Neglect of the Wounded

A correspondent of the Cincinnati Times, writing from Pittsburg on the 12th, thus speaks in reference to the treatment of our wounded:

The horror of horrors connected with this battle, is the treatment of the wounded. In the first place, there were poor facilities for treating them; and in the second place, there were not a fifth enough surgeons to attend to them. I would gladly draw a veil over the horrors on this point, but duty to our gallant volunteers, demands that the truth be told. A large number of the wounded had crawled or been carried to the bluff opposite the Landing, on Sunday and Monday. Some found the shelter of tents, but others lay out in the open air. There those men lay, without a surgeon or attendant, without a mouthful to eat or drink, until Wednesday morning.

They groaned and died with no one near to pity them, and the dead and the dying lay there together. On Wednesday morning one surgeon was sent to them, and one attendant with hard crackers and water! And that was their treatment until they either died or were conveyed to one of the boats which presently came to the relief of the wounded.

If spirits of the heroic dead could return to earth, the shades of the murdered wounded of the battle of Pittsburg, should haunt the halls of Congress day and night. I say murdered, for with an efficient medical department, hundreds who are now dead or will die, would have been saved to their friends and their country.

At present, nearly a week after the battle, many of the wounded are not fully cared for. They are lying about in tents, upon straw, with no nourishment, and exposed to the weather. Several boat loads have been shipped away: but still many, very many, are here. I now write in the cabin of the Tycoon, with four rows of them in front of me.

Our boat, the first one of the Cincinnati Sanitary Commission, arrived at three o’clock. By eight o’clock her cabin, her guards, and her decks, were filled with the wounded. How thankful the poor fellows were when laid on soft beds, between clean sheets, and stimulated by nourishing diet. They forgot their wounds, their pains and hurts, and laid down and sweetly slept.

– Published in The Athens Messenger, Athens, Ohio, Thursday, April 24, 1862

Gen. Scott . . .

. . . upon hearing of the battle of Pittsburg Landing, is reported to have said that no more field encounters between large armies were likely to take place during the course of the present war, that hereafter the rebels would fight behind intrenchments, or scatter in small parties to harass the Union armies.

– Published in The Athens Messenger, Athens, Ohio, Thursday, April 24, 1862

The Part Taken by the 13th Ohio Regiment in the Fight

(Correspondence of the Cincinnati Commercial.)

{OFFICIAL REPORT.}

BATTLE FILED PITTSBURG LANDING,
April 8th, 1862.

Frank J. Jones. A. A. G. –

SIR: – I have the honor to submit the following statement of the part taken by eight companies of the 13th Regiment O. V. I. , under my command, in the action of April 7th inst., near Pittsburg Landing, On Tennessee river. After having passed the previous night in awaiting orders near the Landing, my regiment, a part of the 14th Brigade, under Acting Brigadier General [W.] S. Smith, marched out to a position in the center, about one and a half mile distant. The 13th Ohio Regiment occupied the center of the brigade. An advance of the rebels on our lines took place about 8 A. M., and during a sever struggle and through a heavy shower of musketry and artillery, this regiment, in connection with the remainder of the brigade, charged upon the rebels, and succeeded in capturing three pieces of artillery, viz two 6-pounds, and one 12-pound howitzer, belonging to the Washington battery. After spiking one of the guns, and meeting with a severe loss, [the enemy appeared] in force, and succeeded in compelling us, with their fresh troops and superior numbers, to fall back about 400 yards, when reinforcements [reached us] and a new line of battle was formed, and in regular order we recommenced the fight under a heavy fire of canister.

While charging the rebel battery and retiring from it, four of our commissioned officers and many of our non-commissioned officers and privates fell, killed or wounded while manfully and courageously performing their duties.

The enthusiasm and perservering bravery of my command, as exhibited in this charge, were highly commendable. The officers and men seemed determined to accomplish the object in view, and although our plans [were] for the time frustrated by unforeseen causes, the spirits of the men never for an instant failed them but each succeeding attempt to overpower the enemy was made with renewed courage and confidence in their abilities.

In the afternoon and towards the close of the battle, the regiment was reformed, and with the major portion of the brigade changed its position down the road and to the right of that occupied in the morning.

A sudden dash of the enemy was made on Mendenhall’s Battery, which had been posted on the roads in advance of us. Our lines were immediately placed under command of acting Brigadier General W. S. Smith, and the 13th Regiment O. V. I., forming a part of the first line of attack, charged upon, drove back the enemy, and again captured the rebel battery, which we had failed to hold in the morning. This charge was brilliant and decisive. The position was held against a strong effort of the rebels to regain possession of their battery.

I have the honor to be, &c.,
Lt.-Col. J. G. HAWKINS,
Commanding 13th Reg. O. V. I.

– Published in The Athens Messenger, Athens, Ohio, Thursday, April 24, 1862

General W. S. Smith

{Correspondence Cincinnati Commercial}

EXTRACTS.

Four miles from Savannah, we halted to allow Nelson to get out of the way, as we were at the rear of his trains. At 6 P.M., having distributed two days’ rations of the necessaries of life to the soldiers, (that is, hard crackers,) we were taking arms preparatory to start, when in rode Col. Smith, the commander of our brigade, accompanied by a mounted Orderly only, after a ride of nearly sixty miles, accomplished in ten hours. He had reached us at the critical moment, and we already felt his presence more than the addition of five hundred men; and then sequel will show that the enthusiasm manifested on the occasion was the result of an earnest conviction that, in this instance, the right man was in the right place.

(I will state in parenthesis that for several weeks previous Col. Smith had been separated from his command, engaged in superintending the repairs of the railroad leading from Nashville.)

His reception, as I have intimated already, was of the warmest and most cordial description. He made a few brief remarks, and off we started, arriving in Savannah about 8 o’clock in the evening. The scene here was indicative of the days struggle.

The final capture of the famous Washington battery, of New Orleans, which did so much damage to us at Bull Run, will send a thrill of pleasure through the heart of the Nation, and Ohio must feel proud of the brave men whose strong arms and stout hearts contributed so much to the achievement. Gen. Buell rode fearlessly along the lines throughout the day and [watched] with a keen eye our advance and capture of the battery. Gen Crittenden proved worthy of the confidence [reposed] in him, and our men desire no other to lead this division to battle. Acting Brigadier Gen. W. S. Smith commanding our brigade, the 14th, was the hero of this fight, however within the scope of my eye, and you must bear in mind that I am only describing this part of the great battle. Other and abler hands will doubtless attempt the whole. Believe me, however, that I make no invidious distinction in claiming this title for our brave commander. The officers and men of the 11th and 26th Kentucky Regiments, which, with the 13th Ohio, compose our brigade, all concede him this honor.

Seizing our beloved flag from the color bearer, he waved it over his head and with a few words of a kind to kindle the enthusiasm of the men he led the charge himself; mounted, and exposed to the terrible fire of the infuriated rebels, and with sword in hand, was the first to dash upon the battery and knock out the brains of one if not more, of the gunners with his sword. It is [in] scenes of this kind that we fully realize the force of individual character, in infusing multitudes with a spirit of daring that inspires each man to deeds of valor. Confident of success, they never stop to count the cost till the victory is won. Ours has not been cheaply bought; Major Runkel fell severely wounded, sword in hand, in the very front of the battle. Capts. Gardner and Henderson and Lieut. Lindenberg were also wounded while leading their men to victory. I will mention here for the comfort of the families and friends of the above named officers that their wounds, though sever and painful, are not dangerous.

Where all did so well it does not become me to speak of individual daring, but the conduct of our color-sergeant, Stone, deserves the highest praise, and this particular position, as the bear of our flag, enables me to speak his praise without even indirectly reflecting upon others, which the mention of officers of the same rank does, unless you praise them all.

Our loss is not more than two thirds of that of the enemy, and ours, in the two days, in killed alone, is estimated at three thousand.

We now hold a position three miles in advance of that occupied by us on Monday morning. But we do not regard the victory as decisive, although we believe the back-bone of their grand army to be broken.

Respectfully, T. B. G.

– Published in The Athens Messenger, Athens, Ohio, Thursday, April 24, 1862

Letter From Baltimore

BALTIMORE, April 12th, 1862.

EDITOR MESSENGER – Sir: Without previous notice, I venture to write you a few lines for publication in your paper.

My recent trip to this city was very pleasant, with the exception of some inconveniences arising from being thrown “out of time” on the Baltimore & Ohio Rail Road. Recent heavy rains caused much injury to the road-bed on this line, and for some days trains made only irregular trips. All is now in order, and each train departs and arrives “on time.” Those who have not yet passed over the B. & O. Road, this side of Cumberland, since its partial destruction by the rebels will find, on making the trip, quite a different state of affairs existing along the line, so far as the road itself is concerned, compared with that of even one year ago.

At Martinsburg I counted twelve locomotives, still standing where left by their destroyers. Some of them, I presume are rendered entirely worthless, having been burned until the rods and other smaller parts are warped and twisted into almost every conceivable shape. How many more there may be thus left as the footprints of an inexcusable mob, I cannot say, as I only saw those standing upon the “side-track.” I learned from one acquainted with the place that there were many more.

At Harper’s Ferry the work of destruction seemed to have reached its highest point. In all the buildings still standing I could only see one which seemed to be occupied, save those used by our troops stationed at the place. The large brick hotel, where many a hungry traveler has refreshed the “inner man,” is gone – nothing left but a mass of rubbish. The Government buildings are all destroyed with one exception – that being probably the largest. The machinery was taken from this, but the walls and roof are uninjured. This building is now occupied as a government stable. The “Odd Fellow’s” Hall, which some may remember having seen standing back on the hill with the end towards the river with “I. O. O. F.” plainly in sight, is now used by the Quartermaster’s department. The “trestling” along the bank of the river here being of stone and iron was not much injured. Among the buildings escaping destruction is the “Engine House,” the “Headquarters” of John Brown. Strange to say, it still stands, and the traveler naturally says, as he looks upon it, “John Brown must have been crazy.” And so it does seem, for a man might as well try to fortify himself in the Athens market house as in this “Fort,” selected by John Brown. Almost every trestle from Cumberland to “Point of Rocks” was destroyed. The fine bridge at the Ferry has been replaced by temporary trestle work, which seems to answer every purpose. The "piers” of the bridge were not injured. Two other bridges crossing the Potomac – one at Berlin and the other at “Point of Rocks” – were also badly burned, nothing being left but the stone piers to mark the place where those noble structures once stood. The company is seemingly doing everything in its power to thoroughly repair the road. Vast numbers of men are engaged upon its re-construction. The Government seems determined not to allow this great thoroughfare to be again closed, as it has furnished men sufficient to guard it its entire length. Already vast amounts of freights are coming from the west, and from present appearances, the full capacity of the road will be required to do the business offered.

Business in this city is anything but brisk, save in those channels where the Government operates. All eyes are now trained toward Yorktown, and, as much depends upon the success of our army there, everything like business here, as elsewhere in the East, will stand still until the result of that battle is known. The Government is doing a large business here, by way of building gunboats, and fitting out other vessels of war. Two large “Iron-plated” boats are now under way in the “basin,” in sight from the place where I am now writing. “Federal Hill” presents quite a war-like appearance. A large Fort – earthwork – has been built here, mounting fifty-six guns, varying in size from a six to a sixty-four pounder. This Fort is near the center of the city and can, if necessary, be burned to the ground. The Fort is now occupied by six companies of the 3rd New York regiment, from Albany. They claim to be the oldest three years regiment in the service. They lost seventeen men in the battle at Great Bethel. Fort Marshall, in the lower part of the city, on the road toward Philadelphia, is occupied by the balance of this regiment. Several regiments are stationed in and around the city, and the streets glisten with brass buttons. How much “secesh” there may still be lurking around this city, waiting for a favorable opportunity to burst forth in its former strength, I cannot say; but in justice to the masses here, I must say that I believe the civil power now fully sufficient to maintain order. Many who, in the onset of our National difficulties, unhesitatingly spoke and acted for the rebels now measure their language, seemingly disposed to claim the friendship of “Union men,” as also to put themselves in good shape to rejoice at the triumph of the Government, whenever rejoicing shall become popular.

Every regiment passing through this city is fed by the citizens. A large dining hall, convenient to the R. R. station, has been fitted up, where those men who are fighting to maintain the rights of all the people, as they pass along, can eat and drink without money.

A large reading room, called the “Union Reading Room,” has been fitted up for the benefit of the soldiers stationed here. At this place they can peruse all the daily papers of the city, as well as nearly ten hundred others, from different parts of the country, all without cost to them. This room furnishes many a poor soldier with such news as he now most needs, without constantly calling on his pocket for a half-dime to buy a paper. Besides this, he can here often find a paper published at his own home – thus giving him, besides the news of the day, a history of events transpiring among those so near to him. The Messenger, with many other Ohio papers makes it regular appearance at the “reading room.”

A few more days will decide much either for or against our country. If favorable then our difficulties will soon end – if otherwise, renewed energy, on the part of our rulers, with the people, will be necessary. I have no fears for the result. For the benefit of those persons who may visit Baltimore this season, and who have formally stopped at the “Howard House,” I would inform them that the above named house is now closed. The “Maltby House” is now the resort of Western men.

Your Friend,
F. M. C.

– Published in The Athens Messenger, Athens Ohio, Thursday, April 24, 1862

From a letter, dated Huntsville, Ala., and written by . . .

. . . WILL. B. PICKERING, who by the way, is Private Secretary of Gen. MITCHELL, we are permitted to extract the following:

“Gen. Mitchell’s forces took possession of this place last Saturday morning, at 6 o’clock, taking the citizens entirely by surprise. This is certainly a lucky capture. We captured 21 first-class locomotives and a few cars, belonging to the Memphis & Charleston R. R. The 8th Brigade, to which the [18th] Ohio belongs, has captured Decatur, twenty five miles below. Six hundred bales of cotton were taken.”

– Published in The Athens Messenger, Athens Ohio, Thursday, April 24, 1862

Visit To The Battle Field Of Shiloh

A Vindication of the Disgraced Ohio Regiments. – the 53d set Right.

A visit to the battle-field upon which was fought the greatest battle ever seen upon this continent, is no small item about which to write or speak. It will be an important era in the life of every man who fought upon it and who saw it.

Messrs. Twombly, Fred. Ballard and ourself started the morning (Thursday) after receiving the news of the battle for Pittsburgh Landing, with the view of assisting what we could in relieving the suffering of our wounded and sick. On account of the numerous hindrances with which we met, we did not reach our destination until late on Monday evening following.

When we arrived all that could be done had been done for the relief of the wounded and sick. We therefore had little else to do than to go over the battle-field, visit our friends and return home. Descriptions of the field have frequently been given. We will therefore not take up much space in giving anything in regard to it. It was such a sight as we never wish to see again, and we do not wish to dwell long enough upon it to describe it.

We visited the Mound City Hospital, where there are about 1,000 wounded. Here we met many acquaintances. None of them, however, were very seriously wounded. This hospital is conducted in the most admirable manner. The wounded are cared for in the best manner possible. The could not be in better condition, or more kindly provided for were they at home with their friends. The Sisters of Mercy are there in large numbers waiting upon the wounded. They are as angels of Mercy to the wounded soldiers.


THE 53D OHIO REGIMENT.

Much excitement has prevailed in our county on account of reports of cowardice on the part of the 53d regiment in which there is a company of Athens county boys. The Lieut. Colonel and Quartermaster also being from this county. Upon hearing these reports, we took special pains to ascertain the truth, and if possible, to gain such information concerning the Regiment as would enable us to vindicate them at home.

The 53rd is a brave regiment of men as ever marched to the tune of “Yankee Doodle.” The stories about its cowardly conduct are all false without exception, which declaration we will proceed to prove.

The 53d Regiment forms a portion of Col. Hildebrand’s Brigade, attached to Gen. W. T. Sherman’s Division. It occupied the extreme left of Col. Hildebrand’s Brigade, lying directly on the Corinth road, and commanding it.

The following diagram will enable our readers to judge of its position, and the explanations we give below will enable them to judge of the amount of cowardice of which they were guilty:

It is one-half mile from the 53d to Gen. Prentiss’ Division; one-fourth mile from it to General Hildebrand’s headquarters, which is the nearest point to forces upon that side, and one-half mile in the rear of the 53d to any forces. The rebel army lay in force within one mile of the Fifty-Third all Saturday night. They were thrown on in the advance and were the first regiment of Gen. Sherman’s Division attacked.

Early in the morning on Sunday a messenger was sent to Gen. Sherman’s headquarters from the 53d informing him that the rebels were advancing in force upon them. Gen. Sherman made some fun of the messenger, and thought they must be frightened down there. Shortly afterwards he, accompanied by his Staff, rode out to the camp of the 53d, and remarked, upon seeing the woods in front of him full of rebels, that we would probably have a sharp skirmish. In a few moments the rebels, who had advanced within long range, fired a volley upon the General and his staff, killing one of his Orderlies close by his side. Turning round, he exclaimed, “We are attacked,” and immediately rode back towards his headquarters. The 53d in the meantime has been drawn up in line of battle by Col. Appler. They first formed in front of their camp, but as the rebels advanced upon them in overwhelming numbers they, fell back to the rear of it where they lay under cover of the rise of ground upon which their camp was stationed. As soon as the rebels advanced within near range, they rose and fired. They immediately fell and reloaded and then gave the rebels another volley, when Col. Appler gave the order “Retreat!” He then ran for the river and was not seen by his men during that day or Monday.

Lieut. Col. Fulton followed the regiment in its retreat and rallied the men in the rear of the 18th Illinois, and they fought under his command the remainder of that day and Monday.

Col. Hildebrand made a report of his brigade to Gen. Sherman, a copy of which we have in our possession, and which Gen. Sherman will never publish. We therefore, for the purpose of vindicating the noble boys whom he has endeavored to defame, take the liberty of publishing extracts from it. Col. Hildebrand makes the following mention of the action taken by the 53d on Sunday morning:

“The 53d Regiment, after forming in line of battle under my orders, fired two rounds and immediately fell back into the woods. It appears from the report of Col. Appler, that apprehending a flank movement on his left, ordered a retreat, but subsequently rallied in the rear of the 18th Illinois. This regiment became separated from my command, and its movements throughout the day were general.”

It will be seen from this that the 53d did not “run without firing a gun” as has been reported of them. According to a speech which Gen. Sherman made to the 53d on the day after the battle, ten regiments of rebel infantry attacked the position held by the 53d. At the time of the attack the regiment consisted of about 450 effective men – two companies being out at the time of the attack upon picket duty.

Col. Hildebrand, in another part of his report speaks of the 53d and its officers as follows:

“The 53d Regiment I have referred to already. The regiment, under command of Col. J. J. Appler, fell back after two rounds under the order of Col. Appler. Soon afterwards, as I am informed, he left the field, and was not with the Regiment during the day or Monday.

Lieut. Col. Fulton, in command of the Regiment, the Adjutant and company officers generally behaved with becoming bravery.”

In a “Note” to the Report we find the following:

“NOTE. About 6 P.M. Monday, the 77th and 53d Regiments took a position near the heavy guns on the hill, from which the enemy finally fell back. The 53d did good service before this in the afternoon, by operating with other regiments. J. HILDEBRAND.”

Thus is the 53d Ohio Regiment vindicated from the slanderous charges of cowardice made against it by correspondents of mammoth daily papers, who were never over the ground, and who telegraphed and mailed as facts what were merely rumors.

The fact is, Gen. Sherman’s Division, in connection with the whole of Gen. Grant’s army, was surprised, and somebody, aside from the poor privates sought to be disgraced, is to blame for this criminal neglect. On the night previous to the attack, the rebels lay in force within one mile of our lines, and we had not a picket farther out than one-half mile! It is difficult to conceive how an army of 60,000 men could lie within a mile of the lines of a well conditioned camp of forty or fifty thousand men during one whole night, without being discovered. Such a thing probably never occurred before in the history of the world, and we trust no other army may never be so disgraced as was Gen. Grant’s.

But we have it from high authority that neither Gen. Grant nor Gen. Sherman were surprised, that they were aware of the presence of the enemy on Saturday previous to the attack. Below we give an extract from a letter written by an officer in Gen. Sherman’s Division, which will throw some light upon this point. The letter was handed us by a friend on board the “Superior” while on our way home.

The letter is dated

PITTSBURGH LANDING,
April 16, 1862.

T. F. WILDES, ESQ – Dear Sir: In a conversation to-day with Gen. Hildebrand, he said, in response to a remark of mine, that great responsibility rested upon somebody for permitting us to be surprised in our encampment and set upon by a whole division of the enemy without any intimation of their coming whatever; also, that Gen. SHERMAN did know on Saturday of the presence of the enemy, and so did he (Gen. HILDEBRAND) and that he wanted to take his brigade out on Saturday and fight and that Gen. Sherman forbid him doing anything to bring on the action either Saturday or Sunday!”

This conversation was in the presence of several gentlemen – both military and civil. Among the latter was Mr. Bailey, of the Sanitary Commission, Cincinnati. The writer of the letter is a perfectly reliable gentleman in high standing in the Division. But this conversation can be proven by several gentlemen aside from him.

Now, the question arises, what does this mean? Did these men know what is alleged they did know? If they did their conduct admits of no explanation. We hope this matter will undergo investigation. In fact, we think it cannot be allowed to pass without it.

On the other hand, Gen. Sherman Stated in a speech he made to the 53d that he was entirely surprised, that the presence of the enemy was entirely unknown to him. Gen. Grant, in his report, makes no attempt to explain the cause of their surprise. The friends of the soldiers in that army will await the unraveling of this mysterious affair with great anxiety.


THE 77TH REGIMENT.

This Regiment is said to have been mustered out of service on account of its disgraceful conduct on Tuesday after the great victory of Monday was gained. We heard nothing of this while with the regiment, and believe it to be untrue. We were at its camp and conversed with its officers about the fight and about the action on Tuesday, and heard nothing of any such thing as the mustering out of the regiment, and we believe we left there after the dispatches announcing its disgrace had been sent. In fact the regiment was there in camp with its arms, looking bright and cheerful, and Major FEARING thought they, in connection with the whole army were better prepared for a battle then than they were before the last one came off. The following extract from Col. HILDEBRAND’s report will give our readers an idea of the part taken by the 77th on Tuesday:

“On the 8th inst., in compliance with your order, I marched my Brigade, accompanied by a large cavalry force, also by Col. Buckland’s Brigade, on the Corinth road, about four miles from camp. Halting in an open field, skirmishers were thrown forward who discovered rebel cavalry in considerable force, exhibiting a disposition to fight. The skirmishers immediately fired upon them, when the Seventy-Seventh regiment, under command of Lt. Col. DeHass, was ordered up to support them. Soon after forming in line a large body of cavalry made a bold and dashing charge on the skirmishes and the whole regiment. So sudden and rapid was the charge, shooting our men with carbines and revolvers, that they had not time to re-load, and fell back hoping our cavalry would cover the retreat. Unhappily, our cavalry were not sufficiently near to render essential assistance. The rebel cavalry literally rode down the infantry, shooting, sabering, and trampling them under foot. We sustained a loss in killed, wounded and missing of fifty-seven. Nineteen were killed on the spot, thirty wounded, and the balance missing; of the latter two Captains and one second Lieut., Capt. A. W. McCormick, Capt. A. Chandler, and Lieut. Criswell.”

The regiment fought well during Sunday and Monday, from all the information we can gain from those acquainted with its movements. It is a new regiment, one very recently formed, and of very little experience, and it seems to us should never have been sent ahead on such an expedition as that of Tuesday. None but a well drilled regiment would be equal to an impetuous charge of cavalry like that described in the report of Col. Hildebrand. Besides this, neither infantry nor cavalry were in supporting distance of the regiment when it was dashed upon by the rebel cavalry, which looks like extremely bad generalship, even to civilians. We will be able to give a more thorough vindication of the 77th regiment next week.


THE 71ST REGIMENT.

This regiment is said to have been sent to Fort Donelson in disgrace for bad conduct on the battle-field. We presume its conduct was bad, but there are palliating circumstances which should be stated in connection with its bad conduct that we have not yet seen in print.

When we were returning from Pittsburgh Landing we passed the 71st at Paducah, on its way to Fort Donelson. Our boat stopped there some time and we had an opportunity of seeing the men of the regiment with some of whom we were acquainted. From what we could learn from the men and all other sources on the ground at Pittsburgh, Col. Mason of that Regiment displayed the white feather at the very first fire of the enemy, and left the field. He was not again seen by his Regiment during the battle. Lieut. Col. Kyle was a brave, good man, and when the Colonel ingloriously fled, he took command of the Regiment, and in his efforts to rally the men and keep them at the work, he was killed. His death left the Regiment without a commander, and it fell into confusion as a matter of course almost. Lieut. Col. Kyle is perhaps a victim of Col. Mason’s cowardice, as he was compelled to improperly expose himself in order to keep the men at their places after he left therm. A regiment of men should not suffer disgrace because of the cowardice of their commanding officer, and we think the object in sending the regiment to Fort Donelson is not to disgrace it, but for the reason that as Lieut. Col. Kyle is killed, and Col. Mason has shown himself a coward, no one, fit to command the regiment in battle, remains connected with it. The matter will doubtless undergo investigation, and the party to blame for the conduct of the 71st receive his just punishment.

– Published in The Athens Messenger, Athens, Ohio, Thursday Morning, April 24, 1862, p 2

From Gen. Fremont’s Department – Skirmish with the Rebels

WHEELING, April 13, 1862

To Hon. E. M. Stanton, Sec’y of War:

A dispatch just received from General Milroy at Monterey, under date of yesterday, states as follows: "The rebels, about 1,000 strong, with two cavalry companies and two pieces of artillery, attacked my pickets this morning about 10 o'clock, and drove them in some 2 miles. I sent out re-enforcements, consisting of two companies 75th Ohio, two companies 2d Virginia, two 25th Ohio, and two of 32d Ohio, one gun of Captain Hyman's battery, and one company of cavalry, all under Major Webster. The skirmishing was brisk for a short time, but the rebels were put to flight with considerable loss. The casualties on our side were 3 men of the 75th badly wounded. The men behaved nobly."

J. C. FREMONT,
Major-General, Commanding

– Published in The Athens Messenger, Athens, Ohio, Thursday, April 24, 1862, p. 2

Extract Of A Letter From The 75th Regiment

On the 12th inst. a messenger from Gen. Millroy, at Montery [sic], came to the 75th, encamped at Crab bottom, 6 miles out, ordering them up immediately. We received the order a little after 5 o’clock A. M., arrived at Monterey a little before 9 A. M., and about 10 our pickets began to fire rapidly. Two companies of the 75th, viz: D, Capt. Metcalf, and G, Capt. Swope, were ordered forward. They went up the mountain on [Staunton] pike in double quick time, met the enemy coming deployed as skirmishers and opened upon them. They had driven in our pickets some distance. Capt. Metcalf and his men behaved nobly, and actually drove back the rebels before other companies which were also sent forward could get there. One of our pickets who was so closely chased as to be compelled to hide behind some logs says the rebels had a regiment of infantry, two squadrons of cavalry, and two cannon, and that it took them ½ an hour to pan him. Two of Capt. Metcalf’s men were wounded, viz: Amos Dowler, in the shoulder, (no bone broken) doing well; Samuel McDonald, in the leg, amputated above the knee; doubt his recovery. No one else hurt in our regiment. On of the Virginia Cavalry was wounded in the leg, but not badly. A negro just in from McDowell (where the rebels were encamped) says they came back through that place in a hurry, and have gone to the top of the mountain beyond that place, that they had 5 cannon with them, and when they came down they said they intended to drive the d----d Yankees back to Ohio. We hope they may always drive them just that way. We have force sufficient to hold this place and will soon have enough to go on to [Staunton].

– Published in The Athens Messenger, Athens, Ohio, Thursday, April 24, 1862, p. 2

Gov. Harvey, of Wisconsin . . .

. . . was drowned at Savannah, Tenn., on last Sunday Evening while passing from one boat to another. This is a sad affair. Gov. Harvey cheered the hearts of Wisconsin boys by his presence among them after the great battle of Shiloh, and was deeply loved by them. His loss at this time is a great calamity to his State.

– Published in The Athens Messenger, Athens Ohio, Thursday, April 24, 1862, p. 2

We are indebted to WILL. B. PICKERING . . .

. . . for a copy of the Huntsville (Ala.) Democrat, from which we extract the following very cool piece of Yankee daring. It is equal to anything we have read of since the days of Marion’s scouts:

A BOLD YANKEE. - A man in Federal uniform rode into Fayetteville, Tenn., on Sunday last, conversed freely with the citizens, said he belonged to an Ohio regiment, allowed a citizen, who asked permission, to examine his gun, removed the cap before handing it to him, dined at a tavern with his gun on his lap at the table, had his horse fed and left. The citizens thought him one of Morgan’s men, notwithstanding his representation. A short time after, however, they were undeceived. Coming 4 or 5 miles on the road to Huntsville, he overtook and old white man with four negroes and three wagons of bacon, he forced them to drive their wagons close together, put fodder under them, take out the mules and retire a few steps. Then, lighting a match he set fire to the wagons, consumed them and their contents. Riding to a church a few miles distant, where preaching was going on, he asked the minister if any soldiers were there, and saying if there were, he wanted them. Receiving a negative answer, he rode away, and crossed the road, 10 miles this side of Fayetteville, with two other Federals. That is the last we have heard of them. The owner of the bacon and wagons returned to Fayetteville with his negroes and mules and reported his misfortune. Several men went in pursuit of the bold marauders, but failed to find them.

– Published in The Athens Messenger, Athens, Ohio, Thursday, April 24, 1862

Summer Schools and School Teachers

TO DIRECTORS AND PARENTS.

At this time before the opening of the summer schools, we would ask those to whom this important charge is instructed, to look well to the interest of the “little ones.” There is no argument so pernicious as that “it makes little difference who teaches our school in the summer, as it will be composed of little children.” There is not half the “tact” required in teaching advanced scholars that there is for laying the foundation of a child’s education. – Thousands of promising boys and girls are ruined every year by these fossil mistresses and wooden masters that “keep,” not teach, our schools. The certificate of our county Examiners may be regarded as a security against ignorance of the studies, but the ability to TEACH your children in the knowledge of books, in morality and manners, is your province and your duty to determine by the [illegible] means in your power. A school should be neither a prison nor a play-house; but duty and pleasure should be combined as to render study agreeable, and obedience a willing enjoyment.

It is but just to a teacher to inquire into his success in the schools he has taught, as you would wish to see some of the work of a carpenter who was contracting to build you a house. You would be anxious to know the “general reputation” of your pastor, but the character of your childrens’ teacher is of much more importance. Let this be no half way matter, and let no favoritism retain or employ an incompetent teacher. This will give employment to the deserving and compel the others to attend normal classes and seminaries in which they may honestly earn a livelihood. We are glad to notice the advertisements in the Messenger of “normal classes” and other education facilities in our county, tending to supply this great want of trained teachers, and we earnestly hope they may meet with all the success they deserve, and deserve all the success with which they meet.

There is a great danger of teachers becoming stereotyped in their modes of giving instruction, and especially in the commoner branches is there great danger of carelessness in the teacher, while to the pupil this is a time that gives character to his whole education. The teacher bears his class as a part of the daily task and goes through the exercise with his mind on something else, and his scholars are apt to be listless, and to contract those habits of drawling, bad articulation, and unnatural tones that take a lifetime of earnest training to correct. This error makes god readers such exceedingly “rare birds” in the world. It is so in a greater or less degree with all branches of a common education, where the rudiments are so simple to the pedagogue and so strange and new to the child. Teachers are apt to always present a subject from one stand point, and like a guide to Niagara, that always takes his visitors to Table Rock, he soon grows listless and imagines he has done his whole duty. But it is not so. Every exercise is capable of as many variations as a kaleidoscope, and a real earnest “live teacher” will always make the primary exercise interesting to his class, because he is always interested in them himself.

We have one request of parents, - VISIT YOUR SCHOOLS. Go as often as you would to see after a flock of sheep in a far field: or when you are passing, or have a leisure hour to spare, drop in and see after the interest of your heirs for whom you are toiling. What! No leisure time? – then you are working too hard, and if you will just quit work for a while and go in once ever two weeks, you will save a doctor’s bill, and give your child an idea of the importance of his business there that he never had before. Try it, and mark the effect on the school. Note how glad the teacher is; how the wrinkles are smoothed out of his forehead; how the children straighten up and begin conning their lessons with new energy. Notice your own bright-eyed urchin; how busy he is with his book, only occasionally looking off to see if the other boys are looking at his “pa” or “ma.” How consequential! He is the “honor man.” His parents have visited the school. Try it, parents; try it. It is not time you lack as much inclination.

– Published in The Athens Messenger, Athens, Ohio, Thursday, April 24, 1862

The following named persons were taken prisoners on the 30th of March [1862] . . .

. . . near the camp of the 53rd; Serg’t Wm. Dille, Squire Dille, and Corporal Samuel A. Love. At the time they were taken they were within our picket lines. They all belonged to Capt. Parrell’s [sic] company and are Athens county boys.

– Published in The Athens Messenger, Athens, Ohio, Thursday, April 24, 1862

Money For Soldiers Friends

Money received from Capt. Nathan Picket’s Company, 63rd Reg. O. V. U. S. A. by M. G. Greene & Co., which will be paid at their store at the Salt Works near Chauncey, and at their office in Athens. The following will be paid at the store:

John Brown, Amesville, O., $55.00
Clarinda Pickett, Chauncey, 55.00
Geo. T. Gould, Chauncey, 20.00
M. M. Greene & Co., Chauncey, 40.00
John Mourn, Chauncey, 50.00
Mrs. Wm. Bradley, Chauncey, 30.00
Henry Zimmerman, Trimble, 90.00
Justice Hartman, Nelsonville, 80.00
S. D. Hamilton, Nelsonville, 40.00
Susannah Andrews, Trimble, 30.00
Wm. B. Foster, Chauncey, 35.00
Sarah Galligher, Rock Oak, 40.00
Diana King, Millfield, 20.00
Susan Perry, Nelsonville, 40.00
Heartheout Pickett, Nelsonville, 60.00
Uriah Cunningham, Chauncey, 100.00
Seth Shaner, Hartleyville, 185.00
Harriet Robnet, Chauncey, 20.00
Minerva Henry, Buchanan, Perry co., 40.00
Lydia Ann Davis, Trimble, 350.00
Almira R. Freeman, Chauncey, 70.00
Jonas Love, Buchanan, Perry co., 20.00
James Love, Buchanan, Perry co., 20.00
M. M. Greene & Co., Chauncey, 20.00
James Jones, Nelsonville, 60.00
Ruth J. Burg, Chauncey, 45.00
Samuel Wilson, Rock Oak, 25.00
David Houch, Rock Oak, 35.00
Sarah Lowry, Chauncey, 30.00
Alanson Courtney, Chauncey, 30.00
Jesse McKee, Chauncey, 40.00
Wm. Perry, Nelsonville, 45.00
Mrs. Matilda Perry, Nelsonville, 60.00
Ellen S. Antle, Millfield, 100.00
Azel Johnson, Trimble, 430.00
Calvin, Curfman, Pleasant Valley, Morgan county, 40.00
Elias Greevell, Pleasant Valley, Morgan county, 20.00
Isaac Matheney, Chauncey, 50.00
John Mourn, Chauncey, 70.00
Ebenezer Wilson, Chauncey, 40.00
Archibald Thompson, Chauncey, 60.00
Hannah Lowry, Chauncey, 30.00
John Mourn, Chauncey, 90.00

FROM CAPT. TAGGART’S COMPANY.
Rachel George, Chauncey, 10.00
John Cradlebaugh, Chauncey, 15.00
Archibald Thompson, Chauncey, 45.00
Lucinda Gorham, Chauncey, 10.00
George Connett, Chauncey, 45.00
Jesse Matheny, Chauncey, 30.00
Eli Cornell, Chauncey, 180.00
Clarissa Stevenson, Chauncey, 40.00

The following will be paid at our office in Athens:
Daniel Knight, Marshfield, $30.00
George Eley, Marshfield, 50.00
A. L. Cooley, Marshfield, 50.00
A. L. Cooley, Marshfield, 55.00
Nancy Beverage, Marshfield, 40.00
Caroline Jones, Marshfield,110.00
Lucinda Pickett, Marshfield, 100.00
Susan Stonebraker, Athens, 35.00
Adaline Door, Athens, 20.00
John Gilbert, Marshfield, 60.00
Margaret Sidders, Marshfield, 50.00
Daniel Six, Marshfield, 25.00
Ann Courtney, Athens, 40.00
Elizabeth Burns, Big Run, 120.00
A. J. Johnson, Athens, 20.00
Ahira Williams, Marshfield, 100.00
L. D. Gadgeon, Marshfield, 45.00
Nancy E. Brill, Garden P. O., 50.00
Catharine E. Howard, Garden P. O., 40.00
J. C. S. Gilbert, Athens, 40.00
Wm S. Denney, Bartlett, O., 20.00
Jonathan Sams, Athens, 55.00
Josephus Tucker, Athens, 380.00

– Published in The Athens Messenger, Athens, Ohio, Thursday, April 24, 1862

Letter From The Sanitary Commission

CINCINNATI, April 14, 1862

Mrs. L. M. Wildes, Pres. Soldier’s Aid Society, Athens, Ohio:

DEAR MADAM: - On behalf of our Commission, I acknowledge the receipt of your present, as well as of your former liberal contributions. Please accept our thanks for the same. The demands now made upon us are very great and pressing, and we welcome aid from every quarter.

Very Respectfully,

CHAS. E. CIST,
Cor. Sec’y pro tem.

– Published in The Athens Messenger, Athens, Ohio, Thursday, April 24, 1862

Reception of Gen. W. S. Smith

Gen. SMITH arrived here on last Monday on a short furlough. His coming was announced by a dispatch sent from Loveland in the morning, and we was met at the deport by the band and a large concourse of people, though the rain was pouring down at the time of the arrival of the cars and had been nearly all day.

An enthusiastic reception was given him, when he made a brief speech. It was announced that in the following evening Gen. SMITH would make a speech at the M. E. Church, in which he would give some account of the battle of Shiloh, in which he took a very conspicuous and active part. Though the announcement was not made until nearly five o’clock P.M., and it was raining all the time, the Church was crowded to over flowing with ladies and gentlemen, eager listeners to the man whom ever one present loved to honor.

He gave a brief, yet clear account of the battle and of the part his Brigade took in it. Gen. SMITH makes no pretensions to being a speaker. He is a soldier, though, in its noblest sense, and his remarks were listened to with that wrapt attention which an audience gives one for whom they entertain the highest regard and the warmest friendship. Had we room we would be glad to give his remarks, but we find it impossible to do so.

At the conclusion of his speech, he tendered back the sword presented him by our citizens when e became colonel of the 13th Regiment, but it was voted that he retain it with the universal “aye!” of the vast assembly present.

– Published in The Athens Messenger, Athens, Ohio, Thursday, April 24, 1862

Aid Society

Since the organization of the Society the following number of boxes have been forwarded: Two, one containing fruit, wine, jelly, &c., the other bedding, pillows, shirts, drawers and towels, to the Eighteenth regiment.

March 27, a large box was sent to the Cincinnati Sanitary Commission.

A supply of jelly, fruit and wine was collected for the 75th regiment, but learning their need was supplied, or would be, and the difficulty of sending to Huttonville determined the Society in sending all stores to the Sanitary Commission; accordingly last Friday two boxes containing the following articles were sent: 6 cans fruit, 6 jars jelly, 9 bottles wine, 2 papers farina, 4 corn starch, 5 lbs blackberries, 1 bottle catsup, 1 package oat meal, 1 package crackers, 1 sack dired apples, 72 bandages, 3 comforts, 15 pillows, 32 towels, 15 pairs socks, 1 pair woolen drawers, 6 half-worn shirts, 32 pin balls, 8 straw ticks, 8 shirts, 14 sheets, 3 double gowns, 3 blankets 1 quilt, 6 pillow slips, 6 boxes lint.

– Published in The Athens Messenger, Athens, Ohio, Thursday, April 24, 1862

DEATH OF WM. W. DONALDSON

This young man was a member of Capt. [PARRILL’S] company, 53d Regiment. When we first saw him, he was in the hospital of that Regiment, and already delirious, though he had been sick but two or three days. Dr. L. FULTON * at once set about procuring him a furlough, which he succeeded in doing after considerable trouble. Young DONALDSON was taken on board the Superior, in a dying condition, in fact, and there received the very best attention it was possible to bestow upon him from the best medical men on board. But his disease was the worst type of typhoid fever in its last stages. He was all through the great battle of Shiloh, and fought like a true patriot and hero. He was taken sick immediately after the battle. His life was sacrificed upon the alter of his country, and though his loss is that of an only son to his afflicted parents, they have the consolation of thousands of parents who mourn as they do, that his life was given in the best cause in which one can die in this bright land of liberty. He was loved by all who knew him, and will be mourned by all.

– Published in The Athens Messenger, Athens, Ohio, Thursday, April 24, 1862


* NOTE: Lorenzo Fulton was a captain in Company G of the 53rd Ohio Infantry, whose brother was Dr. Joseph Warren Fulton, who as at that time was the Surgeon of the 53rd Ohio Infantry. Dr. Fulton’s Brother, Robert A. Fulton, served as Lieutenant Colonel of the regiment and Dr. Fulton’s nephew, Joseph W. Fulton was 1st Lieutenant in Company B, and later Captain in Company G. Given so many members of this family served in this regiment it is no wonder why the article misidentified Dr. Fulton. – See: A History of Scioto County, Ohio, Vol. 1, Parts 1 & 2 (Published in 1903), p. 985-6 & The Civil War Soldiers & Sailors System

THE M. & C. R.R., and the Ohio and Mississippi R.R. . .

. . . gave our party free passes over their roads when on our way to Pittsburg Landing. We were, besides, all treated with the utmost kindness by the officers of both roads.

– Published in The Athens Messenger, Athens, Ohio, Thursday, April 24, 1862

LOST!

On yesterday, while crossing the street opposite Mr. JNO. PERNINS’ Drug Store, a lady lost $4.00 in money. It was in two bills, on the State Bank of Ohio – a three and a one – one of the bills being on the Athens Branch. The finder will be liberally rewarded by handing the money to Mr. PERKINS, or leaving it at the Messenger Office.

– Published in The Athens Messenger, Athens, Ohio, Thursday, April 24, 1862