do their duty.
The First Virginia regiment was sent to the right, and rushed
to the front with loud shouts.
The Avhole of Gen. Tyler's force was now in position. On
his right Avas the Seventh Indiana, Twenty-Ninth Ohio,
Seventh Ohio, Fifth Ohio, First Virginia, with sections of
Capts. Clark and Huntington's batteries. On his left — the
key of the position — was a company of the Fifth Ohio, and
one of the Sixty-Sixth Ohio, deployed in the woods as skir
mishers. The Eighty-Fourth and One Hundred and Sixteenth
Pennsylvania regiments Avere in the woods. The Sixty-Sixth
Ohio was directly in the rear of the battery, composed of
three guns of Clark's, three of Huntington's, aud one of
Robinson's battery, under Lieut, Col. HayAvard, and upon
him and his gallant band rested the fate of the command at
this critical moment. Their duty was well and gallantly
executed. Had they given Avay all would have been lost.
The left wing of the Sixty-Sixth Ohio Avas extended into the
Avoods, and close in the rear of the battery, which position
it held until ordered to fall back.
During the fight on the right the enemy threw a heavy
force into th6 woods, and pressed down on our left, capturing
one of our batteries. The Seventh and Fifth Ohio made a
desperate charge upon the enemy, driving him from his posi
tion, and retaking the battery. Owing to the horses having
been killed, the enemy afterwards captured two guns. For
a short time the heroism of our troops rendered the conflict
doubtful. The enemy had given way along his whole line. But
heavy reinforcements for the enemy were seen approaching
from the town, and Gen. Tyler ordered his command to fall
back until they should meet the reinforcements approaching
under Gens. Kimball and Ferry.
Col. Carroll covered the retreat, which was effected in good

436 SHENANDOAH VALLEY.
order, the Fifth Ohio being the extreme rear guard. The
column fell back until the advance of Shield's division was
met, the enemy pursuing. Upon receiving reinforcements
our column faced the enemy, who at once fled. Our loss was
about one hundred killed, four hundred wounded, and five
hundred missing. That of the enemy was about five hundred
killed and wounded. It was a disastrous battle to us. The
Seventh Indiana, which went into the fight with three hun
dred and fifty men, lost eighteen killed, one hundred and
twenty-three wounded, and thirty-two missing. The Fifth
Ohio lost heavily, as did also some of the other regiments.
After this engagement Gen. Jackson deliberately retreated
toward Staunton, and from thence marched to Richmond,
taking with him the prestige of having eluded or defeated all
our forces. He afterwards participated in the terrible Seven
Days Fight against McClellan's army.
The armies of McDowell, Fremont and Banks, were con
solidated by the President into one command called the Army
of Virginia, and the command given to Major General John
Pope. Fremont's troops constituted the first army corps;
Banks' the second; McDowell's the third. Gen. Fremont
did not Avish to serve under Gen. Pope, therefore he was
allowed to withdraw by permission of the Secretary of War.
Thus ended Gen. Fremont's campaign in the Valley of the
Shenandoah.

MISSOUEI CAMPAIGN.

CHAPTER XV.
After the startling events in Charleston harbor, the public
mind at the North became uneasy in reference to the position
which the border slaveholding States might assume in the
inevitable contest Avhich those events inaugurated. None of
these States attracted more attention than Missouri. Her
geographical position, her commercial and social relations to
the seceded States, and the recognition of slavery by her
laws, rendered it almost certain that many of her people
would place themselves in sympathy with the secessionists.
Her Governor and a majority of the legislature, with many
of her influential politicians were known to favor separate
State action, and it was feared the whole weight of this
influence would be thrown in favor of secession.
Although the people were known to be divided on the
question of secession, yet it was believed a large portion, if
not a majority, of the voters of Missouri Avere so strongly
attached to the Union, that no arguments could induce them
to oppose the national government. A knowledge of this
fact deterred the secession leaders from attempting to precip
itate the State out of the Union. They contented themselves
with efforts to gain time, and with secret preparations, until
they could obtain the requisite strength and power to accom
plish their designs.
The Governor, Caleb F. Jackson, answered the call of the
President upon the State for four regiments of the seventy-
437

438 MISSOURI CAMPAIGN.
five thousand volunteers of three month's men, by the defiant
assertion that the requisition was "illegal, unconstitutional,
revolutionary, inhuman and diabolical," and could not be
complied with. Other acts which plainly indicated the
designs of the secessionists, followed this refusal. The
United States Arsenal at Liberty, in Clay county, near the
Kansas border, containing twelve hundred stand of arms, ten
or twelve pieces of cannon, and a large quantity of ammuni
tion, was attacked by a mob on the twentieth of April, and
garrisoned by the insurgents.
This open resistance to the authority of the Federal gov
ernment and seizure of its property, naturally created some
alarm for the safety of the St. Louis arsenal, where the mate
rials of Avar were abundant, and immediate steps were taken
for the removal of so much of the property as could be taken
aAvay Avithout causing unnecessary alarm. The undertaking
was hazardous, for the city was full of secession spies, who
kept close watch upon the arsenal, aud no movement having
a tendency to attract notice could be made without being
reported to secession headquarters.
The perilous attempt however, was undertaken by Capt.
James H. Stokes, of Chicago, formerly an officer of the reg
ular army, in Avhose hands was placed the requisition of the
Secretary of War in favor of the Governor of Illinois for ten
thousand muskets. With the aid of Captain (afterAvards
General) Lyon, Avho commanded at the arsenal, the arms,
during the night of the twenty-fourth of April, were, in the
presence of a mob, placed on board a steamer and conveyed
to Alton. This was accomplished by first placing a num
ber of boxes of Kentucky flint lock muskets, which had
been sent there to be altered, on a small steamer to cover the
real movement. The secessionists at once seized these and
carried thera away amid shouts of exultation from a jubilant
mob, A large portion of the outside crowd left the arsenal
when this movement was executed, and those who remained
behind Avere, at once, arrested and locked up in the guard
house by Capt, Lyon, The arms called for by the requisition
were placed on board the steamer City of Alton, and the
arsenal was emptied of all it contained except seven thousand

MISSOURI CAMPAIGN. 439
muskets, which were retained for the St, Louis volunteers.
The steamer then moved oft' up the river, passed the batteries
previously erected by the secessionists, and arrived at Alton
at five o'clock in the morning. From that point the arms
Avere transferred to cars, and sent to Springfield, IHinois, the
citizens of Alton turned out en masse, at the ringing of fire
bells, to assist in removing the valuable freight.
When the Governor refused to meet the requisition of the
President for troops to sustain the national flag, prominent
citizens of the State repHed, on their own personal responsi
bility, that the quota of four regiments should be raised,
without either the aid or consent of the Governor, To give
character and legality to their proceedings, and to guard
against the power of the State rulers, Capt. Nathaniel Lyon
of the U. S. Army, commanding the arsenal at Saint Louis,
was directed by the Secretary of War, on the thirtieth of
April, to enroll in the military service of the United. States,
from loyal citizens of the city and vicinity, ten thousand men,
to protect the peaceable inhabitants of Missouri, and to guard
against any attempt on the part of secessionists to gain mili
tary possession of the city of St. Louis. His instructions
were to disband the force when the emergency ceased to exist.
Recruiting offices were opened, and on the second of May
four regiments were reported as organized, equipped and
mustered into service. Detachments of these volunteers
having been quartered in buildings outside of those belong
ing to the government, the Police Commissioners, who were
avowed secessionists, made a formal demand of Capt. Lyon
for the removal of all United States troops from all places
outside the arsenal grounds, alleging that such occupancy
was in derogation of the constitution and laws of the United
States. Capt. Lyon declining compliance with the demand,
the Commissioners made no attempt to enforce it, but con
tented themselves by referring the matter to the Governor
and the Legislature.
On the third of May Governor Jackson communicated his
message to the Legislature, then in special session. He
charged the President with having committed an illegal and
unconstitutional act in calling out troops to oppose the seces-

440 MISSOURI CAMPAIGN.
sion movement, and proceeded to defend and justify the right
of secession. The interests of Missouri, he contended, were
identical with those of the other slaveholding States ; and the
similarity of their social and political institutions, their indus
trial interests, and their territorial contiguity, clearly demon
strated that it was the duty of Missouri, at the proper time,
to foUoAV their example. He concluded by recommending
the Legislature to make such appropriations as would enable
the State authorities to place the State, at the earliest practi
cable moment, in a complete state of defense against the aggres
sions of all assailants. This message was the commencement
and cause of the long series of desperate and bloody cA'ents
which afterwards transpired in Missouri in connection with
the rebellion.
In obedience to orders from Governor Jackson, Avho had
directed the diff'erent military districts to go into encamp
ment, with the view of acquiriug a greater degree of profi
ciency in military drill, a camp of instruction, called Camp
Jackson, was, on the fourth of May, formed at Lindell's
Grove, on the western outskirts of St. Louis, aud placed in
command of General D. M. Frost, of the State militia. The
main avenue of this camp had the name of " Davis," and a
principal street that of "Beauregard." On the ninth of May
a company organized to advance the interests of the seces
sionists arrived from the interior and marched into Camp
Jackson, with the secession flag flying. The dress and badge,
distinguishing the army of the so-called Southern Confede
racy, Avere openly Avorn by many members of this newly
arrived company. On the same day the steamer J. C. Swon,
from New Orleans, came into port with the rebel flag hoisted,
having on board in boxes marked " marble," four field pieces,
two howitzers, and rifles for a regiment. These arms had
been taken frora the United States arsenal at Baton Rouge
and shipped in accordance with an understanding between
the Southern conspirators and Governor Jackson, and were
taken out to Camp Jackson immediately on the arrival of
the steamer.

MISSOURI CAMPAIGN. 441
CAPTURE OF CAMP JACKSON.
These facts left no doubt respecting the character and ulti
mate object of the encampment. Capt. Lyon determined to
break it up. The arsenal garrison and the United States
troops in and about St. Louis, including the home guard
organizations, were, accordingly, ordered to assemble quietly
as possible, at noon, on the tenth of April, and, about two
o'clock in the afternoon. Captain Lyon marched out from
the arsenal with a force of about seven thousand men and
twenty pieces of artillery. The troops marched quickly
through the streets, and, on arriving at Camp Jackson, rap
idly surrounded it, planting batteries upon all the hights
overlooking the camp. Long files of men were stationed at
various points ; and a picket guard, covering an area of tAvo
hundred yards, was established. The guards, with fixed
bayonets and muskets at half-cock, were instructed tO' allow
no one to pass or repass within the limits thus occupied.
The news of the approach of the United States troops Avas
received by General Frost with astonishment. The rumors
of such a movement, which had been prevalent for a few days
before, he pretended not to believe. They had become so
frequent that, in order to satisfy his brother officers, he had
that morning addressed a note to Captain Lyon inquiring
Avhether he contemplated an attack upon his camp, and
expressing the belief, that nothing could justify such an inter
ference with the rights of citizens of the United States, who
had assembled in camp in the lawful performance of duties
devolving upon them under the constitution, in organizing
and instructing the militia of the State and in obedience to
her laws. He assured Capt. Lyon that no hostility was
intended towards the United States, or its property or repre
sentatives, by any portion of his command.
Capt. Lyon refused to receive this communication, but for
warded to Gen. Frost about the time of the surrounding of
his camp a note, stating that his (Frost's) command was
regarded as hostile towards the government of the United
States ; that it was mostly made up of secessionists who had
openly avowed their hostility to the Federal government, and

442 MISSOURI CAMPAIGN.
who had been plotting the seiz-ure of its property and the
overthrow of its authority ; that it was in open communica
tion with the so-called Southern Confederacy, then at war
with the United States, and Avas receiving at Camp Jackson
from said Confederacy, and under its flag, large supplies of
the materials of war, most of which was known to be the
property of the Uuited States. Capt. Lyon declared that
these preparations plainly indicated hostilities to the General
Government and co-operation with its enemies. In view of
these considerations, and the failure of the troops composing
this camp to disperse in obedience to the President's procla
mation, and of the eminent necessities of State policy and
welfare, and the obligations imposed upon him by instructions
from Washington, Capt. Lyon declared it to be his duty to
demand of Gen. Frost an immediate surrender of his com
mand, AA'ith no other conditions than that all persons surren
dering should be humanely and kindly treated. Believing
himself prepared to enforce this demand, half an hour's time
was allowed Gen. Frost for compliance therewith.
On receiving this communication Gen. Frost held a consul
tation with his officers, who advised a surrender. It was
made iu the following singularly worded letter :
" Camp Jackson, Mo., May 10, 1861.
"Captain N. Lyon, Commanding U. S. Troops — Sir:—
I never for a moment having conceived the idea that so ille
gal and unconstitutional a demand as I have just received
from you, could be made by an officer of the United States
army. I am wholly unprepared to defend my command, and
shall therefore be forced to comply with your demand.
"I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
"D. M.Frost,
"Brig. Gen. M. V. M,,
"Commanding Camp Jackson,"
The State troops were then made prisoners of war. An
offer of release, on condition of taking an oath to support the
Constitution of the United States and not to take up arms
against the Government, was made and accepted by only

MISSOURI CAMPAIGN. 443
eight or ten; the others, about eight hundred, preferring,
under the circumstances, to become prisoners, stating that
they had already sworn allegiance to the United States, and
to defend the Government, and to repeat it would be to admit
that they had been in rebellion, which they Avould uot concede.
The preparations for the surrender and the marching of the
prisoners, under military escort, occupied nearly two hours.
In the meantime, an immense crowd of people had assembled
in the vicinity. Hundreds of women and children, attracted
by motives of curiosity, had stationed themselves with the
throng upon the surrounding hills, and, as they supposed, out
of danger. About half past five the prisoners left the grove
and entered the road, the escort enclosing them by a single
file, stretched along each side of the line, A halt was uoav
ordered, and the troops remained standing in- the position
into which they had been deployed on the road. The head
of the column rested opposite a small hill on the left. The
rear was on a line Avith the entrance to the grove. Suddenly
the sharp reports of firearms Avere heard from the front of
the column, and the spectators, who lined the adjacent hill,
were seen flying in the greatest dismay and terror. Several
members of one of the German companies, on being pressed
by the crowd, and receiving some blows from them, turned
and discharged their pieces. Fortunately no one Avas injured,
and the soldiers who comraitted the act were at once placed
under arrest. Hardly, however, had tranquility been restored,
when volley after volley of rifle reports was heard from the
extreme rear ranks, and men, women and children wildly
and frantically ran away from the scene. The number killed
and injured AA'as about twenty-five. The secession rowdies,
of whom there were many in the crowd, had pressed closely
to the German soldiers of Boernstein's regiment, subjecting
them to the most exasperating insults. Men deliberately
gathered handfuls of sand, and threw them into the eyes
of the soldiers, while others threw brickbats. In order to
intimidate the mob, the soldiers were ordered to level their
loaded rifles, with fixed bayonets, at their assailants. This
had but a momentary effect. Persons in the crowd com
menced firing pistols. One of these shots wounded the cap-

444 MISSOURI CAMPAIGN.
tain of the company most exposed. As he fell he gave his
men the order to fire. It was obeyed immediately, causing
death and injury to many innocent persons; for most of those
exposed to this fire were citizens, who with their wives and
children, were spectators of, and not participants in, the
mob. The moment Capt. Lyon heard the firing, he dashed
iu betAveen the company that had fired, and the people,
instantly checking the firing.
No further attack was made upon the soldiers. The pris
oners Avere promptly marched to the arsenal. The camp and
its equipage, with the captured arms, were placed in charge
of a strong guard of United States troops.
On the following evening. Gen. Frost's brigade was released
from the arsenal. The officers were paroled, and the men
took an oath not to bear arms against the Government
during the present war.
The excitement in the city was most intense during the
night following the scenes at Camp Jackson. The unfortu
nate firing upon citizens was magnified, and made the occa
sion for imprecations and threats against the Home Guards,
and especially against the Germans. An indignation meet
ing was held, at which speeches were made, which were not
adapted to allay the feeling. The activity of the police pre
vented a general riot. With the exception of a few personal
encounters, and attempts to break into gunsmith shops to
obtain arms, no serious demonstrations were made.
The ncAvs of the surrender of Camp Jackson created great
excitement at Jefferson City. The Legislature, alarmed by
the vigorous measures on the part of the Government, passed,
the same afternoon, a "Military Bill," authorizing the Gov
ernor to call out, arm, and equip, the State militia, appropria
ting all the available funds of the State, including the School
Fund, and the money belonging to the Lunatic Asylum, and
levying special taxes for military purposes. In addition,
authority was given the Governor to borrow five hundred
thousand doHars from the State banks and individuals, and
to issue bonds to the amount of one million of dollars. The
bill authorizing this loan gave the Governor supreme author
ity in all military matters, and subjected all able bodied men

MISSOURI CAMPAIGN. 445
to such authority under a penalty of one hundred and fifty
dollars fine. The. telegraph was seized, and the bridge over
the Osage river, on the Pacific railroad, was destroyed by
order of Gov. Jackson, in consequence of a report that Fed
eral troops had started for the capital, from St. Louis, to
arrest the conspirators.
Another riot between the citizens and Home Guards of
St. Louis occurred on the eleventh of May. A company of
the latter, while marching through the streets, were first
annoyed, and then fired upon by an unruly mob of citizens.
The fire was returned by the exasperated Guards, who were
thrown into such confusion that many of them fired down
their own line, kiHing and wounding almost as many soldiers
as citizens. The Mayor and police interfered, and the riot
was soon quelled. The excitement which followed was so
intense, that other scenes of bloodshed would have folloAved
but for the arrival, that evening, of Gen. William S. Haruey,
of the regular army, and a citizen of St. Louis, who assumed
the command of the military department, and immediately
issued a proclamation, expressing deep regret at what had
happened, and pledging himeslf to do all in his power to pre
serve the peace. He trusted that, with the aid of the people,
and of the local authorities, he would have no occasion to
resort to martial law. This proclamation had a good effect,
and order once more reigned in the city.
On the fourteenth of May General Harney issued an
address to the people of Missouri, revicAving the conduct of
the Governor and Legislature, and calling special attention to
the odious features of the Military Bill, which, he said, could
only be regarded in the light of an indirect ordinance of
secession. Its most material provisions were in conflict with
the Constitution and laws of the United States, and to that
extent were a nullity, and should not be upheld or regarded
by good citizens. Missouri must share the destinies of the
Union, and, in his opinion, the whole power of the Govern
ment, if necessary, would be exerted to maintain Missouri in
her present position in the Union. He fully justifled the
seizure of Camp Jackson, and declared, that within the field
aud scope of his command and authority, the supreme laAV

446 MISSOURI CAMPAIGN.
of the land must and should be maintained; aud that no sui
terfuges, whether in the forms of legislative acts or otherwise,
could be permitted to harrass or oppress the good and law-
abiding people of Missouri. All unlawful combinations of
men, whether formed under pretext of military organization,
or otherwise, would be suppressed, and the persons and prop-
ertj^ of the law-abiding protected from violations of every
kind, at all hazards.
Complaints having been made of persecutions of UnioL
men in the town of Potosi, Washington county. Gen. Lyon,
who had been commissioned Brigadier General of volunteers,
dispatched a force to that section, consisting of one hundred
and fifty men, commanded by Capt. Cole, of the Fifth Mis
souri, Avhich, after reaching Potosi, surrounded the place
before day, and made all the inhabitants prisoners. From
these the Union men were separated, and unconditionally
released. Nine leading secessionists were taken to the mih
tary prison at St. Louis, and sixty others released on taking
an oath not to bear arms against the Government. A seces
sion lead factory was seized, and its owner, John Dean, made
prisoner. The expedition, on its return, broke up a rebel
militia muster at De Soto, carrying off', as a trophy, a large
secession flag.
After the adjournment of the Legislature on the fifteenth
of May, Gen. Sterling Price, commanding the State mihtia,
entered into an arrangement with Gen. Harney, professedly
designed to "allay excitement," and "restore peace," but
Avhich practically tied the hands of the latter officer to such
au extent, that the General Government, to free Gen. Harney
from his embarrassments, and release him from his obliga
tions to Gen. Price, relieved him from the command of the
department, and appointed Gen. Lyon his successor.
When Gen. Lyon assumed command, he was appealed to
by Gov. Jackson aud Gen, Price, to continue the arrange
ment, which had so embarrassed his predecessor. An inter-
vicAV Avas solicited and granted. Gov. Jackson proposed, as
terms of agreement, to disband and disarm the State Guard,
to allow no arms or munitions of war to be brought into the
State, and to attempt no organization of the militia under

MISSOURI CAMPAIGN, 447
the Military Bill, provided Gen. Lyon would disband the
Home Guards, and Avithdraw the United States troops from
Missouri, The proposition was promptly rejected, and the
secession leaders left for Jefferson City to prepare for imme
diate hostile demonstrations.
On the twelfth of June, Gen, Jackson issued an address, in
which he threAV off all disguises, and boldly took the side of
the rebels. He called for fifty thousand volunteers, and
appointed Sterling Price, Major General, and Gens. Parsons,
M, L, Clark, John B, Clark, Slack, Harris, Stein, Rains,
McBride and Jeff. Thompson, Brigadier Generals, to whom
orders were issued to organize their forces rapidly as possible,
and send them foi'Avard to Booneville and Lexington.
Gen, Lyon now determined to take active measures to
arrest the operations of the conspirators. He started up the
Missouri river with such force as Avas at his command, and
reached Jefferson City on ^the fifteenth, to find that Gov.
Jackson and his troops had fled to Booneville, taking with
him the State records. Leaving Col. Boernstein and three
companies to hold the capital. Gen. Lyon proceeded to the
foot of an island eight miles below Booneville. Opposite
the upper end of the island, the south bank of the river
rises to a high bluff. Below this bluff', and opposite the lower
end of the, island, the hills recede, leaving a river bottom of
nearly a mile and half in width. The BooneviHe road runs
through this bottom land, and parallel to the river. The
rebels had collected their forces in the vicinity of the bluff,
and planted a battery thereon, comraanding both the rivei
and the road.
Leaving two companies in charge of the steamers. Gen.
Lyon landed the remainder of his force beloAv the island, and
commenced the march up the river road. On reaching the
foot of the bluff, the enemy was discovered well posted on
one of the smaU hiUs which formed the bluff, at a point
where a lane ran from the road to the river. In a brick
house on the right of where the lane and road intersected,
and in a grove on the left, the rebels were stationed, as they
supposed, in perfect security. Gen. Price was not in com
mand, but had left for his home at BrunsAvick, on account.

448 MISSOURI CAMPAIGN.
as was said, of seveie illness, leaving the troops in command
of Col. J. S. Marmaduke, a graduate of West Point.
Gen. Lyon placed himself at the head of his command,
and advanced firmly upon the intrenched rebels. The battle
opened with much vigor, by artillery and voUeys of musketry.
Two shells were thrown Avith great precision, by Capt. Tot-
ten's regular artiHery, directly into the brick house, causing
the occupants to retreat rapidly from their cover. A well
directed fire of buHets, round shot and sheH, was then poured
iuto the grove. The rebels, OAving to the protection afforded
by the trees, were enabled to defend this point for nearly
half an hour; but the fire becoming too hot for them, they
fell back in confusion to the battery on the summit of the
bluff', where they were again rallied and formed into Hne,
only to be routed by an impetuous and resistless charge of
the Union troops, led in person by the brave Lyon. The
enemy now beat a rapid retreat, leaving Gen. Lyon in pos
session of their deserted camp, and its ammunition and
supplies. The troops which took part in this first battle on Missouri
soil, were Lieut. Col. Schaeffer's German infantry, Capt.
Totten's regular artiHery, Gen. Lyon's old company of regu
lars, and a portion of Col. Frank P. Blair's regiment, num
bering in all two thousand men. The Union loss was two
killed and nine w^ounded, while the rebels admitted a loss of
three killed and twenty-five wounded, and thirty prisoners.
A rebel historian thus explains the defeat: "The 'Mis-
sourians [rebels] had but about eight hundred men, armed
with ordinary rifles and shot guns, without a piece of artil
lery, and with but Httle ammunition. Under the impression
that the forces against him were inconsiderable, Marmaduke
determined to give them battle; but upon ascertaining their
actual strength, after he had formed his line, he told his men
they could not reasonably hope to defend the position, and
ordered them to retreat. This order they refused to obey,
declaring they would not leave the ground until they
exchanged shots with the enemy. The men remained on
the field, commanded by their captains and Lieut, Col,

MISSOURI CAMPAIGN, 449
Horace Brti' 1, and fought stubbornly until overpoAvered by
numbers, ii en they retreated in safety, if not in order,"
The Un,/ lists throughout the State uoav entered zealously
upon t'tii ork of organizing themselves into home guard
compan..)/ or defense, and troops were stationed by the mili
tary a'Jiij ¦¦ .ities at points along the Hue of the principal rail
roads IT ifficient numbers to protect them,
Aftd ne battle of Booneville neariy three hundred of the
defeat*- .. rebels took up their line of march for the south
western portion of the State, under the direction of Governor
Jackson, Gen, Lyon had taken measures to intercept their
flight by placing eight hundred men at Cole Camp, under
command of Capt. Cook, During the night of the eighteenth
of June, however, Capt, Cook's men were surprised by a
body of three hundred and fifty rebels Avho had marched
from WarsaAv. The attack Avas made at midnight Avhile the
Union forces Avere asleep. The enemy surprised and routed
them, killing twenty-five, wounding fifty-two and capturing
twenty-three. The rebel loss was forty-five killed and forty
wounded. The greater portion of the garrison effected their
escape in the darkness of the night. The rebel commander
in this affair Avas Lieut. Col. Walter S. O'Kane, a native of
Indiana, and for some years a resident of IndianapoHs.
Jackson's forces, having nothing to oppose them, in the
front, rapidly retreated to the south-west and were joined on
the march by a column of two thousand five hundred men
from Lexington, under Gen. Rains, and by Gen. Price with
such followers as he could rally upon the march. On the
fourth of July the rebel army of Missouri was organized
near Carthage, in Jasper county, and numbered thirty-six
hundred, many of Avhora were unarmed, while those who
were armed were provided with shot guns and squirrel rifles.
Gen. Lyon left Booneville on the third of July in pursuit,
with two thousand men. Before he could overtake them
they had come in conflict with another portion of the Union
force Avhich had been sent out from Springfield by General
Sweeney, commanding at that point. These troops were com
manded by Col. Franz Sigel, of the Third Missouri volun
teers, Avho had reached Springfield, from the North, on the
Vol. L— 29.

450 MISSOURI CAMPAIGN.
twenty-third of June. Hearing that the rebel troops under
Jackson were making their way southAvard, through Cedar
county, he proceeded with his comraand, numbering about
twelve hundred men and tAvo field batteries, towards Mount
Vernon, for the purpose of intercepting him. Reaching
Sarcoxie, tAventy-two miles frora Neosho, on Friday the
twenty-eighth. Col. Sigel learned that a body of troops
under Gen. Price, nurabering eight hundred, Avere encamped
near Pool's Prairie, six miles south of Neosho, and that Jack
son's troops, commanded by Gen. Parsons, had encamped the *
day before fifteen miles south of Lamar. Gen. Rains' troops
were reported to be only one day's march behind Jackson's.
Col. Sigel at once resolved to march upon the body of rebels
at Pool's Prairie, and then, turning north, to attack Parsons
and Rains, and open a line of comraunication with Gen.
Lyon, of whose approach from the north he had been advised.
On the twenty-ninth news reached Sigel that the camp at
Pool's Prairie had that morning been broken up. Price
retreated to Elk Mills, thirty miles south of Neosho, not far
distant from the south-A\'estern extremity of the State. Sigel
now abandoned the idea of pursuing him, and directed his
whole attention to the hostile forces north. Leaving a com
pany in Neosho to afford protection to the Union citizens
there, he moved in the direction of Carthage, and, on the
evening of the fourth of July, after a march of tAventy-two
miles, encamped south-east of that place, near Spring river.
Reliable information was here received that Jackson, Rains
and Parsons, with three thousand six hundred men, were nine
miles distant, marching toward Sigel's camp.
BATTLE OF CARTHAGE.
On the morning of the fifth, at five o'clock, a scouting
party sent out by Col. Sigel, encountered, about two miles from
Carthage, a picket guard of rebels, Avho were attacked and
three taken prisoners. With all dispatch Sigel prepared to
¦go forward expecting to meet the rebels vi'est of Carthage.
With nine companies of the Third Missouri — five hundred and
fifty men — seven companies of Col, Salomon's Fifth Missouri,

MISSOURI CAMPAIGN, 451
numberin^.; four huijdred men, and two batteries of artillery,
each consisting of four field pieces, Sigel slowly advanced
upon the enemy, his skirmishers chasing before them numer
ous bands of mounted riflernen. The baggage train foHowed
three miles in the rear. After passing Dry Fork Creek, six
miles beyond Carthage, and advancing three miles further
the enemy Avas found drawn up in battle array, on an eleva
tion which rises by gradual ascents from the creek a mile
and a half distant. The front of the enemy consisted of
three regiments, deployed into line and stationed at proper
intervals. Two of these, consisting of cavalry, formed the
wings, while the center was composed of infantry, cavalry and
two field pieces. Other pieces were posted at the right and
left wings. The whole number of troops thus menacing the
CTnion forces Avas not less than twenty-five hundred, not
including a heavy reserve kept in the rear.
Col. Sigel disposed his forces by sending two cannon, with
two companies of the Third Missouri as a support, to the
rear guard, which was already engaged, and by placing
another cannon with a company of the same regiment behind
the creek so as to aff'ord protection to the baggage and the
troops in the rear against the movements of cavalry. The
remainder of troops were formed in line of battle as follows:
On the left, a battalion of the Third Missouri in solid column
with four cannon. In the center, the Fifth Missouri, in tA\'0
separate battalions. On the right, three cannon were placed
supported by another battalion of the Third Missouri.
After advancing a few hundred yards the seven field pieces
opened fire upon the enemy, which was promptly answered
by their shots, Avhich went over the heads of the Union
troops, falling in the open prairie beyond. The two mounted
rebel regiments noAv endeavored to execute a flank moveraent
by describing a wide serai-circle to the right and left. In
this effort a large interval of space was left between them
and the center, of which Sigel took immediate adyantage by
ordering the whole fire of his artiHery to be directed against
the right center of the enemy, which had the eff'ect, in a short
time, of weakening the fire of the rebels at that point. Lines
of skirmishers were then formed between the cannon, and two

452 MISSOURI CAMPAIGN,
pieces were brought from the right to the left wing, with the
intention of gaining the higbt by advancing Avith the left wing
and taking position on the right fiank of the enemy's center.
At this critical moment one of tho battery commanders
reported that he could not advance for Avant of araraunition.
No tirae Avas to be lost, as part of the troops were already
engaged Avith the rebel cavalry at the extrerae right and left,
and Col. Sigel deeming it to be a question of very doubtful
expediency Avhether to advance with the remainder without
the support of artiHery, reluctantly ordered a retreat. The
hostile cavalry struck terror into his rear guard, although the
real danger was not great. These considerations and the
threatening loss of the entire baggage train prompted him to
retire. Word was sent back for the wagons to advance
rapidly as possible, so that a junction with the main body
could be more readily made. By keeping up the fire Avith
the infantry, and bringing the artillery in range whenever
practicable, Sigel raanaged to retard the progress of the ene
my's cavalry, and ¦ eventually fell back to the baggage train,
three miles from the scene of the first engagement. By a
skillful movement, the wagons were placed in the center of the
column in such raanner that artillery and infantry forces were
both in front and rear. Tlie retreat was conducted without
serious casuality until our forces reached Dry Fork Creek,
where the road passes between bluff's on either side. Here
the rebel cavalry were concentrated on the opposite side of
the creek to cut off Sigel's retreat. The safety of his little
army depended upon passing the creek and clearing the road
to Carthage, as he could not risk being surrounded by an
army of such numerical superiority by remaining where he
was or by retreating. To deceive the enemy he ordered his
artiHery to oblique two pieces to the right and two pieces to
the left, folloAving the movement with part of his infantry.
The enemy supposing it to be Sigel's intention to escape by
cutting a road at their extreme sides, iraraediately left the
road leading over the bluff and advanced to the right and
left to prevent the crossing of their line. Scarcely had they
advanced within four hundred yards of our troops, Avhen our
artUlery suddenly wheeled round and poured a most terrific

MISSOURI CAMPAIGN, 453
volley of canister on the rebel cavalry from both sides.
Simultaneously the Union infantry was ordered to advance,
at double-quick across the bridge, and in a few minutes the
whole body of rebels were fiying in all directions. No resist
ance was made. Eighty-one horses, sixty-five double-barrel
shot guns, and many revolvers fell into the hands of ou''
troops, and forty prisoners Avere taken. The baggage train
now crossed the creek undisturbed and ascended the hights
which command Carthage from the north near Spring river.
Here the enemy again took position. His center slowly
advanced, A\'hi!e his cavalry carae upon our troops Avith great
rapidity, designing to circumvent Sigel's two wings and gain
the Springfield road. Deeming it of the utmost importance
to keep open his communication Avith Mount Vernon, Col,
Sigel ordered Lieut. Col. Wolff, Avith tAVO pieces of artillery,
to pass through Carthage and occupy the eastern hights on
the Sarcoxie road. Two more companies foUoAved him to
protect' the western part of the town against any movement
in that direction. The rear portion of Sigel's army then took
possession of Carthage, in order to give the remainder of
the troops time for rest, as they had marched twenty-two
miles on the fourth, and eighteen miles more during the day,
exposed to a burning sun, and almost without any food to
eat or Avater to drink. The enemy in the meantime derived
great advantage from his cavalry being able to cross Spring
river at various places, and to harrass our troops almost
incessantly. A retreat was, therefore, ordered towards Sar
coxie, under cover of both artillery and infantry.
A position Avas first taken on the hights beyond Carthage,
aud next at the entrance of the Sarcoxie road into the
woods, about two and a half miles south-east of Carthage.
The enemy knoAving that if Sigel could get his forces into
the heavy Avoods Avhich bordered the Sarcoxie road his cav
alry could not follow, made a desperate resistance at that
point, disputing Sigel's advance. The conflict was severe,
the infantry on both sides were for the first time engaged.
Our troops fought splendidly and the rebels stoutly resisted,
but their arms Avere defective and their cavalry could not be
used to advantage. The fight raged for tAVO hours, and was

454 MISSOURI CAMPAIGN.
the most hotly contested encounter of the day. When the
enemy retreated to Carthage, Col. Sigel with his troops had
reached the woods where they were secure from further
attack. From this point they advanced unmolested to Sar
coxie. The Union loss during the day Avas thirteen kUled and
thirty-one wounded, Avhile the rebels admitted a loss of fifty
killed and one hundred and fifty Avouuded. The probabilty
is that their loss Avas much greater. One of their field pieces
Avas dismounted and another exploded.
The officers and men of Sigel's command fought with the
greatest skUl and bravery, and received the commendations
of their able, experienced and gallant commander,
Capt, Conrad, who had been left behind at Neosho with a
company of ninety-four men, AA'as surprised by the rebels,
and his whole command made prisoners,
BATTLE AT MONROE STATION,
On the morning of the tenth of July, Col, Robert Smith,
with six hundred men of the Sixteenth IHinois volunteers,
while encamped near Monroe Station, thirty miles Avest of
Hannibal, was attacked before daylight by sixteen hundred
rebels, under Gen, Harris. After a successful skirmish with
the enemy. Col. Smith retired to the academy buildings for
greater security. Here he was attacked by an increased
force, and again succeeded in repulsing the rebels. Deter
mined to keep them at bay, he sent messengers to Hannibal
and other places for reinforcements. Three companies, with
two cannon, arriving from Plannibal, Col. S. immediately
assumed the offensive. ToAvards evening a body of cavalry,
under coramand of Gov. Wood, of Illinois, arrived, and fell
upon the rear of the enemy, avIio were soon routed, with a
loss of thirty killed and wounded, and seventy-five prisoners.
Of the Union troops four or five Avere wounded — none killed.
The disorganized condition of society was such in the State,
that numerous bands of guerrillas Avere formed by secession
ists, Avho, to an alarming extent, committed depredations

MISSOURI CAMPAIGN. 455
upon the persons and property of Union citizens. The rules
of civilized war were disregarded, and the lives of the inno
cent Avere often at the mercy of an ignorant and lawless
rabble. Skirmishes became frequent betAveen guerrillas and
home guards, and a perfect reign of terror prevailed iu many
neighborhoods. Brig. Gen. John Pope Avas assigned to a comraand in
Northern Missouri. He appointed Gen. S. A. Hurlbut to
guard the Hannibal and St. Joseph railroad. Citizens were
appointed district superintendents, and AA'hen depredations
were committed, the damages Avere assessed upon, and col
lected frora, the people living in the districts Avhere they
occurred. Col. Ulysses S. Grant Avas stationed at Mexico, on
the North Missouri railroad, with his Illinois regiment, aud
Cols. Palmer and Ross, of the Illinois volunteers, Avere posted
at other points. The enforcement of this policy prevented
further injuries to the railroads, and troops weve transported,
in safety, to points where they were needed.
On the tAventy-third of July, Major Van Horn's comraand
of one hundred and seventy United States reserve home
guards, Avhile on the march from Kansas City to reinforce
Major Dean at Westport, who was holding that place with a
small force, Avas attacked near Harrisonville by five hundred
rebels, under Capt, Duncan. The attack was bravely met,
and a severe fight, lasting four hours, ensued. Towards
evening the rebels withdrew, leaving the Union troops in
possession of the field. The rebel loss was fourteen killed
and several Avounded. Van Horn's loss was one killed.
Maj, Gen. John C. Fremont arrived at St. Louis on the
tAventy-fifth of July, and assumed command of the Western
Department. On the thirtieth of the same month. Gen. Sweeny's forces
dispersed a band of one hundred and fifty rebels, stationed at
Forsythe, near the foot of the Ozark Mountains, and took
possession of the town. Five rebels Avere killed and several
wounded. Three of the Union troops were slightly Avounded.
A large amount of commissary stores, blankets and clothing,
valued at twenty thousand dollars, which had been collected
at this point, fell into the hands of Gen. SAveeny.

Missing Page

Missing Page

45'8 MISSOURI CAMPAIGN.
OCCUPATION OF BIRD'S POINT.
About the time the last named engagement was in progress,
Gen. Fremont and staff, and a fleet of eight steamers, with
four regiments of infantry, and two companies of light artil
lery, sailed from St. Louis to Cairo, where they arrived on
the third of August. The troops Avere immediately landed at
Bird's Point, on the Missouri side of the Mississippi river,
opposite Cairo, where fortifications were soon constructed,
and the place put in a defensive condition. Gen. Pillow was
at New Madrid with several thousand troops, Avith which he
threatened to march northward. To check this movement.
Gen. Fremont had stationed this force at Bird's Point, where
they could easily keep up a blockade of the river, and, in
case of emergency, move into the interior to meet any for
ward movement of the enemy from beloAV.
SKIRMISH AT ATHENS.
On the fifth of August, a skirmish took place between four
hundred Union home guards, stationed at Athens, on the
Desmoines river, near the loAva line, twenty-fiA'e miles south
of Keokuk, commanded by Col. Moore, and tAA'elve hundred
rebels, under Col, Martin Green, who made the attack at six
o'clock in the morning. An irregular and indecisive fight
foHoAved, lasting an hour and a half, when CoL Moore led
the center of his Hne to a charge, which routed the enemy.
Col. Moore and his soldiers were left undisputed masters of
the field, with a loss of ten killed and ten wounded. The
rebel loss was fourteen killed, forty wounded, and eighteen
prisoners. BATTLE OF WILSON'S CREEK.
On returning to Springfield, after his expedition to Curran,
Gen. Lyon found himself called upon to decide whether he
should, Avith an inferior force, give battle to the enemy, now
closely pressing upon hira, or atterapt to retreat to Rolla,
encumbered with heavy trains of baggage, and exposing

MISSOURI CAMPAIGN. 459
himself to an attack at any point on the route where the
enemy might see fit to attack him. With a large cavalry
force, they could, by celerity of movement, cut off his com
munication, and flank him Avherever disposed. His appeals
for reinforcements had not been heeded, yet he daily indulged
the hope that a sufficient force would reach him to justify an
offensive raoveraent against the enemy, with a reasonable
prospect of success. But this hope was not realized; and the
rebels were so close upon hira, that he Avas compelled either
to retreat, and leave a large region of country unprotected,
or make an attempt to expel the foe, even at the risk of sac
rificing his army. On the afternoon of Friday, the ninth of
August, after a consultation with his officers, it was deeraed
advisable to attack McCulloch's carap at Wilson's Creek,
nine railes southeast of Springfield, Avhere the enemy's tents
were pitched, extending a mile east and south of the Cassville
road, and tAVO miles west and north of the same, the creek
running neariy in the shape of a horizontal oo. The plan
agreed upon Avas to attack the enemy, simultaneously by two
colurans, at daybreak on the following morning, Saturday,
the tenth ; the first coluran under coramand of Gen. Lyon, and
the second under Gen, Sigel,
Strange to say, on the same day orders were issued by Gen.
McCuUoch to the rebel troops to prepare to take up the
line of march to Springfield by nine o'clock on that night,
with tho purpose of attacking Gen. Lyon at different points
at daylight the next morning. But when the hour arrived
to march the order Avas countermanded in consequence of
the threatening appearance of the weather, and the Avant of
cartridge boxes to protect the ammunition of the men. But
for this change of orders, it is highly probable the two armies
would have come in confiict with each other during the night,
while each Avas marchig to surprise the other. ,
At half past six o'clock on Friday evening General Sigel
moved southward with six pieces of artUlery, the Third and
Fifth Missouri, and two companies of regular cavalry. The
coluran marched all uight and arrived at daybreak within a
mile of the enemy's outposts, and on the right and rear of
the rebel camp.

460 MISSOURI CAMPAIGN.
Gen. Lyon, at the head of the main body, marched from
Springfield at five o'clock in the afternoon, making a detour
to the right, and at one o'clock in the morning reached a
point on the right of the rebel camp, in full view of the ene
my's guard-fires. Here the column halted and lay on their
arms until the dawn of day, when it again moved foi-Avard.
A south-easterly direction was taken, Avith a view to strike
the extreme northern point of the enemy's camp. Reaching
this position a line of battle was formed, closely foHoAved by
Totten's battery, supported by a strong reserve, and in this
order the Uuion troops advanced, Avith skirmishers iu front,
until the first outpost of the rebels was encountered and
driA'eu in. Then the column was halted and a disposition of
the forces made, by Avhich Capt. Plummer's battalion of regu
lar infantry, with a company of mounted home guards, Avere
to cross Wilson's creek and move towards the front, keeping
pace with the advance on the opposite bank, for the purpose
of protecting the left flank against any atterapt to turn it.
After crossing a ravine and ascending a high ridge near the
northern end of the valley, through Avhich the creek ran.
Gen. Lyon's adA'ance carae in full view of the enemy's skir
mishers. Major Osterhaus' battalion of two companies of
the Second Missouri volunteers, was at once deployed to the
right, and two companies of the First Missouri were deployed
to the left as skirmishers. The firing now became very
severe. It was evident our troops were approaching the
rebel stronghold, where they intended to give battle. A few
shell's frora Totten's battery assisted the skirmishers in clear
ing the ground in front. The infantry regiments Avere now
posted in front upon the crest of a small elevated plateau,
with a Avide ravine separating the two wings. Totten's bat
tery was placed opposite the interval between the infantry
force. The extreme right rested on a ravine which turned
abruptly to the right and rear. Dubois' battery, Avith a
strong support, was stationed eighty yards to the left and
rear of Totten's guns, so as to bear upou a powerful. battery
of the enemy, posted to the left and front on the opposite side
of Wilson's creek, to sweep the entire plateau upon which
our troops were formed.

MISSOURI CAMPAIGN. 461
The enemy now rallied in great force near the foot of the
slope, and under cover, opposite Lyon's left Aving and along
the slope in front, and on his right toward the crest of the
main ridge, running parallel to the creek. During this time
Capt, Plummer, with his four companies of infantry, moved
down a ridge about five hundred yards to the left of Lyon's
line of battle, and separated therefrom by a deep ravine, and
reached its abrupt terminus, Avhere he found his further pro
gress arrested by a large body of rebel infantry, occupying a
cornfield in the valley in his front. At this moment distant
artillery firing Avas heard, indicating that Gen, Sigel had
engaged the enemy to the south and rear.
Gen. Lyon's whole line now advanced with much energy
upon the enemy's position. The firing, which for half an
hour had been spirited, now increased to a continuous roar.
Capt. Totten's battery carae into action and played upon the
enemy's lines with great eff'ect. After a fierce engagement,
which continued for half an hour, the enemy gave Avay in the
utmost confusion, and left our troops in possession of the
position. Capt. Plumraer, meeting with overpowering resistance from
the large mass of infantry in the corn field iu his front, and
in the Avoods beyond, was compelled to fall back; but, at this
moment, Dubois' battery, supported by Capt. Steele's battal
ion of regulars, opened upon the enemy in the corn field a
fire of shell, with such marked effect as to drive him in the
utmost disorder, and with great slaughter, from the field.
A momentary cessation of fire foHowed along nearly the
whole line, except, the extreme right, where the First Mis
souri was still engaged with a superior force of the enemy,
attempting to turn the right flank, but the timely arrival of
the Second Kansas to its support prevented the destruction
of the Missourians by the overwhelraing forces against Avliich
they were unflinchingly holding their position.
The enemy again appeared in large force along the entire
front, and moved towards each flank. The eugagement at
once became geueral and exceedingly fierce; the enemy
approached iu three or four ranks, lying down, kneeling, and
standing; the lines often approaching to within thirty or forty

462 MISSOURI CAMPAIGN.
yards of each other, as the enemy charged upon Totten's
battery, and were driven back. Every available battalion
was noAv brought into action, and the battle raged with una
bated fury for more than an hour; the scales seeming all the
time to be equally balanced, our troops sometimes gaining a
little ground and again giving way a few yards to rally again.
DEATH OP GEN. LYON.
Early in this engagement, while Gen. Lyon was leading
his horse along the line on the left of Totten's battery, and
endeavoring to rally our troops, which were at this time ia
considerable disorder, his horse was killed, and he received a
AVound in the leg and another in the head. He walked slowly
a few paces to the rear, and said, " I fear the day is lost."
Anotherhorse being furnished him by Major Sturgis, the Gen
eral mounted, aud swinging his hat in the air, called to the
troops nearest him to follow. The Second Kansas gallantly
rallied around him, headed by the brave Col. Mitchell. In a
few moments the Colonel fell severely wounded. A fatal ball
lodged in Gen. Lyon's breast, and he was carried from the
field — a corpse. Thus gloriously fell a soldier, brave as ever
drew a svA'ord — a noble patriot who willingly sacrificed his
life for the Avelfare of his country.
The death of Gen. Lyon was not generally known among
the troops until the battle was ended. After his fall the com
mand devolved on Major Samuel D. Sturgis, who gave atten
tion at once to the disordered line on the left, which was
again rallied and pressed against the enemy with great A'igor
and coolness. This hot encounter lasted half an hour ; then the
eneray fled and abandoned the field. The brave little army,
which had thus far successfully resisted the rebels, was scat
tered and broken ; a largely superior force was still iu its
front. The men had drank no water since the evening before,
and could hope for none nearer than Springfield. If they
should go forward their own success niight in the end prove
their certain defeat. If they retreated, disaster stared them
in the face. Their ammunition was AveH nigh exhausted, and

MISSOURI CAMPAIGN, 463
should the enemy make this discovery total discomfiture Avas
all they could expect. No news had been received from
Sigel, He might have been defeated and forced to retreat.
If he were safe and could make a vigorous attack on the
enemy's right flank or rear, then Sturgis could go forwara
with some hope of success. If he had retreated there Avas
nothing left for the other division but to follow. In this
perplexing condition, Sturgis sumraoned his officers together
for counsel. The consultation Avas brought to a sudden close
by the advance of a heavy coluran of infantry frora the hill
where Sigel's guns had been heard early in the morning.
Thinking they were Sigel's men, a Hne Avas formed for an
advance, with the hope of forming a junction with him.
These troops wore a dress much resembling that of Sigel's
brigade, and carried the American flag. They were, there
fore, perraitted to move down the hill Avithin short range of
Dubois' battery, until they reached the covered position at the
foot of the ridge, on which Sturgis' men Avere posted, and
frora which they had before been fiercely assaUed, Suddenly
a battery was planted on the hill in front and began to pour
upon our line shrapnell and canister — a species of shot not
before fired by the eneray. At this moment the enemy
shoAved his true colors, and, at once, comraenced along our
entire line the fiercest and most bloody engagement of the
day, Dubois' battery, supported by Osterhaus' battalion and
the scattered fragments of the First Missouri, soon silenced
the enemy's battery on the hill, aud repulsed the right Aving
of his infantry. Capt. Totten's battery in the center, sup
ported by the Iowa First, and the regulars, was the main
point of attack. The enemy were frequently seen within
twenty feet of Totten's guns. Now, for the first time during
the day, our entire line maintained its position with perfect
firmness. Not the slightest disposition to waver was mani
fested at any point. The contending lines at one time were
almost muzzle to muzzle. Capt. Gordon Granger, Assistant
Adjutant General, at this critical period, rushed to the rear,
quickly brought up the supports of Dubois' battery, and fell
upon the enemy's right flank, pouring into it a murderous
volley, killing or wounding nearly every man Avithin sixty or

464 MISSOURI CAMPAIGN.
seventy yards. From this moment a complete rout took
place along the rebel front, while our's on the right flank con
tinued to pour a galling fire into their disorganized masses.
The enemy then fled from the field.
The order to retreat was given soon after the enemy gave
way. The Avhole column sloAvly moved to the high open
prairie, about tAvo miles from the battle ground, carrying off
all the Avounded. About this time news reached Major Stur
gis that Sigel had been corapletely routed and was on his
way back to Springfield. After making a short halt on the
prairie, the march was continued to Springfield. The eneray
made no attempt at pursuit, and the column reached its point
of destination about five o'clock in the afternoon.
THE DISASTER TO SIGBL'S COLUMN.
During Sigel's march, early in the morning, he' cut off' abou
fortj' of the enemy Avho Avere coming from the camp in squads
to obtain Avater and provisions. This prevented ucavs reach
ing the rebel camp of the advance. On approaching within
vieAV of the enemy's tents four pieces of OTtillery were planted
on a little hill, Avhile the infantry advanced to a point where
the Fayetteville road crosses Wilson's creek, and the two
cavalry companies were extended to the right and left to
guard the flanks. At the crossing of this road the hills on
each side of the stream are about two hundred feet high,
sloping gently toAvards the north, and abrupt toAvards the
¦south side. The valley is about half a mile wide. At half
past five o'clock musketry firing frora the north-Avest Avas
heard. This was the signal for comraencing the attack. Sigel
ordered the artiHery to open upon the enemy's camp; the
fire was so destructive that the rebels Avere forced to retire in
:haste toAvards the north-east end of the^valley. MeauAvhile
the infantry quickly advanced, passed the creek, and travers
ing the earap, formed almost in the center of it. The enemy
soon rallied iu large numbers in front. The artillery was
brought forAvard from the hill and formed, in battery, across
the valley, Avith the infantry to the left and the cavalry to
the right. After an eff'ectual fire of half an hour, the enemy

MISSOURI CAMPAIGN. 465
retired in confusion into the woods and up the adjoining
hills. The firing to the north-west now became more distinct,
and increased until it was evident to Sigel that Lyon had
engaged the enemy along the Avhole Hne. To give him all
possible assistance, Sigel abandoned his position in the camp,
and moved towards the north-west to attack the enemy's
line of battle in the rear.
Marching forward, they soon struck the FayettcA'Ule road ;
and makiug their way through a large number of cattle and
horses, they reached an eminence known as Sharp's farm.
On the route about ono hundred prisoners were taken. Here
rebel soldiers Avere met. Sigel, suspecting that the enemy
would follow these stragglers, formed his troops across the
road, by planting his artillery on the plateau, and the two
infantry regiments on the right and left. The cavalry pro
tected the fianks. Soon the firing, which had been heard in
the direction of the northAvest for an hour previous, almost
entirely ceased. Sigel was now impressed with the belief
that Lyon's attack had been successful, and that his troops
were in pursuit of the enemy, who moved in large numbers
toAvard the ridge of a hill, about seven hundred yards oppo
site Sigel's right. At half-past eight o'clock the report
came in from skirmishers, that Lyon's men were coming up
the road, whereupon the commanding officers of the infantry
notified their regiments not to fire upon the troops coming
from that direction. Sigel gave the same word of caution to
the artillery. Our troops anxiously expected the approach
of their friends, and Avere waving the flag as a signal to their
supposed comrades, when suddenly two batteries, one in
front, ou the Fayetteville road, and the other upon the hill
upon which it was supposed Lyon's forces were in pursuit of
the enemy, opened their fire on the deceived men, whilst a
strong column of infantry, supposed to be the Iowa regiment,
advanced from the Fayetteville road, and attacked the right
of Sigel's line. The consternation was indescribable, and
the confusion frightful. The cry, "Lyon's men are firing
against us!" was heard along the ranks; the artillerymen
were now ordered to fire by Sigel himself, but could hardly
be brought forward to serve their pieces ; the infantry would
Vol. L— 30.

466 MISSOURI CAMPAIGN.
not level their arms upon their supposed friends, until it was
too late. The enemy marched within ten paces of the muz
zles of our cannon, killed the horses, turned the flanks of the
infantry, and forced them, panic-stricken, to fly in all direc
tions. The troops rushed into the bushes and by-roads,
retreating to Springfield, foHoAved by large bodies of Arkan
sas and Texas cavalry. In this retreat five cannon were lost.
The total loss in Sigel's command amounted to fifteen killed,
twenty wounded, and two hundred and thirty-five missing.
The loss iu the main column was two hundred and eight
kiUed, seven hundred and one Avounded, and fifty-seven miss
ing, which, added to Sigel's loss, made the entire casualities
two hundred and twenty-three killed, seven hundred and
tAventy-one wounded, and two hundred and ninety- two miss
ing. The effective troops of the enemy consisted of five
thousand three hundred infantry, fifteen pieces of artillery,
and six thousand horsemen, armed with fiint-lock muskets,
rifies and shot-guns. Besides these, there Avere large num
bers of unarmed horsemen. Gen. Price admitted the loss in
his division to be one hundred and fifty-six killed, and five
hundred and seventeen wounded, while Gen. McCuUoch, the
chief commander, stated the entire loss at two hundred and
sixty-five killed, eight hundred wounded, and thirty missing.
Major Sturgis, in his official report of this battle, says:
"That three thousand seven hundred men, after a fatiguing
night march, attacked the enemy, numbering tAventy-three
thousand, on their own ground, and, after a bloody conflict
of six hours, withdrew at their leisure, to return to their pro
visions aud their water, is the best eulogiura I can pass on
their conduct that day."
The death of Gen. Lyon was deplored throughout the
North and West. Countless were the tributes to his memory,
and deep the sorrow when his body was borne to his home
in Connecticut. The death of this true patriot Avas the occa
sion of much rejoicing by the secessionists of Missouri. The
battle of Wilson's Creek, or Oak Hills, as the rebels term it,
was magnified, and claimed as an important rebel victory.
The loss of a Union General, and the defeat of Sigel, were
spoken of incessantly; while their defeat, by Lyon's and

MISSOURI CAMPAIGN. 467
Sturgis' columns, was seemingly forgotten by the secession
agitators. In this way the rebellious spirit was increased
among the people of Missouri, and thousands of recruits for
the rebel army were raised in a few weeks.
MORE AID FOR MISSOURI.
The Government now saw the necessity for sending large
numbers of troops into Missouri from the surrounding loyal
States. Among the first of those to respond to the call, was
Indiana. On the seventeenth of August, the Twenty-Third
Indiana, Col. WiUiam L. Sanderson, left for St, Louis by the
Ohio and Mississippi railroad; the same day, the Twenty-
Second Indiana, Col, Jeff", C, Davis, left on the Terre Haute
railroad ; on the following day, the Eighteenth Indiana, Col.
Thomas Pattison, departed by the Avay of Lafayette and
Springfield; on the nineteenth, the Twenty-Fourth Indiana,
Col, Alvin P. Hovey, left; and on the twenty-first. Col, Con
rad Baker followed, with eight companies of the First
Indiana cavalry (Twenty-Eighth regiment). The Eighth,
Col, Wm, P, Benton; Twenty-Fifth, Col. James C. Veatch,
and TAventy-Sixth, Col. Wm. M. Wheatley, and the First,
Second and Third Indiana batteries, commanded, respec
tively, by Captains Martin Klauss, John W. Rabb, and Watt
W. Frybarger, soon after joined these regiments at St. Louis,
where they were quartered for a few days, and then sent into
the interior, along the lines of the several railroads, and
posted at different points, to take the places of the three
months' troops, whose time had expired. Other Western
States contributed their share of volunteers for the campaign
in Missouri.
On the nineteenth of August, two hundred and fifty men
of the Twenty-Second Illinois, under Col. Dougherty and
Lieut. Col. Ransom, of the Eleventh IHinois, defeated three
hundred rebels of Jeff, Thompson's army at Charleston,
Twenty rebels were kUled and wounded, and seventeen pris
oners taken. The Union loss was one killed and six wounded.
On the twelfth of September, a skirmish occurred at Black
river, twelve or fifteen miles southwest of Ironton, between

468 MISSOURI CAMPAIGN.
three companies of the First Indiana cavalry, under Major
J. Smith Gavitt, and a body of secessionists, under Ben.
Talbott, in which five of the rebels were killed, and four
taken prisoners, and thirty-five horses and a quantity of arms
captured. The rest scattered in all directions, and being
familiar with the country, eluded capture.
DEFENSE OF LEXINGTON.
On the first of September, Col. James A. Mulligan, com
manding the Chicago Irish battalion, of eight hundred men,
received orders to march to the relief of Lexington, one hun
dred and twenty railes west of Jeff'erson City, (where his reg
iraent Avas stationed,) and which was then threatened by the
enemy. Col. Mulligan reached Lexington on the ninth, and
found the place occupied by a part of the Eighth Missouri,
the First Illinois cavalry, and four hundred home guards.
The Irish battalion SAvelled the force to about three thousand
five hundred. Col. Mulligan, being the senior officer, took
command. On the tenth a letter was received from Col.
Peabody, of the Thirteenth Missouri, stating that he waa
retreating from Warrensburgh, twenty -five miles distant, and'
that Price was pursuing him with ten thousand men. A few
hours after. Col. Peabody entered Lexington with his regiment.
On the twelfth. Price's advance force of three thousand
men, under Gen. Harris, approached Lexington from the
south, Avhen the First Illinois cavalry, and the Thirteenth
Missouri, were ordered out to meet them. A sharp and
decisive action occurred in the evening, two miles south of
the city, near the Fair ground, which resulted in considerable
loss to the rebels, they haA'ing fallen into an ambuscade pre
pared for them by the Missouri regiment. The Union loss
Avas four killed and a small number wounded.
From this time till Wednesday, the eighteenth, the fight
ing was confined to skirmishing between the hostUe pickets.
The aspect was now changed by the arrival of immense rein
forcements to the rebels, by which their three thousand were
increased to twenty thousand, with thirteen pieces of artUlery.
In the meantime. Mulligan had not been idle. To the north-

MISSOURI CAMPAIGN. 469
east of Lexington, within its limits, are a large college and
grounds, including an area of fifty acres. Fortifications were
constructed around the college, and earthworks, three or four
feet high, were thrown up. The outer line of intrenchments
extended to a seminary, fiLfty yards from the college, and
almost to the brick dwelling of Col. Anderson, occupied as a
hospital by the garrison, which stood between the seminary
and the river. They also approached closely to the ravines
and deep gullies between the grounds and the river on the
west, and extended through the wooded banks of the river,
which bound the college grounds on the north.
On Wednesday morning the pickets were driven in by the
overwhelming forces of the enemy, who planted two batteries
in front, one on the left, one on the right, and one in the
rear. From these, at a given signal, a terrific fire vA'-as opened,
which was promptly answered. About noon the hospital
was taken, and filled by rebel sharpshooters, aa'Ho poured a
deadly fire upon the Union troops. The hospital contained
the Chaplain and one hundred and twenty sick and wounded.
men. Towards evening, the Montgomery Guards, Capt.
Gleason, of the Irish battalion, Avas brought out, and ordered
to charge upon the hospital, and retake it. They charged
up the slope to the house, took it, and drove the enemy, in
wild confusion, down the hill. During the day, some of the
outer works we^p taken by the beseiging force. Our troops
retired in good order to an inner line, where they obtained
shelter. The next morning the fire was resumed, and continued all
day, but with comparatively little loss on either side. The
weather was intensely hot, and the garrison could only obtain
its water from the river; to reach which, was almost certain
death, so constant was the firing from the rebels both day
and night. During Thursday night two wells were dug.
On Friday morning a brisk cannonading was opened, and
the fusUade of small arms was begun, and kept up incessantly
till the afternoon. The rebels had constructed movable
breastworks of hemp bales, rolled them up the hiH, and
advanced their batteries so as to command the fortifications.
Hot shot Avere fired at them, but without effect, they having

470 MISSOURI CAMPAIG.N.
been thoroughly AA'ater-soaked. The outer breastworks were
soon carried by the enemy. The Union lines were broken,
and the rebels rushed in. The Union troops, however,
repulsed them at every point; but the cartridges giving out,
tt becarae evident that the struggle could not be protracted.
Suddenly the rebel fire ceased, when it was ascertained a
Major of the horae guards had, on his oavu responsibility,
hoisted a white fiag. It was taken down, but again raised
by the same person. Affairs now reached such a condition,
that Col. MulHgan, notwithstanding his unwillingness to sur
render, decided to take the advice of a council of his officers,
and capitulate. Capt. McDermott went out to the enemy's
lines, with a hankerchief tied to a ramrod, when a parley
took place. The terms were soon arranged and made known ;
the officers were to be retained as prisoners of war, the men
to be paroled. The surrender took place at four, p, m., on
Friday, the twentieth, after fifty-two hours of continuous
firing. At the capitulation Col, Mulligan shed tears. Some of
the horses of Col. Marshall's cavalry died during the seige.
A few privates of his regiment, unwilling that their horses
should fall into the enemy's hands, shot them dead on the
spot. The privates, on taking the oath not to serve against the
Confederate States, were put across the river, and marched
to Richmond, whence they marched to Hamilton, on the
Hannibal and St. Joseph railroad, where they were declared
free to go where they pleased.
The rebel loss is believed to have been equal to, if not
greater than. Col. Mulligan's, which was two hundred killed
and wounded. Gen. Price admits only a loss of twenty -five
killed and seventy-five wounded.
Gen. Fremont, in accounting for the failure to reinforce the
beseiged garrison, telegraphed the War Department, three
days after the surrender, that Gen. Sturgis could not cross
the river with four thousand men, because of the capture of
the ferry boats by the rebels; that Lane's force, from the
southwest, and Davis' force, from the southeast, upwards of
eleven thousand in all, could vat get there in time.

MISSOURI CAMPAIGN. 471
SKIRMISHES AND GUERRILLA OPERATIONS.
Two engagements with the enemy occurred at Blue Mills
Landing, near Liberty, on the eighteenth of September, the
first between five hundred of the Third Iowa regiment, Avith
one piece of artillery, under Lieut. Col. Scott, and about four
thousand rebels under Gen. Atchison. After a desperate
struggle of an hour's duration, in which Scott lost one hun
dred and twenty killed and wounded, and all his artillery
horses, he retreated sloAvly half a mile, dragging his cannon
by hand. He subsequently took a position Avith his howitzer
on an eminence, and waited for the enemy to renew the
attack. But he Avas not pursued. Not long afterward Col.
Smith's Sixteenth lUiuois regiment, with four cannon,
approached Blue Mills by another road and engaged and
routed the rebels as they were crossing the Missouri river.
The steamer War Eagle, in company with the steamers
White Cloud and Des Moines, left Jefferson City on the
eighteenth of September, ou an expedition up the Missouri
river. The War Eagle had on board six companies of the
Twenty-Second and a portion of the Eighteenth Indiana
regiments, under command of Lieut. Col. Hendricks of the
TA^'cnty-Secoud; on board the other two steamers were the
Twenty-Sixth Indiana, under command of Col. Wheatley.
Arriving at Booneville the troops of the Eighteenth Indiana
Avere transferred' to the steamer latan, and the remainder of
the Twenty-Second Indiana, (Avhich had marched across the
country, in command of Major Tanner,) were taken on board
the War Eagle. The latan received the rest of the Eighteenth
Indiana. The expedition again started up the river; the
troops on board the War Eagle and latan Avere under comraand
of Lieut. Col. Hendricks, while those on the White Cloud
and Des Moines were under command of Col. Wheatley.
The former were destined for GlasgOAV and Cambridge, and
were to reconnoiter about the neighborhood of those places
for bands of rebels reported to be in those localities. Coh
Wheatley's forces were bound for Lexington. Late in the
evening of the nineteenth Col. Hendricks' forces landed five
miles below GlasgOAV. Three companies were detached from

472 MISSOURI CAMPAIGN.
one steamer and three from the other, under command of
Major Gordon Tanner, of the Twenty- Second Indiana, as a
scouting party to go to Glasgow and surround the place. At
the same time, and unknown to Col. Hendricks, a picket guard
of sixty men was sent out by Col. Wheatley, who had tied up
his boats for the night near where Col. Hendricks had landed.
The consequence was the parties met in the woods, a short
distance from the boats. Mistaking each other for enemies
they commenced firing, which for a few minutes Avas inces
sant. Before the mistake was discovered three of the Eigh
teenth and one of the Twenty-Second were killed and seven or
eight wounded. Among the latter was Major Tanner, who
received a mortal wound from which he afterwards died at
Jeff'erson City. The expedition returned the next day, with
out accomplishing the object of its mission.
BATTLE OP PREDERICKTOAVN.
Intelligence having reached Col. Carlin, commanding the
forces at Pilot Knob, that Gen. Jeff. Thompson, with a large
rebel force, was in the vicinity of Frederioktown, he ordered
Capt. HaAvkins, of the Missouri cavalry, to proceed with a
detachment of forty men to reconnoiter in that direction. On
Tuesday, the sixteenth of October, when within five miles of
Fredericktown, his advance guard was suddenly attacked and
two of his men taken prisoners. Capt. Hawkins succeeded
in driving the rebels within their lines, and then sent for rein
forcements. While awaiting their arrival he was thrice
attacked, but each time repulsed the enemy. Late on
Wednesday evening reinforcements arrived, consisting of six
companies of the First Indiana cavalry, under Maj. J. Smith
Gavitt, and the Twenty-First IHinois infantry. Col. Alexander
commanding. Thursday morning, while on the march, the
advance guard came in contact Avith the rebels, when a skir
mish foHoAved. The main force now came up and engaged
and routed the enemy. Apprehending the approach of a
larger force of rebels, the Union troops at night fell back on
PUot Knob.
On the Sunday following the troops stationed at PUot Knob

MISSOURI CAMPAIGN. 473
marched to Fredericktown to attack Thompson's force,
reported to be four thousand strong and intrenched. On
Monday morning they arrived at Fredericktown to find that
the enemy had evacuated it the day before. Col. Carlin's
force was composed of the First Indiana cavalry. Col. Conrad
Baker, the TAventy-First, Thirty-Third and Thirty-Eighth
Illinois, the Eighth Wisconsin, and a battery of six pieces,
under command of Major Schofield, making in all three thou
sand five hundred men. At noon these were joined by fifteen
hundred men — the Seventeenth and TAventieth Illinois, the
Eleventh Missouri, a section of Taylor's battery, and two
companies of Illinois cavalry — under command of Col. J. B.
Plummer, of the Eleventh Missouri. This force had been dis
patched from Cape Girardeau, by Gen. Grant, to co-operate
with Col. Carlin. The latter gave Col. Plummer a part of
his command and he immediately started in pursuit of Thomp
son, Avho Avas found occupying a position one mile out of
town on the Greenville road. An immediate attack followed.
The rebel artillery consisted of four pieces, masked, upon the
slope of a hill about six hundred yards distant. The princi
pal body of their infantry, under Col. Lowe, was posted in a
corn field to the left of the road. Taylor's battery opened
fire, and by its effectiveness soon caused the enemy to respond.
The Seventeenth Illinois then engaged the rebel infantry iu the
corn field, while the other regiments deployed to the right
and left. The Thirty-Eighth Illinois was now ordered for
ward from the toAvu, and promptly came upon the field,
leaving as a reserve the Eighth Wisconsin and one section of
Schofield's battery. Two sections of the latter were at once
ordered into action, and the line of battle was formed, and
a steady advance made upon the enemy's lines. The infantry
firing of the Seventeenth and Twentieth Illinois, and Elev
enth Missouri, on the left, was so deadly that the enemy
were forced to fall back. Their retreat soon became a rout,
the rebels flying in every direction, pursued by the Union
troops. At this time the enemy's infantry on the right of the
road, where Thompson commanded in person, beat a retreat,
when the First Indiana cavalry was ordered to charge and
pursue them. Thompson, however, had rallied a portion of

474 MISSOURI CAMPAIGN,
his troops about half a mile in the rear of his first position,
and brought one gun into battery on the road, supported by
infantry on either side. The cavalry, led by the gallant Col,
Baker, charged and took the gun, while exposed to a deadly
fire from the enemy's infantry, A column, which had been
ordered forward to the support of the cavalry, failing to
reach the point in time, the enemy recaptured and carried
the piece from the field. It was here two of Indiana's noblest
and bravest sons fell — Major Gavitt and Capt. Highman.
The rout now became general. The enemy were pursued
by the victorious troops for several miles, until the approach
of night prompted their recall to town. Captain Stewart's
squadron of Illinois cavalry followed them until late in the
night, and brought in several prisoners. One field piece was
taken by Col. Ross' Seventeenth Illinois.
On the following morning the enemy was pursued by the
greater portion of our forces for ten miles, but finding that
he could not be overtaken, the Union troops weve ordered
back to FredericktoAvn.
Our forces engaged in this battle were comraanded by Col.
J. B. Plummer, who was afterwards specially commended, in
general orders, by Gen. Grant. There were taken upon the
field eighty prisoners, of whom thirty-eight were wounded.
The Federal loss was six killed and sixty wounded. The
rebel forces numbered about four thousand, of whom one
hundred and fifty-eight were buried on the field.
Fremont's pursuit op price.
On the twenty-seventh of September Gen. Fremont left St.
Louis, with fifteen steamers and fifteen thousand men, and
sailed up the Missouri to Jefferson City, where he halted
several days to collect additional material necessary for a
march into the interior. Gen. Price, hearing of this formida
ble movement, evacuated Lexington, leaving only a small
force behind to guard it.
On the sixteenth the garrison at Lexington was surprised
by Major White, with one hundred and fifty men, and the
place and all the sick and wounded recaptured. Sixty pris-

MISSOURI CAMPAIGN. 475
oners were taken. Not having sufficient force to hold Lex
ington, Major White abandoned it, after first placing the
hospital patients on board a steamer and dispatching it to
St. Louis.
Gen. Fremont, who had coUected a large army at Sedalia,
noAv began a forward raoveraent to the south-west. This Avas
the commencement of that long and tedious raarch to Spring
field, which Avas remarkable for its severity and privations.
But Httle transportation Avas used. The soldiers were com
pelled to He upon the ground, in the rain and snow, without
tents. Hundreds Avere left to sicken and die on the road.
Springfield was reached on the first of November, and
found deserted. While at this place Gen. Fremont, on the
second of November, received a peremptory order from the
War Department relieving hira from his command, and desig
nating as his successor. Gen. David Hunter; who reported
for duty the next day, and, almost immediately, withdrew
the Federal army from south-west Missouri.
The causes assigned for Fremont's removal were: neglecting
to reinforce Lyon and Mulligan; issuing a proclamation con
fiscating rebel property in a manner not in conformity with
the act of Congress of August sixth, which confiscated only
property used in rebellion, which proclamation the President
afterwards compelled him to modify; extravagant expendi
tures in constructing fortifications in and around St. Louis;
and the corrupt manner -in which Quartermasters' supplies
were furnished and accounted for in his department.
GENERAL HALLECK'S ADMINISTRATION.
In December Major General Henry W. Halleck, lately of
California, was assigned to the command of the Military
Department of the West, which included Missouri. He at
once entered upon active duty, having his headquarters at
St. Louis. His first act was to issue and enforce a series of
" General Orders," which had the effect to stop all further
attempts of the secessionists of St. Louis to stir up strife, and
to place them in complete subjection to military rule. All
found in arms against the Government, or who gave aid and

476 MISSOURI CAMPAIGN.
comfort to the rebels, in any portion of the State, were con
fined and held as prisoners of war; while spies aud bridge-
burners, whenever caught, were executed. Union refugees,
who had thronged into St. Louis — having been plundered and
driven from their homes by the rebels — were taken in charge
by the Provost Marshals, and quartered upon avowed seces
sionists of that city. All municipal officers of St. Louis were
required to take the oath of allegiance prescribed by the
Missouri State Convention, or else subject themselves to
arrest. Gen, Halleck made such disposition of the forces at
his command as enabled them to be entirely successful in
every engagement they had with the enemy. On no occasion
were the Union troops alloAved to be defeated or disconcerted
by Price or other rebel Generals, because of inadequate num
bers. However just the criticism of Gen. Halleck's efforts
in other fields may have been, it is an undeniable fact, that
his management of the Missouri campaign was most suc
cessful, THE BLACK WATER EXPEDITION,
The expedition known as "Black Water" set out from
OtterviUe on the thirteenth of December. The brigade
under Col, Jeff, C, Davis, of the TAventy-Seeond Indiana,
and composed of the Eighth Indiana, Col. WiUiam P, Ben
ton, Eighteenth Indiana, Col, Thomas Pattison, Twenty-
Fourth Indiana, Col, Alvin P, Hovey, First Indiana battery,
Capt, Martin Klauss, and one squadron of First loAva cavalry.
Major Torrence, started from camp at nine o'clock at night,
and marched eighteen miles by daylight. The following day
it was joined by the brigade commanded by Col. Fred. Steele,
of the Eighth Iowa, consisting of the Twenty- Seventh Ohio,
Col. Kennett; Twenty-Second Indiana, Lieut. Col. John. A.
Hendricks; First Kansas, Col. Thayer; one battery of First
Missouri artillery, Lieut. Marr, and four companies of regu
lar cavalry, Lieut. Amory. The whole force, under the
command of Gen. John Pope, moved in the direction of
Hall's store and Chilhowee. Near the latter place, the rebel
forces it was intended to intercept and capture, were over-

MISSOURI CAMPAIGN. 477
taken. A march of thirty-one miles during the day, and
darkness, prevented an attack until the morning. The cav-
&\vy, however, was sent out to watch the enemy, and burn
the bridges on the line of his retreat. This they failed to do;
and morning found the enemy, four or five thousand in num
ber, fourteen miles off", successfully making his retreat. The
troops were much chagrined at the loss of the expected
opportunity to test their valor. They had so often, after hard
marches and high expectations, been disappointed, that they
became much dispirited and dissatisfied.
Gen. Pope, after giving a day's rest to the troops near
Warrensburgh, determined to return, and, in so doing, to
scout the country along the Black Water. The first day's
march was completed. The General had given orders to go
into camp. At about three o'clock in the afternoon, a coun
tryman brought intelligence that a rebel force, twelve hun
dred strong, was a fcAV miles below on the river. Little credit
was given to the accuracy of the information. Col. Jeff. C.
Davis, riding up at the time. Gen. Pope expressed a desire
that he Avould take command of the cavalry, consisting of
five companies of the loAva First, and two of regular cavalry,
and a section of artillery; in all, three hundred and fifty men,
and make a reconnoissance in that direction. Col. Davis,
taking the countryman along as a guide, marched promptly
and vigorously in search of the rebel camp. Passing through
a place called Knob Noster, the enemy's first pickets were
discovered about three miles from MUford, Col, D.'s escort
of ten men charged upon them, drove them in, capturing
one of their number. From him the position and force of
the enemy were ascertained.
The column now moved rapidly forward, driving in the
rebel pic-kets, until the bridge and mill at the crossing of the
road with the Black Water Avas reached. Here the enemy's
main force was discovered, draAvn up in line on the opposite
side of the stream, and strongly posted in a short bend, Avith
both flanks protected by its deep waters and impassable
banks. The long, narrow bridge, which crossed the river,
was guarded by one hundred and fifty men, commanded by
the notorious Magoffin.

478 MISSOURI CAMPAIGN.
Col. Davis, discovering that the only means of reaching
the main force of the enemy Avas by carrying the bridge
without halting his forces, ordered an assault. Two com
panies of the Fourth regular cavalry, under command,
respectively, of Lieut. Gordon and Lieut. Amory, advanced
with the utmost gallantrj'- and vigor, supported by the five
companies of the First Iowa cavalry, under Major Torrence.
The dash AA^as made by the troops in the most gallant man
ner. The confiict was short and bloody, revolvers and sabres
were freely used by the brave troopers. The bridge was
carried, and the force quickly formed on the opposite side for
a charge on the main lines. The troops were put in motion,
and the bugles sounded the first notes of "the charge;" then
the enemy hoisted a white flag, and asked what flag our
forces fought under, Davis remanded the messenger back
immediately, bidding him inform his commander that no
such pretexts for hoisting flags of truce would be tolerated.
The first fiag had not been lowered before a second one was
raised and brought to the front. The bearer demanded to
be inforraed "who commanded these troops." Col, Davis
gave his name, and asked that the object of the visit be
made known at once. The bearer of the flag stated that the
object Avas to secure time for consultation, to which Col,
Davis promptly replied : " Go back and say to your comman
der that I regret the lateness of the hour will not allow me
to grant his request; tell him that I have no desire unneces
sarily to shed the blood of my countrymen ; but my duty is
plain and imperative, and, unless he surrenders his comraand
immediately, I shall make the Black Water red Avith blood
in ten minutes,"
The coramander. Col, Robinson, accompanied by Cols,
Magoffin and Alexander, in a few minutes came to the front
ancl surrendered the entire coramand as prisoners of war.
Nine hundred and fifty men, Avith arms and equipments,
seventy-five wagons as commissary and baggage train, with
considerable other property, were thus captured. The pris
oners were then marched to camp, which was reached at nine
o'clock at night; and the result of the expedition was made
the occasion for much rejoicing by Gen, Pope's army. The

MISSOURI CAMPAIGN. 479
march to the Black Water, ten mUes from camp, and the
capture and marcii back to camp, occupied only six hours.
The fighting occupied but a few minutes, resulting in the
kilHng of one Union soldier, and the wounding of eight
others. One of the rebels Avas killed near the bridge, and
several were wounded nearer their camp.
Gen. Pope broke up his carap near Warrensburgh on the
nineteenth, and marched his command to Sedalia, arriving
there the same afternoon. Besides the prisoners captured by
Col. Davis, small squads were picked up by different com
manders at several places, making the whole number brought
into Sedalia nearly thirteen hundred, including three Colonels
and seventeen Captains.
On the tAventy-eighth of December, Gen, Prentiss, Avith
four hundred and fifty troops, encountered and dispersed a
body of rebels, nine hundred strong, under Col, Dorsey, at
Mount Zion, Boone county, killing and wounding one hun
dred and fifty, and capturing thirty-five prisoners, ninety-five
horses, and one hundred stand of small arms. The National
loss was three killed and eleven wounded.
BATTLE OF SILVER CREEK.
A battle was fought on the eighth of January, 1862, at
Roan's Tanyard, in Randolph county. The rebels, one thou
sand strong, under Col. Poindexter, on Silver creek, were
attacked at four o'clock in the afternoon by Majors Torrence
and Hubbard, with four hundred and eighty men. The
rebels made but a feeble resistance, owing to the want of an
efficient coramander. After an engagement of only half an
hour, they were routed. In their flight they threw away
their guns and overcoats. The Union troops burned the
rebel camp, consisting of one hundred and five tents, twenty-
five Avagons, eighty-seven kegs of powder, and a large quan
tity of provisions, equipments and clothing. Darkness pre
venting pursuit, the Union forces moved to their camp,
twenty-three miles distant. Their loss was twenty-five killed
and wounded, while that of the rebels was estimated at not
less than eighty.

480 MISSOURI CAMPAIGN.
On the eleventh of January, Waldo P. Johnson and Trus-
ten Polk, of Missouri, were expelled from the United States
Senate by a unanimous vote of that body, for having connected
themselves with the rebel army and government.
On the twenty-ninth of January, General Earl Van Dorn
assumed command of the Trans-Mississippi District of the
Confederate States, comprising portions of the States of Mis
souri and Arkansas, making his headquarters at Pocahontas,
Arkansas. About this time Gen. Jeff. C. Davis' division,
composed of the Eighth and Twenty-Second Indiana, Thirty-
Seventh Illinois and Ninth Missouri, accompanied by two
batteries of twenty-four pieces, and three companies of cav
alry, under Major Hubbard, marched from Versailles in the
direction of Springfield, where Price was stationed. The
latter learning of the advance retreated toAvards the Ozark
mountains and Wilson's creek, leaving behind six hundred
of his sick and a large amount of military stores and equip
ments. Price had tAvelve thousand effective men and fifty
pieces of artillery. Gen. Curtis soon joined Davis, and Avith
their united force marched upon Price on the tAvelfth of Feb
ruary, and drove him for foiir days, during which there was
constant skirmishing. Price now reached Cross Hollows,
Arkansas; further pursuit was, for the time being, aban
doned. Gen. Curtis, on the twenty-third of February, with a por
tion of the Union troops under his command, occupied
Fayetteville, Arkansas; the rebels at his approach fied in
great confusion across the Boston Mountains. Before leaving
they burnt a portion of the town and left behind them a
quantity of poisoned meat, which, unhappily, Avas partaken
of by the national troops, resulting in the poisoning of forty
officers and men of the Fifth Missouri cavalry.
BATTLE OF PEA BIDGE,
The main encampment of the Army of the South-West
was at Cross Hollows, Arkansas, on the Fayetteville and
Springfield road, at its intersection with the Bentonville road.
Rumors reached the camp that Gen. Van Dorn, with a large

MISSOURI CAMPAIGN, 481
body of rebels, that had been concentrated fifty miles south,
contemplated an attack. Gen. Curtis ordered the garrison
at Fayetteville to fall back upon his camp, and directed that
the detachments of troops, which had been sent out in several
directions, be immediately recalled. Scouts, who had closely
reconnoitered the enemy's camp, brought the exciting inteUi
gence that Van Dorn was already moving northward with
thirty thousand men.
On the first of March Gen, Sigel, in command of the first
division, moved his camp from Osage Springs to a point near
BentonviUe, to secure a better region for foraging purposes.
On the same morning, in pursuance of instructions from
Gen. Curtis, Col, Jeff, C. Davis, commanding the third divis
ion, broke up his camp at Cross Hollows and took position
on the hights of Pea Ridge, on the north side of Sugar creek,
comraanding the main road. Col. Carr's division (the fourth)
remained at Cross Hollows. On receiving intelligence of the
rebel advance. Gen. Curtis decided to concentrate his forces
at Sugar Creek, a short distance south of Pea Ridge, a good
point of defense and abundantly supplied with water, and to
which Col. Davis had already advanced, and where he was
partially intrenched. On the fifth Gen. Sigel received orders
to join Gen. Curtis at Pea Ridge. Ou the sixth he marched
from Bentonville in obedience to those orders. His rear
guard consisted of the Thirty-Sixth Illinois and a portion of
the Second Missouri, and one battery, numbering in all about
six hundred men. This rear guard was suddenly attacked
and surrounded by four rebel regiments of infantry and cav
alry. A vigorous engagement ensued, but Gen. Sigel being
hiraself present, managed this handful of men so successfully
that he cut his way through the enemy, and made one of
those masterly retreats which had already rendered his name
famous. Planting a portion of his guns, with infantry to
sustain them, he poured the grape and shell into the advancing
squadrons, until, quailing before the murderous fire, they
broke in confusion. Before they could re-form Sigel limbered
up and fell back behind another portion of his battery, planted
at another turn in the road. Here the same scene was
enacted. Thus it continued for ten miles. The roads in
Vol. I.— 31.

482 MISSOURI CAMPAIGN.
many places Avere very narrow and badly cut up, making the
march one of great difficulty. Pie finally formed a junction
with Cols. Davis' and Carr's divisions the same evening, losing
only twenty-eight in killed and wounded, and only a few
prisoners. Gen. Curtis, during the sixth, was diHgently preparing
earth-work defenses, and cutting timber, to check the progress
of the enemy along the Fayetteville road, where they were
confidently expected. As the Union camp was, in its front,
a strong natural position, and difficult of access on either
flank. Van Dorn decided to make his attack on its rear, thus
cutting off Curtis' base of supplies. The rebel commander
left the main road near Fayetteville and turned westward,
passing through Bentonville and re-entering the main road
near the Missouri State line, about eight miles north of Sugar
creek. Leaving a small force to make a feint upon Curtis'
front. Van Dorn, during the day and night of the sixth,
moved almost his entire force round the west side of our
army ; Gen. Price occupying the Fayetteville road near Elk-
horn tavern, north of Curtis' camp, while McCuUoch and
Mcintosh lay north of Sigel's and Davis' divisions. The dis
tance of the raain bodies of the two wings of each army
apart was nearly three miles, thus forming in fact four distinct
armies. On the night of the sixth Gen. Curtis' line of battle
was extended along the bank of Sugar creek, facing south
ward, with the right resting on Sugar Creek Hollow. Dur
ing the night he became convinced that the enemy had
moved his forces so as to attack the rear and right of the
Union array. Early on the morning of the seventh, a change
of front was ordered, which brought the line of battle across
Pea Ridge, with the new right resting on the head of Cross
Timber Hollow, which is the head of Big Sugar Creek, Avhile
the left still rested on Sugar Creek Hollow, at the point where
the right of the former line of battle had rested.
THB ENGAGEMENT NEAR LEETOWN.
So soon as the line was established. Col. Osterhaus was
ordered with some cavalry and Hght artillery to make a dem-

MISSOURI CAMPAIGN. 483
oustration in the direction of LeetoAvn, to break what Avas
supposed to be the reinforced line of the enemy. The First
Missouri cavalry, under Col. EHis, and tho Twenty-Second
Indiana, under Col. John A. Hendricks, Avere ordered to sup
port this movement. Col. Osterhaus advanced about a mile
beyond Leetown, and found the enemy in force, moving rap
idly along the road leading from Bentonville to Elkhorn
tavern, Avhere Col. Carr's division had now sharply engaged
the rebels. The falling back in some disorder of the Third
loAva cavalry gave proof of the necessity of reinforcing
Osterhaus, and Col. Jeff, C, Davis Avas ordered forward to the
center with his entire division, who sustained and superseded
Col, Osterhaus, supported, also, by Gen. Sigel's command,
which had remained till nearly the close of the day on the
left. Davis, on reaching the scene of action, found Col.
Osterhaus, AA'ith the Forty-Fourth Illinois, TAventy-Second
Indiana, and some artillery, in position on the left of the road
and contesting the approach of the eneray, over a large open
field in his front. In the meantime the enemy was rapidly
approaching and advancing his forces on the right of the
road,- and had already lodged large numbers in a scrub oak
thicket, extending to the Union camp. The second brigade
of Davis' division, consisting of the Thirty-Seventh and Fifty-
Ninth Illinois, (formerly Ninth Missouri,) with Davidson's
Illinois battery, (of Peoria,) commanded by Col. Julius White,
was immediately deployed to the right and at once became
engaged in the most vigorous manner. The increasing and
excessive fire of the enemy gave evidence that he was being
rapidly reinforced. Col. Davis ordered the Eighteenth Indi
ana, Lieut, Col, H. D, Washburn, and the Twenty-Second
Indiana, Col, Hendricks, of the first brigade, Col. Thos. Pat
tison, to make a flank movement to the right and perpendic
ular to the enemy, and then to move forward and attack him.
This was accomplished with alacrity, but not, however, until
Col. White's brigade had begun to recede before the excessive
fire of the enemy, who had now concentrated his forces to the
number of several thousand, under McCuUoch and Mcintosh,
with a large body of Indians under Albert Pike and Ross,
Being overwhelmed. White's brigade was directed to fall

484 MISSOURI CAMPAIGN,
back and change front to rear on its right, and Col, Pattison's
brigade to change front forward on its left, so as to attack
the enemy in his rear, who was now exultingly following up
his temporary success. The Eighteenth Indiana soon exe
cuted the movement as directed, and opened a well directed
fire upon the enemy's rear, which had the effect of drawing
his fire and disconcerting his pursuit, thus enabling Col.
White's brigade to re-form their lines as ordered, but not
until the enemy had succeeded in capturing two guns of
Davidson's battery, which, owing to the precipitate advance
of the rebels, and disabled horses, could not be withdrawn.
The Eighteenth Indiana pushed rapidly forAvard and drove
the enemy from this part of the field. The Twenty-Second
Indiana, during all this tirae, engaged a large force of Arkan
sas troops and Indians, and, after a sharp engagement, put
them to fiight. In the meantime Col. White's brigade
rencAved the engagement, when the enemy fled from the
field, leaving behind him many of the killed and wounded.
Among the former were Gens. McCuUoch and Mcintosh.
Col. Osterhaus' comraand, during the progress of this attack
upon the enemy's center, rendered invaluable aid to Col.
Davis' division in successfully defeating and driving the rebels
from the field. The enemy made an attempt to re-form in his
former position, near the Bentonville road, but was easily
driven from it by the action of our batteries. Two regiments
of reinforcements, with two pieces of heavy artillery, arrived
at this time from Sigel's command, and were assigned a posi
tion on the right, so as to be able to move more readily to the
support of Col. Carr's division, which had for several hours
been hotly engaged in the vicinity of Elkhorn tavern. Gen.
Sigel soon arrived himself, and accompanied by Osterhaus'
command, moved iu the direction of Carr's left. Col. Davis,
at the same time, threw forward Col, White's brigade to the
Bentonville road and Elkhorn tavern road. The enemy
having -reti'eated and night being upon them, Davis ordered
his troops to bivouac on the field they had so gloriously won.

MISSOURI CAMPAIGN. 485
THE BATTLE AT ELKHORN TAVERN.
On the morning of the seventh of March, the fourth divis
ion, under command of Col. Carr, w^as ordered to take posi
tion on the right, and engage the enemy in that quarter.
Advancing up the main road to a point about four miles from
the State Hne, Col, Dodge's brigade, composed of the Fourth
Iowa, the Thirty-Fifth Illinois, and the First Iowa battery,
Capt, Jones, filed off' upon the road leading from Bentonville
to Elkhorn Tavern, and immediately opened its battery upon
the enemy, who was posted in a wood on a declivity in front.
The artillery fire was promptly replied to, and a brisk encoun
ter of artillery and infantry speedily ensued. Col, Vandever's
brigade, composed of the Ninth Iowa, the Twenty-Fifth Mis
souri, the Third Illinois cavalry, and the Dubuque (Iowa)
battery, Capt. Hayden, passed about half a mile beyond the
Tavern and took position on the left of the road. In front
of them the ground descended to a dry ravine, and the oppo
site bank, which was somewhat abrupt and covered with scrub
oaks, was held by the enemy. About nine o'clock, a. m., the
engagement commenced at this point, the Dubuque battery
opening upon the rebels. The rebel batteries responded and
in a few minutes the whole line of the division was briskly
engaged. The rebels charged upon the Union battery and
succeeded in capturing one of the guns before they could be
driven back by the infantry. One hour's fighting in position
on the slope accomplished nothing for Col. Carr's division,
except to reveal the presence of an immense force of tho
enemy preparing to charge upon the Union troops.
Fearing such a movement might result in the loss of a bat
tery. Col. Carr withdrew to a better point, about a hundred
yards to the rear. Here the fight was kept up for some time,
the rebels repeatedly attempted to charge, but were as often
driven back by the well directed volleys of our troops. In
one of these charges another gun was lost. It now became
necessary again to fall back, and this time a stand was made
near the Tavern, and along the road leading to the east.
Hour after hour passed away, and still that one division was
coping with a rebel force nearly quadruple its number. They

486 MISSOURI campaign,
were driven back, inch by inch, until they Avere only a mile
and a half from the camp. Owing to the engagement near
Leeville, it was impossible to send reinforcements to Carr
until the afternoon. At four o'clock Gen. Asboth arrived
Avith tAVO infantry regiments and a battery from the second
division. Carr had then fallen back to an open field a mile
from carap. The reinforcements thus received enabled him
to hold his ground until night closed upon the confiict. The
lines of the contending armies, during the night, were not
more than three hundred yards apart. Each party rested on
their arms and passed the long hours till dawn without Hght-
ing fires.
Gen. Curtis became convinced before the day closed that
the enemy had concentrated his main force on the right, and,
therefore, comraenced another change of front, forward, so
as to face the enemy Avhere he had deployed on the Union
right fiank, in strong position. This Avas accomplished during
the night. Gen. Sigel bringing his division to a position on
the left of Carr soon after dark, while Col. Davis, at midnight,
moved his division to the main road and thence north to the
cleared land south of Elkhorn Tavern, where it took position
on the right of Carr's division. Col. Pattison's brigade, of
Davis' command, was deployed a few hundred yards to the
right of the Fayetteville road to support Klaus' First Indiana
battery, which was placed at the edge of an open field inter
vening betAveen the range of hills at Elkhorn Tavern and
the timber protecting the Union carap. Here the five com
panies of the Eighth Indiana, under Lieut, Col. Shunk, joined
their brigade. They had the previous day participated in
the eugagement Avith Col. Carr's forces, and had bivouaced
on the field during the night, Davidson's battery was placed
in a similar position on the left of the road, supported by Col.
White's brigade.
Gen, Sigel, having learned the exact position of the eneray's
batteries, commenced to form his line of battle by changing
his front so as to face the right flank of the enemy's position.
He flrst ordered the Twenty-Fifth IHinois, under Col, Coler,
to take a position along a fence, in open vicAv of the eneray's
batteries, which at once opened fire upon them. Imraedi-

MISSOURI CAMPAIGN. 487
ately a battery of six guns Avas thrown into line one hundred
paces in the rear of the advanced infantry, on a rise of ground.
The Twelfth Missouri then Avheeled into line,Avith the Twenty-
Fifth IHinois on their left, and another battery of guns was
similarly disposed a short distance behind them. Then
another regiment and another battery wheeled into position,
until thirty pieces of artillery, each about fifteen or twenty
paces from the other, were in a continuous line, with infantry
lying down in front. Each piece opened fire as it came into
position, and the fire of the entire Hue was directed so as to
silence battery after battery of the enemy.
Throughout the morning there was constant skirmishing
and Hght encounters with the portion of the enemy opposed
to the centre and right; but on the left not a gun was fired,
until the whole of Gen. Sigel's command Avas in readiness.
At eight o'clock the decisive engagement commenced. Soon
after sunrise, Davis began the attack Avith his artillery, which
brought responses from masked batteries, one of which
opened with grape and canister, so near the flank of Klauss'
battery, that he was compelled to retire. This battery with
drew on discovering that Pattison's brigade was about to
charge it. White's brigade, being much exposed to an enfl-
lading fire, was ordered to fall back, and take shelter under
the timber. By this time the position of the enemy's bat
teries Avas Avell developed, and Davidson now took a more
commanding position in the open field, where he was soon
joined by Klauss; and in a few moments the contest was
opened and maintained Avith great spirit on both sides, until
Sigel's forces were ready for action. The approach of Sigel's
infantry on the left of Davis' division, rendered the position
of his batteries secure, and enabled hira to withdraw Col.
White's brigade from their support, and prepare the entire
division for a general attack upon the enemy's left.
Sigel's artillery now opened, and engaged with spirit in
the contest. No human courage could stand the terrible
fire which belched forth from his cannon. The crowded
ranks of the enemy were decimated, and the battery horses
shot at their guns, but the rebels stood bravely to their post.
For two hours and ten minutes did Sigel's iron hail fall

488 MISSOURI CAMPAIGN.
" thick as autumn leaves, furious as the avalanche, deadly as
the simoora." One by one the rebel pieces ceased to play.
Onward crept our infantry; ouAvard moved Sigel and his ter
rible guns. Shorter and shorter became the range. No
charge of theirs could force that iron hail, or dare to venture
on that compact line of baj'^onets. They turned and fied.
Again Sigel advanced his line, making another partial change
of front. The favorable opportunity now offered, and all the
troops of Davis' and Carr's divisions, (comprising the right
and center,) were ordered to advance across the field.
The left, under Sigel, moved close to the hills occupied by
the enemy, driving him from the hights, and advancing
steadily to the head of the hollows. Col. White's brigade,
of Davis' division, together with the Eighteenth and Twenty-
Second Indiana, soon warmly engaged the enemy, who began
to yield to the steady fire and determined advance of our
troops, and finally broke and fied in much confusion, enabling
Davis to turn the left of the enemy, and cross-fire in his cen
ter. This final position enclosed the enemy in the arc of a
circle. A charge of infantry, extending throughout the
whole line, completely routed the whole rebel force, which
retired in great confusion, through a deep and almost impas
sable defile of cross timbers.
Thus ended the first battle in Arkansas. After an engage
ment of fifteen hours, extending through the larger portion
of tAVO consecutive days, the rebel forces were driven from
the field, and the Stars and Stripes hoisted on the contested
ground. No accurate statement has ever been made of the
losses in this great battle. The Union army suff'ered heavily,
but their casualties fell far short of those of the rebels.

a.^^^-'x^/'^,'

l'/[AJ. GORDO ¥ TANWFJR,
22":' ^ndlana Re?'

EEGIMENTAL HISTORY.

CHAPTER XVI.

THE TAVENTY-SBCOND REGIMENT

Was organized at Madison, and mustered into service by
Lieut. Col. T. J. Wood, on the twenty-seventh of July, 1861.
The following comprised its officers :
Field and Staff Officers. — Colonel, Jeff. C. Davis, Indian
apolis; Lieutenant Colonel, John A. Hendricks, Madison;
Major, Gordon Tanner, Indianapolis; Adjutant, Chaiies'L.
Holstein, Jr., Madison; Regimental Quartermaster, Emmer
Bradley, IndianapoHs; Surgeon, Benjamin J. Newland, Bed
ford; Assistant Surgeon, Joseph A. Stillwell, Brownstown.
Company A. — Captain, Michael Gooding, Vernon; First
Lieutenant, Leonard Ennis, Vernon; Second Lieutenant,
David Ennis, Vernon.
Company B. — Captain, Thomas H.B. Tanner, Brownstown;
First Lieutenant, James M. Lewis, Brownstown; Second
Lieutenant, John F. C. Tanner, Brownstown.
Company C. — Captain, James S. Hester, Nashville ; First
Lieutenant, William W. Browning, Nashville, Second Lieu
tenant, William A. Adams, Nashville.
Company D. — Captain, David W. Dailey, Charlestown ; First
Lieutenant, William H. Ratts, Charlestown; Second Lieuten
ant, Isaac N. Haymaker, Charlestown.
Company E. — Captain, Josiah WUson, Waynesville ; First
489

490 REGIMENTAL HISTORY,
Lieutenant, William II. Snodgrass, Waynesville; Second
Lieutenant, Samuel H, McBride, New Albany,
Company F. — Captain, Elijah A. Stepleton, Vevay; First
Lieutenant, John S, Roberts, Vevay; Second Lieutenant,
Sidney S, Marques, Bennington,
Company G. — Captain, Squire Isham Keith, Columbus;
First Lieutenant, WUliam McKenley Wiles, Columbus; Sec
ond Lieutenant, James McGrayel, Columbus.
Company H. — Captain, Patrick H. Jewett, Lexington;
First Lieutenant, Thomas Shea, Lexington; Second Lieu
tenant, William Powers, Lexington,
Com.pany I. — Captain, David Lunderman, Bloomington;
First Lieutenant, John Oscar McCullough, Bloomington;
Second Lieutenant, Anthony Ravenscraft, Bloomington,
Company K. — Captain, Richard H, Litson, Madison ; First
Lieutenant, Perry Watts, Madison; Second Lieutenant,
Robert R. Smith, Madison.
On the fourteenth of August it arrived at Indianapolis,
and on the seventeenth left for St. Louis, Missouri, arriving
there the next day. It went into camp in the suburbs of the
city. For ten days the regiment was engaged in drilling.
On the twenty-seventh it took the cars for Jefferson City,
where an attack from the rebels was threatened. Here it
again camped, and for three weeks Avas constantly engaged
in field maneuvers and receiving military instruction.
It being reported that the enemy was in force at Glasgow,
a detachment was sent on steamboats up the Missouri river,
and landed a fcAV miles below that toAvn. The force con
sisted of three companies from the Twenty-Second, two from
the Eighteenth and one from the Twenty-Sixth Indiana, all
under command of Major Gordon Tanner, of the Twenty-
Second, Quietly landing on the banks on the nineteenth of
September, a bright moon shining, the force, in detached
bodies, pushed through the woods toAvards the town, when
a fatal mistake occurred. The detachments mistook each
other for the enemy, and poured volleys into our own ranks,
killing eight and wounding thirteen. The Twenty-Second
lost one killed and three wounded' — one mortally. Major Tan
ner, who died at Jefferson City one Aveek afterward. This

REGIMENTAL HISTORY, 491
unfortunate afl'air defeated the object of the expedition, and,
next day, receiving intelligence of the surrender of the com
mand of Col. Mulligan, at Lexington, it Avas deemed injudi
cious to proceed further, and the forces returned on trans
ports to Booneville,
On the twenty-fifth the regiment marched to Otterville,
and took cars for Sedalia, where it remained in camp until
the twelfth of October, On the twentieth it joined the forces
of Gen. Fremont, then on the march for Springfield, where
the rebel generals Price and McCuUoch had concentrated a
large army. Crossing the Osage river at WarsaAv the force
steadily pressed on, and halted for a few days near Quincy,
where Major Dailey joined the regiment. Moving on, the
regiment reached Springfield on the second of November.
MeauAvhile Gen. Fremont had been relieved and Gen. Hun
ter placed in command. It having been ascertained that the
rebel generals were withdrawing their array to Arkansas, a
retrograde raovement was ordered by Gen. Hunter. After a
long, wearisome march, the regiment arrived near Otterville
and Avent into camp.
On the sixteenth of December it took part in the War
rensburgh expedition, which resulted in the capture of nine
hundred and fifty rebels, together with their arms, horses and
camp equipage, on a stream called Black Water. Though
the expedition was under command of Gen. Pope, to Col.
Jeff. C. Davis is due the credit of its success. It was he who
planned the attack and captured the entire force of the enemy,
with a loss on our side of only two killed. The regiment
then returned to camp near Otterville, where it remained
until January twenty-fourth, 1862.
At this time Gen. Curtis, who had succeeded Gen. Huntei,
resolved to move upon the enemy, who was reported to be
fifteen thousand strong, under the rebel Gen. Price, at Spring
field. The regiment struck tents and joined the advancing
column. Col. Davis had command of a division. Lieut. Col.
Hendricks being absent. Major DaUey took command of the
regiment; Capt. Gooding acting as Major. It was a mid
winter march. The weather was very cold, the roads rough,
and the sufferings of the men great. Yet they exhibited a

492 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
courage, perseverance and endurance highly creditable to
their patriotism.
The forces were four days in crossing the Osage river at
Lynn creek. At Lebanon the troops of Davis and Curtis
formed a junction. Moving south, the weather moderated,
and on the eleventh of February our advance encountered
the pickets of the enemy, within seven miles of Springfield.
Skirmishing at once ensued; the rebel pickets fell back, and
our forces bivouaced within five miles of Springfield.
Early on the morning of the twelfth, the division, led by
Col. Jeff. C. Davis, advanced cautiously through fields and
prairies, until within two miles of Springfield. Here it was
formed in line of battle, and skirmishers thrown out.
Advancing rapidly on the town, not a rebel was to be seen;
and in a few minutes it was ascertained that the enemy had
fled. Our forces occupied the place at once, and soon the
flag of the Twenty-Second waved over the lofty dome of the
hospital on the plaza. Price and his rebel army retreated
rapidly toAvard Arkansas. Curtis' army, though fatigued
with long marches, commenced a vigorous pursuit of the
flying foe. Sigel turned to the left, hoping, by rapid march
ing, to gain the enemy's rear. Davis followed in direct pur
suit. Our forces pressed closely on the retreating columns
of the enemy. Every day there was a sharp skirmish
between our advance and the rebel rear guard. At Sugar
Creek, Arkansas, Price was brought to bay. Davis halted
for Sigel to join him; but Sigel had been misled by his guide,
and was far in the rear. Taking advantage of the delay, the
rebel General pushed on to Cross Hollows and Boston
Mountain. Here he was heavily reinforced by McCuUoch, Mcintosh,
Rains and Steele. At once retracing his steps, on the sixth
of March, he attacked Sigel's pickets near Bentonville. The
next day it was ascertained that the rebel army, in over
whelming numbers, was moving upon the command of Gen,
Curtis, Avhich was encamped on Sugar creek, immediately
south of Pea Ridge, Gen. Sigel fought bravely all day on
the sixth, gradually falHng back, Avith the design of leading
the enemy into a favorable position for defense. But the

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 493
wUy foe avoided the intended snare, for, instead of following
Sigel up Sugar creek. Price turned to the left, and, on the
morning of the eighth, made a furious attack on the rear of
Carr's division, at Elk Horn Tavern.
The Twenty-Second, led by Lieut. Col. Hendricks, was
ordered to take position on the left. Here McCuUoch and
Mcintosh, Avitli a heavy force, supported by Albert Pike's
two thousand Indian allies, Avere pressing our line. The bat
tle opened fiercely about elcA'cn o'clock. The regiment was
posted in the rear of a battery, and was greatly exposed. A
ten-pound shell frora the enemy's battery took off the head
of a corporal in the front rank, passed through the neck and
shoulders of a private in the rear rank, and, without explo
ding, buried itself iu the breast of Lieut. Watts, of Co. K,
killing all three instantly.
About four, p. M., the enemy made his last and most des
perate charge on the left. Col, Hendricks fell, shot through
the breast by a musket ball. Major Dailey was absent, receiv
ing orders from Col, Pattison, commanding the brigade.
Adjutant Powers, under the impression that our men were,
through a mistake, turning our own battery upon our ranks,
at the request of Col. Hendricks, passed to the left, and, on
reaching the battery, saw that one section of it had been
captured by the rebels, and turned against us. The left of
the Twenty-Second having been forced by a desperate charge
of the eneray. Adjutant Powers found it difficult to rejoin his
command, and barely saved himself from death or capture.
The enemy had brought the battery into an open field, and
were raking our men terribly. Lieut, George S, Marshall,
Eighteenth Indiana, aid to Col, Pattison, thinking it was
our battery, rode up and ordered it to cease firing. Discov
ering the mistake, he accompanied Adjutant Powers to the
Twenty-Second, and, there being no mounted officer present
after the fall of Col. Hendricks, these brave officers rendered
timely aid in re-forming the corapanies on the left, which had
been throAvn into confusion by the fierce onset of the eneray.
Major Dailey, hoAvever, soon appeared, and, by a flank move
ment of the Eighteenth and Twenty-Second, the battery was
recaptured. In a few minutes, the enemy, having lost their

494 REGIMENTAL HISTORY,
leaders, McCuUoch and Mcintosh, who both feU in front of
our brigade, abandoned the field, and commenced a precipi
tate retreat.
That night the Eighteenth and Twenty-Second Indiana
moved over to assist Col. Carr ; and next day, about eleven,
A. M., a combined charge of infantry and artillery drove the
enemy from the field, with great loss. The loss of the
Twenty-Second, at Pea Ridge, was nine killed and thirty-two
wounded. After this battle, the enemy withdrew into the mountains,
aud left the Union army masters of the country in north-west
Arkansas and south-Avest Missouri. The regiment went into
camp at Cross Timbers, and reraained there until the sixth
of April. At that time the army started on the marcii across
the Ozark Mountains, At Bull's Mills, Capt. Gooding hav
ing been promoted to the rank of Major, joined the regiment.
Major Dailey Avas commissioned Lieutenant Colonel in place
of Col. Hendricks, who Avas killed at Pea Ridge, Arriving
^ West Plains, Mo., on the thirtieth of April, the column
turned towards the south and reached Sulphur Rock, near
the fiourishing town of Batesville, Ark.
On the ninth of May, Gen. Davis with his brigade, com
posed of the Twenty-Second Indiana, TAventy-Fifth, Thirty-
Fifth aud Fifty-Ninth Illinois regiments, was, by order of the
Secretary of War, instructed to report to Gen, Halleck, in
front of Corinth, The next day, the troops, in fine condition,
started on the march for Cape Girardeau, on the Mississippi
river, Avhich place they reached on the evening of the twen
tieth, having made a march of two hundred and sixty miles
in nine days, resting only one day during that time, Lieut,
Col. Dailey here left the regiment on leave of absence, and
Major Gooding took comraand.
At Cape Girardeau, the brigade embarked on board trans
ports, the TAventy-Second taking the steamer War Eagle;
and moA'ing down the Mississippi, and up the Ohio and Ten
nessee rivers, the fleet arrived at Hamburgh Landing, on the
Tennessee, on the evening of the twenty-fifth.
On the twenty-seventh, Lieut, Colonel DaUey rejoined the
regiment, and assumed command. The regiment at once

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 495
marched to the front, and took position behind the intrench
ments before Corinth. For two days skirmishing and fight
ing were brisk, heavy cannonading and musketry resounding
along the lines.
On the twenty-ninth, at early daybreak, a series of heavy
explosions was heard frora the eneray's works. Soon after
wards, it was ascertained that the rebel General Beauregard
had bloAvn up his magazines, and evacuated Corinth. The
regiment soon passed through the deserted camps of the
enemy, and for several days harrassed his rear guard, pursu
ing him to Booneville, Mississippi, capturing a number of
prisoners, and destroying the railroad and a long train of cars.
The Twenty-Second camped near Booneville until the sixth
of June, when it moved to Clear creek, near Corinth. Here
excellent water, and good camping grounds, Avere obtained.
On the twenty-fourth it left camp, and moved in a south
easterly direction, towards Rienzi. On the twenty-sixth.
Col. Gooding rejoined the regiment. Marching westward on
the Memphis road, through a fine cotton, grain and fruit
country, the regiraent proceeded fifteen miles beyond Ripley.
The object of the expedition having been accomplished, the
regiment returned through Ripley, and went into camp, on
the fourth of July, within one mile of Jacinto, in a well
watered and healthy region. It remained here for a month,
performing picket and guard duty.
On the twentieth of July, Gen. Davis having obtained
leave of absence. Gen. R. B, Mitchell took coraraand of the
division. On the fourth of August, Gen. Mitchell made a
reconnoissance to Bay Springs, fifteen miles in the direction
of Tupelo. The expedition was a complete success. A
camp of rebel cavalry was broken up, and several prisoners
taken ; an extensive cotton factory and large mill destroyed,
and a large amount of stores confiscated. The expedition
arrived at luka on the ninth, and reraained in camp there
until the seventeenth. The regiment then marched to the
Tennessee river, crossed that stream at Eastport, and moved
up the river to Florence, Alabama. Here aU tents and bag
gage were left, and the force started for Kentucky.
Gen. Bragg had invaded Kentucky, and was threatening

496 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
LouisviUe and Cincinnati. Buell's army was in rapid pursuit
The march from Florence to LouisviUe was long, tedious and
fatiguing. The regiment reached Louisville on the tAventy-
seventh of September, and left that place on the first of Octo
ber, passing through Bardstown and Springfield. Col. Post
being sick. Col. Gooding took command of the brigade.
Lieut. Col. Dailey having resigned, Lieut. Col. Keith took
command of the regiment.
On the eight the battle of Perryville was fought. Col.
Gooding's brigade bore a conspicuous part in this battle.
For two hours and a half this gallant brigade held immense
numbers of the enemy in check, delivering a heavy and
deliberate fire into the opposing masses of the enemy. A
deadly fire swept their ranks. Many of their comrades fell,
yet they bravely faced the deadly storm. At dark Col.
Gooding was taken prisoner. The brave and heroic Keith
was mortally wounded at the head of the regiment. The
gallant Capt, R, K. Smith, Lieut. Sibbitts, Lieut. Tolbert, and
Lieut, Ridlen, met their death in battling for their country.
Forty-six of their comrades sleep the sleep of death on that
fatal field. Lieut. McBride Avas mortally wounded. More
than ninety others were wounded, some mortally. Over
thirty were taken prisoners. The loss of the regiment was
fifty per cent. Night put an end to the battle.
Five days afterAvards, the regiment, commanded by Capt.
Tanner, was confronted by a formidable force of rebel cavalry
at Lancaster, Ky. A skirmish took place, and the rebel cav
alry fled. From Lancaster the pursuit of Bragg's array was
continued to Crab Orchard, Ky. Here Mitchell's division
halted for a few days.
On the twentieth the division marched to Danville ; thence
back through Lancaster, on a three days' scout, to Lowell,
twenty-five miles distant; and returning the same Avay, started
for Nashville, Tennessee, passing through Lebanon. Halted
on the thirtieth on Green river to be mustered. Thence the
regiment passed through Bowling Green to NashvUle, going
into carap, on the seventh of November, on the north bank
of the Cumberiand river, opposite the city. On the tenth,
Gen. Davis, the hero of Pea Ridge, assumed command of his

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 497
old division. Gen. Mitchell took command of the post of
Nashville. On the twenty-eighth the regiment crossed the Cumberland,
passed through the city of NashvUle, and, with the rest of
the division, went into camp three miles south of the city.
Col. Gooding, having been exchanged, joined the regiment,
and took command. Capt, Shea Avas promoted to the rank
of Major, On the twelfth of December, the regiment raoved
to another camp, seven miles southeast of NashviUe, at a
place called St, Janies Chapel, Here it was employed in
picket duty and foraging, and was engaged in several exciting
skirmishes while scouring the country in search of food.
On the tAventy-sixth a forward movement of the Army of
the Cumberland was made on Murfreesboro, which resulted
in the battle of Stone River. Gen, Davis' division led the
advance, going by the Avay of Nolensville, a small town mid
way betAveen Murfreesboro and Nashville, a few miles to the
right of the main road connecting the two places. Here the
enemy had a strong force of cavalry, infantry and artillery,
advantageously posted.
Soon after leaving camp at St. James Chapel, skirmishing
began betAveen our advance and the enemy's pickets. At
tAvelve o'clock we forced in their outposts, and attacked their
main body, which, after a spirited resistance, gave way, fall
ing back to a more favorable position. Gen. Davis, moving
his infantry forward at a charge, closely followed by two
good batteries, pursued the rebels so closely, that they scarcely
had time to form and bring their artillery to bear upon us. In
one hour their lines were broken, one piece of artillery cap
tured, several prisoners taken, and the rebel force put to a
precipitate flight. Our loss was only four wounded. The
affair at Nolensville Avas well managed, rendering it one of
the most brilliant and successful enterprises of the campaign.
The enemy contested our adA'ance from day to day, though
not with so much vigor as at Nolensville, until the thirtieth,
when the army of Gen. Rosecrans had contracted its lines,
and was well concentrated upon the enemy's position at Mur
freesboro, McCook's corps, including Davis' division, holding
the right.
Vol. L— 32.

498 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
Early on the morning of the thirty-first the battle opened.
During the previous night Bragg massed the greater part of
his force to operate against, and, if possible, to turn our
right. On came the rebels, closely followed by their artillery.
Our troops hastUy formed, and poured into their ranks volley
after volley. Our artillery opened on them with grape and
canister, cutting frightful gaps in their battalions; yet they
Avavered only for a few moments; then, closing their ranks,
they bravely and heroically pressed forAvard. After desperate
fighting, McCook's corps, overpowered aud overwhelmed,
faltered and gave way, but soon rallied, and stubbornly
resisted the impetuous and reckless advance of the rebels,
who, yelling Hke demons, SAvept on Hke an aA'alanche. The
enemy, having succeeded in turning our right, greatly elated
by his success, pushed ou until within point blank range of
Rousseau's and Negley's diA'isions, who opened upon him a
murderous and galling fire. The flushed columns of the
rebels halted and returned the fire. But deadlier became our
volleys. The rebels hesitated. Seeing that delay only added
to their destruction, they turned aud fied to the forests. The
ardor of the rebels was cooled, and night put an end to the
fight for that day.
When the battle opened, five companies of the Twenty-
Second Avere thrown forward as skirmishers. They deployed,
and covered the entire front of the brigade: leaving the
remaining five companies to occupy the place and bear the
shock hurled against the whole regiment. The fiA'c compa
nies were ordered to support Pinney's Wisconsin battery, and
poured a deadly fire of musketry into the ranks of the
advancing foe, while Pinney's battery delivered its grape and
canister with fatal precision. The corapanies held the posi
tion until Lieut. Col. Tanner was severely wounded, and Capt.
Pinney mortally Avounded. The battery, with the excepticn
of one gun, Avas saved. The regiment soon re-formed and
took place in line.
The next day, January first, 1863, a vigorous onset was
made by Bragg upon our center, but the enemy was repulsed
with heavy loss. On the second an attack was made on our
left; but the enemy met with such a warm reception that he

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 499
retired in haste before our victorious columns, taking shelter
behind his works, and leaving hundreds of his dead and
wounded in our possession.
The TvA'cnty-Second was thrown on the left as a support.
The enemy Avas uoav confined to the limits of his intrench
ments. Knowing that delay Avas dangerous, he commenced
a well executed plan of Avithdrawal, covering his real design
by a feint on the night of the third. In this he was foiled,
and on Saturday morning, January fourth, our forces took
possession of the toAvn of Murfreesboro'. The loss of the
regiment in this battle was tAvelve kiUed, thirty-six wounded,
and thirty taken prisoners.
After the battle of Stone river, the Twenty-Second, with
other troops belonging to Gen, Davis' division, encamped
near the river, two miles south of the town. In February it
accompanied General Davis on an expedition to Franklin,
designing to counteract a movement of the enemy toAvards
Cumberland, After an absence of tAveh'e days the division returned to
Murfreesboro', and in March started by way of Eaglesvilleto
Triune. While on this scout, on the anniversary of the bat
tle of Pea Ridge, Gen. Davis delivered a short address to the
regiment, in Avhich he spoke of the long marches, bloody
battles and skirmishes through which the regiment had passed.
It is claimed that no regiment in the service has made
longer marches than the TAventy- Second. Traversing the
central, south-western and entire southern portion of Missouri,
north-western and northern Arkansas, portions of Mississippi
and Alabama, across the States of Tennessee and Kentucky,
a journey of five thousand mUes, all of which, with the
exception of seven hundred miles, was performed on foot.
Here we leave the regiment. It is now, November six
teenth, 1863, at Chattanooga, with Grant's gallant army, pre
pared to fight for the old fiag until the rebellion is crushed.
MAJOR GORDON TANNER.
Gordon Tanner was born near Brownstown, Jackson
county, Indiana, July nineteenth, 1829. His father. Colonel

500 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
Thomas Tanner, a native of Kentucky, moved to Indiana
soon after he reached his majority, and located on a beautiful
farm where he lived untU his death, in 1845. Col. Tanner was
a man of imposing appearance, and possessed great firmness
and decision of character, with noble qualities of head and
heart. He had a predilection for the military service.
In 1830 he was appointed Colonel of the Seventeenth Regi-
m'ent Indiana Militia, and held the commission until his death.
He left a widoAV and seven children dependent upon their
own exertions.
The great grandfather of Gordon Tanner was an officer in
the army of the revolution. He was wounded at the battle
of King's Mountain, which caused the loss of an arm.
Gordon Tanner was the eldest of five sons. From infancy
he was of Aveak frame, and had ever to contend with bodily
infirmities. Early in life he exhibited genius, intellect, and
mental energy of an extraordinary character. At six years
of age he could read and write with reraarkable correctness.
With his father's assistance, at horae, he raade rapid advances
in scholastic attainments. All his leisure was devoted to
reading; and this mental food was supplied from the Frank
lin Library, of Brownstown, an association of which his
father was a meraber. His reading in boyhood, — a taste for
which continued through Hfe, — Avas principally literary re
views aud criticisms ; the choicest poetical works; biography
and history. He had an especial fondness for the productions
of the early English authors. His library contained many
rare AVorks of literature and art.
At the age of thirteen he comraenced a thorough prepara
tion in the languages and mathematics for a collegiate course.
Just as he Avas ready to enter the State University his father
died, and he was left at the age of sixteen with the care and
responsibility of providing for his mother's family. He
undertook the manageraent of the farra; but araid the anx
ieties and labors thus early throAvn upon hira, he found time
to cultivate his literary tastes.
When war was declared against Mexico, he entered the
army in an Indiana corapany of volunteers, under the com
mand of Capt. Ford. On his Avay to the seat of war, at New

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 501
Orleans, he was attacked with yelloAv fever, and lay sick for
three months. On his recovery he was appointed recruiting
officer for the Third Regiment Indiana volunteers, which
position he held until the war was ended. He then resuraed
his collegiate course, and was a student at the State Univer
sity, at Bloomington, Indiana, during the years 1848-9. In
the latter year he commenced the study of law. In 1850 he
published and edited the BrownstoAvn Observer, but he dis
posed of the establishment in a few months, for the purpose
of joining the Cuban expedition under Walker. Fortunately
he arrived in New Orleans four days after the steamer had
left, which carried those men to their untimely end and sad
fate. He returned home and resumed the study of law. In
1850-1, he was Assistant Secretary of the Constitutional
Convention of Indiana. In 1854 he Avas elected by the Leg
islature State Librarian, and while occupying that position,
he assisted iu editing the Democratic Review, and furnished
some of the ablest literary and political articles which it con
tained. In 1856 he edited the Democratic Platform, a politi
cal campaign paper, and his vigorous pen made a marked
impression during that memorable presidential canvass. He
was elected that year, by popular vote. Reporter of the Decis
ions of the Supreme Court; and for four years filled the
position with marked abihty, and gained a reputation enviable
and enduring.
Major Tanner was a Democrat. He was an enthusiastic
admirer and devoted friend of Stephen A. Douglas, and fol
lowed the political fortunes of that great statesman and politi
cal leader, with unswerving fidelity. His was not a sycophan
tic, blind devotion to the representative of a great political
party; but arose from the firm conviction of a man who
thought and believed that the principles which Douglas
advocated, reflected the spirit, as well as the letter, of the
Constitution, and that the poHcy he espoused was best calcu
lated to give vitality to our Magna Charta and perpetuate
the Union in its career of unexampled progress and pros
perity. The great speeches of Mr. Douglas, just before and
after the inauguration of President Lincoln, expressed the
sentiments which Major Tanner thought should be enter-

502 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
tained by every patriotic citizen, and in his view suggested
the only true and peaceful solution of the nation's troubles.
Sumter fell. The President issued his call for volunteers
to put down the armed rebellion in the seceded States, to
preserve the Constitution and the Union, as framed by the
wise, sagacious, and patriotic fathers of the republic. Major
Tanner believed it to be his duty to tender his services to
the Governor of Indiana as a volunteer in the army of the
republic, asking only a position in which he could do honor
alike to his native State and himself.
Major Tanner had State pride, and he was anxious that
Indiana should occupy that position among her sister repub
lics, and exert that influence in the destinies of the nation,
which had been withheld her, but to AA'hich she Avas justly
entitled. At the Legislative re-union, in Cincinnati, in Jan
uary, 1860, at which the Legislatures of Tennessee, Kentucky
and Ohio, were present. Major Tanner was called upon to
respond to a toast compliraeutary to Indiana, as her repre
sentative in that assembly of the most prominent citizens
from contiguous States, tAvo slave, and tAvo free. No address
on that occasion expressed more patriotic and truthful senti
ments. It was brief, but peculiarly appropriate to the occa
sion. It was singularly prophetic of the events Avhich have
since transpired. His prophecies, if we raay so term them,
have become history. As the speech is a specimen of his
pecuHar teraperaraent, composition, and far-seeing sagacity,
no raore appropriate tribute can be offered to his memory
than to reproduce it. He said :
" On behalf of the citizens of Indiana, from the lake to
the Ohio, from the Miami to the Wabash — on behalf of the
whole people of our State, the humblest of her citizens may
express gratitude for, aud thankfulness to the Divine Provi
dence which has brought together, in peace and harmony,
the contending brethren of sister republics. Indiana responds,
throughout all her borders, to each and every expression of
patriotism and devotion to the Union Avhich has beeu uttered
by the eloquent and honored representatives of her elder and
greater sisters. Thank God! Indiana needs no panegyric.
N'ot one Avord need be said of her devotion to the union of

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 503
these States. Her past history speaks for her. There is not
this day one disunionist, one secessionist, Avithiu her bounda
ries. There is not a battalion of drilled soldiery in the north
west that could prevent the conservative masses of Indiana
from hanging a professed disunionist on the nearest tree.
She has been, in some sort, a silent raeraber. She has been
the Cinderella of a more brilliant and favored sisterhood.
What influences have brought a great and powerful State to
this position, I do not now propose to point out. But from
this time forth she intends that her voice shall be heard and
her poAver felt in determining the destinies of this republic.
"The time for action has come. We have among us those
who can move the people by their eloquence. We have
araong us those Avho have fought raore wordy battles for the
Union, against more fearful odds, than have been fought by
the citizens of any State of the Confederacy, But Ave are
tired of talking about disunion. We are ready for the ' overt
act' We are ready to pledge our Avealth, our intellect, our
muscle, and honor to the people of the Mississippi Valley to
'crush out treason wherever it raay rear its head.'"
And Indiana has raade her voice heard and her power felt
in deterraining the destinies of the republic. Her wealth,
her intellect, her muscle, and honor have been freely contrib
uted to "crush out treason wherever it has raised its head."
On every successful battle fleld her sons have been found Avin-
ning new laurels to garland her escutcheon, and performing
deeds of valor that Avill make her star the brightest of the
galaxy. Indiana's part in the war of the Union Avill give
her the individuaHty and fame AA'hich Major Tanner so much
desired her sons should Aviu, and for Avhich he sacrificed his
OAVU life.
On the second of August, Gordon Tanner was appointed
Major of the Twenty-Second Regiraent Indiana volunteers.
In that regiment were two of his brothers, one a Captain, aud
the other a Second Lieutenant. On the sixteenth of the same
month his regiment was ordered to service in Missouri, With
a natural taste for military affairs, and some experience in a
soldier's life, he rapidly acquired a thorough knoAvledge of
his duties. It is only expressing the sentiment of every

504 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
member of his regiment, when it is said he was its idol.
Cool, brave, energetic, and determined, he promised to be one
of the most useful officers in the service. He had every pros
pect of a brilliant future. His towering ambition, — subordi
nate, as it really was, to the great interests at issue in the
nation's struggle for life, — had he been spared and opportu
nity been given him, would have led him onward until he
had performed deeds of valor Avhich would have given him a
proud name and an enviable fame. But he left horae Avith a
sad presentiment. He never expected to return. He told his
friends that he did not expect to survive the first engagement
\yith the enemy. Alas! these sad forebodings too soon
became reality. He did his duty with alacrity, and cheer
fully laid doAvn his Hfe for his country.
On the eighteenth of September, the Eighteenth, Twenty-
Second and Twenty-Sixth Indiana regiments A\'ere ordered
up the Missouri river towards Glasgow, On nearing the
town three companies of the Eighteenth and TAventy-Second,
under comraand of Major Tanner, were detailed for a recon
noissance, in the performance of which dutjj- he received a
mortal AA'Ound, He was iraraediately conveyed to Jefl'erson
City, where every attention that friends and a dcA'oted wife
could render, and all that medical skill could do, to alleviate
his suffering and save his life, was done; but in vain. For
eleven days he suffered intensely, but exhibited in those long
hours of agony all that fortitude and those marked peculiari
ties which had distinguished him through life. On the thir
tieth of Septeraber, his brave, patriotic and gallant spirit
took its fiight. "A warrior's weapon had freed a warrior's soul."
Every respect was paid to his meraory. Brigadier Gen
eral Thoraas L. Price, coraraanding at Jefferson City, Mis
souri, issued a general order, in which he said :
"The General Coraraanding learns Avith regret the decease
of Major Gordon Tanner, of the Twenty-Second regiraent of
Indiana volunteers — one of the bravest of those who have
given their lives for their country. The loss of this brave
and gaUant officer, iu the present condition of our country, is

REGIMENTAL HISTORY.

505

not only one of great imporlance to the army, but is also a
cause of deep regret to thousands of his comrades in arms,
many of Avhom looked forAvard to gaining distinction and
success under his coraraand."
The remains of Major Tanner were taken to his home,
Indianapolis, for interment, and received the honor due , a
patriot and a soldier. The members of the bar, in a feeling
tribute to his memory, said: "It was due at once to the
virtues of the deceased and to the merabers of the profession
that he adorned while living, to join with the community in
lamenting that our fellow-citizen, endeared to us by the kind
ness of his nature, the integrity of his conduct, and the
promise of future usefulness, has been cut off before that
promise had been realized; but not before he had given ample
evidence of his capacity for a life honorable and useful to the
country." On the fourth of October, 1861, the mortal remains of
Major Gordon Tanner were laid in their final resting place,
with all the honors of war, and every manifestation of
respect, by the citizens of IndianapoHs. A faithful wife, and
a son eight years old, are left to mourn the loss of a devoted
husband and father.
The career of Major Tanner illustrates, most forcibly, the
advantages and workings of republican institutions. No
adventitious circumstances of birth or fortune attended him.
He fought his own way through Hfe from childhood onward.
He was the architect of his own fortune. Knowing that his
future depended on his own efforts, he became self-reliant.
He was ambitious. He sought fame and distinction in the
paths of honor; and they were the incentives which inspired
him Avith hope and courage through the toil by which they
are reached. Major Tanner was no orator, but when the
occasion required it, he could speak forcibly and weU. He
excelled as a writer. His compositions — and he wrote much
on varied subjects — display thought, accuracy, comprehension
and cultivation. His reports of the decisions of the Supreme
Court of Indiana, present the evidence that he had thoroughly
mastered the science of the law, and Avell understood the
application of its principles; his pubhshed reviews and criti-

506 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
cisras show that he was a thorough belles lettres scholar; and
his political treatises are the best testiraony that he had thor
oughly studied and comprehended the art or science of gov
erning men.
Major Tanner Avas a genial companion. He had but few
associates, but to them the Avindows of his soul were ahvays
open. He Avas devoted to his friends. He Avas exceedingly
sensitive and reserved, except Avith those in Aviiom he had
entire confidence. This greatly prevented his attaining that
personal popularity so essential au element of success in pub
lic men. Wielding a caustic pen hiraself, the sarcasm and
ridicule, too often used as a Aveapon against an adversary,
stung him to the quick. A man of strong passions, lie could
both love and hate. He was a man of generous heart, and
a public-spirited citizen, ever ready to contribute bis efforts
aud means to promote social happiness and the public good.
He was the kindest of husbands, and the most indulgent of
fathers, ever manifesting tOAvards his family a v^'oman's gen
tleness. In no more fiattering and just terms can the private char
acter of Major Tanner be portrayed, than by quoting his own
estimate of one of Indiana's sons :
"In his private relations he Avas noble and generous. He
contemned a raean thing, and disdained a cowardly act. He
was a firm and devoted friend. His attachments Avere few
but strong. He Avas not too much a partisan to be a gentle
man. He Avould fight a man as a political enemy, and at the
same time love him as a personal friend. He had more
respect for the bold man Avho opposed him with an earnest
and deterrained spirit, than the slave Avho Avaits for others to
act, and then sides with the strong."
Gordon Tanner died young. Although he had occupied
many honorable public positions, he Avas but on the thres
hold of usefulness. He looked forward hopefully to greater
enterprises than any he had accomplished; but death has cut
off his ambitious aims. Had he lived, he had the intellect and
the accomplishraents to have fitted him, and the Avill to have
striven, for the raost elevated positions in the public service.

REGIMENTAL HISTORY.

507

But he has gone from us forever. The meraory of his many
virtues Avill be cherished by those who knew and loved him.
LIEUTENANT COLONEL S, I. KEITH
Was born in Dover, Mason countj', Kentucky, on the thir
tieth of November, 1837, As a youth, he was noted for gen
tleness; but, as the boy grcAV to manhood, time developed in
him indomitable energy and an iron will. At tho first call to
arms, he responded, and enlisted as a private iu Capt.
Abbett's company; but the company failed to get into the
three months' service on account of an over supply of troops.
Not discouraged, S, I, Keith at once Avent to work to raise a
company for three years' service; and succeeded so Avell, that
on the fifteenth of August, 1861, the company Avas raised,
Keith was commissioned as Captain, and his coramand
attached to the Twenty-Second Indiana, as company G,
Through the Missouri campaign, with its terrible exposure,
fatigue and suff'ering, Capt. Keith was cheerful, and used
every effort to encourage his inen. At the battle of Pea
Ridge, when Lieut, Col, Hendricks fell, and the regiment
was almost surrounded by the SAvarming masses of the
enemy, Capt. Keith's company formed the rear guard, and
held the enemy in check until the regiment fell back, when
Capt, Keith, at the head of his company, cut his way through
and rejoined his regiment. His gallant conduct, in this bat
tle, endeared him to the comraand. The regiraent, after the
battle of Shiloh, joined the army of Gen. Halleck, and par
ticipated in the seige of Corinth, Capt. Keith being almost
constantly in the front.
On the eighteenth of July, 1862, Capt, Keith was com
missioned Major of the TAventy-Second; and on the tAventy-
third was appointed Lieutenant Colonel. After the seige of
Corinth, the regiment was attached to Gen, Buell's command,
and joined in the pursuit of Bragg through Kentucky, On
arriving at Louisville, Col. Keith made a short visit to his
home in Columbus, Ind, He rejoined his regiment soon
after, and at the battle of Perryville took comraand. Col,
Gooding, of the Twenty-Second, being in command of the

508 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
brigade. Col. Keith led a furious bayonet charge, driving
the enemy from their position, Avith fearful loss. In this des
perate battle, the brave Col. Keith lost his life. The circum
stances attending his death were as follows:
When nearly dark, on the eighth of October, Col. Keith
was ordered, with his regiment, to the support of the Fifty-
Ninth Illinois. Marching by the left flank down a hill into
the woods, he was halted by the rebel Gen. Hardee, Avho
asked, " What comraand ? " Col. Keith repHed, " The Twen
ty-Second Indiana from Pea Ridge." Hardee theu said, "I
belong to the same command;" and, pointing to the rebels in.
Union uniforms, and with the United States flag, said, "These
are my troops;" and, riding quickly to the rear of his col
uran, gave the coraraand, " Fire ! " By that volley Col. Keith
was mortally wounded. He was carried by his men to the
rear, when he remarked, "I must die ; go back and do your
duty." The next morning he was dead. He was buried in
a soldier's grave; a board was placed at its head to mark the
spot. Soon afterwards his remains were conveyed to Colum
bus, Ind., and interred in the faraily burying ground. He
was true in all the relations of life.
Thus died a brave man and a true patriot.

INVASION OF KENTUCKY.

CHAPTER XVII.

The position assumed by Kentucky in the beginning of the
struggle was that of neutrality. It seemed to be the dream
of her rulers, and of a large portion of her people, that they
could place their State as a breakwater between the gather
ing armies, and secure the blessings of peace, by rolling back
the tide of war. It is not our design to discuss the wisdom
of this policy, or to question the motives of those who were
responsible for it. The effects we have experienced ; the facts
it is our province to state. In response to the President's
call for troops after the fall of Fort Sumter, Gov. Magoffin
curtly replied: "Your dispatch is received. In answer, I say,
emphatically, Kentucky will furnish no troops for the wicked
purpose of subduing her sister Southern States." On the
twenty-fourth of April the Governor issued a proclamation,
conveuing the Legislature in extraordinary session, at Frank
fort, on the sixth day of May.
In the meantime. Gov, Magoffin, whose loyalty to the
Union was doubted, both A\'ithin and without the Common
wealth, used every effort to put the State in a warlike atti
tude. He professed to a sincerity of purpose to prevent the
passage of armed bodies across the borders of Kentucky from
either section. Neutrality had become armed neutrality.
The State Guard, partially organized before the rebellion,
was placed on a war footing; and strenuous efforts were made
to raise money to arm and equip those troops. The true
509

510 INVASION OF KENTUCKY.
Union raen became more aud more alarmed as they Avitnessed
these preparations. The State Guard was under the direc
tion of Gen. Buckner, who Avas then believed to be Avhat he
has since proved hiraself — a decided and bitter secessionist.
The young men of the State flocked to Buckner's standard.
Their sympathies were Avith the South, Large numbers of
them threw off all disguise, and left their homes for the
seceded States, In some instances companies were raised
with the avowed purpose of tendering their services to the
Montgomery Government. The restless Avarlike element was
evidently hostile to the Federal Governraent. Tenders of
troops Avere raade to President Lincoln by individuals resi
dent in Kentucky; but in no instance were the rank aud liie
of the regiments off'ered at this period expected to be raised
within the State.
The result of the elections for members of the General
Assembly Avas a decided Union majority in both branches.
The Legislature raet at Frankfort on the sixth of May. The
excitement Avas intense; for the stake at issue was immense.
Various military schemes were proposed, some of which evi
dently looked to tho project of arming the State as an ally of
the South. During the discussion of these projects. Gov.
Magoffin issued his proclaraation of neutrality, in Avhich he
warned all States, separate or united, and "especially the
United States and Confederate States," that he positively for
bid any movements upon Kentucky soil, or the occupation,
within her borders, of any post or military carap, and Avarned
all citizens, Avhether incorporated in the State Guard or oth
erwise, frora making any hostile demonstration against any
of the aforesaid authorities. A strict construction of this
proclamation of neutrality would have led to the expulsion
of the United States troops from the barracks at NeAvport,
which had for years been a Federal military post. The par
tisans of the Governor, hoAvever, contended that he Avas a
good Union man, and that his object Avas to keep the State
within the Union, and free from strife, and in such an atti
tude, that she could act as an arbiter between the contending
sections. This Avould havebeen a high and holy mission;
but Beriah Magoffin was believed to be too deeply implicated

INVASION OF KENTUCKY.

511

in the schemes of the secession leaders to command the con
fidence of the loyal people of Kentucky. A resolution,
endorsing the proclamation as containing the true policy for
Kentucky, Avas defeated in the Legislature, The bill intro
duced by the Chairman of the Mihtary Committee was also
defeated, A bill, however, Avas passed, appropriating seven
hundred and fifty thousand dollars for the purchase of arms,
to be distributed under the direction of commissioners,
appointed by the Legislature, and requiring organized cora
panies to take an oath to support the Constitution of the
United States before they should receive thera. The passage
of this bill took the control of the railitary force of the State
out of the hands of the GoA-ernor and of Gen, Buckner, and
was considered a decided Uniou triumph. The Legislature,
after a short session, adjourned to meet on the first Monday
in September.
It soon became evident to the raost sanguine adA'Ocates of
neutrality, that sueh a condition could not long be raain
tained. The strife betAveen Unionists and secessionists
increased in bitterness. The papers in Tennessee were clara-
oring for the Confederate occupation of Kentucky, under
pretense of affording protection to those who were opposed,
politically, to the Federal adrainistration, and as a protection
against the invasion of their own State. The large Federal
force assembled at Cairo Avas made a pretext for this clamor.
By the fifth of June five thousand Union troops Avere gath
ered at that point, and fortifications were erected there and
at Bird's Point, on the Missouri shore. The Mississippi river
was effectually blockaded; and the order from the Treasury
Department, prohibiting the shipment of supphes South, was
rigidly enforced along the shores of Kentucky, bordering
upon the Ohio river. The shipment of arms, by the Federal
Government, to be placed in the hands of Union citizens,
caused serious disturbance in several districts in the State.
Notwithstanding the test of the elections shoAved a large
majority in faA'or of sharing the fortunes of the old Union,
the secession minority Avas often bold and defiant. The
Uuion men felt assured, during the months of July and
August, that preparations were being made by the Confeder-

512 INVASION OP KENTUCKY.
ates to invade the State through Tennessee, by throAving a
force through Cumberland Gap. Faith in the efficacy of the
neutrality doctrine waned, and recruiting for the Federal
service was stimulated, and camps were formed, within the
State, On the nineteenth of August, Gov, Magoffin addressed a
letter to President Lincoln, requesting him to withdraAv the
Federal troops from the military camps. He claimed for the
policy he had adopted peace and tranquility within the bor
ders of the State, and expressed an earnest desire to maintain
it; and urged his belief that the horrors of civil war would
be averted by the course he recoramended. The President
declined to comply with his request. The railitary force in
the State, he said, consisted exclusively of Kentuckians, and
the establishraent of the caraps had been recomraended by
many eminent citizens of Kentucky, including a large major
ity of her members of Congress; and that no person, except
his Excellency and the bearer of his letter, had ever urged
their removal. One Avorthy citizen, he continued, did solicit
him to have the augmenting of the force suspended for a
time, and he had complied Avith that request. On the same
day that the letter above referred to was sent to the Presi
dent, a message was dispatched to Richmond with a note
from the Governor, reiterating the desire of Kentucky to
continue her neutrality — stating that Federal camps were
established in the central portions of the State — expressing
the fears of the people, that the Confederate force gathering
on the Southern border would be used for the purpose of
invasion — and calling upon Mr. DaA'is to give an authorita
tive assurance that they Avould not be so used. In his reply.
President Davis expressed the strong desire of the Confeder
ate authorities to respect the position assuraed by Kentucky
so long as it w^as maintained in good faith ; but added, that
",if the door be opened on the one side for the aggressions of
one of the belligerent parties upon the other, it ought not to
be shut to the assailed, when they seek to enter it for pur
poses of self-defense." " The assemblage," he said, " of
troops in Tennessee had no other object than to repel the
laAvless invasion of that State by the forces of the ITnited

INVASION OF KENTUCKY, ^1^
States, should their Government seek to approach it through
Kentucky, without respect for its position of meutrality.
This correspondence clearly foreshadowed the fate ot Ken
tucky The Government at Washington could not forego
the right to march through a loyal State to reduce a disloyal
one to submission; and the moment the door was opened on
one side for the passage of troops, it would be broken vio
lently on the other to resist their march. Without strength
to beat back both parties, the State, lulled to sleep by its
vision of neutrahty, must become the battle field of the con
tending parties.
When the Legislature met on the first of Septeraber, the
crisis was at hand. On the third, the Confederate General
Polk occupied Columbus with a large force. He issued an
address, giving, as his reasons for violating the neutrality of
Kentucky, that the Federal Government had first done so,
by estabUshing camps in that State, and that batteries were
being erected on the Missouri shore to command the town.
On the sixth, Paducah, at the mouth of Tennessee river, was
occupied by Federal troops from Cairo, under Gen. C, F.
Sraith ; and a camp was formed on the Kentucky shore a
short distance above the junction of the Ohio and Mississippi
rivers, caUed in honor of a distinguished Kentuckian, Joseph
Holt, who had already taken a decided stand in favor of the
Government. Thus Avas the dream of neutrality, in which
doubtless many good and loyal men had resposed in fancied
security, rudely broken by the tread of armed legions, and
the thunder of hostUe cannon.
The most intense excitement was created by the move
ments of the rebel commander. Ruraors of the occupation
of Bowling Green were rife on the streets of Louisville and
Frankfort, and it was reported that the State Guard intended
seizing Muldraugh's Hill, a commanding point on the Nash
viUe railroad, a few miles frcm LouisviUe. The Legislature
immediately sent commissioners to Gen. Polk to know by
what authority he invaded the State; and the Governor was
requested by resolution to issue a proclamation, commanding
the Confederate General to withdraw his troops. An
attempt Avas made to engraft another resolution upon the
Vol, I.— 33.

514 INVASION OF KENTUCKY.
one just passed, to require the Governor to include the Fed
eral troops in his order; but it signally faUed. The procla
mation was issued, but it was ineffective.
The State, however, was by this time thoroughly aroused,
and men flocked to the Federal standard. Regiments were
soon in process of organization in diff'erent parts of the State.
A few months before, recruiting for Kentucky regiments was
done in Ohio and Indiana; but the tread of the invader upon
her soil, roused the spirit of the sons of the "dark and
bloody ground," who sprung to arms in defense of their
homes. The Military Board was directed by the Legislature to call
in the arms which had been distributed to the State Guard;
and the report of the Committee on Federal relations, pledg
ing the State for the payment of the war tax, and for the per
formance of all her constitutional obligations, was adopted
by a large majority. Gen. Anderson, of Fort Sumter noto
riety, had been sent to Kentucky. It was his native State,
and much was hoped for from his ability as a commander,
and his influence with the people. The Legislature requested
his aid in raising troops; and placed the State Guard under
the comraand of Col. T. L. Crittenden, a son of the venera
ble Senator, who, in his place in the lower branch of Con
gress, as a representative of the State which had so often
honored hira, labored with lofty patriotism to stay the tide
of desolation which Avas sweeping over the land. Col. Crit
tenden had served in the war with Mexico, and was an aid-
de-camp to Gen. Taylor at Buena Vista. Like his venerated
father, he was true to his country in her hour of peril.
Gen. Rousseau, who had raised a brigade, and driUed it in
camp, ou the Indiana shore, about this time marched through
Louisville, and took possession of Muldraugh's HiH. Troops
from Indiana Avere freely offered to assist in holding the
rebels in check. Four hundred men of the Indiana Legion,
from Jennings and Jefferson counties, with several pieces of
artUlery, marched to Louisville, under command of Gen.
Mansfield, and offered their services to Gen. Anderson. Gen.
Anderson rejected the artillery on account of the guns not

INVASION OP KENTUCKY. 515
being of uniform caUbre, and declined to receive the men
unless they would volunteer for an indefinite period.
About the twentieth of August, Gov. Morehead and other
prominent secessionists, were arrested and sent North ; and
Gen. Buckner fied to the Confederate lines, causing the
bridge over the Rolling Fork, on the LouisviUe and Nashville
road, to be burned by his adherents. His fiight was foUowed
on the twenty-second by the departure southAvard from Lex
ington, of John C. Breckinridge, late Vice-President of the
United States, Wm. B. Preston, late Minister to Spain, the
Secretary of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, aud other
notables of the State. John Morgan, since so famous as a
cavalry commander in the rebel army, left Lexington about
the same time, at the head of a company of mounted men.
The repudiation of the policy of neutrality by the Legis
lature and people of the State, was followed by a period of
great activity in mUitary circles. Gen. W. T. Sherman was
in comraand of the Federal forces on the line of the Louis
ville and NashvUle raUroad, with his headquarters at Lebanon
Junction. His pickets extended to EHzabethtown. Gen.
Rousseau, Avith his brigade, held Muldraugh's HUl, at that
time considered an important position. The force collected
by Gen. Sherman was a motley one. Home Guards from the
adjoining counties, citizens from LouisvUle, arraed with what
ever implement of warfare they had at hand, mountaineers
from the knobs of Salt creek, with their squirrel rifies, and a
few half organized volunteer regiments, without uniforms,
composed his force. The Sixth was the first regiment from
Indiana to cross the border into Kentucky. It Avas re-organ
ized after having been mustered out of the three months'
service, and marched to Kentucky without waiting for an
answer to requisitions on the Quartermasters Department.
Other regiments rapidly followed from Indiana and Ohio, and
soon Gen. Sherman had a respectable force to keep back the
roving bands of guerriUas who were threatening his lines.
Gen. G. H. Thomas, another regular army officer, was in
command at Camp Dick Robinson, in the central part of the
State. The Confederates were concentrating in force at
BowHng Green, and had already commenced their fortifica-

516 INVASION OF KENTUCKY,
tions at that point, Avhile their scouts roamed over the country
to the Federal lines, and their advanced post was at Nolen,
on the Nashville railroad, having the road Avell guarded from
there to the Cumberland river. In front of Gen. Thomas
was a large force under command of Gen. Zollicoffer, of Ten
nessee, and Humphrey Marshall was gathering thedisaff'ected
of Eastern Kentucky into his camps on the Big Sandy,
The situation Avas critical. The Confederate governraent
knew the importance of Kentucky as a battle ground, and
was not disposed to quibble about the means used to get pos
session of it. In addition to the number of the young men
Avho had entered the Southern army, raany who reraained at
horae, strongly sympathized Avith the eff'ort of the rebel
leaders to extend their poAver over the State. Gen, Buckner
issued a stirring address to the people, and being in possession
of two-thirds of the line of the Louisville and Nashville rail
road, Avith his headquarters at BowHng Green, and his detach
ments roaming over half the State, it was not without eff'ect
in rallying even the more lukewarm of the secession party to
his standard. Buckner destroyed the locks on Green river,
and Zollicoffer advanced to Manchester.
The armies increased rapidly in nurabers on both sides.
Troops from Ohio, Indiana and Illinois were hurried across
the border fast as regiments Avere organized. The struggle
"wasrapidlybecomingoneof vast proportions. Gen. Sherman
succeeded General Anderson in the chief command on the
seventh of October, He was an officer of energy and ability,
and felt the responsibility imposed ou him. He compre
hended the situation. He knew the North must put forth its
power to save the State to the Union. He was regarded as
crazy because he said that two huudred thousand men were
needed to drive back the southern arraies. It would have
been well for the country had a fcAV more such crazy men
then held iraportant commands, and successfully urged the
adoption of their views upon the government at Washington.
The rapidity with which Indiana organized and sent for
ward her troops was remarkable. The danger which menaced
Kentucky struck a chord that vibrated through the heart
of Indiana. Except the invasion of her own soil, there was

INVASION OF KENTUCKY, , 517
no event that could so thoroughly arouse her people as the
tread of hostile feet upon the fair fields of a State, to which
she was bound by so raany tender ties. Indiana believed, and
not vdthout evidence, that the majority of the citizens of
Kentucky were opposed to the revolutionary schemes of the
Southern leaders, and every generous impulse impelled them
to rush to their assistance. It was evident, too, that their oavu
homes could be more eff'ectually defended on the banks of
the Cumberland than on the shores of the Ohio. The desire to
aid Kentucky was universal. Men of all parties and of every
shade of opinion were united on that point. As the hastily
organized regiments crossed the beautiful river separating the
sister States, the names of many of Indiana's sons, who have
since won unfading honor on the gory fields of battle, were
then first heard of as military men. How quickly and how
well their first lessons in the art of war were learned, will
appear from the histories of their regiments, and from the
sketches of the campaigns in which they participated.
Lieut. Col. T. J. Wood, of the First regular cavalry, formerly
mustering officer for Indiana, was appointed a Brigadier Gen
eral of volunteers. He arrived at Nolen on the tenth of
October, and formed the first Indiana brigade in Kentucky.
His staff were Indianians. Capt. Wm. H. Schlater Avas his
Adjutant General, Capt. George W. Wiley, of the Thirty-
Ninth, Chief Commissary, and Lieuts. George W. Leonard,
of the Thirty-Sixth, and F. A. Clark, of the Twenty-Ninth,
aides-de-camp. Gen. Wood was shortly after placed in com
mand of the camp of instruction at Bardstown, where many
of the new regiments were sent.
Some of the regiments, when but a few days from their
homes, proceeded to the front, and encountered the enemy.
The Thirty-Third Indiana, Col. Coburn, left Indianapolis ou
the last of September, passed through Frankfort, Camp Dick
Robinson and Crab Orchard, joining the forces under Gen.
Schoepff, which encountered and checked the advance of
ZolHcoff'er's army at Wild Cat on the twenty-first of October.
Zollicoffer, by forced marches, was hastening to overrun the
blue grass region, and thus secure that rich territory as a base
of operations for the Confederate army. For a description of

516 INVASION OF KENTUCKY,
tions at that point, Avhile their scouts roamed over the country
to the Federal lines, and their advanced post was at Nolen,
on the Nashville railroad, having the road Avell guarded from
there to the Cumberland river. In front of Gen. Thomas
was a large force under command of Gen. Zollicoffer, of Ten
nessee, and Humphrey Marshall was gathering the disaff'ected
of Eastern Kentucky into his camps on the Big Sandy.
The situation was critical. The Confederate governraent
knew the importance of Kentucky as a battle ground, aud
was not disposed to quibble about the means used to get pos
session of it. In addition to the number of the young men
Avho had entered the Southern army, many who reraained at
horae, strongly sympathized Avith the effort of the rebel
leaders to extend their poAver over the State. Gen. Buckner
issued a stirring address to the people, and being in possession
of two-thirds of the line of the Louisville and NashvUle rail
road, Avith his headquarters at BowHng Green, and his detach
ments roaming over half the State, it was not without effect
in rallying even the more lukewarm of the secession party to
his standard. Buckner destroj-ed the locks on Green river,
and Zollicoffer advanced to Manchester,
The armies increased rapidly in numbers on both sides.
Troops frora Ohio, Indiana and Illinois Avere hurried across
the border fast as regiraents were organized. The struggle
wasrapidly becoming one of vast proportions. Gen. Sherman
succeeded General Anderson in the chief command on the
seventh of October, He was an officer of energy and ability,
and felt the responsibility imposed on hira. He compre
hended the situation. He knew the North must put forth its
power to save the State to the Union, He was regarded as
crazy because he said that two hundred thousand men were
needed to drive back the southern armies. It would have
been well for the country had a fcAV more such crazy men
then held important commands, and successfully urged the
adoption of their vieAvs upon the government at Washington,
The rapidity with which Indiana organized and sent for
ward her troops was reraarkable. The danger which raenaced
Kentucky struck a chord that vibrated through the heart
of Indiana, Except the invasion of her own soil, there was

INVASION OF KENTUCKY, ^ 517
no event that could so thoroughly arouse her people as the
tread of hostile feet upon the fair fields of a State, to which
she was bound by so raany tender ties, Indiana believed, and
not Avithout evidence, that the majority of the citizens of
Kentucky were opposed to the revolutionary schemes of the
Southern leaders, and every generous impulse impelled them
to rush to their assistance. It was evident, too, that their oavu
homes could be more eff'ectually defended on the banks of
the Cumberland than on the shores of the Ohio, The desire to
aid Kentucky was universal. Men of all parties and of every
shade of opinion were united on that point. As the hastily
organized regiments crossed the beautiful river separating the
sister States, the names of many of Indiana's sons, who have
since won unfading honor on the gory fields of battle, were
then first heard of as military men. How quickly and how
well their first lessons in the art of war were learned, will
appear from the histories of their regiments, and from the
sketches of the campaigns in which they participated.
Lieut. Col. T. J. Wood, of the First regular cavalry, formerly
mustering officer for Indiana, was appointed a Brigadier Gen
eral of volunteers. Ho arrived at Nolen on the tenth of
October, and formed the first Indiana brigade in Kentucky.
His staff were Indianians, Capt, Wm, H, Schlater was his
Adjutant General, Capt, George W, Wiley, of the Thirty-
Ninth, Chief Comraissary, and Lieuts, George W, Leonard,
of the Thirty-Sixth, and F, A, Clark, of the Twenty-Ninth,
aides-de-camp. Gen, Wood was shortly after placed in com
mand of the carap of instruction at Bardstown, where many
of the new regiraents were sent.
Some of the regiraents, when but a few days from their
homes, proceeded to the front, and encountered the enemy.
The Thirty-Third Indiana, Col. Coburn, left Indianapolis ou
the last of September, passed through Frankfort, Carap Dick
Robinson and Crab Orchard, joining the forces under Gen,
Schoepff, which encountered and checked the advance of
ZolHcoff'er's array at Wild Cat on the twenty-first of October.
Zollicoffer, by forced marches, was hastening to overrun the
blue grass region, and thus secure that rich territory as a base
of operations for the Confederate army. For a description of

518 INVASION OF KENTUCKY.
the fight at Wild Cat, and the operations in that district, we
refer to the history of the Thirty-Third in this volume.
GEN. buell's CAMPAIGN.
On the fifteenth of November, 1861, Gen. Don Carlos BueH
arrived at Louisville, and assumed command of the new
Department of the Ohio, which embraced the States of Ohio,
.Michigan, Indiana, Tennessee and that portion of Kentucky
east of the Cumberland river. Gen. Albert Sidney Johnson
was in command of the Confederate army west, and was pre
paring to make a vigorous campaign, for the possession of
Louisville and the establishment of his line on the Ohio
river. He had thirty-five thousand men north of the Cum
berland river, and garrisons at Fort Henry and Fort Donel
son, and was in raUroad communication with Columbus, on
the Mississippi, where a large force was stationed under
command of Gen, Polk. His communication between these
points and NashvUle was uninterrupted. With these facili
ties he could soon concentrate at any point all the force of
the Confederacy not required elsewhere for defense. He had
also two thousand five hundred men under Humphrey Mar
shall on the north-eastern border of the State, and a force
under Gen. Zollicoffer at, and near, Cumberland Gap, Avhich
had recently atterapted to overrun the rich central portions
of the State, and might at any time renew the attempt.
Bands were yet being organized in the rear of our lines to
join the rebel ranks. At that time the Confederacy was not
seriously threatened at any point except in front of Washing
ton. The sea coast expeditions had not yet been thoroughly
organized. Our forces in Missouri and Western Virginia
were not prepared to operate beyond the limits of those
States, Kentucky, therefore, off'ered to the enemy the most
encouraging field for successful operations. The disloyal
element in the State confidently expected the rebel troops to
be in possession of Louisville in a very short period, and did
not conceal their satisfaction at the prospect. Gen. Buell, to
oppose the movements of the Confederate General from the
Cumberland Gap and from Nashville, had only two organi-

INVASION OF KENTUCKY. 519
zed divisions, numbering tAventy-five thousand effective men.
He had also a force of four thousand on the Big Sandy in the
north-eastern portion of the State. There were in addition
fragments of undisciplined regiments and companies scattered
at distant camps, raany of Avhora Avere without arras. These
had to be organized, arraed and drilled. To this task Gen.
Bnell at once directed his energies, and, under raany discour-
ageraents, succeeded informingfrom this disorganized mass an
efficient force. Still there Avas much to be done to prepare
the army for offensive operations. Transportation had to
be created; suppHes had to be provided; depots established ;
artillery and cavalry equipped ; in short everything had t.o
be prepared, which was needed to make a forward movement
effective. While these preparations were progressing the enemy was
not idle. Regiments crossed the Cumberland rapidly as
they crossed the Ohio, and the defenses at Columbus, Don
elson and BowHng Green grew from light field works to for
tifications of great strength.
The instructions received by Gen. Buell urged the impor
tance of sending a column to hold East Tennessee, That
section of the State was represented to be devotedly attached
to the Federal Government; and the sufferings of its loyal
inhabitants under the iron despotism of their rebel rulers,
Avere vividly painted by thousands of refugees. The sympa
thies of the nation were aroused in their behalf. The people
and the press urged immediate efforts for their relief, and the
Government, it is presumed, felt strongly as did the people,
the importance of securing the territory. After carefully
investigating the subject. Gen, Buell reported that a cam
paign against East Tennessee would require thirty thousand
men — twenty thousand to enter the State, and ten thousand
on the line of coraraunications. There Avould be two hun
dred railes of Avagon transportation — a great portion of the
way through a barren mountainous region. The General
submitted to the War Departraent the plan of a campaign
against Nashville. He proposed to march rapidly against
that city; to pass to the left of Bowling Green, through Glas-
glo.w and Gallatin, while a force frora Missouri should ascend

520 INVASION OF KENTUCKY.
the Curaberland river, under the protection of gunboats. It
Avas essential to open the river to make the movement suc
cessful ; for it Avould be necessary to depend on that channel for
supplies. The troops, therefore, wdre so disposed, that they
could easily be directed to East Tennessee, or toAvards Nash
ville. By the last of December four divisions — forty thou
sand men — were organized. One division was at Munfords
ville, one at Beaver creek, on the same road, one near Green
river, on the New Haven pike, and one at Lebanon. But
notAvithstanding the most strenuous efforts, transportation for
an advance had not been obtained. While preparations were
being made for a successful advance, collisions occurred
betAveen the Federal and rebel forces, which resulted in bril
liant and decisive victories to the Union arms.
THE. FIGHT AT MUNFORDSVILLE.
Gen. McCook's division lay at Munfordsville aAvaiting the
completion of the raUroad bridge over Green river for a fur
ther advance. The opposing rebel force, under Gen. Hind-
man, was at Cave City. The duty of picketing the south
side of the river, and protecting the working parties, had
been assigned to Col, Willich's regiment — the Thirty-Second
Indiana, The regiraent usually had two corapanies on the
south side of the river; but on the evening before the fight —
the sixteenth of December — ^a second bridge having been i
completed, Col. Willich sent four corapanies to the south
side, and ordered four companies to the north bank as sup
ports. The picket line was advanced to the outskirts of
Woodsonville, a village about one mile from the river. Gen.
Hindman, Avith a force of eleven hundred infantry, four
pieces of artillery, aud a battalion of Texas rangers, under
Col. Terry, marched frora Cave City on the morning of the
scA^enteenth, for the purpose of capturing the Federal pickets
on the south side of Green river, and breaking up the rail
road. He halted his infantry on the railroad, near Woodson
ville, and advanced his cavalry to the hights overlooking the
position occupied by our pickets. About noon the enemy's
cavalry attacked the outer pickets. Capt. Glass, with the

INVASION OF KENTUCKY. 521
second company, advanced and drove back the attacking
party, until he carae in sight of their infantry supports. He
then fell back slowly, the eneray's Hne advancing upon him.
The third company to the left of the Woodsonville pike was
attacked at the same tirae, but more feebly. The two other
companies on the south side of the river hastened up; and
Lieut. Col. Von Trebra, with the remainder of the regiment,
crossed over, and advanced on the run to the scene of con
flict. He soon formed his Hne, sending three companies to
support Capt. Glass on the right, and four companies to the
left. The line thus formed, with skirmishers thrown out,
advanced steadily, and drove the enemy back. Then came a
furious charge of cavalry upon our skirmish line, led by Col.
Terry, of the Texas rangers. They rode among our men,
firing AA'ith their carbines and pistols. The skirmishers closed
up, and met the charge with veteran coolness. On our left
flank, Lieut. Sachs, with half the third company, left his
covered position, and attacked the cavalry in the open field.
Terrible and furious was his charge. The rangers fought
with desperate valor. The eighth and ninth corapanies, in
close skirmish order, advanced to the rescue of Sachs, They
drove back the cavalry, but not until the gallant and impet
uous Sachs, and a nuraber of his men, were killed.
In the meantime, the fight on our right wing Avas equally
severe. Three of the companies were then deployed as skir
mishers, and one — the sixth — was in column for their sup
port. One of the companies was in skirmish order, behind
a fence. The rangers galloped up to them in close line, and
commenced firing rifles and revolvers. The fire was steadily
returned, and they Avere held in check until the company
formed a square. On this square the rangers threw them
selves with a yell. Capt. Welshbellich, who commanded,
ordered his men to reserve their fire until their assaUants
were Avithin fifty yards. The volley staggered them. They
rallied again, charged, and were made to reel. Fran tidy
they rushed upon another face of the square, and were met
by another cool, deliberate volley. At the fall of their leader.
Col. Terry, they withdrew, to give place to an infantry charge
against the invincible square, which was also repulsed. The

. 522 INVASION OF KENTUCKY.
artillery of the eneray opened on our line, but with little
effect; and soon the whole force retired, leaving the gallant
regiraent in possession of the field. Our loss was one officer,
and nine men killed, and twenty-two wounded. That of the
enemy thirty-three killed, including Col. Terry, and fifty
wounded. For the gaUantry of the Thirty-Second in this fight. Gen.
Buell issued a compliraeutary order, directing that " Rowlett's
Station " be inscribed upon the regimental colors.
HUMPHREY Marshall's defeat.
About the middle of December, Humphrey Marshall again
invaded the State, moving by way of Pikeville, at the head
of tAventy-five hundred men. His force was represented to
be much larger. Gen. Buell placed five regiments of infantry
and about one regiment of cavalry, under command of Col.
Garfield, to operate against the invading force. Marshall
had intrenched himself three miles south of Paintsville. He
fell back on the approach of our forces, retreating to Middle
Creek, fifteen miles distant, where he took position on the
hights two miles from Prestonburgh, leaving a corps of obser
vation of three hnndred mounted raen at the raouth of Jen
nie creek, and a small force of infantry above, to protect the
passage of his trains. Arriving at Paintsville, Col. Garfield
sent Woolford's and McLaughlin's cavalry, under comraand
of Lieut. Col. Letcher, up Jennie creek to harass the enemy's
rear, while with one thousand picked men from the infantry
regiments under his command he rapidly advanced up the
Big Sandy towards Prestonburgh. After a march of ten
railes he found the enemy's pickets and drove them back to
the mouth of Abbott's creek, one mUe from Prestonburgh,
Night coming on he bivouaced and sent back for the remain
der of his force. At four o'clock on the morning of the
eleventh all the available force Avas on the march. At eight
o'clock the mouth of Middle creek, which empties into the
Big Sandy, was reached. Here the advance coraraenced a
brisk skirraish with the enera3''s cavalry, which continued up
the stream for two miles and a half, and Avithin one thousand

INVASION OF KENTUCKY, 523
yards of its forks, where the eneray Avas posted. Forraing
his infantry on the crest of a semi-circular hill. Col, Garfield
sent forward a small mounted force to draAV the eneray's fire.
He found one regiraent posted behind a point of the ridge
on which our forces were forraed. This regiment was speedUy
dislodged and driven across the creek. The enemy then
opened fire from his artillery on our center. Major Perdee,
who had driven the enemy's advance regiraent, and occupied
the spur of a high rocky ridge to the left front of our line,
was reinforced by portions of three regiments under Colonel
Craner. The enemy, while keeping up a brisk fire upon our
center, attempted a flank movement down the creek. Col.
Garfield sent Lieut. Col. Moore, of the Twenty-Second Ken
tucky, with a portion of his own regiment and a battalion of
the Fourteenth Kentucky, to cross tlie stream and check this
movement. The mission was performed in gallant style by
Lieut. Col. Moore. Col. Craner and Major Perdee, in the
meantirae, drove the force opposed to them inch by inch up
the steep ridge nearest the creek. At four o'clock Lieut. Col.
Brown was sent round to the right to charge the battery which
had been playing upon the center of our position, but the
enemy observing the movement retreated. The Union forces
pressed the retiring columns down the slopes of the hills,
and at five o'clock Avere in possession of every position.
Darkness came on, and lest the different divisions of our
force, in the rugged and broken country over which they
must pass, might fire upon each other, pursuit was abandoned.
A brilliant light now strearaed up from the valley through
which the enemy had retreated. He was burning his stores
and flying in disorder. Twenty-five of his dead were left on
the field, and sixty more were found next day in a gorge,
where they had been left unburied in the hasty flight of the
routed enemy. Twenty-five prisoners were captured. Our
loss was only one killed and twenty wounded, two of them
mortally. The cavalry sent to attack the rear failed to arrive in time
to cut off the retreat, and did not join Col. Garfield until
next morning, when they were started in pursuit. They fol
lowed for six miles and took a few prisoners, but Gen. Mar-

524 INVASION OF KENTUCKY.
shall succeeded in crossing the Big Sandy with the large
portion of his force, and fell back to Abingdon, Virginia, He
never, however, recovered from the eff'ects of his defeat, and
the north-eastern portion of the State Avas henceforth relieved
of any serious demonstration by the rebel army.
BATTLE OF MILL SPRINGS.
Simultaneously with the advance of Marshall, Gen. Zolli
coffer made his appearance on the Cumberland river, near
Somerset. His force was magnified by the fears of the peo
ple, but it probably did not exceed eight thousand men.
Gen. Buell advanced a regiment to Somerset to watch that
route into the State, and to prevent the shipment of coal to
Nashville. Two regiments of infantry and a battery of artU
lery were also ordered to Jamestown, to blockade the river
below. Gen, Zollicoffer crossed at Mill Springs and erected
fortifications on the north bank of the Cumberland, He
called his camp Beech Grove, He had in his intrenchments,
and on the opposite side of the river, at Mill Springs, nine
regiments of infantry, sixteen pieces of artillery, and four or
five hundred cavalry. About the first of January Major
General George B, Crittenden arrived at Mill Springs, and
assumed the chief coraraand, leaving Gen, Zollicoffer, Avho
only ranked as a Brigadier, in charge of the troops on the
north bank.
On the twenty-seventh of Deceraber, Gen, Thoraas was
ordered to march from Lebanon, and, in conjunction Avith the
force already at Somerset, drive the enemy from the State,
Want of transportation delayed the march of Gen, Thomas
until the first of January, The roads were by that time
thoroughly saturated by the heavy rains which characterized
the winter; the streams were so swollen, and the march so dif
ficult, that seventeen days were occupied in marching seventy-
five miles. Gen. Schoepff 's brigade was in the rear, having
been detained by the almost impassible condition of the roads.
On the seventeenth Gen, Thomas encamped at Logan's
Cross Roads, ten miles from the carap of the eneniy, to await
the arrival of Gen, Schoepff's brigade. The Fourteenth

INVASION OF KENTUCKY, 526
Ohio and Tenth Kentucky regiments, of Gen, Schoepft''8
brigade, were detached, under Col, Steadraan, to capture a
rebel traip, reported to be on the Danville road, six miles
from the camp occupied by these regiraents on the evening
of the seventeenth. Gen. Thoraas had with hira at the Cross
Roads seven regiments of infantry, three batteries of artillery
and Wolford's Kentucky cavalry.
Gen, Crittenden, learning that Gen, Thomas' array was
advancing, and distrusting his own ability to make a success
ful defense of his fortified camp, resolved to march out and
attack our forces before they could concentrate for their
assault upon his works. At midnight on the eighteenth the
march began. Gen. Zollicoffer's brigade in the advance. In
the gray dawn of the morning of the nineteenth our picket
line Avas reached, and a furious assault was made upon it.
The Tenth Indiana, Wolford's cavalry, and Kinney's bat
tery were camped on the road leading to Mill Springs. The
Ninth Ohio and Second Minnesota, of Colonel McCook's
brigade, Avere three-fourths of a mile to the right on the
Robertsport road. Tavo companies of the Tenth Indiana,
under Major A. 0. Miller, were throAvn out as pickets about
one mile in front, and at the point where the Soraerset road
joins the main road to the river. Videttes from Wolford's
cavalry Avere advanced still further. These two corapanies
and the handi'ul of cavalry, rallying on the picket reserve,
held the enemy's advance in check. They Avere soon joined
by another corapany of the Tenth Indiana, and so soon as
the remaining seven companies could be forraed, Lieut, Col,
Kise promptly led them to the support of his hard pressed
pickets. Col, Kise rapidly forraed his line of battle, deploy
ing five corapanies in the woods to the right of the road, and
the reraaining companies on the left of the road. The firing
was hot and continuous. Gen. Manson ordered the Fourth
Kentucky to support the Tenth Indiana,
¦ The Tenth, in the meantime, had retired through the
field to the right of the road, and through the woods, for
about one hundred and fifty yards to the edge of a ravine.
Here the Fourth Kentucky, under Col, Fry, joined thera, and
formed along a fence, which separates the road frora a field

528 INVASION OF KBNTUCKY^,
ber of small arms, one hundred and fifty Avagons, one thou
sand horses and mules, and a large araount of commissary
stores, intrenching tools, and camp and garrison equipage,
fell into our hands. They had burned the boats on their
retreat, and it Avas found impossible to cross the Cumberland
in pursuit.
Gen. Crittenden, Avith such of his demoralized army as
could be held together, marched towards Gainsboro, where
he hoped to obtain supplies, reorganize, and be prepared to
fall upou the fiank of any column that Gen. Buell might
send to East Tennessee. OCCUPATION OF BOWLING GREEN.
After the battle of Mill Springs, the road to East Tennessee
seemed to be opened; but such in reality was not the case.
The eneray, in the way, was defeated and dispersed; but the
roads leading to it Avere in such condition, that if transporta
tion had been abundant, which was not the case, it Avould
have been irapossible to get through with supplies. Gen.
Buell found it barely possible to subsist ten thousand men at
Somerset. He set a strong force at work to corduroy the
roads. The experiment demonstrated the impracticability
of sending an expedition in such force as to insure its suc
cess, and he so advised the General-in-Chief, aud expressed
his purpose to proceed against BoAvling Green.
The plans adopted by Gen. Halleck to reduce Fort Henry,
ou the Tennessee river, and Fort Donelson, on the Cumber
land, were substantially those which Gen, Buell had recom
mended him to adopt. He had not, however, been advised
of their adoption ; but in the belief that expeditions would be
sent up these rivers, he forwarded troops frora his depart
ment to assist in the enterprise.
On the thirteenth of February, 1862, Gen. Mitchell was
ordered to move with his division from Munfordsville upon
Bowling Green. Col. Turchin's brigade was in the advance.
The march of forty miles was made in tAventy-eight hours,
over a frozen, rocky road, obstructed by felled timber. The
brigade consisted of the Thirty-Seventh Indiana, the Eigh-

INVASION OF KENTUCKY. 529
teenth Ohio, the Nineteenth and Twen*ty-Fourth Illinois,
Loomis', Edgertou's and Simonson's batteries, and three cora
panies of Kennett's cavalry. Ou the night of the fourteenth
the advance reached Barren river, and raarched rapidly to a
ferry, a raile and a half beloAV the town. A single fiat boat
was there, upon which fifty infantry and a fcAV cavalry men
could cross. The river is about one hundred yards Avide at
that point, with steep banks on either side, rendering the
ascent and descent difficult. The crossing was commenced
at once, and by daylight the entire brigade, with the exception
of the artillery, was over, and ready to march upon the town.
It was intended to pass the remainder of the division — Gen.
Dumont's brigade — by a pontoon bridge, but before it was
completed, it was ascertained that the eneray had hastily
abandoned their stronghold, and fled to Nashville. Capt.
Loomis, in the meantime, had sent some messengers from his
Parrott guns into their works, which had hastened their
departure. When our forces reached the town it presented a scene of
desolation seldom witnessed at this stage of the war. The
inhabitants had nearly all deserted their homes. Those who
remained fared the best. Rebel and Union citizens were
alike protected in their persons. Very Httle of the town was
burnt. The depot had been fired by the retreating army.
Seven locomotives and an immense quantity of army stores
were destroyed. Two locomotives were ready to start when
our artiUery opened on the town. One escaped, but the other
was crippled by a shot and fell iuto the hands of our army,
together with the train of cars loaded with material of war.
But one cannon, a brass six-pounder, fell into our hands.
The heavy siege guns had been removed two weeks before,
and it is surprising that such vast quantities of valuable
stores had been left until our army thundered at the gates
demanding admission.
The Texas Rangers were the last to leave the place, start
ing after our artillery had opened upon the town. The evac
uation of the Western Manassas, as Bowling Green had been
called, was a virtual abandonment of Kentucky by the rebel
Vol. L— 34.

530 INA^ASION OF KENTUCKY.
leaders, and a confession that they could not hold it for the
Confederacy. OCCUPATION OF NASHVILLE.
The passage of the river at Bowling Green, in its SAvollen
condition, was difficult and tedious. Gen. Mitchell, with all
his energy, occupied more than ten days in crossing his entire
train. During this time the troops in the rear were employed
in repairing the railroad. On the tAventy-fourth several small
steamers were able to go over the dams, and arriving opposite
the city assisted in ferrying over the river the remaining
divisions. Gen. Buell arrived on the twentieth. He learned
that the enemy had evacuated Clarksville and fallen back
upon Nashville, for which place, on the morning of the
tw^enty-second, two brigades were started. Gen. Buell him
self, with about one thousand men on cars, left at the same
time. Owing to the damage to the road by heavy rains, he
did not arrive opposite the city until the night of the twenty-
fourth. The divisions of Gens. Nelson and Crittenden arrived
about the same time, on transports from Smithland, and were
the first Federal troops to enter the capital of Tennessee,
which had been hastily evacuated by the rebel troops on the
fall of Fort Donelson.
The army of Gen. Buell, Avith the exception of the Cum
berland Gap force, was concentrated aroUnd Nashville. The
division of Gen. Thomas, from MUl Springs, joined on the
second of March, The regiments scattered through Ken
tucky were ordered to report to Gen, G. W, Morgan, whose
command was increased to a division, and he was instructed
to take the Gap if practicable, and if his force should prove
insufficient for that purpose to hold the enemy in check in
that quarter. >
The rebel troops, after the evacuation of Bowling Green,
retired to Murfreesboro, where joining those from Mill Springs
they numbered thirty thousand men. Gen. Buell found it
impossible to foUoAV up with any prospect of success. The
streams were sAVollen, and the bridges destroyed. The enemy

INVASION OP KENTUCKY. 531
moved further south and eventually formed a junction with
the army of Gen. Beauregard, at Corinth.
Shortly after the events just narrated the armies of Gens.
Grant, Buell and Pope were placed under the general direc
tion of Gen. Halleck, aud Gen. Buell was ordered to move
with the bulk of his force to the Tennessee river. Before he
commenced his march, the division of Gen. Mitchell was
moved to Fayetteville for the purpose of seizing the Memphis
and Charleston railroad. Gen. Mitchell captured Huntsville
on the morning of the eleventh of April, and took and held
the road to Tuscumbia. His campaign was very successful.
A brief sketch of it will be found in the history of the
Thirty-Seventh regiment.
The remaining divisions of the army left their camps in
the vicinity of NashvUle on the twenty-ninth of March, and
moved by different roads in the direction of Savannah. Gen.
Negley's division was left at Franklin, and the others
debouched upon the Columbia road, and formed a junction
near Duck river. The rebels had destroyed the bridge, which
caused some delay in crossing the columns and trains. Nel
son's division forded the stream. The others crossed on pon
toon bridges. In the order of march. Nelson had the
advance, McCook followed; then Crittenden, Wood and
Thomas, The march of one hundred and forty miles was
made in seven days. The army was in splendid condition,
and the most rigid discipline was maintained. The route lay
through the garden of Tennessee, By the magnificent
country-seats, which wealth and taste had contrived to make
abodes of luxurious ease — ^by granaries fiUed with the fruits
of a teeming soil — ^by orchards, vineyards and shady groves,
our long columns filed, without committing the shghtest
depredation. The watchful eye of the commanding General
was on the moving throng of trained soldiers ; and the van
dal hands, if such there were in that thoroughly organized
army, were restrained. The army of the Ohio was hurrying to
meet the legions of Beauregard and Johnston; and it is
highly creditable to the Union army, that the women and
children, the aged and helpless, on the line of march, were
treated with kindness, and protected in their persons and

532 INVASION OP KENTUCKY.
property. There was no demoralization in this army, nor
were there any temptations for it.
As the leading divisions neared the Tennessee river, on
the sixth of April, the roar of artillery Avas heard from the
field of Shiloh, Nelson left the main road to Savannah, and
marched up the river, reaching a point opposite Pittsburgh
Lauding in the evening, McCook, Crittenden and Wood
pushed on to Savannah, where they embarked on steamers,
on Monday, and reached the scene of conflict in time to assist
in turning back the rebel tide, which had well nigh forced
the hard pressed troops of Gen, Grant into the turbid waters
of the Tennessee, The roar of artillery was heard at a dis
tance of thirty miles. Some regiments of Gen. Wood's com
mand were that distance from the battle fleld on Sunday
morning. As they marched across the intervening valleys, a
continuous rumble, as of distant thunder, fell upon their ears.
They pressed rapidly on, eager to share the dangers and glo
ries of the bloody conflict. The part taken by Gen. Buell
and his army in the second day's fight, and the seige of
Corinth, which followed, will be found under the appropriate
head. The operations of the army of Gen. Buell against the forces
commanded by Gen. Bragg will be fully sketched in the
second volume of this work.

£'.-«-'^^^J^t cf'

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AJjJ' LLKN.aRD F^. MULLETnL
35"> Indiana Reg'

EEGIMENTAL HISTORY.

CHAPTER XVIII.
THE THIRTY-THIRD REGIMENT

Was organized at Carap Sullivan, Indianapolis, on the six
teenth day of September, 1861, as follows :
Field and Staff Officers. — Colonel, John Coburn, Indiana
polis; Lieutenant Colonel, James M. Henderson, Princeton ;
Major, WiUiam J. Manker, Martinsville ; Adjutant, James H.
Durham; Regimental Quartermaster, Heneage B. Finch,
Franklin; Surgeon, Joseph G. McPheeters, Bloomington;
Assistant Surgeon, Robert F. Bence, Indianapolis; Assistant
Surgeon, Andrew M. Hunt, IndianapoHs ; Chaplain, Joseph
L. IrAvin.
Company A. — Captain, Andrew T. Wellman, Hall; First
Lieutenant, Charles Seaton, Hall; Second Lieutenant, Henry
R. Flook, HaU.
Company B. — Captain, John T. Freeland, Knox county;
First Lieutenant, Andrew FuUerton, Knox county; Second
Lieutenant, Eli M. Adams, Knox county.
Company C. — Captain, Charles Day, Martinsville; First
Lieutenant, William J. Day, Martinsville; Second Lieuten
ant, Andrew J. Cox, Martinsville.
Company D. — Captain, Edward T. McCrea, Shelbyville;
First Lieutenant, John C. Maze, Shelbyville; Second Lieu
tenant, William H. MiUer, ShelbyviUle.
Company E. — Captain, Isaac C. Hendricks, Indianapolis; 533

534 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
First Lieutenant, WiUiam A. Whitson, Gosport; Second
Lieutenant, James Hill, Gosport.
Company F. — Captain, Burr H. Polk, Princeton; First
Lieutenant, Joseph T. Fleming, Princeton ; Second Lieuten
ant, Francis Brunson, Princeton,
Company G. — Captain, Israel C, Dille, Columbus; First
Lieutenant, William Farrell, Columbus; Second Lieutenant,
Pliny McKiiight, Columbus,
Company H. — Captain, James E, Burton, Paragon ; First
Lieutenant, LaAvson E, McKinney, Paragon ; Second Lieu
tenant, Jefl'erson C. Farr, Paragon.
Company I. — Captain, William A, W, Hauser, Hope; First
Lieutenant, George L, Scott, Hope; Second Lieutenant,
Edwin J. Bachman, Hope,
Company K. — Captain, Levin T. Miller, Williamsport;
First Lieutenant, John P. Niederaner, Williamsport; Second
Lieutenant, Henry C, Johnson, WiUiamsport,
All Avas excitement in consequence of the condition of
affairs in Kentucky, The election had resulted in favor of
the Union ticket. The exasperated rebels, under the lead of
John C, Breckenridge, Roger Hanson, Thomas Monroe,
Simon B. Buckner, and William C. Preston, resolved to
plunge the State into the Avhirlpool of secession. They held
conventions, met in secret conclaves, organized and drilled
companies, threatened loyal men, and tried to drag the State
out of the Union. Buckner had been in command of the
old State mUitia, and led thousands of young men to Bowl
ing Green. Breckenridge assembled his followers at Lexing
ton; and Avas on the point of seizing the arms at that place,
when Col. Bramlette, with a few hundred men of his regi
ment — then being organized — marched to the city, seized the
arms, and carried them to his camp. Soon after, Brecken
ridge, J. B. Clay, Hanson, Preston and Monroe, fled. Sev
eral hundred more muskets were sent to Lexington by the
Governraent. John Morgan, with a sraall gang of followers,
seized them at night, and took thera, without resistance, to
Bowling Green.
A short tirae before the election in Kentucky, Gov. Ar.irew
Johnson, of Tennessee, had procured six thousand smsU arms

REGIMENTAL HISTORY.

535

for the use of the East Tennesseans, and had them in Cin
cinnati, When Gen, Robert Anderson arrived there, and
assuraed command, the arms Avere distributed in Kentucky
to Union men. These arms Avere furnished to the troops,
which were organized at Camp Dick Robinson, by Gen, Nel
son, Neither Kentuckians or Tennesseans could be found to
man the battery Avhich stood idly in camp.
At this time, Rousseau was organizing his regiment in
JeftersonviUe, Indiana, He crossed to LouisviUe, and the
troops of Nelson assembled at Camp Dick Robinson. Buck
ner advanced to Muldraugh's HiU, and LouisvUle Avas in
imminent danger. The Sixth, Tenth, and Thirty-Third
Indiana, not fully organized or equipped, Avere hurried off' in
a few days. The Sixth and Tenth went to the neighborhood
of Bardstown. The Thirty-Third, was ordered to New
Haven, but its destination was changed to Camp Dick Robin
son. The regiment left Indianapolis on the twenty-ninth of Sep
tember, 1861, nine hundred and seventy-four strong, going
by rail to LouisvUle, Kentucky. Gen. Anderson Avas in com
mand of that department. Louisville was to be headquarters
for the army, stores and supplies were to be collected, an
army was to be organized, and the cloud of rebels driven
back to the South. Zollicoffer Avas advancing upon London
through Cumberland Gap. The Blue Grass region, the gar
den of the West, was to be the seat of war, and the base of
rebel operations. Dispatches were sent to the Governors of
Ohio and Indiana to send troops at once to Camp Dick Rob
inson to repel the invasion from the south-east.
Colonel George H. Thomas, of the regular army, succeeded
General Nelson in command at Camp Dick Robinson, and
arrived there a few days before the Thirty-Third, which
reported there for duty on the second of October, 1861,
This camp is situated on the beautiful farm of the proprietor —
from Avhom it is named — in the midst of a gently undulating
and highly cultivated country, and at the junction of the Lex
ington and Danville, with Lexington and Crab Orchard turn
pikes. On the Avest is Dick's river, and on the north is the
Kentucky river, the angle of their confluence being a few

536 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
mUes north-west of the camp. The banks of these rivers
are precipitous, Avith crossings at long intervals. Nature has
strongly fortified this position on the north and west. This
was taken advantage of by Gen. Bragg, after the battle at
PerryvUle, where he collected his army, and all his vast
trains of booty, and covered, from this point, their retreat to
the south-east, through the raountains.
On arriving at Carap Dick Robinson, the Thirty-Third
found but few troops there, all raw, unorganized and ineffec
tive. Col. Smith S. Fry, had about six hundred men there.
Col, Bramlette, now Governor of Kentucky, had about the
same number. Col, Wolford was bringing his regiment of
cavalry into camp, having it equipped and organized. The
Fourteenth Ohio, Col. Steadraan, and the Thirty-First Ohio,
Col. Walker, arrived the day before. The East Tennessee
refugees, nurabering about eighteen hundred, were there, and
being formed into tAVO regiments, the first under command
of Col, Byrd, the second under command of Coh Carter.
These poor men, ragged, feeble, gloomy and sorrowful,
seemed unfit for the rude and severe duties of war, but their
hardy constitutions, ardent patriotism, and stern self-devo
tion, have since overcome all difficulties, and placed them high
in the ranks of our soldiery. The tales of their trials and
persecutions, mingled with romantic and tragic adventures,
would infiame the ardor of the raost lukeAvarra patriot.
Sorae had fled at night by the Hght of their burning houses ;
others had scaled the frightful ascents of the pathless moun
tains ; some had run the gauntlet of the murderous guerrillas,
and hiding by day in the rocks and forests, effected their
escape by night; others had left their wounded and dead com
rades by the wayside, and were now homeless and helpless
exiles. All had left their homes without a protector, and
their land without a law.
At Carap Dick Robinson, soldiers, civilians, politicians,
exiles, contractors, speculators, patriots and traitors mingled
together in excited confusion. The army was unorganized.
Col. Wolford had a regiment of cavalry, but not an officer.
One regiment of Kentucky infantry was reported to have
thirty Captains and a corresponding proportion of Lieuten-

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 537
ants. Gov. Johnson, of Tennessee, Horace Maynard, and
others of less note, A\'ere urging an early advance to Cumber
land Gap and Knoxville. They said, " Cut the great rail
road at once." " Relieve the loyal men of East Tennessee."
Gen. Thomas had not one regiment, except the Thirty-
Third Indiana, supplied with Avagons; it had twenty-five.
Soon after, the Seventeenth Ohio, Col. Connell, arrived with
a supply of transportation. The forces were armed, but most
of them, for lack of transportation, could not move.
The Thirty-Third, after remaining in camp ten days, Avere,
at the request of Col. Coburn, forAvarded to Crab Orchard,
The Seventeenth Ohio was ordered to Big HiH, on the Rich
mond road. After two days march, the Thirty-Third went
into camp two miles beyond Crab Orchard. The weather
was mild and beautiful.
The rumors of Zollicoffer's advance multiplied. Col. Gar
rard was at that time in camp at Wild Cat, about twenty-two
miles south-east of Crab Orchard. His regiment was organ
ized, but not fuU. Many were sick with measles, and poorly
provided with tents, food and arms. Col. Garrard sent word
to Col. Coburn that he soon expected to be attacked. The
latter, on receiving the message, mounted about forty of his
regiment, and, at sunset, started with them for Wild Cat. On
arriving at Rockcastle river, he was met by Col. Garrard,
who requested the immediate bringing forward of the rest
of the regiment. Col. Coburn returned and on the next day
started for Wild Cat. The turnpike road and level country
terminates at Crab Orchard. Beyond, the country is moun
tainous, the road rough and difficult, muddy and rocky, run
ning over immense ridges, and Avinding along and around the
edges of frightful precipices.
In order to march, teams had to be pressed into service — all
the government wagons having gone back to Dick Robin
son for Quartermaster's stores. The regiment moved and
made the march in two days, over one'of the worst roads in
the country.
Two miles from Wild Cat they crossed Rockcastle river, a
deep mountain stream. From this point the road ascends
and winds along by the edge of, and under, the lofty castel-

538 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
lated crags, which have given their name to the river and
county. Ou arriving at Col. Garrard's carap on the top of
the hills, amid the pines and rocks of that wild region, the
Hoosiers found that the Seventeenth Ohio had just arrived
from Big Hill, Wolford's cavalry soon after arrived. So
that at sundown of the tAventieth of October there were there
four regiments, under Cols, Coburn, Garrard, Connell and
Wolford. The rebel army, about six thousand strong, was reported
to be five mUes in front of them. The smoke of their camp
fires, and an occasional firing of pickets, reminded the Union
forces of the presence of enemies.
Soon after sunset Gen. Schoepff and staff arrived, and at
once assumed command. He had acquired some mUitary
experience in Hungary and Turkey, and was sent to com
mand and discipline the raw troops in the Kentucky moun
tains. The camp at Wild Cat was situated on the summit of the
lofty range of hills between Big and Little Rockcastle rivers ;
the road running along this crest is bounded by deep and
wild ravines, with precipitous sides. At the highest point
the ridge divides, and part of it crosses the ravines to the
east; on this the Winding Blades road runs. Farther south
the road descends to Little Rockcastle by ravines and preci
pices on either hand. On the west side of the road, as it
descends. Col. Garrard had erected some temporary fortifica
tions commanding the road. On the east, and beyond a deep
ravine, half a mile south of the Winding Blades road, was a
large hill which commanded the camp, and up whose gradual
ascents on the south the rebels might post their artUlery,
Once in possession of this the camp was untenable by the
Union forces. To this place Col, Coburn, with four compa
nies of his regiment, was ordered on the morning of the
twenty-first of October, with directions to hold it.
The night was spent quietly ; but soon after daylight the
firing of jiickets and the arrival of wounded men, indicated
the rebel approach. A part of the Thirty-Third, under CoL
Coburn, took their position just before the rebel force com
menced its advance. The remaining four companies, under

REGIMENTAL HISTORY.

539

Lieut. Col, Henderson, were posted on the extreme right,
Avest of the road, and in the narrow and deep gorge leading
south into the valley, in which ZolHcoffer's army lay. They
Avere to check the approach of the enemy in that direction,
and prevent his gaining the rear of the Union army on the
right. The Seventeenth Ohio was placed in the rear of Col,
Coburn's forces, half a mile on the Winding Blade's road, to
prevent access in that direction on the extreme left. The
regiment of Col, Garrard occupied the position in the center,
which Avas in and near his fortifications, and on the west side
of the road. The position occupied by the troojDs under Col,
Coburn was the first point of attack. Two regiments of
infantry approached him across a corn field, and charged up
the gradual ascent to his position, from the south. They
advanced with wild cheers and loud oaths, but were met with
volley after volley, which repulsed thera. They fled, leaving
their dead and wounded. They rallied and again charged.
Four companies of Wolford's cavalry now dismounted, and
were led by Col. Wolford in person. They immediately
joined in the contest; and though they at first wavered,
they soon rallied, and fought with determination. Soon
after, four corapanies of the Seventeenth Ohio arrived, under
command of Major Ward, who also poured in their fire.
The enemy was completely routed, and fled in confusion.
At about one o'clock in the afternoon the attack was repeated
on Col. Coburn's right, and upon Col. Garrard'.s forces, on
the road. The Fourteenth Ohio had arrived in the mean
time, and one company, under Capt. Brown, laden with picks
and spades, in addition to their arms and ammunition, and
stiU further reinforced Col. Coburn. The firing being at this
time hot, they threw down their implements of fortification,
and poured a feAv volleys into the rebels, who again fied.
During the fight, about noon, the East Tennessee regiments,
the Fourteenth and Thirty-Eighth Ohio, and Standart's
Cleveland Ohio battery, arrived. The battery was imme
diately put in position, and engaged the eneray.
Had these new troops been at once advanced, the army of
ZoUicoffer would have suffered an irretrievable defeat. They
were situated then in a short, narrow valley, about a mUe

540 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
from the battle field, with but a single outlet, and that was
up a precipitous hiU. The forces, however, were kept in
position during the remainder of the day and night. A
portion of the Thirty-Third Indiana, under Col. Henderson,
held the extreme right, and threw up defenses during the
night. Col. Coburn's comraand fortified the hill they occu
pied, by constructing rifle pits and breastworks of logs
About midnight unusual noises Avere heard from the deep
valley in which the rebels lay. The beating of drums, the
cries of drivers, the rumbling of trains, the general hum of a
disturbed camp, rose upon the air, and was heard by the
Union soldiers. Gen. Zollicoffer had begun his retreat.
Gen. Schoepff' Avas fuUy apprized of the facts, but nothing
was done. The Federal loss was four killed and forty-two
wounded. The rebel loss was about thirty killed and seventy
wounded. This battle was mainlj'- fought by the Thirty-Third. This
regiment lost three tiraes raore in killed and wounded than
the entire army beside. Col. NcAvman, formerly Lieutenant
Governor of Tennessee, led the attack in the morning, and
Col. Rains the assault in the afternoon.
So terminated the rebel advance in that direction in the
year 1861. They fell back to Cumberland ford, and remained
there in camp till December, when they withdrew to Cum
berland Gap, and went to Mill Springs; from whence they
were driven in February, 1862.
Our forces remained a week at Wild Cat, and then
advanced to London, where they remained in camp about
one month. The weather was beautiful, and the opportunity
ample to have advanced into East Tennessee. But the
scarcity of supplies, the poverty of the country, and the
unusual difficulties of the roads, held the Union force in
check, and at length induced the order for their return. Our
army could not have subsisted at London during the winter,
unless the whole force had at once, after the battle of Wild
Cat, been put to work grading and bridging the road. There
was not a bridge south of Crab Orchard. The true poHcy
would have been to have raade, as the array advanced, a good
turnpike, so that forces could have marched, and trains

KBGIMENTAL HISTORY. 541
moved, with regularity. Many Kentuckians opposed the
policy of buUding a turnpike, because they wanted the Gov
ernment to make a raUroad. This project was at one time
under consideration at Washington, but was afterwards
rejected. About the middle of November the order was received to
march to Nicholasville, taking all the sick. The hospitals of
the Thirty- Third were filled with men, sick with measles and
fever. Teams were again pressed into service, and as many
sick as could be put into the wagons, were started on the
road against the earnest remonstrances of Col. Coburn and
Dr. McPheeters, Surgeon of the regiment. That night the
cold fall rains commenced. The whole army straggled. Men,
sick and worn out, lay down by the road side. The trains
stuck upon the hiUs. Rock Castle river rose. The train was
two days in crossing the ferry. The forces struggled along
to Crab Orchard, and there went into camp, without tents,
in the most inclement November weather. There were many
empty houses in town, but the men were not permitted to go
into them. Gen. Thomas had ^his headquarters there. The
Tennesseans were ordered back to London, the Thirty-Third
remained at Crab Orchard, and in a feAV days the remainder
of the force moved to the neighborhoods of Lebanon, Som
erset and Danville. Very soon after the column arrived at
Crab Orchard. Hundreds were taken sick. The march in
such terrible weather, the exposure in the rain and mud,
added to the prevailing measles, ruined the constitution of
many, and carried a large number to the grave. It is hard
to tell which regiment suffered the most. The Thirty-Third
was left at Crab Orchard to guard and nurse almost a thou
sand sick men of Gen. Thomas' army. The hospitals were
poorly supplied, sanitary stores were not^to be had, the Sur
geons were with their regiments, and left the care of aU the
sick to the Surgeons and nurses of the Thirty-Third. Almost
fifty of that regiment died during their two months stay there.
Hundreds from other regiments shared the same fate. To
the kindness of Miss Bettie Bates and Miss Catharine Mer
rill, of Indianapolis, who went out and labored for weeks in

542 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
the hospitals, the regiment was indebted for the health and
life of many a good soldier.
Gen. Schoepff's army went into camp near Somerset and
Lebanon; and additional forces being assigned to Thomas,
he moved upon MUl Springs and took the rebel works at that
place in January.
The Thirty-Third continued in camp at Crab Orchard until
the tenth of January, when they marched to Lexington,
where they remained until the eleventh of AprU, 1862.
During this time Col. Coburn had command of the post, and
succeeded in keeping the community quiet. A short time
before the regiment marched south, the lacHes of Lexington
presented to it a beautiful regimental flag, in testimony of
their good will. Perhaps no regiment is more favorably
regarded in central Kentucky than the Thirty-Third Indiana.
Their cHscipline, orderly and gentlemanly behavior, and their
regard for private rights, were held up by the citizens as
models of soldierly propriety.
On the eleventh of April, 1862, the regiment marched for
Cumberland Ford, Gen. George W. Morgaij, of Ohio —
appointed a Brigadier while in Europe — having been assigned
to the command of the Cumberland Gap expedition.
The forces on the first of AprU, 1862, at Cumberiand Ford,
were the First and Second East Tennessee, Forty-Ninth Indi
ana, Col, John W, Ray, Sixteenth Ohio, Col, DeCourcey,
Nineteenth Kentucky, Col. Landrum, and Third Kentucky,
Col. Garrard; the Ninth Ohio battery, Capt. Wetmore, and
some unorganized regiments of East Tennesseans, under Col,
Hauck, Third ; Col. Robert Johnson, Fourth ; Col, Shelley,
Fifth; Col, Cooper, Sixth, and Col. Cliff, Seventh. These
constituted the brigade of Gen. James Spears, of East Ten
nessee, and numbered about three thousand men ; refugees,
from the persecutions of their rebel neighbors, and from the
rebel troops aa'Ho infested East Tennessee for the purpose of
conscription. Quite a large force marched with the Thirty-Third to the
Ford — the Fourteenth Kentucky, Col. Cochran ; the TAventy-
Second Kentucky, Col. Lindsay, and the Forty-Second Ohio,
Col. Sheldon, and the First Wisconsin battery, Capt. Foster.

REGIMENTAL HISTORY.

543

The roads were almost impassible on account of mud and
hio-h waters, and it is no exaggeration to say tnat this was
one of the most difficult marches performed during this Avar.
Over the mountainous and muddy roads of south-eastern Ken
tucky, the Thirty-Third marched, with a corapany to each
team. The men performed as much service in getting the
teams through as did the mules. But for the constant pres
ence of the men with the teams, they could not have advanced.
On arriving at Cumberland Ford, Col. Coburn Avas put in
command of the twenty-seventh brigade, seventh division, of
the Army of the Ohio; and continued in command until
reheved by Gen. A. Baird.
The Thirty-Third, on arriving at Cumberiand Ford, num
bered over nine hundred men, aud was the largest regiment
for duty in Gen. Morgan's division. Soon after arriving at
Cumberland Ford, a reconnoissance in force Avas made upon
Cumberiand Gap, then occupied by the forces under Gen,
Stevenson and Gen, Kirby Smith— the latter having com
mand in East Tennessee, The reconnoissance resulted in
shoAving that the rebels had constructed immense earthworks
on each side of the Gap, which commanded its approaches for
a long distance in every direction; that they had a force of
about six thousand, and that the position was exceedingly
strong and easy of defense. It was then determined to move
into East Tennessee by some other than the direct road —
there being other gaps in the mountains through which an
army might pass. In the meantime the forces at Cumber
land Ford were living upon scanty and unhealthy rations.
As a specimen of the bad management of the officers con
nected Avith the Quartermaster's Department of this army,
we will relate the following fact. It was deterrained to use
pack mules on the road. About eight huudred were pro
cured at Louisville, Kentucky, and driven through ; the pack
saddles were loaded in Avagons and hauled to the Ford, Why
the mules were not saddled at Louisville and loaded with
army stores, was a mystery to all except those connected with
the Quartermaster's Department, When the mules left Louis
ville, food, clothing and ammunition were scarce in the army
at the Ford, Nevertheless the regiments drUled constantly.

544 REGIMENTAL HISTORY,
and the arduous duty of picketing the wide cirouit of the
mountains was performed Avith the greatest cheerfulness.
This indeed was the school of the pickets. The roads ran
through the narrow valleys of the various streams centering
at the Ford ; the mountain paths wound over and along the
precipices and cliffs. There were in that wild region a thou
sand points for observation and concealraent, for cautious,
skillful, daring approach, or for wary retreat and artful
ambushes. Perhaps there is not a more picturesque or roman
tic landscape on the continent than that at Cumberland Ford.
The valley of the river is narrow, running betAveen the lofty
hills on either side. The river at the ford bends at right
angles to its general course and cuts through Pine Mountain,
and again bends at right angles and fiows doAvn through nar
row bottoms and amid the overhanging mountains to the
Avest. The scene at the Pine Mountain Pass is beautiful,
grand, sublime. On either side the gray and bronzed clifi's
tower fifteen hundred feet into the air, and seem to havebeen
torn by sorae convulsion of past ages into a hundred strange,
fantastic shapes ; some are beautifully rounded, others are
wild sharp crags, and a fcAV like castles crown the highest
peaks. This pass is about a mile long and the road winds
along at the base of the cliff, on the brink of the river, which,
amid huge bowlders, foams and roars as it tumbles onward
in its course. The fantastic vegetation, the long leaved mag
nolia, the red flowering ivy, the moaning pines, the vastness,
the desolation, and the silence — save the noises of nature —
make the scene indescribably impressive. At the loAver end
of the pass Straight creek enters the Cumberland; at its
mouth our forces erected earthworks coraraanding the pass.
At the upper end Clear creek enters, and here were the remains
of the "Three Gun Battery" of Gen. ZoUicoffer, coraraand
ing HkcAvise the pass in the direction of the Union forces.
This was naturally a position of great strength, and with the
assistance of art, could be made impregnable.
About the middle of May Gen. Morgan's army moved
beyond Cumberland Ford and occupied a position to the
west, in the valley of Clear creek, but soon fell back to the
river.. About the eighth of June the army again moved

REGIMllNTAL HISTORY. 545
forAvard to the Avest, over a rugged and unfrequented road, to
Roger's Gap, about eighteen miles west of Cumberland Gap.
The road at this Gap passes over the mountain at one of its
loftiest points. The ascents seemed almost impassible. Every
thing was left behind but articles of absolute necessity, and
the men put their shoulders to the wagons and artillery to
assist them over the mountain. In this work the men of the
Thirty-Third did a herculean task. Their large number, their
cheerfulness, and their activity, occasioned a heavy burden
to be imposed on the regiment, in the almost hopeless task
of scaling the mountain with the wagons and artiUery. It
was begun at sunset and before daylight the following morn
ing the army was over the mountain and asleep in Powell's
Valley. As the troops gained the top of the mountain the
full moon shone down on the silent but moving masses, on
the towering precipices, and on the smiling and beauteous
valley beneath. Behind, were the stern and barren ridges,
the rocky roads, the woody glens, the raorasses and unbridged
streams. Before, was East Tennessee, its valleys, the homes
of Union men, the land of women's and children's tears, of
imprisoned, exUed, down trodden, murdered patriots. A low
murmur, like the multitudinous whisper of the forest before
a storm, swept along the Hues, and at the word of caution
all was hushed. The moon, which lit up their pathway in
the ascent, now went into total ecHpse, and under its veU the
army went down the mountain. The enemy was near, and
his cavalry, tl;ie next day, made a dash on the Union Hues,
but were repulsed.
Orders now came from Gen, BueH to retire at once from
East Tennessee and go into camp at WiUiamsburgh, Ken
tucky. This was most discouraging. Our forces, however
turned about. The mountain was again laboriously scaled,
and, after a day's march towards Williamsburgh, the news
was received that the enemy were evacuating Cumberiand
Gap. Gen. Morgan gave the order to again march into Ten
nessee; Avith wUdand joyous shouts the men again turned
southward, and dimbed, for the third time, the mountain.
Spears' and Carter's brigades went west to Big Creek Gap,
Vol. I.— 35.

546 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
drove out the enemy, and marched up the valley and joined
the rest of Morgan's forces at Roger's Gap.
On the way up the valley hundreds of women and children,
old and young, flocked to the roadside to see the " Northern
Army." Soldiers, who had long been away, threw down their
guns and knapsacks, and shed tears of joy with their families.
Mothers and grandmothers rushed into the ranks to embrace
their long lost boys. Wives wildly clasped their dusty foot
sore husbands to their bosoms, or turned away in anguish
from the ranks in which their missing forms would march no
more. Joy, grief, surprise, love, hope, and despair, in their
wildest demonstrations broke forth.
The army moved on; the women, old men and children,
confldent of permanent deliverance, went home. Our army,
in a few days, moved on to Cumberland Gap. The rebel
forces which advanced upon ours at Old Town, under Ste
venson and Rains, fell back to Tazewell, and then to Knox-
viUe. Our troops immediately occupied Cumberland Gap.
This was on the eighteenth of June, 1862. Here the great
natural strength of the position, the immense fortifications, and
the difficulties of approach, all proved the wisdom of our flank
movement. The real Aveakness of the rebels consisted in
their lack of provisions, forage and ammunition. Their
force was not equal in number to ours, but they believed we
had thirty thousand men, and were confounded by our singu
lar countermarches.
Cumberlaiid Gap, long famous as a route through the
great mountain chain of Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee
had become doubly so by its occupation by the rebel forces
and had been an object of great consequence in the eyes of
military men of both armies. It was considered the door to
East Tennessee; the key to the great Central Railway of the
rebels; an impregnable position; and an outpost of vast
importance to both armies. The Gap commands the roads
AA'hich here diverge east, south and south-west; the first, a
fine turnpike, running to Central Virginia; the second, to
the central part of East Tennessee, and the third down Pow-
dl's VaUey. The ascent to the Gap is gradual, and the de-

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 547
vation over it about seven hundred feet— the mountain peaks
ascend about eight hundred feet stiU higher on either side.
These peaks slope gradually to the summits, and are not,
as is generally supposed, perpendicular walls, forming a long
chasm or aUey. The peaks are a third of a mUe apart.
On the south side, the face of the mountain is precipitous,
and for hundreds of miles presents the appearance of a vast
Avail of sand stone. On the north side, the surface is broken
by a series of mountain peaks, extending, like the waves of a
stormy ocean, beyond the range of vision. On the east side
of the Gap is what is called the " Pinnacle," and upon its
summit was erected a fort armed with immense guns. On the
northern slope of the mountain were three more works com
manding the roads and approaches in every direction. On
the summits, on the west side of the Gap, were three other
forts; and just in the Gap, upon the road, still another. Such
was the extent of these works that ten thousand men would
be necessary to man them and properly defend the place;
the works being disconnected by the remarkable nature of
the ground. The road on the north winds along down the
west side of a deep ravine, till it reaches the Tellow Creek
VaUey. On the south, it descends into a narrow valley, in
which there are a few dwelling houses and a miU. The mill
is propelled by an immense spring which gushes from the
mountain side. This vaUey is semi-circular, and is the floor
of one of the grandest mountain amphitheaters in the Union.
Here the rebel cabin-camps were situated; here they had
been strengthening themselves since the first hour of rebel-
Hon. At this place, in the spring of 1861, the rebel force
encamped; and such was the scrupulously technical regard
for State's Rights, that the Tennessee Colonel, Rains, would
not let his men cross the Kentucky line even to get water
from a spring. Kentucky State Rights and neutrality were,
for a short time, held sacred by the rebels, and the most
scrupulous regard paid to even the soU and water of that
State, which, a few days afterwards, they invaded to plunder
and desolate. Such is the progress of ideas. " State Rights,"
and "the right of secession," were definite ideas, but were
soon lost in the smoke and dust of war, and wiped out by

648 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
the rude hand of violence. On our side the change is not
less reraarkable in the treatraent of rebels, the use and dis
tinction of property, and the use of slaves.
The eneray left very little in the deserted works, except
the relics of a year's occupancy. Our forces, on their arrival,
had not a day's rations, and for some days they gathered their
subsistence from the neighboring country.
Soon after the arrival of our forces at Cumberland Gap,
our army began the A\''ork of strengthening the place. On
the south side of the Gap forts with bomb-proof casements
were constructed, which commanded the country for miles.
Hundreds of acres of timber in front, from the Poor Valley
Ridge, were hcAvn down, and the whole army was soon
engaged iu digging, chopping, hauling, building, making
roads, earthworks, stone houses, shops, sheds and hospitals.
The men toiled late and early, and the amphitheater, lately
so sad and desolate, swarmed from valley to pinnacle, Hke a
bee-hive, with busy, working men. A road was to be built
and turnpiked from Crab Orchard. The Quartermasters had
orders to begin at once. The streams were to be bridged,
and Curaberland Gap was to be the vast central fortress of
the Union.
Occasional foraging parties went into Tennessee, and
returned, well supplied with hay and oats. There were large
quantities of wheat in the field. The men in three weeks
could have gathered and threshed thousands of bushels of
wheat. The &ap mill was capable of grinding sixty bushels
daily. But the wheat was neither threshed or gathered,
much less ground. Bread and fiour were hauled from Lex
ington. Had the army gathered in time the wheat, which
was cut and stacked, our forces might have held Cumberland
Gap. The whole of East Tennessee, for six weeks, was at the
feet of our forces. The rebel army there was greatly inferior
to ours. A part of the Union army went to Clinton, within
seven miles of Knoxville, unmolested.
After our reverses near Richmond, Virginia, threats in
rebel papers were made, that Kentucky would be invaded.
Rumors Avere afloat of the moving of troops to Knoxville.

REGIMENTAL HISTORY.

549

Rebel scouts became more bold. A brigade of the Union
army, under Col. DeCourcy, on a foraging expedition, about
the first of August, was suddenly attacked by a large force,
and driven from TazeAveU, Avith considerable loss. A few
days after this, the rebel cavalry threatened the guards, a few
miles from the Gap, in front. In a short time, a rebel force
of about seven thousand, under Gens. Stevenson, Rains, Tay
lor, AHston, and others, encamped three miles in front of the
Gap. Gen. Kirby Smith, with an army, estimated at fifteen thou
sand men, passed over the mountain, west of Cumberiand
Gap, at Roger's, Wilson's, and Big Creek Gaps, aud arrived
at Cumberland ford and Barbourville, on the road, in the
immediate rear, seizing the trains belonging to the army now
beleaguered in the Gap. These men of Smith's subsisted
principally on roasting ears, and marched without a train,
except for ammunition. It may justly be called "the great
roasting ear expedition." It could not have been made three
weeks earlier, nor six weeks later. The country was utterly
destitute of supphes, except the green corn in the fields,
which gave sustenance to man and beast. At Barbourville,
the wagons captured were burned, and the rebel force started
for Lexington, and marched with the greatest rapidity. They
defeated our army near Richmond, seized Lexington, and
threatened Cincinnati. About thirty men of the Thirty-
Third Indiana were in the battle at Richmond. They were
teamsters and train guards, and were cut off on their return
with forage to the Gap. They volunteered in a newly organ
ized battery, and fought desperately, most of them making
their escape in the confused flight of the new troops. Ser
geant Enos Halbert had charge of them.
The rebd army of Humphrey Marshall moved on Lexing
ton from Big Sandy, and the great army of Gen. Bragg
moved up toward LouisviUe from central Tennessee.
The communications of the forces at Cumberiand Gap
were totally cut off by the army of Kirby Smith. Trains,
mails, arms, ammunition, forage, food, everything of the
materiel of war, fell into rebd hands. The little army was
completely isolated. No orders reached them, no tidings of

550 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
victory, no supplies. Hemmed in on every side, with stout
hearts, they toiled on in the work of completing the fortifi
cations, till the very evening they evacuated. The supply of
breadstuff was small — only enough for two weeks. The men
were put on half rations. Every day the pickets came in
laden with green corn. When the supply of bread was
exhausted, the men passed through the lines, on the north of
the mountain, aud gathered corn, to cook or grate into meal
for bread.
During the time the army was thus hemmed in, battle was
offered by Morgan on several occasions, but the rebels showed
no disposition to attack. The object of the rebel force was
to occupy our attention, and prevent, if possible, the occupa
tion of Knoxville by our troops.
The spirit of the rebel forces was jubilant. They were
confident in present successes, and sure of future triumphs.
Night after night their camps resounded with the wUdest
cheers. Kentucky had been overrun, and was theirs; Vir
ginia was theirs; and our forces had fallen back into Mary
land. The seven days' disasters at Richmond, Virginia, the
defeat at Richmond, Kentucky, the losses at Munfordsville —
all portended complete success to the rebellion.
The army at Cumberland Gap captured, in various small
engagements Avhile beleaguered, about five hundred prisoners.
The various regiments took part in these expeditions, and
the adventurous and hair-breadth escapes of the men
engaged, would fill a volume.
The question of food was uppermost in the minds of men
aud officers. The supply was gradually diminishing, without
hope of being replenished. There was no breadstuff. The
soldiers had, with their bayonets, punctured tin plates and
pieces of e-heet iron, thus making graters upon which to make
meal from Ihe soft and ripening corn. Thus, the struggle to
procure food, to fortify the place, and to obtain advantages,
continued until about the middle of September, when it was
intimated that the camp would soon be surrendered or evac
uated. This was received with evident disapprobation by
the men, who had labored and endured so much to strengthen
the place. They AverCwiUing to fight or to starve to hold it.

REGIMENTAL HISTtlBY. 561
On the sixteenth of September, one year from the day the
Thirty-Third regiment was organized, orders were received
to evacuate Cumberiand Gap. The Thirty-Third and tho
Ninth Ohio battery were selected as the escort for the
ammunition train for the entire army, which was to march
that night, under comraand of Col. Coburn. This was the
post of honor aud danger. This train lost, and the fate of
the army was scaled. Tho rebel cavalry were in their rear.
The entire army of Kirby Smith Avas in the direction of
Lexington. The road ran along mountain passes and
ravines, and in the most favorable spots for ambushes and
attacks. At midnight, as the moon rose over the pinnacle
and the great fort on the east, the long train wound down
the northern slope of the mountain slowly and silently, and
passed under the clouds of mist which covered the valley,
and disappeared. They thus alone marched to Manchester,
one day in advance of the remainder of the army, and in the
face of the enemy. The night of the seventeenth the camps
were set on fire, the great depots, store houses and magazines
blown up, the heavy guns, four in number, destroyed, and
the place evacuated. Thus, after three months' occupancy,
was this vast stronghold abandoned. It was lost as it was
won — by a flank movement.
The lessons here learned were, that a stronghold, without
food, is weak, and that unless there is a combination of the
forces of war, with the sustenance of animal life, the most
formidable positions and armaments are useless; that Cum
berland Gap was not the only way into Kentucky or Tennes
see; and that a good road is absolutely essential to the occu
pancy of a formidable and valuable position, thereby insuring
a sufficient store of suppHes, ready access, and safe communi
cation. These lessons were learned too late. The army
itself might have graded and bridged the road during the
time it occupied the country.
During the night of September seventeenth. Gen. Mor
gan B army abandoned Cumberiand Gap, having previously
destroyed their tents and articles they could not carry.
No transportation could be obtained for the sick, therefore
many were left behind. Col. Coburn, however, resolved to

552 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
take every man in his regiment who could survive the march.
Seizing mules, oxen and wagons, he brought with him his
sick, notwithstanding every obstacle.
The next morning, Gen. Stevenson, with the entire rebel
force in PoAvell's valley, marched through the Gap, and fol
lowed in pursuit of our army. His advance guard attacked
the rear of Morgan's army as it passed the Goose creek salt
works, but was repulsed. During this skirmish,' a soldier of
the Third Kentucky regiment, (Garrard's) for the murder of
a member of his oavu company, was tried by a drum-head
court-martial, convicted, and shot.
The Goose creek salt AVorks were extensive, and produced
large quantities of salt. They supplied South-Eastern Ken
tucky, South- Western Virginia, and East Tennessee. Their
possession was of great value to the rebels, who, in the faH
and winter of 1861, drew from them large supplies. They
were afterwards, in the fall of 1862, destroyed by Cruft's
brigade, of Crittenden's corps, of our army.
The army marched northward, through Booneville to
Proctor ; at this place crossing the Kentucky river. Hearing
that the rebels were in force at Proctor, Gen. Morgan ordered
the Thirty-Third to march at night to Booneville, and pre
vent the burning of the mill at that place, which was threat
ened' by the rebel force. They arrived in time to drive back
the enemy, and save the mill, which supplied the army with
one day's rations of flour. The next day Proctor was
reached. The large mill was a sraoking heap of ruins, hav
ing been fired the night before, by order of the rebel Morgan.
The rebels fell back in the direction of Irvine, where Gen.
John Morgan was said to have a force of six thousand raen.
-At Proctor are the great Kentucky river coal mines, and the
bed of the river Avas covered with loaded boats ready for a
freshet to carry them down to the central part of the State.
Plere, by order of Gen. Morgan — the enemy continually hov
ering upon our front, flanks and rear — the men threw away
all superfiuous clothing.
From Proctor to the Ohio river, the rebel forces hung upon
the Union front, fianks and rear, blockading the road with
fallen timber, lying in ambush in the thickets, or upon the

cea.
REGIMENTAL HISTORY. '^•^^
diffs, picking up Stragglers, and constantly threatening and
impeding the progress of the Union forces. At Hazd Green
the rebels fled in haste on the approach of the army. -Lt
was expected that the united forces of Humphrey Marshall
and John Morgan would attack West Liberty; but they
lay at the safe distance of seven mUes, only venturing to
skirmish. At Cracker's Neck— a narrow gorge or valley,
through which the road runs, between lofty, cedar-covered,
perpendicular clifi's— the rebels blockaded the road, and took
position to give battle. The main force of the Union army
divero-ed to the right, by a road OA^er the mountains, whUe
the Thirty-Third Indiana, the Fourth and Sixth East Ten
nessee, and Foster's battery marched to the Neck, attacked
and put to flight the rebds. Day after day the delays of block
ading, skirmishing, and the immense and tedious task of
forcing the long wagon trains over the road, prolonged the
marches far into the night. And the exhausted and weary
men and animals, after a few hours rest, often resumed the
march before the break of day. During this time the men
gathered from the fields their subsistence, industriously ply
ing their graters at the various halts, and ready, when com
ing into camp, to cook their rough, but healthy, cakes, A
stringent order was issued to shoot any man who would get
into a wagon, when many wagons were empty, and the men
footsore and exhausted. This, like the orders not to take
corn for bread, was disregarded by the men. It was impossi
ble to enforce it. Immense quantities of ammunition were
hauled through; but soldiers, footsore and weary, were left
by the roadside, to the tender mercies of the rebels. An
order was issued at West Liberty to establish hospitals there,
and leavejthe sick and wounded. This was most earnestly
protested against by Gen, Spears and Col, Coburn, on the
ground that it was an unfit place, there being no supplies of
food or medicine there, it being a rebel community, with one
of their armies in the vicinity, and that it was suicidal policy
to carry the men so far, and leave them unsupplied, in rebel
hands, only four days' march from the Ohio river. The
order was changed, and but two men were left.
On the eighteenth of March the army reached the Ohio

554 REGIMENTAL HISTORY,
river, at Greenupsburgh, As the men filed doAvn a ravine,
and their eyes caught the broad, rich valley of the Ohio,
sweeping far away to the right and left, Avild shouts of joy
broke forth, and the hardships, which had worn them to the
bone, were instantly transformed into a dream.
Two days afterAvard the army crossed the river, and
marched doAvn to Sciotoville, on the Ohio shore. On the
way they were all most bountifully feasted at the little town
of Wheelingsburgh. The syrapathy, kindness and cordiality
of the people astounded the Kentucky and Tennessee troops,
who had been in the habit of paying to Union men a dime
for a hobby (cake) of corn bread, and five cents for a drink
of buttermilk, Wheelingsburgh and its hospitable citizens
will long be remembered by the ten thousand hungry men
who ate there on that beautiful October Sabbath day,
THE THIRTY-PIPTH (IRISH) REGIMENT.
The courage displayed by the gallant Sixth-Ninth New
York, at Bull Run, and the heroic defence of Lexington by
MulHgan and his men, fired the patriotic hearts of the Irish
men of Indiana, who determined to emulate the conduct of
their countrymen. To this end a project was formed to raise
an Irish regiment in Indiana. The effort was successful.
The following was the roster :
Field and Staff Officers. — Colonel, John C. Walker, Laporte;
Lieutenant Colonel, Richard J. Ryan, IndianapoHs; Major,
John E. Balfe, Lafayette; Adjutant, Frank Cunningham,
Terre Haute ; Regimental Quartermaster, Martin Igoe, Indi
anapolis ; Surgeon, Alexander J. Mullen, Michigan City;
Assistant Surgeon, George K. McCoy, Gosport; Assistant
Surgeon, Jerome B. Gerard; Chaplain, Peter Cooney, Notre
Dame. Company A. — Captain, Henry N. Conklin, Indianapolis;
First Lieutenant, John E. Dillon, Indianapolis; Second Lieu
tenant, John Maloney, IndianapoHs.
Company B. — Captain, John P. Dufficy, Vigo county; First
Lieutenant, Christopher H. O'Brien, Marion county ; Second
Lieutenant, William H. Kenney, Marion county.

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 555
Co.mpany C— Captain, William Hipwell, Laporte; First
Lieutenant, John W. Cummins, Laporte; Second Lieutenant,
Charies E, Galezio, Westville.
Company D.— Captain, John P. Dunn, Perry county; First
Lieutenant, August G. Tassin, Perry county; Second Lieu
tenant, Henry Y. Murtha, Perry county.
Company .E.- Captain, Patrick Tobin, Lafayette; First
Lieutenant, Edward Galligan, Lafayette ; Second Lieutenant,
Orvin DaUy, Lafayette.
Com.pany i?'.— Captain, Jonathan H. Green, Lawrenceburgh ;
First Lieutenant, Abram F. Farrar, Lawrenceburgh; Second
Lieutenant, James M. Brasher, Lawrenceburgh.
Company G^.— Captaiu, James McKim; First Lieutenant,
Bernard R. MuHen; Second Lieutenant, James Fitz Wil
liams. Company If,— Captain, John Crowe, Dayton, Ohio ; First
Lieutenant, E, G. Breene, Dayton, Ohio ; Second Lieutenant,
Levi A, Waltz, Dayton, Ohio.
Company J.— Captain, Thomas Pryce, IndianapoHs ; First
Lieutenant, John Scully, Indianapolis; Second Lieutenant,
William H, Patton, Indianapolis,
Company K. — Captain, James R, Millikin, Fayette county ;
First Lieutenant, Michael W. Glenn, Wayne county; Second
Lieutenant, William H. O'Connell, IndianapoHs.
About this time Kentucky was invaded by the rebels under
Buckner. Gen. Buell, then commanding the Department of
Ohio, was organizing a force to drive the rebels from Ken
tucky, and, ultimately, to " carry the war into Dixie."
The emergency required in the field every avaUable man,
and, on the thirteenth of December, 1861, the Thirty-Fifth
regiment received marching orders, which were hailed with
wild cheers by the gallant Irishmen.
THE DEPARTURE.
The thirteenth of December, 1861, will long be remem
bered by the friends of the Irish regiment. The green caps
were to evacuate Camp Morton, and start for the seat of war.
Thousands of citizens lined the side walks to witness the

558 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
departure of the regiment. Friends assembled to bid their
"good-byes." All were anxious to testify to this spirited
corps their hearty wishes for its success. At the depot bois
terous laughter and hurrahs were mingled with half-subdued
sorrow and tears. Flashing wit, ready repartee, and expres
sions of honest friendship fiew from every tongue. And then
followed that never failing assurance of Irish friendship, a
" parting drink." The world may censure, the fastidious may
deride and condemn the practice, still it must be conceded
that this evil is the only one which mars the otherwise spot
less character of Irishmen, and evil as it is, it springs, in most
instances, from the fountain of friendship.
It was late at night when the cars Avere ready for trans
porting the regiment. The intervening time was spent in
boisterous merriment ; no cloud hung upon the brow of the
Irish soldier. He left behind him the dearest friends on earth
and went forth to brave the storm of battle, to defy the
fatigues of the march, and to play the great game of hazzard,
of Avhich life was the stake. In a military campaign he grasps
his musket in one hand, his cap in the other, and defies all
fate by a ringing cheer.
There is nothing to equal the dash of an Irish soldier. He
is at home everywhere. He Avill charge a battery in the best
possible humor ; and his courage then and there, is only equal
to his impudent innocence in courting a milliner's apprentice.
For true hospitality commend us to the Irish soldier. He
will share his blanket and his bottle. The best " the counthry
affoords," is not too good for his guest and friend. He will
sing to amuse you ; he will relate legend after legend of his
native land to entertain you ; legends, abounding with all the
wit, eloquence and poetry of his "Dear Ould Ireland." You
leave his tent with an uncontroUable desire to return soon,
very soon, again, and this desire is heightened by the hearty
invitation, " You must dhrop in agin ; shure its as aisey for
ye to look in and see a body, as to go by as if ye were a go'in
to a hangin."

REGIMENTAL HISTORY, 557
THB MARCH,
The regiment reached Jeffersonville by rail. There a camp
was established and rigid military discipline enforced. On
the first of January, 1862, the Thirty-Fifth crossed the Ohio
river and landed in the then neutral State of Kentucky, The
appearance of the regiment, as it marched through the streets
of Louisville, was exceedingly fine. The waving of the starry
banner, side by side with Erin's own green fiag, the " Sun
burst ; " the sweet strains of music from the band, under the
leadership of Messrs, Boyne and Clifford ; the martial bear
ing of officers and men, elicited the highest encomiuras of
the citizens. Many towns were passed through and not a
Union fiag greeted the eye of the soldier until BardstoAvn
was reached, where, to the astonishment of all, Union flags
were flying from every window,
A friendly tongue let out the secret. Some "divil of an
Irishman," told the citizens that an Irish regiment was
approaching, and any house that had not an American flag
out " would be past prayin for in less nor a minit," The
denizens of Bardstown had not the loftiest opinion of Irish
amiability, and rather than offend the "gentle craythurs "
of the Thirty-Fifth, they swung from their windows and
housetops the American flag, an honor the brave men
acknoAvledged by hearty and repeated cheers. The stay of
the regiment at Bardstown was protracted six weeks, A
camp of instruction was forraed and officers and men took
lessons in the art and science of war,
CHARACTERS.
Every regiment has its "characters." Those pecuUarly
odd geniuses that season camp life with wit and wisdom—
the pepper and salt of a soldiers existence. Nothing develops
so readily the points of character in man as a campaign.
Thrown upon his own resources for everything, the soldier
takes the shortest route to comfort or fun, and whatever con
tributes to the former, he wiU have regardless of expense,
and that which hightens the latter, wiU be sought out and
appropriated.

558

REGIMENTAL HISTORY,

But to the characters. In the regiment were two inseparable
friends — Paddy Smith and Billy Lyon, Paddy Avas a soldier
of fortune; Billy, to use his own expression, "a very unfortu
nate soger," Both " little blest in the set phrase of speech,"
but knowing their duty Avell they did it faithfully. Notwith
standing their rough exteriors, and the use of language which
at times would fall harshly on ears polite, they possessed a
vein of true humanity and religion Avhich contrasted strangely
with their conduct. They had been in the service some months
without receiving any pay. The Paymaster, that much
esteemed individual, had not yet made his appearance, and
everything was to be done "as soon as I git me pay." Well,
poor Paddy was taken sick. The Surgeon's art faUed him,
and Paddy, as a last resource, called to his aid the good and
brave Father Cooney, the Chaplain of the regiment. It was
evident to the Father that Paddy must soon sling his knap
sack and march. His years had extended to the shady side
of fifty summers, and with the "camp-typhus" he could have
but little hopes of recovery. Father Cooney prepared the
dyingmau for his journey into the future. Billy, sobbing Hkea
heartbroken girl, came to stay with his companion and watch
the "sands of life run out." "Well, Paddy," said his friend,
" an y're goin to lave us ? " "Indade I suppose I am," said
Paddy. "An glad I am to lave this dirty world." "You
may Avell say that Paddy, but faith you've had your own fun
out iv it," retorted Billy. " Oh, Billy, aint you ashamed to
use such levity," said Father Cooney. "When will you be
ready to leave it." "Be jabers, as soon as I gits me pay."
This last sally of Billy's was too much for Priest or layman,
and the tent shook Avith merriment. Even the djnng man,
it is said, smiled at the reply of his old and trusty friend.
Very many hard things have been said of Quartermasters,
who, under our military system, are also acting Commissaries.
There are exceptions to all rules, and it is a pleasure to say that
Quartermaster Igoe, of the Irish regiment, is one of these
exceptions. He delights in the nom de plume of " big rations,"
a term affectionately applied to him by the "boys." An
excellent provider, he leaves, to use an Irish expression, no
stone unturned to contribute to the comfort of the regiment.

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 559
He, too, is a character. Full of kindness of heart, he is, also,
brimful of wit and humor. Lieut. Igoe has a holy horror of
the "regulations." He abominates all orders, general or
special, that infiict upon him the red tape routine. Not
entirely wanting in a proper respect towards a superior offi
cer, he very frequently smashes all rules of etiquette and
leaves the aforesaid superior officer convulsed with laughter
or "bewildered intirely" by his exquisite Irish impudence.
On entering the service. Quartermaster Igoe, like many of
his countrymen at a " berrien," Avent on foot, • It Avas some
what of a journey to travel nine or ten times a day, frora the
last saloon on Illinois street to Camp Morton, (where the
regiment was being organized,) in the long month of August ;
and when it is considered that the distance is over one thou
sand seven hundred and tAventy-eight yards, it is no wonder
that our hero soon acquired "right smart" of a reputation
as a pedestrian,
Lieut. Col. (now Geueral) Wood, a brave and dashing sol
dier, was the mustering officer for Indiana. Igoe having
some business with CoL Wood, hailed the latter as he was
riding along the street — Wood splendidly mounted, Igoe on
foot, as usual. " What do you want, sir ? " said Wood. " I
have some business with you. Colonel," replied the Quarter
master. " Well, sir, don't stop me on the street ; I'll see you
in camp." This nettled Igoe, for it was said rather pettishly.
"All right, if that's your style; light out, and I'll meet you
at camp," he repHed. Wood, striking the rowels into his
horse, went off one street, while Igoe "lit out," taking
another. As Col. Wood entered the camp, the first man who saluted
him was Igoe. Astonished at this he asked, " How did you
get here ? " " Principally on foot," said Igoe. A few days
afterwards. Col. Wood, meeting the Quartermaster in the
street, hailed him. "Don't talk to me in the street; see me
in camp, sir;" and away sailed Igoe, leaving the Colonel sur
rounded with laughing friends. No man in the service
appreciates a "rejoinder" more than Gen. Wood, who con
fessed himself "headed" by the Irish Quartermaster.
About this time Major Montgomery was acting United

560 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
States Quartermaster at Indianapolis. Being a blunt and
outspoken man, he admired Igoe's mode of doing business.
One day, Igoe, having been sent for, presented himself at the
office of the Major, who said to him, "Lieut. Igoe, you will
find a fine horse hitched to that post," (pointing to the post)
"which you will consider a present from me." Igoe bluntly
rema.rked, "I'll go and look at him," Having scrutinized
the horse, he returned to the Major and said, "If you intend
to make a man a present, why dont't you do the thing
decently? Of what use will that horse be to me Avithout
either saddle or bridle?" Montgomery was amused at the
cool impudence of the Irish Quartermaster, and at once pre
sented him with a splendid saddle and bridle, whereupon
Igoe expressed his entire satisfaction with the horse.
We have said that Lieut, Igoe had a horror of the regula
tions. Monthly, quarterly, and semi-annual reports, required
by the department, were treated with easy neglect; not that
the -eccentric Quartermaster did not honestly discharge
his duties, but because he regarded all sueh reports as "a
piece of magnificent tomfoolery." A twelveraonth Avent by,
and no reports were received at Washington of the state of
affairs in the Quartermaster's department of the Irish regi
ment. A note from headquarters to the Colonel brought the
report question " to a head." Igoe at once gathered up all his
receipts, vouchers and loose papers, and putting them carefully
in a keg, headed up the concern, and respectfully forwarded
them to Washington, with a note, stating that as the clerks
in the department had more time than he had, they could
assort and arrange the papers to suit theraselves, remarking,
too, that if they could make anything out of them, it was
more than he could do himself. The reply from Washington
was what might have been expected. Notice Avas served, that
if he did not make out a report in full form, he would be
"sent for." Nothing disconcerted, the subject of our sketch
sat down, and, as report goes, wrote the following exceed
ingly polite letter :

regimental history. 561
* "Headquarters Irish Regiment,
Quartermaster's Department.
"Dear Sir: — Your kind and friendly note of the — inst. is
before me. I regret exceedingly you can not make anything
out of the keg-full of papers forwarded some two months
ago. In order to facilitate the solution of the difficulty, I
take great pleasure in sending another box-full. I have long
contemplated a visit to the capital of this mighty nation;
but my finances being in such a dilapidated condition, I
have been forced to forego that pleasure. I will be pleased
to make a visit to your, I am told, delightful city, under the
auspices, and at the expense, of our much affiicted Govern
ment. " Accept the assurance of my most distinguished consider
ation. "M. Igoe,
"Lieut. & A. Q. M."
Of course the bureau of "contracts and Quartermasters"
was not satisfied; but John Morgan, having a short time
afterwards captured our hero, books, papers, (all not " kegged
up,") and wagons, Igoe made a final statement, and a satis
factory settlement, by stating in a humorous Avay the facts
and incidents of his capture. It has been ever since his boast,
that John Morgan kindly settled all his affairs, with the " big
conostrophies at Washington."
We have given the light side of the "gallant little Thirty-
Fifth," as Gen. Rosecrans styles it; let us look at another
character, in the person of the
rev. father cooney.
Among the many appointed Chaplains, some did their duty
well ; among that number, was Father Cooney, Chaplain of
the Irish regiment. Possessing all the elements of a soldier,
he is endowed with the virtues of a good Priest. Cool and
brave under fire, he is kind and compassionate in the hospital.
In the sluggish and dull monotony of the carap, he is ener
getic and active. Everything tending to the spiritual or
Vol. I.— 36.

562 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
temporal Avelfare of his " charge," engages his first attention,
and secures his best services.
Father Cooney was born in the county of Roscommon,
Ireland, in the year 1832; consequently he is now in the
thirty-second year of his age. He emigrated, with his parents,
to this country at the early age of four years. His parents
settled near Monroe, Michigan. This place was the scene of
Father Cooney's school boy days. Here it was he prepared
to enter college; and in the beginning of 1851, he matricula
ted at the University of Notre Dame, near the town of South
Bend, Indiana. In this institution he remained three years,
prosecuting his studies vigorously. At the end of these
three years, he sought the shadows of the theological semi
nary of St. Mary's, Baltimore, Maryland, where he remained
and completed his literary and theological studies, returning
to Notre Dame, Indiana, in 1859. He was ordained a Priest
in July first, 1859, and at once joined the order of the Holy
Cross — an order similar to the Jesuits — Avhose object and aim
is to teach and preach. Immediately after his ordination, he
was sent to Chicago, where he filled the honorable and
important position of Vice-President of the University of
" St. Mary's of the Lake." Pie continued for two years in
this position, when, on learning that an Irish regiment was
being organized in Indiana, and of Gov. Morton's application
for a Priest as Chaplain, Father Cooney tendered his services
to the country, and was commissioned as Chaplain of the
Irish regiment on the fourth of October, 1861.
Notwithstanding he left his native land at an early age, he
loves and cherishes with affection the memories of Ireland.
The flutter of the " Green Flag," or the SAveet strains of
" Patrick's Day," or " Garryown," arouses his Irish blood, and
for a moment he forgets he is a Priest, and thinks himself a
soldier. United to a kind heart, he has a deep fund of wit
and humor, and many an hour is pleasantly passed in listen
ing to his native wit and risible anecdotes. He knows
human nature thoroughly, looks leniently upon the fraUties
of mankind, mildly censuring the misconduct of the men,
and zealously urging them to a faithful performance of their
duty to God and country. To say that he is much respected

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 563
by the men of the regiment, is saying too little; he is loved
by them. To illustrate this Ave will relate an incident.
Around a blazing camp fire sat a few comrades smoking
their " dudgheens," (short pipes) and discussing strategy with
all the intensity of Irish controversialists. Father Cooney
came hurriedly along, evidently bent on a visit to some sick
soldier. The little squad instantly rose to their feet with the
hand to the cap. "Good evening, boys," said the Father,
with one of his pleasant smiles, and hurried towards the hos
pital. " There he goes," said one of the group, "he's always
where he can do good, and niver idle. The likes iv him, God
bless him, is not to be found betAvixt here and the giant's
causeway." " Thrue for ye, Tim, by gorra ; his match coud'nt
be found iv ye thravded from Dan to Barsheeba," said his
comrade. " He'll be sayin his hades among the stars, Avhin
many of his callin' Avill be huntin' a dhrop of wather in a
very hot climate." This last remark was received Avith a
hearty acquiescence by the entire group. Rough and witty
as it was, it expressed the feelings of the soldiers for their
Chaplain. In the discharge of his duties. Father Cooney does not
confine himself to his own regiment. Wherever and when
ever his services are required, then and there are they freely
bestowed. This gives him a reputation co-extensive with
the Army of the Cumberland, and makes his friends of the
Thirty-Fifth Indiana that much the more proud of him. A
short time after the terrific battles of Stone River, while the
regiment was at Murfreesboro, an incident occurred, which
showed the kind heart of the Chaplain.
Michael Nash, a private in the Sixty-Fifth regiment Ohio
volunteers, was sentenced to be shot to death at Nashville,
on the fifteenth of June, 1863. The sentence was to have
taken effect between the hours of two and four, p. M. Father
Cooney, hearing of the aff'air, started for Nashville, to be
present at the execution, and administer the rites of his
church to the condemned man. Having prepared the unfor
tunate soldier for his final march, the Chaplain made inqui
ries respecting his case. The facts were these : On the morn ¦
ing of the thirty-first of December, when Johnson's division

564 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
was surprised, and McCook huried from his position by a
superior force, the Sixty-Fifth was thrown into momentary
confusion. Nash, being separated from his comraand, fell
into the tide of fugitives who were retreating towards Nash
vUle. By the irresistible current of panic-stricken soldiers,
he was carried back to Lavergne. Here he was arrested.
From the evidence it appeared that Nash did not intend to
desert. He might have been brave as those, who stood the
galling fire ; but having beeu caught by the rushing current
of a panic, he was swept from the field. It was now half
past twelve, m. If the unfortunate man be saved, no
time raust be lost in communicating with the General.
Without making known his intentions to any one. Father
Cooney telegraphed to Gen, Rosecrans, at Murfreesboro,
the facts of the case, and the circumstances supporting them,
and concluded by saying:
"Were I under the impression that he intentionally
deserted, I would not say a word in his behalf; the good of
the service would require his death. But I am convinced of
the contrary. I respectfully beg, therefore, for him some
other punishment than death.
" Signed, P. P. Cooney,
" Chaplain Thirty-Fifth Ind, Vols."
Two o'clock arrived, but brought uo answer to the dis
patch. The detail to fire upon Nash assembled; their guna
were loaded ; the ground for his execution was selected, and
about three thousand persons were assembled to witness the
tragedy. The open coffin awaited its victim, and an artisan
unfastens the heavy shackles from the culprit's Hmbs, that he
may take his last march on the great highway which leads
from Time to Eternity. A messengei^ enters the cell and
hands to the jailor one of those "yellow covered" com
munications. "His death warrant," whispered some one,
and aU was stiU as death. The jailor broke the seal and read
aloud :
"Michael Nash, sentenced to be shot to-day, is reprieved.
« By order of Maj. Gen. Rosecrans."

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 565
The prisoner, heretofore calm and collected, now became
pale and agitated. Instantly those around him rushed for
ward and clasped his hands in hearty congratulation. The
prisoner, looking intently on Father Cooney, knew the source
of all this mercy. Tears of joy rolled down his manly cheeks.
But another trouble. Nash, under the direction of his con
fessor, had Avritten a farewell letter to his mother, informing
her of his sad fate, and saying his last farewell. That letter
had gone, carrying news which would break her heart. "Not
a bit of it." Father Cooney, keeping his secret, had that
letter in his pocket. Nothing uoav remained to complete the
soldier's happiness ; he walked from his prison a free man —
thankful to God and the good Father, and grateful to his
General, whom he now kncAV to be merciful as he Avas just
and brave.
A chaplain has more than one duty to perform to the men
of his regiment. WhUst the spiritual welfare of the men is
of primary importance, he is not at Hberty to neglect the
soldiers temporal comfort and happiness. To the duties of
the Priest, Father Cooney adds the kindness of a father and
friend. On every pay day he receives money from the soldier
and becomes a banker without fee or discount. It is a diffi
cult work faithfully and honestly to discharge the duties of
banker to a regiment. A certain amount is ordered to be
sentto "the dear ones at home," a few dollars kept to be
drawn at will for the purchase of a " bit of tobaccy," or may
be a " dhrop of the dhrink to warm the heart." Of this latter
commodity the good chaplain is extremely jealous. He has
often declared that this same "dhrop of dhrink" is the curse
of Irishmen, and in order to guard against its baleful influ
ence. Father Cooney has organized a Temperance Society, of
which he is the President. This Society does not embrace
all the members of the regiment, nor are its members "life
members." The pledge is generally taken for six months or
a year, and to their credit be it said, it is rarely if ever
violated. Through the practice of temperance and economy, the
Irish regiment, on three different occasions, has sent home
by the hands of Father Cooney alone the round sum of forty

566 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
thousand doUars. To be the custodian and messenger to
carry such sums of money is at once a responsible and perilous
position. In November, 1862, the regiment lay in camp at Silver
Spring, eighteen miles from NashvUle. It was after the
severe campaign of Buell versus Bragg and Bragg versus
Buell ; when each in turn, to use the phrase of Emil Shalk,
" had recourse to the offensive-defensive strategy." During
the repose at Silver Spring the Paymaster visited the troops,
and the Thirty-Fifth Indiana placed in the hands of Father
Cooney the snug sum of twenty-three thousand dollars, to be
carried home and distributed to their friends. The road
between Silver Spring and Nashville was thronged with
guerrillas, and many a bluejacket, unconscious or careless of
the danger, was taken prisoner. Col. Mullen having business
at Nashville — where Gen. Rosecrans then had his headquar
ters — placed an ambulance at the disposal of Father Cooney
to carry himself, companions and treasure to Nashville. The
party, consisting of Col. Mullen, Father Cooney, the Colonel's
Orderly, and a Mr. Korbly, formerly sutler of the regiment,
expecting to overtake Gen. Crittenden and escort, boldly
pushed forward. After going four miles it was ascertained
that Gen. Crittenden and escort were not on the road. Then
came the question, " Shall we go back or go on ? " " We'll
go on," said the Colonel, And away the party dashed,
believing there was safety in speed. On the road Avere courier
posts about three miles apart, but this gave no security to
our travelers. Our party, with fresh caps on their pistols,
moved forward. Duck river, hemmed in by bluffs, was to
be crossed. The enemy had destroyed every bridge, and
the party was compelled to "take vtrkter." They met and
overcame every difficulty — for the stream had to be crossed
many times on the route — until they arrived at the last ford.
In crossing the river the ford was missed, and a steep bank
presented itself, Jimmy Welch, the driver of the ambulance,
was bold of heart and had unbounded confldence in his team.
He "made a run on the bank" — "the bank broke," — Jimmy
and bis team roHed gently back to the river; his horses,
that "couldn't be matched either at Doncaster or a circus,"

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 567
wouldn't pull a pound. Night Avas fast approaching. What
was to be done. "Arrah, give them their wind and they'll
come out o' that like a daisey," said the ever confident
Jimmy. A few moments were allowed the beasts to rest;
all put their shoulders to the wheels, but the off'-horse would
not move. Jimmy applied the AA'hip and the party yelled,
but the "off-horse " still refused. The sun was setting, the
party haci yet to travel eleven miles, and carry tAventy-three
thousand dollars, which Avere locked up in Father Cooney's
trunk. "Halloa, gentlemen," said a courier, dashing up,
"you must get out of here; there is a party of sixty or
seventy guerrillas a short distance over here, and you'll go
up." Just then a sharp rifle crack added to the persuasive
speech of the dragoon. A council of war Avas called. "Father
Cooney," said the Colonel, " divide out your money among
us four, and we will run when we can and flght when Ave
must." This did not meet with favor only as a dernier resort.
Two or three other propositions were made, all in quite an
unparliamentary manner, when the spattering picket, firing,
in the rear and on the flank of the road, suddenly broke up
the council of war. Emergencies develop men's genius. A
small mUl being near, the long rope which had been used for
the purpose of dragging logs from the river, was pressed into
service, likewise two yoke of oxen. One end of the long
rope was fastened to the tongue of the ambulance; the oxen
were hitched to the rope; up carae the wagon aud its treasure.
"Bang! Bang!" again went the rifles of the guerrillas.
"Come Jimmy hurry up now and let's be off." "Don''t be
hasty," said Jimmy, drawing his pipe out of his mouth and
cooly throwing over his nose a coluran of sraoke. " Go aisy,
I'll take yees to Nashville inside an hour, or I'll not lave hide
enough on the horses to make a pair of brogues for a tinker."
And Jimmy kept his word. Within the hour the party were
safe inside the lines at Nashville. Was there really any
danger ? The post in the rear was attacked and driven in ;
the whole line was broken up, and the array moved and con
centrated at Nashville.
These sketches and incidents are given to show the reader
what is necessary to make up, in detail, a campaign, and we

568 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
take those of the Irish regiment because ot its "peculiar
institutions." With its
"Fighting and marching,
Pipe-elaying and starching."
MARCHING.
The sorest trials and severest suff'erings of the soldier are
on the march. Toiling beneath a burning sun, dust shoe-
mouth deep, water scarce, the soldier marches and suffers.
A battle to hira is a thousand times preferable to tramping
and marching. Sometiraes he presses through the choking
dust, his lips and tongue being dry and parched and crisped.
Again he struggles through the tenacious mud, with knapsack
on his back, and forty rounds of ball cartridge in his box — .
"arms at will — route step." With all the fatigues of the march;
there are many little occurrences which give life and spirit to
the troops. The Hght hearted members of the Irish regiment
will cheerfully respond to the enthusiastic calls for a song^a
merry, rhyming, chiming lilt, that raises Irish blood to boiling
heat — and the response is received, as usual, Avith a cheer.
" Come Dennis, ye sowl, give us a song."
" Oh the bad luck to the one iv me can sing a bit. Shure
me throat is as dhry as a magazine," was Dennis' reply, as
he evidently wanted " coaxin."
" Can Dennis sing ? " asked another. The question was
propounded only to provoke discussion.
'" Is it him ? he sings like a Mavish ; (Mavis) he has a voice
that would brake up a female boardin school or a nunnery,"
was the reply. This last superb compliment caused Dennis
to clear his throat. After a few coughs, shifting his musket
to the opposite shoulder, he gave to his comrades a history
of Irish courtship in verse. At the end of every verse, there
was loud applause, but when that which recounted the fair
one's shyness and coquetry, as,
"Arrah Paddy, says she, don't ye bother me,
Arrah Paddy, says she, don't ye taise me,
Arrah Paddy, says she, would ye smudther me j
Oh the divil go Avid ye be aisy." *

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 569
The applause was "tremendous," shaking the column
from Co. A to the rear guard of the regiment. Such occur
rences as the one narrated frequently occur — they lighten tho
heart and quicken the step of the soldier.
It is astonishing the number of miles traveled by Indiana
regiments since the opening of the war. As an exaraple the
Irish regiment marched from January twelfth to December
first, 1862, eleven hundred aud forty-five miles.
On the twenty-second of May, 1862, the Thirty-Fifth and
Sixty-First — First and Second Irish regiments — were consoli
dated. Col. Mullen, of the Sixty-First, became Lieut. Colo
nel of the Thirty-Fifth. Soon after the consolidation, CoL
Walker resigned, and was succeeded by Lieut. Col. Mullen.
SKIRMISHING.
The march from McMinnville, Tennessee, to Louisville,
Kentucky, was the most severe the regiment ever experienced.
The weather was extremely hot; no -water could be obtained,
save from the stagnant pools. The men were on'half rations.
Officers and men exhibited great stamina and heroic endu
rance. At Franklin, Tennessee, the enemy appeared on the flank,
and frequent skirmishing was the result. As the "flankers"
opened fire, the column came to a halt, ready to deploy into
line of battle. A few rattles of musketry, interspersed with
the hoarse barking of a howitzer, settled the affair; and
along the line was heard the soul-stirring command, "For
ward." At LouisvUle the Irish regiment was in the brigade com
manded by Col. Stanley Matthews — ^Vancleve's division and
Crittenden's corps. From Louisville to Wild Cat the march
of the army met with continued resistance. At Perryville
the enemy gave battle. The Thirty-Fifth was not seriously
engaged. On the morning of the eighth of Octr., heavy skirmishing
on the left and front gave evidence that the enemy intended
to stard. The occasional rattle of musketry Avas drowned by
rapid oattery o-fplosions. All doubts were now removed.

570 REGIMENTAL HISTORY,
The gallant Crittenden pushed his corps rapidly forward.
Nearer and nearer sounded the rattUng musketry and the
heavy reporting howitzer. The men cheered and pushed
forward. "Steady, boys, steady; you'U get enough of it directly,"
said the Colonel.
"Be the holy poker, thin, it'll take enough o' that same to
go round the Thirty-Fifth," replied one of its members.
"Where's CoL Mullen?" asked a staff officer, dashing up,
his horse reeking with foam.
"Here he is, sir," replied the Colonel.
" Colonel, you will occupy the extreme left of your brigade.
There is the line on the crest of that hill" — pointing with
his sword. "Now look out; the enemy is about turning
McCook's right. Be ready to change front on tenth com
pany," and away he dashed.
The men heard the orders, and Avere in the best possible
spirits. Jokes passed freely among the dauntless, light-
hearted Irishmen. " All were eager for the fray." A Httle
incident here occurred which we must relate.
At MunfordsviUe some of the men took "a dhrop too
much;" and while the regiment was resting in column by
companies, a difficulty occurred between the officer of the
guard and those who had been drinking. The guard was
about being overpowered — the mutineers cocked their rifles
to fire. Col. Mullen, seeing the guard in peril, and disciphne
violated, drew his sabre, and dashed into the midst of the
mutineers. The guard fired, kiUing the ringleader, and
wounding one of his followers. A mutineer, who aimed his
musket at the Colonel, Avas promptly arrested. This man
(Daley) was tried by court-martial; but his sentence had to
be approved — which led to the opinion that the sentence was
death— before it could be made public. He was handcuffed,
and ordered to march in the rear of the regiment. As the
orders to get into line of battle at Perryville were given, the
Colonel rode from front to rear of his regiment. Daley Avas
ironed and surrounded by the guard. "Lieutenant," said
the Colonel to the officer of the guard, "take those irons off
the prisoner." The order Avas promptly obeyed. "How do

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 571
your wrists feel, my man?" asked the ColoneL "Pretty
well, sir," repHed Daley. " Can you shoot with them ? " "I
think I could, sir, if I had a gun." "Orderly, bring this
man a musket, and equipments, and forty rounds of cartridge."
"Now, Daley," said the Colonel, "you have been tried by
a court-martial for mutiny and attempting to take the life of
your superior officer. I don't know what that sentence is;
you can judge as well as I. Take that musket, and on the
field ahead of us, Avipe out that sentence, and, by the blessing
of God, I'll help you to do it." The poor fellow rushed for
ward, and, seizing the hand of his officer, covered it with
tears. " There, there ; now go. You are a free man and a
soldier once more." Daley has since proved himself, on
more than one occasion, to be a soldier.
" Forward the Thirty-Fifth ! " and away went the regiment
to its position. The battle raged furiously. The line of the
third brigade was formed, and ready for the enemy, or for
orders to go to him. From two o'clock until five, p. m., the
storm of battle raged. All our left were engaged. McCook,
Gilbert, Jackson, Rousseau, Lytle, and the gallant Stark
weather, were there. Here comes a staff-officer. " Send for
ward two companies of your regiment as skirmishers, and
clear that underbrush. Gen. Wood's division is coming up
to occupy your left," said an officer of Col. Matthews' staff.
Co. D, under Lieut. Tassan, and Co. B, under Lieut. O'Brien,
were ordered to that duty. Major Dufficey commanded this
battalion of skirmishers. He- kept his eye well to the front,
and marched upon the enemy's deployed line. The enemy
fell back, making but a feeble resistance. Wood approached
in fine style, and entered the conflict; but it was too late.
The sun had gone down, and hostilities ceased.
"Night threw her mantle o'er the earth,
And pinned it with a star."
The next morning the enemy fled, and were pursued by
the victorious Union army, Crittenden in the advance.
Nothing of importance occurred until the Thirty-Fifth
approached the little town of Crab Orchard. Here it Avas
reported the enemy would make a stand. It was three

572 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
o'clock, A. M. The round, fuU moon made everything light
as day. Vancleve's division is ordered to march and dislodge
the enemy, who is said to be three mUes ahead. Skirmishers
are throAvn out, and the column moves. " Bang, bang ! " The
enemy is found. The fire of the platoons in reserve is
instantly ansAvered by three rapid shots from the enemy's
artillery, posted beyond a creek. The Seventh Indiana bat
tery, in the rear of the first line, replies, but their shot and
shell whiz over the Thirty-Fifth, and fall a few yards in
advance. The contending batteries wax warm, and the road
is literally plowed up.
"Did you see that?" said Father Cooney, as a shell burst
iramediately in front of him. " I think I did," replied the
Colonel. " This must be stopped," said the Chaplain, refer
ring to the Indiana battery's bad range. " That what's I am
going to do," said the Colonel, referring to the enemy ; " if I
can only get across that narroAV bridge." Orders were
received to cross the bridge, and take position. "Now, every
mother's son of you keep your mouths shut until we cross
the bridge, when you may yell till your hearts' content," said
the Colonel. "Fix baj'onets and forAvard," and away they
go. A short turn in the road saves the regiment, the enemy
shelling the road. The Thirty-Fifth debouches to the left,
until the creek is reached. Instantly they rush to the right
for the bridge. The head of the column is over. " Double-
quick," and Avith deafening yells the Thirty-Fifth, closely fol
lowed by the Fifty-First Ohio, rush for the battery. The
artillery fly at their approach, leaving two artillerymen, and
a few infantry skirmishers, in the hands of the assaUants,
Not a man of the Thirty-Fifth was injured in this little affair.
From this time till Gen. Rosecrans assumed command of
the army, nothing of special interest occurred.
LAVERGNE.
On the ninth of December, 1862, Col. Matthews, com
manding the third brigade, consisting of the Twenty-First
and Eighth Kentucky, Fifty-First Ohio, and Thirty-Fifth
Indiana, Avith a section of Swallow's Seventh Indiana battery.

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 573
was ordered on a foraging expedition. This force, with its
long train of Avagons, took the Murfreesboro road, and when
near Lavergne, diverged to the left, and crossed Mill creek at
Dobbins' ford. At the ford a Sergeant and ten men were
left as a guard, Avhile the tearas were escorted a short dis
tance beyond, Avhere forage Avas to be obtained. Soon the
wagons Avere loaded. The sharp ring of the rifles at the ford
announced the approach of an eneray. The Fifty-First Ohio
and Thirty-Fifth Indiana moved forward on the double-quick,
and arrived in time to save the gallant little band of pickets.
The enemy pressed forward to obtain possession of the ford.
He Avas met by a galling fire from the Ohioans and Irishmen.
A stubborn contest, for a few moraents, ensued. MatthcAvs,
with fixed bayonets, charged the enemy, who fied out of
range of both bayonet and musket. The train noAV
approached. MatthcAvs determined to save it, if possible.
The Kentucky troops were ordered as a rear-guard, while the
Ohio and Indiana regiments led the advance. The Thirty-
Fifth Indiana was commanded by Lieut. Col. John E. Balfe.
of Lafayette, Indiana — as gallant a soldier as ever drew steel,
The train proceeded but a short distance when the rear-guard
was attacked. The "Kentucks" opened on the assailants a
crashing fire of musketry, which, for the moment, surprised
and staggered the rebels ; but the enemy being of superior
force, soon recovered, and fought vigorously. The Thirty-
Fifth soon went to the rescue of the rear-guard, and with
Irish impetuosity, dashed into the fray. The enemy recoUed,
and, changing front, attacked Matthews' flank, but with no
better success, for that officer immediately threw at the foe
his impetuous Irishmen. A desperate struggle ensued. The
Fifty-First Ohio was advancing; not fast enough, however,
to suit the gaUant Matthews. "Double-quick!" said Mat
thews. "Do you intend the Thirty-Fifth to do aU the flght-
ing?" This sally "put life and metal into their heels; and
the noble Ohioans, led by the brave McClean, rushed into the
line of battle. Our fire became rapid and effective; still the
enemy made repeated efforts to break the line. Tired of bul
lets, the Irish regiment had recourse to bayonets, and, charg-

574 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
ing the thick cedars, which partly concealed the foe, drove
him from his cover.
This spirited and splendid little affair Avas hailed with
deUght by the entire army. The loss of the Thirty-Fifth
Avas one commissioned officer, (Adjutant Bernard R. Mullen,)
and four enlisted men killed, and two comraissioned officers,
and thirty-three enlisted men, Avounded. The eneray's forces
Avere coraraanded by Gen. Wheeler — an officer of sound
judgment and undaunted courage. The rebels admitted
that their loss in killed and wounded amounted to one
hundred men. The Thirty-Fifth Indiana was highly com
plimented by MattheAvs. STONE RIVER.
It was Christmas night, 1862. In one of the officer's tents
of the Thirty-Fifth Indiana were assembled a gay and dash
ing group of officers. The custom of civil life must be fol
lowed ; egg nog and smoking punch must be imbibed. Wit,
anecdote and badinage swept from lip to lip. The loved
ones at home were toasted until every "mother's son of
thim," had their little regiment, three hundred strong, been
in line, would have made an affidavit that it was at least six
hundred rank and file. Fun and merriment "flew fast and
furious," and the whole batch of Irish officers there assem
bled expressed their entire wUlingness to fight Bragg or Beel
zebub, " which iver presinted his ugly sconce first." In the
"wee sma hours" the tramp of a horse was heard, and the
next instant an officer's voice : " Orderly."
" Oh, by all that's blissid, here comes the Curnel. For the
Lord's sake act dacint, or he'll think this is an instoot for
the reformation of the brainless," said an officer with " one
bar" on his strap.
" If ye don't take the original of yer photograph out iv
here in double-quick, he may swear to it," repHed a gentle
man with " no bar " on his strap.
The rattling of a sabre and jingling of spurs broke up this
interesting dialogue. The Colonel presented himself to the
full and frolicsome assemblage.

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 575
"Well boys, enjoying yourselves," said the Colonel.
"Well Aveer'e doing the best Ave can; the punch is nearly
out ; of the raAv material Ave have plenty, but that omadhun
of a Frank is off' playin poker with the doctor's cook, and
the hot wather has givin out," answered the master of cere
monies. "Have ye had anything Colonel?"
"Indeed I have visited headquarters and five or six hospi
tals, and I have'nt had thefuU o' that," said the superior offi
cer pointing to a tAvo gallon tin bucket.
The hint was sufficient, and the "tins" on the table were
fragrant in a minute with, as the hospital cook would say,
"as dacint a compound of hot wather, sacharum pulvis, and
alcheholic extract as iver produced gout."
"A paper for you, sir," said the Adjutant, passing across
the table a suspicious looking document marked 0. B., (offi
cial business.)
The party made a movement to retire.
" Sit still, gentlemen, I know what it is, and you shall
know too. We march upon the enemy at dayUght." It was
so, the yellow cover contained marching orders.
The punch was drank, a hearty shake hands was given all
around, and the officers retired to their respective quarters,
with the admonition: "We beat no reveille; the officer of
the day will have you all called at sharp four; I shall expect
to see the regiment in line of battle at five o'clock precisely.
Good night ! "
At five o'clock, on the twenty-sixth of December, the gal
lant Thirty-Fifth was in line of battle. A drizzling rain and
cold windy atmosphere ushered in the daylight. Troops were
passing and repassing , the order of march was beiag arranged.
For five long hours the regiment stood in the cold pitiless rain ;
at last the order to march was received, the regiment wheeled
into column by platoon and took the Murfreesboro pike. To
recount the incidents of the march would be but a repetition
of other marches where the enemy disputed progress. Con
stant skirraishing, toilsome marches, hurried meals, restless
nights, intermingled with jokes and jollity, were the chief
features of the " On to Murfreesboro."

576 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
Stone river was reached. A " feeler," on Thursday, the thir
tieth of December, settled all doubts and shoAved that the
enemy Avould there give battle. Vancleve's division, to Avhich
the Thirty-Fifth was attached, was ordered to the extreme
left of the line, with orders to cross Stone river and take
position. Daylight on Wednesday found the division on the
march; the Thirty -Fifth was the first regiment across the
river. The morning was cold and frosty. The men were active
and dauntless. Scarce had the brigade formed line of battle
when a terrific discharge of musketry and cannon on the
right announced that the battle had commenced. Soon the
storm increased to a hurricane. The third brigade was
ordered to recross the river and take position, the left resting
upon the river bank.
The Thirty-Fifth occupied the extreme left. An hour
passed and the contest raged with increased fury. The report
sped along the line that the right wing was driven back.
Stragglers from some of the regiments took the Nashville
road. Here the enemy's cavalry encountered and whirled
them towards the rear of the extreme left. The Thirty-Fifth
had received orders to arrest the fugitives in their fiight.
Bayonets were fixed and the order executed. The stragglers
were formed and sent, under the charge of staff" officers, to
the right and rear. At this juncture of affairs an officer
dashed up and informed Col. Mullen that the enemy's cavalry
was about to charge upon the hospital on the east side of the
river, and would doubtless capture some Avagons, among
which were two belonging to Gen. Rosecrans, containing
valuable papers. The regiment started for the ford to repel
the cavalry. It was too late to cross and get into position.
The left wing was thrown back to correspond with the ene
my's advancing column. A terrific "fire by wing" was
poured into the rebel cavalry, and the battery on the right
belched forth against them round shot and shell. The enemy,
having captured two or three ambulances filled with sick sol
diers, was driven back.
The sun had not yet risen on the morning of January first,
1863, ere the gallant soldiers of the Thirty -Fifth shook the

REGIMENTAL HISTORY. 577
white frost from their head and shoulders, and feU into Hne,
Orders were received to cross to the east side of Stone river ;
Avith steady step the regiment, leading the brigade, dashed
into the cold rapid stream. On crossing the river, skirmishers
were throAvn out, front and fiank, and the regiment faced to
the front to hear a fcAv Avords from their Chaplain, Father
Cooney, "Boys," said the Father, "this is the New Year;
many of you will never see the sun go down to day; I desire
to say to you a few Avords, You are an Irish regiment.
Your countrymen have already proved their devotion to the
flag of the nation by their courage and stamina on the field
of battle. The eyes of the division are upon you. Your
friends at home expect much from you — you must not disap
point them. Now, then, many of you have not been to your
duties. All of you make an act of contrition, sincerely ask
God to forgive you, and I will pronounce absolution."
In an instant hats were oft', and heads bowed upon their
muskets, while the brave Priest, with extended hands, implored
the forgiveness and blessing of God upon them. "Amen,"
was scarcely pronounced when the men, fixing their hats
upon their bayonets, gave three hearty, wild cheers.
" Good bye. Father," said the Colonel, riding up and extend
ing his hand. " Oh you must'nt think of getting killed. You
will come out safe." " I don't know. The Colonel who com
mands a set of fellows that will pray one minute and cheer
the next will have a precious poor chance to escape." " For
ward," and the brigade moved up to support the skirmishers
who were warmly at work.
That day was passed in skirmishing ; at twelve o'clock
that night the enemy made an attempt to drive in the pickets.
The Thirty-Fifth reinforced its line of skirmishers and drove
the enemy back and occupied his line — all out of pure spite.
Friday, the second of January, the sun rose bright and
glorious. It set upon the flag of the Union, waving over the
fleld of victory. From eight o'clock, a. m., till twelve, p. m.,
large bodies of the enemy moved toward the left, evidently
intending to try the metal of Crittenden's corps. Gen. Rose
crans shifted a portion of the right center to the rear of, and
in support of, his left. At two o'clock, p. m., a portentous
Vol, 1,-37,

578 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
silence reigned. It Avas the calm before the storm. The
artillery Avere ordered to fire only on advancing columns.
The third brigade occupied the foUoAving position: There
were two curtains of Avoodland, betAveen Avhich Avas a clear
ing of about two hundred feet. Immediately' opposite this
open space, and on a ridge which gently sloped to the front
and rear, stood in line the Thirty-Fifth Indiana. The regi
ment was brought to the rear of this crest, and ordered to lie
doAvu, so as to be concealed from the enemy. On the regi
ment's right, in the frontline, were the Eighth Kentucky and
Fifty-First Ohio; on the left, AA'as the Seventy-Ninth Indiana;
still further to the left, was Fyfe's brigade. The second line
of the third brigade consisted of the Twenty-First Kentucky,
supporting the Eighth Kentucky and Fifty-First Ohio; the
Ninety-Ninth Ohio supporting the Thirty-Fifth Indiana. To
the rear and to the right, fifty-three pieces of artillery were
massed, ready for the work of death. Col. Beatty rode up
to the Thirty-Fifth's line, " CoL Mullen, you are expected
to hold the ford." "Fll hold it, sir." "You wiU stay right
here," added Beatty. "I avUI stay as long as any man in
your division," replied the commander of the Thirty-Fifth,
From that moment until next morning at nine o'clock, not
another order was given by either brigade or division com
mander to the Irish regiment.
At three o'clock, p. m., the eneray threw doAvn the fence
opposite the Federal lines. His battalions steadUy, and in
splendid order, uoav marched forAvard, Disregarding the
shots of the skirmishers, they advanced at a quick pace,
several columns deep. Not a shot or cheer is heard from their
ranks. The Eighth Kentucky aud Fifty -First Ohio pour a
slashing fire into the head of the column. Crash ! crash !
goes the musketry of the enemy, and now the whole right is
in a blaze of fire. The Seventy-Ninth Indiana, with its usual
bravery, opens up; right and left roll out sheets of flame;
still the Thirty-Fifth fires not a shot. Orders had been given
them to be perfectly stiU, and aAvait the command to fire.
The enemy pressed on, diverging toward the right. One
brigade had passed to the right, the second Avas within twen
ty-four paces, Avhen the order was given, "Up, boys, with a

REGIMENTAL HISTORY, 579
cheer; steady uoav; fire." The Irishraen poured forth a mur
derous volley. The Avhole column of the eneray reeled under
it. The AvUd cheer of the Thirty-Fifth, and its deadly aim,
astonished and terrified the foe. The battle Avas now
opened, but we avUI quote frora Col. Mullen's official report:
"The eneray advanced steadily in coluran by regiments
en echelon. When Avithin a short distance of the Fifty-First
Ohio and Eighth Kentucky, the first brigade of the enemy
came into line, aud both parties opened a crashing fire of
musketry. The enemy's second brigade came up to the
work yelling. They were immediately in my front, and I
considered it best to let them advance to within thirty or
forty paces of my line, (as I believed they had no knoAA'ledge
of my position,) before I opened fire. When their flank
was opposite to the center of my line, I gave the order to
rise and fire. With a deafening cheer, the order was obeyed,
A plunging volley staggered the advancing columns, and
before the enemy could recover his surprise, my regiment
had reloaded, and commenced a Avell aimed and telling file
fire. The fiash and rattle of my musketry gave information
to the enemy's battery in my front, which opened furiously
upon me."
The battle was now at its bight. The gallant Capt, Pros
ser was shot through both thighs. He lay upon his side, still
commanding his company. " Co, E. dont't throw aAvay an
ounce of lead; aim low!" shouted the brave Prosser; and
Co. E did aim low. The enemy's left coluran was within
three hundred paces of the massed and masked batteries of
Mendenhall, A terrific explosion broke from the artUlery.
Shot, shell, schrapnell, grape aud canister, indeed every man
ner of projectile, was hurled at the advancing column. The
piercing rattle of the musketry, the roar of an hundred
pieces of artillery, and the cheers of the combatants, created
a storm of unearthly noises. The Thirty-Fifth still main
tained its ground. The Fifty-First Ohio and Eighth Ken
tucky retired slowly, fighting most gallantly. ,
Of the Thirty-Fifth, Capts. Baggot, Prosser and Crowe
were wounded. Lieut. Kilroy, a fearless soldier, was mor
taUy wounded. Sergeant Major Stockdale was wounded in

580 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
the head ; spitting the blood from his lips, and cooly wiping
the red gore from his eyes, he refused to leave the field. The
Colonel's Orderly, the brave Johnny Kinsela, fought like a
hero. A round shot, ricochetting, hit the Colonel, and
hurled him to the ground. Some of the men rushed to him.
" Go back to the line; I'm all right," said the Colonel. The
storm of battle continued. The brave Adjutant Sculley
rushed along the Hne, swinging his sword over his head,
exclaiming, "Well done, Thirty-Fives; pour iuto them."
The officers vied with each other in displaying the staunchest
courage. "Through all this terrible fire of musketry and
shell," says Col. Mullen, in his report, "I am proud to say
not an officer or man flinched." The enemy was pressing
around the flanks of the Thirty-Fifth. "What now?" asked
young Kinsela, looking up inquiringly into his Colonel's face.
"Fight on." The brave young Kinsela fired; and as he
turned about to reload, was shot through the head, and fell
dead upon the battle field.
After forty-three minutes of this murderous and unequal
contest, it became evident the Thirty-Fifth would be either
killed or captured, if they did not change position. The
order to fall back by the right of companies, was given, and
had to be repeated before the brave felloAvs would obey. On
reaching the river's bank, and under cover of artillery, the
officers rallied the torn ranks of the regiment. They were
joined by portions of the Eighth and Twenty-First Ken
tucky, and Fifty-First Ohio. This new formed Hne wheeled
upon the enemy; and, rushing up the hill, along the river's
bank, drove him from his position. Wood, and Palmer, and
Negley, rushed forAvard. The enemy, in confusion, left the
fidd. In this desperate struggle, the Thirty-Fifth lost one-third
of its rank and file ; but it estabhshed a proud name, and
won the applause of its friends.
ADJUTANT BERNARD R. MULLEN,
Was born in Napoleon, Ripley county, Indiana, on the twelfth
of July. 1844. WhUe a boy he applied himself assiduously

REGIMENT.VL HISTORY. 581
to his studies. In all the boyish games Avhich tend to physi
cal development he became proficient. Although he possessed
a gentle disposition and a kind heart, yet oppression roused
in him a spirit of stern resistance. In school boy quarrels,
the smaUer disputant had a friend in young Mullen. When
controversies ended Avith blows, it was enough for the little
boys to cry out "Bernard Mullen is coming," The oppressed
then knew a friend AA-as near. Never assuming the quarrels
of others, he Avas ever ready to interfere when appealed to,
and, if kind Avords and persuasive arguments failed to restore
peace, then Avoe to the young tyrant who sought to infiict
punishment on a weaker school-fellow. With his kindness
of heart and true courage, it is uo wonder he became a
favorite with all who loved right and hated wrong. He had a
talent for music and acquired some proficiency in this elegant
science. In 1860 his father, Dr, Alexander J, Mullen, the present
Surgeon of the Thirty-Fifth regiment, moved with his family
to Michigan City, Indiana. About this time a volunteer
company was formed and young Mullen at once enrolled
himself in the ranks. The company engaged, as a military
instructor, a member of "EllsAvorth's Zouaves," who drilled
the young soldiers twice a week. None entered into the
spirit of the drill with greater zest than the subject of our
sketch. He soon became famous as the "best driUed boy in
the company." So zealous was he studying his "tactics"
that he had "Hardee" from the formation of a squad to the
"School of the company" perfectly memorized, and Avas per
fect in the manual of arms.
When the war broke out young Mullen desired to volun
teer, but his parents opposed it on account of his youth.
When the Thirty-Fifth (Irish) regiment was being raised, he
obtained the consent of his father to enter its ranks. Before
it left for the field, his uncle. Col, B. F, Mullen, received per
mission to raise the second Irish regiment, and young Mullen
at once commenced recruiting for that regiment. Recruiting
having been suspended, and a consolidation of all skeleton
regiments ordered by the Secretary of War, the first and
second Irish regiments were consolidated. The first regiment

582 REGIMENTAL HISTORY.
having only nine companies, Lieut. Mullen's company was
assigned to it as company G. He uoav held the rank of Lieu
tenant in a regiment to which he Avas so partial, as to assert
"that it contained the best material in rauscle and pluck of
any regiment from the State." He inherited from his parents
that Avarm Irish blood and nervous endurance which are
of great value to a soldier. His grandfather had followed
the fortunes of the great Napoleon, and after the campaign
of MoscoAV Avore next his heart the " Cross of the Legion of
Honor." In the long and fatiguing march from LouisviUe to Wild
Cat, Lieut, Mullen endured every hardship cheerfully. On
the road to Crab Orchard, the regiment being in the advance,
was furiously assailed by the rear guard of the enemy, Lieut.
Mullen was cool and courageous under the heavy fire of the
foe. When his command reached GlasgOAv, on the return
from Wild Cat, he was appointed Adjutant. In this capacity
he soon became the idol of the Thirty-Fifth. He was obeyed
because he Avas respected. His courage was undoubted, and
his honor unquestioned; he was a model staff officer.
Adjutant Mullen Avas killed in an engagement near La
vergne. The enemy made a desperate charge upon the flank
of the regiment, and the commanding officer fell wounded.
Adjutant Mullen at once took command, ordered his Hue to
change front, and gave the command, "charge bayonets with
a cheer." WhUe the cheers of his gallant comrades Avere
ringing in his ears, he fell, pierced through the brain with a
minnie ball. He died in the moment of triumph with glad
shouts filling the air. Like a warrior he fell, araid the roar
of battle, and the deadly strife. When his body Avas brought
into camp the greatest grief prevailed. Old and young gath
ered around the body and gave vent to their grief in tears.
His remains were sent to his home in Madison for interment.
A large concourse of citizens assembled at his funeral, to
honor in death the memory of the one they had loved so
AA'dl in Hfe. His resting place will not long remain unmarked
by the "chiseled marble." The officers of the regiment
have organized a monumental fund, and contributed hand
somely to place over his remains a monument of affection

REGIMENTAL HISTORY, 583
and esteem. Thus slumbers the dust of our young hero.
Beneath the sod Avhich covers his grave rests one of the gen
tlest and bravest hearts that Avas ever stilled by the rude hand
of war. CAPTAIN HENRY PROSSER.
Henry Prosser was born in the State of Illinois in the year
1818. When a young man, he moved to St. Louis, Missouri,
where he engaged in business. He early displayed a taste
for military life. On the breaking out of the Mexican war,
he received a commission in a Missouri regiment, in Avhich
he served until the terms of peace were concluded. On his
return to St. Louis, he raised an independent company, and
commanded it while he remained in that city.
When the present troubles culminated in active hostilities
against the Government, he was engaged in business in
IndianapoHs. An independent company was at once raised,
and he was elected to command it. It was designated as
company A, Indianapolis volunteers, and included within its
ranks some of the most prominent business men of the city.
The war feeling in this company was intense; and soon
many of its members engaged, in various capacities, in the
regiments then being organized in the State for the General
Government, When authority was given to raise the Sixty-
First (second Irish) regiment, Henry Prosser was designated
as its Major, The regiment could not be fiUed in the pre
scribed time, and an order Avas received from the War
Department to consolidate it with the Thirt^'-Fifth, then in
the field. Major Prosser joined the Thirty-Fifth as Captain
of company E,
As an officer, he Avas prompt and efficient; a strict discipli
narian, exacting frora those he commanded that attention to
duty which he so scrupulously gave himself. He was a man
of splendid appearance — one of the finest looking officers that
ever buckled on a sword in defense of the old fiag. At Stone
River, Avhere he fell mortally AVOunded, he displayed those
heroic qualities, Avhich, through life, had been accorded hira
by those who best kncAV hira. When lying upon the battle

584 REGIMENTAL HISTORY,
field, shot through both thighs, A\'hUe the life blood was
staining the sod beneath hira, he retained the command of
his company, and exhorted his men to stand firm and fire
low. He lingered for a few days after the hard fought field
was Avon, and died while the loved fiag, for Avhich he gave
his life, Avas being planted on the enemy's works at Murfrees
boro, He died the death of a hero, and his name will be
honored for all time by the State of his adoption.

G C L . G T L ii E - -: I ¦ .-^.AT H AWAY.
,'3'' iridiana Beg^

GEANT'S FIRST CAMPAIGN.

CHAPTER XIX.

Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, in command of the Union forces at
Cairo, resolved, early in November, 1861, to make a demon
stration ou the forces of the enemy, then stationed at Bel
mont, Mo., opposite Columbus, The object of the expedition
was to prevent the rebel Gen. Polk sending reinforcements
to the rebel Gen. Price in Missouri, and, if successful, to
strike a heavy blow upon their rapidly organizing troops.
BATTLE OB BELMONT,
The expedition, numbering about three thousand men, left
Cairo on the sixth of November, on five steamers, convoyed
by two gunboats. The fleet lay all night near the Kentucky
shore, thirteen miles beloAV Cairo. At daylight it moved
down the river, and took position just out of range of the
rebel guns at Columbus, and disembarked on the Missouri
shore. All the regiments, except the Seventh Iowa, were
from Illinois.
The enemy were encamped upon high ground, back of the
river, about two miles from the place our forces landed, and
at once disposed their forces to meet our attack. The Ken
tucky shore rises in bold, high bluffs, while the Missouri
shore is low and flat. A line of battle was at once formed
on the levee; Col. Buford took command of the right. Col.
Fouke of the center, and Col. Logan of the left. 585

586 grant's first campaign.
Our skirmishers rapidly advanced, and encountered those
of the enemy. Step by step, and from tree to tree, Ave drove
them for tAVO miles. There they were found in strong posi
tion behind felled timber. The fighting at this point was
desperate. The scene Avas one of great excitement — cannon
and musketry issued their death-calls all around. Our
troops, Avith loud and continuous cheers, rushed on, and over,
the abattis, driving the enemy from their caraps, capturing
their artillery and tents. The eneray, in confusion, retreated
to the river's bank, under cover of their batteries on the
Kentucky shore.
Reinforcements crossed the river to the enemy. Gen. Polk
sent over large bodies of his choicest troops. The enemy's
batteries, commanding the battle field, opened a severe fire.
The reinforcements of the enemy endeavored to flank our
small force, and get betweeen our troops and their transports.
The situation Avas most critical.
Gen. McClernand at once reformed his lines, reversed the
position of his artillery, and prepared to cut his way through.
Driving the eneray back, the column moved on. Taylor's
Chicago battery, under Capt. Swartz, fought splendidly,
driving the enemy, with great slaughter, from his hidden
positions. Our troops reached their boats, and embarked.
The battle lasted from eleven o'clock in the morning untU
sundown. As our boats passed up the river, the enemy
poured into them a galling fire. Our loss was one hundred
killed, and one hundred and twenty-five Avounded. That of
the enemy, in four regiments, Avas three hundred and sixty-
four killed, wounded, and missing. The movement did not
accomplish all that A\'as expected, owing to the failure of the
commander of the Union troops at Paducah, Kentucky, to
make a demonstration upon Columbus.
With the exception of a few unimportant expeditions
against guerrillas in Missouri and Kentucky, no event of
importance occurred in Gen. Grant's department, until early
in the month of February, 1862, Then a succession of vic
tories, which filled the Union army with joy, was inaugura
ted, A brilliant victory had been gained by Gen, Thomas
over the rebel army at MiU Spring, Kentucky, on the nine-

grant's eirst campaign. 587
teenth of January. This Avas foHowed by the capture of
Fort Henry, situated on the Tennessee river, south of the
Kentucky line.
It was the poHey of the Government, and the plan of Gen,
HaUeck, who commanded the department of the West, to
open the Mississippi river; and as the enemy had fortified
heavily at Columbus, and other places ou the Mississippi;
also on the Tennessee river at Fort Henry, and on the Cum
berland at Fort Donelson; the capture of any of these places
would break his chain of fortifications. The moveraent up
the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers, and the capture of the
forts thereon, would flank Columbus, and open the way to
Nashville, Taking events as they occurred, the reader will
seehoAV successfully Gen, Halleck's plan was executed,
CAPTURE OE FORT HENRY,
Fort Henry is on the right bank of the Tennessee, about
seventy miles above its junction with the Ohio. In addition
to the fort, there was an intrenched camp, protected on the
flanks by creeks and ponds. The country around is much
broken, intersected with creeks, and covered with forests. A
combined attack of our army and fleet was agreed upon ;
Commodore Foote, with seven gunboats, Avas to move up the
river, and open the assault on the fort; Gen. McClernand
was to march across the country toward the Cumberland
river, to prevent the enemy receiving reinforcements; while
Gen. C. F, Smith was to move up the west bank of the river,
occupy a hill overlooking the fort, and, if necessary, reinforce
McClernand, On the sixth of February, at noon. Com, Foote opened flre
on the fort from his gunboats. The enemy instantly replied,
and the fire became general. The gunboats moved steadily
forAvard, untU within six hundred yards of the fort, deliver
ing their fire with great rapidity and exactness.
When the cannonade opened, the columns, which were
endeavoring to gain the rear of the enemy's camp, were
Struggling over a muddy road, impeded by swollen creeks,
not more than half way to their desired position. The roar

588 grant's first campaign.
of the first gun caused thera to push on Avith redoubled
ardor. Miles of muddy SAvamps, and steep hills, were passed
over. The fort Avas concealed from view by dense Avoods.
The roar of heav}'- guns and huge shells filled the air.
The gunboats were the Cincinnati, St. Louis, Essex, Caron-
ddet, Conestoga, Tylor and Lexington, The fiag ship Cin
cinnati fired the first shot. Straight onward moved the boats.
As they neared the fort their fire became more destructive.
Early in the fight the rified gun of the rebels burst, killing
some of the gunners; but they did not on that account
slacken their fire. The firing from the fort was very rapid,
and the gunboats Avere often hit, A twenty-pound shot
passed through the boiler of the Essex, disabling her, and
occasioning the scalding of twenty-nine officers and men,
including Commander Porter, The Essex at once dropped
down stream, and was towed off by tugs. The enemy were
greatly encouraged by this disaster. But our fleet worked
most vigorously, delivering their flre with terrible precision
and rapidity. They were now in close range. Their shots
tore up the embankments, and their shells exploded directly
over the enemy's guns. The fleet still advanced, shooting
out their death-winged messengers. At half past one o'clock
— one hour and twelve minutes from the commencement of
the attack — when the gunboats were within three hundred
yards of the fort, the rebel flag was lowered, and the fort
surrendered. Meantime the land forces were pressing eagerly forAvard to
take part in the fight, and hoping to capture the rebel
encampment and troops. The forces of the enemy were
reported to be equal to our own, and a desperate fight Avas
expected. Suddenly the firing ceased. Presently our scouts
reported the camps of the enemy deserted. They had fied
Avithout firing a gun. The first few sheUs from the Cincin
nati thrcAv their camp into alarm. The rebels broke and fied,
leaving arms, ammunition — everything — behind. Our troops
soon occupied the deserted carap, and joyously greeted the
Union fiag waving over Fort Henry,
The fort contained seventeen heavy guns, including one
ten-inch colurabiad, one breach-loading rified gun, carrying a

grant's first campaign. 589
sixty-pound elongated shot, tAvelve thirty-tAvo pounders, one
twenty-four pounder rified, and tAvo twelve pounder siege
guns. The camp contained stores and tents sufficient for
fifteen thousand men. The most important result, however,
was the opening of the Tennessee to Gen, Grant's army.
Immediately after the capture of Fort Henry, the troops
moved on Fort Donelson, twelve miles distant on the Cum
berland river. The route lay over high ridges, through a
densely wooded country, Avith scarcely the sign of a human
habitation. The ridges vary from one to three hundred feet
in bight. Through many of the valleys run pure streams of
water, which, as they near the Cumberland and Tennessee
rivers, become large creeks. These delayed the rapid move
ment of our columns.
The expedition against Fort Donelson Avas under coramand
of Gen. U, S. Grant. Commodore Foote, with his gunboats,
acted in concert with him. The divisions were commanded
as follows : FIRST division — GEN. m'cLERNAND.
First Brigade — Col. Oglesby — Eighth, Eighteenth, Twenty-
Ninth, Thirtieth and Thirty-First Illinois, SchAvartz's and
Dresser's batteries, and four battalions of Illinois cavalry.
Second Brigade — Col. W. H. L. Wallace — Eleventh, Twen
tieth, Forty-Fifth, Forty-Eighth and Forty-Ninth Illinois,
Taylor's and McAllister's batteries, and Fourth and Seventh
Illinois cavalry. SECOND DIVISION — GEN. C, F. SMITH.
First Brigade — Colonel Cook — Seventh, Ninth, Twelfth,
Twenty-Eighth and Forty-First IHinois, TAvelfth Iowa, Thir
teenth Missouri, Fifty-Second Indiana, and three batteries
First Missouri artillery.
Second Brigade — Col. Lauman — Seventh, Second and Four
teenth Iowa, and Fifty-Sixth Indiana.
THIRD DIVISION — GEN. LEW. WALLACE.
First Brigade— Col. Cruft— Seventeenth and Twenty-Fifth
Kentucky, Thirty-First and Forty-Fourth Indiana.

590 grant's first campaign.
Second Brigade — Colonel Thayer — First Nebraska, Fifty-
Eighth, Sixty-Eighth and Seventy-Sixth Ohio, Forty-Sixth,
Fifty-Seventh and Fifth-Eighth Illinois, and Willard'sChicago
battery. A brigade, commanded by Col. Morgan L. Smith, com
posed of the Eighth Missouri and Eleventh Indiana, joined
Gen. LcAV. Wallace's command while the fight was in progress.
Gen. McClernand's division moved by the telegraph road
directly upon Fort Donelson ; Oglesby's brigade being in the
advance. Another brigade of the same division moved by
the Dover road. Gen. C. F. Smith's division also took the
Dover road, followed by the division of Gen. Lew. Wallace.
The AA'eather was mUd and pleasant. The column pushed
gladly forAvard; the men being in high spirits and excellent
condition. Presently firing was heard in the front. The
Eighth Illinois had come in contact with the advance pickets
of the enemy, and, after a slight skirmish, compelled them
to retire. capture op fort DONELSON.
This was a strong position. The preparations made by the
enemy for its defense were very extensive. The water bat
teries were well located to control river navigation. At the
lower battery were mounted eight thirty-tAVO pounders and
one ten-inch colurabiad. At the upper battery were mounted
one rifled thirty-two pounder, and two thirty-tAVO pound car-
ronades. Both these batteries were sunk in the hillside.
They were elevated about thirty feet above the water, when
the gunboats made their attack. The raain fort was on a
high elevation in the rear of these batteries. The outworks
consisted of rifle pits and felled trees, forming a difficult
obstruction to the advance of our troops.
On arriving in front of these formidable works, our army
immediately took position to invest them. A corabined
attack, by land and Avater, had been agreed upon betAveen
Gen. Grant aud Coramodore Foote, but as the gunboats did
not arrive at the appointed time, Gen. Grant threw his forces
around the enemy's position, and prevented the reinforcing

grant's first campaign. 591
of the enemy. On the evening of the thirteenth the gunboats
arrived. On the fourteenth a gaiiant attack was made by Coramo
dore Foote, with four iron clad, and two wooden gunboats.
After one hour and a quarter's severe fighting, the St. Louis
and Louisville became disabled. They then drifted down the
river. The two remaining boats were also greatly damaged.
There Avere forty-four killed aud wounded in this attack.
The enemy were greatly elated at the repulse of our gun
boats, and thought they could either repulse our Avhole army,
or cut their way through to NashvUle. Dispatches had been
sent to Gen. Johnson, the rebel coramander at BoAA'Hug Green,
by Gen, Pillow, that the Union forces had been repulsed, and
a triumphant feeling pervaded the people of NashvUle,
At three o'clock, on the morning of the fifteenth, in the
midst of a heavy snow storm, the enemy left their camp and
made a desperate attempt to break through our lines. But
in this they were foiled. Gen, Grant, sleepless and vigilant,
had visited the outposts a short time previously and warned
the sentries to be on the alert. It was a dreary night. The
Avind was sharp and biting, and the air filled Avith snow.
Suddenly our advanced pickets saw a dark mass moving over
the snow; the alarm was given; a regiment advanced to sup
port our picket line, and the enemy was baffled in his expected
surprise. Gen. McClernand comraanded the right. Upon Oglesby's
brigade of his division, was first hurled the rebel thunder.
Under fire from several batteries, au immense mass of infantry
charged upon our lines. Sudden as Avas the attack, the gal
lant troops of Illinois were ready to meet it. Into the ene
my's teeth they poured a steady and deadly fire. Fresh
masses of the enemy adA^anced, but Taylor's battery, and tAVO
of McAllister's guns, met them Avith a storm of grape and
shell, aud the brigade charging, actually drove four times
their number back to their intrenchments. The struggle Avas
hand to hand. The bayonet, the bowie knife, and the but-
endof the musket were freely used. Blood fioAved profusely,
stainina: the snoAV-clad earth Avith crimson. Fresh masses of
the enemy rolled forth from the Avoods- McClernand's gal-

592 grant's first campaign,
lant men still fought tenaciously. The contest had lasted four
hours, all our right wing were engaged, when their ammuni
tion failing, they Avere compelled to fall back, which they did
in good order. The enemy poured forth in dense masses and
captured Schwartz's battery. Willard's battery then opened a
deadly fire on their columns, and the eneray fell back down
the hill, dragging Avith them the captured guns.
While the battle raged desperately on the right, and Gen.
C. F. Smith's forces were holding their line of investment on
the left, ready to move to any given point, the division of
Gen. Lew. Wallace hurried to the front to the support of the
overpowered heroes of McClernand's division. At the head
of the column marched the Eighth Missouri, closely followed
by the Eleventh Indiana, both regiments under Col. Morgan
L. Smith. Col. Cruft's brigade followed, and two Ohio regi
ments, under Col, Ross, were moved on the left flank of the
assailing force.
The battle field was much broken by out-cropping edges
of rock, and covered by dense underbrush. The ascent was
steep and difficult. Col. Smith rushed at once into the fight.
Our skirmishers soon engaged the rebel pickets, who retired,
obstinately contesting the advance. Meantime the regiments
pushed on. On ascending the hill they received a heavy fire
from the enemy. Instantly the regiments lay down. Soon
as the fury of the fire abated, they rose and marched forAvard;
thus they gradually neared the enemy's intrenchments. The
moveraent was brUliant, The eneray was pursued until he
reached his main works; we held our line of investment on
the left and regained what Ave had lost on our right. The
enemy's columns were forced back and thrown into confusion.
The decisive moment had come, then Gen. Grant ordered
a charge along the Avhole line.
Gen. C. F. Smith Avas ordered to lead the assault. In heavy
columns the troops of Indiana, loAva, Illinois, Ohio and
Missouri advanced upon the foe. Selecting the Second and
Seventh loAva and Fifty-Second Indiana as the storming
party. Gen. Smith moved the main body of his troops to the
right, and, having gained the attention of the enemy, led in
person the forlorn hope, and advanced upon the enemy from

grant's first campaign. 593
his extreme left. Indifferent to the storra of bullets fiying
around him, the General, on horseback, and with his hat on
the point of his sword, preceded the column inspiring them
with his gallantry.
Steadily they pressed onward. The enemy's fire decimated
their ranks, but closing up, they returned not a shot, but
pushed on, silent and determined as inevitable fate. Their
leader was ahead; they followed him into the very jaws of
death. The enemy recoiled. Their works were gained.
Our men poured a terrible volley into their ranks. A bayo
net charge instantly followed. They fled in confusion before
our determined line, and our troops held their outworks.
Night put an end to the battle. Our troops watched and
waited for the morning. Wearied as they were, few slept,
for the night was cold, and they were not permitted to build
fires so near the enemy's lines.
Early on the morning of the sixteenth our line was in
readiness to advance upon the enemy's works. They were
surprised as dayhght broke, to see upon the rebel intrench
ments numerous little white flags. Soon after, a flag of truce
approached. Gen. Buckner wished to arrange terms of sur
render. Gens. Floyd and Pillow, with five thousand men,
made their escape during the night.
Gen. Grant repHed, that no terms would be accepted but
an unconditional and immediate surrender; and that he pro
posed to move iramediately upon the enemy's works.
Gen. Buckner accepted the terms, and surrendered the
fort and thirteen thousand men. Taa'cIvo thousand stand of
arms, forty-eight field pieces, and seventeen siege guns, and
provisions and. camp equipage valued at a million of dollars
were the result of this brilliant victory. The enemy lost
about three hundred killed and one thousand wounded. Our
loss was throe hundred and fifty -five killed, and fourteen hun
dred wounded.
The battle field presented a frightful spectacle. All the
way to the intrenchments, for a distance of two miles, lay
the dead and dying. "I could imagine," says an eye witness,
" nothing more terrible than the silent indications of agony
that marked the features of the pale corpses that lay at every
Vol. I.— 38.

594 grant's first campaign.
step. Though dead and rigid in every muscle, they still
Avrithed and seemed to turn to catch the passing breeze for a
cooling breath. Staring eyes, gaping mouths, clinched hands,
and strangely contracted limbs, seemingly drawn into a small
compass, as if by a mighty effort to rend asunder some irre
sistible bond which held them down to the torture of which
they died. One sat against a tree, and, with mouth and eyes
wide open, looked up into the sky, as if to catch a glance at
its fieeting spirit. Another clutched the branch of an over
hanging tree, and hung half-suspended, as if in the death-
pang he had raised himself partly from the ground; the other
had grasped his faithful musket, and the compression of his
mouth told of the determination which would have been
fatal to a foe had life ebbed a minute later. A third clung
with both hands to a bayonet which was buried in the ground.
Great numbers lay in heaps, just as the fire of the artillery
mowed them down, mangling their forms into an almost
undistinguishable mass."
The surrender of Fort Donelson was disastrous to the
enemy. Aside from the loss of men and materiel, its capture
opened the Avay to Nashville, and involved the surrender of
that city. It gave us the whole State of Kentucky, and the
greater part of Tennessee. It compelled the rebel Gen.
Johnson to evacuate BoAvling Green before the adA'ance of
Gen. Buell's troops, and opened to the Union forces a long
extent of navigable rivers penetrating the very heart of the
Confederacy, Bowling Green was evacuated while the fight was in pro
gress at Fort Donelson, Gen, Johnson's troops fell back to
Nashville, thence to Murfreesboro, The sudden departure
of the rebels from Nashville caused a scene seldom witnessed.
The whole population were seized with terror and consterna
tion. The members of the State Government were the first
to fly. Gov, Harris galloped through the streets, caUing
upon the citizens to save themselves. Women and children
ran crying through the city. Fear of the Union army caused
as great a panic as if an earthquake had taken place. The
rabble embraced the opportunity, and the work of plunder
and robbery began. Drunken men roUed in the streets.

grant's first campaign. 595
The negroes SAvarraed in the town, and carried away their
share of the plunder. MiUions of dollars worth of stores
were destroyed or carried off' during the frightful week which
succeeded the fall of Fort Donelson. The total destruction
of the city was iraminent, unless the Union troops soon
appeared. On the twenty-third a body of Union pickets appeared in
Edgefield, opposite the city, and seized the small ferry boat.
The next day Gens. Buell and Mitchell arrived from Bowling
Green, and Gen, Nelson with one gunboat and eight trans
ports from Fort Donelson. The Union forces took possession
of the city, and order was restored.
Shortly after the capture of Fort Donelson, the army of
Gen, Grant moved up the Tennessee river; and, on the elev
enth of March, arrived at Pittsburgh Landing, about four
teen miles north of the Mississippi State Hne, The design
was to capture Corinth, an important strategic point in
Northern Mississippi, twenty miles from Pittsburgh Landing,
Gen, Grant's army, thirty-five thousand strong, had occupied
this position for three weeks, waiting for the forces under
Gen, Buell, which were crossing the country from Nashville.
THE SITUATION.
Back from the river at Pittsburgh Landing is undulating
table-land, elevated about one hundred feet above the bottom
land. Along the Tennessee river to the East, are abrupt
ravines. South of Pittsburgh Landing is Lick creek, which
sluggishly winds its course amid a range of hills, which slope
gradually towards the battle field. Owl creek, rising near
the source of Lick creek, flows to the northeast, around the
battle field, into Snake creek, which empties into the Ten
nessee river a few miles below Lick creek. A large portion
of the country is heavUy timbered, with occasional pieces of
dense underbrush. The battle fidd is called Shiloh, and
takes its name from a small church which stood in its midst.
From the Landing a road leads directly to Corinth, twenty
mUes distant. A short distance from the Landing the road
forks; one branch is called the lower Corinth road, the other

596 grant's first campaign.
the ridge Corinth road. Beyond the battle field is a perfect
labyrinth of roads.
On and near the roads leading from Pittsburgh Landing to
Corinth, a few miles from the Landing, lay five divisions of
Gen. Grant's army on the morning of the battle. The advance
Hne was formed by three divisions — Gen. Sherman's, Pren
tiss', and Maj. Gen. McClernand's. Between these and the
Landing lay the two others — Gen. Hurlbut's, and Maj. Gen.
Smith's, commanded, in the absence of Gen. Smith — who
was then sick — by Gen. W. H. L. Wallace. Our line
extended from Snake creek, on the right, to near Lick creek,
on the left, curved outwards from the river, with the center
nearest the enemy. It was about five miles in length.
Our advance line, beginning at the extreme left, was formed
thus: On the Hamburgh road, north of the crossing of Lick
creek, and under bluffs ou the opposite bank, commanding
the position, lay Col. D. Stuart's brigade of Gen, Sherman's
division. About three miles distant, on the loAver Corinth
road, lay the remaining brigades of Sherman's division,
McDowell's forming the extreme right of our advance line;
Buckland's lay next, and Hildebrand's next. To the left of
Hildebrand, and a little behind, lay Gen. McClernand's divi
sion, and between it and Stuart's brigade, lay Gen. Prentiss',
completing the front. Back of this line, about a mile from
the Landing, lay Hurlbut's division, stretching across the
Corinth road; W. H. L. Wallace lay to his right; Maj. Gen.
Lew. Wallace's division lay at Crump's Landing. At half-
past eleven o'clock of the sixth of April, Gen. Lew. Wallace
received a verbal order, through a Quartermaster, from Gen.
Grant, directing him to leave a sufficient force at Crump's
Lauding to guard the public property at that place, and to
march Avitli his comraand, and join the main army at the
point Avhere its right was then Testing — four miles from Pitts
burgh Landing, and six from the position Gen. Wallace then
occupied. At tAvelve o'clock the General started with his
division — haA'ing left a sufficient force to guard the public
property at Crump's Landing — taking the direct road to the
place designated by Gen. Grant. When the head of his
column had raarched five miles, an officer from Gen. Grant,

grant's first campaign. 597
overtaking Gen. Wallace, informed him that Grant ordered
him (Wallace) to "hurry up, as our army had been beaten back
from the line it held in the morning, and was then fighting
a losing battle close around Pittsburgh Landing." This was
the first intimation Gen. Wallace had received of the disaster
to our army. Had he proceeded in the course he was then
pursuing, his division would have been captured, or uselessly
sacrificed. He then determined to obey the spirit of Grant's
order; and, as by reason of swamps and bayous, a direct
march across the country to Pittsburgh Landing was imprac
ticable, he at once ordered a countermarch, to forra, if possi
ble, a junction Avith the right of Grant's army at the point
where it was reported to be resting. This he accomplished
about dusk in the evening, having marched sixteen miles, ten
of which was unnecessary, and would have been avoided but
for the mistake made in delivering the order. The facts are :
Gen, Grant ordered Gen, Wallace to march to Pittsburgh
Landing; whereas, the order received by him, directed him
"to join the right of the army at a point four miles from the
Landing," The mistake, therefore, was neither that of Grant
or Wallace, but of the Quartermaster who delivered the order.
The great Tennessee expedition of Gen. Grant had been
up the river about four weeks. We had occupied Pittsburgh
Landing for three weeks, destroyed one railroad connection,
and failed in the destruction of another. The enemy began
massing his troops in our front.
On the fourth of April there was skirmishing with the
enemy's advance. A brigade, consisting of the Seventieth,
Seventy-Second, and Forty-Eighth Ohio, was ordered to the
front. They encountered the rebels, a thousand strong, and,
after a sharp action, drove them off. A drizzling rain fell
during the night. The impression prevailed among our
army that the demonstration of the enemy was. only a recon
noissance. On the next day there was skirmishing along our
advanced lines. BATTLE OF SHILOH.
On Sunday morning, April sixth, the spring sunshine

598 grant's first campaign.
danced over the rippHng Avaters, and softly lit up the green
dressed earth, A few fleecy clouds floated in the sky. A
soft breeze murmured among the young leaves, apd the birds
were singing their sweetest notes. Soon the peace of this
Sabbath morn was disturbed. The air was fllled with sul
phurous smoke ; and masses of advancing and receding men,
in mortal combat, rent the very echoes with their cries. The
alarm of the pickets rushing in, and the few shots which
preceded their arrival, aroused the regiments to a sense of
their danger. Soon afterAvards, shells flew through the tents.
Then followed the fine, dashing, compact columns of the
enemy through the woods, with lines of battle sweeping the
whole front of the division camps, and bending 'down on
either flank. Into our alarmed camps thronged the rebel
regiments, firing sharp volleys as they advanced. Some of
our men were shot down as they hastened towards the river.
The searching bullets found others in their tents. Some feU
as they wete buckling on their accoutrements. Such were
the fearful disasters which opened the rebel onset on the lines
of Prentiss' division. The shattered regiments of Prentiss'
division did every thing they possibly could to stay the
advance of the foe.
Falling back rapidly through the heavy woods, till they
gained a protecting ridge, Hildebrand's brigade, of Sherman's
division, succeeded in forming a hasty line of battle. The
other two brigades of the division, which were placed to the
right, no sooner sprang to their arms, than the enemy's line
Avas hurled against their front, and the battle raged fiercely
along Sherman's whole line on the right,
Hildebrand's* brigade, almost without a struggle, were
forced from their camps. They had been sleeping in fancied
security, and awoke amid the crash of musketry and the
thunder of cannon, to see the serried columns of the enemy
in their midst, with bayonets glistening through the blinding,
stifiing smoke.
As Hildebrand's brigade fell back. Gen. McClernand threw
forward his left to support it. Meanwhile Sherman put forth
all his energy to rally his troops. Dashing along the lines
he everywhere encouraged them by his presence; fearlessly

grant's first campaign, 599
exposing his oavu life, he did much to save the division from
utter destruction, Buckland and McDowell for a time stub
bornly held their position. At last they were compelled to
leave their camps and retire across a small ravine. Here they
made a gallant defense.
Almost at dawn Prentiss' pickets were driven in, and the
enemy closely followed them into camp, A large portion of
the troops maintained their position, and formed into line in
an open space, the enemy under cover of dense scrub-oak in
front, pouring fearful volleys into their midst. The men held
their position gallantly. Down on either flank came the
overwhelming enemy. Our men, fiercely pushed in front,
and threatened Avith a wall of bayonets on either side, fought
till fighting was madness, and then fell back. The enemy
followed up their advantage. They were already Avithin our
lines; they had driven one division from all its camps, and
opened the way almost to the river. About one o'clock
McArthur's brigade, of W. H. L. Wallace's division, went to
the support of Stuart's brigade, on the extreme left, then in
danger of being cut off. On account of the surprise of Pren
tiss' division, McArthur mistook the way, marched too far to
the right, and, instead of i:eaching Stuart, went to the other
side of the rebels who were pushing Prentiss. His men.
opened a vigorous fire on the enemy, but soon had to fall
back. At ten o'clock the entire division of Gen, Prentiss was
disorganized; a deep gap was made in our front; Gen, Pren
tiss and three regiments were prisoners; the rebels had
almost pierced through our lines, but were held back by W.
H. L. Wallace's division.
Sherman's brigades still maintained a confused fight; Hil
debrand's was scattered; Buckland's and McDowell's held
their ground tenaciously. As Sherman fell back, McCler
nand had to bear the shock of battle. Gradually the resist
ance in Buckland's brigade became feebler. The line wavered,
the men fell back by squads and companies. As they retreated
the woods behind them became thinner, and there was less
protection from the storm of grape which sw^ept like a hur
ricane through the trees. Many officers and men feU, Part

600 grant's first campaign.
of Waterhouse's battery was taken. Behr's battery was cap
tured. Taylor's battery Avas forced to retire with heavy loss.
The whole division was forced back in disorder, among the
ravines that border Snake creek. Here, so far as the first
day's fight was concerned, Sherman's division passed out of
sight. Sherman fought bravely, and was wounded; but his
colurans could not stand before the large force of the enemy.
Prompt to seize the advantage, a brigade of the rebels dashed
through the abandoned camp of the division, pushed up the
road, and endeavored to get between McClernand and the
position Sherman had occupied. Dresser's battery opened
on them, and drove them back with fearful slaughter. But
the enemy's reserves advancing forced our troops to give way.
Schwartz's battery lost half its guns. Dresser lost several of
his rifled pieces, McAllister lost half his twenty-four pound
howitzers, McClernand's men fought bravely and at fearful disadvan
tage. Slowly they fell back, making a determined and
organized resistance. At short intervals they rallied and
repulsed the enemy, and then in turn were repulsed. At
eleven o'clock the division was back in a line with Hurlbut's.
It still did some gaUant flghting. Once its right swept round
and drove the enemy, and again fell back.
The fortunes of the isolated brigade of Sherman's division,
on the extreme left, must not be forgotten. It was com
manded by Col. David Stuart, and was posted along the
crooked road from the Landing to Hamburgh. The first inti
mation they had of disaster to the right was the partial ces
sation of firing. An instant afterwards muskets were seen
glistening among the leaves, and presently a rebel column,
with banner, fiying, emerged from a bend in the road, and
moved at double-quick towards them. They fell back, and
the rebel column veered to the right in search of Prentiss'
flying troops.
Before ten o'clock, however, the brigade, which had still
stood listening to the surging roar of battle on the left, was
startled by the screaming of a shell directly over their heads.
In an instant the batteries of the rebels, on commanding
bluff's opposite, were in full play, and the orchards and open

grant's first campaign, 601
fields in which they AA'ere posted were SAvept with the explo
ding shells and hail-storm rush of grape. Under cover of
this fire, the rebels rushed down, crossed the ford, and in a
short time Avere seen forming, in close musket range of the
creek, in open fields. Their color bearers stepped defiantly
to the front, and the engagement opened furiously, the rebels
pouring in sharp, quick volleys of musketry, and their batte
ries above continuing to support them with a destructive fire.
The brigade stood for a short tirae, and fell back to the next
ridge, which position they held for an hour, threatened by a
rebel cavalry attack on their left. They were soon forced
back to another ridge, then to another, fighting desperately.
About twelve o'clock, badly shattered and disorganized, they
retreated to the right and rear, behind McArthur's brigade.
Thus we have shown how Prentiss, ¦ Sherman and McCler
nand were driven back; hoAV their camps were all in the
hands of the enemy ; how, fight fiercely as they would, they
stUl lost ground. Disaster had followed us all day. It was
now twelve o'clock. Still all was not lost. Hurlbut and
W. H. L, Wallace were making a most gallant stand.
As Prentiss fell back, Hurlbut's left aided Wallace in
resisting the rebel onset, and when McClernand gave way, the
remainder of the division was thrown forward. The posi
tion, however, was not a good one, and the division fell back
to the thick woods in the rear. Here, with open fields before
them, they could rake the rebel approach. Nobly they stood
their ground. From ten to half past three o'clock they held
the enemy in check, and nearly all that time were actively
engaged. Hurlbut himself displayed the most daring gal
lantry, and his example, with that of the brave officers under
him, nerved the men to the sternest endurance. Three times
during those long hours the heavy rebel masses on the left
charged upon the division, and three times were they repulsed
with terrible slaughter. Close, sharp, and continuous mus
ketry, — -{fhole lines belching fire on the enemy as they
attempted to advance, — were too much even for rebel disci
pline, though the bodies left on the field gave evidence of the
desperate daring with which they tried to break our lines.
Taking their disordered troops to the rear, fresh troops rushed

602 grant's first campaign,
on, unknowing the fate of their comrades. Like the rush of
a mighty torrent, the masses of the enemy bore down on
our troops. After six hours splendid fighting, the jaded and
heroic division of Hurlbut was pushed back, to within half
a mile of the Landing,
Let us now turn to Hurlbut's companion division, com
manded by Gen. W. H. L. WaUace. Here, too, the fight
began about ten o'clock. From that time till four they nobly
sustained the shock of battle. The musketry fire was con
tinuous. The artiUery was admirably served. Once or twice
the infantry advanced, attempting to drive the swarming
troops of the enemy, but though they held their position
they were not sufficiently strong to drive back the foe. Four
times the rebels charged them. Each time the infantry
poured in its terrible volleys, the artillery swept their Hues,
and the rebels retreated with heavy loss. The division was
eager to remain, even when Hurlbut fell back. But their
supports were gone on either side. To have remained in
isolated advance, would have been madness. Just as the
necessity for retreating was becoming apparent. Gen. W. H.
L. Wallace, whose cool, undaunted bravery had nerved his
troops to deeds of heroism, was mortally wounded, and car
ried from the field. Then the division retired. Fighting
determinedly with their faces to the foe, they were the last to
leave the sanguinary field of battle. This brought most of our
army within about half a mile of the Landing, with the enemy
not a thousand yards from our position; Our army Avas now
in a semi- circle of about two-thirds of a mile in front of the
Landing. We had fallen back all day. The next repulse
would have driven us into the river, and there were not trans
ports enough to cross a single division. The tragedy of this
bitter day was almost closed. We had lost our camps and
camp equipage, and nearly half our field artillery. We had
lost at one fell swoop a division general and three regiments.
Lew. Wallace's division might have turned the tide of battle,
but it was not there.
MeanwhUe there was a lull in the firing. For the first time
since sunrise the angry rattle of musketry, and heavy boom
ing of the field guns, were hushed. The enemy were either

grant's first campaign, 603
preparing for the grand final rush which was to crown their
success, and drive us into the river, or they were bewildered
by our movements, and advancing cautiously lest we might
spring some trap on them.
Our army were now croAvded round the bluff' at Pittsburgh
Landing, Col, Webster, chief of staff, an excellent artillery
officer, had arranged all the artUlery in a semi-circle, protect
ing the Landing, and covering our ceuter and left, Twenty-
tAVO guns were in position. It was five o'clock. Every divi
sion of our army had been repulsed. We were driven within
half a mile of the Landing, Behind, was a deep, rapid river;
before, a victorious enemy. In that semi-circle of twenty-
two guns, and the men supportisig them, lay all our hope.
Suddenly a broad, sulphurous flash of Hght leaped out
from the darkening woods; and through the glare and
smoke whistled the leaden hail. The rebels made their
crowning effort for the day, and, as was expected, attacked
our left and center. Our cannon hurled out their storm of
shot and shell. Our infantry fought most gallantly. The
enemy gained no ground, and the heavy cannonading and
musketry firing continued. Suddenly new actors entered on
the stage. Our gunboats — the Tyler and Lexington — opened
their fire. This was a foe the enemy did not expect ; and as
broadside after broadside of seven-inch shell, and sixty-four
pound shot, tore through their ranks, they fdl back out of
range. Our twenty-two guns kept up their stormy crash;
and thus, amid thunder and roar and hiss of bullets, the
evening of battle wore away. The enemy- suddenly ceased
his fire. The first day's fight was ended.
ARRIVAL OF BUELL.
On the opposite side of the Tennessee was seen, amid the
leaves and undergrowth, the gleaming of gun barrels; and
doAvn the opposite side of the river, were caught glimpses of
the steady, swinging tramp of trained soldiers, A division
of Buell's army was in sight, A boat crossed with an officer
and two or three privates of the signal corps. Some orders
were given the officer, and at once telegraphed to the other

604 grant's first campaign, I
side by the signal flags. Preparations were at once made to
cross Gen, Nelson's division, the advance of Buell's army.
As Gen. Buell advanced up the river, groups of soldiers
were seen upon the west bank. They were stragglers from
the engaged army of Gen, Grant. The groups increased in
size as the Landing was neared. The enemy had approached
so near ihat several soldiers were killed at the Landing.
Gen. Nelson arrived with CoL Ammen's brigade at this
opportune moment. It was immediately posted to meet the
attack at that point, and, with a battery of artillery, helped
to repulse the enemy.
In the meantime, the remainder of Gen. Nelson's division
crossed, and Gen. Crittenden's arrived from Savannah on
steamers. During the night, Bartlett's Ohio battery, and
Mendenhall and Terrill's regular batteries, arrived. Gen.
McCook, by a forced march, reached the battle field early in
the morning. Lew, Wallace's command arrived shortly after
dark, and was placed on the right. Stealthily the troops crept
to their positions, and lay down on their arms in line of bat
tle. Lew, Wallace was busy until one o'clock arranging his
brigades. Then his weary men lay down to snatch a few
hours' sleep.
At nine o'clock all was still near the Landing. The host
of combatants that, three hours before, had been engaged in
the work of human destruction, now sunk silently to sleep.
The bright stars looked down upon the silent scene. All
breathed the natural quiet and calm of a Sabbath evening
But frequently there was seen a fiash that spread like sheet-
lightning over the rippling waters of the river, and the roar
of a heavy naval gun echoed along the bluffs. Other fiashes
rapidly followed. The flash rendered the black outline of
the gunboat visible. The smoke soon cast a thin veil over
river and wood, which softened the wild scene; while over
the distant woods a sudden jet of flame occasionally appeared,
and at short intervals the faint explosion of shells was heard.
This cannonading was kept up at intervals till daylight.
It was decided, that at daybreak the enemy should be
attacked. Lew. Wallace was to take the right; Nelson the
extreme left. Crittenden was to be next Nelson, and McCook

grant's first campaign, 605
next to him. The gap between McCook and Lew, WaUace
was tt)"be filled with the reorganized divisions of Grant's
army; Hurlbut coming next to McCook, then McClernand
and Sherman closing the gap between McClernand and Lew,
Wallace. Such was the line of battle.
The divisions of Buell's army were composed of the fol
lowing troops : ^
BRIG, GEN, nelson's DIA'ISION,
First Brigade — Col. Ammen, Twenty-Fourth Ohio, com
manding — TlHrty -Sixth Indiana, CoL Grose; Sixth Ohio,
Lieut. Col. Anderson ; Twenty-Fourth Ohio, Lieut, Col. Fred,
C, Jones.
Second Brigade — Saunders D, Bruce, Twentieth Kentucky,
commanding — First Kentucky, Col. Enyart; Second Ken
tucky, Col. SedgAvick ; Twentieth Kentucky, Lieut, Col, 
commanding. Third Brigade — Col. Hazen, Forty-First Ohio, command
ing — Forty-First Ohio, Sixth Kentucky, and Ninth Indiana.
BRIG. GEN. T, L, CRITTBNDEN'S DIVISION,
First Brigade — Gen. Boyle; Nineteenth Ohio, Col, Beatty;
Fifty-Ninth Ohio, Col, Fyffe; Thirteenth Kentucky, Col,
Hobson; Ninth Kentucky, Col, Grider.
Second Brigade — Col, WiUiam S. Smith, Thirteenth Ohio,
commanding — Thirteenth Ohio, Lieut. Col. Hawkins; Twen
ty-Sixth Kentucky, Lieut, Col. Maxwell; Eleventh Kentucky,
CoL P. P. Hawkins ; Avith Mendenhall's regular and Bartlett's
Ohio batteries, BRIG. GEN. M'COOk'S DIVISION.
First Brigade — Brig, Gen, Lovell H. Rousseau; First Ohio,
Col, Ed. A. Parrott; Sixth Indiana, Col. Crittenden; Third
Kentucky, (Louisville Legion;) battalions Fifteenth, Six
teenth and Nineteenth regulars.
Second Brigade — Brig. Gen, Johnson ; Thirty-Second Indi
ana, Col, Willich; Thirty-Ninth Indiana, CoL Harrison;
Forty-Ninth Ohio, Col, Gibson,
Third Brigade— Col. Kirk, Thirty-Fourth IHinois, com-

606 grant's FIRST CAMPAIGN,
manding — Thirty-Fourth IHinois, Lieut. CoL Badsworth;
Twenty-Ninth Indiana, Lieut. CoL Dunn; Thirtieth Indiana,
Col, Bass; Seventy-Seventh Pennsylvania, Col, Stambaugh,
MAJ, GEN, LEAV, AVALLACE'S DIVISION,
The foUoAving composed Gen, Lew, Wallace's division :
First Brigade — Col. Morgan L. Smith, commanding — Eighth
Missouri, Lieut. Col, James Peckham; Eleventh Indiana,
Col. Geo, F, McGinnis; TAveuty-Fourth Indiana, Col, Alvin
P, Hovey; Thurber's Missouri battery.
Second, Brigade — Col, Thayer, First Nebraska, command
ing — ^First Nebraska, Lieut, Col. McCord; Twenty-Third
Indiana, Col, Sanderson; Fifty- Eighth Ohio, Col, Bausen-
wein; Sixty-Eighth Ohio, Col. Steadraan; Thompson's
Indiana battery.
Third Brigade — Col. Chas. Whittlesey, Twentieth Ohio,
commanding — Twentieth Ohio, Lieut. Col. M. F. Force;
Fifty-Sixth Ohio, Col. Pete Kinney; SeA'cnty- Sixth Ohio, CoL
Charles R. Woods; Seventy-Eighth Ohio, Col. Leggett,
At daylight, it was evident the gunboat bombardment
throughout the night had caused the enemy to fall back,
SECOND day's battle.
The second day's battle was opened by Maj, Gen. Lew.
Wallace, who had disposed his brigades and batteries in posi
tion at one o'clock tbat morning. He opened Avith an enfi
lading fire on a rebd battery, and soon drove it from position.
The instant Sherman came in to protect his left, Wallace
advanced his infantry. The rebel battery at once limbered
up and retired. The advance had withdrawn the division
fi'om Sherman, Making a left half- wheel to get back into
our lines, they advanced about two hundred yards, which
brought them to a Httle elevation, with a broad opening to
the front. As the division halted, there passed before them
a rare vision. Away to the front were woods. Through the
edge of the timber, skirting the fields, the head of a rebel
column, marching in splendid style on double-quick, appeared.
Regiment after regiment foUowed. Twenty regiments were

grant's first campaign. 607
counted. The design Avas plain. The enemy had abandoned
the i&ea of forcing their Avay through our left, and uoav were
making a movement on our right. Thompson's and Thur
ber's batteries were ordered up, and shelled the rebel column
as it passed. The enemy rapidly placed their artiUery in
position, and a brisk cannonading ensued. Soon a new and
destructive battery was opened by the rebds — afterwards
ascertained to be Watson's Louisiana battery. Batteries,
with a brigade of supporting infantry, were moved forward
over open fields, under heavy fire, to contend with this new
assailant. The batteries opened, the sharpshooters were
thrown out in front to pick oft' the rebel gunners, and the
brigade lay down to avoid the fierce fire. The artillery con
test lasted over an hour, the main body of the division wait
ing for Sherman,
At ten o'clock, Sherman's right, under Col, Marsh, arrived.
He started across the fields. The storm of musketry and
grape was too much, and he fell back. Again he started on
the double-quick, and gained the woods. The rebel batteries
were flanked, and at once fied. Wallace's division rose in an
instant, and started in rapid pursuit. Before them were
broad, fallow fields; beyond which, was a ravine; then a corn
field, skirted by woods. The left brigade was sent forward.
It crossed the fallow field, under fire, then gained the ravine,
and was rushing across the corn fields, when the same Louis
iana battery opened on thera. Dashing forward, they reached
a ground-swell, behind which they dropped. Then skir
mishers crawled forward till they gained a little knoll not
seventy-five yards from the battery. In a fcAv minutes the
battery was driven off, with artillerists killed, and horses shot.
The firing Avas grand and terrific. Before our line was the
Crescent regiments of New Orleans ; shelling us on our right
was the famed Washington artillery; to and fro, in our front,
rode the rebel Gen. Beauregard, inciting his troops to deeds
of valor. "Forward!" was now the word of comraand.
Rushing across the corn fields, our troops met the rebels face
to face in the woods. The struggle was short but fierce. The
rebds fdl back. From the time the wood was entered, " for
ward" was the only order; and step by step, from tree to

608 grant's first campaign.
tree, and from position to position, the rebel lines were driven
back. But let us turn to Nelson, on the left. He moved his divi
sion about the same time Wallace opened on the rebel bat
tery, Ammen's brigade ou the extreme left, Bruce's in the
center, and Hazen's to the right. Skirmishers AA'ere thrown
out, and for nearly a mile the division SAvept the country,
pushing before it a few outlying rebels, till it came upon
thera in force. Then a general engagement along the line
ensued, and the rattling of musketry, and thunder of artil
lery, echoed over the fields. Till half-past ten o'clock. Nel
son advanced slowly but steadily, sweeping his long lines
over the ground of our defeat, and forward over rebel dead,
pressing back the jaded enemy. Under cover of heavy tim
ber, the rebels made a general rally. The Avoodlaud in front
suddenly became a sheet of fiame. The rebel masses, Avith
great force, were hurled against our lines. Our forces, fiushed
with their easy advance, were not prepared for the sudden
onset of the enemy. Our men halted, wavered, and fell
back. At this critical juncture, Capt. Terrill's regular bat-
lery dashed forward. This battery was a host in itself It
consisted of four twelve-pounder brass guns, aud two ten-
pounder Parrott's, Immediately it began hurling shot and
shell into the dense masses of the enemy. It Avas handled
superbly ; and its fire was terrific. Wherever Capt, TerrUl
turned his guns, the enemy's batteries were silenced, and
their columns swept before their withering fire. This was
the turning point of the battle on the left. The rebels were
only checked, not halted. Their masses still SAvarmed in our
front. Every horse of Terrill's battery was shot, Capt.
Terrill aud a corporal worked one gun. StUl the rebels
advanced. A, regiment now dashed up and saved the bat
tery. Then for two hours the opposing artillery and mus
ketry were engaged at dose range. At last the rebels
wavered. Just then. Gen. Buell, who assumed the general
direction of his troops in the field, rode fonvard. At a
glance he saw the condition of aff'airs, and gave the order,
"Forw^ard at double-quick by brigades!" Our meu leaped
forward like tigers. For eight hundred yards the rebels feU

grant's mrst campaign. 609
back. Here they made a short stand in the woods. But our
steady line soon forced them to retire. Faster and faster
they ran, weaker and weaker became their resistance, till our
camps, which had been abandoned the day before, Avere
reached; and the fight on the left was over. Our camps
were recovered, and our captured guns retaken.
Next to Nelson was Crittenden. He, too, swept forward
over the ground to his front for some distance, before finding
the foe. About nine o'clock, however, while keeping Smith's
brigade on his left, even with Nelson's flank, and joining
Boyle's brigade to McCook on the right, in the grand
advance, they encountered the enemy, with a battery in posi
tion, and well supported. Sraith threw his brigade forward,
and captured the battery. Here Major Ben. Piatt Runkle,
of the Thirteenth Ohio, Avas killed. For half an hour the
storm raged around these captured guns. The enemy, to
retake the ground and battery west, advanced with a force,
ten thousand strong, against our tAvo brigades. The fire of
the contending lines were two continuous sheets of flame.
Then advanced the rebel wave which had swept Nelson back.
Crittenden, too, encountered its full force. The rebels swept
up to the batteries, and pursued our retreating line. But the
two brigades took a new position, faced the foe, and held
their ground. Before abandoning the rebel battery, our men
fiUed the vents of the guns with mud; and so successful was
this novel expedient, that the guns were for the time being
rendered useless. At length our brigades began to gain the
advantage. Crittenden pushed the enemy steadUy before
him. Mendenhall and Bartlett poured in their shell. The
rebel battery was taken. The enemy retreated towards the
left. Wood's advanced brigade joined in the pursuit, and
pushed on till the rebels fell back beyond our advanced
camps. Thus was the left saved. Meanwhile McCook was doing
equally well tow^ards the center. The enemy's attack was
continuous and severe, but the steady valor of Gen. Rous
seau's brigade repulsed him. He was vigorously pursued for
a mile, when he received large reinforcements, and rallied
among the tents of McClernand's division. Here, supported
Vol. I.— 39.

610 grant's first campaign.
by artillery, the enemy made a desperate stand. One of our
batteries was in danger. The Sixth Indiana was ordered
to its relief. A rapid rush, close musketry firing, and the
battery is safe. Advancing and firing, the Sixth moves for
ward. The rebel colors fall. The enemy wheels and disap
pears. The rebel general pushes forward more troops. Kirk's
brigade advances to meet them. The rebels pour a fierce fire
into our lines. The brigade drops on the ground. Then up
they spring, charge across the field, into the woods swarming
with hidden foes. The enemy is driven from his hiding place
and falls back. Presently he rallies. Our men rush upon
him, and he falls back again. The Twenty- Ninth and Thir
tieth Indiana move rapidly forAvard. The air is filled with
leaden hail. The Fifteenth Indiana moves to the support of
the brigade. The enemy recoils and falls back through the
woods. Further to the right McClernand and Hurlbut brought
their gallant, but jaded men into battle. Four times they
fought fiercely over the same ground. The details of their
struggle are similar to those of the other divisions.
The battle was over. The enemy was beaten in one of the
most hotly contested engagements of the war. His forces
fell back sloAvly on the Corinth road. Ours did not pur
sue. The nature of the country rendered cavalry move
ments difficult, and its roads and topographical features were
unknown to our generals.
The loss of the Union army was one thousand six hundred
and fourteen killed, seven thousand seven hundred and twenty-
one wounded, three thousand nine hundred aud sixty-three
missing. Total thirteen thousand two hundred and ninety-
eight. The rebel loss in killed was one thousand seven hun
dred and twenty-eight ; wounded, eight thousand and twelve;
missing, nine hundred and fifty-nine — making an aggregate
of ten thousand six hundred and ninety-nine.
This sad list tells in simple language of the stubborn fight
made by both armies in front of the log chapel at Shiloh.

ASraved i,.y ., r; ¦Juttte.Ht'

B RI Ct _ .J EN" R A _ h[ACl\l,EMAi.r_

BIOGMPHICAL SKETCHES.

CHAPTER XX.

lieutenant commander WILLIAM GWIN, U. S. -N.
Lieutenant Comraander William Gwin was born in the
town of Columbus, Bartholomew county, Indiana, on the
fifth of December, 1832. In 1841 he entered St, Xavier's
College, Cincinnati, Ohio, Avhere he remained three years.
He was then transferred to St. Xavier's College, Vincennes,
Indiana, where he remained until the seventh of April, 1847,
when he was appointed to the Naval Academy at Annapolis,
Maryland. He entered the Academy soon after his appointment, and
remained there until August, 1847, when he was ordered to
the frigate Brandywine, forty-four guns, then flag ship of the
Brazil squadron, under Commodore G. W. Storer. He had,
however, not yet received his warrant, and was classed as an
Acting Midshipman. Next year he received his warrant,
but remained on same ship and in the same squadron, under
Capt. Boardman, until Deceraber, 1850; when the frigate
returned to New York and he was allowed a leave of absence
for six months, which he gladly embraced to visit his parents,
who had, in the meantime, moved to MartinsA'ille, Indiana.
After the termination of his leave of absence, he went on
a second cruise to the South American coast, from which he
returned on the second of January, 1852 ; when he was sent
to the Naval Academy to prepare for an examination, with a
611

612 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES,
view to promotion. On the tenth of June, 1852, he passed
the Board, ranking as a Passed Midshipman, and went on a
short cruise to the Newfoundland fisheries — concerning Avhich
there was then some trouble between the United States and
Great Britain. He returned from this cruise in October of
the same year.
He was next ordered to the brig Balnbridge, six guns.
Lieutenant Commanding C. C. Hunter; then on the Brazil
ian station, under the chief command of Commodore W. D.
Salter. The next year he was the ranking Midshipman of
that vessel, under Lieutenant Comraanding J. H. Rowan, in
the same squadron.
On the fifteenth of September, 1855, he was promoted to a
Master, and on the following day to a Lieutenant of the same
vessel, on the same station. In September, 1856, the Bain-
bridge was ordered home, and was laid up in ordinary at
Norfolk, Virginia.
He was next ordered to the steam frigate Saranac, six guns,
Capt. J. Kelly, then in the Pacific squadron, under flag officer
John C. Long. In reaching his vessel Lieutenant Gwin
passed through the straits of Magellan, narrowly escaping
destruction from the storms and cold of that tempestuous
region. From the Saranac he was transferred to the sloop of Avar
Vandalia, twenty guns, on the same station. While on this
vessel he visited one of the Feejee islands for the purpose of
searching for some American seamen Avho had been wrecked
there. On arriving off the island, information was received
from one of the seaman who had escaped, that his comrades,
three in number, had been killed and eaten by the cannibals.
Lieutenant Gwin was sent Avith sixty sailors and marines
to demand reparation. In approaching the principal village
of the island they fell into an ambuscade, and were attacked
by about five hundred savages. They charged upon their
foes, killing and wounding seventy of them ; the remainder
threw down their arms and surrendered. The Lieutenant
had two or three men wounded. He then visited the chief
of the island, and, after some delay, obtained from him a
solemn pledge to molest no more Americans. The pledge

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 613
was ratified by a present of several barrels of oil. He returned
from this station in November, 1859, and Avas granted a short
leave of absence, at the expiration of Avhieh he Avas ordered
to the steam sloop Susquehanna, fifteen guns, Capt. George
N. HolHns, then stationed in the Mediterranean, in Flag Officer
BeU's squadron. During this cruise he visited the Holy
Land, and many places of interest in the East; also France,
Italy, Spain, Portugal, Naples and Greece — interesting his
friends at horae by vivid descriptions of the raen, manners
and places he saAv.
The Susquehanna was ordered home at the breaking out
of the rebellion to take part in the blockade. During the
voyage his brother officers, all of Avhom were Southern men,
approached him with a vicAV to induce him to unite Avith
them in their designs of aiding the rebellion; but they were
met with such patriotic protestations and such bitter denun
ciations, that the attempt was at once abandoned.
Being the Executive Officer, upon the arrival of the vessel
in Boston Harbor, he was left in sole command; the Captain
and neariy every other one of the officers of the vessel ten
dered their resignations and joined the Southern conspirators.
He was next ordered to fit out the steamer Cambridge, then
lying in Boston Harbor ; which we did and soon after joined
the Atlantic blockading squadron. While off' the coast of
North Carolina, in the summer of 1861, in company with the
steamer Albatross, he proceeded with three boat's crew from
his own vessel and tAvo from the Albatross to the mouth of
one of the small rivers of the coast, for the purpose of burn
ing a rebel vessel secreted there. The night was very dark,
and before the boats had proceeded half way to their desti
nation a squall overtook them, capsizing the boats, throwing
officers and men into the boiling surge. Five men Avere
drowned, and the remainder, including all the officers, were
saved by Union fishermen and returned to their vessels.
During his command of the Cambridge he Avas engaged in
keeping the Rappahannock river open to Fredericksburgli.
He effected this object with consummate skill, destroying
batteries, camps and warehouses, and capturing many prison
ers and smugglers.

614 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
In October, 1861, he was detached from the Cambridge
and ordered to fit out the brig Coramodore Perry, then lying
in the Potomac, off Alexandria. He remained on the Perry
untU the first of January, 1862, AA'hen, at his oavu request, he
was ordered to the Mississippi Flotilla, under command of
Commodore Foote, as a Lieutenant Commander.
He proceeded at once to Cairo, Illinois, and took comraand
of the wooden gunboat Tyler. Having fitted out his vessel, he
was ordered up the Ohio and took an active part in the bom
bardment and reduction of Fort Henry on the Tennessee and
Fort Donelson on the Cumberland.
Soon after the surrender of Fort Donelson he was ordered
up the Tennessee river, and made a daring reconnoissance to
Florence and the Muscle Shoals, Alabama; capturing a rebel
gunboat, the Eastport — now in our service — a rebel transport,
the Lady Robb, and a large amount of other property and
many prisoners. For two months he was engaged in keeping
that river open; protecting Union men, and destroying bat
teries. During this cruise he enlisted over one hundred loyal
Alabamiaus into the Union gunboat service, and was urged
to take a great many more, but his accommodations were not
sufficient. He was present at the sanguinary battle of Shiloh, and dis
tinguished himself, in conjunction with Lieutenant Com
mander Shirk of the Lexington, in saving Gen. Grant's army
from destruction, and keeping the enemy in check until the
arrival of Gen. Buell. For this service he was honorably
mentioned by the Secretary of War in his annual report, and
received the commendations of his grateful countrymen.
In August, 1862, while still in coraraand of the Tyler, he,
in conjunction with the Caronddet, aud the Queen of the
West, was ordered up the Yazoo river to look after the rebel
ram Arkansas. He had proceeded but a short distance when
he perceived the ram coming down the river. He imme
diately gave her battle. The Caronddet and Queen of the
West failing to co-operate with him, the brunt of the battle
fell upon the Tyler. He turned down stream, and fought the
iron-clad monster all the way to the fleet. The ram escaped
through the fleet, leaving the Tyler riddled with baUs. In

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 615
this encounter. Lieutenant Commander Gwin lost six men
killed and fourteen wounded. Fifteen shots passed through
his vessel. The greater part of the action was fought when
the two vessels were within two hundred yards of each other.
It was the remark of an eye v/itness, that " had the iron-clads
fought as vigorously and as bravely as the Tyler, the Arkan
sas would never have passed through the squadron."
After the accident to the Mound City, at St. Charles, on
White river, where Capt. Kelty, her commander, was so
badly disabled, Lieut. Gwin was ordered to the command of
that vessel. This coraraand he held until the middle of Sep-
-tember, when he was assigned to the command of the Benton.
In November following, he obtained leave of absence, and
went to New York, where he married Miss Mary Francis
Hutchinson, the daughter of a wealthy citizen of that city.
By this marriage the young officer was placed beyond all
pecuniary need. Having spent three weeks in the city of
New York, he was urgently solicited to leave the service;
but his patriotisra Avas beyond all temptation. Believing
his duty to his country was paramount to all other duties, he
tore himself from the side of his young bride, and rejoined
his vessel, barely in tirae to move doAvn the river with the
ill-fated expedition against Vicksburgh.
On the twenty-seventh of December, the Benton, Cincin
nati, DeKalb, Louisville, Lexington and Marmora, were
ordered up the Yazoo river to attack the rebel battery at
Haines' Bluff, with a view of attracting attention from the
army movements in the rear — Lieutenant Commander Gwin
commanding by seniority. The morning and part of the
afternoon were consumed in feeling the way up the stream,
to avoid torpedoes. Five of these submarine infernals were
found and removed without accident. The iron-clads then
moved up the stream, facing the rebel position ; and when
about half a mile distant, they opened the engagement at
four o'clock, p. M, precisely. Lieutenant Coraraander Gwin
took a position nearest the batteries, on the east side of the
streara, with his broadside to the enemy. Here he moored
himself to the bank, and signaled the other boats to follow
his example, and get under his stern. The bluffs are ninety

616 BIOGRAPAICAL SKETCHES.
feet above the river. ^ Three batteries were placed on these
bluffs, at about equal distances above each other, well mounted
and manned. The rest of the fieet Avere a long time in get
ting into position. When they reached the bank, the Cin
cinnati was the only other boat exposed to the fire of the
enemy, and she only partially so. The result was, that for an
hour and a quarter the Benton had the fight alraost entirely to
herself; the other boats firing briskly and Avell, it is true; but
she, being the only one the enemy could see, Avas their only
target. No less than twenty-five shots struck her ; not one
of which, hoAvever, penetrated her casemates, yet twelve of
them entered her, three or four passing through her port
holes, and the others, being plunging shots, passed through
her deck. NotAvithstanding this terrible ordeal, the vessel
was not injured so as to eff'ect her running or fighting quali
ties. Lieutenant Gwin kept moving over the ship, attending
to and directing everything throughout the action. Having
given the range and elevation to the guns, he went on deck
to observe the eff'ect. He undoubtedly exposed himself
unnecessarily. He fought most desperately, and intended
that the engagement should be successful in silencing the
rebel batteries.
After the fight had progressed about an hour and a half,
he was standing on the hurricane deck, near the wheel-house,
watching, through a marine glass, the effect of his shots on
a large battery to the left, both hands being raised to a level
with his eyes in holding the glass, when he Avas struck by a
solid shot from a battery on the right. The ball struck him
obliquely on the breast, tearing away a large portion of the
flesh, severing the muscles'of the right arm, and injuring him
internally. The vessel was at once brought out of action,
and the engagement terminated in a drawn battle, though
proving of great benefit to us in discovering the position and
character of the enemy's works. The casualities frora this
action — all of which occurred on the Benton — were two offi
cers and one seaman killed, and one officer, one gunner and
five seamen, wounded.
Lieutenant Gwin was immediately moved to the hospital
of the flag-ship Black Hawk, Lieutenant Commander H.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 617
K, Breese, under whose care, and that of Admiral D. D.
Porter, he received every attention that kindness and
affection could suggest. He lingered for one Aveek in great
pain, and died at four o'clock, p. m., ou Saturday, January
the third, 1863, aged thirty years and tAventy-nine days. His
death was signaled to the squadron, and the announcement
cast a gloom OA'er every ship in the fleet. Ensigns Avere
immediately lowered to half-mast, and comraanding officers
hastened aboard the flag-ship to take a last look at the dead,
and drop a parting tear over his remains. His remains were
forwarded under proper escort to his relatives in Indiana, and
thence to his wife in Ncav York. The funeral services were
held in Zion church, the same building in Avhich his marriage
service was performed eleven weeks previous. The church
was crowded at an early hour. A number of naval officers,
in full uniform, lined the porch. On the outside of the
church, the United States flag over the porch Avas at half-
mast. After the services, the body Avas taken, under naval
escort, to Newark, New Jersey, for interment. As the
funeral procession passed through Newark, flags were dis
played at half-mast, and a large procession of citizens fol
lowed the remains of the gallant officer to the beautiful cem-
etry of that handsome city, Avhere they were interred. A
parting salute was fired, tears and flowers mingled over the
grave of the brave patriot.
"The lightnings may flash, the loud thunders rattle;
He hears not, he heeds not, he's free from all pain;
He sleeps his last sleep, he has fought his last battle ;
No sound can awake him to glory again."
It was the remark of one of his brother officers — one who
had fought with him, and knew him well — that one of the
greatest losses the navy had sustained, Avas the de^th of
young Gwin. Young and vigorous, bold as a lion, cool and
coUected in action, sound in judgment and wise in councU,
he was one of the men the country could least spare in this
her hour of peril. He was beloved by aU who knew him.

618 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
and appreciated and esteemed by his superior officers. Truth
fully may it be said of him :
"None knew thee but to love thee,
None named thee but to praise."
Lieutenant Commander Gwin was about five feet ten inches
in bight, fully developed in form, Avithout being corpulent,
straight as an arrow, Avith light broAvn hair, clear complexion,
blue eyes, high forehead, and remarkably -regular and hand
some features. COL. GILBERT HATHAWAY,
Was born at Sagg Harbor on Long Island, on the eighth of
January, 1813. His father was a ship builder of the finest
mechanical abilities, and under his supervision the first fast
sailing American vessels were constructed. When Gilbert
was two years old his family removed to New York City.
At the age of six he was placed in a school, where he
remained until he was sixteen. He then entered the store
of an elder brother as a clerk, in which capacity he served
for one year.
His great desire was for a liberal education, that he might
choose for hiraself a profession; but his father, a man of
strong will, had conceived the idea of making him a mechanic,
and having marked out the course for his son, it only remained
for the boy to pursue it. Here many would have sunk under
the spirit of opposition, and fallen into inaction; but oppo
sition only fired the spirit of the boy, and nerving himself to
the task, he determined to pursue his studies while learning
his trade. The first daAvn of morning found him at his
books, and the midnight chime often surprised hira over his
Greek and Latin Grararaar. Thus passed his apprenticeship,
at the expiration of which, he bade adieu to the chisel and
the plane, and entered Kenyon College, Ohio, where he pur
sued his studies, ranking with the first in scholarship and
talent. After leaving College he read law for two years in the
office of Henry B. Curtis, Esq., of Mount Vernon, Ohio ;

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 619
was admitted to the bar, and opened an office in Laporte,
Indiana. The abUity he manifested in his profession, soon secured
for him a flourishing business. He continued in the practice
of law until July, 1862, when he was commissioned by Gov.
Morton as Commandant of the Post in the Ninth Congres
sional District, to raise troops to help crush the rebeUion. He
raised and organized the Seventy-Third and Eighty-Seventh
regiments of Indiana volunteers, and two companies of
cavalry. On the twentieth of August he was commissioned
Colonel of the Seventy-Third regiment of Indiana volunteers,
and led them immediately into the field. At the battle of
Stone river his regiment fought bravely, and he, having his
horse shot frora under hira, fought all day on foot.
He was chosen to accompany Col. Streight on his expedition
into Alabama in April last, where, ou the second of May, he
fell mortally wounded, at the head of his regiment, while
leading his brave men against the foes of his country. When
borne from the fidd his last words were, "Let me die in the
front." The rebel papers, in giving an account of the
engagement, say : " When Col. Hathaway fell many of the
Federal officers fell upon his body and wept like children."
As a laAvyer he was successful; as a citizen he was esteemed
for his honesty and uncompromising integrity; as a neighbor
and a friend, he was beloved for his generosity and fine social
qualities; and as a christian soldier he feared only his God.
MAJOR AUGUSTUS H. ABBETT.
The subject of this sketch was born at Columbus, Bar
tholomew county, Indiana, on the sixteenth of October, 1831.
He received a fair education, and before arriving at the age
of majority embarked successfully in business as a farmer and
dealer in live stock and lands. Shortly after arriving of age
he was elected to the office of magistrate, the duties of which
he discharged faithfully and with ability. At the breaking
out of the rebeUion he was one of the first to volunteer his
services. His personal popularity and well known courage
soon enabled him to raise a company of which he was elected

620 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Captain. His command was attached to the Sixth regiment
and served Avith much credit through the three months' cam
paign in Western Virginia, participating in the aff'airs at
Philippi; Laurel Hill, and Carrick's Ford. On several occa
sions the bravery and good management of Captain Abbett
were conspicuous. He was naturally fitted for daring and
dashing service. His perceptions were quick, his nerves
steady, and his judgment cool. Whatever he determined to
do Avas undertaken with promptness and prosecuted with
energy. He deemed no duty too arduous; the more daring
the service the more anxious was he to undertake it. During
the occupation of Philippi by his regiment, he, in company
with another officer, while making an examination of the
position of the enemy, captured an officer of Bradley's rebel
cavalry, whom they tied and marched into camp. The cap
ture was so cleverly managed, it was deemed worthy of
"honorable mention." After the battle of Carrick's Ford,
an expedition under Captain Abbett Avas sent out by Gen.
Morris, to cut off and capture a rebel wagon train, and the
work Avas promptly and successfully accomplished.
On the reorganization of the Sixth for three years' ser
vice. Captain Abbett again enlisted, raised a company and
received the appointment of Major. The regiment was put
in the field before it was fully organized or equipped, and
formed a part of the little army under Rousseau which saved
LouisviUe from capture by Buckner, compelling him to seek
refuge in intrenchments at Bowling Green.
During the march of Gen. Buell's army through Kentucky
and Tennessee, Major Abbett gained a high reputation for
faithfulness and gallantry. On the bloody field of Shiloh he
bore himself so weU as to elicit the most fiattering commen
dations frora his comraanding General, the heroic Rousseau,
by whom he was greatly esteemed and appreciated. His
unceasing anxiety ito be always " at the front," or on a scout
ing expedition " to feel the enemy," united with his efficiency
and tact, made him a most valuable officer. He was one of the
first to discover the evacuation of Corinth and to enter that
place, and on numerous occasions exhibited a spirit of enter-

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCUliS. 621
prise which won for him the respect and confidence of his
superiors. At Florence, Alabama, Major Abbett, on account of intes
tine troubles in his regiment, resigned his commission, much
to the regret of the non-commissioned officers and privates,
who manifested their high regard by presenting him with a
magnificent sAvord.
On returning to Columbus in July, 1862, Avith the vicAV of
resuming peaceful pursuits, the call of the President for three
hundred thousand men reached him. Pie at once abandoned
all idea of business at home and determined to return to the
service of his country. He soon raised a company for the
Sixty-Seventh regiment, and was again honored with a
Major's coramission. The regiment was hurried to Kentucky
and placed on garrison duty at Munfordsville, On the thir
teenth of Septeraber a strong rebel brigade of cavalry, with
a battery of mountain howitzers, the advance of Bragg's
army then invading Kentucky, appeared before Munfordsville
and demanded the unconditional surrender of the garrison,
which was refused by the gallant John T. Wilder, Colonel
Commanding, Preparations Avere at once made for a vigor
ous defense. Major Abbett, Avhose abilities were fully appre
ciated by the commanding officer, was assigned with a small
force to defend a redoubt, situated some distance from the
main works, Avith orders to hold it at all hazards. The next
morning the rebels made a furious attack and soon both
forces were hotly engaged. Finally the enemy essayed to
storm the main AVorks,but was repulsed with terrible slaughter.
Immediately afterAvards two Mississippi regiments and a bat
talion of sharpshooters made a similar attack upon the
redoubt. Its little band poured into the advancing rebels a
most murderous fire. Yet on they advanced as if determined
to storm and overwhelm every obstacle. At this juncture,
perceiving the critical situation of affairs, and realizing the
importance of firmness on the part of his men who had never
before been under fire, Major Abbett sprang upon the para
pet, with his hat in one hand and his sabre in the other, and
in a clear ringing voice encouraged and cheered his men. He
was struck in the breast by a musket ball, and fell dead under

622 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
the flag he so nobly defended. A moment after the rebels
broke and fled iu confusion from the field, with a loss of over
seven hundred killed and wounded; our loss in killed and
wounded being only thirty-seven. The redoubt flag had one
hundred and forty-six bullet holes through it, and the staff
was struck eleven times.
Thus Major Abbett died. The earth was never moistened
with braver blood. Gloriously did he lay down his life for
his country, he now sleeps the honored hero's sleep.
MAJOR FREDERICK ARN
Was born at Hindlebank, in Switzerland, June eighth, 1838.
His father, John Arn, emigrated to the United States in 1848,
and settled in Covington, Fountain county, Indiana. He
subsequently, however, moved to Montezuma, Parke county,
where he still resides, enjoying the respect and confidence of
the entire community. Frederick, soon after he reached this
country, was placed at school, and rapidly acquired a knowl
edge of the English language, which he both read and spoke
fluently. So rapid was his progress, that in 1850 — when he
was only twelve years old — he was employed in the Post
Office in Covington as a clerk, which duties he discharged
satisfactorily. He remained there, however, but a short time,
and then went to Lafayette, and entered upon an engagement
with Messrs. Luse & Co., publishers of the Journal, to learn
the printing business. He remained with them about three
years, securing, by his attention to business and great energy,
punctuality and integrity, their entire respect and confidence.
In 1853 he Avent to Montezuma to reside with his parents;
but his thirst for the acquisition of knowledge had so
increased, that he was not satisfied to leave his education
incomplete. He accordingly attended the school of Barnabus
Hobbs, at Annapolis, Parke county, AA'here he reraained for a
short while, and then engaged as a clerk in a store at Mon
tezuma. His object was to acquire, by his own labor and
industry, the means to educate himself. Having accumulated
a sufficient sum for that purpose, he entered the Michigan
State University at Ann Arbor, in the fall of 1857, where, in

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 623
June, 1861, he graduated with the highest honors of his class.
He had the respect of aU the faculty of the coHege, and
greatly endeared himself to his feUoAv students by the frank
ness, generosity, and manliness, of his character.
At the very beginning of the rebeUion, and when the
storm of war was about to break forth with violence, he
found it difficult to avoid engaging at once in the defense of
his adopted country. He was only restrained from doing it
by the pursuasions of his father and friends, that it would be
better for hira to complete his collegiate course, as he could
accomplish this in a few months. Immediately after gradua
ting, he returned to Montezuma, about the first of July, 1861,
and at once commenced recruiting a volunteer company for
the Thirty-First regiment of Indiana volunteers — infantry —
which had been then called, and required to rendezvous at
Camp Vigo, near the city of Terre Haute. He threw so
much ardor into his exertions, that he had no difficulty in
finding men to enlist, and succeeded in bringing into camp
the first full company of the Thirty-First regiment, and, by
common consent, was made its Captain. He was subse
quently advanced, by Gov. Morton, to the office of Major of
his regiment, which gave universal satisfaction ; for, by this
time, his merits and excellencies of character were perceived
by all with whom he held intercourse.
The commanding officer of the Thirty-First regiment —
Col. Charles Cruft — having been placed in comraand of a
brigade at the battle of Fort Donelson, and the Lieutenant
Colonel being absent. Major Arn had coramand of the regi
ment, and led it into that battle. This Avas to him a new
theatre; but he sustained himself in it most raanfuUy and
successfully, acquiring the confidence of his superior officers,
by his sagacity, coolness and undaunted bravery. He shrank
from no peril, and was always at the post of duty, whatever
the consequences or the danger.
After his regiraent marched from Fort Donelson he had an
attack of sickness Avhich continued till the battle of Shiloh.
This, hoAvever, was not sufficient to overcome his determina
tion to share every danger to Avhich his men were exposed.
Consequently, when the regiment was summoned to battle.

624 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES,
he Avas the first to get ready for it. Entering the fight with
every exhibition of personal firmness and courage he suc
ceeded in infusing into all under his command an enthusiasm
corresponding AAdth his oavu, and the services of the Thirty-
First Indiana, on that occasion, proved how well they were
entitled to the respect and confidence of the country, and of
their young and talented commander. In the very thunder
of the battle, and about noon of the first day. Major Arn
was pierced by a minnie ball, and was borne immediately
from the field. He died the next day — but not until he had
heard the glorious news that victory perched upon the stand
ard of the Union. He lived, however, but a short while
after this A\^elcome news gladdened his heart, and died before
the shouts of his companions in arms had died aAvay. Like
a true and gallant soldier he met his fate, and his last words
were those of the most intense affection for his parents and
friends, and the most devoted loyalty to the country of his
adoption. He Avas a patriot; not only from a sentiment
Avhich filled his heart, but also from a sense of duty, and had
been frequently heard to say that he "considered it the duty
of every man to be loyal, and to defend his country, whether
he was a native or adopted citizen, and that no man had a
right to the protection of the laws who would not take up
arms to maintain them."
Major Arn was much esteemed for his private virtues, and
his death is universally regretted by his friends and acquain
tances. He died young — before he had entered upon the
active duties of Hfe — being only in the tAA-enty-fourth year of
his age ; but he had lived long enough to develop the highest
capacity for usefulness. Such men can not die without leav
ing a void in society difficult to fill,
LIEUT, COL, MELLVILLE DOUGLAS TOPPING
Was born at Worthington, Ohio, June twenty-third, 1825,
and Avas, at the time of his death, in the thirty-eighth year of
his age. He was the only son of Dayton Topping, Esq, who
now resides at Worthington, Greene county, Indiana, His
parents came to Indiana in 1840, and settled in Terre Haute

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 625
in 1843, where young MeUviUe soon became a universal
favorite, on account of his manly qualities and honorable
bearing. In 1849, yielding to the spirit of adventure which
has induced so many of our young men to seek their fortunes
upon the golden shores of the Pacific, he emigrated to Cali
fornia, where he remained four years. At the expiration of
this time be returned to Terre Haute, and married a daughter
of T. A. Madison, Esq., of that city, and estabUshed himself
in business with the intention of remaining there permanently.
At the breaking out of the war, he was actively engaged
in a lucrative business; but such was the ardency of his
patriotism, that he could not long brook the idea of remain
ing at home when his country needed his services in the field.
At the call for troops in the spring and sumraer of 1862, he
raised a volunteer company, aud was unanimously chosen its
Captain. He was admirably well qualified for this position —
having had the command of an independent military com
pany in Terre Haute, which, shortly before, had rendered
important service in protecting the neighborhood of Hender
son, Kentucky, from the depredations of guerrillas. His
company was mustered into the Seventy-First regiment of
Indiana volunteers — infantry — at Camp Dick Thompson,
near Terre Haute, and soon became distinguished for its
improvement in drill and observance of discipline, showing
almost every day the effect of his example, and the value of
his teaching. He was proud of his men, and they of him.
When the regiraent moved to the defense of Kentucky
against the rebels, in August, 1862, Gov. Morton appointed
him its Lieutenant Colonel. At that time it was designed
that it should be placed under the temporary command of
another officer not attached to it, and that, at the termination
of this arrangement, Lieut. Col. Topping should become its
Colonel. The arrangement, however, Avas not consummated;
and the necessity for the immediate marching of the regi
ment being imminent,, he took charge of it, and pressed
rapidly foi'Avard to Richmond, Kentucky, to meet the enemy,
who were then advancing upon Lexington, under the com
mand of the rebel Gen. Kirby Smith.
The battle of Richmond, Kentucky, was fought on Satur-
VoL. I.— 40.

626 BidGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
day, the thirtieth of August, 1862, and resulted disastrously
to our troops, who were greatly outnumbered by the enemy.
But no troops, who had not become veterans by long service,
ever fought more gallantly than did those under the com
mand of Brig, Gen, Manson at this battle. Although the
Seventy-First regiment Avas undisciplined, and had been sup
plied with arms less than a week, they were pressed forward
to meet a superior force of the enemy, under such circum
stances as might well make the bravest soldiers falter. But
they did not falter. On the contrary, they did everything
that human energy and unflinching bravery could accomplish,
and never gaA'e way till overpowered by a force, against
which it would have been madness to contend.
Lieut. Col, Topping Avas conspicuous upon this bloody field,
and, at the head of his regiment, leading it forward with
cool and unfiinching courage, he advanced, without quailing,
upon the formidable columns of the enemy. In the midst of
the confiict, and in the act of uttering words of encourage
ment to his gallant regiment, he was struck by a Minnie ball,
which entered his body just above the left hip. He fell
imraediately, but the ardor of his men was so impetuous,
that they rushed forward upon the enemy, and although soon
driven back, they did not forget their noble and beloved com
mander. One of his young soldiers procured an ambulance,
in which he placed his body, and carried it off the field
towards Lexington amid a shower of bullets. He had gone
but a short distance before Lieut. Col. Topping expired. His
last words, addressed to a friend, were: "Have I done my
duty?" When told that he had, he repHed, " Then I die con
tented." He then sent a brief and aff'ectionate message to his
wife and two little daughters, and died as only a gallant
soldier can die. He died in defens.e of his country — of well-
regulated liberty and law. Though his "maiden sword" fell
from his grasp in his first and last battle for the Union, which
he loved as he did his life, it fell from no coward hand. A
braver soldier never lived or died.
Lieut. Col. Topping was an exemplary Christian — ^having
been long a communicant in the Protestant Episcopal 'Church.
He was also a Free and Accepted Mason. The highest vir-

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 627
tues were handsomely blended in his character, and impressed
themselves upon all with whom he held intercourse. He was
true-hearted, generous and kind. His manly nature scorned
deception, and shrank instinctively from every act of dis
honor. As a man and citizen, he was frank and just, and no
breath of suspicion ever rested on his good name. He pos
sessed the modesty of real merit, beautifully and harmo
niously united with true manliness of character. He never
avoided duty, and never faltered in doing good. The respect
in which he was held by those who knew him best, is shoAA'n
by the fact, that when his body reached Terre Haute, it was
accompanied to the cemetery by the largest funeral procession
ever seen in that city. He Avas buried with Masonic and
military honors; and although his place can not be supplied
to those who survive him, he has left them the example of a
life well spent, though short — such an example as only a
steadfast friend, a true christian, an honest man, and a gal
lant soldier, can leave behind him.
RICHARD DENNIS WYLIE
Was born in Bloomington, Indiana, on the fifteenth of Sep
tember, 1841. Early in life he manifested artistic skill and
mechanical ingenuity of a superior order. He seemed to
possess an instinctive knowledge of scientific apparatus,
Avhich he manipulated with great facility ; he was a valuable
assistant in the laboratory of the Indiana State University,
in which his father was a professor. He was also fond of
astronomy, and passed much of his time in viewing the
heavenly bodies. On the call for volunteers to put doAvn the
rebellion, he enlisted as a private in Capt. Charles' company,
Eighteenth regiment Indiana volunteers. The regiment was
ordered to Missouri, and young Wylie participated in its
early hard marches. His health failing he was left at Otter
ville, where he partiaUy recovered, and at once hastened to
rejoin his regiraent, then in pursuit of the rebel Gen. Price,
when he was again prostrated by disease. Being unable to
proceed on his journey he was left in the house of a widow,
whose Christian kindness soothed his dying hours. He was

628 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
unable to speak from the time he entered the house, and
most of the time he was probably insensible. Consciousness
appeared to return a short time before his death, and his
countenance indicated the peace and joy which there is rea
son to believe filled his soul. Thus, at the early age of twenty,
passed away a young martyr to the cause. His was an hon
orable and a happy death. It is not only on the battle field,
but also ou the march ; in the bivouac ; in the trench, and
in the hospital, that patriots are called to die.
SERGEANT SAMUEL W. DODDS
Was the companion in arms of young Wylie, and enlisted as
a private in the same company and regiment. He graduated
at the University of Indiana about a month before his enlist
ment. He was a superior scholar, and an exemplary member
of the church. On hearing of the sickness of his friend
Wylie, he at once hastened to attend him, but did not arrive
until after his death. Scarcely two weeks afterwards the
kind friend foUoAved his youthful associate and bosom com
panion to the eternal world. He died in the city hospital at
St. Louis, on the seventh of November, 1861. He was in his
twentieth year, full of the joy and promise of youth, when
he bade farewell to earth and war's dread alarms. The happy
intimacy of these young men, which death dissolved on earth,
was, we doubt not, soon restored in that brighter land, where
there are no sunderings of friendship.
COLONEL BASS.
Sion S. Bass was born in Salem, Livingston county, Ken
tucky, from whence he moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana, in
1847. Possessed of great energy of character, combined with
a genial and generous nature, he soon established an enviable
business reputation; frank, companionable and intellectual,
he won the respect and esteem of all. On the organization
of the Thirtieth regiment Indiana volunteers, he was appointed
Colonel, and immediately entered upon his duties. Without
military knowledge or training, he was called to the com-

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 629
mand of a regiment that had never shouldered a musket, and
was in a very few days thereafter ordered to the fleld. Being
supplied with arms the regiment at once went to Louisville,
Kentucky, and from thence into camp, in the neighborhood
of Bowling Green, which place the rebels then held. Here
the duties of his position rendered it necessary that Col. Bass
should give his mind wholly to the discipline of his regiment,
to transform a body of raw recruits into a regiment of sol
diers, qualified for the hardships and necessities of war; to
this end it was indispensable he should first qualify himself
for this important duty. None but those who have passed
though the trying ordeal, can fully appreciate the difficulties
and perplexities of such an undertaking. To this arduous
task he applied himself with his usual indomitable energy
and industry ; in a surprisingly short time he surmounted
every obstacle. In his fidelity and scrupulousness in the dis
charge of duty he excited the admiration of his superiors,
and secured the love and respect of both officers and men of
his regiment.
The Thirtieth was one of the best disciplined regiments in
the brigade; and Col. Bass was regarded as one of the most
promising officers of the army. WhUe before Bowling Green
he had araple opportunity to acquire, from practical expe
rience, much useful knowledge in the art of war. He entered
into it with intense interest. " The pride, pomp and circum
stance of glorious war" had charms for him. He remained
in Kentucky during the winter; in the spring he marched
with his regiment to Columbia, Kentucky, thence to Pitts
burgh Landing, Tennessee; arriving there on Monday morn
ing, April seventh, with Buell's army.
The march of Col. Bass' regiment had been quickened by
the constant booming of artillery aU day Sunday ; reaching
Savannah at night they hastened by boat to the scene of con
flict, and arrived in time to participate in Monday's fight.
. After halting for a brief rest, they took up their line of march
for the front about ten o'clock, A. m. From daybreak our
forces had been in desperate conflict with the enemy, driving
them from one position after another. . Col. Bass' regiment
for a time acted as a reserve and support to troops actively

630 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
engaged, until the enemy Avas flnally driven to the last posi
tion he attempted to hold during that eventful and bloody
battle; for a brief period the fierce conflict was hushed;
troops on either side were marshaled for the last desperate
struggle that was to decide which should be victorious. Col.
Bass, with his regiment of brave men, had uoav the front.
As they proudly marched to their position he felt that the
time he had long and anxiously waited for had come; the
time which was to decide whether his own expectations of
his strength and ability in the hour of trial were well founded;
right nobly were these expectations realized, Alas, how
soon to be extinguished forever ! Forward, was the order, into
the thick woods where the enemy had posted his men, with
the stern resolve to yield no further step, but there to redeem
the fortunes of the day. Our brave troops moved steadily
on to meet the foe. No pen can adequately describe the
continuous roar of musketry, or the quick winged and thick
flying messengers of death which filled the air. On pressed
our brave troops ; now they were forced to give ground, again
was the enemy driven back, but fighting still with a heroism
worthy a better cause. The valor of our troops could not
be resisted; the enemy was forced to fly. The field was won.
Col. Bass had led his regiment into the very thickest of the
fight, aud, while bravely leading them on to victory, he
received a wound which compelled him to leave the field.
He was taken to the river and placed on board a steamer.
He would not believe his wound was mortal; his only anxiety
was to get back to his regiment. In a few days he was taken
to Paducah, Kentucky, where much of his youth had been
spent; there, on the thirteenth of April, 1862, surrounded by
his family and friends, he died. Col. Bass had for several
years been an exemplary member of the Episcopal church.
Thus, in the prime of life and in the vigor of manhood,
was cut off one of Indiana's most estimable citizens. In his
death, the service lost one of its most promising officers, and
our country a patriotic and able defender.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, 631
COL. WILLIAM H, LINK
Was born in Rockbridge county, Virginia, March second,
1821, In his fifth year he moved with his father and settled
in Licking county, Ohio, Thrown upon his own resources
at an early age, he prepared himself by assiduous labor for
the profession of teaching, at which he was engaged, in the
town of CirclevUle, Ohio, when the war with Mexico com
menced. One of the first to respond to the call for volun
teers, he entered the service as a pri\'ate, but was soon pro
moted to the Second Lieutenantcy of his company, and
mustered into the Second regiraent Ohio volunteers. With
this regiment he served in Mexico for tAvelve months — the
full term of his enlistment — having, in the meantirae, been
promoted to the Captaincy of his company. He participated
in none of the large battles, but had numerous skirmishes
with the guerrillas of that country. On one occasion, after
two hours hard fighting, he routed, with two hundred men,
fifteen hundred guerrillas.
On the expiration of his term of service he returned to
CirclevUle, and immediately commenced the formation of a
company for the reorganization of his regiment. In this he
was successful, and soon tendered to the governraent a full
company, of which he had the comraand. At the reorgani
zation of the Second Ohio, at Cincinnati, Capt. Link was
elected Major, and with his regiraent was ordered to join
Gen. Scott in Mexico, where he served until the close of that
war, sharing in all the dangers and difficulties of the cam
paign which resulted in the capture of the City of Mexico.
At the conclusion of that war. Major Link returned to
Ohio, but soon after moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana; where he
was successfully engaged in business at the coraraencement of
the present rebellion. Among the first to rush to the defense
of his country, he immediately organized a company and
tendered it to the Governor of our State for the three month's
service. The quota of troops for that service being full, he
at once offered his company for any other service for Avhich
it might be needed. It was accepted and mustered into the
State's service for twelve months, as a part of the Twelfth

632 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
regiment Indiana volunteers. On the organization of the
regiment Capt. Link was appointed Lieutenant ColoneL
Soon after the battle of Bull Run the Twelfth Indiana was
received into the United States service, and ordered to Har
per's Ferry, Virginia. Lieut. Col. Link was promoted to the
command of the regiment. During the term of its service
under Col. Link the regiment attracted much attention, and
received many encomiums for its soldierly appearance and
high state of discipline. Being mustered out of service at
the end of its twelve months enlistment. Col. Link imme
diately procured an order for the reorganization of his regi
ment for the term of three years. This was fully completed
by the seventeenth of August, 1862. On the next day they
started for Kentucky, and reached Lexington on the twenty-
second. Here Col. Link was placed in command of a brigade
and ordered to Richmond, Kentucky, where, on the twenty-
eighth of that month, the Federal forces, of which CoL Link's
brigade formed a part, were attacked by the enemy under
Gen. E, Kirby Smith, A spirited engagement of two hours
left our forces in possession of the field. They rested on their
arms during the night. The battle recommenced the next
morning, and in consequence of the superior force of the
enemy, the Federal troops were driven back step by step,
until, on the afternoon of the thirtieth, they were routed,
CoL Link was prominent in these engagements, animating
his men by his presence and example. Just before the final
defeat of our forces, on the evening of the thirtieth of August,
his horse was AVOunded and became unmanageable. Col,
Link dismounted and placed himself in front on foot. Soon
after, Avhile rallying the Eighteenth regiraent Kentucky vol
unteers, part of the brigade under his command, preparatory
to a charge on the enemy, he received a wound in his thigh
from a minnie ball. He was then taken to the house of Col.
Holloway, in the town of Richmond, where he lingered in
great pain until the twentieth of September, when his suffer
ing terminated in death.
Col. Link left two children to mourn his loss; his wife died
several years before. During his long and severe suffering
at Richmond he often expressed a desire to see his children.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 633
His anxiety for them and his country pressed heavily on his
heart. One of his last utterances was, "My children can do
without a father better than Avithout a country." His remains
were conveyed to Fort Wayne, aud with military and Masonic
honors interred in the beautiful cemetery near that city.
MAJOR ISAAC M. MAY
Was born at Harrisonburgh, Rockingham county, Virginia,
in the year 1832. In 1854 he moved to Indiana, and settled
at Anderson, Madison county, where he engaged in his trade
of cabinet making. During his leisure hours he read law,
with a view of engaging in its practice. Being possessed of
a strong mind and determined will, had he embarked and
continued in the legal profession, his success as a lawyer
would undoubtedly have been as marked as it was as a soldier.
On the organization of the Nineteenth Indiana regiment
he enlisted as a private, and before its muster into the service.
of the United States was elected Captain of company A. He
was afterwards, for raeritorious service in the field, promoted
to the position of Major. He heroically bore his part in the
hardships and battles of that veteran regiment, and on the
twenty- eighth of August, 1862, in one of the series of battles
on Manassas Plains, was mortally wounded and left on the
field. After being wounded, he took shelter in the brush,
where he remained undiscovered for eight days, and was
finally removed by the enemy and taken to a hospital where
he died, on the fifth of September. Major May was prompt
in the discharge of his duties, a rigid disciplinarian, gallant
and brave in the field, a true soldier; and always treated his
men with courtesy and kindness. He freely gave his life to
his country, leaving to his Avidow and only son the inheri
tance of the honors he won as a patriot and soldier. Thus,
at the early age of thirty years, died another hero. His
country honors his memory.
SERGEANT JOHN WESLEY KEMPBR
Was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, on the ninth of April,

634 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
1843. His boyhood days were passed in hard work, for the
laudable purpose of assisting his parents in maintaining a
large family. Pie received a good common school education.
On the organization of the Twentieth Indiana, he enlisted
as private, joining Captain Geisendorff's corapany. At Lafa
yette, where the regiraent rendezvoused, he was appointed
Sergeant, The regiment soon after left for Maryland, Here
it was employed in guarding the railroad, and perfecting itself
in drill. Sergeant Kemper was very attentive to his duties
in camp. His earnest desire seemed to be to do his whole
duty. His sincerity was part of his being. However diffi
cult the duty ordered, he always endeavored faithfully to dis
charge it. In October the regiment reached Hatteras, upon
whose sterile sands it encountered disaster after disaster.
During the toilsome march from Chicamacomico to Hatteras
Inlet, Kemper accompanied his comrades, and did his best to
keep the ranks closed up. Then came a period of rest at
Fortress Monroe. Sergeant Major E. M. B. Hooker, having
been detailed on the recruiting service. Sergeant Kemper
satisfactorily filled that difficult position in his absence. On
being relieved, he resumed his place as Sergeant, and was
with the regiraent Avhen Norfolk was taken. In June, 1862,
the regiment joined the army of the Potomac, then thunder
ing at the gates of Richmond. Here all was activity and
danger — skirraishing in the daytime, picket firing at night.
The tired men had scarcely lain down to rest, when a rolling
musketry fire called out the line to penetrate the dangerous
forest in front. In this skirmishing Sergeant Kemper was
always at his post, never shrinking from any duty, whether
amid the deadly night swamps, or under the pestilential
miasma of the Chickahominy.
Then commenced the Seven Day's Battles in front of Rich
mond, resulting in the Army of the Potomac falling back to
Harrison's Landing, on the James river. In these terrible
battles Sergeant Kemper was with his regiment, and never
flinched from the deadly confiict till, tired and exhausted, the
band of heroes with whom he fought sought a little rest on
the muddy fiat on the banks of the James river. Here his
health failed, yet he marched across the Peninsula and joined

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 635
the army of Virginia, in August, 1862. The regiment at
once went to the front, and was on picket on the Rappahan
nock when Jackson made his raid on Manassas Junction.
Moving rapidly, many of the men were overcome by fatigue;
Sergeant Kemper being among the number. Jackson Avas
driven from Manassas and foUowed to Bull Run. Kemper,
notwithstanding his feeble health, still toiled after the regi
ment. The terrible battles of Manassas Plains followed, and
although Kemper could not reach the battle field, yet he got
near enough to watch over the body of his slain Colonel.
Struggling with failing health, he clung to his regiment until
after the battle of Fredericksburgh, when he was discharged
on a Surgeon's certificate, and, with but a slight hope of
restoration to health, started for Indianapolis under the care
of Sergt. Maj. Hooker. Alas ! his discharge was received too
late. He reached home only to die, on New Year's Day,
1863, with his loved ones around him. His soldier's career
was glorious. He sleeps with Indiana's honored dead.
BRIG. GEN. P, A, HACKLEMAN.
Pleasant Adams Hackleman was born on the fifteenth of
November, 1814, in that portion of Indiana Territory which
is now Franklin county, Indiana, about two miles from
BrookvUle. His father. Major John Hackleman, who served
his country in the war of 1812, was born in Abbeville dis
trict. State of South Carolina; and his mother, whose maiden
name was Sarah Adams, was a native of Stokes county. State
of North Carolina, His parents were married in what is
now FrankHn county, Indiana, in the year 1810, and stiU
reside at the old homestead, near BrookviUe, where they
originally settled.
The early years of Pleasant A, Hackleman were spent
amid the vicissitudes of pioneer life, when aU men, followed
by turns, the occupations of watching against the incursions
of the wily Indian, hunting wild garae, fdling forests, open
ing up and cultivating farms, and preparing the way for that
tide of civilization, which, by the aid of strong arms, vigo
rous inteUects, and the blessings of Providence, has literally

t
636 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES,
made that which was a wilderness "rejoice and blossom as
the rose." On the thirty-first of October, 1833, he married
Sarah Bradburn, of the same vicinity. She and seven
daughters survive him. After marriage, he continued in the
occupation of farming nearly three years, and then com
menced reading law with John A. Matson, Esq., at Brook
viUe. At that day a knowledge of the law which would
stand the test of a rigid examination by competent judges,
was a pre-requisite to admission to practice law in Indiana.
And such was the assiduity and energy with which he prose
cuted his studies, that he accomplished in ten months what
most men require two years to acquire, and was licensed to
practice law.
Immediately after his admission to the bar — in May, 1837 —
he moved with his family to Rushville, Indiana. At Rush--
ville he commenced the practice of law, and rapidly rose to
high distinction in the legal profession. In August, 1837, he
was elected Judge of the Probate Court of Rush county,
which office he held until about the fifteenth of May, 1841.
In August, 1841, he was elected to the House of Representa
tives, in the General Asserably of Indiana, and served the
ensuing session. In the fall of 1847 he was appointed Clerk
of the Rush Circuit Court. In August, 1848, he was elected
to the sarae office, and was again elected Clerk in August,
1849, and served as such until the end of the year 1855. He
was twice selected by his political friends as their candidate
for Congress, in the fourth congressional district — as a Whig
in 1847, and as a Republican in 1858 ; and although receiving
more than a strict party vote, he was each time unsuccessful.
His name occupied a place as Senatorial Elector, for Indiana,
on the Presidential Whig ticket in 1852. He was chairman
of the mass convention at Indianapolis, which nominated
the State officers elected in the fall of 1860 ; and was, by the
same convention, appointed delegate, for the State at large,
to the National Republican Convention, held at Chicago,
which norainated Abraham Lincoln for President, and
labored actively to procure said nomination; and, when
made, he labored for its success with all his wonted zeal,
and earnestness, and abUity, during the whole canvass of

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 637
1860. The following quotation from the proceedings of the
annual communication (November, 1862,) of the Independent
Order of Odd Fdlows of Indiana seems appropriate as
exhibiting another phase of his character.
"Upon the introduction of our Order into this State, Bro,
Hackleman acquainted himself with the designs, principles,
and operations, of the institution. Satisfied that fraternity —
a universal fraternity in the family of man — was its corner
stone; friendship, love and truth its motto; to visit the sick,
reheve the distressed, bury the dead, and educate the orphan,
its grand command, his kind heart, sympathetic nature, gen
erous impulses, and moral greatness, prompted him to espouse
the cause of Odd Fellowship, and labor in a selfish world to
make man more useful to his kind, more helpful to the dis
tressed, more thoughtful of the happiness, of those around
him. "Bro. Hackleman was one of the very few who constituted
FrankHn Lodge number thirty-five at its organization in
RushviUe on the thirteenth of May, 1846. His eminent abil
ities soon placed him in the highest position in the Lodge.
Such was their confidence in his zeal for the dissemination
of the humane and charitable tenets of the order, that his
brethren chose him to represent them in the Grand Lodge of
the State; and he was admitted here on the twelfth of Jan
uary, 1847. He soon occupied in the Grand Lodge a position
of commanding infiuence, and became known throughout
the State as one of the most zealous and active members of
an institution which was attracting general attention, and
whose altars were being erected in almost every city, town
and vUlage within our jurisdiction. To his active labors,
wise counsels, and fraternal exaraple, is the Order much
indebted for the enviable position it has attained.
"In July, 1851, by the unanimous vote of this Grand
Lodge, he was elected a Representative in the Grand Lodge
of the United States, and he served in this most distinguished
position for six years. The honor of so long a service in the
great legislature of our order has been conceded to but one
other of our several distinguished Representatives in that
body from Indiana.

638 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
"But the partiality and favor of his brethren did not stop
here; this was not the culmination of the honors a grateful
fraternity, for faithful labors, were disposed to aAvard hitn.
In November, 1857, he was chosen Grand Master of the
State, which office he filled with distinguished ability.
"No better evidence of his unbounded philanthrophy can
be required, than the fact, that for twelve years, in offices
that afforded no emolument — in an order whose plan of prac
tical operations, for the relief of the sick and distressed, is the
best that is known — his great energies were exerted to extend
its blessings to all. In his character he was unselfish — liberal
in the extreme. He was always ready to assist a friend ; and
his heart was always filled with generous emotions, which
controlled his actions through Hfe. He was no pharisee,
believing himself above or better than other men ; nor that
he was created for himself alone; that life was given him for
his personal gratification; and that mankind had no claim
upon him. On the contrary, he labored as much for others
as himself. Of his abundance he distributed to the needy,
and was never known to reject the petition of distress. He
was no theorist, but a plain, common sense man. He seemed
born to the mastery of business, and could adapt himself with
equal ease to any situation; and whether as judge, jurist,
legislator, or philanthropist in civil life, or as General, com
manding armed men upon the field of deadly strife, he dis
charged his duty with honor to himself, and profit to his
cause. His mind was clear, penetrating and sagacious; his
temper serene, his manners simple and plain. His sense of
right was strong, and in all things he sought the good of
others, and was willing to forego his own interests and incli
nations, if, by so doing, he could advance the interests or
desires of others. He was not a member of any Church, but
he had great respect for the Christian religion; Av^as a man
of deep religious feeling, of undoubted integrity, of spotless
purity in private life, of expansive benevolence, and of exalted
patriotism." He Avas appointed, by Gov, 0, P, Morton, as one of the
commissioners or delegates, from the State of Indiana, to the
Conference Convention, which met at Washington City on

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 639
the fourth of February, 1861, where tried and trusted states
men, from the North and South, met for the purpose of
conference and consultation, and of endeavoring to allay the
turbulent elements of pohtical strife, and, if possible, to avert
the then impending scourge of civU war, which has since
burst with such relentless fury upon our country.
Finding that the unfortunate dissensions, which had arisen
between different sections of the country, could not be settled
without a resort to the dread arbitrament of war, soon after
his return home he tendered his services to his country, in
behalf of that form of government under Avhich he had lived
from childhood, and which he so much admired; and he was,
on the eighteenth of May, 1861, by Gov, Morton, appointed
Colonel of the Sixteenth regiment Indiana volunteers — a
regiment organized for one year for State service, under an
act of the General Assembly of Indiana, approved May sca'-
enth, 1861, This regiraent rendezvoused at Richmond,
Indiana; and imraediately after the reverse of that year at
Bull Run, was offered to, and accepted by, the United States,
and at once hastened to the defense of Washington City,
Col, Hackleraan, with his regiment, left Richmond on the
twenty-third of July, 1861, and went by rail via Dayton and
Columbus, Ohio, and Allegheny City and Harrisburgh, Penn
sylvania, and through Baltimore — being the first Wpstern
regiment that passed through Baltimore — ordered to Har
per's Ferry after the battle of Bull Run. The regiment
passed directly on to Sandy Hook, where they camped a
short distance below Harper's Ferry, Virginia, on the Mary
land side of the Potomac. Here they were attached to the
brigade of Gen. Banks' division, commanded by Gen. J, J.
Abercrorabie, of the regular army. This brigade consisted
of the Sixteenth Indiana, Col, Hackleman; Twelfth Indiana,
CoL Link; Twelfth Massachusetts, CoL Fletcher Webster;
Second Massachusetts, Col, Gordon, and Ninth New York,
Col,  ; a company of Zouaves, and one battery.
From Sandy Plook, under orders, they passed through
Knoxville to Monocacy, and camped at a wooden bridge; then
marched to Hyattstown, and camped. Left Hyattstown on the
twenty-eighth of August; marched through rain all day, on

640 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
the road toward Washington. Left the road two miles from
Clarksburgh; went three miles, and camped; reached camp
near Darnestown, four miles from the Potomac, thirty-first
of August. On the third of October, ordered to march;
went four miles; order countermanded; camped at Seneca
creek. Evening of October tAventy-first ordered to remove
one mile nearer Darnestown, which was done by night.
While on dress parade, received orders to march to Edwards'
Ferry. Started same night; marched back to Darnestown;
thence in the direction of the Potomac five miles, and bivouaced ;
after half an hour ordered out, marched all night; reached
the Potomac at Edwards' Ferry about daylight, it having
rained all night without cessation; that morning, in cold rain
and mud, ferried across the Potomac in fiats, having no ten ta
or overcoats. On the evening of the twenty-second, about
seven o'clock, the rebels opened fire, with musketry, on the
pickets. The enemy-were reported to be about two thousand
strong. The pickets fell back, and the rebels were shelled
out Avith two pieces of artUlery, and driven back. About
twelve o'clock, of the second night, the regijuent was
ordered to retreat, and retired in good order, and with so
much quietness that not an oar was heard in the water. By
daylight, next morning, all the Union forces had recrossed
the Potomac. The regiment marched about a mUe down the
river and camped..
On the morning of the twenty-sixth ordered to march
down the river, passed through Poolesville, six miles from
Edwards' Ferry, to Seneca mills, and camped over Sabbath.
Monday struck tents, and marched to Camp Pine Grove, near
Darnestown; reached there October twenty-ninth. Morning
of second of December struck tents, marched aU day, and
camped at night at foot of Sugar Loaf Mountain, at Darnes
town. On the third arrived at Monocacy bridge, near Fred
erick City. Ou morning of fourth ordered to march three
miles from Frederick City on Baltiraore pike, where they
went into Cantonment Hicks same night; constructed huts,
and remained there neariy two months. February twenty-
fifth ordered to march ; prepared and held in readiness untU
twenty-seA'enth, when the regiment marched to Frederick,

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 641
t
took cars to Harper's Ferry; reached there same day, and
marched from there, two miles, to Shenandoah City, and
camped, occupying vacated houses. Remaining one day they
marched to Charlestown, eight miles, and camped. In the
night ordered out, and to the front; Maltby's brigade. Second
Maryland, reported captured; made forced march to front;
found Maltby's brigade all right; returned to camp by break
fast tirae. On the ninth, at midnight, ordered to prepare
rations for three days. At ten o'clock started for Winchester,
Virginia, marched to within a mile of BerryvUle, and camped.
Second day after arrival had marching orders, Abercombrie's
brigade taking the advance ; started about dark on the twelfth,
and marched to within two and a half miles of Winchester —
a bitter cold night — and bivouaced, expecting then to assist
in taking Winchester. Went from camp to Winchester,
where, on the morning of the sixteenth, CoL Hackleraan was
put in coramand of a detachment, consisting of the Sixteenth
regiment, part of the Second Massachusetts, tAvo sections of
artillery, and a company of cavalry, and ordered to build a
bridge across the Shenandoah at Snicker's Feriy; went back
from Winchester through Berry ville, twelve miles; then five
miles to Snicker's Ferry, and built the bridge in two days.
On the tAventy-second the rest of the brigade arrived; theu
the whole brigade crossed the river, and camped on the
Blue Ridge. Monday, the tAventy-third, marched to Aldie,
on Leesburgh pike, thirteen miles from the river; camped for
the night near Aldie, in Loudon county, Virginia. On the
twenty-fourth, at five o'clock, p. M., ordered back to Win
chester; marched that night until twelve o'clock, and stopped
at old camp on Blue Ridge. On the twenty-fifth started for
Winchester; found part of bridge washed away; repaired
bridge ; crossed and marched about half way from the river
to BerryvUle, when the order was countermanded; then
marched back, and camped at old camp on Blue Ridge.
Next morning started for CentrevUle, marched fifteen miles
to Goose creek, and camped for the night. About daylight.
on the morning of the twenty-seventh, part of the brigade,
including the Sixteenth Indiana, ordered to Middletown, five
miles to the right of the line of march; rebels reported to be
Vol. I.— 41.

642 BIOGRAPAICAL SKETCHES,
there; went there; found no rebels; returned to carap sarae
morning. On twenty-eighth marched eighteen miles, and
camped four miles from Centreville; the rebel fortifications
there were all deserted; passed through Centreville; and on"
thirtieth camped on Bull Run, and quartered in the vacated
rebel shanties. On thirty-first started for Manassas Junction;
passed through Catlett's Station, on Orange and Alexandria
railroad. On second of April went into camp at Warrenton
Junction, On Monday, May fifth, took railroad train for
Washington, D. C; passed through Alexandria; crossed Long
Bridge; went to Soldiers' Home; and on the seventh marched
out Seventh street to camp.
These dates, and camps, and marches, to the general reader
may proA'e dry and uninteresting; but to the survivors of the
Sixteenth Indiana, they may be like turning over a leaf in
the book of memory, and exposing a thousand Httle incidents
of fear, and hope, and anxiety, of hardship and toil, through
which they all passed as a band of brothers, under the lead
of their now fallen General, And though no battle field
entombed the remains of any of the regiment during that
year's service, yet they all left their homes at the call of their
country, and went to the Potomac, where it Avas then sup
posed the enemy might most readily be found; and beipg
compelled to obey the orders of their superior officers, could
only go when and where bidden.
Col, Hackleraan Avas, on the thirtieth day of AprU, 1862,
commissioned a Brigadier General, to rank as such from
the twenty-dghth of April, 1862,
As an evidence of the esteem in which he was held by his
regiraent, and by the erainent citizens of Indiana then at
Washington, we quote frora the Washington Chronicle, and
correspondent of Indianapolis Journal, blending the two
together, of date of tenth of May, 1862, noticing the Sixteenth
regiraent Indiana volunteers: "After a prompt and faithful
carapaign of a year, in the service of their country, this noble
body of citizen soldiery have been notified that in a day or
two they will be honorably disbanded. They resolved at
once, unaniraously, that their long association with the brave
and gentlemanly officer, under whose command they had

BIQGJIAPHICAL SKETCHES. 643
spent so many days of toU, should not be dissolved without
an appropriate and enduring testimonial of their high regard
for him as an officer, a patriot and a gentleman.
"About three o'clock, in the presence of a large and respec
table concourse of ladies and gentlemen, the regiraent was
forraed in line, when, after a fine performance by the regi
mental band, Mr. James R. S. Cox, a gallant young private
of company K, a native of Miarai county, Indiana, advanced
and in an eloquent and handsome address, presented to their
former Colonel — afterwards Brig. Gen. Hackleman — a mag
nificent SAvord, sash and belt, of elaborate finish, upon Avhich
Avas engraved : ' Presented to Brigadier General P. A. Hackle
man by the non-commissioned officers and privates of the
Sixteenth Indiana regiment volunteers; Washington, D. C,
May tenth, 1862,'
" The reply of Gen, Hackleman Avas appropriate, replete
with the sentiments of loftiest patriotism, and delivered
with a degree of power which seeraed to touch every heart
present. He feelingly alluded to the deep trials, hardships,
and perils they had uncomplainingly endured together in
the cause of their country. He had ever found them ready
for duty. Not a raan to murmur or complain, but in the
darkest hour, the stormiest night, the bleakest day, the wea
riest march, the severest peril or danger, the sternest trial,
with alacrity and cheerfulness, they had each one discharged
his whole duty to a distracted and bleeding country,
" They had been upon no ensanguined field, but all might
tell with pride on going home what they done. They had
marched over two thousand miles, they had made forty dis
tinct encampments, performed six long forced marches to
meet an enemy; they had in forty-eight hours built a bridge
over the swift Shenandoah, when regular officers and raen
said it would require weeks. At the terrible disaster of Ball's
Bluff; in a winter storra at night, they had niarched to the
relief of comrades in arms, and wherever they had gone,
whatever they had done, it was with wiUing hearts and ready
hands; their whole duty was performed with fidelity and
devotion to their country,"
In May, 1862, Gen. Hackleman was ordered to repair to

644 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Pittsburgh Landing, Tennessee, and report to Maj. Gen.
Halleck. He hurried on, expecting to take part in taking
Corinth, but that place was evacuated by the rebels before he
reached it, and when he reported for duty, after much delay,
he was, on the twenty-third of June, 1862, assigned to duty
with the army of the Tennessee, and required to report for
orders in writing to Major Gen. Grant, commanding at Mem
phis ; and, on reporting there, was assigned to command the
first brigade of the second division (Gen. Davies) of the army
of the Mississippi.
His brigade consisted of the Fifty-Second Illinois, Second
Iowa, Seventh Iowa, the "Union Brigade," — coraposed of
fragments of the Eighth, Twelfth and Fourteenth Iowa, and
Fifty-Eighth Illinois, doing duty as one regiment — and a bat
tery. Gen. Hackleman reraained near Corinth until a short
tirae before the battle in which he yielded up his life a sacri
fice on the altar of his country.
On Friday raorning, third of October, 1862, being the first
day of the great battle before Corinth, his brigade was ordered
out to meet the foe; and about three o'clock, p, m., in a severe
engageraent with the eneray, while riding up and down his
lines, rallying his troops against an overpoAvering foe, he
received a fatal gunshot wound. The ball passed through
his neck frora right to left, injuring his poAvers of utterance
to such an extent that he could only talk in broken sentences.
He was taken frora his horse by Capt. W. H. F. Randall, of
Shelbyville, Indiana, Chief of his Staff, and conveyed to the
Tishomingo House in Corinth, where he had every needed
attention frora array surgeons and nurses. And there, about
eight o'clock the same evening, entirely conscious of his con
dition, quietly and peacefully his heroic spirit was freed from
its tabernacle of clay.
Hie last audible words were, " I am dying — but I die for
my country." After he had ceased to attempt comraunica
tion with those around him, some one entered and announced
that "the enemy had been repulsed," then a feeble smile
passed over his pallid countenance. This was the last sign
of consciousness he exhibited.
Thus passed away from earth one of nature's noblemen.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 64J
He met his death in that shape which the soldier seems to
covet, feariessly fighting in the face of the foe, urging his
men on to victory. He spent his life in the promotion of
what he honestly believed to be for the happiness, the pros
perity, and true grandeur of his country ; and sealed with
his life's precious blood his earnest devotion to the country
he so fondly loved. He left an example worthy of imitation.
He was emphatically a self-made man; the architect of his
own fortune. Without family influence or wealth to buoy him
up above where merit sustained hira, he, by his own industry
and perseverance — sustained by an unswervering integrity
and honesty of purpose— attained a character and achieved
a position among men of which any one might justly be
proud. He made his own path through life. His career is a
briUiant illustration of the beneflcence of that forra of gov
ernraent under which we Hve ; where the presiding genius
of fame and honor cheerfully bestows her crown, wreathed
with chaplets of lasting verdure, upon all by whom it is justly
and honorably sought. He was no idler. Wherever he could
find labor for his hands, which his convictions approved as con
tributing to the advancement and prosperity of his country and
his race, there was he found laboring, with all his might.
Whether urging the construction of railways, or other public
improveraents, whether urging the promotion of the cause
of education, or the advancement of the political measures
which he supported, his voice was heard by day and his pen
was employed by night. Although for many years in public
life, necessarily mingling with all classes of society, he was
never guilty of any kind of dissipation. He was remarka
bly free from the fashionable vices of the age. He was open
hearted, candid and generous. He was unaffected and unos
tentatious in his raanner and habits. He was a profound
lawyer; an honest, earnest, and able adA-ocate; a frank and
manly adversary, never attempting to conceal from his
opponent the grounds upon which he relied for success. He
was wholly incapable of resorting to any trick or chicanery
for the purpose of gaining a triumph in a cause. He always
placed his case on what he believed to be the law, and to his
position thus taken he adhered with an unyielding tenacity.

646 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
When once fuUy euHsted in a cause, hoAvever small the amount
involved, his AA'hole powers Avere exerted in behalf of his
client. He Avas an ardent admirer of that forra of govern
ment under Avhich we have so long lived and prospered, and
often, in conversation, dAvelt with great fervor of commenda
tion upon its system of checks and balances ; these he believed
to be most admirably adjusted. He was an enthusiast on the
subject of the capacity of man for self-government, and had
an unbounded confidence in the honesty and intelligence of
the people; and firraly believed that whatever errors they
might be temporarily led into, would be by them corrected
on reflection, and that they Avould in the end surely rectify
all mistakes. We cull from various sources a few of the
evidences of the estimation in which Gen, Hackleman was
hdd. Gen, Rosecrans, in his official report to Gen, Grant, dated
Corinth, October fourth, 1862, says: "Brig, Gen. Hackle
man fell bravely flghting at the head of his brigade."
Col. T, W, Sweeney, upon whom devolved the command
of the first brigade when Gen, Hackleman fell, in his official
report, says: "The enemy now receiving heavy reinforce
ments the fighting betAveen him and the Fifty-Second Illinois,
Second Iowa and Seventh loAva became desperately fierce, the
right of the 'Union Brigade' having given way at the very
beginning of the engageraent. Just at this juncture part of
Mower's brigade raoved up to our support ; but before they
could be deployed into line, they became panic-stricken and
broke in confusion. It was Avhile endeavoring to rally these
men that Genp, Hackleman and Oglesby were wounded.
The forraer received his death wound while thus rallying
troops to sustain his own gallant brigade. His last words
were : ' I ara dying — but I die for ray country,' ' If we are
victorious send my remains horae, if not bury me on the field,'
No nobler sentiment Avas ever uttered by soldier or patriot."
Capt. Harris, who was present at the battle, Avrites thus :
"Embracing the first hour of leisure and relief from march
ing, business and fatigue, since the memorable third aud
fourth of October, 1862, I offer ray grateful tribute of esteem
and affection to the memory of our lost hero and friend. Gen.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 647
Hackleman. Dead, but living, an example to his late brother
officers ; absent, yet present in memory ; without an enemy
save such as envy makes; the Chevalier Bayard of the army,
without fear and Avithout reproach ; the courteous gentleman,
the competent General ; beloved alike by private and officer,
lamented by all; tears fill the eyes of his soldiers at his
name; the lost leader is mourned as men mourn for a lost
brother. " On Friday, the third, I twice bore messages from Gen.
Sullivan to Gen. Hackleman, and saw hira at his headquarters,
near the intrenchments, a short time before he was mor
tally wounded, observing tho adA'ance of the rebel column on
the battery and line to his left. It Avas a life picture, such as
only contending armies portray. Once Avitnessed, the scene is
never lost; memory but reverts to it, and some mysterious
camera spreads it out anew in all its hideousness. The rebels
charged across an open field, under the well served guns of
the battery, near the General's headquarters, and up to the
very mouth of the guns attacked, Avith the desperation of a
forlorn hope; every discharge tore through their ranks; pla
toons fell as one man; wide gaps were torn, but to be closed
by the impetuous rush of brave men. Alas ! that such bra
very and devotion should die in such a cause. Once they
falter. Some turn to fly, but the ringing call of their leader
as:ain moves the more than decimated band, 'Forward!'
The intrenchments are storraed, the daring charge successful,
our troops fall back fighting, and Ilackleraan's brigade is to
face the foe. Observant, silent, and collected, Hackleraan
turns to his staff and officers grouped around him, and calmly
issues his orders, I marked the kindly, affectionate tone in
which he gave poor MiUs the order: 'Bring up your regi
ment,' Observing me aAvaiting his orders, he directed me to
report the turning of our flank to Gen. SuUivan, I rode
away with apprehension. The roar of battle was momen
tarily stilled; the combatants moving into order of battle,
preparing for the hand to hand conflict, Avhich soon recora-
menced Avith increased fury; a rausketry duel, replying bat
teries, hoAAding sheU, screaming grape and canister, death-
winged Minnie balls, a heU of withering, consuming fire,

648 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES,
murderous bayonet stabs, destroying charges, the rush of
wounded horses, the repulse, the retreat, araid cheers, cries,
groans and curses, the clear, ringing voice of Hackleman is
not heard. His men bear him sadly away; the Hfe drops
purpling the autumn leaves.
The soldier Hackleman died a martyr to the cause he had
conscientiously and consistently fought for. As a citizen in
civil and political life, foregoing preferment, if to be pur
chased by the loss of honor and self-respect — the life long
charapion of constitutional Hberty — the poor man's advocate
— the fearless opponent of the deraagogue, and the bold
denouncer of the aggressions of the ever traitorous oligarchy
of the South, he has left a clean and perfect record. Who
can irapeach it ?
In the array, his soldier-like qualities, military capacity,
and knoAvn merit, gave him well-deserved promotion, and
pointed to a career of usefulness. Stricken down in his first
battle, the array has lost a brUHant officer; the nation an
honest politician; his State one of its most honored sons; his
country a brave and public spirited citizen. If there ever
was a deliberate offering up of one's self on the altar of country
and principle; if a man ever did die in defense of truth, jus
tice and liberty. Pleasant A. Hackleman laid down his life
deliberately, willingly, in resisting the fiood of wicked
treason." The editor of the Madison (Ind.) Courier thus notices Gen.
Hackleman's death :
" For more than twenty years we have known the gaUant,
but now deeply lamented Hackleman. His parents were of
the very first respectability, and gave him, according to the
times, a good English education, Avhich he continued to
improve, until he became one of the strongest intellectual
men of the State. He studied law, and settled in RushviUe,
where he has had his residence ever since. He served the
public as a lawyer, j udge, and clerk of the county court, and
was twice an unsuccessful candidate for Congress. A firm
and decided Whig, his sentiments were not in accordance
with the raajority of the District, and therefore he was
defeated. But no man of the District had a purer political

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 649
name, and no man in it was better posted in the history or
poHtics of the country. He Avas an able political Avriter, and
sent to the press as able editorials as any we have seen in the
State. His poUtical opponents had all confidence in his per
sonal honesty and integrity.
" True to the patriotism of his own unbending nature, when
the rebellion broke out, he stood up for the Union Avith his
tongue and pen, and took an active part in raising the Six
teenth regiment for the one year's service, of which he was
elected Colonel. He gave himself up at once to the study of
the high duties of his position, and no officer from the State
held a stronger power over the hearts of his men. They ever
found him ready for duty, and prepared to meet the foe,
while a humane and manly spirit ever led him to be consid
erate of the welfare of those committed to his charge. Gen.
Hackleman is the first and only Brigadier General Indiana
has lost in this dreadful rebellion. But his zeal and valor
have proved him worthy of his position; and long and bit
terly will his thousands of friends mourn his departure. Of
him we might say much more than we have, and we could
not Avell have said less. He was generous to his friends — for
giving to his enemies — true to his country, and careless often
to himself, he has run the race of life, filled his share in the
measure of his country's glory, and we now sadly, solemnly
place his narae, among the heroes imraortal, in our country's
galaxy, that it raay be associated with the good aud the great
of the present vast, fearful confiict through all coming
ages," J, R, S, Cox, a private of Co, D in Sixteenth Indiana vol
unteers, who, for twelve months, endured the privations and
hardships of the tented field, under his command, on hearing
of his death, wrote as follows :
"There is a moment's pause in the wUd turmoil of battle.
At the head of his coluran, in the battle's front, the General
has fallen. A shudder passes over the throng; then ouAvard
press the gallant legion to avenge their leader's fall. His
staff, in silence so eloquent, gather around where their dying
chieftain lies. Like the setting sun, his course is run. A life
fiUed with noble deeds and manly purposes, now breathed

650 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
away amid broken bayouets and cannons' crashing thunders,
on a victorious battle field. His requiem is the battles'
fevered pulse. Veiled is the glory of his eye. Earth from
his vicAV has faded aAvay with its half-realized dreams of man
hood's achievements. Never more shall that commanding
form, that Avould have ranked high even among Israel's stately
kings, move the guiding star of hope in the battle's front.
What a host of recollections throng upon us! Vividly rise
before us the scenes of a twelve months' campaign: our camp
at Sandy Hook — the mountain scenery at Harper's Ferry —
the successive caraps of Darnestown, Seneca, Frederick, and
those dark days at Edward's Ferry, where, infusing some
thing of his own spirit into the men, his iron AviH rose high
above discouraging difficulties. Those long marches through
Virginia to Winchester, across the Shenandoah, over the Blue
Ridge, through Manassas to the Rappahannock, as the pano
rama moves past, hoAV many thousand instances are called
up, of his kindness in alleviating the condition of his men.
We endured no hardship which he did not share; and no
regiment ever loved their Colonel more devotedly, than the
Sixteenth did P. A. Hackleman. I have seen him wrap his
blanket around hira in the rain, and He down to sleep on the
damp ground, and when resting on the march, eating a hard
cracker by the roadside, surrounded by a crowd of the boys
roaring at his jokes; often trudging on foot, carrying a gun,
while a sick man rode his horse. Let others speak of him as
the lawj'er and the statesraan, Hoav well he acquitted him
self in civil life, is for them to say. But when leaving all to
do battle for his country, he did so bear himself as a soldier,
that while almost adored as a comraander, he was venerated
as a father by every man in the Sixteenth Indiana, A hero
of the old Roman stamp, too seldom seen among public men.
His life may well be studied by the young. It was no heart
less desire for fame. He lived not for himself alone. With
a mind of expansive view, that glanced far aAvay into the
future — with a gigantic intellect, and most unquestioned
honesty of purpose, he forraed a conspicuous personage on
the theatre of Indiana's history. Thus Avas he in peace, and
in time of war, the same zealous discharge of duty made bis

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 651
name a symbol of power in the army of the Union. While
Indiana has lost a gallant son, could he have wished a
prouder death? We will cA'er think of him as struck at the
head of his column, leading them on to glorious victory,"
The late Hon, Caleb B. Smith, then Secretary of the Inte
rior, afterwards Judge of the Federal Court for the District
of Indiana, in response to an invitation to deliver an oration
at Gen. Hackleman's funeral, furnished the foUowing feehng
tribute to his memory : "Indianapolis, October 14, 1862,
"James S, Steavart, Esq.— Dear- Sir: I regret that official
duties require my presence at Washington at so early a period
that it will be impossible for me to attend the funeral obse
quies of our late lamented friend. Gen. Hackleman.
"During an intimate professional and social intercourse
with him of more than twenty-five years, I learned to appre
ciate his virtues and abilities, and should enjoy a melancholy
satisfaction in uniting Avith his friends to pay a tribute of
respect to his meraory.
" Gen. Hackleman was a noble specimen of the best type
of western manhood. As a lawyer, he was earnest and zeal
ous in the advocacy of the cause of his client, while his high
sense of honor prevented him from descending to any thing
mean or unprofessional to gain a point. As a politician, he
was bold, manly and independent, zealously advocating Avhat
he believed to be right, without regard to its eff'ect upon his
own political prospects; and never consenting to the sacrifice
of principle to expediency. He possessed a frank and genial
temper, which endeared him to his friends, aud rendered him
an attractive object in the social circle. The patriotism of
Gen. Hackleman was of that ardent character which would
not permit hira to remain an idle spectator of the bloody
struggle, which sedition and rebellion have brought upon
our affiicted country. He promptly tendered his services to
aid in suppressing the rebeUion, and from the coraraencement
of the Avar to the period Avhen he yielded his life upon t'he
battle field, a sacrifice for his country, he occupied a conspicu
ous position among the citizen soldiers, who are hazarding
their lives to preserve the integrity of the Union. Although

652 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
he had not received a military education, he manifested in an
eminent degree the qualities which make the able and suc
cessful soldier.
"His career, though brief, Avas brUHant; and his untimely
death is one among the greatest sacrifices which a wicked
rebellion has imposed upon the patriotism of the country.
But though we mourn his early loss, Ave can derive consola
tion from the knowledge that he died in a sacred cause, and
that his countrymen remember with gratitude his patriotic
sacrifices. " I trust that the sacrifices which have been made to pre
serve the best government in the world, will not have been
made in vain, and that we shall soon have the satisfaction of
seeing the flag of our Union acknowledged in every State.
When our now dissevered confederacy shall be reunited, and
the names of the gallant band of heroes and patriots who
contributed to that result, shall be inscribed upon the roll of
fame, conspicuous among th,e brightest will appear the name
of Gen. Pleasant A. Hackleman.
" I am, dear sir, yours truly,
" Caleb B, Smith."
The following is from the Lafayette Journal :
"I AM DYDSTG  BUT I AM DYING FOR MY COUNTRY."
Last -words of Brigadier General P. A. Hackleman, of Indiana, who fell at the
battle of Corinth, October third, 1862.
" Dying — for my country dying,''
And his comrades knelt to hear
What loved message they should carry,
To his friends and kindred dear ;
"Dying" — he so faintly whispered,
While his face with radiance beamed,
" For my country" — then so gently
Slept he on as one who dreamed.
Dying — for thy country dying.
Proud that land which shares thy fame,
Eioher far than thrones, or kingdoms,
Is the wealth of such a name ;

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 653
For when treason's desolation
Shall be swept from oif the land,
Midst the heroes of our country,
Shall thy name forever stand.
"Dying — for my country dying."
Live those words forever more.
\ Whilst each patriot heart shall bless thee
And repeat them o'er and o'er.
Live thy memory fresh and fragrant,
And thy name bo written high,
On that scroll, with those who ever
Por their country's cause would die. T. W.
His remains Avere conveyed home and interred in the East
HiU Cemetery, at Rushville, Indiana; there being a larger
attendance at his funeral than at any other ever witnessed in
that part of the State.

HARVEY BERTRAND BASSETT
Was born in Aurora, Dearborn county, Indiana, in 1835. In
1840 his father, Plorace Bassett, Esq., at that time Clerk of
the United States Circuit and District Courts, moved to the
capital of the State. At a suitable age young Bassett was
sent to Wabash College, at CrawfordsviUe, where he comple
ted his education. On his return from coHege, he was
appointed by his father Deputy Clerk, Avhich position he held
until the Avar broke out in 1861. The call Avhich summoned
the martial spirit of the North to arms aAvakened no more
enthusiastic soldier than Plarvey Bassett. He entered as a
private in the company of Capt. George W. Geisendorfl;
which was assigned to the Twentieth regiment, then rendez
vousing at Lafayette. Soon the regiment took the field. At
first it was posted in Cockeysville, Maryland, guarding the
railroad from Baltimore to Harrisburgh. Here Bassett was
chosen company clerk, filling the position to the entire satis
faction of his comraanding officer. In Septeraber the regi
ment arrived at Hatteras Inlet, and, sailing up Pamlico Sound,
went into camp at Chicamacomico. Four days afterward,
the camp Avas attacked by a large rebel force, and corapeUed

654 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES,
to retreat to the forts at the Inlet, forty -five mUes distant.
This march was very trying on the men; and Bassett, being
file leader, and ambitious for the fair reputation of his com
pany, Avas always at the post of duty. After suff'ering many
hardships, the regiment arrived at Fortress Monroe, Avhere it
remained six months. Then it marched upon Norfolk, and
from thence to the front of Richmond. On the twenty-fifth
of June, 1862, it took part iu the battle of the Orchards.
The regiment charged through timber into a wheat fidd,
driving a large rebel force before it, when it was suddenly
flanked, and suffered terrible loss. One hundred and ninety-
two men, in tAventy minutes, were killed, Avounded and miss
ing. Bassett's name was included in the list of the missing
— that terrible Hst which makes the heart sick by waiting
aud hoping. The sad fact was known alas! too soon. He
v\'as mortally Avounded and a prisoner. He was shot in the
right side, the ball penetrating his stomach. He died in a
rebel hospital on the third of July, the eighth day after the
battle. The Uniou officers — Surgeons excepted — then pris
oners in Richraond, were not perraitted to see the wounded.
After Bassett's death, his body was seen and identified by
Adjutant Stiles. His treatment, while in the rebel hospital,
was kind as could be afforded by the rebels. Dr. Marshall, a
Uuion Surgeon, and rebel physicians, attended him. During
his extreme suff'ering, he was remarkably cheerful, his great
object seeraing to be to encourage his wounded comrades.
He believed he had done his duty, and was about to die in a
glorious cause. The patriotism Avhich nerved him to fight
for his country strengthened hira in his dying moments,
and he breathed out his spirit gently as if sinking into pleas
ant dreams.

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