Washington County, Ohio - War of the Rebellion - Continued (2 of 2 so headed), 1881 (part 3 of 11)

On reaching Meadow Bluffs orders were received to join General Hunter in the Shenandoah valley. As soon as the bare and foot-sore men could be cared for, and the expedition otherwise fitted up, the march began. It lay over old familiar ground in part - through Lewisburgh, White and Warm sulphur springs, and Goshen. At the latter place, a bridge spanning Calf Pasture river was burned and the railroad track destroyed nearly to Cravesville, where the mountain was crossed and a junction effected with General Hunter at Staunton. The march had been opposed by '"Mudwall" Jackson, with a small force, which caused but little delay. June roth the National forces left Staunton for Lynchburgh, skirmishing most of the way. ''Mudwall" Jackson retreating across the North river into Lexington. After firing the bridge he took courage and with the help of the students at the military institute delivered himself of a brisk little fight. He soon gave way.

On entering Lexington, by order of General Hunter, the military institute and ex-Governor Letcher's house were burned. The loss of the Thirty-sixth was three killed and five wounded. From Lexington the army moved by way of Buchanan, thence across the Blue Ridge, between the Peaks of Otter, to Liberty. From this place bridges were burned and the railroad destroyed to within a short distance of Lynchburgh. At the old stone church, on the Liberty pike, the rebels were encountered and driven inside their 'fortifications. Night coming on, operations were suspended. By morning, June 18th, affairs had assumed a different aspect. The rebel General Early had arrived from Richmond with a heavy force, and at daylight opened with his artillery. It was evident that a greater than " Mudwall" was at hand. Heavy skirmishing was kept up by the infantry till about noon, when the Union force was most furiously assailed, but stood its ground, and in turn drove the enemy back within their works. General Hunter decided to withdraw, but affected to keep up appearances till after dark. The Thirty-sixth was deployed in front of the enemy, and an occasional shot delivered, giving time for the troops to get well under way; then quietly withdrawing, briskly marched until the rear of the column was reached. Then commenced one of the hardest marches of the war. Supplies were nearly exhausted, and foraging had to be resorted to, with an active enemy hanging on the rear. The retreat was continued za Liberty, Buford's Gap, Salem, Newcastle, Sweet and White Sulphur Springs, Lewisburgh, and Meadow Bluffs, to Charleston, on the Kanawha. Chapters might be written of the sufferings of the soldiers, marching from within hearing of the guns at Richmond across all the mountain ranges to the Ohio Many men, exhausted, fell out, and never were Night and day without sleep or rest, it was march, march - that or starvation. During the last nine days the average was twenty miles per day. From June 27th to July roth the starving, worn-out army rested - ate, slept, and was reclothed. They then embarked for Parkersburgh, en route east, General Crook having been ordered with his command east, to repel General Early in his invasion of Maryland. They reached Martinsburgh, by railroad, July 15th; thence marched to Halltown, near Harper's Ferry. General Crook was at Snicker's Gap, having followed and driven General Early across to the west side of the Shenandoah. Colonel Hayes' brigade (the Twenty-third and Thirty-sixth regiments) was ordered to form a junction with General Crook. They found the enemy in full force, and no possibility of communicating. After heavy skirmishing the little command found itself entirely surrounded by two divisions of the enemy's cavalry, and fought its way out towards Harper's Ferry. The Thirty-sixth lost three men killed and four wounded. July 22nd they joined General Crook at Winchester.

Two days later a battle was fought at Kernstown, three miles above Winchester, in which the Union troops were forced to retire, the enemy getting in on the flank in overwhelming numbers. The fighting continued till nine o'clock at night. The regiment lost in killed and wounded one hundred and twenty-seven men and officers. The army moved next day towards Martinsburgh, the enemy pursuing closely. At Martinsburgh the rebel cavalry charged into town, when General Crook turned on them and drove them back, capturing a few prisoners. The Thirty-sixth had two men wounded. Under cover of this feint General Crook moved on quietly that night to a ford over the Potomac, at Williamsport, und marched down to Harper's Ferry. The enemy's cavalry having passed through Maryland into Pennsylvania, General Crook's division was ordered to intercept them, and moved up through Middletown. That day, July 28th, the regiment suffered terribly with the heat. Many, including its colonel, were stricken with sunstroke. Hearing that the enemy had burned Chambersburgh and gone back, General Crook turned back to Harper's Ferry.

August 7th General Sheridan took command of the army, having added to it the Sixth corps, and followed the Confederate forces up to Cedar creek, but at once fell back to Halltown, followed by General Early, reenforced from Lee's army. August 23d the enemy attacked early in the morning but did not follow it up. Colonel Hayes' brigade (Twenty-third and Thirty-sixth Ohio and Fifth West Virginia), sallied out, and drove in the enemy's skirmishers, capturing a number. August 26th another sortie was made; in this they were successful in capturing a rumber of officers and men, all from Kershaw's division.

Nothing more of interest occurred until September 3d. General Crook with his troops reached Berryville, halted, and were in the act of making coffee when rapid firing was heard in the direction of a regiment that had been sent forward on picket. At once the regiment started on the double-quick, but did not reach them till they were being driven back on the run, closely followed by the enemy. 'Taking advantage of a little embankment the regiment lay down, concealed until our pickets passed through. The enemy came on until within a few rods, when the men, with fixed bayonets, rose up and rushed forward to meet them, firing as they ran. The enemy was driven back on his main force and behind his artillery. Taking cover behind rocks and trees, firing was kept up till late in the night. General Sheridan not wishing to bring on a general engagement here the brigade was withdrawn. Captured a number of prisoners. The regiment's loss was twenty-five men. Captain J. C. Selby, a brave and true soldier, was mortally wounded.

Much marching and counter-marching was gone through with up to September 19th. The Nineteenth corps having come up, General Sheridan attacked General Early in his fortified position in front of Winchester, across the Opequan creek. The Sixth and Nineteenth corps were ordered to attack the enemy in front. General Crook's forces were held in reserve, but were soon ordered to the right of the line and to fall upon the enemy's left flank. On reaching that point Colonel Hayes' brigade was formed in the first line and moved to the attack. The enemy discovering this movement turned their artillery upon it with vigor. The brigade hurried forward and soon came upon an impassable swamp, and were moved by the right flank a short distance where fording was possible. The enemy's skirmishers were driven in. A short delay ensued until all the forces could come up, when a rush was made - the enemy was doubled up and back and completely routed. General Crook's Ititle command of about four thousand now became the front, and pursued the fleeing rebels. Passing many pieces of artillery, seven battle-flags were captured, the blue coats and the "gray backs" mingling together. A large numof prisoners were left to the rear. The pursuit continued through and beyond Winchester, till dark. The regiment's loss was thirty-five in killed and wounded. In this battle the division commander was wounded and Colonel R. B. Hayes assumed command; Colonel H. F. Devol of the brigade; Lieutenant Colonel Adney of the regiment. Following the enemy up the valley they found him, September 22d, in position at Fisher's Hill, his right resting against Massanutten mountain, his left at the foot of North mountain - a very strong position. As at Opequan, the Sixth and Nineteenth corps confronted the enemy.

General Crook with his command wended his way, through gulch and brush, by the flank, to the foot and up the side of North mountain, unperceived by the enemy. When well on their flank, overlooking them, he halted, his orders were to "quietly move down on the enemy till within range, then raise the yell and go for them."

At the command, "Forward!" the men broke in utter disorder, and like an avalanche, and yelling like demons, fell upon the enemy. Piece after piece of their artillery was abandoned. The Union forces not being able to overtake them, they fled on up the valley. Four men of the regiment were wounded. The regiment followed the fugitive army to Harrisonburgh. Soon after, the army fell back to Cedar creek. The creek crosses at right angles to the valley from the foot of Massanutten mountain to North mountain. On the lower bank of this creek the army took up its position. The Nineteenth corps on the right, the Sixth corps in the centre, army of western Virginia (General Crook's command), on the left - Major General Wright, the ranking officer, in command of the entire force. After this disposition General Sheridan left for Washington. General Early, reenforced, came down and confronted the National forces, and from Massanutten mountain could overlook the entire line, and from that point planned his attack. Early in the morning of the eighteenth, the entire rebel infantry was moved down the stream to a ford, which, by neglect of General Wright, was not properly guarded, and captured the picket without alarm. After crossing their forces, under cover of darkness and a dense fog, about 4 o'clock on the morning of the nineteenth they attacked Colonel Thoburn (First division, which was to the left and front), with a heavy force, completely surprising him, capturing a battery, and putting to flight the entire division. The main force of the enemy, at the same time, in double column, moved partly to the rear of Hayes' (Second) division. At the first firing at the front, tents were struck, all packed, and lines were formed as the First division men came back. It was now light enough to see the enemy in large force. The Second division command firing and falling back held the enemy in check till General Crook's headquarters train was out of the way. Captain Beir, General Crook's adjutant general, and Colonel Thoburn were killed at this point. We were still forced back by weight of numbers and overlapping.

A little further back in some woods the First brigade turned and charged the enemy, who had extended his line, driving that part of the line back which had the effect to check the pursuit and gave time for the reforming of the entire line at a new position about one and a half miles from the camps. Skirmishers were thrown forward. The enemy was contented with throwing an occasional shell and plundering the deserted camps. The men of the regiment were furiously angry, and eager to wipe out the stain of the morning.

In this new line the Second division was on the left and near the Winchester pike. About ten o'clock General Sheridan came galloping up the pike, having heard the firing. He stopped in rear of the Thirty-sixth regiment, dismounted, and heard from General Crook the story of the morning. Remounting, he rode along the line to the right and was cheered, all feeling that now there was an efficient head over all. Coming back he again dismounted and lay down among the weeds in consultation with General Crook - sent aides directing the formation of the Nineteenth corps which had not been engaged in the morning. They reported all in position, then he sent orders to be in readiness to move forward. General Custer, commanding cavalry, was posted on the right of the infantry. About half-past 2 p. M. the entire line advanced and drove the enemy at every point. As the rebels could not cross their forces rapidly over the ford of artillery and most of the enemy's train, were the trophies of the last battle in which the Thirty-sixth regiment participated, and the finale of General Jubal Early's army. The regiment's loss in this battle was thirty. The dead of the morning were stripped of their clothing. The regiment remained in the valley at and above Winchester. Marched to Martinsburgh, in a cold rain, and January 1, 1865, embarked on railroad trains for Cumberland. In that ride, lasting most of two days and nights, the men suffered greatly from cold. While at Cumberland was consolidated with the Thirty-fourth Ohio, retaining its number, Thirty-sixth. In April was sent back to Winchester and thence to Staunton, the object being to head off any of the rebel forces which might flee that way out of Richmond. At Winchester, April 15th, the news of the assassination of President Lincoln was received, and this was perhaps the saddest day in the experience of the regiment. Then soldier looked at soldier in silent wonder. It was truly the hush of death. The colors were draped, which enblem of respect never was removed. The regiment was at Staunton when General Lee surrendered and the Confederacy collapsed. In June was ordered back to Cumberland and thence to Wheeling. Perceiving there was no more need for soldiers in the field they made application at once to be mustered out. This took place at Wheeling, West Virginia, July 27th; went to Columbus, Ohio, were paid off and disbanded August 1, 1865.

To the above account of the Thirty-sixth regiment by General H. F. Devol, which is briefly and modestly put considering the value of the service rendered, we take pleasure in adding two farewell addresses:

Department West Virginia

It is with very great regret that I have been compelled to part with the officers and men of the First brigade. With many of you I have been associated in the service almost four years; with three of the regiments of the brigade more than two years, and with all the regiments during the memorable campaign of 1864, the battle of Cloyd Mountain, the burning of New River bridge, and the night march over Salt Pond mountain under General Crook in May, the days and nights of marching, fighting and starving on the Lynchburgh raid in June, the defeat at Winchester and the retreat on the tweney-fourth and twenty-fifth of July, the skirmishing, marching and counter-marching in the Shenandoah valley in August, the bloody and brilliant victories in September, the night battle of Berryville, the turning of the enemy's left at Sheridan's battle of Winchester, the avalanche that swept down North mountain upon the rebel stronghold at Fisher's Hill, the final conflict in October, the surprise and defeat of the morning and the victory of the evening at Cedar Creek. These and a thousand other events and scenes in the campaign form part of our common recollections which we are not likely ever to forget. As long as they are remembered we shall be reminded of each other, and of the friendly and agreeable relations which so long existed between us. It is very gratifying to me that I was allowed to serve with you until we received together the tidings of the great victory which ends the Rebellion. Whatever may be your future, I shall not cease to feel a lively interest in everything which concerns your welfare and your reputation. Under theable and gallant officer who succeeds me - under whom we have served together with so much satisfaction - I am confident that your future will be worthy of your past. As an organization and as individuals, you have my most fervent wishes for your happiness apd success.

NEW CREEK, VIRGINIA, fifteenth April, 1865. DEAR COLONEL: - I hope to see the Thirty-sixth again before I quit the service, but [ have thought proper to send you a good-bye which you will oblige me by having read to your regiment on dress parade

Veterans Volunteer Infantry

The time has come when we will have to part; some of us never to meet again, I cannot sever the connection that has bound us together for four long and bloody years without expressing to you my high appreciation of your valor and patriotism, manifested on many a hard contested field; and I assure you that the feeling I entertain for you is more than common friendship. I love you for your patriotism, your manly devotion to principle, and the stern resolution you have ever exhibited through victory and defeat, and especially for the heroic conduct that characterized you during the memorable campaign of Lynchburgh, and many similar scenes. Your country owes you a debt of gratitude which it never can repay, and but few can appreciate. And when, by your determination to sustain the integrity of your distracted country, you reenlisted as veterans, you did that which challenged the admiration of the world, and won the crowning glory of you life.

I would have you feel a just pride for the hard-earned but glorious reputation which you now enjoy; and I would conjure you, by all that is held dear, never to do aught that would sully your fair fame. And when our connection as comrades in arms is severed, as it soon will be, I would have you often think of that dear old flag, under which, and for which, we all have fought, and entertain towards each other that friendly feeling which has ever characterized our past relations.

Many of our comrades, who started with us four years ago, to-day fill heros' graves! And while we mourn their loss, it is a happy thought to know that they did not die in vain, but that our country lives! Let their valorous deeds and heroic example ever be fresh in 'our memory. I am assured that the soldiers who acted nobly their part in the death struggles at Antietam, South Mountain, Mission Ridge, Cloyd Mountain, and through the arduous campaign in the Shenandoah Valley, and who learned to du and dare under such generals as McClellan, Rosecrans, Grant, Crook, and Sheridan, will be men wherever they are placed, and will clearly demonstrate the fact that fighting soldiers make peaceful citizens.

To command you has been the highest aim of my life, and in parting with you I have the highest regard for all. I shall never cease to take an interest in you future welfare, and you may rest assured that the bond of brotherhood that has existed between us for so longa time may not easily be forgotten.

Comrades, you can go to your homes with the happy consciousness that you have done your duty to your country and yourselves; and when you again assume the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship, be as unflinching in defending the sacred Temple of Liberty with the ballot as you have with the bullet, and all will be well

The regiment, during its entire term of service, had a most excellent drum corps. The first half of the time in charge of Chief Musician Ebenezer Corey, the remainder in charge of Chief Musician John Tenney.

If space would permit, an individual mention of every officer would be but justice; each one having an honorable record of patriotic deeds, which were wrought out with great personal sacrifice, not one having the slightest stain. They cherished toward each other throughout only the kindest feelings ; no jealousy, no rivalry, or anything that ever marred the fellowship of the true and noble brotherhood.

Companies B And F, Thirty-Ninth Ohio Volunteers Regimental Officers

Colonel Edward F. Noyes, October 1, 1862, honorably discharged April 22, 1865; Colonel Daniel Webber, May 18, 1865, mustered out with regiment; Lieutenant Colonel A. W. Gilbert, July 27, 1861, promoted to colonel July 8, 1862; Lieutenant Colonel Edward F. Noyes, July 8, 1862, promoted to colonel October 1, 1862; Lieutenant Colonel Henry T. McDowell, October 1, 1862, mustered out; Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Webber, February ro, 1865, promoted to colonel; Lieutenant Colonel William C. Buck, May 18, 1865, mustered out as captain May 18, 1865; Lieutenant Colonel Henry A. Babbitt, June 6, 1865, mustered out with regiment; Major Edward F. Noyes, July 27, 1861, promoted to lieutenant colonel; Major Henry T. McDowell, July 8, 1862, promoted to lieutenant colonel; Major William H. Lathrop, October 1, 1862, colonel Third Alabama colored regiment April 20, 1864; Major John S. Jenkins, April 25, 1864, mustered; Major Daniel Webber, January 11, 1865, promoted to lieutenant colonel; Major Henry A. Babbitt, May 18, 1865, promoted to lieutenant colonel; Major George T. Rice, June 6, 1865, mustered out with regiment; Surgeon Oliver W. Nixon, August 20, 1861, resigned May 31, 1862; Surgeon Thomas W. McArthur, May 31, 1862, resigned September 3, 1862; Surgeon John A. Follett, September 3, 1862, mustered out with regiment; Assistant Surgeon Thomas W. McArthur, August 20, 1861, promoted to surgeon; Assistant Surgeon Christian Forrester, May 31, 1862, promoted to surgeon September 3, 1862; Assistant Surgeon Pierre S. Starr, December 13, 1862, mustered out with regiment; Assistant Surgeon Lionel J. Smith, September 5, 1862; Assistant Surgeon William J. Andrews, May 18, 1865, mustered out with regiment; Chaplain Benjamin W. Childaw, August 20, 1861, resigned April 9, 1862.

Captain John C. Fell, mustered July 31, 1861, resigned April 12 1862; Captain Jacob Koenig, July 31, 1861, died; Captain William H. Pittinger, May 18, 1862, mustered out with regiment; Captain Ethan O. Hurd, July 3, 1862, resigned March 3, 1864; Captain William C. Buck, May 9, 1864, promoted to lieutenant colonel; Captain George T. Rice, January 11, 1862, promoted to major; Captain William H. Mintun, January rz, 1862, mustered out with regiment; Captain William Benze, January 11, 1862, mustered out; First Lieutenant William Edgerton, July 31, 1861, resigned June 25, 1862; First Lieutenant Ethan O. Hurd, July 31, 1861, promoted to captain; First Lieutenant Henry W. Sheppard, February 8, 1862, resigned June ro, 1862; First Lieutenant William C. Buck, June 25, 1862, promoted to captain; First Lieutenant August Kropp, July 3, 1862, resigned April 1, 1864; First Lieutenant George T. Rice, May 9, 1864, promoted to captain; First Lieutenant Ely Steen, January 11, 1865, mustered out with regiment; First Lieutenant Alexander McTaggert, February 10, 1865, resigned June 20, 1865; First Lieutenant William Snodgrass, May 18, 1865, discharged July 1, 1865; First Lieuterant Frank Fortman, July 20, 1862, resigned September 15, 1862; First Lieutenant William Benze, May 25, 1862, promoted to captain; First Lieutenant William H. Pittinger, January 11, 1865, promoted to captain; First Lieutenant Barney Shults, February 10, 1865, mustered out with regiment; Second Lieutenant Henry W. Sheppard, July 31, 1861, promoted to first lieutenant; Second Lieutenant William C. Buck, March 19, 1862, promoted to first lieutenant; Second Lieutenant George T. Rice, June 25, 1862, promoted to first lieutenant; Second Lieutenant Alexander McTaggart, July 11, 1865, promoted to first lieutenant; Second Lieutenant William Snodgrass, Frbruary 14, 1865, promoted to first lieutenant; Second Lieutenant Daniel Otterbein, May 18, 1865, mustered out with regiment; Second Lieutenant Buell Congdon, May 18, 1865; Second Lieutenant Charles Miller, July 31, 1861, resigned June 16, 1862; Second Lieutenant Frank Fortman, July 18, 1862, promoted to first lieutenant; Second Lieutenant William Benze, June 20, 1863, promoted to first lieutenant. Second Lieutenant Barney Shultz, July 11, 1865, promoted to first lieutenant.

The regimental organization was perfected August 16, 1861, at Camp Dennison, Ohio; ordered to St. Louis, Missouri, where they arrived August 19th; moved up the North Missouri railroad September 7th. September 12th, the regiment was divided, companies A, B, E, I and K, going toward St. Joseph. This detachment remained in northern Missouri until February, 1862. Companies A and I marched from St. Joseph to Liberty in pursuit of the enemy and back to St. Joseph, in September, then moved by rail to Chillicothe, when they rejoined B, Eand K. These five companies marched from Chillicothe to Macon City, thence to St. Joseph and Chillicothe and back to Macon City and St. Joseph, at which latter place they arrived December 4, 1861. On the fifth of December they marched under Brigadier General Prentiss toward the Missouri river, reaching it at Lexingtan; proceeded to Carrolton and returned to Utica December 8, 1861. December zoth, moved to PaJmyra, Missouri, and remained there until the middle of February, 1862, when the detachment moved by rail to St. Louis. Companies C, D, F, G and H, moved from Utica, Missouri, as part of the command of Brigadier General Sturgess to the relief of Lexington, which place was then besieged by the enemy under General Price. Arrived in sight of Lexington September 19th, but finding it impossible to cross the river, and having no artillery, the relieving force diverged and marched to Liberty, when they embarked on steamers for Kansas City, Missouri, October 15th, still under General Sturgess, took up line of march for Springfield, Missouri, by way of Osceola, Bolivar and Greenfield. Arrived at Springfield November 1st, having marched on that day thirty-nine miles, to reenforce General Fremont's grand army, which was reported to be in the presence of the enemy. On the ninth of November marched towards the Missouri river, reaching Sedalia by way of Warsaw November 16th, and by December 18th, reached Syracuse. February 2, 1862, took up line of march for St. Louis, by way of Boonville, Columbia, Fulton and St. Charles, and arrived at St. Louis February 19, 1862, when the entire regiment was reunited.

The regiment embarked on steamer February 22d, and arrived at Commerce, Missouri, on the twenty-fourth, and at New Madrid March 3d, when the regiment formed a part of Groesbeck's brigade, Stanley's division of General Pope's army of the Mississippi. During the next ten days made several reconnoissances and took part in the siege of New Madrid, March 13thand 14th. Assisted in the capture of the place March 14th, crossed the Mississippi April 7th, and on the 8th, in conjunction with other troops, captured five thousand and five hundred prisoners at Tiptonville, being the rebel force from Island No. 10. On same day marched to Island No. 10, and on the ninth returned to New Madrid. April 13th embarked on steamer to go down the river, arrived near Fort Pillow on the fifteenth, started for Pittsburgh Landing on the seventeenth, where the command arrived on the twenty-third, and disembarked. During the siege of Corinth from April 23d to May 29th, the regiment made many reconnoissances and was frequently engaged in skirmishes with the enemy. On the thirtieth they advanced upon the rebel works, found them deserted, and the Thirty-ninth was the first regiment to enter the entrenchments. For several days they pursued the rebels, and on the twelfth of June returned to Clear creek, four miles south of Corinth, and went into camp, where the regiment was armed with the Whitney rifle with sabre bayonet. August 2oth, marched to Iuka under General Rosecrans and returned on September 12th. On September 14th the movement against General Price, who had occupied Iuka, began, and on the nineteenth they were engaged in the battle of Iuka, which was a bloody contest, resulting in a defeat to the enemy. They pursued the rebel forces several days and then turned back and reached Corinth October 3rd. The Thirty-ninth, in the dispositions for the great battle impending at that point, was stationed near Fort Robinet. After dark the Ohio brigade, which consisted of the Twenty-seventh, Thirty-ninth, Forty-third and Sixtythird Ohio regiments, marched to relieve one of the brigades of General Davie's division, which had been resisting the enemy's advance in front. The Ohio brigade was ordered to occupy the high ground near battery Robinet. Near the crest was formed the line of battle. Directly on the right of the earthwork covering the battery and streching across the Chewalla road, stood the men of the Sixty-third, next came the Twentyseventh and farther still to the right was the Thirty-ninth regiment. On thé left of the battery facing to the left and nearly at right angles with the main line, rested the Forty-third.*

The locality above mentioned was the scene of the desperate charge of October 4th, in which the Twentyseventh, and especially the Sixty-third regiment, lost heavily, the Thirty-ninth escaping with slight loss, and the enemy were terribly punished and routed. The Thirty-ninth followed in pursuit of Van Dorn and Price for four days, and on October 12th returned to Corinth, where they remained until November 2d, and marched southward to a point five miles south of Oxford, Mississippi. On December 18th they moved by rail to Jackson, Tennessee, to reenforce General Sullivan, who was hard pressed by General Forrest's command. They then, on December 2oth, moved toward the Tennessee river, and took part in the battle of Parker's Cross Roads, defeating Forrest there on December 31st. General Fuller says of this engagement, which was so overshadowed by the great battle of Stone River, in progress at the same time, that it never received adequate notice:

Colonel Dunham, of Indiana, was sent ahead with a brigade to intercept Forrest's march at Parker's Cross Roads, and the Ohio brigade was to follow the next morning. At four o'clock we started, and marched until daylight, when a halt was made for breakfast. That over, we moved on, and soon the sound of cannon in our front advised us that Forrest was attacking Dunham's brigade, and then began a struggle in which legs told. Within an hour and a half they marched seven miles without a halt, with ranks well closed; and when a hill was reached whence Forrest's men and guns were seen, the Ohio brigade formed in line of battle on the double-quick, and went down for them with such good will that every rebel gun unlimbered and in action was ours in five minutes, and Forrest's forces were galloping away - not all, however, for many had dismounted in the fight, and their horses left in the rear were captured and their riders surrendered. Six guns, four hundred horses, and three hundred and sixty officers and men were captured. This was quite an achievement, for Forrest was not beaten every day.

January 8, 1863, the regiment returned to Corinth, having marched over two hundred miles in three weeks, without Government rations, transportation, or ambulances. The regiment remained at Corinth until April

*From address of General John W. Fuller at the reunion of the Ohio brigade at Columbus, Chio, October 3, 1878, further extracts from which will be found in the history of the Sixty-third regiment.

zoth, when it. moved with the expedition under General Dodge to the Tuscumbia valley, for the purpose of keeping the rebels busy in that direction while another expedition cut the railroads in the rear of General Bragg's army. General Dodge was confronted by the rebel forces under Forrest and Roddy, and on the twentyeighth the regiment was engaged in the battle near Tuscumbia, defeating the rebels. They then marched sixteen miles beyond Tuscumbia, returned to Corinth May 2nd, and marched to Memphis, Tennessee, on May roth. Here the regiment was allowed to rest and recuperate. General Fuller says:

When Grant directed everything at Memphis to come to him at Vicksburgh, the Ohio brigade was ordered to march and garrison the former city. This was your single ''soft spot'' of the war. Excepting this, your lot was always at the front; but here for some months you lounged in camp, guarded the gardens, flirted with the ladies, and seldom missed a ''good square meal."

The regiment up to this time had lost, in killed and wounded: and discharged, since its organization, about three hundred men, and had recruited about two hundred, and had an aggregate of eight hundred and thirty ready for duty.

The regiment remained in Memphis until October 18th, when they went to Prospect, Tennessee, marching a distance of two hundred and fifty miles, and arriving there November 13th. Here they lay encamped until the twenty-seventh of December, when the regiment reenlisted as veterans, and returned home on furlough for thirty days. "The measured tread of an army, keeping step, is heard; and that wondrous scene unfolds, which the whole world beholds - the marshalling of the veteran hosts! The soldiers of the ranks stand forth!

The Thirty-ninth regiment furnished more veterans than any other Ohio regiment. The Ohio brigade stood as follows: Thirty-ninth, five hundred and _ thirty-four men; Sixty-third, four hundred and fifty-five; Fortythird, four hundred and thirty-six; and the Twentyseventh, four hundred and thirty-seven men.

At the expiration of the furlough the regiment returned to its former camp at Prospect, Tennessee, and from thence they moved on Decatur, Alabama. The town was captured by a night movement. The brigade was embarked above in seventy boats, which, with muffled oars, silently stole down until opposite, when, by the left flank, they were soon on shore, up the bank, and in line. The rebels, after exchanging a few shots, retired, completely surprised and defeated.

On May 1, 1864, the regiment marched to join General Sherman's grand army at Chattanooga. Here the great Atlanta campaign was commenced. Meeting the enemy at Resaca, the Thirty-ninth was, on May 13th, 14th, and 15th, in the front line of battle driving the rebels to their trenches with a loss of two men.

engagement the loss by the regiment was severe. The rebel army was next encountered at the base of Kennesaw mountain. Heavy skirmishing began on the thirteenth of June, in which the Thirty-ninth was constantly engaged during the several days' fighting, losing severely in killed and wounded. The rebels were finally compelled to leave their stronghold.

On July 4th the enemy was again encountered at Ruff's Mills, when the Thirty-ninth, together with the Twenty-seventh, made a gallant charge on the enemy's works, driving them out in confusion, and not giving them time to remove their dead and wounded, and capturing quite a number of prisoners. This engagement is known also by the name of Nicojack Creek. The colonel of the regiment, E. F. Noyes, lost a foot in this action and never joined the regiment afterwards.* Company B lost four severely wounded.

The rebels retreated, and the National army pursued until they were finally driven into their devoted city, Atlanta, around which scenes of terrible slaughter were soon to be enacted.

On July 22, 1864, the regiment together with the Twenty-seventh Ohio was ordered to a responsible position in the line of battle of that memorable day, and they held it.

"The men were directed to unsling knapsacks, fix bayonets, and lie down on the crest of the ridge, where the line was formed, for protection from the fire of the enemy which came from the wood in front. The Second division had formed a line conforming in the main to that of the Twenty-seventh and Thirty-ninth, on a parallel ridge to the left of the Thirty-ninth, but separated from that regiment by a deep transverse ravine The enemy charged the Second division within a few minutes and were repulsed.

"Immediately afterward his line of battle came out of the timber in front of the Thirty-ninth and Twentyseventh regiments, advancing in plain view and within easy range, when individual men of both regiments raised to their feet and taking deliberate aim discharged their pieces. No order could keep them down with such an opportunity to use their muskets effectually. In less time than it takes to relate it, both regiments were on their feet discharging their pieces with rapidity and telling effect on the foe; yet on he came until the Thirty-ninth and Twenty-seventh charged him in turn, driving him from the field into the wood. Meanwhile another body of the enemy in line of battle came out of the wood to the right of the Twenty-seventh, bearing down on its flank and rear. General Fuller directed that the three right companies of the regiment be retired to face this second assault. This was done, but it soon became evident that a change of front to the rear of the entire line was necessary. This change was make under a hot fire. In executing this movement, necessarily made with celerity and under trying conditions, in the face of a defiant and rapidly advancing foe, the Twenty-seventh became somewhat disordered; and my thanks are due to General

Fuller for his timely assistance in forming the new line. He grasped the colors of the 'l'wenty-seventh and with them designated the ground he wished the new line to occupy. The line was promptly formed there; several volleys fired by the Twenty-seventh and Thirty-ninth Ohio regiments, Eighteenth Missouri and Sixty-fourth Illinois (the latter two regiments until then in reserve), followed by a charge again drove the enemy from thefield. The line now laid down facing the wood which was on its right flank in the beginning of the battle, under a raking fire from the timber for an hour or more, when the enemy retreated and the greatest battle of the campaign was over. This was a stand up open field fight, with only such protection as the muskets and bayonets afforded." *

This stubborn resistance in this part of the field saved the left wing of Sherman's army from defeat; the old Thirty-ninth and Twenty-seventh stood as an impenetrable wall in front of the enemy, not giving an inch of ground and repelling several distinct charges by the rebels. Our artillery, supported by the Ohio brigade, poured into the rebel columns closed em masse, their deadly fire, musketry, grape, and canister, causing them to melt away like dew before the morning sun, leaving the National forces the victors of the field. The Thirtyninth lost one hundred and forty-four killed and wounded.

The regiment then moved to the west side of Atlanta, forming the right wing, where on the twenty-eighth of July another severe battle was fought in which the Thirtyninth participated, repulsing the enemy with great loss. Thus almost every day the regiment was engaged in skirmishing until the final evacuation of the city, which occurred on the second of September, 1864, and in the meantime they marched to Jonesborough fifteen miles south of Atlanta, destroying ten miles of the Montgomery railroad while on the way. At the latter place we again met the enemy in force and repulsed him with great loss, driving him so far south as Lovejoy's Station. In all these movements the Thirty-ninth performed a conspicuous part. They then returned to Atlanta, where they enjoyed a rest of about thirty days. In the meantime Hood, with his army, had got in our rear, destroying our communications with Chattanooga and investing our stronghold at Allatoona Pass. General Corse commanded at that point and had one thousand nine hundred and forty-four men, the rebel general, French, many times that number. The rebels came on in full force and charged the devoted garrison, but were driven back with the loss of hundreds, still assault after assault was delivered with same result, while the Twenty-third corps, under General J. D. Cox, were hastening to the rescue, and flags conveying from peak to peak, the message from General Sherman to General Corse to "hold the fort," and 'that he was coming with reenforcements." Sherman on learning that Corse was there, exclaimed, "He will hold out! I know the man!" and he did hold out, though seven hundred and seven (more than a third) of his men had fallen, when the enemy desisted, leaving two hundred and thirty-one dead and four hundred and

The Thirty-ninth was in the front during the pursuit of Hood, being the first regiment in the Ohio brigade commanded by General J. W. Fuller.

The rebels were driven across the Tennessee to be left to the tender mercies of General George H. Thomas, while Sherman made all haste to get ready for his "march to the sea." The regiment now no longer in the Ohio brigade, but in the First division of the Seventeenth Army corps, on the fifteenth of November, took up its line of march with that corps, down to the sea, with Sherman. They destroyed the railroads as they went, meeting with but little opposition until they arrived in front of Savannah on the ninth of December, making a distance of three hundred and fifty miles from Atlanta. Here they found the rebels strongly fortified, with Hardee in his last ditch. After opening communication with the sea by way of the St. Catharine sound, taking Fort McAllister on the way, and having several days' hard fighting around the city of Savannah, in all of which the Thirty-ninth participated, the rebels evacuated the city on the twentyfirst of December, and it was immediately occupied by the National army.

About the middle of January, 1865, the Thirty-ninth embarked with other troops on transports, and went to Beaufort, South Carolina, and assisted in driving the rebels from their stronghold at Pocotaligo Station twentyfive miles northwest from Beaufort.

On the first of February the Thirty-ninth, with the other forces of the grand army, took up its line of march through the Carolinas, wading swamps and fighting the enemy from place to place. On the fourth of February they engaged the enemy at Revers bridge, repulsing him with severe loss, the Thirty-ninth losing two killed and three wounded.

Continuing the march they struck the Augusta & Charleston railroad at Midway station, moving on that road to Columbia, thence north to Waynesborough, thence east to Cheraw, driving the enemy before them and capturing at that point a large amount of ammunition and artillery, thence marched to Fayetteville, North Carolina, thence to Bentonville, where a severe battle was fought March a2rst, in which the First division, Seventeenth army corps, was hotly engaged, the Thirty-ninth being in the centre of the brigade on the right of the line of battle. They firmly held their ground, while those on the right and left gave way, leaving both flanks exposed toa raking fire. The brigade finally formed in the shape of a horse shoe and succeeded in repulsing the enemy. 'The brigade then moved to a stronger position, lay on their arms all night and in the morning were ready to resume the fight, but the enemy was gone. The next day they moved to Goldsborough. Our loss in this engagement was twentythree killed and wounded.

Here they rested until April roth, when they resumed the line of march toward Raleigh, and arrived there on the fifteenth and went into camp two miles west of the city, enjoying a few days of rest. We then joined in the pursuit of the rebel forces under General Johnston. After marching fifteen miles a proposal was received by

General Sherman to surrender the rebel forces, which was finally consummated, and we again returned to Raleigh. We then marched to Richmond, the late rebel capital, a distance of one hundred and eighty miles, in seven days, and from there to Washington city.

After participating in the grand review of all the armies by President Lincoln, the heads of departments, diplomatic corps, and a large number of distinguished officers of the army and navy, and an immense throng of rejoicing citizens, the Thirty-ninth moved to Louisville, Kentucky, where it was mustered out of the United States service on July 9, 1865, the war being over.

The Thirty-ninth regiment marched three thousand five hundred and twenty-one miles, by rail two thousand six hundred and eighty miles, by steamboat two thousand four hundred and five miles, total, eight thousand six hundred and six miles.

Sixty-Third Ohio Volunteer Infantry Regimental Officers

Colonel John W. Sprague, mustered January 23, 1862, promoted to brigadier general volunteers; Colonel Charles E. Brown, June 6, 1865, on detached duty at muster out of regiment; Lieutenant Colonel William E. Gilmore, October 17, 1861, resigned July 17, 1862; Lieutenant Colonel Alexander L. Haskin, July 17, 1862; Lieutenant Colonel J. Hunter Odlin, March 20, 1863! Lieutenant Colonel Charles E. Brown, March 20, 1863, promoted to colonel; Lieutenant Colonel Oscar L. Jackson, June 6, 1865, mustered out with regiment as major; Major Alexander L. Haskins, October 1, 1861, promoted, and honorably discharged March 20, 1863; Major J. Hunter Odlin, October 1, 1862, resigned January 3, 1863; Major John W. Fouts, January 1, 1863, mustered out; Major Oscar L. Jackson, January 28, 1865, promoted to lieutenant colonel; Surgeon Isaac L. Crane, October 7, 1861, resigned January 28, 1863; Surgeon Arthur D. Monahan, January 28, 1863, mustered out July 21, 1865; Assistant Surgeon Arthur D. Monahan, November 7, 1861, promoted to surgeon; Assistant Surgeon J. O. Marsh, August 21, 1862, resigned October 2, 1862; Assistant Surgeon John B. McDell, March r1, 1863, resigned May 31, 1865; Chaplain B. S. Fry, February 13, 1862, mustered out September 27, 1864, at expiration of term.

Captain John W. Fouts, October 28, 1861, promoted to major; Captain Christopher E. Smith, October 26, 1861, resigned December 22, 1862; Captain Rodner K. Shaw, December 20, 1861, resigned August 30, 1862; Captain Charles J. Titus, December 20, 1861, resigned June 18, 1862; Captain O. W. Pollock, June 18, 1862, mustered out with regiment; Captain George Wightman, August 11, 1862, discharged October 19, 1864; Captain Winslow L. Bay, January 1, 1863, mustered out with regiment; Captain A. C. Fenner, October 4, 1864, mustered out with regiment; Captain George B. Bartlett, November 12, 1864, mustered out with regiment; Captain M. A. Stewart, November 12, 1864, deelined promotion; Captain Madison Hoon, June 28, 1865, mustered out with regiment; First Lieutenant Wesley J. Tucker, October 28, 1861, resigned June 18, 1862; First Lieutenant Henry S.

Burt, December 20, 1861, detailed on staff duty; First Lieutenant O. W. Pollock, December 26, 1861, promoted to captain; First Lieutenant Louis Schmidt, February 13, 1862, resigned August 24, 1864; First Lieutenant Richard B. Cheatham, June 18, 1862, died July 18, 1863; First Lieutenant A. C. Tenner, August 11, 1862, promoted to captain; First Lieutenant George B. Bartlett, July 18, 1863, promoted to captain; First Lieutenant A. J. Howard, August 11, 1864, declined promotion; First Lieutenant M. A. Stewart, September 26. 1864, returned commission, mustered out; First Lieutenant Angus McDonald, September 26, 1864, promoted to captain; First Lieutenant Wallace S. Roach, September 26, 1864, returned commission; First Lieutenant Madison Hoon, October 4, 1864, promoted to captain; First Lieutenant Alexander H. Brill, January 20, 1865, mustered out with regiment; First Lieutenant Wallace C. Bay, January 20, 1865, resigned May 23; 1865; Second Lieutenant Robert Booth, October 1, 1861, resigned June 28, 1862; Second Lieutenant Benjamin Knight, November 12, 1861, resigned September 3, 1862; Second Lieutenant Lewis L. Grubb, February 13, 1862, resigned May 26, 1862; Second Lieutenant George B. Bartlett, May 26, 1862, promoted to first lieutenant; Second Lieutenant Winslow L. Bay, January 30, 1862, promoted to captain; Second Lieutenant A. J. Howard, January 1, 1863, honorably discharged November 9, 1864; Second Lieutenant M. A. Stewart, January 1, 1863, mustered out; Second Lieutenant Angus McDonald, July 18, 1863, promoted to first lieutenant; Second Lieutenant Wallace S. Roach, June 30, 1863, mustered out; Second Lieutenant Alexander H. Brill, November 12, 1864, promoted to first lieutenant.

The Sixty-Third Ohio Volunteer Infantry

The Sixty-third Ohio volunteer infantry was formed by the consolidation of a battalion of six companies raised at Camp Worthington, Chillicothe, with a battalion of four companies raised at Camp Putnam, Marietta.* It was originally intended for two regiments - the Twentysecond, to be raised under the direction of, and to be commanded by, Colonel William E. Gilmore, and the Sixty-third, to be raised under the direction of, and to be commanded by, Colonel William Craig, then quartermaster in charge at Marietta. In December, 1861, the call for troops to be sent to the front became so pressing that the order for consolidation came, and the two battalions were united; the Twenty-second furnishing furnishing four companies raised in Washington county - company C, commanded by Captain Christopher E. Smith; company B, commanded by Captain John W. Fouts; company F, commanded by Captain Charles J. Titus; and company G, commanded by Captain Rodney K. Shaw. The command of the regiment was given to Colonel Craig; William E. Gilmore was made lieutenant colonel, and Alexander L. Haskins major.

On the twenty-first of December, 1861, the regiment removed to Camp Dennison; and on the twenty-seventh of the same month it returned to Marietta, and encamped at Camp Tupper.

On the twenty-third day of January, 1862, Colonel Craig resigned, and the command of the regiment was given to Colonel John W. Sprague, formerly a captain in the Seventh Ohio. Colonel Sprague immediately took command, and proceeded to fit his regiment to enter the field by perfecting its drill and discipline.

On the eighteenth day of February, 1862, Colonel Sprague with his regiment was ordered to the field, and to report at Paducah, Kentucky. The regiment left

Marietta late in the evening of the eighteenth; six companies under the command of Colonel Sprague, on the steamer Bostona, No. 2, and four companies under command of Major Haskins, on the steamer T. J. Rattin. Marietta gave one of the best proofs of her sympathy and interest for the success of the Union cause by turning out e7 masse at the landing to witness their departure. On Saturday the twenty-second of February, the command reached Paducah and reported for orders. Haying been armed and drilled in Camp Marietta, it was ordered to proceed to Commerce, Missouri, and report to General Pope, then organizing the army of the Mississippi at that point. The regiment reached Commerce on Sunday morning, the twenty-third of February, being the second regiment to arrive at the rendezvous. It immediately debarked, and encamped and occupied the cemetery on the high ground in the rear of the town. Later in the day it was joined by the Twenty-seventh, Thirty-ninth, and Forty-third Ohio volunteer infantry, its companions in the organization known as the Ohio brigade. These four regiments were brigaded together, and were made the First brigade in the First division of the army of the Mississippi. General Schuyler Hamilton commanded the division one day; the command was then given to General David S. Stanley, one ot Ohio's brigadier generals.

From the twenty-third to the twenty-seventh of February the army was actually employed in the collection of stores, and the organization of the divisions. On the morning of the twenty-eighth the line of march was taken up for New Madrid, the Ohio brigade taking the advance. The army arrived in sight of New Madrid on the third day of March, and at two o'clock in the afternoon of that day the Sixth-third was first brought into action. It moved forward in line of battle with the same steadiness and precision that it would in review. Its first experience gave it the morale of veterans. For three hours it remained in its trying position, exposed to the artillery fire of the two forts and a fleet of six gunboats, without the opportunity of using their arms. Late in the atternoon the army retired out of range, and went into camp. The day had been a cold raw March day, and in the afternoon it began to snow. En route the army had been restrained from using fences, or in any manner foraging. The cold and exposure brought from headquarters the order to take the top rail, for campfires. In a short time the boys were comfortable around the blazing campfires, and in the morning it was found the army "was not fenced in."

The Sixty-third shared in all the fights in and around New Madrid previous to its capture. In the reconnoisance on the seventh of March it took an exposed position, and for a short time the upper fort had its range, and made its situation uncomfortable, fortunately without casualty.

On the thirteenth of March the Ohio brigade was made the infantry support of the siege batteries. The Sixtythird on the right, the Thirty-ninth on the left, well up to the batteries, and the Twenty-seventh and Forty-third in reserve. The troops were exposed to a constant artillery fire from the dawn until sunset, when the cannonading ceased. The troops remained in the trenches at night, exposed to a most terrific thunderstorm, without shelter or fires, the ground flooded with water. The dawn revealed the fact that the enemy had abandoned the forts, and retreated during the darkness.

The Ohio brigade was complimented in general orders for its gallantry, and was awarded the privilege to first enter and plant their banners on the captured forts. On the evening of the eighteenth day of March the Sixtythird was detailed to haul one of the heavy siege guns from the forts at New Madrid to Point Pleasant, fourteen miles below, and opposite Tiptonville in Tennessee. This arduous labor was performed between dark and daylight, the regiment dragging its heavy load over roads impassable for teams. The next morning the rebel fleet were surprised to finda battery opposite Tiptonville, their only line of communication with their garrison at Island Ten.* This severe labor and its attendant exposure permanently disabled many men.t 'The regiment returned to camp, and with the army awaited the action of the engineers in removing the obstructions from the bayou, for the passage of the gunboat fleet, and the transports.

On the morning of the seventh of April, 1862, the regiment with Stanley's and Paine's divisions of the army of the Mississippi, embarked on the transports to cross the Mississippi river, and were transported to the Tennessee shore, opposite the lower port.{ The expedition took up its line of march down the Mississippi for Tiptonville, to intercept the enemy, if they should attempt to retreat. The route lay through muddy corn and wheat fields, with occasionally a strip of woods, having no semblance of roads. The marching'was tedious, frequent halts were necessary, as the feet would gather more of Tennessee mud than a man was able to carry. Night came upon them in the fields, and they were compelled to bivouac in the field, and without campfires. The march was re-. sumed at daybreak, and it reached Tiptonville in time to witness the surrender of the army that had garrisoned Island Ten, which had abandoned the forts, and attempted to escape by Tiptonville and the river. The expedition had been successful in intercepting and capturing them. The sixty-third proceeded immediately to Island Ten and occupied the enemy's abandoned quarters for the night. The next morning the regiment returned on the transports to New Madrid and occupied its old quarters. It had borne a conspicuous part in all of the work of the army of the Mississippi, resulting in the

*The first casualty in the Sixty-third occurred March 24th, the carelessness of a companion wounding Elisha Roberts mortally and George W. Essex seriously.

+James W. Nye served during the New Madrid campaign with the Sixty-third as acting quartermaster, and was present on the field during all the battles at that point, although never having been mustered; his name does not appear on the rolls.

+The embarkation of the Ohio brigade on the expedition is illustrated in the second volume of Ohio in the War, page 253. The Sixty-third is upon the transport crossing the river. The Thirty-ninth are in the act of embarking at the upper fort, the last of the battalion ready to move on the transport when the picture was taken and the gunboat with steam up ready for action, abreast the upper fort.

On the thirteenth day of April, 1862, the regiment embarked on the transport Silver Wave, and moved with the army of the Mississippi to Osceola, Askansas, and thence to Fort Pillow, and was present during the bombardment of that fort. On the seventeenth day of April, 1862, the army of the Mississippi, having received orders to reenforce the army of Tennessee, under Halleck, in front of Corinth, proceeded up the Mississippi and Tennessee rivers on the transports. On the twenty-third of April the Sixty-third landed at Hamburgh, Tennessee, four miles above the battle-ground of Shiloh. Stanley's division was posted on the left flank of the army, moving to the capture of Corinth, and during all the movement for its capture, the Sixty-third held its position, as the flanking regiment. It actively participated in all the reconnoissances and engagements in front of Corinth, including those at Monterey and Farmington. When the enemy moved out of Corinth on the thirtieth day of May, the Sixty-third moved out of the trenches in immediate pursuit of the retreating army. The Thirty-ninth Ohio, of our brigade, being the first to enter the rebel works, and Wallace Bruce, of Washington county, being the first to mount the works. The Sixty-third was kept in pursuit of Price's wing of the retreating army, six companies under Major Haskins proceeding to the Tuscumbia river on the Jacinto road, when ii found the bridges burned, and was then recalled, and proceeded with the main body of the army in pursuit of Beauregard's army, to Boonville, the Ohio brigade having the advance of the infantry in this movement. + From Boonville, where the pursuit was abandoned, the regiment proceeded to Camp Clear Creek, near Corinth, and remained in camp at Clear Creek, Bear Creek, Iuka, and Burnsville.

On the seventeenth day of September, with Stanley's division, it participated in the battle of Iuka. After a tedious and forced march it came upon the enemy at the beginning of dusk, immediately formed in line of battle, advanced, and opened "that steady fire that always distinguished it in action." It was just getting well into its work when darkness put an end to the fighting, and the two armies bivouacked upon the field. The pickets of the two armies were posted so near as to be able to communicate by ordinary conversation; and pickets of the Ohio brigade were so far advanced as to cover the captured guns of Niel's Eleventh Ohio battery, which the rebels had been unable to remove. The morning's dawn revealed an abandoned rebel camp, and Niel's battery was restored to its gallant owners. An active pursuit was taken up, and from that time until the third of October, 1862, when it entered Corinth, the

*The first slave ever manumitted under the order of President Lincoln, to manumit slaves escaping from the rebel armies to the Union lines, was a body servant of General Jeff Thompson, who came to the lines of the Sixty-third at New Madrid and was manumitted by order of General David S. Stanley. The manumitted contraband was afterward taken to Ohio by General Sprague.

+During the time of the Sixty-third's service before Corinth the Eighth Wisconsin regiment was attached to Stanley's division, and the eagle, Old Abe, was a companion in arms of the boys of the Ohio brigade.

The regiment took a most active and honorable part in the battle of Corinth on the third and fourth of October, 1862, and it there proved itself worthy of a place in the history of a county named after the father of our country, to know that she was well and ably represented by an organization performing its whole duty in every great contest during the war, that upon the group of colors of her regiments and batteries are found the names of every great battle of the war. In the battle of Corinth the Sixty-third did great service, and won for itself a place beside the Eighteenth, Thirty-sixth, Thirty-ninth, Seventy-seventh, and Ninety-second, Buell's and Huntington's batteries, and the First, Seventh and Ninth cavalry. The Ohio brigade took so important a part in the battle of Corinth, which would probably have been lost but for their terrific fight, that it deserves to be described at length. We here copy the admirable description of General John W. Fuller, read at the brigade reunion on the sixteenth anniverary of the battle:

On the morning of October 3d, just sixteen years ago to-day, the enemy attacked the division of General Davies at the outer line of works, the line constructed by the rebels when Sidney Johnson and Beauregard held possession of the town. Davies had been ordered there to retard the enemy's advance, until Rosy should be ready to let Van Dorn come in. Van Dorn's superior strength enabled him to drive Davies from this line, but Davies' men fought stubbornly, and fell back over that two or three miles so slowly, that it was near night when they approached the outskirts of the town, and when reenforcements enabled Davies to stop the enemy's advance. After dark the Ohio brigade marched to relieve one of the brigades of Davies' division, and was ordered to occupy the high ground near battery Robinet. Near the crest was formed the line of battle. Directly on the right of the earthwork covering the battery, and stretching across the Chewalla road, stood the men of the Sixty-third; next came the Twenty-seventh, and farther still to the right was the Thirty-ninth regiment. On the left of the battery, facing to the left, and nearly at right angles with the main line, rested the Forty-third.

Let us go back through the intervening years, and in fancy place ourselves on the spot then occupied, and look again over that field which has since been famous. Before you, for three hundred yards, lie in confusion the few trees which have been felled to form a partial abattis. Beyond this stands the forest, and through both, leads, without obstruction, the road to Chewalla. To the right of the Thirtyninth the line of battle is broken for three hundred yards, by an impassable swamp, beyond which we see the rising ground occupied by several brigades of our infantry, and on the extreme right, perhaps a mile away, the earthwork called Fort Richardson. Turning to look over your right shoulder, you may see what transpires in the streets of Corinth. Without changing your position you may, by looking over the other shoulder, see a part of the division' of General McKean, and the redoubt called Battery Phillips, which form the left of Rosecrans' line of battle. If you come toa right about, you see directly in rear the cut through the bill where lies the Memphis railroad, and just over this, on still higher ground, stands Fort Williams, with a twenty pounder Parrot looking out of each embrazure. Your own batteries, company F, of Second United States, and company C, of First Michigan artillery, are ready for action on the high ground abreast of Fort Williams; all apparently so near, that but for their elevated position you might look down the cannons' throats. Here you waited during the long hours of the night of October 3d, and here you fought on the morning of the fourth.

The removal of Davies' skirmish line, which by some mistake was not made known to us, permitted the enemy to advance so closely that, although hidden by the darkness, you could hear him planting his guns in the edge of the forest, not more than three hundred yards in our front; and during the night the commander of that battery (I think from New Orleans) reconnoitering the ground between his guns and your line, was quietly captured, mounted though he was, by Captain (since General) Brown, of the Sixty-third Ohio.

It was a night of suspense and anxiety to all. We knew that General Hackleman had been killed, and we had seen General Oglesby carried to the rear, with a wound we supposed was mortal. Hundreds more, wounded during the day s fight, had been borne to the hospitals, and the men of Davies' division, who had fought against great odds all day had been slowly driven back, seemed well nigh disheartened. You knew you had to meet an enemy not cnly strong and resolute, but who was also flushed with what he thought a victory. Hence you listened with anxiety to those sounds of preparation, so plainly heard from the hill, where, lying down without sleep, you waited for the assault. It seems strange, in view of the rapid and thorough mode of entrenching afterward acquired, that no attempt was made to fortify, especially since we now know how much superior the enemy was in numbers. But we had not then learned the use of spades.

With the earliest dawn of day, the rebel battery in front opens its fire. What a magnificent display! Nothing you had ever seen looked like the flashes of those guns! No rockets ever scattered fire like the bursting of those shells! Not long, however, for as soon as there is light enough to aim, the twenty-pounder Parrots in Fort Williams suddenly belch forth and make the place occupied by the rebel battery so hot that it is hurriedly withdrawn. Yet not all, for one gun has been abandoned, and some venturesome boys of the Sixty-third Ohio, with others of the First United States infantry, run forward, and pull it into our lines by hand.* Then came fierce fighting between the skirmishers. 'The enemy had the cover of the woods, while our men crept from log to log, in the endeavor to gain the better cover of the forest. Reenforcements to our skirmishers enabled them, after two hours' fight mg to drive the rebels back, and gave the shelter sought; but not far off, the conformation of the ground was peculiarly fortunate forthe enemy. He could lie on the crest of a series of ridges and sweep everything in his front, scarcely exposing a man to view. Behind these ridges he was massing his men for the assault.

About ten or eleven o'clock, our attention is diverted from the fierce skirmish in our immediate front by the advance of General Price's divisions, which are moving out of the woods to our right front, and marching upon the troops and fort which form the right of Rosecrans' line of battle. A splendid sight is that, as one rebel brigade after another moves in fine style over the ground which our position overlooks so plainly. The attack is fierce, and we soon are shocked to see our line give way and retire into the very town. We notice, too, some of our batteries drawn out of position and rapidly pulled to the rear. The guns of Fort Williams, and of our own batteries directly in our rear, are all turned to the right, and an enfilading fire sweeps through the rebel hosts with an effect very plainly visible; but, though disordered somewhat, they move on; fresh troops pour out of the woods, and we see the rebels rushing over the works on our right, and pouring into Corinth itself. A rolling fire is heard in the streets, and soon after the rebels begin to retire. They stand awhile at the works they had captured, but our boys are coming to the front again from the town. At this juncture, some regiments of Hamilton's division, not previously engaged, are thrown forward on the extreme right, where, as finely aligned as if on parade, they are pouring a stream of lead into the rebel ranks. A little later, we say to each other, most joyously, ''Our boys are driving them back again."

But a fiercer fire than ever opens on our own skirmish line, and a constant hum of bullets tells us that our turn is coming now; and it proves to be the rebel centre moving for the main attack upon the place we occupy. Looking through the trees before us, we plainly see the rebel banners and their attacking columns advancing. The Forty-third changes front forward on its right company, and the Eleventh Missouri is rapidly brought forward and held in reserve, just behind the Sixty-third Ohio. Ourskirmishers are driven back pell mell upon the line of battle; the artillery with us in Robinet, and the guns which play over our heads from the rear are firing rapidly, and some of your officers are running along the line ordering you to 'Get down, and lie low, until they are close upon us." In another minute the head of a rebel column, coming along the Chewalla road, is seen near by, heading straight for the Sixty-third and Battery Robinet. Now you rise to your feet, and pour into the enemy that steady fire which fills the road with his dead, and seems to cause a halt; for, though the rear of his column moves steadily on, the head of it comes no nearer, but appears to meltaway. But the enemy is firing too. Along the whole length of the Sixty-third, and portions of the Twenty-seventh and Forty-third, officers and men are falling fast.

a flash of lightning, are stamped indelibly upon our memories. Just where the Sixty-third adjoins the Twenty-seventh, three men go down together. One, in the front rank, is lifting his arms high in the air and slowly sinking down. The man behind, and covering the first, drops as if a thunderbolt had struck him; while another turns around, and with a look of agony upon his face, and trying to walk to the rear, moves but a step and falls. Captain McFadden, of the Sixty-third, shouts out his first command in battle andis dead! Lieutenant Webb, of the Twenty-seventh, endeavors to repeat the order to ''fire low,' and while his mouth is opened wide, a bullet enters. He throws up his hands, and falling on his face is still forever! But the men not hit, heed nothing; they fire incessantly, and their faces black with powder, make noticeable their flashing eyes and set teeth, so that they look like demons.

A minute later the column in the Chewalla road has disappeared, but a strong force a little farther to the west, is approaching the left of Robinet, and is making sad havoc in the ranks of the Forty-third. This regiment has hardly finished its manceuvre o{ changing front, obstructed as is the field with logs and brush, and exposed moreover to a flank fire from the Chewalla.road. A glance in their direction reveals a startling picture! Colonel Kirby Smith, commander of the regiment, is down, tider and horse together. Some men now raise him up; his face falls over towards us, and we see his cheek is red with blood. Lieutenant Heyl, the adjutant, trying to keep his saddle, clutches his horse's mane, but gradually looses grip, and before a comrade with outstretched arms can reach him, he is on the ground. A dozen more along the line drop in that instant, and the enemy's fire, from front and flank, is so severe that for a moment a rout is feared; but only for a moment, for Swayne here takes command of the regiment and is steadying the line, and General Stanley, who rode over to the right when he thought that all the fighting was to be done there, gallops back in the nick of time to help. His coming at that critical moment seemed like the arrival of reenforcements. And now this regiment takes sudden vengeance for its colonels fall; for they drive back with great slaughter, the force which approaches to the left of Robinet, and shoot every rebel who shows his head above the parapet or tries to climb through the embrasures of the battery, when the final effort is made very soon thereafter, to carry the work by storm.

While the Forty-third is thus engaged, Colonel Rogers, commanding the Texan brigade, rides out from the woods, and with his troops moves along the Chewalla road heading for the battery and the Sixty-third. Another moment, his horse is shot and he is coming along the road on foot. His leading color-sergeant falls, when Rogers, picking up the colors, continues to advance with flag in hand. A cloud of rebel skirmishers on either side of the road are firing heavily on the Sixty-third and left wing of the Twenty-seventh, until forty-eight per cent. of the men of the former regiment are killed or wounded, and the line is so much thinned that Colonel Sprague and I, standing behind, can look right through it, and distinctly see the advancing rebels, now close at hand.

I shall always recollect how well Sprague looked at that eventful moment. 'Tall, and commanding in appearance, with sword in one hand and pistol in the other, he stood as a painter likes to portray an officer in battle. I shall remember, too, looking at the face of the rebel Colonel Rogers, when not distant more than thirty yards, and noting the peculiar expression it bore. He looked neither to the right nor left, neither at his own men nor at mine; but with eyes partly closed, like one in a hail-storm, was marching slowly and steadily upon us; and there flashed through my mind this question, ''Is he stupid with drink, oris he simply resolved to calmly meet a fate which he foresees?" Before there was time to answer to myself the question, the rebel column in the road seemed to gain some tremendous impetus from the rear, for it suddenly rushed on like a great wave, threatening to sweep into the gap which had been shot through the Sixty-third, and to carry the redoubt by storm. The supreme moment had now come; and I turned to give the signal to the Eleventh Missouri, in reserve, and close behind. 'The leader of this regiment, perhaps ten minutes earlier, had received his orders; they had been sung out over the heads of his men, so that every soldier in the ranks knew what was wanted, and there was no need to repeat them now. '' Forward!" shouted the major, as the regiment sprang up, and I had to run to the right to let them pass. With a short quick step, and alignment perfect, they filled up the gap which the enemy's fire had made, charging the rebel column on the head. 'The Twenty-seventh, under Spaulding, which had lost heavily, yet still was full of fight, joined by the plucky remnant of the Sixtythird, rushed forward at the same moment, charging the column obliquely on its left flank, when in an instant the whole scene changed. Rogers, with many of his men, lay dead before us, and those who were not prisoners, were flying back to the woods.* One moment, the rebels seemed to be swarming over us in thousands, our own lines looked thin and weak, we seemed threatened with destruction; the next, most of the living of the foremost rebels were our prisoners, a few hundreds, apparently, were running to the forest, while our boys seemed to have swelled into many thousands.

In the melee this banner of the enemy [pointing to a captured flag displayed in rear of the speaker], was captured by a private of the Twenty-scventh Ohio, Orrin B. Gould, of company G, who I am glad to see is here to-night. But there was one red flag, I think the banner briefly borne by Rogers, which escaped us as by a miracle. Some bold Texan had picked it.up almost from beneath our feet, and throwing the staff across his shoulders, ran in a zig-zag manner for the woods. He dodged hehind a log a moment here, then behind a stump there; he was fired at by twenty men or more, and once, whether hit or not, tumbled headlong when striding a fallen tree. Yet he escaped with the banner after all; and as he passed over the ridge out of our sight, some of our boys who had missed him, gave him the cheer that was due a hero.

An incident may here be mentioned of the Forty-third. When the rebels made their final effort to break through our lines, Lieutenant Robinet, of the battery, severely wounded" in the head, fell senseless under one of his guns. At this, most of his men ran to the rear. A moment later, some of the men of company A, of the Forty-third, entered the battery, and aided the few brave fellows who had stood their ground, to man the guns. The enemy was now retreating, and, in the excitement, a little drummer passed directly before the battery and jumped upon a log to see the rebels run. A piece had just been sighted and "ready, fire,'' followed before the little fellow was discovered. When the smoke cleared up, we saw that both his legs were torn away. Somehow there seemed a sting in the recollection that men of his own regiment had fired this shot. And now came Colonel Noyes, of the Thirty-ninth, who was so far to the right that his men could only get an oblique fire, asking permission to bring his refiment to the Chewalla toad, where they could take a hand when the next assault should come. Two minutes later, the regiment was across the road, but the battle was over.

That thrill of ecstasy which victory brings, was here intensified by an act of the commanding general. Rosecrans had lost his temper when the troops attacked by Price had temporarily given way, and had hardly time to become appeased by their subsequent good conduct. Still nursing his wrath, and having seen Van Dorn had met witha different reception at the hands of this brigade, he was disposed to extol the men who fought near Robinet, at the expense of those who had fallen back. So riding to the crest we occupied and pointing to the right, he said: ''I have just come from a part of the field where some of our troops retreated like old women; but now I know, not only from what I heard and what I saw from a distance, but also from these piles, of dead along your front, that 1am in the presence of brave men! So brave that I take my hat off in your presence, and thank you, in our country's name, for your great valor!'' No soldier who heard these words will be likely to forget them, nor the appearance of Rosecrans as he addressed us, hat in hand.

The Sixty-third entered the fight with two hundred and seventy-five men. It held its line stubbornly during the whole fight, and lost six officers and one hundred and thirty-four men, killed and wounded. Alter the battle, the surviving half of the regiment joined in the pursuit of Van Dorn to Ripley, where the pursuit was abandoned and the regiment returned to Corinth. It remained in camp until the second of November, when it proceeded to join Grant's army. On the route it was reenforced by a battalion of the One Hundred and Twelfth Ohio, which had been consolidated with it, and its depleted ranks filled up. On the eleventh of December it went into camp at Oxford, Mississipi. Late in the evening of the sixteenth of December, the Ohio brigade received orders

* At the time the Eleventh Missouri came up, a clean gap had been shot away between the two wings Of the Sixty-third, and eighteen men joined in the charge at the left of the Eleventh Missouri, and one hundred and twenty-seven between the Eleventh Missouri and the Twenty-seventh Ohio, and at the close of the charge the Sixty-third was the most advanced of the line and was requested to all back and align with*the Eleventh Missouri and the Twenty-seventh Ohio.

to proceed to the rear and protect the lines of communication of the army, from the attacks of Van Dorn, and Forrest's cavalry. On the seventeenth of December it moved by rail to Jackson, Tennessee. Ten days were spent in marching and counter-marching, to intercept the enemy. On the twenty-seventh the regiment joined the command of General Sullivan. On the thirtieth of December Colonel Dunham with his brigade was sent to intercept Forrest at Parker's Cross Roads, and the Ohio brigade had orders to follow in the morning.

On December 31, 1862, at 4 o'clock aA. M., the Ohio brigade moved out of its camp and marched until daylight, when it made a short halt for breakfast. Soon it is again on the move, in hunt of the raiders. Then the sound of cannon revealed to them that Forrest and Dunham are engaged, and that they were needed in the fight. In a moment the orders were given, "Unsling knapsacks !" and the road for a mile, occupied by the brigade, was strewn with knapsacks. "Brigade forward, double quick, march!" 'Then began a march that was worthy of the name. The old brigade went to the front to the music of the battle, on its muscle. It weni for the purpose of getting there before the battle was over - and it made its legs tell.

Within an hour and a half it marched seven miles without a halt, with the ranks well closed and at a sight of the enemy deployed in line of battle on the doublequick, and within five minutes it had put Forrest's force to flight, captured six guns, four hundred horses, and three hundred and fifty men.

This record presents one of the best contests made by an infantry against a cavalry force during the war, and fitly rounded up the service of the Ohio brigade for the year 1862. The regiment pursued Forrest's retreating force to the Tennessee river, and then marched back to Corinth over rough, frozen roads, without supplies, but subsisting upon forage gathered on the route. It arrived at Corinth on the ninth of January, and went into winter quarters. Their knapsacks had been gathered and brought into camp by train, and the scene when the soldiers reclaimed their effects was ludicrous beyond description.

hen General Grant moved to Vicksburgh the Sixtythird was ordered with the brigade to garrison Memphis, and proceeded there May 16, 1863, and remained there until the eighteenth of October, 1863. This was the only garrison duty done by the Ohio brigade during the war. At the latter date, it left Memphis to join the forces moving to the relief of the army of the Cumberland. On the thirteenth of November it arrived at Prospect, Tennessee. At that place, on January 2, 1864, the regiment reenlisted as veterans, and returned to their homes in Ohio on furlough. The regiment reassembled at Columbus, Ohio, February 18th, and from that point returned to Prospect, Tennessee. [Early in the spring the Ohio brigade crossed the Tennessee river, and dispersed the rebel force at Decatur, Alabama. At that point it remained until it moved to join in the Atlanta campaign.

the battle of Resaca, companies A, C, and H, deployed as skirmishers, were among the first troops to reach the river at that place. On the sixteenth of May, 1864, it croosed Oostenaula, and participated in the actions at Adairsville and in and about Dallas. It sustained an important part in all the movements to dislodge the enemy from Kennesaw mountain. After the evacuation of Marietta, Georgia, the Sixty-third, with Sprague's brigade, was the extreme left of the army; on the twentieth of July moved to Decatur, Georgia, and had charge of the baggage train of the army of the Tennessee, and the twenty-first it rested quietly in Decatur, without incident to disturb it. At noon on July 22d, when the battle of that date was at its heigltt,* Wheeler's cavalry with several batteries of artillery made a furious attack on Sprague's brigade, intending to capture it and the train. In this fight that slender brigade had a hand-to-hand contest for three hours with a superior force of rebél cayalry, and succeeded in holding its ground and safely removing the train. The regiment lost heavily in officers and men. For his gallantry and the faithful work of his men in this fight, Colonel Sprague was made brigadier general, and Lieutenant Colonel Charles F. Brown and Captain, afterwards Lieutenant Colonel, Oscar L. Jackson were brevetted brigadier generals for gallantry in battle, and the regiment was complimented by special order for its gallantry. In this battle General Brown lost his leg while at the head of the regiment, and his adjutant, Fower, was killed. After the fall of Atlanta the regiment was in the battle of Jonesborough. At the close of the Atlanta campaign, the Sixty-third joined in Sherman's marched to the sea, sharing in all the dangers and privations of that campaign. It was engaged in the action at Oliver station, and participated in all the movements resulting in the capture of Savannah. It was at the front, and on the tenth of December, 1864, it charged across the Ogechee canal, under a heavy infantry and artillery fire, and obtained a lodgment on the Savannah side. The ground having been secured, the men stacked arms by running bayonets in the ground, removed their clothing and wrung it, and moved on to the fight; the enemy keeping up their artillery fire in the meantime. The Sixty-third entered the city of Savannah on the Twenty-first of December, and remained in and around Savannah until the first of February, 1865. At that date it moved northward, on the line of the Salkahatchee river, and on the third of February it was ordered to and made a gallant assault upon the fort at Rivers Bridges, which it was unable to reach by reason of the intervening river and swamps. At this point it remained in line of battle twenty-four hours, in water and ice from knee to waist deep, holding the enemy engaged in the fort until another force made a detour, crossed the river and turned the fort, when it was abandoned. It then proceeded northward and entered Columbia, South Carolina, on the seventeenth day of February. It continued its march with the army in a northeasterly direction, through the Carolinas; and it participated in the battle of Bentonville, the last battle of the war, and sustained its well earned reputation. On the thirty-first day of March the regiment had a lively skirmish with the enemy. The Sixty-third had shared, and born a conspicuous part in all the great campaigns of the west, in Sherman's march to the sea, and in his campaign through the Carolinas. After the surrender of Johnston it proceeded northward from Raleigh by Petersburgh, Richmond and Fredericksburgh to Alexandria. Thus after sharing all the campaigns of the west, it had the privilege as a victor of marching over the battle-grounds of the east, where all the great campaigns of the army of the Potomac were fought - and in its marches it had tramped the whole battle-ground of the war. It had fought in the lines with the infantry, and hand-to-hand successfully with the Forrest and Wheeler cavalry.

At Washington it took part in the great review, the grandest spectacle that the world ever witnessed - a veteran army in triumph, passing their country's capital, bearing their torn and battle-scarred banners, the emblems of a free and united country, eager to lay down their arms, to follow the advice and example of Washington, and pursue the avocations of peace. From*Washington the regiment proceeded by railroad to Parkersburgh, West Virginia, and thence by boat to Louisville, Kentucky, where it was mustered out on the eighth day of July, A. D. 1865. It was commanded successively by Colonel John W. Sprague, Charles E. Brown, Major John W. Fouts and Captain (afterwards Lieutenant- Colonel) O. L. Jackson. Its colonel was made majorgeneral by brevet, and Colonels Brown and Jackson brigadier generals by brevet for gallantry in action. Of the colenels of the Ohio brigade, J. L. Kirby Smith was killed, and Noyes, Swayne and Brown each lost a leg. Of its officers that became colonels of other regiments one officer deserves special mention. Surgeon Arthur B. Monahan was always conspicuous for his humane, gallant and soldierly bearing. Whenever his regiment was in action, Surgeon Monahan was at the front, and the unfortunate wounded received immediate care and attention. Thus was many a life saved by his untiring devotion.

The Sixty-third is proud that it was one of the regiments of a brigade that tramped the farthest of any in the army - a brigade that never turned its back to the enemy. It is proud of its battle flag* and colors, and their staves bearing the names of New Madrid, Island Ten, Farrington, Corinth, Iuka, Hatchie, Parker's Cross Roads, Decatur, Alabama, Resaca, Dallas, Kennesaw Mountain, Marietta, Decatur, Georgia, Siege of Atlanta, Jonesborough, Savannah, Rivers Bridges, and Bentonville,t Raleigh.

*Of the battle flag of the Sixty-third that was once composed of the beautiful blue silk, with a silk embroidered eagle with spread wings, there remains but the fringe that adorned it when new, and about one foot square of the flag, near the spear point of the staff. The colors, torn and rent, still bear the names of their first battles (the latter ones

+The Sixty-third in the Atlanta, Savannah and Carolina campaigns belonged to the first division of the Seventeenth army corps, army of the Tennessee. Its corps badge is an arrow legent '' swift and certain."'

Company F, Seventy-Third Ohio Volunteers Regimental Officers

Colonel Orland Smith, mustered October 3, 1861, resigned February 17, 1864; Colonel Richard Long, February 17, 1864, resigned June 27, 1864; Colonel Samuel H. Hurst, July 13, 1864, not mustered, appointed colonel by brevet March 13, 1865; Lieutenant colonel Jacob Hyer, October 3, 1861, resigned June 21, 1862, brigadier general by brevet March 13, 1865; Lieutenant Colonel Richard Long, June 21, 1862, promoted to colonel; Lieutenant Colonel Samuel H. Hurst, February 17, 1864, promoted to colonel; Lieutenant Colonel Thomas W. Higgins, July 13, 1864, mustered out as major; Major Richard Long, December 20, 1861, promoted to lieutenant colonel; Major Samuel H. Hurst, June 21, 1862, promoted to lieutenant colonel; Major Thomas W. Higgins, November 5, 1862, promoted to lieutenant colonel; Major Thomas Lucas, July 13, 1864, resigned as captain September 11, 1864; Major Abishai Downing, July 17, 1865, mustered out as captain; Surgeon Jonas P. Safford, October 26, 1861, dismissed February 18, 1863; Surgeon Isaac N. Hines, December 31, 1862, mustered out at expiration of term; Surgeon John C, Preston, February 1, 1865, mustered out with regiment; Assistant Surgeon Isaac N. Hines, October 26, 1861, promoted to surgeon February 1, 1863; Assistant Surgeon James Segafoor, August 15, 1862, resigned October 24, 1862; Assistant Surgeon William Richardson, March 18, 1863, resigned June 27, 1864; Assistant Surgeon John C. Preston, March 19, 1863, promoted to surgeon; Assistant Surgeon Smith D. Steer, February 1, 1865, mustered out with regiment; Chaplain Joseph Hill, March 13, 1862, resigned December 17, 1862; Chaplain James R. Stilwell, June 20, 1865; Adjutant Frederick C. Smith, December 26, 1861, died April 25, 1862; Adjutant John Spence, March 1, 1863, resigned May 16, 1864; Adjutant John B. Smith, June r, 1865, mustered out with regiment; Quartermaster William D. Wesson, October 22, 1861, commissary of subsistence July 17,1862; Quartermaster Robert M. Rodgers, November 20, 1862, resigned November 5, 1863; Quartermaster William H, Eckman, May 11, 1864, resigned March 30, 1865; Quartermaster James Earl, March 27, 1865, served full term.

In September, 1861, Captain Orland Smith of the 'Chillicothe Greys" was invited to take the colonelcy of a new regiment proposed to be organized, and Jacob Hyer was tendered the lieutenant colonelcy; both accepted, and the new organization became the gallant Seventy-third Ohio volunteer infantry. Company F of this regiment was raised mainly in old Washington county by Captain Thomas Lucas, and lacking sufficient men to raise it to the maximum number, he took the company to Chillicothe, where they were joined by a fragmentary company under George M. Doherty, who became first lieutenant, and John Mitchell, second lieutenant.

The other companies came from Ross, Highland, Pickaway, Jackson, Pike, and Athens counties. It is needless in the space allotted us to go into separate history of company F. Its history is so closely identified with that of the glorious old Seventy-third - that what we shall say of the regiment will include the company.

Few regiments had the fortune to paticipate in so many and so desperate engagements as this regiment. Starting as they did so early in the war and drifting almost at once into the great army of the Potomac, they soon became familiar with great armies, great battles and great commanders. Company F, was organized November 20, 1861, at Camp Logan near Chillicothe, and january 24, 1862, the regiment was ordered to West Virginia. Arriving at Fetterman, they there met the Fiftyfifth, Seventy-fifth, and Eighty-second Ohio regiments, also just entering active service. On the third of February, the Seventy-third and Fifty-fifth Ohio moved to New Creek, where they found three regiments of Virginia infantry, a battery and a detachment of cavalry. They engaged the enemy at Moorfield for the first time, February 13th and r4th, driving him out, and were then ordered to Clarksburgh, where they remained a month, when they went to Weston, where they reinained three weeks, and then were ordered to cross the mountains and join Milroy, who took up*a position at McDowell, near Bull Pasture river, where, on May 8th, was fought the battle of McDowell, in which the Union forces were outnumbered and compelled to retreat.

General Fremont soon took command of the "Army of the Mountains," and the Seventy-third joined its fortunes to that army at Franklin. On May 25th, General Fremont's army left for the Shenandoah valley to engage "Stonewall" Jackson, who was driving General Banks' army down the valley. Then followed the battle of Cross Keys, the retreat of the enemy and the return of Fremont to Strasburgh and finally to Middletown, where the regiment had a chance to rest and recuperate. While here Fremont was superseded by Siegel, and the ''Army of the Mountains" became the First corps army of Virginia. General Schenck was placed in command of the division, and Colonel N. C. McLean of the Seventyfifth Ohio became commander of the brigade to which the Seventy-third was assigned, including the Fiftyfifth, Seventy-third, Seventy-fifth and Twenty-fifth Ohio regiments. On the seventh of July, they were in motion, and crossed the Blue Ridge, encamping on the eastern side at Sperryville. At the battle of Cedar Mountain, July oth, the Seventy-third came up in the night, went into position in line of battle and awaited the dawn of day, to join in the engagement, but the enemy did not wait for them. August 24th, at the battle of Freeman's Ford, the Seventy-third supported the principal battery engaged in that famous artillery duel. At the second battle of Bull Run, August 28th and 29th the Seventythird took a prominent part, going into the engagement with three hundred and twelve men and losing one hundred and forty-four killed and wounded, besides twenty prisoners, leaving one hundred and forty-eight for duty.

At the battle of Fredericksburgh, the regiment was held in reserve and did not participate. In January, 1863, they were again on the war path, this time with "Burnside stuck in the mud" in his memorable "mud march" on Fredericksburgh and masterly retreat.

General O. O. Howard now took command of the First corps, superseding General Siegel at his own request, and the corps name was changed to Eleventh corps army of the Potomac. General Barlow succeeded Colonel Smith in the command of the brigade. General Hooker now effected a thorough reorganization of the entire army, and armed and equipped them thoroughly. The work occupied the months of February, March and April, and the

Then came the battle of Chancellorsville, May 2d, and the disheartening "fall back" across the Rappahannock. Then the race between Lee and Hooker for the north, Lee seeking to out-march and distance Hooker, and the latter bent on heading him off. Meanwhile Mead superseded Hooker, and on July 2d the two great armies confronted each other at Gettysburgh, in which three days of tremendous engagements the Seventy-third lost half its number, among the rest Lieutenant G. M. Doherty, of company F. The regiment, with the rest of the victorious army now returned to Virginia.