USA > Ohio > History of the Sixteenth battery of Ohio volunteer light artillery, U. S. A., from enlistment, August 20, 1861, to muster out, August 2, 1865 > Part 8
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12
Horned toads and tarantulas, scorpions and rattlesnakes were plenty; of the toads the boys brought many home in cigar boxes: of the snakes, the ambition was to get the rattle with as many coils as possible. One day as we were getting cattle from the lower part of the island, one of the boys spied a rattlesnake crawling through a bunch of grass; he jumped off his horse, put his foot on the body of the snake. seized the tail and jerked off the rattles and let the snake go. which must have been very much surprised and chagrined next time he tried to rattle and the thing wouldn't work. But the flies exceeded anything we ever saw. No tin cup of coffee could ever be drunk without several falling into it. So when the time cante, June 8, 1864, we were glad to bid farewell to Texas.
On our return to New Orleans, June 12th. the 13th Corps was discontinued and we were put into the 19th Corps, but this new Corps never had the meaning for us that the old 13th Corps had: for in the 13th Corps we did some effective sol- diering, our very best, but with the 19th Corps we never made a single march. We camped at Carrolton under the famous live oaks, the lower branches of which start only six to eight icet from the ground, are over two feet thick, and run out almost horizontally 50 to Co feet, so that a whole regiment
98 SIXTEENTH BATTERY OHIO VOLUNTEER LIGHT ARTILLERY.
can camp under one tree. There was no fighting to do, to enemy near, and so little to appeal to a real soldier that those who had not re-enlisted were glad when in August they could start for home. As it turned out the battery never fired another shot at the enemy. Camp was changed, new equip- ments were received. but nothing of startling importance hap- pened. The 38 who went home, went by boat to Cairo, then by rail to Cincinnati and Columbus, where they were mus- tered out at Camp Chase, September 15. 1864. The places of these was filled by recruits and details from infantry regi- ments.
Up to this time, the period of active service of the battery, it had expended 7,837 rounds of ammunition, or over fifty tons, and had travelled through Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas, by marching, by rail. and by boat, an aggregate of 3800 miles.
Two divisions of the 13th Corps participated in Banks cam- paign up Red River, in the spring of 1864, Hovey's. under General Cameron, and Carr's, under General Lauman. When these divisions left southern Texas for this campaign the battery was left there for want of transportation at that time, and thus escaped the terrible hardships of their old comrades of the Divisions who had shared with them the perils, excitements and victories of the campaigns in Missouri. Arkansas, and Mississippi.
Grant was no longer at the head of things. At the battle of Sabine Cross Roads La .. in April, 1864, the divisions under General Cameron was badly used up, many killed. many more taken prisoners, the artillery and wagon trains falling into the enemy's hands. And these were the same men who had fought at Port Gibson, Champion's Hill and Vicksburg. Had the battery been along, some of the boys might now be telling their grandchildren their experience in rebel prison: perhaps some of them wish they could tell such an experience.
99
SIXTEENTH BATTERY OHIO VOLUNTEER LIGHT ARTILLERY.
but as there is nothing glorious in being taken prisoner, prob- ably most of them are content with quiet days without thril- ling prison stories to tell. Yet we were represented in this ill-starred campaign in the persons of Lt. Funston, who had been detailed for special service with our former division, and who was in charge of the ordnance train, and Lt. Mitchell, who was with the Ist Missouri Battery.
On August 24, 1864, the battery changed station from the Haunted Square, where the camp had been since the return from Texas, to
CAMP OF RESERVE ARTILLERY, GREENVILLE, (NEW ORLEANS) LA.
This was not really removing to another place, only chang- ing camp to fresh ground. for Greenville Station was the place where from the former camp we had taken the cars to go into the city. A hospital was established here and put in charge of Hospital Steward Van Metre, who was all the doc- tor the battery had except as the boys went to the surgeons of regiments brigaded with us. This hospital was situated in a large pecan and live-oak grove. There were several batteries at this camp, all called Reserve Artillery, and all commanded by Colonel Slifer, an artillery officer. The battery reported to him, and he had much fault to find with Capt. Twist for not keeping the men in camp better. The boys were really not much to blame for finding it monotonous in camp, and wanting to have a little variety in town. The brunt of decid- ing who and how many should have passes to town fell on Orderly Sergeant Cory, whom the Captain had authorized to sign his name to passes. Some couldn't wait till their turn came for passes, but wanted to go every day. If they were not missed in camp or arrested in town by the Provost Guard, they got off all right in taking illegitimate liberty; otherwise they had to take what came, "unrd house, extra duty, etc.
100 SIXTEENTH BATTERY OHIO VOLUNTEER LIGHT ARTILLERY.
If the boys were fortunate in escaping the disaster that befell our former fighting comrade up Red River, on the other hand, the absence of any enemy. the lack of danger, and the temptations of a city like New Orleans were not conducive to a soldier's moral welfare. Many young men find it easy to give way to city temptations, the vices always abounding in large places.
New Orleans is a noted chess playing centre, has, in fact, claimed to have the champion player of the country. At the time we were there we came under the spell of the chess- playing passion. A number of sets of chessmen were whit- tled out by the boys, and for months no game of cards was seen in camp, except here and there played by some unable or too lazy to do the thinking required by chess.
The battery being at New Orleans, a very convenient place from which to ship for Mexico, might in a certain event have been given additional service and honor. When Napoleon III .. thought we had our hands full with the Civil War, he conceived the idea of setting up an empire in Mexico, which he thought was too weak to oppose his scheme or match his army. He intended this to be "the most brilliant page in the history of his reign." Maximilian, archduke of Austria, was to be the emperor, but while wearing the crown would, of course. serve Napoleon's purpose and play into his hands. In October, 1863, Maximilian was tendered the crown of Mexico by a party claiming to represent the people; it was not till April 10, 1864, that he accepted it.
Our President and leading generals were keeping an eye on Mexico, and the newly-set-up empire, supported by French bayonets. If there had been danger of permanent French in- fluence and increase of its army to support a throne the Mex- icans did not want. our leaders would promptly have inter- fered; Sherman or Sheridan would have been sent to Mexico with 50,000 men to pull Max from the throne, and send him
SIXTEENTH BATTERY OHIO VOLUNTEER LIGHT ARTILLERY. 101
and the French army home. But they saw that the Mexicans themselves could manage the affair, for in 1867, Max and his leading generals were captured and shot. Yet if it had been necessary for our country to send troops, those near at hand at New Orleans would probably have been a part of them and the 16th Ohio Battery might have had a couple of Mexi- can names to add to its list of battles.
But finally the boys tired of all the gayety of New Orleans, chess and everything else; the more impatient to go home they now became as the war was over and soldiering in time of peace was not to the mind of those in the volunteer service. Their duty to their country was now fulfilled. The offer of their service with their life, had not been in vain. The Union was saved, the Confederacy had collapsed. Not an armed rebel organization remained in the whole country. While dire need remained they had cheerfully borne privation, hardship and danger; but the need having passed, they longed for the home life from which they had torn themselves in the hour of their country's need and danger. The true American citizen is not a fighter, but a man of peace; when he must fight he fights hard, but when the fight is over and the victory won he is ready to hang up his sword, throw down the musket on the scrap-heap, and go back to farm or shop or office and pursue the former occupation as if it had never been interrupted. So, when on June 30th, 1865, General Grant, as head of the Army ordered certain batteries to be mustered out. the boys were about as glad as on that Fourth of July at Vicksburg. The following is the order letting the bors go home :
ORDER FOR MUSTER OUT.
Special Order No. 176. from Major General Canby, dated July and. 1865, was received while encamped at Greenville, La., which stated, viz:
"In compliance with instructions from General Grant,
.
102 SIXTEENTH BATTERY OHIO VOLUNTEER LIGHT ARTILLERY.
dated June 30th, 1865, the following named batteries serving in Louisiana and Florida are relieved from duty at their present stations and will proceed to the points below indi- cated, viz: The 16th Ohio Battery to Columbus, Ohio, to be mustered out of service, in accordance with orders from the War Department."
While undergoing preparations to leave for home the Fourth of July intervened, the Battery was detailed to fire the Na- tional Salute at noon on that date. It proceeded to New Orleans, and took position at foot of Canal street on the levee and performed that service, which was the last serv- ice performed by that Battery.
In a few days following the guns and horses were turned over to a proper representative of the government at New Or- leans, La., who was designated to receive them, and camp was broken for the last time and the start for home begun.
On July 25th they embarked on a small stern-wheel river steamer en route for Cincinnati, Ohio, and had a most en- joyable trip up the Mississippi River. As the steamer was small and carried the mail for all river landings, and stopped at them all, and having but one pilot, she was forced to tie up at night, thus running only in daytime, it gave us a fine opportunity to view the entire river. The boat's cargo con- sisted principally of a Happy Lot of Boys Homeward Bound, and a few ex-Confederates returning to their homes, but not quite so happy and cheerful as we Yankees coming North to the homes we left.
A pleasant incident took place just before muster-out. Among the officers there was none toward whom the boys felt more warmly than Lt. Mitchell. In the dark days of sickness and death at Helena many will recall his kindly at- tention to the sick and his efforts to secure all the comforts and medical help possible in our situation. Those who were present at the first reunion in 1884 will recall Lt. Mitchell's
SIXTEENTH BATTERY OHIO VOLUNTEER LIGHT ARTILLERY. 103
reference to that time, when in his address he said: "And when the fever raged, how many in vain called for some loved one far away. In those days, if I failed to do my duty, God forgive." He did his whole duty to the boys, and many a one recalled it when they were about to separate. On the way up from New Orleans the matter was talked of. and every one felt that some testimonial of their love for this officer should be presented to him. While they were at Camp Chase a gold watch was bought for this purpose; an in- scription inside the case reads: "This watch is presented to Lt. I. N. Mitchell by the members of the Sixteenth Ohio Battery as a token of their respect and love." Lt. Mitchell valued this watch most highly all his life, and referred to it feelingly and appreciatively in his address at the first re- union which was the last time many of the bovs saw him.
MUSTER OUT ROLL
dated Camp Chase, Ohio, August 2nd, 1865, contains no re- marks as to the movements of the Battery from March to that date.
The Muster Roll shows 97 persons present at the muster out consisting of one captain, two first lieutenants, two second lieutenants, eight sergeants, eleven corporals, two buglers, one wagoner, two artificers, sixty-five privates, and three cooks, making a total of 97 out of a total of 340 who, first and last, served in the battery.
7
MUSTERED OUT.
It seems to me but yesterday, Though forty years have fled, Since all the Boys in Blue came back, By Grant, the hero, led. 1.
With waving flags and happy tears, And loud and joyful shout- With warm embrace and friendly grasp They hailed us, Mustered Out.
Oh, what a change those forty years Of peaceful life have made! But yesterday, on Vicksburg's field, Our Battery Monument was laid The battle-field where thousands foug!', To-night is dark and still, The tasseled corn is waving on The slopes of Champion's Hill.
And war no longer shakes the skies That smile above the South: The robin woes his sweetheart in The cannon's brazon mouth. The battle drums are muffled now Upon the last redoubt, And where the bugle's notes are still The BYS lie mustered out.
Methinks I see the last campfire Blaze up against the sky, The Angel adds the last brave name To the deathless roll on high. They're gone! but still in visions fair I see the ranks of Blue That march in glorious columns in Jehovah's GRAND REVIEW.
SIXTEENTH BATTERY OHIO VOLUNTEER LIGHT ARTILLERY. 105
BRIG. GEN'L GEORGE FRANCIS MCGINNIS,
Born in Boston, Mass., March 19, 1826.
Served during the Mexican War as a Captain of Ohio Volun- teers, and in the War of the Rebellion, as Lt. Col. and Colonel of the 11th Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and pro- moted to Brigadier General of Volunteers, November 9, 1862. And served with that rank to the close of the war; was mus- tered out August 24, 1865. After which he settled in Indian- apolis, Ind., and has creditably filled many offices of trust and confidence, both State and National.
106 SIXTEENTH BATTERY OHIO VOLUNTEER LIGHT ARTILLERY.
ROSTER OF THE 16TH BATTERY, O. V. L. A.
JAMES A. MITCHELL, CAPTAIN.
Was born in Bethel Township. Clark County, Ohio, in 1824. His grandfather, Pomroy Mitchell. was born near Culpeper Courthouse, Virginia, and served in the War of the Revolu- tion. The wife of this grandfather, Miss Margaret Van Meter. was born on the Yadkin river, in North Carolina. Her father also served in the War of the Revolution. Her people afterwards moved to Kentucky. She was the niece of Daniel Boone, and was in Boonesborough. Ky., when that place was beseiged by the Indians. She was also a first cousin of Major Lewis, who commanded the Lewis and Clark exploring expe- dition across the Rocky Mountains. Major Lewis was after- wards the first Governor of Louisiana, appointed by President Jefferson.
His maternal grandfather, Sweigert, served in the War of the Revolution.
His father, Archibald Mitchell, and a brother, served in the War of 1812.
Captain Mitchell, the subject of this sketch, was educated at Wittenburg College, at Springfield, Ohio. In 1850, he went to California, where he remained until 1855, when he returned to his home in Springfield. In 1857, he commenced the study of
SIXTEENTH BATTERY OHIO VOLUNTEER LIGHT ARTILLERY. 107
law in the office of Judge William Rodgers. at Springfield. He afterwards attended the law college. at Cincinnatti. In 1858, he was admitted to the bar and formed a partnership for the practice of his profession at Springfield with General Charles Anthony, and, in the same year, he was married to Miss Jennie Stucky, of near Louisville, Ky. He remained in the practice of his profession until the commencement of the War in 1861. In 1861 when the toxsin of war sounded through the land he was among the first to respond, and his enerov and influence were thrown at once into the cause, and his labors from that time forth were earnest and untiring in behalf of his country. At the first call for troops he raised a company, but the quota being already more than full his company was not accepted.
In July. 1861, he raised the 16th Ohio Battery, which was enrolled August 20th, and on September 5. 1861, it was mus- tered into the United States service for three vears, or during the war. This battery became famous for its service and bravery. Its record is inadequately stated in this little volume.
On the 16th of May, 1863. at the battle of Champion's Hill- one of the most desperate battles of the war-the battery was placed in the front. and was engaged in desperate fighting. It was charged upon by the enemy in overwhelming numbers. Its supports were beaten back. The Captain, the personifica- tion of calm, cool bravery. sitting on his horse, held his posi- tion, until he fell pierced by a ball through the left breast. The line was forced back. He was mortally wounded and fell into the hands of the enemy. The ground was fought over five times, but after about six hours of desperate struggle the enemy was driven back in disastrous defeat from the field. The Captain was found near where he fell. He lived until the next morning, May 17, 1863, when he died, and was buried ... on the battlefield.
108 SIXTEENTH BATTERY OHIO VOLUNTEER LICHT ARTILLERY.
His death cast a gloom over the boys; all of whom sin- cerely mourned his death and their great loss.
Noble man! Green in our memory will be the remembrance of his name. Kind, courteous and affable. a good man and a splendid officer. Hallowed indeed. was the cause which de- manded the sacrifice of such men.
After the war the body of the Captain was brought to the home of his widow near Louisville, Ky., and there buried. It was afterwards removed to the beautiful cemetery in Louis- ville where it now rests
Captain Mitchell had three brothers and twenty-seven full cousins in the War of the Rebellion. who gave to the Union cause an aggregate of service of over sixty years.
Mitchell Post, Grand Army of the Republic, No. 45, of the Department of Ohio, located at Springfield. Ohio, is named for him, and in his honor and memory.
His widow remained single and died at her home about 1889. Two sons survive. Both were educated at Wittenberg College. One, Walter M., resides in Louisville, Ky .: the other, Fred- erick S., resides in Asheville, N. C.
RUSSELL P. TWIST, CAPTAIN.
First entered the service under the first call for troops as Sergeant in Company R, 16th O. V. Inf .. for three months ;
SIXTEENTH BATTERY OHIO VOLUNTEER LIGHT ARTILLERY. 109
and re-entered the service in this battery at the age of thirty- three, August 20, 1861, for three years, as Ist Lieutenant, from which he was promoted to Captain on May 1-1, 1863, and mustered out with the battery August 2, 1865, after which. he located in Kansas, near Bonner Springs, where he died Aug. 8, 1906.
GEORGE MURDOCK, IST LIEUTENANT.
Was born in Scotland. Came from Glasgow with his par- ents to Montreal, Canada. And after a residence of several years in the Dominion, he came to Springfield, Ohio. He be- came a member of the local militia company (The Springfield Zouaves). which, at the breaking out of the war, was accepted for service, and was designated as Company F, 2d Regiment Ohio Vol. Inf., in the three months' service. After completing this term of duty in defence of the Capital at Washington, he re-entered the service as First Lieutenant in this battery, at the age of 24 years, on August 20, 1861, for three years.
He had no superior for coolness and bravery in the battery.
He received honorable mention in reports of Generals Wil- son and Hovey, for gallant and heroic service ; especially com- mending his coolness and bravery in battle. He resigned the service July 30, 1863. For many years his whereabouts were unknown to his comrades, but in recent years he has been located at Sicamous Junction. British Columbia, engaged in mining.
110 SIXTEENTH BATTERY OHIO VOLUNTEER LIGHT ARTILLERY.
EDWARD H. FUNSTON, IST LIEUTENANT.
Was born in Clark County. Ohio, in 1836; reared on a farm ; educated in the common schools, New Carlisle Academy and Marietta College; assisted in raising the 16th Ohio Battery, and was mustered into the service as 2nd Lieutenant, Septem- ber 5th, 1861. Promoted to Ist Lieutenant May 17th, 1863, on the death of Captain Mitchell; which rank he held and re- tained to the last. He was a brave and good officer. Was on detached service as Ordnance Officer, 3d Division, 13th Army Corps, from October 13th, 1863, to August 14th, 1864; and as Instructor of Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers at Camp of Reserve Artillery, Carrolton, La., from December 16, 1864, to June 19, 1865.
On September 4, 1861, he was married to Miss Anna E. Mitchell, a first cousin to Capt. James A. Mitchell, Lieut. Isaac N. Mitchell, Pomeroy Mitchel, A. Bartley Mitchell and James H. Mitchell. ,
In 1867, he went to Kansas, and settled on a prairie farm near Iola; was elected to the Kansas House of Representa- tives in 1873, 1874, and 1875; was Speaker in 1875; was elected to the State Senate in 1880 for four years-of which body lie was made President pro tempore. He was elected to the
SIXTEENTH BATTERY OHIO VOLUNTEER LIGHT ARTILLERY. 111
48th Congress March 1, 1884, as a Republican; re-elected to the 49th, 50th, 5Ist. and 52d Congresses; re-elected to the 53d Congress and given the certificate of election. But his seat was contested and he was unseated.
Since his removal to Kansas in 1867 he has been a practical farmer; taking great interest in matters of agriculture, and has been one of the few farmers who have been honored with lengthy service in the State legislatures and in Congress.
He is the father of Brigadier General Frederick Funston, U. S. Army.
ISAAC NEWTON MITCHELL. IST LIEUTENANT.
Was born in Clark County, Ohio. and was a brother of Captain James A. Mitchell. He was educated at Wittenberg College; was a member of the local militia company (The Springfield Zouaves), which, at the breaking out of the war, was accepted for service, and was designated as Company F, 2d Regiment, Ohio Vol. Inf., in the three months' service in defense of the Capital. lfe re-entered the service in the Ict !: battery and was mustered in as end Lieutenant September 3, 1861, promoted to Ist Lieutenant, January 28th, 1865; mus- tered out with the battery August 2. 1865.
112 SIXTEENTH BATTERY OHIO VOLUNTEER LIGHT ARTILLERY.
Always and under all circumstances Lieut. Mitchell was noted for his watchful care over the boys. He was to them as kind as a father, and he was not only respected by them as a splendid officer, but he was sincerely loved by them all. He died in 1892. He has gone to his reward.
LIEUT. CORNELIOUS S. CHANCELLOR.
Born in Clark County Ohio Nov. 23, 1835. Was a member of the local militia company (the Springfield Zouaves) which at the breaking out of the war was accepted for service and designated as Co. F, and Ohio Vol. Inf. in the three months service. Entered the service at the age of 25, Aug. 20, 1861, for 3 years, promoted from First Sergt. Jan. 28, 1865; Mus- tered out with the battery Aug. 2, 1865. Marr'ed in Dayton, Ohio, to Miss Bessie Corson on June 30. 1870. Died at Paola, Miami County, Kansas. Jan. 3. 1905, and buried there.
SIXTEENTH BATTERY OHIO VOLUNTEER LIGHT ARTILLERY. 113
DANIEL DAWSON, SECOND LIEUTENANT.
Entered the service at the age of twenty-seven, August 20, 1861, for three years. Promoted from sergeant May 18, 1863; mustered out with thebattery August 2, 1865. Died in 1889 in Nebraska.
Lieut. Dawson belonged to a prominent family in the east part of Clark county. He was well liked, being especially attentive to the boys in sickness. A medical student at enlist- ment, together with a jovial, kind-hearted disposition, made him doubly valuable to the battery. He died suddenly in Nebraska, leaving a widow and several small children.
Entered the service at the age of 25. Aug. 20, 1861, for 3 years. Appointed Sorg't from Corporal, Jan. 19, 1863; and Ist Serg't, Dec. 31, 1863: mustered out with the battery, Aug. 2. 1865. Veteran.
JOSEPH P. CORY Ist Sergt.
114 SIXTEENTH BATTERY OHIO VOLUNTEER LIGHT ARTILLERY.
stuca
Pom. and Jim Mitchell After a Hard Day's March.
SIXTEENTH BATTERY OHIO VOLUNTEER LIGHT ARTILLERY. 115
Entered the service at the age of 31, August 20, 1861, for 3 years. Mustered as Artificer ; and appointed Q. M. S .rg't, April 28, 1862; and mustered out Sept. 9, 1864, at Columbus, Ohio, on expiration of term of service.
T. C. ACKERSON, Q. M. Sergt.
Entered the service at the age of 38, Aug. 20, 1861, for 3 years. Discharged April 28, 1862, at Pocahontas, Ark., on COLEMAN ASBURY surgeon's certificate of disability. Died during the war. A G. A. R. Post in Ohio is named for him.
Q. M. Sergt.
JAMES C. BAXTER Q. M. Sergt.
Entered the service at the age of 26, August 20, 1861, for 3 vears. Appoint. 1 Serg't from Artificer, Jan. 12, 1864; Q. M. Serg't, sept. 3. 1864; mustered out with the battery, Aug. 2, 1865. Veteran. Died April, ISO1.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.