Hancock County, Indiana - Chapter 7: Military, 1916 (part 1 of 2)

Chapter 7: Military

Three times since the organization of the county have our citizens heard the Nation's call to arms. Each time the people have responded enthusiastically.

The first call was made at the outbreak of the Mexican War in 1846. Company D, Fifth regiment, Indiana volunteers, was organized in Hancock county under James K. Bracken. The company was mustered in October 8, 1847, to serve during the war. The Fifth regiment was under the command of Col. James H. Lane, and served with General Scott until July 28, 1848, when it was mustered out.

following letter preserved by the writer's people and published in the Hancock Democrat on June _>], 1877, gives us just a glimpse of what they saw and experienced :

"Again I am placed in my tent, very tired, but cheerful and happy as ever 1 was in my life, and I suppose that I need not say that I hope that these few lines may find you enjoying the same state of health, as I do think you will be ready to acknowledge and believe that my very soul has always been wrapped up in the love of my family.

"We have traveled six hard days' march towards the city of Mexico, and will have some ten or twelve more before we get there, as it is verv laborious moving a large army. The whole country through which we have passed is hilly, mountainous and rocky, but looks romantic, and in some places very pretty, as the trees are now covered with blossoms, but there is but little fruit. There is but little danger here, or indeed do I think there is but little danger any place in this country, as we can hear of no army any place in the government. There are a few guerillas along the road but dare not appear or show fight. I saw one who had just been killed and some of the boys say they saw six or eight more. I was out hunting and saw a few black fellows, but they run like devils, and I got no shot. There were but two of ns, A. Pauley and myself, but it appears as though one can chase a dozen. There is still no immediate prospect of peace.

"On the ascent from Vera Cruz to Mexico the climates succeed each other, as it were by stories, and in our travel we have passed through every variety of vegetation. The tropical plants are succeeded by the oak, and the salubrious air of Talapa replaces the deadly air of Vera Cruz. The sky is generally cloudless, and but very little rain, and a succession of hills, seemingly at some day the boundary of lakes are now the limits of extensive plains or rolling prairies but the rocks or stones all very near the surface. The country is barren because it is very dry and stony, but every stream is accompanied with some fertile land. The snow is in sight on the mountains and contributes much to cool the air now, as it is cloudy ; and it is said to be the coldest day ever experienced in this country. It would be called cold in our country in May. The coffee bush grows here. The berries are now ripe, and is a small red berry, very juicy, and as poisonous as can be.

"The timber is low and crooked. I have seen no tree in the country that would have made a rail cut. Everything, weed, bush and tree, except the scrubby oak and orange bush and coffee bush has thorns on. The thorns

On March 27, 1879, a notice, signed by Thomas H. Branham, Robert Smith, Jerry H. Hendren, Robert P. Andis and Adams L. Ogg, and published in the local papers, called a meeting of all Mexican War veterans at the mayor's office at Greenfield for the purpose of organizing an association of the veterans of that war. The following veterans were present at the meeting: Adams L. Ogg, John Roberts, Jerry H. Hendren, Robert P. Andis, Dr. E. W. Pierson, Thomas H. Branham, Louis T. Osborn, John H. Childs, Alexander Andis and Newton Scott. An organization was effected with Adams L. Ogg, president, and Thomas H. Branham, secretary. Although there were but a few of the soldiers left it seems that this organization was maintained for several years. Annual meetings of the veterans were held in different parts of the state as long as any survivors were able to attend. The state encampment was held at Greenfield in 1904.

There are no longer any members of this company living in Hancock county. Among its last survivors were Robert Smith, James H. Carr and Jeremiah Hendren, who departed this life five or six years ago. Jeremiah Hendren, the last of our Mexican War veterans, died on October 29, 191 1.

The Civil War

When the first call of President Lincoln was made at the outbreak of the Civil War, a fife and drum corps was organized by Capt. Reuben A. Riley, Henry Snow and others, who made a circuit of the county to stir up enthusiasm in the enlistment. A company was organized and mustered in at Indianapolis on April 22, 1861, as Company G of the Eighth regiment, Indiana volunteers (three-months service). The muster roll is as follows: Reuben A. Riley, captain; John Stephenson, first lieutenant; Lee O. Harris, second lieutenant; John M. Stevenson, first sergeant; Marion M. Stevenson, Pilatiah Bond and John S. Edwards, sergeants; John H. Duncan, Samuel Marsh, John S. Chittenden, Henry Snow and Elberlee S. Duncan, corporals ; Jacob Mullen, George P. Stevenson and Sylvester Shorn, musicians ; privates, William W. Alexander, Jacob T. Battett, John S. Allison, Benjamin Bond, Lusettus Anderson, Arthur S. Brown, James Buchanan, Martin V. Chapman, Jesse D. Dobbins, John Dye, Jr., Orando Ellis, Jabez E. Harrison, Jacob Hook, George W. Johnson, Thomas S. Jones, John A. Lynam, Thomas M. Martin, Henry Mickle, John Pope, Nicholas Remeshart, William H. Scott,

On starting for the front this company was presented with a large flag made by several of the Greenfield ladies, Mrs. Permelia Thayer, Mrs. A. P. Williams, Miss Alice Pierson, Miss Martha Meek and others. The flag was made in the house now occupied by Mrs. Permelia Thayer, on the northeast corner of Main and Pennsylvania streets in the city of Greenfield.

The "three-months men" were mustered out on August 6, 1861, after having been as far east as Virginia, and having participated in the engagement at Rich Mountain in that state. Many of them, however, reenlisted at once for a period of three years, or during- the war.

The Veterans Of The Civil War

It is exceedingly difficult, if not impossible, to make a complete roll of the men who enlisted as volunteers from this county and who were among the veterans of the Civil War. By far the great majority of our boys enlisted in Indiana regiments. But many, who were temporarily absent from home, also enlisted in other states, and Indiana has no record of their names. In going over the records in the adjutant-general's office, page by page, it is still practically impossible to make a correct roll, since in so many instances the record is incomplete, failing to show the residence of the men. In such cases personal acquaintance would be required with each man to determine accurately to which county he belongs.

Below is given the roll of enlisted men from our county as nearly correct as we have been able to make it. Some of the men who enlisted as private soldiers were later commissioned as officers. Others were transferred to different regiments. Some of the officers were also promoted from time to time. This accounts for some names appearing several times, especially in the companies that were filled almost entirely with Hancock county boys. The men have been grouped in companies, showing their associations during the war.

Among those who always claimed Hancock county as their home, but who were not credited to this county, were Gen. Oliver P. Gooding, who was for many years in the regular army, but who was appointed colonel of a Massachusetts regiment during the war, and who rose to the rank of brigadier-general. Adams L. Ogg, who was in Iowa, organized a company there and was captain of Company G, Third Iowa volunteers.

Eighteenth Regiment, Indiana Volunteers

The Greenfield band enlisted and became the regimental band for this regiment. Professor Eastman, prominent in Greenfield musical circles at that time, was its leader. The following were the members : Omer Arnold, Samuel W. Bamett, F. M. Crawford, James E. Cravens, James H. Crowder, William Elliott, Albert G. Griffith, William E. Hart, John W. Lambertson, Edwin M. McCrarey, Samuel M. Martin, John H. Noble, William L. Ogg, Martin E. Pierson, Thomas E, Richardson, James T. Reed, Henry Snow, Xathan Snow, James F. Stewart, Alfred M. Thornburgh, David Youst.

Twenty-Eighth United States Regiment

The soldiers from Hancock county were, in the main, kept in the western theater of the war during the early part of the struggle. Many were in

Arkansas. Missouri, with Grant along the Mississippi, with Thomas, Rosecrans and Buell, in Kentucky and Tennessee, and a very large number were with Sherman on his famous march to the sea. In the latter part of the war these troops were, of course, with Sherman and Grant in the eastern field. But what the veterans of the Civil War have done has been written large on the pages of the nation's history, and no attempt will be made to detail that story here.

It was a common practice for the men at the front to return their savings to their families from time to time. Frequently a number of them who had come from the same locality sent their money in one amount to some person in whom all had confidence. In February, 1863, for instance, the men of Company B, Eighth regiment, forwarded to Capt. A. K. Branham one thousand, eight hundred and twenty dollars to be distributed to persons in various parts of the county. We cannot know at this time just whose money was included in this amount, but after a large part of it had been distributed Captain Branham inserted a notice in the Hancock Democrat that the money belonging to the following persons would be sent as directed by them : William Everson, Abram Hanes, Thomas Lake, Mrs. Mary A. Snell, New Palestine; Samuel Fuller, Cordelia Shelton, Catherine Jones, Julia Scotten, Philadelphia ; Hamilton Welling, Christian Kreager, Cumberland ; John M. Miller, Rebecca Davis, Cleveland ; John Jackson, Pendleton ; John Roney, Mt. Comfort.

In October, 1863, Andrew T. Hart received a package containing one thousand, one hundred and thirty-seven dollars from Company B, Ninetyninth regiment, for the following persons : Benjamin Reeves, Lysander Sparks, Rosannah Hamilton, James Milner, Phoebe True, Jesse Allen, Louise E. Shaw, Mary C. Curry, William Watts, Thomas Bright, Margaret Milner, Sarah Curry, Sarah Milner, Elizabeth Reagan, J. H. Curry, Daniel Butterfield, Susanna Redman, Eleanor Hudson, L. J. Youse, Elizabeth Cass, Catherine McGuire, Joseph Morford, Martha Tibbits, Willard Lowe.

These instances might be multiplied, but they illustrate the practice of the soldiers in sending home their money, either for the use of their families, or to be saved until their return from the war.

Some of the personal experiences of the boys, however, and something of their military life, is reflected from the following letters. The first two letters, from Lee O. Harris and R. A. Riley, give the experiences of the company of "three-months men" who went to the front from Hancock county. The third letter, from Samuel A. Dunbar, gives a good idea of the campaigning of Company B, Eighth regiment, in Arkansas, while the last one, writ-

"I am now writing in the shade of a tree, in Camp Benton, which is situated on one of the highest hills in Western Virginia. Below me lies a beautiful valley, stretching between the lofty hills. A beautiful stream winds its way through it, while at the foot of the hill on which our camp is situated, lies the town of Clarksburg, the capital of Western Virginia. It has a beautiful site, situated here on the summit of this lofty hill, the valley lying in quiet beauty below me, and mountain on mountain piled to the clouds and stretching away in every direction as far as the eye can reach. Both regiments are encamped upon this hill, and are now busy fortifying it. A wall, breast-high, is now almost completed, extending entirely around the hill, and a battery of six cannon is stationed on one side. Our position is one of the strongest natural defenses I have ever seen and commands the whole of the surrounding country. The enemy have no access to the town except over the mouths of our cannon, 'a hard road to travel,' I believe.

"A regiment of the Ohio troops arrived in town today; there was a regiment here before we arrived, and another picketed along the railroad from Parkersburg to Grafton. The boys are all in fine spirits and eager for the fight, though I do not anticipate an attack at this point, now that we are all so well prepared. It is reported that ex-Governor Wise is on Laurel Ridge, about thirty miles from here, with five thousand men, yet, in this position we do not fear twenty thousand. Several secessionists have been captured and brought into camp, but released on swearing allegiance to the government. Having given you a general description of our camp, I will go back and tell you how we got here.

"On Wednesday morning, June 19, I was awakened about three o'clock by the blowing of trumpets, rattling of drums and shouting of men ; such a noise I have never heard before. It sounded like the howling of fiends or the midnight orgies of devils. On inquiring the cause I learned that we had received our marching orders and, notwithstanding I am a quiet man in the main, I was infected with the general joy and shouted long and loud. I ran to the door of my tent and saw soldiers running, jumping, turning handsprings and summersets, and making the most extravagant demonstrations of joy. They were considerate enough to leave off, however, as soon as all were completely exhausted, and the longest winded could not shout above a whisper. Shortly after breakfast we began to take down our tents and pack our baggage, and before noon we marched to Indianapolis, where we emharked on the cars, and taking the Lawrenceburg & Cincinnati railroad, we were soon flying on our course on the wings of steam, followed by the shouts of hundreds who had collected to see us off. Everywhere along the road it appeared as if the whole community had collected along the track and greeted us with shouts and waving of hats and handkerchiefs. At Greensburg the patriotic citizens were awaiting us, and as soon as the train stopped, the cars were surrounded by detachments armed with well charged baskets, -buckets and pitchers, and immediately began the attack, filling our haversacks with provisions of every imaginable kind. Our men faced the music like heroes and pitched into the eatables with a will. Long life and great happiness to the noble hearts of Green sburg! May heaven bless them as they deserve ! At six o'clock we arrived at Cincinnati. Here we were met by the city military, amounting to nearly tw7o thousand, who escorted us to the Fifth street market house, where we were regaled with a splendid supper. All Cincinnati was alive with excitement; the streets were crowded from one end of town to the other, and at every turn the cry was, 'Huzza for the Indiana troops! Huzza for the Eighth and Tenth!' On the corner, near the market house, was a banner with this inscription, 'Cincinnatians' Welcome to the Xoble Sons of Indiana ; may God bless and preserve you !' We marched from the market house to the Marietta & Cincinnati railroad and embarked on the cars, where we lay all night, and on the next morning started for Marietta, a town about two hundred and fifty miles up the river. Through Ohio we were met and welcomed with the same demonstrations of joy that we witnessed in Indiana. At Chillicothe we were welcomed with another attack of provisions and good things. We arrived at Marietta about dark, when we were marched on board of steamboats, where we lav all night. Next morning we sailed down the river to Parkersburg, where we remained until Saturday night, when we embarked on board the cars on the Baltimore & Ohio railway and started en route for this place, arriving here on Saturday about noon, where we are likely to remain for some time. You shall hear from me again soon if my life is spared to write.

and bustle, care and toil, that I have never had time to write when I could command paper and ink,, that I have not written you before. We first set foot on 'Virginia's sacred soil' at Parkersburg, the third day from Indianapolis, from thence two days after to Clarksburg by railroad through tunnels of pitchy darkness and over dizzy precipices. The road was guarded all along. At Clarksburg (the capital of western Virginia)' we took possession of a hill about three hundred feet high, immediately south of the town, commenced to fortify it, and about 1 o'clock A. M. Capt. Loomes' flying battery six pieces arrived. It was hauled to the foot of the hill, and there we took it apart, attached long ropes, and piece at a time, with two hundred men to a piece, pulled it up to the top, and by daylight had cannon, ammunition and all in position on the hill, and commanding the whole surrounding town and country within its range. We then resumed work on our fortification, and by night had a breastwork from six to ten feet high, for nearly a mile, in an oblong circle. The traitors had prepared to burn the town, and expel or hang all Union men there, the day after our arrival. We were too quick for them, and they fell back to a pass called the 'Valley of Death,' in the Rich Mountain, within five miles of Beverly, where they were stronglv fortified at a pass called Camp Garnett, one and one-half miles further on the Beverly road, and at the Valley of Death they had breastworks of logs and rocks, probably 400 yards in length and two pieces of artillery (that we captured). I think they had three. At 4 P. M. on the 10th, six companies of the 8th and 10th Indiana Volunteers marched to the advance, on hearing that they were coming to give .us battle. We took our position in advance of our encampment - consisting of eight regiments - in line of battle but the rebels went back to their holes again. The 8th regiment, that is, six companies of it, held their position on the field for the night, and Company I, consisting of 53 men, rank and file - 33 of Company I, and 20 of Company E - took the picket guard, running a chain of sentinels within two hundred and fifty-nine yeards of their fortification, and then transversely with the same, and remaining sleeplessly vigilant the entire night. Just after daylight on the morning of the nth, six companies of the 8th, 10th, and 13th Indiana, and the 19th Ohio regiments filed right leaving the road, without cutting one for their access, and climbed over Rich Mountain, through heavy woods, barrens, thickets, among the laurel and huckleberries, among rocks, cliffs and precipices, on dizzy heights and sightless depths, a distance of from 12 to 15-miles, entirely flanking and surprising the enemy in the Valley of Death. "We arrived on the battlefield at about half-past 1 P. M., when the picket fired on our advance guard led by Capt. Chris. Miller, of the 10th, severely if not fatally wounding him, and also wounding severely in the arm one of his men. The skirmish then commenced, on our side, while round shot, bombs, and spherical-case shells hissed and bursted over our heads. We continued skirmishing for over an hour, waiting for the Ohio regiment to come up, to get our positions, and for the cessation of one of the heaviest rains I have ever seen fall. Thus drenched and chilled, the Ohio regiment came up the mountain in sight and the rain ceased, when the ioth Indiana regiment engaged their left wing out of good range of their artillery. The left wing of the 8th lay right in line, view and range of their artillery, when they fired a shell that exploded directly over them (the 8th). then a round shot that went through a tree about 12 feet over the heads of the 8th. I told Col. Benton that the enemy had a point blank range on the regiment, and to let the regiment lie down. The command was given and the boys dropped, when instantly a charge of grape poured over them, about breast high but harmless. The enemy cheered, thinking the regiment was cut to pieces (as they afterward told me) while indeed the boys were lying like crouching tigers, waiting for the command to pounce upon them. We remained there for about half an hour, when the word came, and the boys went down the hill over rocks, logs and brush, firing and advancing, without much order - for that was impossible, from the nature of the ground - but with terrible precision, shooting with direct aim at every moving object distinguishable in the smoke before them. Then followed the most sublime and terrible concerted regimental firing that ever waked the echoes of that old mountain. Company I, commanded by Lieut. Walls, directed their fire upon the gunners of their artillery, and leaving but one standing, and him wounded in the hand and side. Then the rush from the cannon from both sides, when our men hoisted one poor fellow off of the cannon with their bayonets. The enemy gave way, and the retreat commenced, and firing after and pursuit. Neither of the latter continued long. Then came the congratulations over the victory, mixed with the groans and cries of the wounded and dying, then the searching and care for the wounded. Then a collection and burial of the pale and bloody dead. The busy and bloody-handed surgeons, with lint, chords, bandages, saws, scalpals, probes and bullet forceps were busy bandaging and dressing what could be saved, and amputating hopelessly shattered and lacerated limbs. I walked over a part of the battlefield that evening, and I hope never again to witness such a sight of blood and carnage. At one large rock about 30 feet long behind which the enemy had concealed, shooting over, there laid piled upon and across one another, sixteen men, every one of whom was shot through the brain. I will not further attempt to describe the car- nage. The enemy had between 1,800 and 2.200. with two pieces of artillery which we captured. The six companies of the 8th. 10th, and 13th Indiana Regiments, amounting to about 1,500 to 1,700 men, did the fighting, the Ohio being held mainly in reserve, and coming in just at the close.

"The counted dead of the enemy on the field is 131 and is doubtless more than double that number, as many were seen carried off. Some were found in the bushes and coal banks and among the rocks over a quarter of a mile from their breastworks. We have about 900 prisoners, six pieces of artillery, a large amount of small arms, seventy-two wagons, and from $6o,cco to $100, oco worth of captured military property. Upon the rebels being so terribly defeated, slaughtered and routed at the 'Valley of Death,' they fled into the mountain - they abandoned their arms, camp tents, ammunition and fortifications at Camp Garnett, one and a half miles distant and in the night left all, some even throwing away their blankets and coats and fled to the mountains. They also fled from Beverly, five miles distant. The next day a flag of truce was sent in and seven hundred who had been in the battle, came in a body, stacked their arms, and surrendered themselves prisoners of war. They, with those taken in the battle and since swelled their numbers to about 900, as before stated.

"I am informed, by a messenger from there, that General Morris captured 1,800 rebels at Laurel Hill, together with their cannon, arms, and military stores, on the next day after the battle. Yesterday a detachment was sent from here to Stanton, twelve miles from here, and a messenger came back today saying they had fled panic stricken from there.

"Xone of Company I were killed or missing. Sergeant M. M. Stephenson was severely wounded by a musket ball a little above the right knee, the ball passing below the bone without breaking it. The hemorrhage was great, but upon its being staunched, reaction took place, and he is now doing well, and will probably recover without material lameness or injury. James Buchanan was wounded in the fleshy part of the hip, just above the hip joint, but got up. straightened his leg, tried it, cursed the traitors, and fought on with redoubled energy. Andrew Stutsman was wounded on the knee by a fall on .the rocks while making the charge. Charles Weaver had his wrist bruised and sprained by the bark and splinters knocked from a tree near which he was, by grape shot. All' who were in the battle were brave to a fault. Our boys were much fatigued and exhausted by hunger, cold, rain, watching, marching and fighting, but are getting rested and ready for more work if needed soon. The health of most of them is tolerable, some are suffering

"While I have been telling of the enemy's heavy losses, etc.. I had almost forgotten to speak of our own. Thirteen of the Indiana troops were killed, and about forty wounded.

"My own health is poor and broken down. Five days ago I was taken with diarrhoea, and from weakness, loss of sleep, hunger, and the long, toilsome march over the mountain, and the sudden cold and heavy rain. I sat down, cramping and exhausted, by a tree, in the midst of the battle, delivering the command to Lieut. William R. Walls, who gallantly led the boys through the balance of the fight. Shot, shells, grape, musket and rifle balls were bursting and hissing over and around me. There is an excitement and sublimity in a well contested battle, that can neither be appreciated or realized by any one who has not witnessed it and participated in it. Our boys who were left behind to guard the camp, and too sick to make the toilsome march, are filled with regret and chagrin because circumstances forbade their participation in the fight.

"We expect to be 'home again' in a few weeks, bringing Company T back without the loss of a man. My paper is exhausted. My compliments and love to all. R. A. Riley/'

"Having had no opportunity for a long time to write to you, or anybcdy else, and supposing that our friends are anxious to hear from us, I hasten to write you. I joined my regiment at Sulphur Rock, on the 1 ith of June, and on the 22nd we left there for Clarendon, on White river, to join our gun boats. We approached said point by easy marches, until the day we entered Augusta, when we marched eighteen miles. The day after we arrived, at 2 o'clock in the morning, Companies A and R of the 8th, under command of Maj. Thomas Brady, and a battalion of cavalry, commanded by Col. Baker of the 1st Indiana, by special order, went in search of a regiment of rebels, mostly conscripts, under Col. Matleck. After a march of ten miles we came upon their camp. freshly evacuated. The infantry deployed as skirmishers in the cane brake, which is the hottest and hardest work ever the lot of man to perform. We remained thus for two miles, rallying at a point on the river, three miles above a ferry where the butternuts Avere crossing. Col. Baker hastened forward, arriving a little too late, but in time to fire one of his mountain how risers, killing two and dispersing them in every direction. He took their camp equipage and provisions. While this was going on Maj. Brady heard of a train concealed four miles above our position in the cane brake, and of course we made for it. We found five wagons richly laden with the good things fixed up by the special friends for palates of the traitors. They didn't get it. We eat our supper, saved our breakfasts, and turned the balance over. This was on the Fourth of July. On the 5th we returned to camp, arriving tired and worn out. The next morning at two o'clock we left camp and marched sixteen miles, halting on the bank of Cache river. The road on each side of the stream having been blockaded by the rebels cutting timber across it, - a game they have played until it is played out. When our advance arrived at this point a small party of them, concealed in the blockade, fired upon the guard, hitting nobody. Our men killed one, who fell into our hands, and knocked seven off their horses, but they got away badly wounded or dead. Lieut. Hill, who commands the pioneers of the brigade, went to work on the blockade and in two hours had a road cut through and the troops passing over. In the morning a portion of the nth Wisconsin and 1st Indiana Cavalry went out upon the road in advance to feel for the Texas Rangers, who we knew were in the neighborhood. About noon they came upon about two thousand of the gentlemen lying along the side of- the road. Our toys went into them with fury, both sides fighting like fiends. More cavalry and the 33d Illinois were ordered forward first, and then the 8th. We arrived upon the ground and drove the rebels five miles, when night came on, and they got away from us. News of this fight spread like wild fire through reheldom, and upon our arrival here we found that transports had been sent from Memphis to Clarendon, to gather up the remnant of our army, supposed to be cut to pieces and in a starving condition. The rebels everywhere throw it in our faces, and crowed loudly. Poor, deceived iools, why did they not know the true result of the engagement? We found nearly 200 of their dead upon the field, and their wounded filling every house along the road. Our loss was between forty and fifty, - eight killed and the balance wounded. The night after the fight we encamped beyond Cotton Plant, on a bayou. The next day we marched to Clarendon, a distance of 35 miles, under the hot sun of this climate, and through the deepest sand and the thickest and most suffocating dust. For miles we had to march without water, and when we did get any it was swamp water, the filthiest you ever saw in any swamp. This march beats everything in our military history, and had we not been ironclad we never could have stood it. On our arrival at Clarendon we found that our boats had from some cause or other given us out and retired. Duvall's Bluff, above Clarendon, was evacuated by the rebels, thev retiring to Little Rock. On the 1 ith we left that, point for this, and by some management not in army regulations our wagons, provisions and camp equipage were started upon one road, and we upon another. Our suffering would have been extreme had it not been for 4 crackers to the man which we found in a wagon belonging to Curtis' quartermaster. On this scanty allowance we traveled 18 and 23 miles a day until last night. Our train arrived this morning, we having lived from the time we started until this morning on four crackers to each man. We are now encamped on the bank of the Mississippi. Helena is a beautiful little town, clean and neat. Shortly after our arrival a trading boat came down and you should have seen the effect it had upon the men. So long shut up in the darkness of Arkansas hills and swamps, cut off from all correspondence with friends and the world, exposed to danger and disease, almost naked, and but a few days' rations of crackers left, you can imagine how exhilarating the sight of a boat would be. We are below Memphis about 100 miles. Last night was a moon light one, and Lieut. Hill and myself, after the camp had become still, seated ourselves upon the bank of the river and looked upon a scene as beautiful as I ever saw. At this point the river is one and a half miles wide, Mississippi forming the other side.

"The Indiana troops are almost naked, having drawn but few clothes since leaving Otterville, and but few uniforms can be found among them. We will get a new suit here and cut a stiff. Lieut. Bill Hill, with his pioneers attended the train and through the most desperate swamps building and cutting roads with an energy and celerity that drew from General Benton a very high compliment. This morning the camp is all gayety and life. The boys are enjoying the highest spirits. Besides the prospects for bread, meat and clothes, we have a faint hope of being ordered out of Arkansas.

"Col. Baker and his cavalry are covering themselves with glory. They fear nothing; fight any force, no matter how large, when or where they find it.

"Gen. Hindman lives here, Gen. Curtis occupying his mansion, with the stars and stripes floating above it. The health of our company continues excellent, much to our surprise. Our friends can rest assured that for the present we are all doing well.

the Indiana howitsers, when they heard the command given by the rebel commander, 'Take the gun !' Our boys came to a 'ready,' and the line of rebels came rushing forward. Wisconsin waited until they came within fifty yards, when they poured a desperate volley into them, charging bayonets immediately, and throwing the enemy into confusion. They rallied again, after which one of our boys yelled out to them : 'Here is that gun, why in the hell don't you come 'and take it?"

"I wrote you from Port Gibson a day or two after the fight of the 1st Inst. I then informed you of the loss of Company B, and presume ere this you have published it to our friends. Since that writing we have engaged in the unfortunate engagement of 'Champion 'Hills' and 'Black River Bridge,' not having a man hurt in either. On the 19th inst. our artillery opened on the fortifications protecting Vicksburg, and skirmishing began. Our division was at once thrown forward, in rifle range of the rebel works, and a spirited fight at once began with the rebel sharpshooters. We soon discovered that we could effectually silence their artillery by keeping a storm of bullets pouring into their port holes. WTe played this game upon them without material loss, until the 22nd of May, when General Grant peremptorily ordered that at 10 o'clock A. M., the whole line should charge, reaching from the Yazoo to Warrenton. Upon this announcement being made to the men, a gloom and hopelessness was visible on every face. All were fully convinced that it was a mad move, and that we would meet slaughter and defeat. Nevertheless, at the appointed hour, we fell into line and moved forward. The column had been in motion but a few moments when the enemy opened upon it from rifle pits and forts, with musketry, grape, shell and schrapnel. Confusion at once began. Men fell dead and wounded at every step. Many being wounded were afterward killed, and the slaughter was terrible. The 8th started in the charge with 446 men, losing in killed and wounded, 114. The 33d Illinois with a less number of men, lost the same, the 99th Illinois lost 170. And other regiments, so far as I can hear, suffered in the same proportion, - Company B started into the charge with 43 men, officers included. Its loss was 13 wounded and 3 killed.

"On the 20th, while advancing our brigade from a. hollow to one nearer the enemy, Alfred Wilson was killed by a grape shot striking him on the head. He did not die immediately, and when assistance wras sent to remove him to the hospital he would not he removed from the field until he laid hold of his gun, which he persisted in carrying- with him. On the following morning while the company was sharp shooting, Richard Lamb was killed by a minnie ball striking him in the bowels, and George N. Black was slightly wounded in the shoulder. He did not leave the field, though in too much pain to load and shoot, but carried water from the spring to the boys while they fought. On the day of the charge we lost as follows:

"The wounded are doing as well as the circumstances will permit. They are generally cheerful and confident of recovery. I understand they will be sent north as soon as possible. We are reducing Vicksburg by seige, since to attempt to take it by storm is folly and madness. Our regiment is lying on the protected side of a hill, in four hundred yards of the rebel works. Musket balls whiz harmlessly above us while our artillery keeps the air filled with the smoke of powder and the earth trembling. The enemy does nothing with its artillery. Today, for the first time, two or three fired a shot at one of our batteries. Scarcely had the report been heard when Capt. Klauss of the 1st Indiana let a shell fly and blew up the secesh's caisson, killing a good many of them doubtless, besides leaving a tremendous moral effect. At nighr war ceases, except an occasional shot between pickets who stand within one hundred yards of each other. A few days ago the enemy sent in a flag of truce, giving us an opportunity to bury our dead that were left on the field after the fatal charge. The rebels came out of their holes by thousands, while the surrounding hills were covered with blue uniforms, gazing on the novel scene. Many of each side met, shook hands and conversed freely. Soldiers, both rebel and Union, were unanimously of the opinion that they in an hour like that could settle the war, if submitted to them. One rebel said he wished the truce would last forever. I heard of several instances where friend found friend, and in two or three cases, brother met brother. Desertions frequently occurred. The number no doubt would be double, did they not keep so rigid a guard. Two nights ago I was working in our ditches when two strapping Dutch boys who had escaped, jumped almost on top of me. After they were assured that it was all right, and got into the right place, they were the happiest fellows I ever saw. They give a dreadful account of the rebel rations and of the terror which our artillery and sharpshooters keep them in. If we succeed in keeping at bay the apprehended attack in the rear a little longer, Vickshurg will surely surrender. The mortar fleet I liked to have forgotten. It opens after dark and keeps up a terrible shelling during the night. The city has been on fire several times, but they have succeeded by some means in extinguishing the flames. The mortars surely scare them awfully, and I. don't see how they help killing many. It is generally thought that hard fighting here is over, but nobody knows. The rebels before surrendering may come out and make a last desperate effort to escape. The nights are lovely and only when disturbed by the occasional crashing and bursting of shell, are so serene and still that we can hear the town clock in the city.

"Let our ladies at home know that everything they do, no matter how little, for the comfort of our sick and wounded, is fully appreciated, and does much more good than they could imagine. Too great a quantity of the delicacies, and of clothes, etc., cannot be sent here. The probability is that we will remain here sometime. Many will be wounded, and many and many more will be sick in consequence of the climate and the way we have to live. Our men have but one suit of clothes, and that is deficient, worn and dirty. We have no time Outside of the ditches to wash, and when a man falls sick or is wounded he can only look to the efforts of friends at home and the sanitary commission for clean clothes. Ladies, do all you can for us. We need your assistance.

"None of the Greenfield boys have been hurt, and without one exception have been in the fight and have done their duty manfully. Our company is sadly in need of recruits and must be filled up. There is no difficulty in getting into any company the recruit may designate. Will not some of our

"Suddenly our Brigade has received orders to march. It goes alone, and starts tomorrow morning. Our mission is not for letters or newspapers, as we expect with all the secrecy that can be exercised, to have some warm work. I write merely that you may present to their friends the names of Company B, left in the hospital in New Orleans. They are, John W. Underwood. Amos W. Everson, Elijah H. Tyner (nurse), Henry McCorkhill (sent from Berwick), George M. Davidson, Francis N. C. Hodson, Albert W. Lake.

"I did not feel apprehensive of the death of any of them, even when they left, ague and diarrhea being the principal diseases. They had been sick but a few days, and with the excellent attention which I learn is bestowed upon the sick in hospitals in that city, I have no doubt they will soon recover.

"John Scott, a good citizen of Brandywine township, who had deservedly many friends throughout his neighborhood, died in hospital at New Orleans, September nth. All must sympathize with his afflicted family and honor his memory for his good qualities.

"Searg. Cyrus Hanes and Elijah Tuttle of Company B, in company with four others, after receiving instructions from the General, left, - on a critical mission. They pressed an oyster boat, sallied out into the Gulf, and from thence through innumerable bayous, lakes, and bogs, far into the interior of Louisiana, passing themselves among the enemy for smugglers. They accomplished, to the full satisfaction of the power that sent them, all they were sent to perforin, returning in ten days from the date of their departure. They frequently saw and conversed with detachments of the enemy. Too much honor can not be awarded the men who will brave every danger, take life into their hands, peril everything for their country, and in obedience to orders. Let the names of all such gallant actors stand out in bold relief, high on the scroll of honor.

From The Ninety-Ninth Indiana

"On Monday, November 23d, our division rested quietly behind a range of hills, near the Tennessee River, waiting" for the engineers and pontooniers to complete the preparations for throwing a pontoon across the river. The work was done, the attention of the rebels was drawn to the extreme right, where General Hooker was making some heavy demonstrations,' and a favorable opportunity for our crossing presented itself; accordingly we were ordered to be ready to march at 4 o'clock next morning. Morning came, November 24, and we set off. The day was foggy and misting rain. We reached the river bank, which was lined with heavy cannon, ready to belch forth destruction to any one who might oppose our crossing.

"Our workmen had been busy at work all night, and the pontoon was about half completed. The boats were used as ferry boats until ready to be placed in their positions in the bridge. We embarked immediately, crossed, stacked arms and waited for our artillery, ammunition wragons, horses and ambulances, which could not be brought over until the bridge was completed.

"All was over by 9 o'clock A. M., and we were ready to advance. A very short distance now lay between us and the enemy on Missionary Ridge. Our artillery kept up a languid fire on them from across the Tennessee, besides which very little seemed to be doing in the way of battle. We prepared to advance. Our guns were loaded and capped. Skirmishers were thrown out to the front and flanks, four or five from a company. Serg't. George W. Watts, Wesley S. Catt, Charles Meyers, and Christian Ortle were detailed from Company B. All things being ready, we moved on slowly, at a left face, the thick under brush rendering it next to impossible to preserve a line of battle.

"Our skirmishers soon waked up the rebs. A brisk firing was commenced in front. We halted a short while, to give time to the skirmishers. We could now plainly see the summit of the first hill, but no enemy appeared thereon. We advanced slowly and halted near the top, when the rebs opened fire on us with their artillery. Fortunately our Chief of Artillery was with us, and got the precise location of the rebel battery. He immediately ordered up Richardson's battery, and opened on the enemy with one twenty-four pounder and several guns of smaller caliber. The rebs, who had been overshooting, lowered their pieces and replied vigorously for a while, the balls shaving

'very close.' Our boys who were carrying balls from the caissons ran almost on 'all fours,' while the balls hissed over their heads, and showered the limbs of trees around them. One projectile knocked off the whole top of a tree and hurled it into a regiment of the second brigade ; but owing to some expert dodging, no one was injured. The rebs having one gun dismounted, and fearing for the safety of the remainder, removed their battery from view, and were silent the remainder of the day.

"Our skirmishers were advancing clown the opposite side of the hill, and driving the rebel skirmishers up the next ridge on which they were fortified. The night found us. We rested on our arms, expecting a vigorous renewal in the morning.

"The ist brigade of our division lay on our right, and the second on our left, leaving us to occupy the center. Gen. Ewing, our division commander, ordered our brigade to fortify their position, and to remain as a reserve. We went at the work with energy, and, by midnight, had a row of rifle pits stretching for half a mile, and facing the rebel works.

"Gen. Ewing, Gen! Blair, our corps commander, and Gen. Sherman all established their headquarters with us, and also the signals were displayed near our regiment. This was very interesting to us, as we could witness the maneuvers, and hear the dispatches that were constantly coming and going. They kept the aids busy.

"The morning of the 25th dawned. The fog had cleared away, and the sun rose in his radiant splendor; all was yet quiet. Both armies had been maneuvering during the previous night, and now lay in plain view of each other. Gen. Hooker had advanced his lines far up the mountain, while strong batteries and earthworks lined the valley at the foot of Missionary Ridge. The operations of the day were opened by a broadside from Richardson's battery, aimed directly at the rebel works on the next ridge, plainly visible ; and not more than half a mile distant. The rebel guns replied. Our guns opened from across the Tennessee, the rebs returned the compliment. The boom of cannon then came up from the battle below, and wTere only answered by the cannonical language of .Missionary Ridge. The cannonading was now terrific along the entire line, from the summit of Lookout to the banks of the Chickamauga. The surrounding hills and mountains smoked like so many volcanoes, and the thunders of artillery rolled along the valleys of the Tennessee. Oh, how sublime! The reverberations among the hills reminded me much of the poets' beautiful description of 'A Thunderstorm on the Alps.' The noise of battle increased ; the sound of musketry and of the charge was continuallv heard.

"Until this time, we were admiring the scene, and estimating the distance of certain guns by the difference between seeing the flash and hearing the report. Some of the boys were mounted on trees to obtain a better prospect, but our admiration ceased when wt saw our wounded come limping in, supported on either side by their more fortunate comrades, or borne on litters; some with heads bleeding, others with their shattered limbs dangling powerless by their sides. At first the sight was revolting, but when we could begin to count our wounded by scores and hear their stories of narrow escape, and hear their groans, we got mad and wanted to fight. If the 3d brigade had been turned loose, they would have stormed the very gates of purgatory ; but 'No' said Gen. Ewing, 'you must hold this ridge'.

"Just then Brig. Gen. Corse of the second brigade was carried in with a severe wound in his thigh. He swore a 'blue streak' as he passed. Says he, 'If they had wounded me in the head, or some place in the body so that I could keep the field I would not care; but they have shot me in the thigh and I must retire.' .Gen. Ewing started to go to him, but he shook his head, and Ewing returned.

'"The first brigade now formed in the valley, and were ordered to carry that part of the ridge in their front.- This brigade consisted of the 12th and 10th Indiana, and the second and 90th 111. They made a brilliant effort, and carried the rebel works. Col. Loomis, their brigade commander, rode up to Gen. Ewing and informed him that he had gained the heights as ordered, but with severe loss, especially in point of officers. The Col. of the 90th Illinois fell mortally wounded; the Lieut. Col. of the 100th Indiana, was wounded; Capt. Brouse of the same regiment was killed, and many others. Hardly had Col. Loomis returned to his command, when the rebs charged and recaptured their old works, driving the first brigade entirely from the ridge. (I think, however, that this was a preconcerted arrangement, to daw the rebs into a trap.) They retreated back across a piece of timberland, while the rebs poured in volleys of shot and shell at their glittering bayonets. The air was fairly vocal with the sound of exploding shells and hissing fragments.

"About this time. Christian Ortel of our own company was carried in, severely wounded in the thigh. He was a noble young man, and had the love and esteem of all who knew him. His wounds proved fatal. He died December 1 7th, and now rests in the cemetery at Chattanooga.

"Stern is the decree of fate which hath bound him, And laid him to rest by stranger's hand; No loved ones near to weep around him, As he sleeps alone in a stranger's land.

"The stars and stripes were now unfurled from Point Lookout and the sound of battle died away as the shadows of evening covered the hills and valleys; all hushed to quiet; we retired to rest and ere morning's light Gen. Bragg with all his army was hurrying toward Atlanta.

Home Guards

In addition to the three-months men and the veterans of the Civil War, the Legion of Indiana was organized for home protection. Companies of the Legion were known as "Home Guards." During the Civil War several of these companies were organized in Hancock county, known as :

Fortville Guards, organized June 4, 1861. James H. Perry, P. Bond, captains ; John K. Faucett, first lieutenant ; Charles Doty, second lieutenant.

Hancock Guards, organized June io, 1861. Alexander K. Branham, Henry A. Swope, captains; Henry A. Swope and William E. Hart, first lieutenants; William E. Duncan, William Lindsey, George H. Walker, Joshua Edward, second lieutenants.

Anderson Guards (New Palestine), organized September 13, 1861. Thomas C. Tuttle, captain; Conrad Shellhouse, first lieutenant; George W. Stineback, second lieutenant.

Vernon TownsJiip Guards, organized. 1863. Sylvester Gaskins, captain; Thomas J. Hanna, first lieutenant; Perry J. Brinegar, second lieutenant.

Union Hancock (Cavalry), organized, 1863. Taylor W. Thomas, captain; Solomon F. Kauble, first lieutenant; William E. Henry, second lieutenant.

The last three companies were organized during the excitement of the Morgan raid in 1863. At this time these companies were organized and known as the Hancock Battalion. Its officers were : Alexander K. Branham,

A company was also organized in Buck Creek township. Another company of about forty German boys was organized and drilled at New Palestine by Dr. Buchel, a German physician. Greenfield boys, too young for service, were organized as the Greenfield Union Cadets, with the following officers : Hamilton Dunbar, captain; James W. Knight, first lieutenant; James Gapen, second lieutenant ; Oscar Thomas, third lieutenant.

The Home Guards, however, were continually changing because the boys were constantly enlisting in the volunteer companies. Dr. Buchel's company at New Palestine finally disbanded because practically all of its members had enlisted in the active service. Some of the other companies maintained their organizations throughout the war by continually filling their ranks with recruits.

Each company had its own drill ground. In the smaller towns the school grounds or commons were appropriated or the boys drilled on the streets. Adjoining the town of Greenfield on the northeast lay a large bluegrass pasture. It included a tract lying east of State and north of North streets, and was owned by Benjamin Osborne, a resident of Kentucky. Here the Hancock Guards gathered once a week, usually on Saturday afternoons. The drilling of the company on the 'slope and hill north and east of the branch in the region of Grant and East streets, was a very familiar sight in those days.

Two of these companies, the Hancock Guards, under Capt. A. K. Brariham, and the Anderson Guards, under Capt. Thomas C. Tuttle, were in the active service about a week during Morgan's raid. Captain Branham's company was mustered in on July 11, 1863, as Company E of the One Hundred and Fifth regiment of Indiana Volunteers. The company at that time was composed of Alexander K. Branham, captain ; William E. Hart, first lieutenant: George W. Walker, second lieutenant; John Hatfield, first sergeant; Joshua Edwards, Freeman H. Crawford, William Mitchell, Samuel W. Barnett, sergeants ; Samuel E. Duncan, Jacob Wills, Nathaniel Snow, James L. Dennis, corporals. Privates - Fred Alliman, Asa A. Allison, Daniel Acker, A. J. Banks, Calvin Bennett, N. F. Burford, J. M. Baker, Thomas M. Bedgood, N. B. Ballenger, Samuel Boyer, David Bixler, George Bennett, J. L. Burdett, Leroy Bush, Milton Catt, X. N. Church, D. B. Chittenden, Charles Cliff. S. T. Dickerson, Ephraim Duncan, Odell Despo, William Evans, John Egger. David S. Gooding, Lemuel W. Gooding, G. W. Glass, Charles Hook. O. D. Hughes, James Hood. Ferdinand Hafner, Vincent Hinchman, Samuel

After reaching Indianapolis the One Hundred and Fifth regiment, of which this company formed a part, was ordered to the southern part of the state. The adjutant-general's report gives the following facts concerning the trip : "After Morgan had left Indiana it was reported that he was returning to capture Lawrenceburg. The regiment moved out to check him, and while getting into position an indiscriminate firing took place among the men, resulting in killing eight and wounding twenty." Among those killed in the action were Ferdinand Hafner and John Porter. William E. Hart died later ?f his wounds. Among the wounded who recovered were Captain Branham, David S. Gooding and Benjamin T. Rains. The company was mustered out on July 18, 1863.

Excitement ran high during Morgan's raid and everywhere the soldiers received ovations. Companies were marched into Indianapolis, and several passed through this county over the National road. It was a common occurrence for people who lived along the road to call for three cheers for Abraham Lincoln when a company marched past. Of course they were always given lustily. But even under the most serious conditions a little amusement and nonsense were mixed with their patriotism. The cheers were frequently followed by a call for three groans for John Morgan. The response of disconsolate discords would sometimes have done credit to a company of oriental mourners.

At the outbreak of the Civil War the patriotic sentiment of the county expressed itself in the attitude of those who had to stay at home, as well as in the enlistment of the men. OratQry flourished in the county. The eloquence of the speakers was surpassed only by the irresistible sentiment of patriotic songs sung by groups of girls in every community. The forms of David S. Gooding, R. A. Riley, W. R. Hough and others as they spoke from goods boxes on the street or at picnics and other patriotic meetings in the townships, are still familiar to those who lived through that period. But no less clear to memory's eye and ear are the choirs and groups of young- ladies and the songs they sang in patriotic support of those who felt the weight of the nation's burdens. They were kept busy learning songs. They learned them during the day to sing them in the evening. Though at first there was more or less enthusiastic excitement about the war, after the great armies began to face each other and the newspapers reported the heavy tolls in human life, then anxiety for those at the front filled the hearts of those who were left at home. Then the papers were not scanned with idle curiosity; these were the hours "that tried men's souls." And who now, even among those who understand the power of music over the minds and hearts of men, can measure the moral effect of the loyal attitude of those girls, and who will attempt to say to what degree their songs, and the eloquence of speakers, strengthened the hearts of fathers and mothers and brothers during that great struggle?

Work Of Women And Girls

The women and girls of the county gave more than moral support to the Union cause. In practically every community a society was organized that sewed, scraped lint, solicited, etc., and prepared such articles as could be used by the men in the field. These societies usually worked under the directions

During the early part of the war some of the societies made "comfort bags." A "comfort bag'' consisted of a piece of cloth with a number of pockets sewed on one side, into which stamps, combs and other small articles could be placed. The "bag" was made to be rolled together and tied so that the articles could not be lost. Often the girls slipped their names and addresses into one of the pockets, and many of them later received letters from the recipients, thanking them.

Underwear, shirts and socks were made in quantities and sent to the front. In some communities the older ladies cut out garments and the girls sewed them. The sewing societies generally had a regular day for meeting.

At Greenfield a numl>er of ladies met at the Christian chapel on October 15. 1 86 1, and organized the Greenfield Military Aid Society. Mrs. Lot Edwards was elected president and Mrs. ' P. A. Thayer, secretary. The society appointed a soliciting committee of three, also a committee of two for cutting clothes. Other societies were also organized, of one of which Mrs. Morris Pierson was president and Mrs. R. E. Barnett, secretary. Among the girls who took an active interest in the work of these societies were Alice S. Barnett, Frances S. Pierson, Inez L. Gwinn. Estella Bailey, Mary A. Oakes, Julia Mathers, Malinda Ogle, Amanda Barnett and Cerena Martin. Possibly a better idea of the work that was accomplished by these societies may be had from a notice given by the Ladies' Military Aid Society, calling a meeting at the court house at Greenfield on September 17, 1862, at two o'clock p. m. The following is a portion of the call that was printed in the local paper :

"It is desired, hoped and expected by those active in the good work that all the ladies of the town and county will be promptly present at the time and place appointed. Every lady attending is expected to bring all the old cotton and linen she can conveniently spare for the purpose of making bandages and lint. Those who have none of these desirable goods are expected to bring with them a little 'change,' as it will not go amiss in securing necessary articles for the sick and wounded. This is the crisis of the war, and preparations should be made for the wounded of the impending battles."

In response to a call of the governor of Indiana for clothing and blankets for the soldiers, a citizens' mass meeting was held at New Palestine on Tuesday evening, October 15, 1861. A large number of people were present. Thomas Tuttle addressed the meeting for a time, whereupon a committee of sixteen (two in each school district) was appointed to receive what the people had to contribute for this purpose. The committee solicited articles from the people and deposited them with R. P. Brown, at New Palestine. These articles were then boxed by Mr. Brown and forwarded to Indianapolis. In the issue of the Hancock Democrat of October 23, 1861, also appears the statement that the ladies of Hancock county responded, nobly to the above call of the governor.

The old Masonic Hall at Greenfield came to be a regular meeting place for the workers. One day each week was "open day'' at the hall, when young ladies, and young gentlemen, too, gathered there to scrape lint. For this purpose old linen was collected, cleaned perfectly, and then cut into strips about one and one-half inches wide. The strips were then laid on clean boards and scraped with clean knives. The lint had to be prepared very carefully so that no thread at all remained in it. Many boxes of it were sent from this county to the above named commissions, from whom it was sent to the field hospitals to be used in stanching the flow of blood.

. In addition to this work funds were raised by giving suppers, entertainments, tableaus, etc. On Christmas night, 1862, the young ladies of Greenfield gave a tableau partv at the Masonic Hall. The price of admission was ten cents and the proceeds were given to the Ladies' Soldiers' Aid Society. The local papers made a very favorable report of the party, making special mention of the singing of Flora Howard and Alice Pierson and others, and of the music rendered by Professor Eastman's band.

On July 16, 1863, a supper was given at the Masonic Hall by the ladies of Greenfield. Cakes, pies, chickens, bread, etc., were solicited and a sumptuous repast was served. An admission fee of twenty-five cents was charged, and the proceeds were used for the benefit of the societies.

This is merely illustrative The following letters also indicate what was done by the women and girls, not only in Greenfield, but in all parts of the county : -

"Madam: - Yours of the 31st Ult. is at hand. The Package of socks came to hand this morning. No contribution could have been more acceptable than socks. We have great difficulty in keeping a supply.

The package referred to above contained fifty-six pairs of socks which had been purchased with money from concerts given by the young ladies. The following letter is also self-explanatory :

"Your letter and two boxes of nice things came duly to hand. The articles are very acceptable, and in behalf of the Commission I wish to thank you and all your associates for their generous contribution to the cause of the country and the good of the soldiers. We hope you will continue on the good work as long as it may be necessary. In the midst of rejoicing at the prospect of returning peace, our hearts are filled with gloom and mourning at the sad newrs that our good President is dead! What a terrible calamity! One of the purest and noblest of men lias gone.

General subscriptions were also made to support the work of the commissions, and in the issue of May 14, 1863, of the Hancock Democrat, we find the following: "Subscribers to the sanitary fund who have not paid are requested to call on W. R. Hough, who is authorized to receive the same."

Loyalty

The patriotic sentiment of the county asserted itself further in expressions of loyalty and in the measures taken to support the government. Just after the election of Lincoln, wfien the dark clouds of war were gathering, the following editorial appeared in the Hancock Democrat, from the pen of its editor, David S. Gooding:

"In the dark hour when clouds lower around us, and gloom hovers over the land ; when fearful forebodings of terrible disaster and final overthrow '>l our government are weighing down and saddening the hearts of patriotic and intelligent men, North and South, East and West, our duty as watchman upon the walls of our political Zion impels us to cry aloud and spare net.

and tell our people of their political sins. This we will endeavor to do. Our people must not expect us to cry Peace, when there is no peace. Within the next four months, one or more states of this Union will have gone from among us to return no more forever. God only knows what results will follow. Perhaps Civil War, with all its horrors, and the separation of the free and slave states, with the final disruption of the best government on which the sun ever shone. The handwriting is upon the wall - Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin! In the madness of the hour, the people seem to have forgotten the God of their Fathers, and to have spurned Heaven's favors to them.

"The cloud, which in the days of John C. Calhoun was but the size of a man's hand, has spread until it now overspreads the heavens above us. We will not deceive you, fellow citizens; Northern Abolitionists and Southern Disunionists have fanned the flames of civil discord and sectional hatred until the fiery volcano is about to burst forth, and with it destroy the hopes of the world. There is but a faint hope, a mere possibility, that the union of these states can be perpetuated and maintained inviolate. For this, while there is hope, howTever faint, let us, if possible, awake the people to the danger, and labor for the desired end. Let us not forget to look to the God of- our Fathers, to calm the agitated sea of public mind, and drive away the black, lowering, tempestuous clouds of disunion and treason."

The following editorial taken from the issue of January 9, 1861, of the Hancock Democrat, also reflects the feeling and state of mind of the people at that time :

"We hope the citizens of the town and vicinity will turn out on Saturday next to see and hear what the Hancock Guards will have to do and say. 'Grim visaged war,' with its attendant horrors, is brewing in the distance, and the strong arms and stout hearts of our citizen soldiers will be in requisition to sustain the honor and glory of our Nation's flag, and the authority and supremacy of her Constitution and laws.

"At a meeting of the company on Saturday last, held pursuant to notice, being participated in by a respectable number of citizens irrespective of party,

' "Resolved, By the Hancock Guards and the citizens here assembled, that in view of the present imminent danger to the perpetuity of our country the constitution and laws are our only safety : that we pledge ourselves to stand by those in power who faithfully maintain the one and execute the other ; and that in the language of General Jackson, 'this Uunion must and shall be preserved.'

"You are hereby commanded to appear at your armory in full dress on Saturday, January 12, at two o'clock, P. M. The Hon. David S. Gooding will address the company, and such others as may be present, immediately alter parade, in the court room.

The following editorial, taken from the issue of January 16, 1861, of the Hancock Democrat, shows that the feeling of the people in relation to secession was becoming more clearly defined. It also reflects the arguments then current among those who were opposed to a vigorous prosecution of the war. This is another editorial from the pen of Judge Gooding:

"Much is being said and written by the sympathizers with South Carolina in her treason to the government of our fathers, against 'coercion' and 'war on the South.' YYe know of no sane man who proposes to make war on the States or people of the South, to compel them to remain in the Union, but we do know patriotic citizens who are in favor of all public officers doing their sworn duty, not excepting the President of the United States, whose duty it is to 'take care that the laws be faithfully executed,' and who regard it as the duty of all good citizens to aid and assist in the execution of the laws if necessary. In the faithful execution of the laws, no war is made on any state or section. There can be no war growing out of the faithful execution of the laws, unless resistance is made to the lawful authority of the government. It such resistance is made, the responsibility and consequences will be on those who resist and defy the government. Our government always has 'coerced' lawless men to obey the laws or submit to the punishment. Whenever it ceases to 'coerce' it will cease to be a government. All governments 'coerce' obedience to the laws. A government without this power would be impotent for good, and a miserable delusion. Only such persons as commit treason or resist the execution of the laws must be subdued. Men in the South who are patriots, must be protected in person and in property as fully and completely as any others are protected. In short, treason and resistance to law must be put down whenever they occur, and by whomsoever committed in any and every part of the country. When law-defying men seize the property of the government, some men cry out, 'Don't coerce them to yield it up, let southern ultraists get "mad" and make civil war/ We are disgusted with such miserable stuff. If we are men let us talk and act like men. If we are patriots, let us show it by taking the side of our government in a war with traitors."

On February 20, 1861, a county Union mass meeting was held at Greenfield for the purpose of appointing delegates to the 22d of February mass meeting at Indianapolis. The people assembled elected Jacob Slifer, president; Landen Eastes and James Collins, vice-presidents, and M. C. Foley and William Mitchell, secretaries. At this meeting every citizen of the county favorable to the Union and the Constitution was appointed a delegate to the state mass meeting. Dr. Hervey, Judge Gooding, W. R. Hough and James L, Mason addressed the meeting, after which Judge Gooding offered the following resolution, which was adopted unanimously :

"Resolved, that as citizens of Hancock county, we are in favor of any reasonable and honorable compromise that will restore peace, harmony and prosperity to the country, and that to make such compromise effective, we are in favor of maintaining the Union, the Constitution, and the Laws."'

The quality of the loyalty of the citizens assembled at this meeting is further evidenced by their refusal to adopt the following resolution. It was rabled with hardly a dissenting vote :

"Resolved, that we are opposed to what is termed 'coercion,' but are in favor of an honorable and peaceable adjustment of the present difficulties."

On Monday, April 12, 1861, there was a patriotic demonstration of the people at Greenfield, at which the principal feature was the raising of the flag on the cupola of the court house, "to wave until peace is restored." The Sax-Horn band was in attendance, and the people were addressed by James P. Foley, Judge Gooding" and W. R. Hough.

pose of making arrangements for a county mass meeting to express the feelings and sentiments of our people in regard to national troubles. A. K. Branham was called to the chair. R. A. Riley made an eloquent and soulstirring speech, instilling into the minds and hearts of the audience veneration for the constitution, obedience to the laws, and love for the flag. A committee was appointed to make arrangements for a county mass meeting to be held on Saturday, April 20, 1861. On this committee were placed the names of David S. Gooding, E. I. Judkins, M. W. Hamilton, George Barnett, William Mitchell, R. A. Riley, Dr. J. A. Hall, A. T. Hart, A. R. Wallace and Morris Pierson.

On April 20, 1861, a citizens' meeting was held as had been planned. James Tyner was elected president of the meeting; Robert A. Barr and James P. Foley, vice-presidents, and Thomas Bedgood and William Frost. secretaries. The people were first addressed by Judge Gooding and Capt. R. A. Riley, after which the following resolutions were adopted :

"Whereas, war exists by the rebellious act of the so-called Southern Confederacy in attacking and capturing Fort Sumter, a government fortification, occupied by government troops, under the command of the gallant Major Anderson ; and whereas, the city of Washington is in immediate and imminent danger of being attacked by forces from said rebellious confederacy, therefore,

"Resolved, that as patriots and loyal citizens of the state of Indiana and of the United States, we will sustain and defend the proper authorities of said government in. all constitutional and legal efforts to maintain the Union and defend the rights and honor of the country.

"Resolved, that our senator and representatives in the State Legislature be requested to co-operate in the appropriation of men and means, with the friends of the vigorous prosecution of the zvar now existing by the act of the so-called Confederacy."

On Saturday, May 4, 1861, a Union meeting was held at New Padestine for the purpose of organizing a company of Honie Guards. B. F. Stewart was elected chairman of the meeting, and John C. Shockley, secretary. Speeches were made by Samuel Shockley and Rev. Roberts. The sentiment of the gathering was "strong for the Union and the Stars and Stripes at all hazards." David M. Dove, Benjamin Freeman and Rev. Roberts were appointed as a committee to draft a constitution and by-laws. The company became known as the Anderson Guards, and was under the command of Capt. Thomas C. Tuttle during the Morgan raid.

On August 5, 1861, the citizens of the county gave a reception to Captain Riley's "three-months men" who had just returned from western Virginia. The address of welcome was made by Judge Gooding. Captain Riley responded on behalf of his company giving an interesting account of how they had passed the time after leaving Camp McClellan. He also gave adescription of the battle of Rich Mountain. The reception was given in Pierson's grove, which adjoined Greenfield on the southwest and which was located west of Pennsylvania street and south of the railroad. At the noon hour dinner was spread on the green in various places to suit the convenience of the immese crowd. All feasted sumptuously and in the afternoon patriotic addresses were made by Rev. Hill and Judge Gooding.

About the same time Captain Carland from Connersville was marching over the Brookville road with a company of volunteers. On August 8 1861, they reached New Palestine. The New Palestine band and an escort of horsemen marched out to meet them. About three miles east of town the colors of Captain Craland's company became visible. From this point the procession was headed by Henry Mickle, carrying the stars and stripes., guarded by two men from Captain Riley's company. At seven o'clock- p. m., Union. Hall (the second story of the old school house) at New Palestine was filled to overflowing. B. F. Stewart was chairman of the meeting, and addresses were made by Captain Carland, Rev. B. F. Jones, Rev. Ward and Capt. Thomas C. Tuttle to encourage enlistments.

The citizens of Buck Creek township, without reference to party, gave expression to their feelings at a grand Union picnic near Mt. Comfort on Saturday, August 10, 186 1. A basket dinner was enjoyed at the noon hour. The military company of the township was present, and in the afternoon patriotic addresses were made by Dr. Hervey, Judge Gooding and Captain Riley-

The sentiment of the people of the county was again appropriately voiced in the following editorial in the Hancock Democrat, on the occasion of the boys of Company B of the Eighth regiment taking their departure from Greenfield, about the middle of August, 1861 :

"On Monday last Captain Walls left for Indianapolis with a company of Hancock boys to enter the service of the United States for a term of three years or during the war. It will be a part of the Eighth regiment as reorganized, and will retain its former position in regiment. The scene at the depot as the buys passed through, the large number of men, women and children who had gathered in from all points of the county to witness the departure, was sad and sorrowful in the extreme. God bless the noble-hearted boys, and preserve and protect them in the patriotic and hazardous duties they have voluntarily taken upon themselves! May they all safely return at the expiration of a term of service to receive the warm embrace of mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, and kind friends left behind."

On December 21, 1861, another great Union meeting was held at Greenfield, and resolutions were adopted similar to many others that are given herein. The first year of the war closed with our county stanch and loyal in the support of the Union cause. Whenever an occasion presented itself, expression was given by the people to this feeling of loyalty, and to no one in the county was more credit due for his fearless and outspoken loyalty than to Judge Gooding, whom our younger generation remembers simply as an old man. But the expressions which were so generously made at the opening of the conflict did not become fewer as the war progressed, and as the strain and the burdens became heavier.

During the summer of 1862 the citizens of Brandywine township gave a Union picnic near Rigdon's in that township. A very large gathering of people, estimated at three thousand, was present and listened to the stirring and patriotic appeal of Judge Gooding in the afternoon.

The citizens of Fortville and vicinity held a Union mass meeting at Fortville on April 24, 1863. Robert Faucett was elected president of the meeting and E. W. Thomas, secretary. The Hon. Thomas C. Stillwell, of Anderson, made an address, after which the people assembled adopted the following resolutions :

"Resolved, that it is an (indisputable fact that all political parties, of whatsoever name, have heretofore avowed their unalterable attachment to the Federal Union ;

"That we hold every man who is now in favor of its dismemberment, as false to all former professions of attachments to it, and a present enemy ;

"That as we cannot individually have the conduct of the war, each his own way, we feel it our duty, as good and loyal citizens, to leave its direction to those who have been legally chosen to direct;

"That resistance to law is revolutionary in its tendency, and that any attempt to embarrass the government in the execution of the revenue, conscription, or any other law of the United States, will be promptly met and suppressed by the loyal people of Indiana;

"That we tender Governor Morton our sincerest thanks for his arduous and untiring effort in behalf of the soldiers, the state and the nation, and we feel that he richly merits the enviable title of the soldier's friend ;

"That the miscreants in our midst, who attempt to create dissatisfaction in the ranks of the gallant soldiers, and induce them to desert the colors made glorious by their valor on repeated battle-fields, are meaner traitors than the armed rebels of the South; that they are entitled to, and will receive, the scorn of all honorable men ;

"That we cordially endorse General Burnsides' order, transporting northern rebels beyond the Federal lines, where they legitimately belong ;

"That we deeply sympathize with our soldiers now in the field, and pledge them our cordial support and earnest prayers, until this ungodly rebellion is crushed, and our flag shall triumphantly wave over our once glorious Union."

On June 6, 1863, a large Union mass meeting was again held at the court house in Greenfield. A feature of the day was a long procession under the command of Captains Walls and Tuttle. Capt. Thomas C. Tuttle, of Sugar Creek township, was elected president of the meeting; James P. Foley and Thomas Collins, vice-presidents ; David C. Priddy and Henry B. Wilson, secretaries. The speakers of the day were Capt. R. A. Riley, General Dumont, Judge Gooding and Captain Tuttle. Strong appeals were made for the support of the government. Before adjournment Judge Gooding offered the following resolutions, which were unanimously adopted :

"Resolved, that this large meeting of Union men and women is devotedly attached to the Union and the Constitution, and for the purpose of perpetuating the former and maintaining the latter, we are in favor of the vigorous prosecution of the war. to suppress the rebellion and reassert the authority of the government over every foot of its territory, and that in our opinion the rebellion and the war ought to cease at the same time.

"That we are proud of the gallant Union army in the field against the rebellion, and that we most heartily sympathize with the families and friends of such as have been slain in battle, or otherwise, lost their lives in the service.

county shall not want in the absence of their husbands and fathers, and that we herein- demand of our county commissioners and gents that our pledge be honorably, faithfully and fully kept ; and that the honor and patriotism of Hancock county be not tarnished by a single act of bad faith."

July 4, 1863, was celebrated in many parts of the county with picnics, where people listened to patriotic addresses. Greenfield celebrated at Pierson's grove. Music was furnished by a choir, and W. R. Hough made and eloquent and patriotic speech in the afternoon. After speaking, the young people engaged in cotillion dancing until late in the day.

Immediately following this celebration came the news of the fall of Vicksburg, which was the occasion for another celebration. The following report from the local papers reflects the feeling that was aroused in the hearts of the people of the county by the success of the Union army :

"The fall of Vicksburg, though long expected, when officially announced to the country, causing every loyal heart to leap with joy and brought renewed hope to the wavering and doubtful mind of a speedy determination of the present causeless and unnatural fratricidal war, and a closer, more perfect, and fraternal union of all the states at no distant day. Our own people partook of this joyous feeling and gave vent last evening to their outpouring patriotism by illuminations, bonfires, speeches and all manner of rejoicings. People from the country for miles around quit their harvest fields and came to town to participate in the grand reunion of loyal hearts. All life was animation, and everyone, young and old, seemed pleased with himself and 'the rest of mankind.' It was a grand day, or rather night, for Greenfield, and will long be held in memory by all who love their country and venerate its glorious institutions. All honor to the noble and gallant army, that by its patience, endurance, skill and bravery, under the scorching rays of a southern sun, overcame almost insurmountable obstacles, and gained the most decisive victory of the war.

"During the evening speeches were made by D. S. Gooding, W. R. Houglv William Martin, Drs. Hall and Ballenger, S. T. Kauble and H. J. Dunbar."

Another mass meeting of peculiar significance was held by the citizens of the county on February 13, 1864, after the draft orders for three hundred thousand volunteers and two hundred thousand volunteers respectively, had been made by the national government. Possibly the firm loyalty of the people never found a nobler expression than in the adoption of the following lesolutions by the people assembled at Greenfield on that day. It must be borne in mind that in many counties of the state there was opposition to the

"Whereas, traitors in arms, and their sympathizers not in arms, persist in their purpose of overthrowing the government of the United States; and

"Whereas, it will require all the power of a united, loyal people to suppress the formidable, wicked and causeless rebellion, and thereby restore a permanent peace, so desirable to all Union men; therefore,

"Resolved, that we will still continue to give to the government of the United States, through its legitimately constituted authority, our unhesitating and hearty support in its efforts to suppress the rebellion, and conquer a peace."

The fall of Richmond and the surrender of Lee were announced in large headlines in the local papers, and the news was received with great rejoicing by the people. The issue of the Hancock Democrat of that date gives the following description of the general celebration of the event in the county :

"The reception of the news of the surrender of General Lee and his rebel hordes, in our town early on Monday morning last, was the occasion of great and lasting joy. Bells were rung, bonfires were built, powder was freely used, and all business was suspended for the day. Men, women and children thronged the streets and greeted each other as they had not greeted each other before. The dark hours were past; the day began to dawn and all was safe. The country, in spite of rebel sympathizers at home and abroad, and difficulties that can not be told, was redeemed, regenerated and disenthralled, and stood up among the nations of the earth, more powerful than when the great struggle began. And our patriotic people rejoiced as became the sons and daughters of freemen - as became the fathers and mothers and sisters and brothers, the wives and children of the brave and gallant men who went out from the midst in the dark hours of our peril, to do or die in the effort to save the country from its then impending ruin. Appropriate, eloquent speeches were made by several of our public speakers.

"At night a large number of houses along the principal streets, business as well as private, were beautifully illuminated. Martial music paraded the streets followed by a mass of patriotism of either gender. A stand was extemporized at Walker's corner, and a crowd gathered around to hear the speeches. Messrs. Hough, Judge Gooding, Ballenger, Riley, Hall, Colonel Gooding, Mason, White, and others spoke to the crowd."

But hardly had the morning of peace dawned with such glorious splendor filling the hearts of the people with gladness, when the day was overcast with the dark clouds of horror and sorrow at the news of the President's assassination. The great headlines with the picture of a booming cannon which joyfully announced the surrender of Lee in the local papers, gave way to heavy lines of mourning in the following issue.

The remains of President Lincoln passed through the county at 5 147 a. m. on Sunday, April 30, 1865. A pilot engine, with one car attached, led the way about one mile in advance. The train carrying the state officers and some of Governor Morton's invited guests brought up the rear, being about, one hour behind. Many citizens from all parts of the county were at the depot at Greenfield, hoping to get to see the coffin in which the martyred President lay, but the train did not stop. The cars were decorated and heavily d raped in black and looked solemn and sombre.

During the summer of 1865 the soldiers who had enlisted were welcomed home' in squads and companies. No one knows quite so well as those who lived through it all how good it seemed to meet with friends and loved ones and to resume the quiet, prosperous life that our good county offers.

As soon as Ft. Sumter had fallen, and the first call for volunteers had been made, our board of county commissioners took action. At the June session of the board, 1861, the west room of the west wing of the court house, which had been built in 1845, was set apart as an armory for the storing of arms and military equipage of the companies of the Legion of Indiana. The sheriff was ordered to remove everything from the west room to the east room of said wing, and the auditor was ordered to notify all persons who owned property in the west room to remove the same within thirty days. On the same day that this room was set apart as an armory the board also made the following order for the proper

Care Of Those Left At Home

"Ordered, that the township trustee in each township in the county he, and he is hereby appointed, authorized, and empowered to ascertain the names, ages and conditions of the wives and families of all soldiers resident in his township, in the service of the state of Indiana and of the United States, and to procure the necessaries and reasonable comforts of ordinary life for such of them as are now or may hereafter be in actual need during the said service of said husband or father as the case may be, and to distribute the same as circumstances and the necessity of the case require, economically, impartially and honestly, and each of said trustees is requested to procure a record and keep a strict account of all his doings, together with the names, ages and conditions of the beneficiaries herein, and to supply only such families as have no other source of supply; and in all purchases, whether upon written orders or otherwise, the seller must accept county orders in payment, to be issued at the next succeeding term of this court upon the certificate of the proper trustee as to the justice of the claim. And it is further ordered that before proceeding to the performance of the duties hereinbefore enjoined aiyl ordered, each of said trustees respectively shall take and subscribe an oath, honestly and impartially to discharge the duties hereinbefore required of him; and it is further required of each of them to report to this court at its next regular term a full and perfect account of all his doings under oath."

Other men were also appointed from time to time as "agents" to aid in giving proper care to the soldiers' wives and children. Their duties were the same as those designated in the order above. In the main these men were conscientious and made bona fide efforts to give proper care and comfort to those who were then without other support. Sometimes, however, dissatisfaction arose. Several "agents" were removed by the board. In one instance a petition was filed by the wives of twelve soldiers, asking for the removal of the certain "agent" on whom they were dependent for the necessaries of life. The causes for which they asked his removal were set out in the following petition : "To the Board of County Commissioners:

"We, the undersigned, soldiers' wives, respectfully ask the board of commissioners of Hancock county to remove the present agent pretending to furnish assistance to soldiers' wives and families ; we ask it for several reasons : his wife has abused and insulted some of us at different times and he himself has been niggardly and mean in his allowance to us, and has invariably required us to buy our goods at one certain house when we believe we could have done better at other places; this is only a part, but we think sufficient to ask his removal and the appointment of some good man in his stead," etc.

The evidence in the above matter seems to have sustained the allegations of the petition. The agent was promptly dismissed by the board and another appointment made.

At the January session, in 1863, of the board of commissioners, the following order relative to furnishing houses for the families of enlisted men was made : furnishing necessaries for soldiers' families are hereby instructed that in case when the furnishing of a house becomes necessary and proper, that the agent make a reasonable allowance in such cases, but avoid in every instance the making of a contract or proposition to rent any property whatever as such agent.'*

The large number of claims allowed during the war in the execution of the above orders made by the county commissioners shows that the county government made a bona fide effort to relieve those at home of as much suffering and hardship as possible. Each month from one to twenty claims were allowed, aggregating sometimes several hundred dollars per month. The manner in which the relief orders were drawn shows that the commissioners were generous, yet careful to guard against imposition on the county. Theirs was not a work nor an attitude of charity; it was patriotism operating from a business viewpoint.

To Encourage Enlistments

By September I, 1862, the county had furnished thirty-three and onefifth per cent, of its fighting strength. The following table shows the number of men enrolled in the service, also the number subject to draft :

The county offered bounties to volunteers that the quota might be filled without having to submit to the draft. At the July session, 1862, the board of county commissioners ordered, "that the sum of twenty-five dollars be appropriated out of the county treasury to each and every citizen of Hancock county who may volunteer in the United States service for three year? or during the war under the call of the President of the United States."