HISTORY OF THE 78TH REGIMENT 0. Y. Y. L, FROM ITS ''M[JST£R-m" TO ITS " MUSTER-OUT;'' COMPRISING ITS ORGANIZATION, MARCHES, CAMPAIGNS, BATTLES AND SKIRMISHES. BY REV. THOMAS M. STEVENSON, CHAPLAIX OF THE REGIMENT. (SOLD ONLY BY hUBSCEIPTION.) ZANESYILLE,OHIO: PUBLISHED BY HUGH DUNNE, SORTH-FOCliTH STREET. ADJOINING TQK COCET H0B3B. 1865. Entered according to Act of Congreps, in the year 1865, ly HUGH DUNNE, PUBLISHER, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United State", for the Southern Djstsipt of Ohio. 3f /^ ^ ; \ Pkixted by Logan & DodDj Zanesville, 0. HON. CHARLES W. POTWTN WHOSE PATUIOTIC DEVOTION TO THE INTERESTS OF OUR SOLDIERS WAS CONSPICUOUS DURING THE WAFi — WHOSE TIMELY BEXEV(JiLEXCE RELIEVED FROM WANT THE FAMILIES OF MANY OP TIIE ** S E V E N T Y - E I G II T II OHIO," THIS VOLUME IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED. TO THE READER. In introducing this Book to tlie reader, we do not propose to present a history of tlie slave-holders' war and suppression of the Great Rebellion, hut a minute and unvarnished narra- tion of the battles and campaigns of the Seventy-Eighth Regiment of Onio Volunteers. No body of men in the ser\dce have taken part in a greater number of skirmishes and battles — traveled over more territory, and participated in more iiuportant campaigns. It has for nearly four ye^rs been constantly in tlie front, and during the summer's heat and winter's cold li-as been actively engaged. Its heaviest and most important marches ha\e been performed during the winter months ; through a conn- try thought by rebels impriicticable for active operations. The leaders of the enemy were confident of victory, believ- ing that the army of General Sherman must, sooner or later, be utterly destroyed in the rivers and swamps of a country through which the inhabitants could scarcely pass in times oi peace. VI TO THE READER. Tlic Regiment lias passed through nearly every State of tiie W(>ii]d-])e Contbderacy, going in at Paducah, Ky., march- nig neai'ly all the way to Grand Gulf and Viekshurg; ]:assing tlircmgh Tennessee, IVIississippi, Louisiana, Alabama,. Georgia, the Carolinas and Virginia. A history of tliese long wearisome marches and their battles, will certainly be of interest not only to the brave soldiers of the Kegiment, but to every true patriot interested ill tbc welfare of the Federal Arm}-. ]S'e\-er in the liistor}' of the world, did an enemy fight with more obstinate determination than the rebel army. The wli(~)le power of church and State combined stretched every nerve and sinew of war to their utmost tension, to accom- ]ilisli their vile and aml)itious pur})Ose — ^tlie establishment of a Confederacy whose corner-stone should be slavery. For the attainment of this object every species of misrepre- sentation, falsehood and fraud, were resorted to, to arouse the i)assions of the Southern people against the K'orth and noithern institutions. With the details of this volume the soldiers of the Seventy- Eightli Regiment are familiar. It has been, therefore, written as a text book to guide you in your conversation Anth families and friends of the honored dead; and will be a reminder of what you have done in vindicating and upholding the liberties of your country — the hardships and ](rivations you have endured, the sacrifices yon have made for the Union. It has been published in a durable form, that you may preserve it for your children, that they may read what their fathers have done in suppressuig a Eebellioii which lias created a new era in the history of this &rcat McvvJMq. TO TUE READER. \ai cSucli a record is j ustly due tlic brave men of the Seventy- Eighth, to whom this work is dedicated. Let the father, (hiriiio; the long winter evenings, gather around him his children, the son his parents and sisters, and read it chapter ])y chapter, and tell them what part he took, and his position . in every battle. The facts and events here recorded will furnish material for many an evening's conversation, and pleasant recol- lections. SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT OF OHIO INFANTRY VOLUNTEERS. lu tlie autumn of 1861 the rebellion began to assume sueli a magnitucle, arid degree of earnestness of purpose with the people of the South, that it behooved the friends of the tTnion to make greater cflbrts than they had hitherto made to re- cruit and reinforce the army, now insutHcicnt in numbers and discipline to protect the borders and defend the ^Tational Capital. The rebel armies had possession of almost every slave State, arid were contending with alternate success for Missouri and Kentucky. In the East the enemy was entrenched within cannon range of Washington City. Darkness enveloped the nation. The nation's life was in imminent danger. The bugle gave the alarm to all parts of the country, that all would soon be lost unless the people would, with one accord, rally round the standard of the Union. Many had already responded to their country's call, and were bravely and nobly holding the enemy in check, but must soon be overwhelmed unless reinforced by the strong and patriotic men who, as yet, seemed not to realize the peril of the nation. The response to the earnest and loud call of tlio nation was soon made. Men left the plow, the workshop, the desk and the pulpit, determined not only to drive back the enemy, but to push the war into the very heart of rebel dom, that the rebels who had instituted the war might see its desolations and feel its terrible and frightful consequences. 10 UISTORY OF THE ^I. T>. Leggett, then Superintendent of tlie Public Scliools of tlie City of Zanesville, felt that it ^xna Lis duty to abandon ])is high position of usefulness and go in defense of the flag of his country. He made an appeal to others in whose ])atriotisni he had confidence, and who occupied positions similar to his own, but who had not, as yet, the most remote idea of engaging in the jjloody conflict then going on in the nation. ^lany come forth at once in response to the appeal of Lt. Colonel Leggett, and encouraged him in his efibrts to oulist men for the Avar, It was proposed to raise a regiment, jind tliat M, D. Leggett take the lead, many promising to engage in the work under his superintendence. He was conmiissioned Lieutenant-Colonel by Governor Tod, and iiuthorized to raise a regiment to be known as the Seventy- ElGHTH KeGIMEXT OF OniO YOLUXTEER IXFAXTRY. He at once selected his men to superintend the raising of compa- nies in the counties of IMuskingum, Morgan, Guernsey, ISTo- ble, ^Monroe, Belmont and Columbiana. Recruiters for other regiments ^vere already at work in this field, and putting forth tlieir hest efibrts to fill up regiments not yet complete. C(3lonel Leggett ^'isited all the important places in these counties, and by his earnest and eloquent appeals to the ])atriotism of the people, aroused them to a sense of their el l)atteries, during the cover of night, which solved the difiicult problem of the capture of that city. It crossed the Mississippi River l)elow Grand Gulf and did its full share of fighting in the battles of Port Gibson, Kay- niond, Jackson, Champion's Ilill, Black Eiver, and Siege of A'icksburg. After the surrender of Vicksburg, it made an important campaign under General Sherman to Clinton and Jackson ; and a second campaign to Monroe, La. February 1st, 1864, it connnenced the long and most destructive cailipaign of the war, through Central Mississippi to its extreme eastern boundary. The 20th of March, 1864, the regiment started from Vicksburg for home, on veteran furlough. May 7th it left Columbus, Ohio, for Georgia, marching from Clifton, Tenn., to Rome, Ga., via Iluntsville, Ala.; thence to Big Shanty, where it took an important part in all the bloody conflicts of 12 HISTORY OP THE the Atlanta campaign. Kenesaw Mountain, Nickajack, Chattaliooche, Jonesboro, and Lovejoy are all grave-yards of its heroic dead. After three weeks rest it started on the campaign into Northern Alabama, in pursuit of the rebel army under the command of General Hood. It soon returned to Atlanta, where it was partly supphed with clothing, and on the 13th day of Js'ovember, 1864, entered on the greatest campaign on record, through Central Georgia to Savannah, thence to Beaufort, South Carolina, Pocotaligo, Columbia, Bennetts- ville, Washington City, and Louisville, Ky.; in all more than four thousand miles the regiment traveled on foot, three tliousand by railroad, and twenty-six hundred by water; making a* total of nine thousand six hundred miles. The loss of th3 regiment was ninety killed in battle, two hundred wounded, thirty missing in action, two hundred and twenty-five died of disease, two hundred and ninety-five discharged for disability, seventy deserted, and thirty-one transferred to Invalid Corps. SECOND BRIGADE, THIRD DmSIOX, SEVEK- TEE]^TH ARMY CORPS. ■VTHAT THEY HAVE DONE, AND WHERE THEY CAME FROM -HISTORY OF THE SECOND BRIGADE, THIRD DIVISION, SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS. This brigade was organized at Bolivar, Tennessee, in the month of ISTovember, 1862, under the conmiand of Colonel (now Major-General) M. D. Leggett, of the Seventy-Eighth Ohio, who commanded it dming the entire campaign through Northern jSlississippi to Water Valley and back to Memphis, and thence down the ^lississippi River to Lake Providence, thence to Milliken's Bend, and in that memor- able campaign in the rear of Vicksburg, participating in all the battles fought in that campaign. Colonel Legget having been promoted to a Brigadier-General, still retaining com- mand of the brigade until in June, 1863, he was assigned to the command of the first brigade, when the command devolved on Colonel (now Brevet Major-General) M. F. Force, of the Twentieth Ohio, who commanded until No- vember, 1863, when he was assigned to the command of the first brigade, third division of the Seventeenth Army Corps. The command then devolved on Colonel (now Brig- adier-General) R. K. Scott, of the Sixty-Eighth Ohio,, who commanded it until the 22d of July, in front of Atlanta, where he was taken prisDiier, when the command devolved on Colonel (now Brevet Brigadier-General) G.F. Wiles, of the Seventy-Eighth Ohio, wh ) commanded until Colonel Scott was exchanged, on the 28th day of September, 1864, when he resumed command of the brigade and commanded it until the 28tli day of December, 1864, while at Savannah, Ga., when he was granted a leive of absence to go North to recuperate his health and visit his family in Ohio. While at liome he was appointed a Brigadier-General, on the 12th day of January, 1865. He rt^oined the brigade at Golds- 14 HISTORY OF THE l)oro, Nortli Carolina, on the 25tli day of March, 18G5, and resnmed command of the brigade, since whicli time he has commanded it. During liis absence in January und February, 1865, Colonel G. F. Wiles, of the Seventy- Eighth Ohio, commanded the brigade. The brigade has ])een in all the principal battles and marches in which the Army of the Tennessee has taken part, from Fort Donelson up to the surrender of Johnston in ISTorth Carolina. The following is a list of the battles inscribed on its banner: Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Siege of Corinth, Bolivar, luka, Corintli, Matamora, Thompson's Hill, Raymond, Jackson, Champion Hills, Fort Hill, Vicksburg, Fort Beauregard, Bocachita, Meridian Raid, Big Shanty, Bushy Mountain, Kenesaw, N"ickajack, Siege of Atlanta, Atlanta, July 21st, Atlanta, July 22d, Atlanta, July 28th, Jonesboro, Lovejoy, Milledgeville, Savannah, Pocotaligo, Orangeburg, Charles- ton, Columbia, Bentonville— 34 in all. Brigadier-Ceneral R. K. Scott and staff; 1st Lieut. Henry AVelty, of 68th Ohio, A. A. A. G.; 1st Lieut. Jasper IL Smith, of 68th Ohio, A. A. D. C; 1st Lieut. Rus. Bethel, of 78th Ohio, A. A. D. C; 1st Lieut. Henry E. Bigelow, of 78th Ohio, A. A. Q. M.; Capt. Rollin H. Crane, of Hth Wis- consin, Pro. Mar. and Brig. Lisp.; 1st Lieut. George Thorna, of 20t]i Ohio, in charge of brigade ambulances; Capt. Ed. E. Ifutt, of 20tli Ohio, Picket Officer. T'U'EKTIETH OHIO VETERAN VOLUNTEER INFANTRY. The Twentieth (Jhio Veteran Volunteers was organized at Camp Chase, Ohio, in the months of September and Octo- ])er, 1861, and first commanded l)y Col. Chas. "WHiittlese}', of C'leveland, Ohio. It was engaged during the ^\^uter of 1861 and 1862 in quelling an insurrectionary district in Kentucky. In February it moved up the Cumberland river, was in the liattle of Foi-t Donelson, and thereafter became a part of Grant's army of the West, now known as the Army of the Tennessee. The battles and marches of this famous arm}- are the record of the regiment. Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Bolivar, Matamora, Mississippi Central Expedition, Thomp- SEVENTY-EIGnTH REGIMENT 0. V. V, I. 15 son's Ilills, Rapnond, Jackson, Clianipion Hills, Siogo of Vicksburg, Meridian Eaid, Big Shanty, Kenesaw, Nickajack, and Atkanta 22d and 28th, at the Siege of Atlanta, Jonet- boro, and Lovejoy — the pnrsnit of Hood in North Georgia and Alabama — Sherman's march to the ^ea and through the Carohuas, participating in the battles of Savannah, Poco- taligo, Orangebnrg, Eennettsville, &c. The regiment re- enlisted as veteran A'olnnteers at Yicksbnrg, Miss., on the 1st day of January, 18G4; it has lost in action since coiuiiig into the field nearly four hundred men ; its present aggre- gate is five hnndred. Soon after the battle of Shiloh Coi. "Whittlesey resigned, and was succeeded b}- Colonel 3ir. F. Force (now Brevet Major-General). Since General Force's promotion the regiment has not had a Colonel — ruot having the "minimnm" reqnired to secure and muster in that grade. It has since l)een connnandcd successively by Lieutenant-Colonel J. IST. McElroy, Lientenant-Colonel J. C. Fry, Lieutenant-Colonel ILarry "Wilson. The latter of whom has commanded on the march through Georgia and the Car- olinas. The following is at present the field and stafi' of the regiment: Harry Wilson, Lieutenant-Cokmcl ; P. Vreatli- erby, Major; II. P. Trickee, Surgeon; J. AY. (Tuthric. Assistant Surgeon; H. 0. Dwight, Adjutant; J. W. Ski!- len, Quartennaster. Nine medals of honor liave been grant- ed as follows in the regiment: Lieutenant-Colonel Harry Wilson, Captain L. IST. A^'crs, Captain Cliarles Stevenson, Captain Ed. E. Nutt, Sergeant W^illiam I>lackl)urn, Ser- geant John Pinehart, Sergeant David Robbins, I'ri\'ate John Alexander, and Private M. Elliott. NIXTH ILUXOIS MOUNTEn IXFAXTRV. The iSrinth Illinois Infantry was organized and mustered into the United States service at Springfield, Illinois, on the 25th day of April, 18G1, under connnan.d of Colonel (latc Prigadier-General) E. A. Paine. At the expiration of three moTitlis, the regiment was recruited ibr the term of three years, retaining its number and original field officers; and IG HISTORY OF THE was stationed during this time at Cairo, Illinois. September 1st Colonel I'aine was promoted to Brigadier, and the com- mand devolved on Colonel Augustus Mersey. September 4th and 5th moved up the river and took peaceable posses- sion of the city of Paducah, Kentucky. February 5th, 1862, started with the expedition against Fort Henry in the second division. Army of Tennessee, commanded by Briga- dier-General C. F. Smith. After tlie fall of Ilenr}^ marched with the conunand across to Fort Donelson, taking part in the attack on that stronghold, and m the engagement of the loth, losing 33 men killed, 165 wounded, and 6 missing. Afler the surrender of Donelson moved up the river to Clarksville and JSTashville, from thence down the Cuml)erland and up the Tennessee, arriving at Pittsburg- Landiug on the 18th of March; took part in the battle of Shiloh on the 6th and 7th of April, 1862; losing on that field in officers and men, killed, 74, wounded, 280, missing, 10. In the month of May, following, took part in the siege of Corinth, having 18 men wounded in skirmishes. After the evacuation of that place, was stationed there and at diti'erent times at Danville and liicnzi, Mississippi, until the 3d of October, when the regiment took part in .the «lefense of Corinth against Price and Van Doru, losing in all 20 killed and 82 wounded. Was stationed at Corinth dming the winter of '62 and '63. ^March 4th, 1863, the regiment Ijeing much reduced in numbers Avas ordered to be mounted, and was assigned to duty with the celela^ated Colonel Corny n, of the Tenth Missouri Cavalry, making several dashes with him into Northern Alabama and ^lississippi. On the 3d of June, 1863, moved camp to Pocahontas, Ten- nessee, making innumerable scouts and marches, and taking part in the raid on Grenada, Mississip})i, in which 54 loco- motives, 500 cars, and a large amount of Ordinance, (Quar- termaster's and C^onunissary stores were destroyed; being engaged during this time in sixteen skirmit^hes of greater or 1 jss importance, losing in the aggregate ten men killed and forty-two wounded. October 30th, left l*ocahontas, Tenn., SEVEXTY-EIGIITH REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 17 on the 13th of ISTovember, arriving and being stationed on outpost duty at Athens, Ahibama. March llth^ 1864, moved across Tennessee river to Decatur. In picket-skirmishing here lost two men killed and ten wounded. September 3d, 1863, 128th Illinois Volunteers was consolidated with 9th Illi- nois. May 1st, 1861, left Decatur, Ala., to escort Sixtcentli Army Corps ^^^agon train to Chattanooga. Arrived at Snake Creek Gap, Ga., in' time to take the advance of the Army of the Tennessee, and open the fight, skirmishing all day, where Lieutenant-Colonel PhilHps, who had conmianded the regiment ever since it had beeji mounted, was wounded L( st sixteen men killed, wounded and prisoners that clav. Was with the Sixteenth Army Corps through the campaign ending at Lovejoy Station, AYas transferred with the Second Di\Hsion Sixteenth Army C'orps to the Fifteenth Army Corps, and stationed for some time at Eorne, Ga., where, in scouting and outpost duty, the regiment lost ten men. On leaving Atlanta, in Sherman's campaign to the sea, the regiment was transferred to the Seventeenth Army Corps, l)ut was assigned to duty with the Twentieth Army Corps, and held the advance of that Corps from Atlanta to Savan- nah. Was engaged in several sharp skirmishes, losing on the campaign two officers and twenty-three men. On the campaign through the Carolinas jield the advance of the Seventeenth Corps, taking part in all the battles and skir- mishes in which the Corps was engaged in that long and eventful campaign, losing one of its best officers and several men, and being especially complimented in. General Orders from Headquarters Department and Army of Tennessee, for the part taken in the action at River's 13ridge, South Caro- lina. The rednient was reorganized and consolidated on the 28th day of July, 1864, near xVtlanta, Georgia, by reason of the non -veterans, about 350 men, and all the officers but three, being mustered out — the command devolving upon Captain S. T. Hughes. The regiment was, in obedience to orders from Major-General McPherson^ commanding tho 2 B 18 HISTORY OF TOE Department and Army of tlie Tennessee,^ reorganized as a six conipan}^ battallion, known and numbered as the Kinth Uluiois Moraited Inflmtiy Volunteers. Wliile at Alexandria, Virginia, ' a veteran detachment of the Twenty-Seventli Illi- nois lufantiy was consolidated with it, forming the seventh company. On" leaving Washington to come "West, for want of adequate means of transportation for their horses, the battallion was'dismonnted and assigned to the Second Brig- iide, Third Division, of Seventeenth Army Corps for duty. Tlie aggregate sti-ength of tlie battallion, present and absent now, is 578 men. The field and staff officers arc : S. T. Hughes, Lieutenant-Colonel, commanding; A^^illiam Padon, Major; D. L. Bigge, Surgeon; L. L. Troy, Adjutant; Siun- uel Cove, Quai-teiiiiastcr. SISTY-EIGHTH OHIO TFTEKAS TOLCNTEEE J'SFA^TRY, Tills regiment -^'s Landhig, five miles below Pittsburg; it formed a part of the Second Brigade of General Lew Wal- lace's Di\'Lsiou. Tlie brigade was commanded by Colonel Thayer, of the 1st Nebraska, (now Brigadier-General); it was not engaged in the battle of Shiloh, being left in charge of camp and train at Crump's Landing. It took part in the skirmishes in the advance on Corinth, and the siege of that place. After the fall of Corinth it was marclied to Bolivar, Tennessee, and took part in the movement on luka, and iu SEVENTY-EIGIITH REGIMENT 0. V. V. t. 19 tlio battle of ]\:[;itamora, on the Ilateliie river, with. Price find Yau Doni; after which it formed part of the Second .1 brigade of General Joliu A. Logan's Division, and was in the Northern Mississippi campaign, and arrived at Memphis, Tennessee, Jannary 25, 18G3; from thence it moved down the Mississippi river to Lake Providence, and lielped to dig the canal from the river to the lake at that place; from thence it moved down tlie river to Milliken's Bend, and assisted in building the military road from tjie Bend to ]Srew Carthage — the road by whicii Grant's army moved to gain the river below Yicksburg — -and on tlie 1st day of May, 18G3, it crossed the Mississippi and took part in the battle of Thompson's Hill ; following the enemy closely, it took part hi the battles of Raymon'd, Mississippi, May 12, 1863, and tfackson, Mississippi, May 14, and Champion Hills, May 16, 1863, and participated in the entire siege of Ticksburg, and all the raids in ISIississippi, from Yicksbnrg to Jackson, Canton, Bogacliitta, Meridian, and the ]\Ionroe raid, in Louis- iana. The regiment reorganized as veterans December 15, 1833, and went home as a veteran organization in April. After returniug to Cairo, ^lay 10, it moved wuth its old l)rigade, second, Third Division, Seventeenth Army Corps, ' up the Tennessee river to Clifton. Landing, from there it marched across the country to Hunts ville, Alabama, from there to Rome, Georgia, from Rome to Ackworth, where it joined Sherman's army. It participated in the light at Big Shanty, Bushy ^Mountain, Kenesaw, ISTickajack Creek, At- lanta, July 21st, 22d and 23d, and the entire siege of Atlanta: also at Jonesl)oro and Lovejoy Station ; also in the famous chase after Hood through Northern Georgia and Alabama, and in " Sherman's March to the Sea." It pai'ticipated in ths siege of Savannah, and Sherman's raid through the Caro- linas; at Pocataligo, Orangeburg, Columbia, Bentomdlle, Jlaleigh, etc. The regiment has marched on foot over five thousand miles since its first organization. The regiment was first commanded by Colonel Samuel II. Steedman; lie wtvs succeeded by Colonel (now Brigadier-General) R. K. Scott; 20 HISTORY OF THE he was succGeded by Lieutenant-Colonel George E. Wellef', who now commands it; the regiment not being a minimum one, is not entitled to a Colonel. The regiment has lost in killed and wounded since entering the field over three hun- dred men. The aggregate strength of the regiment at present is 525, 375 of whom are now in camp for duty. The follo^\^ng are the field aud statf: Lieutenant-Colonel, Geo. E. Welles; Major, Arthur Crockett; Surgeon, John G. Big- ham; Adjutant, 11. Welty ; Quartermaster, Elmer Y. Smutz, SEA'ENTEE2>TH WKCON^IN VETEKAN VOLUNTEER INFAXTRY. This regiment was organized at Madison, "Wisconsin, on the 10th of March, 1862, under orders from the Governor^ and was composed priiK-ipally of L-islimen.' Its original Colonel, John L, Duran, resigned JSTovember 25th, 1862, and was succeeded by its present Colonel. Shortly after its organization the regiment was called to Pittsburg Landi]:g, Tennessee, where it joined the grand aimy under Major- General Grant, then about to advance on Corinth. It v.xs assigned to the Eirst Brigade,- Sixth Division. The regiment participated in tlie battle of Corinth, October 8d and 4th, 1862, and in the Mississippi raid, after which it was ordered to Lake Providence, Louisiana. It took an active part during ihe siege and battles before Yicksburg. After the fall of the city it was ordered to Xatchez, where it was mounted, and did active service for four months. On the^ 8t]i of IVLarch tlie regiment proceeded to Wisconsin on vete- ran furlough, and returned to the field on the 23d day oi' April, 1864, reporting to Brevet Major-General Leggett, commanding the Third Division, of the Seventeenth Aim\- Corps. ITnder his command it participated in the campaign before Ivcnesaw, on the Cbattahooche, and aroinid Atlanta — in the battles of Jonesboro, Lovcjoy's Station, Savannah. Pocataligo, Orangeburg, Cohunbia, Bentonville, The regi- ment now numbers tbirty-four couimissioned ofiicers and 720 non-commissioned olficers and privates, making an aggregate of 763 present and absent. Tlic field and stafi' ofUcers are SEYEXTY-EIGIITII REGIMENT 0. V. V. L 21 A. G. Afalloy, Brevet Brigadier-General ; Donald J). Scott, Lieutenant-Colonel; P. IL McCanley, Major; Hardy Den- nisten, Adjutant; Ricliard Plielan, (Quartermaster; George St. Sune, Assistant Surgeon; Francis Fusscder, Chaplain, COMPANY OFFICERS, :N^OX-COMinsrsIOXED OFM~ CEIiS AXD EXLISTED MEX OF THE DIFFERENT COMPANIES, AND DISPOSITIONS OF THE SAMS ; ALSO THE ORIGINAL AND VETERAN ORGANIZATIONS, TOGETHER WITH THE: NAMES OF RECRUITS AND DRAFTED SIEN ADDED TO THE SESPECTIVE. COMPANIES.- , ^Vas raised in ]\Iuskin.o-nni and Guernsey connties by Horace I). Munson, of Pntnan.^i, Oliio, and organized ISToveni- ])QY 21st, 1861. 11. D. Munson was appointed Captain, Thomas P. Wilson First Lieutenant, and James T. Caldwell Second Lieutenant. During' the whole war there was not^ perhapg,, a company of better, hig^her toned men left their State. They were of the ^■ery best men of the community in which they lived. Stu- dents attending ^Muskingum College, the sons of woithy iarmera and business men, made up the company. There Avere but few who had not a good education, and were not members of the chui-ch, or the sons of those who Vv'ere living^, active Christians. The company maintained its Christian integritv' and high-toned character throughout its whole- term of service. Its record is brilliant vvith noble de-eds and sacrifices in sustaining the honor of the flag which led them through so many hard battles, daring campaigns, and always- on to victory and complete success. The men of Company "A" never came out second best in anything — in coolness, courage, discipline, l^^cihty and rapidity of military move- ments and combinations, and every attainment — had fev^- requests to niidvc, no- faults to liiid; as good soldiers thej SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT 0. V. V. I- 23 couUl not be excelled. For reliability, faitlifulness in every duty, qiiiet submission to all orders, iutegrity, aud consistent Christian character, tlie company could not be surpassed. Captain H. J). Mmi&on was a true representative of the suen, combiniDg the same qualities. He was well known throughout the county, and his irreproachable cliaracter and high reputation made him very successful in gathering under his banner the very best class of men. ^liss Julia Munson, noted for her liigh attainments both in vocal and instru- mental music, entered the field as a recruiter of volunteers, M'ith her father, and bj her patriotic songs influenced many 'io enlist in the regiment. " Captain ^lunson's health soon failed him, and was there- fore compelled to quit the service. He resigned in the Autumn of 1862. Lieutenant T. P. Wilson succeeded him as Captain of tlio Company. The Captain was a resident of Guernsey County, a well to do farmer; a man of iufluence in his connnunity? ii consistent and earnest Christian, which character he deeply impressed upon his men, so that profanity and intemperance were seldom known among his men. His term of service expired December, 1864, when he was mustered out and q^uit the service, after three years of faithful service to his country and to the noble men he liad so long commanded, and led through all the im- portant battles in wh.icli the regiment participated. Lieu- tenant Adolphus "W. Searcli, _A.djiitant of the Regiment, succeeded Mm as Captain, which was an excellent ap- pointment, and very acceptable to the Company. He possessed those traits of character which maintained that high state of good order and discipline that Captain Wilson had left m the company,^^ James T. Caldwell, was promoted to Fh-st Lieutenant, iiund a few days afterwards fell mortally wounded, at the battle of Champion Hills, while commanding Company •"K," temporarily. We neither flatter nor speak too Sa& Field aad SUiL* 24 HISTORY OF THE strong, when we say that no more efficient and better officer, no truer Christian, no more loyal man to God and the nation, and no more worthy young man ever gave his life for his countiy. He had all those traits of character that make life beautiful, honored and loved by all good men. After three days severe suffiaring from his wound he died peace- fully, and in the triumph of faith. To him death had uo terror; its sting had been taken away. "William M. Sleeth, Commissary Sergeant, had suc- ceeded Lieutenant Cakh^^li as Second Lieutenant, and was promoted to Firet Lieutenant at Atlanta. He was detached in October, 1864, from the regiment, to the Commissary Department of Third Division, Seventeenth Army Corps, where he remained till tlie Winter of 18G5, when he returned to the regiment and was made Adjutant.^^ Eussel Bethel was promoted to Second Lientenant, and then to First Lieutenant and assigned to Company "A.'^ but was afterwards detailed on the Staff of Second Brig- ade. He is an officer of commanding appearance, a young mail of good attainments, and character. He received a medal of honor from the War Department, for distinguished bravery, in the battle before Atlanta, on thc! 22d day of July, He was noted somewhat for his success in teaching disloyal men at the Korth that their position wa« an unsafe one, and a horizontal one very unexpectedly and suddenly assumed was the better plan, by which he could impart to them lessons of wholesome instructions. Sergeant William H, Cockins, was promoted to Second Lieutenant in the early part of 1865. lis was an exem- plai-y young man, of good business qualifications, and a fine drill-master. In the battle before Atlanta, July 22<.l, 1864, he was severely wounded. SEVENTY-EIGHTII REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 25 The followino; are the names of the non-commissioned oificers and enhsted men of the original organization of Company "A:" SERGEANTS. 1. L. ^V. A. Sinsabangh, 3. Milton F. Timms, 2. Israel C. Robinson, 4. Wm. J. Heskett, 5. Albert Henderson. 1. John R. Edgar, 2. Gabriel H. Holland, 3. Isaiah ]\Ioore, 4. Yrm. II. Cockiiis, Wm. Douglas, 1st ]Mns Jose]^ Arthur, James C. Ayers, AVinficld S. Barnum, Pliilo B. Barnet, John ,B. Bell, Da\^d li. Brewer, James M. jjoycr, John R. Castor, Philander S. Caldwell, James T., jr. Cbpcland, Joseph Corbin, Charles M. Cockins, Simeon Coulter, James M. Connor, Wilson E. Cra^vford, Henry "W". Cra^^^ord, James Crawford, Robert R. Cramblet, Eli B. Curtis, James P. Culbertson, Robert F. Dickson, Samuel CORPORALS. 5. Henry ]\IcCrcary, 0. Ezra G. Warne, 7. Joseph I. Geyer, 8. Geo. W. Irvin. ician, James Douglass, 2d Musician, )li Porter, Wagoner. PRIVATES. Dickerson, Joshua Daugherty, John B. Douglas, David Fleming, James E. Forsythe, David W. Fulton, John Glenn, Isaac Glenn, Josiah D. , Hiatt, James II. Herron, Isaac G. Johnson, Solomon Johnson, Abram Kaemmerer, Charles W. Law, John G. Law, Andrew Leadman, John l!^. Linn, Samuel ^L Lyon, Wesley M. Lyons, John ^Lathews, John F. Matson, Benjamin F. 26 HISTOllY OF THE Matchet, John L. Mercer, Iliram H. Miihaftey, James II. Mahaffey, Robert W. McA\^iirter John MeFarlanil, Robert L. ]Moorliea(l , Hiram Alunson, Frank I'atton, James Parkhill, James Porter, ^Vm. ^Y. Ivichardson, Geo. AV. Ivichey, Geo. II. Robinson, Aaron lioss, John P. iSarbangh, John W. Bines, John J. Smith, Geo. F. Sh river, Robert ^l. J. Sntton, Wm. A. Spring, Jolni W. Speer, Henry Speer, AVilHam S. Stewart, Joseph R. Sterhng, James F. Thompson, Thomas R. Thompson, David R. Turner, Mihon Trace, Matliias Vogt, Louis Wagstaff, Henry W Waxier, Wm. R. "Walters, Tliomas L. White, William G. Wilson, George W. Wilson, James R. Wilson, John J. AVilson, John A. Wilson, David. (Jf the enhsted men the foUowing have died, been dis cliarged for disabihty, or killed in battle : Lieutenant Henry Speer, mortally wounded at Atlanta. Sergeant ^Vlilton F. Timms, discharged for disability. Sergeant William J. Heskett, mustered out, time expired. Sergeant Albert Henderson, discharged. F*hilander S. Castor, discharged. John 13. Daughcrty, time expired, mustered out. Isaac G. Herron, " " " " James IL Hyatt, " " " " George ^1. Irvin, died of disease. Henry JMcCreary, mustered out, time expired. Abraham Johnson, " " " " James F. Sterling, " " " " Wesley M. Lyon, killed on Fort Hill, Yicksburg. Louis B. Vogt, killed at Champion Hills. James II. Coulter, died of disease. SEYENTY-EIGIITU REGIMENT 0. T. Y. I. TTe'iiiy 'W. Crawford, died of disease. jvobert A. Culbcrtson, " Jos] ma Diekerson, " " James E. Fleming, " " Isaac Glenn, " " Solomon Jolmsou, " " Charles W. Kaemmcrer, died of disease. John G. Law, " John JjYons, " John F. :Mathews, " Iliram F. ]Mereer, " John McAVhirter, " (Jeorge 11. Eichey, " A\"illiam Sutton, " rFohn W. Spring, " Joseph Stewart, " Josiah D. Glenn, deserted. Lieutenant Thomas L. Walters, killed in battle. James C. Arthur, discharged. DaYid R.Bell, James S. Caldwell, " Joseph Copeland, " Simeon Cockins, discharged on account of wounds, Wilson E. Conner, discharged. James Crawford, " William G. White, mustered out, time expired. < Tabriel II. Holland, mustered out, time expired and prisoner. James P. Curtis, discharged. William Douglass. '• DaYid Douglass, " Andrew ]M. Law, " Samuel jI. Linn, transferred to luYalid Corps, liobert McFarland, discharged. James Patton, " Aaron W. Robinson, " John W. Sarbaugh, " Wilham U. Maseler, " 28 HISTORY OF TUE rrohn A. "Wilson, discliarged. Frank Lerdman, '' Howard S. Al)l)ott, " James II. ]\Iahalfey, " Kobert W. Maliaftey, " Joseph Porter, " Jolm J. Sines, " Henry ^¥. Wagstaff, " David Wilson," " John ^V. Goslien, " Jolm E. Edgar, promoted to Second Lieutenant. John B. Eoss, promoted to First Lientcnant. January 5tli, 1864, the regiment accepted the offer of the Government, Mdiicli was four hundred dollars bounty to each man, and re-enlisted for three years more, and became thereafter a veteran organization. The following arc the names of the men who re-enlisted as veterans, together with their rank in the veteran organ- ization : Isaiah Moore, First Sergeant. Jolm B. Barnett, Second Sergeant, dolm L. iSIatcIiett, Third Sergeant^ — wounded in battle. Wilham S. Speer, Fourth " " " James B. Wilson, Fifth " ' " " r^Iilton Turner, First Corporal — arm amputated from wounds, liieliard M. J. Shriver, Second Corporal. Kobert E. Crawford, Third Corporal. (}eorge F. Smith, Fourth Corporal. Eobert A. Cockins, Fifth Corporal — wounded in battle. Iliram Moorehead, teamster in Bioneer Corps, Third Div. Winlield S. Ayres, Private. John II. Boyd, " — wounded in battle. Charles M. Corbin, " Eli B. Cramblet, " 8amuel Dickerson, " — wounded in battle. James Douglass, " SEVEXTY-EIGHTII REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 29 David ^V. Forsytlie, Private. Joliii Fulton, " John N". Leadman, " Frank Mnnson, " James 11. Tatton, " George II. Ilicliardson, Private. George 'C. Smith, " Thomas P. Tliompson, " David P. Thompson, " ]\Iat]iias Trace, " taken prisoner in Georgia. John J. AVilson, " George W. AVilson, '• Ezra G. AVarren, " wounded. James M. Brewer, " "William Gatwood, Private — wounded at Bennottsx'ille. Sergeant AVilliam W. Porter, wounded and transferred. Pliilo B. Barnum, Private — wounded. Joseph L. Geyer, Hospital Steward. James Parkhill, Private — died ot" wounds. John lY. Morrison, " — died ot" disease. John II. Trace, " — died in reljcl prison. John F. Thompson, " — died ot" disease. John P. Wilson, " " " John W. AYilson, " " " The follovring named men have been added to the com- pany as recruits, drafted men and substitutes, during the fall and winter of 18G4: Christian Ton jSTeidenhcaser, Drafted, Octoljer, 1804. Thomas Bell, " " • Peter W^caver, " " Casper Zimmeriiian, " " Moses Bash, " " Alexander G. Moore, " " Amos :Mabley, " " John ^V. Miracle, " " Young Og'g, " " John Ogg, " " so HISTORY OF THE .I'hilip S. Smock, Drafted, October, 1864. Jjudwick Sherer, " " Andrew J. Thompson, " A^illiam Warren, Jacob C. Hinman, . " " AVilliam McJeftrey, " Al)el Carncs, JolniKnntz, " ] Eamilton Catou, " Jacob Cliubb, Thomas M. Cordrj, " James Dotson, " " Samuel K. Frazier, " "• John AV. Fowler, Vokinteer of 18G2 for three year?. John C. AVahace, John C. Lorimore, " 1864 " John McConanghy, " " " Robert 13. Nelson, Jesse "\Y. Wilson, " " " wounded. Charles S. Wylie, John Glenn, " Hugh Gillespie, William Gillespie, " " John A. Henderson, " 1862 Joseph T. Matchett, Alexander McConanghy, *' " wounded. John W. Mc^'utt, " " " Joseph liamsey, " "■ " Ilobert S. Speer, " " " Hoi onion J. Donaldson, " " " wounded. Alexander Cox, " " died of disease. Thomas Dickson, I'reston H. Forsythe, " " 8amuel 11. Hughs, " " " " Joseph K.Mar"shall, licnjamin F. AVatson, «' ** killed in l>attle. Jctferson II. Miller, «^ ** tlied of disease. SEYENTY-EICIIXn REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 31 Joseph G. Thompson, " " died of disease. James Cond, Vohintccr of 1862, missing in action. liarney Gease, " " Joel D. Herron, George A. Houston, " " liobci-t R. Jones, John Fuhon, " 3)cnnis Chase, Substitute, died of disease. Cliristian Desinger, " George Glenn, " CO:?>I3?^]SrY 33, I> Coinpanr was raised in Putnam and vicinity, hy Z. M. Chandler and Gr. F. Wiles, of Putnam, Ohio, and or- ganized December 12tli, 1861. A Ijraver and Letter Jig-ht- ing company of men never left the State. Many were strong farmers and mechanics, who v/ere dee[)ly in earnest in loving their wives and children, fine farms and ]>leasaiit homes — left them in obedience to their country's call for defenders against traitors, who had kindled the Ihimes of civil war and threatened the very life of the luition. Z. }d. Chandler was appointed Captain, Greenburj' F, AViles First Lieutenant, and Gilbert D. Munsou Second Lieutenant. Captain Chandler was then Superintendent of the Public Schools of Putnam, which position he resigned, believing it his duty to take tlie field of active operations in behalf of his country; but his health soon gave away to the miasma and debiHtatiug heat of the'Sonthern climate, lie was appointed ]Major of the regiment, and afterward Ijieutenant-Colonel,' and after leading the regiment on the Mississippi Campaign, and thence to Yicksburg, was compelled to resign after crossing the Mississippi river^ his constitution much broken and health altogether too feeble to enter further upon that terril)le campaign. Lieutenant Wiles, soon after leaving the State, was appointed Captain of company C. lie was a citizen of Putnam, and seemed to have a more than ordinary tact in the government and successful management of men. lie SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 33 proved to be one of tlie best disciplinarians in the army. He was aj)pointed Lieutenant-Colonel, and took com- mand of the regiment on the battle-held of Champion Hills. Under his command the regiment became the best drilled in the Corps, and without doubt one of the best in the Western army. At Atlanta he was appointed Colonel of the regiment, and the greater part of the time du ring the sicg^ of Atlanta and afterwards, was in command of the Second Brigade. After the South Carolina campaign, he was appointed Brevet Brigadier-General in honor of his own efficiency as well as that of the regiment. Lieutenant Munson was promoted Captain of Company B, September 7th, 1862 ; George H. Porter to First Lieu- tenant and Joseph R. Miller to Second Lieutenant. Capt. Munson was afterwards detailed on General Leggett's staff; also Lieutenant Porter. The former w^as promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel, and the hitter Captain, and assigned to company K. Lieutenant Miller resigned his commission in the Au- tumn of 1864, after having commanded his company through the entire campaign of Atlanta. He was an efficient officer, a soldier and a gentleman. Under the new organization of the regiment, Lieut. A. Adair was promoted to Captain, April 22d, 1865, and assigned to company B ; James H. Gander to First Lieu- tenant and Amos Korman to Second Lieutenant. These three officers, promoted and assigned to this com- pany, are young men who enlisted in the regiment in 1861, and have passed through nearly four j-ears of the most terrible rebellion and bloody conflicts. They have survived it all and came out promoted for gallant conduct, and well have they earned it ; nobly have they sustained themselves, and done honor to their friends. Captain A. Adair is a young man of fine appearance, correct habits and quiet demeanor. Lieutenant J. H. Gander is rather diminutive in size, but has a large souL He possesses great energy of character, 3 3'4 mSTORY OF THE as most little men do, would flglit in a " minito *' nnlcss some person would hold liim, which would not bo difficult for a large man to do. He is an ethcient officer, highly respected and esteemed by his men, genial, affiihle and pleasant in his manners, and disposed to take things as good naturedly as circumstances will permit. Amos Xorman, Second Lieutenant, is a young man known more by what he does than what he promises to do. Portly in appearance, strong will and full of energy, and and)itious to discharge his duty f\iithfully. A man bound to grapple fearlessly with difficulties, and finally succeed. I To is a very efficient officer. The following are the names of the non-commissioned officers and enlisted men of the original organization : SERGEANTS. 1. Geo. W. Porter, 8. Andrew McDaniel, 2. Adolphus ^Y. Search, 4. Joseph R. Miller, 5. Thomas S. Armstrong. CORPORALS. 1. David Sherrard, jr., 5. Henry S. Axline, 2. James M. Thompson, G. Lewis AV. Rusk, ^. Fcnton Bagley, 7. Benjamin F. Scott, 4. James II. Gander, 8. Harrison Yarner. Charles II. Bunker, ^klusician. Cory don R. Wiles, Wagoner. PRIVATES. Austin, Randolph C. Beardslee, George W. I'entley, William Cooper, George W. Besser, W. II. Corder, Lewis Baugus, Henry C, Cherry, John Bugh, David Carson, James W. Be-^ser, AVilliam Crooks, Henry Brelsford, Amos H. C'lugston, Thomas Barrel], Charles Curtis, Enoch I>aird, John T. Crouse, James P. Black, Samuel M. Crosby, Nelson D. Bell, Clements (^ooper, Asaph Baker, Joseph H. Dutro, Samuel II. SEVEXTY-EIGHTn REGIMBNT 0. V. V. I. J)ic'ksoTi, Andrew Dilts, Robert S. Drone, Henry Drumm, Isaac Dickson, Saninel Edwards, David Fonntain, AVilliam Francis, Andrew Fulkerson, AVni, Ganckn', John T. (Gardner, Ilamline (xoulding', Saninel 2S[ Hart, Christopher Henderson, James Home, Daniel, jr. lunis, William Jones, John E. Jones, Henry 0. Knight, M(niroe Knight, Charles Kincade, Anthony Lewis, Samnel Loy, George W. Larrison, David Melick, James P. Myers, James H. ^fycrs, Lewis E. Miller, Branson S. Miller, William F. Moore, Jolni T. Mills, Andrew J. Moore, Lewis Norman, Amos Osmond, Josepli Powell, James M. Roberts, Charles Roberts, Leroy A, 8tonebnrner, Elijah Spring, John W. Snttles, Benjamin Simpson, James Shiplett, William Skinen, John Sniff, Alva B. Sims, John R. Skincn, Owen Varnei", Francis M. Varner, John M. White, Robert J. Wilson, Solomon A\"eaver, William H. AVhite, William J. ^Veaver, John Yonnger, Jacob Youngci', AVilliam C. have been killed in action Of the above the folio \vi John T. Moore, near Colnmbia, S. 0. Lewis Moore, Canton, Miss. John Skinen, " " Benjamin F. Scott, Atlanta, Ga. Asaph Cooper, Champion Hills, Miss. The following have died of disease and wouiuU: liandolph C. Austin, Yicksburg, .Miss. Jeremiah Xorris, Memphis, Tenn. William J. J^orris, Yicksburg, Miss. 36 HISTOKY OF THE Harrison Varner, Clinton, Miss. John Weaver, Shiloli, Tenn. Corydon E. AViles, Atlanta, Ga. James IsT. Thompson, Shiloh, Tenn. Charles W. Barrell, hospital, Cincinnati, 0. John T. Baird, Memphis, Tenn. Andrew Dickson, Savannah, Tenn. Samuel Dickson, Shiloh, Tenn. Samuel II. Dutro, Stony Point, Tenn. Andrew Francis, Stony Point, Tenn. Hamlin Gardner, Vickshurg, Miss. James Henderson, " " Daniel Home, jr.. Marietta, Ga., of wounds. John E. Jones, hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio. Anthony Vineader, Shiloh, Tenn. Samuel Lewis, Shiloh, Tenn. George W. Loy, Eaymond, Miss. James P. Melick, Savannah, Tenn. Joseph Osmond, Putnam, Ohio. Leroy A. lioberts, Shiloh, Tenn. David Sherrard, hospital, Mound City, HI. Alva B. Sniff, Yicksburg, Miss. January 5th, 1864, the following named men re-enlisted as veteran volunteers for three years more : Sergeant George W. Beardslee. Corporal Henry C. Beaugus. Charles H." Bunker. George Bash, discharged on account of wounds. Sergeant Lewis Corder. lN"elson D. Crosby. John Cherry. Clements Bell. Henry Drone. Kobert S. Dilta. Sergeant William Fulkerson. James II. Gander, promoted to Lieutenant afterwards. Daniel Home. SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 37 Monroe Knight. * James H. Mjres. Corporal Andrew J. Mills. Jolin T. Moore. Lewis jSIoore. Amos Norman, promoted to Lieutenant afterwards. Charles Roberts. Elijah Stoneburner, John Skinnen. John M. Varner. Sergeant Robert W. "Wliite. Corporal "William J^. Weaver. Corporal Solomon W^ilson. Corydon R. Wiles. Corporal John W. Spring. Since the original organization of the company the fol- lovrintj volunteers, substitutes and drafted men have been added : VOLUNTEEH EECRUITS. Sutter D. Morgan, Joseph Ansel, Samuel Austin, David Baird, Felix W. Baii'd, Charles P. Bowers, Oliver J. Boyer, John K. Brown, Clements Coiin, Theodore E. Dick, George Ilickel, Thomas Flenmiing, Obed R. Farnswortii, Bernard Gesline, John Gochenower, James Gochenower, Thomas J. Howell, Joseph Jenkins, Vv^'arreu McClean, WiUiam H. McClanahan, ISTathaniel Mitchell, George IL Mathews, W^ilham J, IS'orris, Jeremiah ISTorris, Lewis C- Powell, George Perry, Leonard Reddick, Tliomas W. Ritchie, George Richardson, Gershom Rose, James G. Sinmis, Peter J. Snyder, Albert Stigler, Jesse Smitley, Isaac Spring, Simeon C. Search, Jacob Wilson. 38 HISTORY OF THE Daniel F. Ritter, ISTieholas Crappt, Iloriier Gerheads, Lafayette Lewis, ►Steplien Dieksou, blames Gish, Jlarrison Grovcnor, J'cter GtoIi, flacol) llannan, .Ik'iijaiuin IlaiMcn Jolai Karcli, SumiR'l S. Lewis, Joseph Larue, Epliraim Miller, Ilemy Miller, Robert Masters, Henry McXeal, David Martin, Thomas Millio;an, SUBSTITUTES, * John IMullett, Albert Ileager, Henry Seizmiller, James Sparrowgrove. DRAFTEl). John Plnmmer, Danie! Pense, Ifiram Ivaney, AVilliam Iloush, Jackson Simpkins, Stephen Stevenson, . Lewis Sanders, James Sanders, Peter Smithsowles, John W. Stevenson, ]^aul Stippieh, Pichard AVills, Jacob Wang-li, AVilliam G. Waltmaii, Xathan Yarington, Henry Yaney. The following have died of disease and been killed in action : Pelix W. P)aird, killed at Atlanta, Ga. Joh]i Gochenower, " " flames IL Gochenower, killed at Atlanta, Ga. (Jeorge IL Mathews, " " George Richardson, " " Abel R. Farnswdrtli, died of disease. John Iv. Brown, " " Joseph Jenkins, " " Paul Stippieh, " " Alva Day, deserted at Shiloh, Teuu. David Larrison, deserted at Memphis, Tenn. William Innis, " " '' Sergeant Lewis W. Rusk, deserted at Memphis, Tenii. Colundjus, O. Galesville, Ala. ]S^ewbern« IsT. G. SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 89 All names uot in ithe foregoing list of disposition, are accounted for by being discharged for disability, contracted by disease or wounds in the ser\ice. DISCHARGED. Henry S. Axline, Thomas Clugstone, Thomas S. Armstrong, Silas Caton, IV^nton Bagley, . Isaac Drumm, William Bentley, David Edmunds, William Besser, Samuel Goulding, William II. Besser, Christopher J. Hart, David Bugh, Andrew J. Mills, (prisoner,) Samuel Black, John W. Spring, " (Jlements Boll, (prisoner,) Benjamin Suttles, Joseph Baker, James Simpson, George Bash, AYilliam Shiplett, George Cooper, Erancis !N'. Varncr, James "W. Carson, William J. White, Henry Crooks, Jacob Younger. The following letter from General Wiles, I take the ] >nvilege of inserting here in reference to this company : Putnam, Ohio, Jaly 23d, 1865. '* On the 26th day of October, 1861, 1 received a commis- sion as Second Lieutenant to recruit for the Seventy-Eighth'" l^egiment Ohio Volunteer Intkntry, and at once traveled through the county north and west of Zanesville, to confer with my numerous acquaintances about the prospect of raising recruits, to engage in putting down this rebellion. They very frankly told me they did not believe I could get any men, for the reason that all who were going into the service, had already gone. I was of a different opinion, and at once com- jjienced a series of meetings at Uniontown, Kewtonville, iind at different schoolhouses in the county, and tor a time without success ; but the people after a time became inter- ested in the Union cause, (for constantly holding meetings awakened them up to do their duty) and where all was coldncHs and apathy, there wiis soon a wiirni, patriotic 49 HISTORY OF THE feeling, and, in connection with Z. M. Chandler, succeeded in a short time in raising a company of men. The number of men enlisted by us amounted to one hun- dred and ten, and after transferring some to Captain Wall ar, and some to Captain Gebhart, the remainder, about one hun- dred, was organized as Co. " B," alwut the first of January, 1862, with the followmg commissioned ofliccrs : Z. M, Chandler, Captain ; G. F. "Wiles, First Lieutenant ; G. D. Munson, Second Lieutenant. Afterward, Captain Chandler attained the rank of Colonel ; and G. F. "Wiles, Brevet Brigadier- General ; and G. D. Munson, Lieutenant-Colo- nel. G. F. Wiles and G. D. Munson served until the close of the war, and were mustered out with their command in Columbus, Ohio, on the 14th day of July, 1865. I served with Company "B" until after the battle of Sliiloh, when I was assigned to the command of Company " C," April 16th, and soon after I received a commission as Captain, and was continued in command of said com- pany until the 16th day of ^lay, 186S, when I received a commission as Lieutenant-Colonel, and immediately took command of the regiment. The command of the company then devolved on Lieutenant Alex. Scales, of Zanesville. In the month of December, 1862, I, with Company " C,'' was detached from the regiment to organize a Pioneer Corps and Pontoon Train. I believe this was the first Pioneer Corps organized in the Seventeenth Army Corps. In that capacity the company served with distinction, making roads and constructing bridges, and destroying bridges and forti- fications. They destroyed the heavy fortifications on the Tallahatchie, and also the bridges at that point. Better working men were not in the army. The company con- tinued in the Pioneer Corps until after the siege of Vicks- burg, and also on the Meridian Expedition. During the siege of Yicksburg the company was very efiicient, and no like number of men conduced more to the downfall of that stronghold than did Company "C." The men were from Zanesville and vicinity, and were a very robust set of men. SEVENTY-EIOnTH REGIMENT 0. V. V. L 41 and very patriotic. At the mustering out of the command, and for a considerable time before, they were commanded by Captain John Mills, of Columbiana County. In addi- tion to their pioneering qualities, they were a splendid fighting company." consir^NY c. Tills company was raised in Zancsville and vicinity, and organized at Camp Gilbert, December 16tli, 1862. Samuel 'W. Spencer was commissioned Captain; ^Yilliam Godfrey, Fi^'st Lieutenant ; Thomas P. Ross, Second Lieutenant. After the battle of Fort Donelson, Tenn,, while the regi- ment was encamped at Dover, Captain S}iencer, on account of ill health, went home, and not regaining his health sufficiently to return, resigned with less than a brilliant military career. Lleuteiumt Godfrey resigned after the battle of Sliiloh. Lieutenant lloss, on account of ill health, resigned his connuission at Crump's Landing, Tenn., M:irch 16th, 1862. Lieutenant G. F. Wiles was a]»pointed Captain and assigned to Company " C "' April 16th, 1862. Asa C. Cas- sldy was appointed First Lieutenant, and Alex. Scales Sec- ond Lieutenant, Caj)tain Wiles, with his company, was detached from the regiment and assigned to dut}^ as Pioneers for tlie Third ] )ivisiou. The labor they performed in reconstructing roads for the trains, building bridges, and engineering and making new roads, was immense. Captain Wiles has the happy attainment of getting more work out of men than any other man we have ever known in the army. INIen who work iiowhere, would work well and faithfully under his superin- tendence. He therefore Ijccame well known throughout the Corps as an officer of more than ordinary efficiency. After his promotion to the command of the regiment, LieutenaTit Cassidy soon resigned, being dissatisfied with his assignment to "K"^company. Lieutenant Alex. Scales was then promoted to Captain of the company — which still SEVENTT-EIGHXn REOIMENT 0. V. V. I. 43 remained on duty witli the Pioneer Corps until nearly the time the regiment veteranized, wlien it returned to tlie regiment for duty, and entered the veteran organization. Captain Scales resigned, and Lieutenant J. T. Story, of " F " company, tem})orarily commanded the company for eight months. During his administration the company was seve- ral thues highly complimented by prominent officers for ] (resenting such a neat and soldierly apj)earancc on review and dress-parade ; and at a Sunday morning inspection Colonel Wiles presented one member of the company with a five-dollar "greenback," for having the prettiest gun and accoutrements in the army. Lieutenant John I), ^Nlills was promoted to Captain wliile liome on veteran furlough, and assigned to Compan}^ " C," and at Cairo, 111., May 10th, 186-i, relieved Lieutenant Story of the command of the company. Albert G. Gault was commissioned a Lieutenant and assigned to Company " C," having recruited for the regi- ment a sufficient number of men, in the fall of 18G2, to entitle him to the position. Lieutenant Gault, on account of ill health, was compelled to resign after the tall of Atlanta. He then went home, soon recruited his health, and took to himself a wife, which all wise and patriotic young men should do. Captijin J. B. ]\Iills acted Major of the regiment on the campaign through the Carolinas, and was commissioned as such, but it not being his place by regular promotion by rank, he refused to muster, and returned to the command of l)is compan}^, which was an exhibition of generosity not very common in miUtarj' life. Charles C. "Wiles was commissioned First Lieutenant and assigned to Company " C," and James II. Echelberry to Second Lieutenant : both young men of integrity and promise. The following are the names of the non-commissioned officers and enhsted men of the original organization : 44 HISTORY OF THE SERGEANTS. 1. Asa C. Cassidy, 3. Robert T. I^elson, 2. James A. Brown, 4. Alexander Scales, 5. Cliristoplier Stockdale. "William Ross, Samuel Bateman, CORPORALS. 5. AYilliam L. Gillogl}^, G. Joseph Starrott, 7. David I'ierce, 8. George M. Alter. Darius T. S. Elliott, Musician, Isaac F. Lee, James Bellinger, Musician, William M. Lauglilin, Wagoner PRIVATES. Baker, William F. Barrett, Edward Bethel, Russel Baker, Francis R. Bagley, Lewis Brennen, James Baker, James A. Boylen, Alpheus B. Bryant, David F. Bateman, Francis Cottonbrook, John Culver, Levi Crabtree, James Cassidy, Edward Clark, Alexander Combs, James Culver, Asa Cantwell, John Decker, l^Toah II. Downer, William Donavan, Daniel W. Downcrd, Joshua E chelberry, James H. Flowers, Charles D. Fisher, James M. Fairchilds, James W. Frayer, Robert W. Freclinia, Dennis Figley, Robert Gibaut, Peter George, John Henry, Michael Henry, Frederick Hall, George C. Hyatt, Jesse Hall, Joseph Hoskins, Joseph R. Howey, Thomas J. F. Haines, William Hines, James James, Cyrus E. Jorden, Richard H. Jones, John W. Lightener, John Langau, Frederick Mercer, James A. Morton, James Minor, Thomas J. SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT 0. V. .V. I. 45 McGregor, Alexander McAdams, Robert !McCoy, Joseph H. Musselman, Francis Marshall, William 1\ Pelizaus, Augustus F. Perry, George Eiley, Aarou E,eed, S. J. Sanders, Benjamin Simpson, Joseph Y Smitli, James Sylvester, George Swank, William Swank, George Thomas, Mathias Winn, B. T. Winn, J. M. White, Ranson L. Watson, James W. White, William H. H. Woods, Samuel Yalla, Augustus Of the original organization the following have been killed in action, or died of wounds and disease : Asa F. Lee, Corporal, died. Joseph Starrett, " " David Pierce, " " Asa Culver, Private, " of wounds. John Cantwell, " " " Charles D. Flowers, Private, died of wounds. Robert Figley, " " " John W.Jones, " « " Alex. McGregor, " " of disease. Joseph V. Simpson, " " " Ranson L. ^Vliite, " " " Augustus Yalla, " " " James Morton, kihed at Shiloh, April 7th, 1862. William P. Marshall, killed July 22d, 1864. The following re-enlisted as veterans January 5th, 1864 : Michael Henry, Da\'id F. Bryant, James Crabtree, George W. Sylvester, Beujamm H. Sanders, Fred. Ilenry, John Cottonbrook, Robert II, Abbott, Joseph K. Hall, Francis Musselman, Joseph R. Hoskins, William Armstrong, Levi Gould, Charles Hines, George C. Hall, Jesse Hyatt, 46 HISTORY OF TUB John Liglitncr, AVilliam 11. White, WilUam Swank, Lewis II. Bagley, Mathias Thomas, William M. Langhlin, killed at Atlanta, July 22(1, 1804. The following named recruits, substitutes and drafted men have been added to the company since its original orijauization : ^lathew Griffin, Samuel Buckingham, Arthur Clark, James C. Deames, Michael Fitzgerald, AVilliam A. Fulton, Israel D. Fisher, Melias Garrell, S. "W. Ilardesty, David James, Charles W. Lee, W^illiam T. McDonald, Sylvester fiercer, Henry Taylor, George II. West, John Crawford, killed at Atlanta, Ga. SUBSTITUTES. RECRUITS. Marshal Yetman, Simeon B. Ivenestetter, James Lopal, ^ Moses Miser, James Bermington, Jesse Sutton, Isaac Smith, G. \i. Sinsebaugh, Henry Thompson, Jacob G. West, Thomas Wilson, Adam E. Webl), Darius T. S. Elliott, Edward Fliger, George W. Burwell, liobert Bride, ITicholas Barrick, Timothy Crane, Hudson Hall, Devin Copeland, Jesse W. Divers, Wilhani Gilliland, James W. Gilbert, Bush Ilolloway, Lewis Jones, David Lawrence, Elijah C. Line, William Alaple, Alfred Holland, John Xeat, Josiah Rewsee, Michael Reeves, Alpha R. Stout, AViUiam Shillin, Solomon Shillin, Ferdinand Wolf. SFV'EIH'Y-EIQnTH REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 47 George Crowell, ^Mortimer Hyatt, I'reston W. Hubble, Thomas Oldham, Dennis Fredinia, James CV:)mbs, rdvvard C. Gimnion, T. J. F. Ilowey, DEAFTED MEN. Joseph Barriok, Elijah B. Smothers, Emory Smothers, William L. Welch. DESERTERS. William Haines, Thomas J. Miner, James ^N". McCoy, Samuel J. Reed, Georo-o Alter. Tlie following" have been lionorablj- discharged on account of wounds received in action, or disease contraeted while in the service : FOR DISABILITY. Samuel Bateman, John A. Launder, William L. Gillogly, Alpheus I'. Boylan, Levi Culver, Edward Cassidy, Alexander Clark, AVilliam Downer, Daniel W. I)onovan, James M. Fisher, Robert W. Frazer, Tiichard X. Gordon, Frederick Langen, James A. Mercer, Augustus Pelizaus, George Perry, James Smith, George Swank, James W. Watson, Samuel Woods, James M. Winn, Richard T. Winn, Richard J. Russell, John George, David Kelley, James D. Willis, James Bellinger, Deter Gibaut. Robert Mc Adams, doshuaDownard, promoted to Lieutenant in negro regiment. James Brenium, Lieutenant, dishonorably mustered out. This company has made a good record, and done much hard la])or and good fighting. It has, therefore, snffered severely, and lost some noble good men. The iirat man U) 48 HISTORY OF THE fall in battle was from this company. James Morton, of Zanesxille, who was struck by a shell and died in a few minutes. The present officers of the company are young men promoted for gallant conduct. This company was raised in Muskingnm and ]\Ioro:au Counties, and organized December 21st, 18G1, in C^amp Gil- bert, Zanesville, Olno. E. Ilillis Talley was commissioned Captain; Benjamin A. Blandy, First Lieutenant ; William >>. Harlan, Second Lieutenant. These being men of influence, and sustaining a liigh rep- Titation in the community in which they hved, in a short time, raised a company of tlie best men in their respective iK'iglil)orhoods, Captain Talk^y was taken side while the regiment was at Crump's Landing. He Avas immediately removed to the liospital at Savannah, Tenn., where he died April 1st, 1862. lie was the first officer of the regiment to fall a sacrifice to liis country' ; being a young man of nmch promise, the only son of his parents, and loved and esteemed by all who knew him, caused his death to 1)0 deeply felt and regretted. Al)out this time Lieutenant Blandy resigned, and Lieutenant Har- lan was promoted to Captain. Israel C. Robinson, of Com- pany " A " was promoted to a Lieutenant and assigned to this Company. Captain Harlan's health, through hardships and exposure gave way, and after trying the bracing climate of the north a few weeks, and the best surgeon's skill, ho was necessitated to resign his commission, and quit the ser- \icc in February, 1863. Lieutenant Robinson was tlien promoted to Captain, and James C. Harris to a Lieutenantcy Captain Robinson was promoted to Major at Savannah, Ga., and afterward to Lieutenant-Colonel, but did not mus- ter on this last commission, because of irregularity in its issue. 4 50 HISTOKY OF THE Lieutenant Harris was mustered out at Savannah, by rea- son of explication of term of service, tlie last of December, 1864. He was a quiet, unassuming and faithful officer, ad- mired and loved by all who knew him. Lieutenant Andrew McDaniel was promoted to Captain, and assigned to the command of Company "D;" John E. Edgar, of Company "A," was promoted to First Lieutenant and assigned to this company, Milton F. Ward was l)romoted to Second Lieutenant in some company. Under these officers the company was mustered out of service July 14th, 1865. The following are the names of the non-commissioned officers and enlisted men of the original organization : SERGEANTS. 1. James C. Harris, 3. Wm. G. B. :\IcCune, 2. Simon P. Joy, 4. David F. Sullivan, 5. Bishop D. Stall. CORPORALS. 1. James Sears, 5. William II. Sullivan,. 2. James M. Mason, 6. Andrew II. Wallace,. 3. Henry C. Lanius, 7. Euoch Harlan, 4. Milton F. AVard, 8. James M. Dutro. Horatio White, 2d Musician, George F. Darling, Wagonei PRIVATES. Arter, Abel Finney, James Blackson, John A. Fox, John W. Beatty, Bartly France, Thomas B. Berry, Michael Fox, W. Tliomas Crawford, Henry Frazier, "William J. Conn, Levi C. Gay, Robert E. Cnnip, James Gay, H. II. Coss, Peter Gillespie, Daniel Clark, George W. Gibeaut, Charles J. Dempster, Albert Gibeaut, Peter Dutro, Thonjas AV. Hutfman, William F. Edvyards, John Haines, Davis gBVENTY-EIGHTH BEGIMENT 0. V. V. I, 51 Hall, Thomas J. Ilarlau, Thomas J. Hewitt, Milton Hamilton, John Hunt, Albert Huffman, Samuel Howell, Moses Hall, George ^Y. Hall, Enos T., sr., Huftbrd, John Hubbell, Joseph Hawkins, McFiren Jewett, iSfathan Jewett, Daniel Joy, Harrison W. Jones, Benia Kenney, Charles Iveune}^, William "W, Kenney, George W, Kenney, John Leach, Charles Lee, Samuel Lowe, Frank McLaughlin, James McCune, John McGuire, Francis Mitchel, Da\ud Mason, Charles B. MoCallister, Hugh McCallister, W. J, Osborn, Frederick Pake, "William Peyton, John Q. A. Powell, John Quigley, George W. Quigly, James F. Reed, "Wesley Richardson, Levi P, Sigars, Philip Stotts, ISTathan Stotts, Joseph F. Smith, George B, Squires, George Scott, George Turner, Leaven Vandenbark, George P, Wood, Solomon Warne, Amaziah The following have died of wounds and disease : William G, B. McCune, Sergeant. George F. Darling, at Bolivar, Tenn. James Finney, of wounds received at Champion Hills, Miss. William F. Huffman, Savannah, Ga. Davis Haines, Bolivar, Tenn. David Gillespie, Milton Hewett, Albert Hunt, Stony Point, Tenn. Charles S, Kenney, Jackson, Tenn. William Kenney, Savannah, Tenn. McFiren Hawkins, Frank Law. Charles B. Mason, wounded at Raymond, Miss. Fred. Miller, Memphis, Tenn. 52 HISTORY OF THB Fred Osborn, Mempliis, Tenn. William A. Pake, George B. Smith, George Squires. James Austin, killed at Champion Hills. The following have been discharged, honorably : Enoch Harlan, at Shiloh, Tenn. James Dutro, Crump's Landing, Tenn. Bartly Baity. John A. Blackson, Memphis, Tenn. Peter Coss. Levi Conn. Albert Dempster, Crump's Landing, Tenn- Thomas Dutro, Albert J. Farnum, " " " John Hamilton, " " Thomas France, ' " " " Peter Gibeaut, " " " Peter Gibeaut, jr., John Huffiird, Joseph Hubb, Enos T. Hall, Harrison Joy, Daniel Jewett, George ^Y. Ivenney, Charles Leach, John Kenney, Samuel Lee, John Q. A. Peyton, George W. Quigley, James F. Quigley, Wesley Reed, Levi P. Richardson, Philip Sigars, Horatio White, Solomon Wood, Ilerriott Warne, Caleb H. Hall, John Heath, Eli Scott, Charles Woodburn, William Neighbors, Joseph D. Gardner, John ^NlcConaughy, Finley Woodburn, Francis Maguire. The following named recruits, substitutes and drafted men have been added to the company : James Austin, James Davis, John Bird, William Echelberry, Lewis Collins, Allen M. Frazier, Lemuel Dover, William Harlan, SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 53 ]3enjamiii Harlan, Oliver Perry, William R. Jackson, Moses Abbott, Joseph E. Peyton, Josbua D. Smitli, (prisoner,) Joseph F. Pierce, wounded at Champion Hills. Samuel F. Woodburn, Kathaniol Wliite, (discharged) William M. ^\liite, (died,) John 11. Young, Manley H. Crumbaker, killed at Atlanta. George W. McCurdy, Jerome Mathews, Robert Cunningham, John Newman, Erastus Chileoat, Thomas Parsons, Zeuis Dowell, Alfred Sigars, Jeremiah Gardner, (disch'ged)IIenry Tipple, Joseph Talbott, wounded at Atlanta. Jacob Withers, (died,) Oliver B. Crumbaker, Francis Godfrey, died of wounds — Atlanta. Mcholas Iloosan, Torrence Peyton, (died,) Davis Echelberry, (died,) Smith V. D. Howell, Hamilton Wallace, Daniel Stahl, William A. McConaughy, wounded at Atlanta. James C. Stewart, Henry S. Chambers, Samuel P. Campbell, killed in battle. Isaac G. Xeff, Charles W. Clark, Lafayette Davis, Brice S. Taylor, Thomas R. Stevenson, discharged on account of wounds. Thomas Smith, (died,) James D. Kinney, Joseph W. Frazier, Harrison Echelberry. DRAFTED. Jeiterson Blazier, Lewellen Echelberry, David Campbell, Richard P. McGee, (disch'ged) Daniel Miller, wounded at Champion Hills. James H. Tom, William Hyde, James M. Cornelius, Lewis Huiiman, Samuel Harper, James Fulton, David l!^. Bryan, George Mewliirter, Frederick Campbell, Reuben Cromer, John Field, William Humphreys, Alfred Davidson, Joseph Foreman, 54 HISTORY or THE David M. 'W'ilson, William Jones, Daniel Brian, Andrew Jolmson, Jesse "Waterberry, (died.) SUBSTITUTES. Alex, i^airciiilds, Simeon S. Carrol, Cyrus Harmart, Clark Toland, Joseph Haniel, Henry Simmons, Jacob TMce, William Artberton. The following re-enlisted as veteran volunteers : James A. Seares, Sergeant, Da\nd Sullivan, Sergeant, Bishop D. Stab], " Jobn W. Bitler, Corporal, James McLaughlin, " Henry C. Lanius, " Amaziah Warne, " William J. Frazier, " Andrew Wallace, killed bearing regimental colors in battle before Atlanta. Abel Ai-ter, Charles J. Gibeaut, Thomas J, Harlan, James Camp, Bush Clark, Robert E. Gay, George B. Yanderbark, Heniy H. Gay, Tliomas J. Hall, taken prisoner at Atlanta. Thomas Huffman, " " Moses Howell, (deserted,) Hugh McCallister, George Hall, William Pake, lN"athaii Jewett, John Powell, John McCune, ]N"athan Stotts, (prisoner,) David Mitchell, George W. Clark, (deserted,) John Eligas Bulger Edwards, deserted. This company has sustained itself well. Too much can not be said of many of its men. They have done much effi- cient service, and suffered severely. Many noble young men have been left behind, never to return to gladden the heai'ts of their families and fiiends. Always faithful in duty ; it never failed in any position assigned it. Prompt, efficient and military in its bearing. The Captain, J. C. Robinson, was severely wounded at Kenesaw Mountain, when leading his men in an attack upon a position held by the enemy. SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. , 55 The present officers are men of experience and wlio liave been promoted from Sergeants to their present rank. They have passed through all the campaigns and battles of the regiment. Captain McDaniel was not on the campaigns of General Sherman through Georgia and the Carolinas. The Lieutenants are men of worth and influence, and have done much honor to themselves and the regiment. . This Company was raised in i^.Iorgan count}', by T. M. Stevenson, "W". W. McCarty and C. M. Eoberts, and was or- ganized December 25tli, 1861. T. M. Stevenson was eliosen Captain, W. ^y. McCarty, First Lieutenant, and C. ^1. Eob- erts, Second Lieutenant. On Christmas day the Company went to Camp Gi]l>ert, with ninety-four as strong, brave and rehal^le men as ever left the county. Tlie great majority Avere the best men of the county. Sons of rehgious parents, men of good families, school teachers, mechanics, farmers, merchants, clerks, were gathered together to go forth from their rich and comforta- Ijle homes, to defend those homes by putting down treason and rebellion. Captain Stevenson had for a number of years been Super- intendent of the Public Schools of JSlcConnelsA-ille, and had the summer j^revious been licensed a minister of the gospel. Lieutenant McCarty had long been a resident of IMcConnels- ville, and had filled many of the principal ofiices of the coun- ty, whicli made him well acquainted in his county, and gave him an influence that caused many worthy men to rally for the defense of the flag and lil)erty. Lieutenant Roberts had been long engaged in merchandiz- ing, which gave him a facility and tact in business, and be- ing a young man of good character, influenced many young men to imitate his example in laying down all that was dear upon his country's altar. ^o company in the regiment has done more efficient ser- vice, none sufl:ered more upon the field of battle, or from hardships and exposure. After the battle before Atlanta ou SEVE^^TY-EIG^TII REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 57 tlic 22(1 of July, 18G4, where tlie company and regiment (lid such brilliant service, so as to save the day, with a very lieavy loss of kihed and wounded, was detailed for duty at Headquarters, Seventeenth Army Corps, where it remained till mustered out of service. At Memphis, Captain T. M. Stevenson resigned his com- mission, and was appointed Chaplain of the regiment. Vice Chaplain Todd resigned. Lieutenant McCarty was appointed Captain, C. M. Roberts,- First Lieutenant, and Sergeant A. "W. Stewart, Second Lieutenant. Lieutenant liobcrts was detailed for duty in the Signal Corps, in which position ho remained through the A^icksburg campaign, and afterwards on General Curtis' statl'in Missouri and Kansas, until Janu- ary, 1865, when lie was appointed Captain and relieved from duty in the Signal Corps, returned to the regiment, and was assigned to the command of Company "F." Lieutenant A. AV. Stewart was detailed as Aide-de-Camj» to General Leggett, June 5th, 1864, wliicli position he filled Avith ability and efficiency till the end of the war. Captain AV. W. McCart}' was taken prisoner July 22d, 1864, while in close combat defending the colors and flag of the regiment. Lieutenant Ehinehart of Company " G," was assigned to the command of the company and remained its commander till the end of the \var. Sergeant Alexander Y. F. Hager of Company "F," was promoted to Second Lieu- tenant, and assigned to Company "E," but was detailed to take charge of the Guards of the Third Division Train. The following named men have been commissioned and assigned to other companies: Sergeant A. A. Adair, to Captain ; Sergeant Martin Durant, to Second Lieutenant ; Sergeant John Kennedy, to Second Lieutenant ; Sergeant A. AV. McCarty, to First Lieutenant; Sergeant James Earich, to Second Lieutenant. The latter refused to be mustered, preferring to carry the colors which he had borne in so many battles. He loved that too dearly to give up bearing it for a Lieutenancv. He was awarded a " Medal of Honor," HISTORY OF THE for distinguislied bravery iu the battle of the 22 1 of July, 1864. The following are the names of the non-commissioned oflS- cers and enlisted men of the original organization : SERGEANTS. 1. Archibald "W". Stewart, S. A. Stinchcomb, 2. (jrco. J. Chappelear, 4. Charles Vi. Brown, 5. Jasper S. Laughliu. CORPORALS. 1. Robert F. Chandler, 5. Addison A. Adair, 2. Harrison Townsend, 6. "William 11. Sopher, o. George E.McCarty, 7. Abram Wood, 4. Jacob Rush, 8. Jordan M. ]\Iaular. "William George, IstMusicianWm. A. Chappelear, 2d Mus'n Daniel Christmau, AV^agoner. PRIVATES. Amnions, George W. Alexander, Thompson Bailev, Lcnjamin F. Bailej, Christian Bailey, James W. Bailey, Sylvester Bailey, David Beisakcr, David Barklmrst, John Boyd, Cyrus Brown, Joseph C. Brown, William S. Bunn, Fletcher F. Bush, Hiram H. Coulson, Eli W. Coulson, Eli G. Christman, William D. Coffey, Lewis Clawson, John Cramblet, Samuel M. Davis, Harvey Davis, John Drake, Henry II. Durant, Martin Earich, James R. Fuller, Chester M. Glassford, Fred Grubb, Rasselas Gallion, George Harsh, Goodliif Harris, George W. Hann, David^F. Hayes, John Heller, Wilham Irwin, Thomas Kirby, William Kirby, Jolm R. Kennedy, John Keller, John Koon, Sylvester SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 59 Lees, Elislia Landerman, "William Moore, James W. Maiilar, George "W". Monks, Albert Murpliy, "William McCarty, Arthur W. McElroy, John ]Morrison, Mathias Porter, James D. Fletcher, ISToah Fletcher, Nicholas Fletcher, John W. Fvivers, Ethelbert D. Rossell, John ]\I. Slmtt, Samuel II. Smith, John C. Sopher, John D. Sowers, Job F. Shook, William J. Southard, Samuel 11. Swope, Henry Stoneburner, W'illiam AV. Thompson, John Thompson, John W. Tompkins, Benjamin Turner, Alonzo Vanhorne, John W. W^iley, Iliram J. W^iseman, Caleb M. Williams, Luthur C. W' ade, William S. W'alraven, Charles Whitaker, John II. Woodward, Samuel S. Youno-, John Of the foregoing the following have been honorably dis- charged : Alex. Stiuchcomb — Sero-eant. Geors-e W^. Mauler G. J. Chapelear Jacob Bush, Corporal, Abram Wood, " William Ivearley, Albert Monks, Ethelbert D. Rivers, John Clawson, George W. Amnions, Samuel II. Shutt, Mcholas Fletcher, Henry H. Drake, Louis Coffee, "William Murphy, Luther C. Williams, Charles Walraven, John Davis, Samuel H. Southard, James D. Forter, Sylvester Koon, EU G. Coulson, M. D. William S. Wade, John II. W^iitaker, David F. Ilann, Cyrus Boyd, William J. Chapelear, Harrison Drake. The following have died of wounds or disease contracted in the service : Charles W. Brown, Sergeant, Robert F. Chandler, Corporal, J. S. Laughlin, Sergeant, Jordan M. Maular, 60 HISTORY OF THE (christian Bailey, David K. Gallion, Jolm D. Soplier, Richard Rilev, John W. Thompson, Wilhani S. Bowers, Caleb Wiseman. DESERTERS. Henry Swope, Corporal, Thomas Irwin, Cxeo. R. ISIcCarty, Sergeant, John C. Smith, Jo1) r. Sowers, Corporal. John Keller. The following named men have been added to the com- l)any by enlistments, assignments and substitutes : George M. Brown, ^Matthias Bustatter, Orlando F. Benton, Martin Copse}'^, William G. S. Coulson, George H. Coulson, Samuel Cockran, John S. Carver, James Coen, Louis Coffee, John Davis, Christian Deeicus, Benjamin F. Dozier, William Dozier, Morris Donahue, (icorge Donahue, John Durant, George Durant, Elijah Fergerson, John Fetler, Louis Fishbaugh, Samuel L. Fryar, Albert Glassford, Daniel Gilpin, AVilliam F. Harsh, Robert T. Harris, Thomas L. Harter, Jacob A. Jones, Reason Jones, Jolm K. Kirby, Abel Ivirb}^, Adam Keifer, George Lemasters, Thomas Longstreeth, Michael Linder, Alvertis Matson, Geoge Mitchel, Thomas Martin, Jolm McElro}^, Reuben Ornar, Othello Price, Osborne Penrose, Israel Fletcher, James Parsons, Henry Quin, William F. Rossar, Ira Rhodes, Jonathan Rainey, Marion Ridgely, William H. Sutton, Jacob A. Sowders, James Sloan, SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 61 William Smith, ]^avid Smith, Absolem Shinnabeny, Edward Stephen, Thomas Taylor, Joseph Tow, Xieholas Swingle, Tillman Stoneburner, David Stcmlor, John 11. AVhitcraft, AVilkes r. Wallace, John A. Walters, Benjamin A. Wylcy, John AVilliams, J^avid Wright, Charles V. Wood, Thomas M. Yonng, J'eter Emrick, Robert T. ]\Ioore, John C. Bnssel, George S. Coulson, Isaac England, Alexander Earieh, Martin Davis, Jacob L. Matson, Seaton S. Matson, Asa JNIassey, John Switzer, John C. Brown, Leonard J. Bush, Benjamin Brown, Charles P. Bowers, William S. Bowers, William Kennedy, James S, Brogan, John P. Elston, John W. Garrett, AVashington Sowers, Joshna AVliite, J'hilip J. George, William Weller, Peter Ilartsell. The following have been killed in battle, or died of wonnds or disease : William Soplier, Sergeant, killed at Atlanta, Benjamine F. Bailey, died of wonnds, at Rome, Georgia.' James M. Bailey, died of disease, at Vicksburg. Hiram Bush, killed at Atlanta. Joseph C. Calvert, taken prisoner. George II. Coulson, died of wound, at Marietta, Georgia. Henry Davis, taken prisoner. James R. Earieh, wounded. Samuel Cramlet, wounded, John Switzer, Rasselas Grubb, killed at Athinta. Thomas Harter, killed at Atlanta. John AV. Hays, wounded. James P. Martzell, taken prisoner. 62 HISTORY OF THE Joshua White, taken prisoner. George "W. Harris, killed at Joneshoro, Georgia. Robert T. Harris, died of wounds. Alonzo Turner, killed at Atlanta. John R. Kirby, died of disease. !N^athauiel Morrrison, Sylvester Bailey, died of wounds. William H. Dozier, died of wounds. Reason Jones, taken prisoner. James Parsons, killed at Atlanta, Jacob Beisaker, died of wounds. iS'icholas Swingle, missing. James M. Moore, sent to West Point for efficiency. Robert T. Moore, discharged. David Bailey, discharged. The following are the names of those who rc-enlisted as; veterans : Fletcher S. Bunn, George W. Harris, William S. Brown, John F. Kennedy, Joseph L. Brown, John R. Ivirby, Samuel M. Cramlet, A. W. McCarty, Daniel Christman, ]\Iathias Morrison, William D. Christman, John W. Fletcher, Eli W. Coulson, iS"oah Fletcher, Harvey Davis, William W. Stoneburner, Martin Durant, William J. Shook, James Earich, John W. Van Horn, George VV. Gallion, Hiram J. Wiley, John W. Hays, William J. George, James P. Hartzell, Philip J. George, John Young. Tills company was raised in Muskingum and Guernsey counties, by A. L. Wallar, and organized December 25thy 1861. A. L. Wallar was appointed Captain, Hugh Dunne First Lieutenant, and James T. Stor}^ Second Lieutenant. Captain Wallar bad some experience in military life, having served in the Mexican war. He is a man of good appearance, affable address, and a genial companion. Lieutenant Dunne is a man of strong energy, ^N-illing worker, and decided, independent character. He liad the (jualities in request for a good officer. The Captain and Lieutenant both had tliosc traits of character which, when l)rought together, would not at all times move in harmony. They did not see things and look at results in the same light and tendency, but understanding each other they moved harmc^iiously. Lieutenant Story is a man of a happy, contented mind, affable manners, and jovial nature, which made him exceed- ingly popular with his men. Adaptation to circumstances, and a knowledge of how to make the most of every thim;', strongly marked his character. A pleasant cheerfulness dwelt with liim and was communicated to all with whom he came in contact. Captain Wallar, in December, 1864, was commissi cnied a Lieutenant-Colonel, which he declined. His term of throe years service having expired, he was mustered out in Janu- ary, 1865. Lieutenant Dunne was promoted to Captain in the spring of 1864, and assigned to Company "K," which }»osition he occupied till after the fall of Atlanta. At thi« time he had only two months to seiwe, and his cixcumstanocR G4 HISTORY OF THE at liomc demanded liis immediate attention to sncli an extent that lie resigned his commission, left the service, and settled down in the pcacefnl pnrsnits of domestic happiness. Lien tenant J. T. Story, a year previous being promoted to First Lieutenant, was Acting Adjutant of the regiment on the campaign through the Carolinas, Lieutenant tSearch being detailed as Adjutant-General of the brigade. Upon the arrival of the army at Goldsboro, oST. C, Lieutenant Story received a Captain's commission, ])ut refused to l)c mustered, and resigned and went home to recuperate his broken constitution. Captain C. M. Eoberts was assigned to Company '* F,"' where he remained but a few weeks. He being an officer of line appearance and correct business habits', was detailed on General Blair's staff, as Connnissary of Musters for the Seventeenth Army Corps. Sergeant Joseph Miller, of " G " company, was promoted to First Lieutenant, and assigned to " F " comi)any ; ]Mar- tin Durant, Sergeant of " E " company, was promoted to Second Lieutenant, and assigned to " F " company. Both young men of good miUtary knowledge and attainments, imyieldiug patriotism, and faithfulness in the discliarge of all duties, made them very acceptal)le officer, and^thcir promotion very desirable and well deserved. This is one of the commendable traits of military life, when free from selfish interest : it finds out the efficient and meritorious, and rewards and honors them accordingl3^ 'No other change was made in the officers of Company " F " till the muster-out of the regiment. The following are the names of the non-commissioned officers and enlisted men of the company at its original organization : ^ SERGEANTS, 1. Samuel II. Vaidcirk, 3. Henry II. Smith, ■2. Alexander V. P. Ilagcr, 4. Milton B. Thomas, 5. Humphrey A. McDonald. CORPORALS. L Isaiah B. Case, 2. Benjamin F. Tiulor, EEVElfTY-ElGIITn EEGIMENT 0. V. Y. L 65 3. Francis M. Story, 6. Thomas Hopes, 4. Peter "VV". Sturtz, 7. Henry Berklieimer, a. Riekard A. disk, 8. William. Allen. J no. W. Biirwell, 1st Music'n, Jas. Thos. Bay, 2d Muskiaa William Garges, Wagoner. pan'ATis. Bay, Matthew W. Barnes, Orville 0. Browu, Silas W. Bucksenschultz, John. J. Buker, John BovvTiian, George Bedell, Albert Bowrden, William Boyor, rcrcival Buckscuschultz, William Cook, Thomas W. Crane, John Culbertsou, Alex. Davis, John Davis, Peter Dearnbarger, Lewis Drummoud, William Dickason, Richard Esehman, Michael Gibbons, Philip Gault, William Hanson, Robert Ilurrel, Samuel Herron, Hugh Harper, George ila Hickle, Elisha D. Halter, Fraocis C. Hill, Daniel J. JohnsoQ, Georg-e W. Johns, George W. Lindsay, C. W. Lindsay, Charles Lindsay, Aqailla Little, Kelsey Mercer, Job T. HISTORY OF THE Mercer, Thomas Mercer, David Mercer, George W. Mercer, Andrew Mulnix, Owen Morris, Lewis Miller, Joseph Morgan, Lewis McClary, Samuel McFerren, John W. Morgan, Georg-e W^. Purkoy, Aaron S. Porter, Frank Robinson, Jolin W, Roach, Henry M. Rnssell, Ebenezer Rhinehart, Iret Spiker, Henry Stinehcoml), John W- Savely, Augustus Treaner, Jacob Trout, Samuel E. Trimble, John Vandyke, John Tan Meter, James S. Vore, Martin Weller, William J. Wheeler, David Yaw, Oliver P. Tlie company's accession in the autumn of 1862, and again in 1864, were filled up with recruks, substitutes and drafted men. We have not the records to give them all correctly, nor to distioaguish them from one another. Alfred Lippett, Reason St. Clasr, Barnard Johnson, Samuel St. Clair, Charles W. Spiker, Eden St. Clair, Armon Wilcox, William Wyrreli, SEVENTY-EIGHTn REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 73 Geors;e P. Stouebiirner, David I\. Yaw, Abram Stitts, Iliram Atkinson, Lewis Balcy, James F. Bond, David 0. Brill, George Butts, Asa Perry, Lorain Bigford, Ilarman Bates, Taylor Geary, James Graham, William Halley, Jacob ITagan, Alex. W. Ilumplireyi Conrad Harmon, A. Knight. William B. Long, Simon Morris, James H. Moore, William S. Miller, Johnson Ruby, Xelson Rybnor, Peter Van Dyke, John Van Dyke, Jacob Cove, David Denius, Adam Denius, ■Solomon F. Dennis, John Dennis, Solomon F. Ileskett, . James F. Ilinton, Lyman J. Johnson, William Yint, William Little, James AY Mackey, , Leonard ALirlan, E.ol)ert Peacock, Daniel Richeson, William Rockwell, John B. Stewart, Enoch M. Stout, Irwin Williamson, Samuel AVilliamson, Smidley AYilliams, William Richer. SUBSTITUTES Henry Bunton, Thomas Carney, Henry Carter, Samuel Davidson, Josiah Farnsnough, Wheeler W. Heath, James Kneipper, Garry AIcQuilty, David W. Pierce, Samuel W. Shaw, Benjamin Beach, Ezra Bond, AND DRAFTED MEN. Alonzo Earhart, John ^. Fry, Isreal Hart, Jacob Looker, William Miller, Samson Peppers, Adam Swab, Charles Butterfield, Smith Simpkins, Nathan Welloughby, William Bucher, Ramsey Smith, 74 HISTORY OF THE Isaac Dickson, Jolmatlian Waits, The following re-enlisted as veterans SERGEANTS. Frank Porter, J. Fowler, James S. Yanmeter, David A. Robert, David B. Mercer. CORPORALS. Caleb M. fiercer, David Wheeler, Kelsey Little, .Joseph Dickson, John II. Fenton, Joseph Gatchel, Harry Roach, Charles W. Lindsey, Aaron S. Burkey, John II. Gibson. PRIVATES. Martin Yore, ^Samuel E. Trout, Hiram Fogle, William F. Fry, George W. Robinson. A large number of the names in the veteran organization cannot he obtained. The following named men have been discharged for disa- bility: Frederick Roach, John Hays, Owen Morgan, Wilson Archer, J)avis Brill, Jacob Cusick, James Deaver, Elijah Fogle, Peter B. Lupardus, AYilliam Fowler, William J. Anderson, Henry Beasley, Thomas Carpenter, Samuel II. Gebheart, George W. Gillespie, William Gibson, George W. Johnson, Owen Mulnix, Lewis Morris, Henry Spiker, John Trimble, John Yan Dyke, Job T. Mercer, Franklin Halter, Lewis Morgan, Eden St. Clair, Samuel Ilalley. The following named men are marked deserters: William C. Simmons, William J. Grimes, David Denius, Daniel J. Hill, SEVENTY-EIGIITU REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. i'O ffoliii Dcnins, ^rartin Gafroy, James F. Hintoii, A. Kniglit, Samuel McClearj, Ebenezer Russell, ^\''illiam Buclier, Eiioeli M. IStout. «Tamcs AVlieelcr, Aaron Williams, "WilLer F. Armstrong, El wood Ellis, Lyman J. Johnson, AVilliam Little, James IL Moore, Daniel Iliclieson, John AV. Stinchcomb, Jacob Treamer, Michael Stewart, John W. McPherson, Charles Arnct, Jeramiah Bond, George Butts, "William Ilallev. James Stilty, Francis I'orter, Joseph Cowen, Bobert Peacock, AYilliam Armstrong, George Bash, Philip J. George, KILLED IX BATTLE. Samuel Fowler, Lewis Bowley, Taylor Geary, Henry M. Poach, missing. TRANSFERRED. . Peter Ilartsell, William Wellin, Charles Liudsev. COMlFAlsnr H. "Was raised, in Guernsey county by Jolm T. Rainey, and organized January — , 18(32. John T. Rainey was a|)point- cd Captain, John F. Grimes First Lieutenant, and John Orr Second Lieutenant. The company was composed of a noljle, roljust ehiss of men, ready and able for any duty and difficult work. In no company in the regiment was there a greater spirit of contentment, mirth and cheerfuhiess. Every evening in Compaaiy " II " w^ould be heard the merry songs of happy voices, echoing throughout the camp. The company always took a cheerful part in the numerous battles and campaigns of the regiment, and has lost many fine noble men in battle and by disease. It has highly honored patriotic Guernsey, and made a proud record in the history of the war. Captain Rainey was a lawyer of C^imbridge, and a favor- ite generally with men. His disposition was such as to .make liim popular with his company, and the regiment generally ; having much energy, some military experience — having served in the Mexican war — and being naturally a jovial, free, social man, made him, as supposed by the regi- ment, eminently fitted for ^lajor of the regiment, to which position he was chosen at Grand Junction, Tenn., and received his commission afterwards at Memphis, prior to its entrance on the Vicksburg campaign. He commanded the regiment with great ability and acceptance through the battles of Port Gibson, Raymond and Jackson, Miss. Ou the morning of the commencement of the battle of Cham- pion Hills, Lieutenant-Colonel Wiles took command of the regiment, Major Rainey assisting him. At the investment SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 77 of Vicksbiirg by General Grant's army, Major Raincy was detailed on General Leggett's staft' as Assistant Inspector General, in which position lie remained until after the fall of Atlanta, when he resigned his commission and left the service. Lieutenant Grimes' health so far failed as to compel h.im to quit the service. lie therefore resigned his commission after the battle of Shiloh, went home, and soon died of disease contracted in the service. lie was a young man of fine attainments and moral worth, and })romised to be a very efficient officer. Lieutenant Orr was promoted to First Lieutenant and Sergeant AYm. Dodds to Second Lieutenant. The latter a-esigned at Memphis, in February, 1862. Lieutenant Orr was appointed Captain, and Sergeant Josiah Scott First Lieutenant. Lieutenant Scott was a noble, Christian young anan, and beloved not only by bis company, but l)v all the regiment. lie was a cbeerfid, social and pleasant young- officer. When the regiiuent wa^s encamped at Vicksburg lie obtained a leave of absence and went liome to visit his family, where he was taken ill with the small-p'^x and died. His death was much regretted and deeply lamented by liis compan}' and the regiment. Sergeant Henry Speer, of "A" company, was promoted to Second Lieutenant, and assigned to "II" company, in ^November, 1803. He was a young man of good morals, very CiTicient in all he did. His promotion was one of merit and honor. He served faithfully in his company till at Atlanta, in the battle of the 22(1 of July, lie was severely wounded, making amputation of his arm necessary. He was sent homo, where he died shortly after, in consequence of his wounds. Captain Orr remained in command of the company till danuary, 1865, when his threes-ears' service expiring, ho was honorably nutetered out. He was a very jovial, pleas- ant and good officer. He was cheerful in camp, and brave almost to a fault in battle. On the 22d of July, in the 78 HISTORY OF THE over memorable battle before Atlanta, lie killed a rebel with his sword, who had hold of the colors of the regiment. He fought with the most desperate bravery in personal combat in preventing the capture of the flag. Captain Joseph Orr lived in single blessedness till adyanced in his forties, having obtained a comfortable living, and more than a competency to maintain a family. He finally, after much exhortation from the Chaplain and his Colonel, repented of the sin of living an old bachelor, corrected and reformed his life by marrying a wife. Lieutenant Springer, of Company " C," was promoted to a Cai)tain, and assigned to Company " II," but still remained on General Leggett's statf, in charge of the Division Ambulance Train. This position he had filled with great efficiency and acceptance. John r, Ross, Sergeant-Major of the regiment, was promoted to First Lieutenant, and assigned to Company " II," and had command of the company till the muster- ont of the regiment. He was one of those " few and far l)etween " very best of young men ; of high Christian integ- rity, of good attainments, efficiency and close attention to his business, that made him an officer of much success, acceptance and ability. Sergeant Robert H. Brown was promoted to Second Lieutenant. He was also a good young man, and an effic- ient officer, and worthy of every trust and honor given him. The following is the list of the non-commissioned officer* and enlisted men of the original organization : SERGEANTS. 1. William A. Hodds, 3. David Rainey, 2. Josiah Scott, 4. "WiUiam Caliban, 5. Robert Brown. CORPORALS. 1. David McMillen, 4. Gabriel H. Fcister, 2. John A. Johnson, o. David T. Caldwell, S. Samuel Xelson, G. Leander Scott, SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 70 7. Levi Johnson, 8. Ilezekiah Hyatt. kSliadric Turner, Musician. John T, Allen, Wagoner. PRIVATES. Kened}', Benjamin Alexander, John Bichard, P. S. Barnett, Jacob Burns, Joshua Black, James II. Beam, Daniel Britton, Robert Berry, James Cochran, Thomas Casey, Samuel Clipner. David Clipner, John Camp, WiUiam T. Camp, John W. Cook, John B. Craig, John Cockrel, George Dunifer, John Dawson, James Dillahey John, Donalson, Joshua Gill, Joseph Gill, Elijah George, Price C. Johnson, ISTathaniel Ilndson, James Hunter, Jolin Hutchison, Nicholas Ilaynes, Jolm Hartshorn, Thomas Hendrick, Rufus Kimble, William Kimble, Robert King, Benjamin Keown, Robert Kimble, George Kimble, George W. • Linton, Samuel Lake, William McBurney, Charles McDonald, Finley Mitchell, George V. McBurney, William Miller, Lewis Mitchel, David ]Murpliy, Lafayette F. ^Miller, James M. Miligan, Alexander F. McBurney, James Paden, Dallas Powell, John W. Shriver, Adam G. Stevenson, George W. Scott, Robert Sigman, Isaac Stevenson, Alexander Schuyheart, Isaac Thompson, Abram Thompson, Archibald L. Turner, James Turner, James A. Tucker, Joseph Voorhers, Joshna Voorhers, Lewis Williams, William P. Wilson, Robert White, Reese White, Elisha 80 HISTORY OF THE The fi)!! owing named recruits were added to tlie company in the autumn of 18G2: Francis Scott, Alexander L. Blair, Henry Aloves, Edward Hall, William M. Barber, James Culberson. In the winter of 1863-4 the following named recruits for three years w^ere added : Edward R. Dunifer, Robert Hoover, Willliam M Stage, Laban Sigman, Rolla Sigman. The follow^ing named substitutes and drafted men were added to the list : James Mathers, John Mooney, Jeremiah McBride, ]N'athan McElfresh, John W. Nebert, Lewis Ours, John P. Pastors, John P. Reddick, Miller Tilton, Samuel C. Turner, Samuel Vinsel, Reese White, Albert P. Wilbert, John Waters, David Warner, James K. Walston, James Wellington, Jolm M. Ilaugh, Joseph Young, James M. Lucas. In January, 1864, the following named men re-eulisted as veterans to serve three years more : Robert 11. Brown, James II. Black, Jacob Barnett, Joshua B arris, George M. Bramlett, flames V. P. Britou, William Ball, Thomas M. Clark, Alexaaider Clark, flames B. Allen, flames E. Arnold, Joseph R. Black, (ieorgeR. Baughman, Samuel H. Bartholomew, floseph M. Brown, flonathan iST. Brown, James Collins, Washington Darling, Ezeriah Dermy, Ruman Gorman, William S. Green, William Hastings, Casabine Ilaw^k, Joseph Heft, Joseph Herles, John Jarvas, James C. Keltner, Christopher Lindsey, eEVENTY-EKJIITII REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 81 James Berrv, AVilliam ll/Callaliaii, Thomas Cocliraii, John Clipucr, James Dossan, Elijah Gill, Price C. George, Charles McBurney, James McBurney, Jolm ^V. Powell, Da\i(l B. liainey, Isaac Simian, Kobert B. Scott, Adam G. Shriver, George W. Stevenson, James Turner, James A. Turner, Abram Thompson, Eliliu AVhite. Lafayette Murphy, The following have been discliarged for disability : John T. Allen, AVilliam M. Barker, John Craig, John Dunifer, John Dillahe}', Elijah Gill, llezekiah Hyatt, Xicholas Hutchinson, Thomas Ilartson, John A. Johnson, William T. Jones, Benjamin Kennedy, Beujamin King, Samuel Linton, David Mitchel, Lewis Miller, James Miller, Samuel jSTelson, "William J. Sopher, Archibald L. Thompson, Peter Williams. The following named soldiers of Company "• II " have died of vrounds, and disease contracted in the service : Lieutenant Josiah Scott, Lieutenant John F. Grimes, Lieutenant Ilenry Speer. John Alexander, killed at Atlanta. James Aloves, killed on railroad. James B. Allen. Daniel Beam. Daniel Caldwell, died at Savannah, Tenn. John W. Camp. George Cochran. William T. Camp. Joshua Donelson. James Culbertson. Gabriel Fields. James Hudson, died of wounds received at Champion Hills. John Hunter. John Ilayncs. 6 82 HISTORY OF THE ^'atlian Johnson. William Kimble, killed at Atlanta, July 22d, 1864. Kobert Kcown. JoLn Milliken. William Lake, died of wonnds, Marietta, Ga. David McMillen, died of wounds, Champion Hills. William McBride, killed at Champion Hills. Dallas Dadem Gcorgo P. Mitchell, deserted. Alex. F. Miliken. Jeremiah ^McBride. Leander Scott, died at Bolivar, Tenn. Adam G. Shriver, killed at Atlanta, July 22d, 1864. Alexander Stevenson, died at Shiloh, Tenn. James Sleeth. James Schnyhart. James Turner, killed at Atlanta, Ga. Shedrack Turner. Joshua Yoorhes. Lewis A'corhes. CO^.IPAIXY I. This compftiiy wns raised in Colambiana County by Andrew Scott, Chaplain Todd, John B. Mills, and S. A. DeWolf, and organized January 11th, 1862. Andrew Scott was appointed Captain, John B. Mills First Lieu- tenant, and S. A. DeWolf Second Lieutenant. The company was made up of as fine a class of men as ever entered the service — the best that ever left the county. The religious clement was strong in the company; the men were of the wealthy families of the county, well educated, and representing every branch of trade and business. The company suffered much from disease, and in battle; its ver^'" best young men have fallen. Especially has it been true of this company, the fact observed by so many, and noticeable in every company in the regiment, " that the arrow of death is mysteriously select in the choice of its victims:" choosing most generall}^ the best men. Those whom we regret most to spare, and give up most unwillingly ; men the most exemplary and uptight, the most useful and best loved in the company, and at home. Some of the men in Company "I" have filled important positions in the regiment, and at Division, Corps and Department headquarters. Very little of the rowdy element was found in this company. Their ofiieers were men of Christian integrity. Captain Scott was a member of the Presb}i:erian Church, and by h's influence called many such to go with him. The Ca})tain was a good, jolly, social man, which made him popular, and his company pleasant. Xo man except Captain AVilson exercised a more watchful care over his men. AVhen divine services were lield in the 84 HISTORY OF THE regiment, the Captain was always present, and tlie majority of liis men were with liim. The Captain was a little wrong in his political theory, but all right in his practice. Old prejudices ajid education gave him a leaning toward Yallan- dingham and the disloyal party of the North, hut diminislied nothing of his hatred for secession, and weakened none of liis efforts to pvit it down, and destroy the last armed rebel against the Government. lie did not like the Administra- tion, but that mattered not as long as he ^\i\s willing to defend it with the sword, and co-operate with it in the suppression of rebellion ; and as form is nothing, but execu- tion everything, we can forgive the Captain's mistaken theories on politics, since his action and conduct opposed those theories, and prevented him not from going forth and nobly sustaining his country's Hag. Lieutenant Mills, of whom mention has been made in connection with Company "C," was a young man of decided influence and most excellent character, and did much by way of influencing many young men to enlist in their country's service. He was generally popular with his men, and throughout the regiment. A man of strong sympathies and tender feelings, and no one did more to alleviate the sufl'crings of destitute poor womon and children through the army's entire line of march. He would frequently, after the regiment would encamp in the evening, mount a horse and search out the poor of the vicinity, and do some- thing for them. He was always active and busy at some- thing, especially in getting possession of fine horses. He was quite successful in maintaining that there was no horse in the army like his, l)ut prirdtthj thinking every other horse better than his. In the absence of the Chaplain he would assume part of his duties, and suppl}' the regiment Avith all the reading matter and stationery the Christian Commission could furnish him. In this way he was an ardent friend and supporter of the Christian Commission, and the repre- sentatives of the Commission believe him to be more than an (jrdinarv working: Christian. He seldom l)ecome angrv, but SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 85 wlion lie did liis Christian temper would become somewhat ruffled. Lieutenant S. A, DeWolf was above middle age, and a resident of Gambler, Licking County, and a man noted for piety, and Christian integrity. His health gave way soon after entering the service, and after every eftbrt on his part to arrest disease, he was compelled to resign his commission and leave the service, which took place at Bolivar, Tenn. Sergeant Humphrey A. McDonald, of " F " company, was promoted to Second Lieutenant and assigned to Com- pany "I." He was a young man of liberal attainments, and very good education, and consistent upright character. He was afterwards promoted to First Lieutenant and de- tailed as A. A. A. General of the Second Brigade, Third Division, Seventeenth Army Corps, but through ill health was compelled to muster out at Goldsboro, N". C, and leave the service. When he was first promoted to Second Lieu- tenant he was detailed by General John A. Logan, as A. A. Q. M. of the Pioneer Corps, Third Division, and subse- quently assisted Lieutenant J. T. Story in the command of Company " C." At Vicksburg, in December, 1863, he was appointed Regimental Recruiting Ofiicer, to superintend the enlistment of veterans, which position he filled with honor to himself and credit to the regiment. Lieutenant William H. Hessin was promoted to Captain, Sergeant David M. Watson to First Lieutenant, and Sergeant Simon P. Joy, of "D" company to Second Lieutenant, and assigned to Com- pany " I." All noble young men, good and efficient officers and exemplary in conduct; and returned to their friends ^dth characters better framed and steeled against temptation. The following list comprises the non-commissioned officer* and enlisted men of the original organization : SERGEANTS. 1. David M. Watson, 3. Daniel Watt, 2. Angus Falconer, 4. Geo. W. Chandler, 5. Robert Scott. 86 HISTORY OF THE 1. Harmon W. Browai, 2. Daniel S. :N'oble, 3. Thos. McKenzie, 4. John Hall, CORPORALS. 5. John Baker, 6. Daniel Mcintosh, 7. Andrew McPlierson, 8. Albert Glenn, Jacob H. Arter, 1st Mnsician,Davi(l McLain, 2d Musician. Joseph "Wilson, Wagoner. PRIVATES. Adams, William J. Axe, Lorenzo Adams, Matthew W. Abbot, Robert Brown, Amos Baker, Thomas Butler, Eli Baker, Gideon IL Cole, Oscar Cole, Thomas Charters, William Cams, George W. Cameron, William T. Dorwart, Henry Dobson, Henry Drennan, Ezckiel G. Daws, Plimpton Darison, John Ehrhart, Reuben Freed, Milton Gamble, Thomas Gamble, George Gamble, Alfred Giles, Henry H arkins, Thomas G. Hilman, David H. Hampshire, Henry HoUinger, Jacob Hanna, George Hessin, William H. Jackson, Thomas C. Ivelley, David Kerns, Richard Lounsbury, Franklin A. McBane, William Mcintosh, Evan Mcintosh, Andrew Mcintosh, John Morrison, John II. jSIarlnec, Andrew McKenzie, John P. Mcintosh, Laughlin McLain, Daniel McLitosh, John F. Mendel], William McMullin, Archibald McCord, George Poorman, John F. Powers, Morrison Roach, Abner M, Redick, Cummins C. Spellman, Charles Steel, George W„ Sprinkle, David W. Starr, Thomas C. Smith, William M. SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 87 Vanfossan, William V. A\'"itlicr9, George Weston, John A. Willis, James B. AVilson, John W. Wright, Daniel AVilson, Ilirani Wagoner, Joseph The following* named men re-enlisted as veteran volun- teers at Vicksburg, Miss., January 5th, 1864: jMathew W. Adams, Isaac Burback, John Baker, John Clunk, Plimpton Daws, Henry B. Dolson, Anguish Falconer, Thomas Gamble, Henry Giles, fjreorge Hanna, John H. Morrison, Andrew McPherson, John Mcintosh, Yv^illiam S. Mendell, John P. ]McKenzie, Daniel ?JcLain, Andrew Mcintosh, Thomas Clinton ^Starr, Philip Smith, David W. Sprinkle, George W. Steel, William C. Tenley, John A. Weston. The following named enlisted men, sulistitutes and drafted men 'have been added to the company since its original organization: George Andrews, John Cable, C^aleb Caldwell, John Derr, jSTathaniel Darst, John DensiJ, John Dane, William F. Echerd, Billingsy Teaser, William Francis, Joseph Gardner, ]!!^ehemiah Groves, Bowen Gilkey, Hiram Hall, 3^]thel Henry, Michael Iletsel, ^Michael J. Hawk, ]^fichael W. Hawk, Theodore Jackson, Peter Jones, Cassius M. Jeffres, Joseph Johnson, Ezekial Johnson, Squire Johnson, John II. Kaufman, John C Keaney, Joesph Ivrank, ^lassenberg Lynch, William Lister, Joseph Lancaster, Henry Luyster, Jacob Lamb, 88 niSTOEY OF THE Edward Miller, Philip Mary, John Moser, Thomas B. McCarty, Emmil IMarx, John Mclntire, Ivichard Mcl'cek, ('hristopher Mosier, Henry Mance, William McBane, Al)el IS. Xewton, James M. ^N'ewland, John j\[. Patterson, Edward Rose, liobert Poland, (George H. Iia])es, (leorgo 0. Peeder, Samuel JSmith, Timothy Sheppard, Henry Smith, Moses Shoemaker, John Smith, Philip Thomas, James Thaxton, Isaac Taylor, Simon A^ickers, AVilliam II. "Williamson, Harmon W. Brown, voh Evan Mcintosh, John W. Davidson, Morrison I'owers, Zachariah Bncklew, William McBain, John Davidson, Daniel iN^oble, George Snift, Albert Glenn, George Hall, nt'r The following have been discharged for disability : L. C. Axe, (jrideon H. Baker, Amos Brown, Thomas Baker, Zachariah Buckler, Thomas Coie, William T. Cameron, Oscar Cole, (Tcorge W. Carnes, John Davidson, Henry Dorwart, John Davidson, Henry Downard, Peuben Ehrhart, David Kelley, Archibald McMullen, D. B. McLaiu, D. T. Mcintosh, T. P. McKenzie, Daniel 8. I^oble, John F. Poorman, George Swift, Charles S})ellman, Josepli Wagner, John W. Wilson, Joseph Wilson, Samuel W. Wright, Georofe Withers. The following have died of disease: Eli Butler, Crump's Landing, Tenn., March 25th, 1862. Jacob IloUinger, St. Louis, Mo., April 12th, 1862. SEVENTY-EIGHTn REGIMENT 0. V. T. I. 89 Benjamin Butler, camp Shiloh, Tenn., April 30th, 18G2. William Charters, camp Shiloh, Tenn., May 9th, 1862. llol)ert Scott, Cincinnati, 0., May 31st, 1862. John II. Davidson, Paducah, Ky., April 18th, 1863. Goorge Gamble, Jackson, Tenn., June 28th, 1862. Laughlin Mcintosh, Vicksburg, August 24tli, 1863. James D. Willis, Boaufort, S. C, January — , 1865. Jlenry IIam[)shire, Hiram Wilson, Thomas B. McCarty. TRANSFERRED TO INVALID CORPS. George W. Chowder, Frank Lonsberry, Ezekial S. Drennan, Cummins C. Reddick, Albert Glenn, William Smith, John Hall. KILLED m BATTLE. Andrew M. Roach, Champion Hills, May 16th, 1863. John Mcintosh, " " " " " Thomas C. Starr, Ivenesaw ]\Iountain, June 15th, 1864. Daniel 11. Watt, Atkxita, July 22d, 1864. Andrew Mcl'herson, promoted to Sergeant-Major. AVas raised in Muskingum, ilonroo, Celmont and Xo^iic Counties, by John AV. Conn'n, of Zanesville, and organized January lltli, 1862. John AV. Cornvn vras appointed Cap- tain, John T. Hamilton First Lieutenant, and James Car- others Second Lieutenant. The company was made np of strong, robust men. This company had more foreigners in. it than any other company in the regiment ; owing to the fact, perhaps, that the Captain Vv^as a CathoUc, many of his persuasion enhsted with him to assist in crushing rebellion, and punish treason in the country of their adopted homes. The company did good and faithful service, and suffered severely duriug the war, taking a part in all the campaigns and battles of the regiment. The Captain was a hard worker, a man full of energy and life, and has had much experience in the management of men, especially foreigners, as he was a long time a rail road contractor. He was a very agreeable, social, pleasant companion, somewhat impulsive in character, he was qnick to act, and readily discerned the minds of men. He served with his company till February, 1863, when he was appointed Captain and Commisary of Subsistence, and assigned to General Swing's staff. Lieutenant John AY. Hamilton, on account of ill health resigned his commission, August 20th, 1862. He was a quiet unassuming man and against his moral character we know nothing. SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 91 Lieutenant James Carothers was taken prisoner a few (lays after the battle of Raymond, Missisippi. He and Captain Wallar were taken suddenly sick during the pro- gress of the Raymond battle. Wallar did not return to the regiment until Vicksburg was invested, which was some ten daySj and his company having been in three lights during that time. Carothers being at a citizen's house, was carried otf by the guerrillas and taken to Libby Prison, where he remained for about fifteen months. Lieutenant Hugh Dunne Avas promoted, to Captain, and assigned to Company "K," March 12th, 1864. He brought the company home, with the regiment, on veteran furlough and after returning to the field it did much efficient service in the Atlanta campaign. Captain Dunne resigned shortly after the fall of xUlanta, owing to the fact that liis time had almost expired, and the press of business at home. James Brennan of " C " Company, was promoted to Sec- ond Lieutenant June 9tli, 1863, and assigned to "K*' Com- pany. In April 1864, he was dishonorably mustered out of service on account of intemperance. Lieutenant George W. Porter was promoted to Captain, and assigned to "K" Company, December loth, 1864, but being an officer of marked ability, he still remained on Gen- eral Leggett's staff as Aid-de-Camp. II. AV. McCarty, Sergeant of " E " Company, was promo- ted to Second Lieutenant, and assigned to "K" Company. John Kennedy, Sergeant- jMaj or of the regiment, was pro- moted to Second Lieutenant, and assigned to this eom[iany also. No other changes were made in the officers till the muster out of the regiment. Under these young oflicers the company was orderly and efficient in drill. II. W. McCarty had been a very efficient Sergeant and promised being a good and useful officer. The following were the names of the non-commissioned officers and enlisted men of the original organization : 92 HISTORY OF THE SEPwGEANTS. 1. J. B. Thompson, 3. D. W. McDaiiiel, 2. E. Delong", 4. IL Ilacket, 5. Charles BiRmaii. 1. James Gallagher, 2. William E. Bostwiek, 3. Joseph Jeffers, 4. James ^I. Dillon, CORPORALS. 5. Thomas McCusker, 6. ratrick Harvey, 7. William Delong, 8. William Ponlton. Henry C. Koush, 1st. Mnsic'n,John Morrison, 2n(l Music" n, John Ilodo^ell, Wagoner. PRIVATES. Antill, William Burkhart, John Barnes, WilHam E. Brown, Thomas F. Brown, Michael Bowman, Samuel Coon, Peter (Uark, Isaac Carothers, Thomas Belong, Thomas Dillen, William Billen, Thomas Denbow, William J)enl)ow, James Denbow, John Denbow, ISIartin Denbow, Bazzel English, Edward Eracker, Frank Fordyce, Samuel Floyd, Aaron (jrallagher, Edmund Gray, Henry Gray, Enoch Gray, George Giesey, Samuel Greenbank, John Godfrey, Francis Iliginbotom, Ezra Horn, Adam Hacket, William Hays, Robert Hays, Henry Hunt, Burr Hofl"inan, Conrid Henthorn, Ellis Jett'ers, Joseph Jeft'ers, John Jeffers, Bias Jeffers, Joseph, jr. Jackson, Foster Jordin, William Jordin, Thomas Kadatz, Ludwig Keiger, Jacob Lumbattus, George McConaughy, Daniel McCouaughy, Hugh SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. ?3 McConangliy, Jesse Kced, Ilinun Meiiitel, Leo liobbius, iSwuzy Mott, Menaiider Slack, James ]Srorn.s, John Slack, Elislia Myrick, Alyriek Snyder, UyLston McCanniion, Frederick Scott, Jolm W. iS'ewhart, Frederick Sotton, James Xorris, John Tidd, William Xorville, PatoTi Tompkins, Jame;. Poulston, Levi Wagoner, Isaac Faith, David Winland, Charles I'otts, James II. Waters, lioderick Ivapp, John Yockej'. Henry DRAFTED AND SUBSTITUTES. Armstrong, Samuel, drafted. Adams, Charles, " Amnos, Charter li., " Aler, James, " Fruce, Washington, " C arter. Willi an i , " (V)on, Eli, " Clantz, Jacob IF, " Clarkson, Samuel, " Cade, Thomas J., drafted — discharged for disaljility. Canny, Elmer IF, " Calhonn, Ileiiry X., " Fenbow, Levi, "■ Daugherty, Thomas, " Fycr, Joshua, substitute. Deckard, Enoch II., drafted. Fitzler, Daniel E., drafted — died of disease in hosjiital. Davis, Pleasant AV., drafted. Faulkner, Paul, drafted — died of disease in hospital. (jleason, Joseph, drafted — died of disease in camp. Goff, Solomon, drafte(F (lill, Daniel, " Jloo[»er, John If., " 94 HISTORY OF THE Ilolle}', James L., drafted. Ilamley, Levi, drafted — drowned in Tar river, Nortli Caro- lina,' May 1st, 1865. Jay, Harrison "W., drafted — died of disease in liospital. Jones, Leander M., " Linard, John, " Jjindon, William, " Isleek, David, substitnte, INlcCue, James, drafted. Massie, Eobcrt, " McWhorter, "William, drafted. Mosier, Joseph, snhstitnte. ISTewman, Samuel, drafted. I'endel], David, Peart, John, " Powell, William II., " Phillips, Solomon, " J 'urdy, Lemuel, sul)stitnte. Swaim, Xathan S., drafted. Smith, Anthony, "• Spanglcr, John, " Thompson, Thomas, drafted — killed by lightning, Mareli 15th, 1865. Welftey, George F., drafted — discharged for disabilit}-. Ward, Joel, drafted — died of disease. Weir, George, drafted. Wilson, James, " "Yats, Jacob, " Young, McKensie, " Those after whom no remarks arc placed, were mustered out of service June 30th, 1865, in accordance with instruc- tions from War Department. THE DISPOSITIOX AXD CIIAiq"GES IX THE FIELD. COMMISSIONED AND NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF. Colonel M, D. Log'gctt remained but a few months witli the regiment. It was soon ascertained hy superior com- manders that he was a man of more than ordinary aljility and energy; an untiring and indefatigable worker, and completely successful in everything he undertook. Ariien any difficult work was to be performed — some rebel en- campment to be broken up, and reconnoisance to be made — Colonel Leggett Avith his regiment was usually called upon to execute it ; and we do not recollect of a single instance wherein he failed to accomplish the work or duty assigned liim. Entire satisfaction was always given, and cono-ratu- latory orders issued by superior commanding officers. I ])resume no officer in the army has received more compli- mentary notices for efficient service. The regiment at times, when tired and worn down under the constant strain of active duty, complained, and would have preferred a commander of less energy and reputation, under whom they supposed less duty would be required of them. Colonel Leggett understood the nature of the Southern l)eople, and from the commencement of the war, he had a ]iroper conception of its magnitude and character ; not be- lieving his views at the time, we were always afterwards convinced of their correctness, when applied to tlie test of experience. He knew that to crush the rebellion would re- ([uire every resource of military energy and ability, to sue- 9G HISTORY OF THE cessfnllj meet its desperation and violciiee. Its suppression would only be, — as we have fully ascertained by lour years' fighting — by hard work, heavy fighting and sacri- fice of life. Therefore lie did not bring a lull regiment of strong, robust men into the field, to lie about idle in camps, doing police and provost duty. IIis place was the front, as far to the front, and as near the enemy as possible; this has always l)een the position of tlie Seventy-Eighth Kegiment. In the summer of 1863, Colonel Leggett Avas in command of the Second Brigade, Goneral l\oss' Division, and the winter following was made a Brigadier-General of United States Volunteers. lie remained in command of the Ohio Brig- ade till during the seige of Vicksburg, when he was assigned to the command of the First Brigade. In the autumn of 1863, General John A. Logan was assigned to the command of the Fifteenth Army Corps, and was succeeded by General Leggett, in the Third Division, iSeventeeuth Army Corps, in which command he remained till the close of the war, and frequently during the last year, commanded both the Corps and Division. He felt too proud of the record of the Third Division, to even take a higher permanent conmiission. Early in 1865, he was brevetted a jNlajor-General in honor for distinguished services. AVhcn the "Army of the Tennessee" was mustered out of the service, no one retired to civi life, with a brighter record, and a name more fondly cherished and honored. BEllRY F. HAWKS AV'as a citizen of ISTorwalk, Ohio, and through some influ- ence brought to bear on the Governor, was appointed Lioutenant-C\")lonel and assigned to tlic Seventy-Eighth Jiegiment. Being a stranger to it, caused some little op}»o- sition to his appointment, but upon acquaintance all feeling upon the subject subsided : he met with ap[)roval and favor. His connection with the regiment was of short duration. At Fort Donelson lie had a severe attack of the fever, and was sent to the hospital at Cincinnati, Ohio, and in a feu- weeks Avas permitted to go to his home, l)ut never suiilc- SEVEXTY-EianTH REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 97 ieiitly recovered liis health to warrant his return to tlie activ.e duties of tlic field. He consequently resigned his commission some months afterwards. MAJOR D. F. CARXAIIAN Was pastor of the First Baptist Church in Zanesville, Ohio, He gave up his high position, and was relieved from |his congregation. He aided materially in raising the regiment, by visiting different parts of the counties where recruiters were at work, raising companies for the regiment. By the influence of his somewhat eloquent speeches many were induced to enlist in the service of their covmtry, and join the Seventy-Eighth Kegiment. The Major entered upon the work with groat energy, and was well respected by all in the command. In the summer of 1802 a difficulty arose between the Major and other field ofiicers, the history of which would take pages to relate, and not be satisfactory^ to the reader. Between Chaplain Todd and the Major unhappy difi^erences arose ; no oil of conciliation could allay or arrest the agitation. Who was in the wrong we do not attempt to decide; we were only indifferent spectators to the controversy, but by an over- whelming force Chaplain Todd gained tlie victory, having the most and lieaviest guns on his parapet. The Major wisely came to the conclusion, after some month's deliberation, that he could serve his country bettei", and do more good l>y retiring from the service, which he did at Bolivar, Tennessee, and returned to Dayton, Ohi«, and resumed his former avocation. The ^Major's politics M-ere not rcgai'ded sound, being hostile to the administra- tion and a warm admirer of Vallandiglmm. Tliis gavc^ rise to many of the troubles and opposition to him on the part of som.e of the field officers. SURGEOX JAMES S. REKVI^ Was a resident physician of ext-ensive practice, of A[cCou- iielsville, and served faithfully to the end of the war. As a 7 98 HISTORY OF THE Surgeon, his reputation stands among the highest. He etands as high as any we have known in the army. His long practice and close attention to business made him a veteran in the management of diseases common to the army. His extensive practice in surgery made him a very skillful, scientific and successful operator, so that he was sought for in difficult operations. He successfuly per- formed some of the most difficult in the army, and known in the art of surgery. Being a man of close attention to business, and having a good business tact, a man of prompt- ness, energy, and correctness in everything he did, who did all in perfect harmony with "red tape," made him very popular with high oflBcers. His reputation, therefore, called him away from the regiment to hospitals, and other places requiring ability and skill. During the last year of his service, he was Surgeon-in-Chief of the Third Division, Seventeenth Army Corps, which position he filled with eTitir3 satisfaction to General Leggett, and the officers of the Division. When he entered upon his duties as Surgeon of the regiment he encountered much opposition. Unhappy feelings and difficulties arose between him and the Assip- tant-Surgeon, S. C. Mendenhall. The regiment took issue in favor of the Assistant-Surgeon. This arose in part from mistakes in the natural disposition of the men, and a non- a.equaintancc with the skill and attainments of both. But when both had been applied to the test of experience opposition to Major Reeves, to a great extent subsided, and many of his most bitter enemies became his most ardent friends. In the beginning of the war the medical department was very imperfectly managed, and men everywhere des- titute of experience, and the whole army not inured to the service, the climate and exposures of field and camp life, necessarily caused more sickness, and a greater amount of mortality than in the latter part of the war. This excited some ill-feelings towards surgeons, because ther SEVENTY-ETGnm KEGniENT 0. V. V. I. J)1» were not successful in curing disease, and preventing death. Major Reeves had much opposition to contend with, arising frt)ni these circnnistances, which were hevond tlte control of any surgeon or army commandents. Men would frequently be sent to hospitals, or convalescent camps; when once there, they pass from the hands of the regimental surgeons, into the hands of those detailed to take charge of such hospitals and convalescent camps. If a man died at one of the places away from his regiment, the Surgeon of the regiment was frequently charged with neglect, and held by friends as partially accountable for hli death ; all arising from mistaken notions of army divisions, and details in its system of management. When theee things become better unde.istood by the people, opposition and bad feeling toAvards surgeons ceased in a measure ; and surgeons as well as the people became better acquainted witli with their duties; and understood the treatment of disease in the army much better, and become therefore much mere successful. All these elements of opposition were brought to bear against Surgeon Reeves. But he out-Uved them all, and vindicated himself l)y skillful practice, from all censure, and false accusation. Although his disposition is an unhappy one, and of many peculiarities, yet he made a bright record in the army, and leaves it with a high reputation as a skillful physician and surgeon. CJIArLAIN 0. M. TODD AVas a resident of 'Ne^v Lisbon, Ohio, and pastor of th(» Presbyterian Church of that place. lie took a very active interest in raising the Seventy-Eighth Regiment, making recruiting speeches throughout his county, soliciting volun- teers, and with much success.* lie entered u])on Jiis duties as chaplain, when the regi- ment was stationed at Camp Gilbert, ZanesvilK', Ohio, lie was a man of rather more than ordinary ability; good, close, practical preacher. After the regiment left tl>e State there was little opportunity for divine service • of « See Company " I. " 100 HISTORY OF THE auy kind, the regiment being almost constantly on the move. The Chaplain was charged with neglecting tlie nick, but this amounts to but little; every person waa blamed merely because circumstances existed beyond the control of any one. Men could not work miracles and save people from disease and the grave, in this age of the world; and that too when a war that excited the eivihzed world was raging all over our territory. The Chaplain and Surgeon were frequently in conflict, and bitter feeling-s existed. It is a rare thing for surgeons and chaplains to agree; the surgeon being very sensitive in reference to any su})posed interference witli the duties of the medical department, which sometimes takes in a very wide range, and again becomes quite limited, just in proportion as responsibilities are involved. The chaplain on the other hand is an independent character, who considers it his business to be somewhat meddlesome, inasnmch as his position is one that has to do with all duties rather than with any particuhir one ; there- fore what he regards his duty frequently is regarded an impertinence and interference, on the part of othen^. CHiaplain Todd, suffered much from ill-health, and n^-^t willins: lono'er to subicct himself to the hardships of the service, ami enter upon tlie campaigns just opening l)efore the regiment, he resigned the chaplaincy December, 18(52. ADJUTANT JOIIX E. JEV.'ETT Is a son of IL J. Jewett, of Zanesville, a man of consider- able wealth and iuiiuence. The Adjutant liad been in the "Three Month's Service," which gave him an experi- ence that made him useful in the regiment. He was quite a fast young man, a good type of Young America; social, pleasant and popular with all; liberal and generous to a fault. He was completely master of his business, and man- a^ed that part of the regiment with considerable abilitv. lie served with the regiment less than a year, when he wa.s promoted to a Ca[)tain of A'oluntcers, assigned to the SEVENTY-EIGnXII REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 101 C^orps of Auls-dc-Camp, and ordered to report to Major- General McDowell, then in Virg-inia. QUARTERMASTER. Lieutenant John C. Donglan, of Cambridge, Guernsey ('ounty, Oliio, was appointed to this position, and managed it with much al)jlity and acceptance. He had long been supcriutcndent of the public schools of Cambridge, and editor and proprietor of the principal publication of that town and county. lie finally succeeded in making tlie -'Oiierjiscy Times'' one of the most successful and patriotic organs extant in the interests of the Government. AVhen Leggett received the aj^pointment of Bi'igadier- ut was always attended to promjitly, and satisfacto- rily. He is a man of cahn, sober, solid thought; stern, prompt execution, Cjuick apprehension, and a mind that ^i^rasped consequences with readiness. Satisfactory and t'lear in explanation, but not the most patiesit and for- bearing with those of duller a})prehension, and who could not see all things as he did. ASSISTANT SURGEON. S. C. Mendenliall, was a citizen of Frazeysburg, Mus- kingum County, Ohio, of whom mention has been made iu couuection with the Surgeon of the regiment. He served with the regiment but a few months, having fallen a victim to the malaria of the South, which proved so 102 UISTORY OF THE disastrous to our army the first year of the war, he resigned. After remaining at liomc a few months and regaining his liealth, he was appointed Surgeon of the Seventy-Sixth Oliio Eegiment, where, we learn he did efficient service, and I'ontinued with his regi'nent till tlie close of the war. With Surgeon Mendenhall we have no acquaintance, ex- cept the few montlis he served with the Seventy-Eighth Tlcgiment, but know that lie is regarded as a Surgeon of very good attainments and fair average skill, by his regi- ment. The regiment gave liim a wide field of pi'actice, being in all the battles and campaigns of General Sherman, The following named enlisted men were appointed on tlic non-commissioned staft" of the regiment: HOWARD S. ABBOTT, SERGEANT-MAJOR, Who Avas somewhat austere in his demeanor, but a good, faithful and efficient officer. lie was promoted to Adjutant, wliich position he filled till the battle of Champion Hill's, when at the head of his regiment he fell, a rebel ball having entered his left ear, and came out on the back part of his neck. He was supposed to be dead and remained sometime in an insensible condition on the field. Tlioso carrying oft' the wounded were about to pass him by making the remark, "poor Adjutant Abbott, there he lies, killed," to whicli the Adjutant feebly responded, liaving heard their voices, "not by a d d sight."' lie was then carried to the ljos})ital, where for many days his life was despaired of. The Surgeon l)y the most careful and skillful treatment suceeeded in saving his life. He so far recovered as to l)e al)le to go to his home, but did iwt recover sufficiently to retm-n to his regiment for three or four months, and even then he suft'ered much from the cft'ects of the wound. J^y reason of so long an absence from the regiment, lie was lionorably mustered out by the War Department, but was afterwards appointed a Captain, which he promptly declined, for the reason that he was not first "reinstated."' His absence was no fault of his. His coolness, courage and bravery upon tho BEVENTY-EIGHTn REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 108 field merited a promotion from the War Department, leather than a muster out of service, but such is life and the ways of the world. The most deserving and merito- rious frequently pass unnoticed, while the unworthy reap honors, though stolen. HENRY E. BIGELOW Was appointed Quartermaster-Sergeant. A young man of fine business attainments, as he afterwards proved by being promoted to First Lieutenant and Quartermaster, vice Douglas promoted. There were few Regimental Quartermasters in the corps that did business with more |)romptness, and kept the accounts and papers of their department more correctly. Though quite a youth in years, he was old in judgment and executive ability; of generous, pleasant and social qualities, but very indepen- dent and decided in his manners, and gentlemanly in his general demeanor. He was detailed by General R. K. Hcott, as Acting Assistant Quartermaster, Second Brigade, Third Division, Seventeenth Army Corps, which position he filled until the close of the war and the muster out of the regiment. In February, 1865, he was promoted to Cai)tain, but declined to be mustered. WILLIAM M. SLEETH Was appointed Commissary Sergeant, of whom honorable mention has been made in connection with Company A ; sn which company he was promoted to Second Lieutenant and afterwards First, and Adjutant of the Regiment. He was one of the most faithful and conscientious of men; «tiri.ctly honest and upright in ever}' thing he did. After nearly four years service, he is free from the least blot upon his character; and never a fault or complaint wa< made, or heard in the discharge of his duty. CHARLES RAPER Of Putnam, Ohio, was appointed Bugler and chief musi- cian. Under him the regiment had a band not sur- passed by any regiment in the service. His health havino; 104 HISTORY OF THE failed him and his position as " Chief Musician " hannp; 1>ecn declared by the War Department to exist no longer thronghont the entire army, he was therefore honorably mustered out at Lake Providence, Lousiana, not for- getting however, after the steamer on which he took pas- sage started up the river, to deliver a farewell address to the Brigade by blowing on the bugle the "Jack-Ass-call ;"" a favorite piece of original music by liim. James Ballinger was appointed Fife-]Slajor- Albert J. Farnum, Drum-Major. Eli J. Coulson, Hospital Steward. He was a physician of Pennsville, Morgan County, and a man of successful and extensive practice. Believing it his duty to give his ser\dce to his country, and that this could best be done by taking the field, he therefore enlisted as a private in Company "E." His health yielded to the hardships incident to army life, and the debilitating influ- ence of a malarious climate, which caused him to be mustered out of the service in a few months after tho regiment left the State, He afterwards regained his health, and raised accompany for the "hundred days service," and went out as its Captain. SECTION SECOis^D. A considerable change now takes place in th© Field and Staff. Captain Z. M. Chandler was promoted to ]\Iajor at Bolivar, Tennessee, and afterwards to Lieutenant-Colonel. Mention has been made of him in connection with Company B. He resigned his commission near Port Gibson, Mis- Bissippi. CaPTAIN J, T. RAINET "Was promoted to Major, and assumed command of the regiment, when Z. M. Chandler resigned. He commanded the regiment through two battles within three days ; that of Raymond and Jackson, Misssissippi, the former being one of its hardest fought and most unexpected battles. SEVEXTY-EIGHTII EEGIMEXT 0. V. Y. I, 105 Justice licre demands tliat we should state tliat iii con- sequence of General Leggett's absence, Brigadier-General Dennis, formerly Colonel of the Thirtieth Illinois Infantry, commanded the brigade from Milliken's Bend, Louisiana, until after the battle of Jackson, ]\Iississippi.. During this time the brigade took an important part in three battles ; Port Gibson, Raymond, and Jackson, Mississippi. The battle of Kaymond, Miss., was almost exclusively fought by the Second Brigade, composed at that time of the Twentieth, Sixty-Eighth, and Seventy-Eighth Ohio, and Thirtieth Illinois regiments, commanded by General Dennis, and whipped all of General Claiborne's (rebel) division. At this time General Leggett returned, and resumed command of the Second Bi-igade, and General Dennis was ordered by General JMcI'herson to take com- mand of the Sixth Division, Seventeenth Army Corps. J. D. "WORKMAN Vias appointed Assistant Surgeon, but remained only a few weeks with the regiment, on account of sickness, and did not regain his health sufficiently to resume bis duties. In .June, 1862, prior to this, W. Marrow Beacli, of London, Madison County, Ohio, was appointed Assistant Surgeon, and remained with the regiment until June, 1864, when he was promoted to full Surgeon and assigned to the One Hundred and Eighteenth Ohio. Surgeon Beech was much respected by the Seventy-Eighth Ohio. His manner wa^*^ pleasant and friendly — very kind and accommodating to the men, which prejudiced the regiment very much in liis favor — always cheerful and kind, the men felt at ease and at home in his company. E. D. FORREST "Was appointed Assistant Surgeon, vice Workman resigned. lie was detailed on hospital duty, and was soon detached from the regiment and assigned elsewhere. GABRIEL n. IIOLLAXD Was appointed Hospital Steward, vice Coulson mustered 10<> HISTORY OF THE out. lie ',vas n young man of good attainments, ahva\'3 cheerful and mirthful. Jle dischai'ged his duties with great acceptabihty to all. On the 22d of July near Atlanta he was captured, and held a prisoner for several months. At tlie expiration of his term of service he was exchanged, and shortly afterwards mustered out. Joseph L. Geyer was then appointed Hospital steward, liaving been for nearly a year Dispenser in the regiment. He was a true, faithful, and conscientiously upright man in all the duties of his ])oaition. He was as true to the interests of the Govern- ment in the economical use and issue of medicines as a proprietor of his own drug store. AVILLIAM J. m'aLLISTEH Was appointed Quartermaster-Sergeant, and William llelicr, Commissary-Sergeant, both distinguished for good and accurate business talent. The former was discharged at Yicksburg, for disability, and the latter afterwards detailed as Clerk in the Third Division Commissary ; his term of three years having expired, he was mustered out, and in the spring of 18G5 was appointed sutler of the I'cgimcnt. This brings us to the Field and Staff of the present organization, and continues without much change until the muster out of the regiment. LIEUTENANT-COLONEL WILES (See Companies B and C for more specific account,) was ])romoted from Captain, and took command of the regiment on the morning of the battle of Champion Hills. Under him it became the best drilled and most orderly regiment of the corps, and, without doubt, the best in the Western ai'my. Its superior discipline and high moral character was observed by all, so that it became known as the "Model liegiment." The Colonel, well knowing that morality was one of the chief qualities held in request for a good, orderly regiment, neglected no means for this attainment. He thei-efore gave every encouragement to the Chaplain, and SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 107 attendance on tlic part of the men to divine Borvico? on the Sabbath. He always attended liimsclf, and usually led the singing. His example in this respect had a decided influence, so that the regiment generally attended preaching on tlie Sabbath, while some other Ch^iplains complained bitterly that their regiments neglected this duty ; so that many had to abandon all eftbrts to get congregations. AVc •eldom ever preached to a small congregation, and when others preached for us, they were surprised at the large congregations that turned out, when compared with other regiments. Tlie Colonel seldom ever was compelled to inflict punish- ment, but when necessary, it was severe; he was rigid in discipline, yet kind in reformatory. ]Men most generally went from under punishment convinced that it was right. and seldom gave manifestations of malignant feelings |jiu consequence. AV'ehave seldom seen them going av/ay with feelings of revenge. "WHien going from under arrest a few kind words from the Colonel would satisfy them that it was for their good, and the best interest cf the regiment. The Colonel was always uniform in his demeanor, and ]>olite in his manner of dealing with men and measures ; never excited ; no storm or adverse winds agitated the aurface of his life. At the battle of the 22d of July, in front of Atlanta, he eommanded the brigade with great ability ; his coolness, courage and freeness from excitement, inspired the men with a courage and bravery the most remarkable and I»raiseworthy in the history of the war. He was afterwards promoted to Colonel; the regiment having received a wuflicient number of substitutes and drafted men to till it up to, or about the minimum. On the campaign from Savannah, Georgia, to Goldsboro, Xorth Carolina, he commanded the Second Brigade through all the terrible hardships, and almost insurmounta- ble difficulties of that campaign. When the regiment arrived at Washhigton, D. C, he was promoted to Brevet 108 msTor.Y of the Brigadier-General, and that npon consideration of merit alone, which is hy no means what all promotions in the his- tory of the war can claim. A. W. SEAPvCII AVas promoted to Fir^t Lientcnant and Adjntant, vice IT. 8. ALbott. He was Colonel AViles' right hand l)o\ver, and one that never faik'd to win. Possessed ot fine executive talent, prompt in execution, rpuck in apprehension, correct in decision, condjined with liberal education, and a mild, })leasant, social disposition, well fitted him for the position in the regiment and brigade. He was A. A. A, General of the Brigade wdiile commanded l)y Colonel AVih'S. His correct knowledge of all orders and returns necessaiy to l)c made on the part of officers to the AVar Department, mndt> jiim a \QTj useful officer in the regiment. AVhcn diliietdties arose, and oflicers became perplexed in regard to their returns, "go to Search " was usually the advice. While Adjutant Search vv-as on Colonel Wiles' stair, Lieutenant J. T. Story acted Adjutant of the Regiment. lie made a very prom})t and efficient Adjutant. He luid been for sevez'al months on General Scott's staff, as Brigade Inspector and Provost Marshal. As an officer, General Scott comphmented him highly for the efficient and satis- factory manner in which he adjusted all the business of those two important offices. LIEUTENANT WILLIAM M. SLEETH Was appointed Adjutant, vice Search promoted. He filled the position with entire satisfaction to the regiment, until it was mustered out of service. In May, 1864, G. F. Peckham was a})pointcd Assistant Sursreon of the regiment. Sursreon Reeves beiuii- on detached duty the greater part of the time, therefore the entire responsibility of the medical department of the regiment rested on Surgeon Peckham, who discharged his duty with entire satisfaction. He is a man of very agree- iible manners and address, social and accommodating, notJiing fostidious or eccentric about him. SEVENTY-EIGIITn REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 109 RALPH D. WEBB Was appointed Second Assistant Surgeon in Mi\r, 1805. lie is a very pleasant young man, and liked well by the regiment. Xo other changes occurred in the Medical Staff until the muster out of the regiment. CAPTAIN GILBERT I). MUNSON "Was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel, in January, ISO'). Ho had long been on stalfduty, as Picket Officer. lie is an officer of much abihty, good attainments and very pleasing address, of good morals, and commendable habits. IK' took command of the regiment at Goldsboro, ^N". C, and led it through to Alexandna, Va., in a numner that ini])ressed the men most favorably. Every one held him in the highest estimation. He was quiet but earnest in all he did, and did business orderly ajidwith dispatch. There was no half manner of discipline ; orders had to be obeyed promptly, and without questions. Colonel !>.[unson, though young in years, was old in military ex[>e- rience. His coolness and bravery upon the field of battle, was almost unequaled ; lie detested cowardice, meanness and treachery ; gentlemanly in his manner and chaste ia his conversation. CAPTAIN ISRAEL C. ROBINSON Vv'as promoted to Major at Savannah, Georgia, and com- manded the regiment from that place to Goldsboro, K. C, (see Company D.) The Major is one of those social, merry, good natured men, and so musical in everything that n(» one could avoid liking him, even if he did not wish to. This was the case with the regiment: it was natural to Ix; impressed in his favor. On the South Carohna campaign lie commanded the regiment with much satisfaction to all. He is fond of fast horses, fast people, good vatcr, good table, and liked to see and have his regiment look well. REV. T. M. STEVENSON Was appointed Chaplain in February, 18G3, and 6er\xnl with the regiment in nearly all its campaigns. 110 HISTORY OF THE The present non-commissioned staft' are : Andrew McPherson, Sergeant-Major. Simeon C. Search, Quartermaster-Sergeant. William W. Porter, Commissary-Sergeant. Joseph L. Geyer, Hospital Steward. Jacob Arter, Principal Musician. WAR SHADOWS. It Will be seen by an examination of the records that "nearly one regiment of men have been used up, within a period of less than four years, by deaths from disease or wounds, killed in battle, discharged for disability, tnissing and deserted. Although the regiment has suiFercd severely, being in all the important Ijattles, skirmishes and campaigns of the AVestern army, always in the front, and in the heart of an enemy's country, and living both summer and winter among the swamps of a miasmatic and unhealthy climate yet it has been wonderfully spared and blessed. Pros- pering providences have attended the regiment in all its marches and l)attlcs. Very often, when in the most dan- gerous position, and circumstances of the most liazardouw nature, some fortuitous event occurred that saved the regi- ment. Often, very often, lias the writer observed tluit a few moments earlier or later would have been attended with the most disastrous consequences. Wise, prudent and skillful commanders have saved many a precious life. Yea, at times, saved the entire regiment from being annihilat.ed or taken ])risoners. The Sanitary condition of the regiment has always be^u a special care of its officers. Although it received but little benclit fix)m the Sanitary Commission nearly all the period 112 HLSTORY OF THE ' of the war, being too far to the front to be accessible to the agencies. It has been a source of regret that the regiment could enjoy so little of the kind and generous liberality of its many friends who have contributed so largely and profusely to all the Relief Associations and Commissions for the benefit of the soldiers. For more than one-half the past two years, the regiment has been allowanced to one-half, and sometimes to one-third rations, and many times for days together, none at all ; Avhile the Eastern army, and those in our immediate rear, wci'e receiving almost suffu-icnt from Christian and Sanitary ( 'ommissions to supply all deficiencies of the army rations. Often have we seen men in the rear of Vicksburg, before communications -were opened, and also on the Atlanta campaign, offer five dollars for a single "hard-tack," and at the same time marching and fighting night and day; at other times, after lying in their pits and trenches, as at Vicksburg, Kenesaw Alountain, Atlanta, and the siege of Havannah, for weeks and months exposed to hot sun and the cool dampness of the nights, and constantly nnder the iL-nemy's fire, with a very scanty allowance. Such circum- sitances must necessarily enlarge the mortality of the legiment. The wonder is not, therefore, that so many have ■fallen, but that any were spared; not that so many of its !>rave men lie scattered here and there, in nearly eveiy rebellious State, but that so many were permitted, through a kind and merciful Pro\idence, to return to their homes and their friends. Although we rejoice in a country saved by the valor and heroism of her sons, yet there are clouds of blackness that gather over ns to dim the brightness of our joy. Sad and desolate hearts mourn, bereft of loved ones who lie tileeping their long sleep, sanctifying by their aslies the soil of traitors. We rejoice that the stars and stiipes, the flag of the free, waves over a free ])eople, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and not one slave beneath its folds. But in the midst of our rejoicing shadows of departed ones hang over us, and linger around, causing the patriot to exclaim : Alas! SEVENTY-EIGnin REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 113 tliat it was puivliuscdso dear. Wo thank God for libcrtv and a free land; tliat tlie fetter lias been stricken from the liand of the slave ; Ijnt, alas! at such a}irice ! The sacritiee of the husband, the father, the l)rother, the son, who sliall never return to receive the welcome smile, to liear the gladsome voices, to cheer the heart, and the sweet caresses of little ones, as they gather around him in the quietude of Ills evening hours. These are the clouds of war that hang heavy with widows' tears, a mother's grief, a sistei*"s regret. The Seventy-Eighth Eegiment has lost man}' of its wry best and bravest men. ])eatli in every form seems to love the beautiful and the good, and selects such as companions, in its cold and chilly al)ode. It delights to walk where it can cause to flow the most tears, the deepest sorrow, and most painful grief; the l)est husband, the best son and brother, are death's delights and chosen ones. When in battle, and any one fell dead, or mortally wounded, the Captain would say, " That is one of my best and most reliable men." The regiment when it left the State, had a strong religious element ; men who were active, living, earnest Christians. The gi-eater proportion of these have fallen ; men whose loss the regiment deeply felt, and wlio will be much missed at home, and by their friends. Truly, tluj l)est blood of the land has l)een poured out to make 8acr(Ml our country's flag, and baptise anew the principles which it represents. This fact should lead our national authority to choris^h her noble institutions, and to consecrate themselves anew to labor for her welfare; and to give to patriotism a signifi- cance of meaning that will shame the demagogue, and embalm in the heart the nation's honor, by doing justly, loving mercy, and keeping judgment. Let every true patriot most earnestly cherish the names of those who liave laid down tlieir lives upon tlieir coin>- 114 HISTORY OF THE trj's altar, and chcerfally have givoii all that was dear to tiiemselvGS and .families a sacritleo for national life and lionor — for the peace and safety of liomes, for the prosperity of national nnion, liherty and independence. Those hrave ones arc gone hcyond the reach of our henefit and rcAvard, hut those "who innnediately and directly feel the sacriiicc are among us. Let their loss he partially made up hy all that is heautiful in human kindness and tenderness; hy dryiiig up the widow's tears and the orphan's lament : in a benevolence of heart that will Ix-stow hljerally of a henelit and reward that will gladden and cheer the heart, saddened and depressed hy a loss that can never he compensated. Let the lacerated feelings he healed by the halm of active, sympathisiug henelicence. Let the monuments to be erected in honor of the dead, be the caro of the soldier's family, that his orphan children may bo moiuiments of true patriotism, Christian greatness and iiraisev/ortli v intc2:i'it v. Let those last words tliat come in faint accents from the- dying husband and father, " Oh ! my Vv-ife, my children ; what will ])ecome of them?'' l)e ansv.'cred by every patriotic Jieart: " They shall be taken care of." Patriot, 'bend your knee and listen to that soldier boy v\'ho had scarcely jtassed his sixteenth year, when lying upon his cot, vrhere the candle of life was growing dim and fUckering in its socket, and thought to be in.sensible to passing events, hcai'd the Chaplain's voice and called rloud to liim to come to his cot juid pray with him. And wher« the Ch.aplaiu ar(.>se irom Li , kur^e, the little hoy exclaimed, "I feel b-ctter now," and c miraenced a heautiful and earnest yirayer for his mother and little sister — that God would comfort her in the loss other dear boy, tliat He vrould care for both her and sister, anove all — Jesus! One of the greatest objects of my gratitude is, that G od has granted me the privilege of send- ing you this message from the chambers of glory. I never enjoyed myself so much as while in the army. You ought to be proud that you have a son to fall in so glorious a eause as that of human independence. Tell our church to he faithful unto the end, and get the glorious crov/n of life. Tell my dear pastor to continue in his faithful labors, for I know the blessing of God will follow them. Thank Mr. 118 HISTORY OF TIIE Chambers, the Baptist minister, for the interest he took in me at the good old Union Prayer- ^Meetings. "Joyfully, joyfully, onward we move' will he sung hy me in noisier strains, in a short time, and " ' Nearer, my God, to thee, Nearer to thee ; Even tbongh it be a cross That", raiseth me, Still all my song shall be. Nearer, my God, to tl.ee, Nearer to thee' — 'I would be, Still nearer to thee.'" Still he lived. lie was conveyed to the "West End 'MWi- tary Hospital, in Cincinnati, where the providence of liil Covenant-keeping God bronght him nnder the kind care of relatives and friends. Dr. Dodge, who, with his kind family, spent mneh time with him, in a letter, says : " He was perfectly rational as long as he had strength to articnlate. Realizing fnlly that his work on earth was done, he departed with a confident assnrance of meeting* the Savior. From the time he left Pittsbnrg Landing, until Ids death, he gave to all around him the brightest evidence of the power of Christianity, Lawyers, j^hysicians and nurses knelt, and wept, like children, around his dying bed. The memory of his example and f:\ith in the Savior will never be efiaced from the minds of scores of sympathizing friends." His remains were Ijrought home, and interred by the side of his father. CASUALTIES OF THE WAR. Official estimates at the Y^ar Departn:iciit comp:itc tlie number of deaths in the riuou armies since the commence- ment of the v.'ar, incUiding- the stai'vin.ii; prisoners at 325,000. There lias doubtless been fully 200,000 Southern soldiers removed by disease and the casualties of battle, so that not less than 525,000 lives have been sacrificed in this unholy contest, begun and prolonged by the South in their vain elfart to bulM up a no'.v re';):il)lic and streno'then the slave power. Our greatest losses during any one campaign occurred at Gettysburg', when 23,2(30 Union soldiers were killed %voundcd and taken prisoners. Hooker's campaign of 18G3 in the AVilderness ranks next to Gettysburg as far as regards Union losses, they having amounted to 20,0©0, though generally reported at onlj'- 10,000. Burnside lof-t 12,000 in the battle of Fredericksburg, McClellan 12,426 at Antietam, Porter 9,000 at Gains' ?»Iills, Koseerans 12,- 084- at Murfrcesboro, and 2G,854 at Chickamauga, and Hherman about 9,000 in two days' l)attle around Atlanta. The official reports of General Grant's losses, from the time he crossed the Eapidan until receiving the surrender of Lee, computes them at 90,000. In the various engage- ments fought by General Graiit in the West, he lost 13,- 574 men at Fittsburg Landing, 9,875 in the severe con- tests around A'icksburg, and in tbo attack on Missionary Kidge, about 7,000. 120 HISTORY OF THE Tliougli onr losses in many of tlie campaigns have been lieavv, tlioy jet fall far below those ineuiTcd in some of the European wars. This has been chie, to a considerable extent, to the efficiency of the medical de[)artment, and the lavish amount of supplies, at least one-third greater than those furnished to any European army. A report recently ]iiade to the Imperial Academy of jNIedicine, by Chenu, iMiysician of the French army, estimates the losses of that army, in the Crimean war as follows: Killed in the field of battle or missing, 10,340, lost in Semilante, 702; died of various diseases at Alma, 8,084; died of cold, apoplexy, etc., before Sebastopol, 4,342; ched hi the field and general hosj.itals, 72,247, total, 05,(314. Thus, of 300,264 men sent by France to the Crimea, about one-third found a soldier's grave. The seige and reduction of Jerusalem resulted, says Josephus, in the loss of 1,000,000 lives; 90,000 Persians were placed /tors da combat at the battle of Albela, and 100.000 Carthegenians in the engagement of I'alermo. 12,000 infantry and 10,000 cavalry perished on the fatal tield of Issus. Spain lost 2,000,000 lives during the pros- ecution of the Arabians, and 800,000 in expelling the Jews. Frederick the Great inHicted a loss of 40,000 on the Aus- trians in the conflicts of Leuthen and Leignitz. The battle of^ Jena and lesser engagements immediately following, i'ost the Prussian army over 80,000 men. At the battle of Leipsic, the French suffered casualties to the number of 160,000 and the Sedes and their allies 40,000 more. 50,- 000 French and Russian soldiers lay dead and dying on the field after the battle of Moskow, and Napoleon again lost 47,000 men at Waterloo, and the Duke of Wellington 15,000 more. — A'etr York Commercial Adrcrtiser. REBEL LOSS IN THE WAR. Governor Parsons, in his proclamation to the people of Alabama, preliminary to reorganization in that State, estimates that 120,000 men of that State went upon the battle field, of whom 70,000 are dead or disabled. If we SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 121 fipi)ly the same ratio of enlistments in the otlier States that lield out during- tlie war, and make an approximation of the numhers sent out from the remainder of the shxve States, we sliall have the following interesting tahle : Dead and State?. Enlistments. Disabled. Alabama ] 20.000 7U,000 Arkansas, say 50,000 30,000 Florida 17.000 10.000 (^eorgia 131, UOO Y5.000 Kentucky, -ay 50.000 SO.OOO L'lui.-^iatia, say 50 000 S4,000 I^fissis-iippi 78. GOO 45.000 ]\[is8oiiri, say 40.000 24.000 Maryland, say 40 000 24.000 North Carolina 140.000 So^OOO Siiutli Carolina GO, 000 34.000 Tennes.>.ee, say 60.000 34.000 'IVxa.s say 93.000 53.000 A'irgiiiia, say 180 000 105 000 Tolal 1,124,000 000,000 If all the men who were once got into tlie rebel army were retained during the war, or during their ability to serve, there were, according to this calculation, 464,000 men in the rebel service at the close of the war. But if allow- ances be made for desertion, &c., and for the sick in the hospitals who have recovered and are not counted by (xovernor l^arsons among the disabled, we shall find this number of 464,000 diminisbcd to something like the actual number that either surrendered to our forces or scattered to their homes immediately after the fall of irichmond. It seems, therefore, from this verification of the solution of the jiroblem, that Governor I*arsons was not very far from the truth, and that we have made about the pro}»er allowances in filling up the table. PLANNING CAMPaiGNS. The following rpiotation from a response made ])y Gene- ral Sherman to his reception at St. Louis, gives a good general view of the campaigns in which our Southwestern army was engaged : Here in St. Louis, probably, began the great centre move- ment which terminated the war, a battle-field such as never 122 HISTORY OF THE l)cfore was seen, extcndinsr from ocean to ocean almost with the right wing and the left wing, and from the centre here I remember one evening, up in the old Planter's House, sitting with General Ilalleck and General Cnlluni, and we were talking ahout this, that and the other, ; a map was on the table, and I was explaining the position of the troo]is of the enemy in Kentucky when I came to this State. General Ilalleck knew well the position here, and I remend)cr well the fpiestion he asked me — the question of the school teacher to his child — " Sherman, here is the line ' how will you break that line ?" " l*hysically, by a perpen- dicular force." "Where is the perpendicular T' '• The line of the Tennessee River." General Ilalleck is the author of that first beginning, and I give him the credit of it with pleasure. [Cheers.] Laying dovrn his pencil upon the ma[» lie said, "There is the line, and we must take it." The capture of the forts on the Tennessee Iliver, by the troops led by Grant, followed. [Cheers.] These were the grau'l strategic features of that first movement, and it succeeded perfectly. General ITalleck's went furtlier — not to stop at his first line, which ran through Columbus, Bowling Green, crossing tlie river at Henry and Douelson, Init to push on to the second line, which ran through ^Memphis and Charleston ; but tro;d)les intervened at Xashviile, and delays followed: opposition to the last movement was made, and I myself was brought an actor on the scene. I remember our ascent of the Tennessee River; I have seen to-night, captains of steamboats who first went with us there ; storms came, and we did not reach the point we desired. At that time General C. F. Smith was in com- mand ; lie was a man indeed; all the old ofiicers remember him as a gallant and excellent officer, and had he lived, probably some of us younger fellows would not have attained our present positions. But that is now past. We followed him — the second time — and then came the landing of forces at Pittsbura- Landing. WHiether it was a mistake SEVENTY-ElGnxn EEGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 123 in landing tliem on tlie west instead of the east bank, it is not necessary now to discuss. I think it was not a mistake ; there was gathered tlie iirst great army of the AFest — com- mencing with only twelve tliousand, then twent}', then thirty thousand, and we had al)out thirty-eight thousand iu that battle ; and all I claim for that is, that it was a contest for manhood ; there was no strategy. Grant was there, and others of us, all young at that time, and unknown men, but our enemy was old, and Sidney Johnston, vrliom all the officers remembered as a power among the old otlit-ers, high above Grant, myself or anybody else, led the enemy on that battle-field, and I almost wonder hovv' we con([uered. !But, as I remarked, it was a contest for manhood — man to man, soldier to soldier. AVe fought, and we held our ground, and therefore accounted ourselves victorious. [Cheers.] THE MISSISSIPri. The possession of the Mississippi river is the possession of America, [cheers,] and I say that liad tlie Southern Confederacy, (call it b}'- what name you may,) had that j)Ower represented by the Southern Confederacy, held with a grip sufficiently strong the lower part of the IMississippi river, we would have been a subjugated people, and tliey would have dictated to us if we had given up tlie possession of the lower ^.lississippi. It was vital to us, and we fought for it and won. Y7"e determined to have it; but we could not go down with our frail boats past the batteries of Vicks- burg. It was a physical impossibility ; therefore, what was to be done? After the Tallahatchie line was carried, Alcksburg was the next point. I went with a small and hastily collected force, and repeatedly endeavored to make a lodgement on the bluff between Vicksburg anon two steamers for Paducah. Lieutenant-Colonel Hawks taking couiniand of tlie left wing upon one boat, and Colonel Leggett the right wing upon the other. That night was nuide terribly disagreeable by a severe storm of wind and snow; the right wing was compelled, in conse- (|uenco to anchor till raornijig. The left wing being on a better boat, was able to push forward till morning, when seeing nothing of the other boat, anchored for two or three hours; learning some mishap had befallen tlie right wing the boat turned about and steamed up stream in search ; in ;(, few hours the boats met, and then pushed on to Paducah, Avliere they arrived in the afcernoou of the same day. Fighting had commenced at Port Donclson. Colonel Leggett received orders to draw live day's rations, and ]»roceed with his regiment to the held of action immedi- ately. The ]joarigade to assist jVrClernand on the extreme right. This brigade went into the fight on the " double-quick," and with a, determined will, inflicting sad havoc in the enemy's rank!«i, AVood's Battery was now brought into position on the road^ where the rebels had routed a brigade of ]\l'Clernand"8 Division, and were trying to ilank the brigade just sent br Wallace to support the right, and sent its shot and sliell with so much precision and deadly effect into the massed rebel troops, that they were compelled to retire, leaving hundreds of their dead, mangled and dying comrades in our liands, and give up the victory they could almost, a moment before, have grasped; but many who one minute saw their way clear to Nashville, in the next vrere torn to pieces by n cannon shot, or pierced through the brain by a Minie ball, and sent with "military dispatch," to account for more than one rebellion. General Wallace at this time joined anoth-er brio:ade on the ris-ht. General Grant now appeared upon the field ; duri)ig the time of this severe fighting, in order to push his lines forward, he had been in consultation v\'ith Admiral Foote. Seeing the efi:brt the enemy was making to break his liiiCi', and the almost completion of their object, ordered an innnc- diate charge of all his forces on the enemy's work?. "Wallace le escape." This was like an electric sintck, stunning and paraiy/ing the hearts or the people, so jubilant ja.-.t then Vv'ith joy. 'Jlie Sabliath was spent ii! Innwing tlie dead on the battle- iield. The Seventy-Eighth ])ivouaeed that da.y in a largo corn tiebl, without teirts or shelter. About midnight a heavy I'ain set in, v;hich continued vvdthout intermission for two days, 'idio r.ext day the regiment moved into the vroods and coiistrncted tcujporary sliclters of rails and brush. Colonel Ijcggett being that day a.iijtointed " Post Com- rnamler,"' received orders in the evening to move hi.> "regiment into the town of J-)over, and encamp it close ])y tlie river I'or post duty.'' Here the regiment encountered SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 133 liardslilps that cannot be forgotten. The pUicc, and tlic only phxce suitable that was near the town, was just ])eh)w town, wliore all it:4 li'tJi naturally collec'to;!, and whore dead rebels had been buried loss than a foot deep, and the rand extended still deeper. The stench was so great that after the men had their tents |)itehed they were seized with tits of vomiting. lu a Yew days sickness prevailed to such an extent that ouieers became alarmed. General Leggett was prostr^ited. Lieutenant-Colonel Hawks was down, and it, vras foar.cd, beyond tlie hope of recovery. ]}.Iaj'>r CarnaJiau, Chaplain Todd aiid Surgeon Reeves were active m their clForts to alleviate and better the condition of the men. The regiment rehiained here on active duty until the Gtli of March. Many were noiv upon the sick list, who were soot to tlie general hospihil. The regiment had received its lirst iustalhiient of pay; letters from home Ijcgan now to co;ne and cheer the soldiers' heart, and drive partially away home-sickness, which nearly all must expe- rieui-e, who for the first time in their live? leave tliei." families at a great distance, and for a long time. This disease lias not been considered a malady, hence it has b'een used in derision; but in tlio army it is a disease v»diicli djpresjes all the feelings and energies to such an extent t'lat the soldier soniatimj^ dies in consequence. Time will only correct this, and the soldier b3com3 more cheerful, and c-veryLliing around him present a more lively appearance. It takes time to make a soldier, and time and experience to learn hovr to make the most of everything, ]>v way of kee[)ing the future bright, and hope always buoyant. The little town of Dover was not such a ]tlaee as to awak(3n emotions of cheorfalness, but everytliing to the <'v)ntrary.. It is a onesided town, built on a hillside, and is on the opposite siAe of Union sentiment. It contains a court liouse, jail, and a small meeting house, besides about one liundred other small houses, all old, shattered and ragged. But few of the inhabitants remained at their desolate homes. GE^^ERALS GRAXT AXD SHERMAIS^. After tlic victory to onr arms at Fort Donelson, General Grant became popular and known in the nation, and rose to great favor in tlie arniv. Four years ago, and montlis after the "war began, the name of General Grant was unknown to the world. He liad a list of acquaintances ]io longer than any other citizen, ftnd it does not appear that he stood high among those who knew him. He was thought to be an ordinary sort of person, who would never "set the river a-fire," as the saying is. He tried to get a small scientific employment in the State of Missouri, but the gentlemen who had the place in their g-ift decided that he was not fit for it ! Such was tlieir estimate of a man, who, if he could not serve a county, was to show that he could save a country. The truth is, great men must have great occasions, or their greatness Vvall remain unknown, and in most cases as unknown to themselves as to all the rest of the world. The poet Gray speaks of flowers that are born to blush unseen, and which waste their sweetness on the desert air; and so it is with some men. They have the intellect that is necessary to achieve the fame that comes from doing famous deeds, but the opportunity for doing such deeds never comes to them. So it would have been in the case of Gen- eral Grant, in all probability, if the slaveholders had not sought to destroy the country. That led to a great war, SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 185 j%!k1 as war is the business for which General Grant is pre- eminently qualified, he achieved the first place in it. Tha hour came, and the man was not wanting to it. General Grant had some difliculty in getting military employment. Ilis path to usefulness and eminence was beset with even more than the usual difliculties. Ilis earlier actions did not indicate any marked degree of superiority ; iuid many men seemed to be his superiors whom he has long since passed, and thrown into the shade, by the magni- tude and value of his achievements. He has had to pay for tlie development of his talents, which are of the grave and solid order, not showy and superficial. As ladies say of cloths, his abilities " wash." They are not of the kind that disappear under showers, nor do they fade in the sun. It was not until the second year of the war was closing that men began to hope that the long-expected coming man liad come at last. General Grant's services as commander never were called for until a case become desperate, and then he set matters right. We had failed in the South- west, and he was required to assume command there. He obej^ed, and after defeating the enemy in half a dozen battle:?, he shut up their army in Vicksburg, and compelled it to surrender. He was then ordered to Chattanooga, where the rebels had our forces at bay, and he obeyed, and tliere he served Bragg as previously he had served Johnston, storming positions which had been considered impregnable, and opened the way for General Sherman's grand march to the sea-shore, conquering Georgia and the Carolinas as he went " marching on." He was ordered to Virginia, where we had been baflled through three years. To hear was to obey, with him, and in the spring of '64 the conqueror of Johnston was measured against Lee. What followed is well known. He drove the enemy to Richmond, after a aeries of bloody battles ; shut them up in their lines ; defeated all their attempts to better their condition ; main- tained his hold on the- Confederacy's throat with unflinch- ing tenacity; and finally compelled the rebels to abandon 13S BISTOET OF THE Petersbnrg and Eiclimond, and tiicn to sniTcnder in {lie fieldy tLe *' inviriciblc " Lee himself signing articles of capitnlation. These were his deeds, and they have made an imprcssioii on the popuhir mind that "vvill endure, and wliich linds expression in hearty action as he Jonrnej& through the countiy, though he prohably cares less for attentions than any eminent American who has Hved since Washington. The latter was a reserved man, and had been trained in a state of society in which distinctions were very F-trong, even stronger than thej are in England at tins day^ and there was little that was democratical in his nature as in his training-. But General Grant's reserve is simply a natural feeling. He is fond of cpiiet, and has never mad^ a speech in his life, and it seems that he is destined never to make one. Had he been born in Sparta he could not have been more laconic than he is, though he is a native of a, country in which everybody is supposed to talk, and to talk much. General Grant is in his foi-fy-fourtli ycar,'as he was born on the 27th of April, 1822, in Ohio. It was not nntil 1859 that he took up his residence at Galena, in Illinois, where he embarked in the leather and saddlery business, his father being his partner. His previous attempts in civil pursuits had all been failures, but at Galena he was successful. He left the regular armj^, in which he had become Captain, in 1854. He married in 1843, his bride being Miss Dent, a liidy of Missouri. He resumed military life in 1861, not long after the beginning of the war. His first office was that of Adjutant- General of Illinois, and his first field service was in command of the Twentj'-First Illinois Infantry. As his cpialities became known lie Avas pron\oted, until he became the foremost man of tlie American world. He owes his success to his lionesty and tenacity of pur]3ose, as much as to his rare abilities as a soldier, and hence his career affords matter of profitable study to the youth of the republic, who can see in it that integrity and resolution are necessary to conduct men to fame and usefulness. SEVEXTT-EICnTn REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 137 GENERAL SHERMAN. AVith tliQ Pinglo exception of General Grant, no man BtandtB so Ligli as General Sherman in the estimation of the country, when military merit is considered. Both of them are a])le soldiers, but they are very unlike, mentally ; and their moral qualities also present remarkable points of contrast. General Grant is singularly quiet and retiring. General Sherman, without being encroaching or obtrusive, is as singularly demonstrative. He does not speak because he tliinks that his opinions are of value, or that others are anxious to know them, but because it is his nature to 1)0 bold, frank and open. He acts according to the law of Ills being in talking freely, as General Grant does in keeping silent. They have strong points of resemblance, nevertheless, — for both are honest men, and both have rendered incalculable service to the re})ul;iic. It v^ould be hard to say which of the two we could best spare, and therefore it is to be hoped that we shall have them with us for many years. General Sherman is in the prime of life. lie vras born on the 8th of February, 1820, at Lancaster, t3hio, he being, like General Grant, a "Buckeye," as Ohioans are called. He entered West Point Academy in 1836, and was there graduated in 1840, standing well in his class. The artillery was his arm of the service, and he served in Florida,^ South Carolina, California and Louisiana. Like Grant, he never got higher than the rank of Captain in the old regular army; and then, again like Grant, he retired,>and vrent iiit > business. He was at San Francisco, manager of a banking house, from 1853 to 1857. In 1858 he took charge of the State Military Academy of Louisiana, but he left the oflice early in 18G1, when it became apparent that the disunionists were getting control of the South. " On no earthly account, " he wrote to the Governor of Louisiana, "will I do any act, or think any thought, hostile to, or in defiance of the old government of the Fruited States. " Such was the emphatic language 138 niSTORY OF THE of this true patriot. lie went to "Washington and was made Colonel, and commanded a brigade at Bull Run, which behaved well. He was subsequently promoted, and employed at difl'erent points of the West and South-west, and made a vigorous attack on Vieksburg, at the close of 1862, which failed. He was the real hero of the battle of Shiloh, in April, 1862, General Grant declaring that the defeat of the enemy was owing to him. In the operations that led to the fall of Vieksburg, General Sherman had a conspicuous part ; and not less prominent and useful were his actions in that important campaign which saw the defeat of Bragg and Longstreet in Tennessee, and which caused 1863 to end so triumphantly to our arms. In the following winter ho was actively employed at difierent points, and ever with effect. When General Grant proceeded to the East to take com- mand in Virginia, he was succeeded in the South-west b}' General Sherman. The two Generals formed a grand plan of operations for 1864; and on the 7tli of May General Sherman began his forward movement at the head of 98,790 Boldiers and 2'51 guns. Atlanta was the immediate olyect of the movement ; and after almost four months of hard marching, and harder fighting, Atlanta was taken, on the 2d of September. It was a tremendous campaign, but the ekill of the General, admirably supported by the bravery of his men and the talents of his Lieutenants, surmounted ever^'thing, and the enemy felt the blows dealt them in Georgia throughout the whole Confederacy. General Sherman's reputation as a great soldier was admitted in all parts of the world. That reputation was soon to be im- mensely increased. Believing that nothing was done while anything remained to be done. General Sherman prepared to move upon Savannah ; and in jSTovembcr, at the head of an army said t-b have been almost 70,000 strong, he began a march that astounded the country. Place after place fell before his advance, every effort of the rebels to resist proving vain. SEYENTY-EIGUTII REGIMENT 0. V. Y. L 130 On the 2 1st of December lie entered Savannah. That place lie made the base of fartlier operations, the success of wliich sliould still more ^completely demonstrate the weakness ot the enemy. About the middle of January, 18(55, this great commander l)Cg:an the last of his great marches, the object of which was the conquest of the Carolinas. Onward he went, the ('arolinians being as little able to stay his advance as the Georgians had been. Charleston, which had defied us for four years, wps abandoned without a fight, so completely had his combinations isolated it. Columbia, the capital of South Carolina, where secession had been hatched, was taken and partially destroyed. In short, South Carolina, that land of invincible chivalry, was subdued in a few vv^eeks. Then came Xorth Carolina's turn ; and old Eip Yan Winkle was waked up by the noise of the Federal army. That State ^v;is soon at the Generars mercy ; and pre})aratious had been made for the march of his forces into Virginia, there to take part in the destruction of Lee, when General Grant took liichmond, and forced Lee to surrender. Shortly afterwards General Johnston surrendered to General Sherman, which act of rendition virtually put an end to the war. General Sherman is an indefatigable worker, as well as a bold and scientific fis^htino; man. His victories were as mucli due to his industry as to his skill and his valor. lie showed immense mental resources on every occasion. lie ha:? a true genius for war, being a born soldier. He takce great care of his troops, and they are much attached to him in return. He wins the hearts of those whom he commands, and in that way he is enabled to win great victories. Hi» men ever were ready to go through fire and water for him, and did so go on an hundred fields. THE EEGIMEXT LEAVIXG EiOTER AXD LAXDIXG XEAR FOllT IIEXRY. THEXCE TO PITTSBUna LAX'DIXG, AXD BATTLE OF SniLCII. The regiment left Daver, March 7tli, 1802, and encamped that night at BoU's Iron Furnace. The hills around were jich witli iron ore, which were a source ot" great wealth to the owner. The land is poor and unsuitahie for agricul- tural purposes, consequently few improvements were seen on the march. The furnace was a verv extensive estahlish- ment and turned out immense quantities of iron, vdiich v\'as then being appropriated as material of war ; it was there- fore destrovcd, bcino- burned down bv command of Goneral Grant. The regiment bivouaced in the valley, and slept comforS al)1y under the frosty canopy^; any place was regarded v.?- l)etter than the miasmatic camping grounds of the Cum- berland. The next morning was clear and beautiful, and soon the Trost disappeared from the blankets, before the extensive fires built of the many negro huts, around the I'urnace ; these huts had been deserted a fevr days before, by tlieir occupants, some taking refuge in the army and many having been driven away toother, but more secure ])laces. That day after a tedious march over hills and bad roads, and swampy valleys, we encamped at Metal Landiug, about four miles above Fort Henry on the Ten- SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGLMENT 0. V. V. L 141 no?soc ; here tlic rcg-iraciit, -wi.li Genoi-al Low WuUaco"? Division, rcniaiiiod lv)r several dajs, which tiuio Avas s[)cnt hi ahiiost constant drilh The regiment here expe- i-ienced' inueli di:-;agreeahlG weather, one day was halniy warmth, another rain, another snov/ storms and iVeezing (okh Here occurred the iirst deatli iu the regh.nent, (Jeorixe Iiitcliey of A Coni})any, a young man of much jii-omiso and ingldy esteemed hy alh Previously he had lieon sent to the hospital, wliere he so far recovered as to he ahle to go to his liome a lew weeks, where he could recover his liealth more rapidly, hut instead of crahracing the ])rivilego of a fr.rloiigh, he returii to liis regiment, ■ r,' iu a few ihiys ho die;!. Hero the first loyal seeds \-as sown in rchel soil by the regiment, the first saeriiice to ril}erty made, and lioreufter in almost every encampment 1 iH^'agliout the South some one was lei't, as a testimony to devoted patriotism, and against the purposes of Vvdcked I'ijhelhon. At this time the seeds of disease and dehilih' planted at Dover, and hy hardships and. unaccustomed exposure, hegan ' tell upon the regiment. ]Men were ]iot inured to the jiurdsliips and exposiu'cs of field and camp life; transition IVom civil to military life had l^een too great and sudden ' e climate an.d the season v\-ero unhealthy; and cold, nstaut rains prevailed, v/hich circumstances p)roduced ii.acli sickness. On the IGthday of ]\Iarch tlie Division left ^detal Landing ;' r i'ittshnrg Landhig, arrivhig at the latter]. lace the night of the 17th. The regiment did not disembark from th© hoats, but on the morning of the 18th v^^ent to Crum[)t's landing, six miles below, where it disembarked and en- camped iu the woods, about one mile from the Landing. It will be remembered that the regiment was now and will hereafter be connected witli the Third Division, undfr (Jeneral Lew Wallace. Here the regiment spent its timy in . The fii'st day's tight wny- now over, and almost decided in favor of the rebels, but how Ihcy were to get over our guns and, foot b-y i'oot, the ground o.f a wiiieiy extended camp, with a hundred thousand of the be^t aiuud and equipped trco];s the ►^'outheni ("onfcardonal)le Jieglcct in having done nothing' tor the defense of the place and their camps, by estaljlishing a line of fortilications. After the battle, and the arrival of General llalleek, the army commenced their labors with the axe, the pick and the spade, and constructed and built line upon line of works from Shiloh to Corinth. Day and niglit the troops were engaged in digging. The Seventy-Eiglith Avas still retained in Lew, Wallace's Divit^ion, which was the extreme right of the aruiy. It was very important that the riglit tlank be well guarded, as liere. important highways led to Corinth and Furdy, which made a convenient and ready communication to cur army. In consequence many scouting parties had to be sent out daily to watch the movements ot the enemy and to guard the flank of the army. 'J'his imitosed heavy duty upon the Seventy-Eighth regiment. Colonel Leggett being known as a man of great energy, was generally selected for dilRcult and dangerous enter})rises. The siege was fairly inaugurated on the SOtli of Api-il, and ended the morning of the oOth of May. During this SEVEyTr-EiailTH REGIMENT Q. V. V. L 151 tliiiG tks rcginieiit seldom slept two uig-lit.s in tke fiarrie ores, but it does not so ha])pen in this instance. The benelit dcri\'cd i'rom it is substantial. The rebel Generals determined to evacuate the place on the 27th, and therefore sent away. all their baggage, and everything not actually needed for the subsistence of the troops or for a battle. Tlie question of linal evacuation was left open as circumstances might dictate ; and in the mean- time the army and the troops were to be cajoled into the belief that Corinth was the last ditch — the spot where General Pillow intended to die. All the citizens of Corinth, and I believe of the rebel States, believed the place would be held at all hazards, and the chagrin and disappointment at its evacuation without u blow, were deep and bitter. I talked with sevei'al, who, up to that hour had never fidtered in their faith, but who now hjok upon their cause as ])ast the remotest chance of a resurrection, and are adapting themselves to their new and changed circumstances. They say tliat if the South could not hold and defend Corinth, they cannot hold their ground at any other point, and it is therefore useless to prole ug a war which is now desolating tvreh'e States. SEV'ENTY-EIGIITII REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 155 Oti the 27th, General Beauregard went to Holly S})rings, givini^ out the impression that it was to recruit his heahli, l»ut the real intention was to select a camp for his army, r.enerals ]Mllow, Price and Hardee concurred with !)caurcgard to evacuate the place, hut General Bragg and X'^an Born opposed it, as a movement ahsolutely destructive to their cause. General Ilalleck was admired for his care, and fortiiying every rcsti)ig })hice ahout Corinth, hut we cannot commend his watchfuhiess in not ascertaining the fact that the rehels were retreating, when we were within half a mile of their lines for forty-eight hours. A reconnoisance in force, at several points, to the distance of twenty-five rods heyond our pickets, would have discovered the whole facts. Gen- eral Ilalleck's watchfulness will certainlv he reo'arded as u juilitary hlunder. REBEL VANDALISM, True to their natural sentiments, the rehels could not leave the town without destroying a large amount of jiroperty. The depot and three large vrarehouses, con- taining provisions which they were unahle to carry away were tired, and hefore the arrival of the Union army, were consumed. The dense cloud of smoke which was seen in the morning as the army a})proaclied, led to the supposition that the town had heen hurnod, hut on our arrival it was found that all private residences, and such buildings as contained no army stores, were left unharmed. The rebel forces amounted to 80,000 eftective troops, of all grades — volunteers for the war, conscripts, and eight day men. The latter are those who shouldered their muskets for an immediate battle; they are generally pressed in. At the battle of Sliiloh many of these were found sion to their breastworks. powerful and thrilling sermon on THE CURSE OF COWARDICE. The following sermon was preached at Fort Donelson, and found by the writer at Corinth among the precioug SEYEXTY-EIOnTlI REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 157 rloeuiiients laid up to comfort the soldier and strengthen his resolves in driving back the Yankee from their sacred soil. It is one of the finest efforts of the ablest and most incomprehensible of modern divines. Dr. Baldwin is a descendant ot the propliet Samnel on the one side and llabakuk on the other, and of course is a "good Qgg;'' or, as has been beautifnlh' said, " a whole team and a yaller dog under the wagon."' Of his earl V historv we can only say that his name had a significant origin. "When he ]ireached his first sermon an old la from stealing. But, Thou knowest we are some on tangle-foot wliisky, good at horse-racing, and tip- to[) at poker, and can hold four aces about as often as ' John Morgan' or 'any other man.' Help ns this day, ibr we ar© in u peck of trouble, and it will be the last time I'll ever trouble vou. Amen." 158 HISTORY OF THE THE CUnSE OF COWARDICE. Text — ^^ Curse yc, Meroz, cnrsc yc hitlcrhj. — Eeloved brethren and sisters, you are assenil)ie(l to-day to discharg'e the most important (hities of your Hves. Tlic ^'ankees in ' chariots of fire ' are cavorting and eharging like tlie'licast with seven lieads and ten horns' spoken of by St. Jo]iii. (Brother McXairy, make tliat l)h)odhouiid of yonrs keep still, or I'll expel him from the church, even as Judas was cast out of the synagog-ue.) The uncircumcised sons of the Philistines arc riding over the holy soil of the South in chariots of lire, even as the chariots of Elijah and Amir.adal), and my soul waxcth 'wonderfully and fearfully maoints, the cowardice of i\ cuss, and the cuss of cowiirdice. "Firstly, there is always cowardice in a low, orniw cuss, and the cuss is always full of cowardice as our publishing liouse is of ]'>iety, which, you know, my bi'cthren, i"^ an exclusively religious concern, and [luMishes among other excellent books my great work on }»rophecy, called Armageddon. Price one dollar and fifty cents — ah ! "Secondly, the "uss of cowardice. Who, m}' l)rethren and sisters, is a cuss of cowardice ? A cuss of cowardice is one v.'lio bellows like a 'bull of Ihishan " in lime oi" safety, and then runs like a ' fatted calf ' in time of da!:^;-cr. There is ]s]ium (j1. Harris, "who issued a jiroclamation. a few days ago, talking about 'defending the sanctity of our homes, and wives and daugliters, and dying in the last ditch.' Yes, lie cavorted mightily, and should, as he -smelt the l)attle afar ofi';' l)ut to-day he rcmaiueth like a disconsolate whang- doodle, in the dark mountains of ireii-idam, roaring f>r SEVEXTY-EKiTITII REGTMEXT 0. V. V, I. 15!> ]ior first horn, and v>'ill not 1)0 romtortod, bocau?!0 tliey iire not/ Iiistefid of staying; to tis>:lit that son of Belial, Andy .Tolm^nn, lie i?^ ^(ackini:^ np his (hid- for a £;"rand sk'.'diKhlli-. ]\ry In'otlircn, lie i.s a cnss, and a 'cuss of cowardice.' "Then tliere is (Jirieon I'illow, -who lias undertaken a contract for diu;(j,'ing that 'last ditch,' of which you have all lieard so much. I ani aft'aid the 'feathers will lly ' when- evof that case is opened, and that Pillow will give us the slip. The ' sword of tlie JiOrd; isn't the sword of Gidet^i I'illow, so T sliall not l)olster him up ;my longer. (lideon is M cuvs, my oi-eth'.-en, and a 'cuss of cowardice.' ■■Ti'.cre IS ^Wasli I>arre)W, wlio has been handling niiliions of dollars and staying cosily at homo, wiiilo 'lewd fellou's of the- baser sort' do the ligliting. I believe tliis liarrow belongs to the herd of swine s[ioken of in the Testament, of whom the devil took }»osse:ision. AVhy don't lie bristle lii) to the Yankees? ])oes he want to 'save his bacon' more than to save the Somh','' If ho does he ought to be ^\'ell smoked. lie, too, is a cuss, and a 'cuss of cowardice.' '• Theii there is the Vigilance Committee of Xashville. A'igilant about Vvdiat, I should lil-ce to knov/? As • vigilant as a Ciit to steal cream," I guess, as the apostle Fai staff says in his sermon to J'rince Hal. Why don't they sliouldcr their muskets and go out to Hglit the Yankees, instead of I'uiming oil' ;[)Oor mechanics v\-ho have no iVientls ? ]\Iy iVicnds, they are all cusses, and 'cusses of cowardice.' '•My brethren and sisters, I'll tell you v>'ho are not cnsse«» of cou-ardiee. Myself, the author of Armageddon, and Dr. ?dryeri'in, author of the Confederate Primer, and Dr. Summers, author of Confederate Almanac, and Prother JLouston, who is getting up a Confederate Pible. A\'e arj no': 'cusses of cowardit-e." Xo, sir-eel •' My brethren, just get the almanac and IodIc for tliat Confederate ' eclipse of the sun,' and then g;Qt down lirollier Mac's primer, and read that heaveiily little story about tiu' ' SiiKirt Pixie Poy,' and tlieii buy a co])y of my Ai-ma- geddon, for one dollar ami fifly cents, and vou will fiL'-ht lOO HISTORY OF THE like — (enter messenger, wildly exclaiming, 'Fort Douelson is taken, and the Yankee gunboats are in sight I ') Oh ! Lord, my brethren, oh! Lord ! — let's skedaddle I " The discourse was here broken oft* short ; but the pious author assures ns that it will be pnblHied in full in his next edition of Armageddon, which he re(|uest.i us to say ho will still sell at one dollar and tiftv cents. JACIvSOX, TEXis^ESSEE, A'ND POmTS SOUTH. A few days after the evacuation of Corinth, we struck tents, desiring to make ourselves useful — started to Pnrdy, and remained with the frio'htened citizens over nig'ht. leaving- Company B with them. We started for Bethel Station, where we pitched our tents and expected to remain for some time. Vie were highly pleased with the place, on account of the excellent quality of the water, and the hospitality of the citizens, who made us many friendly visits, and immediately opened up a brisk trade with the boys, in butter, fruits, berries, milk, etc. We built two large bake ovens, and hired a baker to l)ake bread for the regiment ; determined no lons^er to. accept of Uncle Sam's bread, which I regard as the great curse of our arm v. I care not what sur2:eons and other* gay of the healthy nature of crackers; nothing short of livina revelation would convince me that they arc not llie cause of so much of sickness and death in the army. We can fully establish this fact Ijy examples both of indi- \)(luals and of regiments who have bakeries connected with tlu'ir Quartermaster's Department. But as it is not my design now to discuss tlie cracker business, su[ii:;e it to say, 1 have not yet seen the soldier who does not loath them. A few days after our stop at Bethel, General Logan's Division, comprising sixteen Illinois regiments, came to li 162 HISTORY OF THE dwell with us. The next morning after their arrival the Seventy-Eighth, with parts of the IlHnois Twenty-NintJi and Thirtieth, were ordered to proceed up the railroad and open it for transportation as far as -Jackson, Tennessee, a distance of forty miles ; while General Logan would take a Brigade, aceompained hy Colonel Marsh's Chivalry, in a diflt'erent direction, to intercept cotton burners and guerrillas, who were laying waste the country aliout Jackson. We started in the cars Saturday morning, heav- ing a detail of sixty men behind to guard the engineers in bringing the telegraph after us. We arrived at Jackson seven hundred strong, about three P. M. We took the inhabitants by complete surprise. They had just had a large meeting of the citizens, appointed vigilance comittees to test more thoroughly suspicious persons, and inspect the arms and distribute them to the citizens; also to burn the bridges below the city, to prevent our entrance to the place. We came upon them before they had accomplished their last purpose. They were amazed and confounded at our appearance upon their streets ; at our boldness in marching directly to the court house and taking possession of the yard. In a few minutes vre demanded tlie keys, and Lieutenant Ivoljerts, of Company E, bore the Hag of tlie Seventy-Eighth to the top and fr.stened it to the cupola. Li majesty it proudly unfurled it.; ttars and stripes to the wind. Like a stream of blazing iire it v/as seen by all th© inhabitants of the city, and for some distance by tlie citizens in the country. The ladies were seen runniiig with dis- heveled hair, to the northern ]:;',rt of tlic city: a comjtuny of cavahy encamped on the fairgrounds fled, leaving their supper cooked ; a coniitany of home guards in tlie city iii.sienea to doif their military clothes for tiiosc of tlhc citizens, and ofiicers of the secesh fled immediately to the countr3\ The people looked indignant and sullen. T!.<3 colored people seemed to welcome us, and crov^•ded the ptreets and public scpiare. They siud they did not l)elieN-e we were Yankees, because they thought Yankees had horns and cloven feet. SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT 0. V, Y. L If^ The boys stacked their arms around the court house, and soon were off huying corn bread, pies and cakes; and nianj of them commenced l)oldly with the citizens to debate Unionism, and had the impudence to ask how they Hked the stais and stripes. Some have told us since that our bokh^ess was all that saved us that night. They thought we surely had a large force at calling distance. The Knights of the Golden Circle had their meeting at three o'clock the next morning, and couriers were sent through fields and by-ways to the country (the main roads we had well picketed that niglit,) to drum up all the cavalry and forces to rout us and take us all |)risoncrs Sabbatli night. They had made the boast tliat to-morrow our enjoyment would be turned to sorrow. About four o'clock Sabbath evening Colonel }lacc wo have been where scrip was current. The boys happened to have gathered considerable of it in various expeditions, saving it to take home with them. The citizens refused our paper money; would not touch it. The boys, therefore, have been doing good busi- ]iess with their Confederate scri[»t, many of them boarding at the hotels, paying fifty cents a meal, getting a Confed- erate l>ill changed and receiving Ohio and Kentucky money in change. ISome ha\'e gojie into the business of buying it f.'oni tliC colored population for the gold and silver at a trifle, ai.d ]iass it off at the groceries at full value. One of Com}. any E, yesterday, started with live dollars, and came out in the evening with thirteen dollars current Ohio money. This is only one instance. They all have now more money than they lirought with them, after S[ ending freely. l>ut the matter is now changing; the people take the scrip with reluctauc , but tal. e the greenbacks with readiness. An order will be issued to-mojrow prohibiting the circulation of all Confederate money. The people do no not yet Icnow it. It will create quite a sei:sation, and ^^ il! come hard upon many for a few days. Gold and silver are ainong the tilings that are past ; none of it has been seen in the city for months, and is looked upon as an article of curiosity. In a few days the road will be opened to Cobiunbus, Ken- tucky, when communications with the Xorth will l)e more direct and immediate. The boys are in the highest enjoy- ment, and say the past vreek has paid them for all their hardships heretofore. CRAJyD JUXCTION. After three or foar vrceks rest and (piiet at Jackson, Ten- SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT 0. V. Y. I. 165 nessee, tlie regiment \Yas ordered to Grand Jnnetion, to liold and repair the railroad, so that communication could be opened up with ]Mem]ihis and the interior of Mississippi. The position ^vas an important one, being the junction of important railroads leading to the enemy's main lines of communication and assailal)le positions. The place containd a few scattered houses, one small church and a medium hotel.. The country around is not surpassed in A\'^estern Tennessee . it is well cultivated and the plantations ^vealthy and well stocked with the property of the peculiar institu- tion. At Grand Junction were machine shops of several roads, but these were destroyed when Beauregard evacuated Corinth. ]\Iany of the inhabitants, especially the more wealthy, had gone South in search of their riglits. Hero we found some Union men who had been subjects of perse- cution in consequence, and many who were so by professio]), but were found a fevv^ weeks afterwards among the enemy's cavahy and guerrillas. ^\V(} remained liere one week, wlien we were ordered to march to Holly Springs, Mississippi, about twenty-four miles farther south. With this order we could not comply, in conserpience of our transportation not having yet reached us from Jackson, Tennessee. A\^e wore then ordered to Lagrange to relieve General Ilurlbut, Avho, witii his Division was ordered to Holly Springs in our stead. AV'c remained at Lagrang^e one week, Colonel Leggett in com- mand of the post, and Lieutenant \Y. AV. McOarty, of Com- j>any E, Provost Alarshal. The town is one of considerable celebrity in the South, ]joth for commercial importance and educational facilities. It has a population of nearly three thousand inhabitants, and before the rebellion, was one of the most business and beautiful towns in AVestern Tennessee. J lore is loeatrd the Presbyterian Synodical College. The building stands on elevated grounds, ami present an imposing a})pea ranee from every view in the surrounding country. It is now occupied as a hospital; the fate of nearly all educational institutions in the South. It was used as such by the rebeb l&y IIISTOKT OF THE and wlieii thoj evacuated Corinth and tliis conntry manj sick were left here for our care and attention. Tliis institu- tion, eminent in past history and long nursed bj the churches^ i^ sliaring- alike the fearful consequences of rebellion and iecession, which soou dries up all fountains of learning ; wliicli is but the type of what it would do, were they brought int/^ full realization, and the principle permitted to be intro- , duceut on arriving at that point I found that neither had got there. I left the infantry at that point under command of l\)lonel Force, to escort the artillery, when it should arrive. With my staff I pressed rapidly on to the front, to prevent if possiljle an engagement until my main force could come up. ' A7hen I reached the advance I found the two companies of the Twentieth Ohio and the mounted infantry deployed in a piece of Avoodhunl on the Van Buren road, about live iind a-half nules from Bolivar, and briskly skirmishing with the enemy. I immediately discovered that we had l>ecn deceived as to the numl)er of the rebels, and sent l)ack for the balance of my command to come forward as rapidly as })0ssible. Shortly afterward the two companies of the J:]leventh JlJinois Cavalry, under Major S. D. Peterbaugh, numbering in ail forty men, came up. The natui-e of the ground being sueh that cavalry could not be used, some twelve or fourteen of tliose who had carbines, dismounted and formed with the infantry. After driving the enemy steadily but slowly for three-fourths of a mile, 1 gaine. from the rebel cavalry. He promptly said ho could, aiul besought me to give him the position., which ^^■^as done. He had not completed his change of place before the enemy charged down the line of the road in vast nundjor;*, but meeting the deadly fire of the four infantry companies under command of Captain Chandler, they were compulkMl to retreat, leaving many of their horses and men strewn upon the ground. They twice repeated their attempt t« get possession of the road, and were both times repulsed by the companies under Captain Chandler. They then thre\r the fences and entered the field upon our left, and opened fire upon Colonel Hogg's cavalry and the two com|)anic'3 of the Twentieth Oliio, attached to Captain Chandli-r's command. The infantry and cavalry returned tbe "tiro l^riskly, and with terrible eifect. I then discovered that a full regiment of cavalry was forming in the rear of tiios* firing upon us, evidently vrith the determination of charging ujion our cavalry, and that portion of tli* infantry on the left of the road. I said to Colonel Hogg, if 176 HISTORY OF THE heluid any doubt about holding liis position, be bad better fall back and not receive their charge. He promptly rej^lied : '• Colonel Leggett, for God's sake don't order me back ! " I replied : " Meet them with a charge, Colonel, and may Heaven bless you."' He immcdiatel}'^ ordered his men to e done l)y way of a forward movement. Colonel Force, with the Twentieth Ohio, made a reconnoisance and drove the pickets of the enemy within three miles of luka. That night the Sevcnty-Eiglith Ohio were ordered out on }»icket, which made the liftli night that the regiment had licen on duty, and enjoying but little sleep and rest. The next morning was clear and pleasant. The rain had sub- sided, and all things were put in readiness for an imme- diate movement upon the encni}'. 180 niSTOKT OF THE The Erigade commanded l)y General Leggett moved in the advance. "We advanced hut two miles till we enconn- tered the enemy's pickets and out-posts, eig]it miles this side of luka. Ahout live o'clock in the evening wc advanced to within a sliort distance of the tovrn, capturing their inner posts and a small encampment. Here an exten- sive swamp intervened, through wdiich there was hut one. road that troops could pass. This was strongly protected hy infantry and artillery, and to attempt crossing that night, and hring on a general engagement, was im})racti- cahle. Defenses were thrown up, and our men rested on their arms during the night, waiting the arrival of tlie remainder of the troops and artillery, which kept pouring in nearly all night. ]Srext morning, after a cup of coffee and a fevv^ wormy crackers, the troops, under command of General Ord, our Brigade in front, advanced. Our skirmishers entered tlic swamp and steadily moved across, l)ut encountered no enemy. They had left a few" hours hefore day. The troops crossed and pushed on hy a cpiick march to the town, Init to our astonishment the wary Price had escaped with his whole army, ha\"ing cu.t through General liosecrans' Division tlie evening previous. In this etibrt very severe lighting occurred, l-iosecrans' force sutiered very severely, heing overpov»'cred hy five times his number ; but gallantly did they sustain themselves against the attack of the rebels, upon whom they inlilcted great loss. The wounded were heing brought in to luka Avhen we reached the place. Here we rested till noon in tlie deserted camps of the eneni}'. The situation of the town is beautiful, and the place was before the war one of wealth and comfort. Here the wealthy resorted during months of vacation for pleasure. It is celebrated for its tin-e springs of water, of vrhich there were several varieties, cool and pleasant, warm and sulpher- ous. The town contained many large and beautiful rcpi- dcnccs, but now presenting the evidences of the sad deso- SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 181 latioDs of war. The homes of wealth and comfort, where the youth sported in princely grandeur, are deserted and shattered under the tramp of contending armies. At noon an order come by telegraph for the Division from Bolivar to return that night to Corinth. It was now about 3 P. M., and a march of nearly thirty miles was not very comforting to troops who had been on duty night and day for nearly two weeks. The rumor was current that (general Breckinridge was moving upon Corinth with a heavy force, if possible to capture it before the troops would i-eturn from luka. AVe immediately about-faced, and inarched twelve miles that evening. We rested till day- light, Avhen the regiment started for Corinth, marching al)0ut eighteen miles in less than five hours. We encamped in the same place we left a few evenings before, tired and nearly exhausted for want of rest and sleep. The men \s'cnt to the stream and washed, and put themselves in order to enjoy a few days rest; this being promised them by (Jeneral Grant, provided the enemy were willing. The idea of a week's rest was inspiring to us under such circum- stances, but such comfort was short-lived. Just as we had finished dinner an order came for General Leggett's Brigade to report at the depot without delay, and go by cars to Bolivar, Tcnn., leaving transportation to follow. Bolivar was then nearly surrounded by the enemy, and fighting had already commenced, lu a short time we were on the way, and arrived at Bolivisr about midnight, and found all quiet. The enemy in force were within five miles of the place, intending to make a vigorous attack in the morning, but the news of reinforcements reached them, and therefore they left for parts unknown. The next day our camp equipage arrived, and we pitched tents in a beautiful grove, and enjoyed the rest that Gen- eral Grant promised us. After the battle of the 30th of August, General llurlbut's Division was ordered from Memphis to Bolivar, which increased our force at this place, and relieved us of much duty. The regiment spent 182 HISTORY OF TUE much of its time in drill, in Avliicli it iDecame very thorongb, nnder Colonel Wiles, ■who soon became noteil for one of the best drilled officers in the service. I feel assured, from extensive observation, he could not be sur- passed. The people in this community are now beginning to feel the etfects of war. Many are becoming impoverished, and experience destitution in all the necessary demands of physical life; consequently trains go daily loaded with refugees Korth. The depot is croAvded with men, women and children, who have fled from the tyranny of pro- scription, and the uncomforta1)le prospect of starvation. The poor and the non-slaveholdiug go Xortb, the oligarchy Soutb. Society is broken up, the men having entered the rebel army, and the women crowd together, consolidating homes, to unitedly struggle with destitution and hopeless prospects. Slavery, the great pillar of Southern society and all enterprise, is beginning to tremble, and with it must fall the whole fabric of social, spiritual and political economy. It decides the status of human society; it supports the Southern Church, which ceases here to be universal, but local and peculiar to itself; its religion extends not beyond the peculiar institution. The negro with his cotton, is king, and Lolds absolute control of Southern destiny. This forms the great educational force of the people, who are as devoted to it as the Hindoo to Vishnu. Slavery is connected with all their thoughts and identified with all their interests. The rebellion is one of its most direct results, and to suppress the rebellion without interfering with slavery, is an absurdity which would be only taking the eifect and leaving the cause. It would be as possible to obliterate every feeling of independence and freedom from the people of the ITorth, as to make a loyal people in the South, leaving the institution of slavery undisturbed. You cannot render nugatory its effects by any teachings, compromises, or by any principles of mental SEVEXTY-EIGHTH REGBIENT 0. V. V. I. 183 science. As AVell make a mocking-bird out of a moccasin snake, or make the substance of opposite affinities unite. From this arises the wisdom of the Emancipation Proc- lamation, which was the key that turned all our etibrts into success, and opened the doors of victory and complete success to our arms. THE MOVEMENT lOsTO MlSSISSim EY GENERAL GRANT, "WITH SEVE?;TY-riVE TIIOI'SAND MEN — GEN- ERAL PRICE EVACUATES ALL IILS STRONG POSITIONS AND IlETREATS to" JACKSON, MlSSIi^SIPPI — -GENERAL GRANT's COM- MUNICATIONS CUT AT HOLLY SPRIXC-S, AND HIS SUPPLIES DESTROYED llE RETREATS WITU IIJ,S ARr^T TO MEMPHIS. TENNESSEE. General Logan takes corainand of the Third Divl-ion, wlio remains in command till after tlie siege of Yieksbnrg, wlicn lie was appointed to tlie command of the Fifteenth Arni}^ Corps, and before the clone of the war assumed command of the Army of Tennessofc'. Eeforo the war he was a member of Congress fi'om Southern Illinois, and one of the most influential leaders of the Democratic part}' in tliat part of the State. V}»orr. the adjournment of Coiigress in 1861, Hon. John A. Logaii; returned home and immediately volunteered in the service of his country. After he had done all tliat human ])0wer could honorably do by way of com])romising and settling the difhcultics, in order to stay the rising- rebellion, he told his Southern comrades in Congress, that HJnce they had determined to settle the matter with thv sword, he accepted the challenge and would meet them on the battle-field. This declaration he truly and nobly sustained. SEVENTT-EIGIITn REGIMEXT 0. V. V. I. 185 His name was a liost npon the l)attlG-field. lie had a iacility of hispiring liis troops with a courage and energy iinsurpassod. I^o General has done hettcr fighting, nor engaged in heavier or severer hattk^s. lie was always vietorious. He would always be seen in the thickest of the figlit on horseback, hat in hand, leading his Division for- Avard. AVheii he returned to his honie from the halls of Con- gress he tokl his friends : "I will never sheath my sword for courtly halls or civil honors, until my country is saved iVom the bloody tornado that is desolating the fairest land on earth — never until tlie old flag floats iu triumph from every hill top on Columbia's soil," "When the party opposed to the war jiiade every .cflbrt to have him takes sides with them and aguiij.st thje war, he tells them : '^ Party lin.es and partisan feelings should 1)0 swalloAved up in patriotism. I must &ay that I deeply regret to see men in Illinois forget their country for their pari^y. AVhile your brothers are falling in your country's service like lerives of autumn beibre tlie wintry blast; while their bodies lay bleaching beneath tlie summer sun ; Avhile the nation is> sufi'ering throes of agony and crying for help, you ^ve wrangling over conventions and candidates. '■■ In the name of God, fellow-citizens, cease this clamor, Turn politics over to old men and women, and rally like true soldiers to the standard of your country, I was once a politician, Ijut so help me God, I will never sheath my sword till my country is saved and the rebellion ended. These arc my politics, and indeed I am surprised to find men talking of anything else. ''Your country calls for aid, and it needs it now,. It will accept voluntary assistance if it can get it. If not, men will be forced into the ranks. There are many reasons why men do not go to war, and very few reasons wky some mcii. should not go. 18G HISTORY OF THE " But there are some who say, ' I can't go ; this is a war to free the niggers.' This charge is not worth attention ; but, although no such object is contemplated in tlie pros- ecution of tlje war, yet the negroes are getting free pretty fast. It is not done by the army, but they are freeing themselves ; and if this war continues long, not a slave Avill be left in the whole South. iS'ow let me say to those Avho are anxious about the interest of slavery, if you wish slavery to continue, join the army and help us whip out the re1)el3 quick, and there will probably be a fev^'^ old stumps left; if not, then slavery must go. " ^ow, my principles on this question are, if the master is engaged in the attempt to overthrow this Government, take the lives of our people, and desolate our homes, and ilie slaves get free, it's none of my business. It is a family quarrel in which I shall not interfere. If tlie question was presented me as to wliich should live, the Un.ion or slavery, I would say, tlie Union to my last breath. Tlie Union is worth everything. If the sacritice of a million of men was necessary to the salvation of this government, and nothing else would save it, and I was the arbiter of its destinies, I would consign the million to death — and die with them. "I am for a vigorous prosecution of this war. To do this we must have men, and thousands of them. If necessary I would call out every able bodied man in the lo^^al States — turn the Government over to our mothers, wives and daugh- ters. I would give those who wanted to go an opportunity, and these who did not want to go, I would make an oppor- tunit}' for them; I would make them fight for the Govern- ment. I would stretch the army from the Atlantic to the Rocky ]\Iountains, and with fixed bayonets and solid pha- lanx I would give the order "Forward March !" to the Gulf of Mexico. Every man I met, who was willing to fight for the Government, I would place a musket in his hands, let liim fall into ranks; and to every one who did not, I would give the order, " double-quick time, march !" I would drive SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 187 every one of them before me; those who would not submit, when we reached the Southern boundary line, I would pitch head and heels into the Gulf". "The man wlio fails to lend his influence and ener<>;ies in this crisis, who lingers while liberty bleeds, is worthy a trait- or's doom. It is a struggle between Eepublicanism and anarchy. It is too late now to inquire into the causes that brought on the war — the day of compromise has long since ended, it is with the sword, the bullet, and the bayonet that this national difliculty is to be settled. "\Ye have a cunning and a powerful foe with which to contend — he is in fearful earnest, and has Ijeen all the while; the die is cast, the Gov- ernment must be preserved. It may cost millions of blood and treasure, but we must conrpier." Tlie regiment with the Third Division under General Logan left Bolivar the third of ISTovember. ISTearly two hundred volunteer recruits had been added to the regiment a few days previous. The war begins to assume greater earnestness on the part of the Union army ; rebel property is no longer guarded, and the opposite extreme is reached. Almost ever}' thing is destroyed. The march from Bolivar to Lagrange, a distance of twenty-six miles, was very des- tructive; the beautiful country with its rich and well improv- ed plantations was swept by storms of fire. The march of the different columns could be seen for miles and their comparative advance determined by the clouds of smoke darkening the horizon; an officer who would express any disproval, was regarded as a rebel s^'inpathiser or tender footed, and desirous of prolonging the war. The Seventy-Eighth, I am proud to say, inflicted less vandal- ism through the part of the country it marched than others, but it was evident that men were not displeased, l)ut give manifestations of delight when they gazed upon the burn- ing plantations. The exclamations would pass along the ranks, "that's right," "good for them," let them know that the Yankees are coming. The Corinth forces upon our left, laid the country waste over which they marched. Tba 185 HISTORY OF THE Mcmpliis forces on tlic right, were no less severe. Such piiuishment may he justly deserved, but I cannot help feel- ings of regret and disapprovrd. It is an unnecessary wasto and destruction of property, and had I the pOAvci" 1 would command forbear. It is demoralizing to the soldier. The health of the regiment is good, all are ready and anxious for the march. Tlio soldiers are earnest and willing to undergo any toil, trial, and danger that will give success to our arms and victory over rebellion. The regiment ]narched as far as Lagrange, where the army halted, for some daj's. The season was pleasant and the situation <'omibrtable and clicorfiil: much time here was spent in both regimental and brigade drill. The following correspondence to tlic Morgan Herald, by Captain A. A. Adair, we give as farther histoiy of the regiment at this place: We left our .camp on Monday morning, November 3d, and were formed in line, on the road leading to Grand d unction, Avhere we were necessitated to I'cmain two or three hours before we got into motion; but the advance was finally made, and we arc off for the interior of Dixie, with Itlanket and haversack, hoping to get a chance to meet or come up with l*rice and his swift running cohorts and army, that would rather run than fight. This being the third time the Seventy-Eighth had entered upon its march to the Junction, we thought surely it would be the charm. The roads were terribly dusty, but that made no difrerence, and we pulled up and encamped for the first night, about two miles south of A"an l>uren, where we Juid abundance ot good chestnut rails for fires, making the best of that night. After breakfast was over, we soon put out again on our march. The First Tennessee Cavaby (Union) in the advance; and of course they are acquainted in tliese parts, and knovv^ well who are secesh, and who are not, but as nearly all are the former, you may easily imagine how property had to suffer. The fences along the roads were all in ilames, which were sometimes difficult to SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 189 pfiss. At one place an old rebel had his wenches out tearing down the rails, making an eiibrt to extinguish the tlcuncs. All his bucks I presume had run awaj, and left tlie glory of servitude. On the next plantation not only tlio fencing, but a line dwelling, costing twenty thousand ilollars, was wrapped in flames, the rebel women having only time to get out that indispensable article in soutliern c!iiv;iUy, the piano. I suppose our cavalry wanted tlieni to console themselves "Ilai'd Times," or something after the same sort. The old nuui had ran olf in search of !iis riglits, leaving the women and cliildren to tiie vaiuhils. The voice of approval was heard to pass along our lines, that is right, destroy everything they have got, and then their w;ir will end, and not till then. This thing of guard- ing rel)el property, Avhen the o^vner is in tlie field lighting us, is })l;iyed out. This is the sentiment of every private soldier in the army. (.)nr second day's march 1)rought us withiii half a mile of Lagrange where we bivouaced for the night, but as usual Company E. had to go on picket; we were posted about four hundred yards behind the regimen.t and inside of other ibrces. Tlierefore not being in a very dangerous '-posislf ' we built big fires of rebel rails (which ahvays seem to burn better than Cnion rails) along our posts. It is reported that (Uir ;vdvance drove out of this place about five thousand (if the invincible chivalry, and had a skirmish with them at Davis' Mills, which might have been considerable of a fight had the rebels stood their ground. On Wednesday morning the Seventy-Eighth Ohio and Tliirt;v-Eirst Illinois, and a detachment of the Seventh Illi- nois Cavalry, with a section of artillery went out on a recou- nt »isanco on the Scmerville road. 'We halted aljout eight miles out, planted the artillery and put out pickets, v/hile the cavalry went ahead to see about the rebels. They returned in two or three hours with three butternuts, being the result (;f the trip. Eluding no enemy there except the women wo started l)ack, and got into camp about dark. When we got inside of our encampments, marching through them to our 190 HISTORY OF THE own, tlie question was asked at every rod, what regiment? Tlie answer was given again and again, "Seventy-Eighth" Ohio. One fellow when receiving this answer responds in a courteous manner, "damn the Seventy-Eighth Ohio, it is every where." On these marches and scouts persimmons and grapes have to sutler. Sweet potatoes and apples are about played out in this country. In places where our army has l)een encam])ed a few days it is surprising how all good things disappear. The tirst night of our arrival here, before guards had been posted, the boys went for every thing in the eating line; for they were out of rations and there was no chance to get any tiU they came from Bolivar. Fresh beef and dead hogs were in good demand. The Tweutietli, Sixty-Eighth and Seventy-Eighth Ohio and Twenty-Third Indiana, constitute the Erigade, com- manded by Colonel ]M. D. Leggett. Since the arrival of the new recruits our regiment numbers about eight hundred men. In these parts it is regarded a number one regiment. An order from the War Department was read on dress parade last evening, to the etiect that our transportation had to be cnt down to four Avagons to the regiment, and that our large tents would be turned over to the Quarter- master, and small ones issued in their stead, such as we can carry on our backs. The tents will be just large enough to hold two persons, one to carry the tent, the other the poles, all strapped to the knapsack. What do you think of that? Oh, it is hard times ! and would this cruel war were over. Camp IsTear Lagrancje, Tennessee, 1 November 27th, 18G2. / Mr. Editor: — As we are on the eve of leaving our pleasant camp, having been ordered to cook three da^'s' rations, and be ready to march by eight o'clock to-morrow morning, I thought it best to let yon and your readers know of the fac^t. Although ^e don't know where we are going to, yet ouf destination is supposed to be South, SEYEXTY-EiaUTir REGIMF>rr 0. V. V. I, 191 probably Holly Springs, as two days' rations will just do us to that place; the distance being twenty-four miles from Lagrange. As our transportation lias been cut down to one wagon for two companies; an order was read on dress-parade last evening, for the officers to see that the contents of every knapsack was reduced to as little as possible. I wouldn't bo surprised if by to-morrow moniing wc would find it either raining or snowing, for this evening- it is cold and blustering, and has the appearance of being a very disagreeable time on our march, which is about the case. But wo will make the best of it, and go forth to meet the rebel clirpic with brave hearts and willing hands, looking to the God of battles for victory to crown our efibrts. If it should be our lot to get into an engagement, you may expect to hear the Second Brigade, Third Division, doing good service ; and especially the old tSc veuty-Eighth. Since I last wrote you, nothing of great note has trans- pired, althougli there has been several sharp skirmishes resulting in but very little loss to Ijoth sides. There was a squad of southern gentry brought m a few days ago, among whom was a rebel Major, that was captured at the great battle of Fort Donelson, but I suppose had since been exchanged. He was recognized by Lieutenant Owen, formerly of the Twentieth Ohio, but now acting Assistant Adjutiint-Gcneral of our Brigade, who happened to be in town on their arrival. Lieutenant Owen accompanied the old Fort Donelson prisoners to Chicago, and of course, liad the chance of making the acquaintance of several. Xo doubt the gentleman is now wliiling away his hours in a Xorthorn city, perhaps Alton, Illinois. Our Brigade has undergone a change since my last. The Twenty-Third Indiana has been transferred to tlM! First Brigade, and the Thirtieth Illinois put in its stead. The Thirtieth was with the Seventy-Eighth at the tinw of the capture of Jackson, and the first march to I^agrangv, tMid ia considered a good regiment. The statt' of the* 192 niSTORT OF TUB Second Brigade is composed as follows : Colonel M. T>. Leggett, Seventy-Eighth Oliio, commanding Brigade. E. iST. Owen, Twentieth Ohio, Assistant Adjntaht-General ; Lieutenant J. C. Donglass, Brigade-C^uartermaster ; Adju- tant Hill, Twentieth Ohio, Brigade Surgeon; J. L. Gleasoii, Twenty-Third Indiana, Aid. But as tlie Twent\'-Third has been transferred, I suppose he will he removed, ami someone else appointed iu his place ; Lieutenant Eoherts, Seventy-Eight Ohio, Aid. Lieutenant 11. is knovrn hy most of your readers, and makes an eilicient oflicer; and in his ahsenec fr(un us, Con:!pany E loses u good Lieutenant, and a good fellovr. The hoys are all husy cooking rations, and. getting ready for tlie mai'ch. It would he quite a sight for most of your readers if they coidd sec a regiment, on tlie eve of a marchj living around, getting all tilings ready, and seeing that we have plent}- to eat, ^vhieh is the most esscn.- tial thing on a march. And each one has to look out for xTo. 1, or he will Ijc left in the lurcli. We have all ])een lilted out witl*. clothing, knapsaclcs, haversacks, can- teens, &c., and have seen everybody Vv'C v/ant to see exccjft the Paymaster, who is behind hand conslderabl}', and there is no prospect of bim making his a[)pearance very soon. All the kind of currency we have is Sutler chips, -winch are cireulated pretty profusely; all the sutlers in tlie Brigade taking each othei''s tickets. In con.seipieuee of liaving no other mOiiey, we are at a loss to hu}' the news- l>apers, which come through our cam}) every day. ^>Vhen ottering the chips for papers the reply is, ''They are ]»layed out,'"' Avhich is the case v>d}en any other can be had. The health of our regiment is good, generally speakino-, ljutf)r Oompany E I can testify for certainty; oidy on<; being sick and he is fast recovering, which I thirjk is good considering the season — Company F buried two last week; and yesterday Company II one. The weather Ave are hav- ing now is rather curious, the days being warm and the nights very cold, which you know is apt to bring on sick- ness. SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 193 Our Brigade, as well as the other Brigades in the Division, were reviewed on last Monday by General Grant, in company with McPherson and Logan. It was short, but he seemed well pleased with the troops. On the ground were several of the jSTorthern fair sex, who attracted a great deal of attention ; it is not often we soldiers get a chance to see them, but I thought th,ey looked natural. There were also quite a number of correspondents on the ground, taking notes of things that passed. If your readers wish to get a fuller description than I can give, they can probably do so by getting the Commercial or Chicago Tribune, as they both have correspondents traveling with this command. Good bye. Yours truly, Typo. Camp near Oxford, Miss., Dec. 8, 1862. Mr. Editor: — As I was interrupted while writing a communication to you at Holly Spi'ings, by the startling- words, "tall in I" and having a little leisure time now, I will try and tinish it. AVlieiivcver the bugle sounds to " tall in,'' everything has to be stopped, and everybody in line as fjuick as possible, for there is no telling how soon we will be needed, Well, the morning we left Lagrange, whic-h was the 28th ult., old Sol was shining forth in all his splendor, and every one seemed to l)e in good spirits at the prospect of a forward movement South. It was some time before the army could get in motion, we having to stand and lie around nearly all day before we could get under way. We had only got three miles from our camp at 4 P. M. The reason of our delay was, I believe, that General Hamilton's forces from the Junction were to come in alicad and take the advance, but were too late in starting, and we had to keep back until they passed. When we got fully under wa}^ we went it like troopers, having good roads to travel. We passed the Mississippi line at dark, but had to travel on until about 9 o'clock 13 194 HISTORY OF THE before wo could find water, so wo conld encamp. Water in some places is very scarce, the inhabitants having to haul it two and three miles in barrels. It was fnhj 10 o'clock before wo got settled so as to got our "grub" and bods ready. That uight was the lirst wc passed within onr little shelter tents, they having boeu issued out to us the morning wo started. In some instances they might be considered a good institution, and again the-y might be considered worthless. I don't think the inventor was blessed with an overplus ( f brains, or he would have got up a little better thing. They consist of two pieces of heavy- canvas, made so as to fasten at eitlier side or end, (that is, tlioy have buttons all over them,) but six uien generally ])unk together, so that both ends can be clo.'^ed. Each man carries a lialf tent and polo^ which is about the size of a broom-stick. The trouble is, they arc too small; but the j)rincipal objection is, we have to carry them. I have often jieard of people in the oldeu times taking up their beds and walking, but I never heard of iK?oi)le walking with their liouses on their backs until we had it to do ourselvet^. AVe were routed out early next morning to proceed, but could only got a short distance until we were delayed its on yesterday. Vie. contented ourselves this time by crack- ing liickory nuts, which appear to be very plenty down here. But we soon commenced moving, and didn't have to stop again until we got to Ooldwater, eighteen miles fro-m Lagrange, where we found plciity of good water. Iludson.- ville is a little town one and a-half miles from Coldwater, nnd was perfectly deserted witli the exception of a negro Vv^oman. Part of the troops moved on to Holly Springs that night, l>ut our Division remained until morning, when we had to put out, carrying knapsack, house aud everything else we use. Yv'hun other troops would ask our regiment, they would get tlie reply, " Wo arc in the Quartermasters Department; we have turned over all the mules, and carrj the load ourselves."' SEVENTY-EIGHTH KEGIMEXT 0. V. V. I. 1D5 We heard the first cannouading about 11 o^clock Sunday morning, when witliin two miles of Ilohy Springs. It was said to be the rebels throwing shell at our advance from their fortifications on the Tallahatchie, but they did no harm. We entered Tlolly Springs ahout 2 P. M., with our colors unfurled to Southern breezes, and the drums boating to the tune of " Yankee Doodle" and " Dixie," which made tliem open their eyes. As it was Sunday, we got a chance to see some of the fair sex, on their way to and from church, but they all turned a snappy lip to us, and seemed to think we Yankees had no right to come down and disturb their peaceful homes. Holly Springs appears to have been at one time a place of a good deal of wealth, and I should judge it contained, before the war, three or four thousand inhabitants ; but now, I suppose there is not three hundred. We encamped about half a mile from town. While here I heard there were three hundred ])risouers, and two pieces of camn lai ]ji-ought in. AVe found a good many sick secesh here, but tliey were taken care of. That night we had a heavy rain, and the most of our tents stood it first rate. The first of December came in a pretty cold day ; but, nevertheless, we got orders to be on hand and proceed oii our journey. The further down we get, the country and roads a])pear to get worse. We traveled to-day, about eight miles, to a place called Waterford, where we had to wait for a Division to go out before wo could encamp ; keeping us standing around in the cold two. or three hours. We were rulled up at day-light next day, to proceed. We had not more than got started when it commenced raining*, and con- tinued all day. We got within a mile and a-lialf of the liver, when we had to lie over and wait until the bridge (which the rebels had destroyed) could be repaired. Here we were in sight of their first fortifications, which they abandoned on Sunday night, not getting them entirely iinished. There is one con^iolation we have in stopping so. 196 . HISTORY OF THE often, and that is, there is plenty of fresh meat in the?e parts. We thought that by daylight next morning we wonld he able to cross the river, but it was fully noon before we got over, having to go around a big swamp. Tlieir main forti- lications were on the banks of the river, and appeared to be very formidable. When they leave places like this, you may bet they will not stand anywhere. They say the reason they left was that Steele was coming in their roa.r and cutting oft" their supplies, and that they couldn't stand. -From the river we only went about three miles until we camped, to await the arrival of our train, which had not yet got over the river. Here our camp was insight of Abbeville, a station on the railroad, and at which place the rebels had burned the depot containing a lot of clothing, provisions, etc. They had all been newly clothed lately, but were badly in want of shoes, which they say they cannot get. I was told by a ladj' that they had bee^i encamped around there since about the 18th of last June, when Villipigue's Division came there. When we left Waterford wo were ordered to leave our knapsacks behind, to be hauled l)y the teams, taking only our tents and blankets. At Abbeville we remained two days in consequence of our teams not coming up. When our things came they were mussed up in every kind of shape, a great many not being able to find their knap- sacks, your humble servant being one of that number, which, I suppose, will be a total loss. Consequently 3-ou can't think hard of me for not writing very often, as my portfolio is gone to the "spad- weasels." Here, as well as before, we Ibund fresh moat in abundance. It rained nearly all the time we were there. We left Abbeville about G o'clock on Friday morning for Oxford, a distance of eleven miles, which we reached about 4 P. M., through one of the muddiest roads tliy.t ever was traveled. J3ut there was a strife gotten up betwceia Quimby's Division and ours, to see which would get there SEVKXTY-EianTH REOmENT 0. V. V. I. 197 first; General Grant promising the advance in future to the Division that reached Oxford first, and of course we won the laurels. But it was done by some awful hard marching. They had one side of the road and we the other, and it was " nip and tug " all the way, except about two miles, when they commenced lagging behind. Some of the officers had a pretty warm time, such as drawing revolvers on each other, etc., but no serious damage was* done. We are now encamped about a mile from Oxford, in the woods, but are clearing it out as fast as we need wood. Oxford, I think, is the prettiest little place I have seen in the South. It is a place of about fifteen hundred inhab- itants, and everything appears to be kept so neat and clean. We are now about fifty-fivfe miles from Lagrange, and by ]S"ew Year's you may expect to hear of our being in Jackson. We have received no papers now for over a week, although we get our mail every two or three days. We have quite a joke on some of our Company E boys Yesterday six of them went out "jayhawking," when the cavalry caught them and brought them to headquarters, where they were put under arrest, when they were finally released and told they should learn a lesson by this. I mention no names. As a general thing, the boys have stood the march first- rate, with the exception of a few sore feet, and eating a little too much fresh meat. We arc all in good spirits, anxiously aw^aiting orders to proceed^; but I don't think we will leave until the cars get to running down here. They are running as far as Holly Sjjrings now, and as the bridge across the Tallahatchie was only partially destroyed, I think it will not be long until they get down this far. I will try and keep you posted in regard to our movements as best I can. Yours, truly, Typo. Water Valley, Miss., Dec. 22, 1862. Mr. Editor : — Our changes are so sudden and frequent that when we commence a letter we know not where we 198 HISTORY OF THE may finisli it. When we awake in the morning the qne.^- tion naturally presents itself, where will we sleep the next night? When we lie down, where may morning find nrs ? We left the Yocknapatafa river on the 18th, abont 2 P. M.; advanced three and a-half miles and encamped that niglit. And next day the hoys worked hard to make their camp pleasant, clearing ofl' the ground and putting their tents in the most comfortable manner the circumstances would permit. About sundown all were expressing their delight that everything was in good order, and comfortably fixed for a cozy, happy night's rest. Here and there lay p. quarter of beef, a hog or sheep, whicli the boys had confis- cated, and expected to enjoy an extraordinary supper and breakfast. But before supper was cooked, an order came to move camp immediately. Twenty minutes were given to strike tents and pack up, which was done, and we were off on our march without supper. We encamped that night at Water Valley, or rather that morning. Our Brigade, as usual, is selected for these sudden moves, and for outpost duty. This is imposed upon us in consequence of being under Illinois power. Tliia Brigade is now six or eight miles in advance of tlie other Brigades of our Division ; which subjects us to much heavy duty, such as repairing the roads, heavy picket duty, and great vigilance to guard against surprise. We are to be up every morning, and in line of battle at 5 A. M., and stand thus till after sunrise. But we soon get to enjoy this rather than shun it; and are glad that it is in the sunny Soiith. where we do not freeze. The Seventy-Eighth are encamped on a lot owned by a school teacher, who has his little school room a few rods from his humble dwelling. His room we have converted into a hospital; and are treating the owner and family kindly on account of his impoverished condition. His little children are crying for bread, and eat our crackers with the utmost gratification and palatable relish. They have, by great exertion, procured one meal per day. SEVENTY-EIGHTH REUIMFNT 0. Y. V. I, 199 He professes to be a strono; Union man, but tliinks the war, on the part of the North, is for Abolition purposes, which he sustained by certain Democratic papers in the Xorth. When I told him tlie light in which these papers were viewed, the motives which animated them, and how they were regarded by the people, he confessed to have formed altogether Avrong conceptions of the spirit and ])Ower of the K"orth. lie is most agreeably disappointed in regard to the character of our arm}' ; never having becTi in the ISTorth, and never acquainted with the Northern people, he is happy to lind that they are not the unprin- cipled vandals and rufHans that he supposed ; and that we infinitely stand above the S'nithcrn soldier, in every manly trait. The great mistake that the muss of the people here, and in all the South, make, is, they have not regarded the war on their part as a war of rebellion, but one of defense. It is remarkable what strange, inconsistent opinions they have formed and been taught in reference to the war; and when we meet a good, honest-hearted man, who is content to live and do just as his ancestors did, who thinlvs little for himself, and does not believe that tlie world moves, or that society' is progressive, or that the earth revolves on its axis, and its revolution around the suii as a common center of a system of worlds, is an Abolition He, or a Yankee infidelity. When we converse with such, with what astonishment they seem to reg:ard and receive our views of the war. It reminded me much of talking to •Sabbath School children — telling them interesting anec- dotes. We learned last evening that rebel cavalry had taken possession of Holly Springs, capturing two regiments stationed there, and burning all our stores of provisionfi; also destroying much of the railroad. We may feel thiB loss and misfortune severely, for the want of provisions and rations, unless the road is again repaired in a lew days. The idea of leaving two regiments to protect a place like Holly Springs, and the immense amount of stores accumu- 200 HISTORY OF THE lated tliere, as a general depot for our army, is preposterous, and shows a great Want of generalship somewhere; and some one — I need not say who — should be held responsible for such a military mistake and blunder. It is a great mistake, and our people should by this time have learned it, that these important posts should not be protected by new regiments. These places need the best troops in the service, and the oldest regiments should be put there. The whole thing is done to gratify ambitions men, to open the avenue as wide as possible to aspirants, who are in the service solely for sellish purposes ; conse- quently new regiments in this department are regarded and spoken of as of little account. Everything is done to make a;5 little use of them as possible. The officers of an old regiment will scarcely condescend to treat the officers of a now regimiment with common military courtesy. Halt! Here comes an order, which reads: "Move immediately with all camp and garrison equipage, wagons and ammunition in front." Of course this means a backward movement. Wliat is up is known only to headquarters. We soon shall ascertain. December 23.— We left Sabbath evening about dark, and arrived at Oxford Monday noon. A distance of twenty miles was marched in that short space of time, halting a few hours only during the night. As far as we can learn, our destination is ]Memphis, for which place we Avill start in the morning. It becomes necessarj^ to pursue a new line of operations, making the Mississippi river the basis. To-day, while remaining at this place, I made a visit to the Mississippi University, the most extensive and distin- guished institution of learning in the South. There are eight large brick buildings, and four dwellings for the professors, in all twelve, situated in a pentagonal grove of about twenty-five acres. I made the acquaintance of Professor Quinche, a graduate of Marietta (Ohio) College, and formerly a resident of Galena, 111. And strange as it may seem, he is an ardent and devoted secessionist. I spent SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 201 nearly all the forenoon with him in passing through the diftbrent departments. The library is small, containing 5,000 volumes; some choice ancient works from England. The cabinet is the most extensive, and said to be unsur- passed in the United States. It consists of a rich collection of marine, terrestial, iluvatile shells, and is the result of tvventj^-five years labor and experience, purchased by Dr. D. W. Budd, of !N"evv York city. It contains over four hundred genera, and upward of live thousand species, and more than twenty thousand individual shells, mau}^ of which have never been described in works on conchology. The mineral collection, purchased by Mr. Francis Markoe, of Washington City, is inferior to none in the world. It contains a large number of rocks, minerals and fossils from diiierent parts of the world. The chemical department is equally extensive, containing many of the largest apparatus in the world, purchased in Germany at a cost of over $100,000. The astronomical department is a large building, containing a large tower, with a moveable turret and tele- scope, costing ten thousand dollars in the city of Boston. Frederick A. P. Barnard, L.L.D., is President of the institution. Being from Massachusetts, he left as soon as tlie State seceded. Three other professors broke for the jS^orth ; two went into the Confederate service, and left the institution without students, and but one professor. Out of a class of twenty-eight seniors, in 18G1, all save one are in the Confederate army. The University is established upon a grant of land con- sisting of thirty-six sections, made by Congress to the State of Mississippi, in 1819'. The land was leased for many years, and afterward sold to the highest bidder for a million of dollars, which forms the endowment of the institution. I'^or one \'ear it has been a general hospital for the rebel army, containing at one time eighteen hundred patients. In a new made grave-yard there are seven hundred rebel soldiers buried. All grave-yards we passed on our marches seemed to be tilled with fresh graves. What a 202 niSTOKY OF THE startling record of mortality will the years 1861 and 18G2 mark in this country ! How it admonishes the student of prophecy that the time is near; a time ot the most startling developments and astounding events that have ever occur- red in the Christian Era. Preceding the fullillment of remarkable prophecies, a short period of the most fearful mortality is set forth vividly ^ by both Jewish and Christian .writers. The impress of God's doings in the world, and his dealings with nations, Rcem to be resting upon the minds of great men, and shaking the political pillars of Government. " AYatchman, what of the night ?" is asked and echoed from heart to heart, deeply anxious to know the signs of the times. God is shaking and will shake political thrones till kings and rulers learn that they are under His power, and that He reigns upon the political throne as well as in his spiritual kidgdom. AVe have just received an order to be ready to march at daybreak. On our backward march to this place we burned every bridge and trestle-work, great and small, upon the raih'oad. Our Brigade has been ten miles farther South than other troops, except the cavalry. The Seventy-Eighth regiment does more guard duty, more fatigue duty, and lieavier marches than other regiments in the service. We are dashed about here and there and everywhere, upon hurly-burly, foolish expeditions, so that it is a wonder we have a man left for duty. All Company E will be able to march with us to-morrow except three — two JJowers', new recruits sick with fever, and John ^V. Garrett with small-pox. They were sent to tlie general hospital at Holly Springs. The regiment has been exposed at diucrent times to small-pox, and nearly one dozen cases have been already sent away. "We are in utter darkness as to what is gomg on in the world, especially in regard to the war. We receive no papers. All is perplexity, doubt and rumor. The weather lias been warm and pleasant. To-night there are unmi&- PE^^ENTY-Ernnxn regiment o. v. v. i. I20'l t.ikablc sie:ns that we will have another few (lavs i-ain and Rtoriii, which the soldier much dreads; we therefore antici- pate a few days of hardshi})s and discomforts. Yonrs, etc., T. M. R. Tlio raid made l)y the rebels into IIollv Sprin-^^s was a terrible disaster to the place. The explosion of the mncra- zinc shook the city^ so violently as to break nearly all tbr^ windows, and left nearly all the fjio, large jivdilic and business buildings a pile of ruins. Tlie amount of sutler stores captured by the rel)els ^vas immense. Tlic amount of city pro|)erty destroyed was estimated by millions, but ap it was rebel property (k^stroyed by rebels, few regrets came from our army. The circumstance did much to awaken a Union feeling among the citizens. C)ur trooj^s had impressed the people very lavorably ; no acts of violence or vandalism could be attril)uted to our soldiers ; no citizens were disturbed in tlieir peaceful pursuits; all were granted ])rotection. The ladies occasionally manifested unkind feelings, and would frequently give an exhibition of malig- nant contempt, by insulting our soldiers, passing and ]'c-passing their dwellings. Two soldiers, when on police duty, were one afternoon insulted by a couple of ladies f>f wealth, wlio put their heads out of the window and addressed them in words of ridicule and contempt, whik' the father was sitting in the door listening to it all, with no words of disapin'oval. The soldiers determined they would not tolerate it any longer, so about 10 o'clock they equipped tliemselves and proceeded to the al)Ove liouse, rapped at the door, Avhen the old gentleman came down stairs in ]\\b night attire, and opened the door, when the soldiers imme- diately sprang in, telling the much alarmed man that their mission was for no otfensivc or harmful purpose, but pui-cly a military and peaceful one, and therefore requested him to enter the parlor with them a few moments, which wa» done, and a light obtained; they proceeded to put the old man through nearly all the movements in military tactics. H-e pkad v/ith them to excuse him, but no entreaty or f04 HISTORY OF THE reward could prevail. Tlicy gave liim a gun, taught him the whole manual of arms, and then the common time- around the room, and then through the facings and double- quick around the parlor, till he perspired freely. After about one hour's drill they dismissed him, telling him on to-morrow evening ho would be called upon to repeat the same lesson with some adsitional movements, but suggested that if soldiers were treated with more respect by his daughters, for whoso disrespect they held him responsible, ttie lesson might not be repeated, but hereafter be discon- tinued. They left the house, and the old man to sleep over his lirst lesson in military tactics. The young ladies in tlie meantime had become alarmed and fled to a neighbor's house, while the father was reciting his lesson. The next day the windows Avere kept closed and no ladies wer« either heard or seen. The regiment and Brigade arrived at Davis' ]Mills Janu- ary 7th, where one company of an Illinois regiment had l)een posted, and repulsed a few days previous a large force of rebel cavalry. Here we received mail and boxes from liome, which were quite a welcome reception after the long wearisome march. The morning of the 8th all commenced to construct fortiiications, v>dnch looked toward encamping for some time ; but the morning of the 9th orders were received to march toward ]Memphis. Camp was soon broken up and the troops under way. Passing through Lagrange, marched live miles beyond and encamped for the night. Here it rained heavily all the night, making the roads almost impassable. The morning of the 10th we marched to Moscow, where w^e remained over the Sabbath. (Jn Monday marched to Lafayette, where we remained till AVediiesday morning. Here it rained all day and night, which made it very unpleasant, and caused us to still remain over at this place. On the 16th it commenced snowing and freezing; the snow fell eight inches in depth, and colder weather we thought we had never experienced. The men sutiered very much from the cold. The sick were sent SEVENTY-EIGHTII REGIMENT 0. V. V. T. 205 from this placo on ears to ]\Iemphi??. Near Germaiitown, fifteen miles from Memphis, tlie curs ran off tlie track and Bcn'eral were severely wounded. On the morning of the 18th earap was again broken np and the march toward 3.1emphis was resumed. That night the troops, after a very long and tedious march, encamped near Gerniantown, Avhere we endured another niglit of constant rain, Tho ]iext morning the troo})3 marched to jVIcmphis, and encamped in a beautiful grove. The following letters have been written by Captain A. A. A<]air, who signs liimself " Typo,'' and give a very good history of the regiment while encamped near Mcm- };liis : Caii? near Mempius, Tenn,, January 23, ISGo. Mr. Editor: — Although my promise in regard to giving you a letter every week or two has not been fulfiHcd, yet it was not my wish to avoid it. The reason is, we have not l)eeii settled long enough at au}^ one place to aflbrd an opportunity. It has been march, maivh all the time for the last two m.onths, Aly last letter, I believe, was Avritten at Oxford, Miss., from v/hich place we Avent as far soutli as Water Valley ; being farther into Dixie tluin any other infantry of our command. We had been there only a day, when we heard of Forrest's cavalry raid along the Mobile Sz Ohio Railroad. Tlien it Avas thought expedient to turn and take the back track, as they had cut off all communicatio}i and sn})prk'a from us. This thing of going backward Avas somethiTi^: Ave Avero not used to, and it Avent a little •• against th.e grain." But as Ave had the name of doiui^ more hard marchin2: and scouting than any other regiment in the service, and kneAr Ave could "hold our OAvn" if they Avonid only keep us in "•hard-tacks" and " soAv-belly," (which is the main stay of life in the army,) Ave of course consented to the move. We travel-od back over the same ground, stopping no longer than a day or tAvo at a place, except at Abbeville, 20G HISTORY OF THE where wc remained about two weeks. Tliere we spent onr (Miristmas and Xew Year's. Tliey were rather dull holidays to us ; but '\VQ did the best we could under the cireum- - stances. On Christmas eve a select ball was held in a negro shantv near our own camp; and on iSTew Year's day Com- j)any E initiated Fort Gleason, w4iieh had been erected to ])i'otect an old mill where our grinding- was done. For here we were entirely cut oft" from our u-sual "grub," and hail to forage and grind our own corn. AYe lived on corn bread «nd beans during our stay there, which we thought was pretty hard fare. AYhen ^VQ left Abbeville, in the evening, to move across on the other side of the Tallahatchie river, where the reiuaiuder of our Division was — for only our Brigade was stationed at Abbeville — it eommouced to rain, and con- tinued nearly the wliole night. It wai very dark before wo got over, and having no guide with us, (the otHcers Iniving all gone to seek shelter,) we got lost; and there we harobability is that we will stay there for some time, a week or two at least. There is no telling where "will be our destination when we leave here. It may be Yicksburg, and it may be some other point. On the day of our arrival seven thousand prisoners passed here on their way !North. Sherman had taken them at Arkansas Post. And yester- day it was reported that McClernand had taken fiv« thousand more; and guns were fired in honor of it. Before leaving Lafaj^ette, all those who were not able to march were sent hero on the cars. But there was a terrible accident liappened them when near Germantow]i, about fifteen miles from here. The cars ran off the track, killing six and wounding st'venty-five out of the Division. Six or seven of our company were •among them, but they all escaped unhurt, I believe, excepting B. F. Bailey, who was slightly bruised on the nose and back of the head. The cause was said to be carelessness on the part of the engineer. He didn't want to take them at all, but General Logan sent down a company armed and gave them orders to fire into flu> train if they moved without taking his sick on board. Logan was commander of the post; and he was bound to make them live up to his orders. He is just the man for a General ; there is no discount on him. The long looked for l*aymaster has at last made his appearance among us. He didn't do much good, though, as he only gave us two mouths' pay, up to the olst of August. Of course the new recruits got no pay at all. 208 HISTORY OP THE But the Paymaster said it was the intention, in twenty days to pay this Department the remaining four months pay that is due them, which we sincerely hope is true. From appearances I don't beheve there will be much of it sent home this time, as Memphis affords so many oppor- tunities for spending money. And as the boys have seen some pretty hard times lately, they appear as though they would like a change of diet. But the principal diet with some is whisky, which is very abundant in town ; and it seems they are determined to have it, regardless of cost and consequences. A good many have been spreeing ever since we come here. It is getting too common, and they are taking means to stop it. We have camp guards on, and only two persons are allowed to pass out at a time, and then only for two hours : the passes to be approved at regi- mental and Brigade headquarters. We have five roll calk a day, and all those who are absent without leave are taken to headquarters and punished. To-day they are engaged in building a guard-house. Every day our camp is tilled with women and boys peddling a])ples, cakes, pies, etc., and as the boys are all " flush," it don't take long to empty their baskets. Business appears to be as brisk in ^.lemphis, as though no war was going on. It puts one in mind of Columbus or Cincinnati. It contains large and splendid business houses, together with dwellings as nice as any one could v/ish for. And oh ! the pretty women ! It does one's soul good to view their lovely features in passing along through the town, after being out of sight of them for so long. As usual, it is raining to-day. jMost of the regiment went over to town this morning in charge of the commis- sioned officers to see the city of Memphis and the raging Mississippi. Yours truly, Tyro. Camp near Memphis, Tentt., February 10, 1863. Mr. Editor: — The Seventy-Eighth is still alive and on duty, with plenty of rumors afloat as to our leaving liere SEVEXTY-EIOUTir RE(jmEXT 0. V, V. t, 200 fdiich has run the snow off. And now this morning ft lias set in for a steady rain, and we have a prospect of a little mud, wliich is so despised by all the b(;ys. W^e prefer suow all the tim« to rain and mud. I njust not forget to inform you that wa have at last been supplied with new tents, and are no longer persecuted by- living in holes that dogs would hardly bo contented in. They are called " wedge tents," and are calculated to hold 14 210 HISTOKY OF THE five and six persons. Tliej wedge riglit close to the ground, and appear to shed rain very well. They admit of a person standing up in them, iiiid we are not obliged to lie down, every time we change our linen (?), as was the case with our dog huts. Most of the tents of Company E are adorned with chimneys — the boys having got a lot of brick hauled, tried their hand at masonr}'. They are a good institution, and with plenty of wood we manage to live something like soldiers. Three cheers for the "wedge tents,'' and groans for the "shelters."' The other evening the Quartermaster opened his heart and gave us some liay for bed^j. Of late Ave liave been '•grublicd" pretty well. For some reason they have hecn issuing fresh bread m place of "hard-tack,'* which we don't object to. AVe are also in receipt of "iron-sides," beans, lice, hominy, c( flee, tea, sugar, salt, vinegar, etc. The general health of the regiment is good, but Company E is rather unfortunate of late, there being two of its mem- bers sick in camp, two in the hospital at Memphis, one at Lagrange, and one at Jackson. Bnt at last accounts they were all doing finely. And if we should leave here all the Bick will he left behind at the hospital in Memphis, at which place they are well cared for. I notice orders are being issued in the several commands forbidding the sale or bringing of the Chicago Times within their limits, it being too much tinctured v.'ith sccessionism. It ought to havi) been done long ago, for it is one of the leading ISTortherii Journals among the secesh. It always linds a ready sale in Memphis. To-day Lieutenant Roberts Jeft us to join the Signal Corps, ■\\^hich is being re-established in Grant's command. Ever since we left Lagrange he has been acting as Aid on Colonel Leggett's stati", and was missed by Company E very much, for he was always considered an efHcicnt ofhcer by all the company, and made a Xo. 1 Lieutenant. Yet ho was often with us ; but now he will be entirely taken away from ua. J^lav he be successfid iu his uc\r .career. SEVENTY-EiailTH REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 9H Company K is considered the flower of the regiment. The principal part of them have been on a " bust " ever since we came to Memphis. A good deal of whisky is smuggled into camp by the apple women. Company E can '' hold her own," but I don't think it can touch K in that particular. As Valentine Day is near at hand, I wonder if the pretty misses of old Morgan will think so jxiuch of the poor sol- diers as to send them mementoes, that they may carry them through the great trials and struggles they will have to endure in the future. Yours truly, Typo. Camp neap. Mempuis, Tenn,, February 19, 1863. Mr. Editor : — Our " marching orders " have come at last, and our doom may now be considered sealed. Orders, ^vere received last night to have ten days' rations drawn, three of them cooked and in haversacks, and be ready to leave at any time after six o'clock this morning; but orders afterward came that we need not cook our rations until to-day. Xow this looks something like leaving, but it is nothing more than we have been looking for ever since we oame here. To-morrow will make one month since we landed at this place, and it may be some days yet before we take our departure ; still, we are under marching orders. <^ur destination, no doubt, is Vicksburg, or some point on the ^vlississippi river ; so that we can take part in the great movement that will shortly occur against that formidable place. I do not believe there are any of us overly-anxious to make a cruise down there at present ; but if it is neces- sary, (and no doubt it is) you will find the Seventy-Eighth ready and willing to do their part. If it should be our lot to get into an engagement, your readers may expect to hear ot them winning honors, and of the " robs '" getting " fits." The news from below indicates that everything is in motion, and that the great decisive move will take place before long, which will eventually put Yicksburg in our possession. Victory is bound to be ours. It is thought by 212 HISTOKT OF THK some (our expedition being so formidable) that an evr.cua- tion will take place before cver^'thing wliich is intended can be brought to bear upon that devoted place. So mote it be. The best thing that has yet occurred was the passing of the rebel batteries by the ram Queen of the West and the Indianola, of which no doubt your readers are apprised before this. It will be the means of cutting off the river communication between Vicksburg and Port Hudson, and will, in a great measure, affect their. supplies. In the under- taking I believe three rebel boats were destroyed, and several prisoners taken. I wonder what their opinion of the Yankees is by this time ? The guerrillas of late appear to be getting rather bold in their operations around here, and are very num.erous. They often make their appearance right across the river, on the Arkansas side, and do a great deal of mischief, h was only d:iy before yesterday that they fired into and burned a boat opposite here, on her way down the river from Pittsburg. She had a cargo of coal, and as it was very fogg}', it is supposed she ran into the bank, where she was destroyed — the officers and crew presumed to be taken prisoners. It is said the rebels have a "Cying batter}-," with v,'hich they go from point to point along the river and fire into unarn;ed vessels as they wind along. Such bold- ness as that ought to be looked after, and no doubt will be. They are also showing themselves at different points on the Memphis & Charleston Pailroad, and it would not be sur- prising if, when Ave leave, they would make a dash into thi? j)]ace ; but I am of the opinion they v^'ili meet with a j)retiy warm reception if they do. The weather has been very changeable for the past week, but we have mud in abundance. It is enough to bring RJckness on us all, yet we are all getting along first rate with the exception of slight colds. The sick boys are ail doing well ; all who were not ablo to go dowa the river with U8 were sent to the hospitals in town. SEVENTY-EianTH REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 21S To-day Captain Stevenson received his resignation papers, they being accepted. lie will start for home in a few days, but not, however until we start down the river, as lie wants to see us oft*. He will take all letters the boys may send by him ; and if wo get paid oft" in time (and we hope we will) he will take our money home for us. By an unanimous vote of the company, Lieutenant McCarty was made Captain, (Lieutenant Roberts of course going up to First Lieutenant, although he is at present detached on the Signal Corps,) and Sergeant A. W. Stewart was elected Second Lieutenant. Friday, February 20, 1863. — We are all busy this morning tearing down tents and packing u]), intending to leave to-day. We are expecting the Paymaster every moment to pay U3 oft*, when Ave will take our departure for the rivGi" and emigrate on the boats. A detail went out of the regiment this morning for the purpose of loading the boats. Our regiment and the Eighth Illinois will, it is said, go down the river together, on the steamer Louisiana, said to be a fine large boat. To-day the sun is shining forth, and indications are that we will have a [)leasant trip. May it be^jo. Anything but a rainy time when on board a steamboat. Be sure and send us the Herald regularly, for when we gut to Vicksburg it will be prized by us highly. Remem- ber the boys of Company E to your readers of old Morgan ; and if we don't lose our "bean-dippers," before wo get to our destination, you may expect to hear of us doing good v\^ork at the battle of Vicksburg. Send us letters often; we are always anxious to hear from those at home. Yours truly, Typo. THE BATTLE OF MEMPHIS, GREAT NAVAL ENGAGEMENT — OCCUPATION OJ" THE CITY* The following is a true and life-like description of th6 battle at the city of Memphis, which will be of interest to every soldier, and especially to the Seventy-Eighth Ohio: Events in this quarter have crowded upon each other so rapidly during the past thirty-six hours, that sufficient time has hardly elapsed to record one before another followed upon its heels. Yesterday Fort Pillow Tv'as taken posses- sion of by our forces and the river opened to within five miles of Memphis; to-day a great battle has been already fought and won, and the city occupied by national troops. Yes, Memphis, the commercial metropolis of Tennessee and hotbed of the rebellion in the South-west — Memphis, the city of lying newspapers and fire-eating editors — Memphis, the rival of Eichmond and Charleston in all that is dishonorable, treasonable and damnable, has fallen at last. With the dust of its streets clinging to my feet, and sur- rounded by an atmosphere tainted with disloyalty — with the magnificent spectacle still before my eyes, of its entire population huddled together in one dense mass upon bluffs, anxiously watching the progress of a desperate naval combat, upon which the fail of the city hung — with the crashing dis- charges of artillery, the rattle of small arms and the explosion of shells still ringing in my ears, I seat myself to write an account of the events of this morning, among the most important that have occurred since the war began. SEVENTT-EIGnTH REGIMENT 0. V. V. I, 215 THE BATTLE OP MEMPHIS. Ko one believed yesterday that any opposition would be made to our entry into Memphis, and when Flag-Officer Davis brought his vessels to anchor five miles above the city between eight and nine o'clock in the evening, the wonder was expressed that he did not advance and sei/.e liis prize at once. The gas-lights certainly gleamed tri- umphantly in the distance, as if beckoning him on, and two or three times during the night a rosy flash lit up the back-ground of the sky, giving rise to the fear that the town had been fired. Xo move was made, however, till about five o'clock this morning, when the Benton and Louisville weighed anchor and leisurely drifted down with the current to within a mile of the mouth of AV^olf river, which it Avill be remembered empties into the Mississippi just above jV[emphis. Here the rebel fleet, composed of General Van Dorn, Jeff. Thompson, General Be'niregard, General Bragg, General Lovell, General Price, Sun\ter and Little Rebel — eight vessels in all, under command of Captain Edward Montgomery — was discovered lying close to the Arkansas shore, directly in front of Memphis. Believing that men fight better on full than on empty stomachs, Flag- Officer Davis did not desire to bring on an engagement until the crews of his boats had taken tJieir usual morning meal, and he therefore retired. This retrograde movement was construed by the enemy into an ignominious flight, and immediately the whole rebel fleet formed iu line of battle and started in pursuit. Finding that the enemy were determined to have a figlit immediately, the Flag-Oflicer, unwilling to check the enthusiasm of his men, who were not half so hungry for breakfast as for battle, signaled his three remaining boats, the St. Louis, Carondolet and Cairo, to join him at once. They promptly weighed anchor, and in a few minutes reached the vicinity of the Benton and Louisville. By this time the enemy were nearly opposite the mouth of 216 HISTORY OF THE Wolf river, and our boat? were perhaps a mile and a lialf above, with lieads up stream, aud drifting down on the strong current toward the foe. OPENIXG OF THE BALL. Tlie first phot was fired bj the enemy at precisely TkoO A. M., and passed over the lienton, dropping into tlio river half a mile beyond. Tvro more Avcre soon after iircd by the rebels, neither of wldcli took eilect. The distance between the opposing forces was now reduced to about a mile, Avhen the stern e-^ns on our boat.s opened upon the enemy in the liveliest manner, and the jight because general. Is'earer and nearer together came the two fleets, and louder and (piicker grew the sh.ar|>, crashing sound of the guns. The slumbering T\Iemi)liians, who little thought when tiiey lay down the night before to rest, that such a scene would be enacted before their eyes the fidiowing morning, were startled by the first rejK)rt of arliilery, and hastened to the bluff by thou- sands. All tiiought of danger, if any had existed amojig them, was forgotten in the excitement incident to so unusual and magnificent a spectacle. There lay the con- tending iieets in the broad bosom of the mighty river, vom- iting forth fire and smoke, each doing its utmost to destroy the otlier. A gentle breeze swe}>t up the stream, carrying away the clouds almost as soon as they were generated by the guns, and enabling spectators to get a very sat- isfactory view of the battle. About ten minutes o-fter the figlit began, when the fleets were not more than six or eight hundred yards apart, two of our rams, the Monarch and Queen of the West, which had heen lying under the point just above ^lemphis, on the Arkansas side, where they were obscured from the enemy'd view, shoved out, and sailing around the ilotilla, the Queen of the West, tlie flagship of the ram fleet, in advance, they passed down on the Tennessee side, at their highest rate of »l>ced, loudly cheered by the gunboat crews. The api>ear- auco of these vessels seemed to take the enemv entirely by SEYENTY-EIGHTn REGIMENT 0. Y. V. I. 217 Riir]-)ri?o. Evidently they had not " reckoned " npon them, and not knowing? what they were, thought it best to keep out of their w^ay. First the rebel flotilla came to a sudden halt, and then it began to fall back. On went the Queen in splendid style, wearing a huge ruffle on her prow, and steer- iiig for the General Beauregard, the rebel Ijoat nearest the Tennessee shore. Allien only a few rods distant, the latter lired a gun at her, but so excited were her gunners, that tliey missed tlie huge target entirely. The pilot of the licauregard, however, understood his business better, and by skillful maneuvering succeeded in avoiding the blow. THE FIRST REBEL BOAT DISABLED. Xotliing discouraged, the Queen turned her bow toward the (Jeneral Price, the next nearest boat, and striking her a glancing blow on the port quarter, tore her side nearly oti", and caused her to take water so badly, that she had to l)e run to the Arkansas shore to pre^'ent her from going «lown in deep water. She now^ lies o})posite Ilopefield, partially submerged. As the Queen of the "VYest was leaving the Beauregard, the latter fired a second shot at her, which struck her on the l)uhvarks, causing the splinters to fly pretty freely. One of these struck Colonel Ellet, the conqmander of the ]'am fleet, on the breast, stunning him severely. His flag- ship, after her collision with the General Price, was found to be disabled in some w;ay, and could not be managed. Tlio blow had probably started her machinery. She was also turned ashore, near where the General Price had sunk. While the Queen of the West had been doing such splen- did service, the Monarch followed in her w^ake, and did ju>t what the Queen had at first tried to do — struck the (ieneral Beauregard a tremendous blow amidships, com- ]»letely disabling lier. She managed to reach the Arkansas shore in some way, wdien she w^nt down in fifteen feet water. Her crew escaped in the woods. Before being Htruck by the Monarch, the Beauregard had been raked fore and aft by our guns and was badly riddled. 218 HISTORY OP THE The next victim of the rebel flotilla, which had by th'm time fallen down the stream as far as Beale street, was the (iieneral Lovell. A fifty-pound shot, fired by Captain Phelps of the Benton, struck her just below her water lin®, and caused her to sink in eighty feet water three minuteg after. The scene on the Lovell after she was struck was painful in the extreme. The crew stood by her, because they were afraid of the mighty river, until the water put out her fires and filled the boat with steam, scalding many of them badly, when all leaped into the stream. For a few minutes the surface of the water was covered with these unfortunate and misguided creatures, struggling for their lives. HEROIC CONDUCT OF A BOAT'S CREW FROM THE BENTON. And here looms np a picture of genuine chivalry and heroism, whicli should make the cheeks of our Southern defamcrs tingle with shame. A boat was promptly lowered from the Benton, and started for the scene to receive tlie drowning men. A minute before our gallant tars had poured shot and shell into them without mercy, for they were enemies then, and on an equality; but now they were helpless, and everything was forgotten save the dictates of humanity. In the hurry of the moment the boat was iyav- tially swamped, and tAvo of our men narrowly escaped drowning; but matters were soon righted, and a few hasty strokes of the oars brought them to whei-e the Lovell luul just gone down, down in the seething current, causing the water to whirl like a maelstrom over the forever obscured wreck. Quite a number of persons were rescued by the gallant boat's crew, some of them bleached whiter by th(* steam than their souls could ever have been washed if they had not speedily repented ; but the majority of them were swept away f\ud drowned. Among those known to be lost was her commander. Captain William Cabell, an old and well .knowp i:i,ver man. SEVENTY-EIGHTH KEGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 219 PRECIPITATE RETREAT OF THE REMAINDER OF THE REBEL FLEET. It is almost needless to say that ere this the enemy were rapielj» having tired the first shot at 5:40, and the Nationals tho last at C:43. Uow little tho victory cost us, and how HISTOlit OF THB dearly the rebels paid for the defeat ! How noblj does our gallant navy maiutaiu its well earned reputation ! What heavy blows"- has it dealt the rebellion from Hatteras to Memphis! All honor to our brave tars! Tllir DOW:s" THE MISSISSIPPI. <:AMr' AT LAKE niOVIDENCE -— VISTA PLANTATION — YOUNg's I'OINT CANAL GRAND GULF PORT GIBSON RAYMOND — JACKSON— ■ CHAMPION HILLS — BLACK RIVER — 'VICKSBURG. Tlic regiment left camp at Memphis tlie evening of Feb- j-uary 20, and embarked on the Edward Walsh in company \vitii the Thirtieth Illinois. The Paymaster was engaged in paying the regiment "wheu the oi>Ier came to mai'ch to the ))oat. He accompanied the regiment to the boat and linislied his work on board. The troops remained aboard until the morning of the 22d, before the boat left the landing. All the Division was loaded by Sabbath morning, and left about 8 o'clock, tiie steamer Continental nuiking the start, then followed the John Dickey, Platte Valley, Louisiana, Edward Walsh, David Tatum, Hilary Forsythe and others, in all eleven boats, the ilag-boat Superior bringing up the rear. The trip was unpleasant on account of the cold, rainy weather. While lying at the wharf many of the boys in some way eluded the vigilance of the guards, and went oft" up town, determined to have a farewell spree before going down tho Mississippi. Although spirits were freely imbibed, yet very few cases of drnnkenness occurred on board. After a ride of twenty-six hours we landed at Providence, a distance of three liundred and twenty-five miles from Memphis, We encamped in a cotton field, ou the south 224 HISTORY OF THE bank of Lake Providence, about one and a-half miles froni the ^lississippi river, wliich is plainly in view, being mueh higher tlian the lake and surrounding country, Altliough it is February, the peaeii trees are in bloom, and but little lire is needed. The contrast between the climate here and at Memphis is great. Lake Providence, about vvdiich there is so much talk, is about one quarter of a mile from the town, and is said to be seven miles in length. There are about live hundred negroes digging a canal from the lake to the river; the object being to turn the waters of the Mississippi into the lake, so that our boats can cross the Ped river, cut off tho rebel supplies from Texas, and ilank the batteries of A^icks- burg. The course is from the lake into Bayou Tcnt-as, thence into Bayou Mason, thence into Black and lu'd rivers, and then down into the Mississippi again. Tlu; Avork is progressing rapidl}', and is now nearly half done. Negroes are also at work clearing the timber from the Bayous. The lake is about twelve feet lower than the river. Yicksburg is se\enty miles down the river, and forty by land. Up to March 9th, nothing of interest has transpired ; everything has been quiet except tbe occasional appearance of a few guerrillas in our iront. iSince our arrival here, the regiment has had much heavy duty. The woik on the canal has been going on undisturbed until the 8th, wlicii operations had to be suspended, in consequence of the water in the bayou rising and flowing towards the river. It is supposed to be the work of rebels Avho liave con- structed a dam some twelve miles below. Sixteen regi- ments and a section of artillery were sent down to look after them. Guerrillas arc said to be swarming tho country in great numbers, but as yet have done little damage. It is reported they have routed Qnimby's Di\ ision wliich was encamped about twenty miles from this place ; the rebels cut the levee above them and let tho water eo spread as to prevent their finding suitable camping ground*. SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT 0. V. V. i. 225 Lake Providence was, for the first timie, honorecT last week by the launching of a steam craft into its waters. She is intended to ply up and down the lake, and assist in the work of the canal. Flatboats are alsa being built for the same purpose. It is hoped that biefore long we may bo permitted to take passage on the boat& when going to work on the canal and bayou, instead of having to foot it eight or ten miles per day. I believe the work upon the canal will result in a grand failure. We have been visited while here by some very severe storms, hail coming down a» large as marbles, and the rain. in torrents. Sprinkling is unknown in this country ; when it comes, it falls in sheets of water. Since our arrival here the Government has been extensively engaged in the cotton business. Every day teaniis are- engaged in bringing in (jonfiscatcd cotton, and new discove-ries are being made of cotton hid in swamps. In a canebrake near where our men are at work two hundred and fifty bales weix) found. The negroes are also at work picking the cotton. On the plan- tation where our troops arc encamped, one field of cotton is fifteen hundred acres in extent. The men amuse them- selves by playing ball and sailing- on the lake. The following letters written by Captain A. A. Adair give a full history of the regiment at this place : ,t'. Camp on the Mississippi TIiver, } Xear Providence, La., March 19, 18G3*, j" A\"e are still in the land of the living with heat and galli- nippers plenty. ;-^g On Saturday -last orders were received to have thrco days'" rations in haversacks, and be ready to go aboainl, the trans- ports, ( which were lying in wait for us, ) the next morningt Accordingly, rations wero drawn, cooked and put in our haversacks ; details were made to load the boats and every- thing was taken down and packed up ; fully expecting toi be on our way for the Yazoo Pass, ( which was currently reported to be our deatiuation,) by daylight next moruing:* 15 22G niSTORY OF tub As is generally the case "whenever we go to move, it coin- mencecl raining, and continned until we got on the boat, which was about 3 o'clock, P. ]SI. when it commenced clear- ing up. Being so regular I suppose it must be military. Everything had been loaded and we w-ere all on our respective boats, which had been assigned us, before dark, and -were waiting for the time to roll around when aw would put out. Most of the boats were occupied by two regiments; but one boat, (the Gladiator,) only had the ''Brigade headquarters,'"' and the Sevonty-Eightli on board, making it much more comfortable for us than when comiug down from Memphis. One regiment of our Brigade, the Thirtieth lUiniois, Avas compelled to rcmahi behind, there being no transportation for it at that time; but it was to fol- low as soon as possible. On our going to the boat the Thir- tieth was in line, and gave us parting salutes and cheers as we passed bv, thus showhui: the srood feelini!- that existed between them and the Seventy-Eighth. AVhile thus situated a boat arrived from the fleet below, countermanding the movements we had in prospect, and compelling us to remain where "\to 'ifere, and await further orders. Of course every one Avas wondering what was up, and it was soon reported the rebels were evacuating Yicks- burg and going to reinforce Johnston to operate against Jiosecrans, which appeared to gain considerable credence; ' but whether it is so or not, I cannot say. Xext morning, however, the boat returned to the fleet to see what AN'as to be done, and iu the meantime we avl'^c making ourselves as comfortable as we could. AVhenever we are put on boats a guard i« always placed so as to keep the men on, but as the boat was lyibg close to the shore thw boys would jump off despite all the guards could do. In cases of that kind guards are not overly attentive, and do not care whether the boys get ofl:" or not- On the evening of the IGth, and while we were lying at the lauding awaiting orders, the levee was cut and tlie water of the raging Mississippi was turned into Lake Providence. SEVEXTY-EIGIITH REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 227 When it Avas kiioxNii it was the intonlion to al»ove ProNidence, keeping all the Division together. The Gladiator having the least on, and being already fired up, General Logan went aboard and had her cruise along ?![) the shore until a suitalde camping ground could be found, the other boats iollowing shortly after. All was unloaded, our new camp cleaned oft", and tlie tents up before dark. We are now al,>out live utiles above Providence, in a <-oru field, and but a short distance from the river, affording us a good view of all the boats passing up and dowu. lUimors are pu'evalent that our Division Avill go to rein- force Tiosecrans, should it prove true that the rebels are reinforcing Jolmston from A^icksburg. And Vv'c are all anxious tlsat it may be so, for we are getting tired of tfiis country ; it is a little too hot for comfort, and then the gallinippersi Oli I dear, they are enough to torment any one to death. They are beginning to let us know they arc about, by huy.z'mg around and occasionally taking a fellow a dip along side the lug, and of course always leaving their liuu'k. They arc a different and much larger species than you Inive in the North. The Yazoo Pass was undoubtedly the place we were des- tined for, and there has certainly sometliing of importance turned up which prevented our going, but I do not believe we will remain here long. I think we will either go back 228 HISTORY OF THE to Tennessee, or go down in front of Yicksbnrg. I hop© it will be the former, for then we will stand a chance of coming in contact with Ohio regiments in which there are companies from old ^Morgan. In this camp Ave are not at a loss for water, as we can dig down only three feet and get a snpply of good, clear water, right at home. Kails are also plenty, making first rate fire wood. Camp ox Yista Plantation, March 29,1863. Mr. Editor: — On the 22d inst. our Erigade (Avhicli is-: called the "Flying Brigade"' by General Logan) received marching orders to go aboard the boats immediatel}', having three days' rations in onr haversacks. All were conjectur- ing as to onr destination, some saying we were going up the river and others down. But it soon became known which route we were to take. As is usual, it commenced to rain before we got on the boats, making it very unpleasant as well as disagreeable for us, for the hurricane deck is always the most desirable place on the boat in good weather. The Seventy-Eighth (of course) was the last regiment en board; seven companic3 going on the Gladiator, with the Brigade headquarters, while the other three, with the artillery, went on the latai'^ the Twentieth and Sixty-Eighth on the Louisiana, and the Thirtieth Illinois on the Fanny Ogden. Darkness was upon us l)eforc we got started, and most of us were wrapped in nature's sleep, not knowing which way we were g^>iug until a little after daylight, when it was found we were making a landing at Eagle Bend, twenty miles above Yicksburg, on the Mississippi side. It was soon ascertained that the object of our mission was to rein- force General Sherman, who had started from that point a few days before to make his way across to the Yazoo river to operate in the rear of Yicksburg. Should he need rein- forcements we were to be there in readiness for him. We remained on the boats until the morning of the 25th, when we went into camp about a mile back of the liver. SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 229 sending the sick and everything pertaining to our camp equipage back to our old camp, taking nothing witli us but our knapsacks, dog-tents, camp kettles, and a few mess pans. The roads •vverc utterly impassable for teams, not even a horse being able to get along, and consequently the artiltery was sent back also. iShould we be needed it was said we would have hard times irettin^ along, and it was best not to take anything but what would be really necessar}'. Xo troops were at this point except a few " pioneers," who were building up the road, A stream of water came in here from the river, forming a bayou, upon which were rsteam tugs plying to and fro, assisting General Sherman in liis undertaking. AV'e expected to remain there two or three days, and commenced building houses out of a sort of willow ; Init orders came that niglit for us to return to <>ur Division again. The Thirtieth Illinois started back about midnight, there being no transportation for the other regiments at that time, we having to wait until the boats could come down after us. Before leaving we heard that Sherman's forces were com- ing back again, being unable to accomplish their purpose. It was reported that the rebels were felling timber into the bayou faster tlian he could take it out; and whik^ doing so lie took five hundred prisoners, coming upon them una- wares, ca[»turing arms and equiiiments. A\^hether these reports are true, I am unable to say. The next morning everything was packed up earlv, ■expecting to get orders to go at any time, but we had to remain until 3 o'clock before our boats arrived, when we skedaddled to the river and were off in a little wliile, the Seventy-Eighth being aboard the Fanny Ogden, and the Twentieth and Sixty-Eighth on the Gladiator, getting back to our old camp on "Vista Plantation," near Perry's Land- ing, and about five miles above Lake Providence, about to headfpuirtej-j^ and put under arrest. It seems hard that the boys have got to suffer for the negligence of tlic officers ; but they might as well cat up such things as to leave them for the otRcers, for there is generally where such things go. While we were gone, all our bedding was carried off by other regiments, and a cotton gin and some other Iniiklings being bandy, the next morning the boy^ determined to have s(.)me boards to sleep on, and commenced to break for the scene of operations, delegations being on hand from the three Ohio regiments (the Thirtieth Illinois being sii[)plie(l before we came,) and it was not long before the boards and shingk\s began to tly thick and fast, and persons were com- ing back with arm loads. AVhile this was going on some person slipped into the gin and set it on fire, which soon reduced it to ashes. This brought out General Logan, who cjmnu'uced pouring out his wrath on the '•'Flying Bi-igade," and it was not long before orders Avere issued compelling all who had got shingles and boards at these, buildings to take them up to our regimental heatlquarters. Company E was well represented, myself l)eiug one of the nun\ber, tor we are never slow in such undertakings. That being done, each had to give in his name, when we were all sent up to Logan's headquarters, taking our boards ami shingles with us, whooping and yelling like mad. But we had hardly got up there when we were ordered to pile them up separately, ^iind go to our quarters ; but shortly fttter we were told to go up and get our lumber, when lo I it was found that the boards were measured, the shingles cx)unted, and each man's pile taken account of. There was it good deal of sport made of it, and every company had to share it. SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 231 Since tlieii General Logan ordered General Leggett to assess the amount of jjroperty destroyed, and tax the ofHcers and men of bis Brigade with it, and have it put upon the next muster rolls, so it can be deducted from their pay, but to exempt all regiments whom he knew not to be guilty. Accordingly the assessment was made, which was ])ut at $2,000, and is to come off the three Ohio regiments, the Suckers all being exempt. It is now the principal gossip of the regiments, and if they are to pay for the destruction of property done by some unknown person, it will be apt to raise a "muss," and cause them to destroy much more than they otherwise would have done ; and it is believed by most of those who were tliere at the time, that it w^as burned by the old seccsh liiniself, for he was there and was heard to say, when they commenced tearing down the old gin, "that the boards on tliat building wouldn't do them much good," and imme- diately started towards it ; and in fifteen minutes time it was in flames. I mention this just for the purpose of showing what injustice is practised upon the soldiers in the army. The leaders can order the levee to be cut and millions of property may l)c destroyed by it, but if any property is l)urned, and it can be traced to the soldiers, they have got to pay for it, and the proceeds pocketed by some one just lionest enough to keep it. Such doings as that won't win, and it is time it was stopped. If all rebel property w\as destroyed as soon as we came to it, this w^ar would be ended much sooner than it will be the w^ay things arc carried on now. The Ohio boys of the Second Brigade are always able to " hold their ow^n," and tlic title of "jayhaw^kers" has been given them by General Logan, who says he believes if they were put in front of Yicksburg they would have it torn down and be sleeping over it in less than three days. Since I last w^rote you the weather has undergone quite a change. Last night a regular old "nor'-wester" came upon us, preceded by rain, which knocked the tents in 23^ HISTORY OF THE every direction, and had the boys up at work with hatchets and axes, staking down their houses for fear of having them carried away. The otRcers' quarters of Company E were among the nnfortunate. Boats continue to pass here daily loaded with soldiers, going both up and down the river. "VVe had reports yester- day that a part of Logan's Division Avas to leave to-day for some point np the river ; if it is so it will not likely be the *' Flying Brigade " this time. We are in perfect ignorance 4is to what is going on, for we are unable to get any news Jit all, and our lettei-s are generally about two weeks old before we get them. Yours truly, Typo. The Lake Providence expedition being abandoned, an effort was made to gain the rear of Vicksburg by the Yazoo Pass, which also failed, after almost incredible labor and hardships. Many boats in attempting this were seriously damaged, and were compelled to go jS^orth for repairs. The rebels defeated the success of the expedition by felling timber in the main channel ; Avhicli obstructions our forces removed in part, but finding it impracticable abandoned the effort and all the troops returned to Sherman's Landing, but nothing disheartened. Sherman's great canal, intending to change the channel of the Mississippi river, also proved a failure. The only way left to gain the rear of Vicksburg was to run the block- ade with a sufiicient number of boats to supply and transport the army across the river below Grand Gulf. General Logan's Division was called upon to furnish volunteers to attempt the hazardous undertaking. The following men volunteered from the Seventy-Eighth Ohio : Captain Hugh Dunne, second in command of steamer J. W. Cheeseman ; Sergeant James McLaughlin, Company D, engineer on Empire City ; Corporal Henry Baugus, Company B ; Henry H. Smith, Company F; Alexander "White, Company F; Burke Clark, Company D; Abel Arter, Company D; Daniel Christmau, Company E. SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 233 Six boats were put in readiness, and about midnight, started. The first passed part of the batteries before the rebels got aroused ; soon the batteries opened, and one hundred and eighty i^ieees of heavy artillery, which lined the shore for about seven miles in extent, broke forth in the most awful grandeur, which lit up the heavens and seemed to shake the very pillars of the universe. Xothing but the interposition of a prospering I'rovidence saved the boats, which were all more or less injured, in successfully })assing the batteries. The whole army, then fifty-five tliousand strong, set out upon its march to Bruinburg, Ijclow Grand Gulf, where it crossed the river, fought hve successive battles, and drove an enemy outnumbering the Union army, into the walls of Alckslmrg. The following letters were written by Surgeon Keeves and the author, which give a correct history of the regiment and its operations : The gallant army under General Grant lias just obtained a glorious victory — a victory which fully justifies the confi- fidence their commander seems to have felt when lie entered upon the daring campaign to Yicksburg by tlie way of Grand Gulf and Jackson. Yesterday morning the position of our army was briefly this: I'art of Sherman's Gorps occupied Jackson — the particulars of the capture of tliat town you have already learned. The larger part of McPherson's Corps lay at the same place. McClernand's was two miles south of Bolton, and sixteen miles west of Jackson, while Hansom's Brigade of Mc Arthur's Division, (McPherson's Corps) and Blair's Division of Sherman's Corps were approaching liaymond on their march from Grand Gulf. The little town of Eay- mond lies eight miles south of Bolton, and about twenty south-west from Jackson. The enemy had massed his forces at Edward's Station, nineteen miles east of Vicksburg on the railroad, with tho intent to cut our long lines somewhere between liaymond 234 HISTORY OF THE nnd Bolton, and thus at once deprive ns of supplies and l>cat us in detail. Uut bis designs were discovered and splendidly defeated. Yesterday morning news came to General ^Slcd'ernand that the enemy were advancing on him from the north-west ill the maimer just indicated, and ho immediately ordered (Jeneral A.. L. Lee, who had that moment arrived and reported for duty in the Thirteenth Army Cbrps, to recon^ noiter the approach. With a squad of cavalry General Lee galloped off live or six miles toward Edward's Station, scoured the country to and fro, discovered the enemy's pickets in that direction, and returned with a map of the ground over which the battle was next day to be fought. In the meantime General McPherson's command moved rapidly down from Jackson and arrived toward niglitfall near l>olton, while Eansom's Brigade and r)lair's Division reached Itaymond. Thus our widely extended front was (Suddenly closed on the center, in such a way as to be ready for either attack or defense. At the same time General ShermaU: moved from Jackson north of the railroad toward Edward's Station, in such course as to keep within su}>port- ing distance, and to prevent the rebel force under Joe Johnston (driven northward out of Jackson) from making '4 junction with their tViends at Edward's Station. At daylight this morning our movement toward Edward's. Station began. Ilovey's Division of McClernand's Corps, followed by ^IcPherson on the right, and advancing on the road from Bolton ; Osterhaus' Division, followed by General Carr's, on tlie center; and Smith's l)ivision, with General Blair's as a reserve, on the left, by the first road from Kaymond to Eil ward's Station. The battle opened on the left about 8 o'clock, with artillery directed on Smith's advance. It seemed that the rebels were attempting to turn our left, and get in our rear in the direction of Raymond. But Smith held his road firmly, and the enemy slowly retired, while we slowly advanced. SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 235 The enem}' next massed liis forces on our riglit center, where Ilovey's Division was coming up, and here the battle began to rage in deadly earnest. For a time the result seemed doubtful ; the rebels pressed on in the most deter- mined manner, while Ilovey's brave boys returned their attacks with the most persistent valor. For a moment we gave back at that point, but llovey, being reinforced by two Brigades of Crocker's Division, the enemy were driven, and the day Avent in our favor, A portion of the rebel force began tlieir retreat by the Yicksburg road. Mcl'hersoii swung around his right, and cut otf and cap- lured about fifteen hundred prisoners, and a battery of ten guns. Our left, McUleriiaud's Corps and Blair's Division, and Hansom's Brigade now pressed forward, and the com- ]ileto defeat and demoralization of the enemy was assured. Our artillery was hastened forward from point to point, over the numberless hills of this most rugged country, and ]>oured its deadly tire into the flying columns of the rebels. At sunset, as wo entered Edward's Station, we found there a great debris of stores abandoned by the enemy in his flight — among them a train of cars loaded with amnni- iiition and set on fire, and a depot of provisions also partly consumed. A\^e manao:ed to save Irom these ninety thousand rounds of musket ammunition, a, h^rge quantity of fixed ammunition for field pieces, and agood supply of sugar. Our captures in this splendid tight foot up to about two thousand eight hundred prisoners, nineteen guns, and about ten thousand serviceable Enfield rifles, together wtih all tliy stores I have mentioned. THE BATTLE OP THE BIG BLACK. At the Bridge, May 17. — At daylight this morning our victorious army moved on from Edward's Station, by the main road to the Big J31ack, McClernaud's Corps in the advance, led by Carr's Division. It was known that the rebels had constructed earthworks to defend the bridge, and that these works must be taken. The distance waa but three miles, and we had hardly advanced one before 236 HISTORY OF THE the skirmishing in front commenced. The enemy slowly retired, and we pressed on until we reached a point about one mile from the river, when the rebel batteries, some eighteen guns, opened on us. They had a good range of the road, and the shells flew and burst about us in lively style. Carr immediately formed in line of battle and advanced on the center and right, with half of Osterhaus' Division on the extreme right and half on the left. Smith's Division came rapidly up and formed on the extreme left. The action had hardly began when the gallant Osterhaus was slightly wounded, wdiile busy in getting the First Wis- consin Battery in position on the left center. Captain Foster, commanding the battery, was at the same time liurt — a case shot bursting among the part}^, and both were obliged to leave the field. General McClernand immedi- ately^ ordered General A. L. Lee to take command of the Xinth Division, and the battle began. It was soon termi- nated. After an artillery duel of an hour or so, varied with some sharp skirmishing, General Carr's Division, Avith the portion of Lee's which was on the right, made agalhmt charge upon a weak spot on the enemy's left, and took the w^orks. So suddenly and effectively vv^as this done that the whole of Bowen's Brigade was cut off and captured, while our left, advancing at the same time, took two regiments of rebels who were trying to escape down the swamp and across tlie river in that direction. Every gun in the works was taken — in all eighteen — and the number of prisoners amounted to about three thousaiid. The haste with whicli the surrender was made was something ludicrous. The moment our charge began on the right fifty white flags appeared behind the works, extemporised by hoisting bunches of cotton on the end of bayonets. Alas I that the regal fiber should fulfill so meek a mission! We immedi^ ately advanced up to the captured works, and, planting a section of heavy guns near the river, began to shell the rebels who had got across it, and had burned the bridge SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 237 which took them over, as well as set fire to the immense railroad bridge and trestle work. The enemy left a regiment of sharpshooters on the west bank of the river to annoy us and delay our crossing, but General Lee, with a pioneer corps and a company of skir- mishers, protected by the lire of Lamphear's Seventh ^lichigan Battery, reconnoitered the bank, and commenced the construction of a floating bridge. At 9 o'clock to-morrow it will be completed, and wo shall move for- ward. Meantime Sherman's Corps is crossing on pontoons above, and will go to Yicksburg by the upper road toward Haines' Bluff, while McClernand and McPherson will move on the Jackson road. Our losses in the battle of yesterday were heavy — prob- ably three hundred killed, and the usual sad proportion of wounded. rend)erton was in command of the rebel force. Major General Tilghman was killed. In the battle to-day our losses were but slight — our captures immoderately large. Three Miles in rear of Vicksrurg, 1 May 20, 1863. / On the ISth our army crossed the Big Black and marched on Yicksburg, Sherman coming in and taking possession of Haines' Bluif, McPherson arriving on the Jackson road, and McClernand advancing toward the close of his march on the road to Baldwin's Ferry. Yesterday morning General Grant began to "move upon the enemy's works," — a line of redoubts extending from the rear of Haines Bluff to the Warrcnton road, a distance of eight or ten miles. The attack was made with Sherman on the richt, McPherson extended from his left to the railroad, and McClernand from his left on the railroad to the extreme left. At daylight our troops moved up, but tlic action did uot begin until about noon, save an occasional shot from our artillery as it came within range. 238 nisTOKY OF the After a slow fire from our artillery had failed to elicit any reply from tlie rebel works, our lines slowly advanced until at every point they were in front hardly one thousand yards from the redoubts. The ground over which we crossed in this movement wa* singularly rough, a series of hills and hollows, not high but steep. As we neared the hostile redoubts we found that they commanded every crest and svrept every ravine. Yet at 2 'o'clock a general charge was ordered. About the same success — or want of success — attended the charge ?don^ the whole line. W"o have up to this time advanced so close to the enemy's works that he cannot safely use his guns, and our heavier artillery is being pushed up and planted in such a way that I trust to-morrow will see some good results. Conmiunication is open to the Yazoo by way of Haines' Blun, and supplies now come to us from the upper river. As I write, the slow and sullen booming of the gnnbonts both above and below, show that they too are joining i'.i the great light. The situation grows dranuitic and solemn, and the end is near at hand. In rear of Vicksburo, May 21. The stronghold of the rebel power on the MississipjM is now completely invested by the army of General Grant. The fragments of the insurgent forces which escaped from the victories of Tort Hudson, of Jackson, of Gham])ion or ]Midway Hills, and of Big Black, have retired within the strong but small circle of defenses which surround the city, at a distance of about two miles from the heart. Tliero a stubborn resistance is now being made, the redoubts and rille-pits giving the rebels an advantage in the way of safety, but none, I think, in the way of moral strength. i*i'e- sumptively the advantage is with the attacking party, and especially in this case, where our army, since its bold move from Young's I'oint, by tne way of Grand Gulf, ha»s been ■uniforndy and brilliantly successful. SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 23i> To-.(ln.y our forces are busy from right to left, over tlia entire line, in creeping more closely to the formidable Avorks of the enemy. At several jioints our sharpshooter? are so near the redoubts, and so veil sheltered by the remarkably roug-li ground, that tliey totally prevent the enemy from uBing liis guns. Tliey are near enongh too, U) iruUilge in jocose conversation with the rebels in their ritle- At the same time our lieavier artillery is Ijeing pushei;nm, as a part of the Seventeenth Army Corps, and nuirelieil over a military road which General Grant had caused to be made, passed through liichm.ond and along Eoundawiiy Bayou to Lake St. Josepli, around wliich we parsed, and reached l*erkin's Landing, on the Mississippi Eiver, on the 2Hth. The next morning we continucdour march to Hard- SEVENTT-EIGHTn REQIMEXT 0. Y. V. L 245 times Landing, where transports and gunboats awaited us, vhicli took us down the river about ten miles, and we debarked and stacked arms in Mississippi. From tliat point we took up our line of march along the Port ^Gibson road. The Seventy-Eighth was detailed to act as rear- guard to the column on that day, and was the last to come up for the bivouac at night. General Crocker's Division was in advance, and when in the vicinity of Magnolia Church, met the rebels, under Generals Bowen and Tracy, nearly five thousand strong, occupying a strong position, and with whom they became engaged, at 2 o'clock A. M., on May Isfc. The battle was fought vv-ith varying success by that Division, until 12 M., wlien General Logan's Division came up on the double- quick and. forced the rebels from their position, driving them back with great loss. On the next day we occupied Port Gibson. The country is broken, and presents a succession of ridges running in parallel but very tortuous lines, with deep ravines intervening, affording natural earthworks in great varietv. The rebels were routed, and retreated in the nisrht toward Jackson, burning the bridges over Bayou St. Pierre and several other streams. We loft Port Gibson on the 2d of May and marched toward Vicksburg, and found the country to grow better as we advanced. We came to Little Black river just after the enemy had crossed, too late to capture them. At this point the Second Brigade had the advance, and was shelled by a rebel battery, the shells bursting over and around the Seventy-Eighth fiercely for a short time, but fortunately without hurting any one. We then moved toward Clinton, on the railroad from J ackson to Vicksburg, when, within four miles of Raymond, we met the enemy, eight thousand strong. General Logan was in the advance, and a fierce battle ensued. They were again routed and fled toward Jackson. In this battle tlie Seventy-Eighth acted a prominent part and suffered loss. 246 HISTORY or THE l*rivate Oliver Story, of Company F, was mortally woiindctl and lias since died ; Charles Mason, of Company D, shot through the shoulder severely; laaac Drum, Company E, Ivounded in the head slightly. iVe moved to Clinton and oectfpied the town, capturing a fjuantity of clothing and army stores, tearing up the rail- road, and crippling the rebels in various ways, and on the next day went toward Jackson and again met the enemy, who had taken position upon the grounds of a planter. The battle was short and decisive. The rebels were routed, leaving their killecl and wounded on the field. Two batte- ries Avere captured. Our troops immediately occupied Jackson, and stacked arms on the " sacred soil " of " King Jeff." So rapid had been our march, and so sharp our fighting, that the people, deluded by the misrepresentations of the lying press at Jackson, were completely surprise?], and they made a stampede that would put to blush a score of Bull Euns. At daylight next morning General Logan's Division was en route for Vieksburg. On the morning of the 16th of May, the advance of our column was checked by the enemy, who were drawn up in line of battle at Charopion Hills, four miles from Black Biver. Immediate preparations were made to meet them. The engagement commenced on the left, and it soon became a fierce conflict — Ilovey and Carr's Divisions being in the hottest of the fight. The roads at this point were numerous, all converging toward Black Biver Bridge, thus bringing our troops nearer to each other as we advanced. The battle soon involved the troops on the right of the road, and Logan's Division became engaged. At this time the Second Brigade, led on by General Leggett, participated in the fight, and I say with pride, that the Seventy-Eighth Begiment went into battle cool and determined, stood up under a heavy fire without flinching, and acquitted them- selves nobly. Far in advance of the line, they stood out in bold relief, and forced the enemy to fall back. For three hours the rebels maintained their position, SEVENTY-EIGHTH KEGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 247 lanted just under the edge of the ridge, out of sight of the rebels, and which was intended to do special work. The Second Brigade was at this time in a depression in the field. Presently the rebels charged upon the solitary gun, swarming like bees about the edge of the woods, and going ra[tidly toward the gun. At that moment the battery opened and dropped its shells with great precision right among the rebels, sending living and dead in every direction — particularly iu the direction of the woods. The field was cleared, and the gun kept thunder- ing iiway. When the rebels retreated our Brigade followed. In riding over the ground next day, I came to where tlie charge was made upon the rebel battery. The road was strewed with dead horses and broken harness, and a few broken gun carriages. ]^ear by, six dead horses marked the spot where a single guu had been planted to deal death among our men. The gun was gone, but deep marks in the hard ground told of the fearful rebound it gave at each 248 HISTORY OF THE dischargee. AVithiu ten feet of the spot on which the gun stood, nine graves ranged side In' side, disclosing the resting- place of those who fell heside it. Tlie battle was over, the enemy routed, and "On to VicksburgI" was the word. On we went, and by midnight were within four miles of the city. We now ocenpy the rear of the city, our lines extending from "Warrenton on the Mississippi to Haines' Bluff* on the Ya/oo river. On the morning of the 22d our guns were thundering, and each day the cannonading lias been going on. We have free Gominunication v.'ith Young's l^oint by way of IJaincs' Bluff, and with all below by way of Warrenton, and are receiving provisions and ammunition, in fact sup- I)lies of all kinds, by way of the Yazoo. Since coming to Vicksburg, the Second Brigade has been consta-ntly in the field, and the Seventy-Eighth Regiment has been close a[>on the trenches, shielcted by a ridge, waiting for their, time to come to "-go in."' There is no time for writing; I am in the midst of the wounded at the field hospital of the Third Bivision, and send this moi^e for the purpose of giving a list of the killed and wounded than for anything else. Our march from Milliken's Bend lias been triumphant and full of incidents, and I regrc-t exceedingly that I have not been permitted to })en a detailed account of it. At Thompson's Hill, Jackson, Ivaymond, Champion Hills, Black Ivivcr Bridge, and in all the skirmishes, wo have eompleteh' whipped and discomfited the rebels, and drove them before us like seared sheep. Herewith I send you a list of the killed and wounded of the Seventy-Eighth liegiment, in the battles of Baymond and Champion Hills: WOUXDI'lD At the battle of Baymond, May 12, 1863, and left in the hospital at Baymond : Corporal Simeon H. Cockins, Company A, arm fractured; private Solomon J. Donelson, A, fore-arm, buck shot; pri- SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 249 vate Charles B. Mason, D, shoulder, severely. (This was ail accident, the wound being inflicted by his own gun.) J'rivate David Miller, D, head, severely; private Isaac J)runi, 1>, head, slight; private William C. Younger, I>, thigh, slight ; private Thomas llartsell, H, head, scalp Avoiiud ; Corporal Oliver iStory, F, abdomen, since died; George W. Kichardson, A, thigh, flesh wound. The following are the casualties at the battle of Champion Hills, May 10,1863: KILLED. Lewis Yoght, private. Company A ; Sergeant Abner Jvoach, I ; Sergeant — Stitte, C ; private Jno. .F. Mcintosh, I : private James Taylor, F ; private William McBurney, JI; private Enoch Gray, Iv. WOrNDED. Private David AVilson, Company A, head, severely; pri- vate Philander S. Castor, A, shoulder, severely ; private Samuel Jackson, A, head, slight ; Lieutenant Jas. Caldwell, A, abdomen, severely, since died; Adjutant 11. Abbott, A, liead, severely ; private Kandolph C. Austin, B, chest and left shoulder ; Sergeant Harrison C. Yarner, B, shoulder; ])rivate Silas Eaton, B, fore arm fractured, resection; private rty-Fiftii Illinois were killed; also about one hundred men were killed or wounded. duly 1st. — General Leggett completed another mine or sap into the fort, and placed one ton of powder under the AN'all. Wheji the match was applied the explosion was terrible, blowing out about about fifty feet in length, and burying rebels by the score, and throwing many high in the air. Eight of these were blown upon our side of the fort, three of whom were colored, and all were killed but two. One of the negroes was but little injured, and insists" that he was blown three miles in the air. General Logan had his wounds dressed and well cared for. General Joe Johnston had at this time taken possession of Jackson, Miss., and was marching toward Vicksburg to make an attack upon our rear, in order to relieve Pcmbertou SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 253 nnd Ills strigade " was not to be pnt ofi' in that way ; so we were ordered on the double-quick, in a kind of circuit around the place, to try and cut oU'the retreat of the rebels, (so it . 17 258 HISTOPtY OF THE was said) making us travel livo or six miles for nothing, ag it appeared to us. We did not get to see the great rebel capital as we wished, as we encamped on the outer side of it. The )icxt morning wo were ordered back toward Yicksbnrg, and on the 16th came upon the enemy in full force at Champion Hills, Avhere our regiment was hotl_y engaged for live or six hoars, losing eight men killed and Hfty-six wounded. Company E lost none killed, but had four wounded, one of whom has since died^ — Jacob J3eisakcr, who was wounded in the leg, and had to have it amputated. He died on the hospital boat bound for Meniphi.*, In hij^ death Company E loses a good soldier, and his widowed mcther a noble boy. She has the sympathies of all the members of the companj', and has the consolation of knowing that he died in a good cause. ITe was loved and respected by all his companions in arm?:, and it sccuif* hard that we had to part With him. The battle of Champion Hills will long be remembered by the old k^eventy-Eighth, as wcli as by a great juany others. The rebel regiment in front of us in the fight was the Forty-Tlnrd Georgia, and ils mortality list show*; that wo done good work. The rebels vrcre completely routed anl demoralized, and fled in great confusion to the Black river bridge, where they endeavored- to make another stand, but were not given time. Our ibrces pur- sued them early next morning, and uuule a charge on their works at the bridge, capturing fifteen hundred prisoner?, seventeen pieces of artillery, and a lot of ammunition, when they made tracks toward Yicksburg. Our forces wore in pursuit as soon as pontoons could be got across the river; and on the 18th we succeeded in driving thcin in behind their forts. Our Brigade remained as a re.-erve until the 22d, when we were ordered up to su}ip(U't the ehai'ge thfit was made that day. But finding tliat a failure, the next day our regiment was ordered to the snjtjiort vt' a battery, which position we held until the night of the 25th, when SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 259 wc were onlercd to join the expedition sent out to ^[echaIl- icsburg under Genoral Blnir. Finding notliiug but a few cavalry, wliicli were 80ou routed, we returned by way of Haines' Blutts, where we remained three or four days, and tJien to Vicksbnrg, where we were doing constant duty in the riilc-pits until tlic 22d of June, when we Were again ordered to join an expedition sent out m command of (jreneral Sherman to attend to Johnston, who had been threatening onr rear for some time. We threw up fortiiiea- tious at a little place called Tiffin, expecting an attack daily. "We had been there but two or three days when we lieard nf tlie great surrender of A'icksburg on the 4th. That night our Brigade was addressed by Colonel Force, coni- laandi ug, who gave us a neat little speech. We could hear the tiring all along at Titfiu, and as it ceased that nioruij)g, it was supposed that something of tlie kind had tiikcn place, as avc knew it could not hold out much longer, and must eventually falh After remaining at Tiffin a tew days, wc moved to Bovina, on the A'icks- bui'g and Jackson liailroad, remaining there abont a week. We got orders to move toward Jackson, where we i^xpceted to liave something to do, as Johnston was reported there with forty thousand men, and strongly fortitied. The lirst day's marcli from Bovina brought us to Champion Hills, where wc encamped on the old battle-ground that we had tought over but a short time before. The next day we moved to Clinton, where we still remain. Since leaving Vicksburg we have been detached from onr «»ld Division, and are now under the command of General Alc/Vrthnr, for the time being; but we hope soon to go Ijack and join our old Division, commanded by the invet- erate Logan. \ We arrived at Clinton on the evening of the 14th, and the next morning all the troops moved out with the exce[)tion of our regiment, which remained to occupy the place. As a matter of course, wc had a great deal of duty to perform, being the only reglniont in the place. Colonel 2G0 HISTORY OF THE Wiles boiug commander of the post, all persons "who wanted passes had to come to liira. He wa.s ke]it busy all day, issuing passes to persons who claimed to he wanting- to go to Vicksburg, and various other places, on very important business. Eut their main object was soon found out to be to convey intelligence to a cavalry force who were moving around here, their object sujiposed to be to attack Sherman's train that was moving on its way out from Black river, loaded with amninnitit)n and rations. On the evening of the 15th, Colonel Wiles received a dispatch from General Sherman, stating that a rebel cav- alry force was approaching, and for him to be on the alert. l^'he Colonel immediately commenced preparing to meet them. lie had the pickets reinforced, and oixlered the men to have their "tra})3" ready, so they could bo up and into line in a moment, should an attack l)e made. Those cit- izens had undoubtedly re})ortcd to them' that only one regiment was left at the place, and they thought they had us sure. ]jut al)Out 10 o'clock that night. General jMathias' r»rigade arrived from the front, it having been sent back to hel[) us out of the scrape. Of course we were glad to meet them, but we were deter- mined to do our best and liold the place if poseible. Tlic next morning a cavalryman came. .dashing down the road and told us to be ready, that they were coming in force. "VVe were into line in short order, and moved up to the rail- road, which we intended to occupy lor ])reastworks. It was but a little while until skirmishing commenced between our pickets and the " rebs." P)Ut for some reason they took care not to advance too close, although none but our regiment was in position. Xo doubt tliey had heard'of our j-einforcemenls the niglit before, and thought it l^est not to advance any further, for they soon found out that we were ready to meet them. The advance of the rebels — six in number — were cap', turcl by our pickets on their approach. They cauio npon' SEVENTY-EiailTH REGIMENT 0. V. V. T. 2G1 our cavalry pickets before tliey were aware of their approacli, luid they had to fall back into the woout when they got to our infantry pickets tlicy were baited and told to surrender, and treeing our cavalry closing in behind them, they concluded they had to do it. Lieutenant Stewart, of Company E, had command of the ])ickets, and was highly complimented by Colonel Wiles for the way he discharged his duty during the engagement. The force of the rebels was estimated at iifteen hundred, and in the fracas they lost two men killeil. Onr loss was nothing ; one of Company F had a piece taken off Ids jacket by a ball. So much fm- the Seventy-Eighth, who were victorious at the skirmish near Clinton, !Miss., July ii], 186-3. Since crossing the 3tlississippi river we have marched about three hundred and tifty miles, and lia\e endured hardships that no other troops have done in the same space of time, and doing as much good as v.'e have accomplished. At the siege of Vicksburg we were always on hand when duty called, and ready to face the foe ^^■hcn ordered. "While at Bovina the members of Company E took it into their heads to niake onr Colonei a present of a set of i^houlder straps. And you knoAV whatever they undertake to do they generally go through with. Below I give you the note accompanying the present, and also Colonel Wiles' reply : Camp near Bovixa, Miss., July 9, 18G3. LlEL-TEXAX-T-CoLOXEL G. F. WiLES : — Sir; — On behalf of the members of Company E, I here- with present to you a set of shoulder-sti-aps, thus sliowing our respect toward you as a man, and placing our entire confidence in yon as a commanding officer. J loping this act will niL'et A\'ith your a]>proval, I remain Your obedient servant, Ai>. A. AuAiR, ::;, Sergeant Company E. 262 HISTORY OF THE LIEUTENANT-COLONEL WILES' REPLY. Headquarters Seyenty-Eigiitii Eegiment 0. V. I., |^ EoYiNA, Miss., July 10, 1863. j tSERGEANT AdAIR : It certainly affords me unfeigned pTeasnre, as well af* a very pleasant surprise, to recciYo and accept tlirongli yon. Sergeant, the Yery liandsonie present I Iiavc receiYcd Iron* that gallant company which you represent. Suc]i a mani- festation coming from the "boj-s" rentiers the net more dear to me, and is more of a compliment than it ivonld he coming from the Governor of onr State. I feel i)rond that my conduct has met the approvjt) of the men I haie the- lienor to command, and I shall endeavor to sustain that relation to the extent of my ability. I also regard it as no mxraeaning tribute, for the donors and. myself haYO been together on more than one occasion where it tried men's souls. Members ot Company E. again 1 thank you. G. F. AViles, Lieutenant Colonel Commanding. Our dut}' continues heavy — furnishing pickets, j-)roYOst g-uards and forage details every day, these liaving nearly half the regiment on duty dail}'. By going into the? country a short distance, roasting ears, melons, peaches and apples can be had in abundance. And the boys arc always ready for dvity when there is foragijig to be done. "VVe received the ucavs to-day of the evacuation of Jack- son by the rebels, where it was thought they would make a desperate stand ; but it seems as though they gave up the place with comparatively little fighting. Where thoy will make their next stcand I am unable to say. Eut my opin- ion is, they are about gone up the spout. The news fromi the east is Yery encouraging indeed ; and the time is not far distant when this rebellion will come to an end. The health of the boys is pretty good. A few cases of the ague still hang on, but there are no serious cases. Clinton is ten miles from Jackson, on the railroad, and is the most hitter sccesh hole I have come across in the South, SEVEXTY-EianTH REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 252 I liave liad the honor of calHno^ on some of the fair damsels of the Southern soil, and find them even worse than the iiion ; which is generally tlie case on all topics, (not wishing to say anything against the dear creatures at all.) You can hardly see the town for the houses, but it is a pretty situation, and could be made a nice place. General McArthur is ordered to keep open the road against guerrillas between here and Champion Hills, but we are anxious to go back and join our old Division, and spend the summer on the Mississippi. On tiie 25th day of July the regiment returned to Vicks- burg and pitched camp on Walnut Hills, near the city. The terrible campaign ended ; General Johnston and all the rebel army driven far east of Jackson ; the Seventeenth Army Corps settles down round Vicksburg to rest and recuperate its thinned and wearied ranks. The Thirteenth Army Corps goes South ; the Fifteenth goes with General Sherman to Memphis, and thence toward Chattanooga. The brave Sixty-Eighth and Twentieth Ohio Regiments still remain with the Seventy-Eighth ; these three regi- ments have become banded together as firmly as brothers ; all have shared equally in dangers and hardships, in honors and triumphs. The effects of the long campaign upon the men begin now to be developed in disease, much sickness and many deaths. The Brigade remains scarcely a day idle, but commence i)uilding fortifications around the city. Two hours every (lay are spent in drill. August 25 — The Division went on reconnoisance to llonroeville, Louisiana. The march was a hard one, and many men never recovered from its effects. Part of the way was through swamps, now dried by the summer's sun, and covered with weeds and grass higher than the horses backs; in this, rattle-snakes of all sizes dwelt as thick as fish in the river. These the men shot and killed bj tlj9 thousand. 264 EISTOKY OF TIIK Monroevillc "was at length reached. The town is situated on the Washita River, and is a pleasant little place of ahont one thousand inhahitants ; the rehel army said to be encamped there had fled ; it consisted only of a few cavalry. Yankee soldiers were quite a curiosity to the natives, no Federal troops had before been seen by them. The people were living in blissful ignorance, cut ofi' from all conimuni- oations with the world, the}'' had not received the intelli- gence that Yicksburg had fallen, and come into the jios- session of the Federal army. The women manifested no fear, nor malignant feelings, but treated the soldiers very courteously, and visited the camps the next morning. The Di'V'ision remained but one night, and then took up its march again to Vicksburg, having accomplished nothing, but thinned somewhat the serpents of the bayous and swamps. All the sick able to travel are furloughcd homo, and Colonel Wiles Avith many of the officers received leave of absence. On September 13 a beautiful flag from the ladies of Zanesville was presented the regiment by General Leggett. I regret much that I cannot obtain a copy of his address to the regiment. Captain A. L. Wallar, then in command of the regiment, responded in its behalf in a brief and very appropriate speech. On November 15th the Seventeenth Corj^s start on a reconnoisance toward Canton and Jackson, Miss,, to dis- perse rebel encampments, and troof)s collecting there. The Seventy-Eighth had a lively skirmish with the enemy, but met with no casualties. The enemy in some force, with artillery, were positioned on a ridge. The regiment imme- diately made a vigorous charge up the hill. The enemy fled after firing a few rounds, which passed over our men doing no damage. The next day, finding no enemy at Canton, after destroy- ing much railroad stock, it took up its march for Vicksburg. November 13th, two days before the above expedition. General Logan reviewed the Third Division, and bid iiire- SEVEXTY-EIGnTII REOIMENT 0. Y. V. I. 265 well to it in an earnest and deeply aficctino^ speech. Ife liad been appointed to the command of the Fifteenth Arnij Corps. General Leggett is appointed to take command of the Division. All were deeply atiectcd in parting with General Logan, bnt were much gratified in tlie appointment of (xCiieral Lcggctt as his successor; and ahly did he sustain the high character of the Division, and till the highest anticipations. Under liim it never lost a ilag by capture, nor was driven by the enemy. After the above expedition the regiment gave much atten- tion to military tactics and exercise in their various move- ments and combinations. It vras soon whispered by mili- tary men that the Seventy-Eighth excelled all others, as far a=5 their observation extended, in camp and field discipline. Other regiments, therefore, commenced giving their atten- tion to the same exercises in their camps, and were unwil- ling to concede so much to the Seventy-Eighth regiment. In order to settle the matter in qnostion General Leggett offered to present a large and beautiful flag to the best drilled regiment in the Third Division, which should be decided by a bench of competent judges. The 23d of January, 1864, was appointed to contest for the flag. The day was mild and pleasant, and the Division was assembled in review on a large plateau south of the city. After each regiment had drilled a few minutes, the Seventy-Eighth Ohio and One Hundred and Twenty- Fourth Illinois were chosen to contest for the flag. The ring was formed, which an immense crowd of spectators soon surrounded. The Seventy-Eighth Ohio first entered the ring and drilled the specified time, cheered with the greatest enthusiasm by the immense throng. The One Hundred and Twenty-Fourth Illinois entered and drilled the same length of time, but failed to elicit so much enthu- giasm from the crowd ; almost every one decided it in favor of the Seventy-Eighth Ohioi 2G6 HISTORY OF THE T\ro of tlie judges were Illinois Generals ; the tliird was from Iowa. The former deeideil in favor of their own State, the latter in t^ivor of Ohio. The person npi)ointed. to present the flag, regarding the decision unjust, refused to discharge the duty assigned. On the 5th day of January" the regiment liad com- jileted its veteran organization, and was mustered accord- ingly, and all pre[)aratiou was made for going liome on veteran furlough, buthefore this was done, General Sherman came with the Sixteenth Corps from ])ilemphis, and decided to take it and the Se^•euteenth on an ex[)editiou througli Mississippi, which w;ib commenced February 1st, Tims ended the long and pleasant encampment at Yicks- bu]"g. The winter was made pleasant by the presence of Mrs, (Jeneral Lcggett, ]\lrs. Colonel AViles and Mrs. Captain J)ouglas, who spent tlie winter here with their husbands. Tlie following members of tlic regiment died of diseasQ at this post : Wesley Stinchcomb, C^ompany G, August 1. William Antil, Company Iv, August 8. AVilliam Jordan, CV)mpany K, August 3. Alva V>. Snitl', Company Jj, August 4, AVm. J. Korris, Company B, August 21. James Henderson, Company B, September 7. -Sprague, Company F, August 5. Corporal John McEiroy, Company E, August 7. James Bailey, Company E, September 27. Hamilton Gardner, Company B, August 14. Andrew Mercer, Company G, August 20. Turner, Company II, September 27. All brave men, who had passed, unharmed through many battles, dangers and hardships, but after a faithful service they surrendered, their lives a sacrifice upon their country's altar, in defense of tho right, liberty and humanity. SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 267 THE MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. A^iCKSBURG, Miss., March 0, 18G4. J^Kv. T. M. Stevenson, Chapliiin Seventy-Eigbth liegi- ment 0. V. 1. : — Kaving- returned safely to camp from an expedition ^•reater than any we have ever hefore participated in, I ven- ture to give you an outline of our adventures Avhile "raid- ing* ■' in rebeldoni. We left camp on the morning of the 3d of February, as a part ot the Seventeenth Army Corps, and jireceded by the Sixteenth Army Corps, marched to Black ri\'er, which stream we crossed the same night, and bivouaced in the liekls three miles beyond the river. On the 4th we i-esumed our march, and passing tlie old battle-ground of ('ham[)ion Hills, halted for the night near Bear creek. Thus far our way was not marked by an incident worthy of special notice. On tlie morning of the 5th the Second Brigade led the van, and upon approaching the bridge across Bear creek, the rebels were found to have a battery in position, commanding it. As the troops approached the l)ridge, a brisk fire was ke[it up by the rebels, notwithstand- ing wliicli the Brigade crossed, and forming in battle line in good order, advanced steadily on the battery. Soon after crossing the bridge a cannon shot passed through the Seventy-Eighth regiment, striking private Taylor Geary, of Company G, upon the head, carrying the upper portion of tlie head awa\', killing him instantly. It then struck a gun u}>on the shoulder of private Hiram Eogle, bending the gu]i and bruising him slightly. Passing on, the shot struck Coi'poral Joseph Cowan on the top of the head, fracturing tlie skull, and mortally wounding him. He died the next day. Both good men and true, ever faithful in the discharge of tbeir duties, they were held in high esteem by their ofhcers' and fellow soldiers. They fell gloriously, while confronting the cannon mouth, and died as brave men pre- fer to die — at their post. Our batteries were soon at work and after a sharp artil-. lery skirmish of nearly an hour, the rebels i^treated toward 2G8 HISTORY OF THE Clinton, and we followed rapidly. The rebels made a stand four miles beyond Clinton, and threw shot and shell into onr midst, killing one man of the Seventh Missouri, and wounding several. They were soon driven from their posi- tion by our artillery, and fell back to a better piece of ground, a wood, where their entire force of mounted infantry, under General Wirt Adams, formed in battle line, and awaited our approach. Our train was parked, and the troops advanced, deploying to the right of the Jackson road as they reached the open fields, which extended for miles, and atlbrded a splendid view of both lines. As our line pressed to the right it slowly closed upon the left flank of the rebel line, threatening to turn it, when suddenly General Ilurlbut, with the Sixteenth Army Corps, appeared UDon their right, and in a twinkling they mounted, and moved like a whirlwind through the yet open space to the south, and escaped. One gun, a liue rifled Parrot, was (•a}jtured. That was the last we seen of them this side of I'earl l\iver. liesuming our march we reached Jackson. General Force occupied Jackson with the Fii-st Brigade the same night. Early the next morning the Seventy-Kiglith entered Jackson, served as provost guard, and made their headquarters in the State capitol building. On the 7th we crossed Pearl river, passed through and encamped one mile cast of Brandon. On the 8th we reached Morton. After destroying the railroad and depots, together with a large quantity of public stores, we went to Ilillsboro, and at that place the Sixteenth Army Corps was fired upon by a band of Mississippi State cavalry, without inflicting any damage to thSome of the guns were loaik'd l)ut ncit capped. AVhen the regiment stopped for the niglit, the wagon came up with the guns, and the boys were taking their gnns as fast as they could reclaim them. Trivate Lewis ]SIoore, becoming impatient at the delay, and seeing his gun under others, seized and pulled it toward him, when it discharUiced in command of the Second Brigade, and esta))- lished his entire ability as Brigade Commander, for he went at it like a veteran. Tell the people that Sherman's expedition to Alabama was a glorious success. It destroyed one hundred and sixty miles of railroad so cflee- tually that it cannot be used again during the war. it destroyed between twenty and thirty locomotives and all the cars upon the roads. It destroyed every station from Jackson, Mississippi, to Alabama, at Meridian and beyond, together with all depots, and public property of all kinds. It destroyed all the cotton on both sides of the rout4.% for from three to ten miles into the country.' It destroyed the arsenals and machine shops at Meridian, with a largo, quantity of arms and munitions of war, and stores of nil kinds. It released thousands of Union men and women, who, as refugees came back with the expedition. It drove before it the entire military force of the Confederates from Champion Hills to a point beyond the Tombigbee river, and extorted from the rebel press an acknowledgement ot their inability to hold, and that they must abandon mU Mississippi west of Pearl river. It foraged the country and ibund corn, pork, beef and forage of all kinds in abundance, also liorses and mules in great numbers to re[)lace tlios*/ which gave out or were killed. It damaged the Confed- erate cause in the sum of between three and four hundrt»d jnillions of dollars. We were gone thirty-one days, and the sickness in the Seventy-Eighth averaged four men per day only, and on deaths, save from casualties in battle and tbt? two by accident. The Seventy-Eighth Regiment was always in demand, and did a large share of the work of the expedition, ^o 18 274 niSTOBY OF the re^-iment in tlie service is better clrillefl, more patient or enduring- ; no other regiment stands higher in the estima- tion of the Army Corps and Division officers. Patriotic, faithful, brave and true as steel, it has made an enviable ]-ccord. From first to last. Company E has maintained a liigher rank, as a prompt and faithful company, second to none in the regiment. Morgan county may well be ])roud of it. During the entire march to Meridian and back, Avith all its side marcijcs and foraging expeditions, making in tiie aggregate over four hundred miles of travel, the Heventy-Eighth had fewer men in ambulances, or riding upon mules, horses, or the wagons, than any other regiment in both Anvij Corjis. "We hope to bo able to start for Ohio soon, (about tlio 26th,) but may not get oii'so soon, as it is clifiicultto inxxuro transportation for the many veteran troops that ai'e to go home on furlough. I would like to write more, but (Imo j'urbids, ami my k'tter has already become lengtby. Yours truly, James !S. Keevks, Surgeon Seventy -Eighth liCgimeut 0. V. I. UOME OX veterans" FURLOUGH. THE MARCH TO ATLANTA — BATTLES AND SIEGE OF ATLANTA. The regiment left Vicksburg Mareli 20, for Columbua, Ohio, wliere it arrived on the evening of the 27th, after a long, weary, tiresome ride. The true soldier felt indignant at Columbus — no accommodations provided, no welcome extended, bnt received coldly, and very much as a rebel city of the South. "Wliat a contrast between Indianapolis and Columbus. When we reached the former a del- egation of citizens received us and had a good warm sup- ]jer already prepared ; but when we reached the capital of our own State there was no manifestation of either respect or interest, except so far as to fleece the soldier out of the small amount of money he might have. April 5th the regiment arrived at Zanesville, where it was welcomed in a grand reception and rich suj)per by the citi- zens. The conduct of the brave men of the Seventy-Eighth Avas highly spoken of by all. It was commonly remarked that the men were more orderly, more gentlemanly and upright in their general deportment than others. Captains of transports, who were transporting troops almost every trip, say they always knew the Seventy-Eighth Ohio, by its quiet and orderly deportment. "When at home only two soldiers were known to have died. Caleb Wiseman, of Compan}' E, and Alexander McGregor, of Company C, both brave and faithful men, who have gone to their reward after much hard service. 276 HISTORY OF THE May 6th the regiment started to Cairo, for duty in another department, and there entered upon the most trying duties of their military career. At Cairo the Seventeenth Corps concentrated, where it remained one day, and then, under command of General Frank Blair, embarked on hoats and passed up the Ten- nessee river to Clifton, where it remained over Sabbath. The morning of the 16th the long march overland, across Tennessee, Korthern Alabama, and into the heart of Georgia, was commenced. Tennessee Avas respected as a loyal State ; no foraging was allowed, not even a garden or henroost was disturbed. The march was the longest and most severe one the men had ever made, but they stood it well ; they plodded on without a murmur, through choking dust, and also through rain and mud, wading creeks and rivers, and resting at night without shelter from the dew and rain, their weary limbs and backs aching under the weight of the knapsacks, arms and traps. No enemy was seen or heard of until we arrived at Decatur, Alabama. Here our cavalry had quite a heavy fight, and did much damage to the enemy, killing and cap- taring several officers and many privates. Alter we crossed the Tennessee river the march throujrh IlTorthern Alabama to Rome, Georgia, was one of great interest and variety. The towns from Decatur to Rome are poor, shabby wrecks. The country poor, and the people most generally conforming to the character of the country ; poor temporally, and still poorer intellectually and spirit- ually. Few slaves were seen, the country not being adapted to that species of Southern property. W© therefore met with many Union people, claiming to be loyal ; many of them had been terrible sufierers from the exactions and cruel conscriptions of the Confederacy, and the " rich man's war and poor man's fight." We conversed with several poor families whose husbands and fathers had been killed by the dogs or shot by the conscriptor. Son)e men we !!«aw disabled for life in this way, and many had not yet recov- ered from wounds SEVENTY-EianTII KEGIMEXT 0. V. V. I. 277 Tho inarch was over the Hand anhiir, on the left of the railroad, and the Sixteenth, com- manded by General D.odge, in reserve. "When the day closed Logan's Corps, the Fifteenth, was i>ear the enemy's main works at Atlanta. Llair s was in front of a high hil), strongly occupied by the euem3\ From citizens it was learned that this hill overlooked Atlanta, and was in short range of that much coveted city. The noble McPhersoB said, " We must have that hill."' General Blair directed Creneral M. L, Leggett, commanding Third Division, Sev- enteenth Army Corps, to adjust his troops so as to charge and take the hill in the morning. General Leggett did as commanded, (he always does) for about six o'clock, A. M,, of the 21st hist., he made a inaguitlcent charge, in the face of a deadly lire of nmsketry and artillery, and took the hili with many prisoners, In a few minutes he had artillery in position, and was playing vigorously upon Atlanta. The rebels made several vigorous charges to retake the hill during the day, but v/ithout success. General Leggett lost between three and lour hundred men in the charge, and inflicted a still greater loss upon the enemy. The Fourth Division, commanded l>y General G. A. Smith, attempted, also, to advance with (ieueral Leggett, but met such a murderous iiFe of artillery and musketry as to compel him to tall back undey a shel- tering ridge, after leaving many men in killed and wounded. During the day of the 21st, General Smith's I)ivision was placed in position to the left of General Leggett, and both Divisions thoroughly entrenched thein- SEVENTr-Eir.UTU REGLMENT 0. V. V. I. 281 sf'lvos. facinp,- toward Atlanta.. The enemy wan discovered rnoviiiii- toward our extreme left, (Smith's Division was. now on our extreme left,) and the Sixteenth Army Corps was directed to take up position so as to protect our left fiafdv. The Sixteentli Arm.y Corps was moving to this position on the 22d, but liad not reached the left of General Smith by about three-fourths of a mile, when t.lio enemy fell upon it from the rear in heavy force. General Dodge met this unexpected onslaui^ht with a resistance so vigorous and persistent as to cause the rebels soon to retire. The enemy were as much surprised to find General Dodge where he was, as was General Dodge at being attacked. The enemy expected to meet no obstruction irom the rear excej^t the pickets of the Seventeenth Corps, and did not meet anything else in the gap of three-fourths of a mile between the left of the Seventeenth and right of tlie Sixteenth Corps. Through this gap the whole of Claiborne's Division of Hardee's Corps passed ur.dis- covered, the ground being covered bj a dense forest. The pickets were many of them killed or captured, and the balance followed in so closely as to be able to give but little alarm. The enemy rapidly advanced upon the rear of General Smith and Leggett. It was the advance of this force that shot the gallant and greatly beloved McPherson. The enemy first struck General Smith's Division on his extreme left, but very soon were upon the rear of botli Third and Fourth Divisions. Generals Leggett and Smitli both put their men over their Avorks, and met the enemy's mad charge with a terrible volley of musketry. The enemy pushed, however, up to within a few feet of our works, but were finally repulsed with a slaughter almost unparalleled. They fell back, reformed their lines and soon came up again in the same direction, and the conflict lor some time was a hand to hand combat, the bayonet and the clubbed musket were freely used, and the enemy again repulsed, leaving the ground literally carpeted with the dead and wounded. After a quiet of a few minutes, the enemy, a part of Hood's 282 HISTORY OF THE old Corps (now Stevenson's) was discovered moving upon ns from the front. Generals Smith and Leggett placed their men to the rear of the works, and met the charge with the same deter- mined spirit that had characterized them in meeting the former onslaught. The enemy came with deafening yells, and were met with murderous volleys, and again success- fully driven back. Again they rallied and forced their way up to our works, and again were repulsed with great slaughter. In the several attacks from the front and rear the enemy seemed fully impressed with the belief that they would not only repossess themselves of Leggett's hill, but would capture both his and Smith's Division, and thus \\'¥[)Q out the Seventeenth Corps. After the fourth repulse, the rebels seem to have concluded that Blair's command could not be captured, and so turned their attention to retaking the hill. For this purpose, they brought in a fresh Division, (Cheatham's) of Hardee's Corps, and massed upon General Smith's left flank. This of course compelled Generi)! Smith to change his front. General Blair several times sent word to General Leggett that it was all important to hold the hill, and General Leggett as often replied "that if the Third Division were driven from the hill, there would not be enough of it left ever to fight another battle.'' Ho was constantly passing up and down his line, cheering bin men, and exhorting them to hold the hill at all hazards, and not to leave it while a man vras left to pull a trigger. He was always greeted with loud cheers from his men, and had thousands of promises that the hill should be held. General Smith was no less vigilant, and though almost a stranger in his command, having been with the Division but two days, had already won the admiration of his officers and men, by his skill and bravery. In the change of front it was necessary to take the whole of the Fourth Division and the Second Brigade of the Third Division out of their works, and though greatly SEVENTY-ElGnXII REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 283 fatigued with the previous fightiug-, ther Avere obliged to meet, without protection, the advancing eoliinin of the enemy's fresh troops. All who witnessed the tighting at this time, pronounce it the most desperate they ever saw. Tlie iiglit almost immediately became a hand-to-hand con- flict. The otHcers became engaged with their swords, and the men with their bayonetSj and iu many cases even with their fists. The heaviest part of this engagement fell on the Sixt}-- Eighth and Seventy-Eighth Ohio ; but they stood like rocks, determined to die or conquer. The enemy vras at last repulsed — again leaving the ground covered Avitli their slain. In the midst of this engagement, while to all others the fiite ot the (hiy seemed to hang in the balance, (General Blair sent a messenger to General Leggett to enquire whether he thought he could hold the liill. General Leggett coolly replied: ''Tell General Blair the hill is jnst as safe as if there was not a rebel witliin a thousand miles of it." He had many times seen his men fight before, and he knew what confidence to repose in them. • Had either the Sixty-Eighth or Seventy-Eighth Ohio given way at a. single point, the hill would have been lost, and perliaps tlio Army of the Tennessee with it. Too much praise cannot be awarded to Generals Smith and Leggett for their skill and dauntless courage in this action. General Leggett, I believe, is a citizen of your State, and Ohio may well be proud of him, for a truer, steadier, or i\ braver man never faced an enemy. General M. F. Force, who commanded the First Brigade of Leggett's Division, and greatly distinguished himself in the charge of the 21st, fell severely wounded with a shot through the head, early in the fight of the 22d. The rebels got off a large jDortion of their wounded during the fight. The next day the enemy seut in a flag of truce, desiring to get their dead. A truce of one hour, on General Leggett's front, was granted for that purpose. But 284 HISTORY OF THE the lime was insufficient,. General Le^-gett delivered to the enemy and buried one thousand rebel dead. As the whole of General Smith's Division was occupying a new line, the nundjer killed by his Division was not estimated in those counted by General Leggett, as they were in the rebels' hands. The battle also raged to considerable extent on the front of the Firteenth Corps, but the Seventeenth had the brunt oi't of General Leggett on the battles of the 21st and 22d of July, before Atlanta : "Headquarters Third Division, Seventeenth A. C, ^ Before Atlanta, Ga., July 25th, 1864. / Colonel A. J. Alexander : Colonel: — My constant duties on the line, entrenching, fortifying and fighting, has necessitated a delay in making my report of the part taken by my Division in the engage- ments of the 21st and 22d insts. until the present time. In pursuance of orders from Major-General Blair I moved my Division upon the enemy's works on the hill which I now occupy, about sunrise on the 21st inst. The rebels made a stubborn resistance, but my command moved at a (piick-step until the enemy opened fire, and then struck a double-quick and took possession of their works and several }n-isoners. The enemy rallied and made repeated eflbrts to drive us from the liill, but were unsuccessfuL In this fight the First Brigade, commanded by Brigadier-General M. ¥-> SEVENTY-EIGHTH REdlMEXT 0. V. V. I. 285 Force, was particularly conspicuous, and did groat honor to themselves and the cause for which they fonglit. Before 9 o'cleck, A. M., of that day I liad a battery in position, and threw shells into Atlanta. During the day the enemy were discovered moving to the left, and the Fourth Division moved to and took ])(-)si- lion on my left ; and our Hanks were as well guarded by pickets and outposts as ])ossib]e in our position with our limited force. The balance of the day and tiie following night were used in entrenching and fortifying. About noon of the 22d I discovered that the enemy liad got in our rear, and were engaging the Sixteenth Army (Jorps, while making efforts to close up the left of oia- Corps, while still a gap of half a mile on the left of the Fourth Division was only guarded by a skirmish line. The enemy broke through this gap, and in a few minutes came in a heavy force (Cheathanrs Division of Hardee's Corps) upon my rear, moving over the same ground and in the same direction I had come the day before. I irnnu'diatcly put my men upon the other side of the works, their fuci'S to the east and backs toward Atlanta. The enemy came upon us with demoniac yells, but were met with a cool, deliberate and well aimed fire, that soon cliecked their advance, caused tliem to stagger and then retire in confu- aion. Tliose who reached our works were made prisoners. They soon rallied, re-formed, and again advanced u[K)n us in the same direction and Avith the same resnlts. in these two attacks they were punished very severely, leaving a very large number of killed and wounded on the ground. A lull of some twenty minutes occurred at this time, after which our skirmishers toward Atlanta were driven in, followed closely by a lieavy force which advanced with yells. My men were placed upon the east side of their works, and met the charge as they had the others, and repulsed the rebels beautifully. They were rallied and again advanced, and were again repulsed. 286 HISTORY OF THE vSoon a lieavy column (Clieatliara's Division of Hardee's Corps) moved directly npou the left flank ol the Fourth ])ivision, which compelled it to change front and leave its works. As the approaching column advanced in the A-icinity of my left, I caused the Third Brigade of my commiuid to follow the movements of the Fourth J division, hut Avith tbe positive injunction that the hill must be rdaincd at all hazards, at whatever cost. The Second Brigade was tljen formed vrith its i-ight rest- ing upon tlie hill, and the left upon the Fourth Division, facing south. This change of front was executed under a heavv fire of musketry, and of grape and canister and in the face of a rapidly advancing force of fresh troops, com- l>osed probably of the enemy's best fighting men, (Cheatlnmfs Division.) Our men were greatly fatigued with about four hours hard fighting, and A\'ere now obliged to meet the eneujy in the open Held, witliout protection of any kind whatever, except a portion of the First Brigade o!i tbe hill. In this part of the day our troops showed their true soldierly (pialities. They stood like rocks of adamant, and received the repeated charges of the enemy without yielding an inch. Tlie engagement here became iinally a hand-to-hand tight, the sword, the bayonet, arid even the " fists," were li'eely and effectually nsed, and the enemy repulsed witli a slaughter I never before witnessed. Tbis conflict ended the day. My officers and men behaved vrith determined br;ivery. ]S[y losses were heavy, and in some respects particularly imfortunate and embarrassing. At the very commence- ment of the action, even before a shot had been flred from my line, Colonel K. Iv. Scott, commanding my Second ]>rigade, was captured by the enemy while returning to liis command from a detached regiment ; and during the first attack, both Brigadier-General M. F. Force, and the Adjutant General, Captain J. B. "Walker, fell severely wounded. These officers occupying the position they did, jli.nd having the entire confidence of their tommand;^, coukl SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT 0. V. V. I, 287 rot be spared without great detiiinent to the Division. This was particular] y the case with Brigadier-General M. F. Force, whose coolness, sagacity and bravery had long since won the admiration of the whole Division, and iilways inspired the men with confidence and enthusiasm. The Batteries of Artillery in my Division, tlie Third Ohio, Battery '■ D," First Illinois, and Battery " II," First Michigan, did \Qvy eificient service during all of these suc- cessive engagements, and tlieir olHcers and men sliowed great skill and d-ternilned bravery. Captain "W. S. WilUams, Third Ohio Battery, my Chief of Artillery, is entitled to great credit for the coolness and skill displayed in adjusting and using his batteries, and in saving them when exposed. E-pecial notice is also due to Coh:)uel George E. Brj^ant, Twelfth Wisconsin, who assumed command of the First Brigade, when General Force fell, and to Lieutenant Col- onel G. F. Wiles, Seventy-Eighth 0. Y. Y. L, who took command of the Second I^rigade. These officers, though taking command after the battle commenced, disidsiyed great skill and coolness. Captain G. D. Munson, my picket officer, was very efficient in the management of the skir- mishers until drawn in, and in acting as Aid during the Ijalance of the time. ^ly Aids, Lieutenants A. Y". Stewart and George W. Porter, Captain J. C. Douglass, A. A. G., Lieutenant W. II. Hessin, A. A. A. G., and ^lajor John T. Llainey, A. A. I. G., all displayed great coolness and bravery in collecting information and delivering orders, and Lieu- ^tenant Y. Y'arner, Ordnance Officer, for his .skill in saving his train, and his promptness in keeping the command sup- plied with ammunition. The character of the fight was such, our front changing €o often and so rapidly, that the position of a staff officer was more than usually exposed, yet all were prompt and cfilcient. Lieutenant Hessin fell from his horse severely wounded, during the latter part of the fight. . * "^ * Y'e captured about four hundred prisonorSj and from less 288 HISTOKY OF THE than t^vo-thirds of the ground fought over by the Division, buried and delivered to the enemy under flag of truce, between nine hundred and one thousand dead rebels. I am fully confident that my Division killed and wounded more rebels than I had men engaged. I am, Colonel, very respectfully. Your obedient servant, [Signed] M. D. Leggett. Bris'adier-Goueral." HISTORY OF CAPTAIN W. W. McCAKTY'S PRISON LIFE, AND SOUTHERN PRISONS. When I loft our landing at McConuelsville some t^Yelve niontlis ago, accompanied by a gallant band of veterans, tO' rejoin the army of the Soutli-"VVest, I but little dreamed of all the vicissitudes through which I was to pass before I should have the pleasure of seeing the faces of my friends again. It is true, from an experience of nearly three years in the field, I was not insensible of the dangers from sliot and shell. I had thought, too, of the diseases of a sickly Southern clime ; but the idea of becoming a captive in the hands of the enemy was a matter which had not for a moment engaged my attention. But that Unseen Power that directs the affairs of men as well as of nations seemed to decree that I should experience the realities of war in all its variety. On the 19th day of July the Seventeenth Army Corps, after a wearisome march through a portion of Tennessee^ Northern Alabama, and across the Sandy mountains of (leorgia, a distance of over three hundred miles, driving the enemy before ns, we arrived within a few miles of Atlanta, where the rebel General Uood had made a stand. On the morning of the 22d we were attacked on the left flank, and in our rear, by General Ilardee's Corps, that had moved out the night before, while the remaining portion of the rebel army confronted our right. ^\"e were sooa 290 HISTORY OF THE apprised of the attack by General Leggett, -who rode along our line in person, as well as by the rattle of the enemy's musketry, and frequent visits of the iron messengers sent from the rebel "howitzers." The conflict soon became terrible, and in the early part of the engagement our brave and gallant commander, Major-General McPherson, fell, which caused for a time great consternation among our troops. But our brave boys of the West were not disposed to let the rebels achieve a victory. They fought with des- peration. The Seventy-Eighth, under command of Colonel Wiles, was occupying a line of breastworks from which we Jiad driven the rebels the day before. These works we were ordered by General Leggett to hold. Inspired with confi- dence in our gallant Colonel, nearh^ every man in the regiment seemed determined to see the order carried out or die, and during the struggle several of our brave boys fell, some of them to rise no more. We nevertheless held the entrenchment all day, but were comipelled to change front several times during the day, repulsing the enemy in several heavy charge:;. About half an hour before sun-down, the rebels, who liad driven the Thirteenth and Eleventh Iowa regiments, and got possession of the left end of our line of works, opened a heavy artillcjy tire, raking us with gra}!C and canister. At this time Colonel Wiles was in command of the I>rig- ade, in consequence of the capture of Colonel iScott, which liad taken place during the day. Major Eainey was there- fore placed in command of the regiment. Pursuant to orders, we at once A'acated the entrenchments and moved out into an open Held on our right. Here a Brigade of the rebels, of General Claiborne's Eivision, was concealed in a dense thicket of woods near by, and opened a tenitio tire upon us. We had nothing to jirotect us, and the rebels being in close range, protected by the woods, had eveiy advantage. I saw" some iivo or six of the boys of my company shot dead, one of whom was in touching distance SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 201 of mo. The regiment commenced to fall back, when the rebels poured out of the woods as thick as blackbu'ds, and commenced maknig prisoners of the wounded. Seeing the regiment receding, I gixvo orders to my company to fall back with the balance of the regiment, and stepped back ii few paces to what had now become our rear, to look after s'ome of the boys who were but slightly Avounded, and whom I had hoped to extricate from the danger of being captured by the rebels, by getting them to fail back with the company. Unfortunately, Isovvevor, I attracted the notice of the rebels, who raUied upon me with furious oatlis, the Captain of their gang giving orders to "shoot the d — d Yankee rascal,"' the Captain himself rushing upon me with a nine-inch uas'y revolver pointing to Tuy breast, and demanding my surrender. By this time some six muskets were pointing toward me^ the liolders of tliem awaiting an answer which I was a little slow in giving, for, to say I would not surrender, I knew was instant death, and to acknowledge a surrender vv'as one of the niost ]>ain- i'ui events of my lite. On a littJe deliberation I concluded lEiy life might yet be of service to somebody, and thinking- it the " better part of valor," I surrendered witli a "mental jvservation." ^fy sword was then demanded by the rebel Captain, who took hold of the belt. I stepped back and coumienced to (piibble with him about his rank, as he had no insignia of oilice, and renicmbering an admonition of ?uy brother the day of leaving Camp Gilbert, never to "dis- honor my sword." I refused to comply with his denuind rmtil I became further satisled that he was aTi othcer of equal rank. By this time Colonel Wiles liad arranged our iirigade in a position to rejicl any further advance of tluj rebels, and instantly a heavy volley of musketry niul artillery came from our lino, which frightened my captorsi no little, and taking advantage of their scare, 1 threw my sword as far as I could send it in the direction of our own line, where it would have baen unhealthy for the rebels to undertake to sret it. As the rebel line was now falling 292 HISTOKY OF THK back iu great haste, they commenced to hurry me, together with four of my men whom they had also captured, off the field. We were marched to General Hardee's headquarters, where w^e were placed under a detachment of Wheeler's- cavalry, and together with about a hundred others of my own Division, were marched into Atlanta by a circuitous- route of about fifteen miles, although the place of our capture was only two and a half miles from the city. In Atlanta many of the prisoners were robbed of their watches, hats, haversacks and rubber blankets by the rebel officers. But as my clothes were old and threadbare, and inv appearance rather sliabby, they eoncluded I was not worth robbing, and did not disturb me there. On the morning of the 21st we vrere taken to East Point, a stations 0:1 the railroad seven miles south of the cit}'^ and ushered into a stockade, with about two thousand other prisoners that had been captured on the 19th,' 20th and 22d. Of this number some three hundred were oflicers, among whom were Colonel Shedd, of the Thirtieth Illinois, Colonel R. Iv. Scott, of the Sixty-Eighth Ohio, (my Brigade commander). Jjieutenant-Colonel C. AV. Chincy, of the Fifty-Second Ohio, Lieutenant-Colonel Sanders, of the Sixteenth Iowa, Captaim, Gillespie of my own regiment, and many others of my acquaintance. V^e were kept in this pen until tlie 25th, when we were ordered to Macon, a distance of ninely-six miles south. Although the cars were running tlirougli- from Atlanta to !Macon, the rebel officer informed us we- would have to march twenty miles of the way, as the cars- on that end of the road were all u.-ed in convening their wounded to the rear, and transporting supplies. Feeling disinclined to do any marching for rebels, I told the rebel oflicer if he wished me to go to Macon they would have to carry me there, as I was unable to march. lie sent Captain Gillespie (who also became indisposed) and myself to the siirgeon, who excused us from marching. The balance of them were marched off in the morning, and we remained SEVENTY-EIGIITH REGIMENT 0. V. Y. I. 203 for the comirg train. Wo spent the day with Major Deacon, the coniman(I«r of the post, who treated us very •courteously, and invited us to dine with him at his quarters. <)ne of the rebel guards informed me that when I wouhl i-each Islacou I would probably be searched for money before entering- the prison. In the evening we were placed ^ipon the cars under a strong guard and started for Macon. I had one hundi'cd and seven dollars in greenbacks, and two dollars and fifty cents of rebel currency in ni}^ pocket; :-and what to do with it become to me n vexed question, as I arg& l)lack letters, "Tax in kind," as each planter was taxed a certain jx)rtion of his prod'ucis for the support of the arm}-^ wdiicli was required by tbeir laws to be thus marked. Th'S' particular loealih' of tho brand after the- sacks were con- verted into trowsers, was eommonly m the rear, a place hard to eoneea] without a coat, win eh but few^ of tliemt liad,, lience it )ed to their detection, and the rebel oiBcers threat- ened to cut us short in rations if we used any n^ore of thei? meal V>ags for smch. purposes. As our rations only co-nsistecl of a pint of nteal per day, a half pint of rice for five day&, and a few ounces of bacon ^ we concluded it v»'o»uld be bettei" to go naked than starve. The rebel officers here wtTvE- tqtt tyran?ireaf. On one occasion an ofRcer of the Forty-Fifth jS^ew York was shot while returning from the spring where he liad loecn bathing, without any provocation whatever, and no expla- nation w^as ever made by thie rebel authorities, nov even an investigation of the conduct of the Geueral ^.'ho committed tlds willful iuid deliberate murder. SEVENTY-EIGHTH EEGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 295 Wc had not been long at Macon until one day we lieard tlie booming of cannon, and could see that there was a great commotion among the rebels. We could see them (the citizens) on the tops of the houses looking across the river, and the guards around us were doubled in number. It was .8toneraau's approach, and we were now in high hopes of a speedy deliverance, as we felt assured if Stoneman should enter the town, that wo could disarm the guards and join them. But our hopes soon fell to the ground by seeing the next day, Stoneman and a number of his party join us iis prisoners of war. This was a hard stroke'on the Major- General, but as prison life is a great leveller of rank, he soon cased down and became a common prisoner with the rest of us. vSoon after Stoneman's capture we were hurried off to ■Charleston, where it was thought we would be more out of the way of Sherman. On our arrival there. Captain Keed and others escaped and succeeded in reaching our lines. At Charleston we received much better treatment in the way of rations, etc., than we had received at Macon. Although we were under the fire of our own guns, we did not feel much alarmed, as it annoyed the guard more than it did us, and it afforded us a little amusement to see the guards dodging the shells. Here I received my first letter from home. It was the iirst time for nine or ten weeks that I had heard one word o'l information about the fate of my company, or whether my family knew anything of my whereabouts or what had become of me. My mind was relieved of a heavy load of anxiety, but still I was a prisoner. About the middle of September I had a severe attack of intermittent fever, as did also my messmate, Colonel Clancy. We were both sick at the same time. I was taken to a hospital in the city, where, in justice to the rebel surgeon, I feel bound to say I received good medical attention. I only remained here a week, when my chills being cheeked, I was con- veyed to a convalescent hospital three miles from the city, 296 HISTORY OP TUB where my medical attention was also good. This hospital was in charge of G. R. C. Todd, a brother-in-law of Pres- ident Lincoln. The doctor was an ardent rebel, and one incident occurred there which I shall not soon forget, A colored prisoner, belonging to a Massachusetts regiment, who had been taken at Fort Wagner, was accused by the guard oi spitting from the portico of the building down into the yard, and without any investigation whatever, the doctor caused him to be stripped and tied, and receive thirty lashes on his naked back. The indignation of our sick prisoners was intense at this brutal treatment inflicted by the hand of a man far inferior to the negro, for the latter could read and write, while the other could do neither, and could scarcely tell his name. The negro was a pris- oner of war, born and educated in a free State, and he was entitled to the same protection and treatment that we were,, and the doctor could assign no other reason for his viola- tion of the rules of warfare, than that the boy was a " d — d nigger," But perhaps the doctor will apply for pardon now. I only remained at this convalescent hospital about ten days when I was sent back to the prison. In the early part of October the yellow fever began to spread extensively through the city, and they decided to send us to Columbia; not so much for our safety as for their own, for Sherman was facing toward the coast, and beside our removal was regarded as a sanitary measure for the city. As several exchanges had taken place during our stay at Charleston, our number was now reduced to about twelve hundred, and the most of us regretted to leave, as our quarters here were more comfortable than we expected to get by going to Columbia. Eut soon the order come, and we were packed into cattle cars and ofi'for Columbia, a distance of 134 miles north of Charleston. We arrived at Columbia on the 5th of October, and from thence conveyed three miles west of the city, where we were placed in an open piece of grountl ■without any inclosure, and simply a camp guard throw u SEVENTY-EIGIIXn REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 207 aroimd us. All ration? of meat were ordered to bo cnt ofr" from us and sorghum molasses given in lieu thereof. Ilenee we called this "Camp Sorghum." At this camp we annoyed the rebel officers very much by frecpient escapes and demor- alizing the guard. Two more of our number were shot here without any provocation, while inside the dead-line. and the guards who committed these outrages, we were informed by some of the other guards, received promotions for their villainy. A large maj on ty of the guards were Georgians, and well disposed toward us. The rebel officers could not always watch them, and hence escapes were fre- cpient. At this camp many an amusing incident occured, one or two of which I propose to introduce in this epistle. On one occasion, while so many were escapii:)g, the rebel authorities procured the services of a celebrated negro Imuter, who kept a pair of blood-hounds that he luid trained for hunting down runaAvay negroes, for the purpose of trailing our escaped prisoners. As the " dorgs " were trotting around the guard lines one morning, some of the prisoners called them into their quarters and cut their throats, and then buried them in an old well which was was caved in. About 10 o'clock the dogs vere missing, and a detachment of guards sent to search for them. Tin? guards tracked the blood to the old well, and dug thein out with their bayonets and reported to the officers, who ordered them to be dragged out of the guard lines, where an inquest was held over them by about two thousand rebels. Their tirst conclusion Avas that the dogs were dead — the second, that some "d — d Yank" had killed them — and the third, woe be unto the men who destroyed the '' }>urps." Of course none of us knew who committed the nuirder, hence investigation was unnecessary. But what vv'as death for the rebs was fun for us. On another occasion, as we were getting no rations of meat, and had not had any for four months, and some of the more carniverous had become exceedingly lumgry for some, an old black boar came up to the guard lines one 2i)8 HISTORY OF THE day, and the guard scared him inside the dead-Unc. This "vvas no sooner done than the war commenced. About a liuiKU'cd United States officers of .every rank, armed witli hhidgeons and boulders, attacked his majesty^ and in five minutes' time he was dive-sted of his sable robe and divided and subdivided until every ounce was apportioned out to tlie hungry raiders, thus affording nourishment to those fortunate enough to come in for a share, and by no means u delightful odor to the hundreds who were less fortunate. Our rations here Avere not as good as those furnished to till' enlisted men at Andersonville, but as some of us were Ibi'tunate enough to have money, we could l)uy light bread at one dollar and iifty cents per loaf, the loaf being about the size of a common saucer. We could also buy onions at one dollar each, butter at twenty-four dollars per pound, lard twentj'-four dollars per pound, eggs lifteen dollars per dozen, milk, watered to suit the purchaser, at two dollars ]>er Cj[uart. I one time thought that something worse than water was in the niilk. As one of my messmates and myself were indulging in our "little old pot of mush" and some ^^ky-blue milk, we both became sick .at the same time and (li'()j)ped our spoons, and running to one side vomited jirofusely. I never was more deathly sick in my life; I thought everything inside of me would come up. As the rebel .officers could not control us very well in '■' Sorghum," they removed us to the asylum grounds in the citv. These grounds wore enclosed by a brick wall about twelve feet high. From this place our only channel of escape was through tunnels, and we had one nearly com- . })]eted when Sherman frustrated our work by advancing too rapidly upon the cit}'. AVe were hastened away in great Iright to Charlotte, in iSTorth Carolina, where we were aU pai'oled for exchange and sent to Ealeigh; thence to Golds- ].)oro, thence to Ilocky Point, ten miles from "Wilmington, wiier.e we passed through our lines on the 1st ol March, 1865.. SEVEXTY-EIGIITII REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 200 Our reception by General Scliolleld's army Avas grand and imposing. A magnitieently decorated arch of ever- greens was erected over the road. On either side the old flag with its stars and stripes was nnfurled to the breeze, and as we passed through in four ranks, led by a famous brass band, nearly every heart was ready to bnrst with joy; and when once through, you would have laughed and cried too, as some of us did, to hear the loud huzzas and seen the okl blankets, hats, tin pans and tattered coats-^ sailing in the air from our lilseratcd prisoners, some of whom had been captives over two years. We set sail for Annapolis the next da}', and on arriving there we immediately divested ourselves of ,our rags and " creeping things,"' putting them in one common pile i'ov conflagration. The next day we had to take the second look to recognize each other, as we were all alike disguised with new suits of clothes. During my sojourn in rebel prisons, I met with a large number of honest, simple-hearted people, well disposed, and who had no heart in the rebellion. Many also who Avere extremely ignorant of the causes of the rebellion, or anything connected therewith. I also found, even among the intelligent, some well disposed and gentlemanly officers and citizens ; indeed I might safely say that these two classes constituted a majority of those with whom I became acquainted. But among the ring-leaders and those high in authority, as also some of the " roughs," I found many who well deserve the rope. In all n\y experience, I have never met with a treacherous negro. That there are some, I have not a doubt, but all I met with I found trusty, and many of them more intelligent than the poor whites. The fielddiands, however, on the cotton plantations, are very ignorant and debased. McCoxNELSViLLE, 0., July 10, 18G5. Friend Stevexsox: — There is one incident coimectod with my prison life which I omitted in my former letter, and which I now propose to give you. 300 HISTORY OF THE On the 8tli of November, 1864, at 2 o'clock A. :M., Cap- tain Turner, of the Sixteenth Iowa, Captain Strang, of the Thirtieth lUinois, Lieutenant Laird, of tlie Sixteenth Iowa, and myself, made our escape through the guard hues at " Camp Sorghum," near Cohmibia, South Carolina, with a view of making our way to the gunboats near the m^outh of the Edisto river. Having passed through in single lile, without dravknng a tire from the guard, we struck our way for the timber, and after wandering aroimd an area of some five miles, in search of the Orangeburg road, we at length found ourselves about two miles from camp. As day had now began to dawn, we found it necessary to conceal our- selves. We therefore took refuge in a dense thicket, which Avas quite narrow, and surrounded by open grounds. Here we remained all da}^ eating our "■ corn dodgers," smoking, making pipes, and whispering over the Presi- eyond the bridge, when we came to the plantation where Harry's master resided. AVe stepped into the woods by the road side and set down to rest, while Harry went into the potato patch and gra])b]ed us some? sweet potatoes; and after fiiling our sacks with raw potatoes we renewed our march and continued it till near daybrieak. Before halting, however, wo were suddenly alarmed by a signal similar to our own, by the road s'ide, and a man came walking out of the bushes dressed hi rebel uniform. He iuc|uircd of us something about tlic roads, supposing at SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIxMENT 0. V. V. I. oO-) lir.st "we were negroes ; but on discovering that we were white \m seemed as much alarmed as we were. For a few iseconds both parties were afraid to introduce tlie ol)ject cf their mission. At length we inquired of him where he Avas going ; he replied he Was going home on a leave of absenct-. A\''e then asked him what regiment he belonged to. lie replied, to a Georgia regiment, but did not recollect the number. We then began to see the " Yankee " in disguise, and told Mm that we were Yankee officers escaping from (Jolumbia prison, which seemed to relieve him greativ, when he acknowledged himself a Yankee also, escaping from Charleston, and trying to reacli ISherman's lines in the direction of Atlanta. AYe could give him no encouragement, as he would have two hundred miles to march, under great difficulty. JIc expressed a desire to join our party, which we would gladlv liave consented to, but feeling that our party was already large enough, and being fearfid that enlarging it Avould endanger the safety of all, we declined ; but giving him owv best wishes, we passed on our way until it became necessary to put up for the day. We turned into the first favorabU- looking place for concealment, threw our^seives upon the ground and soon fell asleep. But we did not enjoy our repose long. At daylight a\c were suddenly aroused by the rattle of the cars, wliich seemed as though they were running over us. On looking around us we discovered that we were only a few feet from the railroad track, and the train had passed hy without any one discovering us. But the train once out of sight, we moved further away fiom tlie road, and concealed ourselves in a thicket of undergrowth timber, where we ventured to kindle a fire and boil our sweet i»otatoes. We remained here a!l day without molestation, tliougli in sight of a plantation house, where \ve could see the field liands at work. Our provisions had again given out, and when dark set in we attempted to see some of the negroc^s, but as there appeared to be too many hounds about, we 304 HISTORY OF THE concliuled it would be unsafe to remain there, so wc struck out for the Orangeburg- road. AVe had got but a short distance when the roaring of the hounds were heard in our roar, and occasionally the blast of the horn. This alarmed us much, but with cudgels in hand, wc made rapid strides toward Orangeburg. We soon became convinced that the liounds were not on our track, but on a fox trail. As we were evidently nearing the town, we were again troubled to know how we should get around it and reach the river, where we expected to find boats. We struck off on a road which we supposed would take us to the river south of town, but traveling but a short distance we found ourselves in the town, where a retreat was as hazardous as anything else. It was about midnight and the moon shone In'ightly, so we marched quietly through the village, until we reached the southern boundary, where wo chanced to meet a "gentleman of color." The white people "slum- 1)cred and slept." Our colored friend informed us that there was no boat at the river, but what was guarded by the rebels. We had by this time became exceedingly hungry and tired, but no altcrn_ativc was left but to push on to some other point. Eranchville was our next hope, which was sixteen miles south of Orangeburg and also on the Edisto river. So off we started, taking the railroad track as the safest route. After traveling in this direction tv/o miles, we met a negro man and his wife on their way toward Orangeburg. We found them to be friendly and trusty. The man, whose name was " Tone}'," lived a mile farther down the I'oad, and his wife lived in Orangeburg. Toney said if we would go on down near massa's plantation and wait, he w ould help liis wife carry up the forage which they had evidently been getting olf massa's plantation, and return and show us a hiding place, as it vras approaching daybreak. \Ve took him at his word, and sure enough, Tony soon returned and conducted us to a dense forest, where we kindled a fire to warm ourselves, and took a short sleep. About o'clock in the morning Toney came out SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 305 witli a basket of provisions, whicli I assure you we relished. Pone, sweet potatoes, rice, boiled and fried, freali pork, were luxuries wliicli we did not often indulge in, except the pone. Tony gave us all the information he could, and stated that his master was an " ossifer in the Confederick States." He told us if we would remain there until 9 o'clock in the evening, he would bring us some more provisions. We waited accordingly, but Tony failed to appear. Wo concluded something had turned up, which Tony could not control, so we struck out for Branchville. It was Sat- urday night, and a good time for meeting darkies, but just at the time we most needed their aid, v/e failed to meet with any. Traveling on until nearly daylight Sunday morning, we found ourselves in the village of JJranchville. "We hastened with light steps through the village, and marching about two miles beyond, daylight compelled us to seek refuge in a swampy thicket, where we spent tl e Sabbath in making pipes. When night came on again, we moved out to the roadside to seek an interview with the first darkie we could see, as it would be impossible for us to travel any further without something to eat, and besides we needed information about the boats. Providentially, wc had waited but a few minutes when a half dozen negroes came along, to whom we introduced ourselves, and who seemed glad to see us. They conveyed us to a hiding place, and went to their quarters and cooked us a half bushel of iweet potatoes and brought out to us, together with some bread and pork, and a lot of raw potatoes to carry with us. After eating a hearty supper, we gathered up the balance of our '"grub," and " Mose" and tbe otlier darkies leading the way, we soon found ourselves at the river, where there were two canoes. ^lose owned one of them and his master the other, but Mose said, " Lord a massy, take "em and welcome." AVe paid them a few dollars in Confederate money. Captains Turner and Strang boarded one of the boats, which they named the " Continental," and Laird and 20 306 HISTORY OF THE I took the other, which we named the " Gladiator.'' Bid- ding our colored friends good-h^-e, we pushed out from shore. " The mo<^n was shining silver bright, Tbo stars with gloiy crowned the night," and no happier set of fellows could be found than wc were when we first struck our paddles in the water of the Edisto, heading toward our gunboats. We made steamboat speed the remainder of the night, and about day-break we tied up and camped for the day, in the wilderness of the Edisto. Monday night came on, when we again pushed out, and made good speed until three o'clock in the morning, when we again went ashore and took a sleep until daylight, (Tuesday) when we kindled a fire and cooked onr remaining potatoes, and sucked our sugar-cane stalks until they wore dry. Tuesday night came on, and we resumed our voyage, but it now became necessary to hunt for more forage, b^o, passing down the river a few miles, wc came to a plantation lying near the river, wliich was quite a rare thing, as it was principally a wilderness on both tides of the river. Here we pushed ashore, tied our boats under cover of the bank, and moved up quietly to the negro quarters and made ourselves known to darkie.s, who were glad to see ''de Yankees" they had heard so much about; and after becoming satisfied that wc had no '•horns" and that we were their friends, they rallied all the negroes on the plan- tation. "Women and children came out to see us, each one bringing some token of their kind regard. Even the siuallest child had a potato to give us. By these negroe? our haversacks were again replenished with grub, but they could give us but little information about what was ahead of us. AVe started witli onr treasures to our boats ngain. Just as I stepped into my boat it tij-ped up with me, throw- ing me into the rapid current, and I should evidently liave drowned (being no swimmer) but for a bough of a tree which reached to the surface of the water, and which I chanced to get held of, puHirg myself up and climbiug up SEVENTY-EIGUTII REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 307 the limb. I again got on shore, and soon wc were in onr boats and under way. But as I was wet and the niglit cohl, wc only traveled a few miles until we went ashore, made a lire, dried my clothes, and slept the balance of the night. jSText day we resolved to run the risk of traveling in day- light, so we pushed out and lun at good speed ncarlv a!l day, undisturbed save the occasional plunging in of a huge alligator from the shore, which sometimes endangered the safety of our boats. As night approached we were confi- dent that wc were nearing a bridge, which we had beeii previously informed was guarded by rebel pickets, though we could not learn whether we could run our boa's under tlic bridge undiscovered, or whether we should be compelled to leave them and iiank the guards, running our chances to get others below the bridge. Our only char.ces vroro to "go it blind,"' or to see some negroes and get the necessary information. Darkness at length camo on, and wo had sailed but a short distance until vre heard talkirig on the shore in the woods, ne:ir the river. Supposing it to be the voice of negroes, as it is hard to distinguish the ditlerouco bctweeii the language of the negro and that of the white num in that country, we pushed ashore, tied our boats, aud started up to meet our colored IVioiids, but had got bu.t a i^hoi t distance wlien the dogs pitched at us fiercely, and tlic men began to hiss them on ; and advancing rapldJy upon us, wc soon discovered that we were entj'appcd. The party consisted of two white men ami two negroes, armed Avith double-barrel shot-guns, accouipanied by two dogs. They demanded of us who wc were and where going. We represented ourselves as Confederates on a leave of absence, from the Thirty-Second Georgia. They however mistrusted us, and demanded our papers. 1 took a piece of paper from my pocket to make believe I had a furlough; but none of the party could read, v>hieh wa-^ well enough, as there was nothing on it to read. They 308 HISTORY OP THB expressed themselves willing to let us go, if they conld do 80 without their officers finding it out ; but said thej were under orders to arrest everybody travelincr without a pass, and sent for a man in the neighborhood to come and examine our pass. We then told them who we were, as escape seemed impossible, on account of the hounds and other difiiculties. We were then taken to a house on the j>hmtation and put under guard, and the women went to work, killed some chickens, went into the field and pulled some corn, shelled and ground it on a little hand mill, ])uked us a pone from the meal, and made us a supper of chicken, pone and sweet potatoes. We were now a hundred and sixtj-five miles from where we started, and thirty miles south of Charleston. The next morning we were taken to Charleston on the first train. The family where we had stayed all night, being of th(5 poorer class, expressed a good deal of sympathy for us. One of the women remarked to Captain Strang, "Youens arc better lookin' than our folks." At Charleston we were introduced to the jail and locked up in close contiuement, our rations consisting of a pot of mush a day for all four of us, with nothing to eat it with but our pocket knives and fingers. We were only kept here a few days, however, when we were put upon the car* and returned to Columbio, from whence we started. Very truly yours, W. W. McCakty. ATLAi^TA, AXD SHERAIAN'S MARCH TO THE SEA General Scott, commanding the Second Brigade, was taken prisoner early in the action of the 22d. Colonel Wiles took command of the Brigade in the midst of the iiottest of the engagement. His tall form conld be seen at all times, everywhere encouraging the men to stand firm. And firm they stood, like immovable rocks; and nothing but the obstinate stand and desperate determination to hold tlielr position or die there, saved the Seventeenth Army Cor[>s, ]^ever in the history of the war did troops do harder fighting than the Second Brigade that afternoon. A few days after the liglit of the 22d, the Corps aban- sloned the left and moved to the right of the army, where, for several days in sight of Atlanta, they fought with the oR'emy and kept pouring shells into the city. They next abandoned th the track, swee[iing everything as they went, until they came to Aitoona, wliere General (^:^rse made a gallant defense, and tliey met with a signal and bloody repulse. <~)ur army was put in motion, and moved rapidly after them througli Aitoona, Etowah, Kingston and tova.rd liome. Then we crossed over by a tedious night march to Adairs-- ville, and pushed on to Kesaca, and sending our Corps over the mountain, turned the rebels from tlie railroad, drow them through Snake Creek (jap, then through Ship Ga]», past Summerviile, and over into Alabama. We rested on Little river, near Gaylesville, then moved southward, crossed the Coosa, and passing by Cave spring, Adairsville, Djdlas, and Lost ^Mountain, reached Smyrna Church, near ?.Iarietta. "Willie marching up the road we repaired it, and Avhik' Tve rested at Smynux trains ran from Louisville to Atlanta. (Jur army was paid, clothed, supphed with ration?; and rested; the teams and wagons made good, and everything SEVENTY-EIGIITII KEGIMENT 0. V. V. I. ol9 prepared for another movement. Our sick liacl been sent ISTorth, reinforcements received, transportation cut down, citizens, State, Sanitary and Christian Commission agents, refugees and contrabands were ordered North, condemned property was destroyed, and the Last mail received. Finally the last train of cars moved olF, and the Avholc army went to the road and destroyed it from Atlanta to Chattanooga, and then marched to Atlanta. We stopped there but a day, and in that time destroj-ed the depots, all Government property, and everything Avhich could aid a rebel in doing mischief, then l)id adieu to the place, and pursuing the McDonough's road, plunged farther into "Dixie."' We moved in columns on diii'erent roads, and went as four stalwart mowers would move across a field, mowing a swath fifty miles "wide. The Seventeenth Corps passed through Monticello, and struck the Central Georgi;i- Railroad at Gordon. Another column Avcnt to Milledge- ville. At Gordon we rested a short tiino, and heard cannon- ading toward Macon, and learned soon after tliat Hardee's old troops came out from ]Macon to punish the " Yankees ; " a fight ensuetl and they hurried back to ]Macon with the certainty that they had lost three hundred men killed and as man}' more wounded in the skirmish, and that was thu last we saw of the rebels. .Vfter destroying the railroad from Gordon to ^Nlilledge- ville, and some miles in the direction of Macon, we started for Savannah. Wlien w^e crossed the Ocmulgee river wo destroyed the Government factories there, and all the milla on the road. Foraging tlie country as wo went, we fared sumptuously, for we found the land flowing with milk, lion- ey and Confederate scrip. Our jaded horses am,! mules were turned oat, and fine animals conscripted to serve in tlieir stead; and we progressed hnely, and w\axed fat and jolly. The Governor of Georgia fumed, and delivered hiniseh'' of a proclamation, calling upon every male citizen to rally around the State flag: rise in their might; burn their crops; destroy tlieir food; turn loose their hogs; run olt 320 HISTORY OF TUE their liorses and cattle ; fell trees across the road ; burn the bridges, and anuihilate Sherman and his adventurous Yankees. The Legislature had already passed an act call- ing out the State troops, and making conscripts of all men and boys, but by a special chiusc exempted themselves, then adjourned to Macon. We pursued the even tenor of our way unmolested, for the people did not make any haste to obey the Governor, and we crossed the Oconee, Camanchec, Little and Great Ogeeche rivers, and arrived at Millen, where a branch road runs to Augusta. A small body of rebel State troops had thrown up some earthworks at this point, but fled as we approached. After burning the depot and tearing up the road about fifteen miles toward Augusta, we traveled on and found the country growing more flat and swampy, and had to corduroy our roads the most of the way from there to Savannah. All the cotton, cotton gins and presses were destroyed along the entire route. At Station Xo. 2 we met a force entrenched with two pieces of artillery, and found our road obstructed by fallen timber. Our advance charged their works, when they fled without a flght, and we met no more resistance until we were within seven miles of the city, and ran against their line and battled. Our lilies were formed and we rested until morning, when we found that the rice swamps, which extended from the Savannah to the Ogeeche rivers, (and become more trouble- some as we approached the coast,) had been flooded, and the roads were all defended. Swinging around to the right, the Third Division took position east of the canal, on the plank road, near Silk Hope. While our line extended far to the right, a portion of the Fifteenth Corps went down the Great Ogeeche river, and after a brief engagement captured Fort McAlister, and opened lhe way to our fleet and we were again in communication with our friends. In so long and interesting a march, we could not help meeting with many incidents worthy of special notice; were they half noted it would fill a volume, and I can only SEVENTY-EianiH REGIMENT 0. V. V. L '321 skim over the ground to tell you that we were there, and that now we are here. The rice plantations are made t» inchide a strip of land, which extends for miles, and which is elevated a few feet above the general level. It is compar- atively dry, and affords ground for the fine mansion, gin houses, negro quarters and rice mills. The face of the country is generally undulating, and much of it is marshy. The low lands are laid off in squares of perhaps five hundred acres each, divided by embank- ments of earth, and so arranged as to be subject to inunda- tion at the will of the planter.. A more than ordinary depression of the surface extends in a semi-circle around Savannah, about eight miles from the city, and by closing the sluices, the rebels had formed a water barrier to the advance of our troops, about one thousand yards wide, and hid b.iilt forts and planted cannon at all the accessible points, and held us at bay. General Sherman's first care was to put himself in com- munication with Fort McAllister, capturing two hundred atid lii'ty men, and twenty-two pieces of artillery, and having received a supply of bread and forage sufficient for the entire army, he sent the rebel General notice that if tlie city was not surrendered within three days he would take it. The rebel troops immediately crossed the Savannah river, leaving their cannon in the forts and city, an immense amount of ammunition, ordnance stores, eighteen fine loco- motives and seven railroad cars, several steam vessels, and a very large amount of other Government property. Over two hundred pieces of cannon were surrendered, the most of them in fine order. In the thirty-seven days that we were marching, we were completely cut off from our mails, newspapers, telegraph, express and reinforce- ments — yet a more contented, fearless, determined and confident body of men could not be found on earth — so completely were we in possession of the land, that our foraging parties would go full fifteen miles aei^oss the 21 123 nifTORT OF THE country, and but few men were captured. The Third Division lost a few men, who were picked up, and sixteen men were wounded and one killed during the short siege. The Seventy-Eighth Ohio lost two by capture, but fortu- nately had none killed or wounded, although constantly exposed to the shells of the enemy, while opposite tho rebel forts, and in the skirKiisli line. Savannah is a large and beautiful cit}^, and was of lar greater importance to the rebels than was supposed, Iloro, for the first time, the people are submissive, and acknowl- edge our power. In other places they were defiant and insolent, but we see now the evidence that the conviction is deep, that our army ca7i go over the Confederacy at will, and they have no army to stand before it. We now hold the key to Charleston, Augusta, Columbia^ and can move upon either point. The health of the army is good. There are but thirty-four sick, and two A\'ounded men in the Third Division hospital. Only forty-eight sick and wounded men were sent av/ay. IIow long we will remain at Savannah, or where we will go, Vy'ill be learned iu time. On the llth of January the three years of the organi/'a- tion of the Seventy-Eighth will expire, and then gome of the officers and the non-veteran soldiers will go home. S.VVAN"XAII, BEAUFORT, POCOTALIGO, COLITM* BIA AN^I} MARCH TO TAYLORSYILLE AND GOLDSBORO, XORTII CAROLIN"A. In tho precedln^^ cliaptor we j^ave a mere outline of thf. Ri.irch tui'oiig'li Genri^ia to tSavaiiiiah, wliore wo encamped ;i few days. The iiiarck v.'as an entire success. The res^i- !ueut lost but lew lueu. Joel liunyan, killed at Saiidere- ville; Robert Hanson, taken prisoner, and has not been iieard of since ; Cyrus Trace, prisoner, was exchanged ; private Townsend died near Savannah ; Josep'h Gleason and William F. ITuflnian died in Savannah. Savannah is the Largest, and was, previous to the rebellion, the most flourishing commercial city of the State. It is^ to the cast what ]S"ew Orleans is to the west. The city is built on a sandy plain, about forty feet above lov/ water mark. A con^ldorablo e\'t;e!!t of rice swamp lauils lie in its rear, the exhalations from which renler the city unhealthy at certain seasons of the year. The streets are wide, unpavcd and s lOily, but lali out with groat regularity, and well shade 1 with trecM. There are twenty-four public Rrpiares, each of considerable extent, and all closely shaded with Bride o.^ India tree ^. Ghiss}^ promenades run through llio middle of two of the streets, Brjad and Bay, having ampld thoroughfares (>:\ each side. Xe.irly all the buildings are built of brick, and all of verj neat design and fiaish, and give evidence ot great wealth. 324 HISTORY OF THE The city contaius a new custom house, huilt in 18G0. It is one hundred and ten I'eet in length, lilty-tvvo Ibet in width, costing the government ^173,000. There is also a State arsenal, theater, court house, a citv exchange, artillery armory, jail and other public buildings, all of costly and imposing ap[)carance. There are fourteen Protestant and three Catholic Churches, a Jewish Syna- gogue, and a public library, containing seven thousand voknnes. The public squares are ornamented with many interesting monuments. One erected to the memory of C en era! Green, and one imposing structure in honor of Pulaski, who fell in an attack upon Savannah in October, 1770, then held by the Britisli. The whole space between Savannah and the ocean is cut up and intersected by rivers, creeks, cuts,.«wamps and open- ings. The city is the most tci.utifnl we have seen in tlic Sontli^ The most wealthy and enterprising, and a present population of 25,000 inluibit'iuts, who manifest less malignancy toward the Yaidvce than we Inwe seen elsewhere. We saw only one evidence of disrespect, which was iu the burial of the prisoners of our army. We iind quite a number bnried outside their fortifications by the wayside. General G. IT. Wiles, commanding the Second Brigade, had a strong stockade ]>laced around the graveyard^ whicli was about one aci-o in extent. Thus a friendly hand, too late for relief, came finally to do honor to their last resting place, by placing around' them an enclo- 8ure that would guard, their sacred dust from the feet of inhuman and barbarous rebels. Surely their friends will feel lasting gratitude to General Wiles for this kind regard of those who have died from unfriendly neglect and barba- rous enmity. The city of Savannah was entered by our troops on the morning of the 21st of December. General Hardee, in comman.l of the rebel forces, anticipating the general SEVENTT-EIQIITn REGIMENT 0. V. V. L 325 n?Ranlt wliich General Sherman had ordered that morning, csospcd witli the main body of his infantry toward Charles- ton, the night of the 20th. The rebel iron-clads were blown np and the navy-yard burned. The captures inclnd3 eight hundred prisoners, one hun- dred and fifty guns, thirteen locomotives in good order, one hundred ami ninety cars, a large supply of ammunition and materials of war, and thirty-three thousand bales of cotton safely stored in warehouses. LETTER FROM THE SEVENTY-EIGHTH. PocoTALiGO Station, S. and C. Railroad, 1 January 18th, 1865. j Boar Editor; — Short and pleasant was our stay at the beautiful and non-lo^-al Forest City of Georgia. The 17th Corps left it the evening of the 5th, and marched to Thun- derbolt, iive miles from Savannah, and next morning the Third Division, commanded by General Leggett, embarked upon steamers, passed down the Wilmington river and through the "Warsaw sound, and entered the rough ocean. After a stormy, rough sail, landed at Beaufort at 10 P. M., and next morning encamped about four miles from the town. Beaufort is pleasantly located on the Beaufort river, Port Royal Island, and was the home of aristocracy. It was a place of great wealth and influence. Every dwelling is a palace built in costly style, presenting an air of neatness, comfort and pleasure. It was captured by our troops, ISTovember 7th, 1802. All the inhabitants left but ©ne, and lie says he would have acted the fool like the rest, but was too drunk at the time. This one man still remains, and is doing a flourishing mercantile business. The town i^ now tsettled with iSTorthern families, who are, some in the service of the Government, some engaged in mercantile pursuits, and some are becoming immensely wealthy in the cultivation of cotton upon plantations either bought or rented of the Government. The Island is ten or twelve miles square; the 828 HISTORY OF TUB soil very rich. Part of it has hecn sold to Northern men, and part appropriated hy the Govcnimer.t for educational purposes, and as the establishment of schools for the contra- bands. There are about one hundred teachers, principally ladies from the North, employed for the purpose. The people hearing so much about Sherman's army and its vandalism, were here somewljut frightened v,^hvn the Seventeenth Corps arrived; even the Post Paymaster buried the few "greenbacks" he had on hand. P)ut the men proved themselves, by their conduct, that they could and would respect the proper!}^ of loyal people ; although ready and quick to destroy and lay waste in rebeldom, they wero as ready and f|uick to let alone when among loyal people. This fact shows that our army is certainly the best disci- plined in the world, and that they act from necessity and by motives of duty and principle, whether among the loyal or rebellious. We received nothing but kindness, good will and favor from the people in Peanfcrt, and received full ra- tions for the men and forage for tlie horses, for the first time iu nine months. Quartermasters and Government agents seem much more accommodating and obliging than in the West, and rations are of much better quality. We remained upon the Island from the 7th to the 18th^ when we broke up camp, bid farewell to the pleasant land and marched to the Coosa river, which bounds the Island on the north, and is navigable for the largest boats. The rebels made their appearance on the opposite shore, and opposed our crossing as they had successfully done to Foster and others. The opposite shore was strongly forti- fied, and had been the object of frequent attacks by our gunboats and iron-clads. About 10 P. M. in the darkness of the night, the Sixty-Eighth and Seventy-Eighth Ohio embarked on skifls and crossed without opposition. The rebels, learning they were of Sherman's army, fled without firing a gun. By dawn of day the pontoons w^ere stretched across the river, and the remainder of the Division and trains crossed and were again in rebeldom. SKVENTT-KianTH REaEMENT 0. T. V. 1. 327 Bofore day-Ja^\m, while standing on the river bank hold- ing my horse, a stranger came forward from the crowd and addre33ed mo. I did not at first recognize hira, but he proved to be Captain C. M. Roberts, who had just returned from an absence of over two years, to his regiment, who, after crossing and exchanging a few salutations with officers and men, entered upon iiis official duties by taking command of a company ; he, with his grave but pleasant face, soldierly bearing and respectful manner, is more than welcomed back to his regiment. The Third Division, under command of General Legget% with his two best Brigade commanders, General Force, Ji'irst, and Colonel G. F. Wiles, Second Brigade, moved forward. Skirmishing soon commenced, the rebels rapidiy falling back to fortifications on the opposite side of an exten- sive rice swamp. Colonel Wiles quickly deployed the Twentieth Ohio as skirmishers, in front of the enemy'a works, which opened a brisk fire. Artillery was also placed in position, which opened with good effect upon their workf. The First Brigade, under General Force, accompanied by General Leggctt, moved upon another road, which flanked two strong lines of works. These the rebels left and fell back to a third line, near Sundown ; the Division moved upon the third line. The Forty-Fifth Illinois being deployed as skirmishers here, lost several killed and wounded ; among the killed was General Force's picket officer. The approach of night prevented farther opera- tions, and the Division encamped. Next morning our Division moved forward — having now the advance for three days, they found the strongest works we have ever seen in the Confederacy, built two years ago, and evacuated by the rebels. The Division advanced to the Savannah and Charleston railroad, and encamped at the station, to await the arrival and concentration of the army, when a rapid movement will be made upon . In this movement General Leggett handled his Division with great efficiency. Thus one Division of two Brigades, advanced from Port S28 HISTORY OP THE Royal and took possession of this railroad, which other Generals with probably five times the force, made seven attempts and as often failed, General Foster included. The Seventy-Eighth Eegiment is in good health, and never stood higher in efficiency and military reputation. Surgeon's call is thinly attended. There has been four deaths since leaving Atlanta, added to which list is the name of David Willis. Our new line officers promoted from Sergeants, are prov- ing themselves fully competent for their new position. The day of retribution has now come to South Carolina- She is now and will in a few days receive a raking, and a sweeping scourge will pass over her that is frightful to con- template. The Seventeenth Corps left Pocotaligo on January SOth, and met with no opposition until reaching Saltkihatchie river, where the enemy had an impregnable position and defended by heavy works. ^Nearly all rivers here are inac- cessible, and can only be approached by a series of bridges and corduroy roads, probably a mile before we can reach the main stream ; at the above river the men waded into these swamps and back water, and skirmished with the enemy. One Division crossed between the works and flanked them, while another Division charged in front. Here quite a number of prisoners were taken. In this fight the Second Brigade, under Colonel Wiles, engaged the enemy upon its right flank, and that night encamped at the fires the rebels had built near Barker's mill. ISText day the Brigade moved to the enemy's left flank, while the First Division engaged the front, the Fourth crossed the river. The next place of any consequence was the Edisto river. The Second Brigade of the Third Division being in front, engaged the enemy's works across the river. Here one of Company K, Seventy-Eighth Ohio, was severely wounded. Next morning the Third Division moved down the river one mile and a half from Orangeburg, crossed the river, the main stream, on pontoons, and waded a swamp three hua* SEVEXTY-EIGHTn REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 329 dred yards wide, and from tliree to five deep. The enemy ascertaining that \vc were crossing, Hed. Captain lioberts, with his forag'crs, was the first to cross, and skirniislicd with one whole cavahy regiment, driving them rapidly before liim. Orangebnrg was a beantiful town of a])out two thousand five hundred inhal)itants, but tlie effect of war here marred its beauty and laid its iine mansions in ashes. Here is located the Charleston Orplian Asylum, removed from that city at the commencement of the bombardment. Early in the morning I with several paid a visit to the insti- tutions ; we entered the dining room wliere were about two hundred and ninety cliildren seated around tables eating breakfast, which was chiefly mush and molasses. All were dressed clean and neat. We remained until school opened, which was under the care of Miss A. Iv. Irwin, a most esti- mable and Christian lady from iS'ew York, who was the first to establish a union school system in the State. She ha* eight assistants. The opening exercises were impressive and very interest- ing. I have never seen a finer exhibition of discipline, nor better music and singing. I noticed the tears start in the eyes of some soldiers present. What a contrast this sweet and beautiful scene Avith the terrible realities of war and its Bad results, an exhibition of which could be seen from every window of the Asylum. At that moment fine houses were wrapped in flames; on the streets were to be seen little children gathered around a few coals of fire left by some Boldiers ; also women and fine looking young ladies sitting weeping and guarding a few things saved from their burn- ing houses, and where to direct their steps for a temporary resting place they knew not, and not a morsel of food could be obtained this side of thirty miles on either extreme. The railroad was destroyed and all other means of trans- portation removed by our army. These poor saddened hearts, we could do little for them to lift the burden of Borrow now pressing so heavily upon them, but bid them look up to Him who was a, refuge in timo of trouble, and 330 EISTOllY OF THE whose ears were open to the cries of the needy. That morning the Corps moved on toward Cohinibia, destroying tlio raih'oad on its way. All nnoccnpied buildings were burnt ; many fine mansions, the abodes of wealth, grandeur and happiness, were deserted by their occupants, and stood lonely, inviting the hand of some plundering soldier to apply the torch, On the IGth tlie Corps encamped on the bank of the (^ongarec, oppos'te Columbia, which gave rise to heavy skirmishing. They left all their heavy works on this side of the river. The city presented a beautiful appearance. The next day the rebels evacuated the place, having burned all the bridges. That afternoon and night the Fifteenth and Seventeenth Corps crossed and occupied the city. There was concentrated much of the wealth of the State; the stores and much of the costly furniture of Charleston were brought hero for security. The people conducted themselves with becoming demeanor, and treated the sol- diers with much courtesy and respect; but very impru- dently, yet meant in kindness, set out their wines and liquors to them. The citizens little thought their beautiful city would next morning be a mass of smoking ruins. There were many things conspiring for the destruction of the city. In the afternoon a furious storm of wind arose and blew continu- ously with the violence of a hurricane till late at night. All the encampments caught fire and drove the men from the woods. The rebels put fire to cotton and to their com- missary, which soon communicated the flames to adjacent buildings. Soon others were set on fire, the wind carrying the flames with unconquerable rapidity. Escaped prisoners and drunken soldiers soon began to apply the torch all over the city, and by midnight it was an ocean of flames. Six regiments were quickly sent to aid the citizens and guard ©very house, and soldiers from all regiments worked faith- fully in rescuing people from burning houses and carrying iho sick to safe places. SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 33 L One of the Sovcntj-Eig-hth entered a burning l)uikling, and carried in his arms a considerable distance a woman, and V/'ith lier a chikl three days okL Many such incidents occurred. One poor mother, in her confusion and terrc)r, forgot her cliikh'cn, who were asleep up stairs. The ih'e spread so rapidly that almost immediatclj all entrance was cut off. The frantic mother called to her children from the street, and the screams of the children and calls to mother could be distinctly heard. In a few minutes tlie flames, in their mad rage, seemed to draw the Imilding from its foun- dation, and it was consumed with almost the rapidity of an explosion; here and there could be seen persons jumping from the second stories. The faithfulness of the guard saved many from perishing. We have heard of the sacking and burn- ing of cities, but to be a spectator to it beggars all descrip- tion. It is grand, sublime and terrible. The next morning when riding through the ruins of the city, all was quiet and still as death ; broken furniture and charred fragments covered the gtreete, and burnt walls stood black, shattered and lonely. I could not restrain the dropping tear of pain and regret. In the parks and in the suburbs of the city, women were sitting and guarding a few things saved and carried there by the arm of some kind hearted soldier. Major Mills, of the Seventy-Eighth, carried upon his horse women and children outside the burning part of the city, until nearly morning. The next day soldiers seemed not cheerful ; their hearts went back in sympathy with the suffering people. All condemned and regretted the city had been burnt, but whom to blame they scarcely knew. It was burnt in a mysterious manner. Some how it was burnt, none could tell, and no one intended or thought of such a thing the evening before. Thus the city where the first ordinance of secession was passed has received a retribution severe, if not righteous: terrible, if not just. The Corps moved on the next morning, destroying the railroad, and arrived at Winnsboro, February 22d. The other column, the left wing, arrived at the place the previous 83'2 HISTORY OF TUB evening. The town is sitnated in a beautiful, rich country, nnd is the home of weaUhy phmters and South Carolina bloods, a peo[>le in this State at enmity with all, and in sympathy oidy with the nobles in Europe, hating all demo- cratic institutions. This town is a place of some celebrity, almost every house presents an imposing appearance. The women exhibit less timidity than in some other places ; they and the children were dressed in their best style, and some with a show of much wealth. They were free and bold to express their oi)inions, and advocated the most intense secession. Here we may observe that the women from Columbia northward are much better educated, more intelligent, and appear to have more of the sprightliness, activity and brightness of the iSTorthcrn girls ; their com- plexions are not so much affected by the low flats and swamps of the South. The women of the South, in gen- eral, have a haughtier air, a more commanding appearance than Northern women. The Southern lady has deeper and stronger feelings; the Northern more sensitive and refined, more timid and modest. The Corps halted hero but a few hours, and turned east- ward toward the AVateree, which they crossed on the 23d. The Seventy-Eighth Ohio some days was in the rear, whose duty it is to guard the train. This night was the most dis- agreeable of the campaign. The regiment stood the whole night upon the river bank, urider a heavy cold rain, and in mud from three inches to no bottom. It did not get the train all over until morning, having only a few minutes to halt and then move on with the train, the othqr Divisions having considerably the advance, by having good roads. The next morning the teams of the Third Division were all mud bound. Colonel Wiles stretched his Brigade along the road of two or three miles of teams, making new roada and corduroying old ones. That day the Brigade made ten miles of roads and brought the teams up thirteen miles. On the 8d of March we encamped twelve nules from Cheraw. It rained nearly all the time since leaving Winna- BEVENTT-EIGHTn REGIMENT O.V. V. I. 33S boro. Th€ 3d wo remained in camp, and on tiiat day tlio First Brigade of tlie Third Third Division liad a very unpleasant dnty to perform — the execution of a rchcl pris- oner, in retaliation for the murder of one of their foragers. This was done in compliance with an order from General iShcrman, issued to protect our foragers. The man waa chosen by lot, which fell upon a good old grey haired man, the father of nine cluldren, and a sui)Ject of the cruel system of c()nscri[)tion. The act was one of the terrible liecessities of war, but it had better not be done, and I am certain will fail in the object intended. On the 4th of March the Seventeenth Cor[)S entered Chcraw, on the I'cdce river, where the enemy liad made extensive pre])arations for a strong rosistance, but were driven from all their works by our skirmishei's. This Corps liad nine killed; and a few wounded'., luarly all of whom be- longed to the Twfuty-Seventh Ohio. The enemy in their retreat succeeded in burning the bridge. There were cap- tui'ed twenty-seven ])ieccs of artillery, many small arms, and several tons of ]K)wder. Much had been shipped from Wil- inington and Charleston, to this place for safety. The town is a i»leasant but ancient one, spread over suffi- cient territory for ten times the poj)ulation. There are many evidences of wealth in this })lace, and of tormer greatness, but the war is making shipwreck of all these once flourishing phices. On the same day. Captain Roberts with his foragers, cap- tured Society Hill, sixteen' miles from Cheraw, one of tlio most aristocratic and beautiful places in the State. On the 5tli the CorpSj taking again the advance, crossed the Pedee, and moved on toward Fayetteville, Nortli Car- olina, which place it reached Mai'ch lUh. The foragers of the Seventeenth Corps, as usual, entered the town several liours in advance, and had some considerable skirmishing with the enemy. Of the Third ]J)ivisiou two were killed and some wounded. Here some of the boys of the Sev- enty-Eighth had band-to-hand combats with tke enemy. %?A HISTORY OF TUB Onr foragers soon being reinforced by others coming up. lield the town. This town is one of the shabbiest I liave seen on tlie campaign. Aside from the United States Arsenal established years ago by Congress at this place, there are few important buildings in the place. The arsenal Avas destroyed, and all its tine buildings torn down by order of General Sherman. We have never before seen as many poor looking women in one place. They thronged the street in crowds, begging something to eat from our soldiers: they had every appearance of want and starva- tion. From this plaice three steamboats, captured from the rebels, were sent loaded with refugees and contrabands, to Wilmington. The army remaining here but one day, moved on toward Goldsboro, where the campaign will ter- minate. The enemy under General Johnston began to make lieavy denionstrations upon the left v/ing of the army near the Xeuse river, opposite Smithiield. The Army of the Ten- nessee changed its direction and moved up the I^ense river, and on the 21st met the enemy's skirmishers, which were driven back to their v/orks and our lines established with the left v^'ing. llere Ave skirmished with the enemy snc- cessfully, the Seventy-Eighth having two Avounded severely. That night the enemy evacuated his Avorks and retreated across the river. They had charged our lines frequentiy the previous evening, but in every instance were rei)ulsod Avith heaA-y loss. The army tlien moved doAvn the river and ariived at Goldsboro on the 2411]. Thus one of the most stupendous and arduous, and dam- aging campaigns of the war ended. Tiie Sevcnty-Eiglith Kegiment traveled in all five hundred and three miles. Tho rains, the n.iud, the enemy and the many rivers crossed did not impede the army's march a day. The regiment nnder the efficient energy and activity of Captain C. M. Eolerlrf liad abundance of provision. The regiment sat down tc» a eumptuous supper every night. !N"early one half the mea SEVENTT-EIGnTII REGIMENT 0. V, V. I. 885 were witliout shoes the last few days of the campaign, and as many were dressed m rebel clothing. Our foragers tak- ing advantage of this, tried the pluck of some of General Terry's men who had marched through from "Wilmington. Two boys captured a picket post of five, and again captured two ordeulies of General Terry's headquarters and paroled them. I cannot stay to give your readers a recital of the many laughable events of the campaign, and especially on the part of the foragers. The total casualties of the Seventy-Eighth from the time it left Pocotaligo to the 24th, are thirteen. Company A, Milton Turner and Reese Getwood, Avouuded ; James Gawd, missing. Company B, John T. Moore, killed while forag- ing; A. J. Mills, taken prisoner. Company C, Levi Gould, taken prisoner. Company D, George 0. Wattcrbcrry, died of disease. Company II, Jeremiah McBride, died of dis- ease. Company K, T. II. Thompson, killed by lightning; Washington Bruce, Josliua Dyer and Joel Ward, severely wounded. Colonel J. C. RobinGon and Major ]Miils have led the reg- iment with good acceptance and general satisfaction. The 7 liave proved themselves efficient officers and commanders. Under their command the regiment has won honors, and waded streams, swamps and mud, by night and dav, some- times marching the whole night through a pouring- rain without a murmur. All the officers have done nobly. They were always first to plunge into the water, and lead in all places of discour- agements and difficulties. Yours respectfully, "^T. M. S. Chaplain Seventy-Eighth Rogiincnt O. Y. Y. I. At Goldsboro, April Hth, Lieutenant Colonel G. I). ]S[unson took command of the regiment, and JMajor I. C. lvol)inson, who had commanded the regiment v.'itli so much ability and acceptance, from Savannah to this point, was appointed Inspector on General Leggctt's staff. Lieutenant- Colonel Munson soon became very popular with both men 236 UISTORY UP TnB and officers, and rose to the reputation which his military- experience and kuowled^^e well merited. General Scott, April 5th, returned from the North and took command of the Second Brigade. General Wiles and Adjutant Search went home on leave of ahsence. Lieuten- ants Story and McDonald resigned and also left the regi- ment ; both had long served upon General Scott's stall'. The former had served from the beginning of the war as a Lieutenant, and declined his promotion to Captain. The latter was compelled, through ill health, to quit the service. As an expression of the warm attachment l)etv,'cen Gen- eral Wiles aiul the Chaplain, we insert the following noto sent the latter on the morning he left: "Headquarters Second Brigade, Third Division, ) SEVENTKENxn AiiMY CoRPS, April 5, 1865. / Dear Chaplain : I met the oflicers of the rcgimci^t Inst evening, and I remember you were not present. I wish to say good-by to you, and to express to you my gratitude for your friendship and excellent support. May God bless you, and have you in his keeping, and give you health to perform your duties as Chaplain, and may he make your labors acceptable and fruitful, is the earnest prayer of your friend. G. F. Wiles, Colonel". On the 10th of April the regiment bid farewell to Golds- boro, and set out in pursuit of Johnston and his fleeing army. We arrived at Baleigh on the loth, meeting no opposition. Johnston had gone farther west. Here a\o lieard the sad news of the assassination of IVesident Lin- coln. The news of General Lee's surrender a few days i)re- vious had made the army wild with joy. AVe were then ivjoicing over the news of Johnston's surrender to General Sherman, which was a source of additional joj'. Closely follows this the sad news of the murder of the l^resident, which caused a deep feeling of pain and sorrow. So intcnso was this feeling that scarcely a v.ord was spoken. The SEVENTY-EIGHTH RECilMENT 0. V. V. I. 387 cam OS wore linshcd to tlio utmost stillness, each fcarini: to speak or impart the news to his fellow. In a short time tiiG silent murmur of revenge was wliispered from right to left of tlie whole armj', and soon reached the ears of com- manding officers. (Quietly a strong line of guards was thrown around evei'v encampment, which ivas all that saved the city of ]\aleigh from annihilation or a sudden transition to ashes. After maneuvering nl)out Raleigh in proximity to Johnston's army during the conditions of surrendci-, the regiment left for Richmond, A'irginia, April 'JOtli, but how different the march from any during the last four years. It is no longer tlirough a hostile country ; no cavalry are need- ed to clear the way ; no scouts are needed to spy out tin- position of tlie enemy and to watcli the secret movements of guerrillas; no [»lundering tlic inhabitants, and making a desolation of the country through which we pass; all is good feeling, that the war has ended, and ended in triumph to ou.r arms; tlie country is saved; liberty and humanity vindicated, and the right victorious. The whole army of General Sherman marched across the Xeuse river and encamped u.ntil Monday morning, >\ hen all broke camp and started on a race for Richmond, 'flic contest between the ditferent C^;)rp^ daily grew exciting- and more determined, and the men entered into it with j'r.-olu- tion and energy. The second day's march the Tar ri\'er was crossclairaiul (Jeneral Logan, with 338 niSTORY OF the their staffs and pioneers arrived at the Roanoke river witliin one or two minutes of each other. Both Corps were com- pelled by the breadth of the stream to combine their pon- toons and cross at the same point. General Logan had sent forward his pioneers to occupy the landing, and thus claimed the right to cross first. The Seventeenth Corps had to remain there until the next day, waiting the coming up and crossing of the Fifteenth Corps. The Seventeenth Corps were all up and in camp before ,the Fifteenth had reached the river. This Corps crossing first gave them a day in advance, which was considerable of an advantage. yid arrived at Manchester, on tlie south side of the James, opposite liichmond, on the 9th of May, making about twenty-five miles per day. The country south of I'etersburg and toward Richmond is the garden of the South. The peculiar Southern appearance of both country and people disappear ; all look more Kortliern-like and more familiar. On the 12th the tirmy left camp near Richmond and started for ^Vashington City. The march was a pleasant one, and the country beautiful ; and those stifl' and sore from the forced march to Richmoiid rapidly regained their elasticity. All the way was made interesting by the marks of war, fields of battle, and encampments of the Eastern army. We had lieard much about the desolations of Vir- ginia, but were surprised to see them so trifling compared with Atlanta, and the country through which the AVcstern ^Tmy had passed its heavy campaigns. The works about Richmond were much inferior in every respect to those j^l)Out Atlanta, and the desolations from F'etcrsburg to AVashington will bear no comparison with the desolations from Cliattanooga to Atlanta. On the 2.0tli we arrived at Alexandria, vrhere General "Wiles and other officers absent on leave rejoined the regi- ipfCnt. On the 23d we camped near the Long Bridge across ^hc ]t*fttomuc. From our camp the cajntal and the sur- SE'STINTT-EiaHTH REGIMENT O.V. V. I. 339^ rounding country presented an indescribably grand appear- ance. , On the 24th we marclied into the city and passed in review before all the great ones of the nation. The multi- tude of people surpassed anything we had ever before seen. The review was quite a contest between the Eastern and Western armies. The former surpassed the latter in appear- ance, but the latter (General Sherman's array) surpassed the Eastern in marching, in soldierly bearing, and military dis- cipline. Their free, easy motion, without a break or dis- parity in any particular, was in wonderful contrast with the Eastern army. It was conceded by all to be far superior in everything pertaining to a soldier. Here we remained encamped north of the city until June 6th, at which time a part of the regiment was mustered out, the veterans and a few others remaining. The Third Division, commanded by General Leggett, had obtained so high a reputation, as being the best of General JSiierman's army, doing the best marching and making the' best appearance as soldiers, that many visited its encamp- ment. The Second Brigade excelled the First in every (|iiality, and of its regiments the Seventy-Eighth was in nothing second best. The Christian Commission will bear testimony that in all their visits to regiments none more cordially received them or made them feel more at home than the Seventy-Eighth Ohio. June 6th we received orders to repert at Louisville, Ken- tacky. The trip was made by railroad to Parkersburg, thence by boat. The first part of the journey was made interesting by the magnificent scenery of the mountains over which we passed, and those rising in solemn majesty in the distance ; fiir to our left pile upon pile of mountains rose in the distant horizon. The whole journey was made still more interesting by the greetings of the people, especi- ally the ladies who thronged every depot, and scores of old women, little boys and girls, loaded with baskets of pies and cakes. g40 HISTORY OF THE As "we passed down tlie Ohio river a most noticeable fea- ture was the difference of the two shores. Those npon the Ohio side seemed all life and energy. The ladies tossed and waved their handkerchiefs with a life and energy that indicated earnestness, welcome and joy. Those npon the Kentucky side seemed to be generally away from home. Some would stand in their doors in sullen indifference. They probably felt that they had lost their dear rights, and were not likely soon to recover them. They loo/.ed as the Southern Confederacy /(/^ — " caved in."' "We arrived at Louisville the morning of the 11th, and marched about four miles south-west and encamped. The next day changed camp, but tlie position being a swamp we again moved to the south-east of the city, where wi- found a beautiful, healthy locality. ^Ve all tried to think we were in a loyal State, for Kentucky was blowing her horn as loud as the most loyal State in the Sorth. Aristo- crat and 2)lcbian, '■'■stay at home.'' and returned rebel soldier, as full yet of rebellion as " hell of brimstone,'"' all going in on the spread eisgle style for the " Constitution and the laws," claiming for themselves as much of the new glory that crowns the Fourth as if they had battled for the Gov- ernment instead of against it — for tlie Constitn.tion and the laws instead of against them. They fought hard, no matter on which side, for or ogainst, the glory is all the same : they were neutral. Yes, ye gods! look down and be amazed at Ihe patiiot- ism of us Kentuckians ! Old Smith comes down from the riilters, after his wile ha.s repeatedly assured him that the- bear is dead. See him now, as he spreads himself among his neighbors, and tells them how '' me and Sally killed the bear!" Who would not honor the self-sacrificing old hero for taking such high ground, such a safe position during the petty contlict of " our erring brethren T Trno, lie would much rather the bear had killed Sally, but now that the beast is dead and his own precious carcass is safe, (luy/u!- cscai (u pace,) we should all rejoice in cur ccnimcn \ictorv 1"' SEVENTY-EiailTII REGIMENT 0. V. V. L §41 This State has suffered but little. If she had been run over like South Carolina she would have been infinitely more lojal than she is. She is much like a perverse family out West that could never be induced to attend church. They were rich and prosperous in worldly things. The old preacher had been very kind to them, but they only grew more wicked and more insulting to both God and man. One day a rattlesnake bit one of the boys and he thought he must die. At once they sent for the preacher. He came. They wanted him to pray for the dying boy, and he began : '' We thank thee, Lord, for rattlesnakes. We thank thee, that in thy adorable providence thou hast sent one to bite John ! And we do beseech thee to send one of them to bite the old man and the rest of the family, for nothing but rat- tlesnakes will bring them to repentance!" Such a prayer would be very appropriate for Kentucky. She needs rattlesnakes — she needs to siiifer that she may Ivuow the value of a good government. When at Louisville much discontent and open complaint prevailed among the troops, that they were longer held in the service after the war had ended. In some regiments the conduct became almost mutinous. The Seventy-Eighth became tainted with the 'same contagious spirit, but in a mild form, compared with others. General Leggett issued an address to his command, that caused the fever to abate. We give the address below: " Headquarters Third Division, Seventeenth A. C.,\ Xear Louisville, Ky., June 17, 1865. / Soldiers of the Third Division : During the last four years you have displayed your valor and patriotism on scores of battle-fields. Scores of times have you met the enemies of our Government in deadly conflict, and always proved victorious. You never suffered your lines to be broken. You never attacked a position, held by the enemy which you failed to take. You were uc vev driven from a position which you attempted to bold. 342 HISTORY OF THE When the history of the bloody battles and arduous campaigns in which yon have been engaged shall be truth- fully written, it will be said of the Old Third Division ; 'It never knew defeat. It was never late in battle, and never early out. It never turned its back to the enemy. It always responded to the order ' forward ' with a cheer, and moved without regard to the obstacles or force in its front, and stopped only when its own commanders sounded the 'halt.' Of your name and record you justly feel proud. Sol- diers guard well that name ! Do not suiter any feeling of disappointment or discontent to lead you to tarnish that proud record, which, up to this day, is without a blot. When we left North Carolina, our visions of home with its comforts and endearments were strong, and we all hoped, ere this, to have been there. But the Government determined that it would be imprudent to so soon disband us. Every inch of territory lately in rebellion is still under martial law, and while martial law prevails the war is not at an end, though active warfare may have ceased. Until reorganization takes place, and civil tribunals are ready to assume the control now exercised by the military authority, soldiers will be needed, and we may justly and legally be held in the service, and have no just right to complain. It is the expressed desiie of the Government to reduce its expenses as much and as rapidly as possible, and we may rely upon being mustered out of the service at the earliest moment deemed prudent by the authorities at Washington. In the meantime a liberal percentage of the men will be permitted to visit their homes on furlough, and the usual discipline must be maintained in camp. As to our further movements, or when we may expect to be mustered out of the service, j^ou know all that your commander knows, and you ought to expect no more. But while held in the service, let us do our duties like men and soldiers, that when discharged we may bear to our homes SEVENTY-EIGIITH REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 343 and to our frietids, names of which tlioy always may foci proud. M. ]). Leggett, Brevet Major-General Commanding." In duly tlie Th.ird Division was ordered to be muKtercd out. The rolls were soon completed, and the Seventy-Eighth Btartod for Columbus among the iirst, v.-here it arrived on the evening of the 1-lth, when it was paid otr'and disbanded. Each soldier, now a citizen, started for his home, feeling grateful to a kind and merciful Providence for protecting Inni through four years of bloody war, and permitting him to return home to his f;uni!y and fjicnds. The parting ot the Sixty-Eighth, Twentieth and Seventy- Eighth Oliio, was like the breaking up of a family. From the beginning of tlie war thc}^ had served together, and had been successful in every engagement, and never once gave way or retreated before the enemy. All >vere conscious Oi the fact that no other Brigade in the army had a prouder or more honorable record. Tlic foUovring letter from General Leg-rott to the officers and soldiers of the Seventy-Eighth Ohio on the ex})iration of their original term of sci'viee, I take the liberty to in.sert: •'Headquarters Tjjtud Divi.^iox, SEvrxTEEivTH A. C, 1 Near Beauiokt, S. C, January 10, 1865. / 7^ot!ic Offin'ys and Men of the Secc.iifii-Ei(jhtJi 0. V. V. Infantry: Fellow Sol.di:;rs : — To-d:iy emls the original term of '* throe years" for which the Seventy-Eighth Ohio Volunteer Infantry oiitered tlie service of the United States. At the beginning of this term, few tlionght our services Vvonld be so long required. Then Ave enlisted for "three years" or "during the war;"' we believed that "during tlie war" would bo a shorter te^m than " tliree years." AV'e failed then to correctly estinuite the number an.d wick- etlncss of those Ijandod together to destroy our general gov- ernment, and disgrace our national flag. Xcither did we know then the strength of our atfection for that iiag, nor the depth of our love for that government. Three years of the most arduous and exposed service, has increased our 044 HISTORY UF THE devotion to our couutiT, and greatly deepened our Latred of its foe. The history of the regiment has l^een one of Avhieli we are all proud. Thank God and the lu'a\'e men of the Sev- enty-Eighth, there is not a page ov a paragrapli of tliat liistory that need ever eause tlie ])lush of shame to ticgo our cheeks, or tliose of our eliildren after us. During the "three years" the regiment has never been the subject of censure, but has often been commended and praised, in orders and reports, for its gullantry in ])attle, its thorough disciphnc, its soklierly con(hiet in camp arid on tlio march, and for its proficiency in drill. The iSevonty-Eightli has never gone into summer or ^vinter quarters. Its entire term lias been one of exti-emo exposure and arduous service. Its history may truly be said to have been vritten in sweat and blood. At l)or;eI- son, Burnt IJridge, Sliiloh, Siege of Corinth, Bolivar, luka, Thompson's Hill, Baymond, Jackson, Champion Ililh, Siege of Vicksburg, Boguechitta, Baker's Creek, Ciintoi', Kenesaw ^Mountain, Atlanta, Joncsboro, Lovejoy, Siege of Savannah, and in almost numberless aflairs and skirmidies of less importance, the regiment ]);ts left its mark in blood, and by its determined bravery shown its invincible char- acter. In the campaigns to luka, to V^ater Valley, in the re;-.r of Vicksburg, and the expedition of the Yazoo v.-dley. lioguechitta Creek, through Loui^i;ina, the great Meridian raid, tlie march through Kortliern Alabama, tlic Atlanta campaign, the pursuit of Hood in the rear of Atlanta, and the great expedition through Georgia to Savannah, it has displayed its high state of discipline, its marching qualities, and the patriotic willingness of its otiiecrs and men to imdergo the greatest deprivations, and to subject themselves to the most extreme fatigue and ex[)Osure, when the exi- gencies of the service demanded. Since entering the service the regiment has marched three thousand two hundred and eiii-hty-nine miles: been SEVEXTY-EiailTn REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. oA't transported on steamboats two tliousaTid two liundrcd and fourteen miles; and on railroad one thousand six hundred and niiK'ty-ninc miles, making* the avIioIo distance traveled during- the three years, se\'eu thousand two hundi'ed and two miles. Two hundred and ninety-foui' of your number have given tln'ir lives a willing saerirtce upon tlieir country's altar. Of tliis number eighty-one were killed in action. Unshrouded and uncoilined their hallowed remains are sanctifying the rebellious hills and valleys of JMississippi, Louisiana, Ten- nessee, Kentucky, AUil>ama and Cireorgia. The recollections or' these brave irten who have so nobly fallen Avill ever bo i'resh iu the memory of their comrades. Let us emulate their noble deeds. L'atriotic braves can ask no better time to die than while raishig their arm in .defense of the best ( Government that God ever gave to man. Two hundrecl and seven have been wounded in action, many of whom juust l)e crip|>les for life. They must have our v\-armest syni|iathy, and, when needed, our active aid. Five liundred and eight_y-nine have lost their health in the ser\'ice, and have been discharged before t'le expiration of tlieir term. Twenty-seven arc reported as missing in action. Thirtj'-one have been transferred to the Invalid Corps, and seventeen are reported deserters, making the t;)tal loss of the regiment eiglit hundred rnd eighty-five men. ^^e entered the service with nine hundred and fcu-ty men. LMiring your three years' term your regiment has, except- ing a short time, constituted the whole or a part of my command. The ready obedience it has always yielded to my orders, and the friendly, generous and cheerful spirit its ofhcers and men have given me in the discharge of my otlieial duties, have won my lasting and Avarmest gratitudi . J n the honor and welfare of the regiment I have always felt, and shall always feel, the deepest solicitude. When- ever the regiment has honoi'cd itself, I have telt honored ; and had it ever disgraced itself. I should have felt mvself 346 HISTORY OF TEE disgraced. Let its future be what its past has been, and it will always be the pride of ray life, that I was the first Colonel of the Seventy-Eighth Ohio. Those whose health and circumstances at home precluded them from becoming veterans, close their term of service with us to-day. In bidding farewell to those of your com- mand who now leave you, give them the assurance that the reputation of the " Old Seventy-Eighth," so dearly won, shall bo fully sustained in its veteran organization — that the remaining pages of its history slnill be equally glorioue with those already written. Your friend and former Colonel, [Signed,] isF. I). Legoett, V) r ! gad i er- G eiie in 1 . " GENERAL Logan's farewell to the army of tue tenkessek. Headquarters Army of the Tennessee, \ Louisville, Ky., July 18, IBGo. j Officers and Soldiers of the Army of the Tennessee: The profound gratiticatiou I feel in being authorized to release you from the onerous obligations of the camp, and return yon, laden with laurels, to homos Avhere warm hearts wait to welcome you, is somewhat embittered by the painful redection that I am sundering the tics that trials have made true, time made tender, suiiering m.ade sacred, perils made proud, heroism made honoraljle, and fame nuule forever fearless of tlie future. It is no common occasion that denninds the disbandment of a military organization, before the resistless power of whieli mountains bristling Vv'ith biiyonets have bowed, cities h;ive surrendered, and millions <.)f brave men been conquered. Although I have been but for a short period your commander, Ave are n( t stran.gcrs ; aifections have spruiig up between us during the long years of doubt, gloom and carnage, which we have passed through together, nurtured by common perils, sufferings and sacri- fices, and riveted by the memories of gallant comrades, whose bones repose beneath the sod of an hundred battu- fields, nor time nor distance will weaken or ellace. The SEVENTT-EIGHTH REGIMENT 0. V. V. I. 347 many marches you have made, the dangers you have des- pised, the haughtiness you have humbled, the duties you have discharged, the glory you have gained, the destiny you have discovered for the countiy in whose cause you have conquered, all recur at this moment in all the vivid- ness that marked the scenes through which we have ju.-t passed. From the pens of the ablest historians of the land, daily are drifting out upon the current of time, page upon page, volume upon volume of your heroic deeds, and iloat- ing down to future generations will inspire the student of history with admiration, the patriot American with venera- tion for his ancestors, and the lover of republican liberty with gratitude for those who, in a fresh baptism of bloo(.}, reconsecrated the powers and energies of the Eepubllc to the cause of constitutional freedom. Long may it be the happy fortune of each and every one of you to live in the full fruition of the boundless blessings you have secured to the human race. Only he whose heart lias been thrilled with admiration for your impetuous and unyielding valor in the thickest of the fight, can appreciate with what pride I recount the brilliant achievements which immortalize you, and enrich the pages of our national histor^^ Passing by the earlier, but not less signal triumphs of the war, in which most of you participated, and inscribed upon yor.r banners such victories as Donelson and Shiloli, 1 roeiir to campaigns, sieges and victories that challenge the admira- tion of the world, and elicit tlie unwilling applause of all Europe. Turning your backs upon the blood-bathed bights of Vicksburg, you launched into a region swarming with enemies, lighting your way, and marching without adequate supplies, to answer the cry for succor that came to you from the noble but beleagured army at Chattanooga. Your steel next flashed among the mountains of the Tennessee, and your weary limbs found rest before the embattled bights of Mission Ridge, and there, Avitli dauntless cour- age, you breasted again the enemy's destructive lire, and shared with your comrades of the Army of the Cumber- 348 HISTORY OF THE Jiind the glories of a victory, than wliieh no soldiery can boast a prouder. In that unexampled campaign of vigilant and vigorous ^varlare from Chattanooga to Atlanta, you freshened your laurels at Resaca, grappling -with the enemy behind his works, hurling him back dismayed and broken, rursniiig him from thence, marking your path by graves of fallen comrades, you again triumphed over superior numbers at J)a.llas, fighting your way from thereto Kenesaw Moun- liiin, and under the murderous artillery that frowned from its nigged bights, with a tenacity and constancy that finds lew parallels, you labored, fought and suft'ered through the broiling rays of a Southern midsummer sun, until at last you planted your colors upon its topmost bights. Again (-n the 22d of July, 1864, rendered memorable through all lime for the terrible struggle you so heroically maintained under discouraging dis'-isters, and that saddest of all reflec- tions, the loss of that exemplary soldier and popular leader, the lamented McPherson, your matchless courage turned defeat into a glorious victory. Ezra Chapel and Jonesboro added new luster to a radiant record, the latter unbarring to you the proud Gate City of the South. The daring of a desperate foe,- in thrusting his legions northward, exposed the country in your front, and though rivers, swamps and enemies opposed, you boldly surmounted every obstacle, beat down all opposition, and marched onward to the sea. AVithout any act to dim the brightness of your historic I)age, the Vv'^orld rang plaudits when your labors and strug- gles culminated at Savannah, and the old " Starry Banner" waved once more over the walls of one of the proudest cities of the seabord. Scarce a breathing spell had passed when your colors faded from the coast, and your columns plunged into the swamps of the Carolinas. The sufferings you endured, the labors you performed, and the successes you achieved in those morasses, deemed impassable, form a creditable episode in the history of the war. Pocotaligo, Salkahatchie, Edisto, Branchville, Orangeburg, Columbia, SEVENTY-EIGHTH llECIMENT 0. V. V. I. 349 Bentonville, Charleston and Ixaleigh are names that will ever he suggestive of the resistless sweep of your cohunn tliroTigh the territory that cradled and nurtured, and from whence was sent forth on its mission of crime, misery and ])lood, the disturting and disorganizing spirit of secession and I'ebcUion. The work for which you pledged your l)ravc hearts and brawny arms to the Government of your fathers, you have nobly performed. You arc seen in the past gathering through the gloom that enveloped the land, rallying as tlie guardian of man's proudest heritage, forgetting the thread unwoven in the loom, quitting the anvil and abandoning the workshops, to vindicate the supremacy of the laws and the authority of the Constitution. Foui- years have you struggled in the bloodiest and most destructive war tliat ever drenched the earth with liuman gore; step bv ste}> vnu have borne our standarver hefore to that loved boast, "I am an American citizen." In relinquishing the implements of war for those of peace, let your conduct ever be that of warriors in time of war, and peaceful citizens in time of peace. Let not th& luster of that bright name that you have won as soldiers, be dimmed by any im[)ropcr act as citizens, but as time rolLs on let your record grow brigliter and brighter still. Juii:v A. LoiLVN, Major-Gcneral. INDEX. Pa02. OrrranlzitioB of the Regiment, - 9 Secoud Brigade, . . . • 13 Tweutieth Oliio Veteran Volunteers, 14 Mnth Illinois Mounied Infantry, - 15 Sixty-Eighth Ohio Veteran Volunteers, 18 Seventeenth Wisconsin Vet. Volunteers, '2U COMPANT AND NO.V-COMMISSIOXKD OFFI- CERS AND EXLISTKD Me.V. Company A, - - - "• » B, . . - - 32 " C, - - - - - 42 '■ r., 49 .. K, 56 « V, 63 u G.' - - - - - 70 " K, TO ». J, 83 a k', ----- 90 Cflnin)is8ioned k. Non-conimitBicned Staff, 95 War Shadows, ----- IH Ser^t. Jasper S. Lnugblin. - - HG Casualties of the War, - - - 119 Itebel Loss, 1-0 I'lanniug Campaigns, . - - - 121 The Mississipi, 123 Tlie Ke;:iiuent3 lonving Ohio, - - 126 llattle of Kort Don. l^oIl, - - - 128 l-ieutenant-General Grant, - - 134 Major-General Sherman, . - - 137 The Regiment at Dover, - - - 140 Metal Lauding, ----- 141 Adarasville, ----- 142 Battle of Shiloh, - - - - 143 Second day'K Fighting — Letter from Sergeant Jasper S. l.aughlin, - - 146 Siege of Corinth, - - - - ISO Description of the Town, - - - 152 liebel Vandalism, . - - -. 1.35 Anecdote of the Fight of 2Sth. - - 166 I'owerful and Thrilling Sermon, - 156 Priiyor by a Toxan R'lnger, - - - 157 Bethel and Jaciis )n, Tennessee, - : 161 (irand Junction and Lagrange, - 164 Drs. Waddel and Grey, - - - 13 Bolivar, Tennessee, - . - . 169 Battles near Bolivar, - - . - 171 General Leggett'w Oilicial Report, - 172 Robert Hanson's Adventure, - - 178 March to Corinth and luka, Miss., - 179 General Lojjan, 1S4 Jloveraent toward Central Migsifaippi, 184 Correspondent " Typo," . - - lyo Water Valley, . _ . . . ]97 Oxford and Mississippi University, - 2(i0 Anecdote of Holly Springs, - - 20:j Davis' Mills, 204 Cami). near MemphiR, , - - - 205 The B-ittle of Memphis - - - 214 Trip down the Mississippi, - . - 22;( Lake I'rovidence, - . - - 225 Vista Plantation, - . . . 228 Running the Blockade, - . - 23^ March to Bruinsburg, ... - 233 Grand Gulf, Port Gibson, Raymond, Jack- son and Champion Hilla, - - - 214 Battle at Black River, - - - 235 Rear of Vicksburg, . . - - 238 The Killed and Wounded at Champion Hills. 249 Description of the Siege, - - - 251 Surrender of the Rebel Army and City, 253 Total Loss of the Federal Army, - 254 Clinton, Mississippi, . - - - 25i5 Camp at Bovina, . - - - 2til CoraplimeTits of Company E to Colonel G.F. Wiles, ----- 2ol Flag presentation from the Ladies of Zanesvilie, ----- 214 Monroeville, Louisiana, . - - 2:>4 Expedition to Caiton and Jackson, Miss. 204 General Leguiett appointed to the com- mand of the Third Division, - - 205 The conlest for the Flag, - - - 205 Names ol those who died at Vicksburg, 266 Meridian Expedition — Letter by Major James S. Reeves, - . - - 207 Veteran Furlough and March to Atlanta, 275 Battle of the 22d of July, - - 2«0 Captain W. W. McCarty's Imprisonment, 2^9 Evacuation and Destruction of Atlanta, 310 The Georgia March, . - - - 310 Incidents, etc., ----- 31 J Savannah, ----- 323 Beaufort, South Carolina, - - - S25 Pocataligo, " '' . - - 325 The South Carolina CampMian, - - 32* March trom Raleigh to Washington, D.C. 3.*17 Thence to Louisville, Ky., - - 3'*9 Maj. -General Legjett's Farewell Address 341 Myj. -General Lo^an'i " " 240 31^77-2 Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. 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