78th Ohio Infantry

Organized at Zanesville, Ohio, October, 1861, to January, 1862, and mustered in January 11, 1862. Moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, thence to Fort Donelson, Tenn., February 11-16. Attached to 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, District of West Tennessee, to March, 1862. 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, Army of the Tennessee, to July, 1862. Unattached, District of Jackson, Tenn., to November, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, Right Wing 13th Army Corps (Old), Dept. of the Tennessee, to December, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, 17th Army Corps, Army of the Tennessee, to July, 1865.

SERVICE. – Capture of Fort Donelson, Tenn., February 16, 1862. Expedition toward Purdy and operations about Crump's Landing, Tenn., March 9-14. Battle of Shiloh, Tenn., April 6-7. Advance on and siege of Corinth, Miss., April 29-May 30. Capture of Jackson June 7. Duty at Bethel and Grand Junction till August. Bolivar August 30. March to Iuka, Miss., September 1-19. Battle of Iuka September 19 (Reserve). Duty at Bolivar till November. Grant's Central Mississippi Campaign, operations on the Mississippi Central Railroad. November 2, 1862, to January 20, 1863. Reconnoissances from LaGrange toward Colliersville November 5 and November 8-9. Moved to Memphis, Tenn., January 20, thence to Lake Providence, La., February 22, and to Milliken's Bend, La., April 17. Movement on Bruinsburg and turning Grand Gulf April 25-30. Battle of Port Gibson May 1. Forty Hills and Hankinson's Ferry May 3-4. Battles of Raymond May 12; Jackson May 14; Champion's Hill May 16. Siege of Vicksburg, Miss., May 18-July 4. Assaults on Vicksburg May 19 and 22. Surrender of Vicksburg July 4, and duty there till February, 1864. Clinton July 16. Expedition to Monroe, La., August 20-September 2, 1863. Expedition to Canton October 14-20. Bogue Chitto Creek October 17. Regiment reenlisted January 5, 1864. Meridian Campaign February 3-March 2, 1864. Baker's Creek February 5. Wyatt's February 13. Meridian February 14-15. Canton February 26. Veterans on furlough March and April. Moved to Clifton, Tenn., thence marched to Ackworth, Ga., May 5-June 8. Atlanta (Ga.) Campaign June 8-September 8. Operations about Marietta and against Kenesaw Mountain June 10-July 2. Assault on Kenesaw June 27. Nickajack Creek July 2-5. Howell's Ferry July 5. Chattahoochie River July 5-17. Leggett's or Bald Hill July 20-21. Battle of Atlanta July 22. Siege of Atlanta July 22-August 25. Flank movement on Jonesboro August 25-30. Battle of Jonesboro August 31-September 1. Lovejoy Station September 2-6. Duty near Atlanta till October 15. Moved to Chattanooga, Tenn., and duty guarding railroad near Chattanooga till November 13. Little River, Ala., October 27. March to the sea November 15-December 10. Siege of Savannah December 10-21. Campaign of the Carolinas January to April, 1865. Pocotaligo, S.C., January 14. Barker's Mills, Whippy Swamp, February 3. Orangeburg February 12-13. Columbia February 16-17. Battle of Bentonville, N. C., March 20-21. Occupation of Goldsboro March 24. Advance on Raleigh April 10-14. Occupation of Raleigh April 14. Bennett's House April 26. Surrender of Johnston and his army. March to Washington, D.C., via Richmond, Va., April 29-May 20. Grand Review May 24. Moved to Louisville, Ky., June, and there mustered out July 11, 1865.

Regiment lost during service 2 Officers and 71 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 2 Officers and 280 Enlisted men by disease. Total 355.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1533

John Brown to Mary Ann Day Brown, December 27, 1852

Utica, N. Y., Dec. 27, 1852.

. . . I seem to be pretty much over the effects of the ague, except as to my sight, which is some impaired, and which will not probably ever become much better. I made a short visit to North Elba, and left them all well and very comfortable, one week ago to-day.  . . . The colored families appear to be doing well, and to feel encouraged.  They all send much love to you. They have constant preaching on the Sabbath; and intelligence, morality, and religion appear to be all on the advance. Our old neighbors appear to wish us back. I can give no particular instructions to the boys, except to take the best care of everything, — not forgetting their own present and eternal good. If any young calves come that are nice ones, I want them to be well looked after, and if any very mean ones, I would have them killed at once. I am much pleased to get such a good account from the boys, and from Anne and Sarah.

SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 108-9

Major Rutherford B. Hayes to Manning F. Force, June 12, 1861

Columbus, June 12, 1861.

Dear Force: — You can't regret more than I do the issue of this business, so far as you are concerned. I have tried to get two companies (so as to include you and Company A of G. G.¹) admitted. Failing in that, I tried one, but the thing is all settled, and the governor fears to disturb the elements again.

Our regiment promises to be an exceedingly pleasant one. We are the first regimental officers on the ground. Our colonel will command in this camp until a brigadier-general arrives. We are the best known persons, and the struggle is to get into our regiment from all quarters. The camp is yet higgledy-piggledy and will require some labor to bring it up. But all goes on rapidly. We have been busy as bees a large part of the time in the scorching sun; but so far, it [is] great fun. I enjoy it as much as a boy does a Fourth of July.

Sincerely,

R. B. Hayes.

M. F. Force, Esq.

­­­­­­­­­­­­_______________

¹ Guthrie Greys.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 24-5

Major-General Thomas J. Jackson to Mary Anna Morrison Jackson, April 16, 1862

Near New Market.

This morning is warm and spring-like, and this country is one of the most beautiful that I ever beheld. . . . On last Wednesday the enemy advanced on me at one o'clock A. M., and I fell back to this place, where I arrived on Friday. My route was through New Market and Harrisonburg. I am about midway between Harrisonburg and Stannardsville. The enemy did not advance as far as Harrisonburg on the Valley turnpike. The advance of the two armies is within a few miles of each other. ... I do want so much to see my darling, but fear such a privilege will not be enjoyed for some time to come.

Swift Run Gap.

. . . Dr. Dabney is here, and I am very thankful to God for it. He comes up to my highest expectations as a staff-officer.

SOURCE: Mary Anna Jackson, Life and Letters of General Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall Jackson), p. 253-4

Colonel Thomas Kilby Smith to Elizabeth Budd Smith, March 27, 1863

“young's Point,” La., March 27, 1863.

My Dear Wife:

On the 17th inst., ten days ago, my command, with the residue of General Sherman's old division, was suddenly ordered to reinforce Admiral Porter's fleet of gunboats, which had advanced up Steele's Bayou, with a view to an attack upon Yazoo City. The order came after midnight; and by daybreak we were embarked upon transports and under weigh, leaving our horses, transportation, and all impedimenta behind. The infantry accomplished all that was expected, but the Admiral was frustrated in his designs. To-night we are returned to our old camping ground and I am accepting General Grant's hospitality, and propose to stay on board the Magnolia, his headquarters.

SOURCE: Walter George Smith, Life and letters of Thomas Kilby Smith, p. 282-3

Major-General George G. Meade to Major-General John F. Reynolds, July 1, 1863

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,

July 1, 1863.

Major-General REYNOLDS,

Commanding, &c., Gettysburg:

GENERAL: The telegraphic intelligence received from General Couch, with the various movements reported from Buford, seem to indicate the concentration of the enemy either at Chambersburg or at a point situated somewhere on a line drawn between Chambersburg and York, through Mummasburg and to the north of Gettysburg.

The commanding general cannot decide whether it is his best policy to move to attack until he learns something more definite of the point at which the enemy is concentrating. This he hopes to do during the day. Meanwhile, he would like to have your views upon the subject, at least so far as concerns your position. If the enemy is concentrating to our right of Gettysburg, that point would not at first glance seem to be a proper strategic point of concentration for this army.

If the enemy is concentrating in front of Gettysburg or to the left of it, the general is not sufficiently well informed of the nature of the country to judge of its character for either an offensive or defensive position. The numbers of the enemy are estimated at about 92,000 infantry, with 270 pieces of artillery, and his cavalry from 6,000 to 8,000. Our numbers ought to equal it, and, with the arrival of General French's command, which should get up to-morrow, exceed it, if not too much weakened by straggling and fatigue.

The general having just assumed command, in obedience to orders, with the position of affairs leaving no time to learn the condition of the army as to morale and proportionate strength compared with its last return, would gladly receive from you any suggestions as to the points laid down in this note. He feels that you know more of the condition of the troops in your vicinity and the country than he does. General Humphreys, who is at Emmitsburg with the Third Corps, the general considers an excellent adviser as to the nature of the country for defensive or offensive operations. If near enough to call him to consultation with you, without interference with the responsibilities that devolve upon you both, please do so. You have all the information which the general has received, and the general would like to have your views.

The movement of your corps to Gettysburg was ordered before the positive knowledge of the enemy's withdrawal from Harrisburg and concentration was received.

Very respectfully, &c.,

 S. WILLIAMS,

 Assistant Adjutant-General.

(Copy to Major-General Howard.)

SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George Gordon Meade, Vol. 2, p. 33-4; The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 27, Part 3 (Serial No. 45), p. 460-1

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Friday, August 14, 1863

All is quiet. Orders came today to send all of the sick home on thirty-day furloughs.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 135

76th Ohio Infantry

Organized at Camp Sherman, Newark, Ohio, October 5, 1861, to February 3, 1862. Moved to Paducah, Ky., February 9, thence to Fort Donelson, Tenn. Attached to 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, District of West Tennessee and Army of the Tennessee, to July, 1862, Helena, Ark., District of Eastern Arkansas, to December, 1862. 1st Brigade, 1st Division, District of Eastern Arkansas, Dept. of the Tennessee, December, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 11th Division, 13th Army Corps (Old), Dept. of the Tennessee, December, 1862. 1st Brigade, 4th Division, Sherman's Yazoo Expedition, to January, 1863. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 15th Army Corps, Army of the Tennessee, to September, 1863. 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 15th Army Corps, to July 1865.

SERVICE. – Investment and capture of Fort Donelson, Tenn, February 13-16, 1862. Expedition toward Purdy and operations about Crump's Landing, Tenn., March 9-14. Battle of Shiloh, Tenn., April 6-7. Advance on and siege of Corinth, Miss., April 29-May 30. March to Memphis, Tenn., June 1-17, and duty there till July 24. Moved to Helena, Ark., July 24, and duty there till October. Expedition to Milliken's Bend, La., August 16-27. Capture of Steamer "Fair Play" August 17. Milliken's Bend August 16 and 18. Expedition up the Yazoo August 20-27. Bolivar August 22 and 25. Greenville August 23. Expedition to Pilot Knob, Mo., October 22-November 12. Expedition from Helena against Arkansas Post, Ark., November 16-21. At Helena till December 22. Sherman's Yazoo Expedition December 22, 1862, to January 3, 1863. Chickasaw Bayou December 26-28. Chickasaw Bluff December 29. Expedition to Arkansas Post, Ark., January 3-10, 1863. Assault and capture Of Fort Hindman, Arkansas Post, January 10-11. Moved to Young's Point January 17-23, and duty there till April. Expedition to Greenville, Black Bayou and Deer Creek April 2-14. Deer Creek April 7. Black Bayou April 10. Demonstrations on Haines and Drumgould's Bluffs April 29-May 2. Moved to join army in rear of Vicksburg, Miss., via Richmond and Grand Gulf, May 2-14. Fourteen Mile Creek May 12-13. Jackson May 14. Siege of Vicksburg May 18-July 4. Assaults on Vicksburg May 19 and 22. Advance on Jackson, Miss., July 4-10. Siege of Jackson July 10-17. Bolton's Depot July 16. Briar Creek near Canton July 17. Canton July 18. Camp at Big Black till September 23. Moved to Memphis, Tenn., thence march to Chattanooga, Tenn., September 23-November 20. Operations on Memphis & Charleston Railroad in Alabama October 20-29. Cherokee Station October 21 and 29. Cane Creek October 26. Bear Creek, Tuscumbia, October 27. Chattanooga-Ringgold Campaign November 23-27. Battles of Lookout Mountain November 23-24. Mission Ridge November 25. Ringgold Gap, Taylor's Ridge, November 27. March to relief of Knoxville, Tenn., November 28-December 8. Moved to Alabama and duty at Paint Rock till May, 1864. Regiment reenlisted January 4, 1864. Atlanta (Ga.) Campaign May 1-September 8. Demonstrations on Resaca May 8-13. Near Resaca May 13. Battle of Resaca May 14-15. Advance on Dallas May 18-25. Operations on line of Pumpkin Vine Creek and battles about Dallas, New Hope Church and Allatoona Hills May 25-June 5. Operations about Marietta and against Kenesaw Mountain June 10-July 2. Assault on Kenesaw June 27. Nickajack Creek July 2-5. Chattahoochie River July 5-17. Battle of Atlanta July 22. Siege of Atlanta July 22-August 25. Ezra Chapel, Hood's second sortie, July 28. Flank movement on Jonesboro August 25-30. Battle of Jonesboro August 31-September 1. Lovejoy Station September 2-6. Operations against Hood in North Georgia and North Alabama September 29-November 3. Ship's Gap, Taylor's Ridge, October 16. March to the sea November 15-December 10. Siege of Savannah December 10-21. Campaign of the Carolinas January to April, 1865. Reconnoissance to Salkehatchie River, S.C., January 20. Salkehatchie Swamp February 2-5. South Edisto River February 9. North Edisto River February 12-13. Congaree Creek February 15. Columbia February 16-17. Battle of Bentonville, N. C., March 19-21. Occupation of Goldsboro March 24. Advance on Raleigh April 10-24. Occupation of Raleigh April 14. Bennett's House April 26. Surrender of Johnston and his army. March to Washington, D.C., via Richmond, Va., April 29-May 21. Grand Review May 24. Moved to Louisville, Ky., June, and there mustered out July 15, 1865.

Regiment lost during service 9 Officers and 82 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 5 Officers and 265 Enlisted men by disease. Total 361.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1532

Alexander H. Stephens to James Thomas, July 16, 1844

Macon, Ga., July 16,1844

Dear Thomas, Your favour of the 8th inst. came to hand a few days ago just as I was getting in the cars on my departure from home, and I have not had time since then or rather an opportunity of sufficient [word illegible] to send you an earlier answer. I will if it is in my power be with you on the 27th inst. but I am not certain that I can. The day before I shall be at Crawfordville where I hope also to meet you, and on the 24th I shall be at Washington I expect. The travel and fatigue I fear will be almost too much for me. I am here to-day, and to-morrow shall if nothing prevents go over to Clinton where there is to be a meeting the next day. Meriwether¹ and E. A. Nisbet are to be there. Jenkins and myself were at Eatonton last Saturday; and in all parts I have been in, as well as those from which I have heard, the prospect is good. In some counties it is reported that we will sustain loss etc., but upon a close examination I find that in nearly all instances the rumor is false. The Locos seem determined to do what they can by gasconnading, and the only effect of it is I think to arouse the Whigs and make them energetic, and that is all we want. Chappell² from what I learn here will be badly beaten in this district. I am informed by the most intelligent and observing men in such matters that he will do us no injury in this and Monroe county and no other county except Upson and Meriwether, and very little in those. My news from Cherokee is good. Miller and Lumpkin³ have had a meeting and discussion at Decatur, in which they say Miller got decidedly the advantage. Lumpkin complained of ill health and got out in that way. The Whigs are up and doing. I saw here last night men from Cobb, Pike, Monroe, Twiggs and Pulaski and all are zealous. Colquitt and Haralson⁴ and young Alford and Samford and Chappell were all here last week and literally stormed the castle, but to no effect. And I assure you the prospect as far as I have seen is quite as good for our carrying the State as it was at the same time in 1840, if not better — and there is no comparison hardly between the indications now and this time last year, for our people are now fully up and aroused, and this is all we have ever wanted in order to succeed at an election.

_______________

¹ James A. Meriwether, Eugeniua A. Nisbet, and Charles J. Jenkins were Georgia Whig leaders.

² In the congressional election of 1844, Absalom H. Chappell was narrowly defeated in the third district by his Whig opponent, Washington Poe.

³ John H. Lumpkin, Democrat, defeated H. V. M. Miller in the fifth district by a heavy majority.

⁴ Hugh A. Haralson was elected in the fourth district. Colquitt, Alford and Samford were Democratic speakers in the campaign, but were not candidates.

SOURCE: Ulrich Bonnell Phillips, Editor, The Annual Report of the American Historical Association for the Year 1911, Volume 2: The Correspondence of Robert Toombs, Alexander H. Stephens, and Howell Cobb, p. 59-60

Jefferson Davis to General John Bell Hood, September 28, 1864

OPELIKA, ALA., September 28, 1864.

General JOHN B. HOOD,

Headquarters Army of Tennessee:

GENERAL: I have anxiously reflected upon the subject of our closing conversation, and the proposition confidentially mentioned. It seems to me best that I should confer with General Beauregard, and if quite acceptable to him, to place him in command of the department, embracing your army and that of General R. Taylor, so as to secure the fullest co-operation of the troops, without relieving either of you of the responsibilities and powers of your special commands, except so far as would be due to the superior rank and the above assignment of General Beauregard. He would necessarily, if present with either army, command in person. Before final action there will be time for you to communicate with me, and I shall be glad to have your views. In the mean time you will of course proceed as though no modification of existing organization was contemplated.

Very respectfully and truly, yours,

 JEFFN. DAVIS.

SOURCES: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 39, Part 1 (Serial No. 78), p. 880; John Bell Hood, Advance and Retreat, p. 255

Lieutenant-General James Longstreet to General Robert E. Lee, March 28, 1865

HEADQUARTERS FIRST ARMY CORPS,

March 28, 1865.

General R. E. LEE, Commanding, &c.:

Your telegram asking if we can spare General Pickett's division as a supporting force to our cavalry is received. I suggested that it should be sent on that service because I was apprehensive that our railroad would be in danger of being broken up behind us, leaving us without supplies sufficient to hold Richmond until our communication south could be re-established; or in case Sheridan went to North Carolina, his mounted force would be too formidable for that of General Johnston's, and that General Johnston's army would be in great danger if we should not re-enforce him. I do not think that we can well spare the division, but I think that we would choose a lesser risk by sparing it in case Sheridan's cavalry makes either of these moves contemplated than we would by holding him here to await the result of these operations. The enemy seems now to count upon taking Richmond by raiding upon our lines of communication and not by attacking our lines of work. I think, therefore, that we should endeavor to put a force in the field that can contend against that of the enemy. If Grant sends off his cavalry he can hardly intend to make any general move of his main army until its return. In every aspect of affairs, so far as I am advised, I think that the greater danger is from keeping too close within our trenches. If we can remain where we are, independently of the railroad, and if General Johnston would be safe with such a force operating against him in addition to Sherman's, we had better keep the division here. You know much more about all those points than I do and are much better able to decide upon them. My supply train is in from Northern Neck and starts back to-morrow for other provisions. If there is any impropriety in sending it back please telegraph me as soon as you receive it that I may recall it. We have about 100,000 pounds of meat near Dublin and 18,000 at New Boston. The commissary of subsistence complains that the railroad agents will not ship the meat unless it is boxed. This cannot always be done. If you can in any way aid us in this matter we shall do very well for some time to come.

I remain, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,

 J. LONGSTREET,

Lieutenant-General.

SOURCES: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 46, Part 3 (Serial No. 97), p. 1360; James Longstreet, From Manassas to Appomattox, p. 652-3

John Brown to Henry Thompson, February 6, 1852

Elizabethtown, Feb. 6, 1852.

Dear Henry, — Mr. Judd is wanting to buy a large quantity of oats, for which he is now paying one cent per pound, cash. He also wants to buy a supply for his teams that carry the mail to Saranac, for the next season. He says oats that have rye mixed with them will be worth as much by the pound for his own teams as those which have none. Thinking it might be of advantage to you to know of this, and perhaps to see him, I concluded to send you a line at any rate.

Affectionately yours,

John Brown.

SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 108

Major Rutherford B. Hayes to Sardis Birchard, June 12, 1861

Columbus, June 12, 1861.

Dear Uncle: — We are in Camp Jackson — hot, busy, and jolly. Colonel Rosecrans is an energetic, educated West Pointer, very cheerful and sensible. Judge Matthews you know. We are on good terms with our captains, and the whole thing pleases me vastly; but I see no chance of getting out to see you; so you must come here one of these days. We are in the suds yet; still I would enjoy a visit even now. I cannot say more now. Good-bye.

Sincerely,

R. B. Hayes.

P. S. — We were sworn in to-day; our commissions are from the 7th.

S. Birchard.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 24

Major-General Thomas J. Jackson to Colonel Samuel Bassett French, March 21, 1862

colonel, — Please request the governor¹ to order three thousand muskets to Staunton at his earliest convenience for the militia of this district. None of the militia beyond the county, except five hundred from Augusta, have yet arrived, but they are turning out encouragingly. There are three religious denominations in this military district who are opposed to war. Eighteen [men] were recently arrested in endeavoring to make their escape through Pendleton County to the enemy. Those who do not desert will, to some extent, hire substitutes, others will turn out in obedience to the governor's call; but I understand some of them say they will not “shoot.” They can be made to fire, but can very easily take bad aim. So, for the purpose of giving to this command the highest degree of efficiency, and securing loyal feelings and co-operation, I have, as these non-combatants are said to be good teamsters and faithful to their promises, determined to organize them into companies of one hundred men each, rank and file, and after mustering them, with the legal number of company officers, into service, assign them to the various staff departments without issuing arms to them; but if at any time they have insufficient labor, to have them drilled, so that in case circumstances should justify it, arms may be given them. If these men are, as represented to me, faithful laborers and careful of property, this arrangement will not only enable many volunteers to return to the ranks, but will also save many valuable horses and other public property, in addition to arms. . . . All I have pledged myself is that, as far as practicable, I will employ them in other ways than fighting, but with the condition that they shall act in good faith with me, and not permit persons to use their names for the purpose of keeping out of service.

_______________

¹ John Letcher, Governor of Virginia.

SOURCE: Mary Anna Jackson, Life and Letters of General Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall Jackson), p. 251-2

Colonel Thomas Kilby Smith to Elizabeth Walter Smith, March 16, 1863

Headquarters Second Brigade,

Camp Before Vicksburg, March 16, 1863.

My Dear Mother:

I have changed quarters again and am now domiciled in a tolerably comfortable home under the same roof, and messing, with General Sherman. My despatches are delayed, and I now open my package to advise you of the receipt of your affectionate letter by Captain McCoy, who also brought me a small keg of whiskey, most acceptable.

I note your enclosures and all you say about my promotion. As you will perceive by the enclosed testimonial (not the copy I intended to send — a certified one from headquarters, and which for the present I intend to keep) that my record is as near perfection as anyone could hope. I am satisfied and can afford to wait for my country as long as she can wait for me. You have done everything, and I have not been backward. We need not worry about it.

General Grant and General Sherman have done everything for me they could — will do anything I ask that they can do. I know I am honored with the friendship of both and the entire confidence of one.

If you do write to General Grant, and I cannot say whether it would be advisable or not, I would rather the letter should not come through me, or know anything about it. I do hope you received General Sherman's noble reply to yours; it was due before the dates of your letter March 3d.

You must not suppose me reckless; I am not so. It is true I have been singled out for many a shot, and God alone has protected me, but I go upon the battlefield to do my duty; nothing more. I take no risks that the service does not demand. I think too much of my family to throw away my life.

SOURCE: Walter George Smith, Life and letters of Thomas Kilby Smith, p. 281-2

Major-General George G. Meade to Major-General John Sedgwick, July 1, 1863

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,

July 1, 1863.

Commanding Officer Sixth Corps:

I am directed by the commanding general to state that it would appear from reports just received that the enemy is moving in heavy force on Gettysburg (Ewell from Heidlersburg, and Hill from Cashtown Pass), and it is not improbable he will reach that place before the command under Major-General Reynolds (the First and Eleventh Corps), now on the way, can arrive there.

Should such be the case, and General Reynolds find himself in the presence of a superior force, he is instructed to hold the enemy in check, and fall slowly back. If he is able to do this, the line indicated in the circular of to-day will be occupied to-night. Should circumstances render it necessary for the commanding general to fight the enemy to-day, the troops are posted as follows for the support of Reynolds' command, viz,: On his right, at Two Taverns, the Twelfth Corps; at Hanover, the Fifth Corps; the Second Corps is on the road between Taneytown and Gettysburg; the Third Corps is at Emmitsburg.

This information is conveyed to you that you may have your corps in readiness to move in such direction as may be required at a moment's notice.

Very respectfully, &c.,

 S. WILLIAMS,

 Assistant Adjutant-General.

SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George Gordon Meade, Vol. 2, p. 31; The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 27, Part 3 (Serial No. 45), p. 462

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Thursday, August 13, 1863

It is rumored that our brigade is to go to Natchez, Mississippi, in a few days, but we cannot tell whether it is true or not. I was on police duty today, for the first time, down in Vicksburg. There are more than a hundred men detailed each day to keep order in the city, and nobody is allowed on the streets without a pass from the provost marshal. We work on eight-hour shifts, and each man has a certain part of a street to patrol for two hours at a time, after which he is off duty for a period of four hours. I was on duty in a residence district, and while I was walking my beat, a lady came out of her home for an afternoon's walk. I of course had to ask her to show her pass. I must have looked pretty fierce to her, with loaded gun, fixed bayonet and all accouterments on. I asked her kindly for her pass and she answered that she had none, whereupon I told her what my orders were; that she would have to return to her home and not come out on the streets again without a pass, or I would have to take her to the provost marshal's office. She thanked me very politely as I closed her gate, saying that she wanted to obey orders and that she would send out and procure a pass before going on the street again. This lady is certainly experiencing war at her own dooryard, yet she showed the good breeding of the Southern lady.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 134-5

74th Ohio Infantry

Organized at Xenia, Ohio, October 5, 1861, to March 27, 1862. Ordered to Camp Chase, Ohio, February 24, 1862, and duty there till April 20. Moved to Nashville, Tenn., April 20-24. Attached to Dumont's Independent Brigade, Army of the Ohio, to June, 1862. Unattached, Army of the Ohio, to September, 1862. 7th Brigade, 8th Division, Army of the Ohio, to November, 1862. 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, Center 14th Army Corps, Army of the Cumberland, to January, 1863. 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 14th Army Corps, Army of the Cumberland, to October, 1863. 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, 14th Army Corps, to June, 1865. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 14th Army Corps, to July, 1865.

SERVICE. – Dumont's Expedition over the Cumberland Mountains, Tenn., June, 1862. Guard duty along railroad between Nashville and Columbia, Tenn., till September 3. Siege of Nashville September 12-November 7. Fort Riley near Nashville October 5. Gallatin Pike near Nashville October 20. Duty at Nashville till December 26. Advance on Murfreesboro December 26-30. Battle of Stone's River December 30-31, 1862, and January 1-3, 1863. Duty at Murfreesboro till June. Middle Tennessee or Tullahoma Campaign June 23-July 7. Occupation of Middle Tennessee till August 16. Passage of the Cumberland Mountains and Tennessee River and Chickamauga (Ga.) Campaign August 16-September 22. Davis Cross Roads or Dug Gap September 11. Battle of Chickamauga September 19-21. Rossville Gap September 21. Siege of Chattanooga, Tenn., September 24-November 23. Chattanooga-Ringgold Campaign November 23-27. Orchard Knob November 23-24. Mission Ridge November 25. Regiment reenlisted January 1, 1864. Veterans on furlough January 25-April 12. Atlanta (Ga.) Campaign May 1-September 8. Demonstration on Rocky Faced Ridge May 8-11. Buzzard's Roost Gap May 8-9. Battle of Resaca May 14-15. Mill Springs Gap May 19. Operations on line of Pumpkin Vine Creek and battles about Dallas, New Hope Church and Allatoona Hills May 25-June 5. Pickett's Mills May 27. Operations about Marietta and against Kenesaw Mountain June 10-July 2. Pine Hill June 11-14. Lost Mountain June 15-17. Assault on Kenesaw June 27. Ruff's Station July 4. Chattahoochie River July 5-17. Peach Tree Creek July 19-20. Siege of Atlanta July 22-August 25. Utoy Creek August 5-7. Flank movement on Jonesboro August 25-30. Battle of Jonesboro August 31-September 1. Operations against Hood in North Georgia and North Alabama September 29-November 3. March to the sea November 15-December 10. Siege of Savannah December 10-21. Campaign of the Carolinas January to April, 1865. Taylor's Hole Creek, Averysboro, N. C., March 16. Battle of Bentonville March 19-21. Occupation of Goldsboro March 24. Advance on Raleigh April 10-14. Occupation of Raleigh April 14. Bennett's House April 26. Surrender of Johnston and his army. March to Washington, D.C., via Richmond, Va., April 29-May 20. Grand Review May 24. Moved to Louisville, Ky., June, and duty there till July. Mustered out July 11, 1865.

Regiment lost during service 2 Officers and 51 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 2 Officers and 105 Enlisted men by disease. Total 164.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1531

75th Ohio Infantry

Organized at Camp McLain, Cincinnati, Ohio, November 7, 1861, to January 8, 1862. Left State for Grafton, W. Va., January 28, 1862. Attached to Milroy's Command, Cheat Mountain, District West Virginia, to March, 1862. Milroy's Brigade, Dept. of the Mountains, to April, 1862. Schenck's Brigade, Dept. of the Mountains, to June, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 1st Corps, Army of Virginia, to September, 1862. 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, 11th Army Corps, Army of the Potomac, to July, 1863. 2nd Brigade, Gordon's Division, Folly Island, S.C., 10th Army Corps, Dept. of the South, to February, 1864. 1st Brigade, Ames' Division, District of Florida, to April, 1864. District of Florida, Dept. of the South, to October, 1864. 4th Separate Brigade, Dept. of the South, to December. 1864. 1st Brigade, Coast Division, Dept. of the South, to January, 1865. 4th Separate Brigade, Dept. of the South, to July, 1865.

SERVICE. – March to Huttonville February 17-March 1, 1862. Expedition to Lost River Region April 1-12. Action at Monterey April 12. Battle of McDowell May 8. Retreat to Franklin May 10-12. Franklin May 29. Pursuit of Jackson to Shenandoah Valley. Strasburg and Staunton Road June 1-2. Mt. Jackson June 3. New Market June 4. Harrisonburg June 6. Battle of Cross Keys June 8. At Middletown till July 7, and at Sperryville till August 8. Reconnoissance to Madison Court House July 16-19. Battle of Cedar Mountain August 9. Pope's Campaign in Northern Virginia August 16-September 2. Freeman's Ford August 22. Battle of Bull Run August 29-30. Duty in the Defences of Washington, D.C., till December. Expedition from Centreville to Bristoe Station and Warrenton Junction September 25-28. March to Fredericksburg, Va., December 10-15. "Mud March" January 20-24, 1863. At Falmouth till April 27. Woodstock and Cedar Run February 26. Chancellorsville Campaign April 27-May 6. Battle of Chancellorsville May 1-5. Gettysburg (Pa.) Campaign June 11-July 24. Battle of Gettysburg July 1-3. Pursuit of Lee July 5-24. Moved to Morris Island, S.C., August 6-12. Siege operations against Fort Wagner, Morris Island, S.C., and against Fort Sumpter and Charleston August 18-September 7. Capture of Fort Wagner and Gregg, Morris Island, September 7. Moved to Folly Island, S.C., and duty there till February 22, 1864. Expedition to John's and James' islands February 6-14. Ordered to Jacksonville, Fla., February 22, 1864. Regiment mounted and duty in the District of Florida till December 8. Expedition from Jacksonville to Cedar Creek April 2. Cedar Run April 2. Expedition to Headwaters of the St. Johns and Kissinee Rivers April 25-May 10, destroying and capturing a large amount of stores and property. Action near Jacksonville April 28. Near Camp Finnegan May 25. Expedition from Jacksonville to Camp Milton May 31-June 3. King's Creek, S.C., July 3 (Detachment). Raid from Jacksonville to Baldwin July 23-28. Near Trail Ridge July 25. Action at St. Mary's Trestle July 26. Camp Baldwin August 12. Raid on Florida Railroad August 15-19. Gainesville August 17. Expedition to Enterprise September 28. Companies "A," "B," "C," "D," "F" and "G" mustered out October and November, 1864. Balance moved to Hilton Head, S.C., December 8-10. Pocotaligo Bridge, S.C., December 29. Returned to Florida January, 1865, and duty at District Headquarters, Jacksonville, and at Tallahatchie, Fla., till July. Mustered out July 15, 1865.

Regiment lost during service 4 Officers and 110 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 2 Officers and 101 Enlisted men by disease. Total 217.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1531-2

Stones River National Cemetery

UNITED STATES

NATIONAL MILITARY CEMETERY.

STONE’S RIVER.

ESTABLISHED JUN 23^RD 1865.

INTERNMENTS 6139.

KNOWN 3817.

UNKNOWN 2333.