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 13
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It excited no more fear than the lowing of kine or the dog baying at the moon. We dared not sit down. else we would be entirely overcome with sleep. We would go to sleep upon our feet, and awake when falling. Then, between us and the earthworks was a line of small trees, placed with the tops pointing out- ward, and the limbs trimmed with the sharp points to- ward the enemy, to check them when they were as- saulting the works, so that for the moment, under a galling fire, they would become confused and retreat. But what about our situation? Should they assault at daybreak, as we anticipated, we would be in front of this obstruction, and between two fires. This caused sonre concern. But before day we had sought out the "gates;" so, should necessity require, we could get back in, by running a quarter of a mile down the line. Morning dawned, and the enemy gradually withdrew. In the meantime new troops had been coming from the north-several regiments from Michigan. The beardless youths had just drawn big bounties, bought officers' suits, kissed their sweethearts good-bye, and . were ready to put down the rebellion. To say they were gullible, as new troops are among "old " soldiers, is putting it mild. And the big stories related to them of the great battle are too wonderful to repeat. But Hood was gone, and the new soldiers sent on picket. while we drew our blankets around us upon the ground for sweet repose more refreshing than home- folks could have enjoyed upon a bed of roses. But those "band-box" soldiers got in their work. Our
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exaggerated reports of the battle had possessed them so completely that they fancied they saw rebels every hour of the night. And their fusilade upon the picket line often broke in upon our quiet slumber. But they paid for their credulity. The way our boys stole from them, right before their eyes, was a wonder. Finally their officers put guards over everything, with instruc- tions to allow no old soldier to come near. "But," said the guards, "how will we know who are the old sol- diers?" The officers forcibly rejoined, " Why, them sol- diers with dirty clothes on!" Not knowing that Sher- man was going to march to the sea, every one supposed he was following close after Hood. In fact, we expect- ed every hour to see "Old Billy" (Sherman ) coming. The second morning after Hood retired, our regiment was sent out at 3 o'clock on a reconnoisance. The other troops were not aware of the fact. About 8 o'clock,. we came marching in with banners flying. The camp was alive with interest. Then the ques- tions! "What command is yours?" "Sherman's ad- vance" came from all sides. "We've followed Hood from Atlanta." Then hats waved and the air was rent with cheers. "Bully for Sherman," and kindred ejaculations came from the late arrivals. "But, what regiment?" "68th Colored Regiment," "4th Cal- cutta," and so on, ad nauseam, came from our boys. A new officer desired definite information, and did not think a private soldier would dare to give an of- ficer a disrespectful answer. Plucking one of our boys., he earnestly asked, "Mister, please what regi-
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ment is this?" He retired feeling doubtless that war was demoralizing, after getting the bland response, "3d Ireland!" We pitched our "dog tents," and awaited further developments. One morning a cold drizzly rain was falling. We had scarcely any camp equipage. The lack of comfort caused several of the · boys to report sick. The writer escorted them to the surgeons, and reported. The apothecary was supplied with quinine only. At least that was all the drug in sight. "Let me see your tongue. How is your pulse?" was propounded to each sick man in turn. "Well, have you anything to get your medicine in?" "No, sir." "Well, hold your hand," and a portion of quinine was poured into the palm. "Now"-show- ing with point of pocket-knife-" You take about this much every two hours." Poor fellows had to crawl under their " dog tents" and deposit their medicine on their tin plates or some other article from their scanty supply. But it was not often our doctors were with- out paper to wrap the medicine. Early November Ioth, we reached Chattanooga again, a distance of 120 r · miles, and enjoyed a short rest.
A MUCH greater variety of incidents, adventures and duties performed by members of Company D would have been presented, if their experiences could have been obtained. A number are dead, and the present address of others is unknown. How we should like to have read Orderly Sergeant James A.
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Smith's experience while an officer in a colored regi- ment! George Snider's long experience as Hospital Steward afforded him unequaled opportunities to see that important department of war. But he writes (July 2, 1887,) that he had been two months at Hot Springs, and was yet too weak to write more than a few lines. "Dan" Simpson's adventures while with Sherman's army on its great march to the sea, and through the Carolinas to Washington, as one of the " bummers" who achieved celebrity, would have add- ed spice to our collection. Sergeant Cohn might have told us many headquarter secrets, learned while tailor- ing for the generals who commanded our armies. Ryland Bosley and Payton Walters might have told the story of their many changes, long travels, and duties, after they were wounded and taken prisoners at Chicamauga; and so might Oliver Sailors, when he was captured by Forrest. Thomas Bosley could have told of his wound at Missionary Ridge, and his other service; John D. Brown of all the war to the end; Charles F. Junken could have written of many inci- dents which happened while he was a train guard for several months, on trains running from Chattanooga to Knoxville. Others could write of guard duty at the "Suck" (a narrow place in the Tennessee river, a few miles below Chattanooga), where they assisted the steamboats through by windlass and ropes. It is doubtful if any of the company could equal Frank Cohee for continued service. He was scarcely ever unable for duty, and being with the company at all
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times, could have written an interesting history. Isaac Hurst, a good writer, could have told us of many im- portant events which happened in and about Nashville, where he performed the clerical duties assigned him. Lingenfelter, Brown, Beetem and Silvers could have told of much service. "Billy " Buzan was born Aug- ust 3, 1848, and when mustered was only a few days over fourteen years old. He is probably the youngest man who was in the ranks in 1862, carrying a musket and with his company in all its marches and duties, until severely wounded in the battle of Chicamauga, Georgia, September 19, 1863. We should liked to have some of his experiences, and are sure that he would have looked on the bright side, for he seemed to enjoy active soldier life.
THE DEAD.
Since our return home, nine-James A. Smith, Gabriel Cohn, George T. Richie, Isaac Dale, Charles Eagy, Manilus W. Pierce, John Simmons, Jerry and Sanford Widner,-have gone to join "The armies of the Lord," and each year may add to their numbers from our ranks. Let us who remain remember their virtues, forget their faults, and do what we can to pros- per the country they helped to save.
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IN MEMORIAM.
Dead of Company D, 68th Indiana.
JAMES W. INNIS.
JAMES A. SMITH.
GABRIEL COHN.
GEORGE T. RICHIE.
SAMUEL S. BODINE.
ABRAHAM S. BILLINGS.
JOHN CALLENDER.
HENRY CONRAD).
ISAAC DALE.
JAMES B. DAVID.
WILLIAM H. H. DANNER.
CHARLES EAGY.
WILLIAM GRIFFIN.
WALTER S. LANGE.
CALEB C. LEE.
MANLIUS W. PIERCE.
LLEWELLYN PIERCE. JOHN SIMMONS. JEFFERSON E. TRIMBLY.
JEREMIAH A. WIDNER.
DAVID S. WIDNER. MATHIAS CHALFANT.
MINUMEM HZ
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MAJOR JAMES W. INNIS was born in Anderson township, Rush county, Indiana, November 17, 1831, where he remained until the war began, excepting three years which were spent in learning his trade of carriage trimming in Cincinnati. He was manufactur- ing carriages when the first call for troops was made, and laid aside his apron, saying: "I have nothing to contribute but my service, which I freely give." He enlisted in Company F, of the old 16th Indiana, and served one year as orderly sergeant, the most trying "He office in the army. Captain Beachbard, says: was the best one I ever knew." At the expiration of his time, he returned home, and recruited for the 68th Indiana. He was elected captain of Company D. June 8, 1863, he was mustered as major, but his health was so broken by exposures and privations that he re- signed soon afterward, and returned home, where he lingered through much suffering until April 24, 1867. Major Innis was a strict disciplinarian, kind and gener- ous, of a jovial disposition when not on duty. He was known as a worker in the Masonic order, and the last rites and ceremonies at his grave were attend- ed by large number of that fraternity and his com- rades of the war. We mourn his loss as a comrade, friend and citizen.
SAMUEL S. BODINE, son of W. A. and Matilda Bodine, was born at their home, in Rush county, In- diana, October 29, 1842, and was killed in the battle of Chattanooga, November 25, IS63. He was a young
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man, reared in our county, possessed in a high degree those amiable traits of character which attract us to our friends, and was beloved by a large family circle. Educated in the principles of christianity, he honored his father and mother and loved his fellow-men. He was a patriot, and when his country called for aid in suppressing the rebellion and maintaining her integ- rity, he stepped forward as a volunteer. As a mem- ber of Company D, 68th Regiment Indiana Volunteers, he shared with that regiment their trials and hard- ships. In the battle of Chicamauga, he passed safely through, though many of his comrades fell or were disabled. With the remnant of the company he en- tered the conflict for the possession of Missionary Ridge, and fell as victory was perching on their stand- ard, in the front line and near the summit in the last charge. The bullet cut the jugular vein in the neck, and he died without speaking a word. Mournfully his comrades gave him a soldier's burial next day. Several weeks after, his brother, William A. Bodine, who had been a soldier in the 37th Indiana, got per- mission to bring his remains home, and an impressive funeral service was held in the Presbyterian church in Rushville, Sabbath, January 24, 1864, in the presence of a large assembly. The interment was made in East Hill cemetery, where sleeps the soldier dust of Hackleman, Wolfe and Wallace.
REV. D. M. STEWART.
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THE DEAD.
JEFFERSON E. TREMBLY .- The following extract is from a letter of Orderly Sergeant James A. Smith to S. B. Trembly, an uncle who raised Jefferson, (who was an orphan ):
"CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., October 23, 1863 .- I am a stranger to you, but I thought a few lines concerning the death of your nephew would be acceptable, even from a stranger. He died yesterday : (October 22) at 10 o'clock p. m., from a wound he received in the battle of Chicamauga, September 19. He was wounded in the left knee, and twenty-one days after mortification took place below the knee; so his leg was amputated, but he could not be saved, although I know he was cared for. I know this to be the case by what I have seen. When visiting him in the hospital he told me that his nurse waited on him and treated him like a brother. To-day I went to the hospital and his nurse and I placed him in his coffin. I have been in the service with him fifteen months, and am happy to say he was a good, honest, upright boy, and was always ready to do his duty 'as a soldier, and his death will be lamented by every member of Company D."
His comrades carved a beautiful monument out of the mottled stone found where we dug out a fort, and placed it above his grave. He was about nineteen years old, and was born in Butler county, Ohio.
WILLIAM H. H. DANNER .- The following, in memoriam, was written for the Rushville papers by Rev. D. M. Stewart on the news of the death of Wil- liam H. H. Danner, of Company D, 68th Regiment Indiana Volunteers, who was wounded at Chica- mauga, and taken prisoner. and died in prison at Rich- mond, Virginia, February 25, 1864, of small-pox:
" He was the youngest son of Mrs. N. E. Danner, and a youth of remarkably kind and amiable disposition, moral and correct in all his habits. He was a christian. Very early in life he sought
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the God of his fathers, and gave his heart to Christ. He was a pa- triot. One brother was already in the service of the country, and his mother and sister were by his absence left entirely alone ; yet he felt it to be his duty to answer the call for aid, and go to save his country. After his capture, he was indirectly heard from at Atlan- ta on his way to Richmond, and from thence, in January last, he was permitted to send through a very short letter to his mother. From that time until a few days past no word was received from him. His anxious mother received the tidings and particulars of his death through a fellow-prisoner, from St. Lawrence county, New York, who has since been exchanged. He gave to his wife (Mrs. Sayles) the particulars of the case, and she has written to Mrs. Danner. Thus another of our young men has fallen in defense of our homes and country. He sent, as his dying request, the charge to his friends to meet him in heaven. How singularly the conflict between hope and fear has been settled in the heart of this anxious family. While no word came, hope still lingered that he might live. The Lord reigns, and he brings to pass whatsoever he will.".
MANLIUS W. PIERCE will be remembered by all the members of Company D as a man who always was ready to do his duty. His disposition was cheer- ful, and kindness to his comrades was a virtue which he practiced whenever any opportunity offered. Very few musicians in the service attended to more calls than he, for he was seldom off duty. The exposures and hardships then endured sowed the seeds of dis- ease, and several years after his return home his health gradually failed, and he was an invalid until relieved by death. He was a brother of Llewellyn Pierce, a good, faithful comrade, who shrank to a skeleton be- fore he would quit his duties, and died at Murfrees- boro, Tennessee.
MEMORIAL ADDRESS.
A quarter-centennial reunion of the 68th Regiment Indiana Infantry was held at Greensburg, Indiana, August 19, 1887, at which Comrade Rev. E. H. Wood, of Company K, delivered the following address:
. To the Surviving Members of the 68th Indiana Vol- unteer Infantry:
MY DEAR COMRADES :- Since the announcement of this reunion, and more especially from the time I was solicited to speak to you on this occasion, I have anticipated this time with great interest and pleasure.
We have reached the quarter-centennial (twenty- five years) since that memorable day, August 19, 1862, when at the capital of our grand old State, on an ad- joining commons, we were mustered into the service of Uncle Sam to serve for a period of three years, if not sooner discharged by the expiration of the war, or indefinitely should the necessities of the case require.
We enlisted in the midst of war and national com- motion and insecurity ; the clouds hung dark and heavy about us; with a united South and a divided North environing our armies with alternating defeats and
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victories, we marched bravely and steadily forward, conquering as we went a bitter and determined foe, having knowledge of the country, and protected in their well selected and almost invulnerable fortifica- tions. Some of us had been to dream-land and had visions of volunteer service, preparations, drill, camp- . life and dress parade. So under the inspiration of martial music and an impulse of duty, we enrolled our names in the home company, and prepared to enter camp. A trunk was provided and supplied with well selected articles, from which a complete toilet might be arranged; perhaps a change of clothing throughout, especially a good supply of white collars and shirts, fancy neckties, gloves, etc .; and Greensburg being our rendezvous, we expected to spend many a leisure hour with the good and fair amid the refreshing shades and beautiful surroundings of this loyal and to us memor- able city.
With a good-bye to father, and a kiss for mother and sisters, we hied away to camp, sure the trunk was not forgotten, with but little other thought than of en- · tering a military academy, to spend weeks or months in careful, painstaking preparation for war, and thus by gradual transition pass from the citizen to the soldier, full-fledged.
But as it has been said that dreams are realized only in their opposites, so this vision proved to be a base- less fabric. But four days passed from the original enlistment, when on Sabbath evening, seated in the various churches of the city, listening to the gospel
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dispensed by God's chosen and appointed servants, and others in camp becoming acquainted with their new surrounding, not a few raw recruits were startled by the cry, "marching orders;" and such a sensation followed as Greensburg had not known. Before Mon- day morning light had dawned, visions of pleasure and quiet camp-life had vanished, trunks were left behind, and all were speeding on to the arms of a more mili- tary character.
General Bragg, in command of the Confederate . forces, had invaded Kentucky, and was threatening Louisville and our own border. A necessity was forc- ing us, and all available troops were to be ordered to the front. On Tuesday, August 19th, 1862, the Indi- ana regiments then assembling at the capital, and be- ing equipped for war, were hastily called into line to listen to words of loyalty and courage from O. P. Morton, the war horse and war Governor of Indiana; and the words which that day fell from his lips were full of sympathy and proved an inspiration to the boys who were about to don the blue and shoulder the mus- · ket, to drive back the invader who threatened our own firesides. Could the veil be withdrawn that hid the inner feelings of some whose bones had scarcely hard- ened into manhood, it might have disclosed some flut- tering hearts as the examining officer passed down the line, each one waiting in almost breathless suspense the decision, fit or unfit for war: but perhaps at that stage of the war the tests were less rigid, as the neces - sities were more pressing.
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BY REV. E. H. WOOD.
But with each returning day, the urgency of the case seemed to increase. Rumors of war grew more fearful. The hoofs of the war steed could almost be heard. Distant mutterings as a battle afar, by vivid imaginations were brought into closer proximity. All seemed to crave the onset, and soon amid flying ban- ners and the rumbling of drums we were actually off to the war.
The soil of Kentucky, our neighbor, that State memorable for neutrality, witnessed the first scenes of the military service of the 6Sth Indiana Regiment.
Many lessons were to be learned before the citizen soldier could master the art of war. Some say he was loth to learn, and his pride rebelled, but in war they became a military necessity. But we dare not tarry at too great a length on details. A full month was con- sumed in marching and camping, aching and fretting, eating and sleeping, guarding and picketing, praying and cursing, and scarcely a dozen days of September had passed, and less than a month from that memor- able 19th of August, when from Lebanon Junction marching orders were given to move forward into the last gap. The fate of the 6Sth at Munfordville is fresh in your memory, and the letters written by the boys to fond friends at home, might have read thus: "We have met the enemy, and we are theirs."
But what of that old flag, which as by a miracle was saved from the hands of its most bitter foe? The flag was made by the brave and loving hands of the patriotic ladies of Greensburg; some of them are here
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to-day, God bless them. That flag was never dis- honored, that flag was never a prisoner. Are those wrinkles erased, does it still bear the impress of that body, noble martyr, Edward A. King, who folded it about his own person beneath his clothing, to save it from dishonor and disgrace, and bore it back in triumph to the old Hoosier State? I love and honor it. It was my lot and honor to be one of the six color guards to defend the flag in the time of danger. Should we ever reach that time in the history of our country when it shall be thought advisable to exchange or return flags that may have been captured, this one bearing the name of the 6Sth Indiana Volunteers will not be of that number.
This sudden interruption in our onward military history, caused by General Bragg's obstinacy and un- yielding disposition, justified a return to our State and homes, and a brief visit to mothers, sisters, wives and sweethearts. Only, however, to be re-equipped, drill- ed and pushed again to the front to prosecute the war with still greater vigor.
It was now clearly to be seen this was no child's- play. Men and supplies must be provided equal to the emergency. "All quiet on the Potomac" would not fight the battles nor gain the victories. A desperate disease required a desperate remedy. Rebel foes were to be fought both in our front and rear, and at that time, if ever, it was true that eternal vigilance is the price of our liberties. Overtures had been made but refused, war seemed inevitable and the arbiter to settle
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BY REV. E. H. WOOD.
the impending troubles. Men had cried peace, peace, but peace came not. The war was a decided failure, but still, like Banquo's ghost, it would not down; and with every battle almost the Federal lines were length- ened and borders enlarged, while those of the Confed- erates were shortened and circumscribed. The failure was mostly on one side, especially in the culmination.
Our Southern brethren found it was more than a common wrestle or breakfast spell, and that the boys in blue were not to be trifled with. So we pushed onward. The battle of Stone River only crowded the enemy farther south, and opened up a new line of march.
Hoover's Gap was entered in June, 1863, to cul- minate in the battle of Chicamauga in September, and the possession of Chattanooga, Tennessee.
The victory of Mission Ridge and Lookout Moun- tain was the key to unlock the middle South, and the release of Knoxville, which followed, only drove the enemy over into North Carolina and Virginia; and by rapid successive movements the war of conquest went on, until finally the most gigantic expedition was in- augurated known in the annals of the war, viz .: "Sherman's March to the Sea," which completely broke the backbone of the Confederacy, and following this dismemberment, dissatisfaction and demoralization settled down upon them.
The surrender of Lee and his whole army, and the capitulation, of Johnson's army in the southwest, were the finishing touches and a signal for a speedy dis-
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bandment of our own armies, and a return to our homes and secular pursuits.
The battle of Nashville was the last engagement in which the 68th participated, and side by side with the colored troops our army under command of the indomitable and persistent "Pap Thomas," added . another victory to its already illustrious history.
Many incidents in army life were calculated to fur- nish variety and destroy the monotony, which, if left unbroken, would have proved disastrous to our sol- . diery. A greater calamity could not befall a soldier than downright home-sickness. Some of you may . have passed through such an experience. Many a soldier has sickened, wasted away and died, when if the true cause had been written upon his head-board, it would have been, " Died of home-sickness."
Some little license must be shown to the tricks, pranks and amusements in camp and on march, and General Turchin recognized this fact, and the boys understood it, when he made the announcement to his command that he would sleep for one hour. There was a great significance in the order that only the top rails were to be appropriated, and all with one accord proceeded to keep themselves warm and broil their fat pork, which was not healthy to be eaten raw. Uncle Sam's boys claimed a silent partnership in all the chicken roosts along their march, and would peer with delight into the potato pits, cellars and smoke-houses on the way.
Some things appeared to become a military neces-
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BY REV. E. H. WOOD.
sity, and attended the precipitation and prosecution of a cruel, bloody war, as when on "Sherman's March to the Sea" the main army cut loose from the prin- cipal source of supplies, and cast upon the favors and frowns of the people through whose country they passed, were compelled to seek subsistence as they marched.
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