History of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, Ohio; their past and present, Part 53

Author: Nelson, S.B., Cincinnati
Publication date: 1894
Publisher: Cincinnati : S. B. Nelson
Number of Pages: 1592

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HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.

with more blood than poetry, appeared in the "poet's corner " of the only newspaper published in the town.

To stimulate recruiting, a bounty of sixteen dollars was offered to each recruit, with three months' additional pay, and 160 acres of land, upon receiving an honorable discharge. For each acceptable recruit, the officer in charge of that service was allowed a premium of two dollars. Stimulated and encouraged by this bounty and premium a recruiting office was opened in Cincinnati, and the roll of fife and drum was heard almost continually on the streets. The Light Dragoons, under Capt. Sloan, drilled regularly at their "usual place of muster," and the Light Guards, under Capt. John Fenno Mansfield, were preparing for expected war. The 22nd of February, 1812, was proclaimed in solemn and warlike phrase, and the spirit of Washington was invoked to arouse the people to deeds of arms. The banquet of that day at the "Wheat Sheaf Inn" was enlivened by sentiments, calling upon the gov- ernment "to immediately direct the storm of war," and by the promised spectacle of "The British Lion crouching beneath the talons of the American Eagle."

Early in April Gen. John Stites Gano was ordered, by Governor Meigs, to raise eight companies in his division of the militia for service in the field. A similar order had been given other major-generals in the State of Ohio, and the rendezvous for the State troops was fixed at a camp three miles above Dayton, on Mad river. Governor Meigs was repeatedly in Cincinnati during these days, making his arrange- ments here and in Dayton. The companies of Capts. Sloan and Mansfield were received into the service among the first. Before leaving for the camp at Dayton, we read that these companies "assembled with a very large concourse of citizens at the Presbyterian Meeting-house, and heard a very learned, patriotic and impressive discourse by Rev. Joshua L. Wilson, from the text: 'Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully; and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood'." If the intrepid and clear-headed preacher took occasion to denounce the double-minded Christian, and the cowardly reluctant soldier, he could find full war- rant in his text, and a ready response in every true and brave heart.

On the 30th of March, Governor Meigs proclaimed a day of fasting and prayer to be observed on the 15th of April, in which peace was designated as the chief subject of prayer-peace at home and peace throughout the world. On the 4th of April, the President approved the act of Congress which laid an embargo upon all commerce to and from ports of the United States, for the ensuing ninety days.

On the 10th of the same month, Gen. John S. Gano, by a circular order, notified the militia of this portion of the State, that 800 men were required for immediate ser- vice from his division. These were to be obtained by volunteering if possible, other- wise by a draft. By the 25th of the same month, the volunteers called for began to arrive. A camp had been provided for them on the hill above the town. At that time the town was almost entirely built on the lower bank of the river, or what we have since called "the bottom." The location of the camp was at the top of the bluff, which then had its crown along Fourth street. These volunteers were joined by the companies of Capts. Mansfield and Sloan.

Governor Meigs reviewed the troops and delivered a patriotic address, in which he foreshadowed certain war at an early day. On the same day, it was announced in Cincinnati that Col. Lewis Cass, afterward the famous senator from the State of Michigan, was passing down the Muskingum river with 250 men, destined for Cincinnati and the camp above Dayton. On the 7th of May 500 militia paraded the streets of the town, and were reviewed by their officers; and on the day following took up their march for Camp Meigs. The soldiers had scarcely found themselves in camp, when the want of military supplies was made manifest. Governor Meigs issued his proclamation, setting forth the want of blankets and other articles necessary for the comfort of the soldiers, and appealing to the good people of the State, especially to the mothers and sisters, to furnish sup- plies without delay.

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HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.

Three regiments of Ohio troops were organized at Camp Meigs commanded by Cols. Cass, McArthur and Findley. The last mentioned colonel was a resident of Cincinnati, and was long known as one of her foremost citizens. He had been receiver of the Land Office, and after the war served in Congress. Col. McArthur was a resident of Chillicothe, and Col. Cass, of Zanesville. On the 25th of May, Governor Meigs, by formal order, transferred the Ohio militia, now organized and officered, to Gen. Hull, then governor of the Territory of Michigan, who had received the commission of brigadier-general. He had served in the Revolutionary war with distinction and honor. He led one storming column at the capture of Stony Point. He was a brother of the famous Capt. Hull, whose intrepid and persistent courage displayed signally in command of the frigate "Constitution " helped to make our navy illustrious. He was the father of Capt. Abraham F. Hull, who served on his- staff, and later was killed in the midst of the fierce conflict at Lundy's Lane, and lies buried where he fell. There was ample proof of fighting qualites, but Gen. Hull had grown very fleshy, and had long passed the meridian of military life. At sixty years he was a totally different man from the daring youth whom Gen. Wayne selected to lead a desperate night attack with empty muskets and fixed bayonets. Ill informed and worse supported by his government, hope and courage failed, and he became the vicarious sacrifice for the blunders of others, more than his own. He should have vindicated the honor of a soldier, by fighting and marching, as long as hope remained. Hard campaigning, much suffering and a long death roll, would have handed him on to the fame of a hero.

On the first day of June the Fourth United States Infantry arrived in Cincinnati, from Vincennes, by way of Louisville and Frankfort, Ky., and marched through the town to the encampment on the hill. These men were mostly the survivors, and, in the popular mind, the heroes of the battle of Tippecanoe. They were received with extravagant demonstrations of welcome. The military organizations of the town had already moved to the northward, but the older men, whose gray hairs announced that they had passed the limit of military service, had organized themselves into a company called the " Cincinnati," under Gen. William Lytle. These had prepared for their coming by the erection, on Main street near the courthouse, of a triumphal arch over which they had emblazoned the inscription: "THE HEROES OF TIPPECANOE." They did not tarry, but on the following morning set out upon the march to the north- ward, joining the army of Gen. Hull at Urbana.

The regiment was accompanied by the twelve-year-old son of Capt. Spencer, who had been killed in the battle of Tippecanoe. The father received his death wound with the child at his side. A boy with such an experience attracted much notice. It was commanded by that Col. James Miller-firm, taciturn, undemonstrative-who afterward at Lundy's Lane made the terse and famous reply: "I will try, sir," when he was ordered to attempt a work, in which success was remote, and death and failure about equally probable.

The declaration of war was made June 18, and at that time the authorities at Washington supposed that the Northwestern army had already reached and occu- pied Detroit. In fact, it was making roads, building blockhouses, and slowly making its toilsome way through the swamps and forests of northwestern Ohio. It did not. occupy Detroit until July 5. Information that war had been declared did not reach Gen. Hull until July 3, though it reached the British authorities in Canada June 25, more than a week in advance of our own army.

The announcement of an actual declaration of war was received in Cincinnati June 29, and seems to have met general approval. The village of 2,300 inhabitants, straggling along the lower bank of the river, had for months, if not years, kept itself in a tumult of excitement with the passions and apprehensions of war. The little community had sent out, at the first call, a number of volunteers, equivalent to fif- teen thousand men from her present population. Out of their own enthusiasm, they

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HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.

had wrought up exaggerated hopes and expectations, making little account of material obstacles, or the energy of a brave foe, and the proverbial fortunes of war. The declaration was hailed with a hearty welcome, and at the celebration beld in a few days, on the thirty-sixth anniversary of American independence, it served to heighten the interest and impressiveness of the festal occasion. The Declaration of Independence and the declaration of war were both read to the assembly by David Wade. An oration was delivered by William Hendricks, and the ceremonies were emphasized with music and song and salvos of artillery. Gen. Gano presided, sup- ported by Gen. William Henry Harrison and Hon. John Cleves Symmes. It strikes us strangely to read that the ceremonies were conducted " in an orchard on the south side of Columbia street." The oration and the toasts read at the banquet were much more sober than the utterances of a few months earlier. Actual war is so dif- ferent from its mere pomp and circumstance, and many of the homes had been bereft of their jewels, and there was concern lest there might be no return.

For a short time the community was amused with rumors of brilliant suc- cess, curiously mingled with unfounded reports of Indian massacre. A little later the rumors that flew about were serious and discouraging. . Gen. Hull's baggage and papers had been captured-a British war vessel had audaciously placed itself where it might damage the army-Gen. Hull's line of communication had been cut-the army had fallen back from Canada-Mackinaw had been captured. These disquieting reports were followed by authentic information that Hull had surrendered his entire army, and with it the Territory of Michigan, and the whole frontier was left defenseless. It was soon known, too, that Fort Wayne was besieged, and that Fort Dearborn (Chicago), had been evacuated, and that almost the entire garrison with the women and children had been treacherously massacred.

A dismal summer ensued. Governor Meigs ordered out the military of the State. Governor Scott of Kentucky sent 1,800 troops with a State commission to Gen. Harrison. The enterprising British general, Isaac Brock, was called to the Niagara frontier, leaving the work in the northwest in the feeble hands of Proctor, and before the season closed a fair defensive array had been secured.

The troops surrendered by Hull were paroled, and sent across the lake to Cleve- land, and Capt. Mansfield reached home to die-of a fever it was said, but his friends believed that his failure to recover was due to disappointment and humilia- tion, which sit so heavily upon a proud and sensitive soldier. He was a cousin of E. D. Mansfield, so long a well-known citizen of Cincinnati, and an elder brother of Gen. Joseph Mansfield, who fell at the battle of Antietam, a half century later.

It is a curious fact that no writer seems ever to have found any record of the part taken by Cincinnati in the war of 1812, after the first troops were sent out. No list of her soldiers has been published. The only newspaper printed in the town fails to give facts or names. So far as the writer can learn the later history of the city in that war can not be written.

Gen. Harrison was the chief actor. Gen. James Taylor, of Newport, the founder of the well-known family of that name, was quartermaster-general of Hull's army. Col. William Stanley Hatch, of Cincinnati, was assistant quartermaster-general. Stephen McFarland was lieutenant in Mansfield's company. Thomas Heckwelder was ensign, and James Chambers orderly-sergeant. Soldiers are rarely historians- rarely keep journals or make records of names or events, but it may well cause sur- prise that no patriotic citizen with a taste for preserving notes, facts and memoranda lived in the town at that time.

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HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.

CHAPTER XXII.

CINCINNATI IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION.

[BY COL. D. W. McCLUNG.]

ANTI-SLAVERY VERSUS PRO-SLAVERY SENTIMENTS INTENSITY OF POPULAR FEELING THE FIRST GUN FIRED-CINCINNATI'S NOBLE RESPONSE TO THE FIRST CALL FOR TROOPS- LATER ENLISTMENTS-HER SOUTHERN NEIGHBORS-THE BURNET RIFLES-MEMBERS OF THE LITERARY CLUB IN THE SERVICE-THE UNITED STATES SANITARY COMMISSION-THE CINCINNATI BRANCHI OF SAME-WESTERN SANITARY FAIR-THE CINCINNATI CHRISTIAN COMMISSION-EXCITING ALARMS CONCLUSION.

OR many years the people of Cincinnati were extremely reluctant to take a hostile attitude toward the South. Her history from the first was closely associated with Kentucky, going back to the years when the elder State sent her sons to defend the infant settlement. Continual social and commercial relations-visits, intermarriages, friendships and common interests-made her people feel as if those beyond the river were her kin. The growth of anti-slavery sentiment had been slow, and its expression cautious and mild. The enraged populace of Cincinnati had destroyed anti slavery printing presses, and mobbed negroes because they were black. Anti-slavery speakers had scarcely been tolerated, and anti slavery meetings were a dangerous experiment.

The repeal of the Missouri Compromise in 1854, much as it was condemned and deplored, did not give the control of the city to the party of opposition to the extension of slavery. At the outbreak of the war, the mayor of Cincinnati repre- sented the extreme sentiment of deference and concession to the Southern people, even after seven States had proclaimed themselves foreign territory, and committed many acts of undisguised hostility. But as events hastened to a climax, the public temper grew impatient and resentful-the feeling so tense and eager that it required but a signal to create an explosion. The bombardment of Fort Sumter brought out all the feeling hitherto suppressed, and roused patriotism which had never dimin- ished, but had forborne demonstration in deference to angry and misguided friends.

Crowds of people eagerly scanned the bulletins announcing the progress of the assault, and when the surrender was announced an excited populace poured along the principal streets, cheering for the Union, and displaying the American flag. In those days it fared ill with the man who expressed sympathy with rebellion, or seemed lukewarm in the national cause.

The President's proclamation calling for troops appeared April 15, 1861, and without delay three companies of the organized militia of the city offered themselves for service. On the 18th, the Rover Guards, the Lafayette Guards, and the Zouave Guards of Cincinnati were mustered into the Second O. V. I. at Columbus. Without pause or remission of zeal, other organizations were rapidly formed and prepared for action. The County Fair grounds were converted into a camp of instruction, and named Camp Harrison. The choice military company of the city, the Guthrie Grays, was expanded to a regiment, the Sixth O. V. I., and reported at Camp Harrison on the 18th. The Fifth Regiment entered camp on the 20th, the Ninth on the 22nd of April, and the Tenth on the 7th of May. These regiments were made up entirely of young men from Cincinnati and Hamilton county, and numbered about four thousand men. They were all transferred to Camp Dennison, their first route, marching on the 23d of May. They all performed faithful service to the end of their three-years term of enlistment, and one of them (the Fifth), though " fought to a frazzle," re-enlisted for the war.

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HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.

The zeal in behalf of the country did not slacken with the first offerings, but became a steady and systematic force. At the close of the year the county of Hamilton had sent to the field more than eight thousand men. These, in addition to the regi- ments already named, were mostly in the Twenty-eighth, Thirty-ninth, Forty-seventh, Fifty-fourth, Seventy- fifth Regiments of Infantry, and the Fourth and Fifth Regiments of Cavalry, and in the First and Second Kentucky which were organized at Camp Clay (Pendleton) within the city. Less than half the soldiers of those two Kentucky regiments were citizens of the State in whose name they enlisted.

The prompt and vigorous response to the country's call by a people so conserva- tive, with such great resources and wealth, situated on the border of disputed terri- tory, was a gratifying and memorable surprise. On the part of many, the first feeling was one of apprehension for the tempting stores so near to danger; but there was soon an unanimous feeling that the only way to avoid danger was to meet it manfully.

The first subject pressing for immediate settlement was her commercial relations with the people of Kentucky and other southern States. The attitude of Kentucky was most unfortunate, not only for the national cause, but for her own fair fame. She was not prepared to join the Rebellion, and not ready to defend the nation. Her governor had defiantly-even insolently-refused to respond to the call for troops, and the governor of Ohio had offered to fill her quota, after answering all demands upon his own State-an offer which was made good. The people of that State were so nearly balanced between conflicting interests and feelings-their governor bent on mischief as far as his ability and courage might serve -- that, like a double-minded man, their hesitation and instability made them the derision of men, and set them helpless in the pillory of history. It could not but be a question of deepest solici- tude whether Cincinnati was to have a hostile or a friendly population within gunshot of her banks and warehouses, and great manufactories. Hon. Thomas M. Key, of Cincinnati, was sent by Governor Dennison to confer with the recreant governor of Kentucky. The latter gave assurance that he would not permit anything to be done that might seem like a menace to Cincinnati. But the people of Cincinnati had better judgment than to put implicit confidence in the professions of a governor that could not determine on which side of the great contest he belonged. They insisted in a rather irregular and menacing way that shipments to Kentucky, of everything which might aid rebellion, should cease at once. This action brought a large dele- gation of citizens from Louisville whose trade was menaced by this popular embargo.

They were received in the Cincinnati Council Chamber, April 23, 1861. The mayor, Mr. Hatch, presided, and Hon. Rufus King, after an address of friendship, appealing to old and kindly remembrances, read a letter from Governor Dennison, in which he laid down the rule that "so long as any State remains in the Union, with professions of attachment to it, we can not discriminate between that State and our own." The governor of the State could not well speak otherwise; but the people of Cincinnati were not restrained by executive limitations or diplomatic necessities. Before the meeting closed Hon. Bellamy Storer warned the Kentuckians that "this is no time for soft words. We feel that you have a governor who can not be depended upon in this crisis. While we rejoice in your friendship, while we glory in your bravery, we would have you understand that we are your equals, as well as your friends."

Evidently the people were not satisfied with the inconclusive action of this meet- ing, for, only four days later, an indignation meeting was held at which in speeches and resolutions the people denounced the attempt to draw fine distinctions or to refine upon rebellion. Not satisfied with this plain speaking and the prepared expression of feeling, a resolution, evidently struck out in the heat of the meeting, was adopted with a storm of cheers, denouncing as a "traitor, and meriting the doom of a traitor, anybody and everybody, who would sell any article contraband of war,

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HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.

to any person or any State, that had not declared a firm purpose to sustain the government." This was sufficiently clear as to the temper of the people in Cincin- nati in April, 1861. It was not long, however, until trade regulations, issued by the" government, and enforced by the surveyor of the port, gave an orderly and effective operation to this determined and outspoken loyalty.

Not many days after the outbreak of hostilities, effervescent and tumultuous zeal gave way to organized effort, in accordance with the unfailing capacity of the Amer- ican people for orderly movements.

Among the organizations which thus sprang into existence the Burnet Rifles is worthy of special notice on account of the subsequent history and achievements of its members. It was composed of members of the Cincinnati Literary Club, an association of educated and professional gentlemen, organized in 1849, and still in existence. April 17, 1861, two days after the call of the President for troops, a special meeting of the club was called to order by R. B. Hayes, one of its mem- bers, who was to be much heard of in after times. A committee of three was appointed which reported in favor of forming a military company at once, and mak- ing all necessary preparations for its equipment and efficiency. The roll of mem- bers was called, and thirty-tliree at once agreed to join the new company .

Robert W. Burnet was named as the commander, and the work of drilling the company in daily military exercises was begun. Capt. John Pope, at that time on duty in this city as an officer of engineers, afterward the distinguished major-gen- eral in our army, then a member of the club, was the first drill officer. After a few days a sergeant from the Newport barracks named Reichman was engaged to perform this duty, and the company was drilled by him three times daily.

In a short time, as regiment after regiment was organized, the membership of this company was drawn upon for officers in every branch of the service. The com- pany enlisted in this service of drill and instruction a total number of fifty-one. A most remarkable fact is that of these fifty became commissioned officers of various ranks, from second lieutenant to major-general. All entered the service. The only one who did not receive a commission was Andrew J. Rickoff, who at that time was superintendent of public schools of Cincinnati.

The Literary Club gave so many members to the military service that it could hold no meetings for months. In the following October it recruited new members, and reorganized. The following summary history of its members shows strikingly its influence upon subsequent events. Our limit of space will not permit a more extended notice.

MEMBERS OF THE LITERARY CLUB IN THE SERVICE OF THE UNITED STATES DURING THE WAR.

Anderson, Thomas M .- May 7, 1861, second lieutenant U. S. Cavalry; May 14, 1861, captain U. S. Infantry; August 1, 1864, brevet lieutenant-colonel U. S. A .; March 26, 1868, major U. S. Infantry.

Baldwin, William H .- July 16, 1862, lieutenant colonel Eighty-third O. V. I .; March 13, 1865, brevet colonel; April 9, 1865, brevet brigadier-general.

Billings, John S .- April 16, 1862, captain and assistant-surgeon U. S. A .; March 13, 1865, major and brevet lieutenant-colonel.

Bond, Frank S .- March 11, 1863, major and aid-de-camp U. S. Volunteers, Gen. Rosecrans' staff; November 18, 1864, resigned.

Bonte, J. H. C .- January 24, 1862, chaplain Forty-third O. V. I .; September 3, 1862, resigned.

Corwine, Richard M .- March 21, 1862, major and A. D. C. judge advocate Fre- mont's staff; July 27, 1863, resigned.

Cross, Nelson-June 20, 1861, lieutenant-colonel Sixty-seventh N. Y. State Volunteers (First Long Island).

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HISTORY OF CINCINNATI AND HAMILTON COUNTY.

Disney, William-May 10, 1864, captain Company I, 137th O. V. I. ; August 19, 1864, mustered out with regiment.

Dumont, Robert S .- April 25, 1861, captain Company B, Fifth N. Y. V. I. (Duryee Zouaves); October 1, 1861, resigned; December 11, 1861, secretary and aid to Admiral Bell, commanding Pacific squadron; July 16, 1862, volunteer lieu- tenant U. S. Navy; May 15, 1863, naval judge advocate Pacific Department; March 1, 1864, resigned.

Ewing, Thomas, Jr .- September 15, 1862, colonel Eleventh Kansas Volunteer Infantry; March 13, 1862, brigadier-general U. S. Volunteers; September 27, 1864, wounded at battle of Pilot Knob; March 9, 1865, resigned.

Foote, Henry E .- February -, 1865, major and surgeon U. S. Volunteers (Thirteenth Missouri, afterward Twenty-second Ohio); medical director Second Division, Seventh Army Corps; November 18, 1864, mustered out with Twenty- second Regiment.

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History of Cincinnati and Hamilton County, Ohio; their past and present, Part 53

Author: Nelson, S.B., Cincinnati Publication date: 1894 Publisher: Cincinnati : S. B. Nelson Number of Pages: 1592

Author: Nelson, S.B., Cincinnati
Publication date: 1894
Publisher: Cincinnati : S. B. Nelson
Number of Pages: 1592