USA > Kentucky > The Union regiments of Kentucky, Vol. 2 > Part 22
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Company "H."
CAPTAINS-Edmund Jones, Robert G. Potter, Reuben Langford. 1st LIEUT .- James H. Wilson. 2d LIEUT .- Richard L. Ewell. SER- GEANTS-William A. Chaplin, Evans Combs, John Jennings, William Cottingen, Rial Gibson. John McFadden, George W. Bowlin. COR- PORALS-Jesse McFadden, John Short, James W. Polly, Thomas C. Burch, Silas Hoskins, Wilson Lucas, John Hoskins, John Marcum, James * S. Carroll. TEAMSTER-James Snuffer.
PRIVATES-Ambrose Arthur, William Arthur, James R. Adams. Joel M. Adams, John T. Blair, Daniel Burton, James Crow, George W. Done, William Edwards, John Goins, James A. Goforth. Franklin Gam- brel, Martin Gambrel, Thomas G. Gambrel, Jas. T. Hendrickson. Frank- lin Hubbard, Jno. F. Hendrickson, Samuel W. Jones, James Lickliter, James Luster, Jackson Long, Isaac F. Moore, William McDaniel, Clark Mills, Henry Prewett, Isaac R. Storm, Edward Turner, David Taylor. James Trosper, James A. Trosper, Nelson Walters, James Walters, Solo- mon Whitacre, William Barrett, John J. Barrett, William Barton, Will- iam Brown, Preston C. Goforth, Pleasant Hubbard, William R. Hook. Adin Sassar, Thomas Taylor, William Walters, Henry Brown, Hender- son Bennett. William Bennett, Solomon Baker, Silas W. Blanton, James Blanton, John W. Cope. Thomas Cope, Amos Collins, George W. Cope. James Collins, George W. Delph. James Gibson, George W. Greer, Daniel Hacker, Spencer Holland. Henderson C. Holland, Benjamin Hensly. David Holland. Hiram Hoskins, Richard Holland, Nasby Hardy, John Hardy. John Jones, William Lunsford, Robert Leffen, William Lewis. James W. Lunsford. William Y. Moore, Nasby Mills, Henry McKinny. Henry Phipps, John Russell. David Woods, William Adams, Hughram Barnes, John Brock. John Blanton. Moses Combs, Aaron Collins, Alvain Croxdale, Burrel Gambrel. Gordon Gambrel, Stephen D. Hubbard. Thomas Hendrickson, Andrew Hash. John McDonald, Daniel Morgan. P. F. McFarland. Levi Mallett. Charles L. Rich, William Smith, James Taylor, William Taylor, Mills Whitacre, Squire Hubbard, Bailum Smith. Alexander Arnold. John A. Brock, Robert Barnes. George W. Cotteral. Sampson Done: William A. Early, James C. Floyd, Hezekiah Hensley. Samuel Hollingsworth, Richard Lunsford. James Lunsford, Henry J. Lucy, Jeremiah Lidenton, George McDaniel, Joseph Nolin, James M. Scalf, Harvey Taylor, Green Williams, John W. Yunt.
Company "I."
CAPTAINS-Roy D. Davidson, Fountain Goodpaster. 1st LIEUTS -William G. Howard, John A. Joyce. 2d LIEUTS .- Daniel Wilson. Jullus C. Miller, Benj. P. DeSilve. SERGTS .- James A. Ingram. Elijah Hurst, James R. Jackson, Francis M. Oakley, Jacob Grubb, Cornelius F Mastin, Peter Waddle, Solomon S. Wilder, Edward Barnaby. COR.
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535
1
Twenty-fourth Kentucky Infantry.
PORALS-Presley Kendall, John Clark. Christopher McQuithy, Jona- than Burk, John Blevins, McCager Brown, William L. Visscher, Will- lam Cartmill, John R. Kincade, Enoch Parsons, Elijah S. Howard, Asa Trumbo, Scott C. Wilson, Sanford R. Burnes. MUSICIANS -- Hugh A. Caldwell, William G. Robey. TEAMSTERS-George W. Raburn, Thomas E. Taylor.
PRIVATES-Payton Brummett, Aaron Brummett, Ballinger Brock, Thos. J. Bingham, Alpheus Butler, John Caldwell, Henderson Caldwell, John M. Cartmell, Levi Hoskins, George W. Hargis, John W. Ingram, Josiah W. Jones, Franklin Jones, John Jones, Thomas Jackson, James Payne, Thomas Rice, Alfred Rodgers, Hugh Ryan, John Sorrell, Jr., Franklin Snelling, John Sailor, James H. Taylor, Reuben Y. Warner, Alfred Doyle, John Hobbs, Calvin Slusher, Benjamin F. Stephens, John C. Taylor, James S. Williams, Shadrick Blevins, Pleasant Blevins, John Hunt, Franklin Jackson, Edward M. Johnson, Campbell Lewallen, Harvey McRughan, William Millican, Samuel B. Nelson, Henry Smith, James Slaven, Judson H. Stiffee, Catlett R. Stull, Carlisle H.' Doyle, Lander Doyle, John Sorrell, Sr., Elisha Stephens, James B. Wilder, Elijah Williams, Edgar Baird, George Brock, Jerry Brock, John Brock, James Griffith, James B. Groce, George Groce, John Howard, William Jones, Thomas Lee, William F. Little, Frederick J. Maracle, Chadwell Nolen, James Nance, Josiah Sailor, Green Sailor, James E. Slusher, James R. Stokes, Josiah F. Slusher, Wilson B. Sailor, William Taylor, George Trumbo, Simon Wilson, Green Wilson, Peter Powell.
Company "K."
CAPTAINS-John J. Evans, James M. Anderson. 1st LIEUT .- James Caughlin. 2d LIEUT .- T. D. Moss, David G. Howell. SERGTS. -Joseph D. Wyatt, Stephen G. Lewis, John S. Williams, Alexander B. Love, William H. Fox, James H. Turner, John Parkey, John D. Orear, James O. M. Parish, William Donegan, John H. Oldham. CORPLS .- James W. Fox, John A. Hamlin, Andrew S. Stevenson, A. T. Spratt, William H. Haggard, Coleman R. Apperson, James Noe, H. Clay Wilson, William H. Cooper, John H. Garrett. TEAMSTERS-John W. Foreman, Robert N. Garrett.
PRIVATES-John W. Brabham, William Bristo, James Campbell, Joseph Campbell, Samuel Fizer, Patterson Fitzgerald, Ennis C. Hamline, Zadoc Lawrence, Timothy Madden, James W. Mullins, Peter O'Niel, Thomas Roy, James W. Rule, George W. Sydner, George C. Smith, John B. Smith, Thomas Sweeney, Amos D. Turley, John Vice, George K. West, Benj. F. Wyatt, James Wills, Benj. F. Wycoff, Henry Burch, John M. Hart, Thomas J. Wright, Milford E. Burkhart, John W. Couch, Martin Donlan, John W. Finnell, Anderson J. Green, Robert L. Hender- son, Cyrenius Keath, Marion Keath, Wm. M. Poynter. Sanford Ander- son, William Brabham, Green Bowling, Lewis Barnet, William Cane, John B. Hall, William D. Hensly, Jackson S. Hensly, Squire Johnson, Michael Joyce, Andrew G. Spratt, Richard M. Summers, Garrett C. Red- man, Thomas J. Vice, William Barnett, George Cockrell, John Craig, Lawrence Collins, James C. Cloyd, John B. Goins. Edwin K. Hall, Michael P. Joyce, John Murphy, James Orton, William Peck, Patrick Ready, Hector E. Ray. Patrick Rooney, Pusly C. Whaly, James H. Yocum.
536
Union Regiments of Kentucky.
Twenty-fifth Kentucky Infantry.
A number of the men in the camp at Calhoun, Ky., came from the southern part of the state. In the account of the 17th Ky. Infantry it may be seen that Col. McHenry says many came across Green river. Not only did they cross that stream, they came from the counties on the ex- treme southern border of the state. Many of them were from Christian county. The account of .Col. Buckner's regiment * shows that in the summer of 1861 he attempted to organize a regiment at Hopkinsville, in Christian county. Although that was one of the largest slave-hold- ing counties in Kentucky, a remarkable Union sentiment prevailed there. Hopkinsville was the home not only of Col. Jas. F. Buckner, who was engaged in organizing a Union regiment there, as stated, but also of Gen. Jas. S. Jackson, Col. Benj. H. Bristow, Maj. Breathitt, of Jack- son's regiment; Maj. Claggett, of the 25th and 17th; Col. S. M. Starling, Col. Edmund Starling, Wm. Starling, B. C. Ritter, Ben S. Campbell, Ned Campbell, Judge R. T. Po- trie, Geo. Poindexter, Dr. A. Webber, Wm. T. Buckner, Lewis Buckner, A. V. Long, Gabriel Long, Newton Payne, B. T. Underwood, Joab Clark, Judge H. R. Littell, Col. C. M. Callis, Elder Enos Campbell, Dr. D. J. Gish, Mr. Daven- port, Gen. D. S. Hays, Col. E. S. Edmunds, Capt. Wm. A. Sasseen, Col. Richard Durrett, Walter Evans, John Feland. and many others. Such men exerted a powerful influence and that section of the state was strongly Union in senti- ment. Col. Buckner's regiment was broken up, and he himself was taken prisoner and carried South, but his men escaped and made their way to the Union camps at Owens- boro, Calhoun and Henderson. In the early fall of 1861 Col. Jas. M. Shackelford recruited the 25th Ky. Infantry. Associated with him was Benj. H. Bristow, who became the lieutenant-colonel. A number of those who had been with Col. Buckner at'Hopkinsville became identified with this organization. As the 25th became consolidated with the 17th Ky. after the battle of Shiloh, and its roster com- bined with it, the names of some of the officers will be here given: Col. Jas. M. Shackelford, Lieut. Col. Benj. II. Bristow, Captains D. M. Claggett, of Hopkinsville: Ben. T. Perkins, of Elkton; T. W. Campbell, of Madisonville: Ben T. Underwood, of Hopkinsville; James HI. Holoway. of Henderson; E. B. Edwards, Lieutenants Walter Evans, Ned Campbell, Frank H. Bristow (brother of B. II. Bris- tow), S. N. Perkins. J. W. Anthony, Campbell HI. Johnson,
*See Page 272.
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537
Twenty-fifth Kentucky Infantry.
Thos. B. Boyd, P. B. Tribble, Robt. C. Sturgis, H. Clay Marlow.
From the camp at Calhoun the 25th was ordered to join Gen. Grant, who was directing his movements against Forts Henry and Donelson. Proceeding by river trans- ports it went with a brigade from Calhoun to Fort Donel- son, and upon landing there, was welcomed by Gen. Grant, who said he had work to be done, and he expected a good account from the Kentuckians. The 25th at once en- gaged in the fighting at Donelson The report of Col. -Jas. M. Shackelford describes how he had to form his men under fire, and that they behaved with great coolness; that at one time, while firing directly upon the enemy, they were ordered to cease firing while other troops moved; through them, and then the formation was resumed and the fighting again went on, thus showing a coolness and steadiness remarkable in the first battle in which they were engaged.
Gen. Lew Wallace says, in his report: "Col. J. M. Shackelford, 25th Ky .; Col. H. B. Reed, 44th Ind., and Col. John H. MeHenry, 17th Ky., and their field and company officers, all won honor and lasting praise; nor can less be given to the valor and endurance of the men who com- posed their regiments." Col. Cruft says: "The 25th formed line of battle under continued volleys of the ene- my's musketry." The losses show the desperate fighting of the regiment, being seventy-two killed and wounded.
After the battle of Shiloh the 25th and 17th were in Gen. Hurlbut's division, Gen. Lauman's brigade of Grant's army, and being so assigned proceeded with that army to Pittsburg Landing. The 25th bore its part in the battle of Shiloh; it fought during the entire day, April 6th, and also fought in the advance of the next day. It was led in this action by Lieut. Col. Bristow and Maj. Wall, on account of the fact that Col. Shackelford had returned to Kentucky from Fort Donelson to recruit another regi- inent, in which work he was afterward assisted by Col. B. H. Bristow, forming the Sth Ky. Cavalry.
Col. Bristow, in his report of the battle of Shiloh, says that about 7 o'clock a. m., April 6th, the engagement was known to be general on account of the heavy fire of mus- ketry and artillery; that his men formed with coolness and promptitude and moved forward in the direction of the firing. They soon became actively engaged. During the fighting Col. Bristow was prostrated and made insen- sible by the explosion of a shell immediately over his head; and Maj. Wall says, in his report, he had him car- ried from the field. From that time Maj. Wall took com-
538
Union Regiments of Kentucky.
mand and fought with the regiment until 4:30 p. m., when he received three wounds -- one in the thigh, one in the foot and one in the breast. The regiment then was led by Capt. B. T. Underwood; and it also reported to Col. MeHenry, of the 17th, who took charge. Col. McHenry says, in his report: "About 4 p. m., Sunday, owing to the withdrawal of Lieut. Col. Bristow and wounding of Maj. Wall, of the 25th, that command was turned over to me, and the gallant officers and men of that regiment acted with the same unabated courage and bravery that had characterized them during the whole day." Col. Hugh B. Reed, of the 44th Ind., which was brigaded with the 17th and 25th Ky., makes an interesting mention of these two regiments in his report. He says: "The enemy formed in column and charged over an open field on our left and in front of the 17th and 25th Ky., the gallant Col. McHenry commanding, who poured into their ranks a most terrific fire. I immediately wheeled two companies of my left wing to the left and opened on the flank. His ranks were mown down at each fire, but still he pressed forward and as bravely was he received. His front rank went down, leaving a line of the dead across his front, when he retreated in good order."
He again mentions Col. MeHenry's men "charging in the thickest of the fight" on the second day.
In the month of April, after the battle of Shiloh, the 25th was consolidated with the 17th, and from that time the history of the two regiments is identical under the head of the 17th Ky. Infantry. The reader is referred to that account.
It is noticeable that many of the officers of the 25th were of more than ordinary prominence. Col. Shackel- ford became colonel of the Sth Ky. Cavalry and a briga- dier-general; Lieut. Col. Bristow became colonel of the Sth Ky. Cavalry, and, after the war, was one of the most conspicuous men in the country. Capt. J. H. Holloway became major in the Sth Cavalry; Lieut. Walter Evans, who was very young, has achieved a wide reputation as a lawyer and in public life.
The consolidation of the 17th and 25th made one of the most valuable regiments in the service, and it made an heroic record. The account of the services of the offi- cers and men of the 25th will be found in the history of the 17th Ky. Infantry.
The roster of the 25th is also to be found in the con- solidation with that of the 17th.
539
Twenty-sixth Kentucky Infantry.
Twenty-sixth Kentucky Infantry.
Some interesting facts connected with the organiza- tion of regiments in the western part of the state are found in the account of the 17th Infantry, Col. John. H. MeHenry. In the preparation of the account here given the writer is indebted to Capt. S. D. Brown for valuable assistance, he having furnished a . written statement, which, in itself, is a good history of the 26th, but in order to introduce certain record facts the whole is rewritten.
The 26th was recruited and organized by Col. S. G. Burbridge, but as he was made brigadier-general June 12, 1862, he was not long with the regiment. Recruiting commenced in the summer of 1861, and in September camp was established at the fair grounds at Owensboro. The companies came from the Green river counties, and there was no place or road in all the section of the state from Bowling Green to Henderson that was not known to some of the men. It was on this account that it was for a long time kept on duty at Bowling Green, as will appear in this narrative.
In November, 1861, the 26th moved from Owensboro to Calhoun, where it was camped in association with the 17th and 25th and 11th Ky. Infantry, and 3d Cavalry. The collection of officers there was notable. Gen. Thos. 1. Crittenden, Colonels James S. Jackson, James M. Shackelford, P. B. Hawkins, John II. MeHenry and others. From Calhoun the 17th and 25th were sent to join Grant's army in time to participate in the battle of Fort Donelson. The others were held a little longer. While in camp at Calhoun, from November, 1861, to February, 1862, the Confederates were in Kentucky, at Bowling Green, Rus- sellville and Hopkinsville. The presence of these regi- ments at Calhoun deterred the Confederates from advanc- ing north of Green river. The Confederate cavalry, how- ever, under Forrest, did pass through the country, en- gaging in a severe fight with a battalion of the 3d Cavalry under Maj. E. II. Murray. When this occurred the 26th was marched rapidly to the scene of action, arriv- ing about midnight and gathering up the bodies of five men killed, which were buried. A few days after the 26th marched to South Carrollton, to watch the movements of the Confederates, who were at Russellville. After re- maining there some time it returned to Calhoun, and thence to Owensboro, where it embarked on a steamer to join Grant's army at Donelson.
Arriving at the mouth of Green river the steamers
540
Union Regiments of Kentucky.
were met bearing the captured army from Donelson. The 26th was carried on, however, and passed up the Cum- berland by Fort Donelson, and landed at Nashville just as Buell's army was crossing the river into the city. The 26th marched through the deserted streets with Buell's army and went into camp about two miles beyond.
Up to this time the 26th had not been mustered into the service, the constant activity in Kentucky not having afforded opportunity. At Nashville, on the 5th day of March, 1862, it was regularly mustered by Maj. Bankhead.
The 26th remained at Nashville until about the 28th of March, when it started with other troops of Buell's army for Pittsburg Landing. It was brigaded with the 11th Ky. and 13th Ohio, Col. W. S. Smith commanding the brigade, in Crittenden's division. Pittsburg Land- ing was reached the night of the first day's battle of Shi- loh. The next day it was engaged in heavy fighting, as the casualties show, there being seven killed, including Maj. John L. Davidson, and sixty wounded. Col. W. S. Smith, in his report of his brigade, says it bivouacked on a hill the night of the 6th. The next morning at 6 o'clock a. m. it moved on a prolongation of Nelson's line, and was promptly and most hotly engaged. During the day it resisted attacks and made charges, fighting steadily for hours, and, on the whole, pushing the enemy. He compliments the conduct of the 26th. All "bore them- selves as true soldiers and officers through the dangers of the day."
In this battle the regiment was commanded by Lieut. Col. Cicero Maxwell, who, as will be seen, continued with it long afterward. Col. Maxwell, in his report, mentions Maj. John L. Davidson, "who behaved with the most un- daunted bravery, and was killed instantly on the field while cheering the men in the charge." He also says the same of Lieut. Iligdon, "who fell early in the charge." He also mentions the gallant conduct of Captains Thos. B. Fairleigh, Belt, Netter and Mattingly, and Lieutenants Ramsey, Taylor, Stanley, Smallhouse, Wells, Redfearne, Earnest, Ashcraft, Brown. The last-mentioned is Capt. S. D. Brown, who furnished the account here used. He says, it was about midnight that the river was crossed. The gunboats were throwing bombs. The 26th marched up to the line and rested in mud and rain, and at daylight they made coffee and soon went into the battle. After the battle of Shiloh the 26th moved with the army to Cor- inth, taking part in the siege and skirmishing there. Then moved to Tuscumbia, Florence and Athens, Ala., and camped at Battle Creek, Tenn. In the organization of
541
Twenty-sixth Kentucky Infantry.
Buell's army, June 10, 1862, the 26th and 11th Ky. were in VanCleve's brigade, Crittenden's division. In August the movements began which culminated in Buell's memor- able march to Kentucky. Louisville was reached late in September; from thence the march was to the field at Perryville. At that time, October Sth, Capt. P. B. Haw- kins, of the 11th Ky., commanded the brigade. Capt. Brown says, "the 26th was but slightly engaged" at Perry- ville. It continued in pursuit of Bragg until he was out of the state and then marched across the country to Nash- ville, where the army, then under Gen. Rosecrans, was concentrated, Buell having been relieved.
While the army was encamped near Nashville, there was the utmost need for troops in Kentucky, not only to protect the country generally, but especially to guard every mile of the railroad from Louisville to Nashville, over which all supplies had to be transported. On this account the 26th was sent to Bowling Green. At the time this was done, November 22d, Gen. Rosecrans wrote to Gen. H. G. Wright, who commanded the District of Kentucky, saying: "I have some splendid fighting regi- ments, which would be benefited by being stationed in Kentucky to recruit. I have sent the 15th and 26th to Bowling Green."
The urgent need of troops at that place, not only for its protection as a military point, but also for the general protection of Southern Kentucky, caused the 26th to be held at Bowling Green, under Col. Maxwell, for about a year. The acquaintance of its men and officers with the country made it peculiarly useful for that duty.
April 1, 1863, the 33d Ky. Infantry was consolidated with the 26th at Bowling Green, as may be seen by refer- ence to the account of that regiment, forming companies F, H, I and K. Lieut. Col. Maxwell had been commis- sioned colonel June 12, 1862, and Capt. Thos. B. Fairleigh, major, May 5, 1862; also lieutenant-colonel June 12, 1862, and January 3, 1865, he was commissioned colonel. Ig- natius Mattingly was made major June 12, 1862.
The regiment having become strong by the addition made by recruiting and by the addition of the 33d, it was in condition to be used in hard service.
January 31, 1864, it was at Camp Nelson under Col. Fairleigh. It then re-enlisted in the veteran organization and rendezvoused at Bowling Green in the spring, where it was mounted and used through the entire spring and summer for the protection of Kentucky. The brigade to which it was attached was commanded by Col. Maxwell. Col. Fairleigh was on detached service as post command-
542
Union Regiments of Kentucky.
ant at Louisville, and the regiment was led by the other officers in detachments. It served from Bowling Green to the Ohio river, and from the western part of the state to Lexington. In August, 1864, the original colonel of the 26th, Burbridge, was in command in Kentucky. Col. Maxwell commanded a brigade at Camp Nelson, and Lieut. Col. Fairleigh also had a brigade in his command. In September the 26th was at Frankfort. It then joined the command of Gen. Burbridge for the raid to the Salt Works, in Virginia. Capt. Brown says: "From the day we left Pikeville until our return to that point it was a continual fight. On Sunday, October 3d, a beautiful day, Gen. Burbridge attacked the works, and all that day was the battle. At night the 26th was left to build fires along the line of battle to hold the enemy in check while the division moved off the field and took up the retreat to Ken- tucky. The movement had been so loudly talked about that the enemy was aware of our coming, and were in- trenched and outnumbered us."
October 29th it was ordered to Paducah. October 31st it arrived at Paducah. From thence it proceeded to Bowling Green, being in command of Capt. Francis M. Page.
Upon arriving at Bowling Green, Capt. Brown says: "We being yet mounted, made a hard ride after Maj. Tom Hines, but failed to overtake him. It was said in Bowling Green that Hines made a lucky escape, for those Green river boys of the 26th shoot both right and left-handed, and cross-eyed."
December 4th, Gen. Schofield ordered the 26th to Nash- ville, and complaint was made that Bowling Green would be left without protection. At that time Gen. Thomas was holding the lines at Nashville, with Hood in his front. December 7th the 26th went to Nashville, and was placed in the 1st Brigade (Gen. Cooper), 2d Division, 23d Corps. December 15th and 16th it engaged in the battle of Nash- ville, moving with the 23d Corps, under Gen. Schofield, on the flank of Hood's army, and joining in the general charge on Hood's lines, which broke up and destroyed that army. The regiment being at that time in command of Col. Maxwell, who made the report of its service.
After the battle of Nashville the 26th marched with the 23d Corps through Franklin and Columbia to Clifton, on the Tennessee river, being in command of Col. Fair- leigh. There taking transports, proceeded down the Ten- nessee and up the Ohio to Cincinnati; from thence by rail to Washington City and Alexandria, Va. Then taking ocean steamer the 26th went with the 23d Corps to Fort
543
Twenty-sixth Kentucky Infantry.
Fisher, at the mouth of Cape Fear river, arriving there in January, 1865. Fort Fisher had been taken, but there were strong defenses between that point and Wilmington, twenty miles up the river. To flank these defenses the 26th, with other troops of the 23d Corps, under Gen. J. D. Cox, were transported down the coast to Smithville. Landing there, the march was through the pine forests to the rear of Wilmington. On the way the 26th fought severely at Fort Anderson and Town Creek, and was the first regiment to enter Wilmington, February 22, 1865, led by Col. Fairleigh. From Wilmington the regiment moved by way of Kinston to Goldsboro, when Schofield's forces united with Sherman's, and the 26th moved with the army toward Raleigh. On the march a courier rode down the lines shouting that Lee had surrendered. Capt. Brown says: "Pandemonium broke loose, hats in the air, guns in the woods, bands playing, old veterans cry- ing for joy; and soon drawn up in line, the men heard the words of old Sherman: 'A little more toil, a little more labor, and we will march home.'" "Arriving at Raleigh," says Capt. Brown, "we remained until the sur- render of Johnston, and from there were sent to Salisbury, N. C., and encamped until July, when we were ordered to Kentucky and mustered out, July 10, 1865, at Louisville."
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