INDIANA IN THE WAR
The events of
tlie earlier vears of this State have been reviewed down to that period
in the nation's history when the Republic demanded a first sacrifice
from the newly erected States; to the time when the very safety of the
glorious heritage, bequeathed by the fathers as a rich legacy, was
threatened with a fate worse than death—a life under laws that harbored
the slave—a civil defiance of the first principles of the Constitution.
Indiana was
among the first to respond to the summons of patriotism, and register
itself on the national roll of honor, even as she was among the first
to join in that song of joy which greeted a Republic made doubly
glorious within a century by the dual victory which won liberty for
itself, and next bestowed the precious boon upon the colored slave.
The fall of Fort
Sumter was a signal for the uprising of the State. The news of the
calamity was flashed to Indianapolis on the 14th of April, 1861, and
early the next morning the electric wire brought the welcome message to
Washington:— Executive Department op Indiana, ) Indianapolis, April
15,1861. )
To Abraham
Lincoln, President of the United States:—On behalf of the State of
Indiana, I tender to you for the defense of the Nation, and to uphold
the authority of the Government, ten thousand men.
OLIVER P. MORTON,
Governor of
Indiana.
This may be
considered the first official act of Governor Morton, who had just
entered on the duties of his exalted position. The State was in an
almost helpless condition, and yet the faith of the "War Governor " was
prophetic, when, after a short consultation with the members of the
Executive Council, he relied on the fidelity of ten thousand men and
promised their services to the Protectorate at Washington. .This will
be more apparent when the military condition of the State at the
beginning of 1861 is considered. At that time the armories contained
less than five hundred stand of serviceable small arms, eight pieces of
cannon which might be use-
ful in a museum
of antiquities, with sundry weapons which would merely do credit to the
aborigines of one hundred years ago. The financial condition of the
State was even worse than the military.
The sum of
$10,368.58 in trust funds was the amount of cash in the hands of the
Treasurer, and this was, to all intents and purposes unavailable to
meet the emergency, since it could not be devoted to the military
requirements of the day. This state of affairs was dispiriting in
the extreme, and would doubtless have militated against the ultimate
success of any other man than Morton; yet he overleaped every
difficulty, nor did the fearful realization of Floyd's treason,
discovered during his visit to Washington, damp his indomitable courage
and energy, but with rare persistence he urged the claims of his State,
and for his exertions was requited with an order for five thousand
muskets. The order was not executed until hostilities were
actually entered upon, and consequently for some days succeeding the
publication of the President's procla-
mation the
people labored under a feeling of terrible anxiety mingled with
uncertainty, amid the confusion which followed the criminal negligence
that permitted the disbandment of the magnificent corps de armee
(51,000 men) of 1832 two years later in 1834, Great
numbers of the
people maintained their equanamity with the result of beholding within
a brief space of time every square mile of their
State
represented by soldiers prepared to fight to the bitter end in defense
of cherished institutions, and for the extension of the principle of
human liberty to all States and classes within the limits of the
threatened Union. This, their zeal, was not animated by
hostility to the slave holders of the Southern States, but rather by a
fraternal spirit, akin to that which urges the eldest brother to
correct the persistent follies of his juniors, and thus lead them from
crime to the maintenance of family honor; in this correction, to draw
them away from all that was cruel, diabolical and inhuman in the
Republic, to all that is gentle, holy and sublime therein. Many of the
raw troops were not only unimated by a patriotic feeling, but also by
that beautiful idealization of the poet, who in his unconscious
Republicanism, said:
" I would not
have a slave to till my ground,
To carry rne, to
fan me while I sleep,
And tremble when
I wake, for all the wealth.
That sinews
bought and sold have ever earned
No: dear as
freedom is—and, in my heart's
Just estimation,
prized above all price—
I had much
rather be myself the slave,
And wear the
bonds, than fasten them on him."
Thus animated,
it is not a matter for surprise to find the first call to arms issued
by the President, and calling for 75,000 men, answered nobly by the
people of Indiana. The quota of troops to be furnished by the
State on the first call was 4,683 men for three years' service from
April 15, 1860. On the 16th of April, Governor Morton
issued his proclamation calling on all citizens of the State, who had the
welfare of the Republic at heart, to organize themselves into six
regiments in defense of their rights, and in opposition to the varied
acts of rebellion, charged by him against the Southern
Confederates. To this ena, the Hon. Lewis Wallace, a
soldier of the Mexican campaign was appointed Adjutant-General, Col.
Thomas A. Morris of the United States Military Academy,
Quartermaster-General, and Isaiah Mansur, a merchant of Indianapolis,
Commissary-General. These general officers converted the
.grounds and buildings of the State Board of Agriculture into a
military headquarters, and designated the position Camp Morton, as the beginning of
the many honors which were to follow the popular Governor throughout
his future career. Now the people, imbued with confidence
in their Government and leaders, rose to the grandeur of American
freemen, and with an enthusiasm never equaled hitherto, flocked to the
standard of the nation; so that within a few days (19th April) 2,400
men were ranked beneath
their regimental
banners, until as the official report testifies, the anxious question,
passing from mouth to mouth, was, " Which of this will be allowed to
go?" It seemed as if Indiana was about to monopolize the
honors of the period, and place the 75.000 men demanded of the Union by
the President, at his disposition. Even now under the genial sway of
guaranteed peace, the features of Indiana's veterans flush with
righteous pride when these days—remembrances of heroic sacrifice—are
named, and freemen, still unborn, will read their history only to be
blessed and glorified in the possession of such truly, noble
progenitors. Nor were the ladies of the State unmindful of
their duties. Everywhere they partook of the general
enthusiasm, and made it practical so far as in their power, by
embroidering and presenting standards and regimental colors, organizing
aid and relief societies, and by many other acts of patriotism and
humanity inherent in the high nature of woman.
During the days
set apart by the military authorities for the organization of the
regiments, the financiers of the State were engaged in the
reception of munificent grants of money from private citizens, while
the money merchants within and without the State offered large
loans to the recognized Legislature without even imposing a condition
of payment. This most practical generosity strengthened the
hands of the Executive, and within a very few days Indiana had passed
the crucial test, recovered some of her military prestige lost in
1834, and so was prepared to vie with the other and wealthier States
in making sacrifices for the public welfare. On the 20th of
April, Messrs, I. S. Dobbs and Alvis D. Gall received their
appointments as Medical Inspectors of the Division,, while Major T. J.
Wood arrived at headquarters from Washington to receive the newly
organized regiments into the service of the Union. At the moment
this formal proceeding took place, Morton, unable to restrain the
patriotic ardor of the people, telegraphed to the capitol that he could
place six regiments of infantry at the disposal of the General
Government within six days, if such a proceeding were acceptable; but
in consequence of the wires being cut between the State and Federal
capitols, no answer came. Taking advantage of the little doubt which
may have had existence in regard to future action in the matter and in
the absence of general orders, he gave expression to an intention of
placing the volunteers, in camp, and in his message to the Legislature,
who assembled three days later, he clearly laid down the principle of
immediate 'action and strong measures, recommending a quote of
$1,000,000 for there organization of the volunteers, for the purchase
of arms and supplies, and for the punishment of treason. The message
was received most enthusiastically. The assembly recognized the great
points made by the Governor, and not only yielded to them in toto, but
also made the following grand appropriations:
General military
purposes.........................................$1,000,000
Purchase of
arms......................................................500,000
Contingent
military expenses...........................................100,000
Organization and
support of militia for two years..;.....................140,000
These
appropriations, together with the laws enacted during the session of
the Assembly, speak for the men of Indiana. The celerity with which
these laws were put in force, the diligince and economy exercised by
the officers, entrusted with their administration, and that systematic
genius, under which all the machinery of Government seemed to work in
harmony,—all, all, tended to make for the State a spring-time of noble
deeds, when seeds might be cast along her fertile fields and in the
streets of her villages of industry to grow up at once and blossom in
the ray of fame, and after to bloom throughout the ages. "Within three
days after the opening of the extra session of the Legislature (27th
April) six new regiments were organized, and commissioned for three
months' service. These regiments, notwithstanding the fact that the
first six regiments were already mustered into the general service,
were known as "The First Brigade, Indiana Volunteers," and with the
simple object of making the way of the future student of a brilliant
history clear, were numbered respectively
Sixth Regiment,
commanded by Col. T. T. Crittenden.
Seventh commanded by Ebenezer
Dumont.
Eighth commanded by W. P. Benton.
Ninth commanded by R. H. Milroy.
Tenth commanded by T. T. Reynolds.
Eleventh commanded by Lewis Wallace.
The idea of
these numbers was suggested by the fact that the military
representation of Indiana in the Mexican Campaign was one brigade of
five regiments, and to observe consecutiveness the regiments comprised
in the first division of volunteers were thus numbered, and the entire
force placed under Brigadier General T. A. Morris, with the following
staif: John Love, Major; Cyrus C. Hines, Aid-de-camp; and J. A. Stein,
Assistant Adjutant General. To follow the fortunes of these volunteers
through all the vicissitudes of war would prove a special work; yet
their valor and endurance during their first term of service deserved a
notice of even more value than that of the historian, since a
commander's opinion has to be taken as the basis upon which the
chronicler may expatiate.
Therefore the
following dispatch, dated from the headquarters of the Army of
Occupation, Beverly Camp, W. Virginia, July 21, 1861, must be taken as
one of the first evidences of their utility and valor:—
"Governor O. P.
Morton, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Governor :—I
have directed the three months' regiments from Indiana to move to
Indianapolis, there to be mustered out and reorganized for three years'
service.
I cannot permit
them to return to you without again expressing my high appreciation of
the distinguished valor and endurance of the Indiana troops, and my
hope that but a short time will elapse before I have the pleasure of
knowing that they are again ready for the field.
I am, very
respectfully, your obedient servant,
George B.
McClellan,
Major-General,
U. S. A.
On the return of
the troops to Indianapolis, July 29, Brigadier Morris issued a lengthy,
logical and well-deserved congratulatory address, from which one
paragraph may be extracted to characterize the whole. After passing a
glowing eulogium on their military qualities and on that unexcelled
gallantry displayed at Laurel Hill, Phillip! and Carrick's Ford, he
says:—
"Soldiers! You
have now returned to the friends whose prayers went with you to the
field of strife. They welcome you with pride and exultation. Your State
and country acknowledge the value of your labors. May your future
career be as your past has been,—honorable to yourselves and
serviceable to your country."
The six
regiments forming Morris' brigade, together with one composed of the
surplus volunteers, for whom there was no regiment in April, now formed
a division of seven regiments, all reorganized for three years'
service, between the 20th August and 20th September, with the exception
of the new or 12th, which was accepted for one year's service from May
11th, under command of Colonel John M. Wallace, and reorganized May 17,
1862, for three years' service under Col. W. H. Link, who, with 172
officers and men, received their mortal wounds during the Richmond
(Kentucky) engagement, three months after its reorganization.
The 13th
Regiment, under Col; Jeremiah Sullivan, was mustered into the United
States in 1861 and joined Gen. McClellan's command at Rich Mountain on
the 10th July. The day following it was present under Gen. Rosencrans
and lost eight men killed; three successive days it was engaged under
Gen. I. I. Reynolds, and won its laurels at Cheat Mountain summit,
where it participated in the decisive victory over Gen. Lee.
The 14th
Regiment, organized in 1861 for one year's service, and reorganized on
the 7th of JuneatTerre Haute for three years' service. Commanded by
Col. Kimball and showing a muster roll of 1,134 men, it was one of the
finest, as it was the first, three years' regiment organized in the
State, with varying fortunes attached to its never ending round of duty
from Cheat Mountain, September, 1861, to Morton's Ford in 1864, and
during the movement South in May of that year to the last of its
labors, the battle of Cold Harbor.
The 15th
Regiment, reorganized at La Fayette 14th June, 1861, under Col. G. D.
"Wagner, moved on Rich Mountain on the 11th of July in time to
participate in the complete rout of the enemy. On the promotion of Col.
Wagner, Lieutenant-Col. G. A. Wood became Colonel of the regiment,
November, 1862, and during the first days of January, 1863, took a
distinguished part in the severe action of Stone River. From this
period down to the battle of Mission Ridge it was in a series of
destructive engagements, and was, after enduring terrible hardships,
ordered to Chattanooga, and thence to Indianapolis, where it was
mustered out the 18th June, 1864,—four days after the expiration of its
term of service.
The 16th
Regiment, organized under Col. P. A. Hackleman at Richmond for one
year's service, after participating in many minor military events, was
mustered out at Washington, D.C., on the 14th of May, 1862. Col.
Hackleman was killed at the battle of Iuka, and Lieutenant-Col. Thomas
L Lucas succeeded to the command. It was reorganized at Indianapolis
for three years' service, May 27, 1862, and took a conspicuous part in
all the brilliant engagements of the war down to June, 1865, when it
was mustered out at New Orleans. The survivors, numbering 365 rank and
file, returned to Indianapolis the 10th of July amid the rejoicing of
the populace.
The 17th
Regiment was mustered into service at Indianapolis the 12th of June,
1861, for three years, under Col. Hascall, who on being promoted
Brigadier General in March, 1862, left the Colonelcy to devolve on
Lieutenant Colonel John T. Wilder. This regiment participated in
the many exploits of Gen. Reynold's army from Green Brier in 1862, to
Macon in 1865, under Gen. Wilson. Returning to Indianapolis the 16th of
August, in possession of a brilliant record, the regiment was disbanded.
The 18th
Regiment, under Colonel Thomas Pattison, was organized at Indianapolis,
and mustered into service on the 16th of August, 1861. Under Gen. Pope
it gained some distinction at Blackwater, and succeeded in retaining a
reputation made there, by its gallantry at Pea Ridge, February, 1862,
down to the moment when it planted the regimental flag on the arsenal
of Augusta, Georgia, where it was disbanded August 28, 1865.
The 19th
Regiment, mastered into three years of service at the State capital
July 29, 1861, was ordered to join the army of the Potomac, and
reported its arrival at Washington, August 9. Two days later it took
part in the battle of Lewinsville, under Colonel Solomon Meredith.
Occupying Falls Church in September, 1861, it continued to maintain a
most enviable place of honor on the military roll until its
consolidation with the 20th Regiment, October, 1864, under Colonel
William Orr, formerly its Lieutenant Colonel.
The 20th
Regiment of La Fayette was organized in July, 1861, mustered into three
years' service at Indianapolis on the 22d of the same month, and
reached the front at Cockeysville, Maryland, twelve days
later. Throughout all its brilliant actions from Hatteras
Bank, on the 4th of October, to Clover Hill, 9th of April, 1865,
including the saving of the United States ship Congress, at Newport
News,it added daily some new name to its escutcheon. This regiment was
mustered out at Louisville in July, 1865, and returning to Indianapolis
was welcomed by the great war Governor of their State.
Ths 21st
Regiment was mustered into service under Colonel I. W. McMillan, July
24, 1861, and reported at the front the third day of August. It was the
first regiment to enter New Orleans. The fortunes of this regiment were
as varied as its services, so that its name and fame, grown from the
blood shed by its members, are destined to live and flourish. In
December, 1863, the regiment was reorganized, and on the 19th February,
1864, many of its veterans returned to their State, where Morton
received them with that spirit of proud gratitude which he was capable
of showing to those who deserve honor for honors won.
The 22d
Regiment, under Colonel Jeff. C Davis, left Indianapolis the 15th of
August, and was attached to Fremont's Corps at St. Louis on the 17th.
From the day it moved to the support of Colonel Mulligan at Lexington,
to the last victory, won under General Sherman at Bentonville, on the
19th of March, 1865, it gainied a high military reputation. After the
fall of Johnston's southern army, this regiment was mustered out, and
arrived at Indianapolis on the 16th June.
The 23d
Battalion, commanded by Colonel W. L. Sanderson, was mustered in at New
Albany, the 29th July, 1861, and moved to the front early in August.
From its unfortunate marine experiences before Fort Henry to
Bentonville it won unusual honors, and after its disbandment at
Louisville, returned to Indianapolis July 24, 1865, where Governor
Morton and General Sherman reviewed and complimented the gallant
survivors.
The 24th
Battalion, under Colonel Alvin P. Kovey, was mustered at Vincennes the
31st of July, 1861. Proceeding immediately to the front it joined
Fremont's command, and participated under many Generals in important
affairs during the war. Three hundred and ten men and officers returned
to their State in August, 1865, and were received with marked honors by
the people and Executive.
The 25th
Regiment, of Evansville mustered into service there for three years
under Col. J. C. Veatch, arrived at St. Louis on the 26th of August,
1861. During the war this regiment was present at 18 battles and
skirmishes, sustaining therein a loss of 352 men and officers. Mustered
out at Louisville, July 17, 1865, it returned to Indianapolis on the
21st amid universal rejoicing.
The 26th
Battalion, under W. M. Wheatley, left Indianapolis for the front the
7th of September, 1861, and after a brilliant campaign under Fremont,
Grant, Heron and Smith, may be said to disband the 18th of September,
1865, when the non-veterans and recruits were reviewed by Morton at the
State capital.
The 27th
Regiment, uuder Col. Silas Colgrove, moved from Indianapolis to
Washington City, September 15th, 1861, and in October was allied to
Gen. Banks' army. From Winchester Heights, the 9th of March 1862,
through all the affairs of General Sherman's campaign, it acted a
gallant and faithful part, and was disbanded immediately after
returning to their State.
The 28th or 1st
Cavalry was mustered into service at Evansville on the 20th of August,
1861, under Col. Conrad Baker. From the skirmish at Ironton, on the
12th of September, wherein three companies under Col. Gavin captured a
position held by a few rebels, to the battle of the Wilderness, the
First Cavalry performed prodigies of valor. In June and July, 1865, the
troops were mustered out at Indianapolis.
The 29th
Battalion of La Porte, under Col. J. F. Miller, left on the 5th of
October, 1861, and reaching Camp .Nevin, Kentucky, on the 9th, was
allied to Rosseau's Brigade, serving with McCook's division at Shiloh,
with Bueli's army in Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky, with Rosencrans
at Murfreesboro, at Decatur, Alabama, and at Dalton, Georgia. The
Twenty-ninth won many laurels, and had its Colonel promoted to the rank
of Brigadier General. This officer was succeeded in the command by
Lieutenant-Col. D. M. Dunn.
The 30th
Regiment of Fort Wayne, under Col. Sion S. Bass, proceeded to the front
via Indianapolis, and joined General Rosseau at Camp Nevin on the 9th
of October, 1861. At Shiloh, Col. Bass received a mortal wound, and
died a few days later at Paducah, leaving the Colonelcy to devolve upon
Lieuteuant-Col. J. B. Dodge. In October 1865, it formed a battalion of
General Sheri- dan's army of observation in Texas.
The 31st
Regiment, organized at Terre Haute, under Col. Charles Cruft, in
September 1861, was mustered in, and left in a few days for Kentucky.
Present at the reduction of Fort Donelson on the 13th, 14th, and 10th
of February, 1862, its list of killed and wounded proves its desperate
fighting qualities. The organization was subjected to many
changes, bnt in all its phases maintained a fair fame won on many
battle fields. Like the former regiment, it passed into Gen. Sheridan's
Army 6f Observation, and held the district of Green Lake, Texas.
The 32d Regiment
of German Infantry, under Col. August Willich, organized at
Indianapolis, mustered on the 24:th of August, 1861, served with
distinction throughout the campaign. Col. Willich was promoted to the
rank of Brigadier-General, and Lieut-Col. Henry Von Trebra commissioned
to act, under whose command the regiment passed into General Sheridan's
Army, holding the post of Salado Creek, until the withdrawal of the
corps of observation in Texas.
The 33d Regiment
of Indianapolis possesses a military history of no small proportions.
The mere facts that it was mustered in under Col. John Coburn, the 16th
.of September, won a series of distinctions throughout the war district
and was mustered out at Louisville, July 21, 1865, taken with its name
as one of the most powerful regiments engaged in the war, are
sufficient here.
The 34th
Battalion, organized at Anderson on the 16th September, 1861, under
Col. Ash bury Steele, appeared among the investing battalions before
New Madrid on the 30th of March, 1862. From the distinguished part it
took in that siege, down to the 13th of May, 1865, when at Palmetto
Ranche, near Palo Alto, it fought for hours against fearful odds the
last battle of the war for the Union. Afterwards it marched 250 miles
up the Rio Grande, and was the first regiment to reoecupy the position,
so long in Southern hands, of Ringold barracks. In 1865 it garrisoned
Beaconsville as part of the Army of Observation.
The 35th or
First Irish Regiment, was organized at Indianapolis, and mustered into
service on the 11th of December, 1861, under Col. John C. "Walker. At
Nashville, on the 22d of May, 1862, it was joined by the organized
portion of the Sixty-first or Second Irish Regiment, and unassigned
recruits. Coi. Mullen now became Lieut.-Colonel of the 35th, and
shortly after, its Colonel. From the pursuit of Gen. Bragg through
Kentucky and the affair at Perryville on the 8th of October, 1862, to
the terrible hand to hand combat at Kenesaw mountain, on the night of
the 20th of June, 1864, and again from the conclusion of the Atlanta
campaign to September, 1865, with Gen. Sheridan's army, when it was
mustered out, it won for itself a name of reckless daring and
unsurpassed gallantry.
The 36th
Regiment, of Richmond, Ind., under Col. William Grose, mastered into
service for three years on the 16th of September, 1861, went
immediately to the front, and shared the fortunes of the Army of the
Ohio until the 27th of February, 1862, when a forward movement led to
its presence on the battle-field of Shiloh. Following up the honors won
at Shiloh, it participated in some of the most important actions of the
war, and was, in October, 1865, transferred to Gen. Sheridan's-army.
Col. Grose was promoted in 186i to the position of Brigadier-General,
and the Colonelcy devolved on Oliver H. P. Carey, formerly
Lieut.-Colonel of the regiment.
The 37th
Battalion, of Lawrenceburg, commanded by Col. Geo. W. Hazzard,
organized the 18th of September, 1861, left for the seat of war early
in October. From the eventful battle of Stone river, in December, 1862,
to its participation in Sherman's march through Georgia, it gained for
itself a splendid reputation. This regiment returned to, and was
present at, Indianapolis, on the 30th of July, 1865, where a public
reception was tendered to men and officers on the grounds of the
Capitol.
The 38th
Regiment, under Col. Benjamin F. Scribner, was mustered in at New
Albany, on the 18th of September, 1861, and in a few days were en rovie
for the front. To follow its continual round of duty, is withont the
limits of this sketch; therefore, it will suffice to say, that on every
well-fought field, at least from February, 1862, until its dissolution,
on the 15th of July, 1865, it earned an enviable renown, and drew from
Gov. Morton, on returning to Indianapolis the 18th of the same month, a
congratulatory address couched in the highest terms of praise.
The 39th
Regiment, or Eighth Cavalry, was mustered in as an infantry regiment,
under Col. T. J. Harrison, on the 28th of August, 1861, at the State
capital. Leaving immediately for the front it took a conspicuous part
in all the engagements up to April, 1863, when it was reorganized as a
cavalry regiment. The record of this organization sparkles with great
deeds which men will extol while language lives; its services to the
Union cannot be over estimated, or the memory of its daring deeds be
forgotten by the unhappy people who raised the tumult, which culminated
in their second shame.
The 40th
Regiment, of Lafayette, under Col. W. C. "Wilson, subsequently
commanded by Col. J. W. Blake, and again by Col. Henry Learning, was
organized on the 30th of December, 1861, and at once proceeded to the
front,where some time was necessarily spent in the Camp of Instruction
at Bardstown, Kentucky. In February, 1862, it joined in Buell's forward
movement. During the war the regiment shared in all its hardships,
participated in all its honors, and like many other brave commands took
service under Gen. Sheridan in his Army of Occupation, holding the post
of Port Lavaca, Texas, until peace brooded over the land.
The 41st
Regiment or Second Cavalry, the first complete regiment of horse ever
raised in the State, was organized on the 3d of September, 1861, at
Indianapolis, under Col. John A. Bridgland, and December 16 moved to
the front. Its first war experience was gained en route to Corinth on
the 9th of April, 1862, and at Pea Ridge on the 15th. Gallatin, Vinegar
Hill, and Perryville, and Talbot Station followed in succession, each
battle bringing to the cavalry untold honors. In May, 1864,it entered
upon a glorious career under Gen. Sherman in his Atlanta campaign, and
again under Gen. Wilson in the raid through Alabama during April, 1865.
On the 22d of July, after a brilliant career, the regiment was mustered
out at Nashville, and returned at once to Indianapolis for discharge.
The 42d, under
Col J. G. Jones, mustered into service at Evansville, October 9, 1861,
and having participated in the principal military affairs of the
period, Wartrace, Mission Ridge, Altoona, Kenesaw, Savannah,
Charlestown and Bentonville, was discharged at Indianapolis on the 25th
of July, 1865.
The 43d
Battalion was mustered in on the 27th of September, 1861, under Col.
George K. Steele, and left Terre Haute en route to the front within a
few days. Later it was al'ied to Gen. Pope's corps, and afterwards
served with Commodore Foote's marines in the reduction of Fort Pillow.
It was the first Union regiment to enter Memphis. From that period
until the close of the war it was distinguished for its unexcelled
qualifications as a military body, and fully deserved the encomiums
passed upon it on its return to Indianapolis in March, 1865.
Thk 44th or the
Regiment of the 10th Congressional District was organized at
Fort Wayne on the 24th of October, 1861, under Col. Hugh B. Reed.
Two months later it was ordered to the front, and arriving in
Kentucky, was attached to Gen. Cruft's Brigade, then quartered at
Calhoun. After years of faithful service it was mustered out at
Chattanooga, the 14th of September, 1865.
The 45th, or
Third Cavalry, comprised ten companies organized at
different periods and for varied services in 1861-'62, under Colonel
Scott Carter and George H. Chapman. The distinguished name
won by the Third Cavalry is established in every village within
the State. Let it suffice to add that after its brilliant
participation in Gen. Sheridan's raid down the James' river canal, it was
mustered out at Indianapolis on the 7th of August, 1865.
The 46th
Regiment, organized at Logansport under Colonel Graham N. Fitch,
arrived in Kentucky the 16th of February, 1862, and a little later
became attached to Gen. Pope's army, then quartered at Commerce.
The capture of Fort Pillow, and its career under Generals
Curtis, Palmer, Hovey, Gorman, Grant, Sherman, Banks and Burbridge
are as truly worthy of applause as ever fell to the lot of
aregiment. The command was mustered out at Louisville on the 4th of
September, 1865.
The 47th was
organized at Anderson, under Col. I. R. Slack, early in October, 1862.
Arriving at Bardstown, Kentucky, on the 21st of December, it was
attached to Gen. Buell's army; but within two months was assigned
to Gen. Pope, under whom it proved the first regiment to enter
Fort Thompson near New Madrid. In 1864 the command visited
Indianapolis on veteran furlough and was enthusiastically received
by Governor Morton and the people. Returning to the front it
engaged heartily in Gen. Banks' company. In December,Col. Slack
received his commissionas Brigadier-General, and was succeeded on
the regimental command by Col. J. A. Laughton; at
Shreveport under General Heron it received the submission of General
Price aud his army, and there also was it mustered out of service
on the 23d of October, 1865.
The 48th
Regiment, organized at Goshen the 6th of December, 1861, under Col.
Norman Eddy, entered on its duties during the siege of Corinth in
May, and again in October, 1862. The record of this battalion
may be said to be unsurpassed in its every feature, so that the grand
ovation extended to the returned soldiers in 1865 at
Indianapolis, is not a matter for surprise.
The 49th
Regiment, organized at Jeffersonville, under Col. J.W. Ray, and mustered in
on the 21st of November, 1861, for service, left enroute for the
camp at Bardstown. A month later it arrived at the unfortunate
camp-ground of Cumberland Ford, where disease carried off a
number of gallant soldiers. The regiment, however, survived the
dreadful scourge and won its laurels on many a well-fought field until
September, 1865, when it was mustered out at Louisville.
The 50th
Regiment, under Col. Cyrus L. Dunham, organized during the month of
September, 1861, at Seymour, left en route to Bardstown for a
course of military instruction. On the 20th of August, 1862, a
detachment of the 50th, under Capt. Atkinson, was attacked by Morgan's
Cavalry near Edgefield Junction; but the gallant few repulsed
their oft-repeated onsets and finally drove them from the field.
The regiment underwent many changes in organization, and
may be said to muster out on the 10th of September, 1865.
The 51st
Regiment, under Col. Abel. D. Streight, left Indianapolis on the 14th of
December, 1861, for the South. After a short course of
instruction at Bardstown, the regiment joined General Buell's and acted
with great effect during the campaign in Kentucky and Tennessee.
Ultimately it became a participator in the work of the Fourth
Corps, or Army of Occupation, and held the post of San Antonio until
peace was doubly assured.
The 52d Regiment
was partially raised at Rushville, and the organization
completed at Indianapolis, where it was consolidated with the Railway
Brigade, or 56th Regiment, on the 2d of February, 1862. Going to
the front immediately after, it served with marked distinction
throughout the war, and was mustered out at Montgomery on the
10th of September, 1865. Returning to Indianapolis six days
later, it was welcomed by Gov. Morton and a most enthusiastic
reception accorded to it.
The 53rd
Battalion was raised at New Albany, and with the addition of recruits
raised at Rockport formed a standard regiment, Tinder command
of Col. "W. Q. Gresham. Its first duty was that of guarding the
rebels confined on Camp Morton, but on going to the front
it made for itself an endurable name. It was mustered out in July,
1865, and returned to Indiananoplis on the 25th of the same month.
The 54th
Regiment was raised at Indianapolis on the 10th of June, 1862, for
three months'service under Col. D. G. Rose. The succeeding two
mouths saw it in charge of the prisoners at Camp Morton, and in
August it was pushed forward to aid in the defense of Kentucky against
the Confederate General, Kirby Smith. The remainder of its
short term of service was given to the cause. On the muster out of the
three months' service regiment it was reorganized for one year's
service and gained some distinction, after which it was mustered out
in 1863 at New Orleans.
The 55th Regiment, organized for three months' service, retains the brief history
applicable to the first organization of the 54th. It was mustered in on
the 16th of June, 1862, under Col. J. R. Mahon. disbanded on
the expiration of its term and was not reorganized.
The 56th
Regiment, referred to in the sketch of the 52nd, was designed to be
composed of railroad men, marshalled under J, M. Smith as Colonel,
but owing to the fact that many railroaders had already volunteered
into other regiments, Col. Smith's volunteers were incorporated
with the 52nd, and this number left blank in the army list.
The 57th
Battalion, actually organized by two ministers of the gospel,—the Rev. I.
W. T. McMullen and Rev. F. A. Hardin, of Richmond, Ind.,
mustered into service on the 18th of November, 1861, under the
former named reverend gentleman as Colonel, who was, however,
succeeded by Col. Cyrus C. Haynes, and he in turn by G. W.
Leonard, "WillisBlanch and John S. McGrath, the
latter holding
command until the conclusion of the war. The history of this
battalion is extensive, and if participation in a number of battles with
the display of rare gallantry wins fame, the 57th may rest assured of
its possession of this fragile yet coveted prize. Like many other
regiments it concluded its military labors in the service of General
Sheridan, and held the post of Port Lavaca in conjunction with
another regiment until peace dwelt in the land.
The 58th
Regiment, of Princeton, was organized there early in October, 1861, and
was mustered into service under the Colonelcy of Henry M. Carr. In
December it was ordered "to join General Buell's army,
after which it took a share in the various actions of the war,
and was mustered out on the 25th of July, 1865, at Louisville,
having gained a place on the roll of honor.
The 59th
Battalion was raised under a commission issued by Gov. Morton to Jesse
I. Alexander, creating him Colonel. Owing to the peculiarities
hampering its organization, Col. Alexander could not succeed in
having his regiment prepared to muster in before the 17th of
February, 1862. However, on that day the equipment was complete, and on
the 18th it left en route to Commerce, where on its arrival, it
was incorporated under General Pope's command. The list of its
casualties speaks a history,—no less than 793 men were lost during the
campaign. The regiment, after a term characterized "by
distinguished service, was mustered out at Louisville on the 17th of July,
1865.
The 60th
Regiment was partially organized under Lieut.-Col. Richard Owen at
Evansville during November 1861, and perfected at Camp Morton
during March, 1862. Its first experience was its gallant resistance
to Bragg's army investing Munfordsville, which culminated in the
unconditional surrender of its first seven companies on the 14th of
September, An exchange of prisoners took place in November,
which enabled it to joine the remaining companies in the field.
The subsequent record is excellent, and forms, as it were, a
monument to their fidelity and heroism. The main portion of this
battalion was mustered out at Indianapolis, on the 21st of March, 1865.
The 61st was
partially organized in December, 1861, under Col. B. F. Mullen. The
failure of thorough organization on the 22d of May, 1862, led the
men and oflicers to agree to incorporation with the 35th Regiment of
Volunteers.
The 62d
Battalion, raised under a commission issued to William Jones, of
Rockport, authorizing him to organize this regimentin the First
Congressional District was so unsuccessful that consolidation with the 53d
Regiment was resolved upon.
The 63d
Regiment, of Covington, under James MeManomy, Commandant ot Camp,
and J. S. Williams, Adjutant, was partially organized on the
31st of December, 1861, and may be considered on duty from its
very formation. After guarding prisoners at Camp Morton and
Lafayette, and engaging in battle on Manassas Plains on the 30th
of August following, the few companies sent out in February,
1862, returned to Indianapolis to find six new companies raised
under the call of July, 1862, ready to embrace the fortunes of the
63d. So strengthened, the regiment went forth to battle, and
continued to lead in the paths of honor and fidelity until mustered out
in May and June, 1865.
The 64th
Regiment failed in organization as an artillery corps; but orders received
from the War Department prohibiting the consolidation of
independent batteries, put a stop to any further move in the matter.
However, an infantry regiment bearing the same number was afterward
organized.
The 65th was
mustered in at Princeton and Evansville, in July and August, 1862,
under Col. J. W. Foster, and left at once enroute for the front.
The record of this battalion is creditable, not only to its members,
but also to the State which claimed it. Its last action during the war
was on the 18th and 20th of February, 1865, at Fort
Anderson and Town creek, after which, on the 22d June, it was
disbanded at Greensboro.
The 66th
Regiment partially organized at New Albany, under Commandant Roger
Martin, was ordered to leave for Kentucky on the 19th of August,
1862, for the defense of that State against the incursions of Kirby
Smith. After a brilliant career it was mustered out at
Washington on the 3d of June, 1865, after which it returned to
Indianapolis to receive the thanks of a grateful people.
The 67th
Regiment was organized within theTbird Congressional District under Col.
Frank Emerson, and was ordered to Louisville on the 20th of
August, 1862, whence it marched to Munfordville, only to share the
same fate with the other gallant regiments engaged against Gen.
Bragg's advance. Its roll of honor extends down the years of
civil disturbance,— always adding garlands, until Peace called a
truce in the fascinating race after fame, and insured a term of rest,
wherein its members could think on comrades forever vanished, and temper
the sad thought with the sublime memories born of that
chivalrous fight for the maintenance and integrity of a great
Republic. At Galveston on the 19th of July, 1865, the gallant 67th
Regiment was mustered out, and returning within a few days to its
State received the enthusiastic ovations of her citizens.
The 68th
Regiment, organized at Greensburg under Major Benjamin C. Shaw, was
accepted for general service the 19th of August, 1862, under Col.
Edward A. King, with Major Shaw as Lieutenant Colonel; on the 25th
its arrival at Lebanon was reported and with-in a few days it
appeared at the defense of Munfordville; but sharing in the fate of
all the defenders, it surrendered unconditionally to Gen. Bragg and did
not participate further in the actions of that year, nor until after
the exchange of prisoners in 1863. From this period it may lay
claim to an enviable history extending to the end of the war, when it
was disembodied.
The 69th
Regiment, of Richmond, Ind., under Col. A. Bickle, left for the front
on the 20th ot August, 1862, and ten days later made a very
brilliant stand at Richmond, Kentucky, against the advance of
Gen.Kirby Smith, losing in the engagement two hundred and eighteen
men and officers together with its liberty. After an exchange of
prisoners the regiment was reorganized under Col. T. W. Bennett
and took the field in December, 1862, under Generals Sheldon, Morgan
and Sherman of Grant's army. Chickasaw, Vicksburg,
Blakely and many other names testify to the valor of the 69th. The
remnant of the regiment was in January, 1865, formed into a
battalion under Oran Perry, and was mustered out in July following.
The 70th
Regiment was organized at Indianapolis on the 12th of August, 1862, under
Col. B. Harrison, and leaving for Louisville on the 13th, shared in
the honors of Bruce's division at Franklin and Russellville.
The record of the regiment is brimful of honor. It was mustered out
at Washington, June 8, 1865, and received at Indianapolis with
public honors.
The 71st or
Sixth Cavalry was organized as an infantry regiment, at Terre Haute,
and mustered into general service at Indianapolis on the 18th of
August, 1862, under Lieut.-Col. Melville D. Topping. Twelve days
later it was engaged outside Richmond, Kentucky, losing two
hundred and fifteen officers and men, including Col. Topping and
Major Conklin, together with three hundred and forty-seven
prisoners, only 225 escaping death and capture. After an exchange of
prisoners the regiment was re-formed under Col. I. Bittle, but
on the 28th of December it surrendered to Gen. J. H. Morgan, who
attacked its position at Muldraugh's Hill with a force of 1,000
Confederates. During September and October, 1863, it was organized as
a cavalry regiment, won distinction throughout its career, and was
mustered out the loth of September, 1865, at Murfreesboro.
The 72th
Regiment was organized at Lafayette, and left enroute to Lebanon,
Kentucky, on the 17th of August, 1862. Under Col. Miller it won a
series of honors, and mustered out at Nashville on the 26th of June,
1865.
The 73rd
Regiment, under Col. Gilbert Hathaway, was mustered in at South Bend on
the 16th of August, 1882, and proceeded immediately to the
front. Day's Gap, Crooked Creek, and the high eulogies of Generals
Rosencrans and Granger speak its long and brilliant history,
nor were the welcoming shouts of a great people and the
congratulations of Gov. Morton, tendered to the regiment on its return home,
in July, 1865, uecessary to sustain its well won reputation.
The 74th
Regiment, partially organized at Fort Wayne and made almost complete at
Indianapolis, left for the seat of war on the 22d of August, 1862,
under Col. Charles W. Chapman. The desperate opposition to Gen.
Bragg, and the magnificent defeat of Morgan, together with the battles
of Dallas, Chattahoochie river, Kenesaw and Atlanta, where
Lieut. Col. Myron Baker was killed, all bear evidence of its never
surpassed gallantry. It was mustered out of service on the 9th of
June, 1865, at "Washington. On the return of the regiment to
Indianapolis, the war Governor and people tendered it special honors, and
gave expression to the admiration and regard in which it was held.
The 75th
Regiment was organized within the Eleventh Congressional District, and
left Wabash, on the 21st of August, 1862, for the front, under Col. I.
W. Petit It was the first regiment to enter Tullahoma, and one
of the last engaged in the battles of the Republic. After the
submission of Gen. Johnson's army, it was mustered out at Washington,
on the 8th of June 1865.
The 76th
Battalion was solely organized for thirty days' service under Colonel James
Gavin, for the purpose of pursuing the rebel guerrilas, who
plundered Newburg on the 13th July, 1862. It was organized and
equipped within forty-eight hours, and during its term of service
gained the name, " The Avengers of Newburg."
The 77th, or
Fourth Cavalry, was organized at the State capital in August, 1862,
under Colonel Isaac P. Gray. It carved its way to fame over
twenty battlefields, and retired from service at Edgefield, on the
29th June, 1865.
The 79th
Regiment was mustered in at Indianapolis on the 2nd September, 1862,
under Colonel Fred Knefler. Its history may be termed a record of
battles, as the great numbers of battles, from 1862 to the
conclusion of hostilities, were participated in by it. The regiment
received its discharge on the 11th June, 1865, at Indianapolis. During
its continued round of field duty it captured eighteen guns and
over one thousand prisoners.
The 80th
Regiment was organized within the First Congressional District under
Col. C. Den by, and equipped at Indianapolis, when, on the 8th of
September, 1862, it left for the front. During its term it lost only
two prisoners; but its list of casualties sums up 325 men and officers
killed and wounded. The regiment may be said to muster out on the 22nd
of June, 1865, at Saulsbury.
The 81st
Regiment, of New Albany, under Colonel W. W. Caldwell, was organized on
the 29th August, 1862, and proceeded at once to join Buell's
headquarters, and join in the pursuit of General Bragg. Throughout the
terrific actions of the war its influence was felt, nor did its labors
cease until it aided in driving the rebels across the
Tennessee. It was disembodied at Nashville on the 13th
June, 1865, and returned to Indianapolis on the 15th, to receive the
well-merited congratulations of Governor Morton and the people.
The 82nd
Regiment, under Colonel Morton C. Hunter, was mustered in at Madison,
Ind., on the 30th August, 1862, and leaving immediately for the seat of
war, participated in many of the great battles down to the return of
peace. It was mustered outat Washington on the 9th June, 1865, and soon
returned to its State to receive a grand recognition of its faithful
service.
The 83rd
Regiment, of Lawrenceburg, under Colonel Ben. J. Spooner, was organized
in September, 1S62, and soon left en route to the Mississippi. Its
subsequent history, the fact of its being under tire for a total term
of 4,800 hours, and its wanderings over 6,285 miles, leave nothing to
be said in its defense. Master of a thousand honors, it was mustered
out at Louisville, on the 15th July, 1865, and returned home to enjoy a
well-merited repose.
The 84th
Regiment was mustered in at Richmond, Ind., on the 8th September, 1862,
under Colonel Nelson Trusler. Its first military duty was on the
defenses of Covington, in Kentucky, and Cincinnati; but after a short
time its labors became more congenial, and tended to the great
disadvantage of the slaveholding enemy on many well-con tested fields.
This, like the other State regiments, won many distinctions, and
retired from the service on the 14th of June, 1865, at Nashville.
The 85th
Regiment was mustered atTerre Haute, under Colonel John P. Bayard, on
the 2d September, 1862. On the 4th March, 1863, it shared in the
unfortunate affair at Thompson's Station, when in common with the other
regiments forming Coburn's Brigade, it surrendered to the overpowering
forces of the rebel General, Forrest. In June, 1S63, after an exchange,
it again took the field, and won a large portion of that renown
accorded to Indiana. It was mustered out on the 12th of
June, 1865.
The 86th
Regiment, of La Fayette, left for Kentucky on the 26th August, 1862,
under Colonel Orville S. Hamilton, and shared in the duties assigned to
the 84th. Its record is very creditable, particularly that portion
dealing with the battles of Nashville on the 15th and 16th December,
1864. It was mustered out on the 6th of June, 1865, and reported within
a few days at Indianapolis for discharge.
The 87th
Regiment, organized at South Bend, under Colonels Kline G. Sherlock and
N. Gleason, was accepted at Indianapolis on the 31st of August, 1862,
and left on the same day en route to the front. From Springfield and
Perryville on the 6th and 8th of October, 1862, to Mission Ridge, on
the 25th of November, 1863, thence through the Atlanta campaign to the
surrender of the Southern armies, it upheld a gallant name, and met
with a true and enthusiastic welcome"home on the 21st of June, 1865,
with a list of absent comrades aggregating 451.
The 88th
Regiment, organized within the Fourth Congressional District, under
Col. Geo. Humphrey, entered the service on the 29th of August, 1862,
and presently was found among the front ranks in war. It passed through
the campaign in brilliant form down to the time of Gen. Johnson's
surrender to Gen. Grant, after which, on the 7th of June, 1865, it was
mustered out at Washington.
The 89th
Regiment, formed from the material of the Eleventh Congressional
District, was mustered in at Indianapolis, on the 28th of August, 1862,
under Col. Chas. D. Murray, and after an exceedingly brilliant campaign
was discharged by Gov. Morton on the 4th of August, 1865.
The 90th
Regiment, oe Fifth Cavalry, was organized at Indianapolis under the
Colonelcy of Felix W. Graham, between August and November, 1862. The
different companies, joining headquarters at Louisville on the 11th of
March, 1863, engaged in observing tbe movements of the enemy in the
vicinity of Cumberland river until the 19th of April, when a first and
successful brush was had with the rebels. The regiment had been in 22
engagements during the term of service, captured 640 prisoners, and
claimed a list of casualties mounting up to the number of 829. It was
mustered out on the 16th of June, 1865, at Pulaski.
The 91st
Battalion, of seven companies, was mustered into service at Evansville,
the 1st of October, 1862, under Lieut.-Colonel John Mehriuger, and in
ten days later left for the front. In 1863 the regiment was completed,
and thenceforth took a very prominent position in the prosecutiou of
the war. During its service it lost 81 men, and retired from the
field'on the 26th of June, 1865.
The 92d Regiment
failed in organizing.
The 93d Regiment
was mustered in at Madison, Ind., on the 20th of October, 1862, under
Col. De Witt C. Thomas and Lieut. - Col. Geo. W. Carr. On the 9th of
November it began a movement south, and ultimately allied itself to
Buckland's Brigade of Gen. Sherman's. On the 14th of May it was among
the first regi- ments to enter Jackson, the capital of Mississippi; was
next present at the assault on Vicksburg, and made a stirring campaign
down to the storming of Fort Blakely on the 9th of April, 1865. It was
discharged on the 11th of August, that year, at Indianapolis, after
receiving a public ovation.
The 94th and
95th Regiments, authorized to be formed within the Fourth and Fifth
Congressional Districts, respectively, were only partially organized,
and so the few companies that could be mustered were incorporated with
other regiments.
The 96th
Regiment could only bring together three companies, in the Sixth
Congressional District, and these becoming incorporated with the 99th
then in process of formation at South Bend, the number was left blank.
The 97th
Regiment, raised in the Seventh Congressional District, was mustered
into service at Terre Haute, on the 20th of September, 1861, under Col.
Robert F. Catterson. Reaching the front within a few days, it was
assigned a position near Memphis, and subsequently joined in Gen.
Grant's movement on Vicksburg, by overland route. After a succession of
great exploits with the several armies to which it was attached, it
completed its list of battles at Bentonville, on the 21st of March,
1865, and was disembodied at Washington on the 9th of June following.
During its term of service the regiment lost 341 men, including the
three Ensigns killed during the assaults on rebel positions along the
Augusta Railway, from the 15th to the 27th of June, 1864.
The 98th
Regiment, authorized to be raised within the Eighth Congressional
District, failed in its organization, and the number was left blank in
the army list. The two companies answering to the call of July, 1862,
were consolidated with the 100th Regiment then being organized at Fort
Wayne.
The 99th
Battalion, recruited within the Ninth Congressional District, completed
its muster on the 21st of October, 1862, under Col. Alex. Fawler, and
reported for service a few days later at Memphis, where it was assigned
to the 16th Army Corps. The varied vicissitudes through which this
regiment passed and its remarkable gallantry upon all occasions, have
gained for it a fair fame. It was disembodied on the 5th of June, 1865,
at Washington, and returned to Indianapolis on the 11th of the same
month.
The 100th
Regiment, recruited from the Eighth and Tenth Congressional Districts,
under Col. Sandford J. Stoughton, mustered into the service on the 10th
of September, left for the front on the 11th of November, and became
attached to the Army of Tennessee on the 26th of that month, 1862. The
regiment participated in twenty-five battles, together with skirmishing
during fully one-third of its term of service, and claimed a list of
casualties mounting up to four hundred and sixty-four. It was mustered
out of the service at "Washington on the 9th of June, and reported at
Indianapolis for discharge on the 14th of June, 1865.
The 101st
Regiment was mustered into service at Wabash on the 7th of September,
1862, under Col. William Garver, and proceeded immediately to
Covington, Kentucky. Its early experiences were gained in the pursuit
of Bragg's army and John Morgan's cavalry, and these experiences
tendered to render the regiment one of the most valuable in the war for
the Republic. From the defeat of John Morgan at Milton on the 18th of
March, 1863, to the fall of Savannah on the 23rd of September, 1863,
the regiment won many honors, and retired from the service on the 25th
of June, 1865, at Indianapolis.
THE MORGAN RAID
REGIMENTS—MINUTE MEN.
The 102d
Regiment, organized under Col. Benjamin M. Gregory from companies of
the Indiana Legion, and numbering six hundred and twenty-three men and
officers, left Indianapolis for the front early in July, and reported
at North Veruon on the 12th of July, 1863, and having completed a round
of duty, returned to Indianapolis on the 17th to be discharged.
The 103d,
comprising seven companies from Hendricks county, two from Marion and
one from Wayne counties, numbering 681 men and officers, under Col.
Lawrence S. Shuler, was contemporary with the 102d Regiment, varying
only in its service by being mustered out one day before, or on the
16th of July, 1863.
The 104th
Regiment of Minute Men was recruited from members of the Legion of
Decatur, La Fayette, Madison, Marion and Rush counties. It comprised
714 men and officers under the command of Col. James Gavin, and was
organized within forty hours after the issue of Governor Morton'6 call
for minute men to protect Indiana and Kentucky against the raids of
Gen. John H Morgan's rebel forces. After Morgan's escape into Ohio the
command returned and was musteredouton the 18th of July, 1863.
The 105th
Regiment consisted of seven companies of the Legion and three of Minute
Men; furnished by Hancock, Union, Randolph, Putnam, Wayne, Clinton and
Madison counties. The command numbered seven hundred and thirteen men
and officers, under Col. Sherlock, and took a leading part in the
pursuit of Morgan. Returning on the 18th of July to Indianapolis it was
mustered out.
The 106th
Regiment, under Col. Isaac P. Gray, consisted of one company of the
Legion and nine companies of Minute Men, aggregating seveu hundred and
ninety-two men and officers. The counties of Wayne, Randolph, Hancock,
Howard, and Marion were represented in its rank and file. Like the
other regiments organized to repel Morgan, it was disembodied in July,
1863.
The 107th
Regiment, under Col. De Witt C. Rugg, was organized in the city of
Indianapolis from the companies' Legion, or Ward Guards. The successes
of this promptly organized regiment were unquestioned.
The 108th
Regiment comprised five companies of Minute Men, from Tippecanoe
county, two from Hancock, aud one from each of the counties known as
Carroll, Montgomery and Wayne, aggregating 710 men and officers, and
all under the command of Col. W. C. Wilson. After performing the only
duties presented, it returned from Cincinnati on the 18th of July, and
was mustered out.
The 109th
Regiment, composed of Minute Men from Coles county, Ill., La Porte,
Hamilton, Miami and Randolph counties, Ind., showed a roster of 709
officers and men, under Col. J. R. Mahon. Morgan having escaped from
Ohio, its duties were at an end, and returniug to Indianapolis was
mustered out on the 17th of July, 1863, after seven days' service.
The 110th
Regiment of Minute Men comprised volunteers from Henry, Madison,
Delaware, Cass, aud Monroe counties. The men were ready and willing, if
not really anxious to go to the front. But happily the swift-winged
Morgan was driven away, and consequently the regiment was not called to
the field.
The 111th
Regiment, furnished by Montgomery, Lafayette, Rush, Miami, Monroe,
Delaware and Hamilton counties, numbering 733 men and officers, under
Col. Robert Canover, was not requisitioned.
The 112th
Regiment was formed from nine companies of Minute Men, and the Mitchell
Light Infantry Company of the Legion. Its strength was 703 men and
officers, under Col. Hiram F. Braxton. Lawrence, Washington, Monroe and
Orange counties were represented on its roster, and the historic names
of North Vernon and Sunman's Station on its banner.
Returning from tbe South after seven days' service, it was mustered out
on the 17th of July, 1863.
The 113th
Regiment, furnished by Daviess, Martin, Washington, and Monroe
counties, comprised 526 rank and tile under Col. Geo. W. Barge. Like
the 112th, it was assigned to Gen. Hughes' Brigade, and defended North
Vernon against the repeated attacks of John H. Morgan's forces.
The 114th
Regiment was wholly organized in Johnson county, under Col. Lambertson,
and participated in the affair of North Vernon. Returning on the 21st
of July, 1863, with its brief but faithful record, it was disembodied
at Indianapolis, 11 days after its organization. All these regiments
were brought into existence to meet an emergency, and it must be
confessed, that had not a sense of duty, military instinct and love of
country animated these regiments, the rebel General, John H. Morton,
and his 6,000 cavalry, would doubtless have carried destruction as far
as the very capital of their State.
Six months'
regiments.
The 115th
Regiment, organized at Indianapolis in answer to the call of the
President in June, 1863, was mustered into service on the 17th of
August, under Col. J. R. Mahon. Its service was short but brilliant,
and received its discharge at Indianapolis the 10th of February, 1864.
The 116th
Regiment, mustered in on the 17th of August, 1863, moved to Detroit,
Michigan, on the 30th, under Col. Charles Wise. During October it was
ordered to Nicholasville, Kentucky, where it was assigned to Col.
Mahon's Brigade, and with Gen. Willcox's entire command, joined in the
forward movement to Cumberland Gap. After a term on severe duty it
returned to Lafayette and there was disembodied on the 24th of
February, 1864, whither Gov. Morton hastened, to share in the
ceremonies of welcome.
The 117th
Regiment of Indianapolis was mustered into service on the 17th of
September, 1863, under Col. Thomas J. Brady. After surmounting every
obstacle opposed to it, it returned on the 6th of February, 1864, and
was treated to a public reception on the 9th.
The 118th
Regiment, whose organization was completed on the 3d of September,
1863, under Col. Geo. W. Jackson, joined the 116th at Nicholasville,
and sharing in its fortunes, returned to the State capital on the 14th
of February, 1864. Its casualties were comprised in a list of 15 killed
and wounded.
The 119th, or
Seventh Cavalry, was recruited under Col. John P. C. Shanks, and its
organization completed on the 1st of October, 1863. The rank and file
numbered 1,213, divided into twelve companies. On the 7th of December
its arrival at Louisville was reported, and on the 14th it entered on
active service. After the well-fought battle of Guntown, Mississippi,
on the 10th of June, 1864, although it only brought defeat to our arms,
General Grierson addressed the Seventh Cavalry, saying: " Your General
con- gratulates you upon your noble conduct during the late expedition.
Fighting against overwhelming numbers, under adverse circumstances,
your prompt obedience to orders and unflinching courage commanding the
admiration of all, made even defeat almost a victory. For hours on foot
you repulsed the charges of the enemies' infantry, and again in the
saddle you met his cavalry and turned his assaults into confusion. Your
heroic perseverance saved hundreds of your fellow-soldiers from
capture. Yon have been faithful to your honorable reputation, and have
fully justified the confidence, and merited the high esteem of your
commander."
Early in 1865, a
number of these troops, returning from imprisonment in Southern
bastiles, were lost on the steamer "Sultana." The survivors of the
campaign continued in the service for a long period after the
restoration of peace, and finally mustered out.
The 120th
Regiment. In September, 1863, Gov. Morton received authority from the
War Department to organize eleven regiments within the State for three
years' service. By April, 1864, this organization was complete, and
being transferred to the command of Brigadier General Alvin P. Hovey,
were formed by him into a division for service with the Army of
Tennessee. Of those regiments, the 120th occupied a very prominent
place, both on account of its numbers, its perfect discipline and high
reputation. It was mustered in at Columbus, aud was in all the great
battles of the latter years of the war. It won high praise from friend
and foe, and retired with its bright roll of honor, after the success
of Right and Justice was accomplished.
The 121st, or
Ninth Cavalry, "was mustered in March 1, 1864, under Col. George W.
Jackson, at Indianapolis, and thougr not numerically strong, was so
well equipped and possessed such excellent material that on the 3rd of
May it was ordered to the front. The record of the 121st, though
extending over a brief period, is pregnant with deeds of war of a high
character. On the 26th of April, 1865, these troops, while returning
from their labors in the South, lost 55 men, owing to the explosion of
the engines of the steamer "Sultana." The return of the 386
survivors,on the 5th of September, 1865, was hailed with joy, and
proved how well and dearly the citizens of Indiana loved their soldiers.
The 122d
Regiment ordered to be raised in the Third Congressional District,
owing to very few men being then at home, failed in organization, and
the regimental number became a blank.
The 123d
Regiment was furnished by the Fourth and Seventh Congressional
Districts during the winter of 1863-'64, and mustered, March 9, 1864,
at Greensburg, under Col. John C. McQuiston. The command left for the
front the same day, and after winning rare distinction during the last
years of the campaign, particularly in its gallantry at Atlanta, and
its daring movement to escape Forrest's 15,000 rebel horsemen near
Franklin, this regiment was discharged on the 30th of August, 1865, at
Indianapolis, being mustered out on the 25th, at Raleigh, North
Carolina.
The 124th
Regiment completed its organization by assuming three companies raised
for the 125th Regiment (which was intended to be cavalry), and was
mustered in at Richmond, on the 10th of March, 1864, under Colonel
James Burgess, and reported at Louisville within nine days. From
Buzzard's Roost, on the 8th of May, 1864, under General Sehofield, Lost
Mountain in June, and the capture of Decatur, on the 15th July, to the
21st March, 1865, in its grand advance under General Sherman from
Atlanta to the coast, the regiment won many laurel wreaths, and after a
brilliant campaign, was mustered out at Greensboro on the 31st August,
1865.
The 125th, or
Tenth Cavalry, was partially organized daring November and December,
1862, at Vincennes, and in February, 1863, completed its numbers and
equipment at Columbus, under Colonel T. M. Pace. Early in May its
arrival in Nashville was reported, and presently assigned active
service. During September and October it eugagcd rebel contingents
under Forrest and Hood, and later in the battles of Nashville,
Reynold's Hill and Sugar Creek, and in 1865 Flint River, Courtland and
Mount Hope. The explosion of the Sultana occasioned the loss of
thirty-five men with Captain Gaffney and Lieutenants Twigg and Reeves,
and in a collision on the Nashville & Louisville railroad, May,
1864, lost live men killed and several wounded. After a
term of service unsurpassed for its utility and character it was
disembodied at Vicksburg, Mississippi, ou the 31st August, 1865, and
returning to Indianapolis early in September, was welcomed by the
Executive and people.
The 126th, or
Eleventh Cavalry, was organized at Indian- apolis under Colonel Robert
R. Stewart, on the 1st of March, 1864, and left in May for Tennessee.
It took a very conspicuous part in the defeat of Hood near Nashville,
joining in the pursuit as far as Gravelly Springs, Alabama, where it
was dismounted and assigned infantry duty. In June, 1865, it was
remounted at St. Louis, and moved to Fort Riley, Kansas, and thence to
Leavenworth, where it was mustered out on the 19th September, 1865.
The 127th, or
Twelfth Cavalry, was partially organized at Kendallville, in December,
1863, and perfected at the same place, under Colonel Edward Anderson,
in April, 1864. Reaching the front in May, it went into active service,
took a prominent part in the march through Alabama and Georgia, and
after a service brilliant in all its parts, retired from the field,
after discharge, on the 22d of November, 1865.
The 128th
Regiment was raised in the Tenth Congressional District of the period,
and mustered at Michigan City, under Colonel R. P. De Hart, on the 18th
March, 1864. On the 25th it was reported at the front, and assigned at
once to Schotield's Division. The battles of Resaca, Dallas, New Hope
Church, Lost Mountain, Kenesaw, Atlanta, Jouesboro, Dalton, Brentwood
Hills, Nashville, and the six days' skirmish of Columbia, were all
participated in by the 128th, and it continued in service long after
the termination of hostilities, holding the post of Raleigh, North
Carolina.
The 129th
Regiment was, like the former, mustered in at Michigan City about the
same time, under Colonel Charles Case, and moving to the front on the
7th April, 1864, shared in the fortunes of the 123 th until August
29,1865, when it was disembodied at Charlotte, North Carolina.
The 130th
Regiment, mustered at Kokomo on the 12th March, 1864, under Colonel C.
S. Parrish, left en route to the seat of war on the 16th, and was
assigned to the Second Brigade, First Division, Twenty-third Army
Corps, at Nashville, on the 19th. During the war it made for itself a
brilliant history, and returned to Indianapolis with its well-won
honors on the 13th December, 1865.
The 131st, on
Thirteenth Cavalry, under Colonel G. M L. Johnson, was the last mounted
regiment recruited within the State-It left Indianapolis on the 30th of
April, 1864, in infantry trim, and gained its first honors on the 1st
of October in its magnificent defense of Huntsvillc, Alabama, against
the rebel division of General Bnford, following a line of first-rate
military conduct to the end. In January, 1865, the regiment was
remounted, won some distinction in its modern form, and was mustered
out at Vicksburg on the 18th of November, 1865. The morale and services
of the regiment were such that its Colonel was promoted Brevet
Brigadier-General in consideration of its merited honors.
THE ONE HUNDRED—DAYS
VOLUNTEERS.
Governor Morton,
in obedience to the offer made under his auspices to the general
Government to raise volunteer regiments for one hundred days' service,
issued his call on the 23rd of April, 1864. This movement suggested
itself to the inventive genius of the war Governor as a most important
step toward the subjection or annihilation of the military supporters
of slavery within a year, and thus conclude a war, which,
notwithstanding its holy claims to the name of Battles for Freedom, was
becoming too protracted, and proving too detrimental to the best
interests of the Union. In answer to the esteemed Governor's call eight
regiments came forward, and formed The Grand Division of the Volunteers.
The 132d
Regiment, under Col. S. C. Vance, was furnished by Indianapolis,
Shelbyville, Franklin and Danville, and leaving on the 18th of May,
1864, reached the front where it joined the forces acting in Tennessee.
The 133d
Regiment, raised at Richmond on the 17th of May, 1864, under Col. R. N.
Hudson, comprised nine companies, and followed the 132d.
The 134th
Regiment, comprising seven companies, was organized at Indianapolis on
the 25th of May, 1864, under Col. James Gavin, and proceeded
immediately to the front.
The 135th
Regiment was raised from the volunteers of Bedford, Noblesville and
Goshen, with seven companies from the First Congressional District,
under Col. W C. Wilson, on the 25th of May, 1864, and left at once en
route to the South.
The 136th
Regiment comprised ten companies, raised in the same districts as those
contributing to the 135th, under Col. J. W. Foster, and left for
Tennessee on the 24th of May, 1864.
The 137th
Regiment, under Col. E. J. Robinson, comprising volunteers from Kokomo,
Zanesville, Melora, Sullivan, Rockville, and Owen and Lawrence
counties, left en route to Tennessee on the 28th of May, 1864, having
completed organization the day previous.
The 138th
Regiment was formed of seven companies from the Ninth, with three from
the Eleventh Congressional District (unreformed), and mustered in at
Indianapolis on the 27th of May, 1864, under Col. J. H. Shannon. This
fine regiment was reported at the front within a few days.
The 139th
Regiment, under Col. Geo. Humphrey, was raised from volunteers
furnished by Kendallville, Lawrenceburg, Elizaville, Knightstown,
Connersville, Newcastle, Portland, Vevay, New Albany, Metamora,
Columbia City, New Haven and New Philadelphia. It was constituted a
regiment on the 8th of June, 1864, and appeared among the defenders in
Tennessee during that month. All these regiments gained distinction,
and won an enviable position in the glorious history of the war and the
no less glorious one of their own State in its relation thereto.
The President's call
of July, 1864.
The 140th
Regiment was organized with many others, in response to the call of the
nation. Under its Colonel, Thomas J. Brady, it proceeded to the South
on the 15th of November, 1S64. Having taken a most prominent part in
all the desperate struggles, round Nashville and Murfreesboro in 1864,
to Town Creek Bridge on the 20th of February, 1865, and completed a
continuous round of severe duty to the end, arrived at Indianapolis for
discharge on the 21st of July, where Governor Morton received it with
marked honors.
The 141st
Regiment was only partially raised, and its few companies, were
incorporated with Col. Brady's command.
The 142d
Regiment was recruited at Fort Wayne, under Col. I. M. Comparet, and
was mustered into service at Indianapolis on the 3d of November, 1864.
After a steady and exceedingly effective service, it returned to
Indianapolis on the 16th of July, 1865.
The President's
call of December, 1864,
Was answered by
Indiana in the most material terras. No less than fourteen serviceable
regiments were placed at the disposal of the General Government.
The 143d
Regiment was mustered in, under Col J. T. Grill, on the 21st February,
1865, reported at Nashville on the 24th, and after a brief but
brilliant service returned to the State on the 21st October, 1865.
The 144th
Regiment, under Col. G. W. Riddle, was mustered in on the 6th March,
1865, left on the 9th for Harper's Ferry, took an effective part in the
close of the campaign and reported at Indianapolis for discharge on the
9th August, 1865.
The 145th
Regiment, under Col. W. A. Adams, left Indianapolis on the 18th of
February, 1865, and joining Gen. Steadmau's division at Chattanooga on
the 23d was sent on active service. Its duties were discharged with
rare fidelity until mustered out in January, 1866.
The 146th
Regiment, under Col. M. C. Welsh, left Indianapolis on the 11th of
March en route to Harper's Ferry, where it was assigned to the army of
the Shenandoah. The duties ot this regiment were severe and continuous,
to the period of its muster out at Baltimore on the 31st of August,
1865.
The 147th
Regiment, comprised among other volunteers from Benton, Lafayette and
Henry counties, organized nnder Col. Milton Peden on the 13th of March,
1865, at Indianapolis. It shared a fortune similar to that of the
146th, and returned for discharge on the 9th of August, 1865.
The 148th
Regiment, under Col. N. R. Ruckle, left the State capital on the 28th
of February, 1865, and reporting at Nashville, was sent on guard and
garrison duty into the heart of Tennessee. Returning to Indianapolis on
the 8th of September, it received a final discharge.
The 149th
Regiment was organized at Indianapolis by Col. W. H. Fairbanks, and
left on the 3d of March, 1865, for Tennessee, where it had the honor of
receiving the surrender of the rebel forces, and military stores of
Generals Roddy and Polk. The regiment was welcomed home by Morton on
the 29th of September.
The 150th
Regiment, under Col. M. B. Taylor, mustered in on the 9th of March,
1865, left for the South on the 13th and reported at Harper's Ferry on
the 17th. This regiment did guard duty at Charleston, Winchester,
Stevenson Station, Gordon's Springs, and after a service characterized
by utility, returned on the 9th of August to Indianapolis for discharge.
The 151st
Regiment, under Col. J. Healy, arrived at Nashville on the 9th of
March, 1865. On the 14th a movement on Tullahoma was undertaken, and
three months later returned to Nashville for garrison duty to the close
of the war. It was mustered out on the 22d of September, 1S65.
The 152nd
Regiment was organized at Indianapolis, under Col. W. W Griswold, and
left for Harper's Ferry on the 18th of March, 1865. It was attached to
the provisional divisions of Shenandoah Army, and engaged until the 1st
of September, when it was discharged at Indianapolis.
The 153d
Regiment was organized at Indianapolis on the 1st of March, 1865, under
Col. O. H. P. Carey. It reported at Louisville, and by order of Gen.
Palmer, was held on service in Kentucky, where it was occupied in the
exciting but very dangerous pastime of fighting Southern guerrillas.
Later it was posted at Louisville, until mustered out on the 4th of
September, 1865.
The 154th
Regiment, organized under Col. Frank Wilcox, left Indianapolis under
Major Simpson, for Parkersburg, W. Virginia, on the 28th of April,
1865. It was assigned to guard and garrison duty until its discharge on
the 4th of August, 1865.
The 155th
Regiment, recruited throughout the State, left on the 26th of April for
Washington, and was afterward assigned to a provisional Brigade of the
Ninth Army Corps at Alexandria. The companies of this regiment were
scattered over the country,—at Dover, Centreville, Wilmington, and
Salisbury, but becoming reunited on the 4th of August, 1865, it was
mustered out at Dover, Delaware.
The 156th
Battalion, under Lieut.-Colonel Charles M. Smith, left en route to the
Shenandoah Valley on the 27th of April, 1865, where it continued doing
guard duty to the period of its muster out the 4th of August, 1865, at
Winchester, Virginia. On the return of these regiments to Indianapolis,
Gov. Morton and the people received them with all that characteristic
cordiality and enthusiasm peculiarly their own.
INDEPENDENT CAVALRY
COMPANY OF INDIANA VOLUNTEERS.
The people of
Crawford county, animated with that inspiriting patriotism which the
war drew forth, organized this mounted company on the 25th of July,
1863, and placed it at the disposal of the Government, and it was
mustered into service by order of the War Secretary, on the 13th of
August, 1863, under Captain L. Lamb. To the close of the year it
engaged in the laudable pursuit of arresting deserters and enforcing
the draft; however, on the 18th of January, 1864, it was reconstituted
and incorporated with the Thirteenth Cavalry, with which it continued
to serve until the treason of Americans against America was conquered.
OUR COLORED TROOPS.
The 28th
Regiment of Colored Troops was recruited through-out the State of
Indiana, and under Lieut-Colonel Charles S. Russell, left Indianapolis
tor the fronton the 24th of April, 1864. The regiment acted very well
in its first engagement with the rebels at White House, Virginia, and
again with Gen. Sheridan's Cavalry, in the swamps of the Chickahominy.
In the battle of the "Crater," it lost half its roster; but their place
was soon filled by other colored recruits from the State, and Russell
promoted to the Colonelcy, and afterward to Brevet Brigadier-General,
when he was succeeded in the command by Major Thomas H. Logan. During
the few months of its active service it accumulated quite a history,
and was ultimately discharged, on the 8th of January, 1866, at
Indianapolis. batteries of light artillery.
First Battery,
organized at Evansville, under Captain Martin Klauss, and mustered in
on the 16th of August, 1861, joined Gen. Fremont's army immediately,
and entering readily upon its salutary course, aided in the capture of
950 rebels and their position at Blackwater creek. On March the 6th,
1862 at Elkhorn Tavern, and on the 8th at Pea Ridge, the battery
performed good service. Port Gibson, Champion Hill, Jackson, the Teche
country, Sabine Cross Roads, Grand Encore, all tell of its efficacy. In
1864 it was subjected to reorganization, when Lawrence Jacoby was
raised to the Captiancy, vice Klauss resigned. After a long term of
useful service, it was mustered out at Indianapolis on the 18th of
August, 1865.
Second Battery
was organized, under Captain D. G. Rabb, at Indianapolis on the 9th of
August, 1861, and one month later proceeded to the front. It
participated in the campaign against Col. Coffee's irregular troops and
the rebellious Indians of the Cherokee nation. From Lone Jack,
Missouri, to Jenkin's Ferry and Fort Smith it won signal honors until
its reorganization in 1864, and even after, to June, 1865, it
maintained a very fair reputation.
The Third
Battery, under Capt. W. W. Frybarger, was organized and mustered in at
Connersville on the 24th of August, 1861, and proceeded immediately to
join Fremont's Army of the Missouri. Moon's Mill, Kirksville, Meridian,
Fort de Russy, Alexandria, Round Lake, Tupelo, Clinton and Tallahatchie
are names which may be engraven on its guns. It participated in the
affairs before Nashville on the 15th and 16th of December, 1864, when
General Hood's Army was put to route, and at Fort Blakely, outside
Mobile, after which it returned home to report for discharge, August
21, 1865.
The Fourth
Battery, recruited in La Porte, Porter and Lake counties, reported at
the front early in October, 1861, and at once assumed a prominent place
in the army of Gen. Buell. Again under Rosencraus and McOook and under
General Sheridan at Stone River, the services of this battery were much
praised, and it retained its well-earned reputation to the very day of
its muster out —the 1st of August, 1865. Its first organization was
completed under Capt. A. K. Bush, and reorganized in Oct., 1864, under
Capt B. F. Johnson.
The Fifth
Battery was furnished by La Porte, Allen, "Whitley and Noble counties,
organized under Capt. Peter Simonson, and mustered into service on the
22d of November, 1861. It comprised four six pounders, two being rifled
cannon, and two twelve-pounder Howitzers with a force of 158 men.
Reporting at Camp Gilbert, Louisville, on the 29th, it was shortly
after assigned to the division of Gen. Mitchell, at Bacon Creek. During
its term, it served in twenty battles and numerous petty actions,
losing its Captain at Pine Mountain. The total loss accruing to the
battery was 84 men and officers and four guns. It was mustered out on
the 20th of July, 1864.
The Sixth
Battery was recruited at Evansville, under Captain Frederick Behr, and
left, on the 2d of Oct., 1861, for the front, reporting at Henderson,
Kentucky, a few days after. Early in 1862 it joined Gen. Sherman's army
at Paducah, and participated in the battle of Shiloh, on the 6th of
April. Its history grew in brilliancy until the era of peace insured a
cessation of its great labors.
The Seventh
Battery comprised volunteers from Terre Haute, Arcadia, Evausville,
Salem, Lawrenceburg, Columbus, Vincennes and Indianapolis, under Samuel
J. Harris as its first Captain, who was succeeded by G. R. Shallow and
O. H. Morgan after its reorganization. From the siege of Corinth to the
capture of Atlanta it performed vast services, and returned to
Indianapolis on the 11th of July, 1865, to be received by the people
and hear its history from the lips of the veteran patriot and Governor
of the State.
The Eighth
Battery, under Captain G. T. Cochran, arrived at the front on the 26th
of February, 1862, and subsequently entered upon its real duties at the
siege of Corinth. It served with distinction throughout, and concluded
a well-made campaign under "Will Stokes, who was appointed Captain of
the companies with which it was consolidated in March, 1865.
The Ninth
Battery. The organization of this battery was perfected at
Indianapolis, on the 1st of January, 1862, under Capt. N. S. Thompson.
Moving to the front it participated in the affairs of Shiloh, Corinth,
Queen's Hill, Meridian, Fort Dick Taylor, Fort de Russy, Henderson's
Hill, Pleasant Hill, Cotile Landing, Bayou Rapids, Mansura, Chicot, and
many others, winning a name in each engagement. The explosion of the
steamer Eclipse at Johnsonville, above Paducah, on Jan. 27, 1865,
resulted in the destruction of 58 men, leaving only ten to represent
the battery. The survivors reached Indianapolis on the 6th of March,
and were mustered out.
The Tenth
Battery was recruited at Lafayette, and mustered in under Capt. Jerome
B. Cox, in January, 1861. Having passed through the Kentucky campaign
against Gen. Bragg, it participated in many of the great engagements,
and finally returned to report for discharge on the 6th of July, 1864,
having, in the mean- time, won a verv fair fame.
The Eleventh
Battery was organized at Lafayette, and mustered in at Indianapolis
under Capt. Arnold Sutermeister, on the 17th of December, 1861. On most
of the principal battle-fields, from Shiloh, in 1862, to the capture of
Atlanta, it maintained a high reputation for military excellence, and
after consolidation with the Eighteenth, mustered out on the 7th of
June, 1865.
The Twelfth
Battery was recruited at Jeffersonville and subsequently mustered in at
Indianapolis. On the 6th of March, 1862, it reached Nashville, having
been previously assigned to Buell's Army. In April its Captain, G. W.
Sterling, resigned, and the position devolved on Capt. James E. White,
who, in turn, was succeeded by James A. Dunwoody. The record of the
battery holds a first place in the history of the period, and enabled
both men and officers to look back with pride upon the battle-fields of
the land. It was ordered home in June, 1865, and on reaching
Indianapolis, on the 1st of July, was mustered out on the 7th of that
month.
The Thirteenth
Battery was organized under Captain Sewell Coulson, during the winter
of 1861, at Indianapolis, and proceeded to the front in February,
1862. During the subsequent months it w as occupied in the
pursuit of John H. Morgan's raiders, and aided effectively in driving
them from Kentucky. This artillery company returned from the South on
the 4th of July, 1865, and were discharged the day following.
The Fourteenth
Battery, recruited in Wabash, Miami, Lafayette, and Huntington
counties, under Captain M. H. Kidd, and Lieutenant J. W. H. McGuire,
left Indianapolis on the 11th of April, 1862, and within a few months
one portion of it was captured at Lexington by Gen. Forrest's great
cavalry command. The main battery lost two guns and two men at Guntown,
on the Mississippi, but proved more successful at Nashville and Mobile.
It arrived home on the 29th of August, 1865, received a public welcome,
and its final discharge.
The Fifteenth
Battery, under Captain I. C. H. Von Sehlin, was retained on duty from
the date of its organization, at Indianapolis, until the 5th of July,
1862, when it was moved to Harper's Ferry. Two months later the gallant
defense of Maryland Heights was set at naught by the rebel Stonewall
Jackson, and the entire garrison surrendered. Being paroled, it was
reorganized at Indianapolis, and appeared again in the field in March,
1863, where it won a splendid renown on every well-fought field to the
close of the war. It was mustered out on the 24th of June,
1865.
The Sixteenth
Battery was organized at Lafayette, under Capt. Charles A. Nay lor, and
on the 1st of June, 1862, left for Washington. Moving to the front with
Gen. Pope's command, it participated in the battle of Slaughter
Mountain, on the 9th of August, and South Mountain, and Antietam, under
Gen. McClellan. This battery was engaged in a large number of general
engagements and flying column affairs, won a very favorable record, and
returned on the 5th of July, 1865.
The Seventeenth
Battery, under Capt Milton L. Miner, was mustered in at Indianapolis,
on the 20th of May, 1862, left for the front on the 5th of July, and
subsequently engaged in the Gettysburg expedition, was present at
Harper's Ferry, July 6,1863, and at Opgquan on the 19th of September.
Fisher's Hill, New Market, and Cedar Creek brought it additional
honors, and won from Gen. Sheridan a tribute of praise for its service
on these battle grounds. Ordered from Winchester to Indianapolis it was
mustered out there on the 3d of Julv, 1865.
The Eighteenth
Battery, under Capt. Eli Lilly, left for the front in August, 1862, but
did not take a leading part in the cam- paign until 1863, when, under
Gen. Rosencrans, it appeared prominent at Hoover's Gap. From this
period tc the affairs of West Point and Macon, it performed first-class
service, and returned to its State on the 25th of June, 1S65.
The Nineteenth
Battery was mustered into service at Indianapolis, on the 5th of
August, 1862, under Capt. S. J. Harris, and proceeded immediately
afterward to the front, where it participated in the campaign against
Gen. Bragg. It was present at every post of danger to the end of the
war, when, after the surrender of Johnson's army, it returned to
Indianapolis. Reaching that city on the 6th of June, 1865, it was
treated to a public reception and received the congratulations of Gov.
Morton. Four days later it was discharged.
The Twentieth
Battery, organized under Capt. Frank A. Rose, left the State capital on
the 17th of December, 1862, for the front, and reported immediately at
Henderson, Kentucky. Subsequently Captain Rose resigned, and, in 1863,
under Capt. Osborn, turned over its guns to the 11th Indiana Battery,
and was assigned to the charge of siege guns at Nashville. Gov. Morton
had the battery supplied with new field pieces, and by the 5th of
October, 1863, it was again in the field, where it won many horjors
under Sherman, and continued to exercise a great influence until its
return on the 23d of June, 1865.
The Twenty-first
Battery recruited at Indianapolis, under the direction of Captain W. W.
Andrew, left on the 9th of September, 1862, for Covington, Kentucky, to
aid in its defense against the advancing forces of Gen. Kirby Smith. It
was engaged in numerous military affairs and may be said to acquire
many honors, although its record is stained with the names of seven
deserters. The battery was discharged on the 21st of June, 1865.
The
Twenty-second Battery was mustered in at Indianapolis on the 15th of
December, 1862, under Capt. B. F. Denning, and moved at once to the
front. It took a very conspicuous part in the pursuit of Morgan's
Cavalry, and in many other affairs. It threw the first shot into
Atlanta, and lost its Captain, who was killed in the skirmish line, on
the 1st of July. "While the list of casualties numbers only 35, that of
desertions numbers 37. This battery was received with public honors on
its return, the 25th of June, 1865, and mustered out on the 7th of the
same month.
The Twenty-third
Battery, recruited in October 1862, and mustered in on the 8th of
November, under Capt. I. H. Myers, proceeded south, after having
rendered very efficient services at home in guarding thecamps of rebel
prisoners. In July, 1865, the battery took an active part, under
General Boyle's command, in routing and capturing the raiders at
Brandenburgh, and subsequently to the close of the war performed very
brilliant exploits, reaching Indianapolis in June, 1865. It was
discharged ou the 27th of that month.
The
Twenty-fourth Battery, under Capt. I. A. Simras, was enrolled for
service on the 29th of November, 1862; remained at Indianapolis on duty
until the 13thof March, 1863, when it left for the field. From its
participation in the Cumberland River campaign, to its last engagement
at Columbia, Tennessee, it aided materially in bringing victory to the
Union ranks and made for itself a widespread fame. Arriving at
Indianapolis on the 28th of July, it was publicly received, and in five
days later disembodied.
The Twenty-fifth
Battery was recruited in September and October, 1864, and mustered into
service for one year, under Capt. Frederick C. Sturm. December 13th, it
reported at Nashville, and took a prominent part in the defeat of Gen.
Hood's army. Its duties until July, 1865, were continuous, when it
returned to report for final discharge.
The Twenty-sixth
Battery, or "Wilder's Battery," was recruited under Capt. I. T. Wilder,
of Greensburg, in May, 1861; but was not mustered in as an artillery
company. Incorporating itself with a regiment then forming at
Indianapolis it was mustered as company "A," of the 17th Infantry, with
Wilder as Lieutenant- Colonel of the regiment. Subsequently, at Elk
Water, Virginia, it was converted into the "First Independent Battery,"
and became known as " Rigby's Battery." The record of this battery is
as brilliant as any won during the war. On every field it has won a
distinct reputation; it was well worthy the enthusiastic reception
given to it on its return to Indianapolis on the 11th and 12th of July,
1865. During its term of service it was subject to many transmutations;
but in every phase of its brief history, areputation for gallantry and
patriotism was maintained which now forms a living testimonial to its
services to the public.
The total number
of battles in the " War of the Rebellion " in which the patriotic
citizens of the great and noble State of Indiana were more or less
engaged, was as follows:
Locality.
................No. of Battles.
Virginia.........................
90
Tennessee......................
51
Georgia.........................
41
Mississippi......................
24
Arkansas........................
19
Kentucky.......................
16
Louisana........................
15
Missouri........................
....9
North
Carolina.................. 8
Maryland...........................
7
Texas...........................
.....3
South
Carolina................. 2
Indian
Territory.................. 2
Pennsylvania....................
1
Ohio............................
......1
Indiana..............................
1
Total............................308
The regiments
sent forth to the defense of the Republic in the hour of its greatest
peril, when a host of her own sons, blinded by some unholy infatuation,
leaped to arms that they might trample upon the liberty-giving
principles of the nation, have been passed in very brief review. The
authorities chosen for the dates, names, and figures are the records of
the State, and the main subject is based upon the actions of those
267,000 gallant men of Indiana who rushed to arms in defense of all for
which their fathers bled, leaving their wives and children and homes in
the guardianship of a truly paternal Government.
The relation of
Indiana to the Republic was then established; for when the population
of the State, at the time her sons went forth to participate in war for
the maintenance of the Union, is brought into comparison with all other
States and countries, it will be apparent that the sacrifices made by
Indiana from 1861-'65 equal, if not actually exceed, the noblest of
those recorded in the history of ancient or modern times.
Unprepared for
the terrible inundation of modern wickedness, which threatened to
deluge the country in a sea of blood and rob, a people of their
richest, their most prized inheritance, the State rose above all
precedent, and under the benign influence of patriotism, guided by the
well-directed zeal of a wise Governor and Government, sent into the
field an army that in numbers was gigantic, and in moral and physical
excellence never equaled
It is laid down
in the official reports, furnished to the War Department, that over
200,000 troops were specially organized to aid in crushing the legions
of the slave-holder; that no less than 50,000 militia were armed to
defend the State, and that the large, but absolutely necessary number
of commissions issued was 17,114. All this proves the scientific skill
and military economy exercised by the Governor, and brought to the aid
of the people in a most terrible emergency; for he, with some prophetic
sense of the gravity of the situation, saw that unless the greatest
powers of the Union were put forth to crush the least justifiable and
most pernicious of all rebellions holding a place in the record of
nations, the best blood of the country would flow in a vain attempt to
avert a catastrophe which, if prolonged for many years, would result in
at least the moral and commercial ruin of the country.
The part which
Indiana took in the waragainst the Rebellion is one of which the
citizens of the State may well be proud. In the number of troops
furnished, and in the amount of voluntary contributions rendered,
Indiana, in proportion and wealth, stands equal to any of her sister
States. " It is also a subject of gratitude and thankfulness," said
Gov. Morton, in his message to the Legislature, " that, while the
number of troops furnished by Indiana alone in this great contest would
have done credit to a first-class nation, measured by the standard, of
previous wars, not a single battery or battalion from this State has
brought reproach upon the national flag, and no disaster of the war can
be traced to any want of fidelity, courage or efficiency on the part of
any Indiana officer. The endurance, heroism, intelligence and skill of
the officers and soldiers sent forth by Indiana to do battle for the
Union, have shed a luster on our beloved State, of which any people
might justly be proud. Without claiming super ority over our loyal
sister States, it is but justice to the brave men who have represented
us on almost every battle-field of the war, to say that their deeds
have placed Indiana in the front rank of those heroic States which
rushed to the rescue of the imperiled Government of the nation The
total number of troops furnished by the State for all terms of service
exceeds 200,000 men, much the greater portion of them being for three
years; and in addition thereto not less than 50,000 State militia have
from time to time been called into active service to repel rebel raids
and defend our southern border from invasion."
AFTER THE WAR.
In 1867 the
Legislature comprised 91 Republicans and 59 Democrats. Soon after the
commencement of the session, Gov. Morton resigned his office in
consequence of having been elected to the U. S. Senate, and Lieut-Gov.
Conrad Baker assumed the Executive chair during the remainder of
Morton's term. This Legislature, by a very decisive vote, ratified the
14th amendment to the Federal Constitution, constituting all persons
born in the country or subject to its jurisdiction, citizens of the
United States and of the State wherein they reside, without regard to
race or color; reducing the Congressional representation in any State
in which there should be a restriction of the exercise of the elective
franchise on account of race or color; disfranchising persons therein
named who shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the
United States; and declaring that the validity of the public debt of
the United States authorized by law, shall not be questioned.
This Legislature
also passed an act providing for the registry of votes, the punishment
of fraudulent practices at elections, and for the apportionment and
compensation of a Board of Registration; this Board to consist, in each
township, of two freeholders appointed by the County Commissioners,
together with the trustee of such township; in cities the freeholders
are to be appointed in each ward by the city council. The measures of
this law are very strict, and are faithfully executed. No cries of
fraud in elections are heard in connection with Indiana.
This Legislature
also divided the State into eleven Congressional Districts and
apportioned their representation; enacted a law for the protection and
indemnity of all officers and soldiers of the United States and
soldiers of the Indiana Legion, for acts done in the military service
of the United States, and in the military service of the State, and in
enforcing the laws and preserving the peace of the country; made
definite appropriations to the several benevolent institutions of the
State, and adopted several measures for the encouragement of education,
etc.
In 1868, Indiana
was the first in the field of national politics, both the principal
parties holding State conventions early in the year. The Democrats
nominated T. A. Hendricks for Governor, and denounced in their platform
the reconstruction policy of the Republicans; recommended that United
States treasury notes be substituted for national bank currency; denied
that the General Government had a right to interfere with the question
of suffrage in any of the States, and opposed negro suffrage, etc.;
while the Republicans nominated Conrad Baker for Governor, defended its
reconstruction policy, opposed a further contraction of the currency,
etc. The campaign was an excitiug one, and Mr. Baker was elected
Governor by a majority of only 961. In the Presidential election that
soon followed the State gave Grant 9,572 more than Seymour.
During 1868
Indiana presented claims to the Government for about three and a half
millions dollars for expeuses incurred in the war, and $1,958,917.94:
was allowed. Also, this year, a legislative commission
reported that $413,599.48 were allowed to parties suffering loss by the
Morgan raid.
This year
Governor Baker obtained a site for the House of Refuge. (See a
subsequent page.) The Soldiers' and Seamen's Home, near Knightstown,
originally established by private enterprise and benevolence, and
adopted by the Legislature of the previous year, was in a good
condition. Up to that date the institution had afforded relief and
temporary subsistence to 400 men who had been disabled in the war. A
substantial brick building had been built for the home, while the old
buildings were used for an orphans' department, in which were gathered
86 children of deceased soldiers.