Before Atlanta
January to April 1864
Record of Events
No entries.
Undated: A – The company was engaged in the armed reconnaissance against Dalton, Georgia.
22: FS – Marched from Chattanooga, Tennessee. Arrived at Ringgold, Georgia same day. Bivouacked for the night; distance marched seventeen miles. C – Left Chattanooga, Tennessee. F – Left Chattanooga, Tennessee. H – Company H left Chattanooga, Tennessee. Marched to Ringgold, Georgia. Bivouacked for the night. K – The company left Chattanooga and marched to Tunnel Hill. Took a part there in the assault upon the enemy.
23: FS – In the morning crossed the Chickamauga Creek near the town. Halted and remained here during the day. At 7 p.m. resumed the march again. Marched two and one-half miles in the direction of Tunnel Hill. Halted and bivouacked for the night near Tiger Creek. H – Moved forward toward Dalton about four miles.
24: FS – At 8 o’clock in the morning crossed the creek. Halted and remained until sunset, when we again resumed the march in the direction of Tunnel Hill. Arrived within one mile of the Tunnel at 10 p.m. Halted and remained there until next day. H – Moved to Tunnel Hill.
25: FS – At 3 a.m. we resumed the march again passing to the left of the Tunnel. Arrived at Rocky Face Valley at 9 a.m. Had one engagement with the enemy. Had thirteen men wounded and one missing. Drew back to Ringgold. A – The company was engaged in the fight. B – The company was in the battle of Rocky Face Ridge near Tunnel Hill. Skirmished nearly all day with the enemy with a loss of two men (wounded). Fell back to Hooker’s Gap in the night of same day. C – Fought the enemy near Dalton, Georgia and withdrew to near Ringgold at night. D – Made one charge and was repulsed with the loss of one man wounded. F – Fought the enemy near Dalton, Georgia and withdrew to near Ringgold on this night. H – Fought the enemy at Rocky Face Ridge until 10 p.m., losing one man in action. Finding the enemy too strong fell back to Ringgold. I – The company was in the battle of Rocky Face Ridge (near Tunnel Hill, Georgia). Skirmished nearly all day with the enemy. Made our charge with a loss of one man wounded. Fell back at night to Hooker’s Gap.
26: B – Advanced to Tunnel Hill. C – At night advanced to Tunnel Hill and withdrew at night to Stone Church on Catoosa Creek, distance four miles. D – Advanced again to Tunnelton. E – Advanced to Tunnel Hill and withdrew at night to Stone Church on Tiger Creek, a distance of four miles. F – In the evening advanced to Tunnel Hill and withdrew that night to Stone Church, Tiger Creek, distance four miles. H – Moved forward to Tunnel Hill. Arrived about 3 p.m. About 10 p.m. withdrew to Ringgold. I – Advanced to Tunnel Hill.
27: FS – Went into camp. B – Fell back to Ringgold, Georgia and went into camp. C – Went into camp in Ringgold, Georgia. D – Fell back to this place, where it has remained ever since. F – Went into camp at Ringgold, Georgia. H – Went into camp at Ringgold, Georgia. I – Fell back to Ringgold, Georgia and went into camp. K – It then fell back and went into camp at this place.
Private James Lucas Letter to his Mother from Hospital
Dear Mother yours in answer to my last was received a few days ago and I take the first opportunity of answering it. I was right glad to hear from you again as it had been some time since I had got a letter from you. my health is still improving and I think I will soon be well again. I am very well satisfied here but would like the Best in the World to come home a Short time but I dont see any chance at present but if any chance should turn up you may rest assure that I will take advantage of it.
I have not received my Descriptive roll yet and therefore can not draw any money this pay day. I would be glad if you would send me about five Dollars as I may get a chance to come home and I will need it.
you Stated in several of your letters that you sent me money and postage stamps but they never came to hear and I am of the opinion that you forgot to put them in the letter. I want you to be sure this time and [part missing]
Tell Thorton and Emeline to write to me if they dont receive a letter from me as I cant write like them
write soon an let me know how you are getting along.
your affectionate Son
James Lucas
The Highland News, 89th Status
The 89th Ohio. – This regiment has become so reduced in numbers by losses in battle, sickness, &c., that it now numbers less than three hundred men present for duty. Owing to the reduced number of men, and the scarcity of officers, the companies have been consolidated into five detachments of two companies each. Co’s. A and B are now commanded by Lieut. J. B Foreaker, Co’s. H and I by Lieut. May. Capt. Jolly, of Co. E, is in command of the regiment. Lieut. Vickers of Co. I, is acting Adjutant.
The Highland News, Lt Gamble Resigns
Lieut. John B. Gamble, of Co. A, 89th O. V. I., has been obliged to resign on account of chronic rheumatism and diarrhoea, and has returned to his home in this place. He left the regiment on the 18th of last month, at Chattanooga. Lieut. G. was acting Adjutant of the regiment in the battle of Chickamauga, and was one of the few officers of the 89th who escaped being captured on that occasion.
Private James Lucas Letter to his Mother from Louisville
Brown Hospital Louisville Ky
January 30th 1864
Dear Mother I take this opportunity to answer you most kind and welcome letter which I received a few days ago. well Mother I was very glad to hear that you was well. I am getting a little better I think and am in good hart. they sent for my Descriptive list but it has not came yet.
Dear Mother I havent received that money and paper and enveleps that you sent me.
you wanted to no something about Car. I havent herd from him for a long time. you can finde out where he is by writing to the Regiment.
well Dear Mother I gues I have told you all of importence so I will close so good by at present from your ever effectionate Sun James Lucas.
Dear Brother I will say a word to you. I would like to hear from you if you havent forgoten that I am in the servis. if you have just ask Mother where I am and she can tell you. I have made an application for a furlow but I dont no whether I will get it or not.
Private J. Porter Letter to Friends from Chattanooga
Chattanooga Tenn Feb 14 1864
My Dear Friends at home
Once more I embrace the opportunity of writing you a few lines to let you know that I am still well and in the Best of Spirets and getting a long fine. Rob R [Robert L. Richards, 59th O.V.I.] was here yesterday morning and said that he would be up to day but it has been raining all day so that he has not got up yet. We have been expecting to move to the front for severle days but have not started yet but we are under marching orders.
we was paid off this morning and I have $100 to send home but I do not know how we will send it yet. we can send by Adams Express for .75 cents on the $10.00 but I do not know whether to send that way or not but it would be better to send it that way than not to send it all. as soon as I find how we will send it I will write and let you know.
I was out to the Chickamauga Battle ground this weak and saw the spot where cousin Frank as well as many others had to surrender to the notorious Traitors of our Country. the broken trees and Bushes gave good evidence that hard fighting had been done their and the little clay banks marked where many of our Brave Boys had fallen while in defence of our glorious Old Flag.
I recieved a letter from Cousin G Sargent yesterday and have just finished answering it. I also recieved a vary kind letter from Brother and Sister Olmsted a few days since and was truly glad to hear from them and to hear that they was well.
Mother you wanted to know in your letter that I recieved some time ago if our clothing was any hier [higher] than they was last year. they are not as high as they was by right smart. well I will close and write to you in a few days again. give my love to all enquireing friends and recieve the same for your self as coming from your sun in the Army of the Cumberland. John S. Porter to his Friends at home.
Private A. Bartley to his Mother from Chattanooga
Chattanooga Tenn February the 16th 1864
Dear Mother it is with great pleasure that I seat my self to wright you a few lines to let you No that I am well and hope these few lines may find you the same. Tine is well and on picket to day. Mother I since [sent] you $10 dols with Will Dunham of our Company to deliver to you for safe keeping. I will send 40 more some time again. Tine said he would not send any this time. We only got payed for two months this time. We have Bin so short of Rations for Some time we spend so mutch more you No [know]. well it all goes in the life time. its three years or during the war, any hom[e] you No our home. plenty of duty to do here. Now the troops has most all gon furst but our Com. they thought they would let the heroes of the old 14th Cor [Corps] Rest a while for if it had not bin for us at Chickamauga the most of Rosys [Rosecrans’] Army would have bin in the Tennessee River for our Com Stood the Blunt. [unreadable] Now Alfred Turney scalded his foot. [unreadable] set a Coffy pot full of Coffy on it. Chattanooga is a dirty, filthy, nasty, raged [ragged] deserted half way looking place. You No I wish you could se some of the [unreadable] that roams these streets. you would think our [unreadable] on Southern posts like this for Cotton is not to Seen unless it is a piece of a yankees tent. [unreadable] it came a blow the other night and blew our tent half way up lookout mountain. we had a mess pan full of beef on cooking it. Seem the old mess pan out the chimny and [unreadable]. yesterday we had some new dog tents com round. [unreadable]
Private J. Porter Letter to his Friends from Chattanooga
Chattanooga Tenn Feb 18th 64
My Dear Friends at home
this pleasant evening finds me attempting to write you a few lines to let you know that I am still well and harty so are all the Neighborhood Boys. the weather is vary nice but it has been right coald for a few days past. Will Demaris and my self was down to the Conv Corps yesterday to visit Cousin R L R [Robert L. Richards, 59th O.V.I.]. we found him well. as usell we are togather every fiew days so that the time passes off vary pleasantly. it is not much more than one mile to his Camp from ours so that we can go to see one other most any time when we are not on Duty.
I still have my money and will try to take cair of it untill I see a chance of sending it home. Rob said if he saw any chance of sending it home he would let me know. I saw a Photograph of Cousin Maggie R that she had sent to Rob. it is a splendid Picture I think. I had my picture taken yesterday and have just put it in the mail box to sent to you to let you see how I look down in Dixie. it is in a case and put up in a box and sent by mail so if you do not resieve it write and let me know. it is not as good as that one you have at home but it was the best that I could get.
I suppose Capt Sargeant of the 59th is at home ere this as he left here for home on the 14th so I was told. I hope he will have a pleasant visit. Rob said that uncle Enos had fell and broak three of his ribs. I was vary sory to hear it but I hope he is better ere this.
I have not resieved a letter from home for some time but expect a letter this evening if nothing happens. we have not moved yet and I dont think we will as the 15th Corps has gone to the front and they can not send boath Corps away at once so I think we will remain here for the present.
I reckon they have not heard from the Prisners from our Regiment in that Neighborhood yet have you. I would be glad to hear or see some prospect of their beeing exchanged for there is no doubt but what they see hard times. well I will close hopeing that this will find you all well. give my best respects to GranPa and all enquireing friends and resieve the same for your self as coming from your Sone in the Army.
John S. Porter
tell Brother and Sister they ar not forgotten by their Brother in the army. Pleas send me some Postage stamps when you write to me the next time.
Private James Lucas Letter to his Mother from Hospital
Dear Mother I take this opportunity to write you a few lines to let you no how I am getting along. I dont feel quite as well to day as [unreadable] but I am in hopes I will soon be well,
Mother I received a letter from emeline some time a go and I told her to tell you to send me some more money and I havent herd from you yet. if you havent sent it yet please send it when you get this for I havent much appetite to eat any thing that we get here and when I have money I can buy Butter and such things as I can eat.
well Mother I havent eny news to write so I will bring my letter to a close. I will send you a ring of my own make.
so good by from you Sun James Lucas
[Top of Page]OR, I, Series 57, Vol 32/1, pp. 462-465. Extract. Turchin Report on Demonstration on Dalton
FROM: J. B. TURCHIN, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Hdqrs. First Brig., Third Div., 14th Army Corps, Ringgold, Ga., March 1, 1864.
TO: Maj. JAMES A. LOWRIE, Assistant Adjutant-General.
SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 22d day of February, 1864, my brigade, consisting of the Eleventh, Eighty-ninth, and Ninety-second Ohio, and Eighty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in all 1,180 men, marched from Chattanooga to Ringgold, Ga., and encamped with the Second Brigade of our division.
On the 23d, we passed Ringgold and camped 2 miles beyond the gap at the Rock [Stone] Church.
On the 24th, the division moved to Terrill's house and camped there.
On the 25th, at 3 a.m., the division moved across the country to the left, and joined General Cruft's command on the Cleveland and Dalton road. Forming on the right of General Cruft's we advanced along the valley east of Rocky Face Ridge, my brigade being formed in two lines, three regiments in one line and one in reserve, the Second Brigade being on my left.
When the Eleventh Regiment Ohio Volunteers, moving in column on the road, approached the point A, the enemy opened with two pieces of artillery posted on the left of the grove C. Their range was so accurate that the first shell wounded 5 of our men.
The Eleventh Ohio Volunteers deployed in the field, the Ninety-second Ohio Volunteers in the thicket on the left, the Eighty-second Indiana Volunteers formed in the woods behind and to the right of the Eleventh Ohio Volunteers, and the Eighty-ninth Ohio Volunteers was sent along the foot of the ridge across the ravine toward the log house B. Besides the line of skirmishers on our front (two companies from each of the two regiments) I sent two companies from the Eleventh Ohio Volunteers and one company from each of the other regiments, in all five companies, on the slope and to the top of the ridge to protect our right from the enfilading fire of the enemy's sharpshooters, posted on the slope of the ridge.
The ridge being very steep, a great many sharp and short spurs from it formed abrupt ravines, steep hills, and sometimes isolated knolls, filling the side of the valley at the foot of the ridge, and forming when occupied by the enemy a series of impregnable positions.
After some skirmishing with the enemy occupying the knoll and grove C, four pieces of Captain Simonson's (Indiana) battery, forming on the right of the Eleventh Ohio Volunteers, shelled the grove for a half hour, and the enemy ceased firing.
The Eighty-ninth Ohio Volunteers, occupying the knob in front of the log-house, reported that the enemy were strong in their front. Reports from the companies on the slope of the ridge corroborated the report of the Eighty-ninth Ohio Volunteers, and Captain Layman, of the Eleventh Ohio Volunteers, sent me information from the top of the ridge that at least a division of the enemy was lying on our front.
General Palmer wished me to charge and take possession of the grove C. I reported to him that I had information from the different regiments that the enemy was too strong on my front, and that it would be dangerous to charge to the left while my flank was unprotected.
About noon General Baird directed my whole brigade to the right, and it was formed with the Eleventh Ohio Volunteers at the foot of the ridge, the Eighty-ninth Ohio and Eighty-second Indiana Volunteers, on the knoll D, called Sugar Loaf Point, and the Ninety-second Ohio Volunteers at the log-house.
While at the log-house General Whipple, chief of staff of Department of the Cumberland, urged me to charge the grove C, supposing that it was the key of the position, and that if taken it would open the gap beyond Buzzard Roost where General Davis' column was stopped by the enemy.
Before directing my command to charge the grove C, which was to our left, I ordered the Eleventh Regiment Ohio Volunteers, supported by the Ninety-second Ohio Volunteers, to move to the front to provoke the enemy and oblige him to show his force. The regiment moved down the ravine and commenced to climb the opposite hill, but the enemy in front and on the flank opened such a murderous fire that the regiment was broken in the twinkling of an eye. The enemy pursuing, several companies of the Ninety-second Ohio Volunteers broke also, but Captain Grosvenor of that regiment, with about 60 men, charged the scattering enemy and drove them back to their position.
At the same time the enemy charged the Eighty-ninth Ohio and Eighty-second Indiana Volunteers, posted on the knoll D, but were repulsed and followed by our men down the slope into the ravine and up the hill for some distance, when they, being re-enforced, covered our advancing men with volleys and drove them back. We retained our position, but in ten minutes lost 86 men and Lieutenant-Colonel Slocum, commanding Eighty-second Indiana Volunteers, who was very dangerously wounded.
This attempt to advance showed clearly what danger was in store not only for my brigade but the whole division. If I had moved to the left and attacked the grove C the enemy would have taken me in flank, thrown me on the Second Brigade in disorder, and attacked the Second Brigade in flank also.
Two regiments of the Third Brigade were now moved to support me on the right. After our short but sharp fighting all was quiet on our front until night, we not daring to advance and the enemy quietly waiting.
According to the information from the officers posted on the ridge, it appears that the enemy occupied in strong force the hills at the foot of the ridge on my front and the groves on the ridge east of us in General Cruft's front, posting some cavalry in the open valley between these two outstretched fists as a bait for our advance, while his main reserves were massed back in the open fields ready to support the right or left, or be hurled on the center. About a division, posted in three lines, with a strong battery on their right, supported by another line of infantry, was on our front, and in action only the first line of rebel infantry participated.
We paid unfortunately for our success in discovering the "bear in his den" by a loss of 9 killed and 78 wounded, among the latter Lieut. Col. Paul E. Slocum.
Among the officers who distinguished themselves in our short but severe encounter I must mention Capt. Edward Grosvenor, of the Ninety-second Ohio Volunteers, who, while several companies of that regiment broke, with 28 men of his own and 20 men of other companies, rushed forward to the support of the Eleventh Ohio Volunteers, charged on the enemy scattering in pursuit of our men, drove them back, and retained his position in the front during the whole afternoon.
I especially commend him to the favorable consideration of the general commanding the department, as an officer who showed his bravery and coolness in the battles of Chickamauga and Mission Ridge, leading his regiment in the latter battle after Lieutenant-Colonel Putnam was wounded, and now showing his pluck again so conspicuously and opportunely. I earnestly recommend him for promotion.
Among the enlisted men the color bearers of the regiments behaved bravely. They deserve great credit for their gallantry.
The small size of the regiments and brigades of our army mix up our ideas about their capacities. Forgetting to ascertain the number of men, a brigade is assigned sometimes to a duty requiring a division. This may lead often to very grave consequences.
My brigade in this fight, excluding the nine companies that acted as skirmishers, consisted of not more than 800 men, who fought on the position--merely a common regiment.
An approximate sketch of the position on our front and right is annexed. The reports of the regimental commanders, and a consolidated list of casualties, are inclosed.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant.
OR, I, Series 57, Vol 32/1, pp. 462-465. Extract. Casualties of First Brigade
Casualties of the First Brigade, Third Division, Fourteenth Army Corps, February 25, 1864.
O Officers. A Aggregate M Enlisted Men.
--Killed-- -Wounded- --Total.--
Command. O M O M O M A
82d Indiana. .... 3 2 21 2 24 26
11th Ohio .... 1 .... 24 .... 25 25
89th Ohio .... 2 .... 11 .... 13 13
92d Ohio .... 4 .... 19 .... 23 23
Total .... 10 2 75 2 85 87
2 Mar 64
The Highland News of 17 Mar 64, F. D. [Com. Sergt J. F. Doggett?] Letter from Ringgold
From the 89th Ohio.
The late Movement towards Dalton – Hard Marching and Fighting – The 89th Make a Charge and drive the Enemy – Gallantry of Maj. Jolly, Capt. Vickers and Lieut. Foracker – Losses of the Regiment, &c,.
Ringgold, Georgia, March 2d, 1864.
Dear News: - I have no doubt you have heard of our late Reconnaissance, in force; but as it is not usual for reporters of the papers to give the doings of any one Regt., I will give an outline of our trip. We started from Chattanooga on the 22nd, arriving at Tunnel Hill on the 24th, after a very hard march. At 3 A. M. the morning of the 25th, we commenced one of the hardest day’s work I ever was in. In thirty-six hours our Regiment marched 48 miles and was under fire for 10 hours of the time. The battle was one of the hardest and most fiercely contested, it has been my lot to witness during the war. We came upon the enemy near Buzzard Mountain. They holding a naturally strong position, and being in superior numbers, we had to fight hard to gain position. Our skirmishers were thrown forward, and soon came upon the skirmishers of the enemy. On we went, not knowing at what moment the foe might emerge from the thickets around. Our Brigade was on the extreme right, extending to the base of the mountain. Two thickly covered hills were on our left; in a large open gorge, which it was very necessary we should occupy. They were steep, and difficult of ascent, yet they must be taken. Charge, boys, charge! The 11th Ohio nobly pressed forward in order, made the top of the hill, but were met by double their number, and had to fall back, but did it in order. The 92d Ohio did not do so well. On came the enemy with fixed bayonets, from the second hill, (for we had taken the first.) Then the command was given, "89th, Charge!" and right gallantly did they do it, repelling the foe; and maintaining the position on the hill. Our boys stood up well, (with few exceptions.) Capt. Vickers was hither and thither, rallying the men that were giving back. None was more conspicuous on the field than he, and to him, in a great degree, must be awarded the praise of our success in maintaining our position on the hill. Lieut. Foracker was on our skirmish line, confronted by double his number, yet he fearlessly did his duty, as commander, driving the enemy before him, and repelling repeated charges. We held this hill until 2 A. M. of the 26th, when we silently fell back; but not until we attained the object for which we went. We have since fallen back to Ringgold, 19 miles from Chattanooga, a strong position, on the Railroad to Atlanta. We are in camp here and I presume we shall stay here until a final move on the enemy.
Our losses amount to 3 killed and 16 wounded. None of Company A were killed or wounded. One of Company I, Robert Shivers, a flesh wound.
I must say before closing, that Maj. John H. Jolly, commanding our Regiment is a brave man. He did not say, "go, boys;" but "come! at ‘em."
Our boys are in good spirits, plenty to eat. Tell some of the sham fighters, if they want to get up a fight, just come on, and right out here two miles, they can get up on the prettiest little fights of the season; plenty of hills around, on which the spectators can stand and look on; but no warranty against "fainting."
If you think this worthy a place in your paper, please correct, put in shape and print.
Yours &c.
F. D. [most likely James F. Doggett, Com. Serg’t]
OR, I, Series 57, Vol 32/1, pp. 465-467. Extract. Report of 82 Ind with 89th during Demonstration on Dalton
FROM: WM. C. STINEBACK, Captain, Commanding Regiment. Hdqrs. Eighty-Second Regiment Indiana Infantry, Camp near Ringgold, Ga., March 3, 1864.
TO: Capt. W. B. CURTIS, Assistant Adjutant-General.
CAPTAIN: …In obedience to orders from brigade headquarters, on Monday, February 22, this regiment, in connection with the Eleventh, Eighty-ninth, and Ninety-second Ohio Volunteers, took up the line of March from Chattanooga, Tenn., in direction of Ringgold, Ga., near which place we bivouacked, on the banks of Chickamauga Creek, having marched about 16 miles, nothing worthy of especial notice having occurred during the day.
Tuesday, February 23, about 12 m., moved across the creek and halted until near night, then moved forward, passing through Ringgold, and over a narrow road through the gap between Taylor's and White Oak Ridges, about 3 miles, and again bivouacked for the night on the banks of the Chickamauga, near the Stone Church.
On Wednesday, February 24, … near night, when the regiment was withdrawn, and rejoining the brigade moved out on the Ringgold and Dalton road and bivouacked for the night near Tunnel Hill.
Thursday morning, February 25, moved out about 3 a.m., and crossed to another road leading from Ringgold to Dalton, where we found General Cruft's division of the Fourth Corps. Shortly after coming up with this force brisk skirmishing commenced on the road in our front, and our brigade was withdrawn and marched over the hill to our right, and together with the Third Brigade of our division formed in line of battle in Stony [Rocky] Face Valley. In this order we proceeded some distance, when the Eighty-second Regiment was marched by the right flank to a road skirting a field, along which we proceeded some distance, until fired upon by a battery, the second shot from which wounded Capt. Marcellus Fee, of Company F, and 2 privates. The regiment then changed direction to the right, and formed column by division, doubled on the center, under cover of a low ridge, which partially shielded us from the fire of the enemy's battery. We had not long lain in this position, however, when we were again ordered out, and deploying column moved by the right flank up the ravine into the open field. A strong line of skirmishers was then thrown out, and, supported by the Eighty-second Indiana and Eighty-ninth Ohio Regiments, engaged the enemy, forcing them off of the first ridge on our front, of which we took possession. It was then ordered that at a given signal we should charge the next ridge in front of us, but information was now communicated by the officer commanding the skirmishers that the enemy were in strong force in the ravine and on the hills. General Turchin, upon being informed of this, sent orders to us to remain in our present position until re-enforcements were brought to us. The Eleventh Ohio was now sent up to support our right flank, and the Ninety-second Ohio to be held in reserve. The Eleventh Ohio was then ordered to advance, and soon became hotly engaged, when the Eighty-ninth Ohio and Eighty-second Indiana, then under command of Lieut. Col. Paul E. Slocum, were ordered forward. The Eleventh Ohio being repulsed and closely followed by the enemy, our attention was drawn to the top of the ridge upon which we were lying. When we reached the top the firing became general, and after some minutes' sharp fighting the enemy were driven from the place of the opposite ridge to its top, closely followed by the Eighty-second Indiana and Eighty-ninth Ohio Regiments, encouraged by the presence of General Turchin, who gallantly appeared and exposed his life on horseback through the thickest of the fight. We passed over the ridges, which were very steep, when we were met by a murderous fire from a greatly superior force of the enemy and compelled to retire again to the first ridge. …
10 Mar 64
War Dept, Colonel Carlton Leave of Absence
War Department
Adjutant General’s Office
Washington, March 10th 1864
Special Orders,
No. 114
Extract
30. … Leave of absence is hereby granted the following Officers
Colonel C H Carlton, 89th Ohio Volunteers, a paroled prisoner of War, for twenty days.
At the Expiration of his leave he will report, at Camp Chase Columbus Ohio.
By order of the Secretary of War:
E. D. Townsend.
Assistant Adjutant General
"Official"
R. Williams
Assistant Adjutant General
[Document Stamped in Upper Left Corner as follows:]
PITTSBURGH
Mar 25 1864
C. & P. R. R.
[Two Notes Written over above Order]
Paid from Oct 1 to Feb 29 1864, 953.05
Rob. N. Dodge
Paymaster
March 10 1864
Paid from Muster-in July 7 to Sept 30, $529.42
Rob. N. Dodge
Paymaster
March 17 ‘64
The Scioto Gazette of 29 Mar 64, Sergt J. Shively, Co. D, Letter from Ringgold
Thanks.
Camp of the 89th O. V. I.
Ringgold, Ga., March 16, 1864.
Mr. Editor: - I would be happy to acknowledge, through the columns of your valuable paper, that I have received in due time, a package containing 15 copies of the Scioto Gazette of the 8th of March, and as I have reason to believe that they were sent by some of our friends at home, I would, on behalf of the Ross county boys in the 89th, return our most sincere thanks for the favor they have bestowned, by sending to us our own county paper, which has during the last year been joyfully received and eagerly read by us all. Glowing as it does with true patriotism, Liberty, Union and Justice, we hail it as a treasure to be enjoyed another year. As our friends have seen fit to direct them to me, I will take delight in distributing them among the Ross county boys in the Regiment.
Jacob Shively.
Serg’t Co. D, 89th O. V. I.
Private A. Bartley to his Parents from Ringgold
Ringgold Georgia
Mar the 22 1864
Dear Father and Mother we receav your kind letters whitch found us well and we was glad to heare that you was all well. well Mother well we thougt that you had entirly quit a riting to us. we hav not receav a letter from home before since the Missionnary Ridge fight. you dont no how mutch good it does us to git a letter from home. you say some times in your letters that we hav forgot that we hav a home but we hav nott. we often think of home when we are a standing out on picket. thare is not a day that passes over our head but what we think of home. we all no thare is no place like home sweat home. Mother you told us in your letter that you wanted to by a house. if you do we will help all we can to pay fore it. we would help rather have a house of our one [own] that to be a moving from place to place and then we can fix it up to suit our selves. we was sorry to heare that Sarah Baby was dead but still we all now [know] that we hav to dy some time or an other. well we had a big snow last night. it is the first snow that we hav had this winter. well I guess I hav told you all the noose this time. So rite soone and we will answer ever letter you rite. we send our love to all of our friends. Samuel Thompson sends his best respects to you. well we will close for this time. good by.
Alford Bartley
Tine Bartley
Rite Soone
Captain Wesley Adams, Co. I, Letter to Colonel Carlton from Ringgold
Ringgold Ga.
March 28th 1864.
Col. C. H. Carlton.
Sir
I am happy to inform you that I am once more with the Regiment. Lieut Scott and I were among the fortunate few who escaped through the Tunnel. After reporting at Washington we were allowed thirty days to report to our Regiment. We had a very pleasant visit at home, and rejoined the Regt on Thursday last, the 24th. The Regt is commanded by Maj Jolley, is in the 1st Brigade, 3d Division, and camp is near Ringgold. The Regt was formed into six detatchments, commanded by Capt Norris, Vickers, Lts Foreacre, Hicks, Mallow, & King, Lt Debolt acting Adjt. The health is pretty good and the Regt is doing as well as could be expected under the circumstances. The heavy losses at Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, & Tunnel Hill, are largely felt, and the Regt scarcely looks like the same Regt. We are not only deficient in numbers, but, our arms & accouterments are poor, and the discipline is on the wane. Most of the Company & Regimental property, was lost, and, nearly all of the private property of the officers is gone. In fact, I think the Regt needs a new start, and it would be for the good of the service if the Regt could get permission to return to Ohio and recruit. Do you not think so? And could not you succeed in getting an influence at work at home that would accomplish this? Some of the officers have drawn up a document in reference to this, but I think it is hardly what you will need if you make the effort. If you find that anything in addition from us is needed let us know. All the officers are in favor of it, and it will no doubt be the best thing that can be done for the Regt, and for the service, beneficial also.
I am glad to know that you are released, and among your friends. Your presence would create quite a joy in the hearts of the members of the Regt now.
Hoping that you may be with us soon I remain as ever
Your Obdt Servt
W. R. Adams, Capt 89th Ohio.
The Scioto Gazette of 17 May 64, Corp J. F. Hill Letter from Ringgold
From the 89th Regiment.
Ringgold, Ga., April 25, 1864.
Dr. Miller: - For a while back the dull monotony of camp life had almost lulled me into a state of forgetfulness. Within the last month nothing has ruffled our sea of military life, until within the last two days, when we have had another Fort Pillow tragedy right here in our midst. Yesterday morning, our vidette post, which is some six miles from here, near Nick-a-Jack Cave, and kept up by a portion of Gen. Wilder’s mounted Brigade, the 92nd Illinois, was surrounded and fired into by a superior force of rebels, and one man was killed, some wounded, and over one-half was made prisoners; and since, I am credibly informed, a greater portion of them were coolly and deliberately shot down after having surrendered, and been stripped of all their clothes and valuables. Of 54 that were on the post, only 23 have returned to camp. From the best information I could learn of the facts, the rebels during the night had got in the rear of our men, and at daylight pushed upon them and drove them into a gap in the mountains and gobbled them up. Yesterday evening a force was sent out and brought in seven dead bodies, which were interred in the church yard in sight of our camp. The men had their heads beat into a jelly, as if done with clubs, or the but of their guns. The rest we have not heard from. What will be their fate is hard for us to conjecture. What our authorities here intend to do in the matter, I am not able to say. But I simply ask, how long is our Government going to allow such fiendish acts of brutality to go unpunished? Will it not take some active measures to stop this wholesale murder by retaliation? Simply asking for explanations from the so-called rebel Confederacy, will never alone atone for such heinous crimes nor will it satiate the soldier. If we are to be butchered when we unavoidably fall into the hands of our enemy, without some redress or retaliation upon the rebels in our hands, we will think that our Government cares but little for our lives, or that they are afraid of the rebel Confederacy. Or shall you leave it to the soldier to assume the responsibility of dictator and executioner, and let him glut his vengeance in the blood of these tyrants, and let us hoist the black flag inscribed with the motto, "no quarters, and death to all traitors?"
One thing more, Mr. Editor, we soldiers view with a very jealous eye, that is those dime collections made up in the north by certain feminines, for the benefit of a certain outlaw indicted and found guilty of nothing more nor less than treason. For the life of us we can not see why any lady who has the least spark of loyalty burning within her bosom, can throw her influence into such a channel, when there are thousands of things in the eyes of every sensible man and woman, to convince us that he is no better than our military commission found him guilty of - a traitor and a rebel – and deserving the punishment of a felon. I am also led to believe that these "ten cent contributors" know full well that he is a traitor in heart. What convinces me of this fact is that you never see or hear tell of these "ten cent contributors" giving one cent to the Christian or Sanitary Commissions for the benefit of the soldier. Nary red will they give, they are no friend to the soldier, and we do not claim them as our friends. They may worship their blessed martyr; they may wish to buy with their "ten cent scrip" the happiness, rights and freedom of twenty-one millions of human beings. They are willing to sell their birthrights for a mess of pottage, if their actions bespeak their sentiments. Indeed we can not claim them as the soldiers’ friends. Their work is the very opposite of ours. We are toiling day and night to crush treason, while they are using every effort in their power to prolong and nourish it. We cannot class them as the offspring of the noble and patriotic women of ’76. When we are laboring in the camp, toiling on the march, or enduring the hardships of the campaign, the dangers of the battle we never have one work of assurance from them that they give us even their prayers. They always exult at our misfortunes and laugh at our reverses. I do not wish to be understood as making war against those "benevolent ten cent contributors," but to state merely a soldier’s opinion of what we think of the enemy that is in our rear.
And now in conclusion, I wish to speak plainly and pointedly. Every one knows that every soldier, when he leaves home, leaves some one behind him – some kind and loving one of the fair and tender sex, probably in the relation of mother, wife, sister or sweetheart, who, if we should ever learn was acting with those "dime contributors," we should now and forever disown them.
But as a compliment to many others, I must say that I am proud to see that the mass of the loyal ladies are not of these "ten cent contributors," but they are willing to work as well as we for the good of our common country. Such are indeed the soldiers’ friends. Fearful that I might run into a line of skirmishers, I will for the present close by stating that the weather is as hot as Vesuvius to-day.
John F. Hill,
Co. K, 89th Reg.