Transcriber’s Note
  Italic text displayed as: _italic_




[Illustration: CLEVELAND LIGHT ARTILLERY

Camp Putnam, Marietta, Ohio, May, 1861]




  Reminiscences

  of the

  Cleveland Light Artillery

  [Illustration: Drawing of a cannon]

  Cleveland
  Cleveland Printing Company
  1906


  Contents.
                                                                  PAGE
    I. The Acorn from which Grew the Oak.                            3
   II. A Prompt Response to War’s Alarms and the
        Artillery Goes to the Front.                                20
  III. The Campaign in Western Virginia.                            37
       Independent Companies.                                       76
       Barnett’s big regiment.                                      77
       “Commissary” Harry Bingham.                                  79
   IV.                                                              81
  Muster List                                                       94
  Senate Bill                                                      101


CHAPTER I.

THE ACORN FROM WHICH GREW THE OAK.


The First Regiment Ohio Volunteer Light Artillery—whose guns
thundered on nearly all the great battlefields of the War for the
Union, 1861-5—owed its existence to a process of evolution. It was
the result of a growth during a period of more than twenty years.

The Cleveland Grays, an independent military company, was formed in
1837. It was composed of active, intelligent, patriotic young men
who displayed from the first a laudable pride in the organization,
and an ambition to bring it up to the highest possible standard of
excellence. Their most praiseworthy efforts were rewarded by a full
measure of success, and the company was soon celebrated far and near
for its fine appearance, excellent drill, and perfection of military
discipline.

In 1839, for the purpose of field instruction, the Grays held an
encampment on a vacant lot at the present corner of Superior and
Erie streets. As compared to its proportions of today, Cleveland was
then scarcely more than an overgrown village, and the territory in
the vicinity of the spot designated above—now covered, and for miles
beyond, with business houses and dwellings—was almost in its primeval
state. By invitation of the Grays, Major Fay’s Light Artillery
Company, of Buffalo, famous in those early days for its skill in the
art of gunnery, was present at the encampment. The fine evolutions of
this command and its proficiency in working and handling artillery
attracted much attention and awakened a lively interest in that arm
of military science.

The Grays caught the artillery fever and at once decided that they
would have a gun squad. No sooner said than done, and nine members of
the company were detailed for that purpose, as follows:

  David L. Wood,
  Edward S. Flint,
  Edward A. Scovill,
  Richard Dockstader,
  Frank Krieger,
  F. H. Utley,
  James A. Craw,
  James B. Wilbur,
  C. J. Merriam.

David L. Wood was appointed Sergeant of the Gun Squad. He had
formerly lived in Buffalo and had served as a gunner in Major Fay’s
company, but had removed to Cleveland and was an active and zealous
member of the Grays. A six-pound iron gun was obtained and mounted on
a carriage which, as well as the caisson, was of home manufacture,
made at the expense of the company. The early drills were held in
a large barn situated on Erie street opposite the cemetery. The
building was owned by the Ohio Stage Company, which, before the
days of railroads, was operating its lines of public conveyance.
These premises were used for five or six years, when more commodious
quarters were provided.

In 1840 there was a great gathering at Fort Meigs—a military station
at the rapids of the Maumee river, near Perrysburg, Ohio, built
by General William Henry Harrison in 1813. A number of military
companies from various parts of the West attended the meeting—among
them the Cleveland Grays with its gun squad. The members of both
organizations distinguished themselves by their accuracy in drill and
their soldierly bearing, for which they bore away a large share of
the honors.

Stimulated by their success to greater exertions the young
artillerists continued their practice with the greatest assiduity,
attaining a perfection that was in the highest degree creditable,
and they fairly deserved the plaudits that were so freely bestowed
upon them whenever they appeared in public. Valuable instruction
and assistance were received from members of Major Fay’s company,
before mentioned. The drill was in the French style of tactics then
in vogue, and generally known as “flying artillery.”

In 1845 the gun squad “seceded” from the Grays, forming a separate
organization known as the Cleveland Light Artillery, with two
12-pound guns, and a large increase in its active membership. David
L. Wood was chosen captain. Among those who at this early day
belonged to the company were James Barnett, W. E. Lawrence, Seymour
Race, W. H. Hayward and W. E. Standart, all of whom remained in
active membership and were prominent during the war as members of the
First Ohio Light Artillery.

The increase in the company, both in size and equipment, made it
necessary to have better quarters. An armory was built on Bank
street, in the rear of what is now the block next north of the
Mercantile National Bank, and the company evacuated the old Erie
street barn. It was at this time fully organized as a mounted battery
of two pieces, with caissons, harness, and everything complete, all
of which equipment was provided at private expense, as were also
the uniforms of the men. Whenever the battery appeared on public
occasions or went out for field practice all expenses including the
use of horses were borne by the company.

On September 10, 1846, a large military encampment was held at
Wooster, Ohio, in which the Cleveland Light Artillery was invited to
participate. The company, fully mounted and equipped, made the march
from Cleveland to and from that place, the distance both ways being
something over one hundred miles. This would not have been considered
much of a march during the war, but it was the first campaign of the
company, and was a great event in those days. During their stay at
Wooster the artillerymen received the highest encomiums for their
excellent appearance and drill.

July 4, 1847, a great river and harbor convention was held at
Chicago. The artillery accepted an urgent invitation to attend, going
by lake on the steamer Sultana, a boat famous at that day, commanded
by Captain Gilman Appleby. While there the company gave several
exhibitions, acquitting itself with such credit as to win unstinted
praise. The effect was to stir up the military spirit in Chicago to
such a degree that a light battery was at once organized there. The
Cleveland company furnished an instructor and otherwise assisted in
equipping the battery.

The Chicago company owed its existence in a great measure to the
Cleveland Artillery. It grew and prospered, and early in the war
became the nucleus of the First Regiment Illinois Light Artillery,
as the Cleveland company did of the Ohio regiment. Indeed, it may
fairly be said that the influence of the Cleveland Artillery was
a wide-spread, and a potential factor, through the removal of its
members from time to time, in awakening an interest before the war
in that arm of the military service. During the war there was no
inconsiderable number of artillery officers who entered the army from
other states, whose first instruction was received years before,
while members of the old Cleveland battery. Its complement of men was
usually from seventy-five to one hundred, and during the twenty years
and more of its existence many of these dropped out of the ranks and
were widely scattered, their places being filled by others. The seed
thus sown produced an abundant crop of artillerymen.

General Barnett tells that in the fall of 1863 he was directing
the march of some artillery through one of the valleys between the
mountain ranges near Chattanooga. The weather was cold and wet and
the roads wretched. He came upon a Missouri battery stuck fast in
the Tennessee mud. Gun carriages and caissons were sunk to the hubs
and obstinately refused to budge an inch, despite the floundering
efforts of the panting horses and the picturesque profanity of the
drivers. Animals and men were wet and bespattered, and about equally
discouraged. The captain, in a despairing condition, sat on his horse
surveying the scene, apparently caring little whether there were any
stars left in the old flag or not. Gen. Barnett doubled teams with
him and at length succeeded in “yanking” him out of the mire. In
conversation with him the general learned that the captain was an
old-time member of the Cleveland artillery, and it was in consequence
of what he learned in that company that he was induced to raise a
battery and go to war in earnest.

In October, 1847, A. S. Sanford was elected captain of the Artillery
and continued in that position for four years. David L. Wood was then
again chosen and continued in command until a short time before the
breaking out of the war.

The Cleveland Light Artillery was so successful and popular that in
1851 it was doubled in strength and its armament was increased to
four guns. At this time there was no organization of the militia
of Ohio, and very little had been done by the state authorities
to foster and encourage the military spirit. Few could then have
believed that ten years later the tocsin of war would be sounded, and
that more than three hundred thousand men from Ohio alone would march
to the tented field—and not for holiday or “feather-bed” soldiering,
either. It is safe to say that Ohio will never again be found in a
state of such unreadiness—but may the good Lord deliver us from any
more war! The survivors of the First Ohio Light Artillery will all
devoutly say Amen to this. Like all the rest who served in the Civil
War, they know when they have had enough.

After much urging and coaxing the state authorities did at length
consent to lend a helping hand. When the Cleveland Artillery was
enlarged to a four-gun battery the state furnished the guns and
harness. The company supplied everything else, including caissons,
uniforms, and equipments of every kind. It still retained its status
as an independent organization. In fact there was no law of Ohio
authorizing artillery companies in any shape, and the small aid
that was grudgingly extended to the Cleveland battery was more of a
gratuity than anything else.

But the company continued to prosper just the same. Its membership
was composed of excellent material, including young men from many
of the best families of the city. All were earnest and ambitious
in their efforts and they soon reached a high state of skill and
efficiency in handling their guns and in all the details of the
tactics in which they were instructed. They had showy uniforms
for public occasions, with plenty of red in them, suggestive of
sanguinary scenes, and presented a really gorgeous appearance when
parading the streets. They won the applause of the multitude, the
smiles of the fair, and admiring yells from the small boys. For
in those ante-bellum days a cannon on wheels was regarded with
unspeakable awe; and a man in military dress awakened the liveliest
emotions in the popular mind.

In February, 1852, the company was first called upon for military
duty. On the 17th of that month a serious riot occurred at a medical
college situated at the corner of Prospect and Ontario streets.
The trouble grew out of the exposure of some human bones from the
dissecting room. A citizen who imagined them to be the remains of
his daughter, whose body he thought had been stolen for dissection,
gathered a formidable mob of excited people and moved upon the
college with the avowed purpose of razing it to the ground and of
hanging the doctors and students to the nearest lamp posts. The
sheriff soon found that he had more on hand than he could manage and
ordered out the Light Artillery to his assistance. The members of
the company responded with alacrity and promptly appeared upon the
ground, unlimbering their pieces they double shotted them in full
view of the rioters, who were warned that if they did not instantly
disperse the guns would be fired. The men stood at their posts, ready
to fire at the word, but the rioters broke and fled from the scene,
in a slate of confused demoralization. For precautionary reasons the
battery remained on duty, “holding the fort,” for forty-eight hours,
by the end of which time the excitement had abated and there was no
repetition of the hostile demonstration.

This incident clearly showed the value of such a body of trained men,
to meet emergencies liable at times to arise in a rapidly growing
city, where sudden excitement, often without reason, leads unthinking
men to acts of lawlessness, which set the civil authorities at
defiance. The company had fairly won its first victory, fortunately a
bloodless one. Its members were highly complimented for their prompt
response to the call and their cool steadiness in the face of the
excited mob. It was an occasion to test the stuff they were made of,
though not to be compared with the scenes of carnage that some of
those men faced without flinching in after years.

The people of Cleveland began to feel a pride in the Light Artillery,
and to give the company substantial support and assistance. Again it
became necessary to have more commodious quarters, and sufficient
funds were contributed by the citizens and the members of the company
to build a new armory. The building was erected in 1852, near the
present junction of Ohio and Hill streets. The use of the ground on
which it stood was given by Mr. John Walworth.

The fame of the company went abroad throughout the land and
invitations were received from far and near to attend large public
gatherings. In 1852 an excursion was made by lake to Sandusky, at
the request of citizens of that place, by whom the artillerists
were handsomely entertained. In September of the same year the
anniversary of the Battle of Lundy’s Lane was celebrated by an
immense assemblage of people with great pomp and ceremony at Niagara
Falls. The Cleveland Light Artillery, accompanied by a large number
of its friends, went by steamer to Buffalo. There the horses were
hitched to guns and caissons and the company marched to the Falls,
attracting much attention along the route. The battery took an
active part in the celebration, dividing the honors with Major Fay’s
“crack” Buffalo company of artillery. In 1853 the Cleveland company
attended by special invitation a large encampment of the New York
state militia at Syracuse, commanded by General Swan. The battery was
warmly received and was a prominent feature of the encampment.

The Ohio street armory was occupied for two or three years when, the
location being for various reasons undesirable, it was decided to
move once more. Quarters were secured near the business center of the
city, in a brick building on Frankfort street, a few rods west of
Bank street, occupied after the war by Montpellier’s Variety Theater.
Here the battery continued to abide until it went to the “front” in
1861.

At this time the company was in better condition than ever before.
In good quarters, with full battery equipment and fine uniforms, and
in an admirable state of discipline, it was everywhere recognized as
a model organization. On February 22nd, 1856, the Light Artillery
and the Cleveland Grays, upon invitation of the Rover Guards of
Cincinnati, attended a great military gathering in that city, to
celebrate the anniversary of Washington’s birthday. There were
present a large number of the best drilled and equipped independent
companies of Ohio and other states. None of them surpassed the
Cleveland contingent in excellence of drill and martial bearing.

During the next three or four years annual encampments were held
for practice in gunnery and field evolutions, and in the various
duties of camp life. Frequent excursions continued to be made, in
response to invitations received from all parts of the country. The
citizens of Cleveland showed their increasing appreciation of the
high standing of the company and the honor it had conferred upon the
city by tendering its members occasional banquets which were largely
attended, and were occasions of much social enjoyment. These unsought
recognitions were most gratifying to the artillerymen and incited
them to the utmost efforts to “go on unto perfection.”

It should be borne in mind,—as a fact in the highest degree
creditable to the company—that during all this time, embracing
a period of twenty years, the large expenses pertaining to the
organization, such as the purchase of uniforms and equipments
of every kind, the building or rental of quarters, the cost of
transportation and the employment of horses, were cheerfully paid by
the members of the company, with some assistance from time to time
by the citizens of Cleveland. The state furnished no part of the
equipment except the guns and harness, and these only for a portion
of the time.

Below is given a complete roster of those whose names were borne
upon the roll of the company at different times during these years.
The names of the nine originally detailed from the Grays to form the
Gun Squad have already been given. The list which follows embraces
all who joined and served in its ranks from that time until the
reorganization of the battery under the militia law of Ohio. The
older residents of Cleveland and vicinity, who were familiar with its
people of thirty and forty years ago, will recognize in this roster
the names of many who are now, or were in the past, distinguished as
honorable and public-spirited citizens, who attained high positions
in business, professional or political life. A large part of the
old members of the Light Artillery are now dead. A considerable
number of these made the supreme sacrifice of life upon the altar
of patriotism, during the War of the Rebellion. Some of those whose
names appear removed to other parts of the country and rose to
prominence in the various walks of life. Some, including two of
three of the detail from the Grays in 1839, yet live in and around
Cleveland, commanding the highest respect and esteem of their
fellow-citizens.

These gray-haired survivors have long had an organized association to
perpetuate the memories of “auld lang syne.” Regularly each year, on
Washington’s birthday, they meet around the social board and recall
reminiscences of the past. They hold in tender remembrance their
comrades who died for their country, and upon the annual recurrence
of Decoration Day they never omit to strew flowers upon the graves
of those who sleep in the beautiful cemeteries of Cleveland. The
association is gradually diminishing in number, as one by one its
members yield to the infirmities of age, but as long as any of them
remain these yearly gatherings will be continued.

The list of members of the old Cleveland Light Artillery is as
follows, including all whose names were on its roll from the
beginning till the reorganization under the state law, in 1860:

  Andrews, J. S.
  Adams, S. E.
  Abbey, H. G.
  Ashcraft, S. F.
  Adams, M.
  Barnett, James
  Bond, M. P.
  Bond, T. N.
  Brown, Ben.
  Beardsley, E. S.
  Bliss, Stoughton
  Bingham, Henry
  Bradburn, Charles
  Bennett, James
  Bennett, John A.
  Brown, J. C.
  Burwell, H. F.
  Berry, William
  Bradford, Charles
  Beardsley, Clint.
  Babcock, C. H.
  Bynnar, C. E.
  Benjame, John
  Bills, George W.
  Bocking, R. C.
  Blake, I. W.
  Berry, Alfred
  Baldwin, N. A.
  Beck, D. D.
  Bull, John
  Born, C. P.
  Beckel, F.
  Broat, J. H.
  Burkhardt, J. H.
  Cowan, William
  Cowan, John.
  Calkins, G. W.
  Casement, John S.
  Craw, James A.
  Crawford, Randall
  Coon, John
  Cowdry, C. W.
  Cowdry, J. M.
  Craigen, William
  Cate, William
  Champlain, Wm. A.
  Chapman, W. H.
  Craig, William
  Crawford, Frank
  Chapin, E.
  Curtis, A. F.
  Clayton, D. B.
  Crable, John
  Cummings, B.
  Dockstader, Richard
  Dockstader, W. J.
  Dunham, C. H.
  Dexter, B. F.
  Douglass, R. B.
  Dunn, J. E.
  Dumont, W.
  Ensworth, J. W.
  Ensworth, Jere
  Eddy, F. H.
  Eldridge, George D.
  Edgarton, W. P.
  Flint, Edward S.
  Freeman, J. H.
  Feickert, C.
  Geer, Hezekiah
  Green, J. M.
  Gerlacher, J.
  Gruninger, Fred
  Gardner, O. S.
  Grimshaw, J. W.
  Hayward, W. H.
  Harmon, J. C.
  Hill, James
  Higby, Charles
  Harbeck, J. S.
  Houghton, D. W.
  Haskill, J. R.
  Hilliard, William
  Haidenburgh, J. H.
  Ingersoll, John
  Jones, Samuel
  Johnson, J. W.
  Krauss, G.
  Kelley, George
  Kittell, William
  Krieger, Frank
  Lawrence, W. E.
  Lyon, W. A.
  Langell, S. F.
  Lucas, M.
  Leonard, Charles
  Lewis, E. H.
  Lewis, S. J.
  Marshall, Alex.
  Machette, Thomas H.
  Merwin, A.
  McDole, N. K.
  McOmber, J. H.
  Merriam, C. J.
  Miller, W. L.
  Miller, James
  McMurphy, P. F.
  Mastick, H. A.
  McIlrath, James
  Matthews, H.
  Marshall, Geo. F.
  Newell, N. M.
  Noble, H. M.
  Nelson, S. N.
  Nelson, N.
  Pickersgill, William
  Palmer, Horace
  Perry, J. S.
  Paddock, T. S.
  Potts, W. H.
  Potts, R. C.
  Pynchon, J. B.
  Patrick, C. L.
  Pratt, D. M.
  Price, David
  Prentiss, W. W.
  Pelton, F. S.
  Race, Seymour
  Rice, Percy W.
  Reese, C. S.
  Redhead, N. W.
  Ruple, D. S.
  Robinson, J. T.
  Robison, W. S.
  Ruff, Peter
  Rodder, C. B.
  Russell, C. L.
  Scovill, O. C.
  Scovill, Edward A.
  Standart, W. E.
  Standart, W. L.
  Standart, S. H.
  Standart, Geo. W.
  Simmonds, W. R.
  Sholl, W. H.
  Seymour, Belden
  Strong, J. T.
  Sterling, J. M. Jr.
  Sterling, E.
  Simmonds, S. J.
  Selden, C. A.
  Sturges, S. B.
  Sanford, E.
  Sanford, Nelson
  Sanford, J. R.
  Sturtevant, S. C.
  Stevenson, M.
  Smith, Pard B.
  Sweeny, Thomas T.
  Stevens, W.
  Sheldon, W. B.
  Silsbee, S.
  Story, J.
  Smidt, N.
  Schent, D.
  Shields, J. C.
  Taylor, D. C.
  Thompson, T. J.
  Towner, W.
  Umbstaetter, D.
  Utley, F. H.
  Wood, David L.
  Walworth, John
  Walworth, William
  Whittemore, M. C.
  Whittemore, H. L.
  Warmington, William
  White, N. D.
  Winslow, John
  Wilbur, J. B.
  Wehl, V.
  Weidenkopf, N.
  Werlig, A.
  Wilson, F.

Before entering upon the reorganization of the Artillery, it will be
fitting to pay deserved tribute to the memory of David L. Wood, who
served as its commandant for seventeen years, and to whose zeal and
ability the company was so largely indebted for its honorable and
successful career. He was born in Litchfield county, Connecticut,
August 14, 1817. While yet a lad his parents removed to Buffalo,
where he learned the trade of a printer. Early in 1839 he removed
to Cleveland and at once identified himself with the Grays. His
connection with Fay’s Artillery Company in Buffalo, his detail from
the Grays as sergeant of the Gun Squad, and his subsequent services
in the battery have already been mentioned. Under the law passed in
1859 to organize the militia of Ohio he was appointed by Governor
Chase to the responsible position of Quartermaster General of the
state. So faithfully and efficiently did he discharge the duties of
the position that he was reappointed by Governor Dennison and was at
the head of that most important department of the state executive
when the war broke out in 1861. He displayed great energy and ability
in fitting for active duty the troops that so rapidly responded to
the call. But the true military spirit was strong in him and nothing
could satisfy him but active service in the field. He resigned his
position at Columbus and having been by the President commissioned
a captain in the Eighteenth United States Infantry—“Regulars”—he
went to the front in December. His regiment was afterward assigned
to Thomas’s corps, Army of the Cumberland. In the historic cedar
thicket at Stone River, where the Eighteenth was so fearfully
decimated, he was severely wounded. When partially recovered he asked
to be placed on such duty as he could perform and was put in charge
of a recruiting station at Marietta, Ohio. When John Morgan made
his famous raid into Ohio, Captain Wood took command of a hastily
organized company and joined in the pursuit of the rebel troopers,
bearing an honorable part in the action at Buffington Island. Soon
after this, although still suffering from the effects of his wound,
he applied for permission to rejoin his regiment in the field, but it
was not granted by reason of his disability and he was placed on the
retired list.

He went to Cleveland where he was several times elected a Justice
of the Peace. In 1876 he removed to New York, in the hope that the
climate might prove more favorable to his failing health. He grew
worse, however, and in April 1881, he returned to Cleveland. He was
almost immediately prostrated by severe illness, which terminated
fatally a few days later. On May 2nd he died, sincerely mourned by a
wide circle of friends, and particularly by his old comrades of the
Cleveland Light Artillery, with whom he was so long and intimately
associated.

Many will remember that for two or three years before the war, as
the fast-growing sentiment against slavery became more active and
aggressive in the North, there were mutterings that boded ill for
the peace of the nation. Those whose ears were alert heard sounds
that seemed to presage the fierce conflict that finally burst upon
the country in all its savage fury. These “signs of the times”
had the effect, everywhere, to arouse the state authorities from
their lethargy and measures were taken to encourage and promote the
organization of military companies. In 1859 the Legislature of Ohio
passed a militia law. The friends of the Cleveland Light Artillery
had for years been hammering at the law-givers, urging the importance
of state aid to such organizations. At last the idea found its way
into the minds of the state officials and members of the Legislature,
that an emergency might arise when a few serviceable cannon, and
trained men to use them, would be found “mighty handy.” So in the
new law they authorized the formation of artillery companies, each
to consist of a captain, lieutenant, two sergeants and twenty
privates, with one gun and caisson. The law further provided for the
organization of artillery regiments, each to contain not less than
six of such one-gun companies.

In compliance with the terms of this law the Cleveland Artillery—four
guns—was at once reorganized into four companies, and there were
added one in Brooklyn, Cuyahoga county, and one in Geneva, Ashtabula
county. These were immediately organized into a “regiment”—though
its strength in men and guns was only that of a single battery after
things were placed upon a war footing. The following field and staff
officers were elected and commissioned by the Governor August 1, 1860:

  Colonel—James Barnett.
  Lieutenant Colonel—Stephen B. Sturges.
  Major—Clark S. Gates.
  Surgeon—C. E. Ames.
  Quartermaster—Amos Townsend.
  Quartermaster-Sergeant—Randall Crawford.

The companies of the regiment were commended as follows:

  Company A, Cleveland—W. R. Simmonds.
  Company B, Cleveland—John Mack.
  Company C, Brooklyn—J. S. Andrews.
  Company D, Cleveland—P. W. Rice.
  Company E, Cleveland—Louis Heckman.
  Company F, Geneva—Dennis Kenny.

The organization was officially designated as the “First Regiment
of Light Artillery, Third Brigade, Fourth Division, Ohio Volunteer
Militia.”

The first public appearance of the newly born “regiment” was at the
unveiling of the statue of Commodore Perry, in Cleveland, September
10th, 1860. The occasion was an imposing one, and a number of
military companies from abroad were present and participated in the
parade, notably organizations from Rhode Island, which was Commodore
Perry’s native state. The visiting troops and distinguished guests
accompanying them were hospitably entertained during their stay in
Cleveland by the members and friends of the Artillery and the Grays.
A few months later the pomp and glory of a holiday pageant were
exchanged for the stern realities of “grim visaged war,” and the guns
of the Cleveland Light Artillery were hurling shot and shell into the
ranks of the rebels south of the Ohio River.

Mr. Lincoln was elected President in the fall of 1860. As the
political campaign of that year progressed the result was
foreshadowed by the strong drift of public sentiment at the North.
The “fire-eaters” of the South wrought themselves into a high
state of excitement over their prospective defeat and for a month
before the contest was decided made lurid threats of secession and
revolution in such a contingency. The northern people were slow to
believe that these declarations were anything more than “wind.” Even
when they began to take definite form, after the election, the number
was yet small who believed there would be a conflict of arms.

The success of the Republican party in the election was made the
pretext for the great revolt. Six weeks later South Carolina packed
her knapsack and marched out of the Union. Six other states followed
closely upon her heels, and in a short time four more. Beaten at the
ballot-box they determined to try the cartridge-box, but—as those
most interested in this volume will remember, for they helped to
make it so—this experiment was equally unsatisfactory to them in its
outcome.

By the time the “cotton” states began to secede, and the people of
the South to show great activity in the organization of military
companies, the impression became quite general throughout the North
that the situation was critical and there was serious trouble
ahead—and not very far ahead, either. The great “coming event” of the
century was “casting its shadow before.” Every day but strengthened
and intensified the determination, through the great, loyal North,
that at all hazards the Union should be preserved and the flag
protected from dishonor.

During the winter of 1860, months before the North was aroused by
the mighty reveille that sounded amidst the echoes of Sumter, many
independent companies then existing made a voluntary offer of their
services, provided they should be needed. Among the first to show a
desire to “get there” early and secure front seats was the Cleveland
six-gun “regiment” of artillery. As soon as there began to be a
smell of powder in the air the members of this organization promptly
developed an appetite for war. They sent to the Adjutant General of
Ohio a fervid communication tendering their services and stating that
they might be depended upon to respond instantly to the call of duty.
In two or three days an answer was received. The Adjutant General
commended their patriotism in the highest terms, and in the name of
the state thanked them effusively for their noble offer, but added
that he had no idea they would be called upon, _as it was not at all
probable that any cavalry or artillery would be required_! No doubt
this official’s views soon underwent a most radical change. But his
depressing letter had the effect of the proverbial “wet blanket” upon
the more enthusiastic artillerists, who were beginning to actually
suffer for a scrimmage. They were afraid it wasn’t going to be “much
of a shower,” after all! Nobody will say that during the ensuing
four years there was not enough to go around; everybody who wanted
any of it had abundant opportunity to supply himself. But after the
Cleveland boys heard from the Adjutant General some of them really
mourned over the prospect of “getting left.”




CHAPTER II.

A PROMPT RESPONSE TO WAR’S ALARMS AND THE ARTILLERY GOES TO THE FRONT.


At half past four o’clock on the morning of Friday—unlucky day—April
12, 1861, the rebel batteries at Charleston opened fire on Fort
Sumter. The fort was surrendered at noon of Sunday, April 14. On
this day President Lincoln drafted his proclamation calling out
seventy-five thousand volunteers for three months. That night it went
out by telegraph, and on Monday the people of the North knew that the
last hope of compromise had vanished. Already the “dogs of war” had
been slipped, and the country was to be tested in the fierce crucible
of a mighty conflict. None who witnessed it, or were a part of it,
can ever forget the grand, patriotic uprising of the loyal masses,
from Maine to California, and from the Lakes to the Ohio river, to
avenge the insult of the National Flag. It need only be alluded to
in this connection. The quotas of the various states under the first
call for troops were duly apportioned, and in some cases were more
than filled in a single day. All the organized military companies in
Ohio offered their services, and all were clamorous that they should
be accepted. There seemed to be a generally prevailing fear that the
war would be “all over” before they could get there.

The Cleveland Grays—from which the first gun squad of the Cleveland
Artillery was detailed more than twenty years before—left amidst
prodigious excitement for Columbus, became Company E of the First
Ohio Infantry, and started immediately for Washington. But so far
there was no call for the artillery. How all the men, from Colonel to
powder-monkey, chafed in the impatience of their raging patriotism.
It would be sad indeed, they thought, if, after all, it should prove
that the Adjutant General was right, and that “no artillery would
be needed”—or if a few cannon should be required the batteries of
the Regular Army would supply them, and the unhappy volunteers would
remain “out in the cold.”

But there came a loud call for artillery, and the boys, who were
fretting themselves sick, had not long to wait for the glad summons.
On Saturday, April 20, the following dispatch went singing over the
wires:

  Columbus, O., April 20, 1861.

  To Colonel James Barnett,
  Cleveland, O.

  Report your six pieces, caissons and full battery, including
  Geneva company, at Columbus forthwith—Monday if possible. You can
  hire horses for the guns here or at your point of service. Bring
  harness and everything else, and twenty men to each gun. You retain
  Colonel’s rank. By order—

  H. B. Carrington,
  Adjutant General.

This was received by Colonel Barnett early in the evening of the day
named. How the news spread through the city, as if borne upon the
wings of the wind! How it set the hearts of the impatient boys to
thumping and how they cheered at the tidings, while tears dimmed the
eyes and moistened the cheeks of wives and mothers and sisters and
sweethearts!

Early Sunday morning Colonel Barnett issued the following order to
captains of companies:

  You will report your command of twenty men ready to march to
  Columbus tomorrow at 12 o’clock, noon, at the Public Square. You
  will have your piece and caisson and harness complete at the depot
  between Superior street and Vineyard lane, with a detail of ten
  men to attend to their embarkation, at 9 o’clock A. M., under the
  command of a sergeant, and when embarked report to your superior
  officers.

  By order of the Adjutant General of Ohio.

  James Barnett,
  Colonel First Regiment Artillery,
  S. B. Sturges, Lieutenant Colonel.


A messenger was hurried out to Brooklyn to stir up that company, and
a telegram was sent to Geneva, carrying the news to Company F.

“Ah, then and there was hurrying to and fro,” as the artillerymen
hustled around, engaged in hasty preparation for “going to war.”
In Cleveland, as everywhere else, there was a furious ferment of
excitement. For the moment business of every kind was laid aside.
The one absorbing theme was the opening conflict. Husbands and sons
and brothers had been called to the field to defend the nation’s
flag. Not only their immediate friends but the citizens generally
put forth every possible effort to fit out the boys in good shape.
Meetings were held and fervid speeches were made. But no stimulating
force was then necessary, for every heart was swelling with patriotic
ardor and the spirit of sacrifice. It was not a good time for the
utterance of “copperhead” sentiments. Had any one dared to express
sympathy with those who had fired on the flag his life would not have
been worth a rush. If there were any such, they kept prudently quiet.
People shouted and sang patriotic songs, and spoke words of cheer
and encouragement to those who were about to leave for “the front.”
The boys had little need, however, of being urged to obey the call
of duty, and sympathy was wasted on them, for they were in a state
of feverish anxiety for an opportunity to unlimber their guns in the
face of the foe.

The state of public feeling was about as hot as it could be, but on
Sunday morning another dispatch was received which added more fuel to
the fierce flames and raised the temperature to even a higher point.
It was as follows:

  Columbus, O., April 21, 1861.

  To Colonel James Barnett,

  Can you bring your command here tonight instead of waiting till
  tomorrow? If so, come armed.

  William Dennison, Governor.


Thus early people began to learn that there is “no Sunday in war.”
All that day the excitement increased. Those who took the time to go
to church listened to sermons on the duty of the hour.

It was found impracticable to assemble the regiment in time to get
away on Sunday and the Governor was informed by telegraph that it
would leave early Monday morning. A dispatch from Capt. Dennis Kenny
at Geneva told that Company F was “red hot” and could be ready to
leave that night for the rendezvous at Cleveland. The necessary
transportation was provided and the company reported before daylight.
Company C. from Brooklyn, was equally prompt to respond, and half the
people of that town accompanied the boys to the city to “see them
off.”

During the forenoon of Monday—April 22d—there was the greatest
activity among the members and friends of the regiment. The whole
city was astir and fairly boiling with excitement. Thousands of
people turned out, thronging the depot and the railroad leading to
Columbus, to witness the departure of the soldiers. The latter were,
of course, only provided with a “pick up” outfit, it being expected
that all necessary clothing and supplies would be furnished by the
state authorities.

In order to start the boys in as comfortable shape as possible the
citizens contributed a sum sufficient for the purchase of one hundred
and twenty blankets—all that could be found in Cleveland suitable
for military use. The blankets were bought by Mr. Henry N. Johnson,
and the following memorandum of the purchases is given as an item of
interest:

                     Number.    Price.    Amount.

  E. I. Baldwin        12     $ 1.48-⅓    $ 17.80
  Taylor & Griswold     3       2.50         7.50
  Alcott & Horton      92       2.00       184.00
  Morgan & Root        13       1.75        22.75
                      ———     ——————      ———————
      Total           120                 $232.05

At about noon the regiment, numbering in all about one hundred and
sixty men, embarked on a special train. There were hasty and tearful
farewells and the train moved off amidst tempestuous shouts and
cheers, the waving of flags and kerchiefs and the music of brass
bands.

At that time no one had more than a vague and foggy idea of what
war was. It had not yet become the serious matter that it was a
few months later, and during the four long and bitter years that
followed. The first volunteers went to the field with a grand
hurrah, impelled by motives of the truest patriotism, but with no
conception of the hardship and privation and blood and fire and
death that were before them. The sickle was sharpened but had not
been thrust in to reap its ghastly harvest. As yet there were no
stretchers nor hospitals nor ambulances freighted with mangled
victims; no miles of reddened earth strewed with the dead and dying;
no long, weary marches, through heat and cold and storm; no ravages
of wasting disease. All these were yet as an unopened book to these
men hastening to the field, and to those who with moistened eyes and
beating hearts bade them farewell and God speed. Only a few then
believed that there would be much of a war—that the trouble would not
all be over in sixty or ninety days.

The following is a roster of the regiment as it left Cleveland, the
officers of the field and staff having been already given. A few men
who joined some of the companies a few weeks later are included:


COMPANY A.

Captain, W. R. Simmonds; First Sergeant, John A. Bennett.

  Roger D. Throup,
  Joseph Dunn,
  John A. Benjamin,
  Thos J. Thompson,
  John J. Kelley,
  M. Eugene Cornell,
  John H. Blair,
  George W. Clark,
  Thomas D. Beckwith,
  Edward P. Anson,
  Isaac Cramer,
  David H. Throup,
  Richard Dunn,
  George Bruster,
  Henry New,
  Henry H. Rebbeck,
  J. Hale Sypher,
  W. M. Camp,
  Henry Moels,
  Daniel Reynolds,
  John R. Milton,
  Amasa Bailey,
  William Bruner.


COMPANY B.

Captain, J. G. Mack; Lieutenant, Jacob Reider; First Sergeant,
Frederick C. Grauninger; Second Sergeant Mathias Adams.

  Daniel Scheuer,
  George Chapin,
  John Galcher,
  Andrew Worley,
  Charles B. Rodder,
  Peter Ruff,
  Adolph Menzelman,
  Peter Reidenbach,
  Lewis Fahrion,
  Frederick Beckel,
  Leonard Nerriter,
  Abraham Fredericks,
  Michael Schoemer,
  Nicholas Weidenkopf,
  William Ebert,
  Lawrence Nigel,
  Christian Tenfel,
  Alexander Erhart,
  Michael Lucas.


COMPANY C.

Captain, F. W. Pelton; Lieutenant, Samuel Sears; First Sergeant, F.
S. Pelton; Second Sergeant, P. C. Schneider.

  Levi Fish,
  William Fish,
  Alexander Heve,
  F. W. Wirth,
  William Llewellyn,
  C. E. Marcellus,
  Frank Storer,
  George Lyon,
  G. R. Davis,
  Edward S. Brainerd,
  Abel Fish,
  Henry Fish,
  John C. Brainerd,
  C. M. Dean,
  J. H. Boyden,
  J. L. Hand,
  E. S. Allen,
  William Grotzinger,
  Frank Wattles,
  Henry Roberts,
  George Schmale.


COMPANY D.

Captain, P. W. Rice; Lieutenant, J. H. Miller; First Sergeant, E. F.
Reeve; Second Sergeant, W. H. Hilliard.

  W. P. Edgarton,
  George D. E. Murray,
  D. S. Davis,
  William Kidd,
  H. G. Vincent,
  Frank Wilson,
  Robinson Smith,
  S. W. Killam,
  C. H. Rice,
  G. W. Tillotson,
  J. S. Harbeck,
  N. A. Baldwin,
  George Crawford,
  J. C. Shields,
  Henry Orland,
  J. A. Sterling,
  W. A. Champlin,
  Alexander Marshall,
  L. W. Thatcher,
  Orlando S. Gardner.


COMPANY E.

Captain, Louis Heckman; Lieutenant, Jacob J. Hauck; First Sergeant,
Henry Roth; Second Sergeant, Valentine Heckman.

  Louis Smithnight,
  Frank Thaler,
  Conrad Schwendner,
  George Eshenbrenner,
  George Bruehler,
  Fred Wetzel,
  Gerhardt Schmidt,
  Henry Trumpy,
  J. A. Zeller,
  Albert Rigler,
  Jacob Bomhardt,
  George W. Payson,
  Charles Herig,
  William Schutt,
  George Kugler,
  George Wolf,
  August Beiser.


COMPANY F.

Captain, Dennis Kenny; First Lieutenant, H. S. Munger; Second
Lieutenant, Romanzo Spring; First Sergeant, J. B. Burrows; Second
Sergeant, C. D. Lane; Corporal, J. H. Coller.

  H. H. Thorp,
  A. D. Myers,
  W. E. Proctor,
  M. L. Fitch,
  H. W. Gage,
  Theodore Stroughton,
  Frank Viets,
  E. D. Turner,
  W. H. H. Crowell,
  D. W. Dorman,
  A. A. Burrows,
  A. R. Paddock,
  A. B. Thorp,
  M. D. Stowe,
  Myron Bartholomew,
  M. Y. Ransom,
  A. B. Smith.

Musician—James Willis.

Grooms—Edward Garvin, Milo Gage, Salmon Chambers, Edward Gates,
Thomas Morris.

It may be remarked here in passing that the men were not long in
learning that there was something in “soldiering” besides romance and
“flowery beds of ease.” Before June 1st six or seven of them had been
discharged for disability by reason of sickness, and one made up his
mind that he had got all he wanted and deserted.

All the way to Columbus the boys sang and laughed and shouted in the
exuberance of their patriotic emotions, and told one another of the
valorous deeds they would perform as soon as opportunity was afforded
them. At all points along the route the people greeted them with
uproarious cheers. Wherever the train halted the guns and caissons,
which were on platform cars, were regarded with the utmost curiosity
and interest by crowds of men, women and children. The engines of war
were a novelty to them.

On reaching the state capital—where it had been supposed that the
regiment would debark and go into camp for a few days at least—an
order was received to proceed at once to Marietta, Ohio, by way
of Loveland. It was thought that Marietta was in jeopardy, being
threatened by rebel forces in Virginia. All the infantry companies
from that part of the state which had offered their services had been
sent to Washington. The city was wholly defenseless and there were
no troops to send there except the Cleveland artillery regiment.
After something had been learned of the art of war it came to be
considered the proper thing to always provide an infantry support
for artillery, but nobody thought of such things at the moment of
emergency. So the hundred and sixty fledglings from Cleveland, with
their guns and caissons, but without a single horse to move them,
were hurried away to prevent the rebels from capturing Marietta. It
is but justice to the members of the regiment to say that they had
an abiding confidence in their ability to hold that city against the
entire Southern Confederacy. As the train went whirling on through
the darkness all hearts were swelling with patriotism and a heroic
determination to obey every call of duty, even to facing death in
its most awful form upon the battlefield. They expected to commence
wading in blood immediately.

Marietta was reached early next morning but no enemy was there to
fight. The air was full of wild rumors that legions of rebels were
approaching, with evil designs upon the city, and the people were
badly scared. The arrival of the Cleveland artillery, with real
cannon, had a reassuring effect upon the citizens. The men were most
cordially welcomed and received with unbounded hospitality. The
regiment went into camp on the fair grounds, placing the guns in
position to command the city and spread havoc and destruction among
any misguided people who should attempt to capture it.

The regiment had as yet received nothing whatever in the way of
supplies from either the state or national government. Indeed the
men had not even been mustered into the service—and as a matter of
fact they were not until three months later. Immediate requisitions
were made upon the authorities at Columbus, by mail and telegraph,
for clothing, rations, ammunition, etc., all of which were quite
indispensable to efficient service. When ordered on from Columbus
Colonel Barnett had been assured that everything needful would
be forwarded at once, but the supplies did not come, nor was
the slightest attention paid to the requisitions. The Cleveland
contingent seemed to have been entirely forgotten. It was a pretty
clear case of “out of sight out of mind.” There may have been some
excuse for this in the fact that the call to arms had come suddenly
and found the state wholly unprepared for such an emergency; nor had
there been sufficient time as yet for the United States government
to adjust itself to a condition of actual war and provide for the
needs of its soldiers. The state authorities no doubt did the best
they could, but in the hurry of raising troops and rushing them to
the front in the shortest possible time everything was in the wildest
chaos. It is little wonder that things went at haphazard and it was
only by chance that any officer got for his men what they needed.

As day after day passed and no answer to the requisitions came both
officers and men began to get a little warm under the collar. Colonel
Barnett prodded up the Columbus people daily, his messages growing
more and more pungent and emphatic. The artillery had not been
provided with a single horse and would have been of little practical
value in case of an attack, unless the rebels had kindly marched up
in front of the guns and permitted themselves to be shot down. In
this case the slaughter would have been fearful, had the boys been
supplied with effective ammunition. When the regiment passed through
Columbus the condition of the command was reported and the Adjutant
General had promised that horses and ammunition should be promptly
furnished at Marietta. As a starter he put into the baggage-car,
before leaving the state capital, several pork barrels full of round
shot, a few chests of fine rifle powder and a lot of linsey-woolsey
stuff, ostensibly for the purpose of making cartridges. The whole
“outfit” was entirely worthless. The shot did not fit the guns and
the powder was no doubt a good thing with which to go squirrel
hunting, but was little better than so much sawdust for artillery
use. It will be readily understood that at this time the Cleveland
Light Artillery was not in condition to do any overwhelming damage to
the Southern Confederacy.

The men had no clothing except that which they had brought from
home. Few had a change of garments, as it was understood when
they left Cleveland that they would be amply supplied. They could
rub along a while with what clothes they had but they must have
“grub”—that was in the nature of a prime and fundamental necessity.
Patriotism was a good thing as far as it went, but it didn’t go a
long way in satisfying the cravings of an empty stomach. Appeals to
the authorities were in vain and so Colonel Barnett entered into a
contract with a man named Hall, of Marietta, to “board” the command.
There was nothing else to be done, and it is just to the authorities
to say that this bill was finally allowed and paid by the state. It
is also fair to Mr. Hall to say that he carried out his contract in
good faith, furnishing plenty of food which allowed small margin for
grumbling.

The camp of the artillery in the fair grounds was named “Camp
Putnam,” in honor of an old and patriotic citizen of Marietta who was
a direct descendant of Gen. Israel Putnam—“Old Put”—of Revolutionary
fame. The men fixed up their quarters in a style that a year or
two later would have been considered luxurious in the extreme. The
kindness and hospitality of the citizens were conspicuous. No effort
was spared to make the boys as comfortable as possible. But even
under these favorable conditions some of the boys imagined that
they were having a hard time of it and were suffering a good deal
for their country. When they came to experience the real hardships
of active service in the field they looked back with unutterable
yearnings to the idle weeks that were largely spent in playing euchre
and “old sledge” at Camp Putnam.

Colonel Barnett was in command of the camp and of the post of
Marietta. He enforced the strictest discipline and daily drills
rapidly increased the efficiency of the command. Early efforts were
made to secure a supply of better ammunition, as that hastily picked
up at Columbus was of no value whatever. There were no shells or
canister, and the solid shot were not only wrong in size but they
were not round and could not have been thrown with any degree of
precision. Colonel Barnett telegraphed to Cincinnati and secured a
quantity of shot that was promptly forwarded. He engaged the use of
a shop in Marietta where a lathe was put to work turning sabots,
and a laboratory was fitted up where cartridges were made and the
sabots were properly strapped to the shot. Nearly all this work
was performed by the members of the regiment. Many of them were
excellent mechanics and all were intelligent and willing. Such men
can do anything. The ladies of Marietta offered their services,
glad of the opportunity to do something for the cause of the Union.
Since the first tocsin of war they had been busy in scraping lint
and preparing bandages, until the supply seemed to be greatly in
excess of the immediate demand—for scarcely anybody had been hurt
yet, and a million or two of women all over the North had been
engaged in the work. Now there was a chance for the matrons and
maidens of Marietta to render assistance in another very practical
way. A bountiful supply of red flannel was procured and immediately
a hundred fair hands were at work, plying scissors and needle, in
making cartridge-bags. The ladies made a “bee” of it, and in a
wonderfully short time they had finished enough to last for months.
The fine rifle powder that was pitched on the train at Columbus was
exchanged for cannon powder, and the artillery began to look more
like business. This homemade ammunition was largely used in target
practice, which was deemed highly essential to future usefulness. Day
after day the air resounded with the roar of artillery, as the boys
sighted their guns at the targets and imagined themselves hurling the
whistling missiles through solid battalions of rebels.

It was nearly a month before any supplies of clothing and camp and
garrison equipage were received. About the middle of May, Captain O.
M. Poe, of the Corps of Engineers, United States Army, was sent by
Gen. George B. McClellan to inspect the Cleveland Light Artillery
with a view to its being ready for service, at a moment’s notice.
Capt. Poe expressed himself as greatly pleased with the command
and the drill, discipline and soldierly bearing of its members.
He assured Colonel Barnett that it should be thoroughly equipped
without further delay. There seemed good reason to hope that at
length there would be something besides mere promises. A few days
later this was partially realized by the arrival of a quantity of
clothing, which made the men feel more like soldiers, even though
it was shoddy—and very poor shoddy at that. It is a fact that the
garments were of such poor stuff that a week or two of wear was
sufficient to finish them. They had to be thrown aside out of a
decent regard for the usages and proprieties of civilized people.
While wearing these clothes the men would break for their quarters
and hide themselves if ladies entered the camp. There also came a
lot of kettles, pans, and camp utensils of various kinds. These were
heartily welcomed, as the boys had been forced to make all sorts
of shifts, with such articles as were kindly furnished them by the
people of Marietta.

About this time another idea appears to have effected a lodgment in
the minds of the authorities at Columbus, and that was that horses
were quite essential for field artillery. A stirring up by Gen.
McClellan caused a dispatch to be sent to Col. Barnett, authorizing
and directing him to proceed at once to mount the regiment—or
“battery,” as it was termed, for such only it really was—by
purchasing horses in the vicinity of Marietta. A day later came the
following, which will be of interest as a relic of the early days of
the war:

  Adjutant General’s Office,

  Columbus, May 25, 1861.

  Special Order No. 244.

  Col. James Barnett: Upon receipt of this order, if you have not
  previously acted upon telegram sent this evening, you will purchase
  for your battery 76 horses, upon the best terms you can, putting
  them under the best discipline for prompt action.

  From advices received from Judge Putnam it is expected that you can
  purchase for a sum not to exceed from 75 to 110 dollars each. The
  army limit I understand to be 120. You should not exceed $100 at
  these times, unless in special cases. Consult the citizens to whom
  you have letters and report your proposals by telegraph.

  By order of Commander-in-Chief,

  H. B. CARRINGTON,
  Adjutant General.

To enable Colonel Barnett to carry out this order the sum of $10,000
was placed to his credit by the State of Ohio, in a Marietta bank,
out of which the horses were to be paid for as fast as purchased. On
the same day the above order was received, came also the following
telegram, which threw Camp Putnam into a quiver of excitement and
caused a wild rush into the region round about to look for horses:

  Headquarters Dep’t of the Ohio,

  Cincinnati, May 26, 1861.

  To Col. Barnett:

  Expedite the mounting of your battery and report to me when ready
  for service.

  G. B. McCLELLAN,
  Major General U. S. A.

Six or eight of the best judges of horseflesh in the battery were
immediately sent out to scour the country. Whenever a suitable animal
was found that could be bought at a fair price an order upon Colonel
Barnett was given by the buyer to the seller, stating briefly the
sort of animal purchased and the price that had been agreed upon.
These orders were promptly paid by Colonel Barnett with checks upon
the bank. A few sample orders are given below. They were written on
cards, leaves torn from memorandum books and odd bits of paper of
every variety of size, shape and color:

  Col. Barnett,

  Please pay H. Sheets one hundred dollars for one daple gray horse.

  F. W. Pelton.


  Col. Barnett,

  Please pay to C. W. Putnam one hundred and seventy dollars ($170)
  for one sorril gelding and one sorril mare.

  John Newton.

  To Col. Barnett,

  Pay Mr. O. Pattin the sum of one hundred 100$ dollars in Ohio money
  for one iron grey horse, weight eleven hundred, six years old,
  fifteen hands high, wich we ar a going to keep with us. Sargt.
  Gruninger want to keep him to ride and send the livery horse home.

  T. R. Wells.

  Col. James Barnett,

  Please pay Wm. Lamb one hundred and sixty dollars for two sorrel
  mairs, 160$.

  Henry Faring.

These orders, besides being of historical interest, go to show that
correct orthography is not essential to the purest and loftiest
patriotism. The “mairs” for which the last order was given were
accepted, although of the wrong sex to comply with army regulations,
which requires that horses purchased for the cavalry and artillery
service shall be of the masculine gender. Only males, of the equine
as well as the human race, are considered to be fit for war.

Within two days the required number of horses was obtained. All hands
were busy “breaking them in” to their new sphere of usefulness.
Trained horses are only second in value to trained men for artillery
service. When it comes to “standing fire” there is as much difference
in horses as there is in men. Some animals appear to have a plentiful
supply of “sand” and display an intelligent courage that is almost
heroic, while others become sadly demoralized under fire and are
totally unmanageable.

Meantime the air was full of rumors of projected campaigns into
the enemy’s country in which the Cleveland Light Artillery was to
participate. Something fresh in this line was circulated through the
camp every hour. No two of these “grape vines”—as the boys learned
later to call them—were alike, and they sufficed to keep everybody
in a state of furious agitation. The artillerymen had a consuming
desire to do something that would help to put down the rebellion.
Like all new troops, at every stage of the war, they were impressed
with the idea that their mission was to fight somebody, and they
chafed at the weeks of inactivity in camp. While it might not be
strictly true to say that any of them were anxious to test the truth
of the somewhat apocryphal statement that “it is sweet to die for
one’s country,” it may safely be recorded that they were eager to go
on the war-path, and as to the rest they were willing to take the
chances. An order to move was daily expected and the utmost activity
prevailed in the work of getting everything in perfect readiness to
respond at once to the summons.

By this time an infantry force had reached Marietta, consisting of
the Fourteenth Ohio Volunteers, Colonel James B. Steadman, and the
Eighteenth Ohio Volunteers, Colonel T. R. Stanley. The Fourteenth
had been drilling for three weeks at Camp Tayler, in Cleveland. It
came with full ranks, completely armed and equipped for service. The
Eighteenth had not yet received arms and equipments, but these were
promised at an early day. In those days a regiment of infantry meant
a thousand men, and not a mere skeleton of two or three hundred, such
as were common later in the war, when the ranks had been decimated by
disease and the deadly storm of battle. The Fourteenth Ohio reached
Marietta on the 24th of May and the Eighteenth on the following day.

The rumors of forward movements at length assumed definite form. It
became known that a campaign was about to begin across the river in
Western Virginia. On May 27th the following dispatch was received:

  Cincinnati, Ohio, May 27, 1861.

  To Col. Barnett:

  Upon the requisition of Col. Steadman you will supply him with a
  detachment of two guns, with the proper officers and men.

  G. B. McCLELLAN,
  Major General.

On this day the Fourteenth Ohio Infantry went by boat to Parkersburg,
Virginia—the state of West Virginia had not then been formed—being
the first Union force to occupy that place. Col. Steadman took
possession without meeting any opposition worthy of mention. It was
now reasonably certain that the artillery would very soon follow to
take part in the campaign. Every man was directed to hold himself
ready to be up and away at a moment’s notice.




CHAPTER III.

THE CAMPAIGN IN WESTERN VIRGINIA.


Picturesque dreams of mighty conflicts and fields of glory disturbed
the slumbers of those in Camp Putnam during the night of May 27th.
Nor were they far out of the way, for before another sunset, part
of the artillery would be en route for “the front.” Early on the
morning of the 28th a telegraph messenger handed to Colonel Barnett a
dispatch which read as follows:

  Parkersburg Va., May 28, 1861.

  To Col. Barnett:

  Send immediately to this place two companies of artillery, with
  their pieces, horses, and three hundred rounds of ammunition.

  JAMES B. STEADMAN,
  Colonel Fourteenth Reg’t, O. V. M.

Colonel Barnett answered this telegram, informing Colonel Steadman
that the battery was entirely destitute of ammunition for field
service. A supply was hourly expected and upon its arrival the
detachment would be sent forward with all possible dispatch. In the
afternoon Colonel Steadman replied as follows:

  Parkersburg. Va., May 28. 1861.

  To Col. Barnett:

  If you can send two of your companies with their pieces do so at
  once. The presence of the men and guns will have a good effect.
  Send forward as many of the Eighteenth Ohio Infantry as are armed
  and equipped. I want them to garrison this place. These are General
  McClellan’s instructions.

  JAMES B. STEADMAN,
  Col. Com’d Fourteenth Ohio.

During this day there was a fusillade of telegrams from all sources,
among which were the following:

  Cincinnati, Ohio, May 28, 1861.

  To Col. Barnett:

  Two hundred rounds of solid shot and one hundred rounds of
  canister will be shipped to you from Columbus this evening. As soon
  as you receive it detach two pieces with an officer and complement
  of men with ammunition to go forward and report to Col. Steadman
  at the burned bridge on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad beyond
  Parkersburg.

  G. B. McCLELLAN,
  Major General.

  Columbus, Ohio, May 28, 1861.

  To Col. Barnett:

  Obey implicitly every order from General McClellan. Telegraph me
  when you move a company. Keep me advised of all your movements.
  Clothing and supplies go by your Quartermaster.

  H. B. CARRINGTON,
  Adjutant General.

These telegrams kept the members of the Battery in a continual fever
of excitement, which grew hotter every hour. In reply to Colonel
Steadman’s second dispatch Colonel Barnett telegraphed him the
substance of General McClellan’s dispatch, and informed him that the
two companies would go forward the next day. Camp Putnam was greatly
disturbed by the question as to which two of the six companies should
constitute this detachment. All were eager to go, apparently saddened
by the thought that this, their first, might be their last, and only
chance to get an experimental knowledge of what war was. The military
career of the four companies which stayed behind would terminate in
an inglorious journey home, the war over and no laurels crowning
their brows. Colonel Barnett selected Companies D, Captain Rice, and
F, Captain Kenny, as the fortunate ones. They were ordered to be
ready to embark early on the following day. The detachment was placed
in command of Lieutenant-Colonel Sturges.

The ammunition arrived early next morning. Companies D and F, with
their guns, horses, and equipments complete, were soon on board a
special steamboat and left in high spirits, replying with great gusts
to the parting cheers of their chopfallen comrades who remained.
On reaching Parkersburg, May 29—11 p. m., about twelve miles down
the river from Marietta, it was found that Colonel Steadman, to
whom Lieutenant-Colonel Sturges had been ordered to report with the
detachment, had advanced some distance beyond that place on the line
of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, where his command was engaged in
repairing bridges which the retreating enemy had destroyed. The
artillery detachment pushed on promptly and joined him May 30—12 M.
At last they were on the “sacred soil” of a seceded state, ready to
send the echoes of their guns reverberating among the Virginia hills.
The Fourteenth Ohio boys gave the artillerymen a rousing reception,
greeting them with loud and oft-repeated cheers.

At this time Colonel George A. Porterfield was in command of the
rebel forces in that part of Virginia, with his headquarters at
Grafton. The loyal sentiment in Western Virginia was very strong.
Those who favored secession were in a decided minority. It was deemed
of the highest importance to the Union cause to occupy the territory
as fast and as securely as possible, thus affording encouragement and
protection to the loyal people and holding that section from being
dragged into the vortex of rebellion, clearly against the will of the
great majority of the people.

The Confederate authorities were equally anxious to retain possession
to recruit their armies, secure the supplies which the country
afforded, and bring every possible influence to bear upon the people
to induce them to cast their fortunes with the South. To this
end Colonel Porterfield, upon assuming command a few days prior
to Steadman’s occupation of Parkersburg, had issued a high-flown
proclamation to the people of Western Virginia. In sounding phrase
he called upon them to stand by their state and urged them to fill
up the Confederate ranks and assist in protecting their firesides
from the ravage of the invader. He assured them that not a foot of
Virginia soil should be surrendered to the hated “Yankees,” though it
took every drop of blood in his veins. A few days later he and such
of his soldiers as were not killed or captured were leaving tracks
behind them with the utmost diligence, in their efforts to escape
from their blue-coated pursuers.

General McClellan was in command of all the Union forces in that
department. He planned the campaign and directed the movements that
were so successful during the early days of the war. The services
rendered by the three months’ men in Western Virginia were of
inestimable value to the government, even though the amount of blood
actually shed on either side was not large when compared with the
copious streams that reddened the earth before the war was finished.
The “battles” of those days would have ranked only as skirmishes
when the great conflict was at its height, when mighty armies met
and thousands upon thousands were slain or wounded in a single day.
But history has justly given an enduring fame to those who sprang to
arms at the first call, and by their promptness and gallantry saved
Western Virginia to the Union. In this campaign the Cleveland Light
Artillery bore a most honorable part and deserved the high praise
which was so freely accorded to it.

The force under Colonel Steadman, including the detachment of the
Cleveland Light Artillery, advanced rapidly along the Baltimore and
Ohio Railroad, moving by train with occasional stops for the repair
of bridges and culverts. With such celerity was this accomplished
that on June 1—4 a. m., Clarksburg was reached, about eighty miles
east of Parkersburg. There was occasional skirmishing on the way, and
a few prisoners were picked up, but no action of moment took place.
The enemy retreated at all points before the advance of the Union
force. On May 30th Grafton was occupied, without loss of life, by a
force under Colonel B. F. Kelley, First Virginia (Union) Volunteers,
which made a rapid movement from Wheeling and secured a safe
lodgment at this important point. The rebels evacuated in mad haste
upon its approach.

The rebel forces which had been driven out of Clarksburg and Grafton
fell back to Philippi, some thirty miles south of Grafton. Here they
made a stand and announced their determination to fight. It was at
once decided to give them an opportunity to do so. An immediate
advance of the Union forces upon that place was ordered. It was
desirable to again strike the enemy before he should have time to
fortify and otherwise strengthen his position. The rebel commander
was calling loudly for reinforcements and it was deemed of the utmost
importance to keep him on the run before his force should be so
augmented as to outnumber the Union troops. The greatest energy was
displayed in the movement on Philippi. Steadman, with five companies
of the Fourteenth Ohio Infantry and Companies D and F of the
Cleveland Artillery, was ordered by rail to Webster, within 12 miles
of Grafton, and the nearest point to Philippi. To reach the latter, a
rapid march of fifteen miles was to be made. Steadman’s command moved
from Clarksburg to Webster on the 2nd of June. Artillery in command
of Lieutenant-Colonel S. B. Sturges. At the same time another column
was advancing on Philippi from Grafton, under Colonel Kelley. The
whole expedition was in command of Brigadier-General T. A. Morris,
Colonel Lamb acting as staff officer for General McClellan.

It is now necessary to go back to Marietta and see what has become
of the four companies of the artillery which remained grumbling in
Camp Putnam when Lieutenant-Colonel Sturges went with the detachment
to join Steadman. The impatient patriots did not have long to wait.
One more night in camp, and then came a summons that electrified
them. The four companies, with all the goods, chattels and other
appurtenances thereto belonging, embarked on a steamboat and went
with all speed to Benwood, on the Virginia side of the river
opposite Bellaire, and not far from Wheeling. The trip of sixty-five
miles was made in a few hours and the happy Clevelanders set their
feet for the first time within the confines of Dixie’s Land. Barnett
reported to General Morris and was directed to move his command at
once by rail to Grafton, where the four guns were attached to the
column to be led by Kelley in the advance upon Philippi. The infantry
force consisted of portions of Kelley’s regiment, the First Virginia,
the North Indiana, Colonel Milroy, and the Sixteenth Ohio, Colonel
Irvine. This column was ordered by rail to Thornton, a few miles east
of Grafton, from which point the march to Philippi was to be made.
The route was four or five miles longer than that to be traversed by
the co-operating force to advance from Webster.

General Morris said in his order to Colonel Kelley prescribing the
details of the movement, dated Grafton, June 2d, 1861: You must
regulate your march according to your own discretion, and your
bivouac or rest at night in such manner that you are sure of coming
before the town of Philippi as near 4 o’clock tomorrow morning as
possible. Should you this evening receive certain information that
the rebels have retreated eastward from Philippi, you will make the
resting time of your troops as short as possible, in order to follow
them up with all the speed the strength of your troops will allow.

The right attacking column was under the command of Colonel Dumont,
Seventh Indiana Volunteers, to which the force of Steadman had been
joined, with part of the Sixth Indiana, Colonel Crittenden. The
following is the order of General Morris to Colonel Dumont:

  Headquarters U. S. Volunteers,

  Grafton, W. Va., June 2, 1861.

  Colonel Dumont,
  Comdg. Seventh Reg’t Indiana Vols., near Grafton,
  Va.:

  Colonel: You will proceed by railroad this evening at 8:30 o’clock
  to Webster with eight companies of your regiment. At Webster you
  will be Joined by Colonel Steadman with five companies of his
  regiment and two field pieces of Ohio artillery, also by Colonel
  Crittenden with six companies of his regiment. From Webster
  you will, with this command, march on Philippi, using your own
  discretion in the conduct of the march, keeping in view that you
  should arrive in front of the town at 4 o’clock precisely tomorrow
  morning.

  Information is received that the rebels are in some force at
  Philippi. The object of your column will be to divert attention
  until the attack is made by Colonel Kelley, and should resistance
  be offered you are to aid him to the extent of your ability. In the
  conduct of your column you must use your discretion, being governed
  by such circumstances as may occur. When joined by Colonel Kelley
  the whole force will be under his command.

  The companies of your command will take two full days’ rations.
  Should you receive instructions from Colonel Kelley that the rebels
  have retreated, you will join him at once and act under his command.

  By command of Brigadier-General T. A. Morris:

  JOHN A. STEIN.
  Acting Assistant Adjutant General.

The intention was to surprise the rebels and the movement was
admirably planned and carried out to effect this result. This force,
leaving after dark, had reasonable assurance of reaching the enemy in
advance of any information from their friends and, as events proved,
did so. The advance was favored by the extreme darkness of the night
and a continuous fall of rain. These circumstances contributed in no
small degree to the complete success of the expedition, but they were
rough enough on the raw soldiers who made their first march under
such dismal conditions.

All night, through the darkness and drenching rain, the two columns
pushed on, over roads so rough and muddy that they were in some
places almost impassable to artillery. It was only by the aid of
the men who swarmed around the carriages and put their hands to
the wheels, that the panting horses were able to drag guns and
caissons. To the volunteers, that night was a baptism indeed. They
tried bravely to keep up their spirits as they trudged along through
mud and water and stumbled over the roots and stumps and stones that
lay in their pathway. It was so dark that a man could scarcely see
his file leader. That nocturnal experience knocked the poetry and
romance out of “soldiering” with a suddenness and completeness that
was paralyzing. Most of these men “followed the flag” during the long
years of war. They passed through many such unspeakably wretched
nights and days, but nothing afterward seemed to equal in misery
those weary hours of floundering through the mire, with benumbed
limbs and soaked and dripping garments during that night march to
Philippi.

There was no postponement of the engagement on account of the
weather, and promptly at the appointed hour, 4 a. m., the two columns
were in communication before the town. Like most of the so-called
“towns” in the South in those days, it wasn’t much of a place, though
the county seat of Barbour county. It had a shabby courthouse, a
still more shabby hotel, a few houses in which the Philippians lived,
and a name—that was all.

The necessary dispositions for an attack were promptly and carefully
made, with the object of capturing the entire rebel force, whatever
it might be. At daylight the troops, which had nearly surrounded the
town in order to “let no guilty man escape,” closed in from different
directions to spring the trap that had been set. The early morning
visitation was a complete surprise to the rebels. There were a few
sleepy pickets posted at isolated points, several of which were taken
in before they had fairly got their eyes open. At length a few of
them sufficiently collected their scattered wits to fire off their
guns and then break for the town. This alarmed the main body of the
Confederate forces and in an instant the direst confusion prevailed.
Colonel Porterfield and his staff had their headquarters at the hotel
and were yet asleep when the alarm was given. Hastily throwing on
their clothes they quickly mounted their horses and dashed around
endeavoring to learn what the trouble was all about.

The Union forces pressed rapidly forward on the heels of the
retreating pickets. The whistling of bullets told the rebels that
they must fight or run and that the decision must be made at once.
In the light of subsequent evidence it may be considered likely
that Colonel Porterfield was willing to fight, but the Confederate
soldiers deemed it best to run, and they did. They stood not upon
the order of their going but went at once and with the utmost
precipitation. It was a regular “skedaddle,” to use a word that was
current in war times.

The Cleveland artillerymen had an opportunity to use their guns and
they made the most of it, to the extent of sixteen rounds. Although
sharing fully in the wild excitement of the first meeting with
the enemy they served their pieces with a coolness and skill that
elicited from those in command words of the highest praise. (It is a
matter of record that their missiles took off the leg of one soldier,
the first casualty by artillery fire in the field done by the Union
forces, but it is undeniably true that the roar of their guns and
the plunging shot greatly aided in demoralizing the rebels and
accelerating the speed with which they sought a safe place far in the
rear.)

The rebels fled in wild dismay, utterly heedless of the efforts of
their officers to stem the tide of disaster. They had barely time
to get away, and left behind them a large quantity of supplies
and material of war which had been collected. The rear end of the
disorganized rebel procession had not disappeared when Colonel
Kelley’s column came in sight. His advance dashed after the enemy,
himself at the head, and there was a brisk skirmish. It did not
last long, however, as the rebels fled out of range at the earliest
possible moment. None of the Union soldiers were killed. A few were
wounded, and among them the gallant Colonel Kelley, who received a
pistol shot in the breast, which incapacitated him from duty for some
weeks. Prolonged pursuit of the fleeing foe was impossible, owing to
the extremely exhausted condition of the men after their all-night
march in the storm, while the rebels were fresh and able to get off
at a speed that defied successful competition. The command of the
Union forces devolved upon Colonel Dumont.

The Confederate Colonel Porterfield and his staff had been living
in fine style at the village “tavern.” A good breakfast had been
prepared for them by “mine host,” but the latter suddenly found
himself entertaining unbidden and wholly unexpected guests. The
inordinate haste with which the rebel commander and his official
family evacuated the town would not permit them to partake of that
breakfast, and it was eaten, with profoundly thankful hearts—and
stomachs—by a company of Union officers.

The following is an extract from the official report of the affair,
made to General McClellan by General Morris:

“The enemy was entirely off his guard and was completely surprised,
as the reports of those engaged in the attack attest. The failure
to capture the entire rebel force can only be attributed to the
storm during the night. This unforeseen misfortune served to call
forth an endurance seldom exhibited, and I feel that the heroism of
officers and men was as truly displayed in a march of fifteen miles
in pitchy darkness, drenching rain, and over a mountainous country
as in the irresistible attack and hot pursuit of the discomfited
enemy. The last five miles of Colonel Dumont’s column was made in
one hour and a quarter. Many men fainted and were left on the road.
Others threw away their haversacks and provisions to keep up, rushing
forward with a determination that showed what spirit animated the
command. I regard it as remarkable that under such circumstances the
two columns were but fifteen minutes apart at the time assigned for
their meeting. An able reconnoissance in advance of Colonel Dumont’s
column was made by Colonel F. W. Lauder, whose voluntary aid I gladly
accepted, and to whose advice and assistance I am greatly indebted.
The immediate direction of the artillery was confided to him. After
the bridge was taken he pressed forward and joined Colonel Kelley,
rode into the enemy’s ranks and captured the prisoner reported to
have shot Colonel Kelley. He had great difficulty in restraining the
Virginia volunteers from summarily dispatching the man, who was a
noted secessionist and a quartermaster of the rebel forces.

“From the reports of Colonel Dumont (who, by reason of the fall
of Colonel Kelley, had command), you will perceive there is much
difficulty in making an accurate statement of the enemy’s losses. The
killed are estimated at from fifteen to forty, which were carried
off it is supposed by friends, during the confusion incident to the
pursuit of the enemy. A large amount of camp equipage, provisions,
arms, wagons, horses and medical stores were captured, an inventory
of which will be made as soon as possible.”

When the tidings reached Cleveland of the “battle” and the creditable
manner in which the “boys” had acquitted themselves, they were
regarded as the heroes of the hour—warriors of the first magnitude.
It was Cleveland’s first record under fire and the citizens
felt a justifiable pride in the honorable part borne by their
representatives in almost the first engagement of the war.

That the action at Philippi was not more sanguinary was not the fault
of the Union soldiers. If the rebels had stayed no doubt there would
have been a warm engagement. It takes two parties to get up a fight,
and when one of them “runs away” in order that he may “live to fight
another day,” there is no alternative but to postpone the battle
until that day comes around. But it was a clear and unquestionable
victory, if it wasn’t a very big one. It was memorable as being
the first field guns fired on the Union side in the Civil War. It
was hailed through the North with loud acclaim. The newspapers
teemed with praise of the gallant men who won it, and the mails
were burdened with letters of congratulation and compliment from
friends at home. It showed that the raw volunteers from the North
had that endurance and pluck of which soldiers are made; it did much
to prick the bubble of idle boasting that one Southern man could
whip five “Yankees.” Indeed, it rather looked as though it was the
Southern soldiers who would not fight, and some people believed,
after Philippi, that the war was about over. Some of the victorious
blue-coats thought so and they felt an exceeding great joy that
they had been permitted to participate in the action that was the
death-blow to the rebellion.

The satisfaction that filled loyal hearts everywhere was only equaled
by the apprehension and alarm in the South that were caused by
even so trifling a defeat as this. Especially was this true of the
Confederate forces in Western Virginia, which were for a time in an
almost hopeless state of demoralization. One point after another was
being seized and held by the Union troops; regiments from Ohio and
Indiana were hurrying forward to reinforce them, and there seemed
little hope of being able to dislodge them from that part of the
state. After the disaster at Philippi frantic dispatches were sent
to the civil and military authorities at Richmond, representing the
Confederate cause in that section to be in a desperate condition, and
urging immediate and decisive steps to reorganize and reinforce the
army, unless Western Virginia was to be abandoned to the enemy. It
will not be out of place here to give one or two extracts from the
correspondence which took place at this time between rebel officials
in Western Virginia and at Richmond. Under date of June 6th, 1861,
Major M. G. Harman, commanding at Staunton, wrote to General Robert
E. Lee:

“From all the information that I have received I am pained to have
to express my conviction that Colonel Porterfield is entirely
unequal to the position which he occupies. The affair at Philippi
was a disgraceful surprise, occurring about daylight, there being
no picket or guard of any kind on duty. The only wonder is that
our men were not cut to pieces. They were all asleep and were only
aroused by the firing of the enemy. The safety of the Northwest
and of our inexperienced soldiers depends upon an immediate change
of commanders, and giving the command to a bold and experienced
leader. * * * * * I would again urge rapid reinforcements to regain
possession of the Northwest, and that I may receive from you
authority to call out and arm the companies from all the valley
counties and send them to that quarter instead of their going, as
heretofore directed, to their different rendezvous. Send up five
thousand flint-lock muskets from Richmond and I will have them
overhauled and put in order for use.”

On the same day Major Harman sent a communication to Colonel
Porterfield in which he said:

“Tomorrow I shall send you a field battery, accompanied by cavalry
and infantry, which will be joined by other troops on the way and
the whole force will report to you at Beverly. On the day following
from two to three thousand troops will be sent to you by President
Davis from Richmond. I have received a telegraphic dispatch from
the Commander-in-Chief of our army, saying: “Send a messenger to
tell Colonel Porterfield to be valiant and maintain his ground until
relief reaches him. Send him supplies if he wants them.” Having
received no official communication from you, but learning from
private sources, since the disaster to our arms at Philippi, that you
are almost without ammunition, I have determined to send you a supply
by express.”

When Porterfield and his men left Philippi they did not stop running
until they reached Huttonsville, nearly forty miles southward,
and near Beverly, in Randolph county. From his headquarters there
Porterfield wrote on June 9th to Colonel R. S. Garnett, Adjutant
General of the Virginia forces at Richmond:

“My force is not only deficient in drill but ignorant, both
officers and men, of the most ordinary duties of the soldier. With
efficient drill officers they might be made effective; but I have
to complain that the field officers sent to command these men are
of no assistance to me, and are, for the most part, as ignorant of
their duties as the company officers, and they as ignorant as the
men. I hope, if I am continued in command, that good staff officers
may be sent me to aid in organizing this raw force, than which there
is none more so now in the service. * * * It is necessary that at
least five thousand well-drilled men should be sent at once, as the
enemy’s army is being daily reinforced; and if aid is not soon sent
it will be impossible to keep the open field, even as a mere corps
of observation, but we will have to retire to the mountains, where
it will be most difficult, if not impossible, to provision even this
small force.”

On June 11th Porterfield again wrote to Colonel Garnett and asked for
a chance to redeem himself:

“The enemy remains at Philippi where they are reported to have about
five thousand men and are fortifying themselves. The same number are
said to be at Grafton. From five hundred to one thousand are said to
be at Cheat River Bridge and other forces are stationed at different
points on the railroads. * * * A regiment from Tennessee is expected
here tomorrow, having in charge, as I am informed, some pieces of
heavy artillery. No pieces heavier than 6-pounders should be sent
to this country until some position is selected to be fortified and
a strong and reliable infantry force is sent to support it. * * *
The percussion caps sent have nearly all been of small size, for
shot-guns, and not large enough for muskets. As reinforcements are
now expected, and we shall have active service in this part of the
state, I desire to be continued on duty here. It was not until after
repeated calls for aid, and when left with a small militia force
entirely unprepared for the field, that I asked for duty elsewhere.”

But the Confederate authorities did not intend to have any more
Philippis if they could avoid it by a change of commanders. On June
13th General Lee wrote from Richmond to Porterfield, informing him
that Garnett had been promoted to Brigadier General and had been sent
to take command in Northwestern Virginia.

A court of inquiry was created to inquire into the conduct of
Porterfield at Philippi and the causes which led to the inglorious
defeat and rout of the Confederate force. The court made an
exhaustive investigation and submitted, on May 4, 1861, a lengthy
report thereupon. A few extracts from this document will be read with
interest by those who had a hand in the game:

“* * * On the morning of the day just indicated, at between daybreak
and sunrise, this command was attacked and taken by surprise; no
alarm or intimation of the enemy’s approach having been given by
the guard or infantry pickets until the enemy was within some four
hundred yards of the place, and had commenced the fire from his
artillery. It is shown that a main and picket guard, as strong as was
consistent with the effective infantry force present, was regularly
detailed and posted at distances sufficiently far out to accomplish
the object in view, provided they knew and did their duty, which
latter is strongly to be suspected, from the fact that, although in
advance, they failed to give any intimation of the enemy’s approach—a
conclusion which is strengthened by the report of the mounted
officers out with the scouting parties on the night of June 2nd,
that they had neither seen an infantry picket nor been challenged
by its sentinels, going from or returning to the town that night.
It appears that immediately upon the arrival of the command at
Philippi the officer in command, Colonel Porterfield, took measures
to place his force, which was raw and new in service, under a course
of instruction, and to select those in his opinion best fitted to
instruct the sentinels and guards in their duties. The testimony
shows that, while there was a certain degree of confusion in some
quarters, a portion of the command moved from the town in good order,
and that the whole force, nearly, after passing some distance, was
reformed and proceeded in order.

“It is shown in the evidence that an expectation of attack or
movement on Philippi, shortly to be made, was generally entertained
among the officers and others of the command, and that intelligence
(how well founded is not known) was brought from time to time of the
strength and supposed intent of the enemy.

“The testimony sets forth that this had so far produced its effect as
to induce the officer in command to call a meeting of his officers;
that the result of their consultations and deliberations was an
almost if not entirely unanimous decision in favor of immediate
retreat; that when Colonel Porterfield returned to the room (from
which he had been absent a short time), their opinion was conveyed
to him, to which he seemed loath to accede; yet, determined to make
a further examination of the ammunition on hand, and to prepare the
baggage and train for removal at a moment’s notice.”

Here follow several points in which, according to the judgment of
this court, the commanding officer “erred.” General R. E. Lee, in
reviewing the case, approved the finding of the court and said:

“The commanding general remarks with pleasure upon the coolness,
self-possession, courage and energy displayed by Colonel Porterfield
at the moment of attack; but he cannot exonerate him from blame
in not taking proper precautionary measures beforehand. Yet, in
consideration of all the circumstances of the case, he does not think
it necessary to do more than to express the opinion of the court, in
the hope that the sad effects produced by the want of forethought and
vigilance, exhibited in this case, will be a lesson to be remembered
by the army throughout the war.”

After the action at Philippi came a season of inaction. The available
Union force was not deemed sufficient to make a further advance
without too great risk of defeat, which would put in imminent
jeopardy all the advantage that had been gained. For a month the
troops lay quietly at Philippi, detachments being stationed to guard
the bridges on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. The headquarters of
the Cleveland Artillery were at Philippi, but the companies were
scattered, some of them, with their guns, doing duty with the bridge
guards. There were constant rumors of active service ahead and of
impending attacks by the enemy, but none of them appeared to have
any foundation in fact, for the weeks passed without any of “war’s
alarms” of a serious nature.

During the latter part of June General Henry A. Wise became a
prominent factor in Confederate operations in Western Virginia.
At the head of a considerable force he threatened an attack upon
Philippi. As the Fourth of July drew near a report came to be
currently believed that on that day he would attempt to retake the
place. All arrangements possible for defense were made. Neither
officers nor soldiers had yet learned much about fortifying, in the
art of which they became so skilled at a later day, but some rude
works had been thrown up which promised to be serviceable and “handy”
in case of attack. Part of the guns of the Cleveland Artillery were
kept in position where it was thought they might do the most good if
there came a rebel visitation. A strong and vigilant picket guard was
maintained to prevent anything in the nature of a surprise.

Most of the soldiers were in a sad plight as to clothing. Especially
was this true of the members of the Cleveland Artillery. Much of
the wretchedly poor, shoddy clothing received by them at Camp Putnam
had literally fallen to pieces. The men were actually in rags. Some
of them went around during those warm July days with only drawers
to cover the nakedness of their nether limbs. They looked more like
a congregation of beggars than patriotic American citizens engaged
in the work of saving the country. That pestilent insect, the
“grayback,” made its appearance and was soon on terms of the closest
intimacy with them. Probably not one in twenty of these innocent
young men had ever seen one of these things before. Most of them did
not even know that this carnivorous bug had an existence in the wide
and variegated realm of animated nature. But it did not take them
long to become extensively acquainted with him.

Patriotic emotions were active as the “Glorious Fourth” drew near,
and although the American Eagle seemed to be in a bad way just then,
it was determined to have a fitting celebration of the day, whether
or not Wise kept his reputed engagement. Notwithstanding their
dilapidated condition the members of the artillery entered into the
matter with great gusto. The arrangements were made by a committee
consisting of Colonels Dumont, Sixth Indiana, Milroy, Ninth Indiana,
Lieutenant Colonel Dickey, Fifteenth Ohio, “Bob” McCook, Ninth Ohio,
Barnett, Cleveland Light Artillery, and others. During the month
previous the Union forces had been augmented by several additional
regiments, as designated above.

An elaborate program was made out, which included speeches, music,
both vocal and instrumental, and, of course, the reading of that
patriotic but somewhat musty and dusty old document, the Declaration
of Independence. This always has been, and probably always will be,
considered an essential factor in a Fourth of July celebration, under
any and all circumstances, although nobody ever listens to it, or can
remember, five minutes after a single word of what it contains. In
casting about for a person who could read this ponderous paper with
fitting dignity and impressiveness the committee decided upon Warren
P. Edgarton, then a private of Company D, Cleveland Light Artillery,
who had won some reputation as an elocutionist, and he was promptly
detailed for this duty.

Edgarton was in sore distress of mind over the condition of his
wardrobe. He hadn’t any clothes to speak of, and half the time was
running around camp with only a ragged shirt and a pair of drawers.
He had a fine physique and would tip the beam at about a hundred and
eighty. He had a sort of artillery jacket but it was three sizes
too small, and when he crowded himself into it he looked and felt
like a woman wearing a tightly laced corset; so that he didn’t put
it on except on state occasions, when his usual _negligee_ uniform
would be considered a gross and violent breach of army regulations.
He had a pair of shoes that were three sizes too large for even his
substantial and well-developed feet, in which he would go sloshing
around camp. At night he used to “park” his shoes outside, as there
wasn’t room for them in the tent, without crowding everybody out.
He wore on his head a little cap which, never within an inch of his
size, had so shrunk and shriveled under the demoralizing influence
of sun and storm that it only lay upon the top of his head, looking
not much bigger than a postage stamp. All in all he was a startling
and picturesque object to stand before a crowd of raging patriots and
read the Declaration of Independence.

Something had to be done to get him into presentable shape for the
occasion. The honor and credit of the Artillery were at stake.
It would be an insult to the “Spirit of Seventy-six” for such a
half-naked tatterdemalion to get up and pronounce the thundering
sentences of Thomas Jefferson. So Colonel Barnett, Captain Rice and
others whose pride was stirred began to forage through the town for
some clothes that would adorn Edgarton’s shapely form and redound
to the credit of the Battery. A black claw-hammer dress coat was
found after a long search and the owner consented to loan it for
the occasion. This was supplemented by broadcloth trousers, a hat
belonging to one of the officers and a pair of fancy, high-heeled
boots. The latter one of the boys had brought along from home, with
a vague idea that they would be useful to him in putting down the
rebellion. They were not large enough for Edgarton’s feet, but he
contrived to squeeze into them at the last moment and to endure their
pinching while he was doing his part in “letting the eagle scream.”

There had been considerable difficulty in finding a copy of the
Declaration. The Philippians of Western Virginia were not a literary
folk, and few of them appeared ever to have heard of it. At length a
copy was found, in a musty law book at the courthouse.

Edgarton was greeted with hearty applause as he mounted the platform.
This was followed by general laughter at his unique appearance.
Such another “makeup” was never seen in the army, before nor since,
in this or any other country. But he read the Declaration of
Independence in fine style and was tremendously cheered. Lieutenant
Colonel Geo. B. Este, of the Fourteenth Ohio, followed with an
admirable address; the bands almost blew their heads off; patriotic
songs were sung; and the celebration was a great success. The rebel
General Wise failed to show up and nothing interfered with the
carrying out of the program.

No sooner had the “Glorious Fourth” been fittingly and satisfactorily
celebrated than the troops were directed to prepare at once for
another campaign. On July 6th General Morris, commanding at Philippi,
received orders to advance early the following day, occupy Belington,
fifteen miles southward, and menace the enemy, who was in strong
position at Laurel Hill, near that place. The movement was made
promptly, according to the plan. The writer has before him a
yellow, ink-stained paper, a memento of the advance from Philippi.
It is endorsed “Programme, march to Laurel Hill,” and announces
the following order of the procession, the words in brackets being
supplied for explanatory purposes:

  First Virginia, four companies.
  Milroy [Ninth Indiana].
  Steadman, First Battalion [Fourteenth Ohio].
  Barnett, four pieces [Cleveland Light Artillery].
  Steadman, Second Battalion [Fourteenth Ohio].
  Barnett, two pieces [Cleveland Light Artillery]
  First Virginia, two companies.
  Dumont [Seventh Indiana].
  Headquarters
  Fulton
  Dickey [Fifteenth Ohio].
  Crittenden [Sixth Indiana].
  Ammunition wagons.
  Band.
  Four caissons, two guns [Cleveland Light Artillery].

It will be observed that both front and rear were well protected
by artillery. The commanding general prudently sandwiched his
headquarters in the center of the column. We must also admire the
tender solicitude for the safety of the band, as shown by its
position as far as possible from the front and flanked by two guns
and four caissons of Barnett’s artillery.

The march was begun about midnight. The movement was rapid and at
daylight the skirmishers struck the rebel pickets near Belington.
A section of the artillery was immediately ordered to the front
and a few shells were tossed among the enemy’s outposts, with most
demoralizing effect. The Union skirmishes, well supported, quickly
pushed the pickets back to the main line, which was strongly
fortified. Some of the pickets showed fight at first and there was a
brisk skirmish, in which the Cleveland Artillery suffered its first
casualty. George W. Tillotson, of Company D, caught a musket ball
in the groin. He received every possible attention and as soon as
circumstances would permit was sent to the rear. He finally reached
his home in Cleveland but never fully recovered, dying from the
effects of his wound, a few years later. He was the first man from
Cleveland to shed his blood in the Union cause.

When the artillery was ordered to move there was the greatest
activity in preparing for the impending campaign. The men were
exceedingly anxious to acquit themselves with credit, and spared no
pains to make the battery as effective as possible. The ammunition
was carefully inspected and put in order, and the guns were polished
until they shone like mirrors. The men were “hard up” for clothing,
the supply having been exceedingly limited—scanty in quantity and
poor in quality. Every effort had been made to procure better
supplies but without success. The state authorities and the United
States government appeared to be about equally neglectful of the
needs of the soldiers. Rations were generally good and sufficient,
and there was little cause for complaint on that score.

Whenever occasion offered the artillery served with excellent effect.
The years of instruction and drill at home proved a most valuable
school. The skill of the gunners in training their pieces and timing
shells was such as to win for them the warmest commendations. The
members of the infantry regiment formed a strong attachment for the
artillerymen. They had an abiding faith in the efficacy of Barnett’s
cannon, and when engaged in any movement seemed to be doubly
confident if accompanied by a section or two of the artillery.

The order from General McClellan to General Morris was to avoid
delivering battle at Laurel Hill if possible, but to firmly press the
enemy at all points and hold him in his works, until the co-operating
column under General Rosecrans should come up and attack in flank and
rear. Rosecrans struck the rebels at Rich Mountain and after a hot
fight completely routed them, capturing many prisoners and a large
quantity of material of war. The confederate defeat at Rich Mountain
and the prompt advance of General Rosecrans rendered the rebel
position at Laurel Hill untenable. The enemy abandoned it in great
haste.

During the few days that the troops under General Morris lay at
Belington there was constant skirmishing with the enemy. Day and
night all were kept on the alert, and the whistle of bullets began
to be a familiar sound. The guns of the Cleveland Artillery were
advantageously posted and were brought into occasional use. The men
were constantly at their posts. Now and then a shell or a solid shot
would be sent over to the rebels, just to let them know that the
“Yankees” were still there and wide awake. In an official report
dated “Headquarters near Belington, Va., July 9, 1861,” General
Morris says:

“The instructions of the commanding general will be carried out,
although it is difficult to restrain our men from advancing. I hardly
know in what terms to convey to you their enthusiasm. Their coolness
under such fire as we have been subjected to (incessant since our
arrival), is most creditable to them, and establishes beyond all
question, if proof were needed, that they can be relied upon in any
emergency. The regiments in advance are Milroy’s Ninth Indiana,
Barnett’s Artillery, Steadman’s Fourteenth Ohio, and Dumont’s Seventh
Indiana, all of which deserve special mention.”

On July 12th the rebels, having retreated from Belington and Laurel
Hill during the day and night previous, General Morris moved in
pursuit. The following is an extract from a report made by him dated
“Carrick’s Ford, Va., July 14, 1861:

“I reported yesterday morning the progress of the forces of my
command in pursuit of the enemy retreating from Laurel Hill. The
pursuit was continued through the day in the same order as stated
in my report of yesterday morning, viz.: Steadman’s Fourteenth Ohio
in advance with two sections of Barnett’s artillery, next Dumont’s
Seventh Indiana and Milroy’s Ninth Indiana. These regiments started
in pursuit from our resting place near Leadsville at about 4 o’clock
in the morning. The remainder of the troops were on the march by 5
o’clock a. m. A drizzling rain commenced about 6 o’clock, which by
9 became quite heavy. The enemy left the main turnpike and turned
towards Cheat river, crossing two branches of the Laurel mountain
over a narrow and rough road. Owing to the heavy rain the roads were
rendered very difficult for the men and the few wagons of ammunition
and provisions. By 11 o’clock the rain became a drenching storm and
so continued for several hours, the roads in the mountains becoming
almost impassable. At 2 o’clock the whole command was up in the
position we now occupy.

“The attention of the commanding general is particularly called to
the gallant bearing of the infantry and artillery which led the
advance. I would also call attention to the fact that the entire
command commenced the pursuit on a few minutes’ notice, without time
to prepare even a day’s rations for the haversacks. I ordered four
wagons to be loaded with hard bread and pork to follow the command.
These four wagons, with the little additional rations put in with the
ammunition, are all the provisions the command has had since leaving
Belington, except some beeves procured in this vicinity.

“The march of yesterday was from eighteen to twenty miles. When it
is considered that we have put to flight a force equal to our own,
and have pursued the rebels night and day for thirty hours, almost
without provisions, over a mountainous and difficult road, and part
of the time through a drenching storm, we may feel sure that our
cause must be successfully maintained by men who show such gallant
bearing and soldierly endurance.”

Then came the brilliant attack upon the enemy at Carrick’s Ford,
which resulted in the utter defeat and rout of the rebels. Their
commander, General Garnett, was among the killed. The story of this
important engagement cannot be more concisely told than by giving
almost entire the official report of General H. W. Benham, who was in
immediate command of the Union force. The report was made to General
Morris:

“In accordance with your directions, I this morning took command
of the advance guard of your column, consisting of the Fourteenth
Ohio, Colonel Steadman, with one section of Barnett’s Artillery,
the Seventh Indiana, Colonel Dumont, and the Ninth Indiana, Colonel
Milroy, in all about 1,800 men. With this force, as instructed, I
started from Leadsville at about 4 o’clock a. m. to pursue the army
of General Garnett, which, consisting, as we learned, of 4,000 to
5,000 men and four to six cannon, had retreated from the north side
of Laurel mountain near Belington the day before yesterday. It being
ascertained that the enemy had retired toward the village of New
Interest and thence, as was supposed, over a mountain road leading to
the Shafer Fork, or main branch, of the Cheat river, to Saint George.
The troops were brought rapidly forward on their route, so as to
reach the entrance of the mountain road—about seven miles march—at 6
o’clock. A short distance after entering this path the passage was
found to be obstructed by large trees, recently felled, in about
twelve to fifteen places, and in nearly every defile for three or
four miles. Information was from time to time received that this
force, which had some fifteen hours the start of us from Belington,
was now only four to five miles in advance. This encouraged our
efforts, and though for nearly the whole time the rain was pouring in
torrents and the clayey roads were in many places almost impassable,
the spirit of the troops, without exception, as it came under my eye,
was such as to bear them most rapidly onward under all these trials,
super-added to that of hunger, with which the greater part of them
had suffered for the previous fifteen or twenty hours.

At about noon we reached Kaler’s, the first ford of the Shafer
Branch or main fork of Cheat river, having within the previous two
or three miles fired at and driven in several pickets of the enemy
protecting those who were forming the barricades, and at one place
we broke up a camp where the meals were being cooked. At the ford
near Kaler’s, and at about half the distance to another ford, which
we afterward met with one mile farther on, we saw the baggage train
of the enemy, apparently at rest. This I proposed to attack as soon
as strengthened by the arrival of Steadman’s second battalion, with
Dumont’s regiment, when the thoughtless firing of a musket at our
ford set the train rapidly in motion, and long lines of infantry were
formed in order of battle to protect it. In a few minutes, however,
the arrival of Barnett’s artillery, with Dumont close upon it,
enabled the command to push forward in its original order, but the
train and its guard had retired, leaving only a few skirmishers to
meet us at the second ford, where, however, quite a rapid firing was
kept up by the advance regiment, and Barnett’s artillery opened for
some minutes to more completely clear the adjacent woods of the enemy.

“We then continued our march rapidly to the ford, and as we
approached it we came upon the enemy’s train, the last half of it
just crossing, in the river. The enemy was found to have taken a
strong position, with his infantry and artillery, upon a precipitous
bank fifty to eighty feet in height, upon the opposite side of the
river, while our own position was upon the low land, nearly level
with the river. Steadman’s regiment, in the advance, opened fire most
gallantly upon them, which was immediately returned by their strong
force of infantry and by their cannon, upon which Barnett’s artillery
was ordered up and opened upon them with excellent effect.

As I soon perceived a position by which their left could be turned,
six companies of Colonel Dumont’s regiment were ordered to cross
the river about three hundred yards above them, to pass up the hill
obliquely from our right to their left, and take them in rear. Owing
to some mistake, possibly in the transmission of the order, this
command crossed about double the distance intended and turned at
first to their right, which delayed the effect of the movement. After
some fifteen minutes, however, this error was rectified, and, the
hill being reported as impracticable, this command, now increased to
the entire regiment, was ordered down to the ford, there to take the
enemy directly in front at the road.

“The firing of Steadman’s regiment and of Milroy’s, now well up
and in action, with repeated and rapid discharges from Barnett’s
artillery during this movement, decided the action at once. As Dumont
reached the road, having passed along and under their whole front,
the firing ceased and the enemy fled in great confusion. Dumont’s
regiment pursued them for about one mile farther, having brisk
skirmishing with their rear for the first half of that distance,
during which General Garnett was killed. The enemy would still have
been followed up most closely, and probably to the capture of a large
portion of their scattered army, but this was absolutely impossible
with our fatigued and exhausted troops, who had already marched
eighteen miles or more, in an almost incessant, violent rain, the
greater part of them without food since the evening and a portion of
them even from the noon of yesterday, so warm had been the pursuit
of the enemy on their hasty retreat from Laurel Mountain, twenty-six
miles distant. The troops were, therefore, halted for food and rest
at about 2 p. m.

“The result of the action proves to be the capture of about forty
loaded wagons and teams, being nearly all the enemy’s baggage train,
as we learn, and including a large portion of new clothing, camp
equipage and other stores; their headquarter papers and military
chest; also two stands of colors and one fine rifled piece of
artillery; while the commanding general, Robert S. Garnett, is
killed, his body being now cared for by us, and fifteen or twenty
more of the enemy are killed and nearly fifty prisoners taken. Our
own loss is two killed and six or seven wounded—one dangerously.

“In concluding this report I feel it my duty to state that just as
the action was closing, the head regiment of the body of troops under
yourself, though starting as I learn three hours later, the Sixth
Indiana, under Colonel Crittenden, came upon the field in excellent
order, but, unfortunately, too late to aid us in the battle.

“The conduct of those gallant officers, Colonels Barnett, Steadman,
Dumont and Milroy, with the steady perseverance of their officers and
men in their long and arduous march, suffering from hunger, rain and
cold, with their gallantry in action, was most heroic and beyond all
praise of mine. Their country only can fully appreciate and reward
their services.”

This was the most important victory that had yet been achieved
by the Union forces anywhere. It is true that very small figures
expressed the losses on either side, but loyal people everywhere
were anxiously watching for successes, and the “battle” of Carrick’s
Ford threw the whole North into a spasm of tempestuous rejoicing.
The pluck and heroism of the volunteers was lauded to the skies—and
it may fairly be said that they deserved it. The members of the Ohio
artillery, with whom this chronicle has particularly to do, had added
fresh laurels to those gained at Philippi and Laurel Hill, and the
people of Cleveland regarded them in the same light in which the
world looks upon the Six Hundred who made the historic charge at
Balaklava. So conspicuous were their services and so gallant their
bearing that they were awarded the cannon captured from the enemy
at Carrick’s Ford. At the close of the three months’ service they
took this trophy back with them to Cleveland. It was placed in the
Public Square, where it remaineth unto this day, with an inscription
upon it that he who runs may read. This inscription, by the way,
was at first fearfully and wonderfully made. A geographical student
would be impressed with the fact that unless the people of Cleveland
could fight better than they could spell they wouldn’t capture many
cannon in that or any other war. The inscription, which was put on
by somebody who was not within three hundred miles of the battle,
informed the wayfarer that the gun was captured at “Corricke’s
Forde.” The atrocious orthography greeted the public eye for nearly
twenty years, when it was corrected, to the great satisfaction of the
old survivors of the artillery.

The writer has before him the official reports of a number of
Confederate officers who participated in the action at Carrick’s
Ford. Naturally they magnify the Union force and losses, and in a
measure that is ridiculous. They place the Union strength at from ten
to fifteen thousand, their own being but a tenth of that number. The
“Yankees” are estimated to have had on their hands after this action
material for one hundred and fifty funerals, with one additional
loss of from two to four hundred wounded. It will be remembered that
General Benham, in his official report to General Morris, states that
the Union loss was “two killed and six or seven wounded.”

It is interesting to note the extreme caution shown at that time
by officers and others on the Union side in communicating with the
rebels. There was an evident desire to avoid the slightest word
that would appear to be a recognition of any official authority,
civil or military, among the insurgents. It was considered that if
a rebel general or colonel was addressed as such it was a virtual
recognition of the power that conferred such rank upon him. So, on
July 15, General McClellan addressed a communication “To the Officer
Commanding the Forces Commanded by the late Robert S. Garnett, Esq.,
styling himself Brigadier-General Confederate States Army.”

The battle of Carrick’s Ford ended the fighting of the Cleveland
Artillery in the three months’ service. The command moved back
to Belington and the artillery was ordered to report to General
McClellan, who had planned an expedition up the Kanawha Valley after
the rebel General Wise. He warmly complimented Colonel Barnett and
his men for their valuable services in the campaign under General
Morris, and expressed an earnest wish that they might accompany him
up the Kanawha. As a matter of fact they had not as yet even been
mustered into the United States service, and the three months for
which they were called out had expired. But, pursuant to orders,
Colonel Barnett reported with his command to McClellan at Beverly,
where the General made a personal appeal to the men to accompany
his expedition, and nearly all of them expressed a willingness to
do so. A few days later, before McClellan was ready for the Kanawha
campaign, came the first real battle of the war—that of Bull Run, in
Virginia, which resulted in the rout of the Union army under McDowell
and brought to the people of the North an actual realization of the
fact that they had a war on their hands. In the wild excitement that
followed this battle General McClellan was summoned to Washington to
take command of the Army of the Potomac and his plans for further
offensive operations in Western Virginia were for the time abandoned.

A week later Colonel Barnett and his “regiment” of artillery were
ordered to be discharged and started at once for Columbus. It should
be stated here, to their credit, that the citizens of Cleveland had
done all in their power to contribute to the comfort and wellbeing
of the command during its service in the field. It has already been
said that the men were but poorly supplied with clothing by the
state and national governments, for which apparent neglect there was
much good reason. The three months’ men were called out suddenly and
pushed to the front to meet a great and pressing emergency. Their
services and sacrifices were of inestimable value to the country.
They secured a permanent lodgment at many points beyond the border,
and held the enemy at bay while the government was getting ready for
the mighty struggle which followed. The echoes of Sumter found the
nation totally unprepared for such a crisis, and it is not a matter
of wonder that the early volunteers who, with magnificent patriotism,
responded so promptly to the call, were but indifferently provided
for. The people of Cleveland contributed liberally, and twice Mr.
David Price came to the camp of the artillerymen with quantities of
clothing, food and delicacies for the sick. But for this most highly
appreciated kindness the boys in the field would have had scarcely so
much as fig-leaves to cover their nakedness. It is true there wasn’t
much “uniform” about the garments and they were a grotesque appearing
lot of men for soldiers, but it gave them a comparative degree of
comfort and they “got there just the same” as if they had been
arrayed in all the gorgeous trappings of martial splendor. All the
greater honor was theirs because they served so faithfully and well
and bore without complaint the discomforts and privations inseparable
from a campaign in such a country and under such circumstances.

In due time, with little delay _en route_, the artillery reached
Columbus, homeward bound. The tanned and ragged volunteers, fresh
from fields of glory, were welcomed with great enthusiasm at the
state capital. They had done well their part and their fame had gone
before them, losing nothing in its travels. They were looked upon as
the saviors of their country and people of every grade and rank were
proud to do them honor.

It may well be imagined that the boys were in a hurry to get home,
and the formalities necessary to their release were hurried as fast
as possible. The officers and men were paraded for muster and were
mustered in and out of the United States service at the same time.
Then all were paid off in gold. The amount received did not, it is
true, raise them at once to a condition of opulence. Less than fifty
dollars apiece didn’t look very large for more than three months
of such toil, hardship and danger, but for the time, with the gold
chinking in his pocket, each man felt as if he owned a bank. Their
financial condition was in marked contrast to the state of chronic
insolvency in which they had been so long, for they had had no funds
with which to patronize the sutler except such as was sent them at
irregular intervals by friends at home. Whenever one of them got ten
dollars he was looked upon as a Rothschild or a Vanderbilt and loans
were negotiated with a rapidity that soon exhausted his wealth. As a
general thing when a man got any money it was quickly absorbed by the
liquidation of his debts. After the interview with the paymaster at
Columbus there was a universal squaring of accounts.

The horses and other property belonging to the state were turned
over to the authorities, and the “regiment” was soon ready to start
for Cleveland. The men had been permitted to bring with them from
Western Virginia (as a recognition of their valor and conspicuous
services), the piece of artillery captured at Carrick’s Ford, and
four long-eared mules which the rebels had used as the propelling
power of the cannon in their migratory wanderings. These trophies
were guarded with zealous care, for the boys were proud of them, as
they had a right to be. At Columbus they were objects of the greatest
curiosity and interest. War, right at home, was then a new thing to
the people of the country and anything of this nature was regarded as
a nine-days’ wonder.

While at Columbus a telegram was received by Colonel Barnett from
Amasa Stone, Esq., of Cleveland, inquiring at what time the artillery
would arrive in Cleveland. The friends of the warriors as well as
the citizens generally desired to know in order that they might give
them a fitting reception. The dispatch was duly answered as soon as
the time of departure could be definitely fixed. At length all things
were ready, and after midnight of July 28th the happy artillerymen,
with their trophies of cannon and mules, left for Cleveland. How the
boys shouted and yelled as the train “pulled out” of the depot and
sped away toward “home, sweet home!” In fact they didn’t do much but
yell all the way to Cleveland. Their coming had been heralded along
the route and at every station crowds of people greeted them in the
most tumultuous manner. If the boys could have charged dime museum
price for looking at the gun and mules from rebeldom they would have
made their fortunes.

Meanwhile elaborate preparations were going on in Cleveland to
welcome the returning volunteers with open arms. They were expected
to arrive during the forenoon and before 9 o’clock a great multitude
of people thronged the railroad and its approaches. It was something
like the crowd that, more than three months before, had assembled to
bid them farewell and God speed. Shortly before the arrival of the
train the city militia and the fire department marched down Champlain
street and formed in line near the railroad.

At ten o’clock the train came in sight and as it drew up to the
point of debarkation at the foot of Vineyard—now known as South
Water—street a mighty volume of cheers went up from the assembled
multitude—cheers for Colonel Barnett, cheers for the brave soldiers,
and cheers for the cannon and mules that the boys had captured from
the “seceshers.” As the men stepped from the cars they were clasped
in the arms of loved ones, who wept tears of joy at the safe return
of sons and brothers and husbands. Then came the hearty and effusive
greetings of friends and acquaintances, amidst constant cheering and
the music of brass bands. It was a glorious reception, creditable
alike to the people of Cleveland and to those who so well merited the
demonstration.

After the hand-shaking and words of welcome were over the returned
soldiers formed in procession, a conspicuous object in the column
being the rebel 6-pounder, to which were attached the mules lately in
the Confederate service. Two of the soldiers served in the capacity
of muleteers, each bestriding the “nigh” animal of one of the teams.
The novel outfit was prodigiously cheered along the entire line of
march.

Escorted by the city organizations, the fire department and an
immense throng of people, the “veterans” marched up Superior street
to the Public Square, General A. S. Sanford acting as marshal. The
whole street was thronged with men, women and children, with smiles
of greeting upon their faces and shouts upon their lips. The windows
and balconies were filled with ladies, who waved their handkerchiefs
in kindly welcome and clapped their hands as the “brown soldiers
come back from the borders” went tramping by. Company D, Captain P.
W. Rice, carried a rebel flag captured at Philippi which was loudly
cheered—not because it was an emblem of treason but because it was
captured by Cleveland volunteers.

Arrived at the Park the artillerymen were formed in a hollow square,
surrounded by thousands of people, and were addressed as follows by
Judge Samuel Starkweather, who had been chosen to extend a formal
welcome home:

  To the Light Artillery and Colonel Barnett, their gallant and noble
  commander.

I am commissioned by the citizens of this city to bid you a cordial
welcome upon your return, and to tell you that Cleveland fully
appreciates the value of your services and feels herself honored by
your achievements. She feels that some portion of the glory which has
fallen upon the noble men of the Cleveland Artillery rests also upon
herself.

Whenever you have appeared the rebels have fled and have not dared to
show their faces. The Cleveland and Geneva artillery were among the
first to answer the call of the government to put down rebellion;
and when it was sought to destroy the banner of our country, you,
gentlemen of the artillery, rushed forth to the field to fight for
its rescue, and you did not return from that field until you saw that
beautiful banner floating from every Virginia hilltop.

We have not been ignorant of the trials through which you have
passed, and we have admired the firmness with which you overcame all
obstacles that presented themselves to you and incumbered your path,
whether rugged mountains or rushing rivers, or hunger or fatigue.

We have heard of you at Philippi—and the rebels heard of you, too,
and with even more lasting impressions. We have heard of you also
at Laurel Hill and Carrick’s Ford. I am happy, too, that we have
not heard of any violation of the rights of justice or of humanity
on your part toward a conquered foe. This has shown that you are
actuated by the same motives which have prompted our whole people. It
is not the object of this contest to interfere with the institutions
of any state, but it is our purpose to defend and preserve the
banner, that not a star may be blotted out or a stripe defaced. It is
to enforce laws to which we all owe our safety, our protection and
our happiness, and I know I speak your sentiments when I say that
whoever takes a part in this contest from other motives is unworthy
the name of a patriot.

There is now being enacted a drama which is attracting the eyes of
the whole civilized world, and I am proud to say that the members of
this company have well played their part therein; and when the last
scene is ended no name will more adorn the history of these events
than that of the Cleveland Artillery; no achievements will rank
higher than those in which its members, our own gallant soldiers,
bore so conspicuous a part.

Under the circumstances Judge Starkweather may be pardoned for
drawing a long bow, but candor compels the admission that when the
boys came home the “beautiful banner” was not, strictly speaking,
“floating from every Virginia hill-top.” There were still a few
hill-tops left over which the star spangled flag was not floating,
nor did it float till some years later.

At the close of the loud and prolonged applause which greeted the
Judge’s address, showing how clearly the feelings of the people were
in harmony with the sentiments he expressed. Colonel Barnett made the
following brief reply:

  Allow me, sir, on behalf of my command, as well as for myself, to
  thank you, and through you the citizens of Cleveland, for this
  greeting, which was wholly unexpected by us. I have no words to
  express the gratitude of our hearts toward our fellow citizens.
  We have the satisfaction of knowing that we have borne our banner
  in the van, and that we have endeavored to do our duty; and so
  we return to you with a consciousness that we are not entirely
  unworthy the confidence which we know you have placed in us.

There was loud cheering and plenty of it as Colonel Barnett bowed and
retired, and the band struck up “The Bowld Soger Boy.” The exercises
over, the companies were variously taken care of and the crowd slowly
dispersed. A committee of German citizens took charge of Company E,
Captain Heckman, and Company B, Captain Mack, and escorted them to
Haltnorth’s, where they were filled up with refreshments, solid and
liquid. The four other companies were escorted to the Weddell House,
where a sumptuous dinner was served them in fine style. It made up in
some degree for the many times during the previous three months when
they had yearned unspeakably for a “square meal.”

Later in the day the members of Company C, Captain Pelton, were
banqueted at their armory in Brooklyn Village, a committee of fifteen
ladies doing the honors of the occasion. In the afternoon Company F,
Captain Kenny, took a train to Geneva, where its members were right
royally welcomed.

The following paragraphs from Cleveland newspapers of the time will
be of interest in this connection:


  [_Leader_, July 30, 1861.]

  The returned soldiers all look well and in excellent condition
  physically, although they are as brown as berries from exposure.

  Among the artillerymen who yesterday returned from the campaign in
  Western Virginia were three members of Alert Hose Company—William
  Kidd, foreman; Albert Smith, assistant foreman, and Private E.
  S. Ransom. Of course, the social and genial Alerts could not let
  them return without a welcome, so last night a merry party of
  Alerts and a few invited guests assembled in the elegant hall of
  the hose-house to celebrate the event over a splendid supper.
  Toasts, speeches and songs followed. Finally, the hose-carriage was
  illuminated and the company escorted the returned members to their
  homes, the blaze of innumerable roman candles lighting their way up
  Superior street.


  [_Plain Dealer_, July 30, 1861.]

  The returned artillerymen are the heroes of the day. If you find
  a knot of men collected on a corner, the bronzed countenance of
  a member of the artillery is in the center and he is relating to
  the gaping crowd his exploits and adventures among the rebels
  in Western Virginia. It will be some time before their stock of
  incidents is exhausted; and years hence the story may be rehearsed
  to wondering grandchildren. They have come home after nobly
  discharging their duty and meet with the warm admiration and
  approval which they have so richly merited. All honor to the brave
  artillerymen.

At a meeting of the Cleveland City Council, held on the evening
of July 30th, the following preamble and resolutions, offered by
Councilman T. N. Bond, were adopted with great enthusiasm:

  _Whereas_, At the request of the Governor of Ohio the Cleveland
  Artillery, embracing four companies from the city, one from
  Brooklyn and one from Geneva, under the command of Colonel James
  Barnett, left their homes and business on the 22d day of April,
  1861, on a day’s notice, to perform such duty in the defense of the
  Government as might be required of them, and

  _Whereas_, After gaining the confidence and approbation of the
  people on our southeastern border, by their fine conduct both as
  soldiers and citizens, they rendered most important services to
  the country in the campaigns in Western Virginia, distinguishing
  themselves for activity, discipline and bravery in their laborious
  night marches, and in the battles at Philippi, Belington and
  Carrick’s Ford, and have now returned after more than three
  months’ absence, with trophies of their victories and the
  well-deserved approbation of their fellow citizens; therefore be it

  _Resolved_, That in addition to the public and spontaneous welcome
  already given them at their reception yesterday, the mayor and city
  council of the city, and in behalf of the city, hereby officially
  record their high appreciation of the honor the Cleveland Artillery
  and its noble commander have reflected upon the city whose name
  they bear; that their self-denial, good conduct and energy and
  their skill and bravery in the field have won for them unfading
  honor; and that especially to Colonel Barnett, for his coolness and
  judgment, his manly and soldierly bearing under all vicissitudes,
  our thanks are richly due and are hereby tendered.

  _Resolved_, That copies of the foregoing preamble and resolutions
  be duly engrossed by the clerk and presented to Colonel Barnett and
  to the several companies under his command.

These resolutions were transmitted to Colonel Barnett by Mayor
Flint—long an active and zealous member of the Cleveland
Artillery—with the following letter:

  Mayor’s Office, City of Cleveland,
  August 4, 1861.

  Colonel James Barnett.

  Dear Sir: With this I take great pleasure, as the executive officer
  of the city of Cleveland, in presenting to you, and through you to
  the different companies under your command, the resolutions of the
  City Council of the city, expressive of their sense of the valuable
  services rendered the country in your recent campaign in Virginia.

  As a member of the earliest organization of artillery in this city,
  and from which simple detailed “squad” of the Cleveland Grays has
  grown your complete and valuable command, I take increased pleasure
  in presenting to you these resolutions, expressing, as they do, my
  own feelings regarding your action for the past three months.

  Respectfully yours,
  E. S. FLINT, Mayor.

The following appeared editorially in the Cleveland _Leader_ of July
30th, 1862:

  “When the proclamation of the President called for seventy-five
  thousand troops Ohio sprang to the work of furnishing her quota.
  The Cleveland Artillery was the only organized body of the kind in
  the state, the artillery in other places being only single sections
  or squads. Colonel Barnett had been the life of the four sections
  which were organized in this city. He immediately took steps to
  go into service with his command, and as soon as the necessary
  arrangements could be made he reported himself ready for orders.
  He was sent to the southern border of Ohio to protect it from
  threatened invasion, and to be in readiness to move into Virginia
  upon short notice. Since that time, without ever having been
  mustered into either State or United States service, he has led his
  brave boys through the campaign in Western Virginia, where they
  have performed prodigies of marching and have fought a good fight
  when the enemy has given them the chance. Colonel Barnett left his
  business here to go to war and has labored unceasingly for the good
  of his men and the discomfiture of the rebels. His services were
  fully appreciated by General McClellan, who tendered him a very
  complimentary invitation to accompany him to the Kanawha Valley.
  Colonel Barnett intends, we understand, to raise a full artillery
  regiment and go in for the war. We wish him all success and trust
  his services will be appreciated and recognized at headquarters.”

Thus these citizen soldiers, who at home often were scoffed at for
playing soldier in time of peace, by their timely military training,
were ready to, and did almost at a day’s notice respond to the call
of their country and served it well. The artillery piece captured
at Carrick’s Ford was brought to Columbus and turned over to the
state, but Colonel Barnett wished to take it to Cleveland. Said
Quartermaster General Wood, who then had charge of the arms of the
state, to Colonel Barnett: “I think no objection will be raised if
you take the gun to Cleveland; your men captured it and I guess you
can find a way to hold it.” The piece may now be seen on the Public
Square, in its way a monument to the valor and heroism of the old
artillerymen of Cleveland.

With this elaborate and protracted welcome home, which would appear
to have been most satisfactory to all concerned, in both its
fullness and its cordiality, closes the honorable record of the
Cleveland Artillery in the “three months’ service.” Henceforward
we follow the fortunes of the First Regiment Ohio Light Artillery,
through its four years of brilliant service in the field.


INDEPENDENT COMPANIES.

But the seed sown by the old gun squad and the First Cleveland
Light Artillery had not yet exhausted its strength. It continued
to take root, expand and blossom. Privates Joseph C. Shields and
Frank Wilson, of Captain Rice’s battery, after their three months’
service in the First Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Artillery, imbued as
they had become with a military spirit, and with patriotic impulse,
soon organized an independent artillery battery, which was mustered
into service Sept. 10, 1862. It numbered 164 men, had six guns, and
was called the Nineteenth Independent Battery, Ohio Volunteer Light
Artillery. Captain Shields became commander, who at the end of two
years resigned, when Mr. Wilson, who had been first lieutenant of
the company, became its captain. The battery was in the siege of
Knoxville, in the East Tennessee campaign, in the siege of Atlanta,
Ga., and at other places of interest, historic in the great struggle.
The men were mustered out June 27, 1865, at the close of the war.

In this battery was Quartermaster Sergeant Pardon B. Smith, who
afterwards became sheriff of Cuyahoga County, and now each year meets
with the “old association,” gladdening the occasion with spirit and
song.

There was another man who belonged to this battery—Lieutenant James
W. Grimshaw—who may properly be mentioned in this connection.
When Fort Sumter fell there was great excitement in Cleveland, as
there was all over the country. Crowds gathered in the streets and
public places in large numbers. At one of these assemblies on the
Public Square in Cleveland, a man was imprudent enough to call out
“Hurrah for the South!” Mr. Grimshaw, standing near, immediately
shouted, “I say hurrah for the Union flag!” Soon bitter words passed
between the two men and a rough and tumble followed in which the
rebel sympathizers got much the worst of the fight. Thus the civil
war began in Cleveland! Lieutenant Grimshaw returned from the war,
was elected to the city council and died some years since, greatly
respected. Another of those who received a military schooling in
the First Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Light Artillery, under Colonel
Barnett, was Corporal Louis Smithnight. Like Captains Shields
and Wilson, the three months he had been in the war incited him
to further military service. He organized and became captain of
the Twentieth Battery, Ohio Volunteer Light Artillery, which went
into service Oct. 29, 1862, for a term of three years. The battery
was in the siege at Atlanta, Ga., and in the battles of Dalton
and Chickamauga in that state, and in the battles at Liberty Gap,
Franklin and Nashville, in Tennessee.


BARNETT’S BIG REGIMENT.

Early in the war the governor of Ohio decided to place in the field
a full regiment of artillery. The chief centers of population in
the state readily responded to the call and twelve companies were
soon organized, numbering in all more than 1,800 men, commanding
seventy-two guns. The command of this large force, a fair-sized
army in itself, was sought by several men of military distinction.
Quartermaster General Wood of the governor’s staff, who for so many
years had been associated with Colonel Barnett in the old Cleveland
Artillery, strongly recommended the colonel for the position. Sept.
3, 1861, Governor Dennison gave him his commission. But not only was
Colonel Barnett of Cleveland’s old gun squad made colonel of this new
regiment, called the First Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Light Artillery,
but three of his associates in this early school of artillery
training were given commissions of command next to him.

Captain W. H. Hayward was made lieutenant colonel, while Walter E.
Lawrence and Seymour Race became majors. To have four of the chief
officers of this regiment all from Cleveland and all of the old
Cleveland artillery, indeed, was high honor. But these men who had
cherished fond hopes of leading their regiments to the front were
destined to be disappointed. An order came from Washington directing
the several batteries to report, some at one point and some at
another, where their services were deemed most needed. Thus the
companies were separated and the chief field officers were shorn of
active command.

Colonel Barnett, however, was called to a higher position. He was
made chief of artillery on the staff of General W. S. Rosecrans,
one of the best fighting generals in the Union army; was with him
in battle and all the fortunes of war. Lieutenant Colonel Hayward
was made chief of artillery in the third army corps, third division
of the Army of the Potomac, under General Daniel Sickles, where he
did valiant service until worn out by hard work, April 1, 1863,
under advice of army physicians he was compelled to resign. Later,
however, recovering something of his health, he was made colonel of
the One Hundred and Fiftieth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Major
Lawrence became a colonel, served with distinction and died in the
service. Major W. F. Goodspeed, now a resident of Columbus, O., who
meets with the “old artillery association” each year, was one of the
best of the many good fighting men who belonged to General Barnett’s
regiment. He was mustered into the service as a private, became a
lieutenant, then a captain and came out at the end of the war a major.

Major Seymour Race, heretofore mentioned, served two years in the war.

Lieutenant John Crable is still another who received his military
training in the old artillery school. He was commissioned second
lieutenant in Battery G, Colonel Barnett’s regiment, and afterwards
promoted to first lieutenant, serving at times as captain. His
company distinguished itself in several important battles and took
part in others of lesser note.


“COMMISSARY” HARRY BINGHAM.

Among the many of the old artillerymen now dead, few will be
better remembered than “Commissary” Harry Bingham, a man of small
stature, full of life and fun. It may be said that for some years
he contributed largely to the life of his military comrades. At the
beginning of the war he was in Wisconsin, where he soon joined the
military service. He became a lieutenant and served with credit.
Finally, however, the hardships of war were greater than he could
bear. For a time he lay sick at Nashville, was then brought to
Cleveland, where he died. His disposition to joke did not desert him
even when upon his deathbed. Said he with a smile, to a lady who
called upon him during his last sickness, “I’m a funeral, sure.” He
lies buried in Woodland cemetery. Who of his old military comrades
will not drop a tear to his memory?

Many others of the old guard, some living and some dead, deserve well
to be mentioned in this connection.

The history of the association itself may be told in a few lines.
At the close of the civil war, when regiments and various commands
in the war were forming associations and holding reunions, the wife
of Captain Wood, who made all the cartridges used by the old gun
squad, now residing in this city, past eighty-three years of age,
one day suggested to her husband the propriety of Cleveland’s old
artillerymen having a reunion. The thought was conveyed to General
Barnett, Colonel Hayward and others, who were pleased with the idea
and on the 22d of February, 1871, the members of the old squad then
living and other old Cleveland artillerymen met at the Kennard House,
formed an association of which General Wood was made president and
then and there had their first banquet. General Wood was continued
president of the association ten years, until his death May 2, 1881,
when General Barnett succeeded him. The general has been president
ever since, some twenty-three years. At the first meeting of the
association held after General Wood’s death, General Barnett paid a
high tribute to his old comrade. Among other things he said: “Since
our last anniversary David L. Wood, commander of the old Grey gun
squad, captain of the First artillery company in Cleveland and
president of our association since its first organization, has passed
away. It was he who first introduced into the then West, forty-two
years ago, the artillery branch of our old militia system. We can
say of our old comrade that he was an honest man. He had a bluff,
outspoken way, but a warm, generous heart. His pride was with his
old artillery associates. His comrades tenderly, with sorrow, laid
him away in the cemetery. We will and do reverence his memory and
our recollections are of a competent soldier, a patriotic man and
good citizen.” General Wood was born in Barkhamsted, Conn., Aug.
14, 1847, and died May 2, 1881 in Cleveland at the residence of his
brother-in-law, the Hon. O. J. Hodge.

Thirty-four years have now passed since the first meeting of the
association and each year since it has had its social gathering, and
each Decoration day the members have strewn with flowers the graves
of their departed comrades. Such meetings, however, cannot be held
many years longer. The whitened locks of these men point to a day in
the near future when the members of the association will hold their
last banquet, when there will be no member left to decorate the
graves of the departed, but around their memory long will cluster
recollections of patriotic work and good citizenship, and those now
upon life’s stage, and those yet to come, with pride will study their
history and place upon their graves flowers, emblematic of love and
veneration.




CHAPTER IV.


The public reception of the First Regiment Ohio Light Artillery
(3 months) at their home as before related practically closed the
military career of that command; however, a large number of the
men enlisted in other commands, notably into the First Ohio Light
Artillery (3 years) the term being for three years or during the
war. It was soon found that through the emergency of affairs at the
opening of trouble and the improper muster in and muster out as state
troops that the men had no proper standing on the rolls of the Army
of the United States. This error was called to the attention of Hon.
Amos Townsend, then our member of Congress, who made many earnest
attempts to rectify the mistake through the Honorable Secretary
of War; those efforts were however unsuccessful, it being decided
as the muster roll showed that they were state troops, so the
matter ran along for years and until Mr. T. E. Burton was elected
to Congress. Upon representation of the case to Mr. Burton he was
at once impressed with the fact that fairness and justice to the
command required action of Congress, whereupon he introduced a bill
substantially the same as the one finally passed in January 1903, and
given herewith as well as the report of the Military Committee of
which General Dick was chairman.

The command was very fortunate in having in Congress two such good
friends as Mr. Burton and Gen. Dick, men who have looked so closely
and faithfully that justice might be obtained. The members of the
First Ohio Light Artillery (3 months) owe these two men a debt of
gratitude which they can never pay but which is not forgotten.




FIRST REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER LIGHT ARTILLERY.

May 1, 1902.—Committed to the Committee of the Whole House and
ordered to be printed.

Mr. Dick, from the Committee on Military Affairs, submitted the
following


REPORT.

[To accompany H. R. 619.]

  The Committee on Military Affairs, to whom was reported the bill
  (H. R. 619) providing for the recognition of the military services
  of the officers and enlisted men of the First Regiment Ohio
  Volunteer Light Artillery, report the same back to the House with
  the recommendation that it do pass with the following amendment:

  Add, after the word “organization,” in line 4, page 2, of the
  bill, the following: “_Provided_, That no pay, bounty, or other
  emoluments shall become due or payable by virtue of the passage of
  this act.”

  A bill similar to the one under consideration was reported
  favorably by the Committee on Military Affairs of the Fifty-fourth,
  Fifty-fifth, and Fifty-sixth Congresses, which bill, with the
  accompanying reports, are hereby adopted and made a part of this
  report.

  It appears that this regiment was the first body of artillery to
  engage in the service of the United States in the late civil war.
  They were hastened to the front on the 21st of April, 1861, and
  rendered valuable service in the campaign in West Virginia. By an
  omission, due to the haste with which they were sent to the front,
  they were never formally mustered into the service by any military
  officer of the United States. On or about the 30th of May, 1861,
  while the command was being embarked at Marietta, Ohio, a United
  States officer reported to muster them into the service, but the
  commanding officer, General Barnett, stated to him that as his
  orders were imperative to move with the least possible delay, he
  could not wait the formality of a muster. They served until the
  27th day of July, 1861, and there appears to be no sufficient
  reason why their services should not be recognized and the officers
  and men considered to have been in the military service of the
  United States.

Reference is made to the affidavit of Gen. James Barnett, with
exhibits, and to the memorandum of Col. Henry B. Carrington for more
complete history of their service and the reasons why they were not
formally mustered.

  STATE OF OHIO, _Cuyahoga County, ss_:

  James Barnett being duly sworn, deposes and says as follows: That
  for some time before the 20th of April, 1861, and at that date I
  was the commanding officer of what was known as the First Ohio
  Light Artillery, organized under the laws of the State as then
  existing as a part of the militia force of the State. On the 20th
  of April, 1861, my command was ordered to report for duty, and
  immediately thereafter, namely, on the 22d day of April, 1861, left
  Cleveland for Marietta, Ohio, where the command was on duty until
  May 29 of the same year, upon which date a portion of the command
  moved into Virginia. On the 30th of May, 1861, the remaining
  portion of the command went by boat to Benwood and thence to
  Grafton, Va., from which time until the date of their muster out
  they actively participated in the campaign in Western Virginia.

  On or about the 30th of May, 1861, while the command was being
  embarked at Marietta, an officer reported to muster the command
  into the service of the United States. This officer, if I am
  correct in my recollection, was Colonel Sill. I am not very
  positive as to the name of the officer, but it was either Colonel
  Sill or Captain Cram, who said to me that he was sent for the
  purpose of mustering my command. We were at the time busily
  embarking. A portion of the command had already been sent down the
  river to Parkersburg, and I stated to the officer that it would be
  impossible to get the men together for muster, and that our orders
  were imperative to move with the least possible delay, so it was
  concluded to defer the muster until some proper time after we had
  got into Virginia. The command went through the campaign without
  muster, and soon after the expiration of their term of service
  were ordered back to Ohio for muster out by orders from the War
  Department. Upon arriving at Columbus the command was mustered in
  and mustered out upon the same day, dating back their muster into
  the date of taking the field. This muster was made by George S.
  Mygatt, aid-de-camp to governor of Ohio, mustering officer. The
  muster rolls were changed from the printed forms, erasing the
  words “United States” and inserting “State of Ohio.”

  I append hereto as Exhibit A, and make part of this affidavit, a
  sketch regarding the movements of the command, which consisted of
  about 120 men, and is a correct statement of its movements. This
  sketch embraces pages 711 to 714 of the official register of Ohio
  troops, known as the “Ohio Roster,” and published by the State.

  It will be seen from the copy of a letter from the
  Adjutant-General, United States Army, to Governor Dennison, of
  Ohio, dated July 27, 1861, which appears upon page 713 of said
  record, that the command was recognized by the War Department and
  under its orders during its service in Virginia.

  The telegraphic orders from General McClellan, commanding the
  troops in western Virginia, set forth on page 712 of said record,
  and others, were received by me and executed by me as the
  commanding officer therein referred to.

  I also append pages 715 to 718 of said record, which contain the
  muster roll of the batteries constituting said command.

  JAMES BARNETT.

  Signed in my presence by the said James Barnett and by him sworn to
  before me this 9th day of February, A. D. 1895.

  [SEAL.]      M. P. MOONEY,

  _Notary Public within and for said Cuyahoga County, O._


EXHIBIT A.

FIRST OHIO VOLUNTEER LIGHT ARTILLERY.

[Three months’ service.]

Six days after the fall of Fort Sumter the following telegram was
wired to Colonel Barnett:

  COLUMBUS, OHIO, _April 20, 1861_.

  COL. JAMES BARNETT, _Cleveland, Ohio_:

  Report your six pieces, caissons and full battery, including
  Geneva company, at Columbus forthwith. Monday if possible. You can
  hire horses for the guns here or at your point of service. Bring
  harness and everything else, and twenty men to each gun. You retain
  colonel rank.

  By order:      H. B. CARRINGTON, _Adjutant-General_.

The news spread through the city of Cleveland (four of the batteries
were from the city of Cleveland, the other two being from Brooklyn
and Geneva) as though borne upon the wings Of the wind. Early Sunday
morning Colonel Barnett issued the following order to captains of the
companies:

  You will report your command of twenty men, ready to march to
  Columbus, tomorrow at 12 o’clock noon at the public square. You
  will have your piece, caissons and harness complete, at the depot
  between Superior street and Vineyard lane, with a detail of ten
  men to attend to their embarkation, at 9 o’clock a. m., under the
  command of a sergeant, and when embarked report to your superior
  officers.

  By order adjutant-general of Ohio:
  JAMES BARNETT, _Colonel 1st Regt. Artillery_.

  S. B. STURGES, _Lieutenant-Colonel_.

Word having been sent in the meantime to the Brooklyn and Geneva
companies.

Another dispatch was received on Sunday by Colonel Barnett, as
follows:

  COLUMBUS, OHIO, _April 21, 1861_.

  COL. JAMES BARNETT:

  Can you bring your command here to-night instead of waiting till
  tomorrow? If so, come armed.

  WILLIAM DENNISON, _Governor_.

It was found impracticable to assemble the regiment on Sunday in
time to get away on that day. The governor was informed by telegraph
that it would leave early Monday morning. The two outside companies
responded promptly, and at noon of Monday the regiment left Cleveland
for Columbus, at which place it was ordered to Marietta via Loveland.
Marietta was reached next morning, when it went into camp on the fair
ground placing the guns in position to guard the city against any
invasion of the enemy.

About the middle of May General McClellan sent Captain O. M. Poe, of
the U. S. A. Engineers, to inspect the regiment, with a view to its
being ready for service at a moment’s notice. He was greatly pleased
with the command and the drill, discipline and soldierly bearing
of its members. A few days later clothing and camp equipage were
received, all of which were heartily welcomed. Colonel Barnett also
received a telegram from Columbus to purchase seventy-six horses for
his battery upon the best terms possible; ten thousand dollars having
been placed by the State authorities in a Marietta bank to the credit
of Colonel Barnett, out of which the horses were to be paid for.

On May 26, 1861, Colonel Barnett received the following telegram
from General McClellan at Cincinnati: “Expedite the mounting of your
batteries and report to me when ready for service.” Within two days
the required number of horses were purchased and all hands were busy
breaking them into their new sphere of usefulness and arranging to
move on a moment’s notice. The artillery was re-enforced by the
arrival of the 14th O. V. I. on the 24th day of May and the 18th O.
V. I. on the next day; the 14th being armed and equipped.

On May 27 General McClellan sent the following dispatch to Colonel
Barnett: “Upon the requisition of Colonel Steadman, you will supply
him with a detachment of two guns, with the proper officers and men.”

On May 29, 1861, Batteries D and F, under command of Lieut.-Colonel
Sturges, left Camp Putnam, Marietta, by boat, for Parkersburg, W.
Va., with orders to report to Colonel Steadman, 14th O. V. I. They
moved rapidly along the line of the B. & O. Railroad, repairing
bridges destroyed by the enemy, so that on May 31st they had arrived
at Clarksburg, eighty miles east of Parkersburg. The rebels retreated
from Clarksburg to Philippi. From Clarksburg they moved to Webster,
and after a tedious night march arrived before Philippi at 4 a.
m., making short work of the rebel force. The roar of the artillery
frightened them so that they fled in dismay, heedless of their
officers, leaving large quantities of supplies and war materials
behind them. (This was the first Light artillery fired by the
national forces in the war of the rebellion. In this engagement only
a few men were wounded.)

On May 30, 1861, the four companies at Camp Putnam with Colonel
Barnett moved by boat to Benwood, reporting to General Morris, who
ordered Colonel Barnett to proceed to Grafton, and from there marched
to Philippi, arriving too late to take part in that engagement.
During June the headquarters of the 1st Regiment Light Artillery was
at Philippi. The companies, however, were scattered; some with their
guns did duty as bridge guards.

July 6th orders were received by General Morris to advance early
the following day, occupy Belington, and menace the enemy, who were
holding a strong position at Laurel Hill. At daylight the skirmishers
struck the rebel pickets near Belington. The artillery was ordered
to the front and shelled the enemy’s outposts with demoralizing
effect. It was in this skirmish that the artillery suffered its first
casualty—George W. Tillotson, of Company D, was wounded in the groin
by a musket ball, from the effect of which he died a few years later.

July 12th the rebels retreated from Belington and Laurel Hill,
being pursued by the Union forces to Carrick’s Ford, where the 1st
Artillery opened fire on the enemy (who were holding a position on a
high bank on the opposite side of the river) with excellent effect.
The enemy fled once more in dismay. The rebel general Robert S.
Garnett was killed in this battle. A fine rifled piece was captured
and presented to the artillery, and this trophy is now in the public
square in the city of Cleveland.

Its term of service having expired, the regiment moved back to
Belington, and remained there until ordered to Columbus to be
mustered out. Up to this time, like the nine regiments of infantry,
it was serving as a State organization, and while all other Ohio
three-months troops were mustered out by United States officers
and recognized as United States troops, this regiment, for some
reason, was mustered out by a member of the governor’s staff and is
recognized by the War Department as only a _State organization_. The
following letter, however, will show that it was the intention of the
General Government to place this regiment of artillery on the same
footing as other Ohio organizations that did service at the same time
in West Virginia.

  WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJUTANT-GENERAL’S OFFICE,
  _Washington, July 27, 1861_.

  SIR: The nine regiments of Ohio State troops and Colonel Barnett’s
  artillery of six guns and one hundred and twenty men, which have
  been serving in West Virginia, will be sent back to Ohio, to be
  there mustered out of the service. They, or such of them as may
  be presented by you, will there be accepted and mustered into the
  United States service for three years as regiments, companies of
  cavalry, and batteries of artillery. The two sections of artillery
  from Ohio (other than Barnett’s Battery) and the two companies of
  cavalry from the State, all of which have been serving in Virginia,
  will also be sent home at the expiration of their three months’
  service, to be there mustered out. They, or such of them as may
  be presented by you, will then be accepted as specified for three
  years, and will be mustered into the service of the United States
  for that period. The same will be done in regard to the battery of
  artillery and the two companies of cavalry at Camp Chase.

  In short, all three-months men are to be sent home to be mustered
  out of the service. They, or such of them as may be presented by
  you, will there be accepted for three years and sworn into the
  service for that period as regiments, companies of cavalry, and
  batteries of artillery.

  I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
  L. THOMAS, _Adjutant-General_.

  His Excellency Governor DENNISON, _Columbus, Ohio_.


This regiment was mustered out at Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio, July
27, 1861, by George S. Mygatt, aid-de-camp to governor of Ohio,
mustering officer.


  _Memorandum of Col. Henry B. Carrington (U. S. A., retired), late
  colonel Eighteenth United States Infantry. Brigadier-general
  United States Volunteers, adjutant-general of Ohio before and at
  commencement of the war of 1861-1865._

  In re House bill No. 2400, Fifty-fifth Congress, first session,
  “The muster of the First Ohio Light Artillery.”

The peculiar conditions of the Ohio militia organization at the
outbreak of hostilities in 1861 explain the delay in properly
adjusting the record of this pioneer artillery corps of the United
States volunteer service.

Unlike any other State west of Pennsylvania, Ohio had been for
several years engaged in perfecting a militia system by regiments,
brigades, and divisions. State encampments had been held, and several
of its general and field officers made immediate records after war
began. A single company furnished Major-Generals Walcutt and Jones to
the service.

The artillery was represented by skeleton companies with one or two
guns each. Three companies, each making technically a “gun section,”
were organized at Cleveland, Brooklyn, and Geneva, with headquarters
at Cleveland. James Barnett, of Cleveland, was commissioned as
colonel, it being the purpose of the adjutant-general to organize
other companies in the State at large. These three companies or
sections, really composing but one battery proper, was the basis of
Colonel Barnett’s command when ordered to the field April 20, 1861.

This battery had previously been inspected by Gen. Winfield Scott
at Niagara Falls while on an experimental march, and was well
disciplined and equipped. As early as January, 1861, the previous
governor, Salmon P. Chase, had urged the necessity of having the Ohio
militia ready for sudden summons, and within sixty hours from receipt
of President Lincoln’s first call twenty disciplined companies (two
regiments) were dispatched to Washington. The incomplete record of
the First Light Artillery grew out of the fact that artillery had not
been called for in the first instance, and the fact that troops were
needed upon the State border before any had been mustered into the
United States service.

By act of Congress, 1789, militia, when called into the service of
the United States, retained their officers. The governor of Ohio did
not deem it wise thus to designate the general officer to command
the troops called for by the President. A special legislative act
promptly provided that the major-general might be taken from citizens
at large. George B. McClellan was then appointed and commissioned.
The President also appointed him major-general. But while thousands
of the militia and of volunteers went into camp, none had been
mustered into the United States service when their services were
instantly demanded in West Virginia. A demand came from Marietta,
Ohio, for artillery, as hostile demonstrations had commenced,
tending to the control of southern Ohio. A telegram received at the
Adjutant-General’s Office on the morning of April 20 to that effect
was followed by an order to Colonel Barnett to report with his
battery forthwith. On the following day, Sunday, Ambos foundry was
fired up and round shot were cast for use of the battery. A car was
sent to Xenia for powder; flannel was procured, and cartridges were
made for service, as the State had no fixed ammunition for artillery
in its arsenal. On Monday, April 22, Barnett, having been assured
that he would retain his rank as colonel, reported with his battery
in good condition. The citizens’ committee from Marietta arrived at
the same hour from Loveland, and with the battery at once returned
to Marietta. The only possible “muster” was to administer the State
obligation and make up the roll as the company was organized. The
battery therefore moved to the border to await orders, but in a
position for defensive duty.

Meanwhile, General Wool, at Watervliet Arsenal, forwarded arms, so
that nine regiments were immediately organized and armed as State
militia, while no volunteers had as yet been mustered into the United
States service. General Morris, of Indiana (a graduate of West
Point), had been appointed a brigadier-general from that State, and
the regiments of Colonels Dumont and Milroy had moved to support the
regiment of Colonel Kelley, of the First West Virginia, but they had
no artillery. Governor Dennison, doubtful as to his authority to push
militia across the State boundary, authorized the adjutant-general
to visit General McClellan and submit a plan, which General Wool had
approved, and also to act for the State, as the conference might
agree upon a plan. As the result, all of the regiments in the various
camps were put in motion, with no regard for a United States muster.

Governor Dennison visited Indiana to consult its governor, and during
his absence General McClellan called for the battery. The following
telegram was sent: “Barnett, borrow money and buy horses instanter.”
Also, to each and all commanders, “Obey promptly all orders of
Major-General McClellan; Governor Dennison puts him in command of all
State troops.”

Neither Colonel Sumner nor Major Cram were then accessible, and,
in fact, no troops were fully ready for muster; but the battery,
supported by the Fourteenth Ohio, occupied the heights back of
Parkersburg, moved to Grafton, opened the battle of Philippi, and
with its associated Ohio militia regiments and the regiments of
Indiana, saved western Virginia. It rendered United States service,
under United States officers, in brigade with regularly mustered
United States troops. It had the same claim to full recognition and a
muster, nunc pro tunc, corresponding with the facts.

The Secretary of War, as well as Generals Scott and Wool, at once
recognized the service, and the adjutant-general, without his
solicitation or knowledge in advance, was appointed colonel of the
Eighteenth United States Infantry, shortly afterwards created by law.
The emergency admitted no delay as to questions of State boundary,
and the battery did as good service as if it had been that of Captain
Bragg, whose precedent it sought to emulate.

  Respectfully submitted.
  HENRY B. CARRINGTON,

  _Colonel, U. S. A., Retired, Late Colonel Eighteenth Infantry and
  Brigadier-General Volunteers. Formerly Adjutant-General of Ohio._

The movements of this regiment show a service which was distinctly
national in character. On May 29, 1861, a part of the command moved
into Virginia.

On the 30th of May, 1861, the remaining portion of the command
went by boat to Benwood and thence to Grafton, Va., from which time
until the date of their muster out they actively participated in the
campaign in western Virginia.

The command of the troops, after they left Marietta, Ohio, and
embarked for Virginia, passed completely from the officers of
the State of Ohio to the Federal officers. In May, 1861, General
McClellan sent an officer of the United States Army Engineers to
inspect the regiment “with a view to its being ready for service at a
moment’s notice” for service with the United States. And the evidence
shows that the Federal officer found the regiment in excellent
condition as respects drill, discipline, and soldierly bearing.
Clothing and camp equipage were also furnished to the regiment by the
United States.

On May 26, 1861, Colonel Barnett, commander of the regiment, received
from General McClellan the following telegram from Cincinnati:
“Expedite the mounting of your batteries and report to me when ready
for service.” On May 27 General McClellan wired Colonel Barnett:
“Upon requisition of Colonel Steadman you will supply him with a
detachment of two guns, with proper officers and men.”

On May 29, 1861, Batteries D and F of the regiment left Marietta,
Ohio, for Parkersburg, Va., with orders to report to Colonel
Steadman, Fourteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, which were serving
under Federal authority. They performed important service under such
orders, and were engaged in the battle of Philippi. On May 30, 1861,
four companies of the regiment, with Colonel Barnett, proceeded
by boat to Benwood, and received orders to proceed to Grafton.
They proceeded thence to Grafton, but too late to take part in the
engagement. July 6, 1861, the regiment was ordered to Belington,
where it was engaged with the enemy. On July 12 the First Ohio
Artillery opened fire upon the enemy at Carrick’s Ford with excellent
effect.

The record clearly shows that the Ohio Light Artillery regiment was
taken into Virginia under authority of and for service with the
United States Government. Such was the understanding of the soldiers
and of the Federal officers under whom they served, and the character
of their service was distinctly national.

The regiment was not called into the service of the State of Ohio
alone, but of other States. Every State is an integral part of the
Union which the Federal Government is, under the Constitution, bound
to protect against invasion. The evidence shows that the regiment was
employed in general service with and as a part of the Federal forces,
under orders from the Federal Government, and in the execution of
a duty which was distinctly national in character. The regiment
not only protected Ohio but also Virginia from the attacks of the
enemy, and stayed the advance of the enemy. “It rendered United
States service under United States officers in brigade with regularly
mustered United States troops.”

And when the term of three months’ enlistment expired, the regiment,
which had been “serving in Virginia,” was, by order of the War
Department dated July 27, 1861, sent back to Ohio, to be there
mustered out of the service of the United States. And the same order
directed that any of such troops or soldiers as should be tendered
should be mustered into the service of the United States for three
years’ service. Owing, no doubt to an oversight, or to ignorance of
the fact that the regiment had been actually in the service of the
United States, the regiment was mustered out as an organization of
the State of Ohio.

The records of the War Department fail to show facts upon which
justice can be done to this regiment, and Congress is asked to afford
such relief by a special act. Upon the evidence in the case it is
submitted that the First Regiment Ohio Volunteer Light Artillery
is entitled to proper recognition as having been in the service
of the United States, and its officers and soldiers should receive
certificates of honorable discharge as such.

Following is the muster roll:


_First Regiment Ohio Volunteer Light Artillery._

FIELD AND STAFF.

[Mustered in April 21, 1861, at Columbus, Ohio, by George S. Mygatt,
aid-de-camp to Governor of Ohio, mustering officer. Mustered out July
27, 1861, at Camp Chase, Ohio, by George S. Mygatt, aid-de-camp to
Governor of Ohio, mustering officer.]

  ===================+===============+===+==========+========+==========
                     |               |   | Date of  |        |
         Name        |  Rank         |Age| entering | Period | Remarks
                     |               |   | the      |   of   |
                     |               |   | service  |service |
  ———————————————————+———————————————+———+——————————+————————+——————————
                     |               |   |          |_Months_|Appointed
  James Barnett      |Colonel.       | 39|April 21, |   3    |Apr. 21,
                     |               |   | 1861     |        |1861;
                     |               |   |          |        |mustered
                     |               |   |          |        |out with
                     |               |   |          |        |regiment
                     |               |   |          |        |July 27,
                     |               |   |          |        |1861.
  Stephen B. Sturges |Lieutenant-    |   |          |        |
                     | colonel.      | 34|   do.    |   3    |    Do.
  Clark S. Gates     |Major.         | 48|   do.    |   3    |    Do.
  Amos Townsend      |Quartermaster. | 32|   do.    |   3    |    Do.
  Elisha Sterling    |Surgeon.       | 39|   do.    |   3    |    Do.
  William E. Standart|Adjutant.      | 34|   do.    |   3    |    Do.
  Randall Crawford   |Quartermaster- |   |          |        |
                     | sergeant.     | 32|   do.    |   3    |    Do.
  ———————————————————+———————————————+———+——————————+————————+——————————


BATTERY A.

  ===================+===============+===+==========+========+==========
                     |               |   | Date of  |        |
         Name        |  Rank         |Age| entering | Period | Remarks
                     |               |   | the      |   of   |
                     |               |   | service  |service |
  ———————————————————+———————————————+———+——————————+————————+——————————
                     |               |   |          |_Months_|Appointed
  William R. Simmonds|Captain.       | 46|April 21, |   3    | April 21,
                     |               |   | 1861     |        |  1861:
                     |               |   |          |        |mustered
                     |               |   |          |        |out with
                     |               |   |          |        |battery
                     |               |   |          |        |July 27,
                     |               |   |          |        |  1861.
  John A. Bennett    |First sergeant | 29|     do.  |   3    |    Do.
  Samuel M. Cowdery  |Sergeant       | 33|     do.  |   3    |    Do.
  Thomas J. Thompson |Corporal       | 22|     do.  |   3    |    Do.
  M. Eugene Cornell  |    do         | 19|     do.  |   3    |    Do.
  James Willis       |Trumpeter      | 23|     do.  |   3    |Mustered
                     |               |   |          |        |out with
                     |               |   |          |        |battery
                     |               |   |          |        |July 27,
                     |               |   |          |        |  1861.
  Anson, Edward P.   |Private        | 24|     do.  |   3    |    Do.
  Bailey, Amasa      |    do         | 42|May 14,   |        |
                     |               |   | 1861     |   3    |    Do.
  Benjamin, John A.  |    do         | 30|April 21, |        |
                     |               |   | 1861     |   3    |    Do.
  Blair, John H.     |    do         | 31|     do.  |   3    |    Do.
  Brewster, George   |    do         | 26|     do.  |   3    |    Do.
  Camp, William M.   |    do         | 23|     do.  |   3    |    Do.
  Clark, George W.   |    do         | 29|     do.  |   3    |    Do.
  Cramer, Isaac C.   |    do         | 31|May 14,   |        |
                     |               |   | 1861     |   3    |    Do.
  Dunn, Joseph       |    do         | 32|April 21, |        |
                     |               |   | 1861     |   3    |    Do.
  Dunn, Richard      |    do         | 26|     do.  |   3    |    Do.
  Kelley, John J.    |    do         | 22|     do.  |   3    |    Do.
  Milton, John R.    |    do         | 20|     do.  |   3    |    Do.
  Moats, Henry       |    do         | 22|     do.  |   3    |    Do.
  New, Henry         |    do         | 37|     do.  |   3    |    Do.
  Rebbeck, Henry H.  |    do         | 21|     do.  |   3    |    Do.
  Reynolds, Daniel   |    do         | 35|     do.  |   3    |    Do.
  Sypher, J. Hale    |    do         | 22|     do.  |   3    |    Do.
  Throup, David H.   |    do         | 19|     do.  |   3    |    Do.
  Throup, Roger D.   |    do         | 26|     do.  |   3    |    Do.
  Worley, John G.    |    do         | 19|June 21,  |        |
                     |               |   | 1861     |   3    |    Do.
  ———————————————————+———————————————+———+——————————+————————+——————————


BATTERY B.

  ===================+===============+===+==========+========+==========
                     |               |   | Date of  |        |
         Name        |  Rank         |Age| entering | Period | Remarks
                     |               |   | the      |   of   |
                     |               |   | service  |service |
  ———————————————————+———————————————+———+——————————+————————+——————————
                     |               |   |          |_Months_|Appointed
  John G. Mack       |Captain        | 46|April 21, |        |April 21,
                     |               |   | 1861     |   3    | 1861;
                     |               |   |          |        |mustered
                     |               |   |          |        |out with
                     |               |   |          |        |battery
                     |               |   |          |        |July 27,
                     |               |   |          |        | 1861.
  Jacob Ruder        |First          |   |          |        |
                     | lieutenant    | 31|      do  |   3    |    Do.
  Frederick C.       |               |   |          |        |
    Gruninger        |First sergeant | 35|      do  |   3    |    Do.
  Mathew Adams       |Corporal       | 26|      do  |   3    |    Do.
  Charles B. Rodder  |    do         | 31|      do  |   3    |    Do.
  Beachal, Frederick |Private        | 27|      do  |   3    |Mustered
                     |               |   |          |        |out with
                     |               |   |          |        |battery
                     |               |   |          |        |July 27,
                     |               |   |          |        | 1861.
  Chapin, George     |    do         | 25|      do  |   3    |    Do.
  Dawmann, Joseph    |    do         |   |June 1,   |        |
                     |               |   | 1861     |   3    |    Do.
  Ebert, William     |    do         | 22|April 21, |        |
                     |               |   | 1861     |   3    |    Do.
  Erhart, Alexander  |    do         | 39|      do  |   3    |    Do.
  Fabrian, Louis     |    do         | 20|      do  |   3    |    Do.
  Fenfil, Christian  |    do         | 22|      do  |   3    |    Do.
  Fisher, Louis      |    do         |   |June 3,   |        |
                     |               |   | 1861     |   3    |    Do.
  Fredericks, Abraham|    do         | 39|April 21, |        |
                     |               |   | 1861     |   3    |    Do.
  Galleger, John     |    do         | 26|      do  |   3    |Mustered
                     |               |   |          |        |out with
                     |               |   |          |        |battery
                     |               |   |          |        |July 27,
                     |               |   |          |        | 1861;
                     |               |   |          |        | also
                     |               |   |          |        |borne on
                     |               |   |          |        |rolls as
                     |               |   |          |    |“Gellecker.”
  Gruninger, Charles |    do         |   |June 3,   |        |Mustered
                     |               |   | 1861     |   3    |out with
                     |               |   |          |        |battery
                     |               |   |          |        |July 27,
                     |               |   |          |        | 1861.
  Kustner, George    |    do         |   |      do  |   3    |    Do.
  Lucas, Michael     |    do         | 32|April 21, |        |
                     |               |   | 1861     |   3    |    Do.
  Mangelmann, Adolph |    do         | 22|      do  |   3    |    Do.
  Nerritta, Leonhard |    do         | 35|      do  |   3    |Mustered
                     |               |   |          |        |out with
                     |               |   |          |        |battery
                     |               |   |          |        |July 27,
                     |               |   |          |        | 1861;
                     |               |   |          |        |also
                     |               |   |          |        |borne on
                     |               |   |          |        |rolls as
                     |               |   |          |    |“Nerritter.”
  Nickel, Lorenze    |    do         | 19|      do  |   3    |Mustered
                     |               |   |          |        |out with
                     |               |   |          |        |battery
                     |               |   |          |        |July 27,
                     |               |   |          |        | 1861;
                     |               |   |          |        |also
                     |               |   |          |        |borne on
                     |               |   |          |        |rolls as
                     |               |   |          |        |“Nigel.”
  Reidenbach, Peter  |    do         | 26|      do  |   3    |Mustered
                     |               |   |          |        |out with
                     |               |   |          |        |battery
                     |               |   |          |        |July 27,
                     |               |   |          |        |1861.
  Schener, Daniel    |    do         | 27|      do  |   3    |    Do.
  Schoemer, Michael  |    do         | 29|      do  |   3    |    Do.
  Weidenkopf,        |               |   |          |        |
    Nicholas         |    do         | 19|      do  |   3    |    Do.
  Wouley, Andrew     |    do         | 22|      do  |   3    |    Do.
  ———————————————————+———————————————+———+——————————+————————+——————————


BATTERY C.

  ===================+===============+===+==========+========+==========
                     |               |   | Date of  |        |
         Name        |  Rank         |Age| entering | Period | Remarks
                     |               |   | the      |   of   |
                     |               |   | service  |service |
  ———————————————————+———————————————+———+——————————+————————+——————————
                     |               |   |          |_Months_|Appointed
  Frederick W. Pelton|Captain        | 34|April 21, |        |April 21,
                     |               |   | 1861     |   3    | 1861;
                     |               |   |          |        |mustered
                     |               |   |          |        |out with
                     |               |   |          |        |battery
                     |               |   |          |        |July 27,
                     |               |   |          |        | 1861.
  Samuel Sears       |First          |   |          |        |
                     | lieutenant    | 34|     do.  |   3    |    Do.
  Francis S. Pelton  |First sergeant | 28|     do.  |   3    |    Do.
  Peter C. Schneider |Corporal       | 25|     do.  |   3    |    Do.
  John C. Brainard   |    do         | 34|     do.  |   3    |    Do.
  Allen, Edward S.   |Private        | 33|     do.  |   3    |Mustered
                     |               |   |          |        |out with
                     |               |   |          |        |battery
                     |               |   |          |        |July 27,
                     |               |   |          |        | 1861.
  Boyen, John H.     |    do         | 29|     do.  |   3    |    Do.
  Brainard, Edward S.|    do         |   |May 13,   |        |
                     |               |   | 1861     |   3    |    Do.
  Chaffee, Comfort   |    do         |   |June 17,  |        |
                     |               |   | 1861     |   3    |    Do.
  Davis, George R.   |    do         | 29|April 21, |        |
                     |               |   | 1861     |   3    |    Do.
  Dean, Charles M.   |    do         | 22|     do.  |   3    |    Do.
  Dunbar, Homer      |    do         |   |June 17,  |        |
                     |               |   | 1861     |   3    |    Do.
  Fish, Abel         |    do         | 29|April 21, |        |
                     |               |   | 1861     |   3    |    Do.
  Fish, Henry        |    do         | 24|     do.  |   3    |    Do.
  Fish, Levi         |    do         | 37|     do.  |   3    |    Do.
  Fish, William      |    do         | 26|     do.  |   3    |    Do.
  Grotzinger, William|    do         | 26|     do.  |   3    |    Do.
  Hand, James L.     |    do         | 29|     do.  |   3    |    Do.
  Hone, Alexander    |    do         | 26|     do.  |   3    |    Do.
  Llewhellen, William|    do         | 22|     do.  |   3    |    Do.
  Lyon, George       |    do         | 23|     do.  |   3    |    Do.
  Marcellus,         |               |   |          |        |
    Charles E.       |    do         | 21|     do.  |   3    |    Do.
  Roberts, Henry     |    do         |   |     do.  |   3    |    Do.
  Schmehl, George    |    do         |   |     do.  |   3    |    Do.
  Storrer, Frank S.  |    do         | 20|April 21, |        |
                     |               |   | 1861     |   3    |    Do.
  Worth, Frederick W.|    do         | 26|     do.  |   3    |    Do.
  ———————————————————+———————————————+———+——————————+————————+——————————


BATTERY D.

  ===================+===============+===+==========+========+==========
                     |               |   | Date of  |        |
         Name        |  Rank         |Age| entering | Period | Remarks
                     |               |   | the      |   of   |
                     |               |   | service  |service |
  ———————————————————+———————————————+———+——————————+————————+——————————
                     |               |   |          |_Months_|Appointed
  Percy W. Rice      |Captain        | 29|Apr 21,   |        |April 21,
                     |               |   | 1861     |    3   |1861;
                     |               |   |          |        |mustered
                     |               |   |          |        |out with
                     |               |   |          |        |battery
                     |               |   |          |        |July 27,
                     |               |   |          |        | 1861.
  James H. Miller    |First          |   |          |        |
                     | lieutenant    | 26|     do   |    3   |      Do.
  Edwin F. Reeve     |First sergeant | 31|     do   |    3   |      Do.
  William H. Hilliard|Corporal       | 23|     do   |    3   |      Do.
  Norman A. Baldwin  |   do          | 25|     do   |    3   |      Do.
  Champlin,          |               |   |          |        |
    William A.       |Private        | 38|     do   |    3   |Absent in
                     |               |   |          |        |hospital
                     |               |   |          |        |at
                     |               |   |          |        |Marietta,
                     |               |   |          |        |Ohio,
                     |               |   |          |        |May 21,
                     |               |   |          |        | 1861;
                     |               |   |          |        |mustered
                     |               |   |          |        |out with
                     |               |   |          |        |battery
                     |               |   |          |        |July 27,
                     |               |   |          |        | 1861.
  Crawford, George W.|    do         | 23|     do   |    3   |Mustered
                     |               |   |          |        |out with
                     |               |   |          |        |battery
                     |               |   |          |        |July 27,
                     |               |   |          |        | 1861.
  Davis, Daniel S.   |    do         | 26|     do   |    3   |      Do.
  Edgarton, Warren P.|    do         | 25|     do   |    3   |      Do.
  Gardner, Orlando D.|    do         | 21|     do   |    3   |      Do.
  Harbeck, John S.   |    do         | 25|     do   |    3   |      Do.
  Kidd, William      |    do         | 33|     do   |    3   |      Do.
  Killam, Simon W.   |    do         | 27|     do   |    3   |      Do.
  Marshall,          |               |   |          |        |
    Alexander, Jr.   |    do         | 25|     do   |    3   |      Do.
  Murray, George E.  |    do         | 24|     do   |    3   |      Do.
  Orland, Henry      |    do         | 30|     do   |    3   |      Do.
  Rice, Charles H.   |    do         | 23|     do   |    3   |      Do.
  Shields, Joseph C. |    do         | 33|     do   |    3   |      Do.
  Smith, Robertson   |    do         | 23|     do   |    3   |      Do.
  Sterling, James A. |    do         | 22|     do   |    3   |      Do.
  Thatcher,          |               |   |          |        |
    Lorenzo W.       |    do         | 26|     do   |    3   |      Do.
  Tillotson,         |               |   |          |        |
    George W.        |    do         | 44|     do   |    3   |Wounded
                     |               |   |          |        |July 7,
                     |               |   |          |        | 1861.
                     |               |   |          |        |in battle
                     |               |   |          |        |of Laurel
                     |               |   |          |        |Hill, Va.;
                     |               |   |          |        |mustered
                     |               |   |          |        |out with
                     |               |   |          |        |battery
                     |               |   |          |        |July 27,
                     |               |   |          |        |1861.
  Vincent, Henry G.  |    do         | 29|     do   |    3   |Mustered
                     |               |   |          |        |out with
                     |               |   |          |        |battery
                     |               |   |          |        |July 27,
                     |               |   |          |        | 1861.
  Wilson, Frank      |    do         | 25|     do   |    3   |      Do.
  ———————————————————+———————————————+———+——————————+————————+——————————


BATTERY E.

  ===================+===============+===+==========+========+==========
                     |               |   | Date of  |        |
         Name        |  Rank         |Age| entering | Period | Remarks
                     |               |   | the      |   of   |
                     |               |   | service  |service |
  ———————————————————+———————————————+———+——————————+————————+——————————
                     |               |   |          |_Months_|Appointed
  Louis Heckmau      |Captain        | 39|Apr. 21,  |        |April 21,
                     |               |   | 1861     |   3    | 1861:
                     |               |   |          |        |mustered
                     |               |   |          |        |out with
                     |               |   |          |        |battery
                     |               |   |          |        |July 27,
                     |               |   |          |        | 1861.
  J. Jacob Houck     |First          |   |          |        |
                     | lieutenant    | 28|      do  |   3    |    Do.
  Henry Roth         |First sergeant | 30|      do  |   3    |    Do.
  Valentine Heckman  |Corporal       | 29|      do  |   3    |    Do.
  Louis Smithnight   |    do         | 27|      do  |   3    |    Do.
  Bommhardt, Jacob   |Private        | 24|      do  |   3    |Mustered
                     |               |   |          |        |out with
                     |               |   |          |        |battery
                     |               |   |          |        |July 27,
                     |               |   |          |        | 1861.
  Breuhler, George   |    do         | 23|      do  |   3    |    Do.
  Eshenbrenner,      |               |   |          |        |
    George           |    do         | 39|      do  |   3    |    Do.
  Hartman, Hermann   |    do         | 21|      do  |   3    |    Do.
  Herig, Charles     |    do         | 19|      do  |   3    |    Do.
  Kuglen, George     |    do         | 26|      do  |   3    |    Do.
  Payson, George W.  |    do         | 28|      do  |   3    |    Do.
  Riegler, Albert    |    do         | 19|      do  |   3    |    Do.
  Schmidt, Gerhard   |    do         | 27|      do  |   3    |    Do.
  Schwendner, Conrad |    do         | 30|      do  |   3    |    Do.
  Sehrt, Wilhelm     |    do         | 25|      do  |   3    |Mustered
                     |               |   |          |        |out with
                     |               |   |          |        |battery
                     |               |   |          |        |July 27,
                     |               |   |          |        | 1861;
                     |               |   |          |       |also borne
                     |               |   |          |      |on rolls as
                     |               |   |          |        |“William.”
  Smith, Jacob       |    do         | 21|      do  |   3    |Mustered
                     |               |   |          |        |out with
                     |               |   |          |        |battery
                     |               |   |          |        |July 27,
                     |               |   |          |        | 1861;
                     |               |   |          |       |also borne
                     |               |   |          |      |on rolls as
                     |               |   |          |        |“Schmidt.”
  Thaller, Frantz    |    do         | 28|      do  |   3    |Mustered
                     |               |   |          |        |out with
                     |               |   |          |        |battery
                     |               |   |          |        |July 27,
                     |               |   |          |        | 1861.
  Trumpy, Henry      |    do         | 23|      do  |   3    |    Do.
  Wetzel, Frederick  |    do         | 40|      do  |   3    |    Do.
  Wolf, George       |    do         | 31|      do  |   3    |    Do.
  Zeller, John A.    |    do         | 38|      do  |   3    |    Do.
  ———————————————————+———————————————+———+——————————+————————+——————————


BATTERY F.

  ===================+===============+===+==========+========+==========
                     |               |   | Date of  |        |
         Name        |  Rank         |Age| entering | Period | Remarks
                     |               |   | the      |   of   |
                     |               |   | service  |service |
  ———————————————————+———————————————+———+——————————+————————+——————————
                     |               |   |          |_Months_|Appointed
  Dennis Kenny, Jr.  |Captain        | 27|Apr. 21,  |        |April 21,
                     |               |   | 1861     |   3    | 1861;
                     |               |   |          |        |mustered
                     |               |   |          |        |out with
                     |               |   |          |        |battery
                     |               |   |          |        |July 27,
                     |               |   |          |        | 1861.
  Henry S. Munger    |First          |   |          |        |
                     | lieutenant    | 37|      do  |   3    |    Do.
  Jerome B. Burrows  |First sergeant | 26|      do  |   3    |    Do.
  James H. Coller    |Corporal       | 28|      do  |   3    |    Do.
  Charles D. Lane    |    do         | 27|      do  |   3    |    Do.
  Bartholomew, Myron |Private        | 21|      do  |   3    |Mustered
                     |               |   |          |        |out with
                     |               |   |          |        |battery
                     |               |   |          |        |July 27,
                     |               |   |          |        | 1861.
  Bruner, William    |    do         | 25|May 14,   |        |
                     |               |   | 1861     |   3    |    Do.
  Burrows, Adrian A. |    do         | 29|Apr. 21,  |        |
                     |               |   | 1861     |   3    |    Do.
  Crowell,           |               |   |          |        |
    William H. H.    |    do         | 20|      do  |   3    |    Do.
  Dorman, Dennis W.  |    do         | 43|      do  |   3    |    Do.
  Fitch, Martin L.   |    do         | 46|      do  |   3    |    Do.
  Gage, Henry W.     |    do         | 19|      do  |   3    |    Do.
  Gary, Marco B.     |    do         | 26|June 21,  |        |
                     |               |   | 1861     |   3    |    Do.
  Myers, Addison D.  |    do         | 25|Apr. 21,  |        |
                     |               |   | 1861     |   3    |    Do.
  Paddock, Asher R.  |    do         | 37|      do  |   3    |    Do.
  Proctor, William E.|    do         | 24|      do  |   3    |    Do.
  Ransom, Moses Y.   |    do         | 23|May 14,   |        |
                     |               |   | 1861     |   3    |    Do.
  Smith, Albert D.   |    do         | 21|      do  |   3    |    Do.
  Stoughton, Theodore|    do         | 21|Apr. 21,  |        |
                     |               |   | 1861     |   3    |    Do.
  Stowe, Melvin D.   |    do         | 26|      do  |   3    |    Do.
  Thorp, Arthur B.   |    do         | 23|      do  |   3    |    Do.
  Thorp, Henry H.    |    do         | 24|      do  |   3    |    Do.
  Turner, Erastus D. |    do         | 24|      do  |   3    |    Do.
  Viets, Frank       |    do         | 21|      do  |   3    |    Do.
  ———————————————————+———————————————+———+——————————+————————+——————————




57TH CONGRESS, 1ST SESSION.

H. R. 619.


IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES.

June 23, 1902.

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.


AN ACT

  Providing for the recognition of the military service of the
  officers and enlisted men of the First Regiment Ohio Volunteer
  Light Artillery.

_Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled_, That the officers
and enlisted men of the First Regiment Ohio Volunteer Light Artillery
(three months’ service), furnished by the State of Ohio under the
call of the President of the United States issued on the fifteenth
day of April, eighteen hundred and sixty-one, and which rendered
actual military service under the command of officers of the United
States and in co-operation with the regularly organized military
forces of the United States, shall be held and considered to have
been in the military service of and to have formed a part of the
military establishment of the United States during the period for
which said organization was enlisted and was in active service,
and that the Secretary of War be, and he hereby is, authorized and
directed to issue certificates of discharge, upon due application and
satisfactory proof of identity, for all honorably discharged members
of the said organization: _Provided,_ That no pay, bounty, or other
emoluments shall become due or payable by virtue of the passage of
this Act.

Passed the House of Representatives June 20, 1902.

  Attest:      A. MCDOWELL, _Clerk_.

House Bill 619 passed the Senate and became a law in January, 1903.




  Transcriber’s Notes

  pg 13 Removed period after: Pickersgill, William
  pg 22 Changed period to comma after: To Colonel James Barnett
  pg 30 Changed  There were no shells or cannister to: canister
  pg 33 Changed period to comma after: Headquarters Dep’t of the Ohio
  pg 45 Added closing ) after: sought a safe place far in the rear.
  pg 57 Changed  march to Laurel Hill,” and anounces to: announces
  pg 59 Changed  shell or a solid shot would he to: be
  pg 73 Changed battles at Philippi, Bealington to: Belington
  pg 82 Changed he could not wait the fomality to: formality
  pg 85 Changed instead of waiting till to-morrow to: tomorrow
  pg 85 Changed to march to Columbus, to-morrow to tomorrow
  pg 94 Added period after: Elisha Sterling  Surgeon
  pg 95 Added period after: Benjamin, John A
  pg 95 Added period after: Cramer, Isaac C
  pg 95 Added period after: Kelley, John J
  pg 95 Added period after: Rebbeck, Henry H
  pg 95 Added period after: Throup, Roger D
  pg 95 Added period after: Worley, John G
  pg 97 Changed comma to period after: Do (for Grotzinger, William)
  Many hyphenated and non-hyphenated word combinations left as written.
  The table of contents was written by the transcriber.