Sullivan County IN Archives History - Books .....Chapter VIII 1884 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/in/infiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com June 13, 2006, 12:23 pm Book Title: History Of Greene And Sullivan Counties, Indiana CHAPTER VIII. MILITARY HISTORY OF SULLIVAN COUNTY—SOLDIERS OF THE INDIAN WARS —THE COMPANY FOR THE MEXICAN WAR—SKETCH OF THE SECOND REGIMENT—THE BEGINNING OF SECESSION—WAR SENTIMENTS IN SULLIVAN COUNTY—FIRST UNION MEETING—THE FALL OF FORT SUMTER—THE FIRST COMPANY—ITS RE-ORGANIZATION—ITS FIELD SERVICE AND PERSONAL RECORD—UNION MASS MEETINGS—THE FOURTH OF JULY;—THE SECOND COMPANY—ITS SERVICES—THE THIRD COMPANY AND ITS INDIVIDUAL RECORD. SULLIVAN COUNTY had nothing to do with wars prior to 1846. A number of the early residents had fought with Harrison at Tippecanoe, or with Jackson at New Orleans, or in some of the many Indian battles during the latter part of the eighteenth century or the former part of the nineteenth century, or perhaps had been with Washington or Greene or Marion in the famous war of the Revolution. These old heroes at all the militia musters and Fourths of July were the center of attraction, and were placed on the stand and cheered by descendants and by all lovers of country. They all have passed away except, perchance, a few lingering survivors of Indian campaigns or of the war of 1812. THE MEXICAN WAR COMPANY. In May, 1846, when the news was received in Sullivan County that the President had called for volunteers for the war with Mexico, steps were immediately taken by Joseph W. Briggs and others to form a company. Meetings were held at Carlisle and Sullivan and perhaps Merom, and in a short time the complement of men was obtained. In June or July, the company left the county, going to New Albany, where they were assigned to the Second Regiment as Company H. The muster roll of this company at the time of muster-in cannot be given. It is on file in Washington, D. C.: but the War Department refused to furnish a copy, probably for the reason suggested by Mr. Carnahan. Adjutant General of Indiana, that the record might be wanted for information upon which to base a suit against the Government by some crippled, diseased, or helpless survivor! The following is a copy of the muster roll at the time of muster out: Joseph W. Briggs, Captain; Justus Davis, First Lieutenant; Israel Banefiel, Second Lieutenant; Solomon Loudermilk, Third Lieutenant; Henry Dooley, R. McGrew, James H. Wier and James Hancock, Sergeants; Harvey Wilson, John B. Hughes, Hosea C. Buckley and Thomas E. Ashley, Corporals; and the following privates: Henry Adams, Wilie Adams, N. Brower, Phillip Brower, John Borders, Willis Benefiel, Michael Borders, James B. Booker, Nelson F. Bolton, Robert Calvert, Patrick Carley, Charles Child, Thomas Coulter, George Davidson. Alfred Davis, John Edds, Joseph Engle, Wiliiam Essex, Richard Goss, H. M. Gilliam, James Garrett, Nathan Gatson, King Hamilton, Jonathan Hart, A. A. Hamilton, James Holstein, John Hill. Joseph Hooten, E. D. Hart, William Ireland, Henry Jones, J. J. Loudermilk, Preston Mosieure, Redmon Malone, Gabriel Moots, Levin Nash, Benjamin Plew, John Ravenscroft, Charles Reisinger, Charles G. Readay, Michael Ring, John L. Robinson, Joseph Strong, Volney E. Swaim, William Shepard, Alfred Smith, Elijah Voorhies, Mark Wilson, Andrew Winters, William D. Wier and William Wheeler. The following account of casualties in the company covers the period from February 28, 1847, to June 23, 1847, at which last date the men were mustered out of service, their year of enlistment having expired: Deaths in battle—Meshack Draper, Richard Jenkins and Thomas Price; deaths from disease, etc.—John Shepard, John Marlow, F. J. Copeland, Enoch T. Reeves, John Vanosdoll and James W. Beauchamp; discharged—Edmund Jones, W. R. Patton, Samuel A. Thompson, John Engle, Benjamin Johnson, John Mosieure, Hugh McCammon, Henry Ransford, William Readay, Joseph Wells, Lewis F. Duncan, H. J. A. Burgett, Thomas Evans, Bonaparte D. Walls and John O. Watson. Upon the return of the company, a barbecue, it is said, was given in their honor, and held near Sullivan in the woods. Speeches were formally made by one or more of the citizens, who welcomed the boys home from the perils of war. The Captain and several other members of the company responded in fitting words, outlining their campaign, and interspersing their remarks with the mingled gall and honey of humorous anecdote and sorrowful death. A meeting of this character was also held at Carlisle. Under the shadow of the last great war, the boys who went to Mexico must not be forgotten. It was no holiday undertaking to go from the comparatively cold climate of the Northern States to the hot and peculiar tropical climate of Mexico. The appalling sacrifice of life from disease abundantly attests the peril which the men assumed for the country's good. Many were left there in lonely, deserted and forgotten graves; and the rugged cactus comes and kisses with its crimson blossoms the silent mounds where they sleep. The rich flowers of the stately magnolia shed their fragrant perfume around; the long festoons of silvery moss hang pendant above the quiet graves; the rustling wind and the dancing rain pay their passing tribute to the glory of the departed, and over all the strange, bright birds of that sunny clime chant the sad requiem of death. The boys are gone, but their names are living jewels in the bright casket of memory. SKETCH OF THE SECOND INDIANA REGIMENT. Capt. Briggs' men became Company H of the Second Indiana Regiment. In July, 1846, the Second Regiment was transferred to New Orleans, and soon afterward across the Gulf of Mexico to the mouth of the Rio Grande River. After occupying various positions along the river and elsewhere, where many of the boys died or suffered from the deadly diseases and peculiar climate of that tropical region; the regiment at last, in February, 1847, found itself, with other troops, numbering in all about 5,000 men under Gen. Zachary Taylor, in the Buena Vista Pass, awaiting the approach of about 20,000 Mexicans under Gen. Santa Anna. The Pass was between mountain ranges, and was narrow and cut up by deep ravines, which extended up and down the sides of the elevations, and running about half way across it, thus narrowing the Pass still more, was a broad plateau, about 200 feet above the general level. The Second Indiana was posted on the extreme left of Gen. Taylors battle line, on the plateau already mentioned, and near the mountain side, which extended upward, it was thought, too abruptly to permit the Mexicans to flank the Americans on the left At last the enemy was seen moving up the Pass in solid column, with banners flying and lances and carbines glittering in the sun. With overwhelming numbers, he at first attempted to force the Pass in solid column, but Washington Battery, which was posted on a high mound on the right, was so well served that the enemy, cut to pieces by storms of grape and canister, was forced back in confusion, and a temporary check was given his advance. He next attempted to flank the Americans on their left, and succeeded. Large columns of his troops, on foot and on horse, poured around on the mountain side, and up over the plateau, throwing themselves upon the Second Indiana and several Kentucky regiments like an avalanche. The Mexican Lancers, on their ponies, swept around to the rear of the Americans, captured several pieces of Bragg's Battery, and the crisis of the battle was reached. The Second Indiana fired its twenty-one rounds, and was ordered to retreat, but not having been drilled in that important maneuver, an omission in military discipline afterward corrected, and having been deserted by its commanding officer, could not be stopped in the face of the swarming Mexicans, even though the officers had tried, which they did not, to stem the torrent of rout, and continued on down off of the plateau as though pursued by the Furies. Here they were at last halted in the forks of two deep ravines, the Kentucky regiments having followed them. On came the enemy, and when their eyes could be plainly seen, a fearful storm of lead was poured into them, checking their advance, and encouraging the American forces, which, with a newly formed battle line, resolutely held the position against the repeated charges of the Mexican foot and the Lancers on ponies. The battle was stubbornly fought until night, when the Mexicans withdrew, leaving the victory with the American forces. After this battle, the Second saw no more fighting, but occupied various points, guarding supplies, etc., and at last, at the end of the year of enlistment, was sent home and mustered out of service. SENTIMENT IN SULLIVAN COUNTY. Public feeling in Sullivan County on the question of slavery, secession, State rights and kindred subjects for some time before the fall of Fort Sumter, and even before an act of secession had been passed by any Southern State, or before the hot Presidential contest of 1860 had unmasked the coming calamity, had risen to fever heat. At the Presidential contest of 1860, each party in the county had exerted its utmost strength with the following result: Douglas, 1,858; Lincoln, 856; Breckinridge, 128; Bell, 55; total, 2,897. The effect in the county was to bring the questions dividing the North and the South squarely before the people, and to establish in their minds a definite opinion. The great majority of people of the county stoutly denounced any interference whatever on the part of the North with the institution of slavery, and many Republicans were of this opinion. The sprinkling of Abolitionists was ridiculed without stint. It was soon developed that many of the citizens believed in the right of secession—believed that the Union was simply a convenient confederacy, and that each State was sovereign, and could withdraw at will when her citizens deemed that by so doing she was bettering her condition. On the other hand, the great majority of all parties in the county was opposed to a dissolution of the Union. As soon as the Southern States, led by South Carolina began to enact ordinances of secession and make preparations to set up a separate government, the question of the constitutional right of coercion became, for a time, the all-absorbing topic. The able editor of the Sullivan Democrat, Murray Briggs, was in doubt as to whether the Government had the right, and hoped that matters might be so compromised that the Union would be preserved, and a bloody war between relatives avoided. THE FIRST UNION MASS MEETING. A Union meeting was called at Sullivan late in December, 1860, to consider the state of the country. H. N. Helms was chosen Chairman, and Michael Malott and C. N. Browning, Secretaries. On motion of Murray Briggs, a committee was appointed to draft resolutions expressive of the sense of the meeting. A long series of resolutions was reported and adopted, advising a compromise to preserve the Union and to avert war, and the "Crittenden Compromise" was suggested as a basis upon which the Union might be maintained. The Congressmen of the Seventh District and the United States Senators were memorialized to effect any honorable compromise. Fiery speeches of all shades of politics were made at this meeting. S. R. Hamill denied the right of coercion, and said: "Your humble speaker, so help me God, would rather fight, and if need be die, under the Palmetto banner than to fight under the black banner of Northern abolitionism. 'If this be treason, make the most of it.'" He was in favor of compromise, and would rather see slavery extended over all the States and Territories than see the Union destroyed. This meeting was of the most enthusiastic character. The editor of the Democrat in a later issue said it was difficult to concede the right of a State to secede, and thus destroy the Government, but would rather see the Southern States go than have the country precipitated into a bloody internecine war. At a still later issue (April 11, 1861), he said, in a long editorial: "If Mr. Lincoln supposes that the people of the country will sustain him in any effort to compel the cotton States to remain in the Union, or return to it, by force of arms, he is vastly mistaken." The citizens of the North and of the South were too closely related by blood to carry on a war for that purpose. Immediately after the receipt of the news of the fall of Fort Sumter, he said calmly, and without bitterness, that he thought it best for the Government to let the fort go. In his issue a week later (April 25), in reply to a petition from sixty-five citizens of Merom and vicinity, who thought his paper "unpatriotic," he said: "We reiterate our remarks of last week, that if the war must come, and nothing will satisfy the powers of either section but a resort to arms, our wishes are for the success of the regularly constituted authorities under which we live." NEWS OF THE SURRENDER OF FORT SUMTER. Great excitement prevailed over the entire county by the bombardment and surrender of Fort Sumter. The rural districts were depopulated and the towns and news stations were crowded with anxious citizens, eager for the latest news. The Democrat of April 18 contained the following notice: "ATTENTION! There will be a meeting of the citizens of Sullivan and vicinity, on Saturday, the 20th instant, at 1 o'clock P. M., for the purpose of raising a company of volunteers to tender their services to the Government." In pursuance of this notice, a large assemblage of ladies and gentlemen gathered at the court house at the time mentioned. The room was tastefully decorated with banners and loyal mottoes and several martial bands enlivened the occasion with the stirring national airs. One after another, interspersed with martial music, speeches were delivered full of fire and patriotism by Mr. Crane, of Terre Haute, F. L. Neff, J. W. Blackburn, Sewell Coulson, J. T. Gunn and John Mastin. Tumultuous cheers greeted every speaker and fired his energy, and the most intense expressions of loyalty were heard en every hand. Unfortunately the details of this meeting were not published and cannot be given here. A long series of loyal resolutions was adopted. Almost an entire company was raised on this day, and by the 23d of April over 100 volunteers had appended their names to the roll. DEPARTURE OF THE FIRST COMPANY. On that day (the 23d), the company met at the court house and elected the following officers: John Mastin, Captain; Uriah Coulson, First Lieutenant; Thomas B. Silvers, Second Lieutenant; W. S. Robertson, Third Lieutenant; Stewart Barnes, L. H. Case; James M. Ayres and James M Thompson, Sergeants; J. W. Dix, Albert Merrick, John R. Lane and F. M. Byers, Corporals. On the 30th of April, this company, under orders from Gov. Morton, started for Indianapolis. Before their departure, a large crowd gathered in the court yard to witness the ceremony of the presentation of a flag to them by the ladies of the town. Miss Harriet Hays delivered the presentation speech, her closing words being: "In behalf of the ladies of Sullivan, I have the honor of presenting you with this flag of our Union as an expression of the deep interest we feel in the victories you are to win and as a memento of remembrance. When you gaze upon these stars and stripes, remember there are those at home who are more than anxious for your safety; there are those whose prayers will continually ascend in your behalf. Remember the ladies of Sullivan and be true to the stars and stripes." To her long and eloquent address, Lieut. Robertson replied on behalf of the company, pledging the lives of the volunteers to preserve the flag. At the conclusion of his reply, a select choir of ladies and gentlemen sang with thrilling effect the "Star Spangled Banner," and then the company with colors flying and drums beating, marched out to the depot to take the train, followed by the large crowd. Ah, it was hard to see the boys go. There were brothers and fathers and husbands and sons there—some going away forever, brave, valiant, beloved, to die amid the cypress or magnolia swamps of the Sunny South, or perhaps to return with empty sleeves or broken constitutions. The company was drawn up in single file at the depot to give the friends the last opportunity of taking them by the hand, looking in their flushed faces and blessing them, and bidding them Godspeed and goad bye. It was a moment of bitter sorrow, and all hearts were rent with anguish; but all willed it to be so, and as the train came in and was boarded by the boys and steamed away again, the last farewells were spoken with pale lips but brave hearts, and repeated cheers for the Union followed the departing company. Upon their arrival in Indianapolis, the volunteers endeavored at first to get into the three months' service, but as this was found impossible they next tried for the one year's service, the period for which the men had really enlisted, but this was also found out of the question, whereupon the company returned to Sullivan where it was re-organized for the three years' service. ITS RE-ORGANIZATION. By the 14th of May, the company was so nearly full that it was transferred to Indianapolis, where it was soon joined by the complement of recruits raised by Lieut. Robertson and Sergt. Barnes and perhaps others who had remained in the county for that purpose. The company became I of the Seventeenth Regiment, three years' service, and was mustered into the United States service on the 12th of June, 1861, and on the 1st of July started for Virginia, but on the 23d moved to Maryland. Prior to the 7th of August it worked on the fortifications known as Camp Pendleton. It then moved to Webster, thence to Huttonsville, thence to Cheat Mountain Pass and thence went into camp at Elkwater. In this vicinity the regiment participated in the battle of Greenbrier, on the 3d of October, with the loss of one killed. November 19, it reported to Gen. Buell at Louisville, Ky., and about the middle of December it moved to Camp Wickliffe, but February 10, 1862, started for Green River and marched to Nashville by the 12th of March. Nashville was left March 29, and the battle-field of Shiloh was reached on the 8th of April. It participated in the siege of Corinth, and later moved to McMinnville where, on the 30th of August, it attacked and routed Gen. Forrest. September 3, it started for Murfreesboro, thence to Nashville, Bowling Green, Elizabeth town, West Point, skirmished with Bragg's forces near Munfordville and reached Louisville September 25. October 1, it moved to Bardstown, and on the 18th to Nashville, arriving November 26. Here, until February 1, 1S63, it participated in various movements. On the 12fch of February, the regiment was ordered to mount itself, and was thus engaged for some time. On May 18, the regiment was armed with Spencer rifles, and on the 24th of June moved to Hoover's Gap, and here over five regiments and a battery of rebels charged upon the Seventeenth, but were repulsed. The rebels were held at bay until re-enforcements arrived, when they were driven from the field. The regiment lost 48 killed and wounded, and captured 75 prisoners and 125 stands of arms. After this, it marched to Manchester, fighting the enemy and capturing many prisoners. It scouted and skirmished near Chattanooga and Ringgold, and later (September 19), fought at Chickamauga, breaking the enemy's line at every charge. The next day it repulsed a severe charge of the enemy, but then drove them back, killing and capturing many. On the 1st of October, it started in pursuit of Gen. Wheeler, and on the 3d attacked a body of rebels, capturing many prisoners and a fine battle flag. It skirmished at McMinnville, beyond Shelbyville, and at Farmington, where it charged the rebels, capturing three of Wheeler's guns, many small arms, and 300 prisoners, losing in return 48 killed and wounded, including three commissioned officers. It moved to Huntsville, pursued the rebels under Forrest, Roddy, et al., and October 27 went into winter quarters at Maysville. In November, 250 of the regiment on horses marched to near Ringgold, and destroyed rebel wagons and stores and other property, and skirmishing several times with the enemy. About the middle of December, the majority of the regiment dismounted, and early in January re-enlisted, 286 becoming veterans, and went home on veteran furlough. While at home they were re-mounted, and then moved back to Louisville, thence to Nashville, thence joined Sherman's army on the Atlanta campaign May 10, 1864. From this until the 31st of October, it was constantly engaged in scouting and skirmishing, particularly at Pumpkin Vine Church, Big Shanty, Belle Plain Road, Kenesaw Mountain, Marietta, Chattahoochie River, Stone Mountain, Flat Rock, New Hope Church, Rome, Coosaville, Leesburg and Goshen. After this, it moved back to Louisville, but early in January, 1865, moved back to Nashville, and soon to Gravelly Springs, Ala., remaining there until the 12th of March. It fought the rebels under Forrest at Ebenezer Church, capturing 100 prisoners and one gun, and losing eight killed and eleven wounded and missing. On the 2d of April, it fought at Selma, Ala., capturing four guns and about 300 prisoners, and losing out of 421 engaged 12 killed and 80 wounded. April 20, it fought near Macon, and with other troops, by a ruse, captured the city, with four Generals, 3,000 prisoners, 5 stands of colors, 60 pieces of artillery and 3,000 small arms. It did post duty at Macon until August 8, 1865, and was then mustered out. During its term of service, the regiment lost 09 men killed and 189 wounded. PERSONAL RECORD OF MASTIN'S COMPANY. The following is the personal record of Company I: John Mastin, resigned January, 1862; James W. Louthan; Uriah Coulson, resigned January, 1862; Stewart Barnes, dismissed August, 1862; James B. Patton; T. B. Silvers, resigned January, 1862; J. S. Preas, resigned June, 1863; Oscar H. Crowder; W. S. Robertson, discharged April, 1862, disability; J. M. Ayres; J. W. Thompson, discharged September, 1861, disability; G. W. Sergent; J. W. Dix, discharged May, 1862, disability; F. M. Byers; Laban Frakes, died September, 1861; W. M. Collins, discharged October, 1861, disability; Peter Kelley, discharged April, 1862, disability; J. D. Branham; A. O. Merrick; Thomas Reed, Jr.; M. W. Perdue, discharged September, 1861, disability; James R. Austin; William Austin; R. M. Bennett; T. A. Bennett; G. H. Boles, discharged October, 1861, disability; R. J. Bowman, died February, 1862; J. W. Bunch, died September, 1861; A. Cantwell; J. M. Case, died at Rome, Ga., of wounds; A. W. Chase, died October, 1862; D. B. W. Chastain; H. W. Cochran; T. B. Compton; James Crosby; W. C. Cuppy, discharged November, 1861, disability; M. R. Dowling; William Eaton; John Ellsworth; J. T. Emery; M. W. Evans, discharged October, 1861, disability; G. M. Everhart, W. F. Gill; G. W. Graham; H. D. Hough; Charles Hazlerod; R. R. Hunt; H. H. Lane; Rufus Mason; R. B. Mason; W. A. McBride; W. S. McMain; M. V. Miller; G. A. Milan; W. M. Montgomery; J. S. Moore, died April, 1862; Pleasant Moore; Edmund Moore; Z. B. Myers; Michael O'Brien; Calvin Overstreet; Samuel Owens; J. L. Padgett, discharged June, 1862, disability; H. H. Patton, promoted Lieutenant; G. W. Patton; F. M. Plew; S. D. Price; R. H. Price; S. M. Rolph, discharged August, 1862, disability; T. D. Scott; J. L. Silvers; L. A. Stark; F. M. St. John; S. F. Stratton; D. H. Stratton; J. H. Tautlinger, captured July, 1864, lost on steamer Sultana April, 1865; Abe Teverbaugh; J. H. Thompson; Zadock Thompson, died February, 1865; C. J. Thompson; Benjamin Watson; J. D. Watson; James Williamson; J. T. Youngman, discharged July, 1862, disability. The following were recruits: William Adams; J. G. Booth; J. H. Crowder; J. J. Cuppy, died October, 1864; C. M. M. Griffith, killed at Plantersville April, 1865; Jasper Gowens; J. R. Lane; Samuel McElroy, killed at New Hope Church May, 1864; Ranson W. Reed; Jesse Trueblood. Only names are given of those credited in the Adjutant General's reports to Sullivan County. Where no remarks are made, the men were in most cases mustered out. ENTHUSIASTIC UNION MEETINGS. On the 22d of April, 1861, a large Union meeting was held at the court house in Sullivan, where it was resolved to organize two companies of home guards. On the 25th of April, another large Union meeting was held at Graysville, J. W. Hawkins being Chairman, and H. P. Hall, J. Burton and A. Wilkey, Committee on Resolutions. Eloquent speeches were delivered by Heath, Hinkle, et. al. The enthusiasm and loyalty were intense. The speakers were frequently interrupted with prolonged cheers. A long series of patriotic resolutions was adopted. A company of home guards numbering seventy men was raised at this meeting. The citizens adjourned to re-assemble May 4, when Mr. Hawkins was again called to the chair, and O. P. Gregg made Secretary. Speeches were made by Pinkston, Hawkins, Cushman, D. B. Wier, et. al. A petition was circulated and extensively signed asking the County Board to appropriate money from the county treasury for the assistance of soldiers' families. The following officers were elected for the company of home guards: H. P. Hall, Captain; T. K. Cushman, First Lieutenant; Basil Jewell, Second Lieutenant; Patrick Wilson, Third Lieutenant One of the companies raised at Sullivan was called the Silver Gray Home Guard, and on the 3d of May the following officers were elected: J. S. Moore, Captain; W. C. Griffith, First Lieutenant; Levi Maxwell, Second Lieutenant. On the 3d of May, a very large meeting was held at Carlisle, to consider the political situation. Dr. J. M. Hinkle was made Chairman, and J. W. Kennedy, Secretary. Dr. J. M. Miller was the principal speaker, his loyal sallies of wit and sarcasm meeting with thundering cheers. J. W. Blackburn also spoke long, and with fiery loyalty. A. W. Springer, J. W. Blackburn and Prof. D. Edmiston drafted a long series of resolutions, which was adopted amid repeated cheers and the roll of the drum. They pledged themselves to defend the country to the bitter end. On the 9th of May, Cass Township organized a company of home guards numbering about thirty men. William Combs was elected Captain. Speeches were made by Jeptha Moss, David Usrey and Maj. Griffith. About the 20th of April, J. S. Milam and James Garrett, of Carlisle, called for volunteers for a company for the war. About this time, about a dozen men left the county, going to Terre Haute to enlist, and being credited to Vigo County. By the 2d of May, a small company of flying artillery, under Capt. W. B. Ogle, had been organized at Sullivan. They had a small gun, and while practicing with it west of town, managed to burst it by an overload. The editor of the Democrat was accused of disloyalty, but on the 9th of May said as follows: "We have never believed in secession—the right is nowhere acknowledged in our constitution. * * * Had the hotspurs of the Cotton States waited for this means (the ballot box) to redress their wrongs, they would have done well. We have no sympathy for their movement. We have been given to understand that the leaders in this scheme are sustained by the people with great unanimity; we trust that it is not so, but that when the conflict comes, they will refuse to sustain their self-constituted authorities in this unnatural war, and return to their old allegiance. Since we must have war, it is manifestly the duty of every man who professes attachment to the Union to sustain the President as the legally constituted head of the Government. There must be authority of government, or anarchy will prevail." A company of home guards was organized two or three miles north of Sullivan, under Capt. Valentine Moore, and late in June another was organized at Sullivan under Capt. John Grigsby, with Benjamin Plew, Craven Reed and J. B. Draper, Lieutenants. ACTION OF THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. In June, 1861, the County Board took possession of all the old militia muskets to the number of about seventy-five, which had been in the county since early in the decade of fifties, and though they belonged to the State* locked them up. It had been the intention to arm the home guards with them; but this was thus prevented. The arms were afterward sent to Indianapolis. In June, 152 citizens of the county petitioned the County Board to appropriate funds from the county treasury, for the support of soldiers' families, whereupon the following order was entered on the Commissioners' record: "Whilst acknowledging the right of petition on the part of the citizens of the county, we beg leave to remind the petitioners that we are sworn to discharge our duty according to law; and that as guardians of the county treasury, we intend to be governed by the law, in making allowances as well as in other duties, and that we know of no law authorizing this court to make the appropriation asked for in their petition. In all such cases of doubtful powers and questionable policy, we would desire a more decided evidence of public sanction than a petition of 152 signatures in a county with near 5,000 tax payers. This court is, furthermore, not the proper place for such application, the law having placed the matter in the hands of other parties. We therefore, respectfully decline making any appropriation for the purpose above set forth." This order was signed by John A. Cummins, W. H. Griffin and C. B. Shepherd, County Commissioners. Early in June, a large meeting was held at Sullivan, and suitable resolutions were passed, deploring the death of Senator Douglas. THE FOURTH OF JULY. Great preparations were made at Sullivan for the celebration of the Fourth of July. Notices were widely circulated, calling together all the county companies of home guards and the citizens generally. The day was ushered in by the rattle of musketry and the music of fife and drum. By 9 o'clock in the morning, the streets of the town were surging with the wild waves of enthusiastic humanity. The day was beautiful, and thousands were present in gay attire, to enjoy the occasion. The small boy with sundry and devilish explosive contrivances was conspicuous for his presence. Young ladies wreathed with roses and violets, and attired in gaudy national colors were driven through the streets in four-horse wagons, and cavalcades of young men in double file, on horses, marched through the packed streets of the county seat. Banners and mottoes flaunted and flew everywhere. But the attraction of the day was the companies of home guards. Three full companies—Companies A and B of Sullivan, and the Cottage Grove Home Guards—were in full uniform, while two or three others not in uniform marched with the procession. Capt. J. S. Moore commanded all the companies. About 10 o'clock, an enormous procession was formed around the square and off on the side streets, and amid enthusiastic cheers and the roll of fife and drum, marched to Ellett's Grove, where the programme of the day was to be enjoyed. Elder John S. Howard offered prayer, and Robert Garvin read the Declaration of Independence. A picked chorus of singers rendered patriotic music. A fine picnic dinner was eaten in the shade of the grove. Rev. Mr. Taggart was the Orator of the Day, delivering a speech of great power, patriotism and brilliancy, and firing his audience into continuous huzzas. In the afternoon, many toasts were read and responded to by the leading citizens present. The day was greatly enjoyed. A few other localities in the county celebrated the day. THE SECOND COMPANY FOR THE WAR. Almost a full company of volunteers had been raised in May by Milam and Garrett, and their services tendered Gov. Morton, but as the calls were full the company was nearly abandoned when they received information that they would be accepted. This stimulated the re-organization, and by the 4th of July the company was about completed. It was certain they could get into the State service and probably into the United States service. On the 5th of July, the officers were elected as follows: John Garrett, Captain; John S. Milam, First Lieutenant; David Edmiston, Second Lieutenant. ITS MOVEMENTS IN THE FIELD. On the 6th of July, the company left for Indianapolis, and at this time lacked about twenty-five men of being full. Officers returned to continue recruiting, and soon the requisite number of men was obtained. The men became Company D, of the Twenty-first Regiment, three years' service, and were mustered in with their regiment at Indianapolis July 24, 1861, and the following week were ordered East, reaching Baltimore August 3. While here, an elegant sword and sash were received by Capt. Garrett from the citizens of Carlisle. Here the regiment remained until February 19, 1862, participating in an expedition to the eastern coast of Virginia. It then moved on the Butler expedition to the Gulf of Mexico, and after a time landed and marched to New Orleans, and was the first to land on the wharf, and marched up the street playing "Picayune Butler's Coming, Coming." It encamped at Algiers, making frequent forays, and capturing steamers on Red River, and the blockade-runner Fox, on the Gulf coast, until May 30, and then moved to Baton Rouge. On the 5th of August, it fought at Baton Rouge for three and a half hours against an entire brigade of the enemy, losing 126 killed and wounded. It then encamped at Carrollton, and September 8 killed twelve and captured about forty of Waller's Texas Rangers. It moved to Berwick Bay in October, where on gunboats it fought often with the ironclad "Cotton" and at Cornet's Bridge, in Weitzel's expedition. In February, 1863, the regiment became the First Heavy Artillery. A portion of the regiment participated in the second battle of Camp Bisland, and later all except two companies moved up the Mississippi, taking part in the siege of Port Hudson, where it distinguished itself for accuracy in tiring. During the siege of forty-two days the regiment lost twenty-eight killed, wounded and missing. On the 21st of June, part of one company fought desperately at Lafourche Crossing, and two days later nearly all of Company F were captured at Brash ear City. In August, three companies fought at Sabine Pass. During July and October, two additional companies (L and M) joined the regiment. In the winter of 1863-64, the regiment "veteranized," and returned home on furlough. It took the field again in March, 1864. Companies G and H were on the disastrous expedition of Gen. Banks, and in April six batteries under Maj. Roy participated in the investment of Mobile and the reduction of Forts Morgan, Gaines, Spanish, and the capture of Mobile. After this, its duty was mostly that of occupancy. It was not mustered out until 1866. PERSONAL RECORD OF COMPANY D. The personal record of Company D—the men from Sullivan County —is as follows: Capt. J. H. Garrett, resigned May, 1862; Capt. David Edmiston, resigned February, 1863; John S. Milam, resigned; William Harper, resigned July, 1863; Jesse Haddon; W. S. Hinkle, discharged August, 1864; Joseph O. Whalen; John Ashley; Charles Polk; B. R. Helm, A. A. Curry, discharged 1862, disability; M. C. Tucker; William Purcell; H. B. Davis: W. P. Lisman; A. S. McGowan, died September, 1862, of wounds received at Baton Rouge; R. F. Kennerly; A. C. Davis, discharged 1865, disability; Alsimus Hunt, discharged 1864, disability; Lemuel Anderson, discharged 1863, disability; S. A. Barcus; Jesse Beck; T. C. Beck; John Berry; G. W. Brock, discharged 1861, disability; Philip Brock, died at Baton Rouge 1862; Edward Brown; J. W. Buck, discharged 1862, disability; J. W. Burnett; W. F. Catlin, discharged 1862, disability; P. H. Curtner; Peter Crance; W. J. Davis, discharged 1862, disability; Mason Dedman, discharged 1862, wounded; Jacob Ernest; James Froment, discharged 1865, disability; Samuel Gannon; George Gannon; G. H. Gott; W. H. Gregg, discharged 1862, disability; William Hackney; W. R. Haddon; N. T. Hail, discharged 1862, disability; W. B. Harper; Raymond Hassel, discharged 1861, disability; Joseph Hauke, died at Baton Rouge April, 1865; Samuel Jackson, discharged 1864, disability; Thomas Jenkins; J. R. Jewell; J. F. Jones; C. M. Lake; M. Lander; John Lloyd; Benton McConnell; John McConnell, discharged, 1862, disability; George McCormick, discharged 1864, disability; R. B. McClung; Gabriel McClure, killed at Baton Rouge 1862; George Miller, died at home November 1863; S. C. Owen, discharged 1861, disability; George Power, died 1862, of wounds received at Baton Rouge; J. H. Reese, discharged 1865, disability; James Richardson; Anthony Sandusky; Charley Shannon; Arthur Shown; W. G. Sherman, discharged 1862, disability; Seymour Slagle, died at New Orleans March, 1864; Francis Smith; P. W. Smith; William Soloman, died at Port Hudson 1865; Valentine Stewart, killed at Baton Rouge 1865; T. M. Strain; John Tewait; William Wallace; Bonaparte Walls, discharged 1861, disability; George Watson; O. H. P. Walls, J. A. Weir; Eli Westner; J. O. Whalen; R. B. Whitlock; E. F. Wilkerson, discharged 1865, disability; William Wilson; Joseph Wilson; Phillip Wortman, discharged 1862, disability; J. P. Wortman, discharged 1864, disability; Simeon Yocum, and the following long list of recruits, the most of whom joined the company in 1864: John Ashley, C. G. Able, M. Berry, B. F. Buff, G. W. Buff, William Bush, W. M. Brodie, J. F. Buckley, James Cartwright, W. F. Catlin; I. B. Cox, died at Baton Rouge, 1864; C. G. Conover, John Creager, Homer Davis, Samuel De Huff, J. K. Dooley, C. S. Evans, G. D. Ferree, W. S. Foote, M. J. Glick, O. P. Gregg, D. H Giles, B. W. Giles, A. J. Giles, T. Gill, H. Getlinger, L. B. Gregg, J. W. Gobin, J. F. Hall, F. M. Harrington, W. S. Hinkle, B. F. Hunter, G. W. Jones, Nathan Jones; W. S. Jean, died at Newport News, Va., March, 1862; W. M. Knotts, David Lamb, died at Baton Rouge July, 1864; J. M. McCormick, John McGowen, Richard Mayfield, Thomas Mason, Thomas Morice, Philip Morice, Joshua Neeley, John Norman, Leander Neff, E. H. Pierce, J. J. Raily, S. G. Raily, G. B. Raily, J. T. Shannon, J. D. Simoral, T. O. South, George Smith, B. F. Stover, S. R. Tincher, J. N. Terwilliger, Andrew Vester, Martin Wallace, J. L. Wells, J. W. Whalen, J. K. Wilson, Anson Wilson, J. S. Wolfe, J. W. Wortman, John Whitaker, H. S. Whitaker, Andrew White, Tilman Willis, Abe Warner, Amos Wood, John Yocum, John Young, William Yowell. There were about twenty more men from the county scattered through the other companies of this regiment. THE THIRD COMPANY. In June and July, 1861, another company was raised in Sullivan County, by James Walls, F. L. Neff, C. P. Reed and others. On the 1st of August, the company was full and elected these men officers—Walls, Captain; Neff and Reed, Lieutenants. It moved to Indianapolis, starting August 6, followed to the depot by a large crowd, but as it was found that in order to get into the service the company would have to split into segments and join other fragmentary companies, the men returned home. About the 23d of August, the company, in wagons to gather up other recruits on the way, started for Terre Haute to join the Thirty-first Regiment, which was being organized there. This company called themselves the "Sullivan County Lions." Walls and Reed returned to the county to continue the recruiting, as the company lacked about fifteen men of being full. The necessary number was soon obtained, and on the 20th of September, the boys were mustered in as Company D of the Thirty-first Regiment. The historical sketch of this regiment will be found in the military history of Greene County. ITS PERSONAL HISTORY. The personal record of the company is as follows: Captain, J. A. Walls, resigned July, 1862; Francis L. Neff, killed near Atlanta, Ga.; Craven P. Reed; Samuel F. Mason, resigned 1864; W. E. Hughes, resigned 1865; J. H. Avers; J. N. Clark, resigned 1862; C. A. Power, resigned 1864: W. G. Dudley; John B. Hughes, discharged 1862, disability; F. M. Collins, died at Evansville, October 1861; Jordan Moore; John A. Knotts, discharged 1862, disability; Hardin Bowles; J. R. Eaton, killed at Kenesaw, 1864; W. R. Strain; W. S. Woodall, died at Tullahoma, March, 1862; John P. Miller, discharged 1863, disability; J. W. Adams; S. D. Baily; Joseph Baily, discharged 1862, disability; William Bell; John Bell, discharged 1862, disability; Elias Bell, killed at Fort Donelson, February, 1864; Milton Belser; W. J. Bilyen, killed at Chickamauga, 1863; W. H. H. Boles, discharged 1863, disability; A. P. Boles, discharged 1864, disability; J. M. Brickley, died April, 1862, of wounds received at Shiloh; G. F. Briggs; L. S. Burnett; W. F. Case; H. H. Chase; William Chase, discharged 1863, disability; Cleveland Coffee, died at Calhoun, Ky., 1862; D. M. Cummings, died at Shiloh, May, 1862; G. W. Daniels; J. M. Decamp; J. T. Dix; John Dodd, died February, 1862; Samuel Dodd; David Enlow; C. C. Gilkison, died January, 1862; R. B. Gilkison; Lewis Hamilton, discharged 1862, disability; G. W. Harlow, discharged 1862, disability; S. H. Hartley, died November, 1862; James O. Heck; William Hollenbeck; H. L. Houpt, died January, 1862; Robert K. Houpt; C. C. Hutchinson, died in Alabama, 1864; Jarred Johnson; A. S. Johnson, died December, 1862; W. L. Knotts; J. R. Knotts; J. E. Knotts; James Little; G. T. Marts; John McCard, died at Knoxville, 1865; B. F. Melone, discharged 1862, disability; G. F. M. Merritt; Morgan O'Neal, died at Calhoun, Ky., 1862; Joseph O'Neal; Daniel Osborn, died; P. W. Phillips; R. L. Parsons; R. C. Peter: Ezra Pitzer, discharged 1865, wounded; William Posey, missing at Chickamauga; W. B. Ridgeway; W. O. Roach; Daniel Shastine, discharged 1862, disability; S. P. Stark, died at Sullivan, Ind., December, 1862; Levi Strain; D. W. Stratton; J. P. Stratton, discharged 1865, wounded; D. W. Sullivan, died at Calhoun, 1861; Robert Turner, died at Evansville, 1862; Luke Walters; W. J. Wilkins; A. M. Wilson; and the following recruits: W. A. Bland; J. M. Bilyen; J. G. Burton, died March, 1864; Z. T. Bell; L. C. Chase, died in Texas, 1865; J. T. Eaton; V. M. Enlow; R. Gordon; W. Heck; W. H. Hogeland, died March, 1864; Jared Johnson, killed by railroad accident, 1864; J. H. Moore; James Miller; W. M. Mason; James McDonald, killed in Georgia, 1864; J. W. Nesbaum; T. E. Pearce; W. H Peters: D. M. Russell; J. R. Stewart; David Stewart, died at Worthington before joining the company; Solomon Walls; T. I. Watson, died at home, 1864. In most cases above where no remarks were made, the men were honorably mustered out. About a dozen men from the county were in Company F, going mostly from Shelburn. Additional Comments: Extracted from: HISTORY OF GREENE AND SULLIVAN COUNTIES, STATE OF INDIANA, FROM THE EARLIEST TIME TO THE PRESENT; TOGETHER WITH INTERESTING BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, REMINISCENCES, NOTES, ETC. ILLUSTRATED. CHICAGO: GOODSPEED BROS. & CO., PUBLISHERS. 1884. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/in/sullivan/history/1884/historyo/chapterv36ms.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.poppet.org/infiles/ File size: 43.9 Kb