Hanover Township (part 10 of 29)

One of the earlier physicians of Butler County was Dr. reter Van Derveer, of Middletown. He was born in Somerset County, New Jersey, on the 12th of March, 1798. His father was Colonel Henry Van Derveer, a substantial farmer, who at one time held a colonel's commission among the volunteers called upon by the government to put down the whisky rebellion iu Pennsylvania. The family came to Now York from Holland about the year 1645, and during the Revolutionary war were active partisans on the shlc of liberty.

I he subject of this sketch received a collegiate education. and commenced the study of medicine and surgery in 1817. AVe find among his papers a certificate showing his attendance at the New York Hospital, and signed by David Hosack, AVright Post, Valentine Mott, and other physicians famous in the history of medicine in this country. His diploma was issued to him by the Medical 1 Society of the State of New Jersey, and is dated July 9, 1818, and signed by John Vancleve, president.

Shortly after graduating, he determined to make the AVest his home, and, with his horse, saddle, and pi II- | bags, started for Ohio. Early in the year 1819 he came to Middletown, and, after a short delay, passed on to the village of Salsbury, Indiana. Here, however, he remained but a few months, when he returned to Middletown, where he permanently located. The practice of his profession required that he should spend a great part of his time in the saddle. Patients were scattered, the roads and bridle-paths sometimes scarcely marked by a blazing. There were none of the luxurious modes, now so common, for traveling. The physician of that day, iu this AYestern world, had to depend' upon his horse to take him to the cabins where duty called; and' it was only a strong, healthy body and a heroic spirit that could endure the hardships incident to exposure to storms I at all hours of the day and night. His practice was along both banks of the Great Miami, and required that he should frequently cross its waters. AA'hen the- stream was swollen, it was a somewhat dangerous disk, as there j were no bridges, and but a single ferry. The writer of j this has heard Dr. Van Derveer describe his many escapes from a watery grave, when compelled to swim his horse through its rushing waters to reach patients whose condition required immediate relief. In the year 1822 i he was married to Miss Mary Anu Dickev, who lived l only about two years after her marriage, leaving a son, j Ferdinand. His second wife was Miss Mary Anu Hub- | ble, whom be married in 1826, and with whom he lived j until 1849, when she died, leaving several sons and J daughters. He had been early in life an attendant upon | the Dutch Reformed Church of New Jersey, but never j united with any denomination antii about the year 1837, when he joined the Presbyterian Church, and remained . a consistent member until his death. For a long time j he was an elder iu the Church at Middletown.

Although belonging to the' allopathic school of medi- I cine, he always met the practitioners of other schools ! with courtesy, and treated ail with consideration, espe- ! daily in the later years of his life, when he never refused

At the time he settled iu Ohio, there were but few . graduates of the medical colleges to lx- found in the I woods, and the fact that he carried a diploma, and bad been an attendant upon the hospital lectures in New York, gave him a high place iu the estimation of tin public.

In a newspaper notice of his death we find the t'ol- ' lowing: " If he differed in sentiment concerning a point I of pathology, diagnosis or practice, he expressed himself with the modesty of a gentleman and the kindly feelings ] of a professional brother. In his intercourse with his pa- ! tients his conduct was .regulated by the nicest sense of honor ; his moral character was cast iu the finest and purest mold ; his conduct in all phases of life was squared by the strictest rules of honesty and by the nicest regard for the feelings of others."

The exposures and hardships attendant upon the earlier years of his practice told on his once vigorous constitution, and he became feeble, and suffered from illhealth in the latter part of his life. He died on the

1794, and was graduated in 1819, in the College of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, and in 1820 | came to this State, and settled iu the village of Monroe, I where he remained until 1847, when he removed to Leb- i anon, Warren County. During his residence in Ohio j he was in the active practice of his profession until about seven years before his death, which happened on the 2d of May, 1871, when he met with an accident which incapacitated him from professional duties, and after that time was an invalid. He had a partner for some time in Dr. JBlackleach, and left three sons - Edwin Bruce, Algernon Sidney, and Hudson Blaekleach The two for- ! mer became physicians.

ology, and surgery, besides reading the Greek and Latin classics, and making himself familiar with the literature of France, Germany, and Spain, and accustoming himself to speak the tongues of those nations fluently. About I860 lie left the navy to become the partner of his uncle Elias, and when the health of the latter began to fail, Dr. L. 0. Lane assumed his place as professor of surgery iu what was then the only medical college on che Pacific coast, speedily "developing rare excellence as a teacher. His lectures were fluent, conversational in tone, clear in idea, full of original methods of illustrating his subjects, humorous, pointed, and sometimes eloquent. In his surgical practice he was not less successful than in his lectures. The more the profession and the community learned of him, the more they liked him : and his reputation grew rapidly, until now lie is the first surgeon on the Pacific Slope, and the country physicians, from Alaska to Sonora, send their most difficult eases to him. Scarcely a day passes without a number of serious operations. With a very extensive experience in public hospitals (he has been visiting surgeon of several), as well as in his very large private practice, he has an excellent opportunity to learn nearly every thing that can be learned by the constant use of the knife for many years. He, however, does not trust to his observation alone, but every day studies some book on surgery or anatomy - English, German, Fremdi, or Italian - so as to keep all the details fresh in his mind and ready for instantaneous at his home near Keily, in September, 1877, of heart disease. He was sixty-five years uf age, and was born iu New Jersey, coming to Butler County in 1839. In 1859 lie was elected treasurer of Butler County. In 1861 he was elected to the Legislature of Ohio, an office he tilled for two terms with honor. He was a Free Masou, and was buried according to the rites of tb it order. He left a wife and several children.

Among the settlers who established themselves iu the vicinity of Darrtown early iu the century mas a Mr. Cooper, who migrated from South Carolina because he hated slawry, though otherwise he liked that State exceedingly, and always considered his residence in Ohio as a serious sacrifice to the cause of freedom. Cue of his sons, horn in Butler County, named Elias, became au able surgeon, and moved to San Francisco, where he occupied a prominent place in the medical profession, finally dying there about 1867.

A daughter of the pioneer Cooper, married to a Mr. Lane, gave birth, about 1833, near Darrtown, to a son, who received the baptismal name of Levi Cooper. Under the influence of Ids uncle Elias he studied medicine, and alter completing his education in Europe, became a suru.''t' m the United States navy. This position gave him "null leisure, which was probably his predominant mutlv,; l!l obtaining the appointment, and he. devoted liini-

"igldy familiar with Iho inimitko ot anatomy, pi i \ siuse. He is extremely cool in the midst of the greatest responsibility, and full of the most careful consideration for the physical and mental sufferings of his patients. His manner is genial, commanding the highest confidence of all who come into his charge. He has the name of being extremely kind to the indigent, not only attending them without pay, but often providing for their wants until they are aide to work. He is a successful author, and is a man of much influence. He had a narrow escape with his life while attacked by pneumonia, in February, 1881, and it was said, by well-informed persons, that there was no man in 8 an Francisco whose death would cause deeper or more wide-spread sorrow.

Dr. John MeMechan died at Darrtown, Butler County, Ohio, on Sunday, March 21, 1880, of eonsumption, aged sixty-nine years and eight months, having almost reached his "throe-score years and ten." He was born in Ireland in the year 1810, aud came to America with his parents when he was but six months old. Being a very delicate child, and sick when he sailer! from the Emerald Isle, his parents expected to bury him in the sea ; and, iu order to keep him as long as possible from being swallowed by the monsters of the " briny deep," they took the precaution of bringing a coffin and shroud along with them, to be' prepared for the trial. But lie lauded sate Is with his father, mother, brother, aud sisters - Mrs. Margaret fiibnoiv, of the " Beech." and Mrs. Dr. \Y iuton, of Walia-sh, Indiana. Ills fattier, David

At that early day there were no schools convenient where he could have his children educated, and as John was the one lie had chosen, of his three sons, to educate for seme of the learned professions, he sent him to Hamilton when he was quite young, to go to school, and board with ids aunt, Mrs. Margery McMechan, who was a sister of his mother. His aunt had a son named John, and two Johns in one family made it a little awkward; but as one of the Johns was very tall, and the other rather short, they were familiarly called "Big John" and "Little John." Dr. MeMechan was very nearly' related to the late Mrs. G. Iv. Smith, and to Mrs. Jesse Corwin, of., Hamilton, their.. lathers beingbrothers, and their mothers sisters. His father sent him from the Hainiltou school to Oxford, to the Miami University, w here he was graduated in the second class. One of bis class-mates was General Robert C. Schenck, and one of his room-mates was Caleb B. Smith, once Secretary of the Interior. He then went back to Hamilton, studying medicine with Drs, Dunlevy and Higdon, and began, the practice of his profession in 1885. He graduated at the Ohio Medical College in Cincinnati, in 1851, and married Miss Sarah Bacon, the mother of Dr. J. C. MeMechan, of Cincinnati, who was his only child. His .mother died when he was but an infant. His hither I married for his second wife Mrs. Mary Leopold, who j survives him. Dr. John MeMechan was a kind and | genial gentleman, always in a good humor, and making sunshine wherever he went. He was an excellent physician, and had a large practice ail over Butler County, and, until the last few years of his life, when his health and energy had failed, was kept very busy. He was a physician for the poor as well as for the rich.

Oxford did not become settled, as early as most of the other townships. It was a grant from the general government, and its first inhabitants were squatters, who moved there before they could get a legal title to their lands. - They were of the very poorest class, and by no means intellectual or industrious. Neither were they exempt from the common vices, such as drunkenness and horse and hog stealing. The opening of the Miami University began to have its effect, and gradually the first class of settlers began to migrate westward, and a somewhat better class to take their place. The early physicians of the township certainly had a hard time to keep body and soul together. Just who they were can not now be told. The first of whom we can gain any positive information was Dr. James R. Hughs, whose father, the Rev. Mr. Hughs, was pastor of the Presbyterian Church, and conducted the yr.wn mat-school that preceded the university. Dr. Hugh.- died ou the Mil of August, 1889, ami a funeral sermon, w hich was afterwards published, was preached on tin- occasion by the Rev. Dr. Bishop. He had been a resident there for more than

1 twenty years, and was for a long time the sole physician I of the place. He took a deep interest in the neigldxni hood, and in every thing that could promote its iutorj ests. He was twice -married, by the first union having I three children. Residents of Oxford can still recollect ! him, with his old appearance, curved spine, and great hump back. He was the first preceptor of Dr. R. C.

Corey, who wras married three times, and graduated three sons at the Miami University, and two at the Ohio Medical College. Both of these latter are prominent men in I their profession at San Jose, California. Dr. Corey was | genial and rubicund iu countenance and gentlemanly in deportment.

Judah Hinkler, Dan Trimbley, Jolm Garver, George ; Munns, and Pinkerton and Smith This closes the list j of members of the regular profession in the village of ! Oxford up to 1870, since which time raav be added Dr. j James M. Saunders, Dr. J B. Porter, and Dr. ii.

Outside of the village ot Oxford there have, for a j Fug time, been physicians settled at College Corner j About the year 1886 Dr. W. II. Seohey, cow of I.lamil- ! ton, was located there, although a rod or two out of the i limits of Butler County. Dr. Brice Pureill was once a 'Thompson iau, but, after a time, discarded that' theory, and used mercury freely, and was no novice in the use of the lancet. In 1841 Dr. Huston firot went to the Corner, and iu 1842 took in as a partner R. D. Herron, 1 arc dead: James R. Hughs, Janies M. Corey, A. McAl- , ister, Pliny M. Crnme, G. 0. Goodrich, Price Purcill, ! Hugh Gilchrist, Judah Hinklev, Dr. Smith, H. Bod- | man, D. Trimbley, Joseph Waterman, Henry Saunders, j and Joseph Kerr. Drs. Waterman and "Waters were both clergymen, in addition.

Among those of later date who practiced in Hamilton, we find the advertisements, in 1848, of Dr. Andrew Campbell, of Middletown, whose office was in Campbell's building, south-west corner, and residence Hamilton Hotel ; Dr. J. M. Williamson, in Basin Street, in 184b; Francisco Ciolina, M. D.. "formerly private physician to Prince Louis Napoleon," in the residence of Mr. S. Suively"~iu Rossville, in 1847 ; S. Braden, in Rossville, in 1846, over Mr. J. Curtis's store ; Dr. Mc- Farland, one door west- of Millikin & Bebb's law office,' in 1839; Dr. Raided, in Rossville, in 1838; Dr. H. Symmes, over Dr. Latta's drug-store, in Rossville, in 1837; Rigdon & Going, in 1852; and Dr. Eli Vance, at the head of the basin, at his drug-store, in 1847.

The first medical society of Butler 'County was organized January 1, 1830, Dr. Daniel Millikin being president and Dr. J. Fithian vice-president. Dr. G". W. Riddell was secretary.

At tbe next meeting, February 17, 1849, the names of Drs. A. Campbell, William Miller, George Graham, ! George Wyman, and C. IV. Prather were added, and j Dr. Van Derveer was elected an honorary member. At J this meeting the code of ethics of the National Medical Association was adopted as the code of the society, together with a fee-bill reported by Drs. Falconer and S, Millikin. The president read an inaugural address on the " Ibices of Men ami their Geographical Distribution."

On the 3d of October, 1849, it was agreed to make the meetings quarterly instead of monthly. At the yearly meeting, held in January, 1856, David Ciiristv,

M yniau took the place of J. Hittell as vice-president; j Wiliam llulnr as secretary, instead of S. Braden; and J. M. Williamson, J. G. Marshall, and S. Miliikin as

January 1, 1851, Dr. Rigdon was re-elected president, and Dr. Scobey was elected vice-president. Dr. Falconer was made treasurer. In September of that year Drs. Huber, Wyman, and Millikin were appointed a committee to draft a petition to the Legislature, praying for the erection of two additional lunatic asylums, one to be located on t'ue lake shore and the other at Hamilton, and at a subsequent meeting Dr. Falconer was added. Drs. Scobey, Huber, and Rigdon were appointed a committee to prepare a report "on the influence of the dams in the Big Miami River on the health of the two towns. Tffia was afterwards read.

At the meeting in July, 1853, resolutions were adopted by the society, looking for their security against persons who never paid. Members were requested to prepare lists of those who would not pay, and a list of incorrigible cases 'was to be left with the secretary. Transient people were to pay cash.

At this meeting a constitution was adopted,, and ordered to be printed. It is there declared to be the Butler County Medical Society, instead of an assemblage of the physicians of Hamilton and Rossville.

mile in all cases where twenty-five cents had previously been charged ; one dollar per hour for detention in the. day-time, in lieu of fifty cents, and making the addition of fifty per cent to the ordinary day charges for nightwork imperative, instead of optional. The fee-bill, as amended, was for the first visit, with advice, 81.25 ; subsequent visits, 81; additional visits on the same day, fifty cents ; medicines being included in these charges when only small amounts were given.

In 1865 the society suffered a serious ioss in the death of Dr. Loan uni Rigdon, its president. Appropriate resolutions were passed, deploring the calamity, and reciting his virtues. At the next meeting Dr. J. A. Coons was elected president. In 1867 Dr. Falconer was chosen to that office.

The society during these years seems co have doue its duty in investigations of the county buildings, and in advice to the City Council of Hamilton respecting cholera, the yellow fever, malarious diseases, etc. One report was taken in high dudgeon by the directors of the infirmary.

In July, 1867, the society received ari invitation from the' Fidon Medical Society, inviting the Butler Cuniitv Medical Society to meet with the societies of Treble County, Ohio, and Cuvette and 1 a ion counties, Indiana, at Oxford, in Oetolier. This was accepted ; and Drs.

MeXeeley, Scobey, and Dudley were appointed ro make all necessary arrangements. This meeting was held, and similar ones have continued down to the present time, with great advantage to the' members.

Dr. Coons, at the next meeting, introduced resolutions in which were set forth the gross incivility with which this society had been treated by the Ohio Medical Society, in defiance of its own rules and of all courtesy, and declaring that the Butler County Society was, therefore, obliged to withdraw, which were adopted. The State society afterwards reversed its plan of action, and

The Mexican War

In no part of the United States did the people spring i to arms more willingly, in the Mexican war, than Butler | County. The county was Democratic, and the war was ! a Democratic war. But, although many prominent Whigs held al oof, the masses of the people, uninformed as to the reasons that should induce them to fight or retrain from fighting, only knew that Mexico was in conflict with us, and that our flag must be sustained.

In the month of May, 1846, President Polk called u | niii the State of Chi© to furnish three regiments of soldiers us its quota of the forces thought necessary to v,4t!e the question thou in dispute lietwetn the United - kites and the Mexican Government. As soon as the raws readied Hamilton the excitement became intense.

| for that night, and Judge Vance made an eloquent and j Successful appeal for volunteers, announcing that John ! B. 'Weller, a young and eloquent lawyer, was reaug to j organize a company at once. That night and the next ; day the names were handed in, until the company was full. As soon as formed, the company - afterwards designated as Company I, Second Rifles - went into temporary camp in the old sycamore grove, then standing a half mile below the river bridge. Bui little drilling was performed, as nearly all the officers were inexperienced, and none more so than Captain Weller, who was elected to that position during the rendezvous in the j groye. Janies George, then county recorder, was elected j first lieutenant, and Oliver S. Witherin' second lieutenant. George was colonel of the Second Minnesota Regiment in the late rebellion, dying only a few months ago, and Witherin' afterwards became United States judge at San Diego, California, where he yet resides.

Company I went from the sycamore grove to Camp Washington, near Cincinnati, embarking on a canal-boat moored near the head of the basin, which, in those days, reached nearly as far as Third Street. The embarkation was witnessed by nearly every man, woman, and child in Butler County, and the. cries of the women mingled with the shouts of the men made a strange mixture of grief and jollity. Oa reaching Camp 'Washington the new troops were assigned to the First Ohio Regiment, of which I. M. Mitchell was. elected colonel, and John 13. Weller lieutenant-colonel. George became captain and Witherby first lieutenant. William Wilson, a brother of John Iv. Wilson, of this city, was elected second lieutenant, and Jonathan Richmond third lieutenant. Ferdinand Van Derveer, who rose to the rank of brigadiergeneral in our late war for the Union, was appointed orderly sergeant. Company I contained about thirteen young lawyers of this city, and it was said, b;y a local wag, that, during their absence, Hamilton was more peaceable than it had ever been before.

'When the First Regiment .vas fully organized and equipped, it was ordered to Xew Orleans, the troops embarking on two steamboats, leaving on the 2d of July for the Southern metropolis, where they encamped, on the battle-ground where Old Hickory defeated the British in 1815. Here the men rested for three days, at the end of which they were embarked for the sea-shore, and thence upon a steamer for the land of conflict, landing at Brazos Santiago, a small piece of land almost surrounded by water, lying at the mouth of the Rio Grande. They laid in camp at Camp Belknap, fifteen miles distant, for a month, drilling. The regiment then joined General Zachary Taylor in the advance, on his march to Monterey. On the way the regiment endured great privations. Water was scarce, and at tine's the troops marched a whole day without a drop of that liquid. At Cumargo, on the San Juan River, the troops halted to rest. Here they found Lieutenant Witherby, who was

Here a laughable incident occurred. IVitherby had his tent up and in order, and under his hammock, where it could be kept under his eye, was a barrel of whisky. Orderly Sergeant Van Derveer soon discovered it, and came to the conclusion that Company 1 needed the stimulant more than the quartermaster did. Calling Clem Murphy, an original character, who came from Rossville, to his aid, the two concocted a plot to possess themselves of the desired luxury. Clem, taking with him a gimlet and several buckets and camp-kettles, crawled under Witherby's tent, inserted the gimlet in the barrel, arid ran every drop of the precious fluid into the vessels he had brought with him, without attracting attention. At daylight Sergeant Van Derveer made the rounds, invited each member of the company to corne to his tent, and then gave each one a tincupful of the stolen whisky. At daylight ihe quartermaster awoke from a dreamless sleep, and concluded to hike an appetizer before breakfast. He tapped his barrel, opened the bung to allow the air to work, and found nothing. It need not be said that he was angry. The joke leaked out, as Company I was drunk from its captain down to the privates. YVitherby soon after resigned, and came home. Sergeant Mm Derveer was unanimously elected to fill his position, and thus became a first lieutenant.

From Camargo the troops marched through Ceralvo and Marin to the "Walnut Springs, three miles out of Monterey. The regiment was brigaded with the First Kentucky, and was commanded by General Thomas L. Hamer. An immediate attack was then made upon the city of Monterey, garrisoned though it was by eleven thousand Mexican soldiers, under command of General Ampudia> and the United States forces con fisted of but three thousand men, all told. Zachary Taylor was in command, and General "Worth next. The battle lasted three days, September 19, 20, and 21, 1846. At the end of this time the garrison capitulated, the Mexican soldiers marching out with their arms, leaving their artillery and stores for their vanquishers. The United States troops lost about fifteen per cent of their number in killed and wounded. Of Company I, about a dozen were wounded, including Captain George, who resigned and went home, his place being filled by the election of Lieutenant Van Derveer. John Pearson, of Darrtowu, Oscar Boehne and Samuel Freeman, of Hamilton, were killed. After the company was mustered out, Captain Van Derveer exhumed the bodies of the three soldiers, and brought them home for burial. The funeral services were held in the court-house square, which was thronged with people, the .services being preached by the Rev. Wilson Thompson, a Baptist preacher, who was very eloquent. The three bodies were buried in one grave in Greenwood Cemetery, and shortly after the interment Robert F. Duffichl, a relative of Freeman's, erected a monument to their memory, which still marks their resting-place. Freeman and Boehne were killed by the Mexican lancers, who were on the plains outside the city during the attack on Monterey.

On the 1st of March Captain Van Derveer wrote to his father that they had had some rare diversion. Lieutenant-colonel Irvin, -of the Second Ohio Regiment, was stationed at Marin, thirty miles ou the Camargo road, with three companies. The Mexicans, to the number of fourteen hundred, surrounded him, and he sent up for relief. As soon as Van Derveer heard of it, he volunteered to go out and aid them,, as did also Captain Bradley, of the same regiment. Together with a similar detachment from the Kentucky regiment, and two fourpounders, they started at two o'clock on the afternoon of the 25th of February, and at one o'clock at night arrived at Marin. As they approached the town the enemy's pickets fired upon them, a body forming in the chaparral ready for a charge. The Americans immediately unlimbered one of the cannon, and gave them a round of canister, which speedily sent them off. They then entered the town without opposition, though the garrison, mistaking their advance for that of a detachment of the enemy, fired upon them, and wounded one man, though not severely. The garrison were overjoyed to see this re-enforcement, as the enemy were all around, and must have taken them in a short time. The best houses were" selected for quarters, a number of hogs were slaughtered, and the men took whatever they could find in the drinking way. This done, they slept till daylight, which was only an hour or two later.

In the morning a considerable quautitv of stares and camp equipage, which they could not carry along with them, was burned, and the troops started on the return with Colonel Irvin. During the day numbers of lancers were seen hovering around them ; but they \Vere careful to keep out of reach. They returned to a ranch called Agua Frio, seventeen miles distant, where they stopped and made supper, and laid down for the night. But just after dark they received intelligence that there were three hundred of the enemy in front and six hundred in the rear. Their position was a bail one ; and so arms were taken up again, and the men started on, Mm Dcrveer's company being the advance guard. They marched until two in the morning, momentarily expecting an attack. By that time they were so wearied that they determined to fight all Mexico rather than march any farther. A guard was stationed, and the soldiers iaid down in the road and went to sleep. By daylight they were again marching, and were within three miles of Monterey when an express overtook them, and said Colonel Morgan, of the Second Regiment of Ohio, wu> at Agua Frio, surrounded by the enemy, and unless speedily re-enforced would be cut off. The colonel had several companies with him, and was on his way to Monterey. The troops immediately turned about, and started on a trot to assist him, going thus for ten long miles, and at j every volley stepping quicker. Just before he was J reached, or when three-quarters of a mile, off, Van Der- i veer's feet gave out, and he borrowed a horse, going on j rapidly in advance. When he was a quarter of a mile I ahead of the party he suddenly met about one hundred 4 and fifty lancers. Two or three men were' with him ; but they all judged discretion the better part of valor. The Mexicans stood looking at their enemies for five minutes, aud the Americans gazing at them ; but, seeing the party approach, the Mexicans rode off. Captain Van Derveer went rapidly up to the brow of a hill, and three hundred yards below it saw Colonel Morgan, with his companies formed in a hollow square, having just repulsed one attack, and awaiting another. As soou as the Americans were seen, the command of Colonel Morgan prepared to give them a fire, mistaking them for some of the enemy. When this was seen, the men pulled off their caps, and, swinging them about their heads, gave a hearty hurrah. After this had been done twice, the party at bay perceived the difference between an American yell and those of the heathenish Mexicans. They returned the shout, and the new troops charged down the hill at full speed.

" I have seen," says Captain Can Derveer, " persons who exhibited joy at an event - mothers at the restoration of a lost child; but the joy of .these men exceeded any thing 1 have ever witnessed. They- broke ranks, ran to us, laughed, yelled, aud almost tried to Lug us.

It was then teu o'clock, and they had been marching in square ever since daylight, the enemy harassing them at every moment. Our party soon approached, and the enemy at the same moment commenced a fresh attack upon Morgan's rear. I jumped off my horse, took command of the company, hurried with the remainder. of our men to the point of attack, and opened, upon them a hot fire. They were in the chaparral, so we could scarcely see them. Me had a beautiful little fight for twenty minutes, but the rascals would not stand. They killed Major Graham, tl;e quartermaster, aud two artillerymen, and wounded I one or two others; but nearly every one of their bullets ! went over our heads. They always fire too high. We i do not know how many of the enemy were killed, as we I lanl not enough curiosity to go into the chaparral for ex- j animation ; but some friendly Mexicans reported that *heir loss during the whole expedition, in killed and wounded, was uearly three hundred - a statement which j 1 think exaggerated."

M hen the euemy retreated, the troops returned for j M uKeiey, Company I forming the advance guard, being ' Crtunats euough to have this post of honor during the I expedition. They arrived safe in Monterey before sun- : '-ouii. On the way back, Major Giddings, with five j -uni |i;mh:s of the First Regiment, was met, coming to u->ist their detachment; but they were too late, and ] "< re not needed. Captain Van DervOer's company had i marched eighty miles, and fought the enemy on two meals and four or five hours of sleep. 'When they arrived at Monterey they found that all the troops had left town and gone into the citadel. The company's tents were lost, and not wishing the men to lie in the open air after so many hardships, leave was obtained, after much solicitation, to go into town. A large and commodious house was selected,- which was called the "Butler Barracks." It was on the Grand Plaza. The inhabitants, almost to a man, had left the city, and all the other troops were in the citadel, a mile off, so that it might he said that. the " Butler boys" were the only inhabitants of Monterey.

Here the regiment remained during the battle of Buena Vista. The regiment was ordered to that battlefield in anticipation of being needed, but was sent back at once. At the end of the year for which they had enlisted the regiment was ordered to Xew Orleans and mustered out, Company I reaching Hamilton about the 20th of J une, when a reception and banquet was prepared for them in the court-house yard, which drew an immense concourse of people, proud to honor their soldiers, fresh from the field of battle.

Two weeks after, a great Fourth of July celebration was held at Middletowu, attended by a large number of the citizens of Middletown and vicinity. A procession, was formed at ten o'clock, A. M., under the direction of the marshal, in the foliowing order: Band of music; the Middletown Guards ; the soldiers of the 'are and present war; chaplain; the. reader, of the Declaration and orator; the ladies, aud a large number of citizens from town and country. The procession marched to a beautiful grove on the farm of Mr. Sliobal Vail, adjoining town. After prayer, by the lvev. Dr. Lav, der, the Declaration of Independence was read by Dr. G. E. Vf ampler, which was followed by a highly interesting address by the Rev. Samuel Adams, of Sharon, Hamilton County. After the address, the presentation of a beautiful sword, from the citizens of Middletown, to Captain F. Van Derveer, of the " Butler Bovs," was made, as a slight tribute of respect to the worth of this meritorious and gallant young officer. David Heaton, Esq., on bubal! of his fellow-citizens, presented the sword m a neat and appropriate address, which, did honor to his " head and heart." The reply of Captain Van Derveer was in a happy and appropriate strain. To add still farther to the pleasures of the Jay was the presentation of a beautiful ride to each Messrs. Francis Collins and Oscar Coring, two of the "boys," who served with honor to tnemselves and credit to their State, in the war with Mexico. The task of presentation was again imposed up>-n Mr. Heaton.

After the above ceremonies were over, the conminv repaired to a sumptuous repast prepared bv Messrs. Young & Marlett, of the 1 uion House, to which thev did ample justice. The cloth having been removed, n _r- ular a nil volunteer toasts were drunk, aim'd the hearty cheers of the company and the roar of the artillery. Among these were: "The immortal memory of Lafayette;" "Generals Scott and Taylor - The glorious victories which they have achieved place their names high on the list of military heroes;" "The Army and Navy - Recent events have demonstrated that they are the two strong arms of our national defense;" " Patrick Henry - The orator of the Revolution;" "The surviving soldiers of the Revolution - In more sacred reverence should they be held as their numbers diminish." \ olunteer toasts were offered by V. D. Enyart, Captain Van Derveer, Miss Sarah Drake, and others.

John F. Holloway, a young man about the age of twenty-three, died suddenly of fever at the residence of his brother-in-law, Mr. Samuel Raybury, in July, 1847. He had just returned from the hardships of a campaign in Mexico, where he was a member of Captain Van Derveer's company. He had undergone the dangers and fatigue incident to a soldier's life, and came home to give his friends a hearty welcome. A large and respeet- -able procession, together with a military escort of the " Butler Blues," who performed their part well, considering the inclemency of the weather, accompanied the corpse to the grave.

After the return of the regiment, one of the men, named Leigh, was buried near Miltonville, Lae funeral being attended by an immense number of people.

In the First Regiment there were many gallant young men, ambitious to distinguish themselves- and attain promotion l>v deeds of chivalry and daring. Among others were Captain Can B. White and Lieutenant Janies P. Fvffe, both belonging to the company from Brown County, raised by General Tom Hamer. While the regiment was stationed at Monterey, a misunderstanding arose between the officers on account of White being elected captain over Fvffe, who was thereby relegated to the first lieutenancy. The affair became so serious that, finally, it c ulminated in Lytle sending White a challenge to mortal combat. The invitation was promptlv accepted ; but, on account of the well-known prejudices against dueling of General Taylor, it was determined to await the mustering out of the regiment, which was. to take place the following June. The original challenge has been lost ; but Lieuteuaut James F. Harrison, adjutant of the regiment, bore the cartel, and delivered it to Captain Ferdinaud Van Derveer, of the "Butler Boys/ -who acted as second to White. The terms were fully agreed upon at ouev, every effort to make friends of the parties proving unavailing. The following is a copy of the correspondence :

" Dear Sir, - In accordance with your rei[uest, I | hereby give you, in writing, a statement of the preliminary arrange meats entered into between you and myself concerning an affair 'wherein Lieutenant Lytle, and Captain White are the principals. Time, 1st of June; eight o'clock in the morning. Place, battle-ground below New Orleans. Weapous, pistols. Distance, fifteen paces.

At the expiration of the term of service of the reuiment it was ordered to New Orleans, to he mustered out. It was found inconvenient by the parties to go to tbe old battle-ground, so that it was determined to watch for an opportunity to wipe out old -scores on the way North. lu the mean time Lieutenant Harrison was compelled, on account of illness, to decline acting in the matter, and Lieutenant James Moore, of the "Butler Bovs," a brother of Colonel Thomas Moore, of Hamilton, was selected by Lieutenant Fvffe to be bis second in the affair of honor.

While the regiment was lying at New Orleans Captain White had purchased a pair of long dueling pistols, carrying a very heavy ball. Lieutenant Fvffe had no pistols ; so the parties mutually agreed to use White's. - Neither of the principals had had any experience in practicing with these weapons, and thus went to the field, in that respect, equally unprepared. The whole regiment left New Orleans for home about the 10th of June, 1847. One morning, as they were coining up the river, it was ascertained from the captain of the steamer that the boat would lie to for wooding on the Arkansas shore, for probably two hours. It was at once agreed upon that this would be the proper place to settle ail difficulties between the belligerents. It was just after daybreak, and very few of the passengers were. up as the party quietly went ashore and rendezvoused in an old cotton-field a few hundred yards from the river. There were present, besides the principals and their seconds, only Colonel John B. Weller and surgeon Chamberlain, known iu the newspapers of the time as "Old Medicine."

The pistols were duly loaded in the presence of all parties, and cuts drawn as to the choice of positions, and who should give the word. Lieutenant Fvffe was placed with his back to the river, giving White the advantage of the eastern light. Captain Van Derveer won the giving of the word. The parties stood at twelve instead o? fifteen paces, as at first agreed upon, each with his right side toward his adversary, and the pistol arm hanging by his side. The arrangements having been completed. Captain Van Derveer gave the commaud: "Are you ready? One, two, three - fire!" At the word "fire," both parties instantaneously leveled, am! discharged their weapons, and both missed. Colonel Weller and Dr. Chamberlain then proposed to the principals to settle their difficulty without another exchange of shuts. This good advice finally prevailed; explanations were made, mutual concessions followed, and, after shaking hands, all parties returned to the boat. It was a matter of great satisfaction to their friends that their duel was a bloodless one. White was afterward colonel of the Twelfth Ohio in the late war, FyfTe colonel of the Fifty-ninth Ohio, and Harrison colonel of the Eleventh Ohio. Lieutenant James Moore died a few years" after his return from Mexico. Dr. Chamberlain died about the same time. Colonel Weller died in New Orleans in 1878. Colonel Van Derveer is the only one of the dueling party now alive.

But four members of the. company are now living. Their names are James IF Millikin, .General FercL Vau Derveer, James Lanahan, and Cicero Birch.

Lieutenant Richmond, one of the "Butler Boys," was colonel of an Illinois regiment in the late war: George Webster was colonel of the Ninety-eighth Ohio, and was i killed at Perryville; Alfred A. Phillips, who was a corporal in this company, was a major in the Ninety-third ^ Ohio. j

The company whose exploits have been mentioned i was known as the "Butler Boys No. 1," and another j company was afterwards organized here called the "But. ler Boys No. 2." The first call was made by William P. 'Young, who afterwards became major of the Fourth Reg- ; iment, of which the new troops formed a part. His in- j citation Tor recruits was as follows :

The President of the United States has made a requisition on the governor of this State for eleven companies - -ton of infantry and one of cavalry. An effort is being made to raise one company from this county. Those wishing to volunteer now have an opportunity, and are requested to report i themselves immediately to William P. Young, in Hamilton, i Kutler County, Ohio, and as soon as a sufficient number are j enrolled for a company an order will be issued to meet at j Hamilton for the purpose of organizing and electing officers- I

They do not appear to have been ou the road before ] July. -They went down the river to New Orleans, and j t lienee to Matamoras. After a pleasant passage, they i arrived there ou the 18th of July. They were informed 1 by Colonel Davenport, who was in command at .that j post, that they were to relieve the Tenth Infantry, which ; they were willing to do, on condition that they should be ! relieved in turn by the next troops that ascended the Rio j Grande. This, he said, was contrary to his orders. Col- ' one! Brough protested strenuously against such a course j oi procedure, on the ground that it was not founded in ; justice. Colonel Brough immediately called a meeting of dm .-timers of the regiment, at which a protest, or rather i request, was drawn up, and signed be the officers, that I Ary should he relieved in turn, which was immediately di'patdied to head-quarters. They had preceded flit' indiana regiment in crossing the gulf, and were pushing for- i ward to get as near head-quarters as possible, when they were stopped there, the Indiana regiment passing up the river. Colonel Brough soon received an answer to the dispatch from General Taylor, stating that the Fourth should be relieved by the next troops on their way up the river. They were then daily expecting the New Jersey battalion, on the arrival of which the regiment would take up its line of march for the upper Rio Grande, and perhaps for General Taylor's head-quarters. That old hero said, in his answer to Colonel Brough, that it was his intention to have some of the troops from each State under his command with him in case of an advance on .San Luis Potosi, which, when he . u rote, >t was expected would be in the forepart of September.

The day before, the entire regiment was in the highest spirits, expecting daily to strike their tents, and take up the line of march for the head-quarters of the old hero, and to accompany him to death or victory; hut the next day both men and officers were somewhat chapfallen. Their curses were not loud, but deep. It was said bv many who had viewed the regiment, that it was the best one that had passed up the river. There was considerable sickuess in the companies: but it was principally owing to the change in water and' climate. There had been but three deaths in the regiment since it left Camp Ohio.

The " Butler Boys No. 2" were considered one of the best companies in the regiment. Lieutenant Pfeifer had tendered his resignation, and would return' home shortly. It was also said that Lieutenant-colonel Werner was going to resign. He fell from his horse shortly after their arrival, while oil battalion drill, from which he had not entirely recovered. He thought he would not be able to stand the campaign.

"In two or three days the Fourth Regiment of Ohio volunteers will be eu- route for Jalapa. Three thousand men go from General Taylor to join General Scott, and on this line there will be no forward movement. It is supposed that General Taylor will resign and go home this fall, as lie will be left only with a garrisoning force on this line.

" We have no news from General Scott ; but vesterday the Mexicans had a report that he had been compelled to fall back to Puebla, and were otferiug t<> bet on it two to one. It is not believed. We have had no mail for twenty-one days."

The health of the regiment had been verv good,' ami only eight men had died since they entered the >< rviee. Daniel Snyder, private, of the " Butler Boys No. 2," died on the 20th of August, at Matamoras. The eompan\ were in good health generally, and had. sintered v'tv little from the climate.

He wrote again from the camp near Vera Dm/, September 10. 1M7, that in three-quarters of an hour thev would be ou their march to the city of Mexico, and would, perhaps, have to fight their way from Jalapa to that city. "The last news here, last evening, was that General Scott was in a small plaza in that city; that Mr. Trist's propositions had all been rejected, and nothing to do now but to fight it out. The fighting has been continued so long that wc expect to be up before the city is taken. General Scott has met with great loss. From report, the First Infantry has been cut nearly to pieces.

I have been searching for the grave of Lieutenant Daniel McGleary, but have been unable to find it or hear much about such affairs. During the Summer seven hundred i soldiers have died in Vera Cruz with yellow fever and ! vomito. The ' Butler Boys No. 2' are in better health j now than since the}' left home. I have one of the finest j horses in Mexico, and will bring him home with me if j he lives till the close of the war. We- have every thing that is good in this city, from oysters to sherry-cobblers, j There is some difference between this line and the Rio ! Grande. It is two hundred and eighty miles to the city, j and in. fourteen days I expect to be near the Halls."

The brigade, under the command cf General Lane, j arrived at National Bridge on September 23d, and remained for a day. The march was very slow, and when, they' would arrive at the city was not certain. General Scott was in the city, but nothing else was positively known. On the 22d one of the train was shot by a : party of guerrillas just as the rear guard were leaving ! the encampment. A battalion of the Fourth Ohio, with j Colonel Brough, and Major Young, had not yet marched, but were formed and on the road. They fired a round , into the bushes ; but the Mexicans had departed. The j day before they had a chase through the chaparral after j a party of lancers, but were left far in the rear. On 1 the 22d, after going into camp, a body of five hundred : lancers were seen about two miles to the right, and the ! cavalry, and a battalion from the Fourth Ohio under Major Young's command, and a battalion from the Indi- j anians with Colonel Gorman, and General Lrue in command of the whole force, were sent out. The troops marched about two miles toward Cerro Gordo to head i them off, but. without success, and returned to camp j without fighting. They had had several such fights. I The march was very hard on many of the men. Sor- j geant Fen ter managed to keep up, with hard work, j Four of the "Butler Boys" were left at Point Isabel, and one at Vera Cruz. The health of the regiment was

On Mutter- roll f<r July. - Henry Marshall, private,' Company A, died June 29; Horace Train, Companv F, July if) ; John J. Clark, private, Companv died ! July 6.

On Master-roll for AmjnJ. - John Prichard, private, I Company I, died August 1; Daniel Snyder, private, I Company A, died August 19; Laurenz .Tetzeo, private, 1

On Muster-roll for September. - F. If. Newton, private, Company C, died September 3 ; Henry Steinnet, private, Company B, died September 16; George Cullman, first lieutenant, Company B, died September 17 ; IV. Jacobs, corporal, Company K, died September 20.

During the later months of the season no intelligence was received from them. A letter from Vera Cruz, dated February 1, 1848, was received, in which it was said that the troops had arrived there on the 27th, with the train from the city of Mexico, under the command of Major Caldwell. Captain J. A. Smith left Puebla on the 18th. Before he left all was bustle and excitement, information having been received that they were to bo relieved by the Fourth Tennessee Regiment. He received an order from Colonel Brough, ordering him to Vera Cruz on regimental business. When lie left Puebla the Fourth Ohio was enjoying reasonable health, though there was some sickness, and occasionally a death. The company had lost five men by death on this line - Jacob Footer, Amos Smith. Samuel P. Davis, John Campbell, and Thomas Moats ; and Casper Sacks was missing after an expedition to Tlascala, and was supposed to have been taken prisoner. Renter died at Vera Cruz on the 10th of January, of the yellow fever. Davis and Campbell were discharged, and died on their way to Vera Cruz. Smith and Moats died at Puebla.

It was thought that tlmre would be no general movement of the army for some time. Captain Smith was told that peace was much talked of at the head-quarters of the army, and it was said that Generals Scott, Butler, Patterson, Lane, etc., had all expressed the opinion that peace would be had within three months; but upon what they predicated their opinions was not known.

There were a number of officers of the army there going home, some having resigned, and others having been on the recruiting service, though they would pr« 1>- ablv not sail for several days, as there was a strong northerner blowing at that time.

Captain Smith left Vera Cruz on the 8th i i' February, and arrived at Puebla on the 21st, traveling the greater part of the way with one other Americau and some Mexicans, though they all arrived safe and without iiitenupi tion. The train with which he started from Vera' Cruz arrived on the 24th. It left for the City of Mexico on the 26th. Lieutenant-colonel Moore, Captain Kessler, Lieutenant Kessler, and three privates obtained leave to go up to the city with the train, but did not start until the following day, calculating to overtake it the same evening 'When they were at about four miles beyond St. Martine, and about twenty-eight from Puebla, they' discovered a party of Mexicans in the road before them. I Not seeiftg any arms about them, they' did not apprehend i much danger, although they had not gone far until they' discovered that the whole party of Mexicans were well armed. At this moment one of the party' cast his eyes to the rear, and discovered that there was another party advancing upon them. At this critical moment Colonel Moore ordered his party' to face io the rear, knowing that the only' possible chance of escape was to cut their way back to St. Martino. At this time the Mexicans tired upon them, Captain Kessler receiving a severe wound in the left shoulder, which disabled him verymuch from managing his horse. Colonel Moore ordered a charge. When they' arrived within a few paces of the Mexicans, they saluted the latter with a volley from their pistols, and dashed on. Colonel 5 loo re, Lieutenant Kessler, and one other made their way through, but soon discovered that Captain Kessler and the other two were surrounded. The colonel ordered a halt, for the purpose of going to the rescue of the unfortunate party, though it was soon discovered that the whole party would be murdered if they were overtaken ; so they ; went on in full speed to the village, being followed to | the very outskirts of the town by' the Mexicans. They immediately' went to the alcalde, and put themselves under his protection, and as soon as possible dispatchc-d a messenger to Puebla to inform the. American troops of their situation, who arrived there about ten o'clock at night. As soon as possible, Colonel Brough and Colonel Gorman, with several officers and men from both regiments, and a few dragoons, were on their way to the rescue. They reached St. Martine about five in the morning, and were informed that Captain Kessler and two others of the party were missing, and supposed to he killed. They immediately left for the scene of action, hut. did not succeed in finding the enemy as expected. Previous to their arrival at St. Martine, a party of Mex- i icans had been scut out to see if they could discover the fate of the, missing; and, to the mortification of every American and to the disgrace of every' Mexican, they were found dead, their persons stripped entirely naked, and so horribly mutilated that it was hard to recognize i them. Their bodies were brought back. Captain Kessler had a golden medal with him, which the Fourth Ohio and r mirth Indiana. Regiments had made for the purpose of presenting to Brigadier-general Lane as a token of the j high, respect which they entertained for him. This also taken by the Mexicans. Colonel Moore thought that I

! his party had killed or wounded two or three of the | Mexicans. The detachment which went to the rescue succeeded in finding a few Mexicans, and capturing two of them.

The " Butler Boys No. 2 " yvere generally well, with the exception that the mumps had been in the camp, which caused a number of the boys to complain for a few days. Two of the company were discharged, and would return to Vera Cruz with the next train.

They returned home in July, 1848, -and were enthusiastically received in Cincinnati and this place. A supper was given to the "Butler Boys No. 2" on the last Saturday in July, to the entire satisfaction of the very j large number present. The supper itself was prepared | by- Messrs. Cory & Millikin, of the Butler House, and | was in the best possible taste. After .the cloth w as re- | moved, there was a loud and enthusiastic call for Major Young, who responded in a neat and appropriate speech. Captain Richmond afterwards . 'briefly but handsomelythanked the audience for the honor done him and the boys of his company.

- Agreeable to previous arrangements, made by a committee consisting of B. Debolt, S. Yannaita D. C. Crows, J. W. Crows, and H. C, Hunt, the citizens of Madison and the adjoining townships met at Milton vi lie on Saturday', the tJth of September, 1848, to give a public reception to the returned soldiers of that place, who had been sustaining our flag and our national honor against the hostile arms of Mexico.

A procession was formed by Marshals T. G. Berry and Carle, which was headed by- the officers of the day, assisted oy Rev. Dr. J. Antrim as chaplain, and Isaac Robertson as orator, followed by the Middletown. Guards, commanded by J. M. Hitt, and the Wavne Guards, commanded by J. Snyder. Then earns the eight soldiers, followed by- a choir of twelve young ladies, who were most appropriately dressed in white, garlanded with blue trimming and cedar branches. Other ladies and gentlemen also joined the procession, and inarched with them to a grove on the premises of David Paulin, where suitable preparations had been made for the services of the day.

The officers of the day and the chaplain and orator were seated on a high stand. In the rear of the aisle were the eight soldiers - John Yaunatta, Davis YY Ball, William Dine, Stephen Shroyer, Jabez Antrim, W. Wiklc, James Davidson, and C. Harris - and hack of them were the twelve young ladies, forming an arch, partly surrounding the volunteers. The services then commenced with a warm and fervent prayer from the Rev Dr. J. Antrim, and, at the request, of the marshal, the choir sang some verses, composed In* Dr. Eckert, in such a manner that tears were seen to flow from 'mar.v - An address was then made by Mr. Isaac Robert son. of Middletown, concluded by s me remarks to the young soldiers who were the guests of the dnv, which were responded to by William Dine, one of the soldiers. The services then concluded with a song by the choir, to the tune of " Hail, Columbia."

The procession then marched to Vanscoyk's Hotel, where a splendid repast was prepared, and, after a luxuriant feast, thirteen regular- toasts were- drunk, amid deafening cheers and musketry.

- Among those who lost their lives in Mexico was a gallant young volunteer from Rossville, Daniel McCleary, of a well-known family. The news of this young officer's death produced a deep and painful sensation among his friends in Butler and Montgomery counties. Lieutenant McCleary was the eldest son of Andrew McCleary, of Rossville. . He had won the esteem and friendship of a large circle with whom he had become acquainted. Highminded, honorable, gentlemanly, and intelligent, he was qualified to adofin the sphere of society in which he moved. But, on the breaking out of the war with Mexico, he closed his business connections in Dayton, where he then was, and, responding to the first call of his country for volunteers, repaired to- the Rio Grande. He arrived at the seat of war in time to take part in the storming of Monterey, and bore himself with distinguished gallantry throughout that memorable battle. He had no regular connection with our military forces at that time, but fought as an independent volunteer. Shortly after this he returned to Dayton ; but the stirring scenes of a soldier's life had thrown a spell around his gallant spirit, which was not to be broken. Obtaining a lieutenant's commission from the authorities at Washington, he was soon at Vera Cruz, But an insidious and fatal foe was in waiting for him there.

On the 18th of June he was attacked by the vomito, and on the 23d he yielded up his young life to the deadly malady. His career was a short one ; he was scarcely twenty-four years of age.

At a meeting of the officers of the Fifteenth Infantry, United States Army, held, on the sixth day of August, at the head-quarters of the regiment in Puebla, Mexico, on motion of Colonel Morgan, Lieutenant-colonel Howard was called .to the chair, Captain King appointed vice-president, and Lieutenant Goodman secretary.

On motion of First Lieutenant B rod head, adjutant of the regiment, a committee of three were appointed to draft resolutions expressive of their sympathy with the friends of the late Daniel McCleary, and the chairman appointed Adjutant J. I. Brodhead, Captain D. Chase, and Lieutenant Thomas B. Tilton as the committee.

career, and before the opportunity of achieving that success of which his courageous and manly character gave such sure indication, the service has lost a gallant and chivalrous officer, and we a brother and a friend.

"Resolved, That our intercourse with our deceased brother and associate was such as to leave upon our minds no other feelings than those of profound sorrow and regret at his early death. He was, to all who knew him, a friend in the truest sense of the word - a man whose frank and manly bearing Von all hearts, and of whom it can be truly said,

" Resolved , That we extend to the family and friends of our deceased brother our earnest and sincere sympathy - a sympathy springing from hearts that knew and appreciated his worth, and even now wrung with his untimely fate.

The meeting then adjourned. The proceedings were signed by Lieutenant-colonel J. M. Howard, chairman; Captain E. A. King, vice-president-; and Lieutenant J. B. Goodman, secretary.

These resolutions were transmitted to the family, together with a long letter of condolence. The body was exhumed, and was brought here at the end of January. The ceremonies on the occasion of the burial, on the 5th of February, 1848, were appropriate, and conducted in a becoming maimer. He was buried with military honors. Several military companies were present, besides a large number of citizens from different parts of the county. A.n appropriate sermon was preached at the residence of his father by the Rev. David MaeDill. "-Afterwards a procession was formed, which l .arched to the graveyard, where his body was deposited in its last resting-place. It was a solemn scene. The marshal was General William J. Elliott, and the assistant marshals Major J. M. Millikan Captain N. Reeder, and Wilkeson Beatty. The secretary of the committee that took charge of the funeral was James George.

Daniel McCleary, I 1st, died of yellow fever in Mexico, June 23, 18-17, aged 21 years, (5 months, and 7 days; also Lieutenant of the loth Regiment.

The Rebellion

The Mexican War ended, as we have seen, with complete victory by the United States, and we now had no enemy nor any foreign controversy. War seemed far distant. Our boundary troubles,, which for several years had seemed likely to result iu bloodshed, had been amicably closed two years before the beginning of the contest with Mexico, and the small portion which remained unadjusted, respecting the channel between Va ncouver's Island and Oregon, was, by . the wisdom and patience of General Scott, quietly composed. Our differences with Spain respecting Cuba had passed by, and nothing remained for us to do except to sit under our own vine and fig tree and watch the development of the country. Yet the seed of discord was there, and war was soon to break out among us on an unexampled scale. The remote cause was negro slavery; the immediate cause was State rights, so aided, pushed to au unnatural and dangerous extent - a length never dreamed of by those who were most strenuous in opposing the adoption of the Federal Constitution, and certainly not by those who favored it.

The baneful effects of slavery were seen everywhere in the South. The fields of Kentucky, even at this day, do not compare with those of Ohio. Liberty of speech was inhibited, strangers from other States were forbidden to sojourn in Southern towns in cases where it was suspected their views of the peculiar institution differed from those of their neighbors, the press was muzzled, the pulpit not allowed to speak on one of the most flagrant violations of morality ever committed, and ail these ultra views were sustained by a phalanx of Congressmen who could be depended upon in any emergency. No such unanimity existed among the representatives from the free States, and ft was impossible to conceive of their Infing so completely of oue mind as those who dwelt South of [Mason and Dixon's line, for differences of opinion always spring up in a free government. What mild dissent might have been allowed at the beginning of the century, when Jefferson uttered his philosophic doubts, and Madison and other Virginia statesmen hoped that emancipation might come some day, had entirely disappeared. The recruits never disclosed any individual ideas. The two strong men of the South who entertained latest a difference of opinion, Henry Clay and Thomas II. Benton, disappeared from the scene before the final struggle. After them came Davis, Yancey, Slidell, Wigfall, and others, who breathed forth the real views of the people of the South. Slavery had been used to aggravate their people at every election until they had resolved to embrace civil war rather than endure the slightest interference in the Territories, the District of Columbia, or in regard to the return of fugitives.

Nor in this respect was the North unblamable. Demagogues among us steadily fanned the feelings of enmity of the Southern people to those who only wished to do justice to a poor, ignorant, and weak class of the American people. In some of the States free colored men were not permitted to sojourn ; iu others it was a State's-prison offense for the two races to marry, never reflecting that nature itself w'ould prevent them, and here in Butler County the bitterest prejudices prevailed. Any man of color who attempted to settle in Rossville was speedily driven out by a mob. Should any one of that race go South he was liable to be taken up and sold, as being presumptively a runaway, and the most distinguished colored citizen of the county at present, a man always free, and whose abilities and acquirements are at least- equal to those of any' other man in Butler, was forced to pretend, in order to prevent being enslaved in New Orleans and other places where he traveled in his youth, that he was an Indian.

It is difficult to speak coolly of the years before the Rebellion - more difficult than to do so of the great struggle itself. The last was the effort of a people to free itself from what it regarded as oppression, but the true suiin on the character of the people of the South is the long course of injuries practiced upon a defenseless people, and the crime against free speech and liberty thereby engendered. With the toil of a dozen of these wretches, who slept in dirty cabins, ate the rudest food, and wore the coarsest clothes, the master dressed iu broadcloth and fine linen ; with a dozen more his wife maintained her state; and with the spoil of a hundred the family visited Saratoga or the White Sulphur Springs, the sons were sent to college and the daughter to boarding-schools, the parents enjoyed the luxuries of life, and the children were brought up to follow in their footsteps. Yet the same man would not have accepted a gift of five dollars from another white man, and would have resisted With his life any attempt to wrest from him a penny of his property. His moral sense, by a long course of tampering, was degraded. Walpole saw' nothing wrong in giving a bribe to members of Parliament, nor did they in receiving' it, and the nobility in France resisted the payment of all taxes and sustained the privileges of their order until they fell under the ruins of the monarchy. Daylight came to the Southern masses only at the close of the war.

It would be unprofitable to relate the chain of events that preceded the beginning of the American conflict. In general terms the war may be traced to the compromise measures of 1850, and to the passage of the Kansas and Nebraska act. Fighting began in Kansas in 1855. A little later John Brown made his attack upon Harper's Ferry, and failed. Sumner had been beaten over the head by a bludgeon, his assailant reaping a great increase of popularity. The fugitive slave law was occasionally and spasmodically enforced through the North, each recovery making an anti-slavery majority in the neighborhood. 1 Finally, as the result of the election of Abraham Lincoln, South Carolina seceded, and was followed by other States. Major Anderson maintained his position in Charleston Harbor with difficulty, and at last, after removal from one of the islands to another, was attacked by the Secessionist forces under General Beauregard.

"The news of the fall of Sumter, and the call of the President for 75,000 volunteers to defend the country against the organized forces of traitors and rebels, has fired the Northern heart to a pitch of indignant enthusiasm never before equaled since the days of the Revo lution. From every city, town, village, and hamlet comes up the enthusiastic response to the call of the government for aid to sustain the integrity of the Union, and uphold its Constitution and laws. The public sentiment of the North is assuming a unanimity of tone and temper that will strike terror to the hearts of the traitors of the Southern Confederacy and their misguided dupes. It is wonderful what a revolution a few days have wrought in public opinion in the free States of the republic. The partisan has emerged in the patriot, and now Democrat and Republican alike feel and proclaim that the honor of the stars and stripes must be preserved at all hazards ; that the very existence of the government is involved in enforcing obedience to its legally constituted authorities, and in holding possession of its public property. Judging from all we see and hear at home and abroad such now seems to be the almost universal sentiment. The daily papers are literally filled with telegraphic dispatches from every quarter, giving brief notices of the proceedings of public meetings of the people, which show that the North is waking , up to a sense of the awful peril in which our institutions arc involved bv the great rebellion, and that it is rushing with one accord to the rescue."

Josiah Scott as president, Israel Williams as vice-president, and E. A. Dalton as secretary. It was largely attended by persons of every shade of sentiment, Democratic and Republican. _ ,

John W. Wilson, A. F. Hume, Minor Millikin, N. C. McFarland, Thomas Millikin, John H. Falconer, Israel Williams, John S. Wiles, and Hansford Smith addressed the meeting, urging it to sustain the Union and maintain the dignity of the United States flag. By all the speakers party was forgotten, and only the country remembered. Judge Scott in alluding to the very natural repugnance which all feel against going to war with their countrymen, said substantially, "Why is it worse to war against a domestic than against a foreign foe? Foreign nations may have no cause for gratitude toward us, but these rebel States, who owe all their prosperity and greatness to the fostering hand of the general government - like the viper warmed into vitality in the bosom of its benefactor - have turned their deadly fangs upon their own country with the wicked design of destroying it. What punishment can be too severe for such ingratitude and outrage ?"

The following resolution was introduced by John W. Wilson, and was passed unanimously - the meeting numbering two thousand five hundred persons:

" Whereas, War has been commenced against the government of the United States, and the honor of our national flag tarnished by being lowered to traitors,

On motion of E. G. Dyer, a committee of three from each ward of the city, for the purpose of organizing military companies and procuring arms, was appointed. The names of the committee were as follows :

"Resolved, That it is expedient for the present Legislature to appropriate one million dollars for furnishing and equipping the military of this State, and our senator from this district and our representative from this county be requested to give their aid and support to the passage of the same."

The next week a more formal meetiug was held. Owing to the short notice which was given fur the previous one many of our citizens were Unable to attend, and scarcely any from the country. The following call was issued :

Men Of Butler

At a mass-meeting of the citizens of Hamilton, the undersigned were appointed a committee to invite every man in Butler County to meet in Hamilton, on Wednesday, April 24, 1861, to take counsel together, and adopt such measures as may be deemed advisable in this alarming crisis of our country. Armed rebels have stolen the property of the general government, have attacked and battered down one of its strong forts, and taken a gallant garrison prisoners, have trampled and trailed our glorious flag in the dust, and now, in the pride of their success and madness of their treason, are making preparations to capture and destroy the Capital, at Washington, and to utterly overthrow and subvert our government.

We, therefore, invite every man in Butler County, without distinction of age, sect, religion, or party, to meet in Hamilton on .the day above named, and take such measures as may be thought advisable to aid our government to suppress and punish treason, to protect. our Capital, to wipe out the insult otfered to our glorious flag, and to sustain and defend our blessed and beloved Constitution. Distinguished speakers will be present and address the meeting. Come one, come all!

It was duly held, and was large and enthusiastic. A national salute was fired in the morning and again at noon, and the stars and stripes were gayly floating from hundreds of houses all over the city. At one o'clock the meeting was organized by appointing as president, Judge Fergus Anderson; vice-presidents, Robert Gibson, Fairfield; John K. Wilson, St. Clair; Robert Beckett, Hanover ; James S. Chambers, Milford ; William II. Roberts, Oxford; Colonel William Stevens, Reilv; Absalom McKain, Morgan; Samuel Dick, Ross; John Cox, Union; Peter Murphy, Liberty; Colonel Hendrickson, Lemon; Jacob Banker, Madison; John S. Witherow, Wayne; James Rossman, First Ward, Hamilton; Thos. Connaughton, Second Ward; Christopher Morganthaler, Third Ward ; secretaries, Israel Williams, Fred. Landis.

The following committee on resolutions was. then appointed: Thomas Millikin, N. C. McFarland, Alex. F. II ume, Ferdinand Van Derveer, W. H. Miller, Milton Cooper, Wm. H. Smith, George Jacoby, Abraham P. Cox, and John S. Earheart.

While the committee were preparing resolutions the meeting was addressed by Messrs. Gaylord, Christy, Gilmore, L. D. Campbell, and others, during which the committee on resolutions returned with the following preamble and resolutions, through their chairman, Thos. Millikin, who remarked in presenting them that they "ere principally copied from the resolutions adopted at the great Union meeting held in New York City a few days before.

" Whereas, The Constitution, framed by our Revolutionary fathers, contains within itself all needful provisions for the exigencies of the government, and in the progress of events, for such amendments as are necessary to meet new emergencies ; and

" Whereas , An armed combination has been formed to break up the Union by throwing off the obligations of the Constitution, and has, iu several of the States, carried on its criminal purpose, and finally, by assaulting Fort Sumter, a fortress of the United States, occupied by a slender but heroic garrison, and capturing it by an overwhelming force, after a gallant defense, thus setting the authority of the government at defiance and insulting the national flag; and

" Whereas, The government of the United States, with an earnest desire to avert the evils of civil war, has silently submitted to these aggressions and insults with a patient forbearance unparalleled iu the annals of history, but has at last deemed it due to the public honor and safety to appeal to the people of the Union for the means of maintaining its authority, of enforcing the execution of the laws, and of saving our country from dismemberment, and our political institutions from destruction; therefore,

"1. Resolved, That we are sacredly bound by. every sentiment of honor, of aficction, of duty, and interest to maintain and preserve our national government, the most equal and beneficent hitherto known among men, unbroken and unsullied for our generation, and to transmit it to our posterity ; and that to the maintenance of this sacred trust, and in support of that government, we devote all that we possess, and are prepared to shed our blood aud lay down our lives.

"2. Resolved, That the Constitution of the United States, the basis and the safeguard of the Federal Union, having been framed and ratified by the original States, and accepted by those which subsequently became parties to it, is binding upon all ; and that any resumption by any one of them of the rights delegated to the federal government, without first seeking a release from its obligations through the concurrence of common sovereignty, is unauthorized, unjust to all the others, and destructive of all social and political order.

"3. Resolved, That " hen the authority of the federal government shall have been re-established, aud peaceful obedience to the Constitution and laws prevails, we shall be ready to confer and co-operate with all loyal citizens tlioughout the Union, in Congress, or iu convention, for the consideration of all supposed grievances, the redress of all wrongs, and the protection of every right, vicldintr ourselves, aud expecting all others to yield to the wilt of the people, as constitutionally and lawfully expressed.

all means in their power to maintain the Union of States, defend the Constitution, to preserve the national flag from insult, and uphold the authority of the general government against all acts of rebellion everywhere, which, if longer unresisted and unpunished, would inevitably end in breaking down all the barriers erected by our fathers for the protection of life, liberty, and property, and involve the country in universal anarchy and confusion.

"5. Resolved, That we urgently insist that the representative in Congress from this district shall, at the session thereof to meet on the 4th of July next, cordially and promptly support and vote for all proper measures, and all necessary appropriations of money and supplies of^men to enable the general government to execute its laws and maintain the rightful authority of the Constitution, and to suppress and punish the present rebellion and treason in the South, and to punish treason in every State and Territory in the whole Union.

"6. Resolved, That we deny the right of any State to assume the position of armed neutrality as between the federal government and any State or States in rebellion against its authority ; and to refuse to furnish its proper quota of men to aid the federal government to enforce its laws and maintain the authority of the Constitution everywhere in the Union, when properly and legally called upon by the President so to do; and we deny the right of any State to refuse to allow the federal government to transport its soldiers over its territory for any lawful purpose, and to any place in the Union ; and we condemn and denounce the conduct of all such States as have refused to respond to the call of President Lincoln for volunteers to suppress the rebellion in the South, and to allow the volunteers of other States to pass over their territory, as recreant to their duty, and as affording aid and comfort to rebellion and treason.

"7. Resolved, That as soon as it is authorized by law, we request that our county commissioners shall levy a tax of sufficient amount upon all the property in the county to furnish all needful support to the families of volunteers during their absence in the service of their country.

" 8. Resolved, That we recommend that all able-bodied men in the county shall immediately form themselves into military companies, procure arms, elect officers, and thoroughly drill themselves, and stand read) to obey any call of their country that may be made upon them for their services.

" 9. Resolved, That we disapprove of all attempts to control by violence the honest expression of opinion by any of our citizens upon the exciting subjects of the day, but we recommend that in the present excited state of our country all abstain from discussions calculated to excite ill feeling or party prejudice.

X large and enthusiastic meeting of the citizens in the neighborhood of Jones's Station was held on Monday evening, April 22d. Milton Cooper was chosen chairman and J. C. Long, secretary. A call for funds fur the purchase of a flag, etc., was promptly responded to, after which the following preamble and resolutions, presented by C. F. Warren, were read and unanimouslv adopted as expressing the sentiments of the meeting:

" Resolved , That as loyal citizens we will use all the means in our power to sustain the governmeut and the honor of that flag under which we have lived for eighty years in unexampled prosperity. That banner, which like one of old proclaimed wherever it was seen a great cause before it, and a powerful nation behind it, must be sustained, aud no less honored and respected - the nation's pride aud citizens' defense.

" Resolved , That we look upon the reasons of the rebels as only pretexts for usurping the government, maturing a treason of thirty years' standing, which was nipped in the bud in 1832, and must be again met in 1861, and taught to know that the patriots of this country will never yield the birthrights handed down to them by their fathers either to foreign or domestic foes.

That while we hail the people of all nations seeking home on our soil as brothers, so long as they assist in defending our flag, we are no iess ready to take up arms against traitors whenever or from whatever section they may appear."

After the adoption of the resolutions Mr. G. W. Jones being called for, replied in a few remarks, in which he expressed his regret at the unhappy condition of our country, and his determination to defend it at any cost. The meeting concluded with three hearty cheers for the Constitution, the Union, and the enforcement of the laws.

The citizens of Port Union and surrounding country met at the hall, on Saturday evening, April 20, 1861, and organized by calling Philip Nash to the chair, and appointing A. J. Foster, secretary.

The objects of the meeting were made known by F. Bone in a brief address, stating the condition and demands of the country, after which Dr. Beed presented the following preamble and resolutions, which were unanimously adopted:

' " Whereas, Wicked and designing persons have sought and obtained control of the governmeut of some of the States of this Union, which States are now in rebellion against the general government ; and

" Whereas, It is uncertain what effect the prompt and | energetic measures now being inaugurated by the admin- | istration to put down the same may have upon .-ome of i the remaining loyal States; aud

"Whereas, Throats have repeatedly been made that in the event of the border slave States seceding and joining their fortunes with those who are trampling our country's flag in the dust, that the cities, towns, and country along the Southern boundary of our State will be overrun and made the special objects of their hatred; therefore, be it ^

"Resolved, That we have heard of such threats with profound regret, and while we deprecate war, with its terrors and devastating consequences, we will not. shrink from its rugged issues when forced upon us.

" Resolved , That we pledge our fortunes, our honor, and our sacred lives to defend the stars and stripes, and protect our country from all lawless raids, come from whatever source they may. And be it further

" Resolved , That to more fully carry out the foregoing resolutions, we will form ourselves into a home protecting company, and that we appeal to the patriotism of our fellow-citizens, and cordially invite them to join with us in preparing and being prepared to meet whatever emergency may be forced upon us."

Patriotic remarks were made by D. Stiles, J. INI. Thompson, Dr. Reed, and others, taking strong grounds in favor of protecting the whole- country, and sustaining the government against all enemies at home and abroad.

Thirty names responded to the call for members to the company, after which the meeting ordered a copy of the minutes to be furnished the Hamilton papers, with a request that they be published, and adjourned to meet the next Monday evening for organisation of a military company.

In the mean time the volunteers had not been slow in coming forward. Companies sprang into existence all over the State. The first from this county that reached Columbus in time to go into the first regiments was the Jackson Guards, Captain J. P. Bruck. This was company K, First Ohio, and the regimental organization was made on the 18th of April. There were no arms, ammunition, or clothing, but it was determined to hurry the men on to Washington, where they could be provided for. Its earliest action was at Vienna, and it covered the retreat at Bull Run, afterwards being reonranized for the three years' service.

Captain Rossman immediately organized the Hamilton Guards, and left for Columbus on the 21st. An immense congregation assembled at Beckett's Hall on Sunday, the 20th, to hear a discourse by the Rev. William Davidson. The sermon was able, patriotic, and eloquent, and was listened to with earnest attention, and often with deep emotion. He spoke of the cause in which the loyal Nates were engaged as just and righteous, and said that 0 the war of the Revolution was holy, this was thrice "'bt d that was sanctified tin's was thrice sanctified. History left no record of any war where the people were 'ailed upon more imperatively to take part in its prose- -ution than this people in defense of their government against the traitors were then in array against it. If they were not subdued our government was a nullity, and anarchy would reign supreme. At the conclusion of the sermon Mr. Richardson made a few pertinent remarks, followed by a brief address from Mr. McMillan. Miss Kate Emmons presented one of the volunteers with a Bible and a revolver, and Mr. Ezra Potter, on behalf of the citizens of Hand! ton, presented Captain Rossman one hundred dollars to be expended at his discretion for the benefit of bis company.

The previous day the young ladles of this city presented ihe guards with an elegant silk flag. The ceremonies took place in the public square, and were opened by an impressive and - earnest prayer by Rev. Mr. Lowrey, after which Miss Kate Campbell presented the flag with the following appropriate address:

" Hamilton Guards, - Your country demands your services, and you are promptly honoring her call. Traitors have made war upon our government and seek to overthrow our noble institutions secured to us by the wisdom, the toils, and the blood of our venerated forefathers. Your sisters can not share your dangers in the field, but their hearts will go with you. They present this banner as a token of their earnest sympathies with you, and with the sacred cause of freedom and justice in which you go to fight. It is the same emblem of constitutional liberty under which Washington and all our national heroes fought and conquered. Stand by it with your lives, if necessary. Let no rebel hands bring reproach upon its honored folds; let its stars ever remind you of your duty to the Union, and its stripes keep you thought- - ful of the punishment due to fratricidal traitors. Take it, soldiers, and carry it on t,o victory. And may the God of battles watch over and protect you; and may he preserve our country and our Constitution to be the protectors of the oppressed of all lands ' to generations yet unborn."

"Young Ladies of Hamilton, - Our country, which for so loug a time has beeu the home of peace and liberty, is now rocking in the storm of civil war. Armed desperadoes have insulted our flag and defied our government. Men have been found iu this country base enough to strike the mother who reared and protected them. The wounded government demands reparation. Iu obedience to that call we shall soon march to the scene of war. Going out from you, we desire to take with us this work of love and patriotism at your hands, and if the ardor of the company can be augmented I can only wish that their patriotism may be as bright as the stars, and their loyalty as unlading as the colors of the flair which has been so handsomely presented. We accept this flag, and in the coming contest, if one little band can do aught to maintain the honor of our government, what man in the Hamilton Guards hut will, in that con- test, strike with renewed ardor by the remembrance of this day's honor? We shall plant it on the outer wall, and its post shall be to us the post of honor,

"Some, perchance, in this company, in defense of that flag, may fall. Some of us, whose hearts beat high with proud hopes, and who are emulated to do deeds of glory, will return no more. But if a sacrifice from the guards is demanded to procure constitutional liberty and our XTuiou, that sacrifice shall be cheerfully given. Yet they will not die; but from their ashes, as from the aucient phoenix, will arise their names, and in letters of living light will they be enrolled on a page of an immortal history. We accept this flag, and we promise to bring it back with no lost laurels, no tarnished fame. Its symmetry may be destroyed by the elements and by the strife, but these, in your estimation, will be but honorable scars.

"In conclusion, ladies, all that strong arms and stout hearts can do to maintain it, all that your patriotism can infuse into our hearts to defend it, all that the high hopes and good wishes of this city can stimulate us to vindicate, all the courage of a righteous cause, and of truth and liberty can give us to protect, all these shall, we trust, nerve every arm and heart in this company to vindicate the high confidence reposed in them by the young ladies of Hamilton, in the compliment to their patriotism and readiness to defend their country, signified in the presentation of this flag to the Hamilton Guards."

After Captain Rossman had concluded John W. Wilson, one of the company, made an earnest and eloquent appeal in behalf of the cause in which they were engaged. His remarks were full of the true Revolutionary fire, and were loudly cheered by the multitude on the ground. When he sat down a company of amateur musicians, under the lead of Mr. Boynton, -sang the Star-spangled Banner, after which ex-Mayor Smith called for three cheers for the flag, three, for the volunteers, and three for the young ladies, which were all given with a will, and the assemblage adjourned. The soldiers left home on Monday, a large crowd being at the depot to see them off.

A company of volunteers from Oxford passed through Hamilton on Monday, the 22d. A large number of the students volunteered, and the school was almost broken up. A list of those who served in the war, who had previously been in that college, may be found under the head of Miami University.

Two military companies were ready to march from Middletown that week, and another full company of volunteers was ready in Hamilton. The following were the officers: J. W. C. Smith, Captain; John Sutherland, 1st Lieutenant; L. M. Leflar, 2d Lieutenant.

An enthusiastic Union meeting was held at Collinsville on the 2">th of April, which was addresser! by Isaac j Robertson, C. Iv. Smith, and Rev. Mr. Davis. Another j meeting was held in Okcima, on the 4th of Mar, 1 S ( » 1 , j which was addressed by Isaac Robertson.

In addition to these, forty Germans of Hamilton attached themselves to a Cincinnati Company, and were at Camp Harrison. These went out on the 18th of April. They were known as Company B, 9th Ohio.

Some of these companies were very large, as for instance Captain Dodds's, one hundred and fifty-two men, and Captain Rossman's, one hundred and eleven men.

Two other companies were forming in the city, a cavalry company by Minor Millikiu, and an infantry company by John S. Earhart, the latter to be composed of men of five feet seven inches and upwards in height, together with an infantry company at Princeton, and an artillery company at Middletown. Add to these a company of home guards for each of the three wards of the city.

Henry C. Campbell, George Camp, James "Willis, James Whittaker, Albert Whittaker, and II. H. Adams, were honorably discharged on the 27th of April, by order of Captain W. C. Rossman.