USA > Ohio > A history of the Eleventh regiment, (Ohio volunteer infantry,) containing the military record of each officer and enlisted man of the command -a list of deaths-an account of the veterans-incidents of the field and camp-names of the three months' volunteers, etc., etc > Part 1
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M. L.
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
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ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 00824 2494
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Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2012
http://archive.org/details/historyofeleven00hort
A HISTORY
OF THE
ELEVENTH REGIMENT. (OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY,)
CONTAINING THE MILITARY RECORD, SO FAR AS IT IS POSSIBLE TO OBTAIN IT. OF EACH OFFICER AND ENLISTED MAN OF THE COMMAND -A LIST OF PRATIR -AN ACCOUNT OF THE VETERANS - INCIDENTS OF THE FIELD AND CAMP - NAMES OY THE THREE MONTHIS' VOLUNTEERS, ETC., ETC.
COMPILED FROM THE OFFICIAL RECORDS BY HORTON & TEVERBAUGHI, Members of the Regiment.
DAYTON, OHIO: W. J. SHUEY, PRINTER AND PUBLISHER, "TELESCOPE" OFFICE. 1866.
1394 02
F8349.63
1643464
ERRATA.
-
We thought to issue this volume by the first of August, but the unexpected delay we experienced in obtaining in- formation, has kept the work back. In order to get it out as soon as possible we have had to put the " forms" to . press without that careful revision of the proof sheets which ought to have been given them. As a consequence some typographical errors will be found, which are more annoying to ourselves than to any others. So far as possi- ble now the corrections will be found below.
In the last paragraph on page 20, it is stated that the Regiment was composed of but nine companies. There were ten full companies-five from Miami County, three from Darke County, and two from Montgomery County.
On page 77, second line and third word read Bridge for Brigade.
In Company A, Stewart should be Steward.
In Company B, Wilcox should be Woodcox. 1
In Company K, Engle should be Eugle.
In Company I, Alvin Munger is reported as mustered out with the company. Ile was taken prisoner at Chicka- mauga, incarcerated at Andersonville, but was afterward honorably discharged the service.
(III)
-
IV
ERRATA.
In Company F, Thomas McNair is reported as enlisting June 20; he was an " original member." (There are prob- ably other mistakes of this kind, but not knowing the facts we have followed the record as given on the rolls.)
In Non-commissioned Staff John Hardin should be Josh- ua Hardin.
On page 260, eighth line tenth word, read no for now.
In order that nothing may be lacking on our part to make the work entirely correct, we invite attention to the following proposition: If any important errors are dis- covered by any person, we request that a correction of the same be sent to us, at once. All such corrections sent us previous to the first of December next will be carefully prepared and printed in a suitable manner for insertion in the book. A copy, with the necessary instructions, will then be sent to each purchaser. We think this is fair, and hope it may prove satisfactory to all concerned.
-
Just as the last work was being done on this volume we received the painful intelligence of the death of GEORGE S. SWAIN, a member of Company K, and Lieutenant in Company F. He died at his residence in Ceminsville, near Cincin- nati, on Saturday, August 11, 1866, of Cholera.
Always prompt and faithful in the discharge of every duty required of him, efficiently brave in the time of battle, Lieutenant Swain was an honor to his country's cause. In their great affliction his bereaved family have the sympathy of all who knew him.
1
TO
THE MEMBERS AND FRIENDS
OF
The Gallant Eleventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry THIS WORK
IS RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED BY
THE AUTHORS.
-----:
CONTENTS.
-
PAGE
INTRODUCTORY
13
CHAPTER I.
" PROCLAMATION"-First Enlistments-Organization of the Regiment 17
CHAPTER II.
Move to Camp Dennison-Building Quarters-Rain and Mud-Re- organization for Three Years-Election of Field Officers-Leave Camp Dennison-First March-Rev. Geo. W. Du Bois. 21
CHAPTER IIL
On the "Sacred Soil"-First Shot of the Rebels at the Regiment-Val- ley of the Kanawha
26
CHAPTER IV.
Object of the Expedition-Poca-Battle of Scarey-Capture of Colonel De Villiers-Lieutenant-Colonel Frizell in Command-Company K as "Sappers and Miners "-Tyler Shoals-" All Right; Run'er Up!" -Gauley Bridge. 28
CHAPTER V.
The " White House"-A Scout-Frizell at Summerville ..... .. 32
CHAPTER VI.
The "Lewisburg Road"-Eleventh's First Expedition-Distances- Skirmish-Retreat-Mountain Cove-A Dinner that was not Eaten- James Roach Killed-A Challenge-Hawk's Nest-Callahan Wounded -Devil's Elbow 37
CHAPTER VII.
Wise and Floyd-Frizell's Reports-"Climbing Gauley Mountains" and Counting Rebels-The Seventh Ohio at Cross Lanes-Pursuit of Floyd -Extract-Reconnaissance at Sewell Mountain-A Dried-up River-Slemmer
44:
(VII)
1
VIII
CONTENTS.
PAGE
CHAPTER VIII.
A Back-out-The Colonel's Ague and the General's Whisky-Retreat from Sewell-Extract-Return of De Villiers-Discharges. ...... 48
CHAPTER IX.
Preparing for Pay-Major Cowan-First Shell from Cotton Hill-Major Reese as a Volunteer-Scrabble Creek-A Faithful Guard-Driving the Rebels trom Cotton Hill 52
CHAPTER X.
Move to Point Pleasant -- Trouble Among the Officers-Company E ..... 55
CHAPTER XI.
Point Pleasant-Lady Visitors-Friends at the Point-Parties-Up the Kanawha.
58
CHAPTER XII.
Again at Gauley-Raleigh-Fight at Princeton-Pack's Ferry-" Black Bet"-On the Move-Female Bushwhacker-Ordered East-Bull Run. 61
CHAPTER XIII.
After Lee-Frederick City-Colonel Moore's Charge-The Eleventh Charge - BATTLE OF SOUTH MOUNTAIN-Kind Ladies. 68
CHAPTER XIV.
BATTLE OF ANTIETAM-Preliminary Movements-Colonel Coleman Wounded-At the Bridge-Victory at Last-Army of the Potomac ... 74
CHAPTER XV.
Thanks to the Kanawha Division-A Hard March-Colonel Lane- Companies I and E-Curly-Summerville-Promotions. 79
CHAPTER XVI.
Cold Knob-Daniel Carson-Off for Tennessee-Treatment of the men at Cincinnati. 83
CHAPTER XVII.
Carthage-Foraging Party Captured-Noble Women-Rome -- Middle- town-Goose Creck-" Much Ado About Nothing". 89
1
IX
CONTENTS.
PAGE
CHAPTER XVIII.
Murfreesboro-The Ninety-fourth Ohio-A sad Casuality-Hoover's Gap-Tullahoma-Big Springs-" Mutiny"-University Place-Ex- plosion of Ammunition-Big Blue Spring-Catlet's Gap-In Line of Battle. 94
CHAPTER XIX.
BATTLE OF CHICKAMAUGA-An Impressive Scene -In Action-A Mis- understanding-A Tight Place and Successful Dash-Bad Arrange- ments 99
'CHAPTER XX.
Chattanooga-Scarcity of Rations-A Successful Exploit-BATTLE OF MISSION RIDGE-Up the Hill-Successful Charges-Visit to Chicka- mauga Battle Field 104
CHAPTER XXI.
First Through Train-ROCKY FACE RIDGE-A Rebel "Yankee Trick"- RESACCA-The Last Fight-Bound for Home-A Joke on the Sixth Ohio-Camp Dennison-Muster-out. 110
INDIVIDUAL RECORDS.
EXPLANATORY 119
FIELD AND STAFF 122
NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF 127
COMPANY A
128
COMPANY F 136
COMPANY D
143
COMPANY H 150
COMPANY E-Original-
157
COMPANY K
161
COMPANY B
169
COMPANY C
177
COMPANY G
184
COMPANY I.
191
COMPANY E-New 197
LIST OF DEATHS 203
VETERANS AND RECRUITS 206
X
CONTENTS.
INCIDENT DEPARTMENT.
PAGE
Promotion of Colonel Coleman
210
Duties in Camp.
210
Trades and Occupations.
211
The "Battle of Montague"
212
The Wounded Rebel.
215
Death of Lieutenant Achuff.
217
Bill Devore's Hog
218
Incidents of Mission Ridge 220
223
Tom Steward and his Stragglers
227
Fighting Barefooted
228
A Bad Shot.
229
Rebel and Union Prisoners
230
" Whisky Dodges"
233
Expedition to Pack's Ferry
235
Our Colors
243
Commissary Lightning
243
Barber Bills
244
Paying in Advance
244
Sergeant Shain
245
Curly.
246
Medical Practice
248
Sergeant-Major Mitchell
250
Seige of Raleigh ..
251
Cotton Hill
253
Point Pleasant
255
Didn't Know Him
257
General Jacob D. Cox
259
General George Crook
261
Generel John B. Turchin
262
Lost.
264
"Greased Minnies"
265
Reserves-Rally
266
Innocence.
267
A Hard Tramp.
268
At South Mountain
269
Bound to Go to War
270
A. Regiment in Hospital 271
A Generous . Act 272
Dutch Vinegar 273
1
Loyal Women in the South
CONTENTS. XI -XII
PAGE
A "Snaik " Story.
273
When We Went Soldiering 275
The " Welcome Home" 277
THE THREE MONTHS' SERVICE.
Field and Staff 280
Company A.
281
Company B
282
Company D
283
Company F. 284
Company G
285
Company H
286
Company K
287.
1
INTRODUCTORY.
NECESSARY TO BE READ FOR A FAIR UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT FOLLOWS.
On the 10th day of March last circulars, setting forth our intention of publishing a "complete record of the part taken by our glorious old com- mand in the late 'War of the Rebellion,'" were printed, and sent in con- siderable numbers to the vicinity in which each company was recruited. A sufficient number of copies of the proposed bock were ordered to encour- age us to proceed with the work, and on the first of May "operations com menced."
We anticipated difficulty in obtaining the information, so long a time having elapsed since the Regiment was mustered out, and the members having become scattered almost all over the habitable world. General Cox, now Governor of our State, kindly offered us all the assistance in his power, and through him we could have obtained access to the muster rolls on file in the Adjutant-general's Department. But, after reflection, we came to the conclusion that a more complete record could be made by obtaining from the company officers the use of official documents retained by them when their term of service closed. After voluminous correspondence, and much time spent, we succeeded in procuring the facts that are embodied in the following pages.
·
ERRORS.
That there are some errors in the work we are free to admit. Under the most favorable circumstanres it would be an. utter impossibility to compile and publish a book wherein names, dates, etc., are so numerous as in this without making mistakes. Taking into consideration the material we have had to work from, and the many indescribable difficulties we have had tu
(XIII)
XIV
INTRODUCTORY.
contend against, we feel free to say that we have succeeded as well as ought to be expected in making the record correct. Between the "Regimental Descriptive Book" and the Company Books and Rolls, we have found many discrepancies in names, dates, etc As an instance: in the Regimen- tal Descriptive Book a very worthy member of Company I is reported as a deserter, but we discovered that such was not the case in time to make the correction. There may be other errors in the books by which we have been misled, and if so, the fourth page of this book will show how we propose to proceed in the premises. Another instance as to supposed errors in the Regimental history department: One evening not long since the writer re- quested two members of the Regiment to talk over certain movements that took place at the battle of Resacca, with which each one thought he was perfectly familiar. After a very short conversation we found that their ideas of the matter were widely different, although both were perfectly honest in their belief that they knew "all about it!" Now we simply ask that before any one says we are mistaken in any statement that we have made, do not be too sure that you are right.
REDUCED TO THE RANKS.
In a number of instances it will be seen that after a man was promoted to the position of Corporal or Sergeant he was "reduced to the ranks." It must not be supposed that all such were reduced in a dishonorable manner, or for "conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman." Many men, after trying "non-com." positions for awhile, requested to be returned to the ranks, for reasons satisfactory to themselves; others were reduced in order to accept " detailed duty" without throwing extra work on their comrades in · like positions in the company, as their places could not be supplied while they held their " warrants;" and, taking all things into consideration, it is rarely dishonorable to a man to say that he was "reduced to the ranks."
DESERTERS.
In the Regimental Books, one hundred and fifty-one men are reported as " deserters "-many, however, are given credit for returning to duty. After mature reflection and careful investigation into all the facts of the matter, we came to the conclusion that but very few deserve that harsh and dis- graceful appellative. On pages 87 and 88 is given the cause for the bad conduct of a majority of those who are classified under the above head- ing. If there can be a possible excuse for men deserting the cause they have sworn to stand by and protect, our men had that excuse on the occa-
----
XV
INTRODUCTORY.
sion referred to. For those who did, with premeditated intent, desert their colors and comrades, we are truly sorry. We desire for them no greater punishment than that inflicted by their own consciences, and trust that their future lives may, as far as possible, atone for the evil they have done themselves.
PRICE.
We respectfully request any one who may object to the price of the book to remember that we have printed but a limited number, and that, under the circumstances, we ask not one cent more than the book is worth. Being probably of but little interest to any but members and immediate friends of the regiment, a wide sale can not be expected. Books, the size of this, in- tended for general circulation, of which several editions of thousands of copies are printed, can be sold at a less price than we have put on this. We ask our friends to look at the quality and not the quantity of the matter, nor the size of the book.
PERSONAL.
We have never seen a book in which was recorded the names and mili- tary history of a whole regiment, and we believe such an one has never be- fore been published. We think it eminently proper that ours, although numbered the eleventh was really the first, under the re-organization, from O lio, should be the first in whose behalf such a work is made.
We feel under great obligations to the many kind friends whose assist- ance we have necessarily had to ask, for the favors shown us. They have not only benefited us, but every other member of our gallant command.
To MR. WM. J. SHUEY, Publisher, we return our sincere thanks for so freely according us all the facilities of the extensive publishing house over which he presides. We recommend the establishment to friends of soldiers everywhere.
And now we submit our work to the consideration of our friends and comrades. We have labored hard and earnestly, sparing neither time nor expense, to make the book worthy of the cause to which it is devoted, and feel conscious of having performed the task faithfully and impartially. Should it prove to be the case, however, that any one is dissatisfied, and think that we ought to have done better, we can only say TRY SUCH A WORK YOURSELF; and if you are more successful than we have been, you shall have our hearty congratulations.
Dayton, O. August 23, 1866.
H. & T.
·
THE ELEVENTH OHIO.
CHAPTER I.
"PROCLAMATION."
" WHEREAS, the laws of the United States have been for some time past, and now are, opposed, and the execution thereof obstructed, in the States of South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas, by combinations too powerful to be suppressed by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings, or by the powers vested in the marshals by law : now, therefore, I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, in virtue of the power in me vested by the Constitution and the laws, have thought fit to call forth the Militia of the several States of the Union to the aggregate number of 75,000, in order to suppress said combinations, and to cause the laws to be duly executed.
"The details for this object will be immediately communicated to the State authorities through the War Department. I appeal to all loyal citizens to favor,'facilitate and aid this effort to maintain the honor, the integrity, and existence, of our national Union, and the perpetuity of popular Government, and to redress wrongs already long enough endured. I deem it proper to say that the first service assigned to the forces hereby called forth will probably be to repossess the forts, places, and property which have been seized from the Union; and in every event the utmost care will be observed, consistently with the objects aforesaid, to avoid any devastation, any de- struction of, or interference with, property, or any disturbance of peaceful citizens of any part of the country; and I hereby command the persons composing the combinations aforesaid, to disperse and retire peaceably to their respective abodes, within twenty days from this date.
"Deeming that the present condition of public affairs presents an extra- ordinary occasion, I do hereby, in virtue of the power in me vested by the Constitution, convene both Houses of Congress. The Senators and Repre- tentatives are, therefore, summoned to assemble at their respective chambers at 12 o'clock, noon, on Thursday, the 4th day of July next, then and there
(17)
2
.
18
THE ELEVENTH OHIO.
to consider and determine such measures as, in their wisdom, the public safety and interest may seem to demand.
"In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.
" Done at the City of Washington, this 15th day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one, and of the independ- ence of the United States the eighty-fifth.
"ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
" By the President :
" WM. H. SEWARD, Secretary of State."
THE state of bewildering excitement that had existed throughout the country, for some time previous to the appearance of the foregoing proclamation, was becoming painful in the extreme. It could scarcely be credited by the people of the Northern States that the "overt act" had been committed; they could not believe that the in- fatuation of the Southern leaders would carry them so far as to inaugurate any decided hostilities against that flag which had been the joy and pride of our common country, and the hope of the oppressed of the entire world. But now all doubts were dispelled, DIRECTION was given to the public mind, and all saw what their duties were to be in the terrible crisis.
Early on the morning of the 16th of April, 1861, Mr. ISAAC S. CLARK appeared on the streets of Piqua, Ohio, in the capacity of a recruiting officer. Accompanied by a martial band, with drums beating and colors flying, he started from the Public Square and marched North on Main street, and at almost every step one after another of the young men of the city fell into the line. Stores and shops were almost entirely neglected, and it seemed that for once every man in the town had but a common object in view-to volunteer himself or to do all in his power to make the way clear for others who wished to go. In a very few hours the organization afterwards known as
.
19
THE ELEVENTH OHIO.
"COMPANY F, ELEVENTH REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER IN- FANTRY " was ready to "go where duty called."
And while the MEN were thus engaged, the noble-hearted WOMEN were working night and day in making prepara- tions for the comfort and convenience of the loved ones about to leave them, many, perhaps, forever. And such scenes as these could probably have been witnessed in near- ly every city and village of the Northern States during those ever memorable days.
So little did the people know about war in this hitherto quiet and peaceful country, that many thought it would be but a short transfer from their homes to the field of battle. After a few days spent in the rendezvous camps our embryo soldiers began to see that considerable. SCHOOLING was nec- essary before they would be able to successfully cope with the enemies of their country. Enthusiastically patriotic, and determined to learn, they made light of the duties re- quired of them, and the transformation from the quiet citi- zen to the stern and unyielding soldier progressed rapidly.
But would it not be a curious sight now, after these years spent in the apprenticeship and master-work of war, to look upon such scenes as transpired five years ago this first of May, 1866, at the various camps throughout the coun- try? Those "squad" and "company" drills, what terribly earnest affairs they were! "LEFT!" "LEFT!" "LEFT!" from morn till night. With what deep feelings of pride and superiority over their friends and late neighbors the newly-fledged Captains and Lieutenants brought out their companies before the admiring gaze of the multitudes ever in attendance at the camps, who looked on with open- mouthed wonder at the WARLIKE preparations going on around them! Ah! then could be appreciated, by both
20
THE ELEVENTH OHIO.
officer and spectator, that ever favorite declamation of our youthful days-
"Oh, were you ne'er a school-boy, And did you never train ! ' And feel that swelling of the heart You ne'er can feel again "
But as the task of recording the GENERALITIES of the times referred to is not the province of this work, the SPECIAL object for which it has been undertaken, viz :- to perpetuate the record of the Eleventh Ohio Infantry-will now be kept steadily in view.
. The companies composing the original Eleventh Regi- ment were among the very first organized in the State, but by reason of the greater influence exerted in favor of others their claims to early recognition were not considered, and preparations for its active participation in the war proceed- ed but slowly. Yet, notwithstanding the campaign with camps "Jackson" and "Dennison" as the bases was blood- less, it was conducted with honor to the country and profit to the men engaged.
As organized at "Camp Jackson," Columbus, Ohio, the Regiment was composed of but nine companies-five from Miami county, two from Darke county, and two from Montgomery county, which were mustered into the service of the United States on the 26th day of April, 1861, for the period of three months. At the election for officers, J. FINDLAY HARRISON was chosen Colonel, JOSEPH W. FRIZELL, Lieutenant-Colonel, and AUGUSTUS H. COLEMAN, Major; the Regimental staff officers were not appointed until after the removal to "Camp Dennison."
CHAPTER II.
About the first of May the Regiment embarked on the cars of the Little Miami Railroad for "Camp Dennison," then but a stubble field, of the muddiest description. Ar- riving at this future celebrated camp about nightfall there was "hurrying to and fro" to prepare quarters in time to give shelter from the approaching storm. Plenty of pine boards were at hand, but they had to be carried from along the track of the Railroad a considerable distance through the mud to the place where the "shanties" were to be erected. That first night spent in. " Camp Dennison" will never be forgotten by any who had the misfortune to be there. Although in no wise to be compared to many dark and stormy nights afterward endured by the men, yet as this was their first true initiation to the soldiers' life it left an impression on their minds not soon to be erased. Hud- dled together under their partially erected "quarters," the rain coming down in torrents, with a steady drip, drip, drip through the many crevices in the boards, mud beneath and all around them, but few closed their eyes that night, and when the morning light began to appear it was wel- comed with a heartiness not often experienced by these WATER-SOAKED heroes. But a few days, however, were re- quired to get things in proper working shape, and from that time until the reorganization for the three years'
(21)
22
THE ELEVENTH OHIO.
service the daily routine of duties and amusements was but little varied.
About the middle of May the question of re-enlisting for three years began to be agitated, and as very little correct information could be obtained concerning the matter, great dissatisfaction was manifested throughout the camp. Those officers who desired to remain in the service exerted their utmost influence to retain the organization of their compa- nies, but comparatively few succeeded in doing so. Of the Eleventh Regiment Co's A, F, D, II, and B, were all that succeeded in holding together, and about the 1st of June were "sworn in" by Gen. Cox for "three years, unless sooner discharged." Co. C, from Salem, Columbiana county, and Co. K, from Cincinnati, joined the Regiment in time to participate in the election for Field Officers, under the re- organization for three years.
Every person who spent a day or more at Camp Denni- son about the time referred to will remember a dapper lit- tle gentleman of very dark complexion, quick, nervous movements, dressed in blue frock coat, red pants, and red cap embroidered with gold lace. Whether on foot or on horseback he seemed always to be in a great hurry, and could frequently be seen galloping to and fro throughout the camp in the most frantic manner possible. This gen- tleman was CHARLES A. DE VILLIERS, whose duty it was (although not clearly defined in "General Orders") to act as a sort of "Inspector General" of the camp. Sleepless and untiring as he was it can not be denied that his vigi- lance exerted a good influence over those officers and men who were disposed to be careless and negligent while on guard duty, and many will remember the sudden appear- ance, quick denunciations or approvals of "the Major" at
23
THE ELEVENTH OHIO.
the most unexpected times and places. An expert in the bayonet drill, "Major" de V. took especial pains to "show off" before the men, and succeeded in getting himself elect- ed Major of the Eighth Ohio Infantry, whose quarters were adjoining those of the Eleventh. Each evening after Dress Parade the Eighth were instructed in the bayonet exercise, and so "taken" were many members of the Eleventh with this fancy drill that when it was announced that the elec- tion for officers for their Regiment would shortly take place, Major de Villiers was nominated as a candidate for Colonel. The election took place on Friday, July 5th, and resulted in the choice of the following Field Officers *: CHARLES A. DE VILLIERS, Colonel; JOSEPH W. FRIZELL, Lieutenant- Colonel; and AUGUSTUS H. COLEMAN, Major.
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