Fayette County, Indiana - Chapter 16: The Civil War, 1861-65, 1885

Chapter 16: The Civil War, 1861-65

THE CIVIL WAR, 1861-65. PUBLIC SENTIMENT AND ACTION IN THE BEGINNING - COUNTY EXPENDITURES - DEPARTURE OF THE FAYETTE COUNTY UNION GUARDS - DRAFTS, BOUNTIES, ETC. - HISTORY OF THE ORGANIZATIONS AND EEGIMENTS - LADIES' AID SOCIETY, DONATIONS, ETC. - CLOSING SCENES.

THE citizens of Fayette County will ever contemplate with great pride, and hand down to posterity the record of her soldiers, and the honorable part they bore in the great struggle of 1861-65, for the preservation and perpetuity of the Union. The firing on Sumter seemed an individual aim, and so stirred the patriotism of her sturdy yeomanry, and none the less patriotic sons, that together they left the plow in the furrow, and side by side came father and son from the anvil, the accountant's desk, the law office and the workshop, offering their lives rather than see traitorous hands strike death to the flag of liberty - the flag representing the principles of our forefathers, so dearly by them purchased at Valley Forge, at Bunker Hill, and at Yorktown.

Public Sentiment And Action In The Beginning

On receipt of the news of the fall of Sumter, the excitement throughout the county became intense. Occupations and pursuits were almost wholly neglected, and the loyal men of all parties announced their readiness to follow their country's call. Connersville was thronged with an excited populace, asking for the latest news from the seat of war. The following extracts are taken from the Connersville Times, of April 25, 1S61:

" The greatest enthusiasm has existed here during the past week. Meetings of all the citizens of all parties express a determination to aid the Government with means and money to the utmost capabilities of Fayette County, if need be.

" A cannon squad has been organized under the command of W. W. Frybarger, tendered to the Governor of the State, and accepted. They comprise a small band of brave hearts and stout arms, and they will preserve the honor of Fayette County untarnished in the trying hour.

"A company of volunteers of over a hundred men has been organized, tendered to the Governor, and accepted. The company is styled the ' Fayette County Guards,' and is officered as follows:

II * * * ^ Zouave company is being formed. A large number of citizens of Fayette County assembled in the court house square in Connersville April 20, for the purpose of providing men and means for the defense and support of the Constitution of the United States, and the laws passed by Congress in pursuance thereof.

" On motion Elisha Vance was chosen President; William H. Beck and William Watton, Vice-Presidents; Henry Goodlander and Confucius B. Edwards, Secretaries. After music by the Connersville Brass Band, the ladies and gentlemen comprising a choir for the occasion, sang the 'Star Spangled Banner,' which was received with immense applause.

" On motion a committee of three from Connersville Township, and one from each of the other townships was appointed to draft resolutions expressive of the sentiments of the people of the county. The committee consisted of the following gentlemen, namely:

" The Committee on Resolutions submitted a series of resolutions, which were unanimously adopted with great applause. Patriotic speeches were made by Rev. George Campbell, Rev. P. Carland, Capt. Joe Marshall and Capt. Newkirk. The resolutions were as follows:

"Whereas, In certain States of our country, citizens thereof having taken up arms and are now in open rebellion against the same; and whereas, for the purpose of putting down said rebellion, maintaining the la ?vs and authority of the Government, and protecting the property of the same, the President of the United States has issued his proclamation calling upon the loyal citizens of the same to volunteer their services and place themselves at the disposal of the

Government; and whereas, divers good and loyal citizens of the county of Fayette, have, pursuant to the said proclamation, tendered their services. Therefore, iu consideration of the premises aforesaid, it is hereby

" Orderedby the Board of County Oommiasioners, That the sum of $5,000 of the funds of the county be and the same is hereby appropriated, to be paid out on orders to be issued from time to time, as may be necessary, for the purpose of maintaining and supporting the families of such persons as have volunteered or may hereafter volunteer, as may stand in need of assistance during the absence of the persons above referred to.

" Besolved.That the Board of Commissioners be instructed to appoint such agents in each township, as may be necessary for the purpose of acting as receiving and disbursing agents in order to supply the families of the absent volunteers, who may require assistance and support in maintaining the same.

" Resolved, That our Senator and Representative in the General Assembly be requested to vote at the called session of the Legislature, for an efficient, judicious and military law, and for the appropriation of all money needed for a vigorous prosecution of the war in which our country is now involved.

"Resolved, That as it may be necessary for the volunteers to furnish themselves with uniforms and articles necessary for their comfort at the opening of the campaign, it is requested that, in addition to the necessary uniform, each volunteer furnish himself with one common blanket, one spoon, knife and fork, and file his voucher for the cost thereof with the Captain of his company for the reimbursement of the same.

"Resolved, That the County Commissioners employ some competent person or house to furnish the necessary uniforms for the volunteers, and that proper voucliers be taken and kept for the cost thereof, so that tlie county may be indemnified by the State or General Government.

"Resolved, That Misses Roxa Edmonds, Callie Disney, Augusta Mason, Fannie Newkirk, Fannie Durnan, Sophia Frybarger, of Connersviile Township; Misses Matilda Stone, Kitty Wagoner and E. A. Irvin, of Orange Township; Misses Harriet Thrasher, Mary Bates and Jane McCrory, of Fairview Township; Misses Eda McMullen, Eliza Jones and Sallie Cole of Waterloo Township; Misses Mary Munger, Frances Loder and Lizzie Cole, of Posey Township; Misses Margaret Thomas, Mary Dale and Rosa Thomas, of Harrison Town.ship; Misses Mary Jones. Mary Webb and Lydia A. Messersmith, of Columbia Township; Misses Mary Retherford, Maria Newland and Rachel Burk, of Jennings Township; Misses Caroline Beckett, Eunice Moore and Emily Clifton, of Jackson Township, are hereby requested to call upon the citizens of Fayette County and solicit donations of woolen blankets, and give one to each volunteer from the county of Fayette, and the citizens of said county be and are hereby requested to send to said committee, at the room of Miss Fannie Newkirk, such blankets as they may be willing to contribute for the purpose aforesaid.

"Resolved, Tliat the President of this meeting telegraph T. A. Morris. Quartermaster General, that Fayette County will do her duty in furnishing volunteers, and blankets, knives, forks and spoons for their use.

"Resolved, That the County Commissioners be instructed to buy the cannon belonging to W. W. Frybarger, for the use of the county, it being understood that said Frybarger will sell the same at cost and carriage."

Tbe Commissioners were present and responded to the requests of tbe meeting, and in accordance with the order passed by them, the following agents were appointed for the purpose of soliciting provisions: City, Josiah Mullikin; Connersviile Township, George Harlan and Stout Atberton; Jackson, A. V. Larimore and Achilles Backhouse; Jennings, J. J. Burk and J. W. Boss; Columbia, George Scott and Thomas J. Crisler ; Orange, Emanuel Wagoner and William Conner; Harrison, Joseph Dale and Anthony Watt; Posey, Temple Beason and Jacob Newkirk; Fairview, Joseph M. Sutliflfe and Amos G. Smith.

County Expenpitdres

James EUivtt was appointed agent for the county in the distribution of funds and continued to act as such during the entire war. Tbe county expended during that period for the relief of soldiers' families 164,366.37, and for miscellaneous purposes 19,201.4:5, which with the amount expended for local bounty amounted to $264,331.82.

The "Fayette County Union Guards" left for camp at Eichmond Friday, May 10, 1861. About 10 o'clock the company was drawn up in line in the court house yard, when a few remarks were made by Capt. Marshall and a pathetic farewell address was delivered by Rev. William Pelan; and a committee of ladies presented each volunteer with a Testament, when by means of vehicles the company left for camp. The very air itself was laden with patriotism; the National flag floated from housetops and the whole country was filled with noise and excitement of military preparation.

No one party filled the ranks; the volunteers of Fayette came from all parties; Repiiblicans, Democrats, and Bell-Evprett men, all forgot their differences and gave their services to support the Constitution and the Union.

Drafts, Bounties, Etc

The war called for so large a proportion of the entire male population that the quota of the county was not in all cases filled without difficulty. Drafts and the offer of large bounties to volunteers were found necessary, hence many of the recruits on being mustered into service received considerable bounty.

The draft assignment of October 6, 1862, to Fayette County was as follows: Connersviile Township, 6; Orange, 1; Harrison, 5; Posey, 27; Waterloo, 18; Fairview, 13.

The men who filled the quota of Fayette County were with the exception of an inconsiderable fraction volunteers. The county, with a total militia enrollment in September, 1862, of 1,081, had sent to the field 560 men, requiring the following month the small draft only of 70 men.

The regiments from Indiana which contained the ' greatest number of men from Fayette County, were the Sixteenth, Thirty-sixth, Sixty-ninth, One Hundred and Twenty-Fourth, Forty-first, Third Battery, and Third Cavalry, the following history of which is condensed from the elaborate report of the late Hon. W. H. H. Terrell Adjutant-General of Indiana:

Sixteenth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry. - Of the several companies raised in Fayette County, Company E formed a part of the Sixteenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry (one year's service). Its Captain was John M. Orr, and First Lieutenant, William H. Greer, both of Connersville.

The organization of the regiment was completed at Richmond in May, 1861, with Pleasant A. Hackleman as Colonel. It was intended to serve within the limits of the State for one year, but its services were offered and accepted by the General Government the same day that the North was startled with the news of the disaster at Bull Run. July 23 the regiment left Richmond and was the first regiment that marched through Baltimore after the firing upon the Sixth Massachusetts Regiment, in April- Reaching Harper's Ferry it was assigned to Gen_ Banks' army. October 21 - the fatal day of Ball's Bluff - the regiment marched all day long under the sound of cannon. In the afternoon of the 2 2d an attack was made upon the pickets, in which two men of the Sixteenth were killed. Immediately after the regiment was huiTied forward, in line of battle, on the Bluffs, and here in the evening participated in a brisk engagement with the enemy. Orders being given for an evacuation the Sixteenth was detailed on the 23d as a picket line, to cover the retreat of our forces, and was the last regiment to recross the Potomac, reaching the Maryland shore at daylight on the 24th. Two men were drowned during this expedition. It went into winter quarters ("Cantonment Hicks") near Frederick City, December 6.

In February, 1862, the long expected movement of the armies commenced. In March the Sixteenth, with a detachment of other troops from the brigade, built a bridge across the Shenandoah at Snicker's Ferry, accomplishing the work in forty-eight hours. Here six men of Stonewall Jackson's army were captured by Lieut. Copeland, of the Sixteenth. May 12 it left for Washington, D. C, where on the 14th of May it was mustered out of service and soon after returned to Indiana. Its commanding Colonel was on April 30 commissioned a Brigadier-General and on May 13, in presence of the regiment, an elegant sword was presented by the enlisted men of the Sixteenth. This gallant officer was killed in battle at luka. Miss. Lieut. -Col. Thomas J. Lucas succeeded him as Colonel.

Company A formed part of the Sixteenth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry (three years' service). Its successive commissioned officers from this county were: Captains, JohnM. Orr, John A. Haines, Timothy Doherty; First Lieutenants, John A. Haines, Timothy Doherty, JohnKensler; Second Lieutenants, Timothy Doherty, John Kensler, .Thomas M. Hardy and Lawrence Rowan.

The regiment was re-organized for three years' service at Indianapolis, May 27, 1862, with Thomas J. Lucas as Colonel. The regiment left August 19 for Kentucky to aid in repelling the invasion of the State by Kirby Smith. On the 30th of August it took part in the battle of Richmond, Ky. , losing 200 men killed and wounded, and 600 prisoners. Lieut. Col. Joel Wolfe was killed in this action while the regiment was endeavoring to cut its way through the Rebel lines. After the defeat the prisoners were paroled and sent to Indianapolis, where they remained in parole camp until November 1, when exchanged. On the 20th of that month the regiment marched to Cairo, and from thence to Memphis, where it remained until December 1, and then moved down the river to participate in the Vicksburg campaign. On the 25th the brigade of which the Sixteenth was a part was sent to cut the Texas & Shreveport Railroad at Dallas. In this expedition it marched sixty-five miles in thirty-six hours, swam two bayous, destroyed ten miles of railroad track and burned $1,000,000 worth of property belonging to the Rebel Government. On the 1st of January, 1863, it engaged the enemy in the attempt to storm his works at Chickasaw Bayou, near Vicksburg, and was driven back, the brigade to which it was attached losing 500 men. Re-embarking on the 3d, the Sixteenth reached Arkansas Post on the 10th of January, and attacked the enemy in the fort, skirmishing until night fall. On the 11th it participated in the general engagement that ensued, and was the first regiment to plant its colors within the fort; its loss was seventy-seven men killed and wounded. The surrender was made by the same officer (Gen. Churchill) to whom the Sixteenth surrendered at Richmond, and among the captured wagons were some that the regiment had lost in its retreat at that time. The Sixteenth was at Hard Times Landing, opposite and above Grand Gulf, during the unsuccessful attempt of the gun-boats to reduce Grand Gulf. It was at Port Gibson and formed part of the reserve to Gen. Hovey's division, and marching forward engaged the enemy, driving him from the hill in front. It participated in a severe skirinish with the enemy near Edward's Station May 16, after which the regiment marched to Black River Bridge, where it fought at that point. It then proceeded to the rear of Vicksburg, and went into the trenches on the IQtli of May, and participated in all of the operations of the siege until the capitulation on the 4th of July. In the assault on the enemy's works on the 2'2d of May, the Sixteenth bore a conspicuous part, holding an important position for nearly ten hours' continuous fighting, and part of the time was within twenty-live feet of the Rebel fort in its front. During the siege the regiment lost sixty men killed and wounded. After the surrender the regiment marched to Jackson, where it took part in the skirmishing on the march and at that place. It was transported to New Orleans, where it was mounted and attached to the Cavalry Corps, Department of the Gulf, and was distributed along the eastern shore of the Mississippi, to pi-otect transportation between New Orleans and points up the coast. In October the Cavalry Corps was ordered on an expedition up the Bayou Teche, in which section the Sixteenth remained continually skirmishing with the enemy until January 2, 1864. It was refitted and re-mounted and marched as part of the cavalry of Banks' expedition up Red River, during which campaign it had sixteen engagements with the enemy. The regiment was reviewed in New Orleans, where it had been ordered for muster out, by Gen. Grierson, who complimented it on having turned over to the Quartermaster the best horses that had ever been in that department, and as a compliment to the men whose terms of service had not then expired, it was ordered by Gen. Canby that they be transferred to the Thirteenth Indiana Cavalry, thus putting together infantry and cavalry, an unknown precedent during the war. The regiment was mustered out at New Orleans June 30, 1865. It arrived at Indianapolis July 10, 1865, with 365 men and officers, and on the next day it had a public reception in the capitol grounds, at which the regiment was addressed by Gov. Morton and others.

Thirty-sixth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry. - Company H formed a part of the Thirtysixth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. Its successive commissioned officers were Captains, Gilbert Trusler, William F. Limpus; First Lieutenants, Addison M. Davis, John L. Hensley, William F. Limpus, George Mullikin; Second Lieutenants, William F. Limpus, George Mullikin, James Patterson, and Joseph Hilligoss. Gilbert Trusler, of Connersville, was commissioned Major of the regiment, June 3, 1863, and resigned the following December, and Daniel D. Hall, of the same place, served as Surgeon of the regiment from September, 1861, to March, 1882.

The Thirty-sixth Regiment was organized "at Richmond, and mustered into service for three years, on the 16th of September, 1861, and soon after left for the field. During the fall and winter of 1861 it encamped and marched with the Army of the Ohio, until it reached Nashville, in February, 1862. In March it moved to the Tennessee River, and reached the field of Shiloh in time to take an active part in that great battle, in which it sustained a loss of nine killed, thirty-eight wounded and one missing. It was at the siege of Corinth, and participated therein until the evacuation. It pursued Bragg through Kentucky with Buell's army, and participated . with Rosecrans' army in the battle at Stone River, and it was atChickamauga, and in both sustained losses in killed, wounded and missing. It subsequently moved with Sherman's army toward Atlanta, and participated in the marches, skirmishes and engagements of that eventful campaign.

Sixty-ninth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry. - Company K formed a part of the Sixtyninth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry. Its successive commissioned officers were: Captains, William Kerr, Jesse Holton; First Lieutenants, Jesse Holton, William G. Plummer, Joseph Senior, Harvey A. Zimmerman; Second Lieutenants, William G. I'lummer, Joseph Senior. Job Stout, of Connersville, was commissioned Lieutenant-Colonel of the regiment, August 19, 1862, and resigned January 21, 1863. William M. Smith and William Stewart, of Connersville, served respectively as Quartermaster.

The Sixty-ninth Regiment was organized at Richmond on the 19th of August, 1862, with William A. Bickle as Colonel. On the 20th of August it left for Kentucky, and on reaching Lexington moved in the direction of Richmond, Ky. Near this place, on the 30th of August, it participated in the battle with Kirby Smith's Rebel forces, losing 218 men and officers, killed and wounded. Though the men fought bravely, the disciplined troops of the enemy overpowered the regiment and captured it almost en masse. The captured men were immediately paroled and sent to parole camp, Indianapolis. Upon being exchanged the regiment was re-organized at Indianapolis and left that place on the 27th of November, 1862, for Memphis, Tenn,, in command of Col. Thomas W. Bennett. On the 20th of December it proceeded down the Mississippi River with Sheldon's brigade of Morgan's division of Sherman's wing of Grant's army, on the expedition to Vicksburg. In the assault upon the enemy's works at Chickasaw Bluffs, the Sixty-ninth took part, suffering but a slight loss. After the repulse at this place, the regiment moved to Arkansas Post, where it was engaged on the 11th of January, 1863, and after the capture of the post it proceeded to Young's Point, and while stationed there over 100 men died from disease. In the latter part of February it moved to Milliken's Bend, and on the morning of the 30th of March marched as the advance regiment of Grant's army in the movement against Vicksburg. On reaching Roundaway Bayou, opposite Richmond, La., in the afternoon, a Rebel force was found and dislodged. It was during this movement that 2,000 feet of bridging was constructed in three days. Thus was a military road completed across the peninsula from the river above Vicksburg, to the river forty miles below that city, over which the whole army rapidly moved. On the 30th of April the advance crossed the Mississippi at Hard Times Landing, and disembarked at D'Schron's, on the opposite bank, from whence it marched to Port Gibson, where on the Ist of May the battle of Thomp- Bon's Hill was fought. In this engagement the Sixty-ninth lost seventy-one killed and wounded. On the 16th of May it was engaged at Champion Hills, and on the 17th of May took part in the assault on the enemy's works at Black River Bridge. It then moved to the rear of the Rebel works at Vicksburg, participating in the siege up to and including the assault on the 22d of May. On the 23d of May it moved with Osterhaus' division to the Black River Bridge, where it was stationed during the remainder of the siege of Vicksburg, holding Johnson in check. During all these operations on the east side of the Mississippi River, the regiment served in Osterhaus' division, which opened every engagement prior to the investment of Vicksburg.

At Jackson the Sixty-ninth was actively engaged during the six days' siege of that place. * * * On the 13th of February, 186-1, it sailed for Indianola, and on the 13th of March evacuated that place and started for Matagorda Island. During the progress of this movement, while crossing from Birnio's Island to Matagorda Island, a boat swamped and two officers and twenty men were drowned. * *

* * It met Bauks' retreating army at Alexandria, on the 27th of April, and was engaged in the fight near that place, and, in the retreat from that place to the Mississippi River, supported Lucas' cavalry brigade, which covered the retreat. * * -» * On the 20th of March it moved with Steel's expedition through Florida and southern Alabama, arriving in the rear of Blakely on the 1st of April. In the assault on Blakely, on the 9th of April, the regiment was engaged, after which it guarded Rebel prisoners from Blakely to Ship Island. * *

* * On the 5th day of July, 1865, the battalion was mustered out of service (the regiment was consolidated into a battalion) at Mobile, and on the 7th left for home, having sixteen officers and 284 men.

This regiment has left its dead in eleven States, and participated in the battles of Richmond, Ky., Chickasaw Bluflfs, Arkansas Post, Thompson's Hill, Champion Hill, Black River Bridge, the sieges of Vicksburg and Jackson, and the capture of Blakely, Ala., which caused the surrender of Mobile.

Second Cavalry (Forty-first Regiment, Indiana Volunteers). - Company L formed a part of the Second Cavalry (Forty-first Regiment Indiana Volunteers). Its successive commissioned officers were Captains, Isaiah D. Walker, Christian Beck, James Q. Hackleman; First Lieutenants, Christian Beck, James G. Hackleman, Probasco Thomas; Second Lieutenants, James A. Smith, James G. Hackleman, Probasco Thomas. Rev. W. Pelan, of Connersville, went out as Chaplain of the regiment; Harvey Y. Burt for a short period served as Adjutant and Charles Mount for a year as Commissary.

This was the first complete cavalry regiment raised in Indiana. It was organized in Indianapolis in September, 1861, with John A. Bridgeland as Colonel. In February, 1862, it marched with Buell's army toward Nashville, and from that point moved to the Tennessee River, reaching the field of Shiloh after the battle. On the 19th of April it had a skirmish with the enemy on the road to Corinth, and on the 15th it engaged the Rebels at Pea Ridge, Tenn., losing a number in killed and wounded. On the 22d it participated in a reconnoisance in force, driving the enemy three miles. During the siege of Corinth it was actively engaged, and immediately after the evacuation marched with Buell's army into northern Alabama and on the 31st of May had a skirmish with the enemy at Tuscumbia, losing a few men in killed and wounded.

Moving into Tennessee the regiment fought the enemy at McMinnville on the 9th of August and at Gallatin on the 21st and 27th of August, losing several in killed, wounded and missing. In September it marched into Kentucky, participating in the Bragg and Buell campaign, engaging the enemy at Vinegar Hill on the 22d of September, and at Perryville on the 8th of October. On the 30th of November, while the regiment was at Nashville, a detachment under command of Maj. Samuel Hill was highly complimented by Gen. Rosecrans, in special field orders, for having recaptured a government train, defeating Rebel cavalry, killing twenty and capturing 200 prieonors. On the 11th of June, 1863, it fought the enemy at Triune, Tenn., losing a number in killed and wounded. It participated in a sharp fight at Talbott's Station. While at Mossy Creek, Tenn., the regiment re-enlisted January 10, 1864, and during the winter

In May, 1S(U. the regiment moved with Sherman's army in its campaign against .Atlanta, engaging in many skirmishes and battles, mnong which were the following: May 9. at Varuell's Station, neai- Keseca; July 1. near Acworth: July -8 and 30. neju- Newnan; .\ugnst 30, near .Atlanta. The non-veterans were mustered out on occupying Atlanta, and in Septem- Ihh", iStU. tlie remaining veterans and ivcruits were consolidated into a battalion of four companies and place*.! in command of Maj. Koswell S Hill. In January, lSl>?i. it joined the army of Gen. AVilson and participated in the raid through Alabama, engaging the enemy nesu- Scottsville. April 2. and at West Point, Ga., on the UUh. In the latter battle the regiment suffervni severely, Maj. Hill having one of his legs shot off while leading a charge. It was mustered ont at Nashville. July -22. lSl>5. Shortly after it movetl to Indianapolis, where it was liually dischargeil.

One HuiHiiy>ti and I'ny^nty- fourth Regiment. Indiana Volunteer Infantry. - Compjmy A formed a part of the One Hnmii-ed and Twenty-fourth Kegiment, Indiaa:i Volunteer Infantry. It<3 successive commissioned oflioers were: C;\ptains, John M. Orr. John W. Hannah; First Lieutenants;, John W. Hannah, Martin S. Bush; Second Lieutenants. Martin S. Bush, Lot H. C. Pumphrey.' Capt. Orr was coiamissionevi as Lieutenant-Colonel of the regiment March 8. 1S64, and promoted Colonel Jnly 10 of the same year.

George F. Stewai-t. of Couuersville, served )»s Second and First Lieutenant respectively in Compiny E, and John B. Schissler as First Lieutenant in Compiiny F. of the regiment; and a number of privates in C!omjiany G wei^e fixim this county.

The regiment was mustered into sei'vice Miu-eh 10, iStU. with James Burgess as Colonel. It went to Nashville, xvaching that fx>int on the 24th of the same month, and was assigned to the division of Gen. Hovey. .\pril 5 the regiment left Nashville for the front, marching by way of MurfrtvsKiro. Shelbyville, TuUahoma, Stevenson. Bridgejx>rt, Chattanooga, and so on. The Twenty -third Corps, to which the ivgiment was assigned, arrived in front of Buzzard's Boost May S. A demonstration was made by Gen. Scotieldnpon that formidable position, the regiment losing one killed and two wounded. A portion of Sherman's army having penetrated Snake Creek Gap, the regiment move^i with its division through the Gap, and crossed the Ostanaula Eiver, near Tilton, Our column then passed to the left of Resaca, and marched on the ISth to Calhoun. It moved tlie next day to the right of Kingston, and skirmished along the railroad. On the 21st it enconntorod the enemy, and brisk skirmishing ensued. On the tirsf of iluue the regiment was engaged in sharp skirmishing in the vicinity of AUatoona and Pumpkin Vine Creek, and took jvsition opposite to and neiu' Lost Mountain. Temporiuy works were constructed, and for two daj*s sharp fighting was had with the enemy. The skirmish line then moved close to tlie formidable works of the enemy, the regiment advancing in snpjwrt under a heavy lire of artillery and musketry. The enemy having evacuated the works, the regiment took position on the right of Kenesaw Mountain. On the 23d tlie regiment advanced close up to the enemy's works on Kenesaw Mountain, and skirmished with his sharp-shoot<»rs. The picket firing and skirmishing continued until the morning of July 3, when the Rebel Gen. Johnston suddenly abandoned his strong position, and fell back to Smyrna Church. The regiment encountered the enemy near Decatur, where brisk skirmishing ensueil, resulting in tlie enemy being ilriven through Decatur, and the capture of that town. For several days it was engaged in skirmishing, and on the 2 1st of July reached a position where the hills and stoeples of Atlanta could be seen. On the 22d the regiment moved with its division, and aide^l materially in repulsing the Rebels under Hood and Haivlee. who had attacked oiu- forces. The siege of .Atlanta progressed vigorously until August 30, when its evacuation was forced, during all of which time the regiment played its part.

October 4. the regiment marched with its corps in pursuit of Hood, the column moving by the way of Marietta to AUatoona, and thence through Cassville and Kingston, to Rome: and crossing the Ostanaula River at that place on the 12th, a sharp skirmish was had with a portion of the enemy's forces, his main Ixxly having marched with great rapidity towards Kesaca and Dalton. The column tiien headeil for Calhoun and Resaca, but the Rebel Army had disappeared before our .arrival. The pui-suit was continued through Snake Creek and Mhite's Gaps to Summerville. and down the Chattanooga Valley to Gaylesville. Ala., where the pursuit was discontinued. The Twenty-third soon became a part of the command of Gen. Thomas. The regiment, October 23, moved with its division to Cedivr Bluffs, and marched to Dalton cia Cave Spring. Rome, Resaca and Tilton. It was then transported to Nashville, where it arrived Noveml>er V. November 21 the i-egiment threw up temporary breastworks at Columbia, and for two days was engaged in brisk skirmishing with the enemy under Hooil. At Spring Hill the enemy's cavalry was encountered and severe skirmishing ensued. After a brisk fight the regiment forced its way through, losing Company

C, was captured by the enemy. The regiment reached Franklin on the morning of November 30, and immediately took position in line of battle OQ the southern edge of that town. Slight breastworks were hastily constructed; the enemy soon appeared in force, and made several attempts to carry the position by assault. These successive attacks were met and most decisively repulsed. During the night the regiment fell back with the army to Nashville, and took position to the right of Fort Negley, whore it was employed in erecting defenses until December 15. On the latter date the army of Gen. Thomas advanced from its fortifications around Nashville, upon the Rebel Army of Gen. Hood, and after two days severe fighting, inflicted a ruinous defeat upon the Rebel foe. Thei'egiment took part in this battle, and joined in the pursuit of Hood's demoralized army.

In 1865 the regiment proceeded to North Carolina, landing at Morehead City February 27. March 6 it marched with Gen. Scofield's column along the railroad toward Kingston. Upon reaching Wise's Forks, the enemy was encountered in a strong position in force. Heavy skirmishing was kept up during the first day. On the 9th the enemy being largely re-enforced, made an assault upon our left and center, and, after a severe battle, was repulsed and retreated in much confusion. The regiment took an active part in this battle. On the 15th it crossed the Neuse River and marched to Kingston ; thence to Goldsboro, reaching there on the 21st, where the junction was formed with the victorious columns of Sherman, who had marched from Atlanta to the sea, and from the sea through the strongholds of the Rebel hiding-places, halting in the " Old North State" only long enough to greet their old comrades of the Twenty-third Corps and press forward to final victory. The regiment was mustered out at Greensboro August 31, 1865.

The Third Battery. - The Third Battery, Light Artillery, Indiana Volunteers, was organized at Connersville on the 5th of August, and mustered into service August 24, 1861, with W. W. Frybarger as Captain During the month of September the battery moved to St. Louis, was assigned to Gen. Fremont's army and moved with that army in the campaign through southwest Missouri. Upon the close of his campaign Capt. Frybarger being promoted Major (November 80), and ordered to Indianapolis for the purpose of organizing batteries, Lieut. James M. Cockefair was promoted Captain. From Springfield the battery moved to Tipton and thence to LaMine Cantonment, where it remained until the spring of 1862. During the summer and fall of 1862 sections of the Third Battery were dispatched to different portions of Missouri, and engaged in numerous encounters with straggling forces of the enemy. This duty was exceedingly arduous and difficult, owing to the long and frequent marches, and the impossibility of forcing the enemy to a decisive battle. Sharp encounters were had with the enemy at Mooe's Mill, Kirksville and Lone Jack, in which the battery lost in killed and wounded. After a separation of nine months, and having traversed the principal portion of Missouri, the Third Battery rendezvoused at Springfield during the winter of 1862. It was stationed at St. Louis until the latter part of 1863. In November, 1863, a majority of the members of the battery re-enlisted as veterans. It moved with the column under command of Gen. A. J. Smith in the winter of 1863-64 through western Tennessee. The battery then moved to Memj)his, and with its division proceeded on steamer to Vicksbiu'g, with the column of Gen. Sherman, and proceeded to Meridian, Miss. Having aided in sufficiently destroying the enemy's communications, the battery retui'ned with the army to its place of starting.

On the 8th of March the^Third Battery proceeded up the Red River by steamboat, and took part in the storming and captiu-e of Fort De Russy. Thence the battery moved with Gen. A. J. Smith's command, and on the 9th of April was engaged in the battle of Pleasant Hill, in which the pursuing enemy were checked and routed. The battery was engaged almost constantly in covering the retreat of Banks' army, until it reached Morganza Bend, on the Mississippi River, May 21. During this campaign it took part in the battles at Cautcherville, Cane Run, Alexandria, Old Oaks and Round Lake. Upon reaching the Mississippi River the battery embarked with its corps and moved toVicksburg; thence to Memphis, and thence marched to Tupelo, Miss., being engaged with the enemy at Tupelo, Tallahatchie, Jackson and Clinton, Miss., during this movement across the country.

It moved with the Sixteenth Army Corps to St. Louie, and joined the forces of Gen. Rosecrans, in the pursuit of the Rebel Gen. Price, in the fall of 1864. After marching 800 miles in twenty-four days, without being able to overtake the enemy, the Third Battery returned to St. Louis, and moved from thence to Nashville, Tenn. Here, with tlie army of Gen. Thomas, the battery took part in the decisive engagement in front of Nashville, on the 15th and 16th of December, 1864, which resulted in the defeat and rout of Hood' s Rebel army. The battery was subsequently assigned to Gen. Canby's command, and operated with his army upon the defenses of Mobile. It was actively engaged in the siege and capture of Fort Blakely, which completed the surrender of Mobile.

In addition to the above-named companies the county was represented in various other organizations, among which were the Eighty- fourth Regiment, in which it had officers and men (Nelson Trusler was commissioned its Colonel September 5, 1862, and resigned October 17, 1803); Twenty third Battery Light Artillery; Third Cavalry (Forty-tifth); Sixth Cavalry Battalion (Seventy first); Thirty-lifth, Fourth Regiment (Hancock's Corps), One Hunth-ed and Forty seventh Regiment Indiana Volunteers, and Seventh Cavalry Indiana Volunteers. Christian Beck of Conuersville. was commissioned Major of the regiment September 23, 1863; March 1, 186-1, was commissioned Lieutenant- Colonel of the Ninth Cavalry, and resigned October 28, 1864. Dr. Joshua Chitwood served as Assistant Surgeon and Surgeon of the Seventh Cavalry Indiana Volunteers in 1863-64.

One Hundred and Fourth Regiment Minute Men. - Company K of the One Hundred and Fourth Regiment Minuto Men was from Fayette County. The regiment was organized at Greeusburg with James Gavin as Colonel, July 10, 1863, and contained an aggi-egate of 719 rank and tile. From Greensburg it moved to Suumau's Station; from thence it proceeded to Lawrencoburg and thence marched toward Harrison, Ohio. After Morgan's escape into Ohio, the regiment returned to Greensburg, and was mustered out July 18, 1863.

One Hundred and Ninth Regiment WO-Days Fo/«Mfee;s. - Company F of the One Hundred and Thirty-ninth Regiment 100-Days Volunteers was from Fayette County. The regiment was organized and mustered into service at Indianapolis on the 8th of June, 1864, with George Humphrey as Colonel, and soon after proceeded to Tennessee. This, with the other regiiuents of 100-days men, on arriving at Nashville was assigned to duty at different places along the lines of the Nashville & Chattanooga, Tennessee &, Alabama, and Memphis & Charleston Railroads, and until the latter part of August, 1864, were kept constantly engaged in guarding those lines of comiaunication, used by Gon. Sherman for the transportation of supplies to his army then advancing on Atlanta. The regiment served beyond the period of 100 days, and returned to Indianapolis, where it was finally discharged from the service.

Fayette County sustained an honorable part, and claims the full share of the glory on the records of the regiments in which its men fought in the war of Rebellion.

Ladies Aid Societies, Donations, Etc

Throughout the war, the mothers, wives and sisters at home were ever earnest in their ministrations to the soldiers, supplying those delicacies and comforts needed in the field. The soldiers' families, too, were cared for, as may be judged from the great relief fund expended.

The Ladies' Aid Society of Connersville was organized at the court house January 13, 1862, and the following named officers were elected: Mrs. James C. Mcintosh, President; Miss Callie Youse, Vice-President; Mrs. A. B. Gates, Treasurer; Miss Fannie Newkirk, Secretary.

At various periods during the war the farmers throughout the county donated liberally in the way of wood. By reference to the files of the press it is noticed that up to October 22, 1863, 250 cords had been donated. June 20 seventeen loads were brought to town by the citizens of Waterloo Township, the contributors being Capt. J. S. Hamilton, Joseph Cole, Amos G. Smith, William Henry, Harrison McPhai-in, W. J. Orr, William Green, Matthew Job, John Roysdon, T. L. Hamilton, J. Burris, S. Duseuberry, S. L. Hurst, James Morris and Daniel Burris. Those in the Lockhart neighborhood subscribed 40 loads; those in the Shrader neighborhood brought in 17 loads; Harrison Township, 51; Connersville Township, 52. In December, 1864, upward of 100 loads were donated by the farmers in general.

Closing Scenes

The following oxti'act from the Times of April 13, 1865, will give the reader an idea of the manner in which the news of the surrender of Gen. Lee and his army was received by the people of Connersville:

'"Such scenes never have and probably never will occur again in Connersville as were witnessed last Monday. The fall of Richmond was celebrated here in a measiu-e, but then the cup of joy was not yet full, and the surrender of Lee and his army remained to assure our people of the final triumph of the glorious old Ai-my of the Potomac, and to make "assurance doubly sure" that the Rebellion had received its death blow. Early on Monday morning the glad news of that great event was borne us on the telegraph wires, and our pen cannot portray the joy with which our citizens received the news that the army which for four years had given the Rebellion all its vitality, was among the things of the past, Demoralized, battered and broken it hadjbeen. but our fondest hopes were consummated when the bleeding remnant of the Army of northern Virginia laid down its arms at the feet of that glorious hero, U. S. Grant. Upon the receipt of the news the first notes of rejoicing rang forth from the church bells, which had but the day before called their congregations to peaceful worship; to thoae chimes were soon added those of the court house bell and all other bells, both large and small, in the town, and the clamor had reached its climax when guns and anvils joined in the chorus. The stores were closed, everyday avocations were abandoned instantly, and soon the whole population of the city were jammed into Monroe Street. Then who can describe the scene that followed and continued until far into the night? Not a countenance but bore a smile. Shouts upon shouts rent the air amid the shaking of hands and frantic embraces. The people were wild with joy. Col. Nelson Trusler arrived from Indianapolis in the evening, and in response to the call of his fellow-citizens made a short speech which a{)tly illustrated the condition of tho people. He said he left Indianapolis that morning because everybody was drunk, and ho wanted to go to some place where he could find sober folks; they captured and detained him awhile at Cambridge City, but there he found the

Last Sunday was a glorious epoch, and if it wore not a day for which all other days wore made, yet it was a day made for generations, and our children will hereafter hold it in grateful remembrance so long as the Nation shall survive."

"Ceremonies appropriate of the funeral of the President of tho United States were held in all the churches of Connorsville that are regularly open for worship, yesterday. The stillness and solemnity of the Sabbath prevailed throughout the town. The business houses were closed the entire day, and upon all were the emblems of mourning. The court house and many private residences were also draped in mourning. Such a scene has never before been witnessed in Connersville."