USA > Indiana > History of the Sixth regiment Indiana volunteer infantry. Of both the three months' and three years' services.. > Part 1
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GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01083 4429
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2012
http://archive.org/details/historyofsixthr00bria
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C. C. BRIANT
HISTORY=
OF THE
SIXTHI REGIMENT
Indiana Volunteer Infantry.
OF BOTH THE THREE MONTHIS' AND THREE YEARS' SERVICES.
This work contains, not only a complete history of the Sixth Indiana Regiment, its trials and hardships, the battles in which it was engaged, but a full description of every battle, its results, etc., also the losses on both sides, the number engaged on both sides, who the com- manding officers were, etc., a discription of the country and the people and a thousand other items of general interest to both the old soldier and the general . reader, interspersed with anecdotes of the war. It also gives a record of every man that ever belonged to the regiment, telling when and where he enlisted, how long and in what capacity he served, show- ing his promotions, and what finally became of him, telling whether he was killed in action, died of wounds or disease, was cap- tured or discharged, etc., and just when and where these things happened. Written from per- . sonal knowledge and the records by the chosen Historian of the Regiment, VERSAILLES, IND. C. C. BRIANT, Captain Company K.
INDIANAPOLIS: WM. B. BURFORD, PRINTER AND BINDER.
1891
IV
HISTORY OF THE SIXTH REGIMENT.
life, and, no doubt, many very important ones have been overlooked. But the part the Sixth Indiana Infantry took in the great task of helping to crush the great Rebellion has never been lost sight of for a moment. I have tried to give our dear old Sixth Regiment all the honor due it, without de- tracting from that of others. The facts as stated are true as I understand them, and while some of my comrades may differ from me on minor points. They will please remember that those differences are not essential to a true history of our regiment. Of one thing I feel satisfied, and that is this, that the warm feeling our boys have for our dear old regiment will not be lessened any by reading this work. While our children will learn to reverence the memory of the men who endured such hard- ships and suffering for the preservation of our country and the flag.
Asking the indulgence of all my old comrades for whatever may seem to them errors, I now bid them an affectionate farewell, in F., C. and L.
CHARLES C. BRIANT, Late Captain Co. K, Sixth Reg. Ind. Vol. Inf.
CONTENTS.
THE CALL TO ARMS 1 A TABULATED STATEMENT OF THE OFFICERS AND ENLISTED
MEN . 12
THE ROUTE TO THE FIELD OF BATTLE
61
SIXTH REGIMENT INDIANA VOLUNTEERS, THREE MONTHS' SERVICE 76
ENTERING NASHVILLE 96
THE BATTLE OF SHILOH 107
WE GO INTO CAMP . 125
GENERAL HALLECK RELIEVED 136
OUR STAY AT CROW CREEK 145
GENERAL BUELL REMOVED 158
THE ARMY REORGANIZED .
170
IN MURFREESBORO AND RESTING UP
197
THE CHICKAMAUGA CAMPAIGN 218
THE BATTLE OF CHICKAMAUGA . 227
THE SIEGE OF CHATTANOOGA 252
THE BATTLE OF CHATTANOOGA
268
WE MARCH TO THE RELIEF OF BURNSIDE 287 ATLANTA CAMPAIGN 306 THE BATTLE OF NEW HOPE 316
THE MOVE FROM KENNESAW 325
DESCRIPTION OF THE ROUTE HOME 335
TABULATED STATEMENT, ETC., WHICH SHOWS THE RECORD OF EVERY MAN THAT EVER BELONGED TO THE REGI- MENT, IN THE THREE YEARS' SERVICE 344
THOMAS T. CRITTENDEN.
HISTORY OF THE SIXTH REGIMENT.
CHAPTER I.
THE NEWS OF THE FALL OF FORT SUMTER.
The call to arms-Indiana not prepared for war-The people rally to the rescue-Great excitement among the people -- Governor Morton's call to form regiments-A great rush for first place-Martial music rings through the air-The Sixth Indiana organized April 25, '61-She starts for the front.
The news of the fall of Fort Sumter was con- firmed, after several days and nights of intense suspense, by a dispatch received at Indianapolis, on Sunday morning, the 14th of April, 1861. On that day the loyal people of the United States abandoned the field of argument, and ceased to discuss measures and plans for the peaceable restoration of the national authority in the revolted States, and, with singular unanimity and deter- mination, accepted the issue of war as the only means left to save and perpetuate the national ex- istence and the priceless liberties so long enjoyed.
The unprepared condition of Indiana at this junction is a matter concerning which no intelli- gent man is ignorant. She had no money, no
1
2
HISTORY OF THE SIXTH REGIMENT.
arms or munitions, no organized militia. The po- sition of Governor Morton, who had barely entered upon the duties of his office, was surrounded with responsibilities and embarrassments before un- known and seemingly almost insurmountable, but with a full understanding of the patriotic disposi- tion of the people, and an unfaltering confidence in the justice of the cause in which he was about to engage, not a moment was lost in hesitation or distrust.
The telegraph on the morning of the 15th bore the following message from the Governor to Pres- ident Lincoln at Washington :
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT OF INDIANA, } INDIANAPOLIS, April 15, 1861.
To Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States :
On behalf of the State of Indiana. I tender to you, for the defense of the Nation, and to uphold the authority of the Government, ten thousand men.
Signed,
OLIVER P. MORTON, Governor of Indiana.
The same day the President issued his procla- mation, calling forth the militia of the several States of the Union, to the aggregate number of seventy-five thousand volunteers, in order to sup- press the rebellion and cause the laws to be duly executed. The quota of Indiana was subsequently fixed by the Secretary of War at six regiments of infantry or riflemen, comprising, in officers and men, four thousand six hundred and eighty-three, to
3
THE FALL OF FORT SUMTER.
serve for the period of three months, unless sooner discharged. On the 16th the Governor issued a proclamation, briefly reciting the acts of the rebel- lion which had brought on the war, and calling upon the loyal and patriotic men of the State to the number of six regiments, to organize them- selves into military companies, and forthwith re- port the same to the Adjutant-General, in order that they might be speedily mustered into the service of the United States. The Honorable Lewis Wallace, of Crawfordsville, who had served in the Mexican War, and had, as a legislator and citizen, taken a deep interest in military affairs, was ap- pointed Adjutant-General.
Colonel Thomas A. Morris, of Indianapolis. a graduate of the United States Military Academy, and an eminent citizen, was appointed Quarter- Master-General, and Isaiah Mansur, of Indianap- olis, an experienced and prominent merchant. was appointed Commissary-General
Instructions were issued in general orders by the Adjudant General for the formation of com- panies ; the several military departments were speedily organized for business, and all available measures taken to fill the quota with the least pos- sible delay.
To meet the extraordinary condition of affairs the Governor issued his call on the 19th of April to the members of the Legislature, requiring them to convene in special session, at the State Capital, on the 24th.
4
IHISTORY OF THE SIXTH REGIMENT.
In the meantime, every class of community manifested the wildest enthusiam and most intense excitement ; public meetings to faciliate the for- mation of companies, and to give expression to the sentiments of the people, touching their duty in the pending crisis, were held in every city, town and neighborhood, and an ardent and unquench- able military spirit was at once aroused that bid fair to embrace in its sweep every able-bodied man in the State.
The day after the call was made five hundred men were in camp, and the Governor, apprehen- sive (as was the whole country at the time) that an effort would be made by the rebels to take possession of the Federal Capital. proposed to send forward half a regiment, if required, although un- able to furnish the necessary arms and equipments. Receiving no reply to this offer from the War Department, it was renewed on the day following, and the number increased to one thousand men.
By the 19th, three days after the call, there were twenty-four hundred men in camp, and arrivals continued by every train. So rapid did volunteer- ing proceed, in less than seven days more than twelve thousand men, or nearly three times the quota required, had been tendered. Contests to secure the acceptance of companies were earnest and frequent. The question was not. " Who will go?" but " Who will be allowed to go?" In many cases companies came forward without or- ders, or rather in defiance of orders, in the hope
5
THE FALL OF FORT SUMTER.
that they could be received, or that a second call would at once be made; and frequently their en- listment rolls contained twice, and even thrice, the number of names required. Hundreds who were unable to get into companies at home came singly and in squads to the general rendezvous on their own responsibility, and by combining with others in like condition, and with fragments from com- panies having a surplus, formed new companies, and joined in the general clamor for acceptance.
The response was as gratifying as it was uni- versal, and left no doubt as to the entire and last- ing devotion of Indiana to the fortunes of the Union. Like the sunlight the war fever per- meated every locality. The " old flag " at once became sacred, and was proudly displayed in every breeze from the highest peaks of churches, school houses and private dwellings. The presentation of a stand of national colors by the patriotic ladies to each company was rarely omitted, and when- ever practical, brass bands were provided to escort them to the general camp near the city, located in the State fair grounds, and known as Camp Morton.
Throughout the State the people acted in the most liberal and patriotic manner, providing the men with blankets, underclothing, and other neces- sary supplies which the authorities could not at the moment furnish.
Families, suddenly deprived of husbands, fathers and brothers, upon whom they were dependent,
6
HISTORY OF THE SIXTH REGIMENT.
were the recipients of all the assistance that abun- dant hands and free hearts could give.
Several railroad companies operating in the State announced that they would carry all regu- larly enlisted volunteers free. Donations of money in munificent sums, were made by citizens and by the authorities of cities, towns and counties to aid the cause in various ways ; and a number of banks and many wealthy capitalists offered to advance large sums to the State until provision should be made by the Legislature, or the General Govern- ment, for equipping and providing for the troops. The eminent house of Winslow, Lanier & Co., of New York, long and honorably identified with the financial history of the State, tendered a loan of twenty-five thousand dollars without stipulations as to interest or the time when it should be repaid.
The General Government being unable to fur- nish clothing and equipments, required by the large force so suddenly brought into service, the State was compelled, through the Quartermaster- General to become a purchaser of these supplies, in open market at home. The duties of the Com- missary-General, in subsisting the troops, were equally as important and responsible. Indeed every department connected with the service was taxed to the utmost; the duties were novel, and the officers assigned to discharge them inexpe- rienced and unskilled ; yet better supplies were not furnished at any subsequent period during the war, or at so cheap a rate.
THE FALL OF FORT SUMTER.
On the 20th, five days after the call, orders were issued for the organization of the regiments.
Drs. John S. Bobbs and Alois D. Gall were ap- pointed Medical Inspectors and Major (afterwards Major-General), Thomas J. Wood of the regular army, who had been specially detailed by the War Department for the purpose, proceeded to muster the troops into the service of the United States.
On the same day, the Governor finding it im- possible to restrain the tide of volunteering within the narrow limits of the three months' call, and being impressed with the necessity and importance, as well as to the General Government as to the State, of immediately placing an overwhelming force in active service, tendered to the Secretary of War six additional regiments, without conditions as to the term of service, with the assurance that they would be organized if accepted in six days. Communication with Washington City by tele- graph being cut off, no response to this offer was received. On the 23d, in a dispatch forwarded by special messenger, it was renewed, and the Gover- nor at the same time expressed his determination to at once put the six additional regiments in camp and under discipline, and hold them subject, at least for a time, to the demand of the Govern- ment.
In every quarter, and especially in the counties bordering on the Ohio River, the most serious fears were entertained that the States would be invaded by rebel bands, known to be organizing in Ken-
&
HISTORY OF THE SIXTH REGIMENT.
tucky towns on the border, plundering and devas- tating the country. Every movement of the enemy indicated an early demonstration against the loyal people north of the Potomac and the Ohio.
The determination of the Governor to anticipate a second call of the President, by organizing and holding in readiness a well disciplined force, was therefore received with much satisfaction, particu- larly the volunteers who had tendered their ser- vices, and were impatiently awaiting at their homes, orders to march. Public confidence was encouraged by the prompt measures set on foot by the Governor to procure, through agents dis- patched to the eastern cities and to Canada, a sup- ply of first- class arms for State use, and by the or- ganization in many counties of companies of home guards, who were armed, for the time being, with squirrel rifles and fowling pieces, gathered up in their respective neighborhoods.
The Legislature met in extra session on the 24th of April, and, in a spirit of entire harmony, pro- ceeded to the important duty of devising such measures as the critical state of the country seemed to demand. The Governor, in his special message, after reviewing the history of the seces- sion movement, and the part already performed by the State in compliance with the President's call, made the following recommendations: "In view of all the facts it becomes the imperative duty of Indiana to make suitable preparations for the con- test by providing ample supplies of men and money
9
THE FALL OF FORT SUMTER.
to insure the protection of the State and the Gen- eral Government in the prosecution of the war to a speedy and successful termination. I, therefore. recommend that one million of dollars be appro- priated for the purchase of arms and munitions of war, and for the organization of such portion of the militia as may be deemed necessary for the emergency ; that a militia system be devised and enacted, looking chiefly to volunteers, which shall insure the greatest protection to the State, and unity and efficiency of the force to be employed. That a law be enacted defining and punishing treason against the State; that a law be enacted suspending the collection of debts against those who may be actually employed in the military ser- vice of the State or of the United States; that suitable provision be made by the issue of bonds of the State or otherwise, for raising the money herein recommended to be appropriated ; and that all necessary and proper legislation be had to pro- tect the business property and citizens of the State under the circumstances in which they are placed."
The Legislature, to replenish the treasury, promptly authorized a war loan of two millions of dollars, and made the following appropriations : For general military purposes, one million dollars ; for the purchase of arms, five hundred thousand dollars ; for contingent military expenses, one hundred thousand dollars, and expenses of or- ganizing and supporting the militia for two years, one hundred and forty thousand dollars.
10
HISTORY OF THE SIXTH REGIMENT.
The following laws were also passed: To or- ganize the Indiana Militia ; to provide for the en- ployment of six regiments of State troops; to provide for the appointment of a State Pay- master ; to authorize counties to appropriate money for the protection and maintenance of the families of volunteers, for the purchase of arms and equip- ments, and for raising and maintaining military companies ; and to provide for the punishment of persons guilty of giving material aid and com- fort to the enemy of this State, or of the United States, in a time of war.
The three months' regiments were fully organ- ized, by the appointment of field and staff officers, on the 29th of April, and a thorough course of military training immediately instituted.
In the Mexican War the State had five regiments, numbered from the First to the Fifth inclusive. To avoid historical confusion, therefore, the new regiments were numbered by beginning with the Sixth. Thus it will be seen that the Sixth Regi- ment was the first one raised in the State in the War of the Rebellion.
Among the names composing the old Sixth Regiment for the three months' service, may be found the " Brave Boys " who were first to answer their countries call for help. In the contest for first place they won. It was purely a game of patriotism. It could not be said of them, that, "to the victors belong the spoils," as there were no spoils in the case. It was a pure and patriotic
11
THE FALL OF FORT SUMTER.
disposition to bare their breasts in the face of the enemy of their country, and there was written in their countenance, in letters of fire that could not be mistaken-victory or death.
But these are not the only places where the name of the Grand Old Sixth will appear first among the Indiana patriots. Its members are among the first to appear in the book known as Indiana's " Roll of Honor;" and not only this, but, when generations yet unborn shall visit the great Soldiers' Monument, at Indianapolis, and are gazing with wonder and astonishment upon this grand structure, erected in honor of the Indiana soldier, they may read, chiseled in pure white granite in letters that can never be erased, and standing at the head of the list, away up near the very top of this grand tower, the name of the Grand Old Sixth Indiana Volunteers.
The companies comprising the Sixth Regiment for the three months' service were raised in differ- ent parts of the State, and each actuated by a common cause, that of organization for the defense of the Union, were drawn to a common center for that purpose; and at Indianapolis in Camp Mor- ton, on the 25th day of April, 1861, the organiza- tion of the regiment was completed, and it was mustered into the United States service, and was composed of the following officers and men.
12
CHAPTER [I.
TABULAR LIST OF SIXTH INDIANA, THREE MONTHS SERVICE- TOTAL STRENGTH OF THE REGIMENT.
SIXTH REGIMENT (THREE MONTHS) INDIANA VOLUNTEERS.
NAMES AND RANK.
RESIDENCE.
DATE OF COMMISSION.
DATE OF MUSTER.
REMARKS.
COLONEL.
Thos. T. Crittenden . . LIEUTENANT COLONEL.
Madison. . .
April 26, 1861
April 26, 1861
Mustered ont ; term expired ; re- entered service as Colonel 6th Regt., 3 years' service.
Hiram Prather .
North Vernon
April 26, 1861
April 26, 1861
Mustered out; term expired ; re- entered service as Lt. Col. 6th Regt , 3 years' service.
MAJOR.
John Gerber
Madison. . .
April 26, 1861
April 26, 1861
Mustered out ; term expired ; re- entered service as Lt. Col. 24th Regt., 3 years' service.
HISTORY OF THE SIXTH REGIMENT.
ADJUTANT. Geo. W. Wiley
Madison. . .
April 19, 1861 April 26, 1861
Mustered out; term expired ; re- entered service as Adjutant 39th Regt. in three years' ser- vice.
QUARTERMASTER.
Isaiah H. Andrews .
North Vernon April 19, 1861
April 26, 1861
Mustered out; term expired.
SURGEON.
Chas. Schussler
Madison.
April 30, 1861
April 30, 1861
Mustered out ; term expired ; re- entered service as Surgeon 6th Regt., 3 years' service.
ASSISTANT SURGEON.
John W. Davis . ..
Vincennes . .
April 30, 1861
April 30, 1861
A. CAPTAIN.
Mustered out ; term expired ; re- entered service as Assistant Surgeon, 24th Regt.
Thos. T. Crittenden . Philemon P. Baldwin
Madison. Madison.
April 19, 1861 May 2, 1861
April 25, 1861
FIRST LIEUTENANT.
Promoted Colonel. Mustered out ; term expired ; re- entered service as Capt. 6th Regt., 3 years' service.
Philemon P. Baldwin Samuel Russell . .
Madison. . Madison.
April 19, 1861 May 2, 1861
April 25, 1861
SECOND LIEUTENANT.
Promoted Captain. Mu-tered out; re entered service as Capt. 6th Regt., 3 years' service.
Samuel Russell . . Isaac Stevens . .
Madison. . . Madison. .
April 19, 1861 May 2, 1861
April 26, 1861
Promoted First Lieutenant. Mustered out; term expired.
OFFICERS AND ENLISTED MEN.
13
14
OFFICERS-Continued.
NAMES AND RANK.
RESIDENCE.
DATE OF COMMISSION.
DATE OF MUSTER.
REMARKS.
B. CAPTAIN.
Augustus H. Abbett .
Columbus .
April 23, 1861
April 25, 1861
Mustered out ; term expired ; re- entered service as Major 6th Regt., 3 years' service.
FIRST LIEUTENANT.
Allen W. Prather .
Columbus . .
April 23, 1861
April 25, 1861
Mustered out; term expired ; re- entered service as Capt. 6th Regt., 3 years' service.
SECOND LIEUTENANT.
William C. Wheeler . .
Orleans . . .
April 23, 1861
April 25, 1861
.
Mustered out ; term expired ; re- entered service as Capt. in 38th Regt.
C. CAPTAIN Charles Childs . .
Washington .
April 20, 1861
April 25, 1861
FIRST LIEUTENANT.
Richard W. Meredith . SECOND LIEUTENANT.
Washington . April 20, 1861
April 25, 1861
Mustered out ; term expired ; re- entered service as lat Lieut. 52d Regt., 3 years' service.
Alonzo Solomon.
Washington . | April 20, 1861
April 25, 1861
Mustered out ; term expired ; re- entered service as Capt. in 65th Regt.
Mustered out; term expired ; re- entered service as 2d Lieut. 6th Regt., 3 years' service.
HISTORY OF THE SIXTH REGIMENT.
D. CAPTAIN.
Thomas J. Harrison . . Kokomo. . . April 20, 1861
April 25, 1861
FIRST LIEUTENANT.
Thomas Herring
Kokomo. . .
April 22, 1861
April 25, 1861
SECOND LIEUTENANT.
William R. Phillips . .
Kokomo. . .
April 22, 186]
April 25, 1861
E. CAPTAIN.
.
Madison. .
April 18, 1861
April 18, 1861
Madison.
April 22, 1861
April 25, 1861
Rufus Gale .
Madison. .
.
April 29, 1861
April 29, 1861
FIRST LIEUTENANT.
Madison.
April 13,1861
April 18, 1861
Madison.
April 22, 1861
April 25, 1861
John T. Hendricks
Madison.
April 29, 1861
April 29, 1861
SECOND LIEUTENANT.
Rufus Gale ..
Madison. .
April 18, 1861
April 18, 1861
John T Hendricks
Madison.
April 22, 1861
April 25, 1861
William C. Hamilton .
Madison.
April 29, 1861
April 29, 1861
Mustered out ; term expired ; re- entered service as Col. 39th Regt., 3 years' service.
Mustered out ; term expired ; re- entered service as Capt 39th Regt., 3 years' service.
Mustered out ; term expired ; re- entered service as 1st Lieut. in 39th Regt., 3 years' service.
Jeremiah C. Sullivan John Gerber .
Promoted Col. 13th Regt. Promoted Major.
Mustered out ; term expired ; re- entered service as lat. Lieut. 39th Regt , 3 years' service.
Promoted Captain.
John Gerber Rufus Gale .
Promoted Captain.
Mustered out; term expired.
Promoted First Lieutenant. Promoted First Lieutenant. Mustered out; term expired.
OFFICERS AND ENLISTED MEN.
15
OFFICERS-Continued.
NAMES AND RANK
RESIDENCE.
DATE OF COMMISSION.
DATE OF MUSTER.
REMARKS.
F. CAPTAIN. William C. Morean
Knightstown .
April 18, 1861
April 25, 1861
Mustered out ; term expired ; re- entered service as Captain 3d Cavalry.
FIRST LIEUTENANT.
Robert Allison
Knightstown
April 18, 1861
April 25, 1861
Mustered out ; term expired ; re- entered service as Captain in 57th Regt., 3 years' service.
SECOND LIEUTENANT.
John Cole
Knightstown. April 18, 1861
April 25, 1861
Mustered out ; term expired.
G. CAPTAIN.
Hagerman Tripp
North Vernon April 19, 1861
April 25, 1861
Mustered out ; term expired ; re- entered service as Captain in 6th Regt., 3 years' service.
FIRST LIEUTENANT
Josiah H. Andrews
North Vernon April 19, 1861
April 25, 1861
Promoted Quartermaster.
SECOND LIEUTENANT. Geo. W. Kendrick.
North Vernoi April 19, 1861 | April 25, 1861
Mustered out ; term expired ; re- entered service as Captain in 82d Regt.
16
HISTORY. OF THE SIXTH REGIMENT.
2
H. CAPTAIN. Fielder A. Jones .
FIRST LIEUTENANT.
Stephen Story.
Seymour. .
April 23, 1861
April 25, 1861
Mustered out : term expired.
SECOND LIEUTENANT.
Calvin B. Trumbo.
Seymour. .
April 23, 1861
April 25, 1861
Mustered out ; term expired.
I. CAPTAIN.
John D. Evans .
Noblesville . April 22, 1861
April 25, 1861
Mustered out ; term expired ; re- entered service as Major in 39th Regt.
FIRST LIEUTENANT.
John F. Longley
Noblesville .
April 22, 1861
April 25, 1861
Mustered out ; term expired ; re- entered service as Captain in 39th Regt.
SECOND LIEUTENANT. Geo. A. Wainwright. . K. CAPTAIN.
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