Journal of the Kosciusko Guards •  Company E • 12th Regiment

 Written by William S. Hemphill • Transcribed by Marjorie Priser

 Chapter 2

Off to Indianapolis



About 8 o'clock p.m. a Telegram was received by Capt. Hubler from Indianapolis ordering the Company to proceed by the next train to that City and report for duty at Head quarters. This news was greeted with Cheers by the Boys who remained in town. The Gun was brought out and handled with a will and spoke in thunder tones to those in the Country of the anxiously expected Marching orders. Runners were dispatched in every direction to notify the men, some of whom lived at a distance of fifteen to twenty miles from town.

May 5th At 10½ o'clock a.m. the Company met at the Court House and proceeded to the M.E. Church to attend Services by Rev. S. N. Campbell. This was very impressive as it was probable some were enjoying that privilege for the last time. And now as we were about to go out from our homes to do battle in a cause so just and so holy we were exhorted to be faithful to the old Flag and go forth with the assurance that prayers would be daily offered in our behalf until the country was again at peace and loved ones would welcome us home to the full enjoyment of those privileges we were leaving behind us now. The day wore but little of the appearance of Sunday, everyone appearing anxious to have all things arranged for our comfort.
At 7 o'clock p.m. Dr. Carpenter in behalf of the Warsaw Sunday School of the M.E. Church presented to each Member of the Company a copy of the New Testament. This token of regard from the Children of Warsaw, was gratefully received by the Men, many of whom, had for years been accustomed to meeting with this interesting School, and knew how to appreciate the gift, which though Small, was still intended and might prove to the recipients, of such value for time and eternity.

At 11 o'clock p.m. the Company was again formed and marched to the Depot; when notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, hundreds of the Citizens were assembled to bid us "God speed", and witness our departure. One hour was spent in giving and receiving advice, words of encouragement or of hope; and the hour of parting had arrived. Sadly the farewells were Spoken, between Husband and Wife, Father and Son, Sister and Brother, friends and neighbors, who had "lived and loved together."

The query that would naturally arise in the minds of each one was, Who of that Company will pass safely through all the dangers of a Soldier's life, and return to enjoy the blessings of home and the society of friends? Who of these young robust men will return maimed and disfigured to spend the remainder of his life in pain and perhaps want? The answer to the latter clause can be answered emphatically, None. For the Citizens of Kosciusko County would never allow a soldier to want while a penny was at their command to relieve their want. But another question comes home to the heart of every volunteer. Whose lot will it be to bear the dying message of a Husband, a Brother, a Father or son back to those so anxious for his return? Whose lot to witness the wild outburst of grief or the mute look of despair of those loved and loving ones as he gives some token of love from the lost one; with his dying words? And I believe the prayer fervent and sincere goes up from each brave heart, "God forbid that I should have this to do."

Midnight had shrouded all things in impenetrable gloom as if to veil from the gaze of the curious the partings which were too sacred to be revealed. In many instances not a word could be heard as hands were clasped in a silent adieu. Whilst ever and anow a wild outburst of grief would break on the midnight air only to be drowned by the soul stirring notes of Martial Music or the Shrill Whistle of the Iron Horse as he rushed up like the demon of darkness to bear us away from home and loved ones to mingle in the wild scenes of a Soldiers life, perhaps never to return again to home and friends.

At precisely two minutes past midnight we thundered away through the darkness with visions of "fame and glory" floating before our eyes, which is only to be driven away by the Stern reality of War; leaving behind us 5th Sergeant T. C. Lessig who was unable to accompany us owning to a sudden and very severe attack of Lung fever, and M. J. Crum, Benj. Cable, S. C. Swank, C. C. Reynolds, Joel Strieby, and Ephraim Middleton who had not been apprized of our movements. At Fort Wayne every facility was afforded us for a speedy journey and at Peru we were joined by some of the boys who were nearer that place, or found it more convenient to meet us there on the morning of the 6th of May.

At this place a very exciting race came off between the Iron Horse and two of the boys who had wandered off through town in Search of a Breakfast. It resulted however in favor of the Iron Horse who rushed on, leaving the boys to follow in the next train. We arrived in Indianapolis at 11½ o'clock a.m. May 6th and marched through the City to the State House where we were reported for duty.

We were ordered into camp at Camp Morton where we were provided with the necessary Cooking utensils and left to learn the ways of the camp as best we could. The result was that two of the boys were in the Guard House in less than a half hour, for the violation of certain rules of which they were ignorant. We were now informed that some one had ordered us to report who was not authorized to do so. But we could have a chance of entering the State Service under the "Six Regiment Bill" which had just been passed, for a period of One year, Subject to any further requisition which the President might make on the State for more men. At 6 p.m. the Company was mustered and this alternative was presented when 4th Sergt. Nelson Bodyston and privates Jno. W. Jennings, E. Black, H. Staymate, Benj. Cable and George Phillpott refused to go on these terms, and were dismissed from the company in a perfect storm of groans. Whereupon the office of 3rd Lieutenant not being recognized by the army regulations, Andrew S. Milice was appointed 4th Sergeant vice Boydston dismissed.

On the 7th May after three hours drill in the a.m. the Company was marched to the State house where the oath was administered by the Hon. Jones to serve for a period of one year unless sooner discharged. After we returned to Camp the following order was issued:



It may be necessary here to state that the office of ensign to which R. S. Richhart was elected is not recognized in the army regulations. Hence the above appointment would in no way conflict with any office which had ceased to be known.

Wm. S. Hemphill was appointed Secretary of the company and as such excused from all details for Guard or other duty.

Some of the boys appeared to be learning very fast the tricks of the soldiers life, as an evidence of their progress two of them forged a pass to town for which they were allowed to clean up the quarters.

May the 9th David Leichtenwalter went to the Captain stating he had not made the necessary arrangements to be absent from his family a year, and asked to be allowed to go home. He was dismissed from the Company by Capt. Hubler. The men who had been left behind when we started from Warsaw had in the meantime reported for duty. Peter Snyder applied for permission to go into the 10th Regt, as Bass Drummer, which was granted and he left us to erase his name from the roll, when instead of going into the Service as he represented; he returned home after an absence of about two weeks all covered over with "Glory" except his boots.

Thus far we had occupied a large canvas tent near Head quarters but we were now informed we would have to vacate immediately and occupy barracks over by the Commissary department, as the tent was needed for the 11th Regiment, about to be quartered at Evansville. The change was made and we took up our position on the east side of the encampment in rather uncomfortable quarters.

10th and 11th passed in the normal drills without incident worthy of record, save the constant arrival of Companies. Some of the Boys are getting tired of Camp life already; while others are having a general good time. On the 12th N. W. Holt & C. M. Davis took a notion to visit the city, and finding a hole in the fence not very well guarded, took a "French Pass." But on their return they found the game blocked on them, and appointments were furnished them in the Guard House, where they re mained till the Captain was apprized of their whereabouts and sent an order for their release. We had a fair specimen of Camp life to day as it rained about Constantly from in the morning till night, and we had to pick our "Grub" out of the water on our plates. But still every one appeared anxious to make the best of it and the time passed pleasantly enough.

Still in other Companies there is dissention and difficulties which in several instances have resulted in the disorganization of the Companies. The news from home is of such a character as to cause uneasiness in the minds of those having families on account of the failure of the subscription list on which it appears too much reliance had been placed, many persons having in their patriotic moments subscribed certain sums of money, which on reflection, assumed a different aspect,
and they concluded a man might be patriotic, serve his country, and keep his family on Eleven dollars per month; whilst they could make a Show by talking which would be satisfactory to their own consciences, which had long since been consigned to the narrowest tomb they could find their own hearts. Whilst like the Pharrisee they Stand on the corners of the Streets or in the Synagogue to gain a great name for their loud liberality.

On the 14th May several of the men got out of camp or strayed off from the Company as we were marching through the City to Camp Sullivan, where we had been ordered to report for inspection and Muster into the Service. Arrived in camp it was ascertained there were not enough of men present to fill the Company and some of the non-commissioned officers were dispatched to bring in the Stragglers. After considerable delay enough of the men were got together and the Company was mustered into the service of the State for One year unless sooner discharged and the following Muster Roll placed on file by Col. J. W. Sullivan who gave orders that every man should deliver up any side arms they might possess to Capt. Hubler, taking his receipt for the same, which was immediately done.

Muster Roll



Henry Hubler Captain
Andrew P. Gallagher 1st Lieut.
Reuben Williams 2nd Lieut.
James F. McGuire 1st Sergt.
Moore E. Thorn Sergeant
Charles M. Davis Sergeant
Andrew S. Milice Sergeant
Benjamin W. Mankin Corporal
George W. Scott Corporal
Henry Clayton Corporal
Robert S. Richhart Corporal
Thomas L. F. Hubler Drummer
Thompson Holt Fifer

Andrews, Anderson Private
Mathews, William L.
Birt, Beannah T.
Metz, Osker
Birt, George E.
Messner, Peter
Burkett, Daniel H.
Metternich, John
Brumbaugh, Jacob
Middleton, Ephraim
Black, Abraham S.
McClary, Samuel
Beeson, Harmon
Nicely, James M.
Boughter, Samuel
Poulson, Reson N.
Barlow, Edward L.
Parks, Marshall H.
Cowic, Isaac
Riley, Joseph
Conklin, Francis M.
Robbins, Stillman G.
Crum, Martin J.
Rankin, Orlando
Deardorff, John
Rauch, William J.
Deardorff, George
Rea, James O.
Dentzer, George H.
Rockwell, Thomas
Frarey, Presley G.
Southerly, Elias
Funk, Austin C.
Scott, Alfred W.
Griffin, Selah J.
Shorb, Henry J.
Hemphill, William S.
Shaver, Abram L.
Hissong, George W.
Sanderson, John A.
Holt, Noah W.
Sparrow, William H.
Hamlin, Daniel W.
Sloane, Oliver
Hamlin, Samuel R.
Strieby, Joel
Hubler, David
Swank, Samuel C.
Hubler, Oliver
Webster, Edward W.
Huffard, Alonzo W.
Walton, Wilson W.
Hazzard, Lemuel
Westcott, Henry S.
Imel, Thomas
Wagner, Aaron M.
James, Benjamin F.
Wells, Seth J.
Winters, Samuel A.
Wertenberger, Edmond
Wheeler, James S.
Weaver, James H.
Whittaker, William W.
Watts, Orrin

Robert Philpot, William E. Rousseau, Martin L. Stewart, C. C. Reynolds, J. O. Harvey and Wm. H. Mascum refusing to take the oath, their names were Stricken from the roll, as was also John Barton who with Stewart enlisted in the 9th Regt and a few days afterwards proceeded to Western Virginia.

Our company proves to be the best sized men, that has yet been mustered into Service, but the conduct of some of the boys on the occasion of the Muster for Service has had the effect of giving us rather an awkward position in the eyes of Col. Sullivan which must be remedied by future good behavior. But on the 15th being short of provisions the boys were rather wolfish. Complaint was made at Head quarters when it was ascertained that the Commissary was playing into his own pocket by withholding part of the rations we are entitled to.

May 16th The Company was mustered, and proceeded to the arsenal to draw Arms and instead of the Rifled Musket with which we were to have been armed, the old Smooth bores altered to Percussion were issued. Objections were made to receiving such arms, but we were assured they were only issued to drill with, and that we never would be asked to enter the field with such arms. Returning to camp we had our first drill as a Company in the Manual of Arms, and a more ridiculous sight rarely presents itself than a company at their first lesson. But "Excelsior" was the motto, and every man went at it with a determination to be surpassed by none.

In the evening there was quite an exciting time. The orders were of a Stringent character, and men who had always enjoyed the privilege of going and coming as they chose, would not tamely submit to having the last vestige of liberty taken from them and be watched and kept as close as a criminal in the Penitentiary. And here a great mistake is certainly made by those in whom a little authority is vested, in trying to bring a free, independent and intelligent man down at one stroke to be a mere machine to move only at his beck, denying him privileges that have been sacred to him all his life, and going far beyond what is required or allowed in the army regulations. The result of such petty tyranny is, to produce in the minds of free men a feeling of Contempt for such officers and disregard for even reasonable commands. As was the case on this occasion, when officers were prohibited from giving a pass on any pretext, nearly one half of the men in camp broke over the guard lines as soon as they knew such orders had been issued; where probably not one in fifty would have wanted to go, had no such orders been issued. The City Greys had forty men in the guard house at one time and other companies had about twenty more at the same time.

On the morning of the 17th an example was made of one man who had improved the time he was out by getting a little boozy and as a natural consequence considerably noisy. He was forced to carry a log weighing about Seventy five pounds on his shoulder, for a period of one hour, in front of the Guard House; it had the effect of Sobering him down, when he, with several other delinquents were compelled to traverse the entire encampment and clean up all the filth that had accumulated.

May the 18th Henry Clayton, having taken offence at something of a trifling nature which occurred while he was doing duty as Corporal "resigned his commission" and took his place as high Private in the rear rank, to the entire satisfaction of all in the Company. This gave rise to the following Order:

By order of Henry Hubler Capt. Commdg.


May 19th The Company having been assigned a position as Company E of the 12th Regiment of Indiana Volunteers was detailed for Guard duty to day. And it was a glorious day. The rain came down in torrents drenching everything completely but the boys took it as a good Joke and every-thing went off nice.

May 20th On account of the inclemency of the weather the Company was excused from drill. The roll was called at 6 o'clock p.m. and some of boys being absent were detailed for extra duty in the quarters, where it is necessary to have a guard to watch over the Company property. In the course of the day there was an alarm of fire in the City; and it was really amusing to see those who had always been foremost at home on such occasions chaffing like caged hyenas, because they were cooped up in the camp when there was work to do with their old enemy. The same thing occurred on the 21st which was more than flesh and blood could quietly submit to, and as dense Columns of Smoke and flames rolled up to view the boys looked a minute and listened when as the hoarse commands fell on the ear, with a shout of "down on her boys" they cleared the Guard and fence at a bound and were off to mingle in the strife with the devouring Element. Some managed to get in without being caught but a few of the boys were caught and confined in the Guard House.

Rumors were rife in camp of the disposition about to be made of the State troops. President Lincoln had made another requisition for men to be enlisted for three years service and we were informed we would have to enter the Service for three years or be sent home without pay. This report is not well received by men who are willing voluntarily to serve their Country any reasonable length of time, but would sacrifice everything before they will be forced into measures. Another little consequence happened to add fuel to the flames. A few days prior to this, all the bread had been destroyed by the rain and Lieut. Williams gave the boys a little change to buy enough bread for breakfast. This morning a misunderstanding with the Captain with regard to drawing or dividing the provisions occurred when he claimed he had furnished money to buy bread for the Company, when they had none and they were showing their gratitude by the way they are treating him now and wound up by refusing to sign the requisition for provisions for the day. Upon inquiry it was ascertained the Captain had furnished twenty-five cents to buy bread with on the morning in question, and as no one in the company was willing he should sacrifice so much for them, the whole amount was made up and tendered to the Captain with thanks for his disinterested generosity. This he said he considered was done for the purpose of insulting him; but was assured that it was only done to make good the amount he had expended for the benefit of the Company, lest it might result in financial trouble to himself. It is only necessary to say the requisition was signed without more trouble.

"Trouble never comes single handed," is an old adage. And scarcely had this little matter been disposed of ere the news was received of the refusal of Governor Morton to recognize the Field Officers of the Regiment as chosen, on account of their Conflicting with the appointment of some of his own personal friends to positions of trust and profit. All of the Commissioned officers now waited upon the Governor and during their absence there was quite a number of the men concluded they had urgent business up town, and went out on French Passes.

At 4 o'clock p.m. orders were issued from Headquarters to call the companies together and report the names of all the absentees at headquarters. Upon calling the roll, Corporal Mankin, Privates Frarey, Rankin, Burkett, Jno. Deardorff, Nicely, D. Hamblin, Rauch, S. R. Hamlin, Sanderson, O. Hubler, Funk, B. Birt, G. Birt, Wheeler & Rockwell were reported absent without leave.
During the evening all the absentees managed to get back past the Guard without being caught except Mankin, Rankin, Rauch and Funk, who were confined in the Guard House. The capture of Mankin came near leading to a serious difficulty with Capt. Gillespie's Company from New Albany, a detachment of which was acting as Patrol. It appears they had a little trouble in taking "Jack" and had brought him to the Gate when he escaped. They caught him a second time and brought him to the Gate when he attempted the same game, but on a second trial they were looking for it and he was balked. He then became rather boisterous and when the Guard went to take him in Custody he showed fight and in fussing around he either struck his hand against a bayonet, or one of the Guard thrust it at him. Be this as it may, he received a bayonet wound in his hand; which taken in connection with the cowardly abuse of Capt. Gillespie, after he had been taken, came near making a general fight between the two Companies. This difference was not mended any the next day, when Capt. Gillespie had "Jack" arrested for answering him when he stooped so low the previous morning as to abuse a prisoner. Jack was taken to the Guard House again and the Captain proceeded to head quarters and had him released.

At 8½ o'clock a.m. the Company was mustered when General Order No. 9 was read, in which Commanders of Companies were required to lay the matter of an enlistment for three years before their respective commands and report the number and names of all who would manifest a desire to enlist for that period. Upon taking the vote not a man voted in favor of the proposition, but the following resolution was passed without a dissenting voice, viz:


The reason this answer was made to the proposal to make the service for three years was this. Could the entire company go for that length of time it would be all right. But should only part of the Company go, either they or the men that remained in the state service would have to go under strange officers as it was designed to consolidate the Companies in the three years service by filling the companies up with the smallest companies to the regular Standard of one hundred and one men, whilst the fragments of Companies left in the state service would be thrown together to fill up such as had lost men by the three years enlistment. Consequently we resolved as a Company to Keep together. And we were backed up in this resolution by several other companies.

While there was a general disorganizing and reorganizing going on all around us, the effects are to be seen in Company H of our own regiment, which is composed of fragments of two or three companies thrown together and gives rise to hard feelings and jangling all the time, while it had been remarked often that there is good feeling and harmony existing between the members of our own and also of Companies G and F. Thus the Six Regiments of troops organized under the auspices of the State of Indiana for one years Service; dwindled down to two Regiments, the 12th and 11th which have been Slandered and Misrepresented both at home and abroad for doing what the other four Regiments have no doubt often wished they had done. Not because they have refused to go out of the State as was stated to their prejudice; but because those who were raised together and played together and started out with the expectation of fighting the battles of their Country together, and if permitted to return to their homes, desired to return as they went, as one Company.

Because they were not willing to be separated, and thrown among Strangers, under the Command of Strange officers. This was the reason and the only reason of the passage of those resolutions and the refusal to enlist for a longer period than one year. No body of men was ever mustered in the State of Indiana, or elsewhere, that was more willing and anxious to be taken to any place in the civilized world, where their services might benefit their Country, and their presence protect the Stars and Stripes than the men composing Company E and I believe I am safe in saying also the entire 12th Regiment. And I think if ever they are placed in a position in which they may be tried, their conduct will be such as to confirm my belief.

May 24th 73 reported for duty. Poulson, James, Sparrow & Webster Sick. Mathews, Rankin, Burkett, T. Holt, S. R. Hamlin, Walton, A. W. Scott and Parks were absent from drill at 9 a.m. Imel reported for extra duty for not getting into ranks. Strieby, Swank, Crum and Watts were detailed for duty in quarters; and Metz and Wagner as Patrol.
We were favored today with a Grand Review of the five Regiments of Indiana Volunteers, who are about to Start for the Seat of War. The review was conducted by Gov. Morton, Gov. Dennison of Ohio and Major Genl. Geo. B. McClelland of the U.S.A. and was a grand and imposing sight. The troops executed the different evolutions in fine style and the display was witnessed by thousands of the Citizens who no doubt feel a glow of pride at the promptness with which the Call is met.

May 25th T. Holt, J. Sanderson and Whittaker were not present at Reveille call. Sparrow reported sick. Beeson and Burkett filed the Surgeon's certificate, and were excused from drill for the day. Frarey and Funk were detailed as Patrols. Jno. Deardorff, O. Hubler and Dentzer were absent at Tattoo. Sloane lame. In the evening the Company went to the river to wash, and it was a very strange Sight to see them march down through the City each with a little bundle of Clothes under his arm to try the virtues on the difference between the life of a Soldier and the life of a Washwoman.

May 26th The troops in Camp were formed in open order and inspected by Col. Sullivan, who passed Slowly in front and rear of each rank with his eagle eye noticing the least appearance of carelessness, pointing it out to the Company Commander with instructions to have, one have his hair and Beard trimmed, another his hair Combed, another his hands or face washed and so on throughout the entire ranks. And to the credit of Company E, but one or two were pointed out, they having longer hair than was deemed proper. In the evening a man in our Regiment getting rather dry undertook to pass the Guard and jump the fence (a picket) in order to obtain a portion of the beverage, to warm up and enliven his zeal in the good Cause. (Liquors being excluded from the encampment) and succeeded in passing the Guard; but in jumping the fence, he caught his foot in the pickets, fell and broke his thigh. He was conveyed to the Hospital to receive the proper treatment and repent at his leisure his disobedience of orders, and inordinate love of "Forty Rod" which placed him in this painful condition.

May 27th 5¼ a.m. Mankin, Barlow, Rauch, Conklin, Walton, Sparrow, Messner, Hazzard, Webster, Metz, B. Birt, A. W. Scott, Richhart absent from Roll Call. Griffin and D. Hubler were detailed for Patrol duty. Lieutenant Williams was reported Sick. In the evening some of the boys were so unfortunate as to get into the Guard House for going without leave, to promenade on the Commons with some of the fairy like creations of doubtful character, who were Strolling around seeking whom they might entice from the rank and file of Uncle Sam's Army.

May 28th 5¼ a.m. The Captain and Lieutenant Gallagher and privates Shorb and Parks were not present at roll call. In the afternoon the Company received a Supply of Shirts, Shoes and Socks which were very much needed. At Tattoo the Captain, Jno. Deardorff, Nicely and Parks were not present.

May 29th 5¼ a.m. Mettervich was reported sick. Hissong, Sanderson, Rea, Geo. Deardorff, Messner and Poulson were detailed as a Picket Patrol. Parks was put on extra duty for neglecting roll calls. Rea, McClary and S. R. Hamlin volunteered their services as a Patrol. In the evening the company was marched to the Depot to witness the departure of the 10th Regiment for Western Virginia, but were disappointed as the Regiment did not leave till the following Morning. Upon returning to the Camp it was ascertained that Andrews, Rauch, Funk, Boughter, Metz, Shaver and Parks had resolved to improve the time and opportunity by Stepping from the ranks and seeking a solace for disappointment in the gay and festive scenes of the City. During the night the absentees all managed to get back to their quarters, except two, Rauch and Metz, who having mingled too much "Bourbon" with their enjoyments failed to make the connextion and brought up in the Guard House instead. Where they were reported in the morning of May 30th 5¼ a.m. Crum, Jno. Deardorff, Andrews and Parks were absent at roll call and Mettervich was reported Sick. We went out today at 10 o'clock a.m. on our first Battallion drill, which was enjoyed by all as it was something new. Dress Parade in the evening.

May 30th The Company received today per express a donation of Tobacco and other articles of luxury or use from the Citizens of Warsaw; the receipt of which was timely indeed, as the boys are generally Complaining of a wonderful depression in the "Money Market." A series of resolutions in which the thanks of the Company was tendered to the Citizens of Warsaw for their generous donation was adopted and a copy of the same placed in the hands of Lieut. Williams to be forwarded to the Northern Indianian for publication, but being by him misplaced, they were never sent; consequently the receipt of the articles was not ack nowledged. At Tattoo Richhart was absent. Watts, Cowic, Wheeler and A. W. Scott were on extra Patrol duty.

May 31st Funk was reported absent at Reveille and Cowic in the Guard House for Sleeping on his post; where he was allowed to remain all day. Metternich reported Sick. The company was not on Camp Guard to day. Boughter and Mankin Corporals on duty in quarters. Riley, Crum, Clayton and D. W. Hamlin were detailed to Guard the quarters. Rankin, Jno. Deardorff, D. Hubler and Rockwell were a Special detail for Camp Guard. Frarey and Funk reported Absent at Tatoo.

June 1st 1861 Reveille at 5¼ a.m. Cowic reported absent, Metternich Sick. Brumbaugh, Frarey and Cowic were detailed for extra duty. Poulson regular in quarters. There was considerable excitement in Camp today on account of a report being Circulated to the effect that the State Troops were to be disbanded and sent home without any pay for the time they had spent drilling; which report was varied to suit the whims of the different narrators until it produced so much excitement Several of the Companies took a vote not to drill or do any service of any Kind until paid, or at least till such time as they could be assured the State would make provisions for their payment. Company E, having started out to defend the Government, felt willing to trust it to that extent and continued on in the usual exercises as prescribed for the government of the Camp and probably gained credit thereby.

In the afternoon the Company was allowed to go to the river to do up some washing, and the men were assured they could have all the afternoon for that purpose. But they scarcely had commenced their work when they were ordered back to camp, leaving four behind who were ordered to be arrested on their return to Camp. This order was not enforced as they would not go into Camp unless the order was Countercommanded which was finally done to save trouble.

June 2nd Mankins, Poulson, Walton, Sparrow, Cowic, Funk, Hazzard, Parks, Webster and A. W. Scott were not present at Reveille Call. Shaver having been too free with the use of the "Spirits" was ordered to the Guard House by the Captain where he was reported at Reveille. The company was on guard duty today which for a wonder proved to be a very pleasant one. It being Sunday some of the City Pastors favored us with their presence. About one hundred men continued to stroll around through camp after the call for Services had been sounded and showed no disposition to countenance religious services in Camp. Whereupon a guard was detailed and all the Stragglers were Conducted to the area in front of the Head quarters and formed in two ranks, where they were compelled to remain Standing whilst the services were conducted without interruption in the Shady part of the Camp. The punishment was severe as the heat was very oppressive, but was necessary to preserve good order.

June 3rd Harmon Beeson filed the Surgeon's certificate to the effect that his Constitution was not sufficiently robust to endure the hardships and privations of a Soldier's life; and received an honorable discharge from the Service, and started for home. The Secretary immediately wrote for Lessig who had recovered from the illness which had prevented his accompanying the Company when it left home, and had reported himself through the mail as ready to report for duty at any time.
In the afternoon a very exciting and amusing incident occurred. It was as follows: Andrews had been absent on a "French Pass" and on his return Scaled the fence and landed face to face with a Guard, who as soon as he could collect his thoughts called for the Corporal. Scarcely had he made the Call when Andrews not wishing to take up lodgings in the Guard House, broke past him and Started for the quarters. The Guard in violation of orders started in pursuit while the Corporal and his squad aimed to cut off his retreat, jumping about ten feet every jump, looking back about every step, with his hair streaming in the wind (having lost his hat). Andrews was cheered on by the boys, reached his quarters, changed his dress and sat very cooly looking at the Guard who was searching for him in every corner led on by Capt. Gillespie. G. E. Birt, having enjoyed the fun was laughing about it, when the Captain, feeling indignant at the boys for laughing, ordered Birt's arrest for contempt, took him to the Guard House where he was immediately released by orders of Capt. Hubler.

During the day intelligence was received of the decease of the Hon. Stephen A. Douglas, who although he had many political enemies, had by his bold and patriotic defense of the union won the esteem of every true friend of the Federal Government. The Flags were displayed at half mast and a feeling of Sadness prevailed all bosoms at the fall of another good Patriot and Statesman.

But this feeling was soon dispelled as the news flashed across the wires of the noble conduct of the "Hoosier boys" in their first fight in Western Virginia. The first stroke has been made whereby the Stain of Buena Vista is to be forever eradicated from the escutcheon of our noble State, and Indiana shall yet point to as bright a record of noble deeds in defence of the Country as any of her sister states and the record will be the brighter for the shade in the background of her history. The news was received with the wildest enthusiasm. Cheer after Cheer was given and Hats in wild confusion filled the air. It were but folly to attempt to quiet the noise of voices raised in triumphant Shouts and worse than folly to try to describe the Scene. The boys were allowed to enjoy it till they became hoarse and then they "gathered around for a dance on the ground to the sound of the old violin."

June 4th Robert S. Richhart was reported Sick at Reveille call. Corporal B. W. Mankin was guilty of some misdemeanor today and having frequently violated the rules by passing the guard, refusing or neglecting to discharge the duties assigned him, and been impertinent when reproved the Captain concluded he would not be annoyed any further and ordered him back to the ranks, nominating at the same time Peter Messner as Corporal to fill the vacancy. Mankin with promises of amendment prevailed on the Captain to try him once more and the order was sup pressed.

Corp. Boughter, Southerly, Mathews, Wells and Burkett were detailed for duty in quarters. Andrews, Riley, Griffin and Hissong for Patrol duty. We were informed to day that within a few days we would receive our uniforms, and be sent to some other point, probably to Evansville on the Ohio river. This news is received with acclamations of joy, as we have been confined in this prison nearly a month and some of the boys are getting impatient for work. At Tattoo, Lieut. Williams, Sergeants McGuire, Thorne, Davis and Milice and private A. W. Scott were absent with leave. Mankin, Hubbard, Rauch, Shorb and N. W. Holt were absent without leave and were detailed for extra duty.

June 5th Reveille call Parks was reported asleep. Davis sick; Andrews and Nicely absent. After drilling some time the Company was marched up to the City and equipped in a Suit of Grey Jeans, which from the texture is not made of the finest of wool, but presents a very decent appearance. Several of the boys got so elated over their improved appearance that they could scarcely get back to camp. Having Sponged their uniform with Bourbon. At Tattoo Frarey, Robbins, D. Hubler, Funk, Hazzard, and Webster were absent. After the roll call 1st Sergt. McGuire, feeling considerably elated, undertook to put the Company through the facings, but the boys thinking they had enough of drill in day light, broke ranks and retired to their quarters, for which McGuire was going to have them all arrested, and took his musket to make the arrests. When the Captain made his appearance to quiet the disturbance, McGuire was rather excited and the Captain ordered him to retire. This he would not do. He was then arrested and ordered to the Guard House, but insisted on the Captain receiving the Books and papers belonging to the company from him before he would consent to go. The Captain informed him he would take care of the company property and would find some one who was not in the habit of getting intoxicated to attend to the duties of 1st Sergt. McGuire was then conducted to the Guard House and quiet restored.

June 6th The following order was issued:
Company Order
No. 5 Camp Sullivan June 6th 1861
Whereas a vacancy exists in the office of 1st Sergeant of this Company (E) of the 12th Regiment of Indiana Volunteers, I hereby recommend and appoint private William S. Hemphill to said office and he will be hereafter be Known and obeyed as such.
Signed Henry Hubler Capt.
Appointment approved by the Company.

The company went out to the Commons for our first Skirmish Drill. The Colonel came around in the evening and informed us we should be ready to march by the 10th. This was cheering news to all. At Tattoo Cowic, Hubler, Baughter, and G. W. Scott were reported absent.

June 7th Frarey and Funk absented themselves without leave all day to attend a Horse race and on their return in the evening were arrested and confined in the Guard House by order of the Captain.

Certain reports having been circulated at home prejudicial to the Commissioned officers of the Company in which it was asserted that the company had been illtreated in the distribution of provisions by the officers and inquiries having been made by our friends as to the truth of such reports; a series of resolutions were adopted by a unanimous vote of the company denying emphatically the truth of such reports and branding as a liar and mischief maker the person or persons who put such reports in circulation. A copy of these resolutions was placed in the hands of Lieut. Williams to be forward for publication but were mislaid and never sent out.

June 8th At reveille 70 reported for duty; 2 in Guard House, 1 asleep and 2 on duty, 1 sick in quarters. Thomas C. Lessig reported for duty and was enrolled to fill the vacancy occasioned by the discharge of Rough and Ready Beeson.

In the afternoon the regiment had a grand parade through the principal streets of the city and elicited much praise for the proficiency in drill and the size of the men which is said to be the best average of any yet organized in the state.

June 9th 72 present at reveille: 4 asleep, D. W. Hamlin Sick. A call was made for four men for camp guard. Wagner was detailed on extra duty. Poulson, Clayton and Southerly regular. The last two not being very well, Metz and Griffin volunteered to fill their places.

June 10th As we were ordered to march on the 11th orders were issued from Head quarters to issue no more passes to any member of the 12th Regt. This was ill timed as men will take liberty if possible to get it. The result of this order was that over one third of the fence was destroyed around the encampment and the Camp was nearly deserted. At Tattoo we had 57 men present, the balance having gone up town on urgent business. The order was a piece of folly tyranny wholly uncalled for and only brought about what it was designed to prevent. While it led the men to believe the officers had not the confidence in them, they should have. The morning came and such a sight as presented itself is seldom seen.

Geese and Chickens appeared to have rained down during the night. Every place one would turn the same grand display of Fowls of all sizes, ages and kinds presented itself. The boys were passing the guard lines at will and every one appeared to be perfectly independent. During the day the company was fitted out with Haversacks, Canteens in preparatory to their march. At 4 p.m. the roll was called and all reported present and at 6 p.m. we took up our line of march for the Depot through the streets of the City which were lined with Spectators and presented a lively scene while the ladies with smiles, tears and blessings reminded us that we were not to be forgotten by the fair ones at least. After some delay at the Depot we got started for Evansville via Terre Haute.

* * *
 Back to YesterYear in Print  On to Chapter 3