Wayne County, Indiana - Chapter 14: Military Matters, 1912

Chapter 14: Military Matters

RICHMOND DURING THE CIVIL WAR - MORGAN'S RAID - UNITED STATES SANITARY COM MISSION - -HEART-RENDING SCENES IN OUR HOSPITALS - THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR.

Richmond During The Civil War

As the campaign of 1860 progressed the feeling between the two parties grew more strained and bitter, and Lincoln's election only made matters worse. The Democrats of the North who had taken the part of the South were very bold, believing that when the crisis came the South would, as she always had done, have her own way. The "Union men," as they were then called, anticipated the firing upon Fort Sumter, and waited with dread and fear the opening of hostilities. In the forenoon of Monday, April 15, 1861, the news came of the bombardment of Fort Sumter. Of course, the reports were exaggerated and the streets were soon crowded. It created a rapid and radical change in public sentiment. When the populace heard that the Stars and Stripes, which had never been lowered before in their history, had been struck by insurgent citizens, a very great many who had sympathized with the South before and defended her, came out squarely for the Union and said that the Southern States were no longer "erring sisters" to be humored, but rebellious subjects to be conquered by arms. That night a mass meeting of the citizens was held at the corner of what are now Main and Sixth streets. Trouble was expected by everyone and a local military company was present as a guard to the speaker's stand. It turned out that it was not needed. Rev. J. T. W. McMullen, a Methodist minister, opened the meeting with prayer. John A. Bridgeland, a Bell-Everett man in 1860, was chosen chairman, and the meeting was addressed by William A. Bickle, William P. Benton, John Yaryan, John C. Whitridge, John A. Bridgeland, and John H. Popp. Great enthusiasm was aroused and Judge Benton announced his intention of raising a company of soldiers. The next day Governor Morton issued a call for six regiments of three months' men, and Benton carried out his intention by opening a roster in John S. Lyle's office and putting his name down first. In less than twenty-four hours he had a full company and forty-five on a second company. On the morning 'of the 18th they marched to the depot about sunrise, accompanied by the entire city, boarded the train for Indianapolis, and Richmond's company was the first body of Indiana soldiers to reach Indianapolis in response to the Government's call for troops, in 1861.

Throughout the war Richmond responded nobly and quickly to the demand for troops. A camp was established here, "Camp Wayne," at which soldiers were quartered nearly all the time. Richmond companies were in the-Sixteenth, Eighth, Thirty-sixth, Fifty-seventh, Sixty-ninth, Eighty-fourth, and One Hundred and Twenty-fourth infantry regiments, the Nineteenth battery and Fifth cavalry. Nearly the whole of these regiments were raised in Wayne and adjoining counties.

At 10 o'clock on Thursday night, July 9, 1863, dispatches were received from Governor Morton, stating that General Morgan had entered the State at Brandenburg with 8,000 men and was moving toward Corydon. He called for all able-bodied citizens to come to Indianapolis immediately, with or without arms. The bells of the town were rung, the people awakened, and the news spread. The militia companies that had been drilling began preparations to leave the next morning, and at 5 o'clock two companies under John C. Davis and Daniel B. Crawford left for Indianapolis. After staying there for twenty-four hours and organizing, they left for Cincinnati, passing through Richmond in the early morning of July 14. However, as it was not known in advance of this movement, no one saw them go through. They went to Cincinnati and remained there until the danger of "Morgan's Raid" was over, when they teturned to Indianapolis, were mustered out and returned to Richmond, after just a week's absence. In this number of volunteers age did not count, and some of the old inhabitants were seen in the ranks as well as some of the younger men.

The news of the fall of Richmond, Va., was received here with great rejoicing, which was far surpassed a week later with the receipt of the news of Lee's surrender. On this occasion the city went wild. Everything movable was, by common consent, burned, even to the awnings of the stores; business houses were closed, the city turned out en masse, the country folk flocked in, and everything was enthusiasm gone wild. It was only a short time, however, until the business houses were closed again, but not for enthusiasm. When the news of the terrible national loss that Lincoln was assassinated was received in Richmond, all business was suspended, the stores and shops were closed, flags were put at halfmast, and public buildings, business houses, and private dwellings were draped in mourning. On the following forenoon a meeting of the citizens was called at the Starr Hall for the purpose of adopting resolutions. Lewis Burk was selected chairman and Lewis D. Stubbs, secretary. Remarks were made by Reverend Chapman, Reverend Atem, Colonel Bickle, and John Popp. A committee, consisting of Jesse P. Siddall, George Holland, Daniel B. Crawford, John Yaryan, and William G. Scott, was appointed to draft resolutions for the occasion, which was done. To these, Colonel Bickle offered additional resolutions, expressing sympathy for the family of Lincoln. L. D. Stubbs offered a resolution, pledging the support of the community to the next President, Andrew Johnson, and. Milton Hollingsworth offered resolutions to the effect that the assassination was the work of the slave power and vanquished South and that no mercy should be extended to them. All of these additional resolutions were adopted.

On Saturday, April 29, at 11 o'clock at night, a funeral escort train from Indianapolis arrived here with all the State officials and many army Officers. Here it was joined by many citizens and proceeded to the State line, where it waited for the train bearing the body of the martyred President. The funeral cortege reached Richmond at 2 o'clock, Sunday morning, when all the bells in town commenced to toll. Fully 10,000 people were in the vicinity of the depot. At Fort Wayne avenue, spanning the tracks, was an immense arch heavily draped, relieved by the national colors. Upon this arch, about eighteen feet above the ground, was a casket, by which stood a young lady impersonating the Genius of Liberty, weeping, accompanied by mourners from the army and navy. As the train stopped a large wreath from the Richmond ladies, with the inscription, "A Nation Mourns," was sent to the car. The entire train, cars, seats, curtains, blinds, all was of the deepest black, relieved here and there with silver rosettes. After a half hour's stay, the cortege left, while the bells still tolled and the Richmond band played a dirge. It is said that the entire assembly was in tears - the most solemn scene ever witnessed in this city.

The United States Sanitary Commission

The United States Sanitary Commission was established in 1861 and continued in active operation until the close of the war. But there was no concert of action in Indiana before the organization of the State Sanitary Commission. The care of soldiers' families dates from the first enlistment. On April 15, 1861, President Lincoln issued a proclamation calling for 75,000 troops, and on the same day Governor Morton pledged the services of 10,000 men from Indiana. In response to the call a full company marched to the Richmond depot on the morning of April 18, to take the train for Indianapolis, a large concourse of friends assembling to bid them God-speed! Jesse P. Siddall offered a resolution, assuring the men that their families would be provided for until their return. This resolution was endorsed unanimously and a public meeting was called by Mayor Finley to provide means to carry out the promise. At this meeting the city council was instructed to place at the disposal of a committee the funds necessary for immediate use, and the county commissioners were requested to authorize the township trustee, William Parry, to issue orders for groceries, etc. Farmers living near the city contributed liberally of wood and provisions, a room in the city building being occupied by the distributing committee. This committee visited each soldier's family to ascertain the help needed.

A second company was ready for service on the 23d, but owing to the crowded condition of Camp Morton the company was ordered into camp at the old fair ground, south of the city. This was known as "Camp Wayne." It occupied the addition to the city now called Beallview. The State could not provide for the troops as rapidly as they were recruited and Camp Wayne had to be provisioned and supplied with bedding, by voluntary contribution. This was soon done, for these soldiers were our fathers, husbands, sons, and brothers. Here the men were drilled and learned the discipline and restraints of army life. Civilians were admitted to the camp at dress parade, and throngs of friends went with baskets filled with dainties, and with cheerful faces which belied their heavy hearts. This company formed the nucleus of the Sixteenth Indiana infantry, which was afterwards transferred to the Federal Government for one year's service.

Sewing circles connected with the churches made needle books and furnished them with needles, thread, buttons, scissors, and thimbles. Many men had to learn the use of a thimble and find the

It was soon evident that a hospital was needed, as sick men could not be cared for properly in camp. A house was rented on South Marion, now Sixth street, and this was furnished by the ladies of the city, Dr. William King in charge. He was succeeded by Dr. J. S. Montieth, who wrote to the Palladium, in October, 1862: "We are much indebted to the ladies of Richmond for their untiring efforts to render those under our care comfortable. 'All honor to the ladies of Richmond."

Heart-Rending Scenes In Our Hospitals

Several ladies visited a military hospital with refreshments for the sick and wounded men. Ice cream was handed around and the poor invalids eagerly partook of it. In one corner of the room, however, the spoon and saucer had not been touched. A young boy lay on the bed near the table, his features pale, his eyelids drooping. A lady gently fanning his forehead, whispered softly: "The poor little fellow is asleep; we must not disturb him." "No ma'am, I am not asleep," he answered. It was a silvery voice, full of sweetness, of innocence, and boyhood. "Well, my little fellow," continued the lady, as she drew nearer, " are you not fond of ice cream?" "Very much so," replied he. "Didn't you see me place this on your table?" asked the lady, reaching for the plate of cream. "Oh, yes!" he answered tremulously, "but I shut my eyes and cried to myself." "Cried, my child. Why, what made you cry, my dear?" "Oh, madam, if you will pull down the quilt a little you will see!" The lady did so and found that he had no arms. Both of them had been lost in battle.

After the battle of Fort Donelson, Feb. 16, 1862, wounded men, both Union and Confederate, were sent to Indianapolis and Cincinnati, where hospital work began in earnest. Miss Sarah F. Mendenhall, returning from a visit in Cincinnati, reported that an "aid society" had been formed there for the purpose of collecting and making bedding, shirts, drawers, etc.; and knitting yarn socks; preparing lint and rolling bandages; and that arrangements had been made for shipping supplies to the field hospitals. This definite information resulted in the organization of a society in Richmond, Jan. 29, 1862, called the "Soldiers' Relief Circle." The officers were as follows: President, Mrs. L. J. Seymour; secretary, Mrs. S. A. Wrigley; treasurer, Mrs. Julia H. Finley. This organization continued actively at work during the war. The president and secretary were changed several times, but the treasurer held her office continuously.

A committee of ladies visited Cincinnati to learn further particulars, the railroad offering free transportation for agents and goods. Mark E. Reeves, who was living at Cincinnati and was active in the work there, met- the committee at the depot and took them to the rooms of the "Aid Society" and to the hospital, where they had their first experience with wounded men.

The first shipment from the Relief Circle was to Cincinnati, March 5, 1862. It consisted of thirty-five large boxes of hospital supplies. In acknowledgment the secretary wrote: "Since our organization we have received no donation to compare with yours and we feel very much encouraged. It enabled us to send liberal supplies to all that are in need. This week we have sent from 150 to 200 boxes to our army in Tennessee."

Private soldiers wrote the most appreciative letters to the local papers and to friends, thanking the ladies for their interest and kind remembrance of the soldiers in field and hospital. The clean bedding, the canned fruit, and the reading matter sent them encouraged their hearts and strengthened their heroism and courage when they left the hospital for the battlefield.

At a meeting in Starr Hall April 10, 1862, a Sanitary Committee was organized for Wayne township, with Lewis Burk as president. The other members were: John M. Paxon, John W. Grubbs, John M. Gaar, John Roberts, John P. Smith, Stephen R. Wiggins, and C. C. Beeler. Five hundred dollars were subscribed immediately. We read in a printed report of May 28: "The whole cash receipts to date is $1,166.66. Also large quantities of supplies which were overhauled and packed, shipments being made to Nashville, Tenn., Pittsburgh Landing, and to the Sanitary Commission at Indianapolis." This committee furnished the Relief Circle with $375 worth of material, which was returned to them in the form of bedding, shirts, drawers, socks, etc. So many emergencies arose calling for ready money that the committee declined to furnish more material, and the ladies were thrown on their own resources. Voluntary contributions continued to be sent to the Relief Circle, and dinners, suppers, concerts, lectures, and fairs were resorted to; from the receipts the work was kept moving. This would not have been possible but for the host of faithful men who were ever ready to buy or sell tickets, furnish halls with tables and chairs, and in every way possible take upon themselves the heavy work of preparation. One dinner netted $500 and a mush and milk supper was a close second. It was truly a common cause in which hundreds of men and women joined in making every effort a success. On April 12, 1862, the society tendered a vote of thanks to the "Estelle Band," "Mitchell's Cornet Band," Professor Kuchman, and others, for the proceeds of a concert amounting to $69. Also to George P. Brown for $45, the returns from a school exhibition. "The Armenians," a local organization, gave two concerts which netted $112.02.

A large majority of these laborers have gone to their reward, and the few that remain realize that it is impossible to give the _ present generation any adequate conception of the anxiety and sorrow, the labor and despair of those gloomy days.

The local papers, notably "The Palladium," were ever ready to publish calls for material, to give notice of entertainments, and offer words of cheer and appreciation to those engaged in the work.

Shipments were made rapidly; one to Louisville, Ky., of concentrated chicken, was highly appreciated. Many receipts are on file. This one from Nashville, Tenn., March 28, 1862, is. worth preserving: "To the Ladies' Soldiers' Relief Circle: Please find enclosed receipt for the five boxes hospital supplies consigned to my care. Those lemons and white sugar came in good play. I made up quite a lot of lemonade for the poor fellows and gave them to sup; how gratefully they would look up in my face and exclaim: 'Thank God; the ladies of our State have not forgotten us yet.' One poor fellow in the last stages of typhoid fever asked for a drink of water. I said, 'I have some lemonade, made of lemons sent by the ladies of Richmond, for the sick.' He said, 'Give me to drink of it before I die! Tell the ladies of Richmond I love them, and that' I die in defense of my country!' These were the last words that he spoke. It would have done you good to see how eager they were to get the papers and magazines, and I will say to the ladies of this society, if you could know the rejoicing and thanks for such supplies you would feel paid a thousand times for your labor and kindness." Signed, Capt. George Hoover.

Woolen socks were in great demand and many old ladies knit constantly from 1862 to 1865. Some of them could knit a pair of socks in a day. It would be interesting to know how many they knit during the war. A note was often attached to them as fol- lows: "These socks were knit by a little girl of five years, and she will knit some more, for mother says it will help some poor soldier." Or this - "An Old Lady's Tribute:" Among the other articles received by the Washington Sanitary Commission lately, was a good and patriotic old lady's tribute, to be laid on the altar of her country, bearing the inscription: "These socks were spun and knit by Zernah Clapp, ninety-six years old, whose hands in youth were engaged in moulding bullets in the Revolutionary War. Keep the toes of these socks toward the Rebels."

On a home-spun blanket, worn, but white and clean, was pinned a bit of paper which said: "This blanket was carried by Milly Aldrich, who is ninety-three years old, one and a half miles to be given to some soldier." Another: 'This blanket was used by a soldier in the War of 1812; may it keep some soldier warm in this war against traitors."

That much money was required to carry on the work the following prices will show: Jan. 12, 1862, muslin sold for fourteen cents; in 1864, it was hard to get for fifty-five cents; sheeting, in 1863, was eighty-five cents; in 1864 it was $1.25; in 1862 spool cotton could be had for sixty cents per dozen, but in 1864 it brought $1.50, and fears were entertained that the supplies would soon be exhausted. Tape sold for $1.15 per dozen. Stocking yarn was $2 per pound. Cotton batting rose to forty cents per pound and then disappeared from the market, flax batting being substituted for filling comforts. To the credit of our merchants be it said that they almost invariably sold goods to the Relief Circle at wholesale prices. The sanitary work made frequent demands on the public for four years of business depression, ending in an almost hopeless outlook for the future.

No class in the community responded more nobly than the farmers. They came from every direction, with wagons loaded with wood and provisions, and this not once, but many, many times. One train of wagons was nearly a mile long. Another donation to the Sanitary fund, of fresh beef, poultry, and vegetables, sold for $1,300. It must be remembered that wood was the only fuel used at that time. Seldom did a farmer come into the city without a load of wood, a bag of potatoes, or some other donation to the Sanitary work, or for soldier's families.

In the spring of 1864 the governors of the Northern States offered the General Government large bodies of troops to take the places of veteran forces guarding the rear, in order to allow the latter to go to the front. These troops were enlisted for 100 days.

Ladies offered to take the places of clerks and hold their positions until their return, and a company left Richmond, May 11, under Capt. William R. Hunt.

For the greatest number of troops enlisted during the preceding years and the largest amount of Sanitary supplies forwarded, Wayne county received a prize banner presented by the State officers and the State Sanitary Commission. The president of the Commission wrote: "None have done better than the ladies of Richmond, and few as well."

"What We Have Given," is the title of a little volume prepared in 1864 by a Mr. Hartley. It is the most extraordinary report ever written. "From official and other authentic sources a faithful report has been made of contributions offered by the people (of the United States) to the support of their armies and the solace of the sufferers by the war. The total contributions (reported) from States, counties, and towns, for the aid and relief of soldiers and their families, has amounted to over one hundred and eighty-seven millions of dollars ($187,209,608.62). By associations and individuals, over twenty-four millions ($24,044,865.96). This is exclusive of the expenditures of the Government. (Some items that I have omitted raise the total to $212,274,259.49.) Nothing like this has ever been achieved, or even attempted, in any other country, in any age."

It is an imperishable record of the patriotism of a free people, to be handed down to posterity for their emulation - but the half has not been told - it can never be known until read in the light of Eternity.

The Spanish American War

With an enviable record in the Civil war, inculcated in the minds of the following generation by the annual tribute of reverence to the patriotic dead, Wayne county and Richmond, as a natural inheritance, had a part, though insignificant, in the Spanish-American war. Early in the year 1898, when the rumors of war could no longer be denied, William Smith, Paul Comstock and Elmer E. Kimmel, the first and last named not being natives of Richmond, began the organization of an artillery company for service in the prospective conflict. Mass meetings were held, at which prominent citizens endorsed the movement. There was no lack of volunteers and, the weather being unsettled, a room known as Thistlethwaite's Hall, at the northwest corner of Main street and Fort Wayne avenue, was secured in which to instruct those who offered their services; a few weeks later South Fourth street became the drill ground. The declaration of war came, the National Guard of the State was mobilized at Indianapolis and mustered into service of the United States, but Richmond received no recognition.

Rumor had it that Indiana had furnished her quota of artillery, and on May 3, 1898, a meeting of the company was held at the Pythian Temple, at which time an infantry companay was organized and William Smith was elected captain, Paul Comstock, first liuetenant, and Elmer E. Kimmel, second lieutenant. Later these officers were commissioned and mustered in as elected at that meeting. On May 25, President McKinley issued his second call for troops and the Richmond company received assurance from Gov. James A. Mount that if Indiana needed more soldiers, Wayne county should have a chance to furnish some of them." Dr. James E. Taylor had made a careful examination of the men and the weeding-out process had begun. On June 24, Governor Mount sent telegraphic orders for the company to report to Dr. Jacob R. Weist for physical examination at once. Announcement had previously been made that when this order came the fact would be known by the blowing of shop whistles, and at 4 p. m. on that date the discordant but welcome sound, to those waiting, resounded over the city. The men, mostly shophands, left ther work and hastened to the room just east of the Main street entrance of the Westcott Hotel, which had been provided by J. M. Westcott as a recruiting office. Here, amid great excitement and enthusiasm, they took the oath of allegiance, sworn to before Everett Lemon, a notary public. This was done in order to impress upon them the approach of a reality, although as a matter of fact the oath was binding only according to the dictates of the individual conscience; but this was not known at that time. As each man took the oath he was given his descriptive blank and was sent to the offices of Drs. J. R. and H. H. Weist. The physical examination continued over Saturday and Sunday. On Monday the company expected to go to Indianapolis, but waiting orders were received. Something had to be done; several of the men were from the country, and all had left their occupations. After a consultation between the officers and the city officials it was decided to take the men to Glen Miller Park for a temporary camp, and Camp Ostrander, so called from the then mayor, received its name. A supply of hay made bedding in the pavilion; the Woman's Relief Corps, than which there is no better organization, provided the best meals the boys were to have for many long months. After four days of this life, spent largely in drilling, orders were received to report at Camp Mount, State Fair Grounds, Indianapolis, on July 1, and on that day the organization, which was to become Company F of the One Hundred and Sixty-first Indiana infantry, 106 strong, marched from Glen Miller to the railway station, amid such a show of patriotism and friendly and kindly interest as it is rarely one's pleasure to meet. Admiral Dewey had proven himself, but Santiago was yet to be won, and Cervera's fleet was still afloat. While at Camp Ostrander, George J. Knollenberg presented the company with a regulation silk post flag, which was carried by the men at their departure.

At Camp Mount another physical examination was made and, with but few exceptions, the men were accepted. The company was mustered into the United States service as Company F of the One Hundred and Sixty-first Indiana infantry, on July 12, and became the color company of the regiment. From that time on the history of the company is but the history of the regiment. The One Hundred and Sixty-first Indiana was commanded by Col. Winfield T. Durbin, since governor of the State, who had served in the Civil war; the lieutenant-colonel, Victor M. Backus, had been a member of the famous Wilder brigade; the senior major, commanding the Second battalion, to which Company F was assigned, was Harold C. Megrew, well known in Richmond a few years ago as the proprietor of the Huntington Hotel; Thompson Starr, of Richmond, though not a member of Company F, was regimental sergeant-major, the highest non-commissioned officer of the organization. Being uniformed and equipped, the regiment was assigned to the Seventh corps, being mobilized under the command of Maj.- Gen. Fitzhugh Lee, at Camp Cuba Libre, near Jacksonville, Fla., at which station the organization arrived Aug. 14, 1898. It was not long until the hot days and cold nights played havoc with strong men - blood became thin and faces paled, even under the burning rays of the Southern sun. The deadly climate filled the hospitals, the funeral march sounded day after day through the pine forest, and finally the Indiana regiment began to furnish victims.

The Seventh corps, or so much of it as was to see foreign service, was ordered to Savannah, Ga., arriving there Oct. 24, and although but a short distance away, there was a rapid building up of strength, health was restored, lost weight regained, and by Dec. 13 the men were in fine fettle. On the 13th the regiment, with detachments from other organizations, boarded the transport Mobile, since named the Sherman, and arrived in the ancient harbor of Havana, Cuba, on the 15th; and as those who, in their far Indiana homes, had read of the tragedy of the Maine steamed past the twisted and torn wreck, they felt indeed that the world was small. The following morning Lieutenant Comstock 'was landed with a detachment of twenty-five men, detailed from the various companies, with orders to proceed to the camp site for the regiment. After marching through the strange city and into the open country beyond, past the Spanish lines, the detachment reached its destination about 6 o'clock in the evening and bivouaced for the night. The regiment followed the next afternoon. The One Hundred and Sixty-first belonged to the Army of Occupation, and to say that the natives of the island received the representatives of the victorious Nation with open arms is no exaggeration, but on the contrary poorly expresses the demonstrations of joy and happiness on the part of those desperate, child-like people. It is probably true that history does not record like scenes as from day to day were enacted, as the various regiments landed at Havana and the sturdy American soldier, in his true blue, marched through the city. The streets through which the Americans passed were covered with flowers, and the broad-soled brogan of Uncle Sam stamped its impress in a veritable bed of roses or kicked aside the long palm branches laid in honor of the new arrival. The rarest orchids lay at the feet of this friendly soldier or pelted his gray slouched hat, wreathes were thrown about the sun-burned necks of the men, and strands of flowers were festooned about the necks of the big American horses by the happy women and children. The tropical sun beat strangely warm on the big fellows from the North, and frequent halts were made to rest them in the sudden and unaccustomed heat; and as they halted and as each time the regimental colors were brought to the Order, the women and children rushed to the flag and, kneeling in the dust, raised the fringe to their lips, while tears of joy ran down their cheeks. Routine began at once after the regiments were established in camp. This consisted of guard and provost duty between the Spanish troops on one side and the Cuban on the other. Probably

Camp Columbia, the name given the camp of the Seventh corps, was about seven miles west of Havana, on the hills overlooking the blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico, and about one mile from the coast, At midnight of Dec. 31, 1898;-orders were ré- ceived by the company commanders to issue a day's rations and 150 rounds of ammunition, and to be ready to move at 6 o'clock in the morning. There were rumors of expected outbreaks from the house tops on the part of the Cubans during the evacuations; as the time approached this seemed less probable, and with twentyfive rounds to each man the regiment, at 6 o'clock a. m., began its part of the movement which was to land 10,000 men in Havana at 12 o'clock, to witness the birth of a new nation. Nature had not changed; she advanced her day as yesterday - the mist hung over the environs of the city and the hundreds of tents beyond. The sun searched out the lurking night and rose in grandeur over the hills and meadows, where all was orderly activity. Bugle calls resounded over a dozen hills, and out of the half-light came the sound of marching men, the pounding of horses hoofs - wheels hurried forward, the ready guns and long lines of blue appeared suddenly out of the mist and merged into one grand stream of adjusted power, which wended its way slowly to the coast, thence along the soft sandy road to Vedado, an aristocratic suburb of Havana, adjoining immediately on the west. At 12 o'clock the army rested on the edge of the city, in view of Morro Castle, across the harbor point, where the yellow and gold of Spain tugged at its accustomed halyards.

It was what would happen when the hour struck that caused the army to stand where it did - silent, ready, powerful. Thousands in gala attire waited for what they were not sure - their desires were but half formed and vague, for they were without analogies for comparison; they waited that somehow, somewhere, someone would bring the thing about - it was racial. There had been thousands of Spanish troops quartered in the forts or bivouaced on the roads and billetted in the villages. Where were the soldiers of the boy king? As the army rested, sweat-stained and weary, the first cannon boomed forth the death knell of Spain, from Cabana Fortress adjoining Morro. It was the beginning of the last salute to the Spanish colors. The saluting guns continued to flash and smoke and roar. As the last gun of the first twentyone was fired, down fell the banner which for centuries, standing for blood and gold, had proudly waved over the old fort. Like.a rocket, so swiftly did it move, up soared the American, red, white, and blue, and twenty-one loyal guns roared a welcome to Liberty. As the glorious flag tried its new fastenings the regiment moved around the point into a little street. If there had been any question in the mind of any American soldier as to his reception by the Cubans on that day, it was answered at once. Bells rang out from every tower, and songs and shouting burst from every throat. The streets and flat house tops were massed with people, not to send bullets or stones, but to shower the dusty blue with friendly greetings. They threw their own new flag, - which for the first time, had the freedom of the city, - candies and sweetmeats, cigars and cigarettes - anything they had to offer. The bugles commanded "Forward," the troops swung out of the street into the Prado - the main thoroughfare of Havana - which, throughout its whole length, was a mass of people, flags and flowers.

The regiments marched past the Inglaterra Hotel in columns of platoons and were reviewed by Generals Brook and Lee. Near them stood Castellanos, the last and most humane of Spain's captains-general, and his staff. While yet the troops were filing by, a Spanish girl appeared upon the balcony near Castellanos, displaying the Spanish flag. "Vivi Espania! Vivi el Capitan Generale!" she cried. In an instant the General and his staff were in tears - Spain no longer lived in the Antilles. In Reina street another halt was made and the men did away with their rations in short order. There was still much to be done and many miles to march - the sun was low over the water when the day's work was ended. On Jan. 9, Lieutenant Comstock was placed in command of the company, owing to the sickness of Captain Smith, who was confined in the Second Division hospital. Early in February smallpox attacked the regiment and several men succumbed, but the magnificent work of the surgeons limited it to a few.

Charles F. Trimble died on Feb. 17. He was the third and last man to die, and he was buried in Cuba. The work of the regiment continued much the same until March 29, when at 3 o'clock a. m. it broke camp preparatory to returning home. At 6 o'clock it marched past the headquarters of the corps commander. General Lee had risen early to greet the' departing troops and the regiment, drawn up in line of masses, presented arms, but the old commander could only salute, and with tears streaming down his cheeks turned about and re-entered his tent. Once on the road to Havana the regimental band was allowed to play, "Home,

Sweet Home," a thing never permitted while in camp. It was rather hard on those who had not yet received orders to return to the States, but, with the same quality of grit which always characterizes the American soldier, unashamed of their tears, they lined the road and cheered these homeward bound. By an unprecedented record in embarking, the regiment on board the transport Logan cleared the harbor at 4 o'clock p. m., and was spoken:at Tybee, at the mouth of the Savannah river, on the night of the 31st, thus escaping a five-days' quarantine on the Dry Tortugas, the quarantine going into effect April 1. The regiment was detained a few hours at Fort Pulaski, in the Savannah river, where the equipage was fumigated, and was then lightered up the river to the old site _of Camp Onward.

Lieutenant Comstock was commissioned captain, E. E. Kimmel, first lieutenant, and William H. Drapier, Jr., of Indianapolis, second lieutenant, on. April 1, 1899. The regiment was mustered out of the service, April 30, 1899, and Company F reached Richmond, May 3, after an absence of about ten months. A great concourse of people, relatives and friends of the men, the local Grand Army of the Republic Post, the Sons of Veterans, and the High School Cadets, met the company and escorted it to the corner of Fifth and Main streets, where a short address of welcome was delivered by Hon. Henry C. Fox, judge of the Wayne Circuit Court. In the afternoon of the same day another welcome was held at the court house and at night a feast was spread in the Gaar Building, on West Main street. The day and night passed, the uniforms disappeared, and the men dropped back into civil life. All through the service Company F received substantial assurance that the hearts of those at home were with them. The Woman's Relief Corps and the Penny Club helped in many ways by sending delicacies and fresh linen for the sick at Jacksonville. The members of the company had opportunity of observing many people and things of interest. General Gomez, the commander-in-chief of the Cuban army, was a well known figure to them; and Admiral Sampson, Generals Alger, Brook, Ludlow and Chaffee, were well known to them. Castellanos they saw, and General Lee they admired and respected to a man.

It being an honor to serve one's country at any time, it is a source of 'satisfaction to those who went from Richmond and Wayne county to have served in the Spanish-American war, and it is probably of some moment to the locality that it had representatives in that bit of National history.