History of Jay County, Indiana, Part 12

Author: Montgomery, M. W
Publication date: 1864
Publisher: Chicago, Printed for the author by Church, Goodman & Cushing
Number of Pages: 304


USA > Indiana > Jay County > History of Jay County, Indiana > Part 12


Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).


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227


ROBERT G. JACKSON.


hundred rebels, near Bacon Creek. Taking a po- sition in a log house-the residence of the widow of the notorious villain, John A. Murrell-this squad, without receiving any injury, repulsed the rebels, wounding several. Sewell, by a timely stepping out of the cabin door, was saved from a rebel bullet.


It was here, also, that company C was first called upon to lay some of its members in a sol- dier's grave. In a quiet, country grave-yard, on the banks of Nolin River, this sorrowing company consigned to the tomb the remains of Sergeant ROBERT G. JACKSON, who died, December 6th, 1861, of typhoid fever. He was sick for a long time in a church near the camp, used for a hospi- tal, where the best care possible under the cir- cumstances was bestowed upon him. He was a brave soldier, a true and generous friend, and well beloved by his fellow soldiers and friends at home.


On the tenth of the same month another brave young man from that company-John McCroskey -- was consigned to a resting place beside his con- rade Jackson.


On the tenth of December the army marched to Munfordsville or Green River, Camp Wood.


Here the army remained until February 15th, 1862, when, a sufficient force having collected, it moved against Bowling Green, occupied by Gen- eral Buckner. A flank movement by General


228


AT NASHVILLE.


Mitchell compelled the enemy to fall back to Nash- ville, and our forces moved forward to that point. The capture of Fort Donelson by our forces, led to the evacuation of Nashville by the rebels, and our army took quiet possession. While encamped south of that city, the 39th regiment picketed that part of the country lying between Nolens- ville and the Franklin pike, and, on the 15th of March, company C had the honor of welcoming within the Federal lines that bold and sterling Tennessee patriot, W. G. BROWNLOW. Upon alighting from his vehicle, he waved his hat, raised his eyes towards heaven and shouted "Glory to God! once more inside the Union pickets !"


On arriving at Nashville, some were entirely bare-footed, having traveled in that condition many weary miles over the rough stone pike, their feet blistered and bleeding. But their hardships were borne with heroic fortitude, and that wise philosophy which quietly submits to ills that can- not be remedied. They consoled themselves with allusions to the privations of the Revolutionary fathers, and seemed proud to be called upon to emulate their courage and fortitude. But supplies soon arrived.


On the 16th of March, 1862, the army at Nash- ville, (General Buell's,) set out on the march for the south-west. On Saturday, April 5th, Major


229


BATTLE OF SHILOH.


General McCook's Division, in which was the 39th regiment, encamped twenty-seven miles from Savannah, Tennessee, to prepare rations. Beeves were slaughtered, and the soldiers were congratu- lating themselves on the prospect of fresh beef and a day's rest, but the morning's sun brought to their ears the booming of cannon, and the word that General Grant's army had been attacked and a terrible battle was in progress. A forced march was now ordered to reinforce Grant. Taking three day's rations, the soldiers threw away blankets and knapsacks, and moved forward rap- idly. As they drew nearer, the cannonading grew more distinct and furious. At midnight, worn out and exhausted, they reached Savannah, seven miles from Pittsburg Landing-the scene of the terrific contest. No boats being ready, the soldiers threw themselves down in the streets. A pelting hail-storm made sleep impossible.


In the morning the roaring of cannon told them that the contest on the battle-field was renewed, even more fiercely than on the day previous. A boat transferred their brigade, consisting of the 32d and 39th Indiana, and 15th and 49th Ohio to the scene of conflict, arriving about 11 o'clock a. m. The fighting was then nearly two miles from the landing.


Standing upon the boat's deck they listened to the noise of the battle, which was one continual


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230


BATTLE OF SHILOH.


roar of cannon and rattle of musketry. They saw behind the hill a large force of cowardly strag- glers, who had fled, unharmed, from the front, and hundreds of the wounded and dying borne back from the field. They marched immediately to the battle-ground, where they were ordered to lie down as reserves, which they did for half an hour, while the shock of the raging battle 'seemed to shake the very earth upon which they lay. They then marched to the front and opened their part of the fight amid one incessant peal of musketry. Company C fought bravely for two hours and a half, when the sight of the retreating enemy brought enthusiastic cheers from our army.


The Jay Torch-Light of April 24th, speaking of this company said :


" By letter from Lieutenant Clark, we learn the part borne by the Jay County boys in the great battle of Shiloh. They were in the thickest of the fight for two and one-half hours, and, during that time, the rebels commenced their retreat. They fought bravely and well, though it was the first battle they had ever engaged in. It was a trying time to their nerve and courage. For nearly two days the battle had raged most furiously, and, more than half that time the rebels had driven our men. The boys heard the cannonading from the opening roar and had seen hundreds of the wounded and dying borne from the field. In these circumstances they were called into the field and placed in the centre. It was like marching into the jaws of death. But they went forward boldly and fought well. All honor to them. Jay County is proud of her soldiers."


STEPHEN J. BAILEY: 231


Captain Wilson being at home on the recruit- ing service, the company was commanded by Lieutenants J. G. Cowell and C. H. Clark. The casualties in company C were as follows : Stephen J. Bailey, mortally wounded in the thigh, James Q. Odle, mortally wounded in the arm, Edwin Hoover, wounded in left arm, Penbroke S. Bodle, slightly in the neck, J. N. Stratton, slightly in the neck.


When Bailey was being carried from the field, he said to Lieutenant Clark, "Tell my mother I died like a man, fighting for my country." At that moment the cheers of our troops were heard, and he inquired what it meant. Upon being told that the rebels were running, he said, "Then I die in peace." He was carried from the field, placed upon a boat, and taken to Mound City Hospital, Illinois, where he died, April 17th, 1863. He was a very intelligent young man, interesting in con- versation, quiet and industrious. He was the son of Mrs. Mary Bailey, of Camden, and was raised a Quaker. He was the first soldier from Jay Coun- ty to yield up his life to rebel bullets, and was wor- . thy of this honorable niche in the history of the War.


. James Q. Odle died at the residence of his brother, at Windsor, Randolph County, Indiana, June 18th, 1862. His remains were interred at Deerfield, Indiana.


/


232


JAMES HATHAWAY.


Many soldiers contracted diseases from expo- sure by encamping on the field after the heat and excitement of that battle. Among them was Mr. James Hathaway, who died May 16th, 1862, at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri. Ile was forty-eight years of age when he volunteered in his country's service, leaving a large family. He was a Chris- tian, in every sense of the term. While he served God faithfully, he was true to his country. He was the patriarch and moral monitor of the com- pany. Vice, in many of its members, he would reprove in a manner that always elicited from the reproved warm love and respect, and they all sincerely mourned his death. From his position as musician, he was not required to go into battle, but, laying aside the fife at Pittsburg Landing, he went with the comany into the battle, unarmed, but seizing the first deserted musket, bravely fought until the battle was over. His memory will be cherished as one of Jay County's noblest soldiers.


The army encamped on the battle-field for sev- eral days, then marched against Corinth. At Bridge Creek, company C participated in a severe fight, but received no injury.


They remained near Corinth until about the middle of June, when they marched southward to Huntsville, Alabama, arriving there July 4th. Here the 39th were ordered to Bridgeport, Ala-


233


BUELL'S RETREAT.


bama, to guard the crossing of the Tennessee River, which they did until August 20th, when they joined the forces collecting at Battle Creek for an advance upon Chattanooga. But, when within a few miles of the place, an order, surpris- ing every soldier, was given for them to return. Then commenced the famous "Buell's retreat," or race with General Bragg, across Tennessee and Kentucky, which though honorable to the soldiers, was very disgraceful to their commander.


In this fatiguing march the soldiers were most of the time destitute of rations, and had to exist upon fruit, green corn and meat supplied by for- aging parties. As the corn became hard they parted their canteens and, punching them full of holes, made graters, from which, with commenda- ble perseverance, they manufactured sufficient corn meal to keep off actual want, yet many nights they had to lie down, not only tired, but very hungry.


The appearance of the army on reaching Louis- ville clearly indicated the hard marching and pri- vations to which it had been subjected. Tarrying long enough to replenish their exhausted ward- robe, on the 1st day of October, 1862, they again started on the long, forward march to re- deem the territory which incompetency, or half-hearted loyalty had given to the rebel- lion.


234


MARCHING.


The marching was as severe in this advance as it had been in the retreat. The weather was very hot, the earth parched, and water scarce. The men often marched until midnight, and would then have to walk one or two miles for water. Swine were driven from the wallow and the water used to make coffee and quench thirst, and, on one occasion, even drinking water from a hole in which lay dead horses, mules and dogs! and, at other times, pushing back a green scum, an inch in thickness, to fill their canteens. Amid these trying circumstances, an indomitable spirit of pat- riotism prevailed and few complaints were uttered.


At Nashville, General Rosecrans succeeded to the command, in the place of Buell, removed, who was hailed with enthusiastic delight by the Army of the Cumberland.


General Bragg had halted in his precipitate retreat, and fortified Murfreesboro, and the 39th being encamped some distance in front of Nash- ville, were much of the time skirmishing with scouting parties of the enemy.


On the 25th of December General Rosecrans ordered an attack upon the rebels, which was the preliminary of the great battle of Stone River. On the night of the 29th, the army encamped upon the open field before the enemy. On the 30th an engagement with part of the line took place, and General McCook's Division, in which was the


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235


BATTLE OF STONE RIVER.


39th, was moved up as a reserve, and, in the eve- ning, was placed upon the right, on picket.


Just at daylight, next morning, the enemy, sev- eral lines deep, attacked the 39th, driving them back in confusion, killing and capturing many. The loss of company C was as follows: John Hilton, mortally wounded, Eugene Plumb, mor- tally wounded, Cyrus Stanley, severely wounded, G. H. Bassett, severely wounded in groin, John McClelland, wounded in neck, and forty prisoners, as indicated in the list of members.


On New Year's, 1864, these prisoners were put on board the cars at Murfreesboro and started toward Richmond, where they arrived in two weeks, having suffered severely on the route, for want of food. They were first confined in a tobacco warehouse, and afterward in Libby Prison. Their stomachs rebelled against the meagre, un- savory prison rations. A small loaf of bread, some soup and bad beef, was, at first, an allowance for each man, daily, but, before they left, this supply was divided between six men.


On the 28th of January, 1863, the unwounded privates of company C, with many others, marched through the city to the canal. While cross- ing this the bridge gave way and precipitated them twenty feet, into water fifteen feet deep. The canal was walled with stone, and the men could not get out without assistance, but the guard


236


CYRUS STANLEY.


" and citizens viewed the spectacle with folded arms. By the aid of comrades in the rear they escaped. In this half drowned condition they were placed upon filthy stock cars and sent to City Point, Virginia, and thence to Annapolis. Their joy at being once more under the "Stars and Stripes" found vent in hearty cheers. Their warm welcome home made them forget for. a season their recent hardships.


During the battle, Cyrus Stanley was struck near the back-bone, by a mnsket ball, which en- tered his right kidney. While Daniel Walter was helping him off the field, Stanley's hat was shot off, and two balls passed through Walter's clothes. But they were both captured. . With his wound undressed and bleeding, on platform cars, without covering, Stanley was taken to Chattanoo- ga, having been three days and nights without one morsel of food ! Six rebel surgeons examined his wound and pronounced it fatal. But his quiet spirit and courageons determination saved him from a southern grave.


On the 5th of March, 1863, he and thirteen oth ers were taken to Knoxville, and thence (March 8th) to Libby Prison-that dungeon whose men- tion brings to mind all that is horrible and revolt- ing in human suffering. All this time Stanley had not recovered sufficiently to walk, even upon crutches. He was confined in a room with near-


237


BATTLE OF DECHARD FORD.


ly three hundred others. Their scanty daily al- lowance was of the most repulsive kind, and some died in the room of actual starvation. On the 18th of March he was taken to Washington City, where he wrote to his friends in Jay. The letter was like a voice from the dead, for they had sup- posed his wound had long since proved fatal. He was taken to Davis' Island, New York, on the 5th of May, and in one month was able to start home. He is now County Recorder. Capt. J. G. Crowell and Lieut. G. T. Winters were not ex- changed for some time after this. A mere frag- ment of the company could be rallied on the bat- tle-field on that New Year's day. Early in May, the paroled members of company C having been exchanged, rejoined the regiment at Nashville, where they found their comrades had been mounted and armed with the Spencer rifle. They have since been designated as the 8th Indiana Mounted Infantry. At Tullahoma the regiment had the post of danger, and distinguished itself whenever engaged. At Dechard Ford, two miles sonth of Winchester, company C made a gallant charge and was highly complimented. Lieut. Winters was wounded in the foot, Luther J. Ba- ker in the leg, L. W. Lemasters severely in the breast, and eleven horses killed. In the sanguin- ary struggle at Chickamauga, the 39th took an honorable part and came out unscathed. Soon


11*


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238


BATTLES OF COMPANY C.


after this, many of these veterans re-enlisted, re- ceiving three hundred and four dollars additional bounty. On the 20th of February, 1864, the regiment distinguished itself by a noted recon- noissance at Tunnell Hill, Buzzard Roost and Dalton, and remained in the immediate front un- til March 25th, when the whole regiment was furloughed and came home. The war-worn vet- erans were warmly welcomed by the citizens of Indianapolis, and hastened home to enjoy the company of friends and relatives, from whom they had so long been absent. In a few days compa- ny B, 34th Indiana regiment, came home, also on veteran furlough, and the two companies were publicly welcomed by large parties and fine sup- pers at Portland, Camden and College Corner. At the expiration of their furlough, the regiment re-assembled at Indianapolis, and, May 11th, left for Nashville to renew their conflicts with traitors. Early in July they were ordered to Marietta, where they have lately distinguished themselves in a daring and effectual raid. This regiment has participated in the following battles :


SHILOH, TENNESSEE. BRIDGE CREEK, MISSISSIPPI. DRY RIDGE, KENTUCKY. STONE RIVER, TENNESSEE, SEVEN DAYS MIDDLETON, TENNESSEE, (TWICE.) LIBERTY GAP, TENNESSEE.


239


COMPANY C.


DECHARDS' FORD, TENNESSEE. DAVIS' CROSS ROADS, GEORGIA. CHICKAMAUGA, GEORGIA, TWO DAYS. TUNNELL HILL, GEORGIA. NICK O'JACK GAP, GEORGIA. STONY FACE POINT, GEORGIA.


In all of these company C have borne an hon- orable part, reflecting credit upon themselves and the county they represent, and with heroic deeds inscribing an imperishable record upon the annals of their country.


COMPANY C, THIRTY-NINTH REGIMENT INDIANA VOLUNTEERS.


[Those marked * re-enlisted, and those marked + are discharged. The # denotes those captured at Stone River.]


Captain Stephen L. Wilson, resigned July 18th, 1862.


First Lieutenant John Q. Lewis, resigned March 10th, 1862. Second Lieutenant Curtis H. Clark, promoted first lieutenant. Resigned October 16th, 1863.


SERGEANTS.


[Promotions among non-commissioned officers and privates were no reported to the author.]


Orderly, J. G. Crowell, promoted 1st lieutenant, then captain. R. G. Jackson, died December 6th, 1861.


J. G. Wagner, died June 10th, 1862.


I. N. Stratton, promoted second lieutenant.


Andrew Jackson,* promoted to orderly.


CORPORALS.


John McClellan, Thomas Boswortlı,


J. M. Bromagem,## Calvin Burdg,*


240


COMPANY C.


Solomon Lupton,*# G. T. Winters, promoted to first lieutenant,;


Calvin Rynearson,t


George Clark,* promoted to orderly sergeant ;.


MUSICIANS. John Hanna, died December James Hathaway, died May 15th, 1862. 16th, 1862.


TEAMSTER.


Francis Twiggs.


PRIVATES.


Calvin S. Adams,


Christian Long,* #


Edwin Adams,t


L. A. Long,}


W. G. Adams,t


A. A. Mason,*


H. H. Antles,t


J. S. Maxwell,*# John McCroskey, died Dec. 10th, 1861.


S. J. Bailey, died at Mound City, Ill., April 1st, 1862. William Metty,*


William Baird,; L. J. Baker, **


G. H. Bassett,* wounded at Stone River,


John Nidey,


Joseph Bisel, died Septem- ber 14th, 1862,


Lafayette Nidey,*


John Nixon,


W. H. Blowers,* (Adams Co.) A. J. Nuckles,


J. L. Bockoven,*}


P. S. Bodle,* wounded at Shiloh,#


Anthony Brown,* }


Reuben Orner,t


Jason Bryan,*


Christian Parks,*


Aaron Brighton,t


Edward Pingry,*


John Burdg,*


W. J. Ralph,*


William Clawson,* }


F. M. Reed,


Michael Cookerly,t


H. D. Clevenger, died June 12th, 1862,


Hezekiah Reed,+


Frederick Rhodes,*


William Richmond,#


V


George R. Ashley,*


J. W. Miller,


Isaiah Mills,#


W. H. Moore,;


J. Q. Odle, mortally wounded at Shiloh, died June 18th, 1862,


241


COMPANY C.


M. L. Collett,* +


G. W. Cookerly,


J. A. Cummins,ţ J. H. Darby, died June 14th, J. W. Shewalter,} 1862,


J. A. Eicher,*


E. R. Fetters,


B. F. Freeman,*+


Cyrus Stanley,+ +


William Green,*


William Sturges,t


Samuel Hammitt,*}


William Stranahan,t


G. W. Hardy,*}


J. W. Swallow, died January 5th, 1862,


D. T. Taylor,*


J. N. Vance, died Jan. 13, 1862.


W. C. Votaw,*


Daniel Walter,* #


Edward Hoover.


M. W. Wagner,*


D. O. Whipple,t


J. B. Worden,


C. E. Yost,


Franklin Stanley,*}


VOLUNTEER RECRUITS.


D. S. Arnold,


Henry Jones,


C. Ashley,


W. Broughıman,


Solomon Keck,


W. S. Baldwin,


J. Mclaughlin,


A. Bodle,


I. Murray,


H. Barber,


J. B. Marquis,


G. W. Miller,


Thomas Paxson,


A. Cook,


Peter Stultz,


W. R. Dutcher, died April 3d, 1863, A. Fetters, died Aug. 3, 1863,


Dixon Towle,


H. Trehearn,


B. Valentine,


Jefferson Sewell,* (Adams Co.)


S. W. Shannon,* } J. A. Shewalter,*#


D. T. Skinner, promoted to captain 7th Ind. Cavalry,


Samuel Sloan,t


John Hilton, wounded mor- tally at Stone River, and died Jan. 25th, 1863,


Samuel Hilton,*# J. W. Hoke,*


G. H. Jackson,*


B. B. Jenkins,


L. W. Lemasters,t


A. G. Lewis,*


Sylvester Lewis,#


William Jones,


A. Clear, James Collins,


242


COMPANY C.


D. Fetters,


W. H. Force,


I. Garringer,


S. Hoke,


E. Wilkerson, Ellis Wilder, died May 12, 1864. William Wilkerson, Nathan B. Winters.


The following were nine-months' drafted or substitute recruits, who joined this company-all now discharged except one. They were drafted October 6th, 1862 :


James Bales, Levi Mason,# James Pitt,


W. Bridgford,#


J. W. Bartmes, volunteered, James Patterson,


James Cunningham,}


Eugene Plumb, wounded mor-


William Ernest,# tally at Stone River, died Jan. 19th, 1863,


Benjamin Heston,


P. C. Jones,}


G. W. Swhier,


A. J. Landis,


D. Theurer.


RECAPITULATION.


Volunteers.


130


Drafted Recruits 14


Died . 17


Resigned and Discharged. 27


The history of company C has been given at length for several reasons. It was the first com- pany to go from the county, and has been longest in the service. Many things, also, connected with its history can be related of all other Jay County companies ; but having been given, need not be repeated.


During the latter part of August, 1861, James W. Campbell and Nimrod Headington recruited a company for the three years service. An elec-


243


COMPANY B.


tion resulted in the choice of Mr. Campbell as Captain ; Mr. Headington, First Lieutenant, and Benjamin G. Shinn, Second Lieutenant. On the 1st of September the ladies of Portland gave a farewell supper to the company, and on the fol- lowing morning they departed for camp at Ander- son, Indiana, where they became company B in the 34th regiment. They were mustered into the United States service September 21st. Asberry Steele, of Grant County, was their first Colonel.


COMPANY B, THIRTY-FOURTH REGIMENT OF INDIANA VOLUNTEERS.


Captain, James W. Campbell.


Nimrod Headington-first lieutenant and captain, now major. . First Lieutenant, David A. Harter.


Second Lieutenant, Benjamin G. Shinn-resigned Nov., 1861. David D. Hastie-promoted Nov., 1861 ; resigned Dee. 25th, 1862. Abraham M. Templer-promoted captain. Thomas Helm.


.


John Bromagem, William Cruthers,


SERGEANTS. Benjamin F. Harter.


CORPORALS.


Stephen Straley, wounded at Warner Cox, died at Memphis, Champion Hill, Tenn., August 6, 1862.


George W. Stowell, Enoch H. Harker, John Hammitt,


Joseph P. Bishop,


James P. Gibson,


Anthony W. Shey,


James A. Crisler.


--


244


COMPANY B.


Abner Hyde,


MUSICIANS. George O. Carle.


PRIVATES.


Samuel Adair,


John Morily, wounded at Fort Gibson,


Perry L. Burk,


Hamilton Cash, &


Simon P. Marrow,


Elias K. Maddox,


David Crisler, wounded at Champion Hill,


Ozias McKinstry,


George W. Denney, wounded Ichabod Nichols,


at Champion Hill,


Michael T. Paxson,


Henry W. Duckett,


John Parsons,


Jonathan Elliott,


William Pugli,


Benjamin Foush,


Joseph J. Glover,


John H. F. Pugh, wounded at Champion Hill,


Edward B. Hawley,


Albert Pugh,


John Hawley,


Jolın L. Reeves,


William M. Hutzler,


William S. Reeves,


Wesley S. Iliff,


Joshua Siders,


Mark Kinnison,


Edward Siders,


Aaron Letts,


George W. Stoner.


John W. Lethe,


William W. Swallow,


Charles O. Lindsay,


Isaac I. Swallow,


William K. Louk, wounded at Champion Hill,


John F. Stowe,


James Logan,


William Votaw,


Christopher Loper,


William Williams,


John R. May,


Jefferson J. Williams.


DIED. Gabriel F. Barnes-Jan. 24th, 1862. Sergeant Sylvester Hiatt-March 28th, 1862. Corporal John F. Connett-Feb. 9th, 1862. Dallas D. Chapmar-killed at Champion Hill. Matthew Dodds-Feb. 21st, 1862. John J. Swaney-killed at Champion Hill. George L. Adair.


John M. Thomas,


245


COMPANY B.


Bailiff W. Stowell-mortally wounded at Port Gibson ; died May 28th, 1863. Finley Blair-Feb. 13th, 186 3.


William H. H. Bailey-mortally wounded at Champion Hill.


John Cline-Feb. 26th, 1862.


Levi Clean-May 6th, 1862. Warner Cox-Aug. 6th, 1862.


Oliver P. Karnes. Jeremiah Franklin.


Jolın J. Haivland-Feb. 24th, 1862.


Levi P. Morrow-May 3d, 1862.


Joseph Mihals.


Joseph Perry-killed at Champion Hill.


Jacob B. Spade-March 8th, 1862.


Ira Somers-Feb. 10th, 1862.


John S. Stoner-Jan. 24th, 1862. Jacob Valentine.


DISCHARGED. Henry Crabtree and Clinton Deardoff, on account of ill health. Jno. Geiger, on account of wound received at Champion Hill.


James P. Gibson,


James M. Hoover,


Isaac Vanhorn, John L. Walker,


James J. Hite, Lewis Crisler,


Edward B. Keagel, Sergeant Isaac Hanna,


William A. Latham, Bennett Goodson,


Joshua Nichols, Sergeant Jacob T. Wells.


TRANSFERRED.


Thos. Airly, to Invalid Corps, for wounds at Champion Hill. Patrick Doyle, 66 =


Morris G. Ward, to Non-commissioned Staff. Allen Jaqua was a member of regimental band, 34th Regt.


RECAPITULATION.


Whole number.


120


Transferred, Resigned and Discharged.


19


Died 23


246


COMPANY B.


On the 21st of October they went to Camp Jo. Holt, at Indianapolis; thence, November 16th, to New Haven, Kentucky; remained there until the 28th of December, when they moved to Camp Wickliffe. In February, 1862, they marched to the mouth of Salt River, in the same State. The company had been very healthy until near the close of the year 1861, when, in about one month, eight of its members died, most of them of pneumonia. Their health began to improve with their removal from Camp Wickliffe. At the month of Salt River the regiment embarked on board a steamboat for Point Commerce, on the Mississippi River, in the State of Missouri. They marched across the country from this place by the way of Benton to New Madrid. The company took part in the siege of that town, and while so engaged they assisted in hanling a heavy cannon by hand to Biddle Point, a distance of fifteen miles, through swamps, and in the night. With this gun four of the rebel gunboats were driven off, one of which was disabled. After the capture of New Madrid, the company remained at that place until the 15th of June, 1862, when the 34th regiment was ordered on board transports and proceeded to Memphis, Tenn. Remaining there but a short time, they accompanied Col. Graham N. Fitch in his expedition up the White River. This company participated in the fight at Grand




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