Crawford County, Ohio - Chapter 28: Military History of the County, 1912 (part 2 of 2)

About the 20th of June the army arrived at Middletown, near Winchester, and here the Army of Virginia was organized. The 55th was brigaded with the 25th, 73d and 75th Ohio regiments, and was attached to General Schenck's Division. The regiment left Middletown July 7th for Sperryville, where it reremained until the 8th of August, and then moved toward Culpepper Court House. While encamped on Robertson's river, near Rapidan, the regimental band was mustered out and a detail of officers returned to Ohio on recruiting service. On the 19th the army commenced a retrograde movement, the 55th, with its brigade covering the retreat. The Rappahannock was crossed at White Sulphur Springs, and for several days the regiment was employed in guarding the various fords of the river to prevent the enemy from crossing. On the 25th the regiment moved toward Warrenton and thence northward to intercept Jackson in his attempt to join Lee's army. An engagement took place on the 29th on the old Bull Run battleground. At night the regiment,- with its brigade, gradually moved tothe rear and, after dark, fell back to Centerville. From this point several marches and expeditions were made, there being, however,, little or no fighting. The column being reenforced, proceeded as far south as Catlett's- Station, where a small skirmish took place. A return was then made to Centerville, where the regiment remained until the 2d of November. The rest of the month was taken up by^ a series of marches and encampments, the regiment then going into camp near Chantilly. On December loth the regiment marched for Stafford Court House, which was reached on the 17th. The 55th was next sent to defend Belle Plain Landing in view of Burnside'scontemplated attack on Fredericksburg, but heavy rains and bad roads interfering with; that movement, it went into winter quarters at Brook's Station.

The Army of the Potomac beginning its movement on Fredericksburg in the latter part of April, the 55th participated in the movements of the nth Corps, and on the 2d of May, when the enemy executed a successful flank movement on our right, the regiment, with others was compelled to fall back, losing 153 men killed, wounded and missing.

About the middle of May the 55th regiment was transferred to the 2d Brigade of the 2d Division, and it remained in this brigade during the remainder of its service. It took part in the battle of Gettysburg, being first posted with its division on Cemetery Hill but moved subsequently to the left of the Baltimore Pike. The battle line of the regiment was not engaged, but the skirmish line was subjected toa severe fire, and the regiment lost in this battle about 50 men. Having pursued the retreating enemy, the 55th went into camp, July- 25th, near Catlett's Station.

On the 30th of September the 55th, with the nth and 12th Corps, arrived at Bridgeport, Ala., and in the latter part of October moved for Lookout Mountain. The regiment moved to Chattanooga November 22d and later took part in the battle of Mission Ridge, being posted on the extreme left to guard the flank. Immediately after the I'egiment took part in the Knoxville campaign, returning to Lookout Valley on the 17th of December. On the 1st of January, 1864, 319 men of the 55th re-enlisted and went to Ohio for their furlough. On the 4th of March it was again encamped in Lookout Valley. About this time the nth and 12th Corps were consolidated and denominated the 20th, and the regiment formed a part of the 3d Brigade of the 3d Division.

The regiment started on the Atlanta campaign on the 2d of May, and participated in all the battles in which the 20th Corps was engaged. At Resaca it lost upwards of 90 men. It took part in the fighting before Atlanta, and during the siege of that city, occupied its place in the lines, assisting in the advancement of the parallels toward the city. During the Atlanta campaign the 55th lost over 200 men. About the ist of November the regiment received 200 drafted men and substitutes, and about the same time those who were not veterans were mustered out.

Subsequently the regiment took part in Sherman's march to the sea, entering Savannah December 21st. Here it remained until early in January, 1865, when it was thrown across the Savannah river, and on the 29th of January started fairly on the march through the Carolinas. It took part in the fighting at Smith's Farm, on March i6th, where it lost two men killed, one officer and 23 men wounded, and seven men missing. On the 24th of March it took part in the review before General Sherman at Goldsboro. From this place it marched to Raleigh, and on April 30th commenced the march to Washington, where it subsequently participated in the grand review. Upon the disbanding of the 20th Corps the Ohio regiments were organized into a Provisional brigade and were assigned to the 14th Corps. The regiment was mustered out of the service at Louisville. Ky., on July I rth, being paid and discharged at Cleveland,

Ohio on the 19th. During its term of service the 55th enrolled about 1,350 men, of whom 750 were either killed or wounded in battle. Ten officers were wounded once or more and eight officers either died of wounds or were killed in battle.

The 57th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. - This regiment was partially organized at Camp Vance, Findlay, Hancock county, Ohio, its organization being completed at Camp Chase, on the loth of February, 1862. Company I was partially recruited in Crawford county, the other members coming from Shelby and Sandusky. William Mungen was commissioned colonel Feb. 17, 1862; resigned April 16, 1863 and was succeeded by A. V. Rice. The latter being made brigadier general, was succeeded by Samuel R. Mott, who was mustered out with the regiment.

The regiment started for Fort Donelson, on the i8th of February, 1862, but an order received at Smithfield, Ky. diverted its course to Paducah, that state. Here it was assigned to the 3d Brigade, 5th Division of the Army of the Tennessee. On the 8th of March it took boat for Ft. Henry on the Tennessee, and thence proceeded to Savannah, where it arrived on the nth. On the 14th it accompanied a gunboat expedition to the mouth of Yellow Creek, and then returning, went to Pittsburg Landing. On the 17th the 5th Division made a reconnoisance to Pea Ridge, and on the 19th went into camp at Shiloh Chapel, three miles southwest of the Landing. In the latter part of March reconnoisances were made in the direction of Corinth, and on April ist the regiment accompanied another gunboat expedition to Eastport, Miss., the gunboats throwing a few shells into the town. They then moved up the river and shelled the enemy's works at Chickasaw, Ala. A few prisoners were made in this vicinity.

About this time the regiment suffered much from sickness, on April 6th there being but 450 men fit for duty. On this day the enemy was encountered near Shiloh Church, where the 57th withstood three Rebel regiments from 6 until ID o'clock A. M. These regiments left 78 dead on front of the 57th. The regiment was then ordered to fall back on the Hamburg and Purdy road, the line being subsequently pressed back three-quarters of a mile further. On the next day the enemy being driven back, the 57th recovered its old position, having lain under arms all night in a drenching rain. After another night in the rain and mud, without tents, the command moved on the 8th about seven miles toward Corinth, and near Pea Ridge had an encounter with Forrest's cavalry and about 1500 Confederate infantry. Here the National cavalry gave way before that of the enemy, and two companies of the 57th, who had been thrown out as skirmishers, were captured, along with two companies of the -77th Ohio. The 57th then fixed bayonets and charged the cavalry, which gave way, and the captured companies rushed to their comrades or laid down. 'The regiment then poured a volley into the retreating enemy. In three days the 57th had lost 27 killed, 150 wounded (16 mortally) and ten captured.

The regiment then took part in the advance on Corinth, being employed largely in marching, picketing and building breastworks, with an occasional engagement. During this time it was assigned to the ist Brigade of the 5th Division. After the evacuation it was occupied in repairing the Memphis & Charleston Railroad and in making reconnoisances. While at Moscow a detachment of 250 men was sent to accompany a train to Memphis to procure supplies. Near Morning Sun, on the Memphis & Nashville road, the train was attacked by 600 of the enemy's cavalry, who charged three times, but were finally repulsed with heavy loss in killed, wounded and prisoners. The detachment lost four men wounded. The regiment moved to Memphis on the 1 8th of July and on the 29th of August was ordered to Raleigh to look after Burrow's Rebel cavalry. The cavalry fled after exchanging a few shots and the regiment captured a number of horses. Early in September the 57th was sent on a four days' scout into Mississippi during which it was engaged with the enemy six different times. It was then assigned to guard the Randolph road, north of Memphis and also the bridge over Wolf Creek, and while engaged in this duty, was attacked by Burrows' cavalry, Sept. 23d. The enemy were repulsed without loss to the regiment. On November 12th it was

On the 26th the regiment, with quite a large force, moved against General Price, on the Tallahatchie river, near Wyaft, Miss. The enemy evacuated the place and the march was continued to Grenada. The Corps returned to Memphis on the 15th of December, and here the 57th now received an addition of 118 volunteers and 205 drafted men, which made its aggregate force 650 men. Soon* after, with the 15th Corps, it moved down the Mississippi to Young's point, where the troops proceeded up the Yazoo, disembarking on Sydney Johnston's plantation. The next day, when attempting to cross Chickasaw Bayou the 15 th Corps encountered the enemy and fighting took place, which lasted for five days, the troops finally returning to the transports. In this action the regiment lost 37 in killed and wounded. Early in January the Corps moved down the Yazoo to the Mississippi, up the Mississippi to White river, thence, through the "cut-off," into the Arkansas and up the Arkansas to within two miles of Arkansas Post, disembarking on the loth. Here the ist Brigade attacked the Rebel pickets and drove them to within 600 yards of Fort Hindman, and subsequently, with the 6th Missouri, drove the enemy from their barracks, in front of their lines, and about half a mile further to the west. In an assault against the works on the next day the 57th led the charge and after a desperate battle of three hours, the enemy surrendered. In this action the regiment lost 37 in killed and wounded.

Ordered to Clay Plantation on the 13th, the 57th here defeated some of the enemy's cavalry and destroyed a large amount of stores, and then moved with the fleet for Vicksburg. In the operation against this place under Grant, the regiment took a very active part, being frequently engaged with the enemy, marching, digging, fighting and capturing large quantities of supplies. In the advance upon the city the regiment participr ated in the actions at Raymond, Champion Hills, where it lost heavily, and Black River. It took part in the general assault on the 19th of May, advancing to within 70 yards of the enemy's line, and holding its position under a terrific fire until two o'clock on the morning of the 20th, when the brigade was withdrawn to a position in the rear. In the advance on the 22d it was in the front line and suffered more than in the previous assault. On the 26th of May it accompanied the division in a reconnoisance between the Big Black and Yazoo rivers and engaged successfully with the enemy at Mechanicsburg. From the time until the surrender it was continually engaged, either on the picket line or in the trenches.

It then took part in the movement against Jackson, where Johnston's army lay, and after the evacuation of the place aided in the pursuit of the enemy to Pearl River, losing several men. Subsequently returning to Vicksburg, it went into camp at Camp Sherman, four miles west of Big Black River, where it remained until the 27th of September. In the latter part of September it started by steamer for Memphis, arriving there October 4th, and thence on the 8th marched for Chattanooga, arriving November 22d at the mouth of North Chickamauga Creek, ten miles northeast of Chattanooga. During this march, which was long and fatiguing, there was frequent skirmishing with the enemy's cavalry. The regiment now formed a part of the I St Brigade, 2d Division, 15th Corps. After some further operations the regiment participated in the battle at Mission Ridge, sustaining heavy loss. After pursuing the enemy to Ringgold, it started with the Corps to the relief of Burnside at Knoxville, marching 104 miles in four days. Returning, it arrived again at Chattanooga on December i8th and drew "hardtack" for the first time in 15 days. On the following day it started for Bellefonte, Ala., where it arrived on the 29th, the men being by this time almost exhausted by fatigue, hunger and privation, besides being hatless, shoeless and half naked. In spite of this experience, however, the men of the i;7th were the first to reenlist as veterans on the 1st of January, 1864.

After the usual furlough the regiment, with 207 recruits, rendezvoused at Camp Chase on March i6th. On April 17th it rejoined its brigade at Larkinsville, Ala., and on the ist of May moved on the Atlanta campaign. It participated in the battle of Resaca on May

13th and 14th, holding its ground on the 14th against three successive charges of the enemy. Its loss in this battle was 57 killed and wounded. The enemy were again encountered at Dallas, the regiment losing 15- men in three days" fighting. Accompanying the army in the pursuit of the retreating enemy, the 57th took part in the actions at New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, where it lost 57 killed and wounded, and skirmished almost incessantly both before and after crossing the Chattahoochie. Atlanta was reached on the 20th and two days later the enemy made a furious assault. The works in front of the 57th were captured by the enemy and recaptured by the regiment three separate times, the regiment finally holding its position. In this engagement the regiment lost 92 men. The 57th was then moved to the extreme right of the army and on the 28th again encountered the enemy, the Rebels being repulsed after a seven hours' fight. The regiment had 12 men killed and 55 wounded, the enemy leaving 458 of their number dead in front of the brigade. The enemy was also repulsed with fearful slaughter at the battle of Jonesboro, the National troops occupying that place after its evacuation by the Rebels. On the 7th of September the 57th went into camp at Eastport.

Here it remained until the 4th of October, when it started after Hood, having an encounter with the enemy at Snake Creek Gap. At Taylor's Ridge another fight occurred, the enemy being repulsed. The time after this was spent in marching, countermarching, skirmishing and fighting until Atlanta was reached again on November 13th.

On the 15th the 57th left with Sherman's army on the march to the sea. On the 21st it encountered Rebel cavalry near Clinton, and on the 28th had quite a fight at the crossing of the Oconee river. On December 3d some of the regiment's foragers were captured and on the 4th it lost heavily in an engagement at Statesboro. It engaged in the assault on Ft. McAllister on the 13th, losing ten killed and 80 wounded. On the 17th it moved with its expedition on an expedition to the Gulf Railroad and, after destroying about 50 miles of track, returned to camp.

miles southeast of Savannah, and on the 14th left camp for Beaufort, South Carolina, where it o\'ertook the remainder of the force. On the 30th it started on the campaign through the Carolinas, and reached Columbia, after heavy skirmishing on the 17th. When within z'^ miles of Goldsboro, it was ordered back to re-enforce the left wing of the army, then menaced by Johnston. It was engaged severely on the 19th and was engaged in sharp skirmishing for two days after. Later it moved by way of Goldsboro to Raleigh, and after the surrender of Johnston, the march was continued through Petersburg and Richmond to Washington City.

The 57th participated in the grand review on May 24th and was then ordered to Louisville, Ky., where it arrived June 7th. On the 25th it started for Little Rock, Arkansas, arriving there August 6th. On the 14th it ^^'as mustered out of the service and on the 25th was paid and discharged at Camp Chase, Ohio. The 57th tra^-eled by railroad, steamboat and on foot more than 28,000 miles. The names of 1,584 men had been on its muster rolls and of that number only 481 were alive at its muster out.

The 64th Infantry, O. V. I., drew from Crawford county. Company H, and furnished also recruits to Company K. Company H was organized with E. B. Finley, captain; \\'illiam Starr, of Crestline, first lieutenant, and Pinkney Lewis, second lieutenant.

The regiment was recruited and organized at Mansfield, Ohio, and went into Camp Buckingham, at that place, Xov. 9, 1861. Ordered to Cincinnati about the middle of December, it went thence by steamer to Louisville, Ky., marching from Louisville, Dec. 26th, to Bardstown, Ky. It was then btigaded and then moved to Danville and Hall's Gap. Here it engaged in road building to facilitate the movement of supplies to Thomas's army. Soon after the battle of :Mill Springs, it joined the National forces at ^lunfordsville and moved with them to Nashville, Tenn. A week later it accompanied General T. J. Wood's Division to Pittsburg Landing, by way of Columbia. Taking steamer at Savannah, it arrived at the battlefield of Shiloh at II A. M. on the 7th of April, and was hurried to the scene of conflict. The battle was nearly over, however, and only Company A, Capt. Alex. Mcllvaine, succeeded in getting into action. It took part in the subsequent movement on Corinth and was afterward sent to luka, Tuscumbia, Decatur, Huntsville and Stevenson. Here it erected Fort Harker, in honor of its brigade commander.

About the first of August the regiment with its brigade moved with the National forces toward Nashville, and from there engaged in a race with Bragg's forces to Louisville, Ky.,' on the way driving the enemy out of Munfordsville and across Green river.

About ten days after arriving at Louisville the regiment moved out with National forces to the vicinity of Perryville, and had the mortification of witnessing the battle at that place, without the permission to help their hardpressed comrades. After taking part in the retrograde movement of the National forces, the regiment with its brigade, marched through Stamford, Scottsville and Gallatin to the vicinity of Nashville, going into camp on the Nolinsville Turnpike.

In the battle of Stone River, the 64th was in Crittenden's Corps, Wood's Division, on the left wing. At dusk, on Tuesday e\-ening, it crossed the river, but meeting overwhelming forces, was recalled and withdrew with slight loss. At seven o'clock the next morning it was hurried to the relief of the right wing. General R. ^^" Johnson's line having been forced. On its arrival it held the enemy in check until the scattered National forces were rallied. It then fell back on the main line, drawing the Rebels until within reach of a strong force of Nationals, who were lying in wait for them, and who poured into them a murderous fire, which dro\'e them staggering back to the point they had started from. The regiment then returned to its former position on the left. On the last day of the battle, Friday, Jan. 2, 1863, the regiment participated in all the movements' of its brigade. It lost in this battle 75 men killed and wounded, out of about 300 engaged.

The 64th was then located at Murfreesboro until June 7, 1863, when it moved with the National army under Rosecrans on the TuUahoma campaign, stopping at Chattanooga over night and proceeding on to Chickamauga Creek. On September there was skirmishing at Lee & Gordon's Mills, the enemy being driven, and on the i8th another skirmish took place. The bloody battle of Chickamauga opened on the 19th, the 64th being closely engaged during the whole day, also on Sunday, the 20th, until after dark. They lost in this battle over 100 men in killed, wounded and missing. Subsequently the regiment was employed in building fortifications and in picket duty at Chattanooga, until the arrival of Hooker's Corps and the relief of the National forces. On November 2Sth the regiment, with its brigade participated in the taking of Mission Ridge, losing but few men. Captain King and a private were killed. After the battle of Chickamauga the regiment moved with the expedition for the relief of Knoxville, marching as far as Strawberry Plains, but the siege of that place being raised it returned to Chattanooga. About January, 1864, the subject of re-enlistment came up, and most of the men consenting to re-enlist for three years, they were granted a furlough for thirty days, being warmly received at Mansfield by the citizens, and honored with a grand supper.

Accompanying Sherman in his march on Atlanta, which began May 3d, the regiment with its brigade participated in the charge on Rocky Face Ridge. Colonel Alexander Mc- Ilvaine, then in command, and Lieutenant Thomas H. Ehlers were killed with nineteen men, sixty-five being wounded. Captain Chamberlain, commanding Company C, was severely wounded.

At Resaca, June 14th the 64th lost several men killed and wounded. It sustained a slight loss at Muddy Creek on the i8th. During this time it was daily skirmishing with the enemy, and on July 20th it lost Sergeant Marion Trage, of Company H, in the battle of Peachtree Creek. On June 21st it moved to the front of Atlanta and from this time until August 26th was almost constantly under fire. General Sherman then began his flanking movement on Jonesboro, and on September 3d the fight at Jonesboro took place, where the 64th sustained but slight loss. In the evening of the 6th the regiment was engaged in a

After the taking of Atlanta the regiment, with its brigade and division, returned to that place and went into camp, remaining two weeks. It then moved with the 4th Army Corps in the pursuit of Hood to Chattanooga. It also received 400 new recruits from Ohio and was then sent on a reconnoisance in pursuit of Hoods' forces to Alpine, Georgia, 50 miles south of Chattanooga.

Returning to Chattanooga the regiment was sent by rail to Athens, Alabama, and from that point marched to Pulaski, Tenn., and to Spring Hill, passing through Columbia. In an engagement at Spring Hill the regiment lost a few men killed and wounded. At the battle of Franklin, Tenn., it sustained a severe loss in killed, wounded and missing. It was subsequently engaged in the fighting before Nashville, where, however, its losses were slight.

It then joined in the pursuit of Hood's scattered and demoralized forces across the Tennessee river, subsequently going into camp at Huntsville. From there it moved to Decatur and Athens, where it remained two months and then returned to Huntsville. It was next sent into East Tennessee, going as far as Strawberry Plains, where it remained a week and then returned to Nashville.

From Nashville the regiment was sent on board transports to New Orleans, where it lay three months and suffered severely from sickness. From the middle of September until the 3d of December, 1865, it was stationed at Victoria, Texas. It was then mustered out at Victoria and was sent to Camp Chase, Ohio, where the men were paid off and discharged.

The 8 1 St Regiment, O. V. I., had one company from Crawford county - Company K. By order of the War Department, during the summer of 1861 it was permissable for anyone to enlist men, either singly, in squads or in companies, fo recruit General Fremont's command, and to have them forwarded to his headquarters at St. Louis. Thomas Morton, formerly colonel of the 20th Ohio, set out to raise a full regiment under this order, which was to be known as "Morton's Independent Rifle Regiment." One company, having been raised, was sent to St. Louis, and by mistake or mismanagement, was incorporated into another regiment, while one or two other companies, which it was expected would join this regiment were prevailed upon to become a part of other organizations, thus greatly delaying the formation of the regiment. But at last the state came to the rescue by taking the independent regiment into its fold. It was denominated the 8ist O. V. I., the state imdertook the work of recruiting and it was agreed that the officers already appointed should be commissioned by the governor.

The regiment rendezvoused at Benton Barracks and there entered upon its first military duties, which it continued susbequently at Franklin and Herman, Missouri. It now numbered eight companies with an aggregate of nearly 600 men, which was as high a number as it seemed possible to attain. In November it moved against the enemy in Calloway county, but failed to find him. In the following month it chased a force of rebels who were destroying a portion of the Northern Missouri Railroad, but the enemy, being mounted, escaped. During the winter it occupied various places on the Northern Missouri Railroad, with headquarters at Danville, and accomplished a great amount of useful work in protecting the railroad, pursuing guerilla bands and arresting Rebels engaged in the work of destruction.

About the ist of March it was ordered to St. Louis. It was armed with short Enfield rifles, and on the 17th disembarked from the steamboat at Pittsburg Landing. Soon after it was assigned to the 2d Brigade, 2d Division, Army of the Tennessee. The brigade was commanded by Colonel McArthur and the division by General C. F. Smith. The regiment soon made great proficiency in drill. When the battle of Pittsburg Landing (or Shiloh) opened Sunday morning, April 6th, it was ordered across Snake Creek, and remained in position until nearly noon when it was withdrawn to its own color line. A small cavalry force of the enemy approached about one o'clock, but was driven off by two companies. After two o'clock General Grant ordered Colonel Morton to take position near the center of the line and then move forward until he found the enemy. Advancing toward the front and left the colonel soon found his little regiment alone, far ahead of the main line and out of sight of it. While marching by the flank, left in front, it emerged into a clear piece of ground and was suddenly greeted with a discharge of cannister from a battery not more than 200 yards away. Forming line, the regiment faced to the rear and, lying down, delivered a volley or two which silenced the enemy's fire. A movement was then made to a ravine a little further to the left. In making this movement a road had to be crossed which was commanded by the enemy's battery. The regiment ran the gauntlet a company at a time and got safely across. Soon after, being threatened by some Rebel cavalry, it was ordered back to the main lines, and just as the order was given. Captain Armstrong, who commanded the right company, was killed by a grape shot. During the desperate fighting on the 6th, some of the brigades and divisions had become broken up and the regiments scattered, and on the morning of the 7th when Grant took the initiative, there was no time for reorganization. Provisional brigades were hastily appointed, to one of which the 8ist was assigned. The regiment advanced and after crossing an open field, were met by a heavy fire from the enemy who were posted behind a breastwork of logs, while at the same time the shot and shell from two opposite batteries plowed through the ranks. The regiment therefore withdrew to a less exposed situation, and after taking up their new ground, found themselves without support and confronting a Rebel force. A furious fire ensued, in which the 8 1st boys had the best of it and the enemy broke and fled. Encouraged by this success they started up and dashed after the flying foe, not halting until they found themselves far in advance of any supports and flanked both by infantry and artillery. Such was their enthusiasm that even then they were withdrawn with difficulty. In this charge the regiment captured a number of prisoners and also a battery.

The 8 1st took part in the subsequent slow advance on Corinth, having several men wounded in a skirmish on the 31st of May. After finding the place evacuated the regiment joined in the pursuit as far as Boonville, this service being severe on account of the intense heat. In July means were taken to recruit the regiment. Companies H and G were consoHdated with other companies, and this made five minimum companies in the regiment. From the middle of August to the middle of September the 8ist was engaged in protecting public stores and performing post duty at Hamburg, on the Tennessee river, subsequently returning to Corinth. A few days later it marched under General Ord against luka, which point General Rosecrans was also approaching from the rear. Ord waited at Burnsville, to allow time for Rosecrans to come up, but the latter pressed on and made the attack alone, after which Ord's column returned to Corinth, the brigade taking up position two miles south on the Mobile railroad. On the 3d of October the regiment moved toward Corinth, the brigade commanded by General Oglesby, and the division by General Davis. This division was marched out a short distance into the woods where it was halted. The Third Brigade occupied the old Confederate works on the left, while the 2d (Oglesby's) took position half a mile further to the right, with the ist Brigade on its right. The 8ist was widely extended on the left of its brigade. This weak line was hardly in position ere it was attacked by the enemy. It gave way at first, but being rallied it assumed a more compact formation and held its position during the remainder of the day. The brunt of the battle fell upon Davis's Division and ifeoon the hospital was filled with the wounded. Among them were Gen. Davis's three brigade commanders - Col. Baldwin. Gen. Oglesby and Gen. Heckelman, the last mentioned being in a dying condition. During the night the division changed position and in the morning was stretched out in a single line, without intrenchments or reserves, with its left resting on Battery Powell and its right covering Battery Richardson. About nine or ten o'clock it was again attacked by the enemy, and at first gave way, but being supported by Hamilton's artillery and Batteries Williams and Robinett, the division rallied and killed or captured most of the assaulting column. The loss of the 8ist in this battle was 1 1 men killed, 44 wounded and three missing. Among those to fall was Sergeant

The regiment joined in pursuit of the enemy to a point near Chewalla, on the Tuscumbia river, where it remained a week, then returning to Corinth. The remainder of October and some time after were spent in garrison duty. On the 19th of October the regiment was strengthened by the arrival of five newly recruited companies, and on the 1st of December they took up winter quarters within the defenses of Corinth. For a number of weeks they had little to do except to engage in reconnoisance and foraging duties, during which time they brought in a large amount of supplies. In December, owing to Forrest's raid, which had cut communications, the garrison was placed on half rations, but successful foraging parties obtained a quantity of supplies and no great amount of suffering was experienced. This state of things lasted about three weeks. After the battle of Parker's Cross Roads, the 81 st, with other troops, made an unsuccessful attempt to intercept Forrest at Clifton. In the latter part of January, 1863, the 81 st, with three other regiments and a battery, went to Hamburg to procure supplies, and also to capture a force of the enemy encamped near Florence, but owing to an injury to one of the boats the expedition was obliged to return without meeting the enemy.

On April 15th the regiment joined in an expedition to Tuscumbia, under General Dodge, its object being to co-operate with Colonel Streight in his movement on the Southern Railroads. On the 28th there was a sharp skirmish at Town Creek, in which the regiment had a few men wounded. After keeping the enemy engaged for two days and nights General Dodge returned to Corinth. This march, which lasted 18 days, reflected credit on the regiment, every man being found in his place when it reached Corinth. From early in June until the latter part of October the 81 st was engaged in gfarrison duty at Pocahontas, and subsequently performed similar duty at Wales, Pulaski, Sam's Mills and Nance's Mills being divided up for that purpose. At Pulaski, which was made the headquarters. Major Evans had a few of

In January, 1864, the question of re-enlistmeiit came up, three- fourths of the men being ready to respond favorably, but the Secretary of War deciding that the five companies lately recruited were not entitled to the privilege of re-enlisting, the regiment was thus prevented from going North as a veteran organization. A number of veterans from the old companies were granted a furlough and went home in two squads, each in charge of a sergeant. On April 26th the regiment concentrated at Pulaski and on the 29th set out for Chattanooga, on its arrival going into bivouac at the foot of Lookout Mountain. In May the 8ist started southward on the Atlanta campaign under Sherman. Though brought into line at Resaca, it was not engaged, and on the 14th was withdrawn from the main battlefield and ordered to Lay's Ferry to lay a pontoon bridge across the Costenaula. Crossing the river they dispersed a force of the enemy on the other side, taking some prisoners, including a captain and two lieutenants. The order for laying the pontoon was countermanded the work being deferred until after the evacuation of Atlanta, when the regiment crossed and had a slight engagement with the Rebels. It also fought May i6th in the battle of Rome Cross Roads. It then moved by way of Kingston and Van Wert to Dallas, where while General McPherson's Corps was being withdrawn to the left the enemy made seven assaults, but were every time repulsed.

From this point there was continual skirmishing to Kenesaw. At the latter place it was in the front line most of the time, and often on picket duty, but was not called on to make an assault. In the battle July 22d in front of Atlanta, the 81st, with three companies in reserve, the command stood like a rock and made an effective resistance, and subsequently with the 1 2th Illinois executed a splendid charge, carrying everything before them. The 8 1st captured a number of prisoners and three battle flags. Later in the day, in response to an order from General Logan, General Dodge sent Mersey's Brigade, of which the 8 1 St formed a part, to assist the 15th Corps in recovering its works, a duty which was successfully performed. Late at night the 8ist and 12th Illinois went with the bri-- gade to Bald Hill where they constructed some extensive works. On July 28th, while a portion of the army was moving to the right, Hood made another assault. The 8ist, with other regiments, was called upon to assist the 1 5th Corps and took an active part in repelling the enemy.

Later it took part in the engagement at Jonesboro and in the skirmish at Lovejoy, subsequently returning to the vicinity of Atlanta.* Here the few men of the five old companies who had served three years and had not re-enlisted - about 150 in all - were mustered out. The official notice of their muster-out was not received until late in December, and then only two companies (B and C) lost their existence. The remaining members of those companies were assigned to other companies of the regiment.

In September, at Rome, Ga., the 81 st was assigned to the 4th Division of the 15th Corps. It arrived at Atlanta on the 15 th and the next day joined in the march toward Savannah, which place it entered on the 21st, being subsequently camped near the city. January 28th it crossed the Savannah at Sisters' Ferry and subsequently participated in the campaign in the Carolinas, being engaged with the enemy at Bentonville. At Goldsboro they participated in the review of the army, those in tattered uniforms and without shoes and hats being massed into one company. Soon after a number of absentees and recruits joined the regiment, so many of the latter being received that two new companies were formed - companies B and C. The regiment now marched through Raleigh to Morrisville, where it lay until after Sherman's negotiations with Johnston, when it returned to Raleigh.

On the 26th of April it started home, reaching Washington May 20, and joining in the review on the 24th. Early in June it started to Louisville, near which city it was encamped until on July 13th the welcome order to muster out was received and the regiment immediately started for Camp Dennison, Ohio, where it was paid and discharged July 21, 1865. During its term of service 34 men were killed in action, 24 died of wounds, 121 died of disease, and 136 were discharged for disability.

ganizations of this number, one of three and the other of six months' enhstment. The first was called out by Governor Tod in response to the President's call, for 75,000 men, in May, 1862, there being at that time some apparent danger of an invasion of the Northern States by the forces under "Stonewall" Jackson. The regiment was organized at Camp Chase on June 11, 1862, and on the i6th left for Clarksburg, Va. Company K of this regiment was from Crawford county, as were also some of the field officers, of whom W. C. Lemert was major, afterward, on the reorganization of the regiment, becoming its colonel. Company K was officered as follows: E. C. Moderwell, captain; Samuel Smalley, first lieutenant; Horace Potter, second lieutenant; J. M. McCracken, orderly sergeant; J. B. Scroggs, sergeant major; B. F. Lauck. quarteraiaster's sergeant; and H. V. Potter, regimental postmaster.

Arriving at Clarksburg on the 17th the regiment took up the work of guarding the railroad and protecting Grafton, that place being the base of supplies for the troops at several points. On July 27th Companies A, C, H and I, under command of Lieut. Colonel Hunter, were sent to Parkersburg, in anticipation of a Rebel raid on that town, their arrival allaying the fears of the inhabitants.

On August 21 this detachment was ordered back to Clarksburg to rejoin the regiment and take part in a movement against a Confederate force under Jenkins, which it was reported was getting ready to make a raid on the railroad and invade Ohio. The 86th went as far as Huttonsville, when, the enemy not appearing, the regiment was ordered back to Clarksburg, the 87th Pennsylvania being sent on to Beverly, to be ready in case the enemy should appear before that place. Jenkins made his raid in an unexpected direction and captured the town of Buckhannon, after meeting with a gallant resistance. He destroyed a large amount of Government stores, both in that place and at Weston, and, crossing the Ohio river, stole a few horses and then returned to the mountains of West Virginia.

As he was expected to attack Clarksburg, the stores at that place were transferred to Fairmount and Wheeling. Learning probably through his spies that the town was well guarded by the 86th Ohio and a detachment of the 6th Virginia, he made no attack on the place. On the expiration of the 86th term of enlistment, the regiment started for Camp Delaware, Ohio, where it arrived September iSth, and on the 25th was paid and mustered out of the service.

The 86th O. V. I. (six months' organization). As the Confederates still showed an inclination to invade the Northern border states, measures were taken by the authorities to enlist troops for defense, the same to serve for six months. Wilson C. Lemert, of Bucyrus, who had been major of the three months' organization, was authorized by Governor Tod to reorganize the 86th regiment. On the completion of this work the regiment rendezvoused at Camp Cleveland. About this time Morgan was making his raid through southern Ohio, and the 86th was ordered to Zanesville, where a detachment of 200 men, under Lieut. Colonel McFarland, took boat for Eagleport, on the Muskingum river, where it was supposed Morgan would attempt to cross. They arrived in time to witness the crossing of the enemy's rear guard, but, not being strong enough to attack, endeavored by skirmishing as long as possible, until the pursuing force should come up ; having done which the detachment returned to Zanesville. In the meanwhile. Major Krauss, with the remainder of the regiment had been ordered to Cambridge, Ohio, to intercept Morgan at that point, but, being delayed, reached Washington, eight miles from Cambridge, a few minutes after Morgan had passed through the latter town. Pursuit was continued, however, in conjunction with the force under Colonel Shackleford, and finally resulted in the capture of Morgan's force at Salineville, Ohio.

The 86th returned to Camp Tod and soon after, on August 8th, was ordered to Camp Nelson, Kentucky, to join an expedition organizing for the capture of Cumberland Gap, East Tennessee. This expedition was under command of' Colonel John De Courcv and consisted of the 86th and 129th Ohio detachments of the 9th and nth East Tennessee cavalry and Capt. Neil's 22d Ohio Battery - in all about 3,000 men. It arrived in front of Cumberland Gap on the 8th of September, and at the same time General Burnside arrived with his forces on the opposite or Tennessee side, thus completely investing the Rebel garrison, under General Frazier. By a ruse of Colonel De Courcy's in dividing his regiments the Confederates were deceived into believing his force much greater than it really was. On the 9th of_ September, the troops having been placed in position for an attack, a formal demand was made on the enemy for surrender, which was acceded to by General Frazier, a great loss of life being thereby avoided, as the place might have been stoutly defended. Two thousand eight hundred prisoners were made and 5,000 stand of arms, 13 pieces of artillery and large quantities of ammunition and other stores were captured in this affair. The 86th remained at' the Gap doing garrison duty until its term of service had expired, and during this time was engaged in foraging expeditions, having many encounters with the enemy's guerrillas. On January 16, 1864, it started for Ohio and arrived in Cleveland on the 26th. The six months' organization was mustered out of the service February 10, 1864. The loist Ohio Volunteer Infantry was one of the patriotic organizations raised in 1862, after a series of reverses to the Northern arms had seemed to presage the final triumph of the Southern Confederacy. It was recruited from the counties of Erie, Huron, Crawford and Wyandotte, and was mustered into service at Monroeville, Ohio, August 30, 1862. Companies C and E of this regiment were from Crawford county. The first was organized with the following officers : B. B. McDanald, captain; Isaac Anderson, first lieutenant, and J. B. Biddle, second lieutenant. Capt. McDanald was promoted to major, December 26, 1863, and to lieut.-colonel, February 18, 1864, with which rank he was mustered out with the regiment. Lieut. Anderson resigned January 2, 1863, on account of disability. Second Lieutenant Biddle was killed December 31, 1862. W. N. Beer was promoted from sergeant major to first lieutenant on the 2d of January, 1863, and to captain, March 19, 1864, and as such was mustered out with the regiment. J. M. Roberts was promoted to second lieutenant for bravery at the battle of Murfreesboro, December 31, 1862; to first lieutenant, March 19, 1864, and

The story of Capt. McDanald's escape from Libby prison is well known to the people of Crawford county. He, with a number of his comrades, _was captured by the enemy September 20, 1863, during the Chattanooga campaign, and remained in Libby, suffering all the horrors of confinement there, until the spring of 1864, when, with a few fellow officers he escaped by tunneling underneath the prison walls.

Company E was organized with the following commissioned officers : William P. Parsons, captain; Lyman Parcher, first lieutenant; and Robert D. Lord, second lieutenant. Capt. Parsons died November 15, 1862; Lieut. Parcher was promoted to captain, November 15, 1862, and resigned February 26, 1863. Second Lieutenant Lord was promoted to first lieutenant, N^ovember 15, 1862 ; to captain February 26, 1863, and was honorably discharged August 12, 1863. Samuel S. Blowers was promoted to second lieutenant, and resigned January 9, 1864.

The loist regiment was organized with Leander Stem, colonel; John Trautz, lieut.- colonel; Moses F. Wooster, major and Thomas M. Cook, surgeon. It first saw service at Covington, Ky., to which place it was ordered to assist in repelling a threatened raid on Covington, Ky., by Kirby Smith. After remaining near Covington until late in September, it was ord'ered to Louisville, Ky., and there incorporated into General Buell's army, being placed in the brigade commanded by Gen. William P. Carlin and the division of Gen. Robert B. Mitchel. Marching in pursuit of Bragg, the regiment had its first encounter with the enemy at the battle of Perry ville on the 8th of October, where it bore itself bravely, losing several men. In the subsequent pursuit after the enemy it had a severe skirmish at Lancaster, Ky., with their rear guard. At Nashville Gen. Jeff. C. Davis took command of the division, and on December 26th it marched with the Army of the Cumberland, under General Rosecrans. The enemy were met the same day and a battle ensued, in which the regiment distinguished itsdf, the men behaving like veterans. One of the guns cap-

On December 30th this brigade was the first to arrive on the battlefield of Stone River, at night becoming briskly engaged. The loist was in the hottest of the fight on the following day, taking up six different positions and stubbornly maintaining them. Col. Leander Stem and Lieut. Col. Wooster were both killed. The regiment was held on the front line of the right of the army until January 2d, when it was one of the many regiments ordered to support the left, and with the bayonet helped to turn the tide of battle. It lost seven officers and 112 men killed and wounded.

During the remainder of the winter the regiment was constantly engaged in expeditions through the country surrounding Murfreesboro, this service, which was very arduous, lasting until April, 1863, at which time it went into camp at Murfreesboro for rest and drill.

In the Tullahoma campaign, which opened June 24th, the loist was with that portion of the army which moved toward Liberty Gap and was there engaged with Cleburne's Rebel troops. It accompanied the army to Chattanooga and at the close of that campaign was with Davis's Division at Winchester, Tenn. About the middle of August the regiment marched on the Chattanooga campaign, and on the 19th and 20th participated in the battle of Chickamauga, displaying great coolness and gallantry, retaking a National battery from the enemy. On the subsequent reorganization of the army, the loist became a part of the 1st Brigade, ist Division, 4th Army Corps, and on October 28th marched to Bridgeport, Ala., where it remained in camp until January 16, 1864, when it marched to Oldtawah, Tenn.

Later it accompanied Sherman on the Atlanta campaign, taking part in heavy fighting at various places. It moved with the army around Atlanta, fighting at Jonesboro and Lovejoy, and back to Atlanta. It subsequently aided in the pursuit of Hood, marching from Atlanta to Pulaski, Tenn., and thence on to Nashville. At nightfall, at the battle of Franklin, it was ordered to take an angle of the works held by the enemy, which it did with the bayonet, and held the position till

The loist fought in the battle of Nashville, December 15th and i6th, and subsequently followed in pursuit of Hood to Lexington, Ala., later going into camp at Huntsville. While lying at this place it was mustered out of the service, on June 12th, 1865, and sent to Camp Taylor, near Cleveland, where it was paid off and discharged.

The 123d Ohio Volunteer Infantry contained one full company (Company H) of Crawford county men, besides a number scattered through the other companies of the regiment. The county had received permission to recruit three of the ten companies of the regiment, but only succeeded in raising one, with the exception of the additional recruits mentioned. Company H was officered as follows : John Newman, captain ; David S. Caldwell, first lieutenant ; and H. S. Bevington, second lieutenant. Capt. Newman resigned February 3, 1863. Lieut. Caldwell was promoted to captain, February 3, 1863, and honorably discharged July 24, 1864. Lieut. Bevington was promoted to first lieutenant. February 3, 1863; to captain, January 6, 1865, and honorably discharged February i, 1865. William A. Williams was promoted from orderly sergeant to second lieutenant, February 3, 1863, and honorably discharged July 29, 1864.

The 123 d was organized at Camp Monroeville, in Huron county, Ohio. William T. Wilson was commissioned colonel and was subsequently mustered out with the regiment. Henry B. Hunter was lieutenant colonel; A. B. Norton, major; and O. Ferris, surgeon. The regiment reached Clarksburg, Va., October 20th, and a week later marched to Buckhannon. It then went to Beverly, Va., left there November 8th, then camped eight days at 'Huttonsville, then marched to Webster, thus returning to within 10 miles from the point from which it started.

From November i8th to December i^th it lay in camp at New Creek, and while here Capt. Kellogg, of Company B, was sent on detached service to assess the Rebel citizens of that place for outrages committed by Imboden's guerrillas on Union men. Five thousand dollars was collected under this order and turned over to the sufferers. On January 3d, 1863, the regiment was sent to reheve the 1 1 6th Ohio, which was surrounded and in danger of being captured by Confederate cavalry, in which service it was successful, the enemy being driven off. Lieut. E. H. Brown, who had been left behind at Petersburg, having destroyed some stores, attempted to rejoin his regiment, with the sick and a few cavalrymen, but was captured, by a body of the enemy's cavalry, being, however, paroled the next morning. For about six weeks from the I2th of January the regiment was engaged in scouting duty in the vicinity of Romney, and while at this place a company of the ii6th Ohio (in the brigade) and a small detail from the 123d was captured by McNeil's Confederate cavalry, and the train in their charge burned. The men were paroled and sent back into the National lines. The regiment arrived at Winchester on March 4th and from that point made several raids up the Shenandoah Valley, going as far as Newmarket.

On the 13th of June Lee's whole army, then on its way to Pennsylvania, passed through and surrounded Winchester. In the afternoon of the same day the 123d, with its brigade under Brigadier-General Elliott, lost nearly 100 men in an engagement with General Early's Corps. On the 14th the National forces were driven into their fortifications, and subjected to a heavy artillery fire, the outworks being later carried by the enemy. At a council of war it was decided to evacuate the place. Spiking the artillery, which had to be left behind, the troops were marched out silently at two o'clock in the morning, but after marching four miles along the IMartinsburg Road, the enemy was found strongly posted along the road and retreat was cut off. In an attempt to cut a way out, the 123d made three distinct charges, losing in killed and wounded about 50 men. A\'hile the regiment was forming for the fourth charge, Colonel Ely, of the i8th Connecticut, temporarily in command of the brigade, surrendered to the enemy, and the whole brigade, except Company D of the 123d, were made prisoners of war and sent to Richmond, where the officers of the 123d remained in Libby prison for about eleven months. Lieut. W. A. Williams and Capt. D. S. Caldwell made their escape.

as subsequently did several other officers. Some were exchanged and sent home, while the remainder of those confined in Libby were transferred to other prisons, where one or two of them died of disease. The privates of the regiment were exchanged within a few months.

The stragglers of the regiment were collected by Major Horace Kellogg, who had escaped from the enemy at Winchester, and were joined by the paroled men at Martinsburg, about September ist, 1863. Here they were newly armed and equipped, and as the regiment was deficient in officers, it was engaged mainly in provost and picket duty until March ist, 1864, and was then used to guard the B. & O. Railroad between Harper's Ferry and Monocacy Junction. In April the 123d accompanied the forces of General Sigel in a raid up the Shenandoah Valley, and in a fight with the enemy under Breckinridge on the 15th of May, lost 79 in killed and wounded, Sigel being compelled to fall back to Cedar Creek.

Sigel being replaced by General Hunter, the latter prepared for a raid on Lynchburg, and at Port Republic, on June 4th, the enemy was encountered and whipped, 2,000 prisoners being taken. The regiment was not actively engaged in this fight but performed valuable service in guarding trains. At Staunton General Crook's column joined the army, which then proceeded toward Lynchburg, the skirmishing becoming hotter each day. A battle took place on the 14th near Lynchburg, in which the 123d lost a number of men. Finding that the enemy had been largely reinforced and lay between him and the Shenandoah Valley, Hunter drew off his forces and began his retreat to the Kanawha Valley. This retreat was almost a continual fight until the army reached Salem, at which place two batteries were captured by the enemy, but aftenvard captured and spiked. On crossing another spur of mountains the enemy drew off from the pursuit. On this retreat the men suffered severely from exhaustion and starvation and numbers lay down by the roadside and died. The army finally reached Gauley Bridge, in the Kanawha Valley, where the army obtained rest and refreshment. Early in July the 123d returned to Martinsburg, having 250 men left out of the 700 with which it had started. Soon after an unsuccessful attempt was made to intercept Early in his retreat from Washington. On July i8th the Army of West Virginia, of which the 123d formed part, had a fight with Early at Snicker's Ferry, on the Shenandoah River, in which the regiment lost a number of men, including Lieut. C. D. Williams, of Company B. That night the enemy retreated up the valley.

The National troops moved after them and a sharp skirmish took place on the 23d. The two armies fought up and down the valley for several days, with alternate success, the National troops finally being ordered back to Monocacy Junction.

The command of the National forces was now placed in the hands of General Phil Sheridan, and a new era dawned upon the Shenandoah Valley. In the fighting at Berryville the 123d lost 25 men killed and wounded. On the 19th of September, near Winchester, another battle was fought. In this affair the 123d was engaged on the right in Colonel Thoburn's Brigade, and formed part of the grand flanking column which changed the fortunes of the day. The regiment took part in the final charge and had the satisfaction of seeing the enemy in full retreat, ending in a perfect rout. The loss of the 123d in this battle was five officers and about 50 men.

The enemy taking refuge behind strong works at Strasburg, General Crook, in whose command was the 123d, executed a secret movement on the left flank of the Confederate army, and reached the side of a hill immediately overlooking the Rebel position before he was discovered. A sudden charge scattered the enemy like chaff. In this action the regiment lost six men.

The next day, September 23d, the National forces moved up the valley to Harrisonburg, the 123d being left behind at Fisher's Hill to bury the dead and collect the arms thrown down by the enemy; this done it joined the main army.

Some days later the National forces began a retrograde movement down the valley for the purpose of drawing the enemy after them, and finally took up a position at Cedar Creek, where they threw up fortifications. The enemy followed and resumed their strong position at Fisher's Hill, which they further strengthened. During this time the 123d, in repelling a reconnoisance made by the Rebels, lost their gallant brigade commander, Colonel Thoburn, of the 4th Virginia.

On the 19th of October, the enemy, under cover of a dense fog, crept up through a gap unfortunately left in the National line of pickets, and turned the left flank of the army, held by General Crook's Corps, pushing the army back five or six miles and capturing the works and all that were in them. In this rout the 6th Corps acted as a breakwater against the Rebels, holding them in check until the National lines were re-formed. While matters were at this pass. General Sheridan suddenly appeared, having made his famous ride from Winchester. He at once infused new life into the demoralized forces, and having made some slight changes in the order of battle, gave the word for a general advance. The enemy were swept from the field, losing all their own artillery and that which they had captured in the morning. This victory was so thorough that thereafter there was no opposition to the National forces worth mentioning in the valley.

After going into camp for about ten days with the rest of the troops, the 123d was assigned to guard the line of the Harper's Ferry & Winchester Railroad. A month later it was ordered to report to General Butler, commanding on the north side of the James river, near Bermuda Hundred, and attached to the 24th Army Corps, General Ord commanding. The regiment lay in camp near Deep Bottom until March 25, 1865, when it moved to the Chickahominy to aid Sheridan across that river. On April 2d a charge was made on the Rebel works at Hatcher's Run, the works being carried. For three days and nights previously the 123d had been on the skirmish line without relief, and during this time their losses were quite severe. The regiment captured two battle flags and a number of prisoners. During the pursuit of Lee's army toward Danville the 123d was included in a force sent out from Burke's Junction to burn High Bridge 15 miles in advance on the South Side Railroad. When about half a mile from the bridge they were taken in the rear by the cavalry in advance of Lee's army and, after sev- eral hours' fight, the whole National force, including the 123d, was captured. General Reed, the commander of the expedition, was killed, the regiment was carried with the Confederate army to Appomattox Court House, where, on the surrender of Lee, the prisoners were released. The regiment was mustered out at Camp Chase, Ohio, on the I2th of June, 1865.

The 136th Ohio Volunteer Infantry was organized for the loo-days' service, with W. Smith Irwin, colonel; David A. Williams, lient. -colonel ; A. W Diller, major, and William F. Brown, surgeon. Companies C and E A\ere composed, in part, at least, of men from Crawford county. The regiment arrived at Camp Chase on May 12, 1864, and, having been mustered, uniformed and equipped, left the next day for ^^"ashington City. On ^lay 20th the regiment was placed on garrison duty in Forts Ellsworth, A\'^illiams and North, a part of the defenses of ^^'ashington, south of the Potomac, and was assigned to the 3d Brigade, DeRussy's Division. It remained on garrison duty during the remainder of its term of service, which expired August 20th. It was mustered out August 30th, 1864, having lost, from disease, two officers and 23 men.

The 144th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, National Guard. - The 19th Battalion, O. N. G., of \\''yandotte county, and the 64th Battalion O. N. G., of Wood county, were consolidated at Camp Chase on the nth of ^lay, 1864, forming the 144th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. A number of Crawford county men were among its members.

Its organization being completed, the regiment was ordered to report to General ^^'allace at Baltimore. Upon its arrival there Companies G and K were detached for duty on the fortifications, the remainder of the regiment reporting to General Morris, at Fort McHenry, and from there Company E was ordered to Wilmington, Delaware; Company B to Camp Parole, near Annapolis, and Company I to Fort Dix, at the Relay House. At the time of Early's attempt against Washington, Companies B, G. and I were in the engagement at Monocacy Junction and suffered severely, losing in all about 50 men in killed, wounded and prisoners. On July 13th the regiment was ordered to Washington and from there moved toward Winchester, Va. It was halted at Snicker's Gap, and after a day's delay was moved back toward Washington, but soon after set out again for the Shenandoah Valley, moving via Harper's Ferry, under command of Major-General Wright. On August 13th a portion of the regiment, while guarding a train near Berryville, Va., was attacked by Moseby's command, with two pieces of artillery, but, after some slight confusion, the men rallied and drove off the enemy, saving the train. In this action the detachment lost five killed, six wounded and 60 captured. The regiment was mustered out on the 31st of August, 1864, having lost about 125 men killed, wounded and captured. Most of those captured died from starvation in Southern prisons.

The 179th Regiment, O. V. I., contained some men from Crawford county, who were attached to Company B. The regiment was organized at Camp Chase, in September, 1864, and mustered in for one year September 27th. It was ordered to Nashville, where it was assigned to guard and provost dut}-. Picket and guard duty was always irksome to the soldiers, who would have greatly preferred to be at the front or on the "firing line," in modern war parlance. But there had to be troops to perform these routine duties, and the boys of the 176th and 179th, which had been brigaded together, submitted as gracefully as possible. However 50 men were detailed from the 176th and 179th, after the battle of Nashville in December, 1864, and assigned to the First U. S. Engineers, to assist the latter organization in building block-houses along the Nashville & Chattanooga and other Southern railroads vised by the Federal forces in transporting troops and supplies. The 179th was in the reser^e at the time of the battle in Nashville, but not actively engaged. The regiment was mustered out at Nashville June 17th, and paid off and discharged at Columbus June 21, 1865.

The 1 86th Ohio Volunteer Infantry was one of the regiments raised under the last call of the President to serve for one year, and was composed of men gathered from ?'! parts of the state, most of whom had already seen service. The last company was mustered in at Camp Chase, ]\Iarch 2, 1865. Company C of this regiment contained a number of men from Crawford county. The regiment was organized with Thomas F. Wildes, colonel; George Wilhelm, lieut.-colonel ; W. L. Patterson, major; and W. H. Matchett, surgeon. On the 2d of March, without arms or supplies, the regiment started for Nashville, leaving there on the 8th for Murfreesboro. The latter part of this journey was made in intensely cold weather. The regiment went into camp at Cleveland, Tenn., where Colonel Wildes received a commission as brigadiergeneral by brevet for gallantry in the Shenandoah Valley, while lieut.-colonel of the ii6th Ohio. On May 2d the regiment moved to Dalton, where it remained a few days. General Wildes had in the meanwhile been assigned to the command of a brigade at Chattanooga, and at his request the i86th was transferred to his command. During its stay in Chattanooga the regiment, under the direction of Lieut.-Colonel Wilhelm, became very proficient in drill. On the 20th of July the i86th was relieved from duty at Chattanooga and ordered to Nashville. This order returned General Wildes to the command of his regiment, as it did all other officers on detached duty. Orders were received September 13th to prepare rolls for the muster-out of the regiment. It was paid off and disbanded at Columbus, Ohio, September 25, 1865. The regiment was never in an - engagement, but would doubtless have performed every duty rec]uired of it had it been called into action.

The 197th Ohio Volunteer Infantry was the last regiment which Ohio sent to the field and also the last complete organization which the state raised for service during the Civil War. Most of its officers had seen service in other commands and nearly one-half of the men were experienced soldiers. Some Crawford county men were members of Company C. The first company was mustered in at Camp Chase on the 28th of March, 1865, the regimental organization being completed on the 1 2th of April. Benton Halstead was colonel ; G. M. Barber, lieut.-colonel ; Robert Hill, major, and W. G. Bryant, surgeon. This regiment never saw active service in the field, as on its arrival in Washington in the latter part of April, news was received of the surrender of General Johnston's army. The 197th was temporarily assigned to the 9th Corps and was camped for some time near Alexandria. On May 9th it was incorporated in the Provisional Brigade, Ninth Army Corps. Subsequently it was sent to Dover, Delaware and encamped at Camp Harrington, where it spent four weeks. Ordered to Havre de Grace May 31st, it performed guard duty along the railroad southward to Baltimore, being broken into detachments for that purpose. At that time it became part of the 3d "Separate Brigade," 8th Army Corps. The regimental headquarters were removed to Fort Worthington, near Baltimore, on the 3d of July, where the different companies were engaged in guard duty. The regiment reassembled at Camp Bradford, near Baltimore, and on the 31st of July was mustered out of the service. It was disbanded August 6, 1865.

The 3d and loth cavalry regiments also contained some men from Crawford county. Capt. E. R. Brink, of the 3d, was from this county. He entered the organization as first lieutenant, was promoted to captain, and resigned May 9, 1865.

The 3d Ohio Volunteer Cavalry was organized at Monroeville, Ohio, in September, 1 861. Lewis Zahm was its first colonel, with D. A. Murray, lieutenant colonel; John H. Foster, major, and M. C. Cuykendall, surgeon. During the first year of its service it was attached to Gen. T. J. Wood's Division, during the most of the time being under his immediate command. It saw active service in many battles and to give a detailed account of its operations would fill a small volume. It took part in some brisk fighting at Corinth, in May, 1862; at Munfordsville, in September, where it drove a Rebel force three times its own number; also at Bardstown, in October, where it lost six men killed, 20 wounded and 17 captured; fought Kirby Smith's cavalry at Shelbyville, Ky., and was engaged with the enemy at the battle of Perryville. In the latter part of October, a detachment of the 3d Cavalry, with a portion of the 4th, numbering 250 men, were surprised at Ashland, Ky., by Morgan's forces, and forced to surrender. Subsequently the 2d brigade of cavalry, under Colonel Lewis Zahm, to which the 2d and 3d battalions were attached, attacked Morgan near Gallatin, capturing his camp equipage and a large number of prisoners. Soon after they struck another blow at Morgan, attacking an escort from his forces, killing three and capturmg 17 prisoners and 146 mules. In December they took \'aliant part in the operations around Franklin and Nashville, Tenn., killing a number of the enemy and taking many prisoners. In January, 1863, they repulsed an attack on a supply train at Stewart's Creek, by Wheeler's Rebel Cavalry, and later in the same day, with the 15th Pennsylvania Ca\alry, repulsed a second attack, the train being safely escorted to Nashville. They took l^art in the pursuit of the enemy after the battle of Stone River, and near Middleton, Tenn., captured one of his trains. Later, in a skirmish with Morgan's guerillas, near Woodbury, they suffered a severe loss in killed, wounded and prisoners. Their subsequent actions in the vicinity of Murfreesboro are too numerous to mention. At the battle of Chickamauga they fought on the extreme left of the National lines, and subsequently pursued Wheeler's cavalry through Tennessee, winning a decisive victory at Farmington.

In January, 1864, at Pulaski, Tenn., the 3d Cavalry re-enlisted, there being at this date only 400 effective men left out of the original 1,300. During the usual furlough they met with a hearty greeting from the citizens of their native state. At this time, through the efforts of Major C. W. Skinner and Capt. E. AI. Clover, nearly 1,000 recruits were enlisted, and on its return to the front at Nashville the regiment numbered over 1,500 strong. They subsequently marched with Sherman through Georgia, participating in the engagements at Etowah, Kenesaw Mountain, Noonday Creek and at the Chattahoochie River, Peach Tree Creek and Decatur and in the raids to Covington and Stone Mountain ; also in the Stoneman raid under General Garrard, and in the Kilpatrick raid. In each of these raids the regiment suffered severely. It subsequently fought at Lovejoy's station, took part in the pursuit of Hood, and occupied a position on the left of General Thomas's forces in the first battle of Franklin. It was also engaged in the battle before Nashville. After Hood's defeat, it followed his army into Alabama, and was then engaged in the W^ilson raid through Alabama, and Georgia, losing heavily in killed and wounded at Selma. Subsequently, as a part of Wilson's command it engaged in the chase after Jefferson Davis. The regiment finished its long career of arduous and brave service at Macon, Georgia, and was mustered out at Camp Chase, Ohio, August 14, 1865, having served four years, lacking 20 days.

The loth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry. - Crawford county was represented in this regiment by a number of men in Company L. The regiment was organized at Camp Taylor in October, 1862, by Charles C. Smith, under a commission from Governor Tod, and in the spring of 1863 it left for Nashville, Tenn. Its first services in the field were in the neighborhood of ^lurfreesboro, and during the subsequent campaign against Bragg it performed a vast amount of marching, with no little fighting, being usually successful in its bouts with the enemy. At Chickamauga the main portion of the regiment was used to guard communications in the rear. After that battle it did duty in the Sequatchie Valley against the Rebel guerrillas. During this time a portion of the regiment, with the 15th Pennsylvania Cavalry, was sent on a scouting expedition into East Tennessee, and was absent from the regiment about three months, having almost daily fights with the enemy belonging to Longstreet's command. While on this raid they met and defeated a force of 300 Indians and 200 white soldiers led by Governor Vance, of North Carolina, who was captured. On its return the detachment found its regiment station at Bridgeport, Ala., and dismounted, the horses having starved to death from scarcity of forage. In the spring of 1864, while at Lavergne, Tenn., the command was again equipped for the field.

At Ringgold, Ga., the regiment was attached to the 2d Brigade, 3d Division, Cavalry Corps, Colonel Chas. C. Smith, of the loth, being assigned as brigade commander, and acting as such until the army arrived before ^Marietta. In this march the command was repeatedly engaged with the enemy, and in the battle of Resaca the loth under Col. Smith, led the charge which opened the battle.

the "March to the Sea." During the greater part of this march the regiment had almost daily encounters with the foe, in particular with Wheeler's cavalry, being usually successful. In the campaign through the Carolinas also the loth was actively engaged, meeting the enemy frequently and almost invariably repulsing their attacks. General Kilpatrick more than once expressed the opinion that the loth Ohio Cavalry was the best charging regiment he had in his command. Colonel Smith, the commander of the loth, during the majority of the time the regiment was in service, was on duty as brigade commander, and although enfeebled by ill health, remained with his command until it reached Carter sville, Ga., when he was obliged to leave for home, and subsequently, by the advice of his medical attendant, resigned his commission. He was honorably discharged January 13, 1865. His second in command, Col. Thomas W. Sanderson, was mustered out with the regiment.

The 1 2th Regiment Ohio Volunteer Cavalry. - This organization contained quite a number of Crawford county men, most of whom belonged to Company A. Capt. E. C. Moderwell and Lieut. D. A. Newell, of this company, were from this county. Capt. Moderwell was promoted to major and was mustered out as such with the regiment. Lieut. Newell was promoted from second to first lieutenant, November 24, 1863 and was honorably discharged May 20, 1865.

This regiment was recruited during the months of August, September and October, 1863, in accordance with an order from the War Department to Governor Tod. Lieut.- Col. Robert W. Hatlifif, of the 2d Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, was commissioned colonel, and the first company reported at Camp Taylor, October 2, 1863. Most of the officers of the regiment were trained soldiers and the regiment in consequence was soon prepared for the field.

On November 29th the regiment moved from Camp Dennison to Mount Sterling, Kentucky. The regiment was a portion of General Burbridge's command in the first Saltville raid. Arrived in the vicinity of Pound Gap, after eight days' forced march, the command started in pursuit of John Morgan, who with his force had just entered Kentucky. The command, after severe marching, reached Mount Sterling June 9, 1863, there engaging the Rebel raiders. The 12th again overtook Morgan at Cynthiana, scattering his forces, and continuing the pursuit for three days. The regiment had hard fighting at Saltville, September 20th. The 12th with its brigade charged up a hill occupied by the enemy from his works. The regiment did good service under Stoneman at Bristol, Abingdon and Marion, and as a support to General Gillman in pursuit of Vaughn. Under Stoneman, Breckenridge was engaged and defeated after 40 hours of fighting. In this engagement all the members of the 12th bearing sabers participated in a grand charge, driving back the enemy's cavalry. After the capture of Saltville on December 21st, they returned to Richmond, Kentucky. As a result of this raid four boats were captured, 150 miles of railroad, 13 trains and locomotives, lead mines, iron foundries and immense quantities of stores of all kinds were destroyed. The regiment moved to Nashville March 6th, and thence to Knoxville. From this point, under Stoneman, the regiment penetrated North Carolina, attacked the Lynchburg & East Tennessee Railroad at Christianburg, Virginia, which was destroyed for 30 miles. They also cut the Danville & Charlotte Railroad at Greensboro, North Carolina, which drew the garrison to Salisbury; and cutting the railroad between them and Salisbury, that place, with stores and many federal prisoners, fell into the hands of the Union forces April 12th. The command assisted in the capture of Jefiferson Davis; then moving through South Carolina and Alabama, they captured Generals Bragg and Wheeler and their escorts and finally reached Bridgeport, Alabama, having been in saddle 67 days. The 12th finally rendezvoused at Nashville, and was mustered out November 14, 1865.

During the wftr Crawford county was twice drafted. The first draft took place the last of September, 1862, and was for the following numbers of men, by townships : Auburn, 22; Bucyrus, 22; Chatfield, 59; Cranberry, 42; Dallas, o; Holmes, 55; Jackson, 102; Liberty, 56; Lykens, 40; Polk, 69; Sandusky,

^i; Texas, 2; \emon, 30; Whetstone, 45. Dallas, it will be seen had filled its quota and was not drafted. Some of the drafted men resisted and being supported by a numerous part)- in the county that was opposed to the war, it looked for a time as though the resistance might develop into a riot, but this contingenc)' was avoided, although several exciting scenes occurred.

The second draft was on the i6th of April, 1864, and was for a smaller number of men. By townships it was as follows: Auburn, 9; Bucyrus, 16; Chatfield, 2; Cranberry, i; Holmes, 1 1 ; Jackson, 5 ; Libertj', 8 : Polk, 24; Texas, 2. The quota of most of the townships was filled, however, by voltmtary enlistment before the day set for the drafted men to report at headquarters.

^\'hile the men of the county, state and nation were in the field, fighting their coimtry's battles, the women at home were not idle. Though not exposed to danger or hardships in the field, they suttered not less acutely in saying farewell - in many cases forever - ^to those who were near and dear to them, and many a tender heart was wnmg as they fearfully read the news columns and war bulletins after a battle, dreading to see the name for which they sought in the lists of killed, wounded or missing. ^lany of these women, anxious to minister to the suffering soldiers, left their comfortable homes to sene as nurses in the militan.- hospitals, performing their hard dut\- bravely and patiently amid scenes of blood and suffering, enough to chill the stoutest hearts.

And those who remained at home performed a useful and noble service, through the numerous Ladies" Aid Societies, sending to the soldiers both in the field and in the hospitals all sorts of useful and necessary articles of clothing, provisions and other things that were heartih- appreciated by the boys at the front, and greatly helped to alleviate their hardships.

The Soldiers' Ladies Aid Society- was organized in Buc}xus. Oct. 14, 1861, IMrs. Dr. ^lerriman being elected president, [Mrs. William Rowse. secretar)-, and Mrs. Howbert, treasurer. A membership fee of ten cents was charged and meetings were held for some time in the Ouincy Block. After awhile the enthusiasm waned to some extent, but in the fall of 1862 the society was reorganized, with ilrs. J. Scroggs as president and ^Irs. Howbert, secretary. A third reorganization occurred in June, 1863, when Mrs. I. C. Kingsley became president; [Mrs. R. T. Johnston, vice president, [Mrs. J. G. Robinson, secretan-, and [Mrs. H. [M. Rowse, treasurer. With these officers in charge it continued in operation until the close of the war. [Many boxes of clothing, provisions for the sick, and other useful supplies, were fonvarded to the front by the society, and were doubtless appreciated by the soldiers into whose hands- - or stomachs - ^they fell.

At one time during the progress of the war, a movement was set on foot to erect a monument to the soldiers of Crawford county who had fallen or might fall in battle. In January, 1863 the Oakvvood Cemetery .Association offered to donate a lot, valued at S125, provided the citizens of the county would subscribe enough to erect a suitable monument. An organization, known as the '"Crawford Coimtj-, Ohio, [Monumental Association," was accordingly formed, but before a sufficient amount was subscribed the enthusiasm of most of those concerned died out and the soldiers' only monument lies in the record of their own heroic deeds and in the hearts of those to whom they were dear.

After the war was over Decoration Day, later called Memorial Day, was made a national holiday in most states, and on that day, annually on [May 30, the soldiers accompanied by the citizens in every communitj- in the north and south assembled at the cemeteries and little grave-yards to place memorial wreaths and beautiful flowers on the graves of those who had given their lives that the nation might live. The soldiers organization at Bucjtus is Keller Post. It was named after the Keller Brothers who were kiUed at the battle of Stone River. Amos Keller was captain of Company B, of the 49th O. V. I., and his brother Aaron H. Keller was first lieutenant of the same company. They were both wounded at the battle of Stone River, on December 31, 1862, and Capt Amos Keller died the next day. New Year's Day. 1863. while his brother Lieut Aaron H., died on January- 25th. They were brought to Bucyrus, and on February 15,

1863, their funeral took place with their burial in the same grave at Oakwood. Of these brothers, W. H. Wortman, when he was Adjutant of the Post, wrote : "They were both born in the same month; they served in the same company; they endured the same hardships; they fell in the same battle, received their death wounds in the same hour; they were both single, they never separated in life, and sleep together in death. In our beautiful Oakwood cemetery, in a quiet spot, guarded by the beautiful stars of heaven they both rest in one grave."

Peter Snyder Post No. 129 was organized at Crestline and named after Peter Snyder of Company E, loist O. V. I. He was wounded on December 30, 1862, the first day of the battle of Stone River and died three days later, on January 2, 1863. He was buried on the field of battle. The charter members were T. P. Kerr, David Snodgrass, James Dunmire, J. S. Cole, W. Shumaker, Gaylord Ozier, Theo. Rinkard, J. A. Smith, John Cook, David Grubb, Samuel Zink, J. C. Channell, John C. Williams, P. B. Young, John A. Mcjunkin, J. L. Booth, G. W. Thompson, Jacob Lewis, C. Hoke, Geo. Herr, Mathew Jaques, E. Pampel.

The post at Galion was Dick Morris Post No. 130, named after G. A. Morris, who enlisted in Co. K, Fourth O. V. I. He was wounded in the thigh at the Battle of the Wilderness but he remained in the service until they discharged his regiment in 1864. He re- turned to his home in Galion with his health badly impaired. He never recovered and died at Colorado Springs in 1880, where he had gone for his health. His remains were brought to Ohio, and buried at his old family home at Delhi, Marion County. The charter members of this post were J. R. Homer, J. W. Holmes, Julius Brascher, W. R. Davis, T. C. Davis, Abner G. Bryan, H. Bachelder, W. B. Osborn, M. Manley, E. A. Johnson, Morris Burns, J. S. Nace, Geo. M. Zigler, D. R. Gorman, E. S. Boalt, W. H. Davis, W. F. Haney, John English, J. W. Conklin, J. H. Green, M. Rigby, J. H. Ashbaugh, S. M. Reese, Chas. Webber, Wm. Riley, S. B. Nute, Theo. Wooley, A. Wild, Geo. Snyder, S. E. Conrad, Wm. Blacksen, W. H. W. Nichols, Andrew Schneider, Chas. Obtz, John Diday, B. W. Hosford, L. M. Beck.

Biddle Post No. 522 was organized at Sulphur Springs and was named after John B. Biddle of Company C, loist O. V. I. He was a lieutenant in Company C, and was killed at the Battle of Stone River while repelling a charge. The charter members were Peter Rutan, N. S! Boardman, A. Fry, John K. Zerbe, Jeremiah Tressler, Hiram Smith, George Howell, George Haislett, H. S. Bevington, Hiram Orewiler, John Caris, Oliver Flohr, John Weston, Andrew Depler, Jacob Rice, Harvey McCullough, Samuel Smalley, Thomas Loux, O. I. Keller, M. M. Carruthers, D. L. Felters, Caleb Ackerman, Geo. B. Mc- Intyre, Geo. E. Gowing, S. B. Koons, R. B. McCammon, Jacob Waters, Isaac Grouse, Reuben Finch, David Hites.

Connected with the several posts. Relief Corps were also organized among them Bucyrus Keller Relief Corps No. 68 was organized with 20 charter members. Galion Relief Corps No. 130, and Crestline Relief Corps.

Probably the oldest soldier who enlisted from Crawford county was William Blowers. He knew he would not be taken where known, so in the Fall of 1882, he enlisted in the 151st New York Infantry as a private. He was 62 years of age, and as soon as his enlistment was known, and it was found he insisted on serving his country he was transferred to hospital duty. He died Jan. 28, 1868, and was buried in the Blowers graveyard in Liberty township. The youngest soldier was probably George W. Harris, who was but 13 years of age when in 1862 he enlisted in Co. B of the 6ist O. V. I., and served for three years. For several years he has been Commander of Keller Post.

Among more than two thousand soldiers from Crawford county who took part in that war there were many acts of heroism, and many brave deeds the memory of which is treasured by their descendants. Three Grand Army Posts in this county are named after men who lost their lives at Stone River; died that a Nation might live. But there are three instances that are, perhaps, more prominent than others :

B. B. McDanald was major of the loist Ohio, and was captured Sept. 20, 1863, during the Chattanooga campaign. He was sent to Richmond and confined in Libby Prison. He with Col. A. Streight of an Indiana regiment, organized the most daring escape of the war. Major McDanald was the superintendent in the construction of a tunnel. It commenced in the basement of the prison, extended under the street a distance of over sixty feet. Their principal implement used in the construction was a chisel about nine inches long. With this they worked by relays storing the excavated earth beneath the straw on which they slept. The work was all done after night and it took them a month to complete the small hole through which they crawled to liberty. On Feb. 9, 1864, 109 officers made their escape; emerging from the tunnel they separated into small groups to make their way north, and 55 succeeded in reaching the Union line, and Major McDanald was among the number, and the faithful chisel was brought home by him as a souvenir of his daring escape.

was a prison for the privates. It was Andersonville, and perhaps two dozen of Crawford's soldiers were in that living hell. It was 23 acres in size. On June 17, 1864, Sergeant Thomas J. Sheppard was captured in a night attack on Kenesaw Mountain, and was sent to Andersonville. During July there were 31,- 648 prisoners there, and 1742 died that month; in August out of 31,693 prisoners 3,076 died. In July one in every 18 died; in August one in every eleven ; in September one in every three ; and "in October every other man died from starvation and exposure, for there was no protection except holes burrowed in the ground. In this prison pen, Sergeant Sheppard who had studied for the ministry, for ten months preached to his comrades, and gave what comfort and consolation he could to the sick and the dying. His comrades drew up a petition telling of his services, and the paper, discolored by age, its edges frayed and torn, is still in the possession of his children. He lived through all the horrors of Andersonville, and when the war ended was released and returned to Ohio to finish his ministerial studies, and filled several pulpits in this State, among them the Baptist church at Bucyrus. He was known throughout the State and Nation as "The Andersonville Chaplain." He died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. James R. Hopley, in Bucyrus, on Aug. 14, 1912.

\Vhen the troops were getting closer and closer to fated Richmond, Gen. Grant received from patriotic citizens a purse of $460 to be presented to the soldier who should first plant the Stars and Stripes in the captured city. Richmond was not taken by assault, but was abandoned in consequence of the successful attack on Petersburg, on April 2, 1865. So the commanders of the three corps who made the successful assault were each requested to select the man most distinguished for bravery on that occasion, and Gen. Wright selected Sergeant David W. Young, of Co> E, 139th Pa., and he received the following letter:

Co. E, 139th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers : The sum of four hundred and sixty dollars was sent to me by patriotic Citizens to be presented as a reward for gallantry to the soldier who should first raise our flag over Richmond. As Richmond was not taken by assault, I have concluded that the donors' wishes will be best carried out by dividing the sum between three

You have been selected by Major General H. G. Wright, commanding the Sixth Army Corps, as entitled to this honor on behalf of that command, and I herewith present to you one hundred and fifty-three dollars and thirty-three cents as one third of the original sum.

It affords me great satisfaction to receive from your Commanding General such unqualified testimony of your gallantry and heroism in battle, and to be the medium of transmitting to you this recognition of the worth of your services in defense of our common country.

The first call of the President was received by the Governor at 5 o'clock in the afternoon of April 25. Telegraphic orders were immediately sent to the commanding officers of the Ohio National Guard. Company A at that time was a part of the 8th Regiment, the senior major of which was Edward Vollrath of Bucyrus. On the 26th of April, within 24 hours of the receipt of the orders Company A was at Akron and two days later proceeded to Camp Bushnell, Columbus, Ohio, where on May 13, 1898, they were mustered into the United States service as the 8th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry.

The 8th Regiment of Infantry, O. N. G., popularly known as "The President's Own," was the only Ohio regiment that went to Cuba. The order to start for Cuba came on the Fourth of July and on the 6th the regiment embarked at New York city on the U. S. Steamer St. Paul, arriving off Siboney, several miles below Santiago, on July loth. The troops being urgently needed at this time, the regiment was immediately disembarked, some companies being landed that night and the remainder on the following morning. On their march to the front, over the mountain trail, they met numerous wagons loaded with sick and wounded soldiers. The regiment marched part way under a furious tropical storm and camped on the east bank of the Aguadores river. So heavy was the downpour of rain that the camp was completely flooded and none were able to sleep. In the morning it was found that the streams were so swollen that an immediate advance of the regiment was impracticable and they were obliged for some time to remain at this camp, which was named by the soldiers "Camp Mud."

On the 13th of July the Third Batallion, consisting of Companies B, E, G and K, were detailed as guard to General Shafter and the headquarters of the Fifth Army Corps. After the surrender of Santiago, a few days later, the headquarters were moved into the city and the batallion acted as guard of the Ammunition Reserve and Small Arm Park until August loth, besides perfonning various other duties.

On July 15th Colonel Hard obtained permission of General Miles to change the location of the camp, which was an unhealthy one, and accordingly the First and Second Batallions took camp on Sevilla Hill, the Third remaining at headquarters. At this time the regiment suffered greatly from sickness, principally malarial fever, the companies being obliged to furnish" details to assist the hospital corps. The health of the army generally continued so bad and the deaths were so numerous that it was found impracticable to send the troops to take part in the Porto Rico campaign, as had been intended, and representations having been made by the chief officers

On August 1 8th the 8th regiment left Santiago on the steamer Mohawk, some of the men, however, being unable to embark on account of sickness. On the way home two deaths occurred at sea. On the 26th the troops were landed at Montauk Point, Long Island and were immediately placed in quarantine until danger of infection was over. On September 6th, a 60-days' furlough having been granted, the various companies took the train for Ohio, to reassemble for muster out at Wooster, Ohio on November loth. They remained in camp at Wooster until November 21, 1898, when they were discharged. While in the United States' service the 8th Regiment lost 72 men, a number of others dying subsequently as the result of disease or hardships encountered.

The soldiers of the Spanish American War have organized Thoman Camp No. 69, United Spanish War Veterans, named after Sergeant Charles Thoman who died in Cuba.