THE COUNTY MILITIA-THE ANNUAL MUSTERS-SOLDIERS OF THE MEXICAN WAR-ROUSSEAU'S
COMPANY-ROLL OF HONOR-PUBLIC SENTIMENT AT THE OUTBREAK OF THE
REBELLION-OPENING SCENES OF THE WAR-FIRST WAR MEETING AT WORTHINGTON-THE
MEETING AT BLOOMFIELD -THE FIRST -VOLUNTEERS-FORMATION OF COMPANIES-FIRST
ORGANIZATION FOR THE WAR-CHEAT MOUNTAIN CAMPAIGN-INCIDENTS FROM THE
FIELD-JUNCTION WITH THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC-THE VETERANS-PERSONAL RECORD-
AND ROLL OF HONOR.
FROM the time of the first settlement in Greene County to the great
rebellion of 1861-65, with the single exception of the brief but brilliant
campaign in the land of the Montezumas, nothing had transpired to disturb
the peaceful pursuits of social life and the steady observance of civil
liberty and law. Mothers and maidens had never felt the anguish of
separation from loved ones at the stern call of a nation at war. Children
had grown to manhood without ever seeing a soldier in military dress, and
their loving hearts knew nothing of the sad, wild, glorious things which go
to make up war, save what they had read, or what they had been told by their
grandfathers, who had been with Harrison and Jackson, and 'perhaps with
Washington. The old militia system which had been so efficient and popular
during the Indian wars on the frontier and directly after the close of the
war of 1812-15, had loosened its hold upon the public mind during a
protracted period of profound peace. Prior to the war with Mexico, a more.or
less nominal organization was effected and carried on in Greene County, and
quarterly musters were enjoyed by large and motley crowds more intent on
frolic and roystering than improvement in military discipline. The cities
and the larger towns of the State were the only places where strict military
observance was appreciated, and where discipline attained a proficiency
nearly equal to that which pervailed in the regular army. An early law of
the Territory and afterward of the State, provided for the enrollment of all
able-bodied militia, and the formation of regiments in the various counties.
Such an organization was early effected in Greene County. It is said-that
Levi Fellows was the first militia Colonel; another was Thomas Warnick—both
being very early and very popular.
THE MUSTERS.
The musters took place several times a year at the county seat, or perhaps
at other central points, and were always attended by large crowds. Men were
privileged from arrest on " Training Days," except, perhaps, for crime, and
met more for fun and fight and to drink and sport than for improvement in
the art of making war. They would often strip to the waist, fight furiously
until one was " whipped," and then quietly resume peaceful and neighborly
relations. This was done to see which was the better man. Our fathers were
great boasters, but they were also great fighters—splendid specimens of
physical development and manhood—which may possibly be regarded as some
excuse for boasting. _It is said that J. W. Wines was one of the first
Majors, and Peter Ingersoll, Burch, Richey and Buskirk early Captains. A.
little later, Joseph Storm became Colonel, and still later Samuel R. Cavins,
whb had fought with Gen. Jackson behind the cotton bales at New Orleans,
also served as Colonel of the county militia. These old men and others were
known as " Colonel" as long as they lived. One of the Dix-sons was an early
Major. For the first ten or fifteen years after the county organization, the
musters were quite well attended by men .with rifles and shot-guns, and
considerable interest was manifested in discipline and the principles and
strategy of war. But after that period, the interest slowly relaxed; canes,
umbrellas and sticks were substituted in the place of guns, notwithstanding
the expostulation of the officers, and finally the musters themselves were
almost or altogether transformed into popular sporting occasions. From time
to time the system was revived by legislative enactment, but was unpopular,
as it was thought to be unnecessary.
GREENE COUNTY IN THE MEXICAN WAR.
The war with Mexico in 1846-47, roused the militia everywhere into activity.
Under the act of Congress, approved May 13, 1846, the President of the
United States called for volunteers, three regiments to be raised in.
Indiana. Within two weeks afterward, Lov,e1 H. Rousseau, then a prominent
lawyer of. Greene County, was commissioned to raise a company, which he
promptly did, securing men from all portions of the county. He was assisted
by Col. Samuel R. Cavins, Col. Levi Fellows, Col. Samuel Bough; Maj. Andrew
Humphreys, Adam Stropee and others, and on the 8th of June, 1846, the
company was received and was mustered into the Second Regiment of Indiana
(Foot) Volunteers on the 22d of June. It should be noticed that Rousseau's
company, E, upon leaving the county for the war, gathered by fragments at
Owensburg, where they were presented a beautiful silk flag by the ladies of
that town and Springfield. Capt. Rousseau replied in fitting words to the
presentation speech. From Owensburg, the company went in squads in wagons
and on horseback to New Albany, where the Second Regiment rendezvoused. Upon
the return of the company, a public reception was given them at the court
house in Bloomfield, Hugh Livingston and Samuel R. Cavins delivering the
welcoming addresses, which were replied to by Rousseau, Stropes and others
of the company. Afterward, a barbecue was held in honor of the company in
Jones' Woods, near Bloomfield, where a huge ox was roasted, and where
Rousseau and other members of the company detailed the experiences of the
campaign. The following is a complete list of the members of the company as
they were mustered into the service June 22, 1846, with, so far as can be
learned, an account of what became of them:
PERSONAL RECORD.
Lovel H. Rousseau, Captain in the Mexican war and Brigadier General and
Major General in the rebellion; Adam Stropes, First Lieutenant, dead, had
fought the Creek Indians at Horseshoe Bend during the war of i 812, where he
was shot through the breast and left for dead on the battle-field; David
Erwin, living in Knox County, Mo. ; Henry Roach, Sr., died about 1855; Giles
Williams, died at Camp Belknap, Tex., in 1846; McHenry Dozier, killed at
Buena Vista February 23, 1847; J. L. Stropes, living in Greene County; John
Vanscoit, discharged with the measles, living at Bloomfield; Zachariah
Danforth died about 1870; Richard C. Bray, residence unknown; John Sexton,
died in Missouri; Samuel Anderson, died in Illinois in 1882; James H. Hall,
died about 1873. Privates—James Akins, died of measles February 24, 1847;
William Akins, killed at Buena Vista; Thomas J. Anderson, died about 1850;
J. W. Ashford moved to Texas; William Bee, residence unknown; William Bland,
moved to Iowa, and served in the rebellion; William Bough, living in Greene
County, served in the rebellion, was Captain of Company C, Twenty-first
Regiment; James Buzan, dead; Solomon Burcham, died in 1880; John Burcham,
moved to Illinois, dead; Noah Cox, living in Du Bois County; Daniel W. Cox,
living in Greene County; M. A. Cooper, dead; T. J. Ducast, dead; Solomon
Dixson, living in Greene County; J. G. B. Dillon, killed at Buena Vista;
Jonathan Elswick died in 1848; Washington Elliott, died at Camp Belknap in
1846; John Evans, died at Camp Belknap in 1846; A. J. Franks, died about
1848; Jacob Fulk, died at Camp Belknap in 1846; Littleton Goad, died about
1871; Henry Goad, living in Greene County; Charles H. Gardner, residence
unknown; Peter C. Graves died in 1865; Seth Halbert, residence unknown;
William Holtsclaw, living in Greene County, Ind. ; Jordan Holtsclaw, died in
1852; Fielding L. Hatfield, died in 1854; Oras Handy, residence unknown;
Benjamin Holtsclaw, living in Greene County; Barton Hartley, residence
unknown; Samuel Hooey, moved to Illinois; Ephraim Jackson, moved to Kansas;
Andrew Johnson, died in 1881; Mason James, moved to Iowa; Isaac Kelley,
nerved in the rebellion, dead; G. W. Kelsbaw, served in the rebellion, died
in 1869; Willoughby Lewis, served in the confederate army, killed at Pea
Ridge; Abraham Simmons, residence unknown; W. J. Mathis died soon after the
war; John Miller, died about 1873; John Mowery, died about 1879; Thomas
McIntire, served in the rebellion, died in 1870; James McIntire, died about
1873; John Michael, killed at Worthington in 1848; Nehemiah Melton, moved to
Kansas; L. B. Moore, residence unknown; John S. Moore, moved to Cedar
County, Iowa; Levi Nicholson, living near Scotland, Greene County; J. E.
Owens, served in the rebellion from Iowa; Simpson Osborn, living in Greene
County; All. Osborn, died at Camp Belknap in 1846; Albert G. Osborn, died at
Camp Belknap in 1846; James Parker, dead; John Padgett, died while serving
in the rebellion; John Russell, died at Saltillo, Mex., 1847; James Roe,
living near Worthington; John Roach, promoted Sergeant and Lieutenant,
living at last accounts; Henry Roach, Jr., served in the rebellion, was
First Lieutenant in the Forty-third Regiment, living in Greene County; Peter
Rader, dead; Thomas Rader, dead; John Rickabough, moved West; Samuel Riddle,
dead; William Reubottom moved to Texas; Greenville D. Shelton, died at Camp
Belknap, Tex.,1846; Zachariah Sims, served in the rebellion, was Second
Lieutenant and Captain, living in Martin County; Joshua Scott, served in the
rebellion, died in the city hospital in Indianapolis in 1865; G. W. Scott,
died in 1854; Elisha Sholts, dead; Albert Stalcup, dead; M. A. Shelton,
moved to Missouri; Robert Smith, dead; Ambrose Storms, dead; William Scobee,
residence unknown; -William Thomas, moved to California; Hardin Walker,
dead; Wilson Wolf, dead; Nelson Woodsworth, moved West; Joseph W. Young,
dead.
PUBLIC SENTIMENT IN 1860-61.
The Presidential campaign in Greene County during the autumn of 1860 was of
the most enthusiastic character. Almost every township had its company or
companies of " Wide Awakes " and " Hickory Clubs," and scarcely a night
passed without public speaking and noisy and determined demonstration. Torch
light processions and vociferous cheering disturbed the drowsy air of night.
The county, had never before been so thoroughly organized for political
purposes. When the returns were all in and Lincoln's name was on every
tongue, and when the Southern States, one after another, began to enact
ordinances of secession, and even the air seemed rife with treason and
bewilderment, all wiser heads saw that the conflict which had so long been
ominously pending had come. The slavery question must be settled either to
the satisfaction of the North or the South; no evasion would answer. No
interference with slavery as to its abolishment was at first considered. The
question which engrossed the public mind was whether the States had the
right under the Constitution to peaceably leave the Union. Many persons in
the county believed they had that right—Democrats and Republicans. Still
others thought the reverse. Some. were for immediate war to preserve ' the
Union. Abolitionists declared that the time to abolish slavery had come.
Others declared that the administration had no tight to levy war upon the
seceding States. Some thought the North right; others the South, and still
others were in doubt, the latter, perhaps, being greater in number. Perhaps
very few at that period thought of commencing and prosecuting war for the
purpose of exterminating slavery. Men did not fully know their own minds. A
revolution in thought on the subject of States' rights, secession, slavery,
etc., was ensuing, and the public mind was buffeted around by every breeze
of sentiment or fancy or even folly. Here and there arose some clear
intellect above its cotemporaries and looked down with the impartial eye of
a philosopher upon the true and ominous state of affairs. To such minds all
hearts turned anxiously for relief. When Mr. Lincoln took the reins of
Government, speedy relief from public gloom and embarrassment was expected;
but as time slipped away and effective action was masked by broad
generalizations, and the course of the administration was clouded with
apparent doubt and hesitancy; many of the best Union men lost heart. The
friends of disunion looked upon the hesitancy as a practical acknowledgment
that the Government could see no way under the Constitution to a settlement
of existing differences. But when the blow at last fell Upon Fort Sumter and
all pacific overtures from the administration, even to an avowal that no
established institution of the South should be interfered with, were
haughtily rejected, the mask of peace was thrown aside, and the call to arms
sent a thrill of joy and hope to thousands of loyal hearts. In view of the
darkness which enveloped the country at subsequent stages of the war, when
it seemed certain that masses in the North would compel a cessation of
hostilities and permit the Southern States to go Out of the Union, the
transcendent wisdom of Mr. Lincoln in throwing upon the South the
responsibility of commencing the war, even in the face of the most abundant
promises, undoubtedly saved the country from hopeless disruption.
OPENING SCENES OF THE REBELLION.
The news of the fall of Fort Sumter was received at Worthington about 10
o'clock at night, April 16 (Tuesday), 1861, and created great excitement.
Late as it was, a flag-pole was erected, a bonfire kindled near it, and the
stars and stripes were run up amid the cheers of the assembled citizens. The
next day crowds of country people came to the town to learn details. The
loyalty of Worthington was pronounced. The National banner was hung from
almost every public buildiig and private residence, and all business
pursuits were abandoned. An. attempt was made to raise a volunteer company,
and a number of names was secured. A public meeting was called for the
evening of April 18, to take-into consideration the state of the country,
and devise what was best to be done. This meeting was postponed until the
Saturday night, April 20 The Worthington Gazette of the 18th, edited by
Isaac N. Morrison said:
" There is to be no party nor politics about this meeting. The paltry
differences among our citizens about matters of politics ought to be
forgotten now. There are no live issues between our people except Secession
and Union. Let every citizen of Point Commerce and Worthington turn out.
Come up workingmen, farmers, mechanics, merchants, preach. era, doctors,
lawyers and loafers. Come out all classes and manifest your devotion for the
Union, and the constituted government of the land. Let there be a grand
rally of all persons now to testify their approbation of the Government
under which they have grown up and prospered, and their determination that
no traitorous hands shall break it down. The time and place of the meeting
will be the firing of the canon."
WAR MEETING AT WORTHINGTON.
A large crowd assembled at night, hundreds of country people being present.
A large procession was formed on the streets, and then, headed with fife and
arum,was marched to the Methodist Church, where speeches were to be made and
resolutions adopted. Not half the people could get in the building. Rev. J.
B. Hamilton was made Chairman; and L N. Morrison, Secretary. Many ladies
were present, and the church was tastefully decorated with banners,
evergreen sprigs and bright flowers. Aden G. Cavins, who was present, was
called out first to state the object of the meeting. He delivered a rousing
speech, full of good sense, loyalty and eloquence, and urged the immediate
enlistment of men and the commencement of war. He was followed by Rev. Frank
Rawlins, of New Albany, Rev. Mr. Hollis, of Worthington, Judge Heaton, of
Owen County, and others, each of whom spoke strongly of quelling the
rebellion. At the conclusion of the speeches, an enlistment roll was passed
around, and thirty names were at once secured. The meeting adjourned with
three cheers for the stars and stripes, and three more for Maj. Anderson.
Other meetings were held at Worthington, at one of which the Democratic
banner was run up the Republican flag-pole. The parties had united.
ACTION AT BLOOMFIELD.
The enthusiasm at Bloomfield was as equally pronounced. The surrounding
rural districts were depopulated, and the county seat flooded with anxious
but hopeful citizens. The national flag was displayed everywhere, and the
town assumed the appearance of the Fourth of July. People could do nothing
but talk of the calamity which had befallen the country. Several openly
expressed the opinion that the South was doing right. Others were furiously
in favor of crushing the hydra of secession at all hazards, and at any cost.
The Greene County Times of April 24, edited by G. C.
Brandon, said, among other matters:
" We would gladly make any sacrifice that would restore peace to our unhappy
land, and we believe this is the feeling of a large majority of the citizens
of this county; but no sacrifice now, but that of life, will do, and our
people must prepare their minds for a civil war of the most vicious nature,
and we may say to all citizens, when the trying time comes, act as becomes
loyal citizens of the commonwealth in which you reside."
A meeting of the citizens was called to be held at Bloomfield, Saturday,
April 27, and on that occasion, though the sky was threatening, a large
crowd assembled. Col. Fellows was made Chairman, and H. C. Hill Secretary.
The Chairman explained the object of the meeting (to. consider what was best
to be done), after which E. E. Rose, E. H. C. Cavins and Alfred Dyer were
called out in succession to address the audience. Each delivered a fiery and
loyal speech. Upon motion by Mr. Rose, the County Commissioners were asked
to make an appropriation from the county treasury to support the families of
volunteers in the latter's absence. E. H. C. Cavins then called for
volunteers, and in a few minutes forty names were upon the roll. The meeting
was thoroughly loyal.
VOLUNTEERING.
The Worthington Gazette of April 26, said: " The citizens in different parts
of the country are beating up volunteers to form one or two companies, to
hold themselves in readiness for the next requisition on Indiana for troops.
We hear that E. H. C. Cavins is prominently spoken of as Captain of one of
the companies. He would make an efficient and popular officer." On the night
of the 26th, the citizens of Worthington, Point Commerce and vicinity, met
and organized a militia company, the following being the officers: Godfrey
Shryer, Captain; Nelson Taylor, First Lieutenant; Jesse Crull, Second
Lieutenant; A. Spainhower, Third Lieutenant. They selected a uniform of
white pants and gray coat trimmed with blue, and a blue cap. About this time
or near the 1st of May, the, company of Capt. E. H. C. Cavins was fully
organized at Bloomfield, and its service was tendered Gov. Morton, who
reported the three months' call full to overflowing. A big meeting was held
on the occasion of the organization, the court house being full. Speeches
were delivered, thrilling vocal music rendered national airs. Many ladies
were present. About this time also the militia of Richland Township was
organized into a company under Capt. E. E. Rose. G. W. Osbon, E. R. Stropes
and J. R. Baxter were the three Lieutenants. By the 3d of May, a company of
seventy men were raised and organized at Linton, the services of which were
tendered Gov. Morton. They were ordered to maintain their organization. G.
W. Kelshaw was Captain, and A. P. Forsyth and William Wakefield Lieutenants.
It is said that this entire company was raised in Stockton Township,
together with about twenty men of Capt. Cavins' company, making in all for
the township about ninety men.
PUBLIC FEELING.
At this time, the two county papers —the Gazette and the Times—were both
heartily in favor of pushing on the war. The latter mei denounced all
Abolitionists and traced some of the leading causes of the war to them. By
the 17th of May, a Home. Guard had been organized at Point Commerce, with
John F. Allison, Captain, and by the 31st of May Wright Township had a
company of about fifty men. Soon afterward, the complement of the company
was obtained, and the following officers were elected:
W. B. Squire, Captain; and Benjamin Coulson, J. A. Bone-well and J. 0.
Watson, Lieutenants. The company drilled at Jasoeville, and was mustered in
as part of the " Indiana Legion," by Deputy Adjt. Gen. Sewell Coulson.
FIRST COMPANY FOR THE WAR.
The company of Capt. Cavins endeavored to get into the one year's •service,
but when this was found impossible the three years' service was tried. The
company left Bloomfield for Camp Vigo, near Terre Haute, on Friday, the 31st
of May. The following very full history of this company (D), and its
regiment—the Fourteenth—was furnished by Col. E. H. C. Cavins, many of the
mnAt important items coming from his private diary.
SSE Ten OF 'THE REGIMENT
The company was accepted by the Governor and assigned to the Fourteenth
Indiana Regiment, which had been organized some time before as a one-year
regiment, and on changing from one year to three years, Company D refused to
go for three years,. and the Greene County company took the place of Company
D, and became. Company D of the three years' organization. There was an
election by the company of all the officers, including Corporals,' except
Second Lieutenant. Lieut. Tremelin, J. M. Boord and Walter C. Lyman, of the
original company, remained with the three years' organization. The company
went into camp at Camp Vigo, near Terre Haute, Ind., on the 1st day of June
1861, and was mustered into service on the 7th day of June, the Fourteenth
being the first regiment mustered in Indiana for three years. 'The company
was with the regiment during its whole term of service, never having been on
detached service. It remained at Camp Vigo, drilling, until the 25th day of
June, 1861, and then went in camp at Indianapolis. Left Indian, apolis for
the seat of war July 5, 1861. On the 7th of July, took up line of March for
Rich Mountain, and arrived there on 'the morning of the 11th, and was held
in reserve during the engagement On the. 12th, marched over the battle
field, and pressed on toward Beverly, following the enemy closely. Arrived
on Cheat Mountain summit on the 14th. For three months, some part of the
command were engaged in scout or skirmish every week. On the 12th of
September, the enemy commanded by Gen. Lee surrounded the camp, and the
battle of Cheat Mountain was fought on that day and the following. William
Templeton was killed, being the first man in the company killed. On the 3d
of October, engaged in battle at Greenbrier. Although this company was in
the thickest of the fight, none were either killed or wounded. The regiment,
at this battle met an Arkansas regiment, sent out in front of the rebel
camp, and drove them from their chosen position, killing, wounding and
capturing fifty-three of them. During a part of the engagement, the
artillery of both armies fired over this company.
CHEAT MOUNTAIN CAMPAIGN.
The Cheat Mountain campaign, in some respects, was the severest campaign of
this company. Its severity consisted in the cold and rain of this dreary and
uninhabited country, and lack of sufficient rations and clothing. In the
usually mild September, horses chilled to death in that camp. On the 7th of
October, left the summit and went into camp at Huttonville, in Tigert
Valley. In December, ordered to the line of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad,
under command of Gen. Kelly, and on the 7th of January, 1862, were engaged
in the expedition and skirmish at Blue's Gap, and soon after were assigned
to the command of Gen. Lander. On the 13th and 14th of February, were in the
expedition known at the time as " Lander's Midnight Bloomery Dash." During
this winter's campaign, were often without tents. On one expedition, were Ox
days without tents. Camped in the open fields or woods in rain, snow and
sleet. One morning they arose from a snow six inches deep. The Fourteenth
Regiment was on the advance in getting possession of this road between
Cumberland and Martinsburg, and arrived at the latter place March 7, under
Gen. Shields. On the 18th, engaged the enemy at Cedar Run, and on the 19th,
at Strasburg; on the 22d, at Kernstown, and on the 23d engaged in the first
battle of Winchester, which resulted in a triumphant victory over Stonewall
Jackson. The regiment captured two pieces of artillery, one of which was
presented to the regiment. J. M. Boord, now of Owensburg, and Samuel W.
Keller, both of Company D, were two of the first three soldiers who arrived
at the first piece of artillery captured. Samuel W. Keller was killed a few
minutes after. Gen. Shields being wounded, Gen. Kimball, formerly of Greene
County, commanded the Federal troops in the engagement. J. F. Stamper,
formerly a Virginian, a soldier in the company, recognized one of the
enemies' dead as one of his uncles. On the 1st of April, engaged the enemy
in skirmish at Woodstock, and followed them to Edinburg, and was engaged in
skirmish for fifteen days, sometimes against infantry and sometimes against
cavalry. One of the men emptied three saddles during the time. On the 17th,
skirmished at Mt. Jackson, and drove the enemy beyond New Market. On the
12th of May, took up line of march to Fredericksburg, via Luray, Warrenton
and Catlett's Station. Expected to be at the taking of Richmond in the near
future, but after arriving at Fredericksburg were ordered back to the
Shenandoah Valley on account of Banks' retreat. Marched back to the valley
via Catlett's Station and Manassas Junction. On night of 29th of May,
started from Rector-town (Kimball's brigade) on an expedition against Front
Royal, which had been captured by the rebel Gen. Jackson. Marched into
Manassas Dap, within eleven miles ,of Front Royal, and rested until
daylight, when the march was resumed.
INCIDENTS OF THE FIELD.
When they arrived in sight, the enemy were evacuating the town. The
Fourteenth Regiment captured one piece of artillery, with four mules and
harness, and between fifty and sixty prisoners. The artillery was presented
to the regiment for its gallantry. It was the intention to send it to
Indianapolis, but it exploded while prhcticing at target shooting at
Alexandria, Va. The greater part of June was spent in marching and
counter-marching over the road between Front Royal and. Columbia Bridge,
above Luray, a considerable part of the road being marched over four times,
while Jackson was getting his army out of the valley. The Fourteenth covered
the retreat of our defeated army at Port Republic.
JUNCTION WITH THE ARMY OF TEE POTOMAC.
On the 30th of June, embarked at Alexandria, and joined the Army of the
Potomac on the 2d day of July, at Harrison's Landing on James River, and was
assigned to the Second Corps, and remained in that corps during remainder of
service, which was under command, in turn, of Gene. Sumner, Couch, Hancock,
and a short time under Gen. Warren. On the 3d of July, assisted in driving
back the advancing exultant enemy, they being flushed with enthusiasm over
the result of the seven days' fighting before Richmond. On the 4th and 5th,
skirmished with the enemy's advance. On the 6th of August, the Third
Division of Second Corps was formed, and Brig. Gen. French assigned to
command. The Fourteenth Regiment, belonged to Kimball's brigade of this
division On the 16th of August, marched to Newport News via Williamsburg.
and Yorktown, being a part of the rear guard' of the army. On the 26th,
embarked at Newport News, and disembarked at Alexandria on the 29th. On the
30th, marched to Arlington Heights, and on the 31st to Centerville, too late
to engage in second battle of Bull Run. Took the advance line, and held it
until September 2, and on that day the corps covered the retreat to
Washington. The enemy hung upon the rear and flank, throwing an occasional
shell among them until night. The engagement was quite spirited at Flint
Hill, near Fairfax Court,House, while the corps was awaiting the hasty march
of the other troops. On the 3d, marched over the Chain Bridge into Maryland,
and marched toward Frederick City, and by slow marches arrived at that city
on the 13th. On the 14th, after dark, arrived on the battle-field of South
Mountain, and camped on the field among the dying and, the dead. On the
15th, advanced through Boonsboro, pressing the enemy, and capturing
prisoners. At Keedysville, they made a vigorous stand for a short time, but
finally fell back behind Antietam Creek. On the 17th, engaged in the battle
of Antietam. The loss of the company at this battle was the heaviest of 0‘11
the battles in which they were engaged. Line upon line of the enemy were
hurled against that part of the Federal line covered by French's division,
but they never faltered. A part of the time they fought on a line within
sixty yards of the enemy. In less than four hours, more than one-half of the
company on duty were killed or wounded. Fifty-seven per • cent of the
regiment on duty were killed or wounded. Owen T. Wright, William Quillen and
some others silenced with their rifles two pieces of artillery by picking
off the artillerymen. Fifteen dead artillerymen were found where these two
pieces were operated. The men who were not disabled fired all their
ammunition, and their officers supplied them from the cartridge boxes of the
dead. Gen. French named Kimball's brigade " The Gibralter Brigade " after
this engagement, and presented the Color Guard of the Fourteenth Regiment
with a fine rifle, as a token of appreciation of the gallantry of the
regiment. On the arming of the company, they were all, except five, armed
with smooth bore muskets, most of which had been altered from flint locks.
They captured rifles from time to time, and after this battle fully armed
themselves with first-class Enfield and Springfield rifles, captured on the
battle-field.
MISCELLANEOUS MOVEMENTS.
On the 22d, marched to Harper's Ferry, and went into camp on Bolivar
Heights. On the 1st of October, made a forced march to Leesburg, Va.;
captured a few prisoners and returned to camp the-next day. On the 16th, the
regiment went out to Charleston, where John Brown was hung, to support Gen.
Hancock on a reconnoissance. On the 31st of October, took up line of March
through Loudoun Valley, east of the Blue Ridge. On. 1st of November, drove
the enemy into and through Rock ford Gap. A part of Company D, under Capt.
Simons, were assigned to guard the advanced point in the pass. The rebel
cavalry made,two charges to retake the pass, but each. time were driven back
by Capt. Simons and his men. On the evening of the 2nd, started to Snicker's
Gap, and arrived there late at night. The next morning, marched to Ashby's
Gap. There was fighting all along the valley, but Company D was not in
advance, except at Rockford Pass. On the 13th of November, skirmished near
Falmouth, and re-captured a wagon train that had been captured by the enemy.
The next great battle was Fredericksburg, which commenced on the 13th day of
December, 1882. The Fourteenth Regiment went into the battle on the front
line; captured a few prisoners of the enemy's outpost, but were unable to
take the main works in their front. The battle was a signal defeat to the
Union army, but, the dead of the Fourteenth Indiana was found nearer the
enemy's word, than the dead of any of her regiment. The loss in killed and
wounded was thirty-four per cent of those engaged. Jeremiah Ingersoll, of
Corn.. pany B, a soldier from Greene County, was killed in this battle. On
the 15th, the army fell back to their old camps, north of the Rappahannock,
and remained in camp until the spring campaign. On the 28th of April, 1863,
marched up the Rappahannock to the United States Ford. On the 30th, crossed
the river while the band played Hail Columbia, with the view of storming the
rebel Works. Found the works abandoned, and marched to Chancellorsville. On
the 1st of May, the battle opened at 11 o'clock A. M., and continued all
day. On the 2d, the battle consisted principally of artillery and
skirmishing, until late in the evening, when Jackson struck the Eleventh
Corps. The battle raged with great fury until midnight. On the 3rd, French's
division attacked and drove the enemy a half mile, the Fourteenth Regiment
capturing eighty-five prisoners, one battle flag, two pieces of artillery,
and recaptured a regiment of Union soldiers. The loss of the regiment was
sixty-four in killed, wounded and missing, which was over one-third of those
engaged. On the 4th, was under artillery fire all day, and on the 5th the
skirmish line of the regiment drove back the skirmish line of the enemy, and
at night and on the following day fell back to the old Amp. On the 15th day
of June, 1863, left Falmouth; marched via Dumfries, Centreville, Bull Run
(where the skeletons of the unburied soldiers who fell at second Bull Run
remained where they fell), Gainesville, Edwards Ferry and Frederick City to
Pennsylvania. Marched by day and night, under burning sun and in torrents of
rain. Were at Union Town on the night before the first day of the battle of
Gettysburg. July 1, marched to within two miles of Gettysburg, and on the
morning of the 2d marched to the bat. tle•field and took position on the
left of and near the cemetery. During forenoon, and until late in the
afternoon, only artillery and skirmishers were engaged. Late in the evening,
a general engagement opened out on the left, soon followed by engagement on
the right. At dark, the enemy had advanced and was in possession of a part
of Cemetery Hill, where the Eleventh Corps was fighting. Carroll's brigade
(formerly Kimball's) was ordered to re-enforce that part of the line. They
charged the enemy with the bayonet. and re-captured the hill and the
artillery that had been captured by the enemy, and remained on that part of
the line during the remainder of the engagement. They were not with the
Second Corps on the 3d, when that corps wet the famous charge of Pickett's
grand army of confederates, and consequently their loss was not as heavy as
the loss of some of the regiments. The loss of, the regiment in killed and
wounded was 123, over one-third of those engaged. On the 11th of July,
F.kirmished at Funkstown, Md., and on the 12th at Falling Waters. On the
18th, crossed the Potomac into Virginia, and on the 23d helped drive the
enemy through Manassas Gap. Marched rethained in that locality until August
16, when the regiment was ordered to New York to help keep down the riot,
there having been a. great riot there. Embarked August 21 at Alexandria on
the steamship Atlantic, and dinembarked at Governor's Island on the 23d.
Left New York on the 8th of September following, and went directly to the
front. Passed through Culpepper on the 16th, while an engagement was going
on in the locality of Slaughter Mountain. On the 14th of October, engaged
the enemy at Auburn at break of day, and at Bristoe Station in the
afternoon, and the next morning at Bull. Run. Had an unusual lively skirmish
on the 27th of November at Locust Grove, and on the 28th, at Mine Run, drove
the enemy two miles. On that 'day, Lieut. George W. Rotramel, of Sullivan
County, one of the most gallant officers of the regiment, was killed. He had
gone out of his county to enlist in the Fourteenth Regiment as a private
soldier. On the 29th, drove the rebel skirmish line at a point about five
miles from the former engagement. The next engagement was on the 6th day of
February, 1864, at Morton's Ford. Jasper Sloat was killed there. All the
commanding officers of regiments in the brigade who rode had their horses
shot, and all who walked were wounded. At midnight on May 3, 1864, the army
abandoned their winter quarters, and on the. 5th and 6th the main battle of
the Wilderness was fought. A section of Ricket's battery was captured by the
enemy, and the Eighth Ohio and Fourteenth Indiana were ordered to recapture
it, and did so on a bayonet charge. On the 7th, skirmished at Gaine's Cross
Roads, on the 8th at Po River, and on the 10th had a considerable engagement
at Smoky Crag. On the 12th and 13th, fought at Spottsylvania. Here one
division of rebels was captured, and twenty pieces of artillery and thirty
battle'-flags. Capt. Simons was mortally wounded here, and the commanding
officers of regiment, brigade and division were killed or wounded. The
official reports of the killed and wounded in this campaign and succeeding
campaigns are not accessible to the writer, and some of the wounded may be
omitted. Almost every day some part of the company, or all of it, was
engaged in skirmish for the next seven days, and on the 21st at Milford
Station. On the 23d and 24th, engaged in the battle at North Anna, and on
the 25th and 26th toward South Anna. On the 28th, crossed the Pamunky, and
on the 80th engaged in skirmish, and on the 31st the whole brigade engaged
in skirmish near the Pamunky, and on the 1st of June near the Chickahominy.
On the 3d of June, the battle of Cold Harbor was fought, and on every day
and every night after that, until their term of service expired, June 6,
1864, Company D was engaged in skirmish or battle. The detachments of
Company D were engaged in skirmish in addition to those named at Monooaey
Bridge, near U. S. Ford, Belle Plain, King George Court House, Hanover
Junction, Pamunky River.No. 2, and Tollopotanni Creek. The company returned
to Indianapolis with the regiment, and was mustered out of service on the
20th day of June, having remained in service fourteen days over their time.
THE VETERANS.
The veterans and recruits, under Sergt. William H. Cole, afterward Capt.
Cole, remained on the advanced line, after the regiment left for home, and
engaged the enemy in their front and repulsed them, on the night of the day
their comrades left them. They were afterward attached to Company B,
Twentieth Regiment Indiana Volunteers, and were engaged in all the battles
and many skirmishes in which the Second Corps was engaged, among which were
Deep Bottom, Ream's Station, Strawberry Plains, Hatcher's 'Run, Prebble
House, Burgess Farm, Warren's Raid, Musquito Creek, Beige before Petersburg,
and were in the pursuit of Lee's army, participating in all the engagements,
the last of which was at Clover Hill on the 9th day of April, 1865. The flag
of truce, under which the surrender was made, passed through their division.
Soon after, they marched to Washington City, and from there were transferred
to Louisville, Ky., arriving there June 14, 1865, and arrived at
Indianapolis on the 21st, and on the 12th of July following Were mustered
out of service.
ROLL OF HONOR.
Capt. E. H. C. Cavins, promoted Major, Lieutenant Colonel and Colonel;
wounded, Antietam, Fredericksburg.
First Lieut. Walter C. Lyman; resigned.
Second Lieut. B. B. Tremelin, promoted First Lieutenant and Captain;
tesigned.
First Sergt. John. S. Simons, promoted Second Lieutenant, First Lieutenant
and Captain; mortally wounded Spottsylvaniti, May, 1864.
James M. Boord, discharged January, 1863; wounded Antietam, September, 1863.
James Dobbins, promoted Second Lieutenant, First Lieutenant; resigned.
Robert McNaught, promoted Second Lieutenant, First Lieutenant. . William C.
lingo, died October,
1861, Cheat Mountain, Va.
John H. Johnson, promoted Sergeant; wounded Antietam. Wesley S. Gainey,
discharged May, 1862; disability.
John W. Doney, discharged to enter Sixth United States Cavalry. died
Andersonville Prison.
Samuel W. Keller, killed, Winchester, March, 1862.
William G. Smith, wounded, Winchester, Antietam; promoted Sergeant;
discharged to enter Sixth United States Cavalry.
James M. Quillen, discharged September, 1861; disability. Francis M. Hogue,
reduced to the ranks and deserted.
William B. Kelly, promoted Sergeant; wounded, Antietam, Morton's Ford.
Orson E. Hough, discharged July, 1862; disability.
John H. Knapp.
Nathan Hill.
PRIVATES.
John Quincy Adams, discharged September, 1861; disability; John R. Allen,
wounded, Antietam, September, 1862.
William W. Arthur, discharged to enter Sixth United States Cavalry. Joseph
S. Baker, discharged December, 1862; disability.
William B. Barker, wounded, Chancellorsville, May. 1863.
William R. Beal, veteran; Corporal, Company B, Twentieth Indiana Regiment.
Levi Barnes, mortally wounded, Antietam; died October, 1862. John Benham,
discharged to enter Fourth United States Artillery. A. B. Blankenship,
discharged May, 1862; disability.
John Brusman, veteran; wounded Spottsylvania, May, 1864.
Philip E. Buzan, promoted Corporal; wounded, Fredericksburg; mortally
wounded, Chancellorsville, May, 1863.
Nelson Chambiain, discharged October 31, 1862; disability.
John Cooper. wounded, Antietam; discharged to enter Second United States
Cavalry.
Isaiah Corban, veteran.
R. A. J. Corbley, discharged May, 1862; disability.
William Cullen, veteran; Corporal Company B, Twentieth Indiana Regiment.
Ananias Cullison, discharged May, 1862; disability.
John G. Davis, died April; 1862.
Samuel Dobbins, enlisted in another company.
Jonas Emery, mortally wounded, Antietam, September, 1862. George W. Faucett,
promoted Corporal and Sergeant; mortally wounded, Wilderness; died May,
1864.
James M. Flater, discharged to enter Sixth United States Cavalry. Benjamin
Ferguson, discharged November, 1861; disability. James Foster, discharged
December, 1862; disability.
Alexander Fox, discharged to enter Sixth United States Cavalry. John
Goodwin, discharged May, 1862;
wounded, Edinburg, Va. John M. Harrel, wounded, Antietam; discharged
February, 1863,
for wounds at Fredericksburg, Va.
James Harrel, complimented in official report of battle of Chancellorsville;
wounded, Mine Run.
A.J. Hattabough, wounded, Antietam; discharged to enter Sixth United States
Cavalry.
James F. Jackson, discharged to enter Sixth United States Cavalry. John B.
Jackson, died July, 1861, Indianapolis, Ind.
Greenberry Johnson, wounded, Fredericksburg, December, 1862. Hamilton C.
Jones, discharged October, 1862; disability.
Wilson Jordan, discharged September, 1861; disability.
Charles Kelsey, promoted Sergeant; wounded.
Frank Lane, veteran.
William Larne, discharged September, 1861; disability.
John Lawson, killed; Antietam, September, 1862.
Philip Letsinger, promoted Corporal; killed, Antietam, September, 1862.
William Letsinger, discharged to enter Sixth United States Cavalry. Augustus
May, veteran; wounded,
Antietam; transferred Veteran Reserve Corps.
George McBride, veteran; wounded, Chancellorsville; Corporal, Company B,
Twentieth Regiment.
B.W. McClung, promoted Corporal, veteran; wounded, Antietam. John McKinnon,
promoted Corporal; wounded, Antietam; transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps.
John Mood, discharged April, 1863; disability.
William J. Morgan, promoted Corporal; wounded, Antietam and Chancellorsville;
discharged April, 1864.
Andrew J. Morgan, discharged to enter Sixth United States Cavalry. Edward
Moulden, discharged, October, 1861; disability.
Basil O'Donald, veteran.
James T. Overman, veteran; wounded, Gettysburg, July, 1863. Henry Parsons,
discharged December, 1861; disability.
David Quillen, captured; discharged November, 1862; disability. William
Quillen, discharged, to enter Sixth United States Cavalry. James H. Quillen,
discharged October, 1863; for wound at Winchester, March, 1862.
Henry Reed.
James Riley, captured at Cedar Run while on picket.
Noah Ring, wounded, Gettysburg, July, 1863.
John Roach, captured; discharged December, 1862; disability. James M. Roach,
discharged September, 1861; disability.
James Roberts, discharged October, 1862; disability.
Simon Rubottom, died November. 1861, Huttonville, Va.
Henry Schuman, wounded, Wilderness, May, 1864.
Henry Scott, killed at Antietam, September, 1863.
Benjamin Smith, discharged September, 1861; disability.
D. W. Solliday, veteran; wounded, Gettysburg; Corporal Company B, Twentieth
Regiment.
Reed J. Stamper, veteran; wounded, Antietam, September, 1863. John F.
Stamper, captured June, 1862; died in prison.
Joseph W. Stark, wounded, Wilderness, May, 1864; supposed mortally.
Elisha Stone, discharged, to enter Sixth United States Cavalry. John
Templeton, killed September, 1861; Cheat Mountain, Va.
C. C. Thayer, wounded. Mine Run; captured, Wilderness, May, 1864. Gerald H.
Topping, discharged September, 1861; disability. George H. Topping, died
March, 1862, Cumberland, Md. Charles Urvorska, discharged May, 1862;
disability.
Charles Veach, wounded, Antietam; discharged March, 1863.
Jasper Vancleave, wounded, Antietam; discharged to enter Sixth United States
Cavalry.
Henry Waggoner, discharged November, 1862; disability. James Wells,
discharged April, 1863; disability.
James Welch, died January, 1864, Stevensburg, Va.
John Williams, veteran; promoted, Corporal. and Sergeant; promoted Second
Lieutenant in Company B, Twentieth Regiment.
Robert Williamson, discharged November, 1862; disability.
Owen T. Wright, promoted Corporal and Sergeant; captured at Wilderness,
May,1864.
RECRUITS.
Eli W. Adams, discharged May, 1862; disability.
George W. Barker, killed at Antietam, September, 1862.
John H. Barker, captured; died Lynchburg, Va., September, 1882. Joseph B.
Barnes, I' :led at Wilderness, May, 1864.
M. D. Brookshire.
Hugh M. Bound, wounded, Wilderness, May, 186.4:
William H. Cole, wounded, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg; promoted Corporal and
Sergeant; promoted Second and First Lieutenant and Captain in Company B,
Twentieth Regiment.
S. D. Chipman, veteran; wounded, Antietam, Cold Harlx. Allen S. Chambers,
died at home, January, 1865.
William F. Chapman, wounded, Chancellorsville, May, 1864.
Daniel H. Fields, wounded, Antietam; transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps.
Thomas S. Fields, wounded, Wilderness, two places, May, 1864; captured.
Wesley S. Gainey, wounded, Wilderness, May, 1864.
E. B. Gainey, wounded, Antietam, two places; discharged January, 1883;
re-enlisted,. wounded, Petersburg; Warren's raid, three places.
John M. Gainey, was sixteen years old; appointed. drummer.
James H, Hawkins, wounded, Cold Harbor; promoted Corporal and Sergeant
Company B, Twentieth Regiment.
Daniel A. Harrah, wounded, Gettysburg; discharged March, 1864; disability.
John M. Hudson, wounded, Wilderness, May, 1884.
John M. Hinebrook.
Jacob H. Hale.
James H. Jarrell, mortally wounded, Chancellorsville; died May, 1863.
Jeremiah P. Lawson.
John J. 141cOlung, transferred to Brigade Band; wounded, Antietam.,
September, 1862.
John McGuire, wounded, Antietam; ransferred to Veteran Reserve Corps.
John O'Donald, wounded, Spottsylvania, May, 1864; Cold Harbor. June, 1864.
Ewell Plummer, discharged October, 1862; disability; re-enlisted February,
1864.
William Price, died at Indianapolis, before joining company. James Polick,
died January, 1865; Washington, D. C.
Jasper Sloat, killed, Morton's Ford, February, 1864
James C. Smith, wounded, Antietam; discharged October, 186a; ror wound.
Price Simons, wounded, Wilderness; transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps.
John Sollictay, died at Washington, D. C., June, 1864.
William G. Shepherd.
Samuel F. Tincher, wounded, Wilderness, May, 1864,
William A. Vest.
William T. Williams, killed, Fredericksburg, December, 1862. James Wills,
discharged April, 1863; disability.
Matthew B. Wills.
James B. 'Wakefield, wounded, Chancellorsville, front of Petersburg. Obatee
West.
This information
is the research of many people across the United States and may contain
errors. It is presented as the best information to date. Like all of those
whose work I have incorporated herein, my research is a work in progress
and subject to change without notice. A special thanks to Marlene Ricci of
CA, Dwayne Meyer of CA, Jacqueline Bean of TX, Debbie Dick of IN, Milus
Miller of IL, Carol Hendricks Miller of IN, Clarence Miller of IN, and
Harold Glen Miller of IN. There are numerous others too; many of which are
unknown, but their findings and stories are still much appreciated.
Much of this would not have been possible with out their information. Also
this website includes historical facts gathered from Washington County
History, Indiana History, Rowan County and Salisbury North Carolina
Historical sources and other US Historical sources.
James A. Miller- Great -Great -Great -Great Grandson of Adam Miller
and Hannah Sheets.