Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- 144th_ohio_infantry [2019/03/17 13:44]
admin
+++ 144th_ohio_infantry [2019/06/21 17:29] (current)
admin
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 <html><center><b><u><font size="+2">The 144th Ohio Infantry in Howard County</font></u></b></center></html>
+Service at Annapolis Junction, Elysville, and Relay House, 5/30/1864-at least 8/18/1864\\
+[[144th Ohio Infantry Primary Sources|Primary Sources]]\\
+[[144th Ohio Infantry Secondary Sources|Archival and Secondary Sources]]\\
 The 144th Ohio Infantry Regiment was mustered in at Camp Chase, Ohio on May 11, 1864 for 100 days of service. The men were recruited from Wyandot and Wood counties in northwest Ohio. On the afternoon of May 12, they marched to the depot of the Central Ohio Railroad and entrained for Pittsburgh.
@@ Line 40: / Line 44: @@
 In the middle of July most of the 144th marched to Washington and thence to Snickers Gap, back to Washington D. C., to Harpers Ferry, and then to Berryville, Virginia, where they skirmished with Moseby's raiders, losing five killed, six wounded, and sixty taken prisoner. Meanwhile, Company F remained at Annapolis Junction. On August 18th the regiments "100 days" had expired and they returned to Ohio, having suffered 10 men killed in battle, and losing 53 to disease.
-<figure label>
-{{:{{ :144th_ong:perrysburg_journal_wed_may_25_1864_.jpg?800 |img}}
-<caption>perrysburg_journal_wed_may_25_1864</caption>
-</figure>
-<figure label>
-{{:{{ :144th_ong:perrysburg_journal_wed_jun_1_1864.jpg?400 |img}}
-<caption>perrysburg_journal_wed_jun_1_1864</caption>
-</figure>
-<figure label>
-{{:{{ :144th_ong:the_wyandot_pioneer_fri_jun_3_1864.jpg?400 |img}}
-<caption>the_wyandot_pioneer_fri_jun_3_1864</caption>
-</figure>
-<figure label>
-{{:{{ :144th_ong:perrysburg_journal_wed_jun_8_1864.jpg?400 |img}}
-<caption>perrysburg_journal_wed_jun_8_1864</caption>
-</figure>
-<figure label>
-{{:{{ :144th_ong:perrysburg_journal_wed_jun_15_1864_.jpg?600 |img}}
-<caption>perrysburg_journal_wed_jun_15_1864</caption>
-</figure>
-Originally published in the Wyandot Democratic Union June 16, 1864, p.1
-Relay Barracks, near Relay House, Maryland
-June 4th, 1864
-Editor Union:
-It has been several weeks since I have written anything for publication and as I am at leisure this morning I will endeavor to give you a short sketch of the doings of the 144th Regiment of National Guards since we left Ft. McHenry. We were only in that fort several days, when the orders from headquarters sent us to Relay House about nine or ten miles from the city. The boys left with a feeling of regret, thinking that we would be stationed at a position that would not be suited as well to the inclinations and purposes of the Regiment, but that is not the case, as we are now at a place that is far more pleasant and agreeable, and all are enjoying camp life better than we did whilst confined in the blackened and time-scared wall of old Fort McHenry. When I stood upon the banks of the Chesapeake Bay, and intentively gaze out upon its smooth and glassy surface, the scenes of the bombardment of that Fort in 1812 and 14 came vividly to my mind; and I thought of the bright and glorious morning when the cannons from the British vessels were pouring their iron hail into the fort, and as the smoke and fire dimmed the horizon with their heavy clouds, one of America's noble sons was engaged in producing one of the greatest and most sublime compositions that was ever inscribed upon this nation's history, and that was "The Star Spangled Banner." It appeared to me that I could hear the plaintive notes reverberating above the thunder of the cannon as the bright and glorious sun arose in all its resplendent glory and beauty, upon the bloody scene of carnage and death.
-In passing through the Fort one day, I spied a relic of that memorable day in the shape of a shell. Upon a close examination, I saw that it was fired by the British in 1814 and weighs 216 1/2 pounds. It is the largest I ever saw, and from its appearance would do considerable execution.
-We are now considerably divided, only having three companies in this camp. The others are stationed as follows: three at Annapolis, Md., two at Fort Dix, but a few hundred yards from this camp, one at Annapolis Junction about 18 miles from here, and one at Washington, Delaware. So you perceive that the 144th is scattered over a large scope of the country. But as we were ordered out into the field for the purpose of guard duty upon the prominent military posts, we have no cause to whatever to grumble that we are thus cut up and sent to different points throughout this and other states.
-Court-Martial is setting in the Barracks in which they are trying prisoners and deserters from the Federal Army. There is at present, the case of a soldier pending before the court, who shot a citizen of this locality some time ago. The trial has been progressing for several days, but as yet a verdict has not been found, I am unable to say how it will terminate, as I am not thoroughly acquainted with the causes that led to the affair. When the trial is ended I shall give you the particulars.
-I will give you a short description of our camp, thinking that it will be of interest to the readers of your journal. Our camp is upon the top of a hill, fronting a public road; and covered with a grove of large Chestnut trees which give us plenty of shade and a great convenience these days-for you must remember that this state is much warmer than Ohio, and the hot sun, if we would not have the trees in our camp, would cause the northern-bred boys to wilt under its scorching rays. On the west side is a valley, through which runs a small stream of water and along its banks and through the whole field are plenty of Blackberries and Whortleberries, which will soon be ripe. Taking all things into consideration, we could not wish a better location to serve the United States for a hundred days.
-On the 17th of May Company A had an election for a 2nd Lieutenant caused by the resignation of the "brave Thomas," who when duty called him forth to fight for his country, felt a little uneasy for his safety and forthwith sent in his resignation to the Governor and concluded to stay at home and watch over the destinies of the Wyandots. The result of the election is as follows:
-Eli Ragon	42
-D.E. Hale	25
-John Stoker	1
-D.M. Bowers	15
-Total Vote	83
-Ragon elected by a majority, over all the candidates, of one.
-The boys have plenty of amusements of all kinds and the days speed quickly by. It seems such a short time since we left our homes, as each day passed away so pleasantly. All enjoy good health, with the exception of a few cases of diarrhea, but nearly all of them are well. This is a healthy country and if all of us are careful of ourselves, we need fear no disease of any kind. From the present aspect of military affairs in this locality it is the general impression that we will spend our hundred days in this place.
-I have nothing of importance to write this time, only the citizens of Baltimore are making great preparation for the Baltimore National Convention.
-The authorities of the state have been drafting for several weeks and are not through yet. The Governor of this state has issued a proclamation calling out two regiments of hundred day men, to be placed in the fortifications in and around the city. As I have nothing more to write this time, I will conclude, by sending my best wishes to the citizens of old Wyandot. More anon.
-Yours Respectfully,
-Otho J. Powell
-<figure label>
-{{:{{ :144th_ong:wyandot_pioneer_1864-06-17_3.jpg?800 |img}}
-<caption>wyandot_pioneer_1864-06-17</caption>
-</figure>
-<figure label>
-{{:{{ :144th_ong:perrysburg_journal_wed_jun_22_1864.jpg?400 |img}}
-<caption>perrysburg_journal_wed_jun_22_1864</caption>
-</figure>
-Originally published in the Wyandot Democratic Union July 7, 1864, p.1
-Relay Barracks, near Relay House
-June 22, 1864
-Editor Union:
-This evening, being at leisure, I will endeavor to write you a brief communication in hopes that the few items of news I shall present from the 144th Regiment National Guards will be read by all the citizens of old Wyandot. It has been several weeks since I have written anything, and in that period of time, there has been many things transpiring in this locality that the friends at home have not been cognizant of; therefore I shall make them acquainted with them as well as I can.
-We are still in the old quarters, at the Relay Barracks, and anticipate from the present aspect of affairs that we will remain in this locality until our time expires. Truly we have no cause whatever to complain as we have fared very well in every respect since we were ordered to this position and the Regiment, or the part that is here, have all enjoyed themselves very much. Our duties are pretty heavy, as we have only five companies in these two encampments-this and Fort Dix; and they have all the guard duty to perform, which takes the principal part of the men. At the Fort, they have commenced artillery practice. A few artillerymen from one of the veteran regiments are drilling them. They are progressing finely, and I guess if the Rebs attempt to cross the bridge, or to tear up the railroads, that they will meet with a warm reception from the Fort.
-Part of our regiment and the 2nd Maryland have been busily engaged for the past several weeks in erecting a block house on top of the hill, a short distance from here. From the amount of timber that has been gathered out and hauled there, they must calculate on erecting a mammoth structure. It is intended as a support to the fort in case of an attack from the enemy.
-A short time ago I was detailed with a squad of some 12 or 15 of our comrades to go down to the depot and assist in unloading timber from the cars, and through the carelessness of some person, a soldier belonging to a Maryland regiment had his leg broken. He was immediately sent to the hospital and our surgeon summoned to attend to the fractured limb. He is now doing well and will soon be able to resume his duties.
-Sunday June 12th, an order came from Brig. Gen. Tyler's headquarters, stating that he wanted thirty men, ten from each company, with a sufficient quota of commissioned officers, to go upon a scouting expedition down the lower part of the state, after some men who had been drafted in the late draft, and had concluded not to comply with the decision of Uncle Samuel and had taken a leave of absence for a short time. The boys were provided with five days of cooked rations and forty rounds of cartridges, with the expectation of doing some work but nary one was to be seen. They scouted around for several days and then returned without the loss of a man. It was a gay excursion for them and they enjoyed it very much. They were delighted with the country through which they passed and also with the hospitality of the citizens with whom they conversed. They were treated well, as far as eating and drinking was concerned, and boasted a great deal about the dinners they had at the different farm houses at which they stopped. Many of them would like to go on another such trip but I suppose they will not have that pleasure again soon.
-Sunday night last, Hank had sounded the horn and the boys were all in their bunks and some had just commenced their first snooze when a corporal of one of the companies, who had been guarding some tents in another encampment, about a half mile from here, came rushing up the guard lines and stated that a number of citizens had been committing some depredations upon the premises of a widow lady several miles from camp and that said lady wanted the immediate assistance of our boys to capture the riotous chaps. The Colonel was summoned and the facts stated to him. He then ordered ten men to go the rescue and Capt. Ragon called the requisite number to put down the revellers, the entire company came rushing out, all excitement, as if the whole Rebel army was about to attack us. Their pieces were all loaded in a moment, and all ready to go; but through the carelessness of some of the boys, in the bustle and confusion incident to such a time, a gun was discharged, but fortunately nobody was hurt. They started off at a double quick and were soon at the scene of the action, and found that several of the fellows "who had throughout the day imbibed too freely of tanglefoot" and had become somewhat intoxicated, had smashed in a window and done some other damage to the house. After scouting around the country for some time, they captured one of the scamps, and triumphantly escorted him to camp, and placed him under guard until morning, when the father of the imprisoned gent came to plead for his release. He counseled the Colonel who gave the prisoner his discharge in full and sent him on his way rejoicing.
-Yesterday about noon, a Rebel prisoner who had been sick at the hospital made good his escape. Several boys were sent in pursuit of him, but could get no clue of his whereabouts. The Surgeon says that he was nearly dead, and that they think his strength will not permit him to travel far ere he falls victim to the disease.
-The health of the regiment is unusually good at this time. No diseases of any description are prevalent, with the exception of several cases of diarrhea, but neither of these are dangerous.
-The weather is very pleasant and vegetation of all kinds are growing finely. There has not been any rain for several weeks and the earth is becoming dry, which retards the growth of the spring crops.
-The farmers in this section are all busily engaged in cutting their harvest. The wheat, as a general thing, is very good.
-There will be an abundance of all kinds of fruit, if nothing befalls it before it matures. The trees are loaded to their utmost capacity, and from present indication, apples, peaches, & c. will be plenty and cheap in this country. Cherries are now ripe and we have as many as we can use, of the nicest kind. Every day some of the boys go out into the country and in several hours come back with loads of them. Soldiers are sure to have fruit when it can be found no matter what the trouble to get it may be.
-My correspondence is becoming longer than I had intended and without proceeding any further, I will conclude. I hope that what I have written may prove interesting to the citizens of the county and they may peruse the contents of this letter from the 144th without partiality. I shall still continue my correspondence and hope in the next to have some exciting news. With respect to all the friends of old Wyandot, I bid you adieu for the present.
-Yours Respectfully,
-Otho J. Powell
-<figure label>
-{{:{{ :144th_ong:perrysburg_journal_wed_jun_29_1864_.jpg?800 |img}}
-<caption>perrysburg_journal_wed_jun_29_1864</caption>
-</figure>
-<figure label>
-{{:{{ :144th_ong:perrysburg_journal_wed_jul_6_1864_.jpg?400 |img}}
-<caption>perrysburg_journal_wed_jul_6_1864</caption>
-</figure>
-<figure label>
-{{:{{ :144th_ong:wyandot_pioneer_1864-07-08_3.jpg?1000 |img}}
-<caption>wyandot_pioneer_1864-07-08</caption>
-</figure>
-<figure label>
-{{:{{ :144th_ong:perrysburg_journal_wed_jul_13_1864_.jpg?400 |img}}
-<caption>perrysburg_journal_wed_jul_13_1864</caption>
-</figure>
-<figure label>
-{{:{{ :144th_ong:perrysburg_journal_wed_jul_27_1864_.jpg?800 |img}}
-<caption>perrysburg_journal_wed_jul_27_1864</caption>
-</figure>
-<figure label>
-{{:{{ :144th_ong:perrysburg_journal_wed_jul_27_1864_1_.jpg?800 |img}}
-<caption>perrysburg_journal_wed_jul_27_1864</caption>
-</figure>
-<figure label>
-{{:{{ :144th_ong:perrysburg_journal_wed_aug_3_1864_.jpg?400 |img}}
-<caption>perrysburg_journal_wed_aug_3_1864</caption>
-</figure>
-<figure label>
-{{:{{ :144th_ong:the_wyandot_pioneer_fri_aug_5_1864.jpg?800 |img}}
-<caption>the_wyandot_pioneer_fri_aug_5_1864</caption>
-</figure>
-<figure label>
-{{:{{ :144th_ong:perrysburg_journal_wed_aug_10_1864_.jpg?400 |img}}
-<caption>perrysburg_journal_wed_aug_10_1864</caption>
-</figure>
-<figure label>
-{{:{{ :144th_ong:perrysburg_journal_wed_aug_17_1864_.jpg?800 |img}}
-<caption>perrysburg_journal_wed_aug_17_1864</caption>
-</figure>

Howard County, MD in the Civil War

User Tools

Site Tools

Differences

Page Tools