USA > Indiana > History of the Forty-sixth regiment Indiana volunteer infantry : September, 1861-September, 1865 > Part 9
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To the Forty-sixth the campaign had been one of especial hardship and suffering. It had marched and fought, almost con- tinuously, from the 6th of March to the 22d of May. Its members. had re-enlisted on the 2d of January, under a general and special promise of a thirty-day furlough home. Most of the men had not seen their families for over two years and a half, but were required to give up the anticipated pleasure and undertake a long, laborious and dangerous campaign. The regiment had marched over 800 miles, much of it in the night, and all of it in haste. Comparing the condition of the regiment now with what it was on re-enlist- ment, the men remembered with sorrow that over a third of their. number now occupied a rebel prison, the hospital or the grave.
The furlough question had been reopened shortly after the battle of Sabine Cross Roads, and the colonel was assured by General Banks that the regiment should go as soon as possible. At Alexandria it was possible to go, or at least to start, and the order was offered the regiment to go with the Fifty-sixth Ohio, and many were anxious to start, but, on the next day, when the men of the Fifty-sixth came straggling back, leading their wounded comrades, it was seen that it was the better judgment that pre- ferred to wait.
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No difficulty was apprehended in obtaining a furlough at Morganza, but, unfortunately, General Banks went straight from the Atchafalaya to New Orleans, which threw the business into new hands. As soon as Morganza was reached, Colonel Bringhurst visited General Emory, the then commanding officer, and presented the case. Emory was a "regular" officer, and had a higher regard for "red tape" than any other solid commodity. He immediately fell back on rules and regulations, and decided that the application must go on to General Banks through the regular channel. This would require much time, and the prospect clouded again. Gen- eral McGinnis, and many of the Indiana officers, endeavored to move Emory, but to no purpose.
In a few days it was found that a steamer was about starting down the river, and it was determined among the officers that the regiment would try another plan to get off. Just before the boat was ready to leave, the men, with their knapsacks and guns, quietly marched aboard. The steamer was loaded with army wagons, and little room could be found for the men, but they crowded in. The captain of the boat made no question about the presence of the regiment, as it was their custom to take what come.
When ready, the boat turned out into the stream, but to the dismay of the officers in the plot she turned in and landed at Gen- cral Emory's headquarters. The general's quartermaster came on board to give final orders. Seeing the regiment, he inquired for its authority to go. He was told that the colonel had the order. Diligent search failed to find that officer, and after considerable discussion he ordered the boat captain to go on.
Another difficulty arose before the regiment. It was soon discovered that the steamer had orders for Baton Rouge and not New Orleans. But it was on the road to the city, and away from General Emory, and there was no fear that the regiment would not. get through.
At Baton Rouge the regiment went into eamp and awaited events. The Twenty-fourth Indiana was there, and helped make the stay agreeable.
On the third day the "Express," a fine, large new steamer, came down the river and rounded to at the landing. The colonel immediately went on board to negotiate, and in a few minutes the regiment was on the way to the city. The captain and the erew treated the men most hospitably, and just after daylight they were landed at Carrollton, five miles above the city.
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On the voyage down, there was some mystery about the order for the regiment's shipment. When Adjutant Watts could be found the colonel had it, and when the latter was on hand the adjutant had it.
At Carrollton the regiment went into camp, the best that could be done with no equipage, and the colonel went to see General Banks.
There was no trouble with General Banks. That officer freely admitted all that was claimed for the regiment, and suggested. things in their favor that had not been claimed. He told the colonel they should have their furlough and when they pleased. They could go home now or go into camp and prepare for it. In reply to the question, "What does the regiment want?" the colonel answered, "The men should be paid to April 30, have new clothes, new guns, twenty days at Carrollton, and a furlough for thirty days."
The general told the colonel he should have it all, and directed him to make out his requisitions and they should be honored.
The regiment went regularly into camp. It had good rations, light drills, put on good clothes, and in fifteen days was ready for home.
In April, 1864, an expedition of four transports and gunboats went from New Orleans up the Sabine Pass into Calcasieu bay for cotton. A guard of thirty-seven men, from the non-veteran camp, in charge of a captain of the Thirtieth Maine, was on the boats. The fleet had arrived in the bay. The " Wave" and the "Granite City," while lying without steam, were attacked at daybreak, and captured. Among the prisoners were Maxwell Reece, R. V. ' MeDowell, Ilugh Quinn, Joshua T. Colvin, Philip M. Benjamin and Jacob Oliver. These were non-veterans of the Forty-sixth. Colvin subsequently died in prison at Tyler, Texas, and Oliver at Hempstead.
About the same date, John Shea, a non-veteran of Company D, was killed and robbed at Algiers.
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Wm. McGlennen, of Company C, was shot and killed by a guard, in June, at Algiers.
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CHAPTER VII.
VACANCIES AND PROMOTIONS. - HOMEWARD BOUND. - CAIRO. - INDIAN- APOLIS. - LOGANSPORT .- ON THE RETURN. - EVANSVILLE. - MOUNT VERNON. - GUERRILLAS. - MORGANFIELD. - HENDERSON. - LOUIS- VILLE. - LEXINGTON. - CATTLETSBURG. -- BIG SANDY .- LOUISA. - PRES- TONSBURG. - COURTS MARTIAL. - MUSTERED OUT. - HOME. - JUNE, 1864 - SEPTEMBER, 1865.
B ETWEEN June, 1864, and September, 1865, when the regi- ment was mustered out, the following vacancies and promo- tions occurred:
Quartermaster Thomas A. Howes resigned May 27, 1865; William S. Richardson, of Company B, was commissioned in his place.
First Lieutenant William D. Schnepp was honorably dis- charged September 14, 1864; Lientenant William Bacome was .commissioned first, and Sergeant Daniel Harner second lieu- tenant.
First Lieutenant Joseph Taylor, of Company G, was honora- bly discharged November 12, 1864; Enos A. Thomas was com- missioned in his place.
Captain J. W. F. Liston, of Company I, resigned November 29, 1864; Corporal Frederick Fitch was commissioned for the vacancy, and Sergeant Jacob S. McCormick as first lieutenant.
Captain James Hess, of Company G, was honorably discharged · on expiration of term, December 14, 1864; Joseph L. Chamberlain was commissioned to succeed him.
Major Bernard F. Schermerhorn was honorably discharged on expiration of term, December 14, 1864; Captain William M. DeHart, of Company D, was commissioned in his place.
Captain William A. Pigman, of Company A, was discharged by reason of wounds received at Sabine Cross Roads, December 18, 1864; he was succeeded by Lieutenant James V. Brough. Lieu-
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tenant Jonathan Moore was commissioned first, and Levi C. Lesourd' second lieutenant.
Surgeon Israel B. Washburn was honorably discharged on expi- ration of term, December 20, 1864; he was succeeded by Assistant. Surgeon Joshua W. Underhill. George M. Doane, of Company B, was commissioned assistant surgeon.
Captain John G. Troxell, of Company C, was honorably dis -. charged on expiration of term, December 26, 1864. Sergeant Joseph Henderson was commissioned first, and Sergeant William. Bacome second lieutenant.
First Lieutenant Charles A. Brownlie, of Company D, was. honorably discharged on expiration of term, December 28, 1864; Abram B. Herman was commissioned to succeed him. Sergeant Andrew J. Lovenger was commissioned second lieutenant.
Captain James H. Brown, of Company H, was honorably dis- charged on expiration of term, December 28, 1864; Lientenant. James F. Mitchell was commissioned first, and Sergeant Martin L. Burson second lieutenat.
First Lieutenant Jacob S. McCormick, of Company I, was honorably discharged on expiration of term, December 28, 1864 ;. Albert S. Abbott was commissioned in his place, and Sergeant Robert H. Martin second lieutenant.
Captain Robert M. Shields, of Company K, was honorably discharged on account of expiration of term, December 28, 1864 ;. he was succeeded by Lieutenant Chester Chamberlain. George C. Ilorn was commissioned first, and John VanMeter second lieu- tenant.
Captain Frank Swigart, of Company B, resigned October 12, . 1864, on account of wounds received at Sabine Cross Roads; Theo -. dore B. Forgy was commissioned captain, Theophilus P. Rodgers. first, and Marcellus H. Nash second lieutenant.
Captain Henry Snyder, of Company E, was honorably dis- charged October 14, 1864, on account of wounds received at Sabine. Cross Roads; Charles F. Fisher was commissioned captain, Ellis. Hughes first and Abram F. Hunter second lieutenant.
Adjutant James M. Watts was mustered out March 24, 1865,. for promotion in the One Hundred and. Fiftieth regiment; Augustus. L. Sinks, of Company K, was commissioned for the vacancy.
On the 15th of June, 1864, the "Sultana," a fine large trans- port, rounded to at the landing and called for the Forty-sixth. The men soon packed up, and, with innumerable specimens of the-
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:animal and vegetable kingdom, in boxes and cages, made a forced march for the steamer. In an hour everything was stowed and .arranged, and the men, anticipating the voyage and the visit home, pronounced themselves perfectly happy.
Without accident or any unusual occurrence, the regiment, in a few days, made the landing at Cairo. The colonel immediately called on the post quartermaster, with a requisition for transporta- tion, by rail, to Indianapolis. Looking at the paper, the official noticed an item specifying sundry horses, and inquired if it was a cavalry regiment. He was informed that it was not; neither was it an artillery organization. The official then wanted an .explanation of the presence of six horses in an infantry regiment on furlough. He said the order required transportation for so many men and officers, and he would not transport the horses.
The quartermaster was told that the men and horses went together; that if the horses could not go the men would not. The colonel then made requisition for three days' rations and ordered the men into camp. The quartermaster told the colonel to move back off the levee, but the men were ordered to occupy a place on the front, which they did, and were soon at cooking. The city marshal tried to effect a removal, but he was referred to the quar- termaster as the person who could relieve the town of the regiment.
After dark the regiment seemed to become more numerous and expressive. Cooking was going on in many unnecessary places, and the merchants began to complain. At 10 o'clock the ·quartermaster sent down orders for transportation for horses and all.
The men filled the box cars, enjoyed a good sleep, and, at early morn, were in Indianapolis.
The line was formed, and the regiment marched to the Soldier's Home.
The Indianapolis Journal of June 23 thus speaks of the regi- ment:
" The reception and welcome of the Forty-sixth Indiana took place yes- . terday, as announced, at the Soldier's Home and State-House Park. The column was formed at the Home at 11.30, and with the Colonel and Colonel James Blake at the head. escorted by the regimental and Habn's bands, marched up Washington street to East, and back again to the Home, where a bountiful dinner was served by the ladies. It was partaken of by the regiment with a quiet satisfaction very becoming and gratifying to those who served it. The marching of the regiment through the city attracted attention, particularly for the manly bearing and handsome dress of the men, and the excellent condition of their arms. After dinner the
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regiment again marched up Washington street, countermarched, and went to the State-house, where a large number of citizens, mostly ladies, had assembled to hear the welcome of the Governor, and other speeches. *
"Governor Morton. in his address, said: 'This reception was given as a testimonial of the regard in which the Indiana soldiers were held by their friends here and throughout the State. He said the history of all the Indi- ana regiments was the same in one grand particular-they all had done their duty, honoring the cause and the State. . * The Indiana soldiers have a double motive for doing well; first, because it is their principle to do so, and second, because an unjust stain had been cast upon their valor by a colonel of the Second Indiana, at Beuna Vista. The history of that regi- ment proved it a true regiment; but a mistake was made, and a wicked col- lusion between its colonel and Jeff Davis, had cast an unjust blame on the regiment. But that slander had been turned against its authors, and, to-day, Indiana soldiers stand as high in public estimation as those of any State.' "The Governor feelingly alluded to the many brave men of the regiment who had fallen, and who will be remembered as the noble dead. The Governor then rehearsed the principal events in the history of the regiment, and said it had been one of the first to re-enlist, and should have come home long ago, but the exigencies of the service demanded more work, and it was on hand for duty. He wished to thank them particularly on behalf of the loyal and grateful people of Indiana for the proudest act in their career, their re-enlistment, as well as for all the other good they had done.
"Colonel James Blake, representing the Mayor, welcomed the veterans. home .. He said he wanted to welcome them especially on behalf of their vet- eran lady friends, some of whom they had met at the Soldier's Home. These ladies had become veterans by their constant and untiring service for the soldier. He also welcomed them to the city on behalf of the business men, who had never failed to sustain the soldier. He honored the regiment for its manly bearing; they looked and acted like men who knew and respected their relation to society, to the country, and to one another. The officers seemed to recognize their true position, and their relations with the men seemed fraternal.
"Hearty cheers were then given for the Governor, Colonel Blake and the ladies. Colonel Bringhurst made an appropriate response to the Gov- ernor and Colonel Blake."
The regiment reached Logansport on the afternoon of June 23. The following account of its reception, from the Logansport Journal" of the 25th, correctly represents the warm welcome accorded it:
"A multitude, numbering thousands, gathered at the depot to welcome them, and they were somewhat disappointed when the train stopped and no- soldiers made their appearance. But the disappointment was soon turned to rejoicing when it was discovered that the officers, by a wise strategem, had stopped the soldiers at a place where the regiment could be formed
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without interference from the crowd of friends who had assembled to greet its arrival.
"The regiment soon made its appearance, headed by its own martial band, marching by column of companies. At the foot of Fourth street, the Logan Band took the front and the Logan Union Silver Band brought up the rear.
"The regiment, escorted by thousands of citizens, marched up Fourth street to Market, up Market to Seventh, down Seventh to Broadway, down Broadway to Fourth, and up Fourth to the Court-house, where it was formed in column of division. when Judge Biddle welcomed the soldiers in an eloquent address: after which occurred the most beautiful incident of the occasion: two hundred little girls, appropriately dressed in the national colors, advanced and presented a beautiful bouquet to every officer aud soldier. This tribute of the children to valor and patriotism will long be remembered by the brave men to whom it was paid.
"The men then stacked arins and surrounded the two long tables, set in the yard. which fairly groaned under the weight of good things which the patriotic ladies of the city had prepared for the occasion. * * * * *
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" After dinner a short time was spent in giving and receiving the warm greetings of friends long parted, when the regiment was again formed and marched to Market space for dress parade. The proficiency of the regiment for drill was fully established by its performance on the march, and at the parade.
"It will be the pride and pleasure of our citizens to make the short visit of these, our war-worn veterans, as pleasant as possible, as it will be their pleasure ever to cherish in grateful remembrance their toils and sacrifices in defense of our institutions.
"While rejoicing in the presence of our returned friends we do not forget those of their comrades who having made their last sacrifice, now repose in our cemeteries, upon the banks of the "Father of Waters," or in unknown graves. Their memory shall ever be fresh in our hearts. Nor do we forget those who are captives, far from friends and home. For them our prayers ascend. At home or at the front. sick. wounded or prisoners, our soldiers will receive the warm sympathy of the loyal men of the coun- try; and when Peace shall spread her wings over our distracted land they will be the honored sons of a grateful people, transmitting a rich legacy of heroic patriotism to the generations who shall succeed them."
Before the dinner, Judge Biddle delivered an address, which was listened to by citizens and soldiers with deep attention. Ile said:
OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS OF THE FORTY-SIXTH:
VETERANS: In the name of this city and county, I welcome you home. In the name of the State of Indiana, in the name of the United States -- for, thank God, by the courage and patriotism of our noble soldiers.
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we still have a United States -I welcome you home. In the name of liberty and humanity, I welcome you home. Thrice welcome to your homes and friends.
Nearly three years ago you pledged your lives to the standard of your conntry; you were organized and left for the field. You went to Camp Wickliffe, thence, by the river fleet, to Commerce and to Island No. 10, where you aided in fianking the enemy in that stronghold. At New Madrid you were introduced to the fire of the enemy, and, with your comrades, made him surrender the post. Next, at Riddle's Point, you alone sustained yourselves against the terrible and galling fire of five rebel gunboats. Do you remember that? Do you remember the toil of that long, gloomy and weary night, during which you gained your position? Aye, you remember it; your country remembers it. From this well-fought field, you went with General Pope's fleet down the Mississippi river to Fort Pillow, where vou remained some weeks with the Forty-third, and left it not until you had planted the flag of your country -- this flag-on the ramparts of the enemy. Thence down the river to Memphis, where you tore down to the dust the defiant flag of the rebellion, and felled its towering staff to the earth. The trophy was secured by your hands. Soon after this you went up White river to relieve General Curtis. In this expedition with our gunboats you suffered severely with heat and toil, but you humbled the enemy of your country, and rebuked him for his inhumanity. At St. Charles you witnessed the terrible explosion of the Mound City, and the heart-rending sufferings of your comrades in arms. But we cannot tarry. You descended the river to Helena, where you did good service in opening rivers, skirmishing, etc., for several weeks, and where the memorable repulse of the arrant rebel, _ Price, took place. At Pemberton you fought right under the bristling guns of the fort, and within a few yards of our own gunboat Chillicothe. The courage of man was seldom more severely tried than yours in this fight. and never was the test better withstood. Next, before Vicksburg; then through , all those severe battles at Port Gibson, Champion Hills, Jackson and other places on the route. when not only your prowess in battle, but your strength of endurance in toiling and marching, was proved to be of the first order. After beating and chasing the enemy in every direction, he was invested at Vicksburg, where you lay in the trenches during forty-three days, toiling and fighting until he fell. and you entered the city with your comrades in triumph. Then, the day after the surrender, you marched to Jackson, where you completed the triumph of the campaign. From this place you were taken to New Orleans. Then your expedition into Texas and battle at ' Carancro bayou, La., will be ever memorable. Back to New Orleans: and here you did one of the noblest acts of your lives-you re-enlisted for the war -- and it was the desire of the Government then to give you the furlough which you are now about to enjoy, but the exigeney of the service would not allow it; you submitted cheerfully, as became good sol- diers and true patriots. Hence you were taken into the severe campaign of Red river, where our arms, for a time, were unfortunate. Under every disaster, you comported yourselves as veterans, and wherever the fault
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might be, if fault there was, no part of it was attached to the glorious and gallant Forty-sixth.
"You are now before us, but where are the comrades in arms that went out with you, 1.000 strong, to do battle for the country and for man- kind, while you, less than 200, have returned? Alas! they are not here. Some are languishing in exile as prisoners of war, but their hearts are with us and our hearts are with them. Others are lying buried along the valleys .of the Mississippi and White rivers, and on the plains of Red river, but their spirits are with us now. . Your comrades who are prisoners, will soon be exchanged and return to our arms; but for those who are locked in the prison-house of death, there is no return to us. We must follow them. Sad is the suggestion of your return to those whose sons and brothers have perished in battle. Let us weep with them for a time, for tears not ill become the brave. * * But it is a noble death to die for one's country. How can we die nobler or better?
"Thus have I briefly traced your course from your departure to your return. Fond hearts and tearful eyes have followed and watched your every step and every deed, daily and hourly, during your absence. While you are with us, as you have done in the field, prove yourselves triumphant.
"You have brought home the rugged laurels of the soldier, and inno- cent maidens will give you wreaths of flowers to twine with them. They welcome you back from your dangers. Their tender arms ill befit the battlefield, and they look to you for protection. You will give it to them. Remember, each one of you is dear to some heart, and I trust that each of you has some object of love, reverence or affection to keep your hearts true to yourselves, your country and your God."
On the conclusion of the dress parade, the regiment was dis- missed until the 26th of July, when it would be necessary to return to the field.
On the 20th of July the colonel published an order requiring the members of the regiment to assemble at Logansport, on the '26th. At the appointed time, every one was present excepting three, who were sick. A difficulty in obtaining transportation pre- vented the departure until the 27th, when the regiment started for Indianapolis, by way of Lafayette. The Capital was reached in the evening, and the regiment took up quarters in the general camp of the State.
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On the 28th, an order was received from General Heintzleman, requiring the Forty-third and Forty-sixth to remain until further ·orders.
The regiment remained quietly in camp until the 11th of .August, when orders were received for an immediate march. On the 12th, the regiment took the cars for Evansville. Arrived at Terre Haute at 2 p. M. Met exaggerated rumors of the devastation
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being wrought by the rebels on the river. Arrived at Evansville- at dark, where the regiment was quartered on a wharfboat, and, in the morning, the men were pleased in being led to a beautiful grove half a mile from town.
At 3 o'clock on the next (Sunday) morning, the word came that the rebels were crossing the river at Shawneetown, twenty -- three miles below by land. At 9 o'clock, the regiment was on an old mail boat, and steaming down the river. At 6 p. M. the. regiment landed at Mount Vernon. Here the people were all under arms. The "legion" had flowed in from the surrounding country, and everybody was awaiting an attack. Firing had been heard at Shawneetown, up to noon, but none since, so it was surmised that. the war would soon begin. The artillery was in battery on the levee, and the river front was covered with people. The regiment was received with hearty cheers. General Hovey was home on leave, and the men were rejoiced to see him.
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