USA > Ohio > History of the three months' and three years' service from April 16th, 1861, to June 22d, 1864, of the Fourth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry in the war for the Union > Part 16
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 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25
Sunday, June 5th. The morning was quite damp. Skirmish- ing was more vigorous and uncomfortable than ever, and the more so since the order relieving the regiment from duty had
182
FOURTH OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
been received, and yet there was no possible opportunity for it to go to the rear in a body. Some had very narrow escapes, yet only two were wounded; and one of the recruits was pierced through by a rifle ball. Toward evening the boys began to bid "good-by" to the recruits and veterans, as singly and in squads of half a dozen, under cover of darkness, they moved cautiously to the rear and halted, out of danger, waited until all had come up, and then with a feeling of relief-a very strange feeling. that is indescribable, fell into line and marched toward the wagon-train, and camped near it for the night. In the meantime an artillery duel lit up the heavens.
Our ranks had been greatly thinned, since the beginning of the campaign just thirty days previous; during the greater part of the time we had been under fire, even when not in a regular engagement nor on the skirmish line, the guns of sharpshooters having the camps in range; during the thirty days we had sus- tained a loss of twenty-four killed, and one hundred and twenty- one wounded, and about twenty missing, out of a total of three hundred and thirty-five men and officers present for duty subject to detail when we left winter quarters.
The Colonel commanding our brigade of nine regiments issued the following order, from his position on the front line:
HEADQUARTERS THIRD BRIGADE, SECOND DIVISION, ) SECOND ARMY CORPS, June 5, 1864.
GENERAL ORDERS, NO.
The term of service of the Fourth Ohio Volunteers having expired, the Colonel commanding Brigade desires to express his appreciation of their valu- able services, rendered whilst he has been associated with them.
The Fourth Ohio has nobly sustained its well-earned reputation-won upon many a battle-field-until the last hour of its term of service, whilst many other regiments, similarly situated, have been sent to their respective States to be mustered out.
The Colonel commanding prides himself that he commands one of the best, if not the best brigade in the service, and he takes pleasure in saying that the Fourth Ohio has contributed in a good measure towards establishing its repu- tation.
The commanding officer, in his own name, and in behalf of the several regi- ments composing this Brigade, tenders to the officers and men of the Fourth
R
Hiver
Plank
Road
RICHMOND
6
Bridges
12
R
·k
Riv.
Road
Fair Oaks
Dan
MANCHESTER
Road/
williamsburgz M
in
Seven Pues
15
17
Charles CO OF WWWDEFENCE Central Road
Road
w 1
Z
1
Đarby T.
t
SCALE OF MILES
O
-
3
Mall Hond
CHAPIN'S
UI DARLING
Best
Varina
Welt
Yanal
Pontoon B!
)
Hundreds
J
Pontoon BC
of Rocks
Fort Walthal
City Pond
Run
$
Baile
Pocahontas
Appomattox River
Prince George
PETERSBURG
iver Road
R
Cos Road
OF
EF
Blackwa
ERA
.CONFEO
buyes's
Road
Duncan Koad
len R.DR
Dabney's Mill
Bordlown P. R.
RICHMOND ANº PETERSBURG prepared by Bt. Col. W. H. Paine , Engineer Hasproved for "Grund and His Campaigns."
S
VRd Y
Plan of
OPERATIONS
Vosfolk R. K.
Josborn Roud
James River
3
Newmarket5R
OUTER LINES
Chesterfield C.H.
R & P. R. R. R R
DUTCH GAP
S
Rut
ok
Mechanicsville
Road
183
HOMEWARD BOUND.
Ohio his and their heartfelt wishes for their future prosperity, and sincerely trusts that " when this cruel war is over," we may all meet around the festive board and renew old associations.
By order of .
COLONEL THOMAS A. SMYTHE, Commanding Brigade.
JNO. J. REID, Acting Assis't Adj. General.
Colonel Smythe's wish was never realized. This dearly be- loved man was finally breveted a Major General of Volunteers, was mortally wounded April 7th, 1865, at Farmville, Virginia, and died on the very day of Lee's surrender.
The Fourteenth Indiana was relieved on the 6th, and the Eighth Ohio on the 24th of this month, leaving behind only Com- pany I of the Eighth, the Seventh West Virginia, and the Veterans of the Fourth and Eighth, a remnant of the old brigade; the Ohio Veterans were merged into an organization, known as Fourth Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry, continued in the Second Corps, and were in a few months nearly annihilated.
On Monday, June 6th, we left camp, four miles from the front, reached White House Landing at two in the afternoon of the 7th, and turned over our arms and accoutrements. The next morning we boarded the steamer Highland Light, reached West Point at two, Yorktown about four, and the bay in another hour, passed Fort Washington at about eight on the 9th, and reached Washington City at ten, went ashore at once, marched to the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Depot, near the Capitol, where we remained until 11 o'clock of the 11th, when we boarded the cars, reached Point of Rocks at night, Martinsburg in the morn- ing of the 12th, Piedmont in the evening, Fairmount the next morning, Monday, June 13th; Bellaire at ten, Columbus near midnight, where we were marched to some lousy, dirty barracks that were near at hand, where every soldier was to remain until the authorities gave him permission to go elsewhere. Most of the officers, dissatisfied with such a reception, set out for more comfortable and decent quarters ; non-commissioned officers and privates felt that such treatment was not in accordance with the dignity of their soon-to-be-citizenship of a great republic, which they had helped to make great, and sought quarters more in harmony with their tastes. Some went to the depot and took the first train home; some took up their abode at the first hotel
184
FOURTH OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
or boarding house; others, weary and worn, gave themselves to sleep as best they could in the old board tents; most of the latter marched to Camp Chase the next day.
Before noon of the 14th work on the Muster-Out Rolls was begun in earnest and within one week the regiment was ready to be discharged. The boys came again and again from boarding places and camps for several days to inquire in regard to the time they could be mustered out. They received the answer that only two companies could be discharged each day. This was too much. The paymaster seemed to insist upon taking his own time. The boys knew that at the front when danger was near it took only a few hours to pay off the entire regiment, and insisted that payment could be more speedily made now than on the front; threats of arrest were made; the boys determined not to put up with these, and after disarming every guard that con- fronted them, carried their point and were rapidly furnished their arrearages and one hundred dollars bounty, and mustered out of the service. By Wednesday evening, June 22d, 1864, we were citizens once more.
The old flag was turned over to Governor John Brough by Captain George F. Laird. On the flag was the following inscrip- tion : "4th Regt. O. V., U. S. A., Romney, Blue's Gap, Front Royal, Harrison's Landing, Fredericksburg. Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Bristoe, Mine Run, Morton's Ford, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Po River, North Anna River, Prospect Hill, Cold Harbor."
With tearful eyes, glad hearts and hearty good-bys, the boys took the first train for home, many never to meet again on earth. Several years passed before the first reunion of the regiment. In one of the cities where one or two companies of the Old Fourth were organized, the "old boys" meet each year soon after harvest time, to greet each other and talk over the joys and trials of the days of yore. Each year will they thus meet, with ever thinning ranks, until the last platoon, yea the last man. with silvered hair and faltering step, comes alone. What memo- ries will crowd that brain of victories won and comrades brave and true! What feelings storm that heart as it longs to join the yonder thousand and answer the roll-call of our Supreme Com-
·
185
FINAL REUNION.
mander in the reunion eternal. Who shall be that last comrade, that with quivering voice can truthfully say, "I, am the Old Fourth Ohio?"
"The boys in blue are turning gray, Thin grows our ranks and thinner; We played death's game full many a day, But death to-day is winner.
Mid whistling shot and screaming shell, When stoutest hearts must quiver, Facing the battery's belching hell, Some crossed death's silent river.
Some mangled, moaned with tortured breath, Till death in mercy freed them ; In prison-pens some starved to death, With only foes to heed them.
And some "God's Country" gained at last, Died 'mid the dear home faces ; Of limbs torn off by war's fierce blast, Their empty sleeves are traces.
We list no more the shrieking shell, No more the bullet's rattle ; But comrades fall while tolls the bell, As once they fell in battle.
Then close the ranks as years roll on, As life's dim sun grows colder ;
Face death to come as death that's gone, With .shoulder firm to shoulder.
What though above our wasting ranks No battle-flag is gleaming, God's red and white in morning light O'er Heaven's vault is streaming.
Though scant the muster-roll below, Above 'tis growing longer; Though faint on earth our voices grow, In heaven they'll swell the stronger."
LIST OF SKIRMISHES AND BATTLES
IN WHICH PART OR ALL OF THE FOURTH OHIO VOLUN. TEER INFANTRY PARTICIPATED.
1861-Rich Mountain, Wednesday, July 10 - Thursday, July 11
Rich Mountain,
Petersburg, W. Va., - - Tuesday, September 10 Petersburg, W. Va., Thursday, September 12 Mechanicsburg Gap, - - Monday, September 23 Mechanicsburg Gap, Tuesday, September 24 Romney, - Wednesday, September 25 Romney, Saturday, October 26
1862-Blue's Gap,
Blue's Gap, - Tuesday, November 5 Monday, January 6 Winchester, Sunday, March 23 Cedar Creek, Tuesday, March 25 Woodstock, Tuesday, April 1 Edinburg, Wednesday, April 2 Mount Jackson, Thursday, April 17 Rood's Hill, - Thursday, April 17 New Market, Thursday, April 17
Front Royal, - Friday, May 30 Near Port Republic, - Monday, May 9 Harrison's Landing, Thursday, July 3 Evlington Heights, - - Friday, July 4 Centerville, Monday, September 1 Leesburg, - - - Wednesday, October I Snicker's Gap, - Sunday, November 2
Banks' Ford, -
Fredericksburg, - Fredericksburg,
- Tuesday, November IS Friday, December 12 - Saturday, December 13
1863-Chancellorsville, Friday, May 1 Chancellorsville, Satruday, May 2
..
187
BATTLES AND SKIRMISHES.
1863-Chancellorsville, Sunday, May 3 Monday, May 4
Chancellorsville, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg,
Tuesday, May 5 Thursday, July 2 Friday, July 3
Gettysburg,
Funkstown Heights,
Saturday, July 11
Robinson's River, Thursday, September 17
Robinson's River, Wednesday, September 23 Sunday, October 1 I
Brandy Station,
Rappahannock, Monday, October 12 Auburn, or Cedar Run, - Wednesday, October 14 Bristoe Station, - Wednesday, October 14 Thursday, October 15 Friday, October 16
Centerville,
Centerville,
Kelly's Ford,
Saturday, November 7 Friday, November 27 Saturday, November 28
Mine Run,
Sunday, November 29 Monday, November 30 Saturday, February 6
1864-Morton's Ford,
Wilderness,
Friday, May 6 Monday, May 9
Tod's Tavern,
Po River, Monday, May 9 Tuesday, May 10
Laurel Hill, -
Spottsylvania, C. H., - Thursday, May 12
Spottsylvania Reconnaisance, -
Ny River,
North Anna River, - - Monday, May 23
North Anna River,
North Anna River, -
North Anna River,
Tuesday, May 24 Wednesday, May 25 - Thursday, May 26 Sunday, May 29
Huntly's Farm,
Totopotomoy, -
Sunday, May 29
Totopotomoy,
Monday, May 30
Totopotomoy, -
Tuesday, May 31 Wednesday, June I
Pamunky River,
Cold Harbor, - Thursday, June 2 Cold Harbor, Friday, June 3
Cold Harbor, -
Saturday, June 4 Sunday, June 5
Cold Harbor, -
Friday, May 13 Wednesday, May 18
Mine Run,
Robertson's Tavern,
Mine Run,
CHAPTER XXVI.
EXPERIENCE IN REBEL PRISONS - ANDERSONVILLE AND SALISBURY.
We have taken the liberty to give the following from the state. ment of Sergeant J. S. Rice's "Experience as a Prisoner :"
In the forenoon of the battle of the Wilderness, Sergeants Rice, Trownsell and George Musser, having been wrongly directed by an officer, were, with about one hundred and fifty men of different regiments, entirely surrounded and taken pris- oners. Our three comrades were first sent to Gordonsville, thence to Lynchburg, Danville, and on the 23d of May entered Andersonville Prison, witnessed all its horrors, and endured its starvation and barbarism until the 13th day of September. Hav- ing been located near the north gate of the prison they happened to be among the first to be removed, and placed on box-cars, reached Macon the next morning. Having no faith in the statements of the guard that they were on their way to be ex- changed, they resolved to escape, so, with eight others, while the guard was on the top of the car and the train in motion, they made a hole in the bottom of the car, and when the train halted at a small station near the southern boundary of South Caro- lina, they slid down on the track and hid away under the station platform until the train had gone and all was quiet, when they divided into two squads. Our comrades with two others bade the six adieu, not to see them nor hear from them again. Night after night they traveled northward, rested in some secluded spot during the day, living on sweet potatoes, chickens, ducks and such other articles as could be obtained from the colored people. Musser getting sick, was with much regret left behind. The Pee Dee River was reached, and while waiting to be ferried over by a negro they built a fire in a deep ravine, which attracted
189
PRISON PENS.
the attention of some rebel guards in a town near at hand, who surrounded and captured them. They were at once taken to Albemarle, and exhibited for a day and night in a jail to hun- dreds of people who had never seen a "Yank," as "the only living curiosities in the country." They were then removed to Salisbury, about the middle of October, where the cold, chilly winds, rains of autumn and winter, and with but little covering and most of the men barefoot-many with legs frozen black to the knees-made this last prison pen more horrible than Ander- sonville. Many had no other shelter day nor night than that found under the floor of the hospital building. As day after day one or more of this number died from exhaustion and star- vation others were heartily glad to get their places, and thus be sheltered from the wintry heavens. Day after day a wagon load of dead were hauled out, and sometimes a four-mule team was not able to draw the wagon-load of dead, so some were dumped out into the mud.
An effort of the prisoners to secure their release was discov -. ered by the guard, who shot down the men for some time as fast as they could load and fire, then, without anything to soothe their pain, they were turned over to the tender mercies of rebel surgeons-probed, cut, slashed and sawed, without let or mercy.
l'or food enormous prices were paid. A sweet potato, pie or cake, cost one dollar; an onion, egg, apple or spoonful of salt was fifty cents. No wonder our comrade, when released March Ist, 1864, calls it-just as its doom was forever sealed-"THE ACCURSED CONFEDERACY."
190
FOURTII OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
MEMOIRS.
COLONELS ANDREWS AND CANTWELL-SURGEON MCABEE- SURGEON MORRISON -CHAPLAIN WARNER -CAPTAIN WALLACE-CAPTAIN McMILLEN.
LORIN ANDREWS was born in Ashland County, Ohio, April Ist, 1819, and spent his early life on his father's farm, in the common school and in obtaining a collegiate education. As a teacher of youth he early displayed such qualities, and took such an intelligent interest in the cause of morals and education, that he became at once a prominent leader in many reforms. In 1851-52, he was agent for the Ohio Teacher's Association; in 1853 its choice for State School Commissioner, and in 1854 its President, and soon thereafter he was elevated to the Presidency of Kenyon College, a Protestant Episcopal institution that had sent forth from its Halls those who held high rank in the councils of the Nation. When the call was made for volunteers to defend the country's honor, Lorin Andrews was the first man in the great State of Ohio to offer his services, and in any desired capacity, which he had done three months before the President's call for troops.
He was Captain of the first company organized in his county, went with it to Camp Jackson at Columbus, and in the organiza- tion of the Fourth Ohio Volunteer Infantry he was appointed its Colonel, took his regiment to Camp Dennison, and at once arranged for the comfort of his men, and with the aid of his associates rapidly pushed forward officers and men towards the highest proficiency in field maneuverings and drill-manual of of arms. Many re-enlisted for three years longer with the ex- press understanding that their Colonel should retain command of the regiment. He had the entire confidence of his men as well as subordinates in command. On " Dress Parade" as well as elsewhere, he commanded respect, and his men felt a just pride in his fine, commanding person, rich and powerful intona- tions of his voice, that revealed his nobility of soul and lent in- spiration to effort. Tact, mild firmness, self-possession, courage of opinion and action, ease and frankness of expression, intelli- gence and loftiness of purpose, were prominent characteristics.
191
MEMOIRS.
He possessed versatility of talent, the power of comprehensive grasp as well as mastery of details that indicated the ability and disposition to be on the front line in National councils or on the field of battle.
It was a very sad day in Camp Pendleton, near Oakland, Maryland, when the flag was lowered to half-mast, and the regi- ment informed that our beloved Christian commander had passed from earth, at his home in Gambier, Ohio, on Wednesday, Sep- tember 18th, 1861, after a promising military career of only five months. He was buried with military honors and mourned by thousands.
The following is the epitaph on his monument in the cemetery at Gambier:
LORIN ANDREWS, PRESIDENT OF KENYON COLLEGE, EMINENT
AS A TEACHER, PATRIOT AND CHRISTIAN.
The first in Ohio to answer the call of his Country in 1861, he served as Colonel of the Fourth O. V. I. in the First Campaign against the Great Rebellion, and Died a Martyr to the Union, September 18th, 1861, aged 42 years, honored and beloved by all.
JAMES CANTWELL was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, Decem- ber 8th, 1810, and removed to near Mansfield at the age of eleven, where he grew to an honored manhood. He was a Lieu- tenant in the Mexican War; became a member of the House and Senate. At the call for troops he enlisted a company, and on the 26th of April, 1861, was elected Lieutenant Colonel of the Fourth Ohio, which position he retained until the 22d of October of the same year, when he resigned to become Colonel of the Eighty-second Ohio Volunteers.
There was in his bearing the evidence of having earnestly fought life's battles; that he was possessed of much hard sense as well as good nature, and a faithfulness unto death. He seemed ever cool and collected, able not only to take in, but also to be master of the situation. He was a doer, rather than a talker; kind-hearted, generous, faithful and true. Although his resigna- tion had already been accepted, and he was ready to start for
192
FOURTH OIIIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
home, he determined "to go with the boys once more," and accompanied the regiment on its second expedition to Romney. and proved himself of considerable service by his knowledge of localities, his coolness, good judgment and bravery. He soon returned home, was appointed Colonel of the Eighty-Second Ohio, led his regiment through the campaigns of Milroy and Fremont in West Virginia, then with Sickles, in Pope's forward march and retreat. On the 22d of August, 1862, he had com- mand of Sickles' line of skirmishers, moved forward gallantly to the railroad, changed front under a galling cross-fire, "and fell from his horse dead, with words of command and encouragement upon his lips," a minie ball having pierced his head. Thus ended too soon the career of another brave, fearless and valuable officer. His body was brought to Mansfield, Ohio, and buried with the military honors due to his rank.
H. M. MCABEE, M. D., son of Rev. I. M. McAbee, was born May 12th, 1827, in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania ; grad- uated from the Cleveland, Ohio, Medical College in 1851 ; sev- eral years after he entered the ministry and at the outbreak of the rebellion he was pastor of the First Methodist Episcopal Church in Beaver, Pennsylvania ; was among the first that offered his services to the Governor of Ohio-for years his adopted State-was appointed Surgeon of the Fourth Ohio May Ist, 1861, resigned September 16th, 1863, and was killed soon after in a railroad accident near Painesville, Ohio. His reputation as a man, surgeon and physician had preceded him, on which ac- count he was on detatched duty the greater part of the time, act- ing as Surgeon in Chief of the Department of West Virginia un- der Generals Kelley and Lander; had charge of Camp Ohio until March, 1863, and of over a thousand wounded men after the battle of Gettysburg, having been for some time Surgeon in Chief on the Staff of General Reynolds.
He was possessed of an intensely affectionate yet highly sensi- tive nature. He was a hard worker, and good organizer. His many plans for the welfare of the sick and wounded, his reports to his superiors from subordinates, of examinations into a large number of cases, his letters to and from friends of the sick and wounded that had been under his care and treatment, convince one that Surgeon McAbee was most assiduous in his attentions
193
MEMOIRS.
to the needs of those in his charge. He expected well men to be men, and had a supreme contempt for the man who tried to play off sick. For the truly sick, in his intense desire to do his whole duty, he ofttimes gave his eyes but little sleep or his weary body the needed rest. He cared for his wounded even though he had to go inside of the enemy's lines, and hazarded a conflict with his superiors for the sake of the comfort of his sick.
His letters are characteristic of one who had noble purposes, firm resolves, high ideals, and lofty conceptions of Christian duty. The following is a specimen from his letter of resignation, written to Secretary Stanton :
"After the battle of Gettysburg, with but three assistants, I was left in charge of a thousand badly wounded men, not a few of whom, I fear, absolutely died for want of appropriate and good professional care. And it is my deliberate opinion that the failure to furnish a sufficient number of medical officers on that occasion has cost the country more good mer than did the charge of any rebel brigade on that severely contested field. I have no candidates to urge for places, and have nothing to ask for myself. I have been in the field since May Ist, 1861, and although I believe now, as I did then, that a place in the army in times like these is the most honorable to which a citizen can aspire, yet I have so entirely despaired of seeing the medical staff of the army made what the country and age have a right to expect, that I shall accept it as a personal favor to be allowed honorably to retire to the quiet of private life."
The following from the pen of Frank B. Nickerson, Sergeant Eighth Ohio, is of value :
"On the afternoon of July 2d, 1863, at Gettysburg, I was carried back badly wounded, to the hospital of the Second Corps, near Round Top, and placed with hundreds of desperately wounded. Surgeon McAbee was con- stantly at work, and it was midnight before he reached me ; having asked a few questions and promised to specially care for me at daybreak, he turned to a mere boy on my left-a Confederate-not more than seventeen years old ; death's pallor was on his brow and the blood flowing from his mouth ; he was moaning pitifully, in striking contrast to the silent way so many were suffering and dying all around. Dr. McAbee seemed touched with his youthful appear- ance and disquietude of mind, and said to him, "My poor fellow, you cannot be helped; you can live but a little time." The boy broke out in a despairing cry, " My poor mother, what will she do ? I cannot die, I cannot die. She will never know what became of me. I was shot on the skirmish line and no one knows it." The Surgeon wrote into his notebook his name as a member of a Georgia regiment, and his mother's address, and promised, if possible, to write to his mother, and then knelt down by his side, holding the lantern in his blood stained hand; with the other he took a pocket Bible from his pocket and read the first fourteen verses of the Fourteenth of St. John, and then
194
FOURTH OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
offered up a prayer for the soul that was passing away, in such simple, carnes! language that helped the faith of all. Twenty-two years have passed and I still have a tender memory for the heartfelt ministrations of that man that night. Last summer, in visiting the battle-field, I rode to that barn, noticed the blood stains upon its sills, and asked the owner if any Confederates were brought here. Ile replied, "Yes, one boy-and I buried him across that little rolling by the fence. I miss the place when I plow. He is there.'
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.