67th Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry

 The 67^th Ohio Volunteer Infantry

A brief record of its four years of service in the Civil War

1861-1865

 

Ohio Publishing and Printing Company

Massillon, Ohio, 1922

 

By the Regimental Committee

Captain George L. Childs, Company C

Private J. Conrad Haring, Company C

Hospital Steward Alfred N. Briggs

 

Foreword

            To Captain George L. Childs, the last surviving commissioned officer of the 67^th Ohio, after 57 years from the closing of the war, we are indebted for this wonderful and accurate detail of the movements of that regiment from its organization in 1861 to its muster out in 1865.

            To Comrade J.C. Haring of Massillon, a member of Company C, who has freely given his time, services, and money to the work, we are indebted for its completion in present form.

            Fox, in his great work “Regimental Losses of the American Civil War,” places the 67^th in the honor roll of 300 fighting regiments of the Civil War. The 67^th well earned that distinction by the fighting qualities it displayed at Winchester and in the Valley; at Harrison’s Landing and the Blackwater in 1862; by its services at Fort Wagner and on Morris and Folly Island in the siege of Charleston in 1863; by its battles from Walthall Junction and Chester Station to Darbytown and Fair Oaks in 1864, when it was for 30 days daily under fire, night and day; by its battles from Fort Gregg to Appomattox in 1865.

            It is impossible within the limits of this work, which is only intended as a summary of its service, to present in detail its different battles and the part taken in them by the 67^th, however much desired. The action of a command under fire is the real crucial test of its efficiency. By this test, we are willing that the 67^th Ohio shall be tried.

            We can truthfully say of the 67^th that it was never demoralized under fire or anywhere else, and it never left a battlefield but with colors flying, and as at Darbytown Road, October 13, 1864, when it was forced to retire by overwhelming odds, it reformed its line of battle within gunshot of the enemy.

            Except in siege, as at Charleston and Petersburg, the 67^th in all its battles was afforded but once the protection of breastworks, but it seemed to be fated to always fight in the open, most times when the enemy were protected by heavy breastworks.

            The 67^th was baptized in battle in the Valley, fighting at Winchester and was present as Front Royal, Strasburg, Harrison’s Landing, and various other engagements in 1862. In the following year at the siege of Charleston harbor, South Carolina, where it was under fire constantly first in at sanguinary Wagner and last to leave.  Thence in 1864 to the lines between Petersburg and Richmond; present at Port Walthall Junction; doing the principal work May 9^th and 10^th at bloddy Chester Station, receiving the rain of grape on the front lines May 15^th, fighting desperately in the open at Ware Bottom Church May 20^th; recovering its advanced liens from the enemy twice in June, while under fire daily; in the Deep Bottom campaign with Hancock August 14^th-18^th, fighting three battles in five days. In the trenches at Petersburg August 25^th to September 28^th; where for 29 days it held the advance trench in front and 60 paces from the Crater, under fire night and day. Again north of the James, fighting at Chaffin’s Farm and Fort Harrison, September 29^th and 30^th, again on October 6^th and 13^th, fighting three battles and on the 13^th charging into an enfilading fire where one-third of its men were shot down in less than 10 minutes, then falling back and coolly reforming within gunshot of the enemy; back again at the north side, fighting October 27-30^th at Fair Oaks. In 1865 to the trenches of Petersburg. March 31^st charging through the main Confederate lines and on April 2^nd at Fort Gregg, fighting for 25 minutes what General Gibbon called “most desperate hand to hand fighting” and what General Foster said in his report was “the most desperate hand to hand fighting he ever saw.” After Lee April 3^rd, and at him at High Bridge and again at Saylor’s Creek, marching more than 37 miles on April 8^th, afternoon and night so that on the morning of April 9^th, the 67^th at the head of its brigade and of the Union Army charged through the retreating Union cavalry, stopped Lee’s flight to Lynchburg and forced by that move the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia. Such is the battle summary of the 67^th O.V.I. and O.V.V.I.

            The blood of our comrades enriches the soil of all these battlefields and was freely given for their country. We submit the record to all who read. The last survivor will soon be gone, but the flags will remain, ragged, bullet and shell riddled, , blood stained, torn and weather stained, but the stain of cowardice or disgrace never reached their loved folds.

 

Ottawa, Ohio, 1922 Sergeant William H. Handy, Company H

 

 

Introduction

 

            At the 45^th annual reunion of the 67^th Regiment, Ohio Veteran Volunteer Infantry held in Memorial Hall, Toledo, Ohio, September 1, 1921, there was present George L. Childs of Cleveland, Ohio, who is believed to be the only survivor of the originally commissioned officers who served to the end of the war, and was mustered out at City Point, Virginia as Captain of Company C and brevet Lieutenant Colonel, December 7, 1865.

            Upon this occasion Colonel Childs presented a hastily prepared manuscript giving a brief history of Company C and his personal service on detached duty.

            From a hasty and rather cursory reading, it seemed to have sufficient exact data to make it applicable to a record of the entire regiment.

            Upon motion, a committee was appointed to take the matter in charge and report at the next annual reunion of the regiment. Your committee reports as follows:

            To ascertain the regiment’s membership, your committee relied upon the Roster of the Ohio Soldiers in the Civil War, as authorized by the General Assembly of the state of Ohio on May 15, 1884, so far as was then ascertainable in the Adjutant General’s office in Columbus and in the War Department at Washington. Volume V, containing the record of our regiment, was published in 1887. A careful examination of this roster recorded a total of 2370 names. Your committee, for the purpose of this report, decided to eliminate all duplication of names, all names of those who failed to report for muster in, and all who were added September 1, 1865 by consolidation, with a net result of 1527 men whom we feel are entitled to membership in our regiment, distributed under the assets and liabilities of companies as follows:

 

ASSETS

Active Membership of the 67^th Regt., O.V.V.I.

Officers                                                Men

Staff/Co.          1861                1862                1861                1862-1863                   1864                Total

                                    8                      2                                                                                                          10

            A                     3                      3                      104                  51                                27                    188

            B                      3                      1                      89                    20                                47                    160

            C                     3                      1                      79                    19                                50                    152

            D                     3                                              61                    34                                34                    132

            E                      3                                              68                    36                                39                    146

            F                      3                      1                      81                    23                                35                    143

            G                     3                                              76                    22                                36                    137

            H                     3                                              78                    33                                42                    156

            I                       3                                              85                    44                                22                    154

            K                     3                                              83                    13                                50                    149

            Totals:              38                    8                      804                  295                              382                  1527

 

LIABILITIES

Active Membership of the 67^th Regt., O.V.V.I.

                                                Staff     A         B          C         D         E          F          G         H         I           K            Totals

Dismissed                                 1          0          0          0          0          0          0          0          0          0          0          1

Promoted to other command     1          2          1          2          3          2          1          0          0          2          2          16

Resigned                                  4          1          1          1          2          0          2          1          3          1          1          17

Killed                                       0          12        12        18        11        14        13        14        16        15        17        142

Died                                         0          23        18        10        13        14        14        17        14        14        14        151

Transferred                               0          20        12        11        32        1          50        44        20        28        55        273

 

Discharged for Disability

1862-1863                               1          37        28        31        20        26        23        19        25        29        22        261

1864                                        0          3          7          2          0          2          3          0          3          4          3          27

1865                                        1          8          8          5          2          7          5          8          14        6          2          66

 

Missing                                     0          3          3          3          8          1          6          3          3          3          1          34

 

Mustered Out

1864                                        0          1          1          5          2          2          1          1          1          6          1          21

1865                                        0          29        36        13        39        39        23        29        21        44        31        304

Mustered out Dec. 8, 1865       2          49        33        51        0          38        2          1          36        2          0          214

 

Total                                        10        188      160      152      132      146      143      137      156      154      149            1527

Wounded                                 6          39        52        56        29        41        46        51        39        47        51        457

           

            While the foregoing figures cannot be vouched for, we believe them to be approximately correct. Colonel Fox, in his report on regimental losses in the Civil War 1861-1865 includes our regiment in his 300 fighting regiments, where he gives the casualties as follows:

            Killed in battle and died of wounds- 142

            Died- 151

            Wounded- 379

            Total- 672

 

            The wounds we report were obtained from the record kept by our surgeons and as a number of men were injured more than once, it is likely that Colonel Fox accounts for men and we account for wounds, making a difference of 78.

 

1861-1862

 

            It will be observed from the foregoing tabulation of its membership that at its organization at Camp Chase, Columbus, Ohio the regiment was composed of 804 enlisted men and 38 commissioned officers, all of whom offered their service from October 2, 1861 to December 17, 1861, and were regularly mustered into the United States service on December 18, 1861 at Camp Chase by Major John R. Edie and Captain Albert B. Dod, both of the 15^th U.S. Infantry.

            The following is a list of names of officers and non-commissioned officers in command at organization:

 

Colonel Otto Burstenbinder

Lieutenant Colonel Alvin C. Voris

Major John R. Bond

Surgeon Samuel S. Forbes

Assistant Surgeon Chauncey Coston

Adjutant John Faskin

Regimental Quartermaster Henry L. Wood

Chaplain John Crabbs

Sergeant Major L. Henry Bredt

Quartermaster Sergeant William S. Kishler

Commissary Sergeant John C. Cochrane

Hospital Steward Jonathan Leight

Principal Musician William Green

 

Company A

Captain Henry S. Commager

First Lieutenant Charles F. Handy

Second Lieutenant Alva W. Howe

 

Company B

Captain Hyatt G. Ford

First Lieutenant Joseph Jacobs

Second Lieutenant Henry J. Crane

 

Company C

Captain Marcus M. Spiegel

First Lieutenant John B. Chapman

Second Lieutenant George L. Childs

 

Company D

Captain Charles A. Rowsey

First Lieutenant Charles Hennessey

Second Lieutenant Gustav W. Fahrion

 

Company E

Captain Edwin S. Platt

First Lieutenant Robert Rudolph

Second Lieutenant Hugh Shiels

 

Company F

Captain Eddy S. Mason

First Lieutenant DeWitt C. Dewey

Second Lieutenant Marquis E. Woodford

 

Company G

Captain Valentine Heckman

First Lieutenant Alfred P. Girty

Second Lieutenant George Emmerson

 

Company H

Captain John B. Spafford

First Lieutenant Sidney G. Brock

Second Lieutenant John C. Albert

 

Company I

Captain Lewis Butler

First Lieutenant Charles P. Schaefer

Second Lieutenant George Worts

 

Company K

Captain Charles C. Lewis

First Lieutenant Sheldon Colton

Second Lieutenant Joseph Seiter

 

            On January 13, 1862, the regiment marched from Camp Chase to Columbus and was reviewed by the Governor William Dennison and Governor-elect David Tod of Ohio. Left Camp Chase and Columbus, Ohio on January 19, 1862 for western Virginia on urgent request of General William S. Rosecrans for more troops immediately.

            These patriotic volunteers did not wait for the paymaster to pay them, but entrained on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad immediately upon open cars with rough boards across for seats, to the Ohio River at Bellaire, to bentwood, Virginia. It rained the entire journey across the state, so much so that the tracks were covered with water; the regiment was bivouacked on the side hills without shelter.

            January 20^th, reported to Brigadier General William S. Rosecrans. Left Benwood, Virginia January 22^nd on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, arriving at New Creek, Virginia on January 24, 1862; reporting to General Frederick W. Lander and assigned to his division; left New Creek on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad February 8, passing through Cumberland, Maryland and arriving at French’s Store, from which place marched February 9^th to Paw Paw Tunnel and assigned to brigade under Colonel Nathan Kimball. No tents or cooking utensils, the only protection from colds, storms, wind, rain, and snow was huts ingeniously constructed from fence rails covered with hemlock boughs, with huge fires to keep from freezing; there was much suffering during this time.

            Left Paw Paw Tunnel, Virginia at dark February 13 and marched to Cacapon River, which we forded at daylight next morning, participating in the action at Bloomery Gap February 14, 1862. General lander seriously wounded. At sundown we recrossed the Cacapon River, wet clothing, freezing to the men, returned to Paw Paw Tunnel. February 22^nd, the anniversary of George Washington’s birthday, the command was ordered under arms by General Lander, who presented the 67^th Regiment O.V.I. with a flag sent by its friends at Toledo, Ohio. General Lander, a noble, brave, and patriotic officer, died February 28, 1862 from wounds received in the engagement at Bloomery Gap February 14, 1862.

            Left Paw Paw Tunnel March 4^th on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, passing through Hancock, Bath, to Back Creek, then marched to Martinsburg, Virginia, arriving there March 7^th and leaving, marched through Bunker Hill to Winchester, Virginia.  March 12^th, Brigadier General James Shields assumed command of the First Division, Major General Nathaniel P. Banks in command of the corps (Fifth) and Department of the Shenandoah where we had been unable to get a battle with General Jackson, who always hastily withdrew upon the approach of General Banks. Colonel Otto Burstenbinder was placed under arrest and Lieutenant Colonel Alvin C. Voris took command of the regiment.

            March 15^th, in skirmish on Winchester, General Shields’ division then made a forced reconnaissance to Strasburg, 22 miles. In skirmish March 18-20, 1862, enemy made strong opposition, so divisions made forced march in return in about four hours. General Banks withdrawing his men toward Harper’s Ferry to draw General Jackson out, who then concentrated about 15,000 (3,000) of his men and advanced towards Winchester, Virginia, where he met General Shields’ troops, who engaged them until dark on March 22, 1862, all resting upon arms until the morning of March 23 when the successful battle of Winchester (Kernstown) was fought.  General Shields having been wounded on the 22^nd, Colonel Nathan Kimball was in command of the division during this engagement. Regimental casualties 47.

            In skirmish from Strasburg to Edinburg, Virginia April 1, 1862. In skirmish at Mount Jackson and Rudd Hill, Virginia April 17-18, 1862.

            Woodstock, Virginia April 20, 1862, received first pay up to February 28, 1862 by Major W.E. Haskins. Marched from Woodstock May 10^th through Strasburg, Front Royal, Warrenton Junction, Catlett’s Station, arriving at Frederickburg, Virginia May 22, 1862, reporting to Major General Irvin McDowell, commanding Department of the Rappahannock. May 23, assigned to the Second Brigade, Shields’ Division, Department of the Rappahannock, Brigadier General Orrin S. Ferry commanding brigade. The division was reviewed by President Abraham Lincoln, together with other U.S. officials from Washington, D.C. who had expressed a desire to see the soldiers who whipped the forces under General Jackson and drove them from the Shenandoah Valley. This was a brilliant affair. This division had been under constant duty from its entrance, and unable to get requisition for supplies filled, it was in rags. As the President passed the 67^th O.V.I., Colonel Voris stepped to the front, presented his sword, then pointed so as to call the attention of the President to the conditions. The next day, he received instructions to renew requisitions and in four days the whole command was supplied with new outfits.

            Marched from Fredericksburg May 25, 1862 through Manassas Junction, Haymarket, Thoroughfare Gap, Markham, arriving and engaging in fight at Front Royal, Virginia May 30, 1862, our forces capturing about 100 of the enemy, a number being killed and wounded. Formed a line of battle and covered retreat of our forces from Port Republic June 9, 1862. Marched from Luray June 14^th to Front Royal. June 20^th at Front Royal, received two months pay to April 30, 1862 by Major W.E. Haskins. Marched through Thoroughfare Gap, Haymarket, Manassas, arriving at Alexandria, Virginia June 18^th, embarked on board transports June 29^th, sailing June 30^th. Came near being shipwrecked during the night in a severe gale on the Chesapeake Bay. Arrived and disembarked at Harrison’s Landing, Virginia on the James River July 2, 1862. Marched out to the Army of the Potomac.

            In skirmish above Harrison’s Landing July 3-4, 1862. Fight on the morning of July 4^th, the enemt attacking the 67^th Regiment just before daylight but were repulsed. July 5^th, assigned to Brigadier General John J. Peck’s Division, Major General Erasmus D. Keyes, First Army Corps, Army of the Potomac. Casualties 11.

            Colonel Otto Burstenbinder was dismissed. Lieutenant Colonel Alvin C. Voris was promoted to Colonel; Major John R. Bond to Lieutenant Colonel, Captain Henry S. Commager to Major July 27, 1862.

            On August 4^th at Harrison’s Landing received two months’ pay to June 30, 1862 by Major W.E. Haskins.

            Skirmish at Malvern Hill, Virginia, August 10, 1862 and on picket duty to 14^th inclusive. August 12^th, Lieutenant George L. Childs assigned to command of the Ambulance Corps. Marched from Harrison’s Landing August 15^th through Charles City Courthouse, Williamsburg, arriving at Yorktown, Virginia August 22^nd, and Hampton August 25^th and assigned to Major General John A. Dix, Seventh Army Corps.

            Lieutenant Colonel John R. Bond discharged from service (promoted to Colonel of 111^th Ohio); Major Henry S. Commager promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, Edwin S. Platt to Major August 28, 1862. Left Hampton August 30^th on transports, arriving at Suffolk, Virginia August 31, 1862. September 22^nd, Brigadier General John J. Peck promoted to Major General and assigned to command of division. Participated in fight on Blackwater River October 5, 1862. October 9, 1862, Lieutenant George L. Childs commissioned First Lieutenant and appointed Adjutant November 10, 1862. Participated in fight at Blackwater River December 11-12, 1862.

 

1863

 

            Moved from Norfolk to Suffolk, embarking in sailing transports, arriving at Morehead City, North Carolina, then Beaufort harbor, North Carolina January 4, 1863. January 5^th disembarked and moved by railroad to New Bern, North Carolina and assigned to Eighteenth Army Corps, Major General John G. Foster commanding. Brigadier General Orrin S. Ferry commanding division, Colonel Thomas O. Osborn, 39^th Illinois Infantry, commanding brigade.

            Moved from New Bern, North Carolina, January 23^rd to Morehead City; embarked on transports and sailed from Beaufort harbor, North Carolina January 29, 1863, arriving in Port Royal harbor, South Carolina February 1, 1863. Landed on St. Helena Island, South Carolina February 9, 1863 and assigned to Tenth Army Corps, Department of the South, Major General David Hunter commanding. March 21, 1863, Colonel Joshua B. Howell, 85^th Pennsylvania Infantry, assigned to command of brigade, supposed to have been first volunteer officer so assigned.

            March 30, 1863, received six months pay to December 31, 1862 by Major Ed L. Moore.

            Embarked on transports April 2^nd with the expedition under Major General David Hunter against Charleston, South Carolina, landing on Cole’s Island, South Carolina April 4, 1863; engaged in skirmish April 6-9, 1863. April 8^th, Brigadier General Israel Vodges assigned to command of division. Landed on Folly Island, South Carolina April 12^th. May 1^st, Captain Lewis Butler mustered as Major, commission dating January 13, 1863. May 19, 1863, received two months pay to February 28, 1863, by Major Ed. L. Moore.

            Engaged in holding the point during the months of April, May, June, and until July 10, 1863. Under fire more than 40 consecutive days in operations against Morris Island, South Carolina. June 16, 1863, Brigadier General Quincy A. Gillmore assigned to command of tenth Army Corps and Department of the South. June 24, 1863, Folly Island, South Carolina received two months pay to April 30, 1863 by Major Joshua Kames. July 5^th, Brigadier General Truman Seymour assigned to command of division. Colonel Haldeman Putnam of the 7^th new Hampshire Infantry assigned to command of brigade.

            Participating in the battle at Light House Inlet, in the attack and capture of the lower portion of Morris Island July 10, 1863. Brigadier General George Strong assigned to command of division. Engaged in siege of Fort Wagner, Morris Island, South Carolina from July 11-18, 1863, constantly under fire of the enemy. Battle and charge on Fort Wagner July 18^th; entered the fort with the regiment, the 67^th and 62^nd Ohio holding possession of a portion of it for about two hours, planting and maintaining our colors on the parapet during this time.

            July 19^th, Colonel Joshua B. Howell, 85^th Pennsylvania, assigned to command of brigade (again) and Brigadier General Alfred H. Terry to command post at Morris Island, South Carolina. July 21, 1863 received two months pay to June 30, 1863 by Major Joshua Kames.

            Engaged in siege of Forts Wagner and Gregg from July 19-September 7, 1863, being under fire more than two-thirds of the time. Participated in the capture of Forts Wagner and Gregg, September 7^th. Casualties for all Charleston operations to date, 142.

            September 23, 1863, Brigadier General Quincy A. Gillmore promoted to Major General. October 14, 1863 received two months pay to August 31, 1863 by Major H.L. Flagg. Continued in siege of Charleston, South Carolina until October 28, 1863, when the regiment was relieved and sent to Folly Island for rest and drill. Brigadier General George H. Gordon in command of Post at Folly Island, South Carolina. November 25, 1863, received two months pay to October 31, 1863 by Major M.C. Cornell. Moved by transports to Hilton Head, South Carolina December 5, 1863, Brigadier General Truman Seymour in command of post.

 

1864

 

            January 25, 1864, received two months pay to December 31, 1863 by Major Herrick. February 4, 1864, in pursuance of War Department General Order No. 191 dated July 25, 1863, the regiment reenlisted. Thereupon the regiment was ordered home on veterans’ furlough and embarked on steamer Fulton at Port Royal, South Carolina February 9, 1864, arriving at New York City February 13, 1864, taking cars on the A.& G.W.R.R., arriving in Cleveland February 15, 1864. Furloughed from Camp Cleveland February 23, 1864.

            Returning to Camp Cleveland March 25, 1864, the regiment left Cleveland on March 28^th on the Cleveland and Pittsburgh Railroad, passing through Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Baltimore, arriving at Washington, D.C. March 30, 1864. Reported to Major general Silas Casey, in command of the provisional brigade. Marched from Washington, D.C. to Camp Grant, Virginia, bivouacked in barracks. There the new recruits were drilled in squads every day. A few days before our departure, we were supplied with tents and constructed a camp in a field nearby; recruits were also supplied with arms and their first experience handling them; and to our great surprise and satisfaction, we received a visit from President Lincoln the day before leaving this camp.

            April 25, 1864, marched from Camp Grant to Alexandria, Virginia, embarked on transports and arrived at Gloucester Point, Virginia April 27. Joined here that part of the 67^th regiment not furloughed and the Tenth Army Corps from South Carolina, temporarily commanded by Brigadier General Alfred H. Terry. Assigned to the Department of Virginia and North Carolina, Major General Benjamin Butler commanding, and the to First Brigade, First Division, Tenth Army Corps. Colonel Joshua B. Howell remained in command of the brigade, Brigadier General Robert S. Foster commanding the division.

            May 1, 1864, Major General Quincy A. Gillmore assigned command of the Tenth Army Corps, moving General Terry to command of the First Division. While encamped at this place from April 27-May 4, recruits received their first instruction in the manual of arms. May 4, 1864, embarked on transports with the Tenth and Eighteenth Army Corps and at sunset were threatening the enemy’s capital from West Point and White House on the York River, Virginia, 30 miles from its eastern side.

            Within 24 hours, at sunset on the 5^th of May, by a journey of 130 miles, we were transported with 35,000 men, their luggage, supplies, horses, wagons, and artillery to within 15 miles of the south side of Richmond, Virginia with such celerity and secrecy that the enemy was wholly unprepared for our coming and allowed us, without opposition, to seize the strongest natural position for operations against Richmond. A victory all the more valuable because without bloodshed.

            An examination of the map will impress anyone with the peculiar topographical formation of the country below Richmond on the south side of the James River, down as far as the junction with the Appomattox. In their windings, the two rivers approach each other within about two and a half miles, at a point on the James River called Osborn about eight miles in a direct line from Richmond, and on Appomattox near Port Walthall, about the same distance from Petersburg. A glance at a map will show these two places, the Point of Rocks near Port Walthall, five miles up the Appomattox and Osborn 19 miles downs the James from Richmond. The banks of both of these rivers are at these points bluffs over 120 feet high. A line drawn across from point to point includes within the rivers a peninsula of more than 30 square miles. The neck of this peninsula by this line across it is cut by deep, wide, and quite impassable ravines for about a quarter of the distance up from the James, and nearly halfway up from the Appomattox, leaving considerably less than a mile of hard dry land between the heads of the two ravines, to be fortified and entrenched.

            The water of both rivers around the whole peninsula and opposite the ravines was deep enough to float our largest draught monitors. When it was discovered that on the south side of the Appomattox, at Spring Hill, the ground overlooked the Bermuda side, this point was at once occupied, and a very strong redoubt constructed, effectually holding the right bank of that river and covering the left flank of our line. Later a line of works was constructed from near Spring Hill to a point east and south of Fort Powhatan on the James River, 12 miles below City Point, protecting all of the territory then held south of the Appomattox River. May 7^th, worked on the entrenchment. General Smith, with a portion of the Eighteenth Corps made a reconnaissance towards the Petersburg and Richmond railroad, but did not strike the road.

            May 9^th the regiment was sent to guard the right flank of the Tenth Corps while destroying the railroad from Chester Station to Petersburg. The regiment, with a section of artillery, was stationed about 12 miles from Richmond on the turnpike, and between it and Chester Station with instructions to hold the point at all hazards.

            On the morning of May 10^th, the enemy made a general attack, but the 67^th maintained a solid front against four successive desperate charges. A section of artillery inadvertently falling into the hands of the enemy, was recaptured by portions of Companies F and C. May 10^th was both a glorious and sorrowful day for the 67^th; for though gallantly maintaining position against superior numbers, 76 officers and men were killed or wounded during the battle. Colonel Voris, who was in command of this action, found himself so prostrated that he sank helpless, and almost unconscious to the ground and had to be assisted to his headquarters.

            General Terry complimented him and his command by saying, “If I had 10,000 men such as Colonel Voris and the 67^th Ohio Regiment, I could march straight into Richmond with them.” For this day’s work, also, Colonel Voris, was recommended for promotion as Brigadier General of Volunteers.

            The woods from which the enemy had been driven took fire under a high wind, and their dead and severely wounded were burned. Under a flag of truce, permission was asked to bury to dead and bring off their wounded, which was granted. General Terry held his position until nightfall and then retired to his place in line.

            At daybreak on the 12^th of May, the commanding general ordered a general advance towards Drury’s Bluff; this movement lasting during the 14^th, 15^th, and 16^th, when General Smith, commanding the Eighteenth Army Corps, was repulsed and the entire force ordered to retire within the entrenched line. Our regiment did not participate in this movement, except as guards in reserve.

            On the 17^th and 18^th, the enemy commenced demonstrations on the right of our line, which were repulsed. On the 20^th, General Pierre G. Beauregard, with a large force, made a vigorous attempt to force our line, striking, as he naturally would, at the weakest point. During the forenoon, the enemy set fire to the brush and the dry wood that extended out a considerable distance before our works and the wind being favorable, the fire was driven in upon us. Before the smoke cleared, the enemy came rushing on. They were met by the Tenth Corps who steadily held their position and repulsed each attempt to dislodge them. Later in the afternoon a very daring charge, under the leadership of Brigadier General William H.T. Walker pushed back a part of our line near Wier Bottom Church; immediately, the First Brigade, of which our regiment was a part, was rushed in a recaptured the line, wounded General Walker and taking him prisoner. He turned his sword over to Colonel Voris. Regimental casualties 74.

            For about three weeks, we were engaged in completing our line of works, also strengthening our picket line, building redoubts and protecting our sleeping quarters from the enemy’s artillery fire. On June 16, under command of General Terry, advanced upon the enemy’s communications and destroyed miles of the Richmond and Petersburg Railroad. June 17-18, skirmished at Wier Bottom Church and near Howlett House, June 18. Brigadier General William T.H. Brooks assigned to command Tenth Army Corps, succeeded July 23^rd by Major General David B. Birney.

            August 13^th, left entrenchments at 11:00 p.m. for Deep Bottom. Arrived in the morning of the 14^th and joined Third Brigade already there. Attacked the enemy near the Kingsland road just after daybreak and carried the rifle pits and entrenchments, taking 71 prisoners. In the afternoon, again successfully attacked the enemy and captured a battery with four guns. At night, moved to Strawberry Plains, August 15 advanced beyond Long Bridge to Deep Run. August 16^th, attacked and carried enemy’s works at Deep Run, capturing about 300 prisoners and six battle flags.

            August 18^th, attacked near Deep Run by the enemy, who were repulsed with loss. August 20^th, during the night, recrossed the James River and returned to our entrenchments. Official records show that up to this time, the 67^th regiment had been under fire more than 100 days in this campaign, and its casualties, in addition to those heretofore recorded, were 63.

            August 23, 1864: during the night, the First and Second Brigades moved over the Appomattox River to the lines in front of Petersburg, the Third Brigade joining on the 27^th of August. Occupied the portion of the line from the Hare House to the Norfolk Railroad, which included the immediate front of the Crater, where the advance lines were less than 50 yards apart. Owing to the close proximity of the lines and the consequent danger involved in making the reliefs, the usual period was doubled, hence, we were on the front line 48 hours at a time. The next 48 hours, we would be in camp quarters at night and working on the fortifications in daytime from sun up to sun down, unless forced to protect ourselves from the enemy’s artillery practice.

            September 28, 1864: marched from camp near Petersburg to Deep Bottom. September 29^th, took part in the successful movement against the enemy’s lines on New Market Heights north of the James River in the morning and in the afternoon pushed forward in support of Kautz’s cavalry to a point about three miles from Richmond on the Central railroad, whence we were withdrawn by order of the Corps commander to a line on the New Market road near Laurel Hill. September 30^th, temporary defenses constructed in front of camp.

            October 1, 1864, took part in a reconnaissance toward Richmond on the Darbytown road, advancing to within two miles of the city, from which point the inner line of defenses was clearly visible. The next five days were devoted to strengthening our works, and on the evening of the 6^th another movement was made to near Richmond, returning about midnight in rain and mud. Bivouacked in corn field.

            On October 7^th, Kautz’s cavalry, protecting the right flank was assaulted by the enemy and forced to retire: our command was ordered to their support and repulsed a determined attack made by a part of Longstreet’s Corps; three successive attempts to turn our right flank, and repulsed with small loss, and late in the evening we occupied the ground from which Kautz was driven in the morning.

            October 9^th, the 199^th Pennsylvania was attached to our brigade. Engaged in completing our breastworks and improving our camp until October 13, when another reconnaissance was made on the Darbytown road, meeting the enemy in force two miles out, and driving him into a newly constructed line of works some three miles from our entrenchments.  An unsuccessful attempt was made to carry the enemy’s line, and after heavy skirmishing until late in the afternoon, we were ordered to return to camp. Casualties 62.

            Engaged in completing our works, doing pickets duty and preparing camp for winter quarters until the morning of October 27, 1864. Left camp before daylight and moved out on Darbytown road and met the enemy’s skirmishers to the right and on a continuation of the line unsuccessfully assaulted on October 13. The line was gradually extended until it reached the Charles City road. After driving in their pickets to the main line, heavy musketry fire with some artillery fire by the enemy was continued throughout the day, but the line was not materially advanced. The enemy having a strong line of works in our front, which the plan of operations did not contemplate attacking, our position was maintained until early in the forenoon of the following day, when we slowly retired without molestation, and marched to camp. Casualties 26.

            October 29^th, supported cavalry to regain lost position of their picket line on Darbytown road. Witnessed a fine cavalry charge.

            November 1, 1864: six regiments of our division, together with a part of the Eighteenth Corps, constituting a provisional division, under command of Brigadier General J.R. Hawley, Second Brigade, embarked for New York City, reporting to Major General Benjamin F. Butler and assigned by him to duty at various points about the city for service in suppressing any disturbance that might arise on the day of the presidential election, November 8^th. Happily, their services were not required.

            November 15^th, General Hawley’s troops embarked for their return and reported for duty to their respective commands on the 17^th.

            December 2, 1864: the Tenth Army Corps and all the white troops of the Eighteenth Corps were consolidated, forming the 24^th Corps under Major General E.O.C. Ord. Brigadier General Terry commanding the First Division (ours), Colonel Alvin C. Voris, commanding the First Brigade (ours). December 6^th, Brigadier General Robert S. Foster assigned to command of First Division. December 12^th, Colonel Thomas O. Osborn of the 39^th Illinois Infantry assigned command of First Brigade.

            Occupying at this time the extreme right of the army investing Richmond and Petersburg, the entire army settled down in winter quarters, doing such camp and picket duty as conditions required, and every day that appeared suitable, we were required to perform either company, regimental, or brigade drill, until about the middle of March 1865.

 

1865

            Sunday, March 12, 1865 the First Division (our division), 24^th Corps was reviewed by Lieutenant General U.S. Grant, Major General E.O.C. Ord, and Major General John Gibbon. March 17, 1865, the 24^th Corps was reviewed by Lieutenant General U.S. Grant and Honorable E.M. Stanton, Secretary of War. Extract from the New York Herald says:

 

            “Today witnessed a magnificent review of the 24^th Army Corps on the north bank of the James River. In respect to martial appearance, which comprehends all the military details, the troops were unexceptionable and both General Grant and Secretary Stanton were united in their praises.

            Early this morning the announcement was made that the distinguished secretary and Mrs. Stanton had accepted an invitation from General Grant urged by General Ord, to visit the army and participate in a review of the gallant 24^th Corps. Consequently, everybody was assuming what is known in the army as his “war paint” and making ready to witness the scene. General Grant and party arrived at Varina Landing shortly after twelve o’clock and immediately rode to the headquarters of General Gibbon. The troops were at once drawn up and reviewed; the Lieutenant General was accompanied by his entire staff with the exception of Colonel Bowers and Lieutenant William Mckee Dunn, the latter having left City Point in the morning with dispatches for General Sherman. Among those who composed the cavalcade were Secretary and Mrs. Stanton, Mr. Jeffrey of the French Charge D’Affairs, Major General E.O.C. Ord, commanding the department and attended by his staff, headed by General Theodore Reed, General Gordon accompanied by Mrs. Reed, General Shipley and staff, General R.S. Foster and staff, the staff of the 25^th Army Corps, General Weitzel being temporarily absent, General William Birney and staff, Major General John Gibbon and staff, Captain Robert Lincoln, on of the President of the United States, Captain Thomas Glastenburg Wells, son of the Secretary of the Navy, Colonel Shaw and staff, commanding a brigade in the 25^th Corps, Recorder Hoffman of New York, Dr. Craven and others. The United States Navy was represented by a liberal delegation from the fleet in the James River, headed by Commodore Radford.

            The marching of the infantry was excellent, and the appearance of the artillery splendid. General Grant, General Ord, Secretary Stanton, and the ladies were loudly cheered and the entire scene with presented arms, beating drums, flying tattered colors, indications of battles fought, was brilliant and impressive in the extreme.

            After the reviewing General William Birney’s division of General Weitzel’s corps, the distinguished guest returned to City Point.

            In the evening all sorts of festivities were enjoyed throughout the army, after which the girding up for an eventful future was universal.”

 

            Sunday March 24, 1865: the First Division of the 24^th Corps was reviewed by President Lincoln, Lieutenant General Grant, and Secretary Stanton. Extract from New York Herald says:

 

            “Today was rendered memorable by a visit from the President of the United States. The enemy has a saying that the appearance of the Chief Magistrate, Davis, in any of their armies is a sure forerunner of defeat and desertion, and instance: Chattanooga, Atlanta, Savannah, etc. With us it is different. The visits of the Chief Executive are almost invariably followed by active operations and glorious triumphs.

            The President arrived at Varina Landing in a special boat shortly after two o’clock, accompanied by General Grant, Mrs. Lincoln, and her youngest son, Tad. Admiral Porter, General John E. Mulford, General B.C. Ludlow, Dr. and Mrs. Craven and daughter, and a large number of friends who accompanied him from Washington. As the President passed the naval fleet in the James River, he was most cordially cheered by the tars, at which he expressed the greatest satisfaction. On landing at Varina, the President and his party were met by Generals Ord, Gibbon, and Weitzel, along with their respective staffs, and at once rode to the front, halting for the accordance of some honors in the 25^th Corps near Fort (Harrison) Burnham.

            After this he at once proceeded to General Gibbon’s lines where General Foster’s Division and part of the Division of General Devens’, 24^th Corps were drawn up. The President immediately passed in review and was received with well nigh miraculous cheering by the troops, as were Generals Grant, Ord, Gibbon, Weitzel, Foster, and Devens. The troops closely approached flawlessness in appearance and executed all the movements with great precision and taste, much to the gratification of all concerned.

            After the pageant had ended, the President and his friends rode to the James River and embarked for City Point. The remark was common- that the President looked enfeebled and thin, and it was not clear to my mind that General Grant was in the best of health.

            During this month, General Foster’s Division was especially honored in being reviewed separately by three of the leading dignitaries of the general government- General Grant, the Secretary of Warm and lastly, the President of the United States. It may also be worthy of note that all these pageants were in full view of the enemy and within gunshot range.”

 

            March 27, 1865: marched with the regiment and First Brigade, First Division, 24^th Corps from camp on New Market road before Richmond, Virginia at 6 p.m., crossing the James River at Deep Bottom at 11 p.m., crossed the Appomattox at Broadway Landing at daylight, halting a mile beyond for about two hours for breakfast.

            March 28, 1865: marched to near Poplar Grove Church at 7 p.m.; bivouacked after having marched 20 miles. March 29, 1865: relieved a portion of the 2^nd Army Corps occupying a portion of works near Poplar Grove Church. March 29-31, April 1, 1865: skirmished in our front until 7 p.m. when we moved with the brigade to the left near Hatcher’s Run and massed with our Corps to charge the Rebel works on this front at 4 a.m. on April 2^nd.

            However, the 6^th Corps being on our right broke the line on their front; the 24^th Corps was ordered to that point and moved through the rebel works, changing directions towards Petersburg, our brigade on the right carrying works after works with guns, etc. At 12 midnight, charged Fort Gregg (the key to Petersburg) with our division. After arriving at the fort, had a severe contest for 25 minutes, in a hand to hand conflict. Casualties 62. Bivouacked here for the night. Enenmy evacuating Richmond and Petersburg during the night, their troops fleeing westward.

            Monday, April 3, 1865: marched at 7 a.m. on the Cox Road in the direction of Lynchburg to Broder’s Crossing 18 miles, at 5:30 p.m. bivouacked. April 4, 1865: marched at 7:30 a.m. to Wilson’s Station 15 miles and at 3:30 p.m. bivouacked. April 5, 1865: marched at 7 a.m. to Burksville Station 26 miles and bivouacked at 10:30 p.m.

            April 6, 1865: at 10 a.m., marched to within 1 ½ miles of Rice’s Station. At 5 p.m., engaged the enemy and had quite a severe contest for 2 ½ hours; bivouacked at 9 p.m.

            April 7, 1865: commenced skirmishing with the enemy at 4 a.m., which was kept up most of the day and was quite spirited at Wilson’s Creek and Brush River near High Bridge; arrived at Farmville about 5 p.m. and bivouacked.

            April 8, 1865: marched at 6 a.m. to Appomattox Station, 37 miles, at 11 p.m. bivouacked. April 9, 1865: moved forward again at 3:30 a.m. and halted for breakfast at 6 a.m. At 6:30 a.m., heavy skirmishing was in advance in the vicinity of Appomattox Courthouse and we moved rapidly forward to the scene of the action, arriving on the ground at the double quick. The cavalry fell back in confusion and we charged upon the enemy, gained the edge of the woods, where we halted and reformed, when we again advanced, driving the enemy from the field, capturing one heavy piece of artillery. Changing direction by the left flank, in accordance with orders, we were passing the enemy’s right, when we were ordered to halt, word having been received that the Army of Northern Virginia was ready to surrender.

            Colonel Thomas O. Osborn, commanding the brigade, in closing his report of this date says: “Of the endurance and patience of the officers and men of this command during the tedious marches and of their heroism and gallantry upon every battlefield, I cannot speak too highly. I cannot close this report without speaking in high terms of the officers of my staff- Captain George L. Childs, Captain Denny, Lieutenant Dowd, and Lieutenant Ripple- for their heroic conduct.”

            Brigadier General Robert S. Foster in recommending Colonel Osborn for promotion says: “To the promptness of Colonel Osborn in putting his brigade in position and attacking the enemy on the morning of April 9^th after the cavalry was forced back, is due the credit of preventing the enemy from gaining the Lynchburg road, their only line of retreat.”

            Bivouacked on the west side of Appomattox Courthouse April 10-16^th during the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia. April 17, 1865: marched at 10 a.m. to Prospect Station, 22 miles. At 7:30 p.m. bivouacked. April 18^th: marched at 5 a.m. to Wilson’s Creek, bivouacked at 4 p.m. April 19^th: marched at 6 a.m. to Burkesville Junction, 15 miles, at 1 p.m. bivouacked and during 20^th and 21^st. Marching April 22^nd at 5 a.m. to within 5 miles of Amelia Court House; bivouacked at 1 p.m. April 23^rd, marched at 6 a.m. to within 13 miles of Richmond, 27 miles, at 10 p.m. bivouacked. April 24^th, marched at 5:30 a.m. to within 2 ½ miles of Richmond, near Manchester, bivouacked at 1 p.m. April 25^th, marched at 9 a.m. through Manchester and the principal streets of Richmond to 2 miles on the north side of Richmond, Virginia and went into camp.

            On Friday April 28^th at dress parade, received news that the Confederate army under General Johnston had surrendered to General Sherman. May 1^st, Company H was detailed to proceed to the battlefield of Cold Harbor to bury the remains of our comrades who were killed during the battle in June 1864.

            May 4^th, received orders to move to Beaverdam, a station on the Virginia Central Railroad about 50 miles from Richmond. Moved at 2p.m. and marched about 10 miles, bivouacked. May 5^th, marched about 25 miles; bivouacked. May 6^th, arrived at Beaverdam about 10 a.m. and went into camp. May 7^th, rested and had dress parade in the evening with the villagers and country neighborhood as interested spectators.

            May 9^th: Company C, of which the writer was a member, was detailed and ordered to Frederick’s Hall, a station on the same railroad about 10 miles further west. May 12^th: General Alvin C. Voris with four companies of the regiment moved by railroad (same having been repaired to Louisa Court House) about 20 miles further west and established his headquarters there. It appears that about this time a certain reconstruction policy was promulgated from Washington forming Military Districts by states and these were sub-districted by counties, and General Voris was placed in charge of the counties of Albemarle, Fluvanne, Goochland, Hanover, and Louisa, with headquarters at Louisa Court House.

            Company C remained at Frederick’s Hall performing such guard and other provost duties as were required, and when not on such duty, we were required to drill three hours in the forenoon and the same in the afternoon, presumably for exercise and to aid digestion. This drilling program proved so trying that the boys raised considerable trouble and after about three weeks orders were received to discontinue.

            The latter part of July or early August, the headquarters were moved to Charlottesville and Company C was moved to Louisa Court House, where six privates, one sergeant, and two corporals were mounted and all ordered to Columbia, a small village on the junction of the James and Rivanna rivers and canal; the writer was one of the privates in the mounted detail. Lieuteant Charles E. Minor, Company E, was provost marshal with Corporal Henry Isely as clerk in charge of Fluvanne and Goochland counties. The part of the company not mounted camped on a hill outside the village. The mounted privates, the sergeant, and one corporal were quartered in a barn in the village. The duties of the mounted men consisted of carrying messages to the various other posts, to make arrests where ordered, adjust differences arising between plantation owners and freedmen now their employees, and finally taking a census of the colored population.

            About September 1^st, when the 62^nd Ohio was consolidated with our regiment, all of the unmounted men, except a corporal’s guard, were ordered to Charlottesville for duty. Early in October, Corporal Isely’s time having expired, he was discharged and the writer was detailed to perform the duties of clerk to the provost marshal, in addition to such other duties as he had time to perform, until Sunday November 26, 1865, when at 5 o’clock in the morning, a courier arrived at our office with a dispatch for which we had been waiting for months: HOME!

            In describing briefly, as above, the duties performed by one company during this period of reconstruction, must serve as a reasonable example for all.

            Monday, November 27, 1865: moved to Louisa Court House, 28 miles. Tuesday, November 28^th, awaiting orders. Wednesday, November 29^th, received orders to board train for Richmond; train arrived about 3 p.m., arriving at Richmond at 10 p.m. Bivouacked on train.

            On morning of November 30^th, marched to Libby Prison where we had breakfast and dinner and about 4 p.m., boarded a river transport down the James River, arriving at City Point about 8 p.m. Bivouacked in barracks.

            December 1^st: engaged in making our muster rolls until December 7^th, and were formally mustered out of military service. December 8, 1865: boarded transport about 9 a.m., arriving at Fort Monroe about 6 p.m.; Baltimore about 9 a.m. December 9, 1865. Stacked arms in the street and had two meals at the Soldiers’ Rest. Boarded train of box cars about 4 p.m., arriving at Martinsburg Sunday morning December 10^th about 4 a.m.; had two hours layover. Arriving at Cumberland about noon and had a layover of several hours (did not go to church) and finally arrived at Columbus, Ohio about noon on Tuesday December 12, 1865. Marched to Camp Chase and quartered in barracks.

            On Friday December 15^th, we received our discharge and pay. The same evening and the next morning as fast as trains could be secured, all started for home!

            From December 18, 1861 to December 16, 1865.

            It may be of interest to relate here what was at the time called in the most wonderful case on record. The rifle ball by which Colonel Voris was wounded at Fort Wagner split the ring upon his sword belt, and as on probing, only a small piece of the ball was found, it was supposed that the larger portion had glanced off without penetrating the body. As the years passed by after the close of the war and return to his professional duties, the General began to experience an abdominal trouble which finally developed into what was supposed to be an aggravated case of stone in the bladder, and finally despairing of his life unless he could get speedy relief, in the fall of 1873 he submitted to a surgical operation when to the surprise of the surgeons, his friends, and himself, instead of a stones, three-fourths of an Enfield rifle leaden ball, weighing an ounce and a half, was extracted from the bladder. That the shot did not kill him instantly in the first place was simply miraculous; and that he could have carried that amount of lead in such a vital position for over ten years of a very active life, without fatal results, and finally to withstand the effects of so painful and critical an operation not only evinces a remarkable degree of pluck, but a most vigorous constitution.

            It is supposed that the leaden missile, being checked by striking the belt ring lodged into the integuments of the upper portion of the bladder, gradually by its own gravity, working its way through the cavity of the bladder itself, from whence it was happily and so skillfully removed.

            The military service was the performance of the duty of loyal, patriotic, American citizens, whose record is not compiled for their own aggrandizement, but that it will serve as an incentive to a Godly and patriotic Americanism by future generations that they will ever defend this great American Republic from all its enemies as they have done from its Rebels 1861-1865.

 

J.C. Haring

George L. Childs

A.N. Briggs

 

Committee