USA > Indiana > Howard County > History of Howard County, Indiana, Vol I > Part 11
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looks on amazed and anxious. Already has our Government been disgraced and wherever civilization is known the people are await- ing in astonishment to see whether or not the American Union is what it has been represented or no government at all."
The unanimity with which the whole North arose in this crisis is one of the most extraordinary events of history.
Men who, but a few days before, had been bitterly hostile, were at once seen standing side by side on the same platform to resist this rebellion.
Senator Douglas, the great leader of the Northern Democrats, made a speech at Chicago, from which the following extracts are made: "That the present danger is imminent, no man can conceal.
"If war must come --- if the bayonet must be used to maintain the Constitution-I say before God, my conscience is clean, I have struggled long for a peaceful solution of the difficulty, I have not only tendered those states what was theirs of right, but I have gone to the very extreme of magnanimity.
"The slavery question is a mere excuse, the election of Lin- coln a mere pretext. The present secession movement is the result of an enormous conspiracy formed more than a year since, formed by the leaders in the Southern Confederacy more than twelve months ago. The conspiracy is now known. Armies have been raised, war is levied to accomplish it. There are only two sides to the question. Every man must be for the United States or against it. There can be no neutrals in this war; only patriots or traitors.
"I know they expected to present a united South against a divided North. They hoped in the Northern states party questions would bring civil war between Democrats and Republicans, when the South would step in, with her cohorts, aid one party to con- quer the other and then make easy prey of the victors. Their scheme was carnage and civil war in the North.
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OF HOWARD COUNTY.
"While there was hope of peace, I was ready for any reason- able sacrifice or compromise to maintain it. But when the ques- tion comes of war in the cotton fields of the South or corn fields of Illinois, I say the further off the better.
"It is a sad task to discuss questions so fearful as civil war; but sad as it is, bloody and disastrous as I expect it will be, I express it as my conviction before God that it is the duty of every American citizen to rally around the flag of his country."
FIRST CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS.
On Monday, April 15th, the President issued a call for seventy- five thousand volunteers for three months' service in putting down the rebellion and called an extra session of Congress for July 4th. Following close upon the call of the President came the fol- lowing proclamation by the governor of Indiana :
"WHEREAS, An armed rebellion has been organized in certain states of this Union, having for its purpose the overthrow of the United States; and
"WHEREAS, The authors and movers in this rebellion have seized, by violence, various forts and arsenals belonging to the United States and otherwise plundered the government of large amounts of money and valuable property ; and
"WHEREAS, Fort Sumter, a fortress belonging to the United States, the exclusive possession and jurisdiction over which were vested in the general government by the Constitution of the United States, has been besieged by a large army and assaulted by a destructive cannonade, and reduced to submission, and the national flag hauled down and dishonored ; and
"WHEREAS, The President of the United States, in the exercise of the power vested in him by the Federal Constitution, has called
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upon the several states remaining true to their allegiance to aid him in the enforcement of the laws, the recovery of the national prop- erty and the maintenance of the rightful authority of the United States; now, therefore, I, Oliver P. Morton, governor of the state of Indiana, call upon loyal and patriotic men of the state to the number of six regiments to organize themselves into military com- panies and forthwith report the same to the adjutant-general in order that they may be speedily mustered into the service of the United States. The details of the organization are set forth in the instructions of the adjutant-general herewith published.
"OLIVER P. MORTON, Governor."
In response to this proclamation the Tribune of the 16th inst. contained this call :
"Dr. Richmond and other citizens request us to call a meet- ing at Richmond & Leed's Hall to-night for the purpose of con- sidering the duties of citizens in the present crisis. Turn out, patriots. Volunteers are being offered all over the country. All parties agree now." Although the notice was short, the meeting was well attended. Fiery speeches were made and ringing resolu- tions passed and preparations were immediately begun for the organization of a company.
THE FIRST TO FALL.
William R. Philips, who was one of the first to fall in defense of his country from this county, headed the list of volunteers. In less than one week nearly two hundred names were enrolled. On Friday evening, April 19th, the company met in Richmond & Leed's Hall and elected the following officers: Thomas J. Harri- son, captain; Thomas Herring, first lieutenant, and William R. Philips, second lieutenant.
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OF HOWARD COUNTY.
On the Saturday afternoon following posters were put out call- ing a meeting at the Methodist Episcopal church in the evening for the purpose of securing a fund for the support of the families of volunteers who were about to start in the service of their country. Accordingly, at an early hour, the house was filled to overflowing. Mr. Charles Murray was made chairman, and, on motion of Mr. James W. Robinson, the following persons were appointed an executive committee: J. W. Robinson, Thomas Auter, Herman Keeler, Benjamin R. Norman and Samuel Rosenthal. Thomas Jay was elected treasurer. The books were opened for subscriptions and the people responded liberally. Jay and Dolman headed the list with two hundred dollars. Nearly every one present gave something in amounts from two dollars to five dollars. One man gave a lot in the city of Kokomo and several farmers subscribed one hundred bushels of corn each. The total subscription amounted to more than two thousand dollars.
Someone suggested that the citizens should furnish the volun- teers with blankets. Here, again, was a great rush to see who should have the privilege. Gentlemen offered all they had, together with comforts, to answer until the volunteers could get where they could buy blankets, and twenty-five dollars to buy them with. This was the spirit of the people, and in five minutes over one hun- dred blankets were provided. Flannel shirts and drawers were also named. As the boys were to leave on Monday morning it was suggested that, as the company would remain a week or two at Indianapolis, these could be made and shipped down to the care of Captain Harrison. This was agreed upon, when immediately ladies offered a dozen each, gentlemen offered bolts of flannel, others came up and handed in money, and in a few minutes the whole company was provided for.
The following persons were appointed a committee to solicit
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further aid in Center township: Worley Leas, R. F. Kennedy and George W. Hocker. By a motion the people in each township were requested to act immediately and secure a large fund for the support of the families of volunteers. Messrs. Thomas Jay, Sam- uel Rosenthal and Chapin were appointed to receive and distribute blankets on Sunday. Several short speeches were made and the assembly adjourned with the most patriotic feeling pre- vailing.
GENEROUS DONATIONS.
These patriotic, and generous donations for the comfort and well-being of the volunteers were not only the substantial expression of the feelings of the people but were also necessary contributions to the needs of the volunteer soldiery as well, for in the beginning the government had no well-disciplined commissary department.
Sunday, April 21st, was a memorable day in the history of Howard county. In the issue of April 23, 1861, the Tribune thus describes it: "The streets were crowded early in the morning. The people from all parts of the county came in by scores and fifties. Both churches were filled at the usual hour for holding meeting. At the Methodist Episcopal church a first-rate sermon and devout prayers for the safety of the country were listened to with close attention. At the Christian church, Francis O'Dowd addressed a large audience in the most patriotic style, pledging his all at the close for the government.
Meanwhile volunteers were constantly enrolling their names. About noon the fife and drum were heard and most of the afternoon the companies were under drill. At three o'clock p. m. the volun- teers marched out the East Road and met a tremendous procession coming from that direction. There was a large number of four- horse wagons and a large procession of horsemen. In the crowd
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were many volunteers coming down to leave for the service. When the two multitudes met, thundering cheers for the stars and stripes were heard for miles around. The procession, about a quarter of a mile in length, returned to the public square, where Professor Baldwin addressed the assembly most eloquently. So great was the enthusiasm that Professor Baldwin himself and all the teachers and pupils who were old enough enlisted, so that the school was discontinued for some time. The dry goods stores were kept open and such things as were needed by soldiers were freely given with- out a cent of pay. Money was distributed for use while in camp and every want that could be thought of was provided for. Such a Sabbath never was or perhaps never will be witnessed in Kokomo as this one was." As the evening shadows thickened into night the bells pealed forth a strange, sweet music to those who were to leave on the morrow. The churches were crowded again and many fervent prayers were offered for the flag of our country and for those who had pledged themselves to stand by it against every foe.
At sunrise on the following day the town was full of wagons" and horses, and from six o'clock until train time an immense multi- tude thronged all the streets about the depot. The time had come when the first company of soldiers ever organized in Howard county were waiting to depart for a service of which no one at that time had the least conception.
There were hundreds of tearful eyes as the last farewells were said. It was the parting of parents with children, of husbands with their wives, brothers with sisters and lovers with each other. with pledges to be true till war's desolation was over. The thought of it being the last good-bye paled many a cheek and moistened many eyes unused to tears.
As the train steamed up not a word of complaint was made: it was a firm pressure, a warm look of encouragement and a God-
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bless-you and they were gone. The Tribune of the next day con- tained this patriotic sentiment from the able pen of the late T. C. Philips: "The times that try men's souls are upon us. Every man, every woman, every person able to work has important duties to perform. Let us begin now. There must not be an idle person. A large crop must be raised and fewer men than usual must raise it. Every acre of ground must be tilled. Patriots are in demand and, thank heaven, they are ready. Thousands of strong men will be needed in defense of our country, and they are presenting them- selves, asking to serve in that defense. Every one left at home can do the work of two. In the days of the revolution, women performed the labor of men, and men did double labor.
"The days of '76 are present with us in '61. The battles must be fought over again. An army of rebels ten times worse than the tyrants who denied us liberty in '76 would now wrench that liberty from us and drag the flag of our country and our fathers in the dust. Arouse, freemen! If patriotism ever was needed that time is now. Let there be no influence against the enlisting of your son in the cause. Ask God's blessing on him and let him go. We heard a day or two since a man offered to furnish the family of a volunteer all the flour needed until he should return. 'But.' said another, 'if he never returns?' 'While I live the con- tract shall be kept inviolate,' was the answer. That is the true spirit. May the people be imbued with the spirit of true patriotism. and may those who remain at home do their whole duty. Those who go away, we know, will do theirs."
When the company arrived at Indianapolis it took quarters at Camp Morton and immediately organized. It was found that there were nearly enough men for two companies, and so the boys organ- ized a new company, and Dr. Corydon Richmond, who, it seems, was a most zealous worker in the cause, hurried home and procured
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OF HOWARD COUNTY.
a sufficient number of men to complete the second company. So energetic were our boys that in one week from the day the first meeting was called in Kokomo the first company was mustered into the service and succeeded in obtaining a place in the Sixth (three months) Regiment.
This was the first regiment mustered in the state for the war of the Rebellion. The five previous regiments had been raised for the war with Mexico.
THE OATH.
The following is the oath which each man was required to take and which all volunteers and regulars mustered into the service of the United States are required to take before final enrollment: "I do solemnly swear that I will bear true allegiance to the United States of America; that I will serve them honestly and faithfully against all enemies or opposers whatsoever; that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and of the other offi- cers appointed over me. According to the rules of the armies of the United States, so help me God."
This company designated themselves the Howard Rifles and was known as Company D in the regiment.
The Indianapolis Journal paid them the following tribute on the day they were mustered in: "Captain Harrison, who was a member of the Legislature in 1858, arrived yesterday with his com- pany, the Howard Rifles, and took quarters at Camp Morton. His men are of those who can pick squirrels out of the tops of the tallest trees and rebels from the secession ranks as far as a Sharp's rifle will carry." Thomas M. Kirkpatrick and Barnabas Busby, both being farmers, did not get their affairs arranged in time to join the first company, but hastened to Indianapolis and joined the sec- ond company. Mr. Kirkpatrick was chosen captain, Mr. Busby
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first lieutenant and N. P. Richmond second lieutenant of this com- pany.
Captain Kirkpatrick's company was made Company C in the Twelfth Regiment, and after failing to get in the three months' service was transferred to the Thirteenth Regiment as Company E and was stationed at Camp Sullivan.
Thus, while Captain Harrison's company had the honor of being in the first three months' regiment organized in the state, Captain Kirkpatrick's company was in the first three years' regi- ment.
During the stay in camp in Indianapolis the men were in active preparation for war, drilling almost constantly. Many little inci- dents occurred to break the monotony of camp life, and when, on the 30th of May, the Sixth Regiment was ordered to the front, they were in high spirits. They left for western Virginia by way of Cincinnati and Parkersburg. They had been fully equipped. armed and clothed and presented a gay appearance. Their passage through Indiana and Ohio was a grand ovation. The Cincinnati Enquirer of May 3Ist said of them: "The attendance at the depot yesterday when Colonel Crittenden's command arrived was very large and all along the entire length of the march through the city the throngs on the sidewalks and the street corners were immense, and, as the brave Indianians marched along. the cheers that greeted them were vociferous. The gallant troops made a fine appearance and were applauded by everybody for their sol- dierly demeanor. The regiment was brought to a halt and a front- face when opposite the residence of Larz Anderson, Esq. Colonel Anderson advanced to the curbstone and was greeted by a present- arms and a salute from the officers, with a remark from Colonel Crittenden that the salute was a compliment from the Sixth Regi- ment of Indiana Volunteers. Colonel Anderson replied, 'I thank
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you, gentlemen; God bless and protect you.' The column then wheeled into line, and as the troops marched by the hero of Sum- ter, they rent the air with enthusiastic cheering."
On the 2nd of June, the regiment arrived at Webster, Virginia, and was marched, with other troops, the same night through a drenching rain a distance of fourteen miles, and on the morning of the 3d of June took part in the first battle of the war at Philippi.
It participated in the march to Laurel Hill and the engagement with Garnett's rebel command at Carrick's Ford on the 12th of July. It returned to Indianapolis on the 25th of July and was finally discharged August 2, 1861.
THIRTEENTH REGIMENT.
The Thirteenth Regiment, in which was Captain Kirkpatrick's company, left Indianapolis on the 4th of July, 1861, and on the morning of the roth joined McClellan's forces at the foot of Rich mountain, in western Virginia, where, on the following day, it participated in battle. In this battle William Riffle was killed- Howard county's first martyr for the preservation of the Union.
From this time on the Thirteenth was in active campaign work for the entire three years. It took part in the numerous skirmishes at Cheat mountain pass, and on the 12th and 13th of September, 1861, in the engagements on Cheat mountain summit and Elkwater supported Howe's Battery, Fourth United States Artillery. At Greenbrier, on the 3d of October, and during the remainder of October, it was engaged in scouting expeditions along the Holly and Kanawha rivers. After this it marched to Alleghany under General Milroy and participated in the battle there on the 13th of December. It wintered at Green Spring Run. General Shields took command of the division in the spring and under him the regi-
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ment moved to Winchester and then scouted up the valley to Stras- burg, returning to Winchester. It participated in the battle of Winchester Heights, March 22, 1862. Two or three months were now employed in marching up and down the valley, giving chase to the rebels, and in the latter part of June the regiment embarked at Alexandria for Harrison's Landing, on the James river, where it arrived July 2d. In August it marched to Fortress Monroe and thence to the Nansemond river, where it remained nine months, engaging in numerous operations in that region of country, making three reconnoissances to Black river, fighting the battle of the Deserted Farm on the 30th of January, 1863, defeating Longstreet in his attempt to seize Suffolk from April 10th to May 3, 1863, and in tearing up and bringing off about forty miles of track from two railroads from the 13th to the 19th of May. In these operations the regiment marched over 400 miles. On the 27th of June the regiment left Suffolk. It participated in the operations on Morris Island during the siege of Forts Wagner and Gregg, and was the first regiment to enter Wagner in the assault on the 7th of Sep- tember.
The Thirteenth participated in nearly all the operations of General Butler's army south of Richmond and was conspicuous in the engagement at Wathal Junction, Chester Station, and the charge on the rifle pits near Foster's farm, in all of which the loss was about two hundred. It joined the Army of the Potomac in June, 1864, marching with the army to Cold Harbor, where, there being no field officers present for duty, Captain Kirkpatrick assumed command. The regiment was actively engaged in the battle at that place and in all the operations in the vicinty of the Chickahominy until June 12th, when it returned to Bermuda Hundred. On the 15th it crossed the Appomattox river and was engaged in the assaults on the rebel works in front of Petersburg.
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OF HOWARD COUNTY.
On the 18th Captain Kirkpatrick's company, having served the full time of its enlistment, was ordered from the skirmish line, and on the 19th left for Indianapolis, arriving on the 24th of June. They were mustered out of the service July 1, 1864.
About one-half of the company afterwards veteranized.
MILITIA COMPANIES.
In May, 1861, the boys of Kokomo from twelve to eighteen years of age, catching the military spirit that pervaded the country, organized a company under the name of the Wild Cat Rangers. The Tribune said: "We learn that the officers have reported their company to the governor, have purchased a part of their musical instruments, made arrangements for caps, etc., and will begin to drill regularly at an early day."
The names of many of these boys appear on the regular muster rolls of regiments that were formed in later years.
In the latter part of June, 1861, the first company of the Howard county regiment of the Indiana Legion was formed at Kokomo.
The following letter from the adjutant-general shows how the company was organized :
"INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA, June 13, 1861.
"The Union Tigers, a volunteer militia company, organized at Kokomo, in Howard county, Indiana, under the military laws of said state, having complied with the requirements of said laws, are hereby authorized and ordered to elect officers at their armory in Kokomo, on Tuesday evening, the 18th day of June, 1861; and John Bohan, Thomas Jay and J. F. Henderson are hereby appointed to receive and count ballots cast at said election (in presence of
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whomsoever may be deputized to preside at such election) and to make returns of such election to this office without delay.
"LAZ. NOBLE, Adj .- Gen. Vol. Militia."
THE UNION TIGERS.
Mr. T. C. Philips was delegated authority by the adjutant- general to preside at the meeting of the Union Tigers, and the elec- tion resulted as follows: James Bailey, captain; James A. Wild- man, first lieutenant ; William S. Snow, second lieutenant.
At various times after this other companies were formed in all or nearly all the townships, and were known as Union Wild Cat Rifles, The Union Legion, Harrison Guards, Howard Guards, Fairfield Guards, Wild Cat Rangers, Cassville Guards, Honey Creek Legion, Liberty Guards, Noble Guards, Ervin Guards and Wild Cat Rifles. The field officers and staff of this legion were: John M. Garrett, colonel (afterwards entered U. S. service) ; N. P. Rich- mond, colonel; James A. Wildman, lieutenant-colonel; Charles E. Disbro, major; Samuel W. Thornton, adjutant ; Morgan A. Chest- nut, quartermaster ; Reuben King, surgeon ; John W. Cooper, judge- advocate ; Thomas Lythe, paymaster.
THE THIRTY-FOURTH REGIMENT.
In the latter part of August, 1861, Dr. Jacob S. White, who had succeeded in raising a company in this county, left for Ander- son, where a regiment for this Congressional district was forming under Colonel Asbury Steele.
The Tribune said of the departure of this company : "A very large multitude assembled at the C. & C. depot last Wednesday to see the boys of Dr. White's company off to camp at Anderson.
GEN. THOMAS J. HARRISON.
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OF HOWARD COUNTY.
Some of the partings brought tears to the eyes of many. The grief of some was manifested in loud cries, but the deepest feeling was quieter. Husbands left their wives and babes with emotions that cannot be described. One gentleman, Mr. Clarke, of Ervin, got married on Sunday evening, on Monday volunteered and left on Wednesday. One wagon with six horses came in from western Howard loaded with young ladies and other decorations. Ban- ners floated and music of the best kind was furnished. The little cannon was out and after fifty or sixty thundering discharges it burst. Squire Norman was touched on the leg, but was not hurt. No injury was received by any one, but how the people escaped we cannot tell."
In the organization of the regiment, Dr. White was appointed surgeon and Thomas S. Ferrell was elected captain.
THE THIRTY-FOURTH AT VICKSBURG.
This, the Thirty-fourth Regiment, participated in the siege of Vicksburg, the battle of Port Gibson, Champion Hills, the siege of Jackson and many encounters. As in the Sixth Regiment, Howard county boys had the honor of participating in the first battle of the war, so Howard county boys in the Thirty-fourth, more than two thousand miles from Philippi, engaged in the last battle at Palmetto Ranche, on the 13th of May, 1865.
This battle was fought partly on the old Palo Alto battle- ground, where General Taylor first encountered the Mexicans on the 8th of May, 1846. It is quite a coincidence that the first battle of the Mexican war and the last battle of the great rebellion were fought on the same ground, and that the respective anniversary days were but five days apart.
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