Greene County IN Archives History - Books .....Chapter VIII 1884
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Book Title: History Of Greene And Sullivan Counties, Indiana

CHAPTER VIII.

THE COUNTY MILITIA—THE ANNUAL MUSTERS—SOLDIERS OF THE MEXICAN WAR—ROUSSEAU'S
COMPANY—ROLL OF HONOR—PUBLIC SENTIMENT AT THE OUTBREAK OF THE REBELLION—OPENING
SCENES OF THE WAR— FIRST WAR MEETING AT WORTHINGTON—THE MEETING ATBLOOMFIELB
—THE FIRST VOLUNTEERS—FORMATION OF COMPANIES—FIRST ORGANIZATION FOR THE
WAR—CHEAT MOUNTAIN CAMPAIGN—INCIDENTS FROM THE FIELD—JUNCTION WITH THE ARMY OF
THE POTOMAC—THE VETERANS—PERSONAL RECORD AND ROLL OF HONOR.

FROM the time of the first settlement in Greene County to the great rebellion of
1861-65, with the single exception of the brief but brilliant campaign in the
land of the Montezumas, nothing had transpired to disturb the peaceful pursuits
of social life and the steady observance of civil liberty and law. Mothers and
maidens had never felt the anguish of separation from loved ones at the stern
call of a nation at war. Children had grown to manhood without ever seeing a
soldier in military dress, and their loving hearts knew nothing of the sad,
wild, glorious things which go to makeup war, save what they had read, or what
they had been told by their grandfathers, who had been with Harrison and
Jackson, and perhaps with Washington. The old militia system which had been so
efficient and popular during the Indian wars on the frontier and directly after
the close of the war of 1812-15, had loosened its hold upon the public mind
during a protracted period of profound peace. Prior to the war with Mexico, a
more or less nominal organization was effected and carried on in Greene County,
and quarterly musters were enjoyed by large and motley crowds more intent on
frolic and roystering than improvement in military discipline. The cities and
the larger towns of the State were the only places where strict military
observance was appreciated, and where discipline attained a proficiency nearly
equal to that which pervailed in the regular army. An early law of the Territory
and afterward of the State, provided for the enrollment of all able-bodied
militia, and the formation of regiments in the various counties. Such an
organization was early effected in Greene County. It is said that Levi Fellows
was the first militia Colonel; another was Thomas Warnick—both being very early
and very popular.

THE MUSTERS. 

   The musters took place several times a year at the county seat, or perhaps at
other central points, and were always attended by large crowds. Men were
privileged from arrest on "Training Days," except, perhaps, for crime, and met
more for fun and fight and to drink and sport than for improvement in the art of
making war. They would often strip to the waist, fight furiously until one was
"whipped," and then quietly resume peaceful and neighborly relations. This was
done to see which was the better man. Our fathers were great boasters, but they
were also great fighters—splendid specimens of physical development and
manhood—which may possibly be regarded as some excuse for boasting. It is said
that J. W. Wines was one of the first Majors, and Peter Ingersoll, Burch, Richey
and Buskirk early Captains. A little later, Joseph Storm became Colonel, and
still later Samuel R. Cavins, who had fought with Gen. Jackson behind the cotton
bales at New Orleans, also served as Colonel of the county militia. These old
men and others were known as "Colonel" as long as they lived. One of the Dixsons
was an early Major. For the first ten or fifteen years after the county
organization, the musters were quite well attended by men with rifles and
shot-guns, and considerable interest was manifested in discipline and the
principles and strategy of war. But after that period, the interest slowly
relaxed; canes, umbrellas and sticks wore substituted in the place of guns,
notwithstanding the expostulation of the officers, and finally the musters
themselves were almost or altogether transformed into popular sporting
occasions. From time to time the system was revived by legislative enactment,
but was unpopular, as it was thought to be unnecessary.

GREENE COUNTY IN THE MEXICAN WAR.

   The war with Mexico in 1846-47, roused the militia everywhere into activity.
Under the act of Congress, approved May 13, 1846, the President of the United
States called for volunteers, three regiments to be raised in Indiana. Within
two weeks afterward, Lovel H. Rousseau, then a prominent lawyer of Greene
County, was commissioned to raise a company, which he promptly did, securing men
from all portions of the county. He was assisted by Col. Samuel R. Cavins, Col.
Levi Fellows, Col. Samuel Bough, Maj. Andrew Humphreys, Adam Stropes and others,
and on the 8th of June, 1846, the company was received and was mustered into the
Second Regiment of Indiana (Foot) Volunteers on the 22d of June.

   It should be noticed that Rousseau's company, E, upon leaving the county for
the war, gathered by fragments at Owensburg, where they were presented a
beautiful silk flag by the ladies of that town and Springfield. Capt. Rousseau
replied in fitting words to the presentation speech. From Owensburg, the company
went in squads in wagons and on horseback to New Albany, where the Second
Regiment rendezvoused. Upon the return of the company, a public recaption was
given them at the court house in Bloomfield, Hugh Livingston and Samuel R.
Cavins delivering the welcoming addresses, which were replied to by Rousseau,
Stropes and others of the company. Afterward, a barbecue was held in honor of
the company in Jones' Woods, near Bloomfield, where a huge ox was roasted, and
where Rousseau and other members of the company detailed the experiences of the
campaign. The following is a complete list of the members of the company as they
were mustered into the service June 22, 1846, with, so far as can be learned, an
account of what became of them:

PERSONAL RECORD.

   Lovel H. Rousseau, Captain in the Mexican war and Brigadier General and Major
General in the rebellion; Adam Stropes, First Lieutenant, dead, had fought the
Creek Indians at Horseshoe Bend during the war of 1812, where he was shot
through the breast and left for dead on the battlefield: David Erwin, living in
Knox County, Mo.; Henry Roach, Sr., died about 1855; Giles Williams, died at
Camp Belknap, Tex., in 1846; McHenry Dozier, killed at Buena Vista February 23,
1847; J. L. Stropes, living in Greene County; John Vanscoit, discharged with the
measles, living at Bloomfield: Zachariah Danforth died about 1870; Richard C.
Bray, residence unknown; John Sexton, died in Missouri; Samuel Anderson, died in
Illinois in 1882; James H. Hall, died about 1873. Privates—James Akins, died of
measles February 24, 1847; William Akins, killed at Buena Vista; Thomas J.
Anderson, died about 1850; J. W. Ashford moved to Texas; William Bee, residence
unknown; William Bland, moved to Iowa, and served in the rebellion; William
Bough, living in Greene County, served in the rebellion, was Captain of Company
C, Twenty-first Regiment; James Buzan, dead; Solomon Burcham. died in 1880; John
Burcham, moved to Illinois, dead; Noah Cox, living in Du Bois County; Daniel W.
Cox, living in Greene County; M. A. Cooper, dead; T. J. Ducast, dead; Solomon
Dixson, living in Greene County: J. G. B. Dillon, killed at Buena Vista:
Jonathan Elswick died in 1848; Washington Elliott, died at Camp Belknap in 1846;
John Evans, died at Camp Belknap in 1846: A. J. Franks, died about 1848; Jacob
Fulk, died at Camp Belknap in 1846: Littleton Goad, died about 1871; Henry Goad,
living in Greene County; Charles H. Gardner, residence unknown; Peter C. Graves
died in 1865; Seth Halbert, residence unknown; William Holtsclaw, living in
Greene County, Ind.; Jordan Holtsclaw, died in 1852; Fielding L. Hatfield, died
in 1854; Oras Handy, residence unknown; Benjamin Holtsclaw, living in Greene
County; Barton Hartley, residence unknown; Samuel Hooey, moved to Illinois;
Ephraim Jackson, moved to Kansas; Andrew Johnson, died in 1881; Mason James,
moved to Iowa; Isaac Kelley, served in the rebellion, dead; G. W. Kelshaw,
served in the rebellion, died in 1S69; Willoughby Lewis, served in the
confederate army, killed at Pea Ridge; Abraham Simmons, residence unknown; W. J.
Mathis died soon after the war; John Miller, died about 1873; John Mowery, died
about 1879; Thomas McIntire, served in the rebellion, died in 1870; James
McIntire, died about 1873; John Michael, killed at Worthington in 1848; Nehemiah
Melton, moved to Kansas; L. B. Moore, residence unknown; John S. Moore, moved to
Cedar County, Iowa; Levi Nicholson, living near Scotland, Greene County; J. E.
Owens, served in the rebellion from Iowa; Simpson Osborn, living in Greene
County; All. Osborn, died at Camp Belknap in 1846; Albert G. Osborn, died at
Camp Belknap in 1846; James Parker, dead; John Padgett, died while serving in
the rebellion; John Russell, died at Saltillo, Mex., 1847; James Roe, living
near Worthington; John Roach, promoted Sergeant and Lieutenant, living at last
accounts; Henry Roach, Jr., served in the rebellion, was First Lieutenant in the
Forty-third Regiment, living in Greene County; Peter Rader, dead; Thomas Rader,
dead; John Rickabough, moved West; Samuel Riddle, dead; William Reubottom moved
to Texas; Greenville D. Shelton, died at Camp Belknap, Tex., 1846; Zachariah
Sims, served in the rebellion, was Second Lieutenant and Captain, living in
Martin County; Joshua Scott, served in the rebellion, died in the city hospital
in Indianapolis in 1865; G. W. Scott, died in 1854; Elisha Sholts, dead; Albert
Stalcup, dead; M. A. Shelton, moved to Missouri; Robert Smith, dead; Ambrose
Storms, dead; William Scobee, residence unknown; William Thomas, moved to
California; Hardin Walker, dead; Wilson Wolf, dead; Nelson Woodsworth, moved
West; Joseph W. Young, dead.

PUBLIC SENTIMENT IN 1860-61.

   The Presidential campaign in Greene County during the autumn of 1860 was of
the most enthusiastic character. Almost every township had its company or
companies of "Wide Awakes" and "Hickory Clubs," and scarcely a night passed
without public speaking and noisy and determined demonstration. Torch light
processions and vociferous cheering disturbed the drowsy air of night. The
county had never before been so thoroughly organized for political purposes.
When the returns were all in and Lincoln's name was on every tongue, and when
the Southern States, one after another, began to enact ordinances of secession,
and even the air seemed rife with treason and bewilderment, all wiser heads saw
that the conflict which had so long been ominously pending had come. The slavery
question must be settled either to the satisfaction of the North or the South;
no evasion would answer. No interference with slavery as to its abolishment was
at first considered. The question which engrossed the public mind was whether
the States had the right under the Constitution to peaceably leave the Union.
Many persons in the county believed they had that right—Democrats and
Republicans. Still others thought the reverse. Some were for immediate war to
preserve the Union. Abolitionists declared that the time to abolish slavery had
come. Others declared that the administration had no right to levy war upon the
seceding States. Some thought the North right; others the South, and still
others were in doubt, the latter, perhaps, being greater in number. Perhaps very
few at that period thought of commencing and prosecuting war for the purpose of
exterminating slavery. Men did not fully know their own minds. A revolution in
thought on the subject of States' rights, secession, slavery, etc., was ensuing,
and the public mind was buffeted around by every breeze of sentiment or fancy or
even folly. Here and there arose some clear intellect above its cotemporaries
and looked down with the impartial eye of a philosopher upon the true and
ominous state of affairs. To such minds all hearts turned anxiously for relief.
When Mr. Lincoln took the reins of Government, speedy relief from public gloom
and embarrassment was expected; but as time slipped away and effective action
was masked by broad generalizations, and the course of the administration was
clouded with apparent doubt and hesitancy, many of the best Union men lost
heart. The friends of disunion looked upon the hesitancy as a practical
acknowledgment that the Government could see no way under the Constitution to a
settlement of existing differences. But when the blow at last fell upon Fort
Sumter and all pacific overtures from the administration, even to an avowal that
no established institution of the South should be interfered with, were
haughtily rejected, the mask of peace was thrown aside, and the call to arms
sent a thrill of joy and hope to thousands of loyal hearts. In view of the
darkness which enveloped the country at subsequent stages of the war, when it
seemed certain that masses in the North would compel a cessation of hostilities
and permit the Southern States to go out of the Union, the transcendent wisdom
of Mr. Lincoln in throwing upon the South the responsibility of commencing the
war, even in the face of the most abundant promises, undoubtedly saved the
country from hopeless disruption.

OPENING SCENES OF THE REBELLION.

   The news of the fall of Fort Sumter was received at Worthington about 10
o'clock at night, April 16 (Tuesday), 1861, and created great excitement. Late
as it was, a flag-pole was erected, a bonfire kindled near it, and the stars and
stripes were run up amid the cheers of the assembled citizens. The next day
crowds of country people came to the town to learn details. The loyalty of
Worthington was pronounced. The National banner was hung from almost every
public building and private residence, and all business pursuits were abandoned.
An attempt was made to raise a volunteer company, and a number of names was
secured. A public meeting was called for the evening of April 18, to take into
consideration the state of the country, and devise what was best to be done.
This meeting was postponed until the Saturday night, April 20. The Worthington
Gazette of the 18th, edited by Isaac N. Morrison said:

   "There is to be no party nor politics about this meeting. The paltry
differences among our citizens about matters of politics ought to be forgotten
now. There are no live issues between our people except Secession and Union. Let
every citizen of Point Commerce and Worthington turn out. Come up workingmen,
farmers, mechanics, merchants, preachers, doctors, lawyers and loafers. Come out
all classes and manifest your devotion for the Union, and the constituted
government of the land. Let there be a grand rally of all persons now to testify
their approbation of the Government under which they have grown up and
prospered, and their determination that no traitorous hands shall break it down.
The time and place of the meeting will be the firing of the canon."

WAR MEETING AT WORTHINGTON.

   A large crowd assembled at night, hundreds of country people being present. A
large procession was formed on the streets, and then, headed with fife and drum,
was marched to the Methodist Church, where speeches were to be made and
resolutions adopted. Not half the people could get in the building. Rev. J. B.
Hamilton was made Chairman, and I. N. Morrison, Secretary. Many ladies were
present, and the church was tastefully decorated with banners, evergreen sprigs
and bright flowers. Aden G. Cavins, who was present, was called out first to
state the object of the meeting. He delivered a rousing speech, full of good
sense, loyalty and eloquence, and urged the immediate enlistment of men and the
commencement of war. He was followed by Rev. Frank Rawlins, of New Albany, Rev.
Mr. Hollis, of Worthington, Judge Heaton, of Owen County, and others, each of
whom spoke strongly of quelling the rebellion. At the conclusion of the
speeches, an enlistment roll was passed around, and thirty names were at once
secured. The meeting adjourned with three cheers for the stars and stripes, and
three more for Maj. Anderson. Other meetings were held at Worthington, at one of
which the Democratic banner was run up the Republican flag-pole. The parties had
united.

ACTION AT BLOOMFIELD.

   The enthusiasm at Bloomfield was as equally pronounced. The surrounding rural
districts were depopulated, and the county seat flooded with anxious but hopeful
citizens. The national flag was displayed everywhere, and the town assumed the
appearance of the Fourth of July. People could do nothing but talk of the
calamity which had befallen the country. Several openly expressed the opinion
that the South was doing right. Others were furiously in favor of crushing the
hydra of secession at all hazards, and at any cost. The Greene County Times of
April 24, edited by G. C. Brandon, said, among other matters:

   "We would gladly make any sacrifice that would restore peace to our unhappy
land, and we believe this is the feeling of a large majority of the citizens of
this county; but no sacrifice now, but that of life, will do, and our people
must prepare their minds for a civil war of the most vicious nature, and we may
say to all citizens, when the trying time comes, act as becomes loyal citizens
of the commonwealth in which you reside."

   A meeting of the citizens was called to be held at Bloomfield, Saturday,
April 27, and on that occasion, though the sky was threatening, a large crowd
assembled. Col. Fellows was made Chairman, and H. C. Hill Secretary. The
Chairman explained the object of the meeting (to consider what was best to be
done), after which E. E. Rose, E. H. C. Cavins and Alfred Dyer were called out
in succession to address the audience. Each delivered a fiery and loyal speech.
Upon motion by Mr. Rose, the County Commissioners were asked to make an
appropriation from the county treasury to support the families of volunteers in
the latters absence. E. H. C. Cavius then called for volunteers, and in a few
minutes forty names were upon the roll. The meeting was thoroughly loyal.

VOLUNTEERING.

   The Worthington Gazette of April 26, said: "The citizens in different parts
of the country are beating up volunteers to form one or two companies, to hold
themselves in readiness for the next requisition on Indiana for troops. We hear
that E. H. C. Cavins is prominently spoken of as Captain of one of the
companies. He would make an efficient and popular officer." On the night of the
26th, the citizens of Worthington, Point Commerce and vicinity, met and
organized a militia company, the following being the officers: Godfrey Shryer,
Captain; Nelson Taylor, First Lieutenant; Jesse Crull, Second Lieutenant; A.
Spainhower, Third Lieutenant. They selected a uniform of white pants and gray
coat trimmed with blue, and a blue cap. About this time or near the 1st of May,
the company of Capt. E. H. C. Cavins was fully organized at Bloomfield, and its
service was tendered Gov. Morton, who reported the three months' call full to
overflowing. A big meeting was held on the occasion of the organization, the
court house being full. Speeches were delivered, thrilling vocal music rendered
national airs. Many ladies were present. About this time also the militia of
Richland Township was organized into a company under Capt. E. E. Rose. G. W.
Osbon, E. R. Stropes and J. R. Baxter were the three Lieutenants. By the 3d of
May, a company of seventy men were raised and organized at Linton, the services
of which were tendered Gov. Morton. They were ordered to maintain their
organization. G. W. Kelshaw was Captain, and A. P. Forsyth and William Wakefield
Lieutenants. It is said that this entire company was raised in Stockton
Township, together with about twenty men of Capt. Cavins' company, making in all
for the township about ninety men.

PUBLIC FEELING.

   At this time, the two county papers—the Gazette and the Times—were both
heartily in favor of pushing on the war. The latter paper denounced all
Abolitionists and traced some of the leading causes of the war to them. By the
17th of May, a Home Guard had been organized at Point Commerce, with John F.
Allison, Captain, and by the 31st of May Wright Township had a company of about
fifty men. Soon afterward, the complement of the company was obtained, and the
following officers were elected: W. B. Squire, Captain; and Benjamin Coulson, J.
A. Bonewell and J. O. Watson, Lieutenants. The company drilled at Jasonville,
and was mustered in as part of the "Indiana Legion," by Deputy Adjt. Gen. Sewell
Coulson.

FIRST COMPANY FOR THE WAR.

   The company of Capt. Cavins endeavored to get into the one year's service,
but when this was found impossible the three years' service was tried. The
company left Bloomfield for Camp Vigo, near Terre Haute, on Friday, the 31st of
May. The following very full history of this company (D), and its regiment—the
Fourteenth—was furnished by Col. E. H. C. Cavins, many of the most important
items coming from his private diary.

SKETCH OF THE REGIMENT.

   The company was accepted by the Governor and assigned to the Fourteenth
Indiana Regiment, which had been organized some time before as a one-year
regiment, and on changing from one year to three years, Company D refused to go
for three years, and the Greene County company took the place of Company D, and
became Company D of the three years' organization. There was an election by the
company of all the officers, including Corporals, except Second Lieutenant.
Lieut. Tremelin, J. M. Boord and Walter C. Lyman, of the original company,
remained with the three years' organization. The company went into camp at Camp
Vigo, near Terre Haute, Ind., on the 1st day of June 1861, and was mustered into
service on the 7th day of June, the Fourteenth being the first regiment mustered
in Indiana for three years. The company was with the regiment during its whole
term of service, never having been on detached service. It remained at Camp
Vigo, drilling, until the 25th day of June, 1861, and then went in camp at
Indianapolis. Left Indianapolis for the seat of war July 5, 1861. On the 7th of
July, took up line of March for Rich Mountain, and arrived there on the morning
of the 11th, and was held in reserve during the engagement. On the 12th, marched
over the battlefield, and pressed on toward Beverly, following the enemy
closely. Arrived on Cheat Mountain summit on the 14th. For three months, some
part of the command were engaged in scout or skirmish every week. On the 12th of
September, the enemy commanded by Gen. Lee surrounded the camp, and the battle
of Cheat Mountain was fought on that day and the following. William Templeton
was killed, being the first man in the company killed. On the 3d of October,
engaged in battle at Greenbrier. Although this company was in the thickest of
the fight, none were either killed or wounded. The regiment, at this battle met
an Arkansas regiment, sent out in front of the rebel camp, and drove them from
their chosen position, killing, wounding and capturing fifty- three of them.
During a part of the engagement, the artillery of both armies fired over this
company.

CHEAT MOUNTAIN CAMPAIGN.

   The Cheat Mountain campaign, in some respects, was the severest campaign of
this company. Its severity consisted in the cold and rain of this dreary and
uninhabited country, and lack of sufficient rations and clothing. In the usually
mild September, horses chilled to death in that camp.

  On the 7th of October, left the summit and went into camp at Huttonville, in
Tigert Valley. In December, ordered to the line of the Baltimore & Ohio
Railroad, under command of Gen. Kelly, and on the 7th of January, 1862, were
engaged in the expedition and skirmish at Blue's Gap, and soon after were
assigned to the command of Gen. Lander. On the 13th and 14th of February, were
in the expedition known at the time as "Lander's Midnight Bloomery Dash." During
this winter's campaign, were often without tents. On one expedition, were six
days without tents. Camped in the open fields or woods in rain, snow and sleet.
One morning they arose from a snow six inches deep. The Fourteenth Regiment was
on the advance in getting possession of this road between Cumberland and
Martinsburg, and arrived at the latter place March 7, under Gen. Shields. On the
18th, engaged the enemy at Cedar Run, and on the 19th, at Strasburg; on the 22d,
at Kernstown, and on the 23d engaged in the first battle of Winchester, which
resulted in a triumphant victory over Stonewall Jackson. The regiment captured
two pieces of artillery, one of which was presented to the regiment. J. M Boord,
now of Owensburg, and Samuel W. Keller, both of Company D, were two of the first
three soldiers who arrived at the first piece of artillery captured. Samuel W.
Keller was killed a few minutes after. Gen. Shields being wounded, Gen. Kimball,
formerly of Greene County, commanded the Federal troops in the engagement. J. F.
Stamper, formerly a Virginian, a soldier in the company, recognized one of the
enemies' dead as one of his uncles. On the 1st of April, engaged the enemy in
skirmish at Woodstock, and followed them to Edinburg, and was engaged in
skirmish for fifteen days, sometimes against infantry and sometimes against
cavalry. One of the men emptied three saddles during the time. On the 17th,
skirmished at Mt. Jackson, and drove the enemy beyond New Market. On the 12th of
May, took up line of march to Fredericksburg, via Luray, Warrenton and Catlett's
Station. Expected to be at the taking of Richmond in the near future, but after
arriving at Fredericksburg were ordered back to the Shenandoah Valley on account
of Banks' retreat. Marched back to the valley via Catlett's Station and Manassas
Junction. On night of 29th of May, started from Rectortown (Kimball's brigade)
on an expedition against Front Royal, which had been captured by the rebel Gen.
Jackson. Marched into Manassas Gap, within eleven miles of Front Royal, and
rested until daylight, when the march was resumed.

INCIDENTS OF THE FIELD.

   When they arrived in sight, the enemy were evacuating the town. The
Fourteenth Regiment captured one piece of artillery, with four mules and
harness, and between fifty and sixty prisoners. The artillery was presented to
the regiment for its gallantry. It was the intention to send it to Indianapolis,
but it exploded while practicing at target shooting at Alexandria, Va. The
greater part of June was spent in marching and counter-marching over the road
between Front Royal and Columbia Bridge, above Luray, a considerable part of the
road being marched over four times, while Jackson was getting his army out of
the valley. The Fourteenth covered the retreat of our defeated army at Port
Republic.

JUNCTION WITH THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC.

   On the 30th of June, embarked at Alexandria, and joined the Army of the
Potomac on the 2d day of July, at Harrison's Landing on James River, and was
assigned to the Second Corps, and remained in that corps during remainder of
service, which was under command, in turn, of Gens. Sumner, Couch, Hancock, and
a short time under Gen. Warren. On the 3d of July, assisted in driving back the
advancing exultant enemy, they being flushed with enthusiasm over the result of
the seven days' fighting before Richmond. On the 4th and 5th, skirmished with
the enemy's advance. On the 6th of August, the Third Division of Second Corps
was formed, and Brig. Gen. French assigned to command. The Fourteenth Regiment
belonged to Kimball's brigade of this division On the 16th of August, marched to
Newport News via Williamsburg and Yorktown, being a part of the rear guard of
the army. On the 26th, embarked at Newport News, and disembarked at Alexandria
on the 29th. On the 30th, marched to Arlington Heights, and on the 31st to
Centerville, too late to engage in second battle of Bull Bun. Took the advance
line, and held it until September 2, and on that day the corps covered the
retreat to Washington. The enemy hung upon the rear and flank, throwing an
occasional shell among them until night. The engagement was quite spirited at
Flint Hill, near Fairfax Court House, while the corps was awaiting the hasty
march of the other troops. On the 3d, marched over the Chain Bridge into
Maryland, and marched toward Frederick City, and by slow marches arrived at that
city on the 13th. On the 14th, after dark, arrived on the batt3e-field of South
Mountain, and camped on the Held among the dying and the dead. On the 15th,
advanced through Boonsboro, pressing the enemy, and capturing prisoners. At
Keedysville, they made a vigorous stand for a short time, but finally fell back
behind Antietam Creek. On the 17th, engaged in the battle of Antietam. The loss
of the company at this battle was the heaviest of all the battles in which they
were engaged. Line upon line of the enemy were hurled against that part of the
Federal line covered by French's division, but they never faltered. A part of
the time they fought on a line within sixty yards of the enemy. In less than
four hours, more than one-half of the company on duty were killed or wounded.
Fifty-seven per cent of the regiment on duty were killed or wounded. Owen T.
Wright, William Quillen and some others silenced with their rifles two pieces of
artillery by picking off the artillerymen. Fifteen dead artillerymen were found
where these two pieces were operated. The men who were not disabled fired all
their ammunition, and their officers supplied them from the cartridge boxes of
the dead. Gen. French named Kimball's brigade "The Gibralter Brigade" after this
engagement, and presented the Color Guard of the Fourteenth Regiment with a line
rifle, as a token of appreciation of the gallantry of the regiment. On the
arming of the company, they were all, except five, armed with smooth bore
muskets, most of which had been altered from flint locks. They captured rifles
from time to time, and after this battle fully armed themselves with first-class
Enfield and Springfield rifles, captured on the battle-field.

MISCELLANEOUS MOVEMENTS.

   On the 22d, marched to Harpers Ferry, and went into camp on Bolivar Heights.
On the 1st of October, made a forced march to Leesburg, Va.; captured a few
prisoners and returned to camp the next day. On the 16th, the regiment went out
to Charleston, where John Brown was hung, to support Gen. Hancock on a
reconnoissance.

   On the 31st of October, took up line of March through Loudoun Valley, east of
the Blue Ridge. On 1st of November, drove the enemy into and through Rock ford
Gap. A part of Company D, under Capt. Simons, were assigned to guard the
advanced point in the pass. The rebel cavalry made two charges to retake the
pass, but each time were driven back by Capt. Simons and his men. On the evening
of the 2d, started to Snicker's Gap, and arrived there late at night. The next
morning, marched to Ashby's Gap. There was fighting all along the valley, but
Company D was not in advance, except at Rockford Pass. On the 15th of November,
skirmished near Falmouth, and re-captured a wagon train that had been captured
by the enemy. The next great battle was Fredericksburg, which commenced on the
13th day of December, 1862. The Fourteenth Regiment went into the battle on the
front line; captured a few prisoners of the enemy's outpost, but were unable to
take the main works in their front. The battle was a signal defeat to the Union
army, but the dead of the Fourteenth Indiana was found nearer the eneny's [sic]
works than the dead of any other regiment. The loss in killed and mounded was
thirty-four per cent of those engaged. Jeremiah Ingersoll, of Company B, a
soldier from Greene County, was killed in this battle. On the 15th, the army
fell back to their old camps, north of the Rappahannock, and remained in camp
until the spring campaign. On the 28th of April, 1863, marched up the
Rappahannock to the United States Ford. On the 30th, crossed the river while the
band played Hail Columbia, with the view of storming the rebel works. Found the
works abandoned, and marched to Chancellorsville. On the 1st of May, the battle
opened at 11 o'clock A. M., and continued all day. On the 2d, the battle
consisted principally of artillery [sic] and skirmishing, until late in the
evening, when Jackson struck the Eleventh Corps. The battle raged with great
fury until midnight. On the 3d, French's division attacked and drove the enemy a
half mile, the Fourteenth Regiment capturing eighty-five prisoners, one battle
flag, two pieces of artillery, and recaptured a regiment of Union soldiers. The
loss of the regiment was sixty-four in killed, wounded and missing, which was
over one-third of those engaged. On the 4th, was under artillery lire all day,
and on the 5th the skirmish line of the regiment drove back the skirmish line of
the enemy, and at night and on the following day fell back to the old camp. On
the 15th day of June, 1863, left Falmouth; marched via Dumfries, Centreville,
Bull Run (where the skeletons of the unburied soldiers who fell at second Bull
Run remained where they fell), Gainesville, Edwards Ferry and Frederick City to
Pennsylvania. Marched by day and night, under burning sun and in torrents of
rain. Were at Union Town on the night before the first day of the battle of
Gettysburg. July 1, marched to within two miles of Gettysburg, and on the
morning of the 2d marched to the battle-field and took position on the left of
and near the cemetery. During forenoon, and until late in the afternoon, only
artillery and skirmishers were engaged. Late in the evening, a general
engagement opened out on the left, soon followed by engagement on the right. At
dark, the enemy had advanced and was in possession of a part of Cemetery Hill,
where the Eleventh Corps was lighting. Carroll's brigade (formerly Kimball's)
was ordered to re-enforce that part of the line. They charged the enemy with the
bayonet, and re-captured the hill and the artillery that had been captured by
the enemy, and remained on that part of the line during the remainder of the
engagement. They were not with the Second Corps on the 3d, when that corps met
the famous charge of Pickett's grand army of confederates, and consequently
their loss was not as heavy as the loss of some of the regiments. The loss of
the regiment in killed and wounded was 123, over one-third of those engaged.

   The Fourteenth Regiment captured most of the Twenty-first North Carolina
Regiment, with their Colonel, Major and battle-flag.

   On the 11th of July, skirmished at Funkstown, Md., and on the 12th at Falling
Waters. On the 18th, crossed the Potomac into Virginia, and on the 23d helped
drive the enemy through Manassas Gap. Marched via Thoroughfare Gap and Warrenton
to a point near Bealoton Station,and remained in that locality until August 16,
when the regiment was ordered to New York to help keep down the riot, there
having been a great riot there. Embarked August 21 at Alexandria on the
steamship Atlantic, and disembarked at Governors Island on the 23d. Left New
York on the 8th of September following, and went directly to the front. Passed
through Culpepper on the 16th, while an engagement was going on in the locality
of Slaughter Mountain. On the 14th of October, engaged the enemy at Auburn at
break of day, and at Bristoe Station in the afternoon, and the next morning at
Bull Run. Had an unusual lively skirmish on the 27th of November at Locust
Grove, and on the 28th, at Mine Run, drove the enemy two miles. On that day,
Lieut. George W. Rotramel, of Sullivan County, one of the most gallant officers
of the regiment, was killed. He had gone out of his county to enlist in the
Fourteenth Regiment as a private soldier. On the 29th, drove the rebel skirmish
line at a point about five miles from the former engagement.

   The next engagement was on the 6th day of February, 1864, at Morton's Ford.
Jasper Sloat was killed there. All the commanding officers of regiments in the
brigade who rode had their horses shot, and all who walked were wounded. At
midnight on May 3, 1864, the army abandoned their winter quarters, and on the
5th and 6th the main battle of the Wilderness was fought. A section of Ricket's
battery was captured by the enemy, and the Eighth Ohio and Fourteenth Indiana
were ordered to recapture it, and did so on a bayonet charge. On the 7th,
skirmished at Gaine's Cross Roads, on the 8th at Po River, and on the 10th had a
considerable engagement at Smoky Crag. On the 12th and 13th, fought at
Spottsylvania. Here one division of rebels was captured, and twenty pieces of
artillery and thirty battle-flags. Capt. Simons was mortally wounded here, and
the commanding officers of regiment, brigade and division were killed or
wounded. The official reports of the killed and wounded in this campaign and
succeeding campaigns are not accessible to the writer, and some of the wounded
may be omitted. Almost every day some part of the company7, or all of it, was
engaged in skirmish for the next seven days, and on the 21st at Milford Station.
On the 23d and 24th, engaged in the battle at North Anna, and on the 25th and
26th toward South Anna. On the 28th, crossed the Pamunky, and on the 30th
engaged in skirmish, and on the 31st the whole brigade engaged in skirmish near
the Pamunky, and on the 1st of June near the Chickahominy. On the 3d of June,
the battle of Cold Harbor was fought, and on every day and every night after
that, until their term of service expired, June 6, 1864, Company D was engaged
in skirmish or battle. The detachments of Company D were engaged in skirmish in
addition to those named at Monocacy Bridge, near U. S. Ford, Belle Plain, King
George Court House, Hanover Junction, Pamunky River No. 2, and Tollopotanni
Creek. The company returned to Indianapolis with the regiment, and was mustered
out of service on the 20th day of June, having remained in service fourteen days
over their time.

THE VETERANS.

   The veterans and recruits, under Sergt. William H. Cole, afterward Capt.
Cole, remained on the advanced line, after the regiment left for home, and
engaged the enemy in their front and repulsed them, on the night of the day
their comrades left them. They were afterward attached to Company B, Twentieth
Regiment Indiana Volunteers, and were engaged in all the battles and many
skirmishes in which the Second Corps was engaged, among which were Deep Bottom,
Ream's Station, Strawberry Plains, Hatcher's Run, Prebble House, Burgess Farm,
Warren's Raid, Musquito Creek, seige before Petersburg, and were in the pursuit
of Lee's army, participating in all the engagements, the last of which was at
Clover Hill on the 9th day of April, 1865. The flag of truce, under which the
surrender was made, passed through their division. Soon after, they marched to
Washington City, and from there were transferred to Louisville, Ky., arriving
there June 14, 1865, and arrived at Indianapolis on the 21st, and on the 12th of
July following were mustered out of service.

ROLL OF HONOR.

   Capt. E. H. C. Cavins, promoted Major, Lieutenant Colonel and Colonel;
wounded, Antietam, Fredericksburg.

   First Lieut. Walter C. Lyman; resigned.

   Second Lieut. B. B. Tremelin, promoted First Lieutenant and Captain; resigned.

   First Sergt. John S. Simons, promoted Second Lieutenant, First Lieutenant and
Captain; mortally wounded Spottsylvania, May, 1864.

   James M. Boord, discharged January, 1863; wounded Antietam, September, 1863.

   James Dobbins, promoted Second Lieutenant, First Lieutenant; resigned.

   Robert McNaught, promoted Second Lieutenant, First Lieutenant.

   William C. Ringo, died October, 1861, Cheat Mountain, Va.

   John H. Johnson, promoted Sergeant; wounded Antietam.

   Wesley S. Gainey, discharged May, 1862; disability.

   John W. Doney, discharged to enter Sixth United States Cavalry; died
Andersonville Prison.

   Samuel W. Keller, killed, Winchester, March, 1862.

   William G. Smith, wounded, Winchester, Antietam; promoted Sergeant;
discharged to enter Sixth United States Cavalry.

   James M. Quillen, discharged September, 1861; disability.

   Francis M. Bogue, reduced to the ranks and deserted.

   William B. Kelly, promoted Sergeant; wounded, Antietam, Morton's Ford.

   Orson E. Hough, discharged July, 1862; disability.

   John H. Knapp.

   Nathan Hill.

PRIVATES.

   John Quincy Adams, discharged September, 1861; disability.
   John R. Allen, wounded, Antietam, September, 1862.
   William W. Arthur, discharged to enter Sixth United States Cavalry.
   Joseph S. Baker, discharged December, 1862; disability.
   William B. Barker, wounded, Chancellorsville, May, 1863.
   William R. Beal, veteran; Corporal, Company B, Twentieth Indiana Regiment.
   Levi Barnes, mortally wounded, Antietam; died October, 1862.
   John Benham, discharged to enter Fourth United States Artillery.
   A. B. Blankenship, discharged May, 1862; disability.
   John Brusman, veteran; wounded Spottsylvania, May, 1864.
   Philip E. Buzan, promoted Corporal; wounded, Fredericksburg; mortally
wounded, Chancellorsville, May, 1863.
   Nelson Chamblain, discharged October 31, 1862; disability.
   John Cooper, wounded, Antietam; discharged to enter Second United States
Cavalry.
   Isaiah Corban, veteran.
   R. A. J. Corbley, discharged May, 1862; disability.
   William Cullen, veteran; Corporal Company B, Twentieth Indiana Regiment.
   Ananias Cullison, discharged May, 1862; disability.
   John G. Davis, died April, 1862.
   Samuel Dobbins, enlisted in another company.
   Jonas Emery, mortally wounded, Antietam, September, 1862.
   George W. Faucett, promoted Corporal and Sergeant; mortally wounded,
Wilderness; died May, 1864.
   James M. Flater, discharged to enter Sixth United States Cavalry.
   Benjamin Ferguson, discharged November, 1861; disability.
   James Foster, discharged December, 1862; disability.
   Alexander Fox, discharged to enter Sixth United States Cavalry.
   John Goodwin, discharged May, 1862; wounded, Edinburg, Va.
   John M. Harrel, wounded, Antietam; discharged February, 1863, for wounds at
Fredericksburg, Va.
   James Harrel, complimented in official report of battle of Chancellorsville;
wounded, Mine Run.
   A. J. Hattabough, wounded, Antietam; discharged to enter Sixth United States
Cavalry.
   James F. Jackson, discharged to enter Sixth United States Cavalry.
   John B. Jackson, died July, 1861, Indianapolis, Ind.
   Greenberry Johnson, wounded, Fredericksburg, December, 1862.
   Hamilton C. Jones, discharged October, 1862; disability.
   Wilson Jordan, discharged September, 1861; disability.
   Charles Kelsey, promoted Sergeant; wounded.
   Frank Lane, veteran.
   William Larne, discharged September, 1861; disability.
   John Lawson, killed; Antietam, September, 1862,
   Philip Letsinger, promoted Corporal; killed, Antietam, September, 1862.
   William Letsinger, discharged to enter Sixth United States Cavalry.
   Augustus May, veteran; wounded, Antietam; transferred Veteran Reserve Corps.
   George McBride, veteran; wounded, Chancellorsville; Corporal, Company B,
Twentieth Regiment.
   B. W. McClung, promoted Corporal, veteran; wounded, Antietam.
   John McKinnon, promoted Corporal; wounded, Antietam; transferred
to Veteran Reserve Corps.
   John Mood, discharged April, 1863; disability.
   William J. Morgan, promoted Corporal; wounded, Antietam and Chancellorsville:
discharged April, 1864.
   Andrew J. Morgan, discharged to enter Sixth United States Cavalry.
   Edward Moulden, discharged, October, 1861; disability.
   Basil O'Donald, veteran.
   James T. Overman, veteran; wounded, Gettysburg, July, 1863.
   Henry Parsons, discharged December, 1861; disability.
   David Quillen, captured; discharged November, 1862; disability.
   William Quillen, discharged, to enter Sixth United States Cavalry.
   James H. Quillen, discharged October, 1863; for wound at Winchester, March,
1862.
   Henry Reed.
   James Riley, captured at Cedar Run while on picket.
   Noah Ring, wounded, Gettysburg, July, 1863.
   John Roach, captured; discharged December, 1862; disability.
   James M. Roach, discharged September, 1861; disability.
   James Roberts, discharged October, 1862; disability.
   Simon Rubottom, died November, 1861, Huttonville, Va.
   Henry Schuman, wounded, Wilderness, May, 1864.
   Henry Scott, killed at Antietam, September, 1863.
   Benjamin Smith, discharged September, 1861; disability.
   D. W. Solliday, veteran; wounded, Gettysburg; Corporal Company B, Twentieth
Regiment.
   Reed J. Stamper, veteran; wounded, Antietam, September, 1863.
   John F. Stamper, captured June, 1862; died in prison.
   Joseph W. Stark, wounded, Wilderness, May, 1864; supposed mortally.
   Elisha Stone, discharged, to enter Sixth United States Cavalry.
   John Templeton, killed September, 1861;  Cheat Mountain, Va.
   C. C. Thayer, wounded. Mine Run; captured, Wilderness, May, 1864.
   Gerald H. Topping, discharged September, 1861; disability.
   George H. Topping, died March, 1862, Cumberland, Md.
   Charles Urvorska, discharged May, 1862; disability.
   Charles Veach, wounded, Antietam; discharged March, 1863.
   Jasper Vancleave, wounded, Antietam; discharged to enter Sixth United States
Cavalry.
   Henry Waggoner, discharged November, 1862; disability.
   James Wells, discharged April, 1863; disability.
   James Welch, died January, 1864, Stevensburg, Va.
   John Williams, veteran; promoted, Corporal and Sergeant; promoted Second
Lieutenant in Company B, Twentieth Regiment.
   Robert Williamson, discharged November, 1862; disability.
   Owen T. Wright, promoted Corporal and Sergeant; captured at Wilderness, May,
1864.

RECRUITS.

   Eli W. Adams, discharged May, 1862; disability.
   George W. Barker, killed at Antietam, September, 1862.
   John H. Barker, captured; died Lynchburg, Va., September, 1862.
   Joseph B. Barnes, killed at Wilderness, May, 1864.
   M. D. Brookshire.
   Hugh M. Bound, wounded, Wilderness, May, 1864.
   William H. Cole, wounded, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg; promoted Corporal and
Sergeant; promoted Second and First Lieutenant and Captain in Company B,
Twentieth Regiment.
   S. D. Chipman, veteran; wounded, Antietam, Cold Harbor.
   Allen S. Chambers, died at home, January, 1865.
   William F. Chapman, wounded, Chancellorsville, May, 1864.
   Daniel H. Fields, wounded, Antietam; transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps.
   Thomas S. Fields, wounded, Wilderness, two places, May, 1864; captured.
Wesley S. Gainey, wounded, Wilderness, May, 1864.
   E. B. Gainey, wounded, Antietam, two places; discharged January, 1863;
re-enlisted, wounded, Petersburg; Warren's raid, three places.
John M. Gainey, was sixteen years old; appointed drummer.
   James H. Hawkins, wounded, Cold Harbor; promoted Corporal and Sergeant
Company B, Twentieth Regiment.
   Daniel A. Harrah, wounded, Gettysburg; discharged March, 1864; disability.
   John M. Hudson, wounded, Wilderness, May, 1864.
   John M. Hinebrook.
   Jacob H. Hale.
   James H. Jarrell, mortally wounded, Chancellorsville; died May, 1863.
   Jeremiah P. Lawson.
   John J. McClung, transferred to Brigade Band: wounded, Antietam, September,
1862.
   John McGuire, wounded, Antietam; transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps.
   John O'Donald, wounded, Spottsylvania, May, 1864; Cold Harbor, June, 1864.
   Ewell Plummer, discharged October, 1862; disability; re-enlisted February, 1864.
   William Price, died at Indianapolis, before joining company.
   James Polick, died January, 1865; Washington, D. C.
   Jasper Sloat, killed, Morton's Ford, February, 1864.
   James C. Smith, wounded, Antietam; discharged October, 1862; for wound.
   Price Simons, wounded, Wilderness; transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps.
   John Solliday, died at Washington, D. C, June, 1864.
   William G. Shepherd.
   Samuel F. Tincher, wounded, Wilderness, May, 1864.
   William A. Vest.
   William T. Williams, killed, Fredericksburg, December, 1862.
   James Wills, discharged April, 1863; disability.
   Matthew B. Wills.
   James B. Wakefield, wounded, Chancellorsville, front of Petersburg.
   Obatee West.


Additional Comments:
Extracted from:

HISTORY OF GREENE AND SULLIVAN COUNTIES,
STATE OF INDIANA,
FROM THE EARLIEST TIME TO THE PRESENT; TOGETHER WITH INTERESTING BIOGRAPHICAL
SKETCHES, REMINISCENCES, NOTES, ETC.

ILLUSTRATED.

CHICAGO: GOODSPEED BROS. & CO., PUBLISHERS.
1884.

File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/in/greene/history/1884/historyo/chapterv25nms.txt

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