USA > Indiana > Operations of the Indiana Legion and Minute Men, 1863-4 : Documents presented to the General Assembly, with the governor's message, January 6, 1865 > Part 6
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I am. sir, Your truly, Obedient servant. W. C. WILSON, C'ol. 108th Regt. Ind. Vol. Militia.
REPORT OF COL. KLINE G. SHRYOUK.
COMMANDING 105TH REGIMENT INDIANA LEGION.
INDIANAPOLIS, IND., July 18th. 1863. Gowrnor Morton :
The organization of the 105th Regiment Indiana Legion, to the command of which I was appointed, having returned to the capital and being disbanded as a regiment, I submit to you the following report of its operations while in the field :
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On the day I received my appointment-Sunday, July 12th, 1863-I left with my command under written orders from Gen. Will- cox to proceed directly by rail to Lawrenceburg, in this State; there to take boats and patrol the Ohio river, guard fords, &c. I proceeded as far as Greensburgh, where a dispatch from Gen. Willcox was in wait- ing for me, ordering me to halt there and wait further orders. After waiting there for some time I received orders to move forward, which I did.
On arriving at Morris Station I received a dispatch from General Willcox to strongly picket all the approaches to that place, and to be on the lookout against a surprise on the part of the enemy. In obedience to that order I detailed two companies and strongly pick- eted every approach to the Station, and had the remainder of my regiment lay on their arms during the night. On the morning of the 13th I received orders to move forward to Sunman's Station, where Col. Gavin's command had been on duty the night previous. On arriving at Sunman's Station I found the citizens in a state of great excitement on account of rumors that the enemy was within a mile of the place. Col. Gavin had left the station before I reached there. I learned at Sunman's Station that Morgan's forces were crossing the railroad near Vanwedden's Station, some two or three miles ahead of where I was. When this information was received I ordered two companies forward to reconnoitre the road on each side, and ordered the train to move forward shortly. At Sunman's I learned that the rebels had torn up the track near Vanwedden's and set fire to the water station of that place. Finding it impossible to proceed farther by rail, I concluded to disembark my regiment and march to Lawrenceburgh. I got my command ready, and after marching near a mile on a cross road to reach the main road to Lawrenceburgh, I met Col. Shuler, in command of the advance of General Hobson's cavalry force, then in pursuit of Morgan. I learned, from what I regarded as a reliable source, that Morgan's forces were not over four or five miles from us on the road leading to Harrison, on White Water, and moving in the direction of the latter place. On finding Morgan so closely pursued by a strong cavalry force, and hoping that our advance, under Col. Shuler, might be able to overhaul the enemy and engage them, I determined to pursue him within support- ing distance with my regiment. I followed immediately in the rear of Gen. Hobson's pursuing forces under Col. Shuler, until within about six miles of Harrison, where a portion of Gen. Hobson's forces passed me, which I passed again between that and Harrison, while
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they were grazing their horses in a meadow. The horsemen passed me again when within about a mile of Harrison. I received three Messages from Col. Shuler to hurry forward my men, as he expected to engage the enemy. The news seemed to stimulate my men, and they moved forward with great alacrity. I reached the top of the lill near Harrison before our cavalry had crossed the river, having marched some twenty or twenty-five miles from 12 o'clock M. until sundown. Having reached the State line, I went into camp for the night. On the next morning I took up the line of march for Law- renceburgh ; arrived there about 2 o'clock P. M. ; reported to Col. Gavin, commandant of the post at that place; went into camp at that place, subject to the orders of Col. Gavin for the time. While at Lawrenceburgh, in endeavoring to execute the orders of Col. Gavin, the accident occurred to my regiment, the facts in connection with which I have fully reported to you under date of 15th instant.
Under orders from Indianapolis to Col. Burkham, I embarked my regiment for this place about 2 o'clock P. M. of the 17th inst .; arrived at Indianapolis between two and three o'clock A. M. of the Isth. My men marched to the Soldiers' Home, partook of a good breakfast provided for them at the instance of your Excellency ; marched from there to the State House, where, after completing the rolls, they were disbanded as a regiment.
It is due to the men of my command to say that they endured the hardships of our brief campaign with great cheerfulness, and would have volunteered, to a man, to have gone beyond the State, if there had been a necessity for it.
Your most obedient servant, KLINE G. SHRYOCK, Col. 105th Reg't Ind. Legion.
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REPORT OF COL. B. M. GREGORY, COMMANDING 102D REGIMENT INDIANA LEGION.
ZIONSVILLE, IND., July 18, 1863. General Laz. Noble:
SIR :- In obedience to orders from Gen. Lew Wallace I proceeded with my command from Indianapolis, on the afternoon of the 11th inst., to aid in the pursuit of the rebel forces under General John Morgan, and reached North Vernon at 3 o'clock A. M. of the 12th by railroad ; from thence we marched on foot to Vernon, in which vicinity the rebels had encamped the day previous, and there learned that Morgan's forces had, during the night, left in the direction of Dupont.
At Vernon, pursuant to Gen. Wallace's order, I impressed a num- ber of horses on which Company K, of my regiment, commanded by Capt. Davis, was mounted and placed under the command of Col. Shuler. For a report of the part afterwards taken in the pursuit by this company, you are referred to Col. Shuler's official report.
I was ordered to Dupont, which place I reached about 8 o'clock P. M. of the 12th, and had hardly got encamped when I received orders to board the train and return to North Vernon, where I arrived about 1 o'clock A. M. of the 13th, and remained until 4 o'clock P. M., when I moved to Osgood, on the Ohio and Mississippi railroad, near which place, the night previous, the rebels had destroyed two railroad bridges and a number of cars. There I encamped for the night. On the morning of the 14th we took up a line of march in & northeasterly direction, and arrived at Sunman's Station, on the I. and C. railroad, distance from Osgood twenty-two miles, where I learned that the whole rebel force had escaped into Ohio.
I remained at Sunman's, awaiting orders and transportation, until
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the loth inst .. when I received orders and returned to Indianapolis ; and one the 17th the men of my command were furnished transporta- tion to their homes.
It affords me pleasure to report that during the few days cam- paign, the officers and men behaved themselves as becomes men and soldiers.
I am, sir, very respectfully. Your obedient servant, B. M. GREGORY, Vol. Commanding 102d Reg't Ind. Militia.
REPORT OF COL. ISAAC P. GRAY.
106TH REGIMENT MINUTE MEN.
UNION CITY, INDIANA, July 21st, 1863.
Luz. Noble, Adit General State of Indiana :
SIR ::- I have the honor to report the part taken by my command in the brigade that went to Ohio under the command of Brig. Gen. II:>call, to intercept the rebel forces under John Morgan.
On Monday, July 13th. at 2 o'clock P. M., I received orders from General Carrington to march my command to the Indiana Central Depot, Indianapolis, for transportation. By 3 o'clock I was on the grond ready for loading.
I was, at the same time. requested by Gov. Morton to say to my comunand that while he (Gov. Morton) was desirous of rendering all the assistance he could to Ohio, yet he wanted it distinctly under- stood that he wished no one to go unless freely and willingly of his own accord, prompted by his sense of patriotism alone ; he would, for no consideration, impress or coerce any citizen of Indiana belonging to the Militia to go on duty out of the State against his will. I made the wishes of the Governor known to the regiment,
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when they immediately decided, unanimously, and with the utmost enthusiasm, to go-regretting only that they had not had an oppor- tunity to chastise the rebel thieves while they were devastating our own State, but expressing a willing determination to follow them and avenge the wrongs that the citizens of Indiana had suffered at their hands.
From some cause we were kept waiting the departure of the train until after 10 o'clock P. M., at which time General Hascall assumed command. Who is responsible for this detention it is not for me to say ; but whoever is guilty of causing this detention should be made to shoulder the responsibility, for I have no hesitation in saying that by this delay the whole object of the expedition was lost.
We arrived at Hamilton, Ohio, at 8 o'clock Tuesday morning, July 14th, and encamped on the commons south of the depot, await- ing further orders. At 5 o'clock P. M., I received orders from Gen. Hascall to march to the depot and take cars for Cincinnati. My regiment being the last ordered to load, I found there was not enough cars to load my command, without crowding very closely. While thus engaged in getting my command aboard, the train started with- out giving any notice whatever, causing one of the men to slip, by which one of his feet was caught between the bumpers and badly mashed ; and also leaving four companies, viz : Captains Riley, Goolman, Moorehouse and Gorrel, behind. Observing that Lieut. Col. Haines and Maj. Browne were aboard, I remained with the four companies for the purpose of getting them immediate transportation to Cincinnati to join the regiment. I had succeeded in getting loaded, and hitched on to the down passenger train from Richmond, when I received a dispatch from Gen. Hascall to send the four com- panies left at Hamilton back to Indianapolis. I put Capt. Riley, of company "B," in command, with orders to report at Indianapolis, and proceeded myself to Cincinnati to take command of the six companies there. I found the regiment encamped in the "Eighth street Park."
Wednesday evening, the 15th, I received orders to be with my command at the Cincinnati and Indianapolis depot by 7 o'clock next morning to load for Indianapolis. We were promptly on the ground by 6 o'clock A. M., but were kept waiting about three hours before transportation was ready. Left Cincinnati Thursday morning, July 16th, and arrived at Indianapolis next morning at 6 o'clock, being twenty-one hours on the road. The health of the regiment
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was exceedingly good, having left but one sick. which was at Cincin- nati, who was kindly cared for by the citizens.
I cannot speak too highly of the conduct of both officers and men. All seemed prompted by the most exalted patriotism. I found Lieut. Col. Haines, Major Browne and Adjutant Braffett to be most efficient and gentlemanly officers: but to speak of any specially would be to make invidious distinction. When I looked over the rank and file of the regiment I had the honor to command, and saw the wealth and talent there embraced, I thought, can there be any, with such evidence as this before them, who will doubt the success of the Union cause ? It was one of those outbursts of intense love of nati mality that lies deep in the hearts of the American people.
I have the honor to be, Your most obedient servant, ISAAC P. GRAY, C.l. Comd'y 106th Reg't Ind. Militia.
REPORT OF COL. JOHN R. MAHAN.
109TH REGIMENT MINUTE MEN.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA, ? July 18th, 1863. 1
Adjutant General State of Indiana:
ST: :- I have the honor to submit to you the following report of the part taken by the 109th Regiment of Minute Men that I had the pleasure of commanding during Morgan's late raid through Indiana and Ohio :
In pursuance of an order emanating from Governor Morton, Com- mander-in-Chief of the Indiana Militia, at 5 o'clock P. M. on the evening of the 13th we marched from the State House yard to the depot and boarded the train for Ohio.
In the formation of the brigade commanded by Brig. Gen. Car- rington my regiment was entitled to the right. At 6 o'clock P. M.
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I notified the Superintendent of the road that my regiment was ready to move out, and on account of an unusual delay we were detained until 10 o'clock, at which time, in pursuance of Governor Morton's order, I assumed command of the brigade, and ordered the Superintendent of the road to move the whole brigade out without delay. He pledged me to move us out in ten minutes. At 103 o'clock I was relieved of the command by Brig. Gen. Hascall. At 12 o'clock at night the brigade moved out, and arrived at Hamilton, Ohio, at 10 o'clock on the morning of the 14th, at which place I received a dispatch from Governor Morton, stating that my entire command would be mounted at Hamilton, with orders to move as rapidly as possible, which dispatch I handed to Gen. Ilascall in per- son. At 23 o'clock P. M. I left Hamilton, under Gen. Haseall's order, and arrived at Cincinnati at 5 o'clock P. M.
On arriving at Cincinnati I received an order from Gen. Hascall in person, to remain on board the hog cars until he could have an interview with Maj. Gen. Burnside, which order I obeyed, with no small degree of suffering to my men from the intense heat and con- finement and strong scented cars. At 8 o'clock P. M. I moved off the train and marched to the Sixth street Market House and camped for the night. At 9 o'clock I repaired to the quarters of General Burnside, and received an order from him for warm supper and breakfast for my entire regiment. At 1 o'clock P. M., the 15th, the heat being very intense in the position we were occupying, I again visited General Burnside's head-quarters and received an order to remove a cavalry force that was occupying Eighth street Park and occupy the same with my regiment, which order I obeyed immedi- ately, and found the quarters to be very palatable to my men, for which they gave three hearty cheers for General Burnside. We remained in that position until after supper. There being a prospect for rain, I received permission from General Burnside to occupy the Court House and two large halls for the night.
At 5 o'clock on the morning of the 16th we marched back to Eighth street Park for breakfast, and at 7 o'clock A. M. we marched to the I. and C. railroad and shipped for Indianapolis, by order of Brig. Gen. Hascall, at which place we arrived on the morning of the 17th, after a tedious ride of twenty-two hours. At 6 o'clock we took breakfast at the Soldiers' Home, and at 9 o'clock A. M. we were mustered out of the service.
In conclusion let me state that I cannot speak in too high terms of the officers and men of my command-it being composed
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{ Indiana and Illinois troops. The officers and men from Indiana Il their duty in every respect, and I was particularly pleased with the gentlemanly appearance and soldier like conduct of that part of thy comeand from Illinois. The discipline of all the companies was -perfect that we had no struggling from the regiment, and what is viry remarkable we had not one single case of intoxication while the regiment was in the service.
I am. General. Very respectfully, Your obedient service, J. R. MAIAN, Col. Comd'y 109th Reg't Indiana Militia.
REPORT OF MAJ. JOHNSON MCCULLOUGH,
QUARTERMASTER 2D BRIGADE, INDIANA LEGION.
HEADQUARTERS 2D BRIGADE INDIANA LEGION. Bloomington, Ind., Aug. 1, 1863.
Brig. fim. James Hughes:
SR :- On Thursday, July 9, 1863, I was ordered to Mitchell, to take charge of the Quartermaster and Commissary departments.
On arriving at Mitchell. I found everything in confusion ; so much so that it was impossible for me to make a minute and accurate re- port, owing to the hurry and confusion incident to so rapid a pursuit after Morgen as ours was compelled to be ; but, instead, permit me to make the following statement :
At Mitchell we distributed arms and ammunition sufficient to arm the force present : all of which arms have been since returned at Indianapolis, except. probably, four (4) guns. From Mitehell we moved cast, begging such articles of necessity as the men were com- pelled to have-such as cooking utensils, forage for horses, &c., all of which we duly gave receipts for. How many receipts we gave, I
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am unable to state, nor how much they amount to, not having any books to keep accounts in. At Sunman's station we were ordered to Indianapolis, at which place we gave up our arms and cooking uten- sils, and were duly discharged on Friday, July 17, 1863. Yours,
JOHNSON MCCULLOUGHI, Majer and Q. M. 2d Brigade, Indiana Legion.
INDIANA LEGION.
REPORT OF LIEUT. COL. E. H. C. CAVINS,
OF MAJ. GEN. JAMES HUGHES' STAFF.
HEADQUARTERS 2ND DIV. IND. LEGION, Bloomington, Ind., Dec. 5th, 1864.
Major General John L. Mansfield :
GENERAL :- On my return from Indianapolis I find yours of the 21st ult., to Major General Hughes, in which you say the Governor expects a report of the military services of the Indiana Legion, &c. I have not the information upon which to make a report, but will furnish you with an informal account of such matters as have come to my knowledge since my connection with the Legion.
I received notice of my appointment as Inspector on Maj. Gen. Hughes' staff on the 10th day of August, 1864, and hence know nothing of the services before that time. At that time the people of Southern Indiana were laboring under great excitement, expecting internal strife and civil war. The fact of an existing secret con- spiraey against the Government was developed in many different ways, not at that time conclusive, but satisfactory. In the counties of Washington, Crawford, Harrison, Martin, Daviess, Sullivan, Green, Knox, Dubois, and others, organized bodies of men were officered in military style, and having regular drills, some with, and some without arms. These men were not armed under any law of the State or Government, and their object, so far as they gave
INDIANA LEGION.
ypresión to It. was in opposition to the Government. They were Drifting to resist the draft. and protect deserters, but the more pedro would say that they were going to have a fair election. st of having a fair election was usually in localities where 1 si-a is then had large majorities, and where it was impossible retire ments to control the elections. In addition to these leger of disloyalty, during the latter part of July and early in lugnet. in many countries where these illegal companies were organ- vol. 2 rulers of the companies talked in such a manner as to cause "in google to believe that about the 15th or 16th of August a terri- Povalad'ty would befall them in the promisenous slaughter of Union Ya ! bare te of their property.
Og 1 - 12th day of August. Maj. Gen. Hughes and staff went to Evan. s.de By the purpose of organizing the Legion along the border. 1: that the large numbers of guerrillas, under Colonels Johnson I Support. were congregating in Union and Henderson counties, Ky .. and parties of them had been seen on the river bank above and Low Evansville. Ind., and they had actually captured several U. S. Tausports on the Ohio river. The Ohio river, at that time, was 'orlalle at many places, and the means of defense were greatly weblegnate to the threatened danger. The country on this side was warming with " refugees"-as they called themselves-a most dan- gerou- element at that time, and could readily have been converted Into an armed array for purposes of plunder or invasion.
A portion of the Legion in Warrick, Vanderburgh and Poscy counties were immediately called into service, and disposed along the river bank so as to guard the fords of the river. Information, dermed reliable, was received that a plot was organized, between Tizens of Indiana and refugees from Kentneky. to burn the railroad rilze arross White river, between Evansville and Vincennes, on the light of the 15th day of August ; and a company of the Evansville reziment, under Capt. Bisch (now Col. Bisch) was sent to that point to guard it. The bridge was guarded two nights, when it was believed that the danger in that direction was over. Information was received that Colonels Johnson and Seipert intended crossing the Ohio river for the purpose of destroying Mount Vernon, Evans- ville, and other towns along the Indiana border. Maj. Gen. Hughes, upon consultation with Maj. Gen. Hovey, U. S. Vols., determined that the safest and most expeditious way to defeat the object of the invaders was to organize a force and cross over into Kentucky and attack the various rebel camps in detail: and for that purpose the
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Indiana Legion in Warrick, Vanderburgh and Posey were called on for volunteers. They responded with great enthusiasm, and on the morning of the 17th of August, after leaving a sufficient guard along the river, seven hundred and fifty cavalry and infantry of the Legion, and five pieces of artillery of the Legion, properly manned, with four hundred U. S. Vols., all under command of Maj. Gen. Hovey, U. S. Vols., started on their expedition. Maj. Gen. Hughes and staff expected to cross the river with the command, but were detained in procuring and sending forward horses for the command. They crossed the river on the morning of the 18th, and joined the com- mand at Morganfield at 12 o'clock on that day, and continued with the command during the expedition. (I send you herewith Maj. Gen. Ilovey's report of the expedition.)
This expedition, in promptly breaking up the guerrilla camps near the border, and dispersing the rebels who were threatening our State, served to quiet the general feeling throughout the Division. Gen, Hughes and staff immediately began organizing the Legion through- out the Division, giving special attention to those portions where any considerable portion of the people seemed disposed to resist the legally constituted authorities of the Government.
On the 13th day of September information was received that a band of guerrillas disbanded at Brandenburgh, Ky., for the purpose of coming into Indiana to influence the election. Prompt measures were taken by Brig. Gen. Jordan against those who appeared in this State, and some were arrested and turned over to the United States authorities.
On the 2d day of October information was received that a force of from two hundred to three hundred men was assembled in Craw- ford and Orange counties for the purpose of resisting the draft and plundering the citizens. Immediate steps were taken by the Legion for their suppression, which was promptly accomplished by Brig. Gen. Jordan. (I herewith send you a copy of Brig Gen. Jordan's report, and confessions of rioters.)
On the 20th day of October, 1864, the Sullivan Guards, com- manded by Lieut, Stewart Barnes, were disarmed and disbanded on account of their disloyalty and their refusal to assemble for inspec- tion, after having been properly ordered to assemble for that pur- pose. Their arms were turned over by Lieut. Col. Mccullough, of Gen. Hughes' staff, to the Quartermaster General of the State.
There has not been as much disturbance in the limits of the Divi- sion as was feared there would be. The greatest security for peace
INDIANAA LEGION.
. .. .. greg und for war, and this truth has been fully proved in I.ona during this summer. If the Legion had remained unorgan- Lol, sautive and seemingly unable to resist any force, invasion and M! wir would certainly have overwhelmed us. But the very fact that it gave visible demonstrations of organization, vitality and -trength was the security that has given us peace within the State.
I am. respectfully. Your obedient servant, E. II. C. CAVINS, Lieut. Col. and A. A. G.
U. S .- I will send a report of the strength of the command in a
REPORT OF BRIG. GEN. HENRY JORDAN.
COMMANDING 25 BRIG., 2D DIV. IND. LEGION.
HEADQUARTERS 2D BRIG .. 2D DIV., IND. LEGION, ? Corydon. October 7, 1864. S
COLONEL :- 1 forward herewith specimens of the confessions of The prisoners taken during the recent troubles in Crawford and Orange counties. I will forward the entire document as soon as a Is on be prepared. Your particular attention is called to the w nfes ion of Martin Belcher, who states that efforts will be made : stuff the ballot boxes and to vote refugees, deserters, and stran- eerste nerally, in the approaching election. As I am too unwell at present to prepare my official report, I embrace this opportunity to state a few facts, which it is important should be generally known. I regard the late troubles in Crawford and Orange counties as a mis- rable failure of an extensive conspiracy. I base this opinion upon the following facts: 1st. Information of a reliable character re- nivel more than four weeks ago, that the guerrillas in Kentucky vere di-banding and coming. one at a time, to the Indiana side. 21. Positive evidence that a large number of guerrillas have actually Forn among us for several weeks. 3.1. Information from an officer
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