USA > Indiana > Historical sketch of the Sixty-eighth Regiment, Indiana Volunteers : with personal recollections by members of Company D, and short biographies of brigade, division, and corps commanders > Part 1
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14
Gc 973.74 In2hi 1753572
M. L
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
[ Gc GEN
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01757 0463
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2012
http://archive.org/details/historicalsketch00mauz
HISTORICAL SKETCH
OF THE SIXTY-EIGHTH 687
REGIMENT
INDIANA VOLUNTEERS.
WITH PERSORAL RECOLLECTIONS BY MEMBERS OF COMPANY D, AND SHORT BIOGRAPHIES OF BRIGADE, DIVISION AND CORPS COMMANDERS,
Edition 100-Privately Printed.]
RUSHVILLE, IND., The Republican Co., Printers and Binders. IS87.
----
1756572
PREFACE.
Comrades :
A quarter of a century has passed since we rallied together and marched southward to help in putting down the rebellion. Since then, more events of in- terest have occurred for the well-being of the human race than in any century. How strange it all seems, now that we have been woven into the various call- ings of civil life, North, South, East and West, as farmers, merchants, lawyers, doctors, preachers and in the various trades. It is a romance in real life, a grand transformation scene. Wherever our lot has been cast, we all look back to the days when we marched shoul- der to shoulder, and endured toils, trials and dangers together, and thus cemented ties of friendship which, we hope, will last into eternity.
" Sometimes the friends who've left us, Joined the army gone before, Almost seem to bridge the river 'Twixt the near and farther shore."
Time has flown by so rapidly, and the daily duties and cares of life have so occupied our time, that many incidents have escaped our memories.
The following brief history and biographies have been compiled for presentation to you in order that all
ł
may have in a convenient form the dates of our service and short sketches of the men who led us to victory.
" Oh ! it was glorious, grand, heroic, Rushing over hill and plain ; With its mighty recollections, How the heart leaps up again !
" How they cheered, and how they rallied, How they charged 'mid shot and shell, How they bore aloft the banner, How they conquered, how they fell.
" Fell? Who shall tell the story ? There, among the brave and best,
Who went down 'midst the battle," King, Price, Reese and the rest.
"This the cost of human freedom- Weary hearts that long and wait, Shadows on a thousand households, Sanctified, but desolate."
The accompanying map of the Battle of Nashville and the portrait of Gen. Wood are presented by per- mission of the National Tribune, Washington, D. C., and from plates furnished by its editor.
The Roster of the regiment is copied from the official report of W. H. H. Terrell, Adjutant General of Indiana ( IS66).
J. H. MAUZY, Capt. Co. D. RUSHVILLE, IND., August 19, ISS7.
ERRATA.
The sketch of Major-General Thomas J. Wood should have in- cluded the statement that he was Chief Mustering Officer and Post Commander st Indianapolis, from May to October, 1861.
On page 61, line 19, for Hill Springs, read Mill Springs.
-
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
PAGE.
Sixty-Eighth Indiana, by J. H. Mauzy
I
Indiana in the War. 26
The Losses in the War 28
Enlistments by States
30
Losses in the Revolutionary War
31
Comparative Losses
The Battle of Missionary Ridge (with Map)
34
The Regimental Flag
38
Col. Edward A. King
40
Col. Daniel W. McCook.
49
Gen. August Willich 51
Gen. James B. Steedman 53
Gen. Joseph J. Reynolds 57
Gen. Thomas J. Wood (with Portrait) 59
Gen. George H. Thomas 60
Anti-Compromise Resolutions. 62
Regimental Roster-
Field and Staff 64
Company A
64
Company B 66
Company C 68
Company D
70
Company E
74
Company F
76
Company G
78
Company H
80
Company I.
82
Company K
84
List of Engagements 86
31
Reminiscences- PAGE. J. H. Mauzy .99-126-143 Lee Goodwin 107
John M. Francis IIO
Harvey Caldwell 117
O. H. P. Mohler I21
W. M. Souder 122
D. S. Fleehart 123-150
A. W. Earnest
124
Samuel C. Pegg 130
Samuel B. Jones
132
George Smith
135
Thomas T. Patterson
136
L. T. Stewart 136
W. F. Aldridge 137
S. C. Poppino 1 38
Mason Maxey
140
Ed. A. Junkin 141
Co. D at Chicamauga 143
William Beale 144
D. L. Thomas
147-171
Capt. Henry Romeyn 149
Charles Lester 153-155
Thomas E. Bramblett 158
Enoch Whitely 1 60
James W. Richie 161
N. T. Ploughe. 162
John L. T. Wilson 166
Arthur J. Gates
169
The Dead-
Major James W. Innis 180
Samuel S. Bodine 180
Jefferson E. Trembley IS2
William H. HI. Danner
Manlius W. Pierce IS3
Memorial Address-Rev. E. H. Wood. 184 Army of the Cumberland, September, 1863. 205 Confederate Army at Chicamauga 209
Fourth Army Corps, October, 1863 212
MAPS. -
PAGE. Battle of Nashville
I Battle of Chicamauga. 143
Cyclorama of Missionary Ridge.
34
---
SCALE.
1BY U. S. FORCES.
u REB.
RY & ARTILLERY.
NY.
LONG THE LINES OF N FFET
WOODS
CORPS
LAS.
PURSUING ENEMY EVENING 16ID
N.
NASHVILLE R.B. 8 377/ASI0075
SRTVERS
NIGHTI16TH
CAV. ATTACH & a + P.M.
PEC. 16 IM
--
WATCH'S
TTACH
CAV. EVE. 15
TAIPES CAV. RES.
FN'S HODENE
GUNBOAT.
SMITH AND SCHOFIELD SUPPORTING
CAVALRY PURSUING DEC. 12th
SCHOFIELD
-NIGHT 16TH
WILL SEEON
CUMBERLAND.
to
SCALE.
0
1
NASHVILLE OC CHATTANOOUI RA
LINES OF WORKS ERECTEDIBY U. S. FORCES.
DOS
POSITIONS OF U. S. INFANTRY & ARTILLERY.
" " CAVALRY.
NOTE. THE ELEVATIONS ALONG THE LINES OF WORKS ARE EXPRESSED IN FFET
-MURFREESBORO PIKE.
CARRIES PO9.
ANING IGTH
LEBANON PILET
BROWN'S.
FREEDMANS
D DEC, 15 14
ADVANCED LINE MO
GEBELD ADVANCED POSITIV
-
N.
DURING BATTLE
A.R. TO
FRANKLINY
180
260
FT. NAGLE.
PINE
FRANKLINGOOR
S FT. CASINO
ST. MORTON.
web
LUNCH AND MORING 10
LINE
DEC.18 TH
NIDE 13824
NIGHT 116TH
SMITH
IstV
NG BAT
HUN. WOODS
TTE
BIKE
GRANNY
R
obs
-
IN
DUBIT
.WOOD CA
OH
PSWITH DR VING
ENEMY
3.90
FLE FIT
150
Ma
---
LEJ
SMITH'S X
HITCH
OCLOCK
ATTH'S MOVEMENT
00
GENSV.
130
:140
SEN. JOHNSONS CAY.
ATTACHING GEN. CHALMERS
V's CAV
CROXTON
A. R.
U CH
SAUSFIELD WATCH'S CAV DIV.
AT.
CARRIES POS
TAIPES CAT. RES.
KE
4 CORRS IST POS.
A AT 1OULX
AIJED SY
MICH'S CAV. EVE. 15
NIGHT 165
SCHOFIELD
JARO
WOOD
-
SCHUFIELD'S ATTACK
BY
1
SMITH AND SCHOFIELD SUPPORTING
CAVALRY PURSUING DEC.12TH
CUMBERLAND
WILSONS CAV. CORPSWC
SCHOFIELD-
23 90 CORPS IN RESERVE
CORPS IST POS.
JOHNSONVILLE
ATHIPES CAV.
BUNBOAT.
NASHVILLE & N WESTY
BATTLE OF NASHVILLE, DEC. 15-16, 1864 ..
ATTACH 3 84 P.N.
DEC. 16 TH
MARDIN
VSH' DONALDSO
PIKE
ARIES POS
SMITH NIGHT CEC IS
QEC. 16 LG,
8. 41TH
FT. HOUSTON
HOODS
OD NIGHT 15
8 377/ASI007'
NASHVILLE B.B.
ACREE -OLD MILLER MURFREESBORO. GUARDING LINE
STEEDMAN
HELBAY REBELS
STEEDMAN'S ATTACK
. COVERTON MILLS.
PURSUING ENEMY JEVENING 16ID
WOODS
===
PIKE
CORPS
NOLENS
FENN
SRIVERS
*** PM.
HILLSBORO
LEBANON PIKE.
.
" REB.
-SMITH CARIRRIES POS.A AT 2 O'CLOCK
68TH REGIMERT IRDIARA IRFARTRY.
OUTLINE HISTORY.
Not until the summer of 1862, when the rebels in large force were threatening to invade the North- ern States at many places, was the Government or the people fully aroused to the magnitude of the Rebellion. Then all felt the necessity of prompt action to stay their onward course, and for the protection of our homes. Everywhere there was a "hurrying to and fro," and men organized into companies for short and long terms of service, and were hurried rapidly to the front. The 68th Regiment was organized at Camp Logan, near Greensburg, by Lieutenent-Colonel B. C. Shaw, and in less than seven days was confronting the enemy in Kentucky. Only a few outlines of the move- ments of the armies with which it served can be given in this short sketch, and all who wish can read in his- tories of the war the details of the campaigns, battles. and the general results of each. A regiment was a small part of the great machinery of war-conse-
2
OUTLINE HISTORY OF THE
quently its service is of interest to the general public only as part of a great army. To the survivors, after twenty-five years, their families and friends, it may recall many forms, faces and incidents, and of times and places nearly forgotten. At Camp Logan there was so much to do, the novelty of the situation, the coming and going of friends and relatives, the manner of living, and the exercise of " squad " drilling, made the few days there pass quickly away, and on Sunday night, August 17, we boarded the cars and arrived at Indianapolis in the night, and marched to the old State House, where we slept until morning. Governor Morton made us a speech next day, and asked us if we would go into Kentucky, as we were much needed there, without the bounty money in advance, as prom- ised, and we agreed almost unanimously to go.
The 6Sth Regiment was mustered into the United States service next day, August 19, 1862, and, the Governor having made a loan, twenty-five dollars of the bounty money was paid to each man, and the regi- ment left at midnight on the cars for Louisville, Ky. There were forty-one commissioned officers and eight hundred and sixty-four men. During its term of ser- vice there were sent to it one hundred and four re- cruits. At Louisville, August 22, we received Spring- field rifles and accoutrements, and were put to drilling almost all the time. Lieutenant-Colonel Edward A. King, of the roth Regulars, was put in command as Colonel, and on the 25th of August we drew forty rounds of ammunition and marched southward. On
3
6STH REGIMENT INDIANA INFANTRY.
the 2Sth the "long roll" beat the first midnight alarm to us, near Bardstown. It was a false alarm this time: but the feelings it causes of a sudden attack and all that implies, makes this the most serious of all calls. September I, at Springfield, the citizens gave us a dinner, the only time the regiment ever received such attention in the South. That evening we joined the forces under Brigadier-general E. Dumont, at Lebanon. There, and at Lebanon Junction, we cut down forests, and worked almost constantly, constructing fortifica- tions and breast-works, and performing other duties to resist the attacks of the enemy, who were threatening us daily and nightly.
September 15, all of our regiment who were not on picket duty-five hundred and twenty-five in number- were ordered to take three days' rations and get into some box-cars which had been used to ship cattle in, and had not been cleaned. This being a new experience in our service, there were more comments than would have been made later on in our service, when, after long, weary, dusty or muddy marches, any chance to ride would have been hailed with delight. The train moved slowly along to Bacon Creek, where the rebels had burned the bridge and a train of cars, and the fires were yet blazing. Soon after, on our march, we met guards , with the body of Major Abbett, of the 67th Indiana, who was killed at Munfordville the day before, and in the night we arrived there and slept on our arms in an open field. We learned afterwards the rebels had allowed us to pass through their troops,
---
4
OUTLINE HISTORY OF THE
knowing we were going into their trap. During the night we changed position into an old orchard between two small forts. About 9 a. m. the rebels opened up with artillery and musketry, and began to close in on us, when we were ordered into the western fort, to support the troops and artillery there engaged. All through the day cannon balls, pieces of shell, grape shot and small balls fell about us, but doing little in- jury. When a white flag of truce would appear, the firing would cease, and all would watch its approach with great interest. Greatly to the surprise of most of us, who did not understand the situation and thought there had been treachery, it was announced before daylight that we had surrendered. Early on the morning of the 17th, we marched out and laid down our arms " with the honors of war;" and when we saw the whole rebel army, and learned they had forty thousand men and sixty pieces of artillery in position, we became more reconciled to the situation. Colonels Wilder, King, Dunham, Owens and Murray refused to surrender unless they were allowed to see and know that there was no hope of a successful resistance, and General Bragg allowed them, after re- peated demands and refusals to surrender, to send Colonel Wilder to see his arrangements for the assault. When he returned he advised an honorable surrender. Under the terms of capitulation we were to retain our side arms, haversacks, canteens and blankets, and were " paroled," agreeing not to take up arms until ex- changed. Colonel King saved our flag by wrapping
.
5
68TH REGIMENT INDIANA INFANTRY.
it about his body, under his clothing; some of his rebel officer acquaintances remarking that he was getting aldermanic in the size of his body, but they did not sus- pect the cause.
What a ridiculous show was made of our prepara- tions to put down the Rebellion, when we threw a large wagon-load of bowie knives, revolvers, dirks and pistols into a pile for the rebels to divide up as trophies. How foolish the carrying of such arms was considered by old soldiers. The troops surrendered were the larger parts of the 50th, 60th, 67th, 6Sth and Sgth Indiana Infantry, two companies of the 74th Indi- ana Infantry, one company of the 7Sth Indiana Infan- try, 204 recruits for the 17th Indiana, ten pieces of In- diana Artillery, one company of Kentucky Cavalry, and one company of the Eighteenth Regulars-in all four thousand one hundred and twenty-nine. The resist- ance at Munfordville for four days, served the purpose of retarding the enemy's march on Louisville, and allowed General Buell's army to come up with him. It also permitted such arrangements there for defense that, when he made the demand for its surrender and was refused, he marched his army away southward, and was overtaken at Perryville, October S. Septem- ber IS we were given four days' rations out of our own captured stores, one cracker and one-third pound of side meat each, and we thought if they could go four days on that amount of food they would starve us out. Under a flag of truce and a small rebel escort, we marched out through the pickets of the rebels and into
6
OUTLINE HISTORY OF THE
General Buell's army, being delayed several hours by the pickets fighting. Colonel King made a strong effort to get our regiment exchanged, and we were delayed several hours while they were conferring with the rebel authorities. The soldiers almost universally censured General Buell for not attacking their rear in force while we were in Munfordville, but military critics say that it would not have done to jeopardize so much. If defeated, the enemy would be between him and the North.
We marched for eight days through a country which both armies had passed over and eaten out, through the sparsely-settled, woody hill region of Western Kentucky, suffering the pangs of hunger and the weariness of long marches. exposed night and day to rains and frosts. This exposure wrought more destruc- tion on us than any other march we were called on to endure. Many of our strongest men were broken down, and shortly after discharged. Later on in our service we became used to hardships and exposures. but this came so soon after leaving comfortable homes that it was felt the more. Our route took us through Bowling Green. where seventeen brass bands, that had been discharged from Buell's army, joined us. We passed on through Brownsville, Litchfield and Tar Springs to Branderburg, on the Ohio River. Here we crossed and marched to New Albany and Jefferson- ville, arriving there on the 2Sth. Governor Morton made a speech to us, which was both complimentary and cheering to our drooping spirits. That same even-
7
6STH REGIMENT INDIANA INFANTRY.
ing it was reported that he whipped General Boyle, and General Jeff. C. Davis shot and killed General Nelson. The rebel army under Bragg was near, and Buell's army was arriving. These events altogether made "exciting times then and there."
We arrived at Indianapolis on the 30th, and were furloughed to our homes until October 27. At that time we reported at the State capital and went into Camp Dumont, where we were kept busy preparing for further service when we should be exchanged. This occurred before December 26, and on that date a part of the regiment left for Louisville, the remainder following on the 30th.
January 7, 1863, we marched to Portland, and next day Companies C, D, E, and H went on board the steamer Ft. Wayne, and the other companies on the Horizon. A large fleet loaded with supplies was to be guarded up the Cumberland River to Nashville. The sides of the boats were boarded up, to protect the pilots, machinery and guards from the attacks of the enemy along the river banks. The water was low, and the delays on sand bars, heavy snows, guerrilla at- tacks, and finally heavy rains, made the voyage of thir- teen days trying to our nerves and patience. A flock of geese that had been fired into would not make more stir in comparison, than did our fleet when, from be- hind rails and logs, the enemy fired into our boats. There was blowing of whistles, ringing of bells, back- ing and running wildly about, until we got our guns to work and drove them from their hiding places. But
8
OUTLINE HISTORY OF THE.
this was done not until they had burned two of our steamers. The boats were lashed together in pairs, and one gun-boat went ahead and one behind, and the fleet would often be several miles in length.
On the 20th we left the boats at Nashville, and went into camp in the suburbs, in the slushy snow and mud. The weather was cold and foggy, and the change from boat life was so great that many sickened and died. On the 25th, while Company D was out on picket duty, the regiment was ordered to march at once, to hunt up some rebel raiders. The company was not relieved for two days, until their return. Such orders came often, and when not on such expeditions all were kept busy with picket drill and camp duties. While at Nashville we were attached to Colonel Dan. McCook's brigade.
April 2, the regiment marched to join the main army, under General Rosecrans. It arrived at Mur- freesboro on the 3d. and was assigned to the 2d Brigade, 5th Division, 14th Army Corps. In June our division number was changed to the 4th, in the re-organization before the advance. The 2d Brigade was made up of the 6Sth, 72d, 75th and forst Indiana regiments. the 105th Ohio, the igth Indiana Battery, and the Soth Illinois, but the latter was on detached service, and never joined the brigade. Colonel A. S. Hall, of the 105th Ohio, commanded the brigade, Major-General J. J. Reynolds the division, and George H. Thomas the corps.
April 17, the regiment went on a general recon-
-----
9
68TH REGIMENT INDIANA INFANTRY.
noisance with General Reynolds and a force of four thousand infantry and two thousand six hundred cav- alry, which destroyed the railroad from Manchester to McMinville, and captured a large amount of supplies. The mounted troops took about two hundred prisoners and a large number of horses and mules. The regi- ment marched one hundred and thirty-three miles in eleven days, besides taking part in the work of destroy- ing property. From this time until the army moved we were kept busy making necessary preparations. Shelter tents were issued and all things made ready for rapid marching. Colonel Hall died June 10, IS63, of a fever. He was a favorite, and had done brave ser- vice with his command, on the ISth of March, defeat- ing General Morgan after a hard fight. Colonel M. S. Robinson, of the 75th Indiana, being the next officer in rank present, took command of the brigade. Col- onel King was absent, sick.
On the 24th of June, the 14th Army Corps in the centre, joined in the grand forward movement, march- ing out on the Manchester turnpike, with our division in the advance. In the evening, at Hoover's Gap, a narrow passage way three miles long, between high hills, the enemy attacked our advance. Our regiment was rushed forward to support the 19th Indiana Bat- tery, and there was some lively work for a short time. Our regiment lost one killed and six wounded. The next day we skirmished with the enemy, who gradually retired before us, as we pushed forward. On the 26th they again offered battle, but did not resist long.
10
OUTLINE HISTORY OF THE
They kept their retreat supported by heavy skirmish lines of infantry, artillery and cavalry. We were nextin advance to the mounted troops into Manchester early in the morning of the 27th, and surprised the place, captur- ing their mails and some prisoners. During all this time the rain poured down in torrents; little streams had to be waded and mud pulled through, and it was a source of great rejoicing to all when, on the 30th, we marched into the rebel camps at Tullahoma, which they aban- doned so hastily that much of their camp equipage was left behind. Pressing on in pursuit, we waded Elk River, July 4, and on the 6th went into Camp Wini- fred, among abundant blackberries. To the free use of this fruit here, many attribute their recovery from jaun- dice and diarrhea, which had been brought on by being soaked so long in the rains of summer- steaming in the heat of the day time, and chilling in the coolness of the night, combined with the fatigues and exposures of the march. But a great number died, many were discharged, and others were sent to the Invalid Corps. After a few days rest the regiment was sent to Decherd, and set to work unloading cars and distributing supplies for the army. July 29 we marched to University Heights, and went into the most healthful and beautiful camp we ever had. July 30 Colonel King arrived, and assumed command of the brigade. August 17 we broke camp, moved out thir- teen. miles to Sweden's Cove, and thence, with little opposition, went to Jasper on the 2 1st, where we halted until the 30th. A large library was appropriated here,
,
II
68TH REGIMENT INDIANA INFANTRY.
and standard literature laid round loosely in the camps. On the 30th, the regiment crossed the Tennessee River at Shellmound, and during the night marched to Whiteside Station, supporting a cavalry raid. We found that the bridge there, 106 feet high, and a long one, had been burned by the rebels. The 2d East Tennessee ran the rebels to within five miles of Chat- tanooga. Next day we returned, and went into camp near the entrance to Nick-a-Jack Cave. September 3 we marched into Georgia, and slept in the narrow gorge in the road when the night became too dark to march. At daylight we moved on over the Raccoon Mountains, camping near Trenton. On the 10th our camp was near the Vulcan Iron Works.
Our objective point was the possession of Chatta- nooga, and the news of the evacuation of that city caused great rejoicing among the troops. Our forces were greatly scattered, and the point was to get them together and into that city. On the evening and night of the rith, we climbed Lookout Mountain, and the road was so steep and rough the men had almost to carry up the artillery and wagons. We could hear heavy and rapid cannonading on the other side of the mountain, and next morning were rushed down the other side and camped in line of battle, beside General Negley's and Bayard's divisions, which had been forced back by overpowering numbers. On the 13th we were in line of battle until nearly dark, and early next morning marched to Pond Springs. Some skirmishing took place, the enemy being close. Our pickets re-
12
OUTLINE HISTORY OF THE
pulsed an attack on the night of the 15th. There was more skirmishing during the 16th. We were in line of battle all the 17th, and until the evening of the 1Sth. Then we marched, when not halting for obstructions ahead of us, all the night by the light of burning fences, logs, trees and brush. Next morning we could hear the sounds of the great battle which had commenced, and soon came into the woods where stray bullets fell about us. A little after noon we were in the thickest of the fray, and being overpowered by Liddell's divi- sion of Walker's Corps, had to fall back, leaving our dead and some of the wounded in the hands of the enemy. Our ranks were reformed, and about dark we took our places in the line of battle for the next day, Sunday, September 20. The night was cool, and the morning opened up smoky and foggy. About y a. m. the rebels began the contest, and the terrible carnage, the roar of cannon and musketry, with falling limbs from the trees above, made us feel like we were in the midst of a hurricane. The roar was continuous, and only the sound of the heaviest guns could be heard above the din of the conflict. Colonel King was killed about 4 p. m., a ball striking him in the forehead. He was brought off the field on a caisson. His courage and bravery won the admiration of all, and had he lived high promotion would have been his reward. Colonel M. S. Robinson, of the 75th Indiana, being next in rank, then took command of the brigade. Early in the night the scattered fragments of the army were concentrated at Rossville, and placed in position
*
13
68TH REGIMENT INDIANA INFANTRY.
for defense, the men sleeping in line of battle. The mere figures of the losses cannot make the terrors of the two days' battle of Chicamauga appear in the least to those who were never in a battle. We had com- rades slain, and others wounded and left on the field, and the tortures of uncertainty in regard to their fate filled our minds with the saddest thoughts.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.