History of Hancock county, Indiana; its people, industries and institutions, Part 25

Author: Richman, George J
Publication date: 1916
Publisher: Indianapolis, Federal publishing co., inc.
Number of Pages: 1272

USA > Indiana > Hancock County > History of Hancock county, Indiana; its people, industries and institutions > Part 25

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"Yours truly.

"L. O. HARRIS, U. S. A."

"BEVERLY. V.A., July 14, 1861. "MIR. EDITOR :- DEAR SIR :

"Since our march from Indianapolis, such has been the constant hurry

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and bustle, care and toil, that I have never had time to write when f could command paper and ink, that I have not written you before. We first set foot on "Virginia's sacred soil' at Parkersburg, the third day from Indian- apolis, from thence two days after to Clarksburg by railroad through tunnels of pitchy darkness and over dizzy precipices. The road was guarded all along. At Clarksburg ( the capital of western Virginia )' we took possession of a hill about three hundred feet high, immediately south of the town. com- menced to fortify it, and about 1 o'clock A. M. Capt. Loomes' flying battery six pieces arrived. It was hauled to the foot of the hill, and there we took it apart, attached long ropes, and piece at a time, with two hundred men to a piece, pulled it up to the top, and by daylight had cannon, ammunition and all in position on the hill, and commanding the whole surrounding town and country within its range. We then resumed work on our fortification, and by night had a breastwork from six to ten feet high, for nearly a mile. in an oblong circle. The traitors had prepared to burn the town, and expel or hang all Union men there, the day after our arrival. We were too quick for them, and they fell back to a pass called the 'Valley of Death.' in the Rich Mountain, within five miles of Beverly, where they were strongly for- tified at a pass called Camp Garnett, one and one-half miles further on the Beverly road. and at the Valley of Death they had breastworks of logs and rocks, probably 400 yards in length and two pieces of artillery (that we cap- tured ). I think they had three. At 4 P. M. on the 10th, six companies of the 8th and Toth Indiana Volunteers marched to the advance, on hearing that they were coming to give us battle. We took our position in advance of our encampment-consisting of eight regiments-in line of battle but the rebels went back to their holes again. The 8th regiment, that is, six com- panies of it, held their position on the field for the night, and Company T. consisting of 53 men, rank and file-33 of Company 1, and 20 of Company E-took the picket guard. running a chain of sentinels within two hundred and fifty-nine yeards of their fortification, and then transversely with the same. and remaining sleeplessly vigilant the entire night. Just after daylight on the morning of the 11th, six companies of the 8th. 10th, and 13th Indiana. and the roth Ohio regiments filed right leaving the road, without cutting one for their access, and climbed over Rich Mountain, through heavy woods, harrens, thickets, among the laurel and huckleberries, among rocks, cliffs and precipices, on dizzy heights and sightless depths, a distance of from 12 to 15 miles, entirely flanking and surprising the enemy in the Valley of Death.

"We arrived on the battlefield at about half-past i P. M .. when the picket fired on our advance guard led by Capt. Chris. Miller, of the 10th.

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severely if not fatally wounding him, and also wounding severely in the arm one of his men. The skirmish then commenced, on our side, while round shot, Lombs, and spherical-case shells hissed and bursted over our heads. We continued skirmishing for over an hour, waiting for the Ohio regiment to come up, to get our positions, and for the cessation of one of the heaviest rains I have ever seen fall. Thus drenched and chilled the Ohio regiment came up the mountain in sight and the rain ceased. when the toth Indiana regiment engaged their left wing out of good range of their artillery. The left wing of the 8th lay right in line, view and range of their artillery, when they fired a shell that exploded directly over them ( the 8th). then a round shot that went through a tree about 12 feet over the heads of the 8th. I toldl Col. Benton that the enemy had a point blank range on the regiment, and to let the regiment lie down. The command was given and the boys dropped. when instantly a charge of grape poured over them, about breast high but harmless. The enemy cheered. thinking the regiment was cut to pieces (as they afterward told me) while indeed the boys were lying like crouching tigers, waiting for the command to pounce upon them. We remained there for about half an hour, when the word came, and the boys went down the hill over rocks, logs and brush, firing and advancing, without much order-for that was impossible, from the uniture of the ground-but with terrible pre- cision, shooting with direct aim at every moving object distinguishalle in the smoke before them. Then followed the most sublime and terril le concerted regimental firing that ever waked the echoes of that okl mountain. Com- pany I, commanded by Lieut. Walls, directed their fire upon the gunners of their artillery, and leaving but one standing, and him wounded in the hand and side. Then the rush from the cannon from both sides, when our men hoisted one poor fellow off of the cannon with their bayonet -. The enemy gave way, and the retreat commenced, and firing after and pursuit. Neither of the latter continued long. Then came the congratulations over the victory. mixed with the groans and cries of the wounded and dying, then the search- ing and care for the wounded. Then a collection and burial of the pale and bloody dead. The busy and bloody-handed surgeons, with lint, chords. band- ages, saws, scalpals, probes and bullet forceps were busy bandaging and dressing what could be saved, and amputating hopelessly shattered and lacer- ated limbs. I walked over a part of the battlefield that evening. and I hope never again to witness such a sight of blood and carnage. At one large rock about 30 feet long behind which the enemy had concealed. shooting over. there laid piled upon and across one another, sixteen men, every one of whom was shot through the brain. I will not further attempt to describe the car-

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nage. The enemy had between 1,800 and 2.200, with two pieces of artillery which we captured. The six companies of the 8th, 10th, and 13th Indiana Regiments, amounting to about 1.500 to 1.700 men, did the fighting, the Ohio being held mainly in reserve, and coming in just at the close.

"The counted dead of the enemy on the field is 131 and is doubtless more than double that number, as many were seen carried off. Some were found in the bushes and coal banks and among the rocks over a quarter of a mile from their breastworks. We have about goo prisoners, six pieces of artillery, a large amount of small arms, seventy-two wagons, and from $60.000 to $100,000 worth of captured military property. Upon the rebels being so terribly defeated, slaughtered and routed at the "Valley of Death,' they fled into the mountain-they abandoned their arms, camp tents. ammuni- tion and fortifications at Camp Garnett, one and a half miles distant and in the night left all, some even throwing away their blankets and coats and fled to the mountains. They also fled from Beverly, five miles distant. The next day a flag of truce was sent in and seven hundred who had been in the battle, came in a body, stacked their arms, and surrendered themselves prisoners of war. They, with those taken in the battle and since swelled their numbers to about 900, as before stated.

"1 am informed, by a messenger from there, that General Morris cap- tured 1.800 rebels at Laurel Hill, together with their cannon, arms, and mili- tary stores, on the next day after the battle. Yesterday a detachment was sent from here to Stanton, twelve miles from here, and a messenger came back today saying they had fled panic stricken from there.

"The war in western Virginia is ended for the present, if not forever.

"None of Company I were killed or missing. Sergeant M. M. Stephen- son was severely wounded by a musket ball a little above the right knee, the ball passing below the bone without breaking it. The hemorrhage was great, but upon its being staunched, reaction took place, and he is now doing well. and will probably recover without material lameness or injury. James Buch- anan was wounded in the fleshy part of the hip, just above the hip joint, but got up, straightened his leg. tried it, cursed the traitors, and fought on with redoubled energy. Andrew Stutsman was wounded on the knee by a fall on the rocks while making the charge. Charles Weaver had his wrist bruised ind sprained by the bark and splinters knocked from a tree near which he was, by grape shot. All who were in the battle were brave to a fault. Our boys were much fatigued and exhausted by hunger, cokl, rain, watching. marching and fighting, but are getting rested and ready for more work if needed soon. The health of most of them is tolerable. some are suffering

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with diarrhoca and some with flux. Three or four are in the hospital, none dangerous 1 think.

"While I have been telling of the enemy's heavy losses, etc .. I had almost forgotten to speak of our own. Thirteen of the Indiana troops were killed. and about forty wounded.

"My own health is poor and broken down. Five days ago I was taken with diarrhoea, and from weakness, loss of sleep, hunger, and the long, toil- some march over the mountain, and the sudden cold and heavy rain. I sat down, cramping and exhausted, by a tree, in the midst of the battle, delivering the command to Lieut. William R. Walls, who gallantly led the boys through the balance of the fight. Shot, shells, grape, musket and rifle balls were bursting and hissing over and around me. There is an excitement and sublimity in a well contested battle, that can neither be appreciated or realized by any one who has not witnessed it and participated in it. Our boys who were left behind to guard the camp. and too sick to make the toilsome march, are filled with regret and chagrin because circumstances forbade their par- ticipation in the fight.

"We expect to be 'home again' in a few weeks, bringing Company I back without the loss of a man. My paper is exhausted. My compliments and love to all. R. A. RILEY."

"HELENA, ARK., July 14. 1862.

"DEAR MITCHELL :-

"Having had no opportunity for a long time to write to you, or anybody else, and supposing that our friends are anxious to hear from us, I hasten to write you. I joined my regiment at Sulphur Rock, on the 11th of June, and on the 22nd we left there for Clarendon, on White river, to join our gun boats. We approached said point by easy marches, until the day we entered . Augusta. when we marched eighteen miles. The day after we arrived, at 2 o'clock in the morning, Companies A and B of the 8th, under command of Maj. Themes Brady, and a battalion of cavalry, commanded by Col. Baker of the Ist Indi- ana, by special order, went in search of a regiment of rebels, mostly conscripts. under Col. Matleck. After a march of ten miles we came upon their camp. freshly evacuated. The infantry deployed as skirmishers in the cane brake. which is the hottest and hardest work ever the lot of man to perform. We remained thus for two miles, rallying at a point on the river, three miles above a ferry where the butternuts were crossing. Col. Baker hastened for- ward, arriving a little too late. but in time to fire one of his mountain howitsers, killing two and dispersing them in every direction. He took

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their camp equipage and provisions. While this was going on Maj. Brady heard of a train concealed four miles above our position in the cane brake. and of course we made for it. We found five wagons richly laden with the good things fixed up by the special friends for pilates of the traitors. They didn't get it. We eat our supper, saved our breakfasts, and turned the bal- ance over. This was on the Fourth of July. On the 5th we returned to camp. arriving tired and worn ont. The next morning at two o'clock we left camp and marched sixteen miles, halting on the bank of Cache river. The road on each side of the stream having been blockaded by the rebels cutting timber across it,-a game they have played until it is played out. When our advance arrived at this point a small party of them. concealed in the blockade, fired upon the guard. hitting nobody. Our men killed one, who fell into our hands. and knocked seven off their horses, but they got away badly wounded or dead. Lieut. Ilill. who commands the pioneers of the brigade, went to work on the blockade and in two hours had a road cut through and the troops pass- ing over. In the morning a portion of the IIth Wisconsin and Ist Indiana Cavalry went out upon the road in advance to feel for the Texas Rangers. who we knew were in the neighborhood. About noon they came upon about two thousand of the gentlemen lying along the side of the road. Our boy's went into them with fury, both sides fighting like fiends. More cavalry and the 33d Illinois were ordered forward first, and then the 8th. We arrived upon the ground and drove the rebels five miles, when night came on, and they got away from us. News of this fight spread like wild fire through rebeldom, and upon our arrival here we found that transports had been sent from Memphis to Clarendon, to gather up the remnant of our army, sup- posed to be cut to pieces and in a starving condition. The rebels every- where throw it in our faces, and crowed loudly. Poor, deceived fools, why did they not know the true result of the engagement? We found nearly 200 of their dead upon the field, and their wounded filling every house along the road. Our loss was between forty and fifty-eight killed and the balance wounded. The night after the fight we encamped beyond Cotton Plant, on a bayou. The next day we marched to Clarendon, a distance of 35 miles. under the hot sun of this climate, and through the deepest sand and the thick- est ard most suffocating dust. For miles we had to march without water. and when we did get any it was swamp water, the filthiest you ever saw in any swamp. This march beats everything in our military history, and had we not been ironclad we never could have stood it. On our arrival at Claren- don we found that our boats had from some cause or other given us out and retired. Duvall's Bluff. above Clarendon, was evacuated by the rebels. they

HANCOCK COUNTY, INDIANA.

retiring to Little Rock. On the 11th we left that point for this, and by some management not in army regulations our wagons, provisions and camp equin- age were started upon one road, and we upon another. Our suffering would have been extreme had it not been for 4 crackers to the man which we found in a wagon belonging to Curtis' quartermaster. On this canty allowance we traveled 18 and 23 miles a day until last night. Our train arrived this morn- ing. we having lived from the time we started until this morning on four crackers to each man. We are now encamped on the bank of the Mississippi. Ilelena is a beautiful little town, clean and neat. Shortly after our arrival a trading boat came down and you should have seen the effect it had upon the men. So long shut up in the darkness of Arkansas hills and swamps, cut off from all correspondence with friends and the world. exposed to danger and disease, almost naked, and but a few days' rations of crackers left, you can imagine how exhilarating the sight of a boat would be. We are below Memphis about ico miles. Last night was a moon light one, and Lieut. Hill and myself, after the camp had become still. seated ourselves upon the bank of the river and looked upon a scene as beautiful as I ever saw. At this point the river is one and a half miles wide, Mississippi forming the other side.

· The Indiana troops are almost naked, having drawn but few clothes since leaving Otterville, and but few uniforms can be found among them. We will get a new suit here and cut a stiff. Lient. Bill Hill, with his pioneers attended the train and through the most desperate swamps building and cut- ting roads with an energy and celerity that drew from General Benton a very high compliment. This morning the camp is all gayety and life. The boys are enjoying the highest spirits. Besides the prospects for bread, meat and clothes, we have a faint hope of being ordered out of Arkansas.

"Col. Baker and his cavalry are covering themselves with glory. They fear nothing ; fight any force, no matter how large, when or where they find it. "Gen. Hindman lives here. Gen. Curtis occupying his mansion, with the stars and stripes floating above it. The health of our company continues ex- cellent, much to our surprise. Our friends can rest assured that for the present we are all doing well.

"Yours respectfully.

"S. H. DUNBAR, "8th Indiana Regiment.

"N. B. In the fight I have spoken of. at one time the rebels were in the woods, but in hearing distance. The Wisconsin boys were supporting

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the Indiana howitsers, when they heard the command given by the rebel com- mander, 'Take the gun" Our boys came to a 'ready.' and the line of rebels came rushing forward. Wisconsin waited until they came within fifty yards. when they poured a desperate volley into them, charging bayonets immedi- ately, and throwing the enemy into confusion. They rallied again, after which one of our boys yelled out to them : 'Here is that gun, why in the hell don't you come and take it?"

"HEADQUARTERS 8TH INDIANA INFANTRY. "NEAR VICKSBURG, MISS., May 28, 1863. "DEAR MITCHELL :-

"I wrote you from Port Gibson a day or two after the fight of the Ist Inst. 1 then informed you of the loss of Company B, and presume ere this you have published it to our friends. Since that writing we have engaged in the unfortunate engagement of 'Champion Hills' and 'Black River Bridge,' not having a man hurt in either. On the toth inst. our artillery opened on the fortifications protecting Vicksburg, and skirmishing began. Our divi- sion was at once thrown forward, in rifle range of the rebel works, and a spirited fight at once began with the rebel sharpshooters. We soon discovered that we could effectually silence their artillery by keeping a storm of bullets pouring into their port holes. We played this game upon them without material loss, until the 22nd of May, when General Grant peremptorily ordered that at 10 o'clock AA. M., the whole line should charge, reaching from the Yazoo to Warrenton. Upon this announcement being made to the men, a gloom and hopelessness was visible on every face. All were fully convinced that it was a mad move, and that we would meet slaughter and defeat. Never- thicless, at the appointed hour. we fell into line and moved forward. The column had been in motion but a few moments when the enemy opened upon it from rifle pits and forts, with musketry, grape, shell and schrapnel. Con- fusion at once began. Men fell dead and wounded at every step. Many being wounded were afterward killed, and the slaughter was terrible. The 8th started in the charge with 446 men, losing in killed and wounded, 114. The 33d Illinois with a less number of men, lost the same, the goth Illinois lost 170. And other regiments, so far as 1.can hear, suffered in the same proportion .- Company B started into the charge with 43 men, officers in- cluded. Its loss was 13 wounded and 3 killed.

"On the 20th, while advancing our brigade from a hollow to one nearer the enemy. Alfred Wilson was killed by a grape shot striking him on the head. He did not die immediately, and when assistance was sent to remove

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him to the hospital he would not be removed from the field until he laid hold of his gun, which he persisted in carrying with him. On the follow- ing morning while the company was sharp shooting. Richard Lamb was killed by a minnie ball striking him in the bowels, and George N. Black was slightly wounded in the shoulder. He did not leave the field, though in too much pain to load and shoot. but carried water from the spring to the boys while they fought. On the day of the charge we lost as follows :

"First Sergeant. Frank Mays, killed.

"Private, John Scotten, killed.

".Alfred Lowder, died from wounds.

"Wounded.

"Corporal, F. M. Miller, slightly in chin.

"Corporal. Wm. W. Welling, severely in side and arm.

"Corporal, Clark McDonald, slightly in hip.

"Private, Thomas M. Martin, arm amputated.

"Private. W. W. Alexander, severely in arm.

"Private, Wm. N. Siplinger, slightly in foot.

"Private. Charles Clapper, slightly in arm.

"Private. Andrew J. Fuller, painfully in ankle.

"Private. James N. Underwood, arm amputated.

"Private, Wm. H. Morgan, collar bone broken.

"Lieut. W. G. Hill, painfully in right hand.

"The wounded are doing as well as the circumstances will permit. They are generally cheerful and confident of recovery. I understand they will be sent north as soon as possible. We are reducing Vicksburg by seige, since to attempt to take it by storm is folly and madness. Our regiment is lying on the protected side of a hill. in four hundred yards of the rebel works. Musket balls whiz harmlessly above us while our artillery keeps the air filled with the smoke of powder and the earth trembling. The enemy does nothing with its artillery. Today, for the first time, two or three fired a shot at one of our batteries. Scarcely had the report been heard when Capt. Klauss of the 1st Indiana let a shell fly and blew up the secesh's caisson, killing a good many of them doubtless, besides leaving a tremendous moral effect. At night war ceases, except an occasional shot between pickets who stand within one hun- dred yards of each other. A few days ago the enemy sent in a flag of truce. giving us an opportunity to bury our dead that were left on the field after

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the fatal charge. The rebels came out of their holes by thousands, while the surrounding hills were covered with blue uniforms, gazing on the novel scene. Many of each side met, shook hands and conversed freely. Soldiers, both rebel and Union, were unanimously of the opinion that they in an hour like that could settle the war, if submitted to them. One rebel said he wished the truce would last forever. 1 heard of several instances where friend found friend, and in two or three cases, brother met brother. Desertions frequently occurred. The number no doubt would be double, did they not keep so rigid a guard. Two nights ago I was working in our ditches when two strapping Dutch boys who had escaped, jumped almost on top of me. After they were assured that it was all right, and got into the right place, they were the hap- piest fellows I ever saw. They give a dreadful account of the rebel rations and of the terror which our artillery and sharpshooters keep them in. If we succeed in keeping at bay the apprehended attack in the rear a little longer. Vicksburg will surely surrender. The mortar fleet I liked to have forgotten. It opens after dark and keeps up a terrible shelling during the night. The city has been on fire several times, but they have succeeded by some means in extinguishing the flames. The mortars surely scare them awfully, and ! don't see how they help killing many. It is generally thought that hard fight- ing here is over, but nobody knows. The rebels before surrendering may come out and make a last desperate effort to escape. The nights are lovely and only when disturbed by the occasional crashing and bursting of shell, are so serene and still that we can hear the town clock in the city.

"Let our ladies at home know that everything they do, no matter how little, for the comfort of our sick and wounded, is fully appreciated, and does much more good than they could imagine. Too great a quantity of the delicacies, and of clothes, etc .. cannot be sent here. The probability is that we will remain here sometime. Many will be wounded, and many and many more will be sick in consequence of the climate and the way we have to live. Our men have but one suit of clothes, and that is deficient, worn and dirty. We have no time outside of the ditches to wash, and when a man falls sick or is wounded he can only look to the efforts of friends at home and the sani- tary commission for clean clothes. Ladies, do all you can for us. We need your assistance.

"None of the Greenfield boys have been hurt, and without one exception have been in the fight and have done their duty manfully. Our company is sadly in need of recruits and must be filled up. There is no difficulty in getting into any company the recruit may designate. Will not some of our

HANCOCK COUNTY, INDLIN.I.

young men make the break and come to our assistance? I will write again after, and perhaps before the fall of Vicksburg.

"Respectfully.

"S. H. DUNBAR. "8th Ind. Infantry."

Following is another letter from Mr. Dunbar, dated October 18. 1863. at Vermillionville, Louisiana :

"DEAR MITCHELL :

"Suddenly our Brigade has received orders to march. It goes alone. and starts tomorrow morning. Our mission is not for letters or newspapers, as we expect with all the secrecy that can be exercised. to have some warm work. I write merely that you may present to their friends the names of Company B. left in the hospital in New Orleans. They are. John W. Under- wood. Amos W. Everson. Elijah H. Tyner ( nurse ). Henry MeCorkhill ( sent from Berwick ), George M. Davidson. Francis N. C. Hodson. Albert W. Lake.

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History of Hancock county, Indiana; its people, industries and institutions, Part 25

Author: Richman, George J Publication date: 1916 Publisher: Indianapolis, Federal publishing co., inc. Number of Pages: 1272

Author: Richman, George J
Publication date: 1916
Publisher: Indianapolis, Federal publishing co., inc.
Number of Pages: 1272