USA > Indiana > The Forty-Fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, history of its services in the war of the rebellion and a personal record of its members > Part 16
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After some days wasted, we were ordered in pursuit of Bragg's retreating army, which was loaded down with the rich spoils gathered in his Kentucky raid. When we had overtaken him we could only skirmish with his rear guard as he was driven out of the State.
Here I must bid a final adieu to the 44th Indiana. My recollections have carried me far beyond what I intended or was expected, and I owe an apology for the delay caused thereby. I will close with a sentiment.
Here's to the men of the glorious old 44th Indiana. May their memory be ever green in the hearts of their countrymen-" May they live a thousand years, and their shadow never be less."
A LETTER
FROM COLONEL HUGH B REED TO HON. F. P. RANDALL, FORT WAYNE.
HEADQUARTERS FORTY-FOURTH INDIANA VOLS., Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., April Ist, 1862. -.
Hon. F. P. Randall, Mayor, Fort Wayne, Ind .:
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MY DEAR SIR,-Your very kind and welcome letter of the 20th inst. was handed me yesterday. Your commendations and congratulations, if applied to the regiment, are merited. It is certainly very gratifying to me to know that our efforts are appre- clated by our friends at home.
We have not bad full justice from the press-nor yet In offlelal reports of commanding officers; neither does my own official report, gotten np under a constant demand for It every half hour, give a fair understanding of what we accomplished in this our first battle. I do not know how It was done, but another regiment is given the position the Itth Indlana occupled in the battle of the afternoon. We were in advance of the Ith Indlann when the 41th made its brilliant charge up the hill, As to the "supporting part," I never heard of It until I saw it in the published reports. The 8th Missouri being In advance of us, engaged the enemy first. We were exposed to the same bullets, however, and to get nt the enemy I was compelled to change our position to the left of that regiment-one of the things, I can assure you, both difficult and dangerous to do in the face of a perfect hailstorm of bullets, It was successfully necomplished, however, and we charged up the hill In gallant style, cheering lustily.
Our charge was what started the rebels back to their entrench- ments. At this time the Ith Indiana was yet In our rear and passing to our left. I do not mean by what I say to detract from other regiments, but to make plain our part and to claim what Is Justly our due. I very freely acknowledge that Morgan L. Smith
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and the 8th Missouri deserve greater credit than any, as they had the advance, engaged the enemy first, and fought gloriousty. To him and his regiment I give the full meed of praise. The 4th fought its own battles of the morning and afternoon, nelther see- Ing nor receiving an order from any other than Its own Colonel. Had either division or brigade commander been with us during the battle, we might not have been denled the justice we failed to get In their official reports.
It would afford me great pleasure to be able to comply with your suggestion to send you a fine secesh flag. I would most gladly do this, as a very slight return for the "old glory" yon and the ladles presented us. I will bear it in mind, and make a dash for the finest looking one when opportunity offers. Had we not been hurried off' with such eruel baste from Donelson, after the surren- der-scareely given time to bury our dead or care property for our wounded-I might have sent you the mementoes of interest you request ; others carrted them off. You will ask why we were thus hurried nway. Well, perhaps because our brigade was first to march in and take possession of the Fort. The 4th, at the hend of the column, marched through the ranks of the enemy to the river, and took possession of the immense stores of property cap- tured. Whether we were too fast In doing this or not, I won't say. We had been ordered to make an attack that morning on the rebel works, and were all ready to march forward for this purpose, when news reached us of the surrender,-it was not official, and we . marched on and took possession:
It looked very much for a time as if we would have to fight our way in, The enemy were drawn up In line of battle on each side of the rond, with their guns ready to bring to their shoulders. Hlad any offleer given the command, "Ready-fire," we should not have gone In . without a fight.
While we were marching over the battle-field of the preceding day, and over the rebel entrenchments, I for the first time fully realized all the horrors of war. The ground was In many places strewn with the dead, many of them horribly mangied by cannon- balls. But this Is the dark side of the picture ; it hud best be left covered.
I have already written a long letter, but have not yet done what I started out to do. Iwish to give some necount of the battle of the morning, this being the first time we were under fire-especially the part performed by company officers and men -so that should I not return to tell, they may have some Ilttle
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portion of the credit due them. I wish this, because of not having given it in my official report, for reasons already stuted.
Captain Murray, Co. B, of Pierceton, left wing, fought gai- lantly. His fire was well directed, and dld much execution when repulsing cavalry and infantry attacks. Co. B deserves hlgh praise. Captain Murray is an old soldier-was in the Mexican War and in the regular army. He says he has been in a number of battles, and never saw a better fought one. This company was much exposed, and lost heavily.
Captain Cuppy, Co. E, of Whitley County, was very danger- ously wounded in the early part of the action, while in advance of his company. He is us dauntless as a lion. Nothing but a bullet could put him hors de combat. Hle is yet unatile to return to his regiment. Ils 2d Lieutenant, McDonald, was in command of his company the balance of the day, and did well. Co. E lost a num- ber of brave men In killed and wonnded.
Captain Bingham, Co. HI, Lagrange County, was cool and in- trepid. While we were waiting our chance at the enemy, and yet uncertain whether Colonel Logan's 3ist Illinols regiment was out of range of our guns, he took our fag from where It had been placed In front of our centre, and carried it forward ten or twelve paces, to a prominent position, and waved it in the air. He was saluted with a volley. I expected each moment to see him fail, but he walked back unharmed. Both hls Lieutenants were ab- sent, sick. Co. H fought bravely and well.
Captain Tannehill, Co. C, of Fort Wayne, did his duty fear- lessiy. Prompt and decided, always kind and considerate, he looks to the welfare of his men first, his own last. This, our color company, ocenpied an exposed position and fought bravely. Ist Lieutenant Win. Story wus the first to place our colors ten paces in front of our line, that the enemy might know we were ready and our friends that we were there. 2d Lientenant Phillp Grund is as valiant as Hercules. He was detailed on other duty, but was not to be cheated out of the fight. He performed his part man- fully, as did Sergeants Carman and Livingston, You will prob- ably remember n freekled-faced boy of 16-Snm. Sweet, Co. C, son of Francis Sweet, and Tom Stanley, Co. D, son of Chauncey Stan- ley, who I thought, when they came Into camp, had far better be at school ; both of them stood their ground and fought like heroes- blazed away at the rebels as coolly us the bravest. They won their . spurs, and are fairly entitled to n " well done, good and faithful soldiers," for present reward. A. P. Waterhouse, John Strong, Michael Harrison, William Woodford, Owen Shaw, John Keerer,
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Fred. Stine, Win. Hedges, Wm. Noddling, John Elzie, James M. Flutter, Win. Henderson, Peter Stahl, Robert Stewart, Jos, Nico- demus, Frank Baldwin, Milton Sites, Marion MeGinnis, Jacob Kress, Aug. Travener, Jos, Harsh-a little dumpling of a boy of 18, with a fresh, chubby face, (called " Chub,") n general favorite. John C. Dee was the very first to fall, while fighting like a hero, giving up his young life In defense of his country. All deserve honorable mention, as do many others, if time and space per- mitted.
Company I, of Elkhart County: Captaln Heath Is a Trojan, brave as a lion, prompt and wary, ever ready for an emergency, active and decided in fight or counsel. There is no better soldier than Captain Albert Heath. The more you know him, the better you like him; and his company partake of his qualitles. Ist Lieutenant Hodges, though sick, was at bis post, and did his whole duty nobly. 2d Lieutenant Curtiss is as steady and brave as one of the Old Guard ; and Sergeant Mansfield, D. Belknap, B. F. Layton, and very many others, are of the same sort.
Captuin Cosgrove, Co. D, of Allen County, is an Intrepid sol- dler, cool and prudent, of much experience, having served In the Mexienn War. In strategy he is an adept, and fought with valor and judgment. "You can tle to him." His Ist Lieutenant Wayne is as spirited and brave as his namesake, Mad Anthony. He will quibble over the ninth part of a hair in a bargain, and will give his last dollar to a friend in need. He is a good officer and a brave man. 2d Lientenant, the lamented J. Delta Kerr, who died at Evansville, of typhoid fever contracted at Donelson-the bravest of the brave. Ever foremost In all that was valiant, his chivalrie bearing won the hearts of all. Alas, no more shall he be with us on the march, or his kindly beaming face cheer our bivouac.
" He sleeps hts last sleep, He has fought hts last battle, . ·
No more shall tie waken to glory agaln."
Sergeant Geo. W. Sehell, James Reed, Platt Squires, William Underwood, Willlam Casebeer, D. MeCord, J. MeClellan, John Poppy, and John Trauger, deserve honorable mention, as do many others.
Captain Merrill, Co. F, of DeKalb County, was sick and unable to take much part. 2d Lleutenant Kinmont had command. He is a brave, determined soldier, did his whole duty, and is deserv- ing of high pralse. Sergeant Sol. DeLong is entitled to especial commendation for his coolness and intrepidity. He preferred to piek his man as a sharpshooter, and did execution. Alexander Kinmont, Sol. Kinsley, Thos. Sloan, Samuel Jacques, and others,
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did well. Adjutant Colgrove, first Heutenant of this company, per- formed his duty bravely during the entire day.
Acting Captain Sowers, Co. A, of Steuben County, is a good offleer, cautious and " full of cunning fenee," a dangerous foe, a great tactician. He has won his spurs,-may be wear them to the end. 2d Lieutenant Smith is a brave man and a good soldier. He fought valiantly, as did also Lewis Griffith, Samuel Tinsley, John Gilbert, Oliver Throop, John Ryan, and many others. Captain Kinney and Ist Lieutenant Rose, of this company, were both ab- sent, sick.
Co. G, Captain Williams, and Co. K, Captain Aldrich, were unfortunately separated from the regiment, having been left at Henderson, Ky., to guard that post. They were highly indignant at being left behind, when the 44th stopped on its way down the Ohio, en route for Fort Henry.
Our Surgeon, Dr. Martin, deserves much praise. No man ever devoted himself more faithfully to his duties. His whole time was given, day and night, to the care of the wounded and slek.
Surgeon Rerick was in charge of the sick at Henderson and In hospital nt Calhoun. The Important duties of his position were never more faithfully and conscientiousty performed. His whole soul is in his work.
Our Chaplain, Dr. Becks, was detailed to take charge of the wounded und sick on board of the steamer to Paducah. He now suffers from the effects of his arduous labors in their behalf. IIe was taken sick upon his return to the regiment at fort Henry, and refusing to go where he could have proper eare, he came with us to Pittsburg Landing, but was unable to leave the boat. He re- turned to Evansville, and from thence was sent to his home at Fort Wayne.
If I could but give to each man of the regiment his due ! This thing of being drawn up in Ine to be shot ut-fzz-fizz-about. your ears, -- to look at the men while they stand waiting, waiting for the word Fire !- bowing with a most subdued alr to the ene- my's salutations-well, it was not comfortable. The Illinols regi- ment did get away (if they ever were in our front), and we did blaze away, and soon became so intent upon doing It that we were not aware that we had been left entirely alone, and the enemy attempting to surround us. We gave them a very warm recep- tion, repulsed their cavalry and infantry attack, and withdrew slowly und In good order to where our other forces had taken up their position. The 4th was the last regiment engaged during the
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LETTER FROM COLONEL' REED.
morning, and the very last to leave the field. I have already sald we engaged the enemy In the afternoon, and drove hhm inside his entronchiments.
Now all this may not seem of suffjelent importunee to you, at this late day after the battle, to justify my leaving many matters you refer to unnuswored. Nevertheless, I shall have to defor them for another occasion.
We are, as you say, pretty well down Into Dixle, and I suppose we shall haven fight before going much further. But I will spare you. With kindest regards to Mrs, Randall und all the other ladies who helped with our flug,
I am very truly yours,
HUGH B. REED.
JOHN H RERICK, SURGEON.
FIRST RE-UNION
THE 44TH IRDIARA VOLUNTEERS
AT KENDALLVILLE, IND.,
TUESDAY, APRIL 6, A. D. 1880.
ON the 19th day of September, 1879, at a soldiers' reunion at Auburn, Indiana, the members of the 44th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, then present, met and formed a temporary organization, with Major W. B. Bingham as President, S. B. Sweet as Secretary, and Major J. H. Rerick as Biographer; and set April 6th, 1880, the eighteenth anniversary of the battle of Shiloh, and Kendallville the place, to hold the first reunion and perfect a permanent organization of the regiment.
On the early trains on that day members of the regi- ment began to arrive, and by mid-day upwards of one hundred had congregated. Now was witnessed a scene never to be forgotten by the participants. Comrades true, and brave men, long since parted, once more clasped each other by the hand with a spirit that be- tokened a friendship as lasting as life, heartfelt greet- ings ,were heard on every side, familiar faces brought to memory scenes and incidents long sinee forgotten, battle seenes were re-enacted, incidents on the march and in the camp were rehearsed. The enjoyment was at its height when the long roll was beat and the regi- ment fell in line under the old regimental flag they had so often followed to victory.
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FIRST RE-UNION.
Under command of Major Bingham, the regiment, headed by martial music, marched to the depot to meet expected comrades on the east and west trains. On the arrival of the trains, the regiment, with augmented ranks, took up the line of march for the city. Arriving in front of the Hall, a halt was made, when Captain Cosgrove advanced to the front and center of the line with the old 44th flag, and proposed for it three cheers, which were given with a will that only old soldiers can appreciate.
Once more in the Hall, the meeting was called to order by Major Bingham, President of the temporary organization, after which S. H. Pierce delivered an address of welcome in behalf of the citizens of Ken- dallville.
The President then announced that Colonel H. B. Reed would not be present, being detained at his home in New Jersey on account of sickness.
The Secretary, S. B. Sweet, then stepped on the stage and read the address the Colonel had prepared to deliver in person. The address was listened to with marked attention, and at its conclusion the boys arose to their feet and gave three rousing cheers for Colonel Reed.
Colonel W. C. Williams offered the following resolu- tion, which was adopted unanimously :
" That the Secretary, in behalf of the society, prepare and send to Colonel Reed a letter appreciative of their deep feeling of regard for him, his gallantry and devotion to the interest of the regiment while connected with it. Also their sympathy for him in his ill- ness, which had prevented him meeting with them this day."
Several letters were read from absent members of the regiment, including a telegram from Colonel Philip Grund, all regretting their absence, and expressing a wish to be remembered by their comrades; each of which was applauded by the boys.
Captain S. P. Bradford moved that the regiment at once proceed to effect a permanent organization, which motion was adopted with cheers.
Major Rerick then presented a constitution for the consideration of the society. Several amendments were
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FIRST RE-UNION.
offered and added. After remarks on the merits of the constitution and for the best interest of the society, by Captain S. P. Bradford, E. O. Rose, Captain Newman, F. W. Willis, Nick Ensley, R. Lockwood, and others, the constitution was adopted as a whole, and reads as follows :
Constitution of the Forty-fourth Indiana Soldiers' Association.
We the undersigned ex-members of the 44th Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, hereby organize ourselves Into an associa- tion, and adopt for our government the following Constitution :
ARTICLE I .- NAME.
SECTION 1. The name of this society shall be known as the 44th Indiana Soldlers' Association.
ARTICLE I .- OBJECT.
SEC. I. The object of the association shall be the holding of reunions of the members of the regiment, the renewal of acquaint- ance and friendship, also the preservation of the memory of the services of the regiment and the names of its faithful members.
ARTICLE III .- OFFICERS.
SEC. 1. The officers of the society shall consist of a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer; also an Executive Committee consisting of one from each company of the regiment.
Sec. 2. Each officer shall perform the usual dutles of his office, except the Secretary, who, in addition to the usual duties of Sec- retary, shall keep a record of the members of the society, also a record of all living members of the regiment so far as he may be able to obtain them, together with the post-office address of each.
Ske. 3. The President, Vice-President and Secretary shall also be members of the Executive Committee.
SEC. 4. The officers shall be elected nt each regular meeting, und serve until their successors are duly elected.
ARTICLE IV. - MEMBERSHIP.
SEC. 1. Any honorably discharged member of the 4th Indinna Volunteer Infantry may become a member of this association upon signing the Constitution In person or by authorizing hls name to be attached.
ARTICLE V .- REVENUE.
SEC. I. The President, Vice-President and Secretary shall con - stitute a Committee on Finance, and shall credit all bills and accounts presented to the association for payment.
SEc. 2. Each member of the association will be expected to contribute to the payment of the expenses according to the amount required and his ability.
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FIRST RE-UNION.
ARTICLE VI. - TIME AND PLACE OF REUNIONS.
SEc. I. The time and phee of reunions shall be determined by the Executive Committee, and shall require the vote of Ilve members exclusive of the member Hving at the place where the reunion is to be heldl.
ARTICLE VII .- DUTIES OF MEMBERS.
SEC. I. Each member of the association will be expected to Inform the Secretary of aff changes in his address; also of the de- cease of brother members of the society and of the regiment, not likely to be known by the Secretary.
ARTICLE VIII. - AMENDMENTS.
SEC. I. This Constitution may be amended by a majority vote at any regular meeting.
After the adoption of the Constitution, the following officers were elected to serve the ensuing year :
President-W. B. BINGHAM.
Vice- President-J. H. RERICK.
Secretary-G. W. GORDON.
Treasurer-F. W. WILLIS.
Executive Committee-Company A .- LEWIS GRIFFITHI.
.. B .- JOHN B. WALDO.
C .- SAMUEL B. SWEET.
D .- F. K. COSGROVE.
E .- SAMUEL IIAVENS.
F. - ALEXANDER KINMONT.
G .- DAN F. JOHNSON.
H .- SAMUEL P. BRADFORD.
I. - D. I. BELKNAP.
.6 K .- NICHOLAS ENSLEY.
Moved by E. O. Rose, that a contribution be raised to defray the expenses of this reunion and for the publi- eation of the proceedings in pamphlet form, for distri- bution to the members; which motion was adopted unanimously.
Announcement was now made, by Amos B. Parks, that a free supper by the citizens of Kendallville was in readiness for the boys as soon as adjournment took place. The announcement was received with cheers.
After remarks by Major Rerick with reference to the ' forthcoming history of the regiment. the meeting ad- journed to meet at 7 o'clock.
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FIRST RE-UNION.
MEETING OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
During the adjournment the Executive Committee met and organized, when Major Reriek moved that the next meeting of the 44th Indiana Soldiers' Association be held at Fort Wayne, on Wednesday, February 16th, 1881, the nineteenth anniversary of the battle of Fort Donelson, being the first battle of any importance the regiment was engaged in. The motion was adopted unanimously, and so reported to the association.
EVENING SESSION.
Promptly at 7 o'clock the meeting was called to order by the President, and the following programme carried out :
1. Music by the martial band.
2. Historienl record of the movements and marches of the regiment, by Major J. H. Reriek.
3. Song by the Glee Club-" John Brown, "-which was encored.
4. Address by Colonel W. C. Williams.
5. Address by Lieutenant E. O. Rose.
6. Song by the Glee Club-" The Red, White and Blue."
7. Remarks by Captain F. K. Cosgrove.
On motion, a vote of thanks was tendered the citi- zens of Kendallville for their hospitality; also to the Glee Club, and to Mr. Mitchell for the free use of his hall.
The proceedings of the day and evening were en- livened by martial music by three members of the old 44th band-W. T. Kimsey, John Kimsey, and W. H. Free-assisted by Messrs. Odell and Levi Hays, of La- grange. Billy Free played on the same snare drum used at Shiloh.
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Three cheers were then given the Mexican veterans, of whom four were on the stage, namely : Major W. B. Bingham, Sergeant N. T. Fuller, Captain F. K. Cos- grove, and J. Riddle-all members, also, of the 44th Indiana.
Much credit is due comrades Amos Park and Henry Park, who arranged the programme and superintended throughout, and by their kindness made the boys feel at home.
REPORT OF TREASURER, F. W. WILLIS.
Total Receipts of the Association $22 25
Total Expenses of Reunion
11 38
Balance in Treasury $10 87
On motion, adjourned to meet in Fort Wayne on Wednesday, February 16th, 1881.
F. W. GORDON,
SECRETARY.
MEMORIAL
TO THE
STATE LEGISLATURE OF INDIANA
ADOPTED
JANUARY 25, 1868.
TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF INDIANA :
THE undersigned, officers and soldiers of the Indiana Volunteer Regiments, submitting with patriotic self- denial to the policy which denied us a voice in the late elections, and approving the wisdom of that feature of our government which secures the civil from the influ- ence of the military power, nevertheless desire to par- ticipate in the preliminary councils which are to shape the popular ideas of the State, and consequently to con- trol the action of its representatives in the General Assembly.
We speak as soldiers, because our lives are staked upon the issues of the present struggle as citizens, be- cause at no distant day those of us who survive are to share with you the responsibilities of citizenship, and to experience in common with the people at home the results of your present deliberations. Whatever preju- dices may exist against any interference of the military in the affairs of State, certainly even the most vigilant guardians of the public interest could not expect the army to await with indifference the result of deliber- ations which involve not only the common interests of the people, but also the lives and fortunes of those who have taken up arms to defend the integrity of the Union in a contest with our common foo In tho feld.
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MEMORIAL TO LEGISLATURE.
Defeat strips the citizen of his fortune and his politi- cal enjoyment, the soldier of both these and his honor, and, it may be, his life. It requires no argument to convince an intelligent mind that a war sustained by a united people, and urged with that energy and deter- mination which proceed only from undivided councils, presents a less fearful array of casualties, with a better hope of success, than a sluggish contest waged by a party and merely sustained by a wrangling of factions at home. In other words, it requires more lives to sus- tain a government hampered and restricted by the jeal- ousy of a political party, than to sustain one supported by the voice of a united people. As well might you expect a fettered victim to struggle successfully with his untrammeled oppressor, as to hope for a nation to sub- due its enemies when its energies are cramped by the unwise restrictions of a doubting majority. To live in spite of disease, every function must be characterized by the utmost vigor, and all unite against the common enemy, who seeks in the destruction of one the certain ruin of all. Believing, then, that as soldiers we have a deeper interest in the great struggle than you can pos- sibly have as citizens, and, further, that the influences of military life have not unfitted us for the high duties of citizenship, we present ourselves before your honor- able body as petitioners without apology.
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