USA > Ohio > Cuyahoga County > Cleveland > Reminiscences of the Cleveland Light Artillery > Part 4
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The rebels fled in wild dismay, utterly heedless of the efforts of their officers to stem the tide of disaster. They had barely time to get away, and left behind them a large quantity of supplies and material of war which had been collected. The rear end of the disorganized rebel procession had not disappeared when Colonel Kelley's column came in sight. His advance dashed after the enemy, himself at the head, and there was a brisk skir- mish. It did not last long, however, as the rebels fled out of range at the earliest possible moment. None of the Union soldiers were killed. A few were wounded,
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and among them the gallant Colonel Kelley, who received a pistol shot in the breast, which incapacitated him from duty for some weeks. Prolonged pursuit of the fleeing foe was impossible, owing to the extremely exhausted condition of the men after their all-night march in the storm, while the rebels were fresh and able to get off at a speed that defied successful competition. The com- mand of the Union forces devolved upon Colonel Du- mont.
The Confederate Colonel Porterfield and his staff had been living in fine style at the village "tavern." A good breakfast had been prepared for them by "mine host," but the latter suddenly found himself entertaining un- bidden and wholly unexpected guests. The inordinate haste with which the rebel commander and his official family evacuated the town would not permit them to partake of that breakfast, and it was eaten, with pro- foundly thankful hearts-and stomachs-by a company of Union officers.
The following is an extract from the official report of the affair, made to General Mcclellan by General Morris :
"The enemy was entirely off his guard and was com- pletely surprised, as the reports of those engaged in the attack attest. The failure to capture the entire rebel force can only be attributed to the storm during the night. This unforeseen misfortune served to call forth an endurance seldom exhibited, and I feel that the hero- ism of officers and men was as truly displayed in a march of fifteen miles in pitchy darkness, drenching rain, and over a mountainous country as in the irresistible attack and hot pursuit of the discomfited enemy. The last five miles of Colonel Dumont's column was made in one hour and a quarter. Many men fainted and were left on the road. Others threw away their haversacks and pro- visions to keep up, rushing forward with a determina- tion that showed what spirit animated the command. I regard it as remarkable that under such circumstances
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the two columns were but fifteen minutes apart at the time assigned for their meeting. An able reconnoissance in advance of Colonel Dumont's column was made by Colonel F. W. Lauder, whose voluntary aid I gladly ac- cepted, and to whose advice and assistance I am greatly indebted. The immediate direction of the artillery was confided to him. After the bridge was taken he pressed forward and joined Colonel Kelley, rode into the enemy's ranks and captured the prisoner reported to have shot Colonel Kelley. He had great difficulty in restraining the Virginia volunteers from summarily dispatching the man, who was a noted secessionist and a quarter- master of the rebel forces.
"From the reports of Colonel Dumont ( who, by reason of the fall of Colonel Kelley, had command), you will perceive there is much difficulty in making an accurate statement of the enemy's losses. The killed are esti- mated at from fifteen to forty, which were carried off it is supposed by friends, during the confusion incident to the pursuit of the enemy. A large amount of camp equipage, provisions, arms, wagons, horses and medical stores were captured, an inventory of which will be made as soon as possible."
When the tidings reached Cleveland of the "battle" and the creditable manner in which the "boys" had acquitted themselves, they were regarded as the heroes of the hour-warriors of the first magnitude. It was Cleveland's first record under fire and the citizens felt a justifiable pride in the honorable part borne by their representatives in almost the first engagement of the war.
That the action at Philippi was not more sanguinary was not the fault of the Union soldiers. If the rebels had stayed no doubt there would have been a warm engage- ment. It takes two parties to get up a fight, and when one of them "runs away" in order that he may "live to fight another day." there is no alternative but to postpone the battle until that day comes around. But
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it was a clear and unquestionable victory, if it wasn't a very big one. It was memorable as being the first field guns fired on the Union side in the Civil War. It was hailed through the North with loud acclaim. The newspapers teemed with praise of the gallant men who won it, and the mails were bur- dened with letters of congratulation and compliment from friends at home. It showed that the raw volun- teers from the North had that endurance and pluck of which soldiers are made; it did much to prick the bubble of idle boasting that one Southern man could whip five "Yankees." Indeed, it rather looked as though it was the Southern soldiers who would not fight, and some people believed, after Philippi, that the war was about over. Some of the victorious blue-coats thought so and they felt an exceeding great joy that they had been permitted to participate in the action that was the death- blow to the rebellion.
The satisfaction that filled loyal hearts everywhere was only equaled by the apprehension and alarm in the South that were caused by even so trifling a defeat as this. Especially was this true of the Confederate forces in Western Virginia, which were for a time in an almost hopeless state of demoralization. One point after another was being seized and held by the Union troops; regiments from Ohio and Indiana were hurrying forward to reinforce them, and there seemed little hope of being able to dislodge them from that part of the state. After the disaster at Philippi frantic dispatches were sent to the civil and military authorities at Richmond, repre- senting the Confederate cause in that section to be in a desperate condition, and urging immediate and decisive steps to reorganize and reinforce the army, unless West- ern Virginia was to be abandoned to the enemy. It will not be out of place here to give one or two extracts from the correspondence which took place at this time between rebel officials in Western Virginia and at Rich- mond. Under date of June 6th, 1861, Major M. G. Har-
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man, commanding at Staunton, wrote to General Robert E. Lee:
"From all the information that I have received I am pained to have to express my conviction that Colonel Por- terfield is entirely unequal to the position which he occu- pies. The affair at Philippi was a disgraceful surprise, occurring about daylight, there being no picket or guard of any kind on duty. The only wonder is that our men were not cut to pieces. They were all asleep and were only aroused by the firing of the enemy. The safety of the Northwest and of our inexperienced soldiers depends upon an immediate change of commanders, and giving the command to a bold and experienced leader.
* I would again urge rapid reinforcements to regain possession of the Northwest, and that I may receive from you authority to call out and arm the companies from all the valley counties and send them to that quarter instead of their going, as heretofore directed, to their different rendezvous. Send up five thousand flint-lock muskets from Richmond and I will have them over- hauled and put in order for use."
On the same day Major Harman sent a communication to Colonel Porterfield in which he said:
"Tomorrow I shall send you a field battery, accom- panied by cavalry and infantry, which will be joined by other troops on the way and the whole force will report to you at Beverly. On the day following from two to three thousand troops will be sent to you by President Davis from Richmond. I have received a telegraphic dispatch from the Commander-in-Chief of our army, saying: "Send a messenger to tell Colonel Porterfield to be valiant and maintain his ground until relief reaches him. Send him supplies if he wants them." Having re- ceived no official communication from you, but learning from private sources, since the disaster to our arms at Philippi, that you are almost without ammunition, I have determined to send you a supply by express."
When Porterfield and his men left Philippi they did
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not stop running until they reached Huttonsville, nearly forty miles southward, and near Beverly, in Randolph county. From his headquarters there Porterfield wrote on June 9th to Colonel R. S. Garnett, Adjutant General of the Virginia forces at Richmond:
"My force is not only deficient in drill but ignorant, both officers and men, of the most ordinary duties of the soldier. With efficient drill officers they might be made effective: but I have to complain that the field officers sent to command these men are of no assistance to me, and are, for the most part, as ignorant of their duties as the company officers, and they as ignorant as the men. I hope, if I am continued in command, that good staff officers may be sent me to aid in organizing this raw force, than which there is none more so now in the
service. * It is necessary that at least five thousand well-drilled men should be sent at once, as the enemy's army is being daily reinforced; and if aid is not soon sent it will be impossible to keep the open field, even as a mere corps of observation, but we will have to retire to the mountains, where it will be most diffi- cult, if not impossible, to provision even this small force."
On June 11th Porterfield again wrote to Colonel Gar- nett and asked for a chance to redeem himself:
"The enemy remains at Philippi where they are re- ported to have about five thousand men and are fortify- ing themselves. The same number are said to be at Grafton. From five hundred to one thousand are said to be at Cheat River Bridge and other forces are sta- tioned at different points on the railroads. * * * A regiment from Tennessee is expected here tomorrow, having in charge, as I am informed, some pieces of heavy artillery. No pieces heavier than 6-pounders should be sent to this country until some position is selected to be fortified and a strong and reliable in- fantry force is sent to support it. * * The percus- sion caps sent have nearly all been of small size, fo-
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shot-guns, and not large enough for muskets. As rein- forcements are now expected, and we shall have active service in this part of the state, I desire to be con- tinued on duty here. It was not until after repeated calls for aid, and when left with a small militia force entirely unprepared for the field, that I asked for duty elsewhere."
But the Confederate authorities did not intend to have any more Philippis if they could avoid it by a change of commanders. On June 13th General Lee wrote from Richmond to Porterfield, informing him that Garnett had been promoted to Brigadier General and had been sent to take command in Northwestern Virginia.
A court of inquiry was created to inquire into the conduct of Porterfield at Philippi and the causes which led to the inglorious defeat and rout of the Confederate force. The court made an exhaustive investigation and submitted, on May 4, 1861, a lengthy report thereupon. A few extracts from this document will be read with interest by those who had a hand in the game:
On the morning of the day just indicated, at between daybreak and sunrise, this command was at- tacked and taken by surprise; no alarm or intimation of the enemy's approach having been given by the guard or infantry pickets until the enemy was within some four hundred yards of the place, and had com- menced the fire from his artillery. It is shown that a main and picket guard, as strong as was consistent with the effective infantry force present, was regularly de- tailed and posted at distances sufficiently far out to accomplish the object in view, provided they knew and did their duty, which latter is strongly to be suspected, from the fact that, although in advance, they failed to give any intimation of the enemy's approach-a conclu- sion which is strengthened by the report of the mounted officers out with the scouting parties on the night of June 2nd, that they had neither seen an infantry picket nor been challenged by its sentinels, going from or re-
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turning to the town that night. It appears that imme- diately upon the arrival of the command at Philippi the officer in command, Colonel Porterfield, took meas- ures to place his force, which was raw and new in service, under a course of instruction, and to select those in his opinion best fitted to instruct the sentinels and guards in their duties. The testimony shows that, while there was a certain degree of confusion in some quarters, a portion of the command moved from the town in good order, and that the whole force, nearly, after passing some distance, was reformed and proceeded in order.
"It is shown in the evidence that an expectation of attack or movement on Philippi, shortly to be made, was generally entertained among the officers and others of the command, and that intelligence (how well founded is not known) was brought from time to time of the strength and supposed intent of the enemy.
"The testimony sets forth that this had so far pro- duced its effect as to induce the officer in command to call a meeting of his officers; that the result of their consultations and deliberations was an almost if not en- tirely unanimous decision in favor of immediate retreat; that when Colonel Porterfield returned to the room (from which he had been absent a short time), their opinion was conveyed to him, to which he seemed loath to accede; yet, determined to make a further examina- tion of the ammunition on hand, and to prepare the baggage and train for removal at a moment's notice."
Here follow several points in which, according to the judgment of this court, the commanding officer "erred." General R. E. Lee, in reviewing the case, approved the finding of the court and said:
"The commanding general remarks with pleasure upon the coolness, self-possession, courage and energy dis- played by Colonel Porterfield at the moment of attack; but he cannot exonerate him from blame in not taking proper precautionary measures beforehand. , Yet, in
1
:
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consideration of all the circumstances of the case, he does not think it necessary to do more than to express the opinion of the court, in the hope that the sad effects produced by the want of forethought and vigilance, as exhibited in this case, will be a lesson to be remembered by the army throughout the war."
After the action at Philippi came a season of inaction. The available Union force was not deemed sufficient to make a further advance without too great risk of defeat, which would put in imminent jeopardy all the advantage that had been gained. For a month the troops lay quiet- ly at Philippi, detachments being stationed to guard the bridges on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. The head- quarters of the Cleveland Artillery were at Philippi, but the companies were scattered, some of them, with their guns, doing duty with the bridge guards. There were constant rumors of active service ahead and of impend- ing attacks by the enemy, but none of them appeared to have any foundation in fact, for the weeks passed with- out any of "war's alarms" of a serious nature.
During the latter part of June General Henry A. Wise became a prominent factor in Confederate operations in Western Virginia. At the head of a considerable force he threatened an attack upon Philippi. As the Fourth of July drew near a report came to be currently believed that on that day he would attempt to retake the place. All arrangements possible for defense were made. Neither officers nor soldiers had yet learned much about fortifying, in the art of which they became so skilled at a later day, but some rude works had been thrown up which promised to be serviceable and "handy" in case of attack. Part of the guns of the Cleveland Artillery were kept in position where it was thought they might do the most good if there came a rebel visitation. A strong and vigilant picket guard was maintained to pre- vent anything in the nature of a surprise.
Most of the soldiers were in a sad plight as to cloth- ing. Especially was this true of the members of the .
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Cleveland Artillery. Much of the wretchedly poor, shoddy clothing received by them at Camp Putnam had literally fallen to pieces. The men were actually in rags. Some of them went around during those warm July days with only drawers to cover the nakedness of their nether limbs. They looked more like a congregation of beggars than patriotic American citizens engaged in the work of saving the country. That pestilent insect, the "grayback," made its appearance and was soon on terms of the closest intimacy with them. Probably not one in twenty of these innocent young men had ever seen one of these things before. Most of them did not even know that this carnivorous bug had an existence in the wide and variegated realm of animated nature. But it did not take them long to become extensively acquainted with him.
Patriotic emotions were active as the "Glorious Fourth" drew near, and although the American Eagle seemed to be in a bad way just then, it was determined to have a fitting celebration of the day, whether or not Wise kept his reputed engagement. Notwithstanding their dilapidated condition the members of the artillery entered into the matter with great gusto. The arrange- ments were made by a committee consisting of Colonels Dumont, Sixth Indiana, Milroy, Ninth Indiana, Lieuten- ant Colonel Dickey, Fifteenth Ohio, "Bob" McCook, Ninth Ohio, Barnett, Cleveland Light Artillery, and others. During the month previous the Union forces had been augmented by several additional regiments, as designated above.
An elaborate program was made out, which included speeches, music, both vocal and instrumental, and, of course, the reading of that patriotic but somewhat musty and dusty old document, the Declaration of Independ- ence. This always has been, and probably always will be, considered an essential factor in a Fourth of July celebration, under any and all circumstances, although nobody ever listens to it, or can remember, five minutes
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after a single word of what it contains. In casting about for a person who could read this ponderous paper with fitting dignity and impressiveness the committee decided upon Warren P. Edgarton, then a private of Company D, Cleveland Light Artillery, who had won some reputation as an elocutionist, and he was promptly detailed for this duty.
Edgarton was in sore distress of mind over the condi- tion of his wardrobe. He hadn't any clothes to speak of, and half the time was running around camp with only a ragged shirt and a pair of drawers. He had a fine physique and would tip the beam at about a hundred and eighty. He had a sort of artillery jacket but it was three sizes too small, and when he crowded himself into it he looked and felt like a woman wearing a tightly laced corset; so that he didn't put it on except on state occasions, when his usual negligee uniform would be considered a gross and violent breach of army regula- tions. He had a pair of shoes that were three sizes too large for even his substantial and well-developed feet, in which he would go sloshing around camp. At night he used to "park" his shoes outside, as there wasn't room for them in the tent, without crowding everybody out. He wore on his head a little cap which, never within an inch of his size, had so shrunk and shriveled under the demoralizing influence of sun and storm that it only lay upon the top of his head, looking not much bigger than a postage stamp. All in all he was a start- ling and picturesque object to stand before a crowd of raging patriots and read the Declaration of Independ- ence.
Something had to be done to get him into presentable shape for the occasion. The honor and credit of the Artillery were at stake. It would be an insult to the "Spirit of Seventy-six" for such a half-naked tatter- demalion to get up and pronounce the thundering sen- tences of Thomas Jefferson. So Colonel Barnett, Captain Rice and others whose pride was stirred began to forage
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through the town for some clothes that would adorn Edgarton's shapely form and redound to the credit of the Battery. A black claw-hammer dress coat was found after a long search and the owner consented to loan it for the occasion. This was supplemented by broadcloth trousers, a hat belonging to one of the of- ficers and a pair of fancy, high-heeled boots. The latter one of the boys had brought along from home, with a vague idea that they would be useful to him in putting down the rebellion. They were not large enough for Edgarton's feet, but he contrived to squeeze into them at the last moment and to endure their pinching while he was doing his part in "letting the eagle scream."
There had been considerable difficulty in finding a copy of the Declaration. The Philippians of Western Virginia were not a literary folk, and few of them appeared ever to have heard of it. At length a copy was found, in a musty law book at the courthouse.
Edgarton was greeted with hearty applause as he mounted the platform. This was followed by general laughter at his unique appearance. Such another "make- up" was never seen in the army, before nor since, in this or any other country. But he read the Declaration of Independence in fine style and was tremendously cheered. Lieutenant Colonel Geo. B. Este, of the Four- teenth Ohio, followed with an admirable address; the bands almost blew their heads off; patriotic songs were sung; and the celebration was a great success. The rebel General Wise failed to show up and nothing in- terfered with the carrying out of the program.
No sooner had the "Glorious Fourth" been fittingly and satisfactorily celebrated than the troops were di- rected to prepare at once for another campaign. On July 6th General Morris, commanding at Philippi, re- ceived orders to advance early the following day, occupy Belington, fifteen miles southward, and menace the enemy, who was in strong position at Laurel Hill, near that place. The movement was made promptly, ac-
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cording to the plan. The writer has before him a yel- low, ink-stained paper, a memento of the advance from Philippi. It is endorsed "Programme, march to Laurel Hill," and anounces the following order of the proces- sion, the words in brackets being supplied for explana- tory purposes :
First Virginia, four companies. Milroy [Ninth Indiana]. Steadman, First Battalion [Fourteenth Ohio]. Barnett, four pieces [Cleveland Light Artillery]. Steadman, Second Battalion [Fourteenth Ohio]. Barnett, two pieces [Cleveland Light Artillery ] First Virginia, two companies. Dumont [Seventh Indiana ]. Headquarters Fulton Dickey [Fifteenth Ohio]. Crittenden [Sixth Indiana ]. Ammunition wagons. Band.
Four caissons, two guns [Cleveland Light Artillery].
It will be observed that both front and rear were well protected by artillery. The commanding general pru- dently sandwiched his headquarters in the center of the column. We must also admire the tender solicitude for the safety of the band, as shown by its position as far as possible from the front and flanked by two guns and four caissons of Barnett's artillery.
The march was begun about midnight. The movement was rapid and at daylight the skirmishers struck the rebel pickets near Belington. A section of the artillery was immediately ordered to the front and a few shells were tossed among the enemy's outposts, with most de- moralizing effect. The Union skirmishes, well support- ed, quickly pushed the pickets back to the main line, which was strongly fortified. Some of the pickets showed fight at first and there was a brisk skirmish, in which the Cleveland Artillery suffered its first casualty. George W. Tillotson, of Company D, caught a musket ball in the groin. He received every possible attention
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and as soon as circumstances would permit was sent to the rear. He finally reached his home in Cleveland but never fully recovered, dying from the effects of his wound, a few years later. He was the first man from Cleveland to shed his blood in the Union cause.
When the artillery was ordered to move there was the greatest activity in preparing for the impending cam- paign. The men were exceedingly anxious to acquit themselves with credit, and spared no pains to make the battery as effective as possible. The ammunition was carefully inspected and put in order, and the guns were polished until they shone like mirrors. The men were "hard up" for clothing, the supply having been exceed- ingly limited-scanty in quantity and poor in quality. Every effort had been made to procure better supplies but without success. The state authorities and the United States government appeared to be about equally neglectful of the needs of the soldiers. Rations were generally good and sufficient, and there was little cause for complaint on that score.
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