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144th_ohio_infantry_primary_sources [2019/05/27 11:07]
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144th_ohio_infantry_primary_sources [2019/06/21 17:16] (current)
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 LETTER FROM THE 144TH O. N. G. LETTER FROM THE 144TH O. N. G.
  
-FORT MCHENRY, NEAR BALTIMORE, MD. +FORT MCHENRY, NEAR BALTIMORE, MD.\\  
-May 16,1864.+May 16, 1864.
  
 ED. JOURNAL: Today, for the first time since leaving Perrysburg, I have what may be considered a fair opportunity for writing— I shall therefore endeavor to give the readers of the Journal a brief account of the campaign of the "64th Battalion National Guards,"​ up to the present time.  ED. JOURNAL: Today, for the first time since leaving Perrysburg, I have what may be considered a fair opportunity for writing— I shall therefore endeavor to give the readers of the Journal a brief account of the campaign of the "64th Battalion National Guards,"​ up to the present time. 
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 with three days rations in haversacks. However, it was 6 A. M., Thursday before the regiment left Camp—marched to the Columbus Arsenal, where we received arms then on to Todd Barrracks, where those who felt disposed devoured a portion of the  contents of their haversacks; at 3. 30 P. M., we marched to the depot of the Central Ohio Railroad, and at 5 o'​clock were under way for Pittsburg. with three days rations in haversacks. However, it was 6 A. M., Thursday before the regiment left Camp—marched to the Columbus Arsenal, where we received arms then on to Todd Barrracks, where those who felt disposed devoured a portion of the  contents of their haversacks; at 3. 30 P. M., we marched to the depot of the Central Ohio Railroad, and at 5 o'​clock were under way for Pittsburg.
  
-The greater portion of the regiment were placed in ordinary freight and Cattle cars, with benches for seats. During the first two or three hours after starting the greatest hilarity prevailed but soon after dark the floors of tho cars, as well as the benches, were covered with sleeping "​Guards"​ fr the duties of the day had been such that nearly every one was in a condition to "sleep anywhere."​+The greater portion of the regiment were placed in ordinary freight and Cattle cars, with benches for seats. During the first two or three hours after starting the greatest hilarity prevailed but soon after dark the floors of the cars, as well as the benches, were covered with sleeping "​Guards"​ fr the duties of the day had been such that nearly every one was in a condition to "sleep anywhere."​
  
 During the night about two thirds of the train become detached, and was left behind - the balance proceeding ten or twelve miles before the accident was discovered. Fortunately no train was following immediately after ours or there might have result ed a disaster to the regiment, more fearful than the ravages of war. During the night about two thirds of the train become detached, and was left behind - the balance proceeding ten or twelve miles before the accident was discovered. Fortunately no train was following immediately after ours or there might have result ed a disaster to the regiment, more fearful than the ravages of war.
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 Of the Wood county companies, F (from Perrysburg) and D (from Bowling Green) are in this camp; — Captain Hathaways Company (from Pemberville) are at Fort Dix, half a mile south of us. Concerning the remaining companies, I can give no positive information—although I believe the Gilead company is at Annapolis. Of the Wood county companies, F (from Perrysburg) and D (from Bowling Green) are in this camp; — Captain Hathaways Company (from Pemberville) are at Fort Dix, half a mile south of us. Concerning the remaining companies, I can give no positive information—although I believe the Gilead company is at Annapolis.
  
-I have not learned of any serious sickness or accidents in the companies ​cf this regiment from Wood county.+I have not learned of any serious sickness or accidents in the companies ​of this regiment from Wood county.
  
 Thursday morning—Several of the boys present or very "​stiff"​ appearance this morning; although I am "​reliably"​ informed that it does not result from a desire, on their part, to strictly adhere to the rules of military etiquette, Judging from the movements of some of the "​heavy"​ privates of Company F. I should think they had been "​foundered"​ about fifty or sixty times within the past twenty-four hours. Thursday morning—Several of the boys present or very "​stiff"​ appearance this morning; although I am "​reliably"​ informed that it does not result from a desire, on their part, to strictly adhere to the rules of military etiquette, Judging from the movements of some of the "​heavy"​ privates of Company F. I should think they had been "​foundered"​ about fifty or sixty times within the past twenty-four hours.
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 On Friday last, Sergeants Averill and Bates, and the subscriber obtained permission to visit the ancient little city of Annapolis—twenty miles distant, We left here at 8 o’clock in the morning, and about 9 arrived at Camp Parole, two miles west of the city, where we had the pleasure of meeting Captain McKee, Captain Black, Lieutenant Kimberlin, and numerous old acquaintances in the Tontogany and Gilead companies—all of whom seemed very well pleased with their situation. They have for quarters good commodious barracks—and are on duty as guards generally every second or third day and night, During the hour which we remained here we came to the conclusion that for neatness and arrangement,​ Camp Parole far surpassed all the military camps we had ever seen.  On Friday last, Sergeants Averill and Bates, and the subscriber obtained permission to visit the ancient little city of Annapolis—twenty miles distant, We left here at 8 o’clock in the morning, and about 9 arrived at Camp Parole, two miles west of the city, where we had the pleasure of meeting Captain McKee, Captain Black, Lieutenant Kimberlin, and numerous old acquaintances in the Tontogany and Gilead companies—all of whom seemed very well pleased with their situation. They have for quarters good commodious barracks—and are on duty as guards generally every second or third day and night, During the hour which we remained here we came to the conclusion that for neatness and arrangement,​ Camp Parole far surpassed all the military camps we had ever seen. 
  
-From Camp we walked to the city—which,​ by  the way, we found to bear little resemblance to our cities of the West. The "​center"​ of the city appears to be the State House, and from this point the streets seem to diverge in all directions— making city blocks"​ of all shapes and sizes, The streets are narrow, Unpaved, and apparently unworked, but they are remarkably free from rubbish and some of them are so well shaded that the branches ​ of tho trees unite overhead, forming a single mass  of foliage. Ascending the steeple of the State House, we obtained a view of the city and adjoining country, the bay with its shipping, and the distant "​eastern shore,"​ which was, to say the least, beautiful and grand, For a few moments we entered the Hall of Representatives,​ where a Convention is now in session for the purpose of forming a now Constitution for this State, the foundation of which it is believed will be Liberty! We afterward entered the Senate Chamber—the room wherein, I believe, Washington resigned to Congress his commission as Commander-in-Chief of tho United States army. On the northern wall is a large oil painting, ten or twelve feet in length and six or eight in width representing the scene — the room represented in the painting being an exact imitation of the one wherein the picture is suspended.+From Camp we walked to the city—which,​ by  the way, we found to bear little resemblance to our cities of the West. The "​center"​ of the city appears to be the State House, and from this point the streets seem to diverge in all directions— making city blocks"​ of all shapes and sizes, The streets are narrow, Unpaved, and apparently unworked, but they are remarkably free from rubbish and some of them are so well shaded that the branches ​ of the trees unite overhead, forming a single mass  of foliage. Ascending the steeple of the State House, we obtained a view of the city and adjoining country, the bay with its shipping, and the distant "​eastern shore,"​ which was, to say the least, beautiful and grand, For a few moments we entered the Hall of Representatives,​ where a Convention is now in session for the purpose of forming a now Constitution for this State, the foundation of which it is believed will be Liberty! We afterward entered the Senate Chamber—the room wherein, I believe, Washington resigned to Congress his commission as Commander-in-Chief of the United States army. On the northern wall is a large oil painting, ten or twelve feet in length and six or eight in width representing the scene — the room represented in the painting being an exact imitation of the one wherein the picture is suspended.
  
-By this time Hunger began to make demonstrations,​ and we left the State House in search of rations, A short walk took us to the "​American House,"​ a very ancient looking but substantial building, which we were told was erected about ninety years since by the British, and was once used as the Headquarters of General Washington. Here we "​ordered dinner!"​ Reader, were you ever a "One Hundred Days’ man," and did you after "​taking in" your first month'​s army rations seat yourself at a table where victuals were served up in the "​highest style of art?" If not, you can form no idea of the fierce "​Battle of Knife and Fork," which raged for about three-quarters of an hour after our forces were " brought into position."​ To attempt a detailed description would be the heighth of folly—suffice it to say that after a hotly contested and sanguinary conflict, we were enabled to report the following highly-important results: Three huge beefsteaks completely out-generaled;​ a loaf of bread, plate of butter, and two dishes of potatoes, utterly annihilated;​ a dozen eggs hopelessly demoralized—to say nothing of onions, raddishes, &c., which were "​sandwitched without mercy,"​ between the more important articles. And just as we were about withdrawing from the field, an "​intelligent contraband"​ entered with three large plates of strawberries,​ thus painfully reminding us that although we were nearly exhausted, there was not a "foe to conquer!"​ The defiant look of the luscious fruit together with the thought that if not speedily " put out of the way" it might strengthen the enemy, rallied our shattered energies and after a brief conflict it was "no more!" Soon afterward, by very skillful maneuvering,​ we succeeded in retiring from tho field, with very little disorder— considering the circumstances.+By this time Hunger began to make demonstrations,​ and we left the State House in search of rations, A short walk took us to the "​American House,"​ a very ancient looking but substantial building, which we were told was erected about ninety years since by the British, and was once used as the Headquarters of General Washington. Here we "​ordered dinner!"​ Reader, were you ever a "One Hundred Days’ man," and did you after "​taking in" your first month'​s army rations seat yourself at a table where victuals were served up in the "​highest style of art?" If not, you can form no idea of the fierce "​Battle of Knife and Fork," which raged for about three-quarters of an hour after our forces were " brought into position."​ To attempt a detailed description would be the heighth of folly—suffice it to say that after a hotly contested and sanguinary conflict, we were enabled to report the following highly-important results: Three huge beefsteaks completely out-generaled;​ a loaf of bread, plate of butter, and two dishes of potatoes, utterly annihilated;​ a dozen eggs hopelessly demoralized—to say nothing of onions, raddishes, &c., which were "​sandwitched without mercy,"​ between the more important articles. And just as we were about withdrawing from the field, an "​intelligent contraband"​ entered with three large plates of strawberries,​ thus painfully reminding us that although we were nearly exhausted, there was not a "foe to conquer!"​ The defiant look of the luscious fruit together with the thought that if not speedily " put out of the way" it might strengthen the enemy, rallied our shattered energies and after a brief conflict it was "no more!" Soon afterward, by very skillful maneuvering,​ we succeeded in retiring from the field, with very little disorder— considering the circumstances.
  
 During the afternoon we visited the U. S. Naval Academy grounds, where, in addition to the buildings formerly used in connection with the Academy have been erected extensive and commodious hospitals. Near the northeast corner of the grounds is Fort Severn, a round stone structure, said to be of great strength. During the afternoon we visited the U. S. Naval Academy grounds, where, in addition to the buildings formerly used in connection with the Academy have been erected extensive and commodious hospitals. Near the northeast corner of the grounds is Fort Severn, a round stone structure, said to be of great strength.
  
-We left Annapolis about 4 P. M., and arrived here at 5 o'​clock—having experienced what was, to us,one of tho "​eventful days of the campaign." ​+We left Annapolis about 4 P. M., and arrived here at 5 o'​clock—having experienced what was, to us,one of the "​eventful days of the campaign." ​
  
 In this connection it is proper to state that our "​trio"​ are under obligations to Conductor Hammond, of the Annapolis and Elk Ridge Railroad, for favors and courtesies which soldiers well know how to appreciate, As one efficient, accomplished and obliging officer, "long may he wave!" We are also indebted to Sergeant Winters, of the Annapolis Patrol Guard, for favors while in the city. In this connection it is proper to state that our "​trio"​ are under obligations to Conductor Hammond, of the Annapolis and Elk Ridge Railroad, for favors and courtesies which soldiers well know how to appreciate, As one efficient, accomplished and obliging officer, "long may he wave!" We are also indebted to Sergeant Winters, of the Annapolis Patrol Guard, for favors while in the city.
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 Then followed members of the company and officers. Then followed members of the company and officers.
  
-Arrived at the grave, the escort halted in front of it--the company standing in line in rear of the Escort, The Pall Bearers then lowered the coffin into the grave—the Escort "​presenting"​ arms. The Hospital Chaplain then read a portion of the. Scriptures, and offered up a prayer, after which the Escort fired three volleys over the grave. ​Tho company then formed in the same order as before and returned to camp, leaving the dead soldier, so lately our associate.+Arrived at the grave, the escort halted in front of it--the company standing in line in rear of the Escort, The Pall Bearers then lowered the coffin into the grave—the Escort "​presenting"​ arms. The Hospital Chaplain then read a portion of the. Scriptures, and offered up a prayer, after which the Escort fired three volleys over the grave. ​The company then formed in the same order as before and returned to camp, leaving the dead soldier, so lately our associate.
  
 "Alone in his glory!"​ "Alone in his glory!"​
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 Leonard Snyder, was a resident of Webster township, Wood county. He was not, when we left Perrysburg, a member of this company, but belonged to the company from Webster and Freedom townships, which was broken up at Camp  Chase, when he was assigned to Company F. He  has resided in Webster township for eight or ten  years past; has been married but was divorced from his wife, about two or three years since. I am told that he has cousins residing somewhere in Wood  county but no relatives in Webster township. His  father resides near Syracuse, New York, His age was 31. Leonard Snyder, was a resident of Webster township, Wood county. He was not, when we left Perrysburg, a member of this company, but belonged to the company from Webster and Freedom townships, which was broken up at Camp  Chase, when he was assigned to Company F. He  has resided in Webster township for eight or ten  years past; has been married but was divorced from his wife, about two or three years since. I am told that he has cousins residing somewhere in Wood  county but no relatives in Webster township. His  father resides near Syracuse, New York, His age was 31.
  
-I had no acquaintance with tho deceased, previous to his connection with this company—since that time however, I have known him as a kind friend, and a soldier always ready and willing to do any duty required of him. Possibly--had he made as great an effort as some who were members of this company—he might have obtained exemption, and remained at home, and to-day been in his usual health; but he responded to the call of Governor Brough, and has fallen in the service of his country. And I appeal to you readers, whether the memory of this dead soldier —whatever may have been his past faults or failings —in his last sickness knew no mother'​s or sister'​s care and whose grave was watered by no relatives tear, is he not a thousand times more worthy of the honor and respect of his countrymen, than is the man who sneaked from the service of his country, and remains at home—a live, healthy coward!+I had no acquaintance with the deceased, previous to his connection with this company—since that time however, I have known him as a kind friend, and a soldier always ready and willing to do any duty required of him. Possibly--had he made as great an effort as some who were members of this company—he might have obtained exemption, and remained at home, and to-day been in his usual health; but he responded to the call of Governor Brough, and has fallen in the service of his country. And I appeal to you readers, whether the memory of this dead soldier —whatever may have been his past faults or failings —in his last sickness knew no mother'​s or sister'​s care and whose grave was watered by no relatives tear, is he not a thousand times more worthy of the honor and respect of his countrymen, than is the man who sneaked from the service of his country, and remains at home—a live, healthy coward!
  
 "​Honored soldier, rest in peace."​ "​Honored soldier, rest in peace."​
  
-Tho only member of Company F, now in Hospital is Robert Emmons, who was severely bruised a day or two since, by falling from a cherry tree. No bones were broken however and he is recovering. Respectfully,​ H. S. C.+The only member of Company F, now in Hospital is Robert Emmons, who was severely bruised a day or two since, by falling from a cherry tree. No bones were broken however and he is recovering. Respectfully,​ H. S. C.
  
 LATER. LATER.
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 Thursday evening last President Lincoln and party passed this place, in a special train for Philadelphia—but the train did not stop. However, when he returned, on Friday, the train was detained fifteen or twenty minutes, when the President appeared on the platform of the car, bowed to the crowd, but didn't "make a speech!"​ Thursday evening last President Lincoln and party passed this place, in a special train for Philadelphia—but the train did not stop. However, when he returned, on Friday, the train was detained fifteen or twenty minutes, when the President appeared on the platform of the car, bowed to the crowd, but didn't "make a speech!"​
  
-On Sunday last a collision occurred on the Washington branch of the Baltimore & Ohio Rail Road, about half a mile from our camp, The two locomotives ​wore considerably injured, the front end of a passenger car broken in and a lieutenant seriously bruised; two freight cars filled with cavalry horses, were completely wrecked, the platform of one being raised off its trucks, and sliding on the platform of the other, unceremoniously scattering the horses out on either side, yet, none of them were injured, with the exception of a few slight scratches. ​+On Sunday last a collision occurred on the Washington branch of the Baltimore & Ohio Rail Road, about half a mile from our camp, The two locomotives ​were considerably injured, the front end of a passenger car broken in and a lieutenant seriously bruised; two freight cars filled with cavalry horses, were completely wrecked, the platform of one being raised off its trucks, and sliding on the platform of the other, unceremoniously scattering the horses out on either side, yet, none of them were injured, with the exception of a few slight scratches. ​
  
 On Thursday morning last, in company with Lieut. Tyler and Sergts. Averill and Bates, I visited Washington; and very soon after our arrival we commenced an exploration of the curiosities of the National Capital. "Time and space" forbid that I should attempt even the briefest description of what to us was interesting and seemed worthy, of mention; yet I cannot forbear a brief general allusion to the most important "​objects of interest."​ On Thursday morning last, in company with Lieut. Tyler and Sergts. Averill and Bates, I visited Washington; and very soon after our arrival we commenced an exploration of the curiosities of the National Capital. "Time and space" forbid that I should attempt even the briefest description of what to us was interesting and seemed worthy, of mention; yet I cannot forbear a brief general allusion to the most important "​objects of interest."​
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 found there. found there.
  
-Friday morning we visited the Navy Yard, and passed through a number of the shops connected therewith, were we saw in process of construction articles for the navy, many times "too numerous to mention! "Among many others things in the relic department, were two small brass guns, brought from Spain by Cortes, and used by him in tho conquest of Mexico. There was also a large number of "​implements of war," which had been captured in battle.+Friday morning we visited the Navy Yard, and passed through a number of the shops connected therewith, were we saw in process of construction articles for the navy, many times "too numerous to mention! "Among many others things in the relic department, were two small brass guns, brought from Spain by Cortes, and used by him in the conquest of Mexico. There was also a large number of "​implements of war," which had been captured in battle.
  
 Our visit to the President'​s Mansion was unattended by important results. We found a fellow, with his feet in a chair, apparently enjoying a delightful "​snooze,"​ at one of the windows of the "East Room" but is wasn't "Old Abe;" we concluded that it was a sleepy sentinel,"​ Finding doors open, and meeting with no opposition, We proceeded to usher ourselves through some of the apartments, but didn't find "​Father Abraham"​ ~in fact he had fled—he couldn'​t stand this descent of "One Hundred Days Men," and had consequently gone to Philadelphia to attend the Sanitary Fair. In his absence, however, one of "our crowd,"​ placed himself in a statesmanlike attitude and received the ballance of the party with "​distinguished consideration."​ After this we withdrew, feeling confident, that although we had not seen the President, we had see —"​where he had been!" And this reminds me of an interesting incident which once happened, away out in Illinois, but as I was not there when it happened, I will not attempt to relate it, but go for my rations. Our visit to the President'​s Mansion was unattended by important results. We found a fellow, with his feet in a chair, apparently enjoying a delightful "​snooze,"​ at one of the windows of the "East Room" but is wasn't "Old Abe;" we concluded that it was a sleepy sentinel,"​ Finding doors open, and meeting with no opposition, We proceeded to usher ourselves through some of the apartments, but didn't find "​Father Abraham"​ ~in fact he had fled—he couldn'​t stand this descent of "One Hundred Days Men," and had consequently gone to Philadelphia to attend the Sanitary Fair. In his absence, however, one of "our crowd,"​ placed himself in a statesmanlike attitude and received the ballance of the party with "​distinguished consideration."​ After this we withdrew, feeling confident, that although we had not seen the President, we had see —"​where he had been!" And this reminds me of an interesting incident which once happened, away out in Illinois, but as I was not there when it happened, I will not attempt to relate it, but go for my rations.
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 Letters for members of Companies B and I, will probably reach their destination mere quickly if directed to Camp Parole, Annapolis, as it is thought these Companies will return there soon; and if such should not be the case, letters will be forwarded to the proper address of the Companies, by the members now remaining there. Letters for members of Companies B and I, will probably reach their destination mere quickly if directed to Camp Parole, Annapolis, as it is thought these Companies will return there soon; and if such should not be the case, letters will be forwarded to the proper address of the Companies, by the members now remaining there.
  
-The late raid in this State has proved that the rebels still know how, to treat their prisoners in a barbarous manner. A few days since I saw four members of the 149th Ohio, who were taken prisoners at Monocacy, on Saturday, 9th inst. The rebels kept them, and made them march with their army, until Monday evening, the 11th inst., without giving them a mouthful of food At that time these men fell down in the road from exhaustion, when the rebel parolled them. They were also robbed as soon as taken, of everything of value they. had about them—money,​ watches, knives, pocket combs, &.; and in some cases, articles of clothing ​Wore also taken.+The late raid in this State has proved that the rebels still know how, to treat their prisoners in a barbarous manner. A few days since I saw four members of the 149th Ohio, who were taken prisoners at Monocacy, on Saturday, 9th inst. The rebels kept them, and made them march with their army, until Monday evening, the 11th inst., without giving them a mouthful of food At that time these men fell down in the road from exhaustion, when the rebel parolled them. They were also robbed as soon as taken, of everything of value they. had about them—money,​ watches, knives, pocket combs, &.; and in some cases, articles of clothing ​were also taken.
  
 I am told that Americus Wade, of Company I, was taken prisoner, but couldn'​t stand the march, and "gave out" from exhaustion, when the rebels threatened to shoot him, unless he kept "​marching on." He concluded that they could "​shoot"​ if they wished to, but he couldn’t march. They finally parolled him.  I am told that Americus Wade, of Company I, was taken prisoner, but couldn'​t stand the march, and "gave out" from exhaustion, when the rebels threatened to shoot him, unless he kept "​marching on." He concluded that they could "​shoot"​ if they wished to, but he couldn’t march. They finally parolled him. 
  
-Affairs in the vicinity of Company F are very quiet, and the countenances of the "​secesh"​ in this locality, which during the raid wore so "​jovially joyful,"​ have resumed their lank proportions and woe-begone appearance, They have started a rumor, however, that their friends are already on their way North on another raid, with the intention of making their permanent residence in this locality. ​+Affairs in the vicinity of Company F are very quiet, and the countenances of the "​secesh"​ in this locality, which during the raid were so "​jovially joyful,"​ have resumed their lank proportions and woe-begone appearance, They have started a rumor, however, that their friends are already on their way North on another raid, with the intention of making their permanent residence in this locality. ​
  
 The health of the Company continues good. Two or three members of the Company are unwell; but there are no cases of sickness which are considered at all dangerous. The health of the Company continues good. Two or three members of the Company are unwell; but there are no cases of sickness which are considered at all dangerous.
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 About 2 o'​clock,​ A. M., an order came for the 149th to immediately march to the bridge,and hold it at all hazards; and I was told to take the men left with me to the Junction, as soon as possible. We all started, as sick as we were, but none of us thought much of sickness. We got within 1/2 mile of the junction, where we were put on the wrong road, we did not find it out until we arrived at the river, Here we lay down in the rain, (for it had commenced raining,) and slept soundly until morning. We awoke about daylight and shortly picket firing commenced all around us, but at some distance. We started for the junction, where we found our Company all right. The picket fire soon ceased, and we supposed it was nothing of any importance. About 2 o'​clock,​ A. M., an order came for the 149th to immediately march to the bridge,and hold it at all hazards; and I was told to take the men left with me to the Junction, as soon as possible. We all started, as sick as we were, but none of us thought much of sickness. We got within 1/2 mile of the junction, where we were put on the wrong road, we did not find it out until we arrived at the river, Here we lay down in the rain, (for it had commenced raining,) and slept soundly until morning. We awoke about daylight and shortly picket firing commenced all around us, but at some distance. We started for the junction, where we found our Company all right. The picket fire soon ceased, and we supposed it was nothing of any importance.
  
-Our Detachment was goon ordered to head quarters, Where we stacked arms but scarcely was this done, when Gen. Tyler arrived in company with the Adjutant of the 149th, and our detachment was ordered to the support of that Reg’t, as it had already become engaged with the "​Johneys."​ We started on our back track for the bridge again, but had not gone over 1/2 mile when we were ordered to leave all encumberances and double to the battle field. Corporal Clark, J. O. Neal, and myself were left to guard our baggage. This was the last I saw of our Co., or detachment. ​Bat I was told by surgeon Burcison, since I came to this place, (Frederick city,) they arrived on the field just as the 11th Md., and 149th were charging the rebs and went immediately under fire. They never flinched but went at it like old veterans. They drove the rebels from their position, and held their ground against superior numbers until after the defeat of Wallace, when the rebs were reinforced, and turning our flank, we were obliged to give way, I saw the retreat for I was driven from my post with the rest, and arrived at the bridge just in time to see our men flying from the host of demons that was swarming all around them. I will not pretend, at present, to give you even a faint idea of the terrible sight which was presented to the beholder. When I commenced writing, I thought I should, but I cannot. Suffice it to say, we were defeated, but not until five times our number were brought against us. We met with some loss, and those to whom we deeply regret. Corporal David Lindsey ​+Our Detachment was goon ordered to head quarters, Where we stacked arms but scarcely was this done, when Gen. Tyler arrived in company with the Adjutant of the 149th, and our detachment was ordered to the support of that Reg’t, as it had already become engaged with the "​Johneys."​ We started on our back track for the bridge again, but had not gone over 1/2 mile when we were ordered to leave all encumberances and double to the battle field. Corporal Clark, J. O. Neal, and myself were left to guard our baggage. This was the last I saw of our Co., or detachment. ​But I was told by surgeon Burcison, since I came to this place, (Frederick city,) they arrived on the field just as the 11th Md., and 149th were charging the rebs and went immediately under fire. They never flinched but went at it like old veterans. They drove the rebels from their position, and held their ground against superior numbers until after the defeat of Wallace, when the rebs were reinforced, and turning our flank, we were obliged to give way, I saw the retreat for I was driven from my post with the rest, and arrived at the bridge just in time to see our men flying from the host of demons that was swarming all around them. I will not pretend, at present, to give you even a faint idea of the terrible sight which was presented to the beholder. When I commenced writing, I thought I should, but I cannot. Suffice it to say, we were defeated, but not until five times our number were brought against us. We met with some loss, and those to whom we deeply regret. Corporal David Lindsey ​
 was shot through the bowels during the charge, and died the next day. He was burried near the battle field. Orderly Aaron Kenedy received a flesh wound through the left arm. Private Edward H Reubins was shot through the right arm. His arm was amputated just above the elbow, he is doing well,so is Kennedy, Reubin Willard, (bugler,) and privates John Emmon, J. Crisher and I. B. Fisher were known to be taken prisoners. Lieut. I. Kenedy, John McGahey and myself are all of the Co., who are not wounded and who have arrived here. Where the Company is, we cannot tell, but think it has probably gone into Penn., or to Baltimore, but we hope to get together as soon as communication is reestablished. ​ was shot through the bowels during the charge, and died the next day. He was burried near the battle field. Orderly Aaron Kenedy received a flesh wound through the left arm. Private Edward H Reubins was shot through the right arm. His arm was amputated just above the elbow, he is doing well,so is Kennedy, Reubin Willard, (bugler,) and privates John Emmon, J. Crisher and I. B. Fisher were known to be taken prisoners. Lieut. I. Kenedy, John McGahey and myself are all of the Co., who are not wounded and who have arrived here. Where the Company is, we cannot tell, but think it has probably gone into Penn., or to Baltimore, but we hope to get together as soon as communication is reestablished. ​
  
144th_ohio_infantry_primary_sources.1558955241.txt.gz · Last modified: 2019/05/27 11:07 by admin