USA > Indiana > The Forty-Fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, history of its services in the war of the rebellion and a personal record of its members > Part 1
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Gc 973.74 In2r 1985189
M. L.
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01081 1609
THE FORTY-FOURTH
INDIANA
VOLUNTEER INFANTRY
HISTORY OF ITS SERVICES
-IN THE- -
WAR OF THE REBELLION
-AND-
A PERSONAL RECORD OF ITS MEMBERS.
BY JOHN H. RERICK, M. D., SURGEON.
LAGRANGE, INDIANA : PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR. 1880.
IC 977.2 R 29
1985189
Binder - please watch for map. in seal of books
Reed tb 22 1877
Hugh Bleed
Col 14th Ind Fegt
...
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PRINTED AT THE COURIER STEAM PRINTING HOUSE, ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN.
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'TO
THE VETERANS,
OTHER SURVIVING MEMBERS, AND THE FRIENDS OF THE FALLEN HEROES 1
OF THE REGIMENT,
WHOSE BRAVE SERVICES ARE HEREIN RECORDED,
THIS VOLUME IS
AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED.
-
INTRODUCTION.
Ar a reunion of Union soldiers at Auburn, Indiana, in September, 1879, a number of the members of the Forty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry met in the pub- lic square and formed a preliminary organization for the promotion of future reunions of the Regiment. A mo- ' tion offered by Lieutenant Nicholas Ensley was unani- mously adopted, requesting the undersigned to prepare a history of the Regiment. It was in obedience to that request that this book was undertaken.
It is now more than eighteen years since the organ- ization of this Regiment, and fourteen years since the day of its muster out at the expiration of the Rebellion. Although the writer was with the Regiment during every day of its service except when absent a few weeks on sick furlough, he finds that time has dimmed in his memory many incidents of a personal character, that might be of interest. He has had, therefore, to depend mainly upon his letters written during the war, the official records, and the correspondence of soldiers pub- lished at the time, for the material of the following pages.
The Forty-fourth Regintent of Indiana volunteers was but one of tens of thousands, and but one among the one hundred and sixty-two regiments organ -
6
PREFACE.
ized.in the State of Indiana, for the immortal work of suppressing the gigantic and iniquitous rebellion of 1861; yet whatever it accomplished, though no greater than that performed by many others, is worthy of per- manent record, and remembrance by the government served and saved. Especially should the posterity of every soldier of that command take patriotic pride in possessing historie and written proof that in their veins flows the blood of ancestors who voluntarily left their homes and loved ones, and upon the most terrible and bloody battle-fields the world has ever witnessed, fought to preserve for them the American Union and the free- dom of man. If this little book should have the effect of fostering such pride, and preserving the names and memory of the brave and patriotic men of this com- mand, it will, I feel assured, accomplish the purpose for which it was requested. Shelley sang the spirit of this work :
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" I will teach thine infant tongue To call upon those heroes old In their own language, and will mould Thy growing spirit in the flame Of Grecian lore; that by each name A patriot's birth-right thou mayst claim."
J. H. RERICK.
1
CHAPTER I.
ORGANIZATION.
THE first gun fired by the Rebellion against Fort Sumter awoke Northern Indiana, as it did the whole North. Before that day the subjects of this record and their friends knew not war, nor the spirit of war. With the exception of a few men scattered here and there, none had seen military service. Thousands of the middle-aged, and those entering upon manhood, had never seen a soldier in line or in uniform. The terrible struggle in the heart of the peace-loving citizen, be- tween love of home, wife, children, and dear friends, and that patriotism aroused by insult to the national flag, was a new and painful experience. But a new day had dawned for the people and the country. Every man, and woman, and the children of discerning age, commenced to live a new life in thought, feeling and action. The hearts of mothers and wives sank in anguish, and then rebounded with patriotism, and sons, husbands and fathers sallied from every hamlet and neighborhood, voluntarily, and offered their services to the imperiled Union. Regiment after regiment was organized at Indianapolis and one or two other places in the State. But these places of rendezvous becoming insufficient, Gov. Morton, in August, 1861, ordered a camp for volunteers at Fort Wayne for the organization
ORGANIZATION.
of the Thirtieth Regiment, placing Hugh B. Reed. of Fort Wayne, in command of the camp. Before this Regiment was complete, it becoming evident that moore men would be mended, the organization of the Forty- fourth Regiment was ordered by the Governor, and the following commissions were issued for the purpose. on Septerüber beth, 186: : Liestenaz :- Colonel. Baldwin I. Crosthwait, of Angola ; Major, Sanford J. Scongisen. co Ligonier ; Assistant Surgeon. John H. Rerick, of La- grange. Hogh B. Reed was to remain in charge of time camp. The organization of the Regimen: wis LOF actively commenced. and on October od, when the Thirtieth Regiment left camp for the feld, the Forty- fourth took possession, with racks nearly half illed. Before this, however, the following additional beld and staff oficers had been commissioned : Colonel. Hogh B. Reed, the commander of the camp. September =; th ; Alliutant, Charles Case, Fort Wayne. September s&d ; Quartermaster. George McConnell. Angoli, September :Sth. The skeletons of all the companies were in camp early in October, ba: the Alling up of the ranks was not Enished until in November. An account of the organ- ization of the several companies will be found in con- nection with the company records. The companies were recruited by patriotic citizens in cifs en: locali- ties, who iel: it their duty to assist in su rebellion. These would prepare an enliste
men :. circulate it among their neighbors for stoets -- sometimes canvassing theit respective contks-call public meetings, make patriotic speeches, awakening the people to an appreciation of the perils of the Govern-
9
ORGANIZATION.
ment. When a sufficient number of volunteers had been secured for the nucleus of a company, they were called together at some convenient point in their county, and an election would then be held for company officers. Those so chosen were, we believe, in all cases, commis- sioned by the Governor. But there was no delay for commissions. The officers selected at once marched their men into camp, and when the ranks were not entirely full, some one or more would obtain leave of absence, to return home and continue the recruiting.
Memory recalls little of interest in camp during the two months the Regiment was recruiting and organiz- ing, though then to soldiers and people almost every day seemed fraught with vital interest. The men in camp were generally healthy. A few cases of measles occurred in October, which infected the command, and afterward disabled many of the men temporarily, and caused the death of a number. Dr. B. S. Woodworth, an honored physician of Fort Wayne, had medical charge of the camp during the organization of the two regiments, the Thirtieth and Forty-fourth, though dur- ing the organization of the latter the Assistant Surgeon of the Regiment had immediate charge of the camp hospital, entering upon duty the first day the Regiment went into camp. The citizens of the city took an active interest in providing for the wants of the sick, and when any one became seriously ill, provision would be made for him in town, and kind and generous assistance rendered. .
A little incident occurred at this time, which had an important bearing upon the discipline of the camp.
-
-
---.
10
ORGANIZATION.
Among soldiers, the first illustration of the metal of their commander, settles many points connected with disci- pline and respect. A volunteer, while in the city, one day, got intoxicated, and wandering in front of Col. Reed's residence, attracted his attention. The Colonel came out and ordered him to go at once to camp. The would-be soldier replied in an insolent manner and started towards the Colonel with the evident intention of assaulting him. As soon as he came within arm's length, he met a blow from the fist of the Colonel that felled him to the earth, where he remained unconscious a little while. The Colonel ordered out his carriage, and calling Dr. Woodworth, who was near at hand, put the man in his charge and sent him to camp hospital. He was not seriously hurt. Not having, though, as yet been mustered into the service, he was promptly dis- charged and sent home, and so missed service in the Forty-fourth Regiment. A healthy conclusion was at once formed in the minds of the volunteers, that they had a commander whom it would be well to respect.
On November 22d, 1861, the Regiment was mustered into the United States service by Lt. H. E. Stansbury, U. S. A. The medical examinations were made by Dr. B. S. Woodworth and the assistant surgeon of the Regi- ment. The appearance of the volunteers, and satisfac- tory answers to a few general questions, were all that were required at the time, and almost all that the burn- ing patriotism of the people would patiently hear to.
It was thought then that every man who wanted to defend his country, should have the privilege. Several men with black hair and beards, and apparently within
11
ORGANIZATION.
the military limit as to age on the day of muster, be- came quite gray in a short time after, and before they had had an opportunity to be frightened. The young men were not behind the old men in their efforts to get into the service, and a number who had not attained the legal age made a good show of years at the muster in. The service, though, lost little, if anything, through the latter. Among them were afterwards found some of the most enduring and efficient soldiers.
The organization was completed by the appointment of William W. Martin, of Rome City, Surgeon, Novem- ber 25th, and Rev. G. W. Beeks, of Fort Wayne, Chap- lain, November 26th.
The Regiment in line, on dress parade, was much praised by the throngs that visited it on these occasions, and subsequently, as it marched through the city to the field, for the intelligent and splendid physical appearance of its men. Measured by the social stand- ard, all grades of society were represented, as well as nearly all vocations ; but the great mass of the Regi- ment were young men from the farm and shop, and all, with few exceptions, were in possession of a good common school education, whilst numbers had passed through high school grades, and some had " been to college." The officers chosen by the men in line were from their associates at home, and when these donned their shoulder straps, they felt and recognized the fact that in the ranks were left many men just as intelligent, brave and worthy as they. Nearly all were worthy of official rank, and none too good to be privates ; but as
12
ORGANIZATION.
all could not serve in either position, distinctions had to be made.
The field and staff officers, chosen by the Governor of the State, were also from comrades of the men in line in civil life, though more largely representative of the professions.
THE ORIGINAL ROSTER. FIELD AND STAFF. 1
Colonel, Hugh B. Reed.
Lieutenant-Colonel, Baldwin J. Crosthwait.
Major, Sanford J. Stoughton.
. Adjutant, Charles Case.
Quartermaster, George W. McConnell.
Chaplain, G. W. Beeks.
Surgeon, W. W. Martin.
Assistant Surgeon, John H. Rerick.
COMPANY OFFICERS.
A. Captain, Charles F. Kinney. 1st Lieutenant, Elias O. Rose. 2d Lieutenant, Birge Smith.
B. Captain, John Murray. 1st Lieutenant, John Barton. 2d Lieutenant, William C. Ward.
C. Captain, L. K. Tannehill. Ist Lieutenant, William Story. 2d Lieutenant, Philip Grund,
D. Captain, Franklin K. Cosgrove. 1st Lieutenant, Charles H. Wayne. 2d Lieutenant, J. Delta Kerr.
E. Captain, William H. Cuppy. Ist Lieutenant, Isaac N. Compton. 2d Lieutenant, Francis MeDonald.
1
ORGANIZATION. 13
Captain, George W. Merrill. 1st Lieutenant, James Colgrove. 2d Lieutenant, Thomas C. Kinmont.
G. Captain, William C. Williams. Ist Lieutenant, Henry J. Shoemaker. 2d Lieutenant, David Cary.
HI. Captain, William B. Bingham. Ist Lieutenant, Joseph H. Danseur. 2d Lieutenant, Jacob Newman.
I. Captain, Albert Heath. Ist Lieutenant, Joseph C. Hodges. 2d Lieutenant, James F. Curtiss.
K. Captain, Wesley Park. 1st Lieutenant, Simeon C. Aldrich. 2d Lieutenant, John H. Wilson.
NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF.
Sergeant-Major, Samuel L. Bayless. Hospital Steward, J. A. Banta. Principal Musician, John R. Grubb. Commissary Sergeant, William F. Hinkle. Quartermaster Sergeant, William Bayless.
.
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14
THE DEPARTURE.
CHAPTER II.
THIE DEPARTURE.
t
HARDLY had the muster-in oath of allegiance to the Government and obedience to those in command of her armies, been administered, before orders were re- ceived by Col. Reed to report his command for duty. Then came a trying hour for the citizen-soldier. It was to be his first departure from home for the field of war. The toils of march, exposures of camp, scenes of car- nage, new and untried duties, the most laborious and perilous that could be presented, were immediately be- fore him. All the endearments of the past, entwined around the home fireside, and the peaceful associations of town and neighborhood, were to be left behind, with the probabilities all against a renewal thereafter. He did not bid parents, wife, children, lovers and friends farewell because he loved war, or sought to follow it as a temporary business, or for gain. His preferences and greatest pleasures were in the peaceful pursuits now abandoned. But a monitor in his heart whispered Duty, save the Union, save it for your children, save it for all posterity, save it for freedom, save it for God. These whisperings decided the internal conflict, and he grasped his musket and knapsack at the bugle's call, fell into line ready for the command, " Forward, march."
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15
THE DEPARTURE.
That command came the next day, November 23d, 1861. The Regiment never made a better display of the pageantry of war than on that day, as it marched through the city to the depot. Never thereafter were all the men and officers in line at the same time. The uniform and equipment of men and officers were then unsoiled. The imposing scene was witnessed by thou- sands who thronged the streets. Many hearts among the throng ached to breaking, and groans of anguish were not unfrequently heard to break forth from the burdened souls of fathers, mothers and wives.
Upon reaching the public square, the Regiment was formed in hollow square, to receive a beautiful flag donated by the patriotic women of the city. The flag was presented by Hon. F. P. Randall, the Mayor, who addressed the Regiment as follows :
Address of Mayor Randall.
SOLDIERS OF THE 44TH REGIMENT-OFFICERS AND MEN :
In common with thousands of your fellow citizens, who have so nobly responded to the call of the Govern- ment, you have now laid aside for a time the character of civilians and assumed that of soldiers, and now form a part of the grand army of the North.
I congratulate the field officers of the Regiment that they have gathered around them soldiers so fine and intelligent in appearance and so manly in bearing; and I congratulate the Regiment that they have as sagacious, brave and gallant officers.
The history of the world furnishes no example like that we now see occurring around us. Five hundred + thousand brave men have voluntarily left the endear- ments and comforts of home, to sustain the Government
16
THE DEPARTURE.
of their choice, and millions will be ready to respond if their country needs them. This is a Government in which all participate, in which all have an equal inter- est, and to the support of which all should be equally devoted. The humblest citizen, equally with the Presi- dent himself, can in truth say, this is my government. And as you are about to leave us to join the armed hosts which have preceded you, through the kind liberality of some of our friends residing in this city, I have the pleasure of presenting to your Regiment these National Colors. Banners are representatives of Nations. This, with its thirty-four stars, represents the whole Union as it was before treason had begun its work of destruction. To it patriotism now looks with ardent hopes, and upon it hang the destinies of this Nation. Glorious men- ories cluster around the Stars and Stripes. For more than eighty years the people of all the States have been proud of this emblem of our country's greatness and power. It has protected the American citizen in all his wanderings, however distant from home business or pleasure may have called him ; and the mariner, as he sailed upon the deep blue sea, bound to the farthest isles of the ocean, whilst the American flag floated at the mast, pursued his journey in conscious pride and security.
But while thus honored at home and respected abroad, traitors and rebels have banded together, and with a united effort are now madly striving to strike it down from its high position, to trample it in the dust and scatter the fragments over all the land. To pre- vent this desecration of our flag and the consequent destruction of the Government it represents, the armies of the North have been called into existence, and are now marching to the field of battle.
Seven long years of toil, privation, frequent disaster and bloody conflicts were spent by the brave men of '76
U
1
1
17
THE DEPARTURE.
to give freedom to this land and a nationality to this flag. I believe the spirit of our ancestors still lives among us, and that the loyal and patriotic people of the present generation will nobly protect and defend what cost our fathers so much to establish. In committing this banner to your charge, I have every confidence that you will safely guard and protect it, if necessary, with life itself.
I almost envy you the privilege which you are so soon to have, in fighting in its defense ; and when you meet the enemies of our country in deadly strife,
"midst flame and smoke, And shout and groan, and saber stroke, And death-shots falling thick and fast,"
may some kind angel be sent to accompany this flag, to defend you from the perils incident to the battle-field, and guide you on to victory ; and if in that hour any- thing is required beyond your love of country to stimu- late you to deeds of noble daring, remember that your friends and relatives at home will share with you the glory of your victory as in some measure their own, while they will sorrow for any misfortune that may befall you as for a personal calamity.
You are making history for yourselves and for our State. Already have the gallant deeds achieved by the Indiana volunteers made a brilliant record in the his- tory of this war. You, I know, will never dim the lustre of that record. You have cheerfully responded to the call of your country in this her hour of danger, and are now ready to join those who are fighting the battles of Freedom in Freedom's holy land.
You go to suppress this treason and put down this unprovoked rebellion, and save us from the threatened rule of traitors and despots, who in their mad ambition would with ruthless hands pull down and destroy the
2
18
THE DEPARTURE.
freest and best government ever vouchsafed to man ; and be assured that in this conflict the prayers and blessings of the good and righteous will accompany you, and for your success they will invoke the favor of Heaven. And when far away from friends and home- when in the camp and on the march-may this emblem of your country's honor and the Nation's sovereignty be ever present to remind you of those whose kind regards will follow you wherever duty and patriotism calls you to go.
Blessings brighten as they take their flight ; and this national ensign, now that the storm-cloud dark and portentous is rolling up from the South, is dearer to all of our hearts at this moment, yes, a thou- sand fold dearer, than it ever was before when gil.led with the sunshine of prosperity and playing with the zephyrs of peace. It speaks for itself far more clo- quently than I can speak for it. Listen to its voice of patriotism. It speaks of earlier and of fater struggles in the cause of freedom. It speaks of victories on the sea and on the land. It speaks of statesmen and heroes among the living and among the dead. But before all and above all other associations and memories, whether of glorious men, or of glorious deeds, or of glorious places, it speaks trumpet-tongued for the union of these States, now and forever. Let it tell the story of its birth to these gallant volunteers as they march beneath its folds by day or repose around its sentinel stars by night. Let it recall to their memories the eventful his- tory of its origin, its cost in toil and blood. Let it rehearse to them its trials and its triumphs in peace and in war; and whatever else may happen to it or them, it will never be prostituted to the unholy purpose of revenge or depredation ; it will never be surrendered to rebels, or ignominiously struck to treason.
19
THE DEPARTURE.
Aud now, before placing it in your hands, I desire to ask a few questions, to which you will please give audi- ble answers.
Do you solemnly promise to love this flag ?
[Yes.]
Do you promise to honor it ?
[Yes.]
Do you promise to obey it ?
[Yes.]
Do you promise to sustain and defend it, even unto death ?
[Yes.]
I, then, in this presence and before these witnesses, solemnly join you to the American Flag; and what we have now joined together let not Jeff. Davis or his minions put asunder.
" Now bless this Banner, God of Hosts, watch o'er each starry fold :
'Tis Freedom's Standard, tried and proved, on many a field of old
And thou who long hast blessed us, O bless us once again, And crown our cause with victory, and keep this Flag from stain."
Adjutant Charles Case responded briefly, on behalf of the Regiment, pledging the Mayor, the patriotic women, and the people, that the flag received should . never be dishonored, but if opportunity offered, be made more glorious by the valor of brave men.
20
HENDERSON.
CHAPTER III.
IN THE FIELD. - INDIANAPOLIS, EVANSVILLE, AND IIENDERSON.
THE Regiment reached Indianapolis about 3 o'clock A. M., the 24th, the next day after leaving Fort Wayne, in the midst of a snow-storm, and for the first time went into tents. The equipage and clothing of the command were now completed, and on the 26th the Regiment started, by way of the Terre Haute and Vincennes rail- road, for Evansville, where the commanding officer was ordered to report by letter to Gen. T. J. Crittenden, at Calhoun, Kentucky.
Upon their arrival at Evansville, the Regiment was most agreeably surprised to find a dinner in waiting, at the market-house, an offering of respect and loyal devo- tion on the part of the citizens of the city. The Regi- ment went into camp in the eastern suburbs of the city, . and for a few days suffered no little from exposure to the cold and unusually inclement weather. It was then thought rather rough soldiering, but many times after would have been accepted with feelings of much relief. The sick list now began to increase rapidly, but mainly as the result of measles, which was becoming prevalent in all the companies. On the 31st the number of sick in the Regimental Hospital had run up to thirty, with many men sick in quarters. The Marine Hospital, a
21
HENDERSON.
Government institution for the benefit of the marine service, was opened for the reception of sick soldiers, and all who could not be comfortably cared for in Regi- mental quarters were sent there for treatment. The first death since leaving Fort Wayne occurred here, in Regimental Hospital, that of David Wert, Co. E. He died with strong confidence in the Christian faith, and was buried with military honors in the city cemetery, all the officers of the Regiment, and nearly all the sol- diers, attending.
Pursuant to orders from Gen. Crittenden, the Regi- ment set out on its first march, December 11th, for Henderson, Kentucky, a point twelve miles distant by land, on the opposite side of the Ohio river. The march was made upon the Indiana side, and the land- ing opposite Henderson was reached about three o'clock in the afternoon. The Regiment crossed over in ferry boats, and then marching through the city with flying colors, went into camp in a beautiful grove in the sub- urbs. Kentucky, though it had at first contended for a neutral position between those attempting to sever the Union and those determined to uphold it, and had opposed the entrance upon her soil of the armies of each, had found it impossible to hold to such a silly and unpatriotic position, if such were really the inten- tion of the leaders. Union and Rebel armies were now manœuvring for position and preparing for battle upon her soil, and thousands of her citizens had joined the armies of each side. The State Government had passed under rebel influence, and the Union soldiers felt, when touching the Kentucky shore, that they were in the .
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