USA > Ohio > The Fourteenth Ohio national guard- the Fourth Ohio volunteer infantry > Part 5
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Finding that he was accomplishing nothing, but on the contrary that he was constantly loosing ground, General Weyler decided to resort to "ex- treme" measures. His own troops were poorly fed and while those in the Cuban army could not possibly leave the camp for the field, he knew that the peasantry must be furnishing them with subsistence. He also learned that his own soldiers were giving in exchange for sweet potatoes and cured meats, cartridges and other military supplies which were carried directly to the insurgent army. Realizing that he could do noth- ing under these circumstances he decided that instead of feeding his own men and maintaining discipline in his own ranks that he would further punish the rebels. He therefore published in October, 1896, his famous "bando," an order by which all the peasantry of the island was gathered into the large cities and placed under guard as "reconcentrados," to prevent them from operating the plantations. This, as a matter of course, created an indescribable suffering, but in his obstinacy and cruelty he imagined that he had struck a serious blow at the rebellion. In fact he had only augmented the hatred of the Cubans for Spain and had
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enlivened the sympathy that had already existed for the struggling patriots.
After a vigorous campaign in which absolutely nothing had been accomplished by Spanish arms, Weyler was recalled to be succeeded by General Blanco, who proceeded much after the fashion of his cruel and unsuccessful predecessor.
Blanco was instructed by his government, after they saw that it was impossible to defeat them by force of arms, to offer the Cubans a government of Au- tonomy. But having suffered too much already from Spanish deceit, the proposed compromise was scorn- fully rejected and the Spanish officer who conveyed the offer of General Blanco was killed.
While all these things were going on in Cuba the people of the United States were doing all they could consistently to aid the insurgents. Funds were se- cretly subscribed and sent over in many mysterious ways, and so intense and so general was the feeling in America that even the governors of states were known to subscribe large funds to be sent to Cuba in such ways that the act would not become generally known. The Junta also did good work, organizing societies all over the country and agitating a spirit of interven- tion on the part of the United States by recognizing Cuba as a republic of itself. Enthusiasm ran high, and when it was finally arranged by a sort of tacit agreement that the people of the United States could, through their consuls in Cuba, send provisions and money, the laborer and the capitalist united their offerings and liberal donations were sent not only to
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the "reconcentrados," but as well to those who were known to be fighting in the Cuban army. Later on United States vessels openly carried these supplies and United States consuls aided in their distribution.
These acts of sympathy as a matter of course created no little indignation in Spain and in Spanish countries. England looked on the struggle in Cuba much as did the United States, but as her interests were not at stake nearly so much as our own, very little if anything was done in that country to aid the Cubans except to show in a quiet way that her sympathies were with them. This may be accounted for in the fact mentioned before that the interests of Spain and of England have been for centuries arrayed against each other. England was in this case "getting even" for the attitude of Spain at the time her own western colonies were in open and armed rebellion. It might be stated in this connection that in the contest between Spain and the United States, England, although she announced and maintained a neutrality in the real sense of the word, showed in many ways a remarkable friendliness for the United States. It was a strange coincidence that nearly every report, and many there were, that touched on the likelihood of a European power entering into an alliance with Spain, was sup- plemented by another to the effect that Great Britain had made overtures or was considering a plan to enter into an alliance with the United States. Indeed it is still thought by many that the attitude of Great Britain had a great deal to do with the carrying on of
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the war, as the other European powers were supposed to be afraid of the strong alliance this would have made.
In January, 1898, the American consul at Ha- vana, General Fitzhugh Lee, of Virginia, reported that the situation was becoming serious. There were riots in the Cuban capital and American life and prop- erty had become endangered. A delegation directly representing the American government had visited the seat of war and had reported that the pictures of cruelty and the consequent suffering reported in the daily papers had not by any means been exaggerated. Indeed they said the condition of affairs on the island was absolutely beyond description. Something had to be done in the name of humanity, and it was plain that public sentiment could not be restrained much longer. War with Spain was talked of on every hand and each dav it became more evident that war was inevitable.
When the seriousness of affairs was assured by the report of General Lee, the government authorities acted promptly and the North Atlantic squadron was ordered together at Dry Tortugas, a distance of six hours' sail to Havana. Had the life or property of American citizens been jeopardized at any time, Uncle Sam's war dogs could have furnished protection in very short order.
On January 25 the "Maine," in command of Captain Sigsbee, entered the harbor of Havana. Her arrival had been announced and she was assigned by the Spanish port officials to position. The officers of
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the "Maine" were given a reception on shore and every one seemed to be pleased that the vessel had come. It should be stated here also that the presence of the "Maine" had nothing whatever to do with the situa- tion as to peace or war, as the visit was a friendly one and was so regarded by the Spanish officials both at Havana and at Madrid.
Senor De Lome, the representative of the Spanish government at Washington, about this time committed a grave offense by rather vigorously criticising the people of the United States in general and the presi- dent in particular for the attitude taken toward his government and her interests in a letter which was afterwards published. As soon as the contents be- came known, Minister De Lome was told in so many words that he would have to "git"' and he "got." The letter was published on February 9 and in a few days afterward Spanish affairs were in the hands of a "charge d'affaires," and remained so until March 12, when Senor Polo y Barnabe arrived to succeed De Lome.
On the morning of February 15 the daily press came out with the most startling bit of information that had been published at any time since the great Civil War had closed. The "Maine," one of the most valuable vessels in the United States navy, had been blown to atoms the night before while lying at anchor in the position to which she had been assigned by Spanish port officials at Havana a few weeks before. Not only was the great vessel totally destroyed, but two hundred and fifty-one American seamen lost their
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lives and ninety-nine others were injured. The whole country was now thoroughly aroused, and it was no longer a question of "war or no war," but "when will it come?" Considering the feeling the people of the two nations had had for each other no one doubted but that the explosion was a result of Spanish treach- ery and the Spanish were accused on every hand of having purposely piloted the "Maine" to a position over a submarine mine. On the 17th a commission of four prominent naval officers were appointed by the president to investigate the explosion and the causes, and they at once took up the work. On the following day the "Viscaya," a formidable Spanish war vessel, made her appearance, also on a friendly visit, in the harbor of New York.
It was feared by many that some over indignant American would seek revenge for the loss of the "Maine" and commit some rash act, but the "Viscaya" was not molested in any way during her stay in American waters. On the day following the arrival of the "Viscaya" the Spanish government asked that the investigation of the "Maine" affair be carried on by a commission made up of representatives of both governments, but the proposition was not favorably considered.
While the investigation was being carried on there was a general clamor for war among the masses. Cooler heads advised more deliberation and the presi- dent asked that public opinion be suspended until the report of the examining board should be filed. It now became an absolute certainty that if the examiners-
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found that the explosion of the "Maine" had been clearly an act of Spanish treachery, war could not possibly be averted. Preparations for the inevitable were instituted and the homes of the army and navy departments changed from the usual scene of quiet and serenity they had presented for the last thirty years to scenes of busy activity.
While the country was awaiting with almost breathless suspense the action and report of the board of naval examiners, congress, on March 8, appropriated $50,000,000 to be used for purposes of defense, and of course, if necessary, for carrying on the war which was rapidly forcing itself. On the next day this ac- tion was concurred in by the senate and preparations were more vigorously pursued. On March 21 the naval examiners finished their labors and completed their report, which was first reviewed by the presi- dent and his cabinet, and on March 28 presented to congress. On April 1st congress passed the Naval Appropriations bill and the condition of the country soon presented a more war-like aspect. On the 20th of the same month an ultimatum was cabled to Spain, announcing that the patience of the United States had been too severely tested and that Spain would have to relinquish her claims on Cuba or fight. Three days were given the Spanish for a reply and it was under- stood that if at noon on the 23rd Spain continued to push her campaign in Cuba, war would be formally declared. When the ultimatum reached Spain the United States minister to that country, General Woodford, was informed by Spain that diplomatic
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relations with the United States had ceased and he was given his pass ports. General Woodford left his papers and business with the British minister and left for France at once.
On April 23 the president issued the following appeal for volunteers:
A PROCLAMATION.
"Whereas, By a joint resolution of congress, ap- proved on the 20th day of April, 1898, entitled, 'Joint Resolution for the Independence of the People of Cuba,' demanding that the government of Spain re- linquish its authority and government in the island of Cuba, and withdraw its land and naval forces from Cuba and Cuban waters, and directing the president of the United States to use the land and naval forces of the United States to carry this resolution into effect; and
"Whereas, By an act of congress entitled 'An Act to Provide for Temporarily Increasing the Military Establishment of the United States in Time of War and for Other Purposes,' approved April 22, 1898, the president is authorized, in order to raise a volun- teer army, to issue this proclamation calling for volun- teers to serve in the army of the United States:
"Now therefore I, William McKinley, president of the United States, by virtue of power vested in me by the Constitution and the laws and deeming suf- ficient occasion to exist, have thought fit to call forth volunteers to the aggregate number of 125,000 in order to carry into effect the purpose of the said resolu- tion; the same to be apportioned as far as practicable,
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among the several states and territories and the District of Columbia, according to population, and to serve for two years unless sooner discharged. The details for this object will be immediately communicated to the proper authorities through the War Department.
"In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.
"Done at the City of Washington this twenty- third day of April, A. D. 1898, and of the inde- pendence of the United States, the one hundred and twenty-second.
"WILLIAM M'KINLEY.
"By the President: "JOHN SHERMAN, "Secretary of State."
On the same day there was presented to congress a measure for the purpose of raising funds for carry- ing on the war. On the next day, April 25, the presi- dent sent a message to congress asking that a declara- tion of war be made against the kingdom of Spain. Congress promptly took the action recommended and proclaimed "that war be and the same is hereby de- clared to exist, and that war has existed since the 21st day of April, 1898, including said day, between the United States of America and the Kingdom of Spain."
Now that war existed and was an established fact, the people began to prepare themselves for the worst. The armies and navies of both nations were ready and waiting for the word to begin the struggle and only two days after the proclamation had been made the
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first action of the war occurred, on April 27, when several American gun boats fired on and silenced the forts at Matanzas in Cuba. On the same after- noon Commodore Dewey sailed from Mirs Bay to Manila. He was not heard of from that on until May 1st, when he had entered the bay of Manila, de- stroyed eleven Spanish vessels, killed 700 men, in- cluding two commanders, and virtually "captured an empire," all without the loss of a man or ship and sustaining an injury of but six men wounded.
The news of the great victory was flashed across the globe and the whole world began to sound the praises of American seamen. They had already showed that the foe before them was less than a handful.
As soon as the proclamation calling for volun- teers was issued, the various states began to figure on the apportionment they would receive, each state anxious to furnish as many men and as much money as would be needed.
Ohio came to the front in her effort to furnish soldiers and money in the same energetic manner which had characterized her history in all of the previ- ous wars. The general assembly was in session at the time and authority was at once issued for the sale of a million dollars worth of bonds to be used for war purposes. The quota of troops apportioned to Ohio was 7752 on the first call and 3917 on the second, but this did not permit the enlistment of all the regiments, so the authorities at the national capital were induced to increase the apportionment to about 1500 more.
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This included one regiment of cavalry, one of artillery and eight regiments and one battalion (colored) of infantry.
Each regiment was anxious to get to the front first. They were also very anxious to preserve their National Guard organizations in the volunteer service. Their experiences in other services had learned them that their officers were able to take full control, and if they were to engage in any active services, as all firmly believed they would be, they wanted to be led to victory by the same officers who had commanded them in their previous drills and tours of duty.
The officers of the regiment met at the Columbus Auditorium and for a time it looked as though the regiment would have to go intact or stay at home, but it was finally agreed that they offer their services to be accepted in just such shape as the government saw fit to use them. The War Department agreed to take the regiments as they were then organized, and accord- ingly the companies began to get ready for the call.
The regiment was not quite full, but recruits were soon enlisted, one whole company (F) having been enlisted and organized in a few days by Captain Harry M. Taylor, who afterwards became one of the assistant surgeons of the regiment. The companies of the regiment were stationed as follows: A, B, C and F at Columbus; D at Marysville; E at Washington Court House; G at Marion; H at Portsmouth; I at Lancaster; K at Delaware; L at Mt. Vernon; M at Circleville. These companies were ordered to assem- ble at the Armory at Columbus, which they did as soon as practicable.
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The Columbus companies assembled on Monday, April 24, and the next day the other companies came under arms and ready to go to any part of the world if necessary. The Auditorium at Columbus was a splendid place for the accommodation of so many sol- diers. There was plenty of floor space for the men to sleep and apartments for the storing and distribution of subsistence. Goodale park, with its grass plots and shade trees was an excellent parade ground, and as soon as the companies arrived all the routine of camp life was adopted. Dress parade was the order of each evening in the park, and throughout all the day the recruits were drilled either on the floor of the Au- ditorium or in the streets and the park.
This part of the city soon became a popular re- sort for all Columbus. Crowds flocked in to see the boys and when the time for dress parade came, the park was filled with visitors.
At the same time the Fourteenth was ordered to assemble, the other regiments of the state received similar orders. It was evident, of course, that the state troops would have to be together, so the entire guard was ordered to mobilize at Columbus. Other cities came forward with claims for the honor and to offer inducements for the state authorities to acknowl- edge their claims, but this was no time to distribute honors, and the capital being the most centrally lo- cated of all the Ohio cities, was at once selected.
There was not room anywhere in the city to quarter all the troops in houses, so it became necessary to select a place for an encampment. After con- siderable looking around, Bullit park was chosen.
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This park was an ideal place for such use, cover- ing as it did several hundred acres, and situated near Alumn creek, which, it was supposed, would furnish an abunant supply of water for cooking and bathing. This proved not to be the case, however, but water was soon piped from the city water mains to the camp and there was at no time any danger of a water famine.
The signal corps of the Fourteenth Regiment was sent out to the grounds and the park was divided into regimental camps. Each regiment was allotted a cer- tain space, with arrangements for regimental and company streets, and the location of the various head- quarters was also marked. The whole was named "Camp Bushnell," in honor of Hon. Asa S. Bushnell, then governor of the state.
Although this work was carried on as rapidly as possible, it could not be finished for the accommoda- tion of the troops before the 28th. In the meantime the soldiers at the Auditorium were becoming tired. The floor was dry, but it was a hard place for a bed; the town was very convenient, but there were guards to prevent them from enjoying any of the advantages it offered; the park was a pleasant place, but they were not permitted to lie in the shade of the stately trees or to pluck the buds from the fragrant plants. It was a constant drill from morning to night and the men could hardly wait for the time to leave the place. How glad they were to return to the Auditorium and how different were the circumstances surrounding their return will be seen later on.
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CHAPTER VI.
THE FOURTEENTH-FOURTH.
The March to Camp Bushnell-Camp Life-Changes in Company Organization-Drills and Parades-Growth of the Camp-Change of Name-Signal Corps Dropped- The Regimental Band-Bad Weather-Rumors-Order to Leave-Parting Scenes-Camp Bushnell Left Be- hind-The March to the Depot-Scenes Along the March-At the Depot-Columbus Left Behind-Arrival at Chattanooga.
The 28th of April was hailed with delight by every man in the regiment. Life in the Auditorium, while it was by no means an uncomfortable place to live, was not that of the typical soldier. The boys wanted to be out of doors. They wanted to live in tents, to sleep on the ground, and in fact to do and live as soldiers. They did not want to play soldier in any sense of the word, but it was the height of their am- bition to be soldiers, and if a veritable Valley Forge were necessary to the change they were perfectly willing to receive it. Anything bearing real sem- blance to active military existence was preferred to sleeping on the floor of the Auditorium or turning out for dress parade in the adjoining park.
Finally when all the preliminaries had been ar- ranged "assembly"was sounded and the companies were formed in the spacious hall. As soon as all was ready, they were each marched to Park street and the regi- ment was formed for the march to camp. There was
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no escort and no attempt at parade had been made either by those in the regiment or by the citizens of Columbus. Even the daily papers, crowded as they were with telegraph news from Washington and the seat of the war, said little of the trip to Bullit park, but the streets were lined with enthusiastic citizens who crowded out to see the boys "go to war" and to cheer them on the way.
The old regimental band started the boys off to the tune of "Marching Through Georgia," and the line of march was the nearest route to the new camp: From Park street south to Goodale, east to High street, south to Broad street and east to the camp on the north side of the street and perhaps a half mile away from it.
The position assigned to the regiment was at the extreme southwestern corner of the entire camp. When the Fourteenth reached the ground assigned to it, however, there was no camp there. None of the state troops had yet reported and no tents had yet been pitched on the park. The day was warm and under the rays of the bright spring sun, the "soldierines" as they sometimes called themselves, began to realize that the life of the soldier is attended with some labor. They had been cheered to the echo all along the line of march, but that did not keep the sun from burning their soft white faces nor did it fan their sweated brows, but without dinner and without sympathy they car- ried tents and tent floors with all the might and main of veterans and by the middle of the afternoon, what had that morning been a vacant field gave all the ap-
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pearance of a military camp. Supper was soon pre- pared and before night comfortable quarters had been made up for everybody in the regiment.
The exertion of the day and the exhilarating effect of the vernal evening had a tendency to induce sleep, so all retired early. Not without first liberally patron- izing the sutler who had laid in a large supply of fresh pies and cakes and placed them on sale in a tent on the lot adjoining the camp. The first night at Camp Bushnell was more fully and more universally enjoyed perhaps than any other night in the six months in which the regiment was in the field.
The Fourteenth was not long to be the only regi- ment at the camp. Soon the regiments from different parts of the state began to come in and within a few days two brigades had been fully organized with Major General Axline in command. He established his headquarters on East Broad street at a central location as to the general camp. Two brigades had been or- ganized, the first under Colonel Hunt, of the First Regiment, and the second under command of Colonel Coit, of the Fourteenth. Colonel Coit's regiment was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Adams, who had already established the reputation of being one of the best disciplinarians in the state.
Colonel Adams began at once to exert his in- fluence over the regiment and the work of drilling was begun where it had been left off at Goodale park, but it was begun in far more earnest. Twice each day the companies were taken to a field at the north side of the camp and there put through the school of
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the soldier, of the squad, the company and the bat- talion. As soon as the recruits had learned the "right shoulder" and "fours right," "extended order" drills were begun and many was the charge that was made against an imaginary foe on the banks of now historic Alum Creek. Parade at retreat soon made the camp a popular resort not only to those who had friends or relatives at the camp, but to all Columbus. On the first Sunday the camp was in existence the railroads arranged for excursions to Columbus and all day the street railway leading to the camp, all the hacks, om- nibuses and even transfer wagons were busy carrying visitors to and from the camp. The newspapers took a great interest in the boys and established branch of- fices near General Axline's headquarters. This in- terest kept up as long as there were any troops at the park.
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