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FORCED MARCHES, INCIDENTS IN CAMP LIfE. Etc.. WTPH I'lIE

NAMES OF EYERY Officer and' privatk in the

SIXTfl REGIMENT.

BY A. J. GRAYSON.

«OikRii.R PRINT. MAQISON, INP

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http://www.archive.org/details/thespiritof1861h00gray

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THE SPIRIT OF 1861."

HISTORY

OF THE

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EGIMENT

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IN THE

IN WESTEEN VIEGINIA,

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FULL OFIIUMOIIAND ORIGINALITY, DP:PICT1XG BATTLES, SKIRMISHES,

FORCED MARCHES, INCIDENTS IN CAMP LIFE, Etc., AVITII THE

NAMES OF EVERY OFFICER AND PRIVATE IN THE

SIXTH REGIMENT.

BY A. J. GRAYSON.

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TO MY OLD COMRADES.

I ^vould s.v 10 ...V old romradc.s Miid the public, in presenting this
little ^vorl<, t'lKit 1 have prepared it almost ^vholly from memory, hav-
ing taken no notes dnriugthe eampaign, and errors may oeeur u. data,
l,»t, taken altogether, it is reliable in detail. To ray friend, W. H. H.
Terrell, formerly Ad.intant General of Indiana, I am indebted for a
list of the soldiers in the Itegiment, taken from his official report.
There being no History of the Three Months' Campaign, and it being
,n important epoch in the late War of tl,e Rebellion, I have taken
(he task iipon myself to furnish one. -^- ' •

'THE BALL OPENED."

- -••••^►♦■«— <»-

rilESIDENT LINCOLN CALLS FOR VOLUNTEERS-GREAT EXCITEMENT ^
IN MADISON— DEPARTURE OF THE FIRST COMPANY— THEIR
ARRIVAL AT INDIANAPOLIS.

As there were three companies from Madison in the Sixth
Indiana in the Three Months' Campaign, and having en-
listed there myself, in giving a brief history of the Sixth
Regiment and that campaign I will make Madison a starting
point, and refer more particularly to the companies from
that city, being more familiar with them ; though every old
soldier and citizen will, I hope, find much to interest them
in the pages of this little work.

The Sixth was really the "First" Indiana Infantry Regi-
ment. In the war with Mexico the State furnished five
regiments, and the powers that be thought proper to com-
mence in the late war to number our regiments wdiere we
ended in the Mexican war, and therefore the First Regiment
was called the Sixth.

HISTOIJY OF THE SIXTH INDIANA liKGIMENT

"TiiK Bai.l Opened ! — Fort Sumter Fired On !"

Every citizen of Madison remembers the exciting scenes
in front of the Courier printing office when the above start-
ling dispatch Hashed over the telegraph wires and was bulle-
tined at tliat office. Similar scenes no doubt transj)ired in
other cities and towns in Indiana at the breaking out of the
Great Rebellion. All was excitement ! Men crowded West
street from Main Cross to Second street, anxious to learn all
the particulars. In the heat of excitement many old friends
and acquaintances had anguy words, almost leading to blows.
Some being fired up through '-devotion to the old Hag'*; others
through ^'sympath}^ for the rebels.'' I will not recall any of
those incidents, so fresh to the memory of old citizens, but
pass them by, and, in the language of a great statesman,
'^Let by-gones be by-gones."

PRESIDENT LINCOLN CALLS FOR VOLUNTEERS.

Jerry Sullivan was the first citizen of Madison to respond
to President Lincoln's proclamation calling for 75,000 vol-
unteers. He attended Sabbath School at the Second Pres-
b^^terian Church on Sunday, April 14, 1S61, where he taught a
class, and bade his scliolars good-bye, telling them that he
was going to the war, and assist in putting down the wicked
rebellion. Monday morning, April 15th, Jerry showed his
colors by unfurling tlie "Stars and Stripes'' from a window at
the old Columbian Hall, and announcing his determination
to raise a compan}^ Volunteering was brisk, and name after
name was added to his roll. On Tuesda}^ night, April 16th,
lie announced that his company was more than full, and
lie would start with it for Indianapolis the following day.
Tfie volunteers rejoiced to learn that they were to start for
"the front" so soon, and put in the intervening time at home
in quite a 'vlively" manner. On AV^ednesday morning, April
17th, we were each presented by Capt. Sullivan with a black
"glazed" cap, to appear more in uniform, which pretty well
cleaned out that style of ca]) in JMadison.

IIISTOKY OK TIIK SIXTH INDIANA liKCJIMKNT.

DEPARTURE OF CAPTAIN JEP.RY SULLlVAIS'S CO:\[PANY.

The time for our departure for Indianapolis was in the after-
noon of the 17th, and ever^^body and their wives and children
were at the depot to see us off. I venture to sa}^ that, when
Captain Sullivan's company went to get aboard the train that
day, there was more kissing, hand-sliaking and good-byeing
done and said than was ever known to take place in one day
by the oldest inhabitant.

As the train slowly moved away a sad ^'God bless the
boys" was heard, and the crowd wended their w^ay home-
ward, while the *'iron-horse" sped away up the "plane" with
its "cargo" of raw recruits. Between Madison and Indian-
apolis we found the people aroused. It seemed there was a
spontaneous outburst of patriotism all along the line. At
Vernon, North Vernon, Columbus and Franklin the train
stopped for a few moments. There were large crowds of
citizens assembled at the depots, they having been informed
by telegraph of our coming; the blacksmith's "battery," the
"anvil," was fired — cannon were not to be had, as Floyd, the
rebel Secretar}^ of War, had sent them all South — short and
pointed speeches were made by citizens, and Capt. Sullivan
would appear on the platform of the car and respond in his
usual happy and patriotic manner, at the close of which cheer
after cheer went up from the assembled multitude for the
"old flag."

At North Vernon Captain Tripp and Colonel Prather an-
nounced that they would soon follow us with their companies,
and at Columbus, Major Abbett did likewise. Lieutenant
Colonel Prather died at his home in North Vernon, March 27,
1874. Major Abbett, after the Three Months' Campaign,
was made Major of the 67th Regiment, and was killed on the
breastworks at Munfordsville, Ky., in that desperate fight
with Bragg's army. Capt. Tripp (afterwards Colonel) resides
in North Vernon.

The fact is. Captain Sullivan astonished the natives the

HISTORY OF THE SIXTH INDIANA IJEGIMEXT.

way he ^'pushed things." Receiving a dispatcli from his
old class-mate, Adjutant-General Lew. Wallace, urging him
to hurry up his company, he procured an extra train and
rolled into Indianapolis ahead of everybod3\

OUE ARRIVAL AT INDIANAPOLIS.

It was night when the train arrived at Indianapolis, and
we marched immediately to the State Plouse, where we were
met by Adjutant General Wallace and attendants, one of
whom proceeded to administer to each of us the oath of
allegiance, the same as administered to rebels, and General
Wallace, stepping forward, would close, rather harshly I
thought, with the admonition, '-'-You are no longer citizens.
Jjut soldiers /" That was a "clincher," and many of the boys
no doubt wished, when addressed so abruptly, that they had
stayed at home — at least I felt a little that way— ^but we
soon recovered from our fright, and were marched to the
PalDier House, where we slept that night in nice clean beds,
dreaming of loved ones at home. Some of the bo^^s thought
soldiering not so hard, if they were allowed to put up at
a big hotel. But they soon simmered down the next morn-
ing when ordered to fall in and march to

CAMP SIORTOX,

the old State Fair Grounds. On the road to our camp several
of the soldiers fell by the wayside. Of course they were not
under the inliuence of Madison whisk}-. One fell face fore-
most in the dust and was trampled upon by his comrades.
A great deal of merriment was caused on learning that
some of the soldiers had their valises and carpet-bags labeled
"Washington City," and were carrying in them suits of clo-
thing, etc. They didn't thinlv there would be any war — only
a cheap ride to Washington.

We soon arrived at Camp Morton, Avhere Ave took up our
quarters in horse-stalls, simihir to the manner they assign
them to horses during: a fair. The stalls Avere very unin-

HISTORY OF THE SIXTH INDIANA KKGIMKNT.

viting, as visions of fleas and other vermin ^-rose bright o'er
the way." It was quite cool and no blankets were at hand.
Having arrived so unceremoniously, no preparation had been
made for our reception and comfort. The good citizens of
Indianapolis being notified of the situation, contributions of
blankets, quilts, comforts, etc., were in order, and when night
came several wagons full came in — quite an assortment.
Each of us was allowed one quilt or blanket, and some of
them were "pretty thin."

The night we got the bedding it was thought that some of
the boys who were so unlucky as to get "thin" quilts might
attempt to exchange them for something more substantial,
and it was suggested that, to prevent this, a guard be placed
over them at the "stall," where they were stored away. 4-
corporal was ordered to take charge of them and detail a
guard. Late at night the corporal detailed a sergeant to
stand guard, and threatened to place him under arrest if he
didn't roll out and do duty. He was reminded by a comrade
that the sergeant ranked him and might reverse the order,
and he finally went to another "stall" for his man. Corporal
Musty Thomas will no doubt remember tliis incident.

Capt. T. T. Crittenden and Capt. Alois Bachman arrived
at Indianapolis with their companies from Madison a few
days after our arrival, and went into camp along with us.
The fun then commenced. We had fiddling, dancing, sing-
ing and gymnastic performances "nightly" — fun was no name
for it — a perfect circus and "nigger" show combined. Ad-
mission free. Ned Britton, principal negro performer; John
Knight, violinist; Bob Ellingham, star gymnast.

The three companies from Madison were enlisted and origi-
nally commanded by Captain Jerry Sullivan, Captain T. T.
Crittenden and Captain Alois Bachman. Captains Sullivan
and Crittenden were opponents for the Colonelcy of the Sixth
Regiment. Crittenden was the successful aspirant, but both
of these gentleman rose to the rank of Brigadier General
before the close of the war. Capt. Bachman was appointed

UISTOICY OF THE 81XTII INDIANA liKGl.MENT.

Lieutenant Colonel of the Nineteenth Indiana Infantry after
returning with honor from the Three Months' Campaign; but,
sad to relate, this gallant officer was killed, while yet in the
vigor of youth and with a life of usefulness before him, at the
battle of Antietam, in Virginia, September 17th, 1862, while
leading his regiment, and his remains now lie in Springdale
Cemetery, at Madison, the home of his childhood.

When Capt. Crittenden was elected Colonel of the Regi-
ment, the lamented Col. P. P. Baldwin, then a Lieutenant,
was promoted to Captain. lie was afterwards killed while
at the head of his Regiment, (the Sixth), in Tennessee.

Before leaving Indianapolis for West Virginia we had
three captains for our company — one for each month's ser-
vice. First, Capt. Jerr}^ Sullivan, promoted to the Colonelcy
ot the Thirteenth Regiment; second, Capt. John Gerber,
elected Major of our Regiment; third, Capt. Rufus Gale, who
remained with the company until the close of the campaign,
and is now Auditor of Jefferson county.

G. W. Wiley, 1st Lieutenant in Capt. Bachman's compan3^
was appointed Adjutant of the regiment. Thomas Graham
was then elected 1st Lieutenant and Wm. T. Days 2d Lieu-
tenant of that company.

The notorious Major Horace Bell joined the regiment, as
Quarter-Master Sergeant, on Colonel Crittenden's staff, and
Charles Holstein as Sergeant-Major. Dr. Charles Schussler
Avas appointed Surgeon of the regiment. The other staff
officers are mentioned elsewhere. Major Bell was in the
Walker Nicaraguan expedition, I believe as Secretary to
that great fillibuster, and was up to the times in military
tactics, esjDecially the skirmish drill, and the use of the bayo-
net and sword. Charlie Holstein was afterwards Major of
the 22d Indiana. He is now practicing law in Indianapolis,
and will no doubt give a good account of himself in the
future. He has a thorough military education, and if the
Government should need his services in a "case'' of that
kind Charlie is ready to take a hand. Dr. Schussler served

IIISTOIJY OF THE SIXTH INDIANA KKGIMKXT

as Surgeon in the army until the close of the war, when he
returned to his home at Madison, where lie died but a
short time ago. After devoting almost his entire time and
ability for many years towards relieving afflicted humanity
the Doctor is now at rest from his weary labors.

Charles H. Smith, though not a captain, deserves special
mention. He held the position of Adjutant's Clerk, and did
much towards bringmg order out of chaos. While in West
Virginia, chasing the rebel Gen. Garnett's retreatmg army,
Charlie was knocked out of time by the concussion of a can-
non ball, though he was not seriously injured, and soon
recovered his equillibrium. Mr. Smith is now engaged in
the merchant tailoring business in Madison and bids fair to
see fifty years yet of a busy life.

We had not been in Camp Morton long before a delegation
of Madison ladies came out and presented our company with
a handsome flag. Hon. James Y. Allison and others accom-
panied the ladies, and Mr. A. made a few Avell-timed remarks
to the soldiers.

"The star-span o^led banner ! oli long may it Avave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave,"

as sung by the ladies on that occasion, produced the grandest

enthusiasm.

We received arms and uniforms in due course of time.
Our uniform was of an inferior article of grey, pants and
roundabout, and big hat to suit, together with stoga shoes,
and many other articles, too numerous to mention. Rubber
blankets were furnished us to lie on or cover us at night, at
our pleasure, and when on the march to be rolled up into a
knapsack; but not one soldier in a hundred ever learned the
art of rolling them up decently.

We remained in Camp Morton about six weeks, drilling and
discipling the soldiers for the battle-field. General George
B. McClellan was sent sent to Indianapolis to organize the
forces in this State to operate under his command in West
Virginia. There were six Indiana regiments in the Three

10 UISTOKY OF THE SIXTH INDIANA KEGIMENT.

Months' Campaign. Our regiment was in Gen. T. A. Morris'
brigade. General McClellan reviewed our regiment, along
with the other Indiana three months troops, near Indian-
apolis, before we left there for West Virginia.

ORGANIZATION OF THE SIXTH REGIMENT.

A COMPLETE ROSTER OF OFFICERS AND PRIVATES.

The Sixth Indiana Infantry (three months) was organized
at Camp Morton, near Indianapolis, April 25th, 1861, by the
selection of the following regimental and company officers,
all of whom held the positions named until the regiment was
mustered out of service on the 2d day of August, 1861 :

REGIMENTAL OFFICERS.

Colonel, T. T. Crittenden; Lieutenant Colonel, II. Prather; Major,
John Gerber ; Adjutant, G. W. Wiley ; Adjutant's Clerk, C. II. Smith ;
Quartermaster, J.H.Andrews; Surgeon, Charles Sehussler; Assistant
Surgeon, John W. Davis; Sergeant Major, Charles L. Holstein ; Quar-
termaster Sergeant, Horace Bell ; Drum Major, John H. Beoler; Fife
Major, William B. Fletcher.

THE THREE MADISON COMPANIES.

Company A— P. P. Baldwin, Capt. ; Sam'l Russell, 1st Lieut. ; Isaac
Stevens, 2d Lieut. Sergeants — AVin. N". Williams, Thomas J. Moore,
Delaney Kavanaugh, Edward A. Britton. Corporals — Charles N.
White, John A. Boszell, Isaac Thacker, John M. Kavanaugh. Musi-
cians— Robert Stapp, John Fahey. Privates — Nicholas Ackerman,
Gideon Agner, Pay ton ^V. Anderson, Newton Ayers, Robert H. Ber-
lin, Cary B. Blasingham, Thomas Q. Brady, Thomas Brady, A. CD.
Briggs, Wm. S. Brydon, James Calloway, Charles II. Clark, John S.
Cordrey, Samuel A. Cole, Edward W. Cox, Norman Cook, Wm. H. II.
Cope, Frank Connolly, Suo}' Conover, Richard M. Craycraft, Geo. N»
DaUy, Wm. P. Dillon, Gerald DeVroe, Peter Donohoe, Philip Duna-
hue, James A. Duncan, Wm. II. Dunn, Jonathan Fades, Almond Ilack-
ctt, Edwin J. Herbert, Jno. W. Hoop, Jno. R. Humphrev, Wm. Jones,
Ransdall King, Solomon Kutshaw, Geo. Lee, Gabriel Long, Thomas
Lund, John Marks, John M. Marshall, Ilairison McAllister, James
McFadden, James McPeters, James 3L McKee, Philip Monroe, Oliver

mSTOl^Y OF THE SIXTH INIMANA liKGIMEXT. 11

L. Noblo, Jjis. E. Noble, Jno. Nauoiiten, Jno. O'Brien, Morris O'Con-
ner, Moses M. l*;nvliii<;"s, Wm. L. S;iii(l<'rs, Wiiikinsoii Short, Lambert
Siiull, Jueob Shatrer, Samuel S. Stephens, John Tueker, Geoi'^'e AV.
Walker, Wm. A. Whilton, James C. Whaley, Samuel Wilson, William
W^allace Williams, William AVilliams, William Young.

Company E — Rufus Gale, Capt. ; Jno. T. Hendricks, 1st Lieut. ; Wm .
Hamilton, 2cl Lieut. Sergeants — Thos. E. McLeland, Geo. W. Smith,
Andrew J. Grayson, Gashem Norris. Corporals — Absolem Thomas,
Isaac Brinkworth, Joseph G. Marshall, David McClure. Musicians —
George W. Smith (drunuuer bojO? John A. Knight. Privates — Frank
Airinspizer, William Buchanan, DcWitt W. Bundren, John Camm,
James Cambell, John Carrol, George Coon, George II. Coonce, John P.
Cravens, William W. Crozier, James II. Crozier, Abram Denning,
Charles C. Dugan, Jasper F. Dunlap, John Eckert, Robert Ellingham,
Alonzo Francisco, A. L, Gale, Charles Gavitt, James Gibbons, Andrew
Gipner, George Grebe, John Greinej-, John Iloagland, James II. Jack-
man, John W. Keith, Joseph E. Kelly, Edward Kelso, William Ken-
yon, Ephriam Kenison, Gudlip Kern, Adolph Kerner, John Kirk, Jos.
King, John D. Larrabee, Charles B. Lowe, John Loyd, George Meuser,
Samuel Mender, August Mj-^er, Wm. McCauley, James McKim, Pat-
rick O'Brien, John W. Phillips, John T. Pogue, George Prindle, An-
drew Riddle, William Rigging, John Sawley, Edward Sherfield, Jos*
Spitsnogle, Charles F. Smith, George Stanton, Charles L. Steele, Au-
gust Straw, Henry Townsend, James Walker, Mathias Walt, John
Wilspelick, Thomas G. Wilson, Granville Woodfill, Frederick Wyatt'
Jacob Wolf, Albert Wyrock.

Company K — Alois O. Bachman, Capt. ; Thomas Graham, 1st Lieut. ;
William T. Days, 2d Lieut. Sergeants — Albert G. Dutton, Frederick
Grebe, Charles H. Smith, John W. Vail. Corporals-^Tiiomas G. Ilib-
ben, Moses Crawford, Louis Glass, William H. Smock. Musicians —
Frederick Therwanger, DeWitt C. Wilber. Privates — Henry E.
Andrews, John Barrett, John Burns, Sam'l D. Burns, Duncan Carse,
Wm. Chi-isbie, John Cowden, Wm. Cox, James Dixon, Philip J. Dick,
Henry C. Donnell, William M. Dunn, Chas. E. Dunn, Conrad Ehrart,
William II. Fry, Michael Golden, James II. Graham, Fred. Greble,
Philip Howe, Wm. W. Humphries, Joseph Hurley, Wm. D, Hynes,
Sebastian Icenhart, Michael P. Jones, Fred. Knoor, John M. Kreller,
Jacob W. Krummel, William F. Lee, John Lemons, John Lochridge,
James Lochridge, VVilliam Lochridge, William II. lAinsford, William
Manning, Fred. Malaska, Hugh Marshall, Ebenezer Marcus, John Mc-
Elrath, Thomas J. McManaman, Louis Miller, Otto Miller, Thos. Mor-
ton, AVm. C. Nagel, John Norvell, William A. Norris, William Paine,
August Plaintier, James S. Ray, August Redicker, Hiram Roe, John
Sayers (died at Grafton, W. Va., June 24, 18G1,) Frederick Slimbei-ger,
Samuel E. Smock, Peter Snyder, Conrad Solzer, Jas. W. Speer, Jolin

12 msTOKY or the sixth Indiana KEoniENT.

Sullivan, James Tate, AVilliaiu Todd, Albert AVoodard, John A. "Wort-
inaii, Jolm McCanley, Henry AVri*^ht, John Zimniernian.

The foregoing includes all the three months' soldiers fur-
nished by Jefferson County under President Lincoln's call
for 75,000 volunteers. Those familiar with the names will
be astonished, by glancing over the three companies, to see
how many of them have since passed away.

CAPT. ABBETT's COMTANY, FUOM IJAUTHOLOMEM' COUNTY.

Company B— Aiigip^tus II. Ah1)ett, Capt. ; Allen AV. Pratlier, 1st
Lieut.; Wm. C. Wheeler, 2d Tieut. Sergeants — Samuel T. Finney,
William P. B. Hubbard, John J. Crittenden, Thomas M. Davis.—
Corporals- -Plorton P. Cooke, George M. Trotter. James Kemp, Marion
1). Hubbard. Musicians — Ashury D. Fulton, Wm. Pose. Privates —
Tilman A. H. Abbett, John H. Ball, Elias Betts, Xoah H. Betts, Oscar
Bond, A. J. Bond, Sylvester Brown (wounded in skirmish atBealing-
ton, W. Va., July 11th, 18G1,) Joseph Carter, Ira G. Cavanaugh, James
Cavanaugh, Wm. H. Cavanaugli, Button G. Cod.y, Moses D. Croucli,
William A. Cummings, John W. Deaver, James Dillon, ^Vm.G. Friar,
James P. Gray, Joseph E. Hart, Jacob II. Ilausei-, James L. Hill, Wil-
liamson' T. Hobbs, Harrison llobbs, Jacob Hoover, Alonzo Hubbard,
James T. Hunt, John L. Jones, Ira G. King, Richard Kinney, Joseph
Kinney, Joseph Laughery, Wm. J. Loyd, Jno. IMarr, Jas. E. Mitchell,
Philip E. IMitchell, John Monroe, Edward McEvenew, James Xicker-
son, Christopher C. Panter, Cray ton Patterson, Joseph C. Pearson.
Joseph C. Potts, Pleasant Pruitt, John Rader, Gideon S. Reich, Geo.
M. Repp, Wm. II. Roberts, Samuel C. Sandei-s, Samuel S. Sims. Lewis
Singleton. Lyman Smith, John T. Stevens, Francis M. Stevens, George
W. Speak, George Spinner, Rodolph Stinson, John T. VanMeter, Wm.
Warren, Hamilton "Waftbrd, ]Morris L. Whitesides, Franklin 31. ^Vil-
coxon, James A. Wlllitte, Thomas C. Wilson, William B. Winters.

CAPT. CniLDS' COMPANY, FPOM DAVIESS COUNTY.

Company C— Clias. Childs, Capt.; Richard W. Meredith, 1st Lieut.;
Alanson Solomon, 2d Lieut. Sergeants — George A. AMI cox, Charles
B. YanTrees, AVm. A. Bodkin, Seth R. McCormick. Corporals— Jos.
Grant, Elam Ritchey, Richard A. Graham, Jolm B. Dunn. Musicians
— Jesse Godwin, George W. Berkshire. Privates — James P. Alford,
Friend S. Allen, Archibald M. Auld, Albert G. Austin, Jesse Baker,
James II. Berry, John B. Boyd, Robert R. Bratton, James Bruner,
William M. Bruner, Thomas Bullock, John S. Canfield, Abraham AV".
Carnahan, Wm. H. Chancellor, James S. Cliapman, James M. Cook,
Samuel S. Cox, John M. Creger, Patrick Curly. Philip Dermody, Peter
Eberle, Joseph Fit/AVMlliams, Joseph D. Franklin, Henry H. Gilley,
Henry Ileiberger, Thomas Henry, Wm. P. Hixon, Albert C. Johnson,
John II. Lee, Silsberry Lloyd, Leonard ]\[artin, Benton McCafterty,

IIl.STOllV OF TIIK SIXTH INDIANA IIEGIMKNT. 13

Green McDonald, James L. Meads, Cliaides U. Milhollnnd, Matliew
P. Rai)er, John IJitei-, Jol)n Robery, J);ini(d Ivotli, Tlioni.'is J. Sinith,
AV^arner G. ISnioot, James G. Spencer, John (J. Staiilc}', William B.
Stewart, James D. Siiter, Thomas W. Swaunigen, Jos. G. Scott (died
July 25, '61, en route home,) William M. Taylor, Edward E. Thurber,
Montraville Tricket, Dai'ius C. Wallace, John G. WaUace, James P.
Wallace, Willis E. Wallace, Justice A. Wallace, Nicholas F. Wallace,
Wm. W. Weaver, Andrew J. W. Williams, Charles F. Wilson, Thos.
J. Wilson, Elliott Worrell, Wm. JI. Wood, Wm. M. Wynn.

CAPT. IIAlfKISON's COMPANY, FROM HOWAllD COUNTY.

Company D — Thomas J. Harrison, Capt. ; Thos. Herring, 1st Lieut.;
William R. Phillips, 2d Lieut. Sergeants — Stephen I). Butle]', John R.
Cox, Tobias L. Yarns, Robert Wells. Corporals — Timothy II. Leeds,
Hezekiah II. AVinslow, Joseph Baldwin, Robert II. Birt. Musicians —
Mart C. Mills, Noah W. Dauens. Privates — Enoch R. Adamson, John
Auter, "William R. Barlow, Samuel Barrow, James Bennett, John A.
Boring, John Burns, Alex. C. Cochran, Levi Crowser, Michael Cun-
ningham, AVilson Daily, Richard Davis, Ferdinand Darch, Sam'l Fike,
Robert C. Foor, Geo. Freeman, David O. Freeman, John W. Gerner,
Henry F. Gentis, Thomas Guthridge, Joseph S. Hall, Herrick Hoback,
Joel H. Hoback, John Humbert, George R. Hutto, Horace Jones, Wm.
R. Julian, Thomas J. Lillard, Mark Mallihan, Andrew C. Morgan'
Jesse Moan, Eli Mote, Charles M. MurraJ^ Sylvester Nordyke, John
Norris, Uriah W. Oblinger, George AV. Oblinger, George T. Ogden,
Eli AY. Penny, James W. Ploughe, Benjamin F. Rhodes, John Rifle,
James S. Ricks, AV^illiam Seagrave, Evans E. Sharp, Wm. H. Shively,
Jacob N. Simmons, Felix F. Small, Henry Smith, Josiah Stanley, AVm.
Stanley, David F. Stev^-art, Harrison Stewart, Henry B. Stewart, John
L. Stackman, George Snauk, Thomas S. Terrell, Ethan E. Thornton,
Henry II. Thornton, AYm. F. Tyler, Daniel 11. AYalters, Nathaniel F.
Whitaker, Hugh II. AYillitts, John B. AVitherow.

capt. moreau's company, fi;om henry county.

Company F — AYilliam C. Moreau, Capt. ; Robert Allison, 1st Lieut. :
John Cole, 2d Lieut. Sergeants — James L. AVhitesell, Fred. AA^ysong,
George AY. Conniard, John AY. Hudelson. Corporals — John J. Cole,
Isaac Steele, AYaitsel Heato.n, Robert S. Swain. Musicians — Albert
Shipman. Leonidas L. Allison. Privates — Ilarman Ballinger, A. N.
Berry, George AY. Beever, Jchn J. Bement, Theodore Benjamin, Rich-
ard Bloomlield, Thos. Brooks, John II. Brosius, Thompson P. Burtch,
AYm. Butler, Hiram Butler, Daniel L. Burris, AYilliam M. Cameron,
Samuel Carson, James F. Cooper, Elijah H. Coats, .lolin H. Cook, AYm.
Cracraft, AYm. Curry, Charles 31. Davis, Cornelius J. Davis, Prairie
Daniel, A'anburen Dennis, James P. Eldei', AYm. Everhard, James Fil-
son, John Goodno, A. J. Graham, Daniel M. GrifHth, Chas. Ilendrick,
Elwood Hill, Alonzo ilubbar<l, Alexandei- Johnson, Abraham John-

14 JIISTOKY OF THE SIXTH INDIANA KEGIMENT.

son, Joliii W. Kennedy, Richard Land), Charles Madison, Georj^'e W.
Mason, Robert B. Martin, Ilenrj^ C. Maner, Aavon MeFeely, AVilliani
JI. II. McGnftin, Elihn Powell, Robert S. F. Poer, Joseph G. Ranier,
Joseph Ramsey, Wni. Robert, \Vilson M. Sears, Perrj' V. Sison, A. J.
Smith, Henry M. Smith, Jacob Smith, Amos Stephenson, John Stew-
art, James Steel, William A. Stanley, Moses Strawn, ITarve}' Swaine,
.lohn M. Swaine, Elihu Swaine, Henry Temple, Charles Vinson, L. R.
Wilson, John W. Williams.

CAPT. TKIPP'S COMPANY. FKOM JENNINGS COUNTY.

Company^ G — Ilagerinan Tripp, Capt. ; Josiah H. Andrews, 1st Lient. ;
Georo-e W. Kendrick, 2d Lient. Sergeants — James T. Matteson, Ira
Mullen, George Helmieh, James Huckleberry. Corporals — Daniel W.
Brown, Alonzo S. Prather, Frascis M. Rust, Deforest Parker. IMusi-
cians — Paul Ileim, Gideon M. Tryckey. Privates — George F. Allen,
Charles Bager, Cliapman Blanchard, Henry Burge, John Boos, J. W.
Brovver, Lewis Baum, Edwin R. Child, John Caldwell, Richard A.
Conner, Charles T. Day, Mitchell Day, William Davis, Philip Fable,
John W. Forsyth, Benjamin Force, Albert Galiy, Isaac L. Greene,
Paul Grinstead, Jasper Grinstead, Silas W. Harding, George W. Har-
rington, Bevins Ileaton, Chas. Higbee, Julius Horst, AVm. P. Jordon,
Augustus Kornor, Stephen H. Lang, Stansbury Little, Geo. AY. Long,
Louis Leichtenberger, Jacob H. Ljaich, Geo. Marcej^, James Marlett,
Wm. Martin, Geo. C. Monroe, Jacob Miller, Malanthon McLain, James
E. jSTewkirk, Peter Oharo, John T. Patterson, Willis Parker, Elijah J.
Perry, Uriah C. Prather, Jesse A. Prebble, Andrew J. Reynolds, John
Hoop, Alanson A. Rust, Wm. Shadany, Henry Sylvers, Abram Stailey,
Harrison Staile}^, James D. Swift, John Tillman, Frederick Trenk,
Squire Underwood, William Varburgh, Seigfreid Weiber, Levi E.
Wheeler, Jerome B. Wiley, John W. AVood, Silas Young, Casper Zim-
mer, Fi-ederick Zimmerman.

CAPT. JONES' COMPANY, FROM JACKSON COUNTY.

Company II — Fielder A. Jones, Capt.; Stephen Story, 1st Lieut.;
Calvin Y. Triunbo, 2d Lieut. Sergeants — Frank Johnson, Lewis Boots,
Gabriel Woodmansee, John Stockdell. Corporals — Mathias Zenor,
Jacob Mitchell, Simeon Smith, Chas. Lewis. Musicians — A. Grenle,
John Hamilton. Privates — William Bundy, Alfred Baldwin, Oiner F.
Beadle (died May 16, 18G1, of fever, at Indianapolis,) Adam Broner,
W^illiams Brooks, Jesse Banks, Martin Conroy, Samuel Calhoun, Geo.
W. Case, Andrew Christy, Alexander Covert, Robei-t Bnckworth,
John Davis, Albert Downing, Henry Eddington, AVilliam Fry, AVil-
liani Fu]V)right, Stephen Greer, Matliew Graham. Jackson Gay, Ems-
ley Hooker, Ijorenzo Hooker, Jarvey Hammond, John Ilelck, August
Ililker, Jacob Iloppel, James II. Johnson, James Kingkade, Andrew
Lewis, Henry Masher, James JNIcClary, Joseph ^[cNelly, John Me-*
Xelly, Tliomns Murray, Geo. I.]\Iiller, Jamt>s A. Moseley, Wm. Xorril,

HISTOliY OF THE SIXTH IXJ>IA^'A RKCJIMKXT. 15

Newton Nowlaiid, Amos Patrick, George W. Parks, Doctrine Perry
Diivis PiersoH, "William Piper, Thomas F. Phillips, Warren Heed,
Frank Keno, James Patcliil', Wyatt Pucker, Jno. H.Kobinson, Charles
Jtitehey, James Strotts, Frank Sparks, John Sullivan, David Sanders,
John^M. Short, Eli Stringer, James Story, P.iehard Stringer, William
Taylor, Booth Thomas, Eichard Winscott, Eohert Woo(hdl, Pctei-
Whitson, Hugh M. Woodmansee.

CAPT. EVANS' COMPANY, FEO.M HAMILTON COUNTY.

Company I — John D. Evans, Capt. ; John F. Longley, 1st Lieut.;
George A. Wainwright, 2d Lieut. Sergeants — HayAvood W. Clark,
Wm. E. Hardy, John T. Burns, Frank M. Scott. Corporals — Wju. A.
Wainwright, Calvin F. Boxley, Theodore W. McCoy, Oliver I. Conner.
Musicians — Jerry Worlding, Cincinnatus B. Williams. Privates — Geo.
AV. Allison, John W. Allison, John Allman, James Bennet, Edward
Blessing, Albert Bragg, John H. Bryain, John C. Burcham, Minor
Bush, William L. Clark, Gilbert M. Clifford, James M. Cloud, Cora C.
Colborn, Stephen B. Cooper, James T. Collier, Wm. Compton, Xathaii
C. Dale, James R. Eaton, John A. Essington, William M. Essingtou,
Wesley Essington, Marion Essington, Wm. George, Edward Gilkey,
Linsey Gilkey, John H. Grinnel, J. H. Groves, John Harvey, Jacob
Hebble, Milton Hooper, John Huffman, John Hunter, Malon Husted,
Cyrus O. Hunt, Levi Hunt, Henry Johnsonbaugh, Simeon Lockwood,
Win. H. Lower, J. L. Masters, John McLain, Jos. Xicholson, W^m. H.
Otis, Jas. A. Owen, Frank Pickard, Lewis E. Pickerell, Wm. P. Pick-
erell, Silas J. Pickerell, Wm. A. Potter, Isaac N". Proctor, Thomas A.
Pambo, John Pansom, Hiram Ready, Henry Reynolds, Edward R.
Scott, Charles Scott, Aaron Shoemaker, George G. Stai-k, William W.
Stephenson, Ivan Stewart. Geo. W. Stitch, Emsley Warren, Edward
R. Westcott, John H. Wheeler, Thomas Williams.

&

IG

HISTORY OF THE SIXTH INDIANA IlEGIMENT.

THE GIxiNTS OF THE SIXTH EEGIMENT.

I will now introduce to the reader specimens from each
company of the quality of soldiers we had w^ith us in the
8ixth Regiment in the Three Months' Campaign. Like our
forests, though, the "giant oaks" were soon cut down, and
before the first year of the war rolled -round the Government
was glad enough to go into "small timber" for fuel to feed
the hungry jaws of dreadful War. When the Sixth was
re-organized for the three years' service mere boys were
enlisted and taken to Kentucky, where their parents fol-
lowed them and brought them back. The three months'
soldiers were pretty big boys — for "there were giants in
those days" — as you will see by the following names, none
of whom measured less than six feet. The figures given
after each name represent feet and inches :

E. H. Coates G 3 l

C. Y. Triimbo . . (5 }4

S. C. Sanders G V.

J. Man- G

P. Mitchell G

C. Patterson (>

J. C. Pearson G

J. C. Potts G

H. Hiebero-er. ... G

M. P. Paper G

W.G. Snoot G

P. Wells G

G. Freeman G

J. H.Hobaek G

W. P. Jnlien G

J. W. Plooo-he.. G
\V. Seagraves . . . .G

J. Simiiions G

G. Snank G

E. C. Thornton . G

Pat O'Brien G

G. W. Connard. ..G
J. Henderson . . G

J. Steele G

11. Bntler G

W. Craeraft G

J. Pansoni (i

\V. II. Smock G

O. W. Kendrick.

.6

4^

J.Smith

.G

1

C. Vinson ......

,G

1

L. Wilson

.G

1

A. Hnbbard

.G

11. C. Maner . . . .

.G

P. S. F. Poer ...

.G

J. Pamsey

.G

W. M. Sears

()
G

S. Underwood . .

M. Zeiier

G

C. Lewis

G

O. F. Beadle . . . .

()

A. Bruer

.G

S. Green

G
()

J. Gav

J. II. Pobinson . .

G

C. Pitch ey

()

J. Snlliyan

()
(i

J. M. Short

J. A. Essino-ton.

G

W. M. Essino-ton

G

Wes. Essington.

G

A. Shoemaker.. .

()

J.II.AVheeler...

G

A. 0. Bachnnm. .

G

Fred. Gre])e

.()

II. Marsliall

G

J.

AV. Brown...

.G 3>.<

S.

Brown

.6 23/2

J.

No]"ri>!

G 1

J.

P. Grey

. G 2

J.

Nicherson.. . .

..G 2

c.

C. Panter. . .

. .G 2

G.

S. Beitch....

. . G 2

T.

J. Harrison .

. .G 2

M

Mollihan. . . .

..G 2

P.

Bloomtield . .

. . () 2

J.

Cook

. .G 2

IT.

Silyers

. .G 2

G.

W. Parks...

.6 2

VV

. Ilnsted

. .G IK

.N.

11. Betts

..G I

\V

. E. Wallace.

. .(; 1

;v

.11. Wood ...

. G 1

p.

A. Birt

..G 1

L.

C ronser

. .G 1

D.

Freeman ....

. .G 1

J.

Moore

..G 1

J.

F. Hunt

. .G 21.;

J.

J. Cole

..6 2>o

Al

). Thomas . .

..G 1

T.

Brooks

. .G 1

S

J. Smith . . .

, G 1

J.

Lochridge. . .

. .G

HISTORY OF THE SIXTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 17

OFF FOR WEST VIRGINIA.

MARCHING ORDERS — REJOICING IN CAMP MORTON — THE SIXTH

REGIMENT ENROUTE TO '^THE FRONT'' INCIDENTS

BY THE WAY.

On the 30th of May, 1861, the Sixth Regiment received
marching orders, and on the morning of the 31st left Indian-,
apolis, via Cincinnati and Parkersburgh, for the scene of
conflict in West Virginia, being fully armed, equipped and
clothed. When the soldiers got word that the regiment was
going to the front there was great excitement in Camp Mor-
ton. The boys assembled around headquarters, when Colo-
nel Crittenden and Lieut. Col. Prather addressed them in a
few timely remarks. Even the irrepressible Will. C. Mo-
reau, a Captain in the regiment, could not refrain from de-
livering a short address on that happy occasion.

When we got aboard the cars on the I. & C. R. R. and
were about starting, Charlie Gavitt, now deceased, got on the
rear car of the train with his rubber blanket knapsack, con-
taining two or three quilts or comforts rolled up full width,
reaching out on either side about two feet, and the whole
strapped on his back. The cars were soon in motion. The
soldiers were faced towards Cincinnati, and Charlie, coming
at their back, made a clean sweep of every hat with the
ends of his knapsack, knocking them in tobacco spit on the
floor of the car. He finally found his company and settled
down, but not without receiving the maledictions of the
soldiers whose brand-new hats he had soiled.

The trip from Indianapolis to Cincinnati was a pleasant

18 HlSTOltY OF THK SIXTH INDIANA KJ:GIMENT.

one. The soldiers were in ^^good spirits," and enjoyed them-
selves very much, singing, chatting, and otherwise passing
off the time. The regiment arrived

AT CINCINNATI

about five o'clock in the evening, on the 31st, and we were
marched up through the city. The sidewalks were crowded
with citizens, and from almost every residence the ladies
were waving their handkerchiefs. While the regiment was
marching up Fourth street, coming in front of the residence
of Larz Anderson, brother of Major Anderson, the hero of
Fort Sumter, the Major himself appeared at one of the open
windows. Colonel Crittenden immediately ordered a halt,
and, facing his men to the front, presented arms. Major
Anderson very politely acknowledged the honor by saluting
us. Then Colonel (^rittenden (pointing to his regiment) said :
'^Major Anderson, this is the tribute Indiana pays to a brave
and deserving officer." By this time our patriotism had got
the upper hand of us, and we felt like hurrahing as loud as
we could. But you know how it was yourself. We remem-
bered Anderson's brave and manly reply to the rebel Gen.
Beauregard at Charleston, S. C, when he summoned him to
surrender Fort Sumter — that neither his sense of honor nor
his obligation to his Government would permit him to^m-
ply. After this long to be remembered incident, the regi-
ment passed on to the Marietta depot and took another train,
which carried us out to

CA3rP DENNISON,

where we bivouacked for the night, not attempting to pitch
our tents (for we didn't know how) ; many of us lying down
and pulling the tents over us for covering. We had a pretty
fair night's rest, and next morning, June 1st, got aboard the
train again, and went on our way rejoicing. It was a grand
ovation for us up through Ohio. Word was telegraphed to the
towns ahead that the Indiana boys were '^on the war path,''
and, like the dispatches from Chicago during the great fire,
stood very much in need of ^'cooked provisions." We had no

HISTORY OB' TIIK SIXTH INDIANA KKCJIMKNT. 19

lack of something good to eat. The people turned out by the
thousands and hurried to the depots to receive us, carrying-
basketful after basketful of choice bread, butter, pies, sliced
ham, dried beef, together with great cans containing coffee,
etc., served by fair hands. The soldiers fairly stuffed them-
selves and their haversacks. The same was repeated at
every station. Many of the boys remembered these Ohio
girls, as I saw names exchanged on slips of paper — cards
being scarce — and after we got to West Virginia almost
every mail brought kind words of encouragement, "to relieve
the monotonj^ of camp life.'' The train stopped at a point
about 12 miles above Farkersburgh, W. Va., in the vicinity
of Marietta, Ohio, where we remained that night awaiting
orders. /

A LITTLE AFFAIR AT ST. MARY's, W. VA.

Company H, Capt. Jones, and Company K, Capt. Bach-
man, under command of Major John Gerber, assisted by
Sergeant Major C. L. Holstein and Fife-Major W. B. Fletcher,
were detached from the regiment, while we remained near
Marietta, for the purpose of looking after a reported gather-
ing of rebels at the town of St. Mary's, W. Va., on the Ohio
River, 16 miles above Marietta. The detachment went up
to that place, but the rebels had received information of
their approach and evacuated, moving off into the interior,
and our soldiers were very much disappointed in not getting
a shot at them before they got away.

We remained near Marietta until the morning of June 2d,
when the regiment again took the cars and moved back
about twelve miles, just opposite

FARKERSBURGH, WEST VIRGINIA,

and, bidding good-bye to Ohio, got aboard the ferry and
crossed over to that town, and thence to the Baltimore &
Ohio railroad, where we lounged about an uninviting, black
and greasy-looking depot waiting for a train. One would
have thought, from appearances then, in 1861, that all the

20 HISTOltY OF THE SIXTH INDIANA REGIMENT.

oil going East passed through Parkersburgh. C aptain P. P.
Baldwin's Company (A) was left at this place for guard
duty.

A laughable incident happened just before we crossed the
Ohio river — though it was not very funny to one of the boys.
While waiting over there for the ferry, William P. Dillon, of
Madison, laid down on the ground, near the railroad track, to
rest himself, with his knapsack on. Mr. Dillon went to sleep,
and, while in that condition, rolled over on his back ; the
knapsack held his body up, while his head hung back with
the crown on the ground. Lying in that condition for some
time fast asleep, he got a ''creek" in his neck, which became
stiif, and when we marched down to the river Billy's face
was turned up skyward, looking at the sun, which no doubt
was very painful. Some of the soldiers wanted to know
what he was looking at up there. A little ^'hard-tack" soon
took the ''kinks" out of his neck. Mr. Dillon was in the
army until the close of the war, and was Captain in the thr.ee-
year Sixth.

After waiting several hours at Parkersburgh, the train at
last came, and the remaining seven companies of the regi-
ment got aboard and moved off to the interior of West
Virginia. Tunnels — plenty of them — a perfect underground
railway. We would no more than come out and get a
look at each other before we would plunge into utter dark-
ness again. I did not attempt to count the tunnels, but one
man said we passed through twenty-five. Those who have
traveled over that route know whether or not the fellow
was correct. The train moved on, stopping but once, where
the rebels, or somebody else, had destroyed a bridge or trestle-
work, which was temporarily repaired, when we started again,
finally bringing up at

THE TOWN OF WKBSTER,

one hundred and one miles from the Ohio river, where we
left the train and went into camp — for the first time at-
tempting to put up our tents. It was quite laughable to see

HISTORY OF THE SIXTH INDIANA KEGIMENT. 21

how awkward we went about it. James H. Crozier, and the
other members of the "mess" he was attached to, having
got hold of the poles belonging to Captain liufe Gale's
''markee," were busy trying to make the long poles fit their
little tent. They had it reared away up, giving the appear-
ance of a very tall fellow trying on a little shirt. Lieutenant
John T. Hendricks came around looking for the lost poles,
and, finding these fellows in trouble, said they had the ones
he was after, that they were too long for then- tent, and
asked them to give them up. One of the boys said, "I guess
not ; we'll make 'em fit our tent ; if they are too long, can't
we saw 'em off"?" By this time Oapt. Gale, Lieut. Hamilton
and Orderly Sergeant McLeland appeared on the scene, and
after explaining the case to them they surrendered. We
finally got all our tents up and rolled in, though cautioned to
have everything in readiness to move at a moment's notice.
It was raining when we arrived at Webster, making it very
unpleasant, and, not yet understanding the ditching process,
we got flooded.

THE BATTLE OF PHILLIPPL

ROUT OF THE REBEL COL. PORTERFIELD'S COMMAND COL. KELLY, OF

OUR ARMY, BADLY WOUNDED — A TERRIBLE NIGHT'S MARCH
THROUGH A DRENCHING RAIN STORM.

About the time we were getting a good ready to go to sleep,
sure enough, our company, with three other companies, re-
ceived orders to prepare for a night's march. Companies
B, C and D were left at Webster, under command of Lieut,
(^ol. Hiram Prather, who was appointed commander of the
post. The regiment was now considerably scattered — two

22 HISTORY OF THE SIXTH INDIAXA REGIMENT.

companies left at Marietta, under command of Major Gerber,
Capt. Baldwin's company at Parkersburgh, and three com-
panies to remain at Webster, while Col. Crittenden had the
remaining four companies to take care of.

Getting everything in proper order, we "fell in'- (the mud)
and marched off to Phillippi, a town about lifteen or twenty
miles distant from Webster, where tlie rebel Col. Porterfield
was encamped with about two thousand men. Col. Lander,
of Ohio, commanded our column, made up of detachments
from Indiana and Ohio regiments, numbering in all about
two thousand men, besides a battery of artillery ; while an-
other column, under command of Col. Kelly, of W. Ya., moved
simultaneously from Grafton, intending to come upon the
rebels by a different road, thus preventing their escape. The
attack was to be made in two divisions — Col. Kelly to take
them in the rear, while Col. Lander should move on them in
the front.

Every one of those with us will remember that dreadful
night's march. A cold rain was pouring down unceasmgly
the entire trip. It was muddy and slippery, and dark was
no name for it. It seemed as if a black wall rose a few feet
ahead of us all the way, and it was the muddiest and most
slippery road in the country at that period of time. We
could not tell each other apart, onlj^ by our voices. A citizen
guide from that part of the country accompanied our com-
mand, and he told the soldiers to keep perfectly quiet, as we
were in the enemy's land.

Colonel Crittenden left his horse at Webster, and took his
position at the head of his four companies afoot, walking the
entire distance, and sharing the hardships alike with his
men, who were very much fatigued by carrying great knap-
sacks— some with several quilts or blankets in them, which
grew very heavy as they became soaked by the drenching
rain. One by one these burdens were thrown from their
backs, as we could hear them thump in the mud, Avith the
parting remark, "There's wiiere you laid last." Geo. Meuser

HISTORY OF THE SIXTH INDIANA REGIMKNT. ' 23

didn't even take the trouble to unbuckle his, but cut the
straps, letting it fall at his back.

In silence we moved on through the storm, but the mud
and extreme darkness so impeded our progress that we did
not arrive at Phillippi until nearly daylight. The hour fixed
for the attack was 4 o'clock a. m., the 3d of June, but Colonel
Kelly was unable to get up with his command at the ap-
pointed time. Colonel Lander anxiously waited for Kelly's
appearance until daylight, when, from his position on the
hill, he saw the rebels packing up and running to and fro.
Naturally supposing it was Colonel Porterfield's intention to
retreat, Lander opened fire on them with his battery. Just
then Kelly's column was seen across Tigert Vallej^ river, be-
low the rebel camp, and hearing Lander's cannon, came up ^
on double quick. The rebels could not stand this double
attack and broke and ran, perfectly panic stricken, leaving
everything behind them. One rebel officer had his leg shot
off by a cannon ball that passed through a stable, where he
was in the act of unloosing a horse on which to make his
escape. Just as the rebels passed out back of town, Coloneb
Kelly dashed in on his horse ahead of his men, and, coming
up with their rear guard alone, one of the rebels, a great big,
dark-complexioned, mustached, broad-brimmed, guerrilla
looking fellow, rode back and fired on the Colonel, wounding
him severely in the breast. By this time the head of Colonel
Kelly's column had come up, and when one or two of his^men
fired at the rebel, without harming him though, he surren-
dered and was brought in and placed m the Court House at
Phillippi under guard. There was great excitement that
night when it was reported that Colonel Kelly was dying,
and a heavy guard was stationed in the Court-yard to pre
vent the Colonel's regiment from lynching the prisoner. No
doubt, if Kelly had died that night the prisoner would have
gone up too. The Colonel recovered trom his wound, which
made him a Brigadier General, and my first Captain, Jerry
Sullivan, afterwards married the Colonel's daughter. That's

24 HISTORY OF THE SIXTH INDIANA REGIMENT.

romance for you; isn't it? From the hill where our battery
was shelling the town, Colonel Lander, seeing the enemy in
disorder, dashed over the bluft' on horseback at a breakneck
speed, making the trip unharmed down into town, which was
doubtless one of the most daring exploits of the war. To
give the reader an idea how steep the bluff was, I will state
that when Oapt. Rufus Gale's compan}^ followed in Lander's
tracks we had to sit down and slide almost to the bottom.
The hill was about the same height of those back of Madison,
with a road winding around it. A poem was afterwards
written, entitled "Lander's Ride," andan illustration of the
feat was given.

When the detachment from the Sixth Regiment came to
the brow of the hill we could see the rebels moving off below
the town. Col. Crittenden hurried his four companies down
the hill, passing through a long covered bridge over the
river, arriving at the Court House, where the rebels had been
engaged in the court-yard cooking their breakfast, part of
which our boys ate for them. There were several large ox
teams standing in front of the Court House, loaded ready to
move off, but being too slow for a retreat, were left behind,
and the contents of the trunks and valises in them were con-
fiscated by the soldiers. It was well for us that the rebels
retreated, as I don't believe ten guns in either company of
our regiment could have been fired. They were as wet as if
they had been thrown into the river. It had rained in their
muzzles, and even after re-capping them they couldn't be
persuaded to go off. I saw a squad of soldiers from our compa-
ny trying to shoot a pig that morning, and there wasn't a gun
in the whole lot that could be fired. Determined not to be
outdone that way, they set their guns down and gave chase
and captured the pig, when they cut its throat with a pocket-
knife. I'm pretty certain that's the way we would have had
to do with the rebels, too, if we had sent any of them to
the "happy hunting-ground.'' It was said that a lady resi-
ding on the hill back of town fired a gun on the approach of

HISTORY OF THE SIXTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 25

the Union forces, thus notifying her friends in time for them
to get ready and escape without much loss. All the citizens
fled from the place on our approach. Many houses were
open, with everything in them ready for housekeeping,
minus the housekeepers ; so the hungry soldiers walked in
and got a bite to eat, helping themselves. A printing office
was ''gutted," the press and other materials being thrown
into the street and broken to pieces, and the type scattered
to the four winds, giving assurance that no more treason
should be brought to light through their agency.

I have have often heard it said that go where you may
you will see a Madison man. The truth of this was verified
even in secluded, God-forsaken Phillippi. The first non-com-
batant that put in an appearance was an old Madisonian — ^
a Mr. Capito, father of George and Daniel Oapito ; and if 1
had not known of his being yet alive, I would have taken
him for a ''materialized" spirit, "meeting us at Phillippi, '-
and I certainly would not have been more surprised. Mr.
Capito had arrived a few days before, and was stopping with
his brother, who was the proprietor of a hotel there.

John Lott, of Madison, was the first colored man that
shouldered a musket in the Union army, for I saw him stand-
ing in line with gun in hand and cartridge-box buckled to his
hip when Capt. (bale's company was drawn up in front of the
Court House at Phillippi. This was on the 3d day of June,
1861. John Lott was "spoiling" to get a shot at somebody.
Meeting an old darkey in the street, John asked him if he
was a rebel. The darkey answered in the affirmative, proba-
bly not knowing what he meant by "rebel." Says John,
"Old fellow, I'll give you just fifteen minutes to retract."
The time allotted for the old black man to reside in that
immediate neighborhood expired without the "retract," and
John sure enough pulled the '^snapper," killing the poor old
fellow instantly, the ball entering his bod}^ near his heart.
Was it murder? I think so. Lott was arrested and lodged
in the Court House along with the rebel that shot Col. Kelly,

26 HISTOKY OF THE SIXTH INDIANA REGIMENT.

and afterwards they were both sent back to Wheeling and
lodged in jail.

Little Georgie Smith, the drummer-boy from Madison, was
with us the night we came to Phillippi, marching at the
head of the regiment, with his father, Charles F. Smith.
We all loved little George. Going to the war so young, a
great deal of attention was paid to him. The mustering
officer at Indianapolis refused to accept him, he looked so
small, and only consented on condition that his father would
take good care of him. I remember taking him up in my
arms and carrying him, as others did, when he gave out on
the march. After the Three Months' Campaign, Georgie
Smith returned home to his loving mother and sister, and but
a few days afterwards was accidentally drowned while bathing
in the Ohio river. His funeral, on the 18th of August, 1861,
was the largest that ever occurred in Madison. His com-
rades of the Sixth Regiment buried him with the honors of
war. The Third Indiana Cavalry was at the time encamped
at North Madison, and about five hundred men of that regi-
ment attended the funeral, with our townsman Col. Will. S.
McClure (then Captain) commanding. Charles F. Smith,
Georgie's father, re-enlisting, died in 1862 at Pittsburgh
Landing.

Our company (E) was quartered the first night at Phillippi
in a deserted dwelling-house, sleeping spoon-fashion on the
fioor, wedged in very close together. The next day we
changed our quarters to the covered bridge over Tigert Val-
ley river, where the other three companies of the Sixth were
stopping. When we were sound asleep in the bridge, with
arms stacked along tlie center, about midnight an Ohio regi-
ment came rushing in on the double-quick, which created a
panic, our boys jumping up in the dark and grabbing their
guns. Every "stack" was knocked over, and the bayonets
did bad work with some of the soldiers. It was a regular
scare, as no one knew what was up. The bayoneted legs
were bound, and we once more rolled in for the night.

HISTORY OF THE SIXTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 27

CAMP MADISON, NEAR GRAFTON.

RETURN OF THE REGIMENT TO WEBSTER, THENCE TO GRAFTON,
WHERE IT GOES INTO CAMP.

Ool. Crittenden returned to Webster with his detachment
on the 5th of June, where the companies left on the Ohio
river, at Marietta and Parkersburgh, joined him. Being
once more united, the regiment again got aboard the cars^
and proceeded to Grafton, the headquarters of our brigade,
where it arrived in the evening. We then traveled north,
on another branch of the Baltimore & Ohio railroad, to the
town of Fetterman, 1^ miles from Grafton. Here, before
leaving the cars. Companies B, C and D were again detached
and ordered to report to Colonel Dumont, commanding at
Phillippi. The remainder of the regiment slept in the cars
that night, and the next morning, June 6th, pitched their
tents on the hill overlooking Grafton to the south and Fetter-
man to the west. The camp was named ^'Camp Madison''
by Col. Crittenden, in honor of the city that furnished him
three companies for his regiment. The hill on which it was
situated was about as high as those near Madison ; but that
was not their full height, for we were only on what was
called "table land." Going back towards the east, there
were other hills on top of hills.

We were joined here by an artillery company, and the first
morning after they arrived they frightened us considerably
by firing the "morning gun" at sunrise. The soldiers rolled
out of their tents in a hurry, thinking the rebels were at
hand. The gun was fired every morning and evening while
we remained there.

28 HISTORY OF THE SIXTH INDIANA REGIMENT.

On the 7th day of June, Company A, Capt. Baldwin, was
detached and sent to Webster, which post was still under
command of Lieut. Col. Prather, and Major Gerber was sent
to Phillippi to command the detachment from the Sixth
(Companies B, C and D) already there on duty.

While the regiment lay in Camp Madison a financial crisis
came upon us. The stringency of the money market was
perceptibly felt by all. No money to bet at the ''chuck-a-
luck" bank, which was closed. Something had to be done
to relieve us, or we could not see through. Gov. Morton
was notified of our condition, and he there inaugurated the
best plan for relief yet brought to light. The Governor
simply went to the Indianapolis bankers and told them he
wanted to borrow some money for the boys. They shelled
out to him, and the Governor sent us all five dollars apiece,
which amount was deducted from our pay at the final settle-
ment. ^'Business" revived immediately, and all day long and
until '^taps, lights out," the rattle- of the dice in the "chuck-a-
luck" box was heard in the land.

Here our pantaloons rapidly grew threadbare. Our short
roundabout wouldn't cover worth a cent, and, as the school
boys would say, there was ''a letter in the postoffice" for
many of the soldiers when they went on dress parade.
''Patch! patch! patch !" was the order when not upon the
•' tramp ! tramp ! tramp ! "

On the 19th of June there were such reports as justified
Col. Crittenden in believing that the enemy would attack us
that evening. We w^ere reinforced by Company A (Captain
Hays) of Second W. Va. regiment, and every preparation
necessary was made to give the rebels a warm reception.
We laid on our arms all that night, but the enemy failed to
put in an appearance.

This was a great place for snakes — rattlesnakes, too. We
could smell them — like a cucumber patch. The soldiers,
when on guard in the woods back of camp, got upon logs or
stumps to keep from being snake-bit.

HISTORY OF TIIK SIXTH INDIANA REGIMENT.

21)

OUR SCOUTING PARTY.

The following persons were detailed from the Sixth Regi-
ment as a scouting party :

Capt. H. Tripp, com'"-; Lieut. J. F. Loiigley,
Drum Major Beoler, Robert Elliii_^haiii,

John T. Pogue,

Joseph G. Marshall,
AVilliam Smock,
Ed. Kelso,
William Butler,
S. Coats,
J. W. Brower,
James Berge,
J. L. Patterson,
J. W. Allison,
M. P.Jones,
Samuel D. Burns,
J. T. Collier,
Stephen Green,
Jacob Mitchell,

Abe Dennino",
J. Steele,
Charles Hedrick,
R. A. Conner,
(^'harles Boyer,
W. H. Otis^
James Bennett,
Albert IT. Button,
Joseph Hurley,
James L. Whitesell,
Frank Reno,
James Stotts,

Lieut. S. Mclveehou,
David McClure,
James H. Crozier,
A. L. Gale,
C. Cameron,
James Elder,
C. Blanchard,
G. F. Allen,
W. H. Lower,
E. Blessing,
John Cowden,
Louis Glass,
Calvin F. Boxley,
Geo. J. Miller,
Charles Ritchie,
Lewis Botts.

J. H. Grinstead,

Capt. Tripp was instructed to reconnoiter the enemy's lines
with his command, get a correct idea of the surrounding
country, visit '^secesh" neighborhoods, explain the purpose
of the Government in moving an army into West Virginia,
administer the oath of allegiance, and ask the citizens to
stay at home and attend to their usual avocations and they
would not be harmed in property or person. These scouts
obtained useful information for General Morris, commander
of the brigade, and did good service generally during the
time employed.

A SOLDIER THAT WANTED TO STAY IX THE
GUARD-HOUSE.

While Company A was at Webster one fellow from Madi-
son got on a spree, and Capt. Baldwin put him in the guard-
house to sober off. The guard-house was an old ware-house,
having barrels, kegs, etc., stored in it; amongst the lot was a

30 HISTORY OF THE SIXTH INDIANA REGIMENT.

quantity of liquor, which the fellow soon discovered. In a
day or two Oapt. Baldwin called around, hoping to find him
sober and to give him a lecture. But the fellow was still
beastly drunk, and wanted to stay in the guard-house all the
time, but the Captain thought it best to let him out.

THE REGIMENT AGAIN ON THE TEAMP.

OUR RETURN TO PHILLIPPI — CELEBRATION OF THE FOURTH OF JULY

HON. WM. M. DUNN PRESENT, AND ADDRESSES THE

SOLDIERS — EXPLOIT OF MAJOR BELL, ETC.

On the evening of June 24th the remainder of the Sixth
Eegiment at Camp Madison, near Grafton, and Company A,
stationed at Webster, were ordered to proceed without delay
to Phillippi, where we arrived early on the morning of the
25th. This was our third trip over that road, the sameness
of which made the journey very uninteresting to your humble
servant. Surgeon Charles Schussler was left at Grafton in
charge of the hospital, but afterwards joined us at Phillippi.

One day Adjutant Wiley had the Sixth Regiment out on
batallion drill in a field south of Phillippi. North of town,
on the hill, a battery was stationed, commanding the entire
valley, particularly the Beverly road, near where the reg-
iment was drilling, as that was the direction the enemy was
looked for. The artillerymen on duty, having orders to fire
on any body of men coming from that direction, discovered
our regiment in the distance marching in line of battle
towards town, supposed it was the enemy coming and re-
ported the same to their officers, who immediately ordered
them to open fire on the advancing regiment. The men
rushed to their cannon, and just about the time the officer

HISTOKY OF THE SIXTH INDIANA Rf^GIMKNT. 31

was giving the command to fire, Surgeon Charles Schussler
came running up to the battery, crying out, "For God's sake
don't fire! that's my regiment on drill. Wait and I'll ride
down there and see." Sure enough, it was the Sixth on drill.
The Adjutant was practicing the men in loading and firing,
and the artillerymen thought it was our pickets firing. The
prompt action of the kind old Doctor no doubt saved an un-
necessary sacrifice of life. Peace to his ashes !

Gen. William McKee r3unn, then Congressman, visited us
while we remained here. He was present when we celebrated
the Fourth of July on the hill back of town, and delivered
an address to the soldiers on that occasion. He w^as very
kind, and went around amongst the boys shaking hands.
On being informed that postage stamps were scarce, he very ^
cleverly "franked" a few packages of invelopes for the sol-
diers before leaving our camp.

A detachment of our regiment was ordered to go on an ex-
pedition to the Buchanan bridge, eight or ten miles north w^est
from our camp, for the purpose of ambushing a party of rebel
cavalry that was in the habit of coming up to and crossing
the bridge to a mill near there, to get their grain ground to
furnish General Garnett's army with bread. The detachment
moved out to the above named place. Major Horace Bell
was along, and Major Gerber was in command of the party.
They took a position in the laurel bushes at the end of the
bridge, where it was expected the rebel cavalry would cross,
intending to annihilate them. The men lay there perfectly
quiet until after midnight. But there was one restless spirit
that could not stand the suspense any longer. Major Bell
rose up from his position in the laurel bushes, saying it was
all d — d foolishness staying there, and that he was going
down the road to drive in General Garnett's pickets. He
got Charlie Steele, of Madison, to accompany him, and went
down near the rebel picket line, putting Charlie through in
the dark as if he was a whole regiment. Charlie told me
afterwards that Bell yelled out, "Batallion, halt I" when they

32 HISTORY OF THE SIXTH INDIANA REGIMENT.

were in a few hundred yards from the pickets, and repeated
his commands, marching Charlie back and forth through the
brush. The rebel pickets looked out in the darkness, but
could not tell the number of BelPs command, and at last
they commenced to fire their guns into the woods, and
every picket took to his heels and ran into camp. Then for
some time a perfect pandemonium reigned in the rebel camp.
The voices of the officers forming their men for battle were
heard above the din, and soon regiment after regiment,
with rumbling artillery and the heavy hoofs of cavalry horses,
came rushing past these two fellows as they lay in the laurel
bushes hid from view. It was almost daylight when the last
of the rebel soldiers passed them on their return, after finding-
out that it was a false alarm. In the meantime Major Ger
ber, fearing treachery on the part of Bell, returned to our
camp at Phillippi without accomplishing the object of the
expedition. Major Bell was placed under arrest for his con-
duct on his return to camp, which put an end to his mad career
in the three months' service. This exploit of Bell's led to a
fight between himself and Major Gerber, in which the latter
was the victor.

Corporal Joseph G. Marshall, of Madison, received a com-
mission as Lieutenant in the army before we left Phillippi.

OUR CAMP AT LAUREL MOUNTAIN.

THE REGIMENT NEAR GEN. GARNETT S STRONGHOLD — SKIRMISHING

DAILY WITH THE ENEMY.

On the evening of the 6th of July Colonel Crittenden
received orders from General Morris to prepare three days'
cooked rations, and at 2^ o'clock A. M., on the 7th, we took
up our line of march down the Beverly road, in company
with the balance of the brigade, for Laurel Mountain, four-

HISTOKY OF THE SIXTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 33

1

teen miles awav, where the rebel General Garnett was eii-
camped. When day dawned, as we marched on, we could
see a beautiful sight in the distance — Laurel Mountain loom-
ing up above the surrounding hills far away in the southwest,
liaving the appearance of a bluish cloud or haze. Pointing
to>Yards it, an oificer said, '^That's Laurel Mountain, our
destination." It did not seem as if we got perceptibly nearer
to it, though going in that direction. Nothing of importance
happened until about 8^ o'clock, A. M., when we arrived
near Gen. Garnett's camp, at the foot of the mountain ; then
a detachment of cavalry was improvised for the purpose of
moving in advance to prevent any sudden attack on our
force. A dozen or two who could get horses volunteered —
for there were no "men and horses," as General Tecumseh
Sherman would say in speaking of cavalry. This small de-
tachment rode down towards the rebel pickets, while the
rest of the command moved up slowly in line of battle, feel-
ing their way, with the ''wings" reaching out across the en-
tire valley. Firing was soon heard in front, which indicated
that our cavalry had found them. The enemy's pickets fell
back on the reserve, where a Georgia regiment was sta-
tioned in the woods, which was rapidly being augmented by
reinforcements from their camp, no doubt thinking it was
General Morris' intention to make a)i immediate attack,
when his real object was only to keep Garnett's army
where it was by threatening manoeuvres, while Generals
McOlellan and Rosecrans moved around to Rich Mountain
and, after attending to the rebels there, were to come in their
rear and cut off all chances of retreat.

The Sixth Regiment halted on the top of a ridge or hill
reaching out from Laurel Mountain — a central position, com-
manding all the valleys and hills surrounding, where we
went into camp. Skirmishing with the rebel pickets was
kept up daily in sight of our camp. The rebels were in the
woods near the Beverly road, just below a little village called
Bealington, containing two or three houses. There was a

34 HISTOItY OF THE SIXTH INDIANA REGIMENT.

long ridge coming out from the mountain, similar to that on
which our camp was situated ; behind that ridge, in a beauti-
ful valley, was Gen. Garnett's camp. He was well fortified,
having earthworks thrown up, with heavy guns mounted;
besides several miles of entrenchments, running in every
direction, one behind another, the rear one commanding
those in advance, even reaching up the side of the moun-
tain. Looking out from our camp we could see the trees
on the top of the ridge being felled by the rebel "pioneers,"
so that their artillery could get a clean sweep at our camp.
We could hear every stroke of the ax and see the monarchs
of the forest fall prostrate in quick succession, until our bat-
teries stopped the work by giving the "pioneers" a vigorous
shelling.

The rebel skirmishers stationed in the woods at the foot
of the ridge could easil^y reach the village of Bealington
with their muskets. There was a well in front of one of the
houses on the road, where we got drinking water. I got
behind the house one day in a hurry on seeing an artillery-
man wounded in the thigh and hearing the rebel bullets
whistling 'round my head. Major Gerber had already re-
treated, and was standing behind the house laughing to see
me "git." There was an old-style log school-house on the
right of the road, in advance of the well, that had one log
left out for a Avindow on the side next to the rebel skir-
mishers. This school-house was appropriated and used as a
fort by such of our men as liked the fun of trying their hand
shooting rebels, the window making a good port-hole. Skir-
mishing was kept up there almost constantly, as there were
plenty of venturesome fellows alwaj^s ready. It was said
that a Methodist preacher, a member of the Seventh Indiana
I believe, killed seven rebels and brought in a number of
prisoners while skirmishing at this place. Occasionally
through the day our battery, situated on a hill near at hand,
would open out on the rebels and give them a terrific shell-
ing, especially when they seemed to be advancing toward

HISTORY OF THE SIXTH INDIANA liEGIMlONT. 35

our men, who were engaging them at the foot of the ridge.
When the shelling would begin the rebels would fall back
under shelter, and our soldiers would advance up the side
of the ridge into the woods vacated by the enemy. On
the 11th (or 12th) of July very heavy skirmishing took
place here, when Sylvester Brown, a member of Capt. A. H.
Abbett's company, was badly wounded, the ball passing clear
through his body, striking him in the right breast and com-
ing out between his shoulders. Strange to relate. Brown
walked back to Surgeon Schussler's quarters to have the
wound dressed, and it was all the Surgeon could do to keep
him in his tent, telling him to lie down and keep quiet or he
would die. Brown said he wanted to go back and get re-
venge. He was sent home on furlough, and when we re-
turned to Indiana I think I saw Brown — then Captain — at
the head of his company.

Our pickets on the top of the mountain reported to Gen.
Morris that they could see a large wagon train moving off
towards the northwest, in the rear of the rebel camp. A
call was immediately made for ten volunteers from each
company in the brigade. It was a hazardous undertaking
to attempt to capture them when there were six or seven
thousand rebels between us and the wagons. The requisite
number of volunteers was soon ready, with Col. Kobert H.
Milroy, of the Ninth Indiana, in command. Each soldier in
the expedition was furnished with a strip of white muslin as
a sash to distinguish him from the rebels, when we started
out quietly in a circuitous route, stooping down behind a
stone fence as we passed within a few hundred yards of the
rebel earthworks, and some of the soldiers getting down and
"crawling" to hide themselves behind the fence. We could
see their tents, and rebels walking about near their battery.
We got past without being tired upon ; but I shall always
believe they were aware of our coming, and let us pass un-
molested, intending to set a trap for our capture when we
returned. The command moved on a few miles, in the rear

36 IIISTOKY OF THE SIXTH INJ)IANA IfEGIMENT.

oi' Garnett's army, when it came to a point on the road
where they fell timber across. Halting a few moments
here, a scout riding a white horse came dashing up and re-
ported to Col. Milroy that the rebels were moving out in
force in our rear rear for the purpose of cutting us off and
giving us a good licking for our trouble. That report made
our ''hair stand on end*' and we "felt a little pale around the
mouth." The Colonel thought it best to return by another
route ; moving out through the forest Indian file until W9
struck the bed of a creek, when we plunged in and waded
up stream, thus placing a high hill between us and the
rebels, who no doubt were very much disappointed in not
bagging the game. The expedition arrived in camp safej
glad enough to escaj)e, without losing a man. I remember
but one member of our company, besides myself, who was
on that trip — Isaac Brinkworth, now a resident of Jefterson-
ville, Ind. Ike was a good soldier, but he put a lot of pow-
der in his canteen of water, making it as black as ink. He
said that would make a fellow plucky, so he would stand fire.
Ike rose from Corporal to the rank of Colonel before the
close of the w^ar ; but I don't mean to say that drinking water
with powder in it will make a Colonel of every one.

Many interesting incidents happened while the regiment
was in camp at Laurel Mountain. Two soldiers from Madi:
son, both now deceased, who dearly loved old "tangle-foot,"
traveled fifteen or twenty miles across the mountain in search
of a still-house. They returned to camp in a daj^ or two
with their canteens full of the "ardent," bringing several
citizens with them as prisoners, thinking they had made a
Tery successful raid ; but Col. Crittenden didn't think so, and
ordered the soldiers to the guard-house, and released their
prisoners.

The soldiers were engaged Iiere during their leisure hours
in manufacturing pipes from the laurel root, and some of them
whittled out nice specimens that Avere brought home as
trophies.

IlISTOHY OF THK SIXTH INDIANA lU'.CilMK^T. 37

THE BATTLES OF RICH MOUNTAIN AND
OARRICK'S FORD.

THE REBELS EVACUATE THEIIl STRONGHOLD AT LATHIEL MOUNTAIN-
THE SIXTH REGIMENT IN PURSUIT OF THE RETREATING

ENEMY A TERRIBLE FORCED MARCH DEATH OF

GENERAL GARNETT NEAR CARRICIv'S FORD.

. When General George B. McClellan took command of the
United States forces in Western Virginia he immediately
began his series of movements, whicli met with no successful
resistance until he had entirely driven all armed rebels from
that part of Virginia. After various successful skirmishes
he moved on Colonel Pegram's army, strongly posted on
Rich Mountain. Gen. McClellan sent Gen. Rosecrans with
a part of his command to get in the rear of the enemy, when
an engagement w^as brought on, in which Col. Pegram's com-
mand was handsomely thrashed. Many rebels were killed
and many prisoners taken, including Pegram himself, wlio,
after wandering around in the woods with several hundred
p,f his followers, came in and surrendered. The fight at
Rich Mountain caused General Garnett, wdio was in our
front with about si^ thousand men, to evacuate his strong
position at Laurel Mountain on the night of July 11th. The
Sixth Indiana, then on picket duty, was ordered by General
Morris, at 2 o'clock P. M. on the 12th, to move down and
take possession of Garnett's late camp. Our men were not
prepared for the movement, being then away from our camp',
many of them having left their jackets behind, going iii
,their shirt sleeves, and. without provisions for a single meal.
The Seventh Indiana, Col. Ebenezer Dumont, and Ninth In-
diana, Col. Robert H. Milroy, with the Fourteenth Ohio, had

38 HISTORY OF THE SIXTH INDIANA REGIMENT.

already advanced in pursuit of General Garnett's retreating
army. The Sixth Ohio and the remainder of the brigade
came down and joined us during the afternoon. We re-
mained in the rebel earthworks until late in the evening of
the 12th, when the column moved off in pursuit of the flying
enemy, the Sixth Ohio taking the advance and the Sixth
Indiana as rear guard. The column kept the Beverly road
until it reached a stream called Leading creek, where our
advance came upon fallen timber across the road, and not
being very well acquainted with that section of the country,
it having previous to that morning been traversed only by
the enemy, we halted and bivouaced for the night, which
was already half advanced, and having, by rapid marching,
come up with the balance of the brigade.

At daylight on the 13th we again resumed the march,
both hungry and tired, having had nothing to eat since noon
the previous day, at least some of us. The order of march was
now reversed, the Sixth Indiana taking the advance. We
moved back a short distance on the Beverly road from where
the timber had been felled across, taking another road leading
down the before mentioned creek. That General Garnett's
retreating army had taken this road there was no doubt. We
needed no guide to tell us that, for the road on either side
was strewn with abandoned tents, guns, blankets, haver-
sacks, knapsacks, &c., showing plainly enough the route they
had taken. The rain soon began to fall in torrents, turning
the road into a bed of mortar. Still onward pressed the
Sixth Regiment, almost at a double-quick, with the eneni}^
just ahead straining every nerve to outrun us. Over hills
and rocks, across creeks and through dense forests, they took
their course, hoping to elude pursuit; but we pressed on
steadily after. At last, about 12 o'clock M., we left Laurel
Mountain in our rear, and came out on Cheat river, into
which stream our troops plunged, glad enough to wash some
of the mud off, which was plastered over them from head to
foot. As our advance column emerged from the stream on

HISTORY OF THE SIXTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 30

ihe opposite side the}^ caught sight of the rebels in line of
battle in the valle,y a short distance below, but they soon
darted off like deers on our approach. Cheat river is very
crooked, and the road through the mountain pass crossed it
every few miles. Up the mountain side we ran, down again
into the valley, across the cold, swift river ever}^ few mo-
ments, the water almost up to our shoulders ; the rocks at
the bottom of the river so slippery, and the current so rapid ,
that the tired and worn out soldiers could hardly stand
against it — many going in couples, supporting each other.
The bed of the stream was strewn with muskets, dropped
there by the retreating rebels, glad enough to get rid of them.
As the road led us up the side of the mountain we could
look over the yawning gulf below and see large new wagons '
— of the North Carolina make, with the bed raised before
and behind like a scow or boat — turned up-side down, with
their load of trunks, valises, and other valuables, scattered
helter-skelter clear to the bottom of the mountain. The
shouting of the rebel teamsters could be heard just ahead of
us urging on their tired mules to prevent being captured.
At last the retreating enemy came to Carrick' s Ford, on Cheat
river, where the advance of their wagon train got stalled in
emerging from the stream, as there was a steep grade at
that point. The teamsters unhitched their horses and mules
from the wagons, and mounting them, escaped capture, while
hundreds of wagons, loaded with valuable goods, such as
large white woolen blankets, officers' baggage, quarter-
masters' stores, etc., fell into our hands. General Garnett
crossed this ford and came back some distance to a high
rocky bluff, where he stationed his cannon. His men were
in position, covered by the thick foliage and a rail fence at
the top of the bluff, and as our and advance — the Fourteenth
Ohio, Col. Steadman — came down the road, which passed
near the river shore, the rebels in ambush opened fire on
them from the bluff, while their artillery was directed at our
column, which had halted on a rise in sight of the ford. The

40 HISTOKY OF tup: sixth INDIANA REGIMENT.

Fourteenth Ohio was taken by surprise, as part of tlie regi-
ment had g,ot by the bluft', but came to a front in good order
and delivered a well directed volle}^ into the enemy's lines,
which started them on the retreat again, leaving their cannon
and many dead and wounded behind. The Sixth Indiana
moved down to the ford immediately, when myself and sev-
eral comrades waded across the river and climbed up the
hill where the rebel dead and wounded lav uncared for. We
saw several young boys in the agonies of death, while there
were many dead lying in diilerent positions near the fence
or trees, behind which thev had stood while firing upon our
men. Leaving the battlelield at Carrick's ford, myself and
comrades walked down through a wheat-field, where we
found a young soldier badly wounded rolling about in great
pain, having been shot in the bowels. A comrade, probably
a dear brother, was leaning over the wounded rebel, crying
and talking to him. We gazed at the agonized features of
the dying soldier a few moments and then walked on to an-
other ford but a short distance below, where on the opposite
side of the river General Garnett lay dead. At this ford the
brave chieftain attempted to rally his men for the last time,
and in doing so he was killed by an Indiana soldier. Not an
officer was near General Garnett when he was killed — all haa
lied, leaving him alone, save a young and delicate boy trom
Georgia, who, refusing to leave his commander, was shot
dead by his side. The brave unknown boy was laid in a
grave by himself, near where he fell.

"He fought jiiul died. A nameless grave,

Where ho sad willows o'er him wave,'

Or sculptured stone extols tlie hrave
In chiseled numhers,

Was his. Tlie bird's shrill s>'mplionies,

The restless murmur of tlie trees.

The sigliing of the evening breeze
Mar not his slumbers.

I trust h<^ stands beside the throne,

Though an erring ])rother, not alone,

That his forgotten name is known '
In Heaven."

HISTORY OF THE SIXTH INDIANA REGIMKNT. 41

After taking a last look at the pale face of the dead Gen-
eral, we returned to our regiment, which had bivouacked at
Carrick's Ford, and tried to find something to eat, but there
was nothing to be had. Worn completely out, stiff at every
joint from wading the cold stream so often while heated up
by that terrible forced march, our clothes on us soaked to the
skin and nothing for a change, our shoes full of a sharp,
flinty sand the entire trip, and many with shoes badly worn
leaving bloody tracks behind them in the sand, besides
suffering the exhaustion from hunger, you may imagine our
situation at the time. We were the most hungry set of fel-
lows you ever saw. Wm. W. Crozier and myself slipped up
behind a wagon after dark, while the horses were eating
corn, and took out an ear apiece and devoured the hard
grains with a relish.

The regiment remained at Carrick's Ford until noon of the
next day (July 14th), when it again advanced, following
down Cheat river, which we were compelled to wade across
every few miles. Once in crossing Captain Alois Bach-
man thought he would take off what dry clothes he had on
and carry them above his head, but when in the middle of
the river, which was up to his waist, the current, together
with the slippery rocks at the bottom, tripped him up and he
fell head-long into the water, going clear under, while his
bundle of clothing was carried down the stream, but was
caught by one of the soldiers below — as the regiment was
scattered out in the river, every man for himself. Captain
Bachman came out on the other side the maddest and wet-
test man of all.

Before starting from Carrick's Ford the soldiers secured
some large white blankets from the several hundred rebel
wagons captured — some avidious fellow^s, though hardly able
to walk, were carrying three or four of them. August Myer,
of Captain Rufus Gale's company, even had five of these
blankets strapped on his back. He gave out on the road,
but persistently refused to part with one ot his blankets.

42 HISTORY OF THE SIXTH INDIANA REGIMENT.

August was sitting by the roadside when Surgeon Schussler
came along with his ambulance (an old spring wagon), and
stopping, on seeing August, inquired if he was sick. "Yah,"
he answered, blubbering and crying, and asked if he couldn't
get in the wagon and ride. The Surgeon by this time dis-
covered what was the matter, and told him to throw that
jackass load off his back and he could Avalk. No; he was
bent on having those blankets hauled with him, and the
Surgeon finally let him ride. When the ambulance passed
us on the way August Myer was sitting back grinning from
ear to ear.

We moved on down Cheat river, arriving at a town called
St. George about 7^ o'clock P. M., July 14th, and there bivou-
acked for the night in an apple orchard, having waded the
river five times in less than four hours. Here Captains Jones,
Bachman and Abbett were detached with seventy-five men
to follow the retreating enemy, and try to capture more of
their property. The detachment performed their work ad-
mirably. Coming up with the enemy, compelled them to
abandon ten more loaded Avagons, including the teams,
which were taken possession of and brought back. David
McClure, of Madison, turned teamster for the occasion and
drove a captured team of four wild mules, bringing in a
wagon load of guns, etc. On the return of the detachment
they were fired on by straggling rebels, and one soldier of
the Sixteenth Ohio, who accompanied them, was killed, and
Captain Fielder A. Jones, of our regiment, was severely
wounded by three different shots fired from the woods.

We remained near St. George until 4 o'clock the next
morning (Julj^ 15th), when we passed through the town
towards the river, which we plunged into again and waded
across, getting as wet as we were the night before — many
having set by the fire nearly all night to dry their clothing.
It was provoking, but we had to stand it. As we passed
through the town I noticed an old-fashioned sign-board on a,
large building, with the letters ''ST. GEORGE INN" painted

HISTORY OF THE SIXTH INDIANA KEGIMKNT. 43

on it, and one of the soldiers, reading the sign as we passed
it, said : ''St. George Inn — and who the devil cares if Saint
George is in V

Our faces were now turned towards the north, and we
marched on until noon, when we again halted — not for din-
ner, as we had nothing with us to eat. There was a farm-
house near by, but not the kind you find in Indiana, for you
couldn't get a "square meal" on the premises for love nor
money. One soldier offered a lady that was standing at a
stove in the house, baking or frying corn -cakes, a silver half
dollar for one of the cakes about the size of your hand, but
she said they were all engaged. The soldier then offered
the half dollar for a tin-cup full of meal, but it was no go,
and he had to go mealless. At last a steer was driven^
up to our regiment by some of the soldiers, and Major John
Gerber, who was a butcher, shot it with his revolver, and
before he could get the hide fairly off the soldiers were at
work with their knives, cutting off great chunks of the warm,
quivering beef. It reminded one of the song, which, slightly
changed, goes thus :

We perched ourselves on its breast bone,
And cut great chunks out, one by one.

Well, you ought to have seen that skeleton. There was
no salt to be had, but we sprinkled a few grains of pow-
der over the meat as a substitute, to take off the taste of
freshness, and after broiling, devoured it like hungry wolves.
After being thus refreshed, we rested an hour so and then
started for our old camp beyond Laurel Mountain, about 15
or 20 miles away, where we arrived at 8| o'clock P. M., and we
were glad enough to meet our big Corporal, Musty Thomas,
who had remained in camp to ''keep house" for us during our
absence. We traveled a distance of seventy-one miles
during the three days we were in pursuit of the enemy, over
the worst roads in the country, and having assisted in accom-
plishing the object of our coming to West Virginia — namely,
the dispersion of the rebel forces organizing in that part of

44 HISTORY OF THE SIXTH INDIANA REGIMENT.

the state, which were now completely broken, scattered and
disbanded, with their leaders either killed or made prisoners
of war — we felt that we could now have a few days of rest,
preparatory to returning to our homes in Indiana.

In coming over Laurel Mountain on our return from the
pursuit of the rebels a soldier belonging to one of the Ohio
regiments accidentally shot and killed a comrade.

G^"^)

THE SIXTH REGIMENT ENROUTE FOR HOME.

OUR LAST TASK — FILLING GARNETT'S INTRENCHMENTS — A NIGHT'S

MARCH FOR HOME, PASSING THROUGH PHILLIPPI, THENCE TO

WEBSTER — OUR ARRIVAL AT INDIANAPOLIS — THE

THREE MADISON COMPANIES' RECEPTION —

OUR FINAL DISCHARGE.

We remained in camp at Laurel Mountain about one week
longer, when the Tenth Indiana and several other three
months' regiments passed by us on their way home. John
Desha Simpson and Charles Hinds, both of Madison, were in
the Tenth Indiana, and were happy to meet their friends in
the Sixth. We were told by Colonel Crittenden that he had
one more little job on hand that had to be done, then we
could go home. It was to go down to General Garnett's old
camp and fill up the intrenchments and level the earthworks.
Talk about building the Union Pacific Railroad in a hurry —
it was nothing, compared with the few hours' work done by
the Sixth Regiment, when home was "in sight." The boys
cheated, too, as they put hundreds of rails in the bottoms of
the ditches to fill up fast; and those earthworks, which in the
ordinary way took General Garnett's men weeks to build.

HISTORY OF THE SIXTH INDIANA REGIMKNT. 45

were leveled like mole hills. The soldiers were luappy, and

sang, while at work with the pick and shovel —

We're goiiii!; lionie, we're going home,
We're going lionie, to tight no more.

Our task was soon done, when we returned to camp and
commenced to pack up to start that night for home. Every-
thing being ready, we started about 9 o'clock P. M., (on the
23d of July I think), traveling all night, passing through
Phillippi after midnight, and arriving at Webster during the
following day. Here we heard the news of the battle of
Bull Run, which discouraged us as to the final result of the
great rebellion. We felt that if those about Washington
City, with all the ''pomp and circumstance of glorious war,"
had done as well as we had in the Three Months' Campaign,,*
things would have been otherwise.

We remained at Webster but a short time until we got a
train. Moving up to Grafton, (it seemed as if it was our in-
tention to visit all the old stamping grounds,) this time we
took the other branch of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad,
and after a few hours' ride arrived at Bellaire, on the
Ohio river, glad enough to gaze once more upon the bosom
of that beautiful stream, which liowed by our home at Madi-
son. At Bellaire we were delaj^ed but a short time waiting
for a train on the Central Ohio Railroad, now called the Pan-
handle. While here Major Gerber went up to Wheeling,
but a short distance away, and released John Lott, the col-
ored man from Madison, in jail there for killing a citizen at
Phillippi. Lott was glad to see us looking so well. Major
Bell also rejoined us here and accompanied the regiment to
Indianapolis.

We got aboard the train at Bellaire, and, passmg through
the cities of Zanesville, Newark, Columbus, Urbana, Piqua
and Greenville, Ohio, we soon reached Indiana. The train
stopped an hour or so at the city of Richmond, Ind., where
the citizens, hearing that we would pass that way, had pre-
pared a bountiful supply of refreshments for us. The tables,

46 HISTORY OF THE SIXTH INDIANA REGIMENT.

on which was piled "great heaps" of every article to be had
in the eating line, were set in a large building. Old gentle-
men and ladies, whose locks had been silvered by many win-
ters, and "sweet-faced" young ladies and misses, were as busy
as bees waiting on the "rusty" soldiers.

After partaking of the hospitality of the good citizens of
Richmond, we again started homeward, passing through
Oenterville, the home of Gdvernor Morton, and Knights -
town, the home of Capt. Will. 0. Moreau and his company.
Moreau's wife met him at the depot, as did also the wives
and friends of the members of his company, and hugging,
kissing and hand-shaking were in order. At Knightstown, on
a side track, we met the Twelfth Indiana, one year men,
enroute for the front. In this regiment there was one com-
pany from Madison, commanded by Capt. James Bachman.
The Madisonians were happy to meet each other.

A soldier belonging to Captain Childs' company, from
Daviess county, was killed at a railroad bridge, near Rich-
mond. He was on the top of a car, with his back towards
the covered bridge, and was struck on the back of the head
and instantly killed. Captain Childs had the body properly
dressed for interment and taken to Indianapolis. It was sad to
chronicle such a death as this, of a soldier returning to his
home from the field of battle unharmed, but, through care-
lessness, killed by accident, when on the eve of embracing
his loved ones.

We arrived at Indianapolis at 1 o'clock P. M., on the 25th
day of July, 1861, when the following telegram w^as immedi-
ately sent to Madison (similar dispatches being sent to the
homes of the other companies in the Sixth Regiment) :

Indianapolis, Ind., July 25.
To M. C. Garber :

The Sixth Regiment arrived from West Viro-inla at 1 o'clock this
afternoon, and were received in a handsome manner by our citizens.
David C. Branham will take them home to-morrow free of charge.
[Signed] Holloway, Governor's Sec'y.

When the above dispatch was made public it caused great

HISTOHY OF THE SIXTH INDIANA KKGIiMENT. 47

rejoicing in Madison, and immediate preparations were put
on foot to give the returning volunteers a grand reception
the following day. A meeting was called that night at the
Court House, in Madison, to make the necessary ar-
rangements. The Court Room was crowded with people,
all eager to do something to show an appreciation of the
services of the three months^ volunteers on their return.
The following is the report of the citizens' meeting, as pre-
pared by the lamented James C. Thorn, who acted as secre-
tary on that occasion :

Court House, Madison, Ind., July 25, 1861.

At a meeting of citizens for making arrangements for the reception
of our volunteers upon their arrival here:

On motion. Colonel John Marsh was called to the Chair, and James
C. Thom appointed Secretary. ^

On motion, the military companies of the city, together with all our
citizens, wer€ requested to turn out en masse on their arrival at the
depot, as a token of our regard and confidence in their gallant conduct
in behalf of their country in West Virginia.

On motion, James Y. Allison was invited to welcome them home in a
salutatory address, in the name of the people of Jeiferson County.

On motion, James C. Thorn, William P. Inskeep, Samuel J. Smith,
Robert Cochrane and George Fuget were appointed a committee
to see that proper refreshments are tendered any of the soldiers who
may reside in the country, and are unprovided for prior to reaching
their homes. After which the meeting adjourned.

j'OH]^ MARSH, President.

James C. Thom, Secretary.

David C. Branham, then Superintendent of the Madison &
Indianapolis Kailroad, sent out eight cars to bring the Jeffer-
son, Jennings and Bartholomew county companies home,
which he did without charge. When we left Indianapolis
the following intelligence was transmitted along the line of
the railroad by the agents :

NOKTH Madison, July 26.
To R. R. McCaine, Madison :

The Express train left Indianapolis at 1 o'clock, Avith the Sixth
Regiment and Gov. O. P. Morton and Col. Wood, U. S. A., on board.

R. J. Elvin.

Later.— The Express train, with the three Madison companies,
passed Franklin at 2>^ o'clock P. M. R. J. E.

48 HISTORY OF THE SIXTH INDIANA REGIMENT.

I will not attempt to describe the scenes attending our re-
ception when the train arrived at Madison, but will give the
following from the Madison Courier, which I think is suffi-
cient :

Return of the Volunteers. — Yesterday was a stirring day in
Madison. Early in the morning a dispatch was received from Indian-
apolis announcing that the Madison companies in the Sixth Regiment
would return home on the evening train. From noon till late in the
afternoon groups of citizens, men, women, and children — were seen
wending their way to Vine street and the depot, impatient to see and
be the first to greet the gallant fellows who were in the first regiment
organized for service in the holy struggle for the maintenance of the
Constitution and Union. Vine street and its approaches were filled
with anxious parents, brothers, sisters, and friends of the volunteers.
The battalion of Home Guards, Col. Sering commanding, were drawn
up along Vine street in "open order," for the passage of the soldiers
from the glorious battlefields in Western Virginia. The "boys" were
so anxious to see their relations that they could not be prevailed upon
to form anything like a column, but straggled along up the street as
fast as they could. "Hoav are you. Bill?" "God bless you, Charlie!"
"Hello, Jack!" "Hurra for Crittenden!" "How are you, Baldwin?"
"Bullj^ for Bachman!" resounded along the line, while anxious ma-
mas, in carriages and on foot, seized their sons and hurried them ofi*.
The returned volunteers looked like veterans, bronzed, hardy, rough,
and able to stand another campaign ; their hair shaggy, their beards
ragged and dusty, and their uniforms completely worn out. But the
firm step and steady eye showed that these were but the marks of a
thorough seasoning to a soldier's life. It is with pleasure that we
learn that the regiment will be reorganized for the war. Of course
there are a great many who will not want to go, whose business w^ill
not permit them to make another campaign ; all such can retire with
honor, to make room for others who are anxious to take their places.
A number of the young men called to see us to-da^^ Home ministra-
tions have made a decided improvement in their personnels. May they
live and prosper. Governor Morton accompanied the Madison volun-
teers to this city. At the Court House late in the evening he was in-
troduced to the battalion of Home Guards— on parade to receive their
comrades of the Sixth, where he made a short address.

The day we arrived home the Madison Courier said :

"The return of the three Madison companies will cause great joy
among our citizens, many of whom will embrace their friends again
after a term of anxiety and daily fear. All honor to those brave men
who stood forth in the first peril. May tliey remember their country
now that her honor is tarnished and her defenders slain under the
shadows of the Capitol."

HISTORY OF THE SIXTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 49

The Indianapolis Sentinel, a few days after the Sixth Regi-
ment passed through that city, published the following :

"We saw, a da)^ or two ago, Col .T. T. Crittenden, commander of the
Sixth Indiana. Althongli a civilian, and simply a volunteer himself,
Colonel Crittenden has illustrated his capacity and his courage so as to
command the admiration of his countrymen at home and abroad."

At the expiration of our term of service. Major General

McOlellan addressed Governor Morton as follows :

Headquarters Army of Occupation, West Virginia,
Camp NEAR Beverly, July 21, 1861.

Governor 0. P. Morton, Indianapolis, Ind.:

Governor — I have directed the three months' regiments from Indi-
ana to move to Indianapolis, there to be mustered out. I cannot per-
mit them to return without again expressing my high appreciation of
the distinguished valor and endurance of the Indiana troops, and my
hope that but a short time will elapse before I have the pleasure of'^
knowing that they are again ready for the field.

I am, very respectfullv, your obedient servant,

GEORGE B. McCLELLAN, Maj. Gen. U. S. A.

Brigadier General Morris also issued the following con-
gratulatory address ta his brigade :

Headquarters First Brigade, Indiana Volunteers,

Indianapolis, July 29, 1861.
To the Officers and Soldiers of the Brigade:

The term of service for this Brigade in the army of the United
States having expired, and the relations of officers and soldiers about
to be dissolved, the General, in relinquishing his command, deems this
a fit occasion to express his entire approbation of the conduct of the
Brigade, whether in camp, on the march, or on the field of battle. The
General tenders to all his thanks for the soldierly bearing, the cheer-
ful performance of every duty, and the patient endurance of the priva-
tions and fatigues of campaign life, which all have so constantly ex-
hibited. Called suddenly by the National Executive from the ease and
luxuries of home life, to the defense of our Government, the officers
and soldiers of this Brigade have voluntarily submitted to the priva-
tions and restraints of military life. * * * * They have cheerfully
endured the fatigue of long and dreary marches by day and by night,
through rain and storm ; they have borne the exhaustion of hunger for
the sake of country. Their labor and suff'ering were not in vain. The
foe they met and vanquished. They scattered the traitors from their
secure entrenchments in the gorges of Laurel Hill, stripped of their
munitions of war, to flee before the vengeance of patriots.

Soldiers ! you have now returned to the friends whose prayers went
with you to the field of strife. They welcome you with pride and ex-
ultations. Your State and country acknowledge the value of your la-
bors. May your career be as your past has been, honorable to your-
selves and serviceable to your country.

T. A. MOREIS, Brigadier General.

After remaining at home a few days the regiment returned

to Indianapolis, and on the 2d day of August, 1861, was paid

50 HISTORY OF THE SIXTH INDIANA REGIMENT.

off and discharged. And thus ends the "History of the Three
Months' Campaign in West Virginia." No doubt it was the
impression of many that the bo3^s only had a frohc and a
nice ride on the railroad to Virginia and back. The reader
can judge from the narrative I have given as to what was
done. I have endeavored to make it readable, and at the
same time give a truthful sketchy and can only hope that I
have succeeded. A. J. GRAYSON.

Madison, Indiana, May 1st, 1875.

SURGEON CHARLES SCHUSSLER.

Dr. Charles Schussler was born in Stutgart, Germany, in 1807.
He received his education in the Universities at Tubingen and Vienna,
and subsequently graduated in medicine at the University of Penn-
sylvania. In 1828 he left Germany for N'ew York city, where he estab-
lished himself in the drug business. Shortly thereafter the drug store
was sold and a brig was purchased, in which the enterprising Schussler
led a colony to Texas, then engaged in the struggle for independence.
Returning from Texas after a few j^ears. Dr. Schussler lived for a time
in N'ew Orleans. The California gold excitement attracted the Doctor
across the Continent for a time, but he finally came to Madison, Ind.,
and held his residence there until his death. He was widely
known in Southern Indiana, and in many respects a remarkable man.
During the forty-two years of his residence in Madison he stood in the
front rank of his profession. In educational and professional attain-
ments perhaps no physician in this city has yet equalled him. His
knowledge of medicine was extraordinary. At the breaking out of the
rebellion Dr. Schussler promptly offered his services in support of
the Union, and went out as Surgeon in the Sixth Indiana Infantry,
serving through the three months' campaign in West Virginia. On
the reorganization of that regiment for the three years' campaign he
was recommissioned Surgeon, and served four years in that capacity.
Duringthat time, on account of his extraordinary knowledge of medi-
cine and surgery, he was selected from the vast army of Doctors as
Brigade and Division Surgeon, and was finally placed in charge of the
immense Hospital at Nashville, Tennessee. His health was enfeebled
by arduous labors and exposure, from which he never fully recovered.
After he returned from the arni}^ he gradually'- declined in strength.
On the morning of the 20th of September, 1874, an attack of heart dis-
ease first prostrated him, and, at eventide the same day, carried him to
his last resting place. Tlie Doctor was buried with the honors of war
by his former comrades of the Sixth Regiment. Sic transit gloria mundi.

HISTORY OF THK SIXTH INDIANA REGIMENT. 51

LIEUT. COL. HIRAM PRATHER.

Hiram Pratiier was born October 13tb, 1809, in tlie Territory of
Indiana, in Clark's Grant, now Clark County, where Utica is now
built. In 1815 he moved, with his father, to Jennings County, and
settled 1}4 miles east of Vernon, wliere he assisted in clearing the
unbroken forests. He remained on his farm until 1852, when he sold
out and moved to North Vernon, and built one of the first houses in
that town, where he resided until his death, which occurred March
27th, 1874. Mr. Prather, during his life, held important offices of honor
and trust. In 1838 he was elected to the office of County Treasurer.
In 1847, '48, '49, represented his county in tlie State Legislature. In
1850 was a member of the State Constitutional Convention, and elected
to the Legislature twice thereafter. He entered the army April 18th,
1861; was commissioned Lieute4iant Colonel of the Sixth Indiana
April 26tli, '61, and served through with that regiment until May 19th,
1861, when he resigned, on account of bad health. He was in the West
Virginia campaign, on staff duty with Gen. Morris. At the battle ot
Shiloh he was wounded in the knee with a canister shot, causing no
particular inconvenience at the time, but suffered frequently from it
until his death. His sons, seven in number, with himself, were in
the late war. The combined service of father and sons to the Govern-
ment in the late war aggregate eighteen years. Mr. Prather's father
participated in the war of 1812, and frontier wars.

A Brief Sketch of the Ma Indiana in the Three Years' Service.

The Sixth Regiment was reorganized for the tliree years' service, at Madison, on
the 20th of September, 1861. On the same day Colonel Thomas T. Crittenden, its com-
manding officer, obtained permission to take what men were then in camp (about 500)
to Kentucky, then invaded by the rebel forces under Buckner. Without waiting for
uniforms, this portion of the Sixth Regiment tooK steamer at Madison for Louisville,

reaching there the same evening, and was the first body of troops to enter Kentucky
from a Northern State. For its promptness in coining to the relief of Louisville, the
loyal ladies residing in the Sixth Wai'd of that city afterwards presented the Regi-
ment with a handsome silk flag. Immediately on the arrival of the Regiment at Lou-
isville it was dispatched, by way of the Nashville Railroad, to Muldraugh's Hill, forty
miles from Louisville, and camped at a point a few miles north of Elizabethtown, on
the 22d of September. On the arrival of the Louisville Legion, and the 38th and 39th
Indiana Regiments, the Sixth was moved beyond Klizal)ethtown and posted in the
advance near Nolin creek. Here it was joined by 300 recruits, which had left Madison
on the 9th of October, in charge of Lieut. Col. Hiram Prather. A large force of Union
troops was soon concentrated in this vicinity, where Brigade and Division oi-ganiza-
tions were perfected. The Sixth was assigned to Rousseau's Brigade of McCook's
Division, and marched with this portion of Buell's army to Munfordsville, where
it remained until March, 1862, when it marched to Bowling Green, thence to Nash-
ville, and went into camp near that city. On the 29th of March it left for the Tennes-
see river, reaching Savannah, Tennessee, after a march of 140 miles in seven days,
on the night of the 6th of April, in time to take a steamer and reach the field of
Shiloh eai'ly on the morning of the 7th, the second day of that great battle. The Sixth
fought gallantly the whole day, and at a critical period saved one of our batteries
from capture, following this up with a charge that aided in turning the tide of victory
in favor of our arms. Alter the battle, the Sixth encamped upon the field, remaining
there until the march upon and siege of Corinth was commenced, in which it partici-
pated. The Regiment then marched, with Buell's army, to Nashville, by way of
Tuscumbia, Florence, Huntsville, Stevenson, and Cowan's Station, and from "thence to

52 IIISTOIJY OF THE SIXTH IKDlANA REGIMENT.

Louisville, Ky., reaching the latter place on the 2d of October, 18fi2. November feiind
the Sixth again in Tennessee, when it particijjiited in Rosecrans' march upon Mur-
freesboro, and in the battle of Stone Kiver. December 31st, 18(i2, and January 1st and
2d, 1863. During the spring and summer of 18(53, the Sixth Eegiment "was engaged in
campaigning in the district of country lying between Murfreesboro and Chattanooga,
Tennessee. On the 19th and 20lh oi' Septemlier it participated in the battle of Chica-
mauga. The commanding officer. Col. J\ 1*. Uakhvin, "was killed on the first day of
the engagement. It was, also, engaged in a severe skirmish with the enemy at
Brown's Ferry, Tenn.. on the 27th ot October, and in the successful engagement at
Mission Ridge on the 25th of November. The Regiment was then marched into East
Tennessee, and remained in that locality until the following spring. In the march
upon Atlanta, Ga., and the severe fighting that ensued, from day to day, the Sixth
bore an honorable part. It Avas enuagcd in the battles at Tunnel tllill, "Rocky Face
Ridge, Resacca. Buzzard Roost, Dallas, Ncav Hope, Allatoona Ridge, Kennesaw
Mountain, Marietta, and before Atlanta. The latter' part of August. 1864, it re-
turned to Chattanooga, Tenn., where the non-veterans were mustered out of service
on the 22d of September, 1864 . 1 he veterans (of Avhom there was but a small number,)
and the remaining recruits, whose term of service had not expired, were transferred
to the 68th Regiment Indiana Volunteers. On the final muster out of the last named
Regiment, nineteen men of the old Sixth were found to be still in service, and these
were again transferred to the 44th Regiment Indiana Volunteers, and were finally
mustered out with that organization on the 14th day of September, 1865.

THE PLAa OP THE^SIXTH INDIANA.

I AM indebted to Miss Kate M. Caplinger, of Madison, for the fol-
lowing poem, written by her sister, Rose Connett. It was suggested
from hearing two soldiers describing the appearance of the flag of
the Sixth Indiana at the close of the war. A. J. G.

Battleworn Flag of the gallant Sixth,

Tattered with bullets and shell,
Under your folds and under your stars

Many a soldier fell !
Tattered by bullets from traitor hand,

Crimson with I^orthern blood,
Hands that have striven to sever our land,

That have spilled a gory flood.

Yet over them now, O battleworn Flag,

Though tattered and torn, you float;
And the heart beats fast with valiant love

Under the soldier's coat.
Battleworn Flag of a bloody war,

Triumphant ever wave !
Thou hast not lost a single star,

Though many a gallant brave.

For many a son has fallen low,

Fighting for thee and home ;
Many a father sleeps to-day,

In the soldiers' silent tomb.
Gallant Flag, may we never again

Live to see such wars ;
But if we should, we'll all be slain,

Sooner than dim thy stars !

x('

r

No, CA^fti^^