USA > Ohio > Auglaize County > Saint Marys > Ninth reunion of the 37th Regiment O.V.V.I., St. Marys, Ohio, Tuesday and Wednesday, September 10 and 11, 1889 > Part 5
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THIRTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT, O. V. V. I.
we started on the march again, this time going to to the right wing of Sherman's army.
I well remember how, on the night of July 27th, at I should say, 7 or 8 o'clock, we were halted and told that we would stay long enough to cook our supper, but as soon as we had our fires nicoly started and before our coffee came to a boil the rebels commenced shelling us from Fort Walker and so accurate was their fire that we had to abandon our coffee cooking and start on the march again without our suppers. At or near midnight we finally went into camp, from where we again started early in the morning of the 28th, on which day the regiment was in . the battle known as Ezra Chapel where our honored President and Comrado, Major Hipp, lost his left arm and where I lost my friend and bunk-mate, Henry Linneman, who was so sev- erely wounded that he died within a few days. The battle of Ezra Chapol deserves more than a mere mention. Our regiment was on the extreme right and became engaged with the enemy at about 10 A. M. Some three or four companies of our regiment were sent out on the skirmish line, the Major, our commander, romaining at his post with the regiment. Our skirmishers soon found that the rebels were too numerous for them, for the rebel left extended quite a distance beyond our right and coming at them from both front and flank forced them to fall back to our main line. Just at this moment when everything was confusion our Major was wounded and was seen falling off his horse, and but for the brave act of our color-bearer, Comrade Ernst Torgler, would have been captured by the rebels, for the rebles were now charging our main line and for the time being it had to fall back; but happily for us reenforcements were at hand, extending our right so that we soon not only regained our position but forced the rebels to retreat for some distance.
From July 29th to Aug. 28th, the regiment lay in the trenches in front of Atlanta doing picket duty and such other duties as falls to a soldiers lot, having more or less killed and wounded every day. I remember of an incident that happened the latter part of August; the Comrades doubtless remember that a little
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THIRTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT, O. V. V. I.
to the right in our rear there was quite a ravine that we took when going after water and wood, knowing just where to go to be out of harms way; well, early one morning a regiment of Zouaves was being moved from the left to our right. and as the colonel came to this ravine, some of our boys said to him that he was on dangerous ground and that he had better take his regiment up the ravine, but he thought he knew what he was doing and kept his line of march but soon found to his sorrow that he would have done better to have heeded our advice, for as the rebels opened out on the regiment with shot. and shell the colonel and his staff unceremoniously dismounted and footed it with the soldiers on the double-quick to eross the danger spot, which was a distance of about three to four hundred yards, and many were the shouts that went up from our regiment seeing the boys run. I remember a particularly small soldier who turned a complete somersalt caused by a cannon-ball.
About August 28th General Sherman made his last grand move for capturing the city. Our company or the most of it was on picket, when towards evening our picket force was doubled and the moving of troops began; a part of the army was sent to the rear re-crossing the Chattahoocheever and the balance of the army, the 14th, 15th and 17th army corps started south- ward. Our picket line had orders to stay and keep up appearar es, just as long as possible, which we did until near midnight when by the force the rebels sent to find out if possible what the yankees were doing, we were forced to retreat, marching all night long until near morning of the 29th, when we caught up with the regiment, but we got no rest for Sherman was in a hurry and the regiment was on the march all that day until late at night. The next day, August 30th we struck Johnny Reb again about ten to twelve miles west of Jonesboro, and the regiment was in line of battle all day, steadily driving them back until within about one and half miles from Jonesboro, where they had a strong line of entrenehments; we made our last move forward after dark where we lay on our arms for the night. The next morning with day-break we were up and commenced building
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THIRTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT, O. V. V. I.
breast-works which we completed at or near noon, for I re- member that Fredk Brucksieker and myself were just through with our dinner, a part of which we foraged between the lines, when the rebels brought a train load of soldiers out of Atlanta and as the train stopped in full view of our line, I being among the curious ones that wanted to see everything that was going on and stepping partly on top of our works in order to see bet- ter, I was struck with a rebel bullet that sent me to the rear for four months, but I had the satisfaction of knowing that Atlanta was ours and that the back bone of the rebellion was broke.
Thanking the Comrades and all present for their kind atten- tion, I will add that losses the regiment sustained in this nearly five months campaign from Resaca to Jonesboro, in killed, wound- ed and prisoners was nearly 100 men out of a total of about 400 that started in at the commencement of the campaign.
Song-"Marching Through Georgia." Quartelle. MARCHING THROUGH GEORGIA.
Bring the good old bugle, boys! we'll sing another song- Sing it with that spirit that will start the world along- Sing it as we used to sing it fifty thousand strong, While we were marching through Georgia.
CHORUS-"Hurrah ! hurrah ! we bring the Jubilee ! Hurrah ! hurrah ! the flag that makes you free !" So we sang the chorus from Atlanta to the sea, While we were marching through Georgia.
How the darkies shouted when they heard the joyful sound ! How the turkeys gobble which our commissary "found !" How the sweet potatoes even started from the ground, While we were marching through Georgia.
CHORUS-Hurrah ! hurrah ! etc.
Yes, and there the Union men who wept with joyfull tears, When they saw the honored tlag that they had not seen for years; Hardly could they be restrained from breaking forth in cheers, While we were marching through Georgia.
CHORUS-Hurrah ! hurrah ! etc-
"Sherman's dashing Yankee boys will never reach the coast!" So the sauey rebels said, and 'twas a handsome boast;
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THIRTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT, O. V. V. I.
Had they not forgot, alas! to reckon with the host, While we were marching through Georgia.
CHORUS-Hurrah! hurrah! etc.
So we made a throughfare for Freedom and her train, Sixty miles in latitude-three hundred to the main; Treason fled before us, for resistance was in vain,
While we were marching through Georgia.
CHORUS-Hurrah ! hurrah ! etc.
Address-"From Atlanta to the Sea." "Through the Carolinas to Washington and Home."
CAPT. LOUIS E. LAMBERT.
MR. PRESIDENT, COMRADES AND FRIENDS, LADIES AND GENTLE. MEN :-
I will not tell you all in detail, as it would take too long to do so. I will simply outline the balance of our service, com- mencing from the battle of Jonesboro, which, of all the many battles that were fought during the Atlanta campaign, has finally resulted in the capture of Atlanta.
Jonesboro was entered by us on the 1st of September, 1864, and by night Atlanta was occupied. We persued the enemy as far as Lovejoy Station, at which place the rebel field hospi- tals showed part of the work that we had done in this battle; piles of amputated limbs were laying there 10 feet high and thousands of poor Johnnies were suffering. From here we re- turned to East Point, September 7th, where we went into camp for a short rest. The rebel forces under General Hood were now moving towards our rear, where they tried to cut our R. R. communication and means of supplies. Their movements were however too well watched, and every attempt was gloriously repulsed. Forced marches were made over northern Georgia and Alabama, and the enemy's cavalry encountered near Gads- den, Alabama, on the Coosa River. On the advance of our Bri- gade, in line of battle, the enemy retreated in such haste, that it was useless for infantry to attempt the pursuit. The regi- ment then returned to Ruflins Station. The great march through Georgia to the Sea was at that time forming, and our
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THIRTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT, O. V. V. I.
energetie commander, General W. T. Sherman, had ordered up to Atlanta all the troops that could be spared, leaving behind an army under General Thomas at Nashville, Tennessee, suffi- ciently strong to hold in check, and wind up the rebel forces under General Hood.
On the 13th of November, 1864, our regiment marched in - to Atlanta to draw the necessary outfit for the long march, and on the 15th we started with the army, breaking off all commu - nications with the North, and our relatives and friends at home. Our grand army, which steadily moved forward, but never backward, with its great Chief, marched through the heart of the confederacy, and feared nothing. The route of our Regi- ment passed over McDonough's Indian Springs, near which place we crossed the Ocmulgee River, thence through the towns of Hillsboro and Clinton, where we performed in company with the 15th Michigan Infantry, valuable service in preventing the enemy's cavalry from crossing the road leading to Marion, in view of capturing and destroying one of our division trains at that time packed in the town of Clinton. Covering the rear of the division, we marched the following day toward Griswold, and having crossed the Georgia Cen. R. R. we passed through Ir- vinton. We crossed the Oconee River on the 26th of November, and after marching through extensive swamps, arrived at Sum- mertown on the 30th.
'Continuing our line of march through the low swampy lands of Georgia, along the southern side of the Ogeechee River, we crossed the Connouchee River on the 9th of December. In marching through these swamps, it was not so pleasant as it is to move along on good solid road. Many miles of corduroy roads we were obliged to build, by cutting down the trees, in order to bring up our artillery and wagon trains, and often for weeks, we had not a dry stitch on our back, wading through creeks and rivers, sometime up to the neck, and raining day and night, and not a dry spot to lay down on, when we halted to res' } a few hours at night. However we endured all bardships cheer- fully, we were determined to save our country. We then reach -
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THIRTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT, O. V. V. I.
ed the Savannah & Gulf R. R. of which we destroyed many miles. We had no use for railroads in that part of the country, and consequently they disappeared as far as our army could reach them. Bridges we found but very few as the enemy had burned them, if they had time enough to do so; that how- ever would not prevent us from moving steadily forward. Where the rivers were too swift and too deep to wade through, we would swim across on horses or on mule back, or build pou- toon bridges in face of the enemy's fire. Recrossing the Con- nouchee River, we passed the Ogeechee and advanced to with - in nine miles of Savannab.
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Wo were now close to the sea coast, and hard fighting an- ticipated. Extensive rice fields are in this section of Georgia, which furnished us plenty of food for man and horse, and re- placed the sweet potatoes, turkies and chickens, which often had greeted us during our march through Georgia.
On the 13th of December our brigade was detailed to recross the Ogeechee River at King's bridge, to advance on Fort Mc- Allister, and take that stronghold by storm. This Fort was supposed by the enemy impossible to be taken by assault, as it was strongly built, many obstructions in its front, and the en- tire grounds surrounding the Fort for a long distance over which we must pass, were planted with torpedoes. These tor- pedoes however we had partly removed by prisoners, which we captured in the act of planting them. The bugle was then sounded and the command, "forward, double time, march," and the solid lines moved forward, under the most fearful fire and impassable obstructions; but there was no halt, until the Stars and Stripes were planted on top of the parapets and the Fort was ours. To be in possession of this Fort, was of the greatest importance to our army in carrying out General Sherman's great plans.
We were now in connection with our fleet, and again in communication with the North, and we received mail from our relatives and friends at home who were anxious to learn of our whereabouts. And another dear old friend and companion,
[8]
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THIRTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT, O. V. V. I.
who we had missed for a long time, welcomed us hear : our good old pork and beans, and hard tack. After some days rest our division again marched to the Savannah & Gulf R. R. and completed its destruction for many miles down into Florida.
On our return to Savannah, we received orders to report at headquarters of the 15th Army Corps, to take part in the contemplated attack on Savannah. In the night however the enemy evacuated the city. We then went into bivouac, and oc- cupied our time in drilling and perfecting our equipments.
On the 19th of January, 1865, the 37th Regiment was ordered to march to Fort Thunderbolt, on the Savannah River, where we embarked on gunboats for Beauford, South Carolina, which we reached on the 22nd. At this place the regiment went into camp and engaged in taking our division train out of the trans- ports then lying in port at Beaufort. On the 30th, the regiment escorted this train to Pocotalico, and from thence marched to McPhersonville, where we joined our division on the march through South and North Carolina. In South Carolina we found great bitterness against us, and the high rivers and flood- ed swamps also added to our hardships. On this march we crossed the Coosamatee, the Big and Little Combahee, the South and North Edisto Rivers, often wading through water up to the armpits, and in this way attacking the enemy in fort fied posi- tions.
When we reached the South Edisto River which is broad and deep, we found the enemy strongly fortified on the opposite side, and as usual the bridge burned; so of course they thought, here the Yanks cannot get by, for on both sides of the road, and at least a mile in breadth along side of the river were those swamps, flooded by the high waters. They opened a heavy artillery fire upon us, and their infantry did the best they could. But the Yanks thought different. We brought up some of our artillery on our side of the river, and fired away at them, and made them believe that we were really foolish enough to think that we couldn't drive them from there. In the meantime while our artillery kept up firing we waded through the water, cor-
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THIRTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT, O. V. V. I.
ered from sight by trees and brush, about four miles below, where we crossed the river on horses and mules, on trees that we cut down, and any way we could get across. This took over four hours, during which time we were continually in the water. On the opposite shore we formed into line, and marched quiet- ly up to the rear of the enemy, and when we reached the pro- per point, we stormed them from the rear. We took them so by surprise, that they thought the world was coming to an end; they dropped their arms, and we captured every one of them. From here we marched directly into Columbia, the Capitol of South Carolina, and after crossing the Congaree River werbiv- ouaced five miles south of Columbia.
On the 16th of February, after an engagement with the enemy, we crossed the Saluda River 4 miles above Columbia, and entered the city on that day. We crossed the Broad River February 18th, and for two days were engaged in destroying the Columbia & Charleston R. R. On the 20th we continued our march, crossing the Wateree River and wading Lynch Creek, which had assumed the dimensions of a river, on the 26th. At this point our regiment was compelled to halt until March 2nd to allow the balance of our division to come up; treshets having carried away some of our pontoon bridges, and retarded the march. On the 7th we entered Cheraw, S. C., and crossed the Great Pedee River. On the 8th we crossed the state line of North Carolina. After having passed the head waters of the Little Pedee, Lumber River and Little River, our regiment was ordered to escort General Howard's headquarters and pontoon train of the Army of the Tennessee on the extreme right, which we brought safely into Fayetteville, N. C., March 11th.
On the 14th we crossed Cape Fear River, our regiment marching on the road leading to Clinton, where we had an en- gagement with the enemy's Cavalry. On the 17th we reached Beaman's Crossroads, and our army drew up near Goldsboro, and on the 19th we participated in the battle of Bentonville, North Carolina, which was our last battle that we fought, al- though we did not then know that it was the last.
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THIRTY SEVENTH REGIMENT, O. V. V. I.
On the 24th of March we crossed the Neuse River and went into camp two miles east of Goldsboro. Here we received the glorious news of Lee's surrender to General Grant. On the 18th day of April, 1865, the rebel General Johnston surrend- ered his entire army, and all remaining rebel armies, to General Sherman; and now the war was over. Our joy was extremely great.
Our army then marched over the battlefields of the eastern army, via Richmond, Va., to Washington, where our whole army passed in review before the President and his Cabinet. This was the grandest review, and the largest body of military ever assembled at one place in the United States. Thence we were transported by rail to Louisville Ky., where we expected to be mustered out. However there was more work for us in store. Maximilian, with the French army was still in Mexico, and it would not do for us to allow him to remain there. So our Bri- gade, the 2nd of the 2nd Division of the 15th Army Corps, (of which Corps we here on our left breast wear the badge, repre- senting the cartridge box with 40 rounds, which indicates that every soldier in the 15th Army Corps was always prepared to meet the enemy, with not less than 40 rounds of bullets,) was ordered south once more.
On the 24th of June we embarked on steamboats, and float- ed down the the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, this time taking a pleasure tour through the country, where two years before we had been fighting our way. We steamed up the White River to Duvalls Bluffs, Ark., and thence transported by rail to Little Rock, Arkansas, where we arrived on the 4th of July. Here we awaited further development, and occupied our time in drill- ing and camp duties. We missed the sound of cannon and musket firing which had furnished our ears with their familiar music for four long years.
On the 7th day of August we received orders to be mustered out and sent to our homes. This was glorious news for us, our duties had been performed in all details. The French army bad withdrawn from Mexico, and now we could be spared.
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THIRTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT, O. V. V. I.
Peace prevailed all over our country, and we then started home- ward.
Our regiment was sent to Cleveland, Ohio, where it was organized on the 3rd of August, 1861, and discharged on the 21st of August 1865. All comrades bid farewell to each other and returned to their firesides to once more enjoy a rest under shelter and roof.
We enrolled 1133 healthy and stout patriots in our regi- ment and we came home with 189 men, of whom many were perforated by bullets.
In conclusion I will say : that, during the four , cars service our regiment had operated in the confederate states of West and East Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, Miss- issippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South and North Carolina, every reble state excepting Missouri and Texas, and I feel proud of having served and fought with the 37th Regiment, Ohio Vet- ran Volunteer Infantry, and having had an opportunity to serve my country in the time of need, as a relic of which, I with many of my comrades, bear the scars of wounds received on the field of battle.
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Song-" Tramp, Tramp, Tramp."
Soprano Solo and Chorus.
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MISS ABBIE SMITH.
TRAMP! TRAMP! TRAMP!
In the prison-cell I sit Thinking, mother dear, of you, And our bright and happy home so far away ; And the tears they fill iny eyes, Spite of all that I can do, Tho' I try to cheer my comrades and be gay.
CHORUS-Tramp, tramp, tramp! the boys are marching Cheer up comrades they will come, And beneath the starry flag, We shall breathe the air again, Of the free-land in our own beloved home.
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THIRTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT, O. V. V. I.
In the battle-front we stood, When their fierces charge they made, And they swept us off a hundred men or more ; But, before we reached their lines, They were beaten back dismayed, And we heard the cry of victory, o'er and o'er. CHORUS-Tramp, &c.
So, within the prison-cell, We are waiting for the day That shall come to open wide the iron door And the hollow eye grows bright, And the poor heart almost gay, As we think of seeing home and friends once more.
CHORUS-Tramp, &c.
Music-Medley THE LITTLE SIX BAND.
This closed the entertainment for the evening. The regiment formed, and, headed by the band, marched to the Dieker House, where arrangements were made for the
BANQUET.
The dining room and adjoining halls were pre- pared to seat all the Comrades at once. The tables were tastefully decorated, and an elegant and sub- stantial repast awaited the veterans, as is shown by the following
SCHNABEL-WEIDE.
-J. W. KEUTHAN, FORAGER .-
OYSTERS.
Raw.
Stewed.
FISH.
Black Bass, Butter Sauce, with Parsley.
SOLID GRUB.
4
ROASTS.
Spanferkel.
Beef.
Turkey. Chicken.
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THIRTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT, O. V. V. I.
COLD MEATS.
Ham.
Beef Tongue. Roast Veal.
POTATOES.
In Uniform and Mashed.
CHINESE EGGS.
SALADS.
Herring.
Chicken.
Potato.
Celery.
Slaw.
Tomatoes,
Beets, l'Jekles, Etc.
FRUITS.
Grapes.
Peaches.
Oranges.
HAThanas.
Nuts.
Cake.
Ice Cream.
Candy.
CHEESE.
Frommage de Brie. Swiss.
Hot Ten.
Coffee. leed Tea.
Wine-Delaware. 'Cigars.
After the first assault on the tables had been successfully made, volunteer songs and addresses were in order, interspersed with music by the Little Six Band, and concluding in the early hours of the dawning morning with a march to the different quar- ters of the guests, and seranades by the band.
The following toasts had been arranged for the banquet, but owing to the absence of some, and the . late hours, they were dispensed with :
" Princeton, W. Virginia,"-DAVID FRITZ. " Fayetteville,"-JOHN MOLLENKOPF. " Retreat to Pomeroy,"-DR. L. S. J. GESSNER.
." The Charge of the Suttler's Brigade,"-CARL LENK. " Charleston, W. Virginia,"-ANDREW KOHLER. " Recruits of '62,"-W. H. BIRKENHAUER, " The Army Mule,"-THEO. VOGES. -
" In the Assault on Vicksburgh,"-CHRIST. SCHNELL. " Resecea,"-GUSTAVE LAMBERT.
". Kenesaw Mountain,"-GEORGE WEBER.
" How I Captured Atlanta,"-DR. A. BILLHARDT.
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الاسطد
الج لوك
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7-4-1
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THIRTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT, O. V. V. I.
At 10 A. M., September 11th, the members of the Regiment met at the Town Hall for the transaction of business. The roll of members were called, and the following answered to their names :
Aberle, Joseph, Co. G . . Stryker, Ohio
Altenberger, Joseph, Co. F . Upper Sandusky, Ohio
Aue, Christ, Co. C and wife . New Bremen, Ohio
Bastel, Jacob, Co. F. · Upper Sandusky, Ohio
Beck, William, Co. K . Toledo, Ohio
Behm, Fred, Co. C . . St. Marys, Ohio Billhardt, Dr. Adolph W., Asst. Surgeon and wife; Upper Sandusky, O Birkenhauer, W. H. Co K . Toledo, Ohio
Bodenmiller, George, Co. B . · Toledo, Ohio
Bonner, Nic, Co. K and wife . . Hamilton, Ohio
Brodberk, Math, Co. C and wife . St. Marys, Ohio
Buchhotz, Fred, Co. C and wife St. Marys, Ohio
Dickmann, Fritz, Co. C . New Bremen, Ohio
Dæhring, Henry, Co. C . . Buckland, Ohio
Ehlen, John, Co. C . · Piqua, Ohio
Finke, Henry, Lieut., Co. C New Bremen, Ohio
Fischer, John, Co. K and wife . Hamilton, Ohio
Flath, Philip, Co. F . . Lima, Ohio
Friedricks, Anton, Co. C and wife .
· Minster, Ohio
Gerding, Bernhard, Co. I .
· Glandorf, Ohio
Gerster, Henry, Co. K . Blanchard, Ohio
Hemann, H. H., Co. C .
Lima, Ohio
Heusch, Fred, Co. C and wife
St. Marys, Ohio
Hipp, Charles, Major and wife . . St. Marys, Ohio
Hærvischer, Wm , Co. C and wife New Bremen, Ohio
Huber, Andrews, Lieut., Co. K . . Hamilton, Ohio Hummel, Fritz, Co. H and daughter Wapakoneta, Ohio Kiefer, John, Co. C . Wapakoneta, Ohio Kiefer, Nic, Co. C . Wapakoneta, Ohio
Kohler, Andrew, Co. C and wife Wapakoneta, Ohio
Kolter, Fritz, Co. K and wife Wapakoneta, Ohio
Kopf, Michael, Co. C . . Le Moyne, Ohio
Kountz, John S., Co. G .
. Toledo, Ohio
Krebs, Frank, Co. K and wife . Hamilton, Ohio
Krueger, Louis, Co. B . . · Toledo, Ohio
Krumm, Fred, Lieut., Co. D . Columbus, Ohio
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THIRTY-SEVENTH REGIMENT, O. V. V. I.
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