Brigham's War: Letters from the 27th Ohio Infantry Pt. I
In July
1861, a company was raised by Captain Milton Wells in southeastern Ohio and went to Camp
Chase at Columbus to join a new regiment. The company called itself the Monroe
and Noble Rangers, named for the two counties from which the men enlisted, and became Co. D of the
27th Ohio
Volunteer Infantry. In its ranks, an unknown soldier who went by the
pen name 'Brigham' wrote a series of letters to the Woodsfield Spirit
of Democracy giving a detailed account of
life in the first year of the Civil War, the last of which was
published in February 1863. Billed as “A Soldier's Jottings,”
Brigham's letters come to us as rather chatty descriptions of life in
Uncle Sam's service in the western theater in the early years of the
war. This blog post includes some of the highlights of this
correspondence.
The 27th
Ohio Infantry served in the western theater, initially going to
Missouri and taking part in several successful operations along the
Mississippi River. In April 1862, it sailed up the Tennessee River to
join General Henry W. Halleck's army at Pittsburg Landing where it
took part in the siege of Corinth. Following the Rebel abandonment of
Corinth, the 27th
Ohio remained in the area until late in the year and during that time
took part in both the battles of Iuka and Corinth. On the last day of
December 1862, the 27th
Ohio clashed with Nathan Bedford Forrest's troopers at Parker's
Crossroads, Tennessee which closes out “Brigham's War.”
Camp
Chase, Columbus, Ohio
July
29, 1861
“It is
Sunday in Camp Chase. Not Sunday as it is among the green old hills
of Monroe, but as it is where war is the whole business of the
community. At 5 o'clock the soldiers are aroused from their slumbers
by the drum and in 15 minutes all have to be on hand and dressed. At
half past five the roll is called after which the men are put through
a short drill before breakfast. Part of the regular performance is
omitted on this day and the leisure thus obtained is spent in various
ways by various men. Some dedicated it wholly to amusement, while
others employ it in writing letters to friends and relations. Sunday
is generally a dull day here, for the hacksters and peddlers of all
kinds are absent, and a stranger is seldom seen in the camp while a
general stillness seems to pervade the whole place, as if the
soldiers are thinking of the good old times of yore and dreaming of
their distant homes.”
“The
company that came in today, I noticed, contained a large proportion
of youths. The circumstance caused me to look around and I find it is
the case generally. Fully one-third of the soldiers in camp are boys
not over 18 years of age. Why it is so puzzles me to determine.
Perhaps the love of adventure that occupies the mind at about that
age has something to do with it. I will close with a word with regard
to our company. We have had the experience of most companies in
finding out that all the men that came to camp with us did not want
to fight. Some 15 or 16 have deserted us since we came here and have
returned home or somewhere else, and thus fastened a stigma on
themselves and posterity for years to come. All of our men are well
and seem to enjoy camp life with the greatest gusto. ”
Company
D was mustered in Federal service on August 3, 1861 at Camp Chase,
Ohio by Captain Howard Stansbury of the Topographical Engineers.
August
7, 1861
“For
the past few days, the proper officers have been busily engaged in
disbanding the three-months' men. Some three or four regiments have
already been mustered out of service here and still they are coming
daily from “the sacred soil” of the “Old Dominion.” I was
present when a few companies of the “Bloody Fifteenth” as its own
members ironically called it delivered their arms. It had just
returned from Virginia where they had done far more chasings than
fighting, and they were all in good spirits, having lost only one man
during the while campaign, he being shot dead in a skirmish with the
Rebels. It was interesting to observe the various moods the men
assumed as they advanced to the place of delivery. Some came up
laughing and talking, as if little caring whether they were on their
way home or to the battlefield, while others preserved the sternness
of the true soldier, and never for a moment relaxed their attention
to their position orderly. One belonging to the former class I
observed in particular. As the company advanced, he was the most
boisterous one in ranks, but as he approaches the window and his
companions had their muskets inspected and received, his merry mood
began to sadden and when his turn came to deliver, he burst into
tears and cried as he clasped his gun to his breast for the last time
and kissed it through pure affection. 'Old fellow I hate to leave
you.' More eyes than his were moist as he passed on and gave way for
the next. I watched him for awhile as he mixed with the crowd and was
pleased to see his old boisterous mirth return to him again, although
once and awhile a sigh escaped him as he for a moment cast a glance
on the building that contained his old companion.”
 |
| Colonel John W. Fuller, 27th O.V.I. |
“The
27th Regiment has
the full number of companies in it, although but six are mustered
into the service of the United States. The officers, Colonel [John
W.] Fuller, Lieutenant Colonel [Henry G.] Kennett, Major [Z. Swift]
Spalding, and Adjutant [Philip B.] Cloon all appear to be fine men
and are no doubt well-drilled officers. The men, so far, composing
the regiment are among the best in camp, being mostly above the
medium size and generally well-drilled for raw recruits. Our colonel
expresses himself as being very sanguine in the belief that he can
make the 27th one
of the most effective regiments in the service and if he continues to
labor as he has done since he arrived, we will be culpable if his
expectations are not realized.”
Whitelaw
Reid: “This regiment was organized at Camp Chase, Ohio in August
1861. The enlisted men who composed it were from all parts of the
state and were, to a great extent, strangers to themselves and to
their officers. On the morning of the 20th
of August 1861, the regiment marched out of camp 950 strong and took
the cars for St. Louis, Missouri. On its arrival the regiment
encamped near the city and great efforts were made to perfect the men
in drill and discipline.”
Off
to War: Missouri under Fremont and Halleck
August
1861-February 1862
Benton
Barracks, Missouri, August 24, 1861
“Just
as the sun arose last Tuesday morning, the whole regiment was out on
the parade ground, knapsacked and equipped in full, ready provisioned
for a two days' march. With regret in some and joy in others, we
wended our way through the gateway and to the railroad, certain we
were leaving Camp Chase but not positive whether our destination
would be Missouri or Cairo. Aboard the cars we rushed to the West in
a hurry. One by one, the little towns along the road were passed as
Ohio, smiling free, greeted us on every side. Ohio, our own dear
native state, we your sons will do you honor. Every person in the
fields, in the houses, in carriages, and wagons, greeted us as we
passed with flags, handkerchiefs, hands, and arms, and welcomed us on
our way. When we would for a moment halt, the cars would be
surrounded by boys and girls eager to help us to water or anything we
wanted.”
“About
two o'clock Cincinnati hove in sight and soon after we rushed into it
and to the depot when we formed in the street preparatory to a change
of conveyance. Marching along several streets (which were crowded
with spectators), we reached the river and were informed that
steamboats would carry us for a short distance on our way. Previous
to our departure from Camp Chase the report had spread freely that at
Cincinnati we would receive a free dinner. Whether there was any
foundation for the report or not, many felt disappointed at not
receiving it and the city rested under the condemnation of the
regiment. Three steamboats had been secured to carry us and aboard
them we went and down the Ohio we steamed our way, the hours
shortened by our band which furnished us with quite a variety of
music. Many had never been on the river before and this was the
pleasantest part of the journey.”
“Twenty
miles from Cincinnati brought us to the first town in Indiana,
Lawrenceburg, where we landed again to take the cars. One by one the
companies wended from the boats and formed as they marched into town.
Most of them were weary and felt like resting when resting was not
allowed and when the regiment halted to await the cars, many felt
like sinking to the ground through mere exhaustion caused by heavy
loads and the galling straps with which the knapsacks were held to
their place on their backs, but God bless the good people of
Lawrenceburg. Men, women, and children all flocked around us eager to
satisfy our many wants. Some came with water, some with coffee, some
with bread, some with cakes, some with peaches and apples, and all
with something and never before or since did a regiment of soldiers
receive a better treat.”
“Between
Lawrenceburg and Washington, Indiana, one part of the train became
detached from the other and our company together with three others
arrived at the latter place just at daylight, and the inhabitants had
but slim chance to show their hospitality to us. When the remainder
of the regiment arrived, they were prepared with all kinds of
eatables and drinkables and the recipients say that the luxuries
enjoyed were fully equal to those of Lawrenceburg and many thanks to
them for it, for these two towns were the only ones on the route
outside of Ohio that showed any interest in our welfare. To the
ladies of the two places I can say they need not live in fear of
dying old maids, for nearly every man in the 27th
married as well as single declares than when the war is over, they
will visit them to secure wives.”
“Somehow
our train was a remarkably slow one and we did not arrive opposite
St. Louis until late in the evening on the second day from Camp
Chase, although we traveled at the same rate night and day. After
forming from the cars, we marched down to the river where we found
two large steamboats ready to receive us. Aboard them we marched, and
the weather having the appearance of rain, the Colonel thought it
advisable to remain aboard during the night. Before sunrise on the
morning of the 22nd
of August, we crossed the Mississippi and landed in Missouri, being
the second regiment from Ohio, the 39th
Ohio having preceded us by one day.”
“The
inhabitants of St. Louis showed very little feeling as we marched
through the city. Large crowds collected on either side of the
streets, but no one welcomed or cheered us, and a gloomy silence
seemed to hang around all until we arrived on the outskirts of the
city. Once in a while one ventured to wave their hand and then a
handkerchief until every house we passed had the fair ladies filling
the windows holding flags which called forth one continued shout from
the Buckeye Boys.”
“Camp
Benton is a new camp just forming and the soldiers now in it occupy
canvas tents until the barracks, which will hold 20,000 men, are
finished, which will be in a few days. It is situated from the city
about two miles and will be when the buildings are finished by the
pleasantest situated camp I have seen. The ground around is rolling
and from many respects resembles some parts of old Monroe. Pleasant
groves and heavily ladened orchards are visible on every side and all
day long it is the resort of hundreds of visitors. It is supplied
with water from the Mississippi which is now hauled to the grounds by
teams, but which no doubt will be shortly conducted by scientific
means. Around it are many temporary camps, all filling with men, and
it is reported that no less than 32,000 troops are now within three
miles of St. Louis, under the command of General [John] Fremont. He
is busy making preparations to concentrate a grand army here with
which to do tremendous work the coming fall and winter. Soldiers are
arriving daily at the rate of 2-3,000. Ohio will have one brigade at
least under the command of Fremont and may the Buckeye Boys
distinguish themselves.”
 |
| Major General John C. Fremont |
Camp
Benton Missouri, September 6, 1861
“Since
I wrote last, nothing very exciting has occurred here, and a general
monotony has prevailed. We are not idle, however. At 5 o'clock in the
morning we commence drilling, and we continue it all day with very
little intermission. Indeed, we are so constant that our drilling
averages more than 9 hours a day, besides many other little duties
we have to attend to. Our men submit to the continued labor without a
murmur and the effort is plainly visible in the appearance of our
regiment.”
“On the
first of last week, a man by the name of Lawrence, a private in
Company A, became intoxicated and unaware to the officers, wandered
from the camp and straying over the country alone, night overtook
him. He started toward camp but being too drunk to keep the route, he
got lost and strayed in the neighborhood of the fairgrounds, where
the cavalry from Ohio is stationed, and the guards intercepted his
way. Under the influence of the baneful drug, he became enraged and
attempted to break guard, using a knife to force the sentinel from
his post. The guard's gun being unloaded, he gave way, at the same
time calling for the sergeant of the guard. The sergeant came and
having a loaded revolver, succeeded in breaking the infuriated man's
weapon with it, but in vain. The soldier still pressed on him and in
self defense the officer fired. The ball penetrated the breast and
passing near the heart, came out just under the arm. The wounded man
was immediately conveyed to the surgeons, but medical aid was of no
avail and the wretched man lingered for two days in the greatest
agony and died. On his deathbed he requested the chaplain, who bent
over him in his last moments, to write to his sisters, his sole
living connections in the far Green Mountain State [Vermont] and tell
them that he had been shot, leacing all connecting circumstances
untold. Thus died Private Lawrence, the first one lost from the 27th
Ohio and what a warning!”
“No
place in the whole world will a wild rumor be circulated for a fact
so soon as it will in a camp. The most incredible tales are believed
by all and hundreds are in constant circulation. Our regiment moves
about twice a day according to them, each time in a different
direction. Day before yesterday Kentucky had seceded and we had
orders to move immediately to Ohio. Yesterday Arkansas was our
destination and we were to foot it all the way. Today nine companies
are going up the Mississippi while the other remains and guards the
camp. Thus we are constantly living under excitement and the soldiers
seem to love it, and are willing to believe the most absurd fictions
to enjoy the pleasure of speculating on the probable result of such
and such movements.”
Camp
Benton, Missouri, September 13, 1861
“Company
D is left alone. On the 6th
nine companies of the 27th
and the same of the 39th
Ohio regiments were ordered to march a 6 o'clock in the evening and
at that time the two regiments were on their way to the city to
receive orders to which point to march, leaving our company of the
27th and one of
the 39th to guard
the property left behind until their return. As our regiment fell
into line armed and equipped, they presented the most beautiful sight
I ever saw. One by one the companies formed amid the clangor of music
and shouting of spectators, and I dare say that there was not one in
the whole line that did not feel his heart beat with pride as he
beheld the enthusiasm in favor of the Union. Just as the shades of
evening began to settle on the tents and barracks of Camp Benton and
vicinity, the order to march was given and the 27th
Ohio was away for the second time to a destination unknown.”
“There
are, at present, four or five thousand Ohio troops in Missouri,
cavalry and infantry included. Indiana and Illinois have a far larger
number of both and the contrast between the men I propose to notice.
In the first place the officers are entitled to attention. I presume
the uniform of officers in the United States service is prescribed by
law, and as they have abundant means, a company of officers collected
anywhere show no outward signs whereby the states of their nativity
can be ascertained. But how is it with the men, the rank and file,
the backbone of the army? The whim or parsimoniousness of each
separate governor seemed to have been the law whereby they were
clothed. Indiana sends out men with two or three different colored
uniforms, Illinois the same, and Ohio without any uniform at all.
Buckeye Boys are noble souls and as good material for an
unconquerable army as ever entered the field. But how have they been
treated? 'There go Ohio boys; I can tell them by their ugly clothes'
is a common remark and a true one. A coarse wool hat, a linsy, woolsy
unlined blouse (never made to fit and never did) of a color similar to
a north hillside in old Monroe newly plowed, minus stripes or
anything else to make a uniform of them, heavy brogan shoes of the
quality we used to call 'penitentiary,' and you have the complete
visible uniform of the 27th
and 39th Ohio! A
man covered with it and dressed looks like a Hottentot and a
Hottentot would look like a man, or in short, it is calculated in no
way to show the physical man to advantage and seems intended in every
way to degrade the wearer.”
Whitelaw
Reid: “Early in September the regiment moved by steamer to St.
Charles and thence to Mexico on the St. Joseph Railroad. Soon after
this, orders were received to march to the relief of Colonel Mulligan
at Lexington. The troops moved rapidly across the country but before
they could reach the city, the enemy had seized all the boats and so
rendered it impossible to cross the river. The command moved up the
north bank of the Missouri and crossed over to Kansas City. In
October the command marched to join General Fremont then moving on
Springfield.”
Springfield,
Missouri, November 5, 1861
“We
left St. Louis on the 10th
of October and going to Kansas City by rail and water, from thence we
took it afoot across the prairies of Missouri. The first day we went
only five miles and camping we rested one day and we thought the
greatest time of a soldier's life was to come, and we were not
disappointed for that day was about the last one we rested on the
way. We marched 14 days, averaging about 18 miles a day, and if that
is not good marching, I don't know anything about it. In 24 hours we
marched from Greenfield to Springfield, a distance of 45 miles, the
road we traveled on being a direct one. The report had become
circulated that General [Sterling] Price was within 20 miles of the
latter place, and that was why we were forced in with such rapidity.
On our way from Kansas City to here many things transpired, a few of
which I will note.”
 |
| Major General Samuel D. Sturgis |
“Between
General [James] Lane and [Samuel] Sturgis there have for some time
existed a coldness and the difference in their modes of treating the
Rebels no doubt tends to increase it. General Lane treats the Rebels
as enemies and has no scruples as to how he used them and their
property, while our General will not permit a rail even of the rabid
secessionist to suffer, and would rather see half his command starve
than allow a single beef to be taken from them without a full
equivalent. Lane is like a perfect tornado when he becomes excited,
as his performances in Missouri will show. In his passing from one
point to another, he makes his track and the Rebels fear him. When he
took command of his present forces, the greater part of them were
infantry but since then he has converted most of them into cavalry
and that, too, without any expense to the government. A good mule or
horse is seldom passed by him, while on the other hand, Sturgis pays
a full price for what he requires, and as he goes along, the farmers
bring out their stock to trade, a thing they would not dare to do
dealing with the former. The contrast between the two gives rise to
many comments and the many different opinions formed of the two men
in very surprising.”
“Springfield
is a small unimportant looking place not larger than Woodsfield, not
being one-third as well provided with comfortable houses. Of course
most of the inhabitants have fled but are returning every day. About
ten miles south of it is the old battlefield as it is called, and it
is now reported that it is occupied by 500-600 Rebel cavalry which is
no doubt about as true as such reports generally are in camp. There
is now a vast army concentrated here and as I dare not give figures
and particulars, you would be surprised at the immense resources of
the Western Department. Tents and camps meet your eye on all sides, a
single glance of which renders the mind certain of the success of the
Union cause in Missouri.”
Georgetown,
Missouri, November 20, 1861
“We
arrived at this unimportant town on the 16th
and have been camped among the hazel and persimmon bushes ever since,
doing no good for ourselves or anybody else, not even excepting old
Uncle Sam. From Springfield we had a hard time of it, owing to the
abundance of dust and scarcity of provisions. One was with us all day
and other not with us all night. In fact, we had only half rations
half of the time and none at all the remainder. We were eight days on
the road and had not more than eight crackers apiece for the time,
but we made it through cheerfully and have plenty to eat now and are
making up for lost time. Want of provisions is not and was not the
greatest grievance Ohio soldiers have to complain of in Missouri.
Ever since we left Camp Chase, we have made out with the poor excuse
of uniforms we received; but now they are used up and we have no more
to answer in their stead. All other troops in Missouri have, and have
had, overcoats for a week while we are shivering out our existence
and doing the same duty they performed.”
“Fremont
has left us and the vast army of the West which the prestige of his
name had collected has passed from him to other commanders without a
single murmur on the part of the soldiers. Newspaper correspondents
had companies and regiments laying down their arms and vowing to
follow no other leader; but when these cases have been researched
after, they are found to have had their birth in the brains of the
persons referred to, and therefore resulting in no very serious
calamity. Day after day forced marches were endured with the greatest
patience under difficulties that cannot be described, all sanguine
that the end would annihilate the Rebels and preserve the fair state
of Missouri for the Union. Report after report was circulated, each
bringing nearer and nearer the looked-for contest. It was here that,
like the power that felled the walls of Jericho, the news came that
not a foe was within 55 miles of Springfield. Then came the question
in every soldier's mind: why march and drag us away out here to meet
and lay watching each other where not a single hundred Rebels are to
fight us? Something was wrong, something was rotten, somebody was to
blame, somebody had to bear the responsibility, and who could that
person be but the commander-in-chief of the army of the West, but
Major General John C. Fremont? The soldier had looked up to him as a
child to a father, and swift as lightning, and with stunning force,
the idea, whether true or not, flashed through his mind that he had
been trifled with, and at this very nick of time Fremont was removed.
Was it any wonder that none felt it to be his duty to resist it?
Fremont was superseded, and not a single sensible soldier regretted
it.”
Sedalia,
Missouri, December 5, 1861
“ We
reckon the 27th
Ohio just for the present is the happiest collection of Buckeyes out.
Since my last, we have received a full uniform, overcoats, jackets,
pants, caps, shirts, drawers, hose, and shoes all of very good
material and make, with the exception perhaps of the shirts and
drawers which to be of a rather inferior quality, but among so many
good things are acceptable. But the greatest cause of this effusive
happiness is the late sight of the often-wished-for and seldom-seen
person the paymaster, who paid us a flying visit long enough to place
in the pockets of the aforesaid Buckeyes a snug little roll of
Treasury notes. New tents for the regiment have just arrived of which
we have been sadly I need, not having enough to accommodate the men.
They are of the Fremont pattern and are large and commodious.”
“Music
is all we have in camp that is always and ever a bore. Everything
else, at some time, is acceptable to the soldier, but music, never.
It wakes him in the morning and troubles him all the day; and many
are the curses horns and drums have to bear. Some have vowed that
when the war closes, they will inaugurate a crusade against
everything of a musical tendency.”
Sedalia,
Missouri, December 15, 1861
“Missouri
is a land of splendid failures, grand hoaxes, unparalleled fizzles,
contemptible bores, and mortifying sells; the very latest of which we
have the honor to record as we are certain none else will contest the
field. On the morning of the 12th,
long before daylight, the 27th
Ohio was in line and on the road to Georgetown. The sun was up when
the town was reached and from thence, in company with the 1st
Nebraska and four pieces of artillery all under the command of
Colonel Noyes of the latter regiment, a move was made northward. It
was rumored that a fight was hourly expected and all were on the
alert, eager for the fray, but noon came and the hours wore away toll
evening began to draw on space but sill nary a Secesh turned up. “
“By
this time the Blackwater River was reached, which was waded although
it was rather cool for bathing, and advancing two miles further a
halt was ordered to rest preparatory to the fight as the Rebel camp
was now within a mile and a half. All were worked up to the highest
pitch of excitement at the prospect and words cannot picture the
universal disappointment that pervaded the whole regiment when a
messenger rode up with orders to proceed no further as the cavalry
which preceded us had captured the whole camp. The swearing, we fear,
was both loud and deep as the news flew along the line. Thirty miles
in one day and Missouri miles at that and nothing to do only to march
it over again tomorrow. The bare thought made the men desperate and
only the coolness of the officers prevented a general outburst
against everything Secesh. Weary and discouraged, the tents were
pitched, but was hardly done when the long roll was beat and all were
under arms in an instant, only to be again disappointed as it was, of
course, a false alarm. The number of Rebels in the camp against which
a force of 16,000 was sent amounted to just 49 all told, armed with
shot guns and rifles from which they never fired a bullet for fear of
annihilation. Glorious war!”
 |
| Major General John Pope |
Sedalia,
Missouri, December 22, 1861
“Since
I last wrote, we have had exciting times here. On the 15th,
we received orders to march, our forces being under the command of
Brigadier General [John] Pope. The direction marched on that day was
south, but on Monday it was changed to southwest and moved with the
utmost rapidity in order to cut off a body of men near Warrensburg on
their way to reinforce Price. Twenty-eight miles were made by 3
o'clock but the Rebels hearing of our approach struck off from the
road across the prairies and escaped, all but 150 overtaken by our
cavalry, together with a few wagons and mules. Tuesday we only
marched a few miles and camped awaiting the return of our cavalry
which was still in pursuit of the scattered Rebels. In the evening
four men who were acting as scouts attempted to go home [to
Warrensburg] but were fired on from the brush and had to return.
Between us and the town was a large bridge which was thought
expedient to guard, which duty was assigned to the 1st
Nebraska and cheerfully performed. Wednesday morning still found our
cavalry absent, and we moved a short distance and camped about three
miles from Warrensburg in a low prairie covered with high grass which
caught fire soon after the tents were pitched and came near burning
everything up. Our cavalry came in about noon. During the night, a
prisoner who was sent out under a guard to bring a load of wood,
attempted to escape. The guard fire and hitting him in the neck,
killing him almost instantly. A hole was dug, and coffin-less and
shroud-less he was pitched into it and covered over and left to his
rest, with very little ceremony.”
“On
Thursday we moved on through Warrensburg which is quite a
flourishing-looking little town and is the county seat of Johnson
County. Most of the inhabitants, however, are secessionists and many
houses were closed. About 2 o'clock our advanced guard came up with
the long-looked-for enemy who were strongly posted in a wood near
Millford and immediately engaged them, but were obliged to fall back
and await the arrival of the main forces. When they came up, the
Rebels, after a few rounds, saw the folly of resisting and
surrendered. Our loss was two killed and fourteen wounded. Their loss
is unknown. The engagement was a slight one but the result was
important. The prisoners numbered about 1,300, among whom were no
less than three colonels and seventeen captains. One thousand stand
of arms was given up, together with 64 wagons heavily ladened with
provisions and camp equipment, 1,000 horses and mules and a
considerable amount of ammunition. But the most amusing part of the
capture consisted of 25 or 30 contrabands of many different hues who
were along with their masters as waiters and cooks. No account was
taken of them by the commander and they wandered from one camp fire
to another telling many tales to the great merriment of the boys. The
honor of conducting the prisoners from the battlefield to camp was
awarded to the 27th
Ohio, and a coveted duty was never more nobly performed.”
Sedalia,
Missouri, January 16, 1862
“A
person that never lived in a tent or, perhaps, never even saw one can
form no idea of the subject under consideration. A tent, when it is
properly made and furnished, is not at all uncomfortable, even during
the severest weather of a northern winter. A tent ought to be a large
one of good materials, the Fremont tent being the best pattern I have
seen, and ought always, summer and winter, be furnished with a stove
or heating apparatus of some kind. For if it is not needed for
warming, the soldier is often necessarily exposed to rain, when it is
requested to dry his clothes, for volunteers are few and far between
that are owners of two suits. With a good tent and a good stove, a
soldier may defy any climate, provided of course, that he has plenty
of fuel at his command. The 27th
Ohio regiment has the Fremont tent in large size, being about 20 feet
in diameter and having six to a company, five for the men and one for
the commissioned officers.The government never furnished us with
stoves but private enterprise and capital has. The article generally
used is a sheet iron concern costing from $5-7, and the amount
expended in our regiment alone will not fall short of $600, all of
which will be a dead loss when spring comes unless the means of
transportation is more ample than it had every formerly been.”
“Camped
as we are on an open prairie with no protection in the way of woods
or hills for miles around, I have very little doubt that half in the
regiment were never more comfortably situated in their lives than
they are at present, as far as quarters are concerned. During the
coldest times we have had, and they have not been trifling ones when
the thermometer was below zero and the wind sweeping all before it,
enter one of our tents and all would be found comfortable. Although
the men are furnished with only one blanket apiece, I never yet heard
one complain of sleeping cold. The way they manage the thing is two,
three, or four join together and make a joint stock of their blankets
under which they lay in a remarkably small space by means of
'spooning,' and when one turns, all turn to keep under the cover.
Some of our boys have furnished themselves with rubber blankets in
addition to those drawn from the government. These are very
convenient where the ground is damp and no straw at hand, although
they are a desperate cold thing even in cold weather.”
“Our
band (and we have a good one) was the other day presented by the
regiment with a full set of new instruments and where heretofore we
have only had discord, we will now have soul-stirring music. The only
objection I have to the arrangement is there was a new bugle among
them and everybody knows that that instrument made noise often enough
when it was old. Hope it will soon break.”
Whitelaw
Reid: “In February 1862, the regiment was ordered to proceed to St.
Louis where it arrived after a severe march on the 20th.
The next morning the regiment moved down the river and landed at
Commerce. In the organization of the Army of the Mississippi, the
27th
Ohio was assigned to the First Brigade, First Division.”
Commerce,
Missouri, February 25, 1862
“A
journey during the winter season is to be dreaded, even when all the
modes of conveyance with which civilized society is blessed are at
hand. How must it be with an army when a long march of hundreds of
miles lies before it, and no way to perform it but only on foot? On
the third day of February, we struck tents at Sedalia and started for
Jefferson City, distance 89 miles. The weather was extremely cold and
snow on the ground four or five inches deep, making walking slavish
in the extreme. On the first day we made 14 miles and just as the sun
was setting we entered an old field covered with corn stalks and
uneven just as the plow had left it, and we were told it was our
camping ground for the night. An old fence ran on one side and the
order was issued that a rail should not be disturbed, but, freezing
as we were, recklessness took place of subordination and regardless
of orders manifestly unjust, the fence was soon torn to the ground
and blazing fires were quickly seen springing up on all sides by
soldiers who never disobeyed an order before or since. The wagons
soon afterward came up but brought no comfort in the shape of shelter
as the ground was so hardly frozen that tents could not be pitched,
and the wife canopy of heaven was our covering. Many nights have we
spent in Missouri, far away from the prairie, but never did the 27th
Ohio suffer as it did that night of the 3rd
of February, 1862. One hundred yards from where we lay was a thick
heavy piece of timber, and in it we would have been comfortable. Who
the blame rests with I will not say, but an intelligent people will
not be long in determining. Perhaps it would be well to say that our
camping arrangements were far different on the rest of the way.”
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