183rd Ohio Infantry

Organized at Cincinnati and Sandusky, Ohio, September-October, 1864. Mustered in at Camp Dennison, Ohio, October 12, 1864. Left State for Columbia, Tenn., November 19, arriving there November 28. Attached to 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 23rd Army Corps, Army of the Ohio, and Dept. of North Carolina, to July, 1865.

SERVICE. – Battle of Franklin, Tenn., November 30, 1864. Battle of Nashville December 15-16. Pursuit of Hood to the Tennessee River December 17-28. Duty at Clifton, Tenn., till January 16, 1865. Movement to Washington, D.C., thence to Fort Fisher, N. C., January 16-February 9. Operations against Hoke February 11-14. Capture of Wilmington February 22. Campaign of the Carolinas March 1-April 26. Advance on Goldsboro March 6-21. Occupation of Goldsboro March 21. Advance on Raleigh April 10-14. Occupation of Raleigh April 14. Bennett's House April 26. Surrender of Johnston and his army. Duty at Raleigh and Salisbury, N. C., till July. Mustered out July 17, 1865.

Regiment lost during service 2 Officers and 22 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 2 Officers and 57 Enlisted men by disease. Total 83.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1554

184th Ohio Infantry

Organized at Camp Chase, Ohio, and mustered in February 21, 1865. Left State for Nashville, Tenn., February 21; thence moved to Chattanooga and to Bridgeport, Ala., March 21. Guard railroad bridge over Tennessee River at Bridgeport, Ala., also railroad between Bridgeport, Ala., and Chattanooga, Tenn., with frequent skirmishing with Rebel Cavalry and guerrillas, March 21 to July 25. Garrison duty at Edgefield, Tenn., July 25 to September 20, 1865. Mustered out September 20, and discharged at Camp Chase, Ohio, September 27, 1865.

Regiment lost during service 1 Enlisted man killed and 1 Officer and 58 Enlisted men by disease. Total 60.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1554-5

185th Ohio Infantry

Organized at Camp Chase, Ohio, and mustered in February 25, 1865. Left State under orders for Nashville, Tenn., February 27. Detained at Louisville, Ky., and assigned to guard duty at various points in Kentucky from Owensboro to Cumberland Gap, with Headquarters at Eminence, till September. 1865. Skirmish in Bath County, Ky., March 26. Garrisoned Mr. Sterling, Shelbyville, LaGrange, Greensboro, Cumberland Gap, etc. Mustered out at Lexington, Ky., September 26, 1865.

Regiment lost during service 35 Enlisted men by disease.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1555

Francis Lieber to Charles Sumner, May 24, 1861

New York, May 24, 1861.

Dear Sumner, — I have hesitated a long time whether I ought to write to you in an affair, trifling for every one except myself and my son. I think, however, that I ought not to hesitate, and thus I write. My son Hamilton is among the Illinois troops at Cairo; for my son Norman, the youngest, I have solicited a lieutenant's commission in the army. Papers have been sent to the President, to Mr. Cameron, and to Mr. Seward, from presidential electors and several well-known citizens here. But if the ancients said, “Letters do not blush,” moderns may with equal correctness say, “Letters do not push.” My presence at Washington would not be of any use either. A professor has no influence in America; a literary man, even a publicist, has no more; and a New York professor or writer the least of all. Should you think it worth your while, in case you see Mr. Cameron, to say a word to him?

Norman is an admitted lawyer, a young man of strictly honorable principles, gentlemanly, and, like his father, ardent for the Union and for freedom. I say it as an old soldier, that he is in every way competent to do justice and honor to a commission in the army. If this reaches you, I should like to have a word from you.

SOURCE: Thomas Sergeant Perry, Editor, The Life and Letters of Francis Lieber, p. 318-9

Robert Gould Shaw to –––, January 1, 1863

fairfax Station, January 1, 1863.

Dear ____, — It is needless for me to say anything to you of my feelings when I heard of Joe's death. He and Theodore are two more of the best ones sacrificed. So far, among our friends, the best and dearest seem to have been picked out and isn't it fearful to think of the families on both sides who have had similar losses for the last two years? This life gradually makes us feel that, so far as a man himself is concerned, he may as well die now as a few years hence; but I never see one killed without thinking of the people he leaves at home: that is the sad part of it.

I had to get up at twelve o'clock last night, to make the rounds, and as the New Year came in, I wondered what the next twelve months would bring forth. What a day, and what a year this is going to be in the history of the world, if the Emancipation Proclamation is really what we hope it is. At any rate, it must be an eventful one for our country, even if nothing decisive takes place.

SOURCE: Thomas Wentworth Higginson, Editor, Harvard Memorial Biographies, Volume 2, p. 200-1

General John Bell Hood to General Pierre G. T. Beauregard, November 18, 1864

HEADQUARTERS, Florence, Ala., November 18, 1864.

General G. T. BEAUREGARD,

Corinth, Miss.:

I will send two batteries from the army to Corinth. General Forrest thinks his force of cavalry entirely insufficient without Jackson's division.

J. B. HOOD,

General.

SOURCES: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 45, Part 1 (Serial No. 93), p. 1220; John Bell Hood, Advance and Retreat, p. 277

John Brown to John Brown Jr., February 9, 1854

Akron, Ohio, Feb. 9, 1854.

Dear Son John, — I write by direction of Mr. Perkins to ask you to come out immediately to assist him, instead of Mr. Newton, in closing up my accounts. He has seen the above, and it is a thing of his own naming; so I want you, if possible, to come right away. He has told me he intends to give me one share, but would like to have the stock mostly. We are on excellent terms, so far as I know. All well except my wife, and I hope she will soon be better.

Your affectionate father,

John Brown.

 SOURCE: Franklin B. Sanborn, The Life and Letters of John Brown, p. 156

Major Rutherford B. Hayes to Sophia Birchard Hayes

Camp Near Weston, Virginia

Wednesday, P. M., July 31, 1861.

Dear Mother: — How you would enjoy sitting by my side on this beautiful hill and feasting your eyes on the sweep of hills that surrounds us. Nothing in Vermont is finer. The great majority of the people here are friendly and glad to have us here to protect them from the Secessionists. This is agreeable; it puts us in the place of protectors instead of invaders. The weather is warm, but a good breeze is blowing. The water is good; milk and blackberries abundant, and the location perfectly healthy. . . .

           

The village is a pretty one with many good residences and nice people. The State is, or was, building near where we are encamped a large lunatic asylum — an expensive and elegant structure. The war stops the work. This part of Virginia naturally belongs to the West; they are now in no way connected with eastern Virginia. The only papers reaching here from Richmond come by way of Nashville, Louisville, and Cincinnati. The courthouse and several churches are creditable buildings, and the shrubbery and walks in the private grounds are quite beautiful.

Do not allow yourself to worry if you do not hear often. I think of you often. Love to Laura and all.

Affectionately, your son,

R. B. Hayes.

Mrs. Sophia Hayes.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 51

Major-General Thomas J. Jackson to Mary Anna Morrison Jackson, February 3, 1863

February 3d.

In answer to the prayers of God's people, I trust He will soon give us peace. I haven't seen my wife for nearly a year — my home in nearly two years, and have never seen our darling little daughter; but it is important that I, and those at headquarters, should set an example of remaining at the post of duty. Joseph would like very much to go home, but unless mother gets worse, he had better not.  . . . My old Stonewall Brigade has built a log church. As yet I have not been in it. I am much interested in reading Hunter's “Life of Moses.” It is a delightful book, and I feel more improved in reading it than by an ordinary sermon. I am thankful to say that my Sabbaths are passed more in meditation than formerly. Time thus spent is genuine enjoyment.

SOURCE: Mary Anna Jackson, Life and Letters of General Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall Jackson), p. 415

Major-General George G. Meade to Margaretta Sergeant Mead, November 25, 1863

Headquarters Army Of The Potomac, November 25, 1863.

Yesterday it stormed, which required a postponement of the contemplated movement. I was going to advance to-morrow, and may yet do so, although at present the sky is overcast and threatening. It is of the utmost importance to the success of any movement to have good weather, particularly at this season of the year, when the roads, after a day's rain, become impassable. I think if I advance we shall have a great and decisive battle, with what result, He who reigns above alone can tell in advance. My army is in excellent condition and in high spirits, and confident of success, if they can get anything of a fair chance, and so far as mortals can anticipate such doubtful matters as battles, I have a right to be hopeful. Let us trust it may please God to crown our efforts with victory, and to extend to me, as He has hitherto so signally done, His mercy and protection.

George¹ is quite well; he has been occupied, taking care of the English Guardsmen, who are so pleased with their visit they are remaining to see the fight.

_______________

¹ Son of General Meade.

SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George Gordon Meade, Vol. 2, p. 156

Brigadier-General Thomas Kilby Smith to Elizabeth Budd Smith, March 5, 1864

Headquarters First Brigade,

Fourth Div., Seventeenth Army Corps,

Camp Hebron, Miss., March 5, 1864.

My Dear Wife:

I have only time to write a single line giving the assurance of my personal safety and the crossing of my command over Black River, with but few casualties, after one of the most extraordinary marches known to modern warfare. The particulars I will give you as leisure serves hereafter.

SOURCE: Walter George Smith, Life and letters of Thomas Kilby Smith, p. 355

Congressman James A. Garfield to Corydon E. Fuller, September 15, 1864

Hiram, September 15, 1864.

My Dear Corydon: — Yours of August 24th has lain unanswered for some time in consequence of my absence. I have just got home — temporarily broken down with a cold. I find myself overwhelmed with a world of work in the way of correspondence. I have, therefore, only time to say that I promised Colfax that I will speak for him from the 27th inst. to October 1st inclusive, beginning at Peru. I hope to see you and have you with me as much as possible. Crete and Almeda join me in love to you and Mary.

Ever yours,

James.

SOURCE: Corydon Eustathius Fuller, Reminiscences of James A. Garfield: With Notes Preliminary and Collateral, p. 360

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Tuesday, October 13, 1863

This is election day for the soldiers of Iowa, they having been given the right to vote while in the army. No one is permitted to electioneer for his favorite candidate and those who persisted in doing so were arrested and put in the guardhouse. General Tuttle, the commander of a division, is from Iowa and is the candidate for governor of the State on the Democratic ticket, against Colonel Stone, formerly of the Twenty-second Iowa Regiment, who is the Republican candidate for governor.¹

_______________

¹ Stone was elected, even without the soldier vote, by a large majority. Mr. Downing has the distinction of having cast his first vote while in the service. — Ed.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 147

Diary of Charles H. Lynch: June 16, 1863

Up very early this morning. All Major Peale could muster of the 18th Regiment was only thirty members. The rest of those who escaped were with Captain Matthewson, they taking a different route from Major Peale who followed the route taken by General Milroy.

After breakfast of hardtack and coffee, the Major marched us on through Harper's Ferry, crossing the Potomac River on a pontoon bridge. On, up Maryland Heights, halting under low pine trees, well up to the top of the Heights. Here we were allowed to remain for rest and sleep. General Dan Tyler, a Connecticut man, was in command of a large force at this point. From the top of the Heights we could see the enemy crossing the Potomac River at Williamsport into Maryland. Our detachment was detailed for headquarters guard at the quarters of General Tyler. The duty was easy and made very interesting about all the time.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 22-3

176th Ohio Infantry

Organized at Camp Chase, Ohio, August 10 to September 21, 1864. Mustered in September 21, 1864. Left State for Nashville, Tenn., September 21. Attached to Post and Defences of Nashville, Dept. of the Cumberland, to December. 1864. 2nd Brigade, 4th Division. 20th Army Corps, Dept. of the Cumberland, to March, 1865. District of Nashville, Tenn., Dept. of the Cumberland, to June, 1865.

SERVICE. – Provost and guard duty at Nashville, Tenn., September. 1864, to June, 1865. Battle of Nashville December 15-16, 1864. Mustered out June 18, 1865.

Regiment lost during service 102 Enlisted men by disease.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1553

177th Ohio Infantry

Organized at Camp Cleveland, Ohio, and mustered in October 9, 1864. Ordered to Nashville, Tenn.; thence to Tullahoma, Tenn., and garrison duty there under General Milroy till November 30. Ordered to Murfreesboro, Tenn., November 30, arriving there December 2. Attached to Defences Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad, Dept. of the Cumberland, to January, 1865. 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, 23rd Army Corps, Army of the Ohio, and Dept. of North Carolina, to June, 1865.

SERVICE. – Siege of Murfreesboro December 5-12, 1864. Wilkinson's Pike, near Murfreesboro, December 7. Near Murfreesboro December 13-14. Ordered to Clifton, Tenn., and duty there till January 16, 1865. Movement to Washington, D.C., thence to Fort Fisher, N. C., January 16-February 7. Operations against Hoke February 11-14. Near Sugar Loaf Battery February 11. Fort Anderson February 18-19. Town Creek February 19-20. Capture of Wilmington February 22. Campaign of the Carolinas March 1-April 26. Advance on Goldsboro March 6-21. Occupation of Goldsboro March 21, Advance on Raleigh April 10-14. Occupation of Raleigh April 14. Bennett's House April 26. Surrender of Johnston and his army. Duty at Raleigh and Greensboro till June. Mustered out at Greensboro, N. C., June 24 and discharged July 7, 1865.

Regiment lost during service 2 Enlisted men killed and 82 Enlisted men by disease. Total 84.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1553-4

178th Ohio Infantry

Organized at Camp Chase, Ohio, and mustered in September 26, 1864. Left State for Nashville, Tenn., October 8. Attached to Defences Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad, Dept. of the Cumberland, to January, 1865. 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, 23rd Army Corps, Army of the Ohio, and Dept. of North Carolina, to June, 1865.

SERVICE. – Duty at Nashville, Tenn., till October 22, 1864. and at Tullahoma, Tenn., till November 30. Moved to Murfreesboro, Tenn., November 30-December 2. Siege of Murfreesboro December 5-12. Wilkinson's Cross Roads, near Murfreesboro, "The Cedars," December 7. Wilkinson's Pike, near Murfreesboro, December 13-14. Ordered to Clifton, Tenn., and duty there till January 16, 1865. Movement to Washington, D.C., January 16-29, and to Fort Fisher, N. C., February 21-23; to Morehead City February 24, thence to New Berne February 25. Campaign of the Carolinas March 1-April 26. Advance on Kinston and Goldsboro March 6-21. Battle of Wise's Forks March 8-10. Occupation of Kinston March 14. Occupation of Goldsboro March 21. Advance on Raleigh April 10-14. Occupation of Raleigh April 14. Bennett's House April 26. Surrender of Johnston and his army. Duty at Raleigh and Charlotte, N. C., till June. Mustered out June 29, 1865.

Regiment lost during service 2 Enlisted men killed and 66 Enlisted men by disease. Total 68.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1554

179th Ohio Infantry

Organized at Camp Chase, Ohio, and mustered in September 29, 1864. Ordered to Nashville, Tenn., arriving there October 8. Attached to Post of Nashville, Tenn., Dept. of the Cumberland, to December, 1864. 2nd Brigade, 4th Division, 20th Army Corps, Dept. of the Cumberland, to March, 1865. Post of Nashville to June, 1865.

SERVICE. – Engaged in post and garrison duty at Nashville, Tenn. October, 1864, to June, 1865. Battle of Nashville December 15-16, 1864. Mustered out June 18, 1865.

Regiment lost during service 80 Enlisted men by disease.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1554

180th Ohio Infantry

Organized at Camp Chase September-October, 1864. Left State for Nashville, Tenn., October 15. Attached to 3rd Brigade, Defences of Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad, Dept. of the Cumberland, to January, 1865. 1st Brigade, 1st Division, 23rd Army Corps, Army of the Ohio, and Dept. of North Carolina, to July, 1865.

SERVICE. – Moved from Nashville to Decherd, Tenn., October, 1864, and guard duty on line of the Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad, Right Wing at Decherd, Left Wing at Elk River Bridge, till January, 1863. Moved to Nashville, Tenn., January 6; thence moved as Train Guard to Columbia, Tenn., January 10. Return to Nashville and movement to Washington, D.C.; thence to North Carolina January 16-February 25. Campaign of the Carolinas March 1-April 26. Advance on Kinston and Goldsboro March 6-21. Battle of Wise's Forks March 8-10. Occupation of Kinston March 14. Occupation of Goldsboro March 21. Advance on Raleigh April 10-14. Occupation of Raleigh April 14. Bennett's House April 26. Surrender of Johnston and his army. Duty at Raleigh, Greensboro and Charlotte, N. C., till July. Mustered out July 12, 1865.

Regiment lost during service 1 Officer and 5 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 1 Officer and 84 Enlisted men by disease. Total 91.

SOURCE: Frederick H. Dyer, A Compendium of the War of the Rebellion, Part 3, p. 1554

Washington Galland

WASHINGTON GALLAND was born June 20, 1827, near Nauvoo, Illinois. He grew to manhood among the half-breed Indians and early pioneers of the Mississippi valley, hunting, fishing and boating. He was a pupil of Berryman Jennings who taught the first school in Iowa in a rude log cabin. He acquired a good education in later years and in 1856 entered the law oflice of Rankin and Miller and was admitted to practice in 1859. In 1863 he was elected to the Legislature from Lee County where he had settled. When but nineteen years of age he enlisted with a Missouri cavalry regiment in the Mexican War, serving until its close. When the Civil War began Mr. Galland raised a company for the Sixth Iowa Infantry of which he was commissioned captain. He was taken prisoner at the Battle of Shiloh and was released after seven months. He has been a prominent member of the Pioneer Lawmakers’ Association, to which he has contributed valuable papers.

 

SOURCE: Benjamin F. Gue, History of Iowa, Volume 4, Iowa Biography, p. 98