Howard County IN Archives History - Books .....Howard In The Civil War 1909
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Book Title: History Of Howard County Indiana

HOWARD IN THE CIVIL WAR.

   The great war of our country and perhaps the greatest of all countries and of
all times was the war of the Rebellion, sometimes called the war of the States,
but more correctly the war for the Preservation of the Union. Those who began
the war did it for the purpose of establishing a separate government, another
nation whose chief cornerstone was to be negro slavery throughout its entire
territory. The North and the South were to be separate but neighboring nations,
with no natural boundaries; only state lines should separate them.

   Governments thus located, because of their different administrations and
conflicting interests and close proximity, would be subject to much friction,
leading to wars and national hatreds. In the course of events the time would
come when the East or the West would conclude, because of some local interest,
that it would be best for them to form a separate government, and thus
disintegration having commenced it would go on until this mighty Republic would
be separated into many jarring republics or kingdoms. Thus the war of the
Rebellion was a war by the Government of the United States for its own
preservation.

   Negro slavery was the principal cause of the war. In the Southern, or
slave-holding states, a large majority of the white people regarded negro
slavery as a useful institution, without a moral wrong; their education and the
custom of their country had confirmed them in the belief that the negro was an
inferior race and as such was designed for service for their masters, the
whites. The laws of the land had made property of the slaves and thus the
slave-owner not only looked on his negro slaves as useful burden-bearers and
toilers, but as his individual property. This domestic condition had produced in
the South a class of idle, proud aristocrats who looked on the laboring classes,
whether negro or poor whites, as inferiors. So strong was this feeling at the
beginning of the war that they boasted that one Southern gentleman could whip
five Yankees.

   On the other side there was a large number of people in the Northern states
who believed that negro slavery was morally wrong, and that it was a national
sin to tolerate it, by enacting laws regulating it and recognizing property
rights in human beings. The Fugitive Slave Law was especially odious to these
people.

   This class of people were especially numerous and active in Howard county.
There was another and a conservative class who contended that advancing
civilization and time would solve the slavery question in the gradual
emancipation of the slaves; that the bitter agitation of the ultra pro-slavery
people of the South and anti-slavery people of the North was exceedingly
dangerous and unwise; and sought, by all manner of compromise suggestions, to
quiet the public feeling.

   During the presidential campaign of 1860 John C. Breckenridge was the
candidate of the pro-slavery people, Abraham Lincoln of the anti-slavery people
and Stephen A. Douglas of the conservatives. Every element was wonderfully
stirred, and public feeling ran high. Breckenridge received some votes in Howard
county, Douglas a large number, but Lincoln had a majority. When Lincoln was
declared elected the pro-slavery people felt that a crisis had come; that the
end of their cherished institution, slavery, was in sight, and they immediately
began preparations to resist it. And though Lincoln had been lawfully elected
President, they declared they would not submit, to his government, and. began to
pass secession ordinances in the Southern states and to organize another
government in the South.

SOUTHERN SYMPATHIZERS.

   Their pro-slavery friends of the North sympathized with them and thus almost
all sections of the North had "Southern sympathizers."

   The friends of Douglas saw the impending storm and sought, by every means, to
avert it. They predicted it would be a long and bloody war; that the flower of
the manhood of the North would be sacrificed before the war would be
successfully ended; and that it would cost an enormous amount in treasure and
war supplies. They contended that the freeing of four million negroes would not
near justify such a war. They pleaded with the victorious anti-slavery people to
give the pro-slavery people of the South guarantees that their rights would not
be interfered with and that the national government would not interfere with
what the Southern people denominated their domestic affairs. They pleaded with
the Southern people, saying it would be ruinous to dissolve the Union and to
engage in a fratricidal war. Foreseeing that war was inevitable unless the
antagonistic elements could be reconciled, John J. Chittenden, a senator from
Kentucky, a man universally respected for his patriotism, his ability and great
moral worth, on the 18th of December, i860, presented in the United States
Senate a series of Compromise Resolutions, which were long debated and finally
rejected by nineteen votes for and twenty votes against.

   Early in February the famous Peace Conference, called on the initiative of
Virginia, met at Washington: only twenty states were represented. For twenty-one
days this conference deliberated behind closed doors, but it was learned
afterwards that the sole matter debated and considered was the slave question.
The question foremost was, how much could the North yield to the South on the
slave question to avoid war?

   The final conclusion of the conference was really a surrender by the North on
all the points in controversy; providing, first, that Congress should never
interfere with slavery in the District of Columbia, over which, by the
Constitution, Congress held exclusive jurisdiction without the consent of the
slave-holding state of Maryland and the consent of the slave-holders of the
District; second, that Congress should not forbid slave-holders from bringing
their slaves to Washington, nor abolish slavery in any of the dockyards,
fortresses, or territories under the jurisdiction of the United States where
slavery then existed.

   Third, that Congress should not prohibit and should so amend the Constitution
that the states should not prohibit the transportation of slaves from and
through any of the states and territories where slavery then existed, either by
law or usage.

   On the other hand, the South was to consent to the suppression of the slave
trade; that the District of Columbia should not be used as a slave market, and
that slavery should be prohibited north of thirty-six degrees, thirty minutes
north latitude.

   Of the twenty states represented eleven voted for, seven voted against and
two divided.

   The extreme Southern states were not represented. They were resolved upon
breaking up the Government entirely and establishing for themselves a thorough
slave-holding oligarchy and refused to take any part in the Peace Convention.

   Notwithstanding this stand of these Southern states many good and
well-meaning citizens of the North petitioned Congress to pass the Crittenden
Resolutions, which differed in no great degree from the Peace Conference
Resolutions.

   Probably the fairest presentation of the views of the anti-slavery people was
made by Senator Charles Sumner, November 27, 1861. But looking at the
concessions proposed I have always found them utterly unreasonable and
indefensible. I should not expose them now, if they did not constantly testify
to the origin and mainspring of this rebellion. Slavery was always the single
subject-matter and nothing else. Slavery was not only an integral part of every
concession, but the single integer. The single idea was to give some new
security in some form to slavery. That brilliant statesman, Mr. Canning, in one
of those eloquent speeches which charm so much by the style, said that he was
"tired of being a 'security grinder,' " but his experience was not comparable to
ours. "Security grinding," in the name of slavery, has been for years the way in
which we have encountered this conspiracy.

THE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.

   The proposition of the last Congress began with the President's message,
which was in itself one long concession. You do not forget his sympathetic
portraiture of the disaffection throughout the slave states or his testimony to
the cause. Notoriously and shamefully his heart was with the conspirators, and
he knew intimately the mainspring of their conduct. He proposed nothing short of
a general surrender to slavery, and thus did he proclaim slavery as the head and
front—the very causa causans of the whole crime.

   You have not forgotten the Peace Conference—as it was delusively
styled—convened at Washington, on the summons of Virginia, with John Tyler in
the chair, where New York, as well as Massachusetts, was represented by some of
her ablest and most honored citizens. The sessions were with closed doors: but
it is now known that throughout the proceedings, lasting for weeks, nothing* was
discussed but slaver}-. And the propositions finally adopted by the convention
were confined to slavery. Forbearing all details, it will be enough to say that
they undertook to give to slavery positive protection in the Constitution, with
new sanction and immunity, making it, notwithstanding the determination of our
fathers, national instead of sectional; and even more than this, making it one
of the essentials and permanent parts of our Republican system.

   But slavery is sometimes as deceptive as at other times it is bold; and these
propositions were still further offensive from their studied uncertainty,
amounting to positive duplicity.

   At a moment when frankness was needed above all things, we were treated to
phases pregnant with doubts and controversies, and were gravely asked, in the
name of slavery, to embody them in the Constitution.

   There was another string of propositions, much discussed last winter, which
bore the name of the venerable senator from whom they came—Mr. Crittenden, of
Kentucky. These also related to slavery, and nothing else. They were more
obnoxious even than those from the Peace Conference. And yet there were
petitioners from the North—and even from Massachusetts—who prayed for this great
surrender to slavery.

   Considering the character of these propositions—that they sought to change
the Constitution in a manner revolting to the moral sense; to foist into the
Constitution the idea of property in man; to protect slavery in all present
territory south of thirty-six degrees, thirty minutes, and to carry it into all
territory hereafter acquired south of that line, and thus to make our beautiful
Stars and Stripes, in their southern march, the flag of slavery; considering
that they further sought to give new constitutional securities to slavery in the
national Capital and in other places within the exclusive Federal jurisdiction;
that they sought to give new constitutional securities to the transit of slaves
from state to state, opening the way to a roll call of slaves at the foot of
Bunker Hill or the gates of Faneuil Hall; and that they also sought the
disfranchisement of more than ten thousand of my fellow citizens in
Massachusetts, whose rights are fixed by the Constitution of that Commonwealth,
drawn by John Adams; considering these things I felt at the time, and I still
feel, that the best apology of these petitioners was, that they were ignorant of
the true character of these propositions, and that in signing these petitions
they knew not what they did. But even in their ignorance they testified to
slavery, while the propositions were the familiar voice of slavery crying,
'Give. give.' "

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

   As typifying the feelings of the more radical men on each side these
quotations are given. Mr. Lovejoy, in the national house of representatives,
said: "There never was a more causeless revolt since Lucifer led his cohorts of
apostate angels against the throne of God; but I never heard that the Almighty
proposed to compromise the matter by allowing the rebels to kindle the fires of
hell south of the celestial meridian of thirty-six thirty."

   Mr. Wigfall, senator from Texas, said: "It is the merest balderdash—that is,
what it is—it is the most unmitigated fudge for any one to get up here and tell
men who have sense and who have brains, that there is any prospect of two-thirds
of this Congress passing any propositions as an amendment to the Constitution,
that any man who is white, twenty-one years old, and whose hair is straight,
living south of Mason and Dixon's line, will be content with."

   The following extract from the Mobile Advertiser is but a fair reflection of
much of the work of the Southern press to fire the hearts and minds of the
Southern people against the North: "They may raise plenty of men; men who prefer
enlisting to starvation: scurvy fellows from the back scum of cities, whom
Falstaff would not have marched through Coventry with; but these recruits are
not soldiers, least of all the soldiers to meet hot-blooded, thoroughbred,
impetuous men of the South. Trencher soldiers, who enlisted to war on their
rations, not on men, they are: such as marched through Baltimore, squalid,
wretched, ragged and half-naked, as the newspapers of that city report them.
Fellows who do not know the breech of a musket from its muzzle, and had rather
filch a handkerchief than fight an enemy in manly combat. White slaves, peddling
wretches, small-change knaves and vagrants, the dregs and offscouring of the
populace; these are the levied forces whom Lincoln suddenly arrays as candidates
for the honor of being slaughtered by gentlemen—such as Mobile sent to battle
yesterday. Let them come South and we will put our negroes to the dirty work of
killing them. But they will not come South. Not a wretch of them will live this
side of the border longer than it will take us to reach the ground and drive
them over."

RULE OR RUIN POLICY.

   There was a large element in the South in the beginning who were opposed to
this rule and ruin policy, not only among the masses but many of the prominent
leaders.

   The Hon. A. H. Stephens, on the 14th of November, 1860, in the hall of the
House of Representatives at Milledgeville, Georgia, made these patriotic
remarks: "The first question that presents itself is, shall the people of the
South secede from the Union in consequence of the election of Mr. Lincoln to the
Presidency of the United States?

   "My countrymen, I tell you frankly, candidly and earnestly that I do not
think they ought. In my judgment the election of no man, constitutionally chosen
to that high office, is sufficient cause for any state to separate from the
Union. It ought to stand by and aid still in maintaining the Constitution of the
country. To make a point of resistance to the Government, to withdraw from it,
because a man has been constitutionally elected, puts us in the wrong. We are
pledged to maintain the Constitution. Many of us have sworn to support it. Can
we, therefore, for the mere election of a man to the Presidency, and that, too,
in accordance with the prescribed forms of the Constitution, make a point of
resistance to the government without becoming breakers of that sacred instrument
ourselves?

"But that this government of our fathers, with all its defects, comes nearer the
objects of all good governments than any other on the face of the earth, is my
settled conviction. Contrast it now with any other on the face of the earth.
('England,' said Mr. Toombs.) England, my friend says. Well, that is next best,
I grant; but I think we have improved upon England. Statesmen tried their
apprentice hand on the government of England and then ours was made. Ours sprung
from that, avoiding many of; its defects, taking most of the good, and leaving
out many of its errors, and, from the whole, constructing and building up this
model Republic—the best which the history of the world gives any account of.
Where will you go, following the sun in its circuit around the globe, to find a
government that better protects the liberties of the people and secures to them
the blessings we enjoy? I think one of the evils that beset us is a surfeit of
liberty, an exuberance of the priceless blessings for which we are ungrateful.

   "I look upon this country, with our institutions, as the Eden of the
world—the paradise of the universe. It may be that out of it we may become
greater and more prosperous: but I am candid and sincere in telling you, that I
fear, if we rashly evince passion, and without sufficient cause shall take that
step, that, instead of becoming greater or more peaceful, prosperous and happy,
instead of becoming gods, we will become demons, and at no distant day commence
cutting one another's throats."

   This speech was received with great applause.

SECESSION AND DISUNION.

   Secession and disunion were sweeping over the South like a tidal wave and
within three months the author of this patriotic address accepted the
vice-presidency of the Southern Confederacy, and on the 21st of March, 1861, he
made this declaration: "The new Constitution has put at rest forever all the
agitating questions relating to our peculiar institution—African slavery as it
exists among us—the proper status of the negro in our form, of civilization.
This was the immediate cause of the late rupture and present revolution.
Jefferson, in his forecast, had anticipated this as the rock on which the old
Union would split. He was right.

   "What was conjecture with him is now realized fact. But whether he fully
comprehended the great truth upon which the rock stood and stands may be doubted.

   "The prevailing idea entertained by him and most of the leading statesmen at
the time of the formation of the old Constitution was that the enslavement of
the African was in violation of the laws of nature; that it was wrong in
principle, socially, morally and politically.

   "These ideas were, however, fundamentally wrong. They rested, however, upon
the assumption of the equality of the races. This was an error. It was a sandy
foundation and the idea of a government built upon it, when the storm came and
the wind blew it fell. Our new government is founded upon exactly the opposite
ideas. Its foundations are laid, its cornerstone rests upon the great truths,
that the negro is not equal to the white man: that slavery subordination to the
superior race is his natural and normal condition. Thus our new government is
the first in the history of the world based upon this great physical,
philosophical and moral truth.

   "Our Confederacy is founded upon principles in strict conformity with these
laws.

   "This stone, which was rejected by the first builders, is become the chief
cornerstone in our new edifice."

PUBLIC SENTIMENT IN  HOWARD.

   The cause of the war of the Rebellion and the public sentiments in relation
to it have thus been set forth at some length as explaining most fully the
division of sentiment in Howard county at the beginning and throughout that war.

   If there were any at all who really wished the Confederates to win and the
Union destroyed they were few indeed. The citizenship of the county were
practically unanimous in wishing the Union preserved.

   They differed as to methods and policies. The Republicans believed that the
Southern states were in rebellion because they were victors in the national
election, having elected Lincoln President. For that reason they had a personal
interest in putting-down the rebellion; they also were in direct opposition to
the slaveholders on the slavery question, and because of these antagonisms the
feelings between them was hot and bitter, and being largely in the majority in
the county, the war sentiment was overwhelmingly in the majority.

   These made the same mistake the Southerners had made in underestimating the
fighting powers of their opponents. Many of them declared that it would only be
a before-breakfast job to put down the rebellion.

   Those who had supported Douglas for President were for peace first and war
only as the last resort. Their forecast of the impending struggle was more
nearly correct than either of the others: they foresaw that it would be long and
bloody and would end only when one side was completely exhausted. They, too,
considered slavery the sole issue to wage war for and they did not consider this
of such paramount importance to justify a long, bloody and exhaustive war, and
so they urged a peaceable settlement if possible. They urged both sides to make
concessions in the interests of peace and to cultivate a spirit of friendship
rather than hostility. While the war was going on, they urged that every
opportunity for concluding an honorable peace with a reunited country be used.
At no time did they consent to a dissolution of our Union.

   Because of the highly wrought up feelings of all of the people, there was
more or less friction between the war and the peace elements and many unkind and
unjust things were said and done. Dr. Lewis Kern, in April, 1861, came near
being mobbed on the streets of Kokomo, a victim of this excited condition of the
public mind because of some alleged saying imputed to him reflecting on the war
spirit of the times.

   But when Fort Sumpter was fired on and the flag went down in surrender to the
rebels, their differences were forgotten and the followers of Douglas followed
their leader in offering themselves for service for their country and the Union.
It is true that in the Congressional elections of 1862 and the national election
of 1864 that party lines were clearly drawn, and the Democrats representing the
peace party polled a large vote. They clung tenaciously and fondly to the
delusive hope that the people of the South could be induced to lay down their
rebellious arms and return to their allegiance to the Union by making certain
guarantees respecting their negro slaves. After more than forty years have
passed and time has cleared up all things we are constrained to wonder how those
people could so elude themselves. We must remember, however, that the mists of
partisan prejudice were all about them and their vision was not clear.

LINCOLN TO THE KENTUCKIANS.

   They were wholly ignorant of the feeling and purposes of the Southern
leaders; they thought that if Lincoln and his party friends would give
guarantees that negro slavery would not be interfered with in the South; that
the trouble would end. And yet they had no reason for believing this. Lincoln
himself had made this clear. In a speech at Cincinnati, when on his way to
Washington for the first inauguration, addressing directly a party of
Kenutckians, he said, "You perhaps want to know what we will do with you. I will
tell you so far as I am authorized to speak for the opposition. We mean to treat
you, as nearly as possible, as Washington, Jefferson and Madison treated you. We
mean to leave you alone, and in no way to interfere with your institutions: to
abide by all and every compromise of the Constitution. . We mean to remember
that you are as good as we; that there is no difference between us other than
the difference of circumstances. We mean to recognize and bear in mind always
that you have as good hearts in your bosoms as other people, or as we claim to
have, and treat you accordingly."

   In the same journey, at Philadelphia, he said, "I have often inquired of
myself what great principle or idea it was that kept this Confederacy so long
together. It was not the mere matter of the separation of the colonies from the
motherland; but that sentiment in the Declaration of Independence which gave
liberty, not alone to the people of this country, but I hope to the world for
all future time. It was that which gave promise that, in due time, the weight
would be lifted from the shoulders of all men. This was a sentiment embodied in
the Declaration of Independence.

   "Now, my friends, can this country be saved on this basis? If it can I shall
consider myself one of the happiest men in the world if I can help save it. If
it cannot be saved on that principle, it will be truly awful.

   "But if this country can not be saved without giving up that principle, I was
about to say, I would rather be assassinated on this spot than surrender it. Now
in my view of the present aspect of affairs, there is no need of bloodshed or
war. There is no necessity for it. I am not in favor of such a course, and I may
say, in advance, that there will be no bloodshed unless it be forced upon the
government, and then it will be compelled to act in self-defense."

   The fairmindedness of Lincoln is shown in the following extract from a speech
delivered at Peoria, Illinois, a short time before:

   "I think that I have no prejudice against the Southern people. If slavery did
not now exist among them they would not introduce it. If it did now exist among
us we would not instantly give it up. This I believe of the masses North and
South. Doubtless there are individuals, on both sides, who would not hold slaves
under any circumstances; and others who would gladly introduce slavery anew, if
it were out of existence. We know that some Southern men do free their slaves,
go North and become tip-top abolitionists: while some Northern men go South and
become most cruel slave-masters."

   Mr. Lincoln closed his first inaugural address with these words: "In your
hands, my dissatisfied fellow countrymen, and not in mine, is the momentous
issue of civil war. The government will not assail you. You can have no conflict
without yourselves being the aggressors.

   "You have no oath registered in heaven to destroy the government; while I
shall have the most solemn one to 'preserve, protect and defend it.' I am loath
to close. We are not enemies but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion
may have strained it must not break our bond of affection. The mystic chords of
memory, stretching from every battle field and patriot grave, to every living
heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the
Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our
nature."

   In view of the developments of the past forty-eight years and the light we
now have it may be confidently asserted that the real questions and conditions
of the country at the beginning of the Civil war were not fully realized and
understood by any of the parties then existing. The slavery question was treated
and considered the sole question in controversy and as the whole cause of the
disruption of the Union. The real cause seems rather to have been a condition
growing out of slavery.

VIEWS OF SLAVE-HOLDERS.

   The slave-holders, accustomed for generations to having colored servants to
wait upon them and to do all their various kinds of labor, had come to look upon
labor as degrading and to consider themselves as socially above the laboring
classes. A slave-holding aristocracy had grown up in our country. They had
become proud and domineering, and were wholly out of sympathy with the spirit of
a free people. The poor whites of the South were ostracised by them and
considered by them as little better than the negroes.

   Senator Toombs gave expression to this aristocratic feeling when he said to
Stephens that England was a better government than ours. He had in mind their
lords and titled nobilities.

   It was the design of the rebels to overthrow our free institutions and to
introduce in their stead the reign of slavery. Capital was to own labor. The
industrial classes were to be slaves kept in ignorance. The privileged class
were to live in indolence and luxury, maintained by the toil of their unpaid serfs.

   It was really the old, old problem of the privileged few and the toiling
masses being solved again in a new form.

   It is said of the Austrian Prince Metternick that, standing upon the balcony
of his beautiful palace overlooking the Rhine and looking out upon his vineyards
filled with men and women performing feudal service for their lord, he exclaimed
to the brilliant company about him, "Behold the true philosophy of
society—gentlemen in the palace, laborers in the field, with an impassable gulf
between."

   That was the philosophy of society that appealed to the slaveholders of the
South and the real cause of the rebellion. It is a matter of great wonder that
such a gigantic struggle could have been precipitated by so few persons. The
whole number of slaveholders in the South did not probably exceed three hundred
thousand.

   Not more than one hundred thousand possessed any considerable number of
slaves. And yet this petty oligarch, entirely subordinate to a few leading
minds, organized the most gigantic rebellion which ever shook the globe. Senator
Sumner has said, "The future historian will record that the present rebellion,
notwithstanding its protracted origin, the multitude it has enlisted, and its
extensive sweep, was at last precipitated by fewer than twenty men; Mr. Everett
says by as few as ten."

PEACE PARTY FAILS.

   Notwithstanding the efforts of the peace party of the North to stay the
oncoming struggle; notwithstanding Mr. Lincoln's conciliatory declarations, the
Southern leaders went industriously on in getting ready for the struggle. They
planned to precipitate a riot in Baltimore while Mr. Lincoln was passing through
and to assassinate him, and had planned a way for the assassin to escape.

   Detectives discovered the plot and notified Mr. Lincoln at Philadelphia of
it. He went on to Harrisburg, as he had planned: but at nightfall he stole out
with a few friends, took a special train to Baltimore, was transferred from one
depot to another unobserved, and was in Washington ahead of time and
unannounced. General Scott and Secretary of War Holt took active measures to
secure Mr. Lincoln's safety in Washington.

   On the morning of April 12th, the rebel batteries opened fire on Fort Sumter,
and on the following day the garrison was forced to surrender.

   The effect of the bombardment and capture of Fort Sumpter on the North was
electrical. As the news of the insult to the national flag, of the battle and
the capture of the fort by the rebels, was flashed along the wires, excitement,
perhaps unparalleled in the history of the world, pervaded every city and hamlet
and almost every heart. All party distinctions seemed to be forgotten. There
were only two parties—patriots and traitors. The feeling in Howard county was
intense. The people, in their anxiety for the war news, engaged all the papers
of the newsdealers before they arrived and besieged the newsboys on the trains
for the daily papers, and often the supply was exhausted before all were supplied.

   The writer of this was the newsboy of the rural community in which he lived
almost the entire period of the Civil war, and through storm and shine daily he
went to the nearest station for the papers. Interest in the war news from the
many battlefields of the South never flagged.

NEWS OF FORT SUMPTER.

   In speaking of the fall of Fort Sumpter the Tribune said, "Let all old party
lines be obliterated and all angry words of other days be forgotten. These are
not times in which to remember former difficulties. A dark cloud hangs over the
country. All the world looks on amazed and anxious. Already has our Government
been disgraced and wherever civilization is known the people are awaiting in
astonishment to see whether or not the American Union is what it has been
represented or no government at all."

The unanimity with which the whole North arose in this crisis is one of the most
extraordinary events of history.

Men who, but a few days before, had been bitterly hostile, were at once seen
standing side by side on the same platform to resist this rebellion.

Senator Douglas, the great leader of the Northern Democrats, made a speech at
Chicago, from which the following extracts are made: "That the present danger is
imminent, no man can conceal.

   "If war must come—if the bayonet must be used to maintain the Constitution—I
say before God, my conscience is clean, I have struggled long for a peaceful
solution of the difficulty, I have not only tendered those states what was
theirs of right, but I have gone to the very extreme of magnanimity.

   "The slavery question is a mere excuse, the election of Lincoln a mere
pretext. The present secession movement is the result of an enormous conspiracy
formed more than a year since, formed by the leaders in the Southern Confederacy
more than twelve months ago. The conspiracy is now known. Armies have been
raised, war is levied to accomplish it. There are only two sides to the
question. Every man must be for the United States or against it. There can be no
neutrals in this war; only patriots or traitors.

   "I know they expected to present a united South against a divided North. They
hoped in the Northern states party questions would bring civil war between
Democrats and Republicans, when the South would step in, with her cohorts, aid
one party to conquer the other and then make easy prey of the victors. Their
scheme was carnage and civil war in the North.

   "While there was hope of peace, I was ready for any reasonable sacrifice or
compromise to maintain it. But when the question comes of war in the cotton
fields of the South or corn fields of Illinois, I say the further off the better.

   "It is a sad task to discuss questions so fearful as civil war; but sad as it
is, bloody and disastrous as I expect it will be, I express it as my conviction
before God that it is the duty of every American citizen to rally around the
flag of his country."

FIRST CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS.

   On Monday, April 15th, the President issued a call for seventy-five thousand
volunteers for three months' service in putting down the rebellion and called an
extra session of Congress for July 4th. Following close upon the call of the
President came the following proclamation by the governor of Indiana:

   "WHEREAS, An armed rebellion has been organized in certain states of this
Union, having for its purpose the overthrow of the United States; and

   "WHEREAS, The authors and movers in this rebellion have seized, by violence,
various forts and arsenals belonging to the United States and otherwise
plundered the government of large amounts of money and valuable property; and

   "WHEREAS, Fort Sumter, a fortress belonging to the United States, the
exclusive possession and jurisdiction over which were vested in the general
government by the Constitution of the United States, has been besieged by a
large army and assaulted by a destructive cannonade, and reduced to submission,
and the national flag hauled down and dishonored: and

   "WHEREAS, The President of the United States, in the exercise of the power
vested in him by the Federal Constitution, has called upon the several states
remaining true to their allegiance to aid him in the enforcement of the laws,
the recovery of the national property and the maintenance of the rightful
authority of the United States; now, therefore, I, Oliver P. Morton, governor of
the state of Indiana, call upon loyal and patriotic men of the state to the
number of six regiments to organize themselves into military companies and
forthwith report the same to the adjutant-general in order that they may be
speedily mustered into the service of the United States. The details of the
organization are set forth in the instructions of the adjutant-general herewith
published.

                                "OLIVER P. MORTON. Governor."

   In response to this proclamation the Tribune of the 16th inst. contained this
call:

   "Dr. Richmond and other citizens request us to call a meeting at Richmond &
Leed's Hall to-night for the purpose of considering the duties of citizens in
the present crisis. Turn out, patriots. Volunteers are being offered all over
the country. All parties agree now." Although the notice was short, the meeting
was well attended. Fiery speeches were made and ringing resolutions passed and
preparations were immediately begun, for the organization of a company.

THE FIRST TO FALL. 

   William R. Philips, who was one of the first to fall in defense of his
country from this county, headed the list of volunteers. In less than one week
nearly two hundred names were enrolled. On Friday evening, April 19th, the
company met in Richmond & Leed's Hall and elected the following officers: Thomas
J. Harrison, captain; Thomas Herring, first lieutenant, and William R. Philips,
second lieutenant.

   On the Saturday afternoon following posters were put out calling a meeting at
the Methodist Episcopal church in the evening for the purpose of securing a fund
for the support of the families of volunteers who were about to start in the
service of their country. Accordingly, at an early hour, the house was filled to
overflowing. Mr. Charles Murray was made chairman, and, on motion of Mr. James
W. Robinson, the following persons were appointed an executive committee: J. W.
Robinson, Thomas Auter, Herman Keeler, Benjamin R. Norman and Samuel Rosenthal.
Thomas Jay was elected treasurer. The books were opened for subscriptions and
the people responded liberally. Jay and Dolman headed the list with two hundred
dollars. Nearly every one present gave something in amounts from two dollars to
five dollars. One man gave a lot in the city of Kokomo and several farmers
subscribed one hundred bushels of corn each. The total subscription amounted to
more than two thousand dollars.

   Someone suggested that the citizens should furnish the volunteers with
blankets. Here, again, was a great rush to see who should have the privilege.
Gentlemen offered all they had, together with comforts, to answer until the
volunteers could get where they could buy blankets, and twenty-five dollars to
buy them with. This was the spirit of the people, and in five minutes over one
hundred blankets were provided. Flannel shirts and drawers were also named. As
the boys were to leave on Monday morning it was suggested that, as the company
would remain a week or two at Indianapolis, these could be made and shipped down
to the care of Captain Harrison. This was agreed upon, when immediately ladies
offered a dozen each, gentlemen offered bolts of flannel, others came up and
handed in money, and in a few minutes the whole company was provided for.

   The following persons were appointed a committee to solicit further aid in
Center township: Worley Leas, R. F. Kennedy and George W. Hocker. By a motion
the people in each township were requested to act immediately and secure a large
fund for the support of the families of volunteers. Messrs. Thomas Jay, Samuel
Rosenthal and _____ Chapin were appointed to receive and distribute blankets on
Sunday. Several short speeches were made and the assembly adjourned with the
most patriotic feeling prevailing.

GENEROUS DONATIONS.

   These patriotic and generous donations for the comfort and well-being of the
volunteers were not only the substantial expression of the feelings of the
people but were also necessary contributions to the needs of the volunteer
soldiery as well, for in the beginning the government had no well-disciplined
commissary department.

   Sunday, April 21st, was a memorable day in the history of Howard county. In
the issue of April 23, 1861, the Tribune thus describes it: "The streets were
crowded early in the morning. The people from all parts of the county came in by
scores and fifties. Both churches were filled at the usual hour for holding
meeting. At the Methodist Episcopal church a first-rate sermon and devout
prayers for the safety of the country were listened to with close attention. At
the Christian church, Francis O'Dowd addressed a large audience in the most
patriotic style, pledging his all at the close for the government.

   Meanwhile volunteers were constantly enrolling their names. About noon the
fife and drum were heard and most of the afternoon the companies were under
drill. At three o'clock p. m. the volunteers marched out the East Road and met a
tremendous procession coming from that direction. There was a large number of
four-horse wagons and a large procession of horsemen. In the crowd were many
volunteers coming down to leave for the service. When the two multitudes met,
thundering cheers for the stars and stripes were heard for miles around. The
procession, about a quarter of a mile in length, returned to the public square,
where Professor Baldwin addressed the assembly most eloquently. So great was the
enthusiasm that Professor Baldwin himself and all the teeachers [sic] and pupils
who were old enough enlisted, so that the school was discontinued for some time.
The dry goods stores were kept open and such things as were needed by soldiers
were freely given without a cent of pay. Money was distributed for use while in
camp and every want that could be thought of was provided for. Such a Sabbath
never was or perhaps never will be witnessed in Kokomo as this one was." As the
evening shadows thickened into night the bells pealed forth a strange, sweet
music to those who were to leave on the morrow. The churches were crowded again
and many fervent prayers were offered for the flag of our country and for those
who had pledged themselves to stand by it against every foe.

   At sunrise on the following day the town was full of wagons and horses, and
from six o'clock until train time an immense multitude thronged all the streets
about the depot. The time had come when the first company of soldiers ever
organized in Howard county were waiting to depart for a service of which no one
at that time had the least conception.

   There were hundreds of tearful eyes as the last farewells were said. It was
the parting of parents with children, of husbands with their wives, brothers
with sisters and lovers with each other, with pledges to be true till war's
desolation was over. The thought of it being the last good-bye paled many a
cheek and moistened many eyes unused to tears.

   As the train steamed up not a word of complaint was made: it was a firm
pressure, a warm look of encouragement and a God-bless-you and they were gone.
The Tribune of the next day contained this patriotic sentiment from the able pen
of the late T. C. Philips: "The times that try men's souls are upon us. Every
man, every woman, every person able to work has important duties to perform. Let
us begin now. There must not be an idle person. A large crop must be raised and
fewer men than usual must raise it. Every acre of ground must be tilled.
Patriots are in demand and, thank heaven, they are ready. Thousands of strong
men will be needed in defense of our country, and they are presenting
themselves, asking to serve in that defense. Every one left at home can do the
work of two. In the days of the revolution, women performed the labor of men,
and men did double labor.

   "The days of '76 are present with us in '61. The battles must be fought over
again. An army of rebels ten times worse than the tyrants who denied us liberty
in '76 would now wrench that liberty from us and drag the flag of our country
and our fathers in the dust. Arouse, freemen! If patriotism ever was needed that
time is now. Let there be no influence against the enlisting of your son in the
cause. Ask God's blessing on him and let him go. We heard a day or two since a
man offered to furnish the family of a volunteer all the flour needed until he
should return. 'But,' said another, 'if he never returns?' 'While I live the
contract shall be kept inviolate,' was the answer. That is the true spirit. May
the people be imbued with the spirit of true patriotism, and may those who
remain at home do their whole duty. Those who go away, we know, will do theirs."

   When the company arrived at Indianapolis it took quarters at Camp Morton and
immediately organized. It was found that there were nearly enough men for two
companies, and so the boys organized a new company, and Dr. Corydon Richmond,
who, it seems, was a most zealous worker in the cause, hurried home and procured
a sufficient number of men to complete the second ^company. So energetic were
our boys that in one week from the day the first meeting was called in Kokomo
the first company was mustered into the service and succeeded in obtaining a
place in the Sixth (three months) Regiment.

   This was the first regiment mustered in the state for the war of the
Rebellion. The five previous regiments had been raised for the war with Mexico.

THE OATH.

   The following is the oath which each man was required to take and which all
volunteers and regulars mustered into the service of the United States are
required to take before final enrollment: "I do solemnly swear that I will bear
true allegiance to the United States of America; that I will serve them honestly
and faithfully against all enemies or opposers whatsoever; that I will obey the
orders of the President of the United States and of the other officers appointed
over me. According to the rules of the armies of the United States, so help me
God."

   This company designated themselves the Howard Rifles and was known as Company
D in the regiment.

   The Indianapolis Journal paid them the following tribute on the day they were
mustered in: "Captain Harrison, who was a member of the Legislature in 1858,
arrived yesterday with his company, the Howard Rines, and took quarters at Camp
Morton. His men are of those who can pick squirrels out of the tops of the
tallest trees and rebels from the secession ranks as far as a Sharp's rifle will
carry." Thomas M. Kirkpatrick and Barnabas Busby, both being farmers, did not
get their affairs arranged in time to join the first company, but hastened to
Indianapolis and joined the second company. Mr. Kirkpatrick was chosen captain,
Mr. Busby first lieutenant and N. P. Richmond second lieutenant of this company.

   Captain Kirkpatrick's company was made Company C in the Twelfth Regiment, and
after failing to get in the three months' service was transferred to the
Thirteenth Regiment as Company E and was stationed at Camp Sullivan.

   Thus, while Captain Harrison's company had the honor of being in the first
three months' regiment organized in the state, Captain Kirkpatrick's company was
in the first three years' regiment.

   During the stay in camp in Indianapolis the men were in active preparation
for war, drilling almost constantly. Many little incidents occurred to break the
monotony of camp life, and when, on the 30th of May, the Sixth Regiment was
ordered to the front, they were in high spirits. They left for western Virginia
by way of Cincinnati and Parkersburg. They had been fully equipped, armed and
clothed and presented a gay appearance. Their passage through Indiana and Ohio
was a grand ovation. The Cincinnati Enquirer of May 31st said of them: "The
attendance at the depot yesterday when Colonel Crittenden's command arrived was
very large and all along the entire length of the march through the city the
throngs on the sidewalks and the street corners were immense, and, as the brave
Indianians marched along, the cheers that greeted them were vociferous. The
gallant troops made a fine appearance and were applauded by everybody for their
soldierly demeanor. The regiment was brought to a halt and a front-face when
opposite the residence of Larz Anderson, Esq. Colonel Anderson advanced to the
curbstone and was greeted by a present-arms and a salute from the officers, with
a remark from Colonel Crittenden that the salute was a compliment from the Sixth
Regiment of Indiana Volunteers. Colonel Anderson replied, "I thank
you,gentlemen; God bless and protect you.' The column then wheeled into line,
and as the troops marched by the hero of Sumter, they rent the air with
enthusiastic cheering."

   On the 2nd of June, the regiment arrived at Webster, Virginia, and was
marched, with other troops, the same night through a drenching rain a distance
of fourteen miles, and on the morning of the 3d of June took part in the first
battle of the war at Philippi.

  It participated in the march to Laurel Hill and the engagement with Garnett's
rebel command at Carrick's Ford on the 12th of July. It returned to Indianapolis
on the 25th of July and was finally discharged August 2, 1861.

THIRTEENTH REGIMENT.

   The Thirteenth Regiment, in which was Captain Kirkpatrick's company, left
Indianapolis on the 4th of July, 1861, and on the morning of the 10th joined
McClellan's forces at the foot of Rich mountain, in western Virginia, where, on
the following day, it participated in battle. In this battle William Riffle was
killed— Howard county's first martyr for the preservation of the Union.

   From this time on the Thirteenth was in active campaign work for the entire
three years. It took part in the numerous skirmishes at Cheat mountain pass, and
on the 12th and 13th of September, 1861, in the engagements on Cheat mountain
summit and Elkwater supported Howe's Battery. Fourth United States Artillery. At
Greenbrier, on the 3d of October, and during the remainder of October, it was
engaged in scouting expeditions along the Holly and Kanawha rivers. After this
it marched to Alleghany under General Milroy and participated in the battle
there on the 13th of December. It wintered at Green Spring Run. General Shields
took command of the division in the spring and under him the regiment moved to
Winchester and then scouted up the valley to Strasburg, returning to Winchester.
It participated in the battle of Winchester Heights. March 22, 1862. Two or
three months were now employed in marching up and down the valley, giving chase
to the rebels, and in the latter part of June the regiment embarked at
Alexandria for Harrison's Landing, on the James river, where it arrived July 2d.
In August it marched to Fortress Monroe and thence to the Nansemond river, where
it remained nine months, engaging in numerous operations in that region of
country, making three reconnoissances [sic] to Black river, fighting the battle
of the Deserted Farm on the 30th of January, 1863, defeating Longstreet in his
attempt to seize Suffolk from April 10th to May 3, 1863, and in tearing up and
bringing off about forty miles of track from two railroads from the 13th to the
19th of May. In these operations the regiment marched over 400 miles. On the
27th of June the regiment left Suffolk. It participated in the operations on
Morris Island during the siege of Forts Wagner and Gregg, and was the first
regiment to enter Wagner in the assault on the 7th of September.

   The Thirteenth participated in nearly all the operations of General Butler's
army south of Richmond and was conspicuous in the engagement at Wathal Junction,
Chester Station, and the charge on the rifle pits near Foster's farm, in all of
which the loss was about two hundred. It joined the Army of the Potomac in June,
1864, marching with the army to Cold Harbor, where, there being no field
officers present for duty. Captain Kirkpatrick assumed command. The regiment was
actively engaged in the battle at that place and in all the operations in the
vicintv of the Chickahominy until June 12th, when it returned to Bermuda
Hundred. On the 15th it crossed the Appomattox river and was engaged in the
assaults on the rebel works in front of Petersburg.

   On the 18th Captain Kirkpatrick's company, having served the full time of its
enlistment, was ordered from the skirmish line, and on the 19th left for
Indianapolis, arriving on the 24th of June. They were mustered out of the
service July 1, 1864.

   About one-half of the company afterwards veteranized.

MILITIA COMPANIES.

   In May, 1861, the boys of Kokomo from twelve to eighteen years of age,
catching the military spirit that pervaded the country, organized a company
under the name of the Wild Cat Rangers. The Tribune said: "We learn that the
officers have reported their company to the governor, have purchased a part of
their musical instruments, made arrangements for caps, etc., and will begin to
drill regularly at an early day."

   The names of many of these boys appear on the regular muster rolls of
regiments that were formed in later years.

   In the latter part of June, 1861, the first company of the Howard county
regiment of the Indiana Legion was formed at Kokomo.

   The following letter from the adjutant-general shows how the company was
organized:

                   "INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA, June 13, 1861.
    "The Union Tigers, a volunteer militia company, organized at Kokomo, in
Howard county, Indiana, under the military laws of said state, having complied
with the requirements of said laws, are hereby authorized and ordered to elect
officers at their armory in Kokomo, on Tuesday evening, the 18th day of June,
1861: and John Bohan, Thomas Jay and J. F. Henderson are hereby appointed to
receive and count ballots cast at said election (in presence of whomsoever may
be deputized to preside at such election) and to make returns of such election
to this office without delay.

                               "LAZ. NOBLE, Adj.-Gen. Vol. Militia."

THE UNION TIGERS.

Mr. T. C. Philips was delegated authority by the adjutant-general to preside at
the meeting of the Union Tigers, and the election resulted as follows: James
Bailey, captain; James A. Wild-man, first lieutenant; William S. Snow, second
lieutenant.

   At various times after this other companies were formed in all or nearly all
the townships, and were known as Union Wild Cat Rifles, The Union Legion,
Harrison Guards, Howard Guards, Fairfield Guards, Wild Cat Rangers, Cassville
Guards, Honey Creek Legion, Liberty Guards, Noble Guards, Ervin Guards and Wild
Cat Rifles. The field officers and staff of this legion were: John M. Garrett,
colonel (afterwards entered U. S. service): N. P. Richmond, colonel: James A.
Wildman, lieutenant-colonel; Charles E. Disbro, major; Samuel W. Thornton,
adjutant; Morgan A. Chestnut, quartermaster; Reuben King, surgeon; John W.
Cooper, judge-advocate; Thomas Lythe, paymaster.

THE THIRTY-FOURTH REGIMENT.

   In the latter part of August, 1861, Dr. Jacob S. White, who had succeeded in
raising a company in this county, left for Anderson, where a regiment for this
Congressional district was forming under Colonel Asbury Steele.

   The Tribune said of the departure of this company: "A very large multitude
assembled at the C. & C. depot last Wednesday to see the boys of Dr. White's
company off to camp at Anderson.

Some of the partings brought tears to the eyes of many. The grief of some was
manifested in loud cries, but the deepest feeling was quieter. Husbands left
their wives and babes with emotions that cannot be described. One gentleman, Mr.
Clarke, of Ervin, got married on Sunday evening, on Monday volunteered and left
on Wednesday. One wagon with six horses came in from western Howard loaded with
young ladies and other decorations. Banners floated and music of the best kind
was furnished. The little cannon was out and after fifty or sixty thundering
discharges it burst. Squire Norman was touched on-the leg, but was not hurt. No
injury was received by any one, but how the people escaped we cannot tell."

In the organization of the regiment, Dr. White was appointed surgeon and Thomas
S. Ferrell was elected captain.

THE THIRTY-FOURTH AT VICKSBURG.

    This, the Thirty-fourth Regiment, participated in the siege of Vicksburg,
the battle of Port Gibson, Champion Hills, the siege of Jackson and many
encounters. As in the Sixth Regiment, Howard {county boys had the honor of
participating in the first battle of the war, so Howard county boys in the
Thirty-fourth, more than two thousand miles from Philippi, engaged in the last
battle at Palmetto Ranche, on-the 13th of May, 1865.

   This battle was fought partly on the old Palo Alto battleground, where
General Taylor first encountered the Mexicans on the 8th of May, 1846. It is
quite a coincidence that the first battle of the Mexican war and the last battle
of the great rebellion were fought on the same ground, and that the respective
anniversary days were but five days apart.

THIRTY-NINTH REGIMENT.

   The work of organizing a company of one hundred and one men for an
independent regiment of sharpshooters, authorized by the War Department, began
about the time of the departure of Dr. White's company.

   This company filled up rapidly and in a few days seventy names were down for
still another company. Prior to leaving, the company organized by electing the
same officers that had served in the first company organized here, to-wit: T. J.
Harrison, captain; Thomas Herring, first lieutenant, and W. R. Philips, second
lieutenant. The company left on August 28, 1861, for Indianapolis. In the
regimental organization, Captain Harrison was made colonel, John Bohan,
quartermaster, and Dr. L. D. Waterman, surgeon. After Captain Harrison's
promotion. Herring and Philips were promoted by the unanimous consent of the
company. Stephen D. Butler was elected second lieutenant.

   This regiment left for Kentucky early in September. It marched with Buell to
Nashville, then to the Tennessee river, and was in the battle of Shiloh on the
7th of April, 1862, where Lieutenant W. R. Philips, who had been associated with
his brother, T. C. Philips, in editing the Tribune, was killed.

   The regiment took part in the battles of Stone River, December 31, 1862, and
January 1 and 2, 1863. Through the remainder of the campaign of 1863 it served
as mounted infantry. On June 6, 1863, it had a sharp fight with Wheelers cavalry
near Murfreesboro, took part in the skirmishes at Middleton and Liberty Gap, and
during the movement upon Chattanooga engaged the enemy at Winchester.

   On the 19th and 20th of September it participated in the battle of
Chickamauga, and on the 15th of October, 1863 was reorganized as the Eighth
Cavalry.

   The regiment re-enlisted as a veteran organization on the 226. of February,
1864. It participated in the McCook raid around Atlanta and the Kilpatrick raid
in Georgia, and at the battle of Lovejoy Station led the charge of the left
wing, riding over Ross' division of rebel cavalry, capturing his artillery and
four battle flags. It was in the battle of Jonesboro and Flint river and in the
campaign through Georgia was in the following battles and skirmishes:
Waynesboro, Buckhead Church, Brown's Cross Roads, Reynold's Farm, Aiken,
Bentonville, Averasboro and Raleigh. It whipped Hampton's entire force at
Morrisville and thus had the honor of fighting the last battle in North Carolina.

   The regiment was mustered out of service on the 20th of July, 1865, reached
Indianapolis the last week of July and was finally discharged early in August.

   This regiment had in all two thousand five hundred men on its rolls, and had
nine officers killed in battle. It lost about three hundred in prisoners, and
captured from the enemy over fifteen hundred men, one thousand stand of arms,
three railroad trains, fourteen hundred horses and mules, many wagons, fourteen
pieces of artillery, four battle flags, besides destroying many miles of railroad.

   It was also engaged in many raids and skirmishes of which no mention is here
made.

FAMILIES OF THE VOLUNTEERS.

   In 1861 the county commissioners appropriated seven hundred fifty dollars out
of the county funds for the relief of the families of those who had volunteered.

   On the evening of October 31st, the Ladies' Union Aid Association was
organized for the purpose of making underclothing for the boys who were far away
in open tents and who would soon be exposed to the rude blasts of winter. Many a
"God bless the noble women of Howard" went up to heaven that winter and each
succeeding winter till the war was over from Howard county boys in every
Southern state.

FIFTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT. 

   The company that was forming at the time Captain Harrison's company departed
organized by electing Willis Blanch, captain; Timothy H. Leeds, first
lieutenant, and John L. Hall, second lieutenant. Another company was also partly
organized in this county, with William K. Hoback, captain; Joel H. Hoback, first
lieutenant, and Lewis S. Horn, second lieutenant. These companies proceeded to
Richmond in November, 1861, where they were organized as Companies G and H
respectively of the Fifty-seventh Regiment.

   On the 10th of December the regiment moved to Indianapolis, where it remained
to December 23d, when it took its departure for Kentucky, where it spent the
winter without engaging in battle. The regiment marched to Nashville, Tennessee,
arriving there early in March. It started for Pittsburg Landing on the 21st of
March, and was in hearing of the battle of Shiloh on the 6th of April, but did
not arrive till the afternoon of the 7th, when it immediately engaged in battle.
   During the siege of Corinth the regiment was actively employed.

   After this it marched into northern Alabama and in July, 1862, to middle
Tennessee, where it remained till September, making many arduous marches and
undergoing great hardships. It took an active part in the campaign against
Bragg, engaging in the battle of Perryville, Kentucky, with only slight loss.
After this it went to Nashville, December 1, 1862.

   At the battle of Stone river the Fifty-seventh suffered severely, losing
seventy-five men out of three hundred and fifty engaged-Here the regiment
greatly distinguished itself. During the remainder of the winter and spring of
1863 it remained in camp near Murfreesboro, drilling constantly and doing severe
picket duty. It took part in the eleven days' scout of Major-General Reynolds,
and in the battle of Missionary Ridge it bore a conspicuous part.

HARDSHIPS AND PRIVATIONS.

   The campaign in east Tennessee during the winter of 1863 and 1864 was
probably unequakd during the whole war for hardship and privation. Of these the
Fifty-seventh suffered a full share.

   On the 1st of January, 1864, the regiment almost unanimously re-enlisted as a
veteran organization. It took part in the initial operations of the campaign
against Atlanta, and during the summer was almost constantly engaged in battle
or in skirmishing. It was in the assault on Rocky Face Ridge, near Dalton.
Georgia, May 9th: at Resaca, and in the action near Adairsville it took an
active part. On May 27th it lost severely in the battle near New Hope Church, on
the Altoona mountains. It was under fire every day from this time until June 3d,
losing many men.

   In the terrible struggles and skirmishes around Kenesaw it bore a full part.
On the 27th of June the regiment, then commanded by Colonel Willis Blanch,
formed the skirmish line in front of the assaulting column of the Fourth Corps.
Its loss was heavy. It participated in the battle of Peach Tree Creek, July
20th, and from this time until the 25th of August lay in the trenches in front
of Atlanta. The regiment was slightly engaged in the battle of Jonesboro, August
31st. After the occupation of Atlanta the Fifty-seventh was sent to Chattanooga.
It helped to drive Hood into Alabama, and afterward formed a part of the army of
General Thomas, which resisted the invasion of Tennessee. It was engaged at
Franklin, November 30, 1864, where it sustained severe loss. On the 15th and
16th of December it participated in the battle or Nashville, where Colonel
Blanche was wounded.

   After the pursuit of Hood's army, the regiment lay in camp at Huntsville,
Alabama, some months, moving into east Tennessee as far as Bull's Gap in April,
1865. It then went to Nashville and was transferred to Texas, where it remained
until mustered out of the service. The Fifty-seventh saw7 much arduous service,
its losses in battle were heavy, and its marches severe, but it behaved with
great gallantry on every occasion and achieved an enviable record and an
honorable fame. In its commanding officers it was particularly fortunate, one of
whom, Colonel Blanche, of this county, being a soldier of distinguished merit.

RELIEF SENT TO SH1LOH.

   When the news reached our citizens of the great battle of Shiloh, a meeting
was hastily called and a surgeon was immediately sent to the sufferers, together
with money, lint and bandages and whatever was thought would aid in their
relief. This movement was connected with an authorized organization at
Indianapolis, and it was a noble work at the right time.

SEVENTY-FIFTH REGIMENT.

   In July, 1862, another company was organized here, which elected Francis M.
Bryant, captain; James C. Metsker, first lieutenant, and Irvin Poison, second
lieutenant. It was mustered into service as Company C of the Seventy-fifth
Regiment, at Wabash, on the 19th of August, 1862. This regiment proceeded to
Kentucky, where it took an active part in the campaign, marching to Scottsvilie
and Gallatin and then back to Cave City in pursuit of Morgan's forces. The
winter was passed mostly in camp at Gallatin, and in January the regiment moved
to Murfreesboro, where it remained till June 24, 1863, when it started toward
Tullahoma, and on the march engaged in the battle at Hoover's Gap. It was the
first regiment to enter the rebel works at Tullahoma, about the 1st of July. It
participated in the battle of Chickamauga on the 19th and 20th of September.

   It then returned to Chattanooga, engaging in the battle of Missionary Ridge
on the 25th of November. The Seventy-fifth passed the winter of 1863-64 in the
vicinity of Chattanooga, and in the spring- of 1864 moved to Ringgold, Georgia.
During the Atlanta campaign it was actively engaged, participating in the
battles of Dalton, Resaca. Adairsville, Dallas, Kenesaw mountain, Peach Tree
creek and Jonesboro. In October it marched in the campaign against Hood and
returned to Atlanta in time to start with Sherman's army on the 16th of November
in its famous march to the sea, reaching Savannah in December. In January, 1865,
it marched through the Carolines to Goldsboro in North Carolina, and
participated in the battles of Bentonville and Fayetteville. After the surrender
of Johnston's army, it marched to Richmond. Virginia, and thence to Washington,
D. C., where, on the 8th of June, 1865, it was mustered out of service.

EIGHTY-NINTH REGIMENT.

   In the month of August, 1862, three more companies were raised in this county.

   The first was officered as follows: William Burns, captain; B. F. Haven,
first lieutenant, and John T. Stewart, second lieutenant. The second: John E.
Williams, captain; G. Markland, first lieutenant; William Styer, second
lieutenant. The third: B. W. Gifford, captain; William A. Hunt, first
lieutenant; William T. Hutchinson, second lieutenant.

   These companies were rendezvoused at Wabash and were organized, with other
companies, into the Eighty-ninth Regiment, at Indianapolis, August 28, 1862. The
companies were called F, D and G. respectively.

   In the organization of the regiment, Charles D. Murray was made colonel; and
J. F. Henderson surgeon, both of Kokomo. In the October following, Harless
Ashley, also of Kokomo, was appointed quartermaster.

   Proceeding to Kentucky the regiment reinforced the garrison at Munfordsville.
After a long fight and stubborn resistance it was compelled to surrender to
superior numbers on the 16th of September.

   The officers and men were paroled, and, after a furlough to their homes, the
regiment reassembled at Indianapolis on the 27th of October. The order for their
exchange being received, the regiment, on the 5th of December, proceeded to
Memphis, and on the 21st of December was placed on duty at Fort Pickering, where
it remained until the 18th of October, 1863. It was then transferred to the city
of Memphis, where it was engaged on picket duty until the 26th of January, 1864,
when it left on transports for Vicks-burg, reaching there on the 31st of
January. From this point it moved on to the Meridian raid, skirmishing with the
enemy at Queen's Hill and at Meridian, where it arrived on the 14th of February.

   After tearing up the Mobile & Ohio Railroad track it proceeded to Marion,
camped a few clays and returned by way of Canton to Vicksburg, reaching there on
the 4th of March.

   The Eighty-ninth left Vicksburg on the 10th of March for the mouth of the Red
river, reaching Semmesport on the 12th, and on the next day assisted in
assaulting the fort, which was captured on the 14th. It moved from there to
Alexandria, thence to Henderson's Hill, and there captured two hundred and
seventy rebels and four pieces of artillery. The Eighty-ninth bore a conspicuous
part in the battle of Pleasant Hill on the 9th of April, 1864.

   On the 7th of May the regiment met the enemy at Bayou La Mourie, and after a
sharp engagement charged and repulsed him. Resuming march toward the
Mississippi, the regiment repulsed the enemy near Marksville, in a slight
engagement, and on the 18th, at Smith and Norwood's plantation, had a severe
contest and repulsed the enemy with great slaughter.

   On the 19th the regiment embarked for Vicksburg, arriving on the 24th of May.
It remained here until June 4th. when it embarked for Memphis, leaving this
point for Colliersville. It now escorted a wagon train to Moscow and then moved
to Lagrange, Tennessee. Here it remained till the 5th of July and marched to
Pontock, Mississippi, arriving there on the nth. Moving from here it engaged in
the battle of Tupelo on the 14th of July. The regiment then returned to Memphis,
where it remained till September, except a short expedition into Northern
Mississippi in pursuit of Forest, made in August. On the 19th of September the
regiment landed at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, and on the 2d day of October
started in pursuit of the rebel General Price.

   In this expedition the regiment marched seven hundred and fifty miles and was
in no engagement, but had the misfortune to Jose Quartermaster Ashley, who, with
two other officers, stopped to take dinner at a country house. Falling behind
the column a short distance, they were captured by guerillas and murdered almost
immediately after near the village of Greenton, Missouri.

   This long march ended at St. Louis, where the regiment remained till the
latter part of November and then took steamer to Nashville, where it arrived on
the 30th, and on the 15th and 16th of the following month took part in the
battle near that place. On the 17th, starting in pursuit of Hood's army, it
marched to the Tennessee river, and on January 1, 1865, was transported to
East-port, Mississippi. Here it remained till February 9th, when it proceeded by
steamer to Vicksburg and thence to New Orleans, arriving there on the 21st of
February. From there it moved on transports to Dauphin Island, near Mobile, on
the 8th of March, and on the 19th up Mobile bay by steamer to the mouth of Fish
river, and thence to Doris Mills, where it remained till March 25th.

   It then marched to a point between Spanish Fort and Blakely and participated
in the siege until the fortifications were taken.

   The regiment now went to Montgomery, Alabama, thence to Providence and then
took transports to Mobile, where it was mustered out of service on the 19th of
July, 1865. During its term of service the Eighty-ninth marched two thousand,
three hundred and sixty-three miles on foot, traveled by steamer seven thousand,
one hundred and twelve miles and by rail one thousand, two hundred and
thirty-two miles, making total distance traveled ten thousand, seven hundred and
seven miles.

COMPANY E, ELEVENTH  CAVALRY.

   Late in the fall of 1863 a company was recruited in this county, under the
call of September 14th of that year.

   The officers were: John M. Garrett, captain; William H. Sumption, first
lieutenant, and Jesse A. Cate, second lieutenant. This company became Company E
of the Eleventh Cavalry. One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Regiment, which perfected
its organization at Indianapolis, March 1, 1864, the command being given to
Robert T. Stewart.

   On the first day of May the regiment left Indianapolis and moved by rail to
Nashville, Tennessee. It arrived on the 7th of May and remained until the 1st of
June, when it marched to Larkins-ville, Alabama, and was placed on duty along
the line of the Memphis and Charleston Railroad. The regiment was kept on this
duty until the 16th of October, when it marched back to Nashville, where it was
mounted and sent to the front. It wras actively engaged in the campaign in front
of Nashville in November and December, and after the defeat of Hood's forces
pursued him as far as Gravelly Springs, Alabama. It was then dismounted and
placed on duty until February 7, 1865, when it crossed the Tennessee river to
East-port, Mississippi, and remained there until the 12th of May. In obedience
to orders the regiment embarked on a steamer for St. Louis, arriving May 17th.
After being- remounted it marched to Rolla, Missouri, and from there to Fort
Riley, 'Kansas, where it was engaged in guarding the Santa Fe route across the
plains with headquarters at Cottonwood Crossing. From this place it marched to
Fort Leavenworth, arriving September 11th.

   On the 19th of September the regiment was mustered out of service in
compliance with telegraphic orders received from the general commanding the
Department of Missouri. It arrived at Indianapolis on the 26th of September,
partook of a sumptuous dinner and was publicly welcomed at the State House. The
regiment was then marched to Camp Carrington, paid off and discharged.

ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTIETH REGIMENT.

   During the winter of 1863-4 the One Hundred and Thirtieth Regiment was
recruited from the Eleventh district with headquarters at Camp Stilwell. This
camp was located on the beautiful grounds just east of the C. and C. railroad
and south of the residence of Milton Garrigus. T. N. Stilwell, of Anderson, was
appointed commander of the post. Company A of this regiment was composed wholly
of Howard county volunteers, who elected Elijah W. Penny captain, John B.
Littler, first lieutenant, and William S. Birt second lieutenant.

   This regiment left its camp in Kokomo on the 16th of March for Nashville,
Tennessee. On the 5th of April it marched from this place to Charleston,
Tennessee, where it arrived on the 24th. On the 3d of May it broke camp and en
the 9th first came into the presence of the enemy at Rocky Face Ridge. From this
time until the 15th of May the regiment was engaged in a continual series of
skirmishes, terminating in the decisive battle of Resaca, during which the
regiment repelled a charge of the enemy. After the battle it joined in the
pursuit; skirmishing was constant as day followed day. The rain fell in torrents
and the men were destitute of shelter, and for a long time short of rations. On
the 17th of June the regiment was engaged with the enemy at Lost Mountain and on
the 22d at Pine Mountain. On the 27th it drove the rebels into their works at
Kenesaw Mountain. It next encountered the enemy near Decatur, drove him beyond
its limits and destroyed the railroad. It took a full share in the siege of
Atlanta and on the 29th of August was engaged in the battle of Jonesboro. From
the 4th of October the regiment was in pursuit of Hood until the 15th of
December, when the battle took place in front of Nashville, lasting two days and
resulting in the extinction of Hood's army. Joining in the pursuit, the regiment
pushed rapidly on until the 27th, when it went into camp at Columbia. On the 5th
of January, 1865, the regiment marched to Clifton and embarked for Cincinnati,
Ohio, and thence to Washington City by rail. Embarking on steamer at Alexandria,
the regiment sailed to Fort Fisher, North Carolina, and disembarked.

   From Fort Fisher the regiment embarked for Morehead City and thence went by
rail to Newbern, North Carolina. On the 8th of March the enemy was encountered
at Wise's Forks, and abandoned the field in great confusion.

   The One Hundred and Thirtieth Regiment took a prominent part in this
engagement and moved immediately after its close to Kingston, and on the 20th of
March moved to Goldsboro. Leaving. this place, it went to Smithfield, and thence
to Raleigh, where it arrived April 14th. From Raleigh the regiment moved to
Greensboro, thence to Charlotte, where it went into camp. During the summer and
fall of 1865 the regiment was employed in guard duty at Charlotte. On the 2d of
December, 1865, the regiment was mustered out of service at this place and
arrived at home on the 13th. Upon its arrival it was greeted with a public
reception. Its members on receiving final payment and discharge, left for their
homes.

ONE HUNDRED DAY MEN.

   On the 28th of April, 1864, Mr. T. C. Phillips received the following telegram:

   "Twenty thousand volunteers to serve one hundred days in the army of the
United States are called for from Indiana. Will you please consult with
patriotic citizens of your county and take such steps as will insure the raising
of the men as speedily as possible? Plan of organization by mail today. By order
of the Governor.
   "WILLIAM H. SCHLATER, Colonel and Military Secretary."

ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-FIFTH AND ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-SEVENTH REGIMENTS.

   Harrison Stewart, who had been one of the first to volunteer in the three
months' service, immediately began to recruit a company under this call.

   Failing to raise a full company, the men from this county were consolidated
with a part of a company from Montgomery county, and became Company I of the One
Hundred and Thirty-fifth Regiment. Mr. Stewart was commissioned first
lieutenant. This regiment departed for Tennessee in the latter part of May,
1864. In a few days after the organization of the above company another full
company reported ready for service with B. Busby captain; Milton Garrigus, first
lieutenant, and Daniel G. Wilkins, second lieutenant. This company proceeded at
once to Indianapolis and became Company C of the One Hundred and Thirty-seventh
Regiment. In the organization of the regiment Mr. Garrigus was promoted
adjutant. This regiment also proceeded to Tennessee. Both regiments on arriving-
at Nashville were assigned to duty along the lines of the railroad used by
General Sherman for the transportation of supplies to his army, then advancing
on Atlanta. Both these regiments served beyond the period of one hundred days,
and returned to Indianapolis, where they were finally discharged from service.

COMPANY I, ONE HUNDRED AND FORTY-SECOND REGIMENT.

   At the expiration of his term of service in the One Hundred and
Thirty-seventh Regiment Milton Garrigus at once set about organizing another
company with headquarters at Indianapolis. A few men from this county joined
this company, which, when organized, became Company I of the One Hundred and
Forty-second Regiment, which enlisted for one year under the call of July, 1864.
Mr. Garrigus was commissioned captain and Timothy Scott second lieutenant.

THE FINAL ENLISTMENT.

   Harrison Stewart recruited the last company raised in the county. This was
Company H of the One Hundred and Fifty-third Regiment. The officers were:
Harrison Stewart, captain; Aquilla Myers, first lieutenant, and Henry B.
Stewart, second lieutenant. This regiment was organized at Indianapolis on the
1st of March, 1865, and left on the 5th for Nashville, but was stopped at
Louisville by order of General Palmer and sent to Russellville, where it was
sent out in detachments to Hopkinsville, Bowling Green and other points in that
section of country.

   Company H was at different times engaged in lighting guerrillas, but
sustained no losses. On the 16th of June the regiment returned to Louisville and
was assigned to duty at Taylor Barracks, where it remained until September 4,
1865, when it was mustered out of service.

   It was publicly welcomed home at Indianapolis on the 6th in the Capitol
grounds. Speeches were made by General Mansfield, Hon. John H. Farquar and
Colonel Nelson Trusler.

MORGAN'S RAID IN INDIANA AND OHIO.

   Early in July, 1863. General John Morgan with his guerrilla bands of soldiers
crossed the Ohio river from Kentucky into southern Indiana, creating intense
excitement throughout Indiana, many being apprehensive he would come as far
north as Indianapolis. burning and destroying property as they went.

   He had a small force and the rapid gathering of the citizen soldiery of the
state made it exceedingly unsafe for him, and turning to the east, he went into
Ohio and sweeping around Cincinnati, attempted to recross the Ohio above
Cincinnati.

   On July 10, 1863, the following telegram was received here from the Governor: 

"T. C. Phillips, Kokomo, Ind.:
   "I want all the available force from your county brought to this city at the
earliest possible moment. Come organized if possible. Organization, however, can
be completed here and arms furnished. Please send runners over the country and
inform all the people. Answer what you can do. Bring blankets.
                                    "OLIVER P. MORTON."

   This telegram was received at 10 o'clock a. m. on Friday and at 1 p. m. over
one hundred men got aboard the train for Indianapolis and about three hundred
followed on Saturday. After an organization was completed at Indianapolis it was
learned that Morgan had crossed into Ohio. When the Indiana troops were asked if
they were willing to follow the rebels into another state every man from Howard
responded in the affirmative.

   Had the troops been hastened forward immediately the Howard county boys might
have had the honor of helping capture the guerilla chieftain at Hamilton, Ohio,
but when they arrived at that place they learned that Morgan had crossed the
railroad at Glendale only an hour before. They proceeded to Cincinnati and
arrived at home Friday evening.

BOUNTIES.

   As the war progressed calls for more men for the service had been issued; in
addition losses by battle, sickness and exposure had to be made good by
recruiting new men for the old regiments until the number of men of military age
in Howard county had been so depleted that it was no longer possible to secure
the number of men wanted by asking for patriot volunteers. Other counties had
the same conditions and experience and were hiring men to enlist by paying
bounties.

   It therefore became necessary for Howard county to do the same else she would
lose her own men, who would go elsewhere to enlist, attracted by the bounties
being paid.

   At a special session in July, 1862, the county commissioners had appropriated
five thousand dollars as a bounty to volunteers, and at their regular meeting in
September following five thousand dollars more were appropriated.

   To raise this fund a tax of twenty cents on each one hundred dollars of
taxable property was levied. This action was strongly criticised by soldiers in
the field, who had gone at the first calls without bounty, and were thus taxed
for a fund that was to increase the pay of those who had enlisted more than a
year afterward, and which, to the amount of their taxes, at least, diminished
the pay of the earlier volunteers.

   About the same time, for the purpose of determining the quota or equitable
share of soldiers to be furnished by each county under the calls for more
troops, a census or militia enrollment of the men of military age (between
eighteen and forty-five) was made. The first week in September the enrollment of
the militia was completed. The enrolling commissioner, Rawson Vaile, with
Corydon Richmond, examining surgeon; J. W. Cooper, provost marshal, and the
eleven deputy commissioners for the townships of the county, met at the clerk's
office to decide on applications for exemptions from the draft.

   The attendance was large and the examination lasted several days. Seventeen
months of war had worked a great change, In the beginning men had been eager to
enlist and many young men under eighteen years of age had evaded this
requirement and gone into the service; now men were anxiously seeking to be
excused for some disability.

   The following table shows the number enrolled in each township, the number
exempt, the number now in service, and also those conscientiously opposed to
bearing arms:

                                                               Number 
                     Enrolled       Number     Number of       conscientiously
Townships,           militia.       exempt.    volunteers.     opposed.
Center                323            70           205
Jackson                74            10            42              1
Harrison              158            15            76              9
Clay                  108            19            44
Taylor                181            31           150              6
Ervin                 331            71            73
Monroe                171            48            57             56
Union                 200            31            81
Honey Creek           123            59            50
Howard                182            28            70             18
Liberty               200            46            54             35
                    _____           ___           ___            ___
Totals              2,051           428           902            125

   This tabular statement shows that at least one-third of Howard county's
military strength was already in the field in September, 1862.

   In October, 1864, Center, Harrison and Ervin townships raised enough money by
voluntary subscriptions to raise a sufficient sum to hire volunteers to fill
their quota and thus escape the draft of that date.

   The amount raised by each township was about ten thousand dollars.

BOUNTIES IN 1865.

   A meeting was held at James Hall, in Kokomo, on Saturday afternoon. January
7, 1865, and organized by calling Michael Thompson, of Jackson township, to the
chair and appointing A. B. Walker, of Center; secretary.

   At this meeting the following resolutions were adopted with slight opposition:

   WHEREAS, The President of the United States has called for three hundred
thousand more men and has limited the time of raising them by volunteering to
the 15th of February next, and

   WHEREAS. The governor of Indiana has permission to raise eleven new regiments
in this state, and the time for raising the same has been limited to the 7th of
February next, and

   WHEREAS, The citizens of other counties are moving actively in the matter by
paying liberal bounties, by appropriations from their county commissioners, thus
securing for themselves the available men who are in their own midst as well as
in other localities, thereby rendering- it entirely out of the question and
impossible for those counties not paying a local bounty to secure any credits
whatever, thus leaving all such counties one way only to fill their quotas, and
that by draft, and

   WHEREAS, It is the opinion and sense of this meeting that it is the surest,
most reliable, equitable and expeditious way of raising a fund to pay a local
bounty to have our county commissioners make an appropriation. Thus making the
burden of this work in which all should be interested fall equally upon all in
proportion to the ability of each individual to pay. Therefore, be it

   Resolved. By this meeting, that we hereby request our county commissioners to
make an appropriation of a sufficient sum of money to pay a local bounty of
three hundred dollars to each and every volunteer necessary to fill the quota of
this county.

   In a few days after this meeting the county commissioners were called
together by the auditor, but after a. consultation adjourned without taking any
action whatever excepting' to adjourn until February 6th. In the meantime the
Governor had extended the time for raising the required number of troops a few
days. Large bounties were being paid in adjoining counties and our boys were
leaving and volunteering elsewhere. The people were becoming thoroughly aroused
and alarmed, and on Monday morning, February 6th, the day appointed by the
commissioners to meet again in special session, at a very early hour the people
began to flock into Kokomo in great numbers, highly excited over the prospect of
a draft. They saw that Howard county would be depopulated and preferred taxation
rather than that their farms should lie uncultivated for want of help. A meeting
of the people convened at an early hour in James Hall, the largest in the city,
and it was crowded to its utmost capacity. Upon a vote being taken only four
persons voted against paying a county bounty. The commissioners were present at
this meeting and seeing that the people were almost of one mind, at once held a
meeting and placed upon record the following order:

   It is this day ordered by the commissioners of Howard county, Indiana, that
an appropriation of ninety-eight thousand dollars be and the same is hereby made
and ordered for the purpose of raising a local bounty of four hundred dollars to
each and every volunteer who may enlist in the military service of the United
States under the call of the President of the United States for three hundred
thousand men, bearing date December 19, 1864.

   This appropriation shall be made in county orders, signed and issued by the
auditor of said county, and in sums ranging from ten dollars to one hundred
dollars each. Said orders to be paid within one year or as soon thereafter as
the money to pay the same can be collected for that purpose by taxation. This
appropriation to be paid to the several townships in proportion to the number of
men required from each township to fill said call. And if the entire quota of
said county shall not be filled by volunteers then the number that have
volunteered to be apportioned to the several townships in proportion to the
number of men required from each.

   It is further ordered that the county auditor aforesaid shall issue said
orders to regular appointed agents of each and every township of the county,
when they shall deposit with the auditor a certificate or receipt that money
enough has been collected to cover the amount of the order or orders called for
by said township, provided, however, that if volunteers wish to take orders in
lieu of money they have that privilege.

   It is further ordered that all volunteers obtained from other than Howard
county are to be credited to the several townships in proportion to the quotas
required. It is further ordered that Ithamer Russell be appointed to receive
said fund and disburse the same whenever certificates are presented showing that
volunteers have been received and mustered into service and credited to Howard
county under this call.

   Signed: David Greason, Jerome Brown, John Moulder, County Commissioners.

   The following tabular statement shows the amounts expended for local
bounties, for relief of soldiers' families and for miscellaneous military by the
county of Howard and the several townships:

                           Bounty            Relief 
Howard county               $108,000        $15,000
Center township               11,000         10,000
Clay township                  2,870          1 500
Ervin township                24,550          2,065
Harrison  township            12,500          1,550
Howard township                                 550
Honey Creek township           7,000            830
Jackson township               3,000            450
Liberty township              17,030            700
Monroe township               10,500          1,250
Taylor township                                 850
Union township                 4,915          1,375
                            ________        _______
Totals                      $201,365        $36,120

DRAFTS.

   On Monday, October 6, 1862, the first draft took place in this county, under
the supervision of Rawson Vaile, commissioner, as follows: Ervin township, 18
men; Liberty township, 5 men; Clay township, 1 man; total, 24 men.

   Those who were conscientiously opposed to bearing arms, having been excused,
though able-bodied, from actual military service, were regarded, so far as the
draft was concerned, as separate communities, and were required to furnish the
same per cent, of the whole number of able-bodied men as had been furnished by
other citizens of the government. The average number of volunteers and men
drafted for actual service was about forty per cent, of the whole number of
those not exempt from actual military service.

   Consequently the government saw fit to draft forty per cent, of the
conscientious ones, and assessed the commutation fee of two hundred dollars
each. Their names were placed in a separate box and drawn as follows: Ervin
township, 17: Monroe township, 23; Harrison township, 4; Taylor township, 3;
Howard township, 8; Liberty township, 14; Union township, 6; Jackson township,
1; Honey Creek township, 9: total, 75.

   On the 26th and 27th of October, 1864, a second draft took place at Kokomo
for six townships. The following was the result by townships, being double the
number of men necessary to fill the quota of each: Clay, 18 men; Honey Creek, 28
men; Jackson, 22 men; Liberty, 66 men; Monroe, 68 men; Union, 78 men. Howard and
Taylor were exempt from this draft because they already had more than their
quota of men in the field. And Center, Harrison and Ervin, as stated under
bounties, raised enough money by subscription to hire their quotas filled.

CLOSE OF THE WAR.

   On the 9th of April, 1865, overtaken and seeing no hope of escape, General
Lee agreed to surrender. On the morning of the 10th the story of Appomattox
reached Howard county and fairly set the people wild with joy. The Tribune of
April 13, 1865, said:

   "Last Monday was that 'happy day' that the people have been singing about for
several years. It was the happiest day that the people of this generation ever
experienced. The enthusiasm extended over the entire country and the people
everywhere rejoiced.

   "Our town was all ablaze on Monday night. Bonfires lighted up the streets;
thousands of burning candles were in the windows. Old and young were on the
streets; gentlemen congratulated each other. Old enemies met and buried the
past. Ladies sang patriotic songs, and Rev. Mr. Jenkins, Elder Hobbs and others
made brief speeches. Even-body felt good, glorious and festive. At a late hour
the greater number of those on the streets began to move homeward. feeling just
as happy as they well could feel, while many went in out of the cold and kept up
their rejoicing until the early hours of the morning. It was indeed a glorious
day and evening, made glorious by the brilliant achievements of our gallant army
on Sunday, the 9th of April. Hurrah for the Fourth of July, the 9th of April!
Yankee Doodle and Yankee army."

   Before the week ended this greatest rejoicing was turned into the deepest
mourning the country ever knew. On the evening of April 14th President Lincoln
was assassinated. On the 19th of April, 1865, the day set apart by the
government for the funeral ceremonies of this great and good man, the Rev. C.
Martindale was selected by the people of this community to preach a befitting
and appropriate sermon, which he did in the Methodist Episcopal church in
Kokomo, choosing the text: "Clouds and darkness are round about Him,
righteousness and judgments are the habitation of His throne."

   In his closing remarks he said: "On this memorable occasion we should resolve
to live for God and humanity. Let the memory of Lincoln and Washington arouse us
to action; let the blood of the heroes of '76 and '61-64 cry in our ears; let
the dangers and struggles of the past teach us lessons of wisdom. Especially let
the murder of our beloved Chief Magistrate, Abraham Lincoln, arouse us to crush
treason and slavery, and to teach us to trust the living God as the Ruler of our
great nation. Four years ago Mr. Lincoln left his quiet home in the West to
assume the great duties required at his hands, appealing to Heaven for help and
asking the prayers of the pious. Assassins sought his life then, but God
protected him till his work was done. Now he returns to his boyhood home again;
though fallen, he goes a conqueror. He has freed four million bondmen and saved
a nation, and now, amid sorrows such as were not felt at the death of
Washington, he goes to his long, last repose, where the boom of the cannon, the
tramp of the armed host, the groan of the bondman or the hand of the assassin
shall not disturb his repose. Peaceful be his rest, quiet his repose. Softly
whisper the winds of the West around the grave of Abraham Lincoln, the second
Washington of America, and the world's great liberator."

THE WELCOME HOME.

   It seemed especially fitting that July 4, 1865, should be celebrated in a
more than ordinarily impressive manner: the war was over, the country was
reunited and many of the veterans had returned to their homes. It was therefore
determined to combine the old-fashioned Fourth of July celebration with a formal
welcome home of the brave men who had given it an added meaning.

   Great preparations were made to make this a happy day to citizen and soldier.
At 5 o'clock in the morning a loud report from the cannon on the public square
reminded the people that the glorious day had dawned. Soon the city was astir;
some villain had spiked the gun in the night or the exercises .would have begun
an hour sooner. By 9 o'clock the streets were crowded with people; at 10 o'clock
a large procession under command of Colonel Willis Blanche marched to the grove
on the east of the city followed by the artillery squad and a large concourse of
citizens. Colonel Richmond. the chief marshal, called the assemblage to order
and introduced the Rev. Martindale, who announced the old familiar hymn, "Am I a
Soldier of the Cross?" which was sung with much spirit. Mr. Martindale then led
in prayer and was followed by a national air by the band: and then the gallant
Metsker, of the old Seventy-fifth, stepped forward and in a loud voice read the
Declaration of Independence. Elder Hobbs was then introduced to the audience and
delivered an eloquent oration. The Tribune of July o complimented the oration as
being- one of the finest ever delivered in the city. Elder Hobbs paid a glowing
tribute to the memory of those who had fallen in defense of our liberties; and
to those who had been spared to return he gave cheery welcome and said: "For all
the grand results of the past four years, under God, we are indebted to the
armies and navies under the Stars and Stripes. The soldiers have suffered much
in battle, in loathsome prisons and dreadful marches, but God gave them victory
at last." The speaker concluded his address by repeating these lines of welcome,
composed by himself:

   "Thrice welcome, ye brave boys in blue,
   With your banners all torn yet true;
   Welcome, ye sons of patriot sires—
   Now rekindle the sacred fires—
   From year to year renew the flame,
   Until fair Columbia's name
   Shall be in every land revered,
   And shall on ev'ry sea be feared.
   Welcome, thrice welcome, all ye braves.
   This the land of our fathers' graves,
   A goodly land by them blood bought,
   Came to us, unearned, unsought;
   But now, bravely thro' freedom's war,
   You've borne their flag, nor lost a star."

   After the address dinner was announced. Baskets of luxuries had been prepared
in nearly every home in Howard county, and the committee had tastefully and
conveniently arranged the tables, so that all could be accommodated. The
soldiers and their families were first given places, and afterwards the
citizens. This was a sumptuous repast, and all partook freely, and though
hundreds were served, there was enough left for as many more. After dinner the
crowd reassembled at the grounds and speeches were made by Judge Linsday and
Capt. Milton Garrigus. In the evening there was quite a display of fireworks and
the cannon sent its echoes far into the night. All in all, it was a very
patriotic and happy celebration.


MEMORY OF ALL SOLDIERS REVERED.

   The former observations upon the citizen soldiers of the War of 1812 and the
Mexican war holds good for the citizens who were the soldiers of the Civil war.
Our citizens delight to honor their memory; and the honorary service so
auspiciously begun on this first Fourth of July after the war has been continued
in the Memorial Day services—a day set apart to decorating the graves of those
who have gone out of this life, and recounting again the brave deeds of all who
served their country.

   In the laying out of Crown Point Cemetery a beautiful circular mound was
dedicated to the fallen heroes of our Civil war. In the Kokomo Dispatch the
following notice is made: "At a special meeting of the common council on Tuesday
evening, June 12, 1883, G. D. Tate introduced a resolution ceding to the county
the round plat in Crown Point Cemetery, known as the Cenotaph ground, on
condition that a suitable memorial monument be erected thereon which shall
record the names of all soldiers who died in the Union service in the Civil war.
The county commissioners voted on yesterday five thousand dollars in equal
installments to apply to the purchase of the proposed cenotaph. The proposed
cenotaph is to be erected at a cost of not less than ten thousand dollars. It is
proposed to raise the additional five thousand dollars by private contributions.
The monument will be an honor to the county, as well as a grateful tribute to
the dead who died for the flag. Let the good work go bravely on."

   On February 4, 1885, the county commissioners let a contract to Whitehead &
Wright, of Indianapolis, to construct a soldiers' monument according to plans
submitted by R. F. Carter, of South Rye Gate. Vermont, for $7,450, the work to
be completed on or before May 25, 1886. The beautiful monument in the northwest
corner of Crown Point is the mute evidence of that work. The contract included
all the required lettering and yet the condition that the names of all Union
soldiers who died in the service should be recorded thereon was not complied with.

   Below is such a list, as nearly as can be ascertained, imperfect though it be:

   Howard county soldiers were represented in the following regiments: Sixth,
Eighth, Twelfth, Thirteenth, Fifteenth, Twentieth, Twenty-first (First Heavy
Artillery), Twenty-sixth, Thirty-fourth, Thirty-sixth, Thirty-ninth (Eighth
Cavalry), Forty-sixth, Forty-seventh, Fifty-first, Fifty-seventh, Sixtieth,
Sixty-third, Seventy-third, Seventy-fifth, Seventy-seventh (Fourth Cavalry),
Seventy-ninth, Eighty-sixth, Eighty-seventh, Eighty-ninth, Ninetieth (Fifth
Cavalry), Ninety-ninth, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth (Eleventh Cavalry), One
Hundred and Thirtieth, One Hundred and Thirty-first (Thirteenth Cavalry), One
Hundred and Thirty-fifth, One Hundred and Thirty-seventh, One Hundred and
Fortieth, One Hundred and Forty-second, One Hundred and Fifty-third. One Hundred
and Fifty-fifth, Twenty-eighth (Colored), Eighth (United States Colored), and
Seventeenth Battery.




Additional Comments:
From:

HISTORY OF HOWARD COUNTY INDIANA
BY
JACKSON MORROW, B. A.
ILLUSTRATED
VOL. I
B. F. BOWEN & COMPANY
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA

(circa 1909)


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