USA > Michigan > Jackson County > History of Jackson County, Michigan > Part 41
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JACKSON LIGIIT INFANTRY.
This company was organized in 1842 under Capt. Abram V. Barry, and recognized as a company of the 24th Michigan Infantry. The muster roll of the company comprised 60 names, with a full list of officers, all well equipped and comparatively well drilled. The fol- lowing letter seems to point out that this was the first military
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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.
company duly received into the service of the State from Jackson county :
ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE, DETROIT, June 20, 1842.
The organization of the "Jackson Light Infantry" is approved on condition that the saine be perfected without being supplied with arms by the State; but un- der the express understanding that they be furnished with the requisite arms and accontrements from the first, which shall be drawn from the general Government.
By order of the Commander in Chief,
E. J. ROBERTS, Adj't Gen'l.
Gov. John J. Barry issued a commission to Abram V. Barry. June 20, 1842, appointing him captain of the "Jackson Light In- fantry," and attaching his command to the 24th Michigan Infantry. Capt. Barry took the constitutional oath before Fidus Livermore, Justice of the Peace, July 12, 1842.
He was commissioned colonel of the 24th Michigan Infantry by Gov. John S. Barry, March 10, 1843.
In 1847 Col. Barry was promoted to a major-generalship by Gov. Wm. L. Greenly. During the progress of the civil war an act was passed annulling the old commissions and authorizing the issue of new ones. By this act Maj. Gen. Barry (with the other veteran officers) was discharged from the military service of the State, having served his country for long periods between 1829, when he was commissioned captain of the 157th New York Infan- try, to the war era, when his advanced years alone prevented his appearance on Southern battle-fields.
THE BARRY HORSE GUARDS.
This squadron of cavalry was organized in 1843, under Capt. Abel A. Fitch, with Harry Holcomb as first lieutenant and Anson H. De Lamater, second lieutenant. The command comprised about 50 horse, with regulation trappings. The uniforms of the officers were of bright blue, with gold facings, and those of the private soldiers a light gray, with dark blue facings. The com- pany was well horsed, armed and equipped. Governor Barry's commission to Capt. Fitch bears date Sept. 5, 1843, the signature of Gov. John S. Barry, and shows the command to be duly attached to the 35th Regiment and 18th Brigade.
JACKSON LIGHT INFANTRY.
This little battery of one twelve-pounder brass cannon was or- ganized under Capt. Reuel C. Baker, a short time after the Light Infantry was mustered into the service of the State. The only important service in which this battery was engaged was the rati- fication of President Polk's nomination. The gunners and swabbers were not experienced artillerymen, so that the effect of air and heat on a charge was forgotten or unknown. Consequently, the gunners, after firing their brass cannon many times, and for-
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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.
getting that it was overheated, entered on placing the charge, when it exploded, taking half the hands off Messrs. Porter and Clark. This calamity brought the demonstration to a close.
THE MEXICAN WAR.
The war with Mexico in 1846 created much interest in Jackson county, as it did throughout the Union. Volunteers were ready to muster into the service; but the magnificent victories of the U. S. troops, and their steady advance toward the Mexican capital, obviated the raising of new regiments, and so prevented the rep- resentation of many counties of Michigan in that campaign. The action of the general Government in proclaiming war against Mexico was almost unanimously ratified by the people of Jackson in their acceptance of the following resolutions:
Resolved, That we deem our country right in this contest, -
1. Because by repeated acts of national outrage, American commerce and trade has been injured, the American flag insulted, the personal rights of American citi- zens trampled upon, their property taken forcibly without compensation or subse- quent redress, and their persons imprisoned.
2. Because Mexico, after officially inviting, has contumeliously refused to nego- tiate-declining the reception of the minister of the United States, and officially announcing to the world the cessation of all amicable relations between the two Governments.
3. Because Mexico has attacked our army, acting in pursuance of the legitimate orders of our Government, and been the first to shed the blood of our countrymen.
Resolved, That whether right or wrong, when the constituted authorities of the country enact and proclaim the existence of a war, we deem it the duty of every good citizen to suspend the censorship of individual opinion until the restoration of peace, and unitedly support the Government in the exercise of its constitutional functions.
No sacrifice had to be made by the people, for the simple reason that snch was unnecessary; but were Jackson men called to defend the country, even in 1846, 2,000 at least would respond to the summons, and act their part as well as those who, 20 years later, completed a brilliant campaign against a most atrocious treason.
THIE OLD JACKSON GRAYS
was in existence prior to the breaking ont of hostilities between the Federal and Confederate States. The company was regularly organized, equipped and officered, under Capt. W. M. Bennett, in 1860. Brig .- Gen. Withington was first-lieutenant; D. Walsh, second, and Benjamin Newkirk, third. Thus was military organ- ization fostered in the county in time of peace, and so prepared the way for Jackson to win a share of the honors which fell to Michigan during the time of war.
JACKSON SILVER GRAYS.
During April, 1861, this company was organized. It comprised volunteers between the ages of 45 and 60 years, to act as a home
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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.
reserve guard. The company showed the following roster May 1, 1861 :
Alonzo Bennett.
T. J. Kent.
T. E Hayes.
L. F. Grundy.
O. L. Cooper.
E. B. Bingham.
E. H. Riee.
C. W. Penny.
T. G. Brookes.
D. Fisher.
E. H. Buddington.
W. Yonkin.
J. A. Robinson.
S. W. Stowell.
N. J. Pease
Wm. Thompson.
J. B. Tomlinson.
P. J. Avery.
J. B. Eaton.
J. A. Dyer.
J. C. Wood.
N. Allen.
T. W. Carr.
C. B. Hulett.
F. Livermore.
J. W Hulin.
M. A. McNaughton.
Jos. E. Beebe.
Wm. Page.
O. W. Bennett.
L. J. Burr.
W. S. Warner.
M. H. Nicolls.
L. P. Gregg.
W. Jackson
T. A. Annis.
J. Leffenwell.
A. S. Cushman.
G. H. Hastings.
F. M. Foster.
M. Shoemaker.
J. Younglove.
A. V. Berry.
A. Townley.
Walter Buddington.
N. S. Hubbell.
J. S. Hurd.
W. Fish.
G. A. Baldwin.
The name of this little battalion was most appropriate. Perhaps the toil of 45 or 60 summers did not tinge the hair of some with gray, yet by far the greater number of the members claimed years that made them venerable, and a patriotism that rendered them respected. However strange it may appear to see a few of such veterans figuring in the active military service of the Republic, within a very short period after the organization of the Home Gnard, it is nevertheless true that a few well-known members of that small band won distinction on Southern battle-fields, and re- turned to their city to share the honors of victors in a most san- guinary, though righteous, battle for the integrity of the States.
THE JACKSON GRAYS AT BULL RUN.
James O'Donnell, editor of the Jackson Citizen, who served with the First Regiment at Bull Run, in defense of the Union, wrote from Washington under date July 25, 1861 :
"Friend Bouton :- When last I wrote you we were at Fairfax Station, whence over 5,000 rebels were retreating before ns. Then our army was marching onward, with the tools of secession flying before it; but now, alas! how different !
" We left Fairfax and reached Centerville on Thursday, the 18th inst., a few miles distant from the place where the first engagement transpired between our forces and the enemy. We heard the can- nonading and hastened our march, but the batteries had ceased before we reached that point. We remained encamped at Center- ville until 1 o'clock Sunday morning, when we were aronsed and began our march toward Bull Run. We were detained until 7 o'clock, after we had proceeded a half mile, and at that time the march was resumed at a quick pace. We took the long route, and reached the vicinity of the battle-field about noon, at which time the fight was progressing. Our regiment was detailed as the sup- port of a battery, and we followed at a run up hill about a mile,
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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.
when we reached the battle-ground. At that time our men were nearly all ready to sink down from exhaustion, but, like men, they stood up. We started for the right of the entrenchments of the enemy, and it seemed while crossing the field as though they had leveled all their guns at us, as the air sounded thick with cannon balls, but we crossed over in safety. When we were at the foot of the hill the zouaves were engaging the enemy. We charged up the hill and retired in good order. The second charge was then made, and with deadly effeet to the enemy. Those nearest to us left their guns, and if the 1st Mich. Inf. had receive dsufficient sup- port then, the day would have been ours. The regiment was forced to fall back with some loss. A masked battery then opened upon us, the fire of which was terrible. We succeeded in getting out of range of the big guns and musketry. The regiment charged three times upon the enemy with good effect, but it was of no avail without support.
"In the midst of the battle the field was terrible to look at; here and there lay those brave men who had fallen, the earth wet with their gore. Once I thought I saw one of our boys lying dead-his neck was torn open by a ball; a closer look, however, proved it was none of our men. By him lay horses and riders dead and dying. The groans of the wounded and their piteous cries for water were awful to hear, but we could not give them aid. I have no desire to describe the scene. Battery after bat- tery opened upon our troops, and when one was silenced, it was only to find another opening upon us. You have probably seen the description of the fight in the New York papers, but accord- ing to their accounts, scarcely any but their State regiments did anything. Toward evening the retreat began in great confusion. This retreat was unfortunate, but perhaps for the best. During the retreat the enemy opened fire, but with little damage. One poor fellow immediately in front of me was struck on the ankle by a rifled cannon ball; one or two others were hit, which was about the only damage done us that I saw. We reached our camp- ground at night, and rested nearly three hours when the line of retreat was again taken up. Our boys reached the old camp- ground near Alexandria about 7 o'clock, while some of them went on to Washington. Part of us remained in Alexandria one day and reached this place on Tuesday night. Our regiment had a march from 1 o'clock Sunday morning until 7 the next, of nearly 50 miles, participated in the fight, and during that time my fare consisted of two hard crackers and what muddy water we could find to drink. When on the field we had a terrible thirst, and water, thick with mud, was greedily drank.
"Of the causes that led to the defeat of the Grand Army, I for- bear to speak. If your people of the North would hush your cries of ' Forward to Richmond,' etc., etc., you would render an inestimable favor to the army. Washington lost a big battle once by moving before he was prepared, owing to the pressure of out.
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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.
siders who knew nothing of the difficulties in the way. I fear the result at Bull Run may be attributed to the same cause.
" Our loss is not yet fully ascertained; but it is not half what it was supposed to be. The enemy's loss is counted at double that of ours. They found that the Northerners were ready, though it seemed so hopeless. The next battle will doubtless be fought when everything is ready, and then you will have a different re- port. Our company has five privates among the missing, and our gallant captain, W. H. Withington. When last seen he had received a wound while nobly battling for the flag of his country. The names of the missing are : Wm. L. Reynolds, Frank D. Pease, C. S. Chapman, L. J. Briggs and J. Badgley. There were only 32 of our company on the field, as many were too siek to march. They all wished to go, and many had to be ordered back, and then obeyed reluctantly. When you hear from me next it will be in person. I have written my last letter from the seat of war-for the present at least."
Captain Withington's unexcelled gallantry on the occasion of the affair at Bull Run was also the cause of his capture by the rebels. In Mr. O'Donnell's letter, the writer, together with his fellow soldiers, understood that the captain fell upon the field, and introduced into his able letter the fact in the following words : " It is altogether probable that Captain Withington is among those brave men who fell on the field. When the men heard of the gallant captain's loss, many could searcely refrain from crying. Captain Withington had a firm hold upon the affections of his men, and will never be forgotton. He was always kind, courte- ous and forbearing. The welfare of his men was his own. We still hope that he is not among the killed; but there is little chance for hope; when last seen he had received a wound while nobly battling for the flag of his country." The reappearance of the gallant sol- dier, in the flesh, must be as agreeably surprising to the inen of his old company and the thousands who knew him, as the first knowledge of the report of his death must be amusing to himself. It is well that Bull Run did not elaim as a vietim such a brilliant soldier in war, such a useful citizen in peace.
DEATII OF POMEROY.
Capt. Edward Pomeroy came to Jackson in 1858 or '59. He graduated at Hamilton or Union College, and came here to prac- tice law. He grew in favor with the people after a very short period, and when the war broke out Gov. Blair offered him a com- mission, which he refused, saying: "Governor, I know nothing of military affairs; as a young man I think it proper to enter the ranks, and win my commission on the field."
Subsequently he lett with Capt. Withington's command for the field, and took part in the July affair at Bull Run, 1861. Return- ing to Michigan, the three-months' men were mustered out, and on the organization of the Ist Infantry (three years) he received his com-
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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.
mission as 1st lieutenant in Co. D. In July, 1862, he received his commission as captain of Co. D, vice Capt. E. B. Griffith re- signed. He participated in the engagements at Mechanicsville, Gaines' Mill, Peach Orchard, Savage Station, Turkey Bend, White Oak Swamp and Malvern Hill. At Harrison's Landing he commanded his company with singular ability. In the afternoon of Aug. 30, 1862, at Bull Run, the regiment held a position on the right, and advanced on the rebel lines. Dr. Tunnicliff, who was then regimental surgeon, remembers the impregnable position of the rebels in the railroad eut, and the consciousness of the soldiers of their inability to capture it.
Ilere was a plain, skirted by the forest, in front of a hill, through which the cutting for the railroad was made. In this eut- ting the confederates ensconsed themselves, and to dislodge them was the task which the First Mich. Vol. Inf. was ordered to dis- charge. Too well was the wild command obeyed. The men ad- vanced over the plain, exposed to a terrible cross-fire; they reached the base of the hill, but the muskets of the rebels had even then performed their work: the ground was strewn with heaps of dead and dying, and still the avalanche of lead and grape and canister came down to crush the survivors of the brave but rash advance. Now some men fled for refuge to the forest ; yet living in the midst of that deadly shower were four Union soldiers who knew not fear: they even threatened to advance on the enemy's breastworks unaided. Captain Edward Pomeroy, Capt. Alcott, Major Geo. C. Hopper and Lt. Bloodgood composed the little squad. They ad- vanced steadily up the hill until the great boulders were reached, behind which they sought temporary shelter. The rebel officers cried out to them: "Gentlemen, surrender ! there is no use in your advance; raise a flag of truce, and give up your vain attack !" "Let us surrender," said two of the gallant quartet. "Never, " responded Pomeroy, "shall I be a prisoner in Libby Prison ; I shall escape to the woods!" Quick as lightning, the hero of that terrible fight dashed from the cover ot the great boulder and sped over the plain toward the grove which promised shelter. The rebel bullets erowded after him, and at one time it seemed the race for life was about to succeed, when a rain of bullets fell, and one found its vietim in the hero of that day's strife.
Capt. Alcott and his wounded companions now raised a white handkerchief, and with Bloodgood leaning on one arm and Geo. C. Hooper on the other, advanced toward the cut to surrender; but the moment the trio appeared in the open field, a rebel sharp- shooter, failing to see the little flag of truce, took deliberate aim, and the next instant Capt. Alcott joined the spirit of the gallant Pomeroy in the land of the hereafter. The two survivors of that desperate advance were in the hands of their enemies, -bleeding, but with life and strength to tell a tale which will blossom every year, and live in the memories of the people.
Surgeon Tunnieliff passed over the ground immediately after the eessation of firing, beheld the body of his soldier comrade, and
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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.
there resolved to take a souvenir of one whom he loved in life and honored in death. The circumstances of the moment hurried him to another portion of the field, and it was not until Gov. Blair's visit to the army in 1863 that the first wish of Dr. Tunnicliff was realized. The governor and the doctor visited the well-known spot where Pomeroy fell, brushed away the little dust and clay which covered the skeleton, and took possession of the skull, as the only relic that could then be found. Acting on the suggestion of Gov. Blair, this remnant of a hero was brought to Jackson, and is one of the most prized articles in the doctor's study.
The following lines are inscribed upon the capitol : "Captain Edward Pomeroy, 1st Michigan Volunteer Infantry, killed by rebel bullets through the brain, at Mannassas Junc. (2d Bull Run), Aug. 30, 1862. This cranium was obtained on a visit to the battle-field by his friend and fellow soldier (in 1863) J. Tunni- cliff, Jr., late surgeon of the 1st Michigan Volunteer Infantry."
The hero is dead. His acts were honorable; his service to the Republic called for his life; his was the realization of manliness, not stained by that terrible race for liberty. Let his name be per- petuated in enduring marble by his fellow-citizens of the present, so that in other years, other generations may have to improve the monument, but never have to accuse their predecessors of ingrati- tude.
COL. SHOEMAKER'S REMINISCENCES OF LIBBY PRISON.
A recital of war memories must be always of interest. When a series of military joys and sorrows is well arranged, its importance cannot be questioned; therefore, in this chapter of connty history, the following thrilling reminiscences of a Jackson soldier of the Union may prove as welcome as they are certainly entertaining and instructive.
" On Thursday, Sept. 18, 1862, immediately after dinner, or as soon after as military etiquette allows," said Col. Shoemaker, " we reported to Gen. Winder, who informed us that the Secre- tary of War had said to him that there was too much knowledge to be obtained at Richmond of military affairs to admit of Federal officers being allowed the liberty of the city on parole, and that he should be obliged to place us under some little restraint. Ile then called an officer, and ordered him to take us to Captain Turner, and to say to him from Gen. Winder, that he wished him to make us as comfortable as he could.' From the lenient manner in which we had been treated, and the bland manner of Gen. Winder, I formed a favorable opinion of the 'restraint.' I had not the faintest idea where we were to be taken, and the shadow of the terrible Libby Prison never once crossed my mind. The officer went with us to our hotel, where we paid our bills-$5.00 each for just one day-and then after traversing several streets, we were taken into one of the rooms of a large brick warehouse on the river bank, where we were introduced to Captain Turner and
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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.
Libby Prison, in which we were duly incarcerated, much to my astonishment and chagrin. When the officer who came with us delivered his message to Captain Turner, I noticed particularly that he gave him the order of Gen. Winder in the language in which he received it :-. That Gen. Winder wished him to make ns as comfortable as he could.'
"Captain Turner gave us in charge of an officer, who conducted us to the lower room of the warehouse lowest down the river, and then left ns. The room was on a level with the street in front; in the rear it was one story above the street, which lay between the prison and the river, and on this street the basement story below us opened. There was one door in front, well guarded, none in the rear, and an open staircase, also gnarded, leading to the rooms above, but no opening to the basement. The apartment in which we were confined was about 100 feet deep, and about 35 feet wide. The only furniture was a wooden bench five feet long and one foot wide, with a fire-place with sufficient fire to cook such of our rations as needed that preparation. We found the room tenanted by 11 officers who had been in confinement for several months. I have the names as given me of Lieut. Parker, 21st Mass. Vol. Inf .; Lieut. Clark, same regiment; Capt. Schortz, Lientenants Wehn, Zim- merman, Bonsal, Morley, McAteer, Konigsburg, Lang and Chase. all of the 12th Penn. Cav. The latter were mostly Germans and Jews, and passed the time away in playing cards. Our arrival was quite an event with them; they gathered around us, displaying a laudable degree of curiosity and interest in our history, so that we soon became well acquainted. They inquired into all the particulars of our capture and related the story of their own, and also. of their prison experience, which did not impress me as favoring the conclusions I had drawn relative to my own treat- ment, from my intercourse with Gen. Winder. Neither Lieut. Pease nor myself had a blanket, none were furnished to prisoners, and without one we could not well rest, our chance for a seat on the bench was but slight. and for myself, I think I never was so weary as after two hours in Libby Prison. I was abont approach- ing one of the windows to look out, when I was warned by my fellow prisoners that the guard below would fire on prisoners found peering through the windows.
"The prison was three-stories high above the basement, and had at least six suites of rooms, making 18 in all. The rooms were all full, and many of them crowded with prisoners. In some of them the occupants were overrun with vermin. All this and more. other prisoners were suffering, while myself and fellow prisoners had room and to spare; but all this did not satisfy me, and without informing my companions, I determined to make my prison life more endurable than it now promised to be.
"Orderlies were passing and repassing quite frequently. I now began to scrutinize them closely, and presently seeing one that I thoughit had the milk of human kindness, I accosted him, asking him if he was going to Capt. Turner's office; he replied
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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.
that he was, when I asked him if he would deliver to Capt. Turner a message from me. He replied that he would. I then said to him-'will you please present the compliments of Col. Shoemaker to Capt. Turner, and say to him that he would be pleased to see him as soon as he can make it convenient to call.' Had a shell exploded in the prison my fellow captives could not have evinced more astonishment; however, by the time the orderly had passed into the street this astonishment gave place to mirth at my verdaney in sending such a foolish message, and the captives amused each other by making all sorts of surmises. I was not in the least degree ruffled by their merriment, or turned from the course I had determined to pursue. I was not so much dis- turbed by their nonsense as by the fact that an hour passed with- out seeing or hearing from Capt. Turner. I gave the same message to another orderly, which he promised to deliver. If my fellow prisoners were surprised to hear me send a second message, after all the sport they had made of the first, they were simply astounded when, soon after the second message had left the room, Capt. Turner walked in and inquired for Col. Shoemaker. I introduced myself to him in as pleasant and affable a manner as I could assume. I then asked him if he remembered the message sent to him by Gen. Winder when we were brought to the prison. He said he did not. I reminded him that it was: "That he should make us as comfortable as he could," and langhingly added that he could supply a regiment. Captain Turner immediately replied that he could and would comply with my request. I then introduced Lient. Pease, saying he was included in the message of Gen. Winder. My fellow captives made jolly over the arrant folly of my demands, and said I had seen the last of Capt. Turner. I could not myself help laughing at some of their grotesque ideas; but presently in marched four stalwart 'contrabands'-two of them each with a clean burlap tiek, filled with clean straw, and each of the others with a common board bunk the size of the tieks. All this was rough, but I liked it. The 'Fifteenth Amendments' inquired for Col. Shoemaker, and reported their burdens to be for my companion and myself. While this was being done my fellow prisoners looked on in silent amazement, and could hardly believe the evidence of their senses. It was evening when our beds were brought in, and I think I never had a sweeter or sounder night's rest than my first night in the celebrated Libby Prison. On Friday I said to the other officers that if they would make the effort, I was satisfied that Capt. Turner would treat them as he had treated Pease and myself; the effort was made, and before night each prisoner was furnished with a bunk and straw tick. From being considered exceedingly foolish, I was now regarded as extremely wise. There is nothing succeeds like snecess.'
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