Tennessee

March and April 1863

Record of Events

March 63

Undated Comment: A - Spent the last two months in drilling, scouting, and foraging. H – Since last muster day have twice changed their place of encampment marching for the purpose in all about one and a half miles and recrossing to the north side of the Cumberland River. Have been on several scouts and foraging expeditions, etc., etc.

9: B – Company B went up the Cumberland River after forage as far as Granville, Tennessee, distance about twenty-five miles.

10: B – Returned. Went on a scout to Alexandria March --, distance fourteen miles. Saw no enemy and returned next day.

12: E – Crossed the river and went into camp northeast of Carthage about one-half mile, where we remained. G – Marched across the Cumberland River and camped back of the town. K – Crossed the river and camped north of the town. Remained here.

13: B – Crossed the river and encamped back of Carthage. C – Ordered to Camp Carthage. D – Left camp on the south side of the Cumberland River opposite Carthage, Tennessee, where last mustered. Went into camp on the north side of the Cumberland near Carthage the same day. F – Left camp opposite Carthage, Tennessee, place where mustered, and arrived same day at the present camp near Carthage, Tennessee.

14: A – Had a slight skirmish near Middleton while on a scout. Nobody hurt.

20: A – While on a foraging expedition to Fort Blount some thirty-five or forty miles up the Cumberland River, we were fired on by some Rebel cavalry and one man was wounded. D – Four companies of the Eighty-ninth Ohio Volunteers including Company D went on a foraging expedition up the Cumberland River and were attacked by Rebel cavalry. None killed or severely wounded. Have been on several scouts since but nothing of importance transpired. F – It was engaged in a skirmish at Fort Blount Landing. The Rebel loss was four killed and several wounded. Company loss, none. The company has been on a number of scouts and engaged in several slight skirmishes but have met with no casualties. Has made great improvement in drill.

25: I – Marched to Rome, distance (seven) miles; thence to [Middleton], distance of eight miles; thence to camp, distance seven miles.

April 63

3-5: C – The company was scouting; distance marched forty miles.

5: I - Marched to Alexandria, distance fourteen miles. Returned to camp.

13-15: C – Scouting; distance marched twenty miles.

13: B – Crossed the river to Rome, distance about eight miles. I – Marched to Rome, distance seven miles.

14: B – Went from there to New Middleton, where we found a force of the enemy. After skirmishing several hours we fell back. E – Was in one skirmish with the enemy at Middleton, Tennessee. Loss, none. I – To New Middleton, where we met the Rebel force under General Wheeler and there had a small skirmish with his advance guard. Lost no men.

15: B – We crossed the river to camp early in the morning.

23-25: C – Scouting; distance marched thirty miles.

23: I – Marched to Alexandria, distance fourteen miles.

25: I – Returned to camp. Since last muster have improved in drill and military appearance.

28: B – Moved our camp about one-fourth of a mile above the town. E – Moved about one mile farther up the river and camped. Have been in numerous scouts both by night and day, weakened considerable by sickness. G – Again moved our camp about a quarter of a mile from the old one. Since last muster the company has been on quite a number of scouts by day and night and have been in several skirmishes. No casualties happening. The discipline of the company has improved. K – We moved camp about one-half mile up the river, where we now are. We have been on a number of scouts both by day and night. Have been in one skirmish but lost none. The company has suffered much on account of so much exposure to the night air. Consequently our ranks are thinner. Have made some improvement in drill and military appearance.

30: B – We were mustered for pay. G – Company G, Eighty-ninth Regiment, Ohio Volunteers Infantry was last mustered for pay in camp near Carthage, Tennessee. K – Company K was last mustered at Carthage, Tennessee.

The Highland News, Grey Pony Letter from Carthage

Camp Near Carthage, Tenn.

March 1, 1863

We arrived at this point day before yesterday. Judging from present indications, we will make a stand here. Two confederate conscript officers were arrested at Carthage yesterday – also a Rebel Major.

Will write you again, soon – send papers and letters to Louisville, to follow the regiment.

Yours truly,

GREY PONY

The Scioto Gazette of 17 Mar 63, "Paxton" Letter

Nashville, Tenn., March 3d, 1863

Editor Gazette: - I desire to make known to the public, through the columns of your paper, the baneful effects of the treasonable matter which is sent south. Treasonable papers are sent here by the hundred, viz: - Cincinnati Enquirer, Louisville Democrat, Crisis, and many others. An occasional copy of the Chillicothe Advertiser also finds its way here. Why are these papers permitted to be issued? Why are they not suppressed by the government? Or why are they not excluded from the southern mails? Here they come, casting broadcast their treasonable sentiments, poisoning the minds of the people, strengthening them in the belief that they are right. Should this be permitted? Not so. It helps to discourage the soldiers and dampens their spirits. Few Union papers find their way to this place.

Yesterday, while roaming the streets of Nashville, I happened to go to the St. Cloud Hotel, as the news-boy came in with his papers, the Enquirer and Louisville Journal. The citizens, of secesh proclivities, who were present, preferred the Enquirer and took it with a smile of triumph, while the soldiers-God bless them-took the Journal. The Journal is the only paper we have to counteract the poisoning in influence of the Enquirer.

If you want this war to continue for years, your soldiers to be discouraged, and treason to triumph, just countenance and sustain these papers. And if you want to see the war at an end and peace reign, and the Union preserved, you must suppress these papers. By doing so you will have the heart-felt and sincere thanks of the soldiers and of the Union sympathizers who dwell here. Let something be done quickly toward suppressing the publication of all treasonable papers.

Place this matter before you; meditate upon it; think of the ruin you are bringing upon yourselves; and we entreat you that this thing be done-and we, as soldiers will thank you most kindly.

Paxton,

A member of the 89th Ohio.

Private A. Bartley to his Father from Carthage

Camp Near Carthage tenn

March 4th 1863

Dear Father and Mother I once more seat My self to write you a few lines to let you know that I am in Tolerable good health at present and hope that this silent Mesenger May find you in the Same state of health. we have moved again about one hundred and fifty Miles from nashville by the river. I have written two or three letters to you since we passed home and have received on answer as yet and I do not see why I never get any letters for other boys gets letters from Ripley every day or two. I think that you Might write Me a few lines once in a while for I would like very Mutch to hear from home at least once A Month but I Do not hear from you that often. a letter from home would Cheer up My spirits Considerable for we are now in one of the most god forsaken country I think I ever saw. it is worse than virginia. there is nothing of any importance a going on here only that a squad of our pickets fired on a Squad of rebels the other night and the old rebs Just got up and Lit out. tine is well and harty as A Buck and Just returned from picket. he was out on picket yesterday and last night.

give My Leove [love] to all of the family and every Body els that wants it and Keep A share For your Self and answer this as soon as you get it. excuse Bad writing and this Short Letter and I will Try and Do Better next Time. From your affectionate Son.

Alfred Bartley

P S

Direct to nashville to follow the regt

Private A. Bartley to his Father from Carthage

Carthage tenn

Mar the 5 1863

My Dear Father and Mother

it is with much pleasure that I embrace this sweet moment by answerin your kind letter of the 23 which came to hand last evening. Mother wee are camped tow hundred mile A bove nashville on the Cumberland river and about 15 mile from the line between Kentuckey and Tenn. wee ar Camped on A bautifil [beautiful] peace of roling ground and the rebble scouts and our pickets exchange shots every day. the other night they war a squad of rebble Calvery Came to our picket post and the sentinel haltin them and asked them who came their and they sed friends. then the Corporal told them to dismount and come one [on] with the Counter sign. then they all dismounted and started up the hill to the boys and the boys fired seven times at them. then they mounted their horses and left but some of them left their hats. Mother as for uncle Dan I can not tell you wher he is but he left us at lewisville and wee dont know wher his is but I pose he is safe. Father if you need that money I want you to spend it for wee can make as much money as wee want. tell ant [aunt] nann that I got that can of peaches that she sent us. i and tine and uncle Dan eat them. Mother you think hard A bout us not wrighting but Tine and me has roat six letter since wee have bin down hear but our male has bin captured sevrel time and that acounts for it. I wold like to know whether you got my blanket or not.

give my love to ant nan and all in qiuren [inquiring] friends. i am well and i hope you ar the same. give the children my love. so good by

god bless you all

Alfred Bartley

Private J. Ogden to his brother from Carthage

Camp near the Cumberland River one mile from the river on the sothern side oposite a small town by the name of Carthage Tennisee.

March 5th, 1863. Dear Brother, it is with pleasure that I seat myself this evening to write you a few lines in answer to your letter which I received last night. I was glad to hear from you. it had bin some time since I had heard from home. we are about 100 miles above Nashville we arrived here last Fryday after four days march on the boats. There is a good many troops here and still coming in. there was two Regiments of Cavilry come in yesterday. we are in General G. Crooks division. there are four regiments in our Bregade the 11, 36, 89 and 92. we are the first troops that ever Camped in this part of the country so the citizens tel us. this being the case the chickens and turkeys are plenty and we just go for them. we have plenty of turkey and chicken to eat and once and a while we come across a hens nest, they dont go bad boiled. this is pretty ruff country pretty mounteneous but appears to be pretty good soil. the people are most all secesh of the rankest kind. the rebels have bin thru here and compelled all to join the ranks but what are either two old or young. the weather is pretty coald and disagreeable. I guess it is very cold in Ohio now. last night it frose pretty hard and has bin cool all day to day. wel I dont now but I expect we wil have some fighting to do befor we get away from here. I dont now how long we will stay at this camp but it is thought that we wil move on soon toward Murfesborough which is about 200 miles distant. some of the boys have bin out on a scout for a day or two and returned with fifteen prisners some twenty five horses some of them are very fine ones. Wel ed you may sel the sorrel horse do the best you can with him. I was sorry to hear that mother was not wel you must write soon and let me now how she is. wel I wil close hoping this may find you all wel. my health is not very good and has not bin for two or three days but it is nothing serious the matter. I got a letter from Josephone Ricabaugh last night tel her I will write to her soon. ed when you write you must tel me what you are going to do this summer for my part I am going to work for uncle sam. wel this is all for this time. write soon. no more but remain your affectionate brother James Ogden.

farewel give my respects to all the friends.

OBITUARY.

Camp Near Carthage, Tenn.,

March 8th, 1863

Died at Hospital No. 14, Nashville, Tennessee, on the 20th February, 1863, Clement Thomas, late 2d Lieut. of Company K, 89th Regiment, O.V.I.

The deceased was a young man of 22 years, and when he enlisted, (in August last.) was apparently possessed with a sound and rugged constitution; but while encamped at Camp Fenwick, Va., he was seized with the camp fever, from which he never fully recovered. After an illness, however, of some two months, he again returned to duty, and accompanied to Nashville, but while camped near there, he was taken with the measels and conveyed to the hospital, where, after an illness of ten days, he died.

His disposition was mild and amiable, and by his kind and obliging manners he won the love of his associates.

He was a member of the M. E. Church, and by his daily walk and conversation gave evidence that he possessed those graces which adorn the true Christian. His was an example worth imitation, showing that a soldier can be a Christian.

We sympathize deeply with his relatives and friends, and while they mourn the loss of a son, a brother, a friend, we too have lost an officer and friend, and the country a noble patriot.

W.

The Scioto Gazette of 24 Mar 63, Private J. F. Hill Letter from Carthage

Camp Near Carthage, Tenn.,

March 9th, 1863

Mr. Editor: - If our friends at home are as anxious to hear from us as we are to hear from them, this letter will be very acceptable to the numerous readers of your newspaper.

The 89th Regiment has at last got so far into rebeldom that it will be some time before our shadows darken our own doors again. On the 22d of February we broke up camp near Nashville and reported aboard of steamers, and after considerable delay and cautious movements, going up the Cumberland river, we landed at this place on the 27th and went into camp one mile south of the river, in a corn-field, which had been sown down in wheat last fall and harrowed perfectly level, which makes now a beautiful parade-ground for "Yankees."

Carthage is a small, poor little town, not as large as Clarksburg, in your county. It is on the north bank of the Cumberland and is the seat of justice for Smith county, Tennessee. This place is 50 miles east of Nashville and 40 north-east of Mumfordsville and 60 miles north of Chattanooga. Here has been the main pass-way from Kentucky southward, and we are sent here to hold this pass, and to prevent Bragg from retreating north, when Gen. Rosecrans shall pitch into him at Tullahoma.

The forces here are under command of Brig. Gen. Crooks, and consist of the 11th, 36th, 89th, and 92d Ohio Infantry, the 18th and 24th Regiments of Kentucky Infantry, and the 21st Indiana Battery, and all in pretty good condition, feeling anxious, when needed, to be led forth to victory. We are now busily engaged in digging rifle pits, throwing up fortifications and fixing breastworks. They intend to have here, in a few days, four large siege-guns, and have them planted so as to sweep any approach that the rebels may have to this camp for three miles. There is one thing that we lack here, and want very bad too: that is cavalry. There is a good deal of scouting needed here as the rebels are very troublesome along the lines, annoying our pickets and pitching into our trains whenever they can get an opportunity; and you may depend they never let a good opportunity pass by them, when headed by such men as Morgan, Foster and Wheeler.

The past week has been one filled with incidents, and some of them very costly to Uncle Sam. Our Brigade Quartermaster has been sending out foraging trains. The two first were successful; besides bringing in the wagons loaded with grain, the captured and brought in 26 prisoners. Let it be said to the honor of the Ross county boys that went out on the second expedition, that they treated all citizens with civility and paid for everything they got. But they sent out a foraging train on Sunday last that met with a reverse. The train had proceeded about four miles and had got partially loaded up, and was on their return to camp, and when within two miles of this place, where the road passes through a deep forest, they were suddenly surprised by a large body of rebel cavalry, who come charging upon them from out of the woods and captured the whole train, save two men who were on horseback in the rear and dodged back and took a by-road and came into camp faster than Dick Turpin ever rode. The alarm was spread in camp, and immediately four Companies of the 11th Ohio were sent out on double-quick, but could not accomplish anything. The rebels had secured their prey and were beating a hasty retreat. The Government loss was 18 wagons, 120 mules and horses, 18 teamsters, Companies K and G, of the 11th O.V.I., numbering 40 men and 2 commissioned officers, one Captain and Lieutenant, making in all 60 men were captured and about 50 good Enfield rifles. The loss in property will not fall short of $10,000.

All quiet along the lines today. From now until you shall hear from me again we will keep a sharp look out for rebels.

J. F. Hill

March 10th

The Highland News, Capt Mullenix Resignation

Capt. J. H. Mullenix of Co. A, 89th Ohio, arrived at home last Saturday night. We regret to learn that he has been compelled to resign on account of chronic rheumatism, which incapacitated him for active duty.

The 89th is encamped at Carthage on the Cumberland river, 135 miles from Nashville. The health of the regiment was slightly improved, but there are still a large number on the sick list.

The Scioto Gazette of 7 Apr 63, Private J. F. Hill Letter from Carthage

From the 89th Regiment, O.V.I.

Camp Near Carthage, Tenn.,

March 23d, 1863

Mr. Editor: - Since writing to you last, this Division of the army has fallen back and crossed the Cumberland River, and gone into camp just north of the town of Carthage on the premises of old Cullum, a rank Secesh, who says he cared more for a negro than any black Abolitionist. And yet our General (Crooks) gives him a guard of protection, and has threatened by peremptory orders, that he will arrest and punish any soldier who will burn or destroy any fence rail or piece of a rail or be found in and about the mansion house of the old renegade, for nothing else can I call him. I might give you some of his history, and then you would recognize him. It is said here by the citizens, that he was a member in the lower house of Congress, in 1836, I think, and there by schemes that come natural to his party, he cheated the Government out of $80,000 by having a finger in the public printing. Crime has hardened him and hence it was but a very easy matter for him to become a notorious rebel. And yet he comes to us and demands protection! But what gets us down is, why does our commander grant it? He boldly avows his determination to support Jeff Davis and the Southern Confederacy. He does not take any oath of allegiance to the Union; and yet he must be protected! Is that carrying out President Lincoln’s plan of subjugating the South? Here are hundreds of soldiers sleeping on the bare ground, contracting diseases that will soon carry them to their graves, while all around them are thousands of feet of plank whereby they could make their little linen tents comfortable and preserve their health; so as to be of some service (and not an expense) to our Government. There is some screw loose some place. But, Mr. Editor, soldiers must be like children, seen and not heard. We must bear all with patience, make no inquiries, expose nothing.

In the last week a good many of our boys that have been at home, have rejoined the regiment. They came up from Nashville aboard of the steamer Orient, and when within twelve miles of this place at a small town called Rome, they were fired into by some rebels hid on the bank. The steamer had aboard a battery, which opened upon them and caused the rebels to take to the woods. We had one man slightly wounded in the hand - private Reason Cross, of Co K. It is believed that some of the rebels was made to bite the dust. Let it be said to the honor of the boys, that they behaved with courage and coolness, situated as they were upon the decks, in full view of the enemy, and when fired upon they gallantly returned it. Let it be said in commendation of Reason Cross, that although he has been marked as a deserter, his present conduct of returning to his Regiment without giving his officers any trouble, should be marked as an example for all other loyal soldiers at home to follow.

The health of the Regiment has greatly improved in the last fortnight, and I will be greatly pleased to see all our boys resume their former good health.

One thing more I must not forget to mention; our Ross county boys saw something more like fight yesterday than they have ever seen in their lives. Four companies of our regiment, including Captain A. L. Brown’s who went as their commander, were ordered to report early on Friday morning aboard of the Delaware to go up the Cumberland after forage. They were accompanied by the gunboat Orient. They proceeded up the river unmolested, and commenced busily loading with corn and wheat. Capt. Leeds and his company were sent out on the opposite side of the river as pickets. The gunboat went on up the river two miles to load on some more forage, and the boys were kept busy all night, carrying corn and wheat half a mile in boxes and sacks. They had got the boat pretty well loaded by daylight; when just as day broke, our pickets were attacked by about 700 rebels. They fell back towards the river, and in their retreat they run through a marsh and came nigh miring in the mud, but they made out to get the river bank; but here it looked as if everything was lost again. The Delaware had got the alarm and was paddling down the stream to prevent the boat from falling into the hands of rebels. Here Capt Leeds and his men dodged about and secreted themselves under the bank till the Orient came thundering down, and commenced to shell the woods around and give the rebels more than they expected to meet with, and soon relieved the gallant Leeds and his brave band. Our boys met with no serious loss, save some slight flesh wounds. But they are of the opinion that there were some rebels there that will never again attempt to make an acquaintance with the Yankees.

After that our boats continued on their course down the river, firing on all Butternut troops they saw, and got into camp yesterday evening, in high glee over their first victory. Great praise is due Captain A. L. Brown of your county, who conducted the expedition with great valor and courage.

We are now transferred from Gen. Rosecrans’ army to the Cumberland to Gen. J. G. Granger’s army of Kentucky, and all letters addressed to this Division should be directed to their regiment, Crooks’ Division, via Louisville, Ky and Gallatin, Tenn.

More anon. J. F. Hill

Private M. Boots to his Parents from Carthage

March the 27 1863

Dear father and mother

I herewith inclose to you a few Lines to Let you no that I am well at this time and I do hope that when there few Lines Comes to hand that they will find you well.

I Receivd your kind Leter wich gave me Much Satisfaction to here from you and to here that you was all well.

we was out on a Scout the 20 of this month and the Rebles attacked and fireing was kept up that Nite about 2 hours then fireing Ceest for the Nite. the Next morning the fireing was recommenced and fire was kept till about 10 oClock. we got one man wounded. I dont no how maney of them we killed. then they Bushwhacked us all the way Back to Camp.

[Added on same page]

To James Sollers

tell him and his famley that [I] Send my Best Respects to them all.

So no more at this time but Still Remains your Dear Sun untill Death

Martin Boots to Daniel Boots

Rite Soon and Direct you Leters to me in Care of Capt Brown Com D 89 Regt O V I Nashville tenn

The Highland News, Adjt Spargur Home

Adjutant Spargur, of the 89th Ohio, arrived at home last Friday evening. – He reports the health of the 89th greatly improved, nearly 700 men being now fit for duty.

The Highland News, Order for 89th Absentees to Report

89th Regiment O.V.I.

All absentees belonging to the 89th Regiment of Ohio Volunteers are notified to report to the undersigned, at Camp Dennison, on Wednesday, April 8, 1863, where transportation will be furnished them to the regiment, at Carthage, Tennessee. All who do not report at that time and place will be arrested and returned to the regiment as deserters. R. W. Spargur

Adj’t 89th Reg’t O.V.I.

Hillsboro, April 2, 1863.

Private M. Boots to his Parents from Carthage

Aprile the 7 1863

Dear father and mother

I herewith inclose to you a few Lines to Let you no that I am well at this time and I do hope that when there few Lines Comes to hand that they will find you well.

I mus tell you Something about our March we was orderd to March Last friday Nite. we Started at dark to go to Snow hill and Reinforce generl Stanley. we Marcht all nite till 3 oClock in the morning then we Stopt and Slept till day and we Started and March till 12 oClock on Saturda when we was met By the 4 ohio Caverly and they told us that the Batle was over. we was in one Mile of the [ground] the Batle was faught on Last friday. we had 3 thousand men ingaged in it and morgan had 5 thousand. we whipt him Badly and he had to Burn all of his trains to keep us from getting them. if our Bregad [Brigade] could got up in time we would hav taking him and all of his trains and men. then we Returned back to our old Camp with a march of 36 Miles with Sore feet and did not git to See the fun.

their is about 20 thousand men here now. the health of the Soldiers her is not very good at this time. I dont think that this war Can Last Much Longer. if you hav any good war Newes I wont you to Let me no it.

So no more at this time. But Still Remains you Dear Sun untill death.

Martin Boots to Daniel & Cary Boots. fare well for this [time]. Rite Soon and Direct yours as you hav don Before.

Private M. Boots to his Parents from Carthage

Camp Near Carthug [Carthage] tennessee

Aprile 9 1863

mi [my] Dear father and mother

i take mi pen in hand to inform you that We ar all Well at present & hoping that [these] few lines ma [may] find you in the Same helfh [health].

thre [there] is not much to rite at this time. Ever thing is Still at present. We ar fortifinn [fortifying] and Bilden [building] Brest Works Everday. We have bin Reinforst with in the Last Weeks and it will take a Strong forse to Drive us from here.

turn to the other Side.

[unreadable]

Rite Soon

Martin Boots to daniel Boots

The Highland News of 30 Apr 63, Crooks’ Division War Resolutions

Resolutions on the War, Adopted by the 11th, 36th, 89th, and 92d O.V.I. of Gen. Crooks’ Division.

Carthage, Tenn., April 10, 1863.

Dear Father: - The enclosed Resolutions and Preamble were adopted by the Division almost unanimously. In our Regiment there were only 25 or 30 dissenters, and they mostly on account of the seven years clause in the 3d resolution, they understanding if they voted for it they would pledge themselves to remain in the army for that period. I voted for them, but do not understand that I pledged myself to remain in the army seven years. – Should the war so long continue, I calculate to serve the other four years of my service at home, by hitting Vallandighammers in the mouth with brickbats and writing encouraging letters to soldiers in the field, urging them to stand by their colors, and not desert and come home. Peace Democracy in the army is played out, and at home too, I should judge from the way deserters are returning to their regiments. A boat-load came up for our Division the other day. Encourage us at home by flooring every traitor who dares to utter his sentiments, and stop that writing to soldiers to desert and the ‘Federacy will shortly tumble. There is more patriotism in the 11th Regiment to-day than there was when the boys first left their homes, two years ago, and why? All on account of the infernal scoundrels at home who are trying to disgrace us by endeavoring to make us believe that eight millions of these thick-lipped, dirty, lousy, ragged, butternut Southern devils can whip twenty millions of intelligent white men from the North; and thus induce us to say we are in favor of peace. Nary such a peace. Die first. Take care, traitors at home. The soldiers pronounce your doom every day, and if you don’t repent, it will come upon you when there old soldiers come home.

N. A. Fulton

The following Preamble and Resolutions were adopted by an overwhelming majority of the four Ohio Regiments in this Division (Gen. Crooks’):

Whereas: We, the officers and soldiers of Gen. Crooks’ Division, comprising the 11th, 36th, 89th, and 92d Regiments of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, being all the Ohio troops in his command, have, in common with our comrades in Arms, cheerfully periled our lives and every earthly interest to save to ourselves and posterity a country and a Government, the same which in historic times were bought with blood and established by that quality of wisdom "which though human seems Divine"; and whereas, a number of intriguing demagogues at home have recently by word and act sought to excite disaffection among us, block the wheels of wise legislation, excite discontent in the public mind, and in every way to baffle all efforts to conquer the rebels, therefore

Resolved, That in the name of our God we will still defend our flag; and with an abiding faith in the justness of our cause, we will still go forth to meet the foe, with unshaken confidence that He who led our Patriot Fathers to victory will crown our arms with success and preserve to us our glorious Union, with its heritage of civil and religious liberty, as ours, and our children’s children’s after us, to time’s latest hour.

Resolved, That we hold in utter detestation that clique of miscreants calling themselves the "Democratic Party," thereby disgracing that time honored name, they being, in our opinion, but a band of traitors and National assassins, who have no censure save for the officers of our Government, no complaint save that energetic measures are employed to crush out the rebellion, no aspirations, save to embarrass our Executive and Legislative departments and engender mutinies in our armies; and that we spurn with unfeigned contempt the shameful lie circulated by them, that we are tired of fighting and willing to compromise with the Southern horde now in arms against the Union.

Resolved, That despite the frenzied efforts of our foes before us, and the despicable intrigues of our other foes behind us, we will abate not one jot of faith or hope, but believing that the maintenance of our Government is worth all the cost expended in its establishment, we emphatically assure all traitors at home that not until we have undergone a seven years’ struggle, if need be, will we cease this contest, and not, until we have experienced such sufferings as were bravely endured at Valley Forge, will we begin to murmur, By the exertions already made and hardships endured, by the sufferings of our comrades in hospital and camp, by the precious blood which has encrimsoned our Eastern and Western waters, by the hearths made desolate and heart-strings rent asunder, because of this wicked rebellion, we solemnly pledge our honor as American soldiers to see this contest through to a successful issue or yield up our lives a willing sacrifice to our Country’s weal.

Resolved, That to the loyal and patriotic men of the North who, without distinction of party, have offered up their sons and their treasures for the support of the Government, and who still encourage us in our efforts, who sympathize with us in the success of our arms, we tender such heart-felt gratitude as soldiers facing a hostile foe only can feel, and that we urge on our friends to continue their earnest and undivided support, by holding up the hands of, and assisting in every way our devoted and loyal Governor in the weighty and fatiguing duties, by striking to the heart that treason which is in their midst and which is trying to foil the efforts of all Union-loving men, while we press on to crush out of existence that foul monster Secession; which is the legitimate offspring of Slavery, bigoted ignorance and political intrigue.

Resolved, That in as much as the circulation of the Cincinnati Enquirer and Dayton Empire have been frowned upon and suppressed in camp by the common consent of both officers and soldiers, on account of their infamous, corrupt and traitorous sentiments and the gross and damning slanders circulated by them upon the honor, virtue and fair fame of our wives and families, that we urge upon our friends at home to crush out the notoriously disloyal sheets, including the smaller country prints following in their wake by withdrawing all their support at once from both these publications and from those who encourage their sentiments.

Resolved, That we forward the foregoing Resolutions to our respective county papers for publication.

Private M. Boots to his Parents from Carthage

Aprile the 11th 1863

Dear father and mother

I once more take mi pen in hand to Let you no that I am well at this time and I do hope that when thesie few Lines Comes to hand that they will find you all well. Like to here from home a Little offner if I Could.

the health of our Regment Sems [seems] Beter than it was. the weather is giting very warm here not. their is about 20 thousand men here now.

So I must Close By Sending my Best Respects to my inquirey [inquiring] friends. So no more at this time onley Still Remains your Dear Sun untill Death

Martin Boots to his Dear father and mother farewll for this time. Rite Soon and Direct your Leter to me in Care of Capt Brown Compt D 89 Regt and by way of Lewisville [Louisville] Kentucky.

Private M. Boots to his Parents from Carthage

Aprile the 15 1863

Dear father and mother

I again take mi pen in hand to Let you no that I am well at this time and I do hope that when thesie few Lines Comes to hand that they will find you all well.

I must tell you Somthing about our Scout yesterday. we was Scouting 2 days and yesterday we Run in to the Rebles. their was 8 or 9 thousand of them and 12 hundred of us. they had 4 peiecs [pieces] of artilery and we had non a Long. we had hevy Scrimishen [skirmishing] with them yesterday and finley [finally] we had to Retreat and March prety all Nite tho I think that we will try them Soon again.

I Receivd your kind Leter of date of the 1st of Aprile and I was truley glad to here from you all and to here that you was all well once more.

I will tell you that we hav a heap of hard Marching to do now. we are Expecting that the Rebles will make an atact [attack] on Soon here and if they do I think that we will them what they Need.

So I mus Close by Saying to you I Send by Best Wishes to you all. So no more at this time But Still Remains your Sun untill Death.

Martin Boots to his Dear father and mother. So farewell for this time.

Rite Soon and Direct yours Leters to me as you hav don Before.

A few word[s] to James Solers.

Dear unkle

I was glad to here from you and to here that you was all well. I would like to be home and See you all once more tho I hope that I will Soon. I Send by Best Respect to you. So no more.

Martin Boots to James Solers

fare wll for this time.

Private R. D. Noftsgar to his Brother from Carthage

Carthage Tennessee

April 21, 1863

Dear Brother

Your letter of 12. Inst rec + glad to hear from you. I am well + feel bully. At present there nothing particular going on now. I rote to Eliza few days ago. I told her all the newes that I knowed.

That money that my tobacco brings put it on inst for me as you agreed to do. Don’t raised no fuss about it. Jim will do the right thing as he said he would. Let Jim have the money. Of course he will give security which is a bussines way as one don’t know what will happens. I believe Jim will do the right thing. So let it pass as easy a posable [possible]. No more on that subject.

We have got a good camp here, good water, plenty to eat such as it is.

I will close now but will write soon. Rite often so I remain your brother. Tell Jim to give the family such things as they kneed.

Robt. D Noftsgar

23 Apr 63

The Highland News of 7 May 63, Vote of Crooks’ Division on War Resolutions

Vote of Crooks’ Division, including the 89th Ohio, on the War Resolutions Published in our Last Issue.

The following communication from Major Wm. H. Glenn, of the 89th Ohio, to the Military Committee of this county, gives the particulars of the vote of the different regiments composing Gen. Crooks’ Division, on the War resolutions which we published last week:

Crooks’ Division, Carthage, Tenn.,

April 23, 1863.

Military Committee Highland Co., Ohio.

Gentlemen: - A committee of this Division having been appointed to draft resolutions expressive of their views in the present crisis, the officers of the several Regiments met to consider the adoption of the Resolutions presented. Col. J. D. Hatfield, of 89th, was called to the Chair, and Adjutant Morris of 11th Ohio appointed Secretary. About 80 officers present.

The following preamble and resolutions were offered for consideration: - After some discussion, they were adopted, with only three votes in the negative. It was then resolved that the resolutions be submitted to the soldiers of each Regiment, by their company officers, which was subsequently done with the following result:

The 11th Ohio from 30 to 50 against the adoption of the Resolutions.

The 36th Ohio – Unanimously in favor.

The 89th on 2d Res. 33 noes. 3d Res. 43 noes; 4th Res. 31 noes; 5th Res. 14 noes; 6th Res. 28 noes; 7th Res. 59 noes, 8th Res. 53 noes.

The 92d Ohio – Unanimously in favor of adoption.

I have been more particular in giving the vote of the 89th Reg; you being more nearly connected therewith. We have thought best to send the Military Committee of each county from which the Regiment was raised a copy of the Resolutions, that they might direct them in the proper channel for publication. Respectfully,

William H. Glenn,

Committee for the 89th Reg’t.