Washington County, Ohio - Chapter 27, 1902 (part 3 of 6)

May ist General Crook with his division started on a raid to the Virginia & Tennessee Railroad. Several attempts on it had been made, but had failed. The march lay via Falls of Kanawha, Raleigh and Princeton. Had a slight skirmish at Princeton, and a few miles further on found the enemy in strong position at Cloyd's farm. Their position was at once charged and a severe engagement ensued, which resulted in driving the aiemy from their works, capturing two pieces of artillery and mortally wounding and capturing the notorious Rebel general, Jenkins. Being reinforced, they made a stand a mile to the rear of their first position, but were easily routed. They retreated through Dublin depnt and across New River. At the depot a large amount of wagons and other quartermaster and commissar}- stores were captured. Destroyed all that were not available, and burned the railroad bridge. This severed the railroad connection of Richmond with the Tennessee Rebel forces.

Being so far from the base of his supplies, General Crook was obliged to return - over Salt Pond Mountain, through Union to Meadow Bluffs. Near Union. Lyman Perrin, from Rainbow, Washington County, was shot dead in the road by a bushwhacker.

On reaching Meadow Bluffs, orders were received to join General Hunter in the Shenandoah Valley. As soon as the bare and footsore men could be cared for, and the expedition otherwise fitted up, the march began. It lay over old familiar ground in part - through Lewisburg, 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 Cranesville, 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 loth the National forces left Staunton for Lynchburg, skirmishing most of the way; "Mudwall" Jackson retreating across the Ndrth 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 Lynchburg. At the old stone church, on the Liberty pike, the Rebels were encountered ^nd driven inside their fortifications. Night coming on, operations were suspended. By morning, June iSth, aft'airs 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 "'^^ludwall'" 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 effected 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 tlie 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 via Liberty, Buford's Gap, Salem, Newcastle, Sweet and White Sulphur Springs, Lewisburg, 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 River. Many men, exhausted, fell out, and never were heard of again. Night and day without sleep or rest, it was march, march - that or starvation. During the last nine days the average was 20 miles per day. From June 27th to July loth the starving, worn-out army rested ^ate, slept, and was reclothed. They then embarked for Parkersburg, 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 heavv 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 July 22nd they joined General Crook at Winchester.

Two days later a battle was fought at Kernstown. three miles above Winchester, in which the Uni(in troops were forced to retire, the enemy getting in on the flank in over- numbers. The fighting continued till nine o'clock at night. The regiment lost in killed and wounded 127 men and officers. The army moved next day towards Martinsburg, the enemy pursuing closely. At martinsburg 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, and 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 Chambersburg 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, re-enforced from Lee's army. August 23rd 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 number of ofificers and men, all from Kershaw's division.

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 until our pickets passed through. The enemy came on until within a few rods, when the men, with fi.xed 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 25 men. Capt. 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 reachinig 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 v.as doubled up and back and completely routed. General Crook's little command of about 4,000 now became the front, and pursued the fleeing Rej bels. Passing many pieces of artillery, seven battle-flags were captured, the blue-coats and the "gray-backs" mingling together. A large number of prisoners were left to the rear. The pursuit continued through and beyond Winchester, till dark. T3ie regiment's loss was 35 in killed and wounded. In this battle the division commander was wounded and Col. R. B. Hayes assumed command ; Col. H. F. Devol, of the brigade; Lieutenant-Colonel Adney, of the regiment. Following the enemy up the valley they found him, September 22nd, 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 Harrisonburg. 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 center, 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, re-enforced, 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 i8th, 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 19th. 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 commenced 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, <vho 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 10 o'clock General Sheridan came galloping up the pike, having heard the firing. He stopped in the 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. Abont 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 many were captured, and the cavalry swinging round in their rear took many more. These, with 49 pieces of artillery and most of the enemy's train, were the trophies pi the last battle in w'hich the Thirty-sixth Regiment participated, and the finale of Gen. Jul)al h^arly's army. The regiment's loss in this battle was 30. Tlie dead of the morning were stripped of their clothing. The regiment remained in the valley at and above Winchester. Marched to^ Martinsburg, in a cold rain, and January i, 1865, embarked on railroad trains for Cumberland. In that ride, lastinig most of two days and nights, the men suffered greatly from cold. While: at Cumberland was consolidated with the Thirtyfourth Ohio, retaining its number. Thirtysixth. In April was sent back to Winchester and thence to Staunton, the object being tO' head off any of the Rebel forces wdiich 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 emblem of respect never was removed. The regiment was at Staunton when General Lee surrendered and the Confederacy collapsed. In June was ordered bacl^ 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 Wheelinig, West Virginia, July 27th ; went to Columbus, Ohio, were paid off and disbanded August i, 1865.

Regiment by Gen. H. F. Devol, which is briefly and modestly put considering the value of the service rendered, we take pleasure in adding the following farewell address by Gen. R. B. Hayes:

To the oMcers and men of the First Brigade, First Division, Department West Virginia; It 13 with very great regret that I have been compelled to part v/ith 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 Lynchburg r.-iid in June, the defeat at Winchester and the retreat on the 24th and 25th of July, the skirmishing, marching and countermarching in the Shenandoah valley in .'\ngust, 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. Ag 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 the able and gallant officer who succeeds me - under whom we have served together with so much satisfaction - I am confident that your future will lie worthy of your past. .\s an organization and ?s individuals, you have mv most fervent wishes for vour happiness and success. R. B. Hayes, Brigadicr-Gcncral

The] regiment during its entire temi 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 was 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.

Cnlonel John Groesbeck. mustered August 24. 1861, re.^iRiied Juh' 8. 1862: Colonel A. W. Gilbert, July 8, 1862. resigned October i, 1862: Colonel Edward F. Noyps October i. 1862. honorably discharged April 22,'i86s; Colonel Daniel Webber, May 18, 1865, mustered out with regiment: Lieutenant Coionel A. W. Gilbert, Julv 27. 1S61. promoted to colonel July 8. 1862; Xieutenant Colonel Edward F. Noyes. July 8, 1862, promoted to colonel October i. 1862: Lieutenant Colonel Henry T McDowell, October i. 1862, mustered out; Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Webber, February 10, 1865 promoted to colonel; Lieutenant Colonel William" C. Buck, Mav 18, 1865. mustered out as captain Mav 18. i86s; Lieutenant Colonel Henry A. Babbitt. June 6. 1865, mustered out with regiment; Major Edward F. Noves, July 27, 1861. promoted to lieutenant colonel; Maior Henry T. McDowell, July 8. 1862, promoted to lieutenant colonel; Major William H. Lathrop, October I, 1862. colonel Third Alabama colored regiment April 20, 1864; Major John S. lenkins, .\pril 25, 1864. mustered; Maior Daniel Webber. January 11. 1865. promoted to lieutenant colonel; Maior Henry A. Babbitt, May 18. 1865. promnterl to lieutenant colonel: Major George T. Rice. June 6. 1863; mustered out with regiment; Surgeon Oliver W. Nixon. August 20. 1861. resigned May .^i, 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, Mav 31. 1862. promoted to surgeon September 3. 1862; .Assistant Surgeon Pierre S. Starr. December 13. 186. mustered out wath 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, ^86I, died: Captain William H. Pittinger, May 18, "1862. mustered out with regiment; Captain Ethsn O. Hurd. July 3. 1862. reisgned 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 :ii, 1S62. 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. 1S62. resigned June 10. 1862; First Litutenant William C. Buck. June 25, 1862, promoted to captain; First Lieutenant August Kropp, July 3, iSfi2, resigned .'^pril i, 1864; First Lieutenant George T. Rice, May 9, 1864, promoted to captain; First Lisutenant 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 iS, 1S65, discharged July I, 1S65 ; First Lie'itenant Frank Fortman, July 20, i8(52, 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 Shultz. 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, February 14, 1865, promoted to first lieutenant; Second Lieutenant Daniel Otterbein, May 18, 1865, mustered out with regiment : Second Lieu- ' tenant Buell Congdon, May 18, 1865; Second Lieutenant Charles Miller, July 31, 1861, rerigned 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 an(3 K, going toward St. Joseph. This detachment remained in Northern Missoulri 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, E and 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 5th of December they marched under Brigadier-General Prentiss toward tlie Missouri River, reaching it at Lexington; proceeded to Carrolton and returned to Utica December 8, 1861. December 20th, mo\-ed to Palmyra, 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, Alissouri. 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 imjmssil.ile to cross the river, and having nO' artillery, the relie\-ing force diverged and marched to Lil)ertv. when they embarked on steamers for Kansas City, Missouri, October 15th, still umler (General Sturgess, took up line of march for Springfield, Missouri, by way of Osceola, J'.olivar and Greenfield. Arrived at Springfield Xuvember 1st, having marched on that day 39 miles, to re-enforce General Fremont's grand army, which was reijorted to be in the presence of the enemy. On the 9th of November marched towards the ^Missouri River, reaching Sedalia bv wav of \\'arsa\v Xo\cniber i6th, and by December i8th. reached Syracuse. February 2, 1862, took up line of march for St. Louis, by way of Boonville, Columbia, Fulton and St. Charles, and arri\-ed at St. Louis February 19, 1862, when the entire regiment was reimited.

The regiment embarked on steamer Februaiy 22d, and arrived' at Commerce, Missouri, on the 24th, and at Xew 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 10 days made several reconnoissances and took part in the siege of New Madrid, March 13th and 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 5.500 prisoners at Tiptonville, being the Rebel force from Island No. 10. On the same day marched to Island No. 10, and on the 9th returned to New ]\Iadrid. April 13th embarked on steamer to go down the ri\-er, arri\'ed near Fort Pillow on the 15th, started for Pittsliurgh Landing on the 17th, where the command arrived on the 23rd, and disembarked. During the siege of Corinth from April 23rd to May 29th. the j regiment made many reconnoissances and was j frequently engaged in skirmishes with the enemy. On the 30th they ad\-anced upon the Rebel works, found them deserted, and the Thirty-ninth was the first regiment t(j enter the entrenchments. For several days they pursued the Rebels, and on the 12th of June returned to Clear Creek, four miles south of Corinth, and went intO' camp, where the regiment was armed with the \\liitney rifle with, sabre bayonet. August 20th, marched to luka under General Rosecrans and returned on September 12th. On September 14th the^ movement against General Price, who had occupied luka, began, and on the 19th they were engaged in the battle of luka, which was a bloody contest, resulting in a defeat to the enemy. They pursued the Rebel forces severaL clays 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 con- I sisted of the Twenty-seventh, Thirty-ninth, ' Forty-third and Sixty-third Ohio regiments, ! marched to relieve one of the brigades of Genj eral Davie's division, which had been resistj ing the enem_\'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 theright 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.

The locality above-mentioned was the scene of the desperate charge of October 4th, in which the Twenty-seventh, and especially the Sixty-third Regiment, lost heavily, the Thirtyninth escaping with slight loss, and the enemy I were terribly punished and routed. The Thir- ty-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, Mississip-' pi. On December i8th they moved by rail to Jackson, Tennessee, to re-enforce General Sullivan, who was hard pressed by General Forrest's command. They then, on December 20th, 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 readied 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 unlimibered and in action v.-as 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, jjoo horses, and 360 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 200 miles in three weeks, without government rations, transportation, or ambulances. The regi- . ment remained at Corinth until April 20th, when it moved with the expeditiou under General Dodge to the Tuscumbia Valley, for the purpose of keepinig 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 28th the regiment was engaged in the battle near Tuscumbia, defeating the Rebels. They then marched 16 miles beyond Tuscumbia, returned to Corinth May 2nd, and marched to Memphis, Tennessee, on May loth. Here the regiment was allowed to rest and recuperate. General Fuller says:

"When Grant directed everything at j\lemphis to come to him at Vicksburg, 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 square meal.' "

The regiment up to this time had lost, in killed and wounded and discharged, since its organization, about 300 men, and had recruited about 200. and had an aggregate of 830 ready for duty.

The regiment remained in Memphis until October i8th, when they went to Prospect, Tennessee, marching a distance of 250 miles, and arriving there N.ovember 13th. Here they lay encamped until the 27th of December, when the regiment re-enlisted as veterans, and returned home on furlough for 30 days. "The measured tread of an army, keeping step, is heard; and that wondrous scene unfolds, which the whole world beholds - the marshaling of the veteran, hosts! The soldiers of the ranks stand forth ! * * 'Muster us again! for all the war muster us in!' From that patriotic hour was the doom of the Rebellion sealed."*

The Thirty-ninth Regiment furnished more veterans than any other Ohio regiment. The Ohio brigade stood as follows: Thirtyninth, 534 men: Sixty-third, 455; Forty-third, 436; and the Twenty-seventh, 437 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 70 boats, which, with muffled oars, silently stole down until oppo- site, when, by the left flank, they were Soon on shore, up the bank, and in hne. The Rebels, after exchanging a few shots, retired, completely surprised and defeated.

On May i, 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.

At Dallas, Georgia, on the 27th, they again met the enemy, dri\-ing him from his position, in which engagement the loss bv the regiment was severe. Tlie Rebel army was next encountered at the base of Kenesaw Mountain. Heavy skirmishing began on the 13th 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 v\'as again encountered at Rufif'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.

Tilie 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 fewminutes and were repulsed.

"Immediately afterward his line of Ixittle came out of the timber in front of the Thirtyninth and Twenty-seventh 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 chargetl 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. Tliis was done, but it soon became evident that a change of front to the rear of the entire line was necessary. This change was made under a hot fire. In executinig this movement necessarilv 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 Twenty-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 eflemy from the field. The line now laid down facing the wood which was on its right flank in the beginning of the liattle, under a raking fire fronr the timber for an hour or more, when the enemy retreated and the greatest battle of the campaign was o\-er. 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 gi\ing 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 cii iiiasse^ 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 Thirty-ninth lost 144 killed and wounded.

The regiment then moved to the west side of Atlanta, forming the right wing, where on the 28th of July another severe battle was fought in which the Thirty-ninth participated, repulsing the enemy with great loss. 'Thus almost every day the regiment was engaged in skirmishinig until the final evacuation of the city, which occurred on the 2nd of September, 1864, and in the meantime they marched to Jonesborough, 15 miles south of Atlanta, destroying 10 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 30 days. In the meantime Hood, with his army, had got in our rear, destroying our communications with Chattanooga and investinig our stronghold at Altoona Pass. General Corse commanded at that point and had 1,944 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 Gen. 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 re-enforcements." Sherman,, on learning that Corse was there, exclaimed, "He will hold out! I know the man!" and he did hold out, though 707 (more than a third) of his men had fallen, when the enemy desisted, leaving 231 dead and 411 prisoners and 800 muskets on the field.

Tlie Rebels were driven across the Tennessee to be left to the tender mercies of Gen. 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 Ariny Corps, on the 15th 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 9th of December, making a distance of 350 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 St. Catharine Sound, taking Fort McAllister on theway, 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 21st of December, and it was immediately occupied by the XationaL Army.

About the middle of January, 1865, the Thirty-ninth embarked with other troops on transports, and went to Beaufort, South Carolina, and assited in driving the Rebels from their stronghold at Pocotaligo Station, 25 miles northwest from Beaufort.

with other forces of the grand army, took up its hne of march through the Carohnas, wading swamps and fighting the enemy from place to place. On the 4th of February they engaged the enemy at Rivers 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 2 1 St. in which the First Division. Seventeenth Army Corps, was hotly engaged, the Thirtyninth being in the center of the brigade on the right of the line of battle. They fimily held their ground, while those on the right and left gave way, leaving both flanks exposed to a raking fire. The brigade finally formed in the sha]3e 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 23 killed and wounded.

Here they rested until April loth, when they resumed the line of march toward Raleigh, and arrived there on the 15th 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 15 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 180 miles, in seven days, and from there to Washington number of distinguished ofticers 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.

1862, promoted to brigadier general volunteers ; Colonel Charles £. 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, 186,1 : Lieutenant Colonel Charles E. Brown, March 20,

1863. promoted to colonel; Lieutenant Colonel Oscar L Jack.-on, June 6, 1865. mustered out with regiment as major; Major Alexander L. Haskins, October 1,. 1861, .promoted, and honorably discharged March 20, 186,3; Major J. Hunter Odlin. October i, 1862. resigned January 3, 1863; ALaior John W. Pouts, January I,, 186.3, mustered out; Major Oscar L. Jackson, January 28. 1865. promoted to lieutenant colonel ; Surgecai 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 ; .As^isXant Surgeon J. O. Marsh, August 21. 1862, resigned October 2. 1862; A-sistant Surgeon John B. Mc- Dell, March 11, 1863. resigned May 31. 1865; Chaplain B. S. Fry, February 13. 1S62, mustered out September 27, 1864, at expiration of term.

Company Officers

Captain John W. Fonts, October 28. 1861. promoted to major; Captain Christopher E. Smith, October 26, 1861, resigned December 22, 1862; Captain Rodney K. Shaw, December 20, 1861, resigned August 30, 1862; Captain Charles J. Titus, December 20, i86l, 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 i, 1863, mustered out with regiment ; Captain A. C. Fenner, Octoier 4, 1864, mustered out with regiment; Captain -George B. Bartlett, November 12, 1864, mustered out regiment; Captain M. A. Stewart, November 12, 1864, declined 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, i86i. 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. Teimer. 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 i, 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, 1S63, honorably discharged November 9, 1864; Seccftid Lieutenant M. A. Stewart, January i,

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 Vohmteer Infantry was formed by the consolidation of a battalion of six companies raised at Camp Worthing, Chillicothe, with a battalion of four companies raised at Camp Putnam, Marietta.* It

*By this consolidation it became practical to transfer, and by order of the war department, the Thirteenth Missouri Regiment, composed mostly of Ohio men and officers, was transferred to the credit of Ohio, and became the Twenty-second Ohio Volunteer Infantry.

was originally intended for two regiments - the Twenty-second, to be raised under the direction of, and to be commanded by, Col. William 'E. Gilmore, and the Sixty-third, to be raised under the direction of, and to be commanded by, Col. William Craig, then quartermaster in charge at Marietta. In December, 1 86 1, the call for troops to be sent to the front became so pressing that the order for consolidation came, and the two battalions were Junited; the Twenty-second furnishing companies A, B, E, H. I. and K; and the Sixty-third furnishing four companies raised in Washington County - Company C, commanded by Capt. Christopher E. Smith ; Company B, commanded by Capt. John W. Fouts ; Company F, commanded by Capt. Charles J. Titus; and Company G, commanded by Capt. Rodney K. Shaw. The coinmand of the regiment was given to Colonel Craig ; William E. Gilmore was made lieutenant-colonel, and Alexander L. Haskins, major.

On the 2 1 St of December, 1861, the regiment removed to Camp Dennison; and on the 27th of the same month it returned to Marietta, and encamped at Camp Tupper.

On the 23rd of January, 1862, Colonel Craig resigned, and the command of the regiment was given to Col. John W. Sprague, formerlv 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 i8th 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 1 8th; 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 en masse at the landing to witness their departure. On Saturday the 22nd of February, the command reached Paducah and reported for orders. Having 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 23rd 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 Tiwenty-seventh, Thirty-ninth, and Fortythird 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. Gen. Schuylet Hamilton commanded the division one day ; the command was then given to Gen. David S. Stanley, one of Ohio's brigadier-generals.

From the 23rd to the 27th of February, the army was actually employed in the collection of stores, and the organization of divisions. On the morning of the 28th the line of march was taken up for New Aladrid, the Ohio brigade taking the advance. The arm> arrived in sight of New Madrid on the third day of March, and at two o'clock in the afternoon of that day the Sixty-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 afternoon 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. Inl the reconnoissance on the 7th 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 13th of March the Ohio brigade was made the infantry support of the siege batteries. Tlie Sixty-third on the right, the Thirty-ninth on the left, well up to the batteries, and the Twenty-seventh and Fortythird in reserve. Tlae 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.

Tlie 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 iStli of March, the Sixty-third was detailed to haul one of the heavy siege guns from the forts at New Madrid to Point Pleasant, 14 miles below, and opposite Tiptonville. in Tennessee. THiis 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 find a battery opposite Tiptonville, their only line of communication with their garrison at Island No. 10.*

This severe labor and its attendant exposure permanently disabled many men.** The regiment returned to camp, and with the armv awaited the action of the engineers in remov-

*'rhe first casualty in the Sixty-third occurred March 24th, the carelessness of a companion wounding Elish:. 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.

On the morning of the 7th 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 Tiptonvile, 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. Tlie marching was tedious, frequent halts were necessary, as the feet wonld 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 resumed at daybreak, and it reached Tiptonville in time to witness the surrender of the army that had garrisoned Island No. 10, which had abandoned the forts, and attempted tu escape by Tiptonville and the river. The expedition had been successful in intercepting and capturing them. The Sixty-third proceeded immediately to Island No. 10. 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 capture of all the forts on the Alississippi above Fort Pillow.*

On the 13th of April, 1862, the regiment embarked on the transport "Silver Wave" aiid moved with the army of the Mississippi to Osceola, Arkansas, and thence to Fort Pillow, and was present during the bombardment of that fort. On the 17th of April, 1862, the

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

Army of the Mississippi, having received orders to re-enforce the Army of the Tennessee, under Halleck, in front of Corinth, proceeded up the Mississippi and Tennessee rivers on the transports. On the 23rd of April,, the Sixty-third landed at Hambiu-g, 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 trout of Corinth, including those at Monterey and Farmington. When the enemy moved, out of Corinth on the 30th of May, the Sixtythird moved out of the trenches in immediate pursuit of tlie retreating army. The Thirtyninth 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, where it 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, Luka and Burnsville.

On the 17th ot" September, with Stanley's division, it participated in the battle of luka. After a tedious and forced march it came upon the enemy at the heginning of dusk, immediately formed in line of battle, advanced, and opened "that steady tire that always distinguished it in action." It was just gettingwell into its work when darkness put an end to the fighting, and the two armies bivou- acked upon the field. The pickets of the two armies were posted so near as to be able to communicate by ordinary conversation; and the 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 mornnig'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 Sixty-third was with Rosecrans' army, beating the bush to find and engage the enemy.

T|he regiment took a most active and honorable part in the battle of Corinth on the 3rd 4th of October, 1862, and it there proved itself worthy of a place in the history of a 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, Thirtysixth, 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 Gen. John W. Fuller, read at the brigade reunion on the i6th anniversary of the battle:

On the morning of October 3rd, just 16 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 Johnston 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 reinforcements enabled Davies to stc<p 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 covermg 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, facmg 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 Thirty-ninth 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, perhags 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 to a right about, you see directly in^ear the cut through the hill where lies the Memphis railroad, and just over this, on still higher ground, stands Fort Williams, with a 20-pounder Parrott 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 3rd, and here you fought on the morning of the 4th.

The removal of Davies' skirmish line, which by some mistake was not made known to us. permitted the enemy to advance so closely that, althougli hidden by the da.rkness, 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 Ne"w Orleans') reconnoitering the ground between his guns and your line, was quietly captured, mounted though he was, by Captain (since General) Brown, of the Sixtvthird Ohio.

It was a night of suspense and anxiety to all. We knew that General Hacklenian 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 lieen slowly driven back, seemed well nigh disheartened. You knew you had to meet an enemy not only 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 from 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 lig;ht enough to aim, the 20- pounder Parrotts 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 ventureousome bovs of the Sixtv-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' fighting to drive the Rebels back, and gave the shelter sought; but not far off, the conformation of the ground was peculiarly fortunate for the 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 givt 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 disorded 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 center 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 col- umns advancing. The Fort)'-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. Our skirmishers 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 }'Our officers are running along the line ordering you to "Get down, and lie low, until they are close ugon us." In another minute the head of a Rebel colunm, 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 sccnis to cause a halt ; for, though the rear of his column moves steadily on, the head of it comes no nearer, but appears to melt away. But the enemy is firing too. Afong the whole length of the Sixty-third, and portion of the Twenty-seventh and Forty-third, officers and men are falling fast.

Some scenes here witnessed, though almost as brief as if revealed by a flash of lightning, are stamped indelibly upon our memories. Just where the Sixtythird 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 and is dead ! Lieutenant Webb, of the Twentyseventh, 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 Hashing eyes and set teeth, so that they look like demons.

A minute later the column in the Chewalla road has disappeared, hut 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 maneuver of 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! Col. Kirby Smith, commander of the regiment, is down, rider 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 sevvre that for a moment a rout is feared; but only for a moment, for Swayne here takes connnand 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 re-enforcements. And now this regiment takes sudden vengeance for it.' colonel's 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 clitnb through the embrazures of the battery, when the final eflort 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 troogs moves along the Chewalla road heading for the baftery 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 48 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 oflicer 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 steadily upon us ; and there flashed through my mind this question, "Is he stupid with drink, or is 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, an 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 Spaul'ding, which had lost heavily, yet still was fidl of fight, joined by the plucky remnant of the Sixty-third, 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 swarm-

*At the time the Eleventh Missouri came up, a clean gap had been shot away between the two wings of the Sixty-third, and 18 men joined in the charge at the left of the Eleventh Missouri, and 127 between the Eleventh Missouri and the Twenty-seventh Ohio, and at the close of the cliarge the Sixty-third was the most advanced of the line and was requested to fall back and align with the Eleventh Missouri and the Twentyseventh Ohio.

ing 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 hundred, 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 the rear of the speaker] was captured h'^ a private of the Twenty-seventh Ohio, Orrin B. Goula, of Company G, whom I am glad to see here to-night. But there was one red flag, I think the 'banner briefly borne by Rogers, which escaped us 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 behind 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, g-ave 1-ini the cheer that was ciue a hero.

An incident may here be mentioned of the Fortythird. 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 fewbrave 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 hoth -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 Thirtyninth, who was so far to the riglit that his men could' only ijet an oblique fire, asking permission to bring his regiment to the Chewalla road, 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 ecstacy 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 away, and had hardlytime to become appeased by their subsequent good conduct. Still nursing his wrath, and having seen Vait Dorn had met with a diff'erent 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 at a distance, but also from these piles of dead along your front, that I am in the presence of brave men ! So brave that I take my hat off inyour 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, ror the appearance of Rosecrans as he addressed us, hat in hand.

men. It held its line stubbornly during the whole tight, and lost six officers and 134 men, killed and wounded. After 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 re-enforced by a battalion of the One Hundred and Twelfth Ohio, which had been consolidated with it, and its depleted ranks tilled up. On the nth of December it went into camp at Oxford, Mississippi. Late in the evening of the 1 6th of December, the Ohio brigade received orders 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 17th of December it moved by rail to Jackson, Tennessee. Ten days were spent in marching and counter-marching, to intercept the enemy. On the 27th the regiment joined the command of General Sullivan. On the 30th 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 A. ]\I., 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. Tlien 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 went for the purpose of getting there before the battle was over - and it made its legs tell.

'V\''ithin 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 double-quick, and within five minutes it had put Forrest's force to flight captured six guns, 400 horses, and 350 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 rereating force to the Tbinessee 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 9th 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.

When General Grant moved to Vicksburg, the Sixty-third was ordered with the brigade to garrison Memphis, and proceeded there May 16, 1863, and remained there until the 1 8th 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 13th of November it arrived at Prospect, Tennessee. At that place, on January 2, 1864, the regiment re-enlisted as veterans, and returned to their homes in Ohio on furolugh. The regiment reassembled at Columbus, Ohio, February i8th, 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.

In the Atlanta campaign the Sixty-third participated in 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 i6th of May, 1S64, it crossed 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 Kenesaw Mountain. After the evacuation of Marietta, Georgia, the Sixty-third, with Sprague's brigade, was the extreme left of the army ; on the

20th of July moved to Decatur, Georgia, and had charge of the baggage train of the Arm\' of the Tennessee, and the 21st it rested quietly in Decatur, without incident to disturb it. At noon on July 22nd, when the battle of that date was at its height,* 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 w ith a superior force of Rebel cavalry, 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 Lieut. -Col. Charles F. Brown and Capt. (afterward Lieut.-Col.) Oscar L. Jackson were brevetted brigadiergenerals for gallantry in battle, and the regiment was complimented by special order foi its gallantry. In this battle General Brown lost his leg while at the head of the regiment, and his adjutant, Fowler, 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 "March 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 loth of December, 1864, it charged across the Ogechee Canal, under a heavy infantry and artillery fire, ?nd 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 21st 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 3rd of February it was ordered to and made a gallant assault upon the fort at River's Bridges, which it was unable to reach by reason of the intervening river and swamps. At this point it remained in line of battle 24 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 17th 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 31st day of March the regiment had a lively skirmish with the enemy. The Sixty-third had shared, and borne 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 Raliegh by Petersburg, Richmond and Fredericksburg to Alexandria. Thus after sharing all the campaigns of the W'est, 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 battleground 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 Parkersburg, West Virginia, and thence by boat to Louisville, Kentucky, where it was mustered out on the 8th day of July, 1865. It was commanded successively by Col. John W. Sprague, Charles E. Brown, Maj. John W. Fonts and Capt. (af- tenvard Lieut. -Col.) O. L. Jackson. Its colonel was made major-general by brevet, and Colonels Brown and Jackson brigadier generals by brevet for gallantry in action. Of the colonels of the Ohio brigade, J. L. Kirby Smith was killed, Jfnd 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 hack to the enemy. It is proud of its battle-flag* and colors, and their staves bearing the names of New Madrid, Island No. 10, Farrington, Corinth, luka, Hatchie, Parker's Cross Roads, Decatur, Alabama, Resaca, Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain, Marietta, Decatur, Georgia, Siege of Atlanta, Jonesborough. Savannah, River's Bridges, Bentonville, and Raleigh.

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 genera! 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

*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 fott square of the flag, near the spear point of the staff. The colors, torn and rent, still bear the names of their first battles fthe latter ones being enscribed on the staff), and are stained with the blood of one of the color-bearers.

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 II, 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 I, 1865, mustered out with regiment; Assistant Surgeon Isaac N. Hines, October 26, 1861, promoted to surgeon February i, 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 IQ, 1863, promoted to surgeon ; Assistant Surgeon Smith D. Steer, February i, 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 i, 1863, resigned May 16, 1864; Adjutant John B. Smith, June i, 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.

Captain Thomas Lucas, November 20, 1861, promoted to major; Captain George M. Doherty, January I, 1863, died July 13, 1863; First Lieutenant Charles- W. Stone, July i, 1863, resigned July 5, 1864; First Lieutenant George M. Doiierty. November 20, 1861, promoted to captain ; First Lieutenant John Burke, March 28, 1865, served full term ; First Lieutenant James Ross, May i, 1865, served full term; Second Lieutenant John Mitchell. November 20, 1861, resigned December 23, 1862; Second Lieutenant Charles W. Stone, December 23, 1862, promoted to first

In September, 1861, Capt. 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 Isecame the gallant Seventythird Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Company F of this regiment was raised mainly in old Washington County, by Capt. 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,

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 participate 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 3rd of February, the Seventythird 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 14th, driving him out, and were then ordered to Clarksburg, where they remained a month, when they went to Weston, where they remained 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 ]\Iay 8th, was fought the battle of IMcDowell, in which the Union forces were out-numbered and compelled to retreat.

General Fremont soon took command of the "Anny of the JNIountains." 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 enemv and the return of Fremont to

Strasburg and finally to Middletown, where the regiment had a chance to rest and recuperate. While here Fremont was superseded by Sigel, and the "Army of the Mountains'" became the First Corps, Army of Virginia. General Schenck was placed in command of the division, and Col. N. C. McLean cf the Seventy-fifth Ohio became commander of the brigade to which the Seventy-third was assigned, including the Fifty-seventh, Seventy-third, Seventy-fifth and Twenty-fifth Ohio regiments. On the /th 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 9th, the Seventythird 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 Seventy-third took a prominent part, going into the engagement with 312 men and losing 144 killed and wounded, besides 20 prisoners, leaving 148 for duty.

At the battle of Fredericksburg, 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 Fredericksburg and masterly retreat.

Gen. O. O. Howard now took command of the First corps, superseding General Sigel 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 Army of the Potomac, 100,000 strong at that time, seemed capable of sweeping everything before it.

-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 1st the two great armies confronted each other at Gettysburg, in which three days of tremendous engagements the Seventy-third lost half its number, among the rest Lieut. G. M. Doherty, of Company F. The regiment, with the rest of the victorious army, now returned to Virginia.

September 24th the Eleventh and Twelfth were ordered to Bridgeport, Alabama, to re-enforce the Army of the Tennessee, and the whole force of 20,000 men was transferred by rail in five days, arriving September .30th. They then marched up the Tennessee and joined General Thomas near Brown's Ferry. On October 27th, at about midnight, the enemy made an attack on General Geary and the Twelfth Corps at Wauhatchie, Tennessee, and the Seventy-third with the division was ordered to their support. The Seventythird and Thirty-third Massachusetts regiments being in advance, and coming onto the Rebels charged up a steep and difficult hill, and upon arriving at the top were received with a deadly fire; but nothing daunted, they iixed bayonets and charged, driving the enemy in confusion from their entrenched position, breaking the Rebel line, and compelling the entire attacking force to retire from Geary's position. Indeed, as soon as the Seventy-third Ohio and Thirty-third Massachusetts opened their fire, the Rebel fire on Geary's line fell off. Tlie conduct of the Seventy-third on this occasion was characterized in the official dispatches of General Grant as "one of the most daring feat of arms of the war."

In the battle of Missionary Ridge the Seventy-third formed a part of Gen. O. O. Howard's corps that was pushed out on the left to make a junction with Sherman, and took uosition on the banks of the Chickamauga, on Sherman's extreme left. Meanwhile Thomas and Hooker had made their famous charge