The booming of the cannon that
battered Sumpter's walls had scarcely died away, when, with lightning speed its
reverberations were transmitted to a slumbering and startled nation. The call to
arms was sounded, and thousands, anxious to wipe out the stains of traitor
hands, rallied around our nations emblems of liberty--the Start and Stripes.
None responded more promptly than Indiana, the Queen of the brave north-west.
The sixth was the first regiment organized in the State. It was in rendezvous at
her Capital, on the twentieth of April, 1861, less than a week after Sumpter had
fallen into rebel hands.
Hagerman Tripp of North Vernon, Jennings
county, was among the first to offer his services. He reported a company of one
hundred and sixteen men, having raised it in a small inland town, in the short
space of thirty-six hours. Other companies, among them Crittenden's and
Harrison's, were as speedily raised. The regimental organization was not
completed unti the twenty-seventh of April The following is the roster, as
prepared by Adjutant General Noble.
Field and Staff Officers --
Colonel, Thomas T. Crittenden, Madison: Lieutenant Colonel, Hiram Prather,
Vernon; Major, John Gerber, Madison; Adjutant, George W. Wiley,
Madison; Regimental Quartermaster, Josiah H. Andrews, North Vernon;
Surgeon, Charles Schussler, Madison; Assistant Surgeon, John B. Davis,
Vincennes.
Company A. -- Captain, Philemon P. Baldwin,
Madison; First Lieutenant, Samuel Russell, Madison; Second
Lieutenant, Isaac Stephens, Madison.
Company B. --
Captain, Augustus H. Abbett, Columbus; First Lieutenant, Allen W. Prather,
Columbus; Second Lieutenant, William C. Wheeler, Orleans.
Company
C. -- Captain, Charles Childs, Washington; First Lieutenant, R. W.
Meredith; Second Lieutenant Alanson Solomon.
Company D. --
Captain, Thomas J. Harrison, Kokomo; First Lieutenant, Thomas Herring;
Second Lieutenant, William R. Phillips.
Company E. --
Captain, Rufus Gale, Madison; First Lieutenant, John T. Hendricks; Second
Lieutenant, William Hamilton.
Company F. -- Captain,
Will C. Moreau, Knightstown; First Lieutenant, Robert Allison; Second
Lieutenant, John Cole.
Company G. -- Captain, Hagerman Tripp,
North Vernon; First Lieutenant; Josiah C. Andrews; Second Lieutenant, George W.
Kendrick.
Company H. -- Captain, Fielden A. Jones, Seymour;
First Lieutenant, Stephen Story; Second Lieutenant, Calvin B.
Trumbo.
Company I. -- Captain, John D. Evans,
Noblesville; First Lieutenant, John F. Longley; Second Lieutenant, George A.
Wainright.
Company K. -- Captain, Alois O. Bachman,
Madison; First Lieutenant, George W. Wiley; Second Lieutenant, William T.
Doys.
The large majority of the members of this regiment resided
within the bounds of the Third Congressional District. The regiment was
fully equipped with arms, and hoosier grey uniform, and remained at Indianapolis
under almost constant drill, until the thirteenth of May, when upon receiving
marching orders, it started for Western Virginia. Passing through Cincinnati, it
stopped for the night at Camp Dennison, where its members were the guest of
the Sixth Ohio, the gallant "Guthrie Greys." In the morning the regiment
renewed its journey through the "Buckeye State." At every station the
trains were hailed, and edibles of every description furnished to the passing
soldiery. The choice viands were accompanied with boquets of flowers, fresh from
the hand of Ohio's fair daughters. While memory remains true to her trust, they
will never be forgotten by the members of the Sixth Indiana. How different the
reception when, at Parkersburg, the Ohio border was passed and the Hoosier feet
struck Virginia soil. A black pall seemed to hover over the city. There the
Hoosier soldiers recieved no smile of welcome, no friendly hand-grasp, but were
confronted with scowling countenances, and haughty stand-off airs. The streets
were quiet as the city of the dead, and the few who were in them, seemed to
stalk along like "ghosts of the dammed." Companies A, D and K were left here
under Capt. Baldwin, to disperse a rebel organization at St. Mary's. The rest of
the regiment went by rail to Webster, which place they reached on the evening of
June second; here they were joined by portions of the First Virginia, Seventh
Indiana, and Fourteenth Ohio. Hard crackers were now first issued to the troops.
The night was dark and stormy. In a drenching rain, company after company
formed, and filed away through the darkness, to surprise a rebel camp at
Phillipi, fourteen miles distant. Silently they wended their toilsome way up the
mountain, carrying heavy knapsacks through mud and mire. The long night hours
passed slowly and heavily, and morning dawned upon our wearied troops, near
the enemy's encampments. Many, fatigued and exhausted, had dropped out by
the way side. But Hark! the boom of the cannon rings out merrily upon the
morning air. It is the first sign of the war. It rouses the weary, and animates
the laggards now; new energies are roused within them. The heights above
Phillipi, overlooking the quiet villiage-hid away among the hills-are
reached at last. What a scene meets the eye! a scene which painters would
rejoice to witness. The "God of Day" had not yet risen from his slumbers. The
tints of morning had just begun to dispel the gloom of night. A dense fog was
rising like a curtain from the villiage. Barnett's Cleveland Battery now belches
forth her loud thunder. Federal troops rush down the hill and dash over the
bridge that spans a branch of the Monongahela, Tygart's
Valley River. They enter the villiage. The quick volley of musketry
rattles-the rebels hurriedly and rapidly retreat--men almost naked and daughters
of chivalry frantic en dishabile, fly down the Beverly pike, and
clamber up the mountain sides, endeavoring to flee from the wrath of an
outraged nation. From a hotel window where lately a rebel flag had waved,
the stars and stripes now gaily float. The court house campus is filled with
Union soldiers, who, with great relish, discuss a smoking breakfast which had
been prepared for rebel palates. The doors of the jail are now unbarred, and men
whose only crime had been love of the old Government, are set
at liberty.
On the outside of the court house square stood several
wagons filled with rebel property, which now fell a prey to the victors.
Many articles never seen among Quartermaster's stores, nor mentioned in army
regulations, were appropriated by our troops in anticipation of the confiscation
act afterwards passed by Congress. Owing to a want of proper co-operation, most
of the enemy escaped toward Laurel Hill, and were not persued. A small garrison
was here left, and the Sixth, with the rest of the brigade, marched back to
Grafton, where Gen. Morris, the commander of the brigade, establlished his
headquarters, to watch the "drift of events." Every thing bid fair for a quiet
time; no armed organization of the rebels was near. The Sixth went into
camp on a high bluff north of the city. Gen. Morris had no cavalry, and to
obviate this deficiency, Capt. Tripp, of Co. G, was put in command of a party of
volunteer scouts. An order was given on the Quartermaster for a dozen horses and
revolvers. The scouts were from the Sixth regiment, and consisted of the
following persons.
Capt. Tripp, in command; Capt. James, Co. H;
Lieut. Allison, Co. F; Lieut. Longley, Co. I; Lieut. Hendricks, Co. E; Lieut.
McKeehan, Co. G; Ord. Johnson, Co. D; Corp. Elligham, Co. K; Corp. Potts, Co. H;
Sergt. Boxley, Co. F; Wm. Lower, Co. F; H. L. Burge, Co. G; L. T. Patterson, Co.
G.
The equipments, though the best the country afforded, were very
inferior, consisting of broken bridles, and worn-out saddles. Away sped the
light-hearted party, ready alike for fun or hard service, none knowing
their destination. The orders given the Captain were queer for war
times. He was to reconnoiter the country, watch the movements of the enemy, and
mingle as much as possible with the inhabitants, and enlighten them respecting
the purposes of the Federals in the prosecution of the war. Their minds had been
poisoned by the cunning leaders of the rebellion, who took advantage of their
prejudice against slavery--for Western Virginia was opposed to that
institution--and told them the Union army intended to free the slaves and
settle them in Western Virginia. It was important these erroneous
opinions should be removed. So this little band started on its mission. They
visisted Pruntyville and the adjacent country, penetrated the enemy's lines to
Tunnelton and St. George, in Tucker country; from thence they proceeded to
Cranberry Summit, on Laurel Mountain; thence to Kingstown, conversing
freely with the principal citizens. At St. George, they met a staunch Unionist,
an old acquaintance of the Captain's, in the person of the hotel-keeper-a Mr.
Tate- who had formerly resided in Jennings county; from him much valuable
information was received. Three and a half miles distant was a regiment of rebel
cavalry. Captain Tripp, with his scouts, visited the most prominent rebels in
the vicinity, and gave them their choice, either to take the oath of allegiance,
or be placed in arrest. The little band knowing-from their proximity to the
rebel cavalry-that they were on dangerous ground, moved at nightfall up the
mountain, to prevent capture, and be in a position for defense in case of
attack. They afterwards learned their caution was well timed. A party of rebels
visited the town that night to capture them; but the birds had flown. Thus these
scouts traveled from house to house, and from villiage to villiage/ Many of
the citizens, ignorant of the purposes of the Federal army, fled at their
approach. The clatter of their horses hooves down the little valley made, and
the sight of their uniform, made houses tenantless-caused men and women to
collect their families, and clamber up the rough mountain sides, to hide among
the rocks and caverns. So much for the fear of Federal soldiers entertained at
the commencement of the war, but the people who inhabit Western Virginia-a
country as beautiful as the eye ever rested on. Her fertile valleys-limpid
streams-her rock-ribbed mountains and flowery vales, make her the "Switzerland
of America." One day, as the scouts were passing through a little valley at
the base of Laurel Mountain, they espied a hamlet-rode up, and inquired for the
master of the premises. The mistress told them he had been absent for five
days-she knew not where. Dinner being upon the table, she invited the party to
dine. They cheerfully accepted the offered hospitality, dismounted, and were in
the act of providing hay for their jaded animals, when one of the party, in
plunging the pitchfork into the mow, scratched a limb of the owner, who had been
reported as absent, but who now sprang to his feet, and stood trembling in
the presence of the surprised scout. The affighted rebel expected immediate
death, and asked for a few moments with his family. When he heard his fate, and
the terms upon which he could still enjoy "life, liberty, and the pursuit of
happiness," he was wild with delight. Joyfully he took the oath, and has ever
since been a staunch Union man. This little band traveled in seven days more
than a hundred miles-conversed with many of the principal citizens of fourt
counties, commenced the organization of a Union company at Kingstown, and passed
around several rebel camps, without loss of life, or serious
accident. After spending a day at camp, they made another trip to St.
George, where they remained over night, and administered the oath to several
refractory citizens. While there, Capt. Jones, Lieut. Longly, and Sergts. Boxley
and Patterson, were sent to administer the oath to a leading rebel, who at first
refused to take it, but finally consented, deeming it more prudent to swear
loyalty to government than be a prisoner in the Federal camp. How he kept
his oath the sequel will show. After the route of the enemy at Carrick's Ford,
the Federals, in returning to Laurel Hill, passed through St. George, at which
place Capt. Jones was in the rear of the brigade, in charge of a wagon train. On
a former occasion, his operations in this vicinity had made him a "marked"
man. As the train was passing through a defile of the mountains, it was fired
upon by bushwackers, and Capt. Jones, now Lieut. Colonel of the
Thirty-Ninth-whose name is on Gen. Rosecrans' "Roll of Honor"- received a
severe wound. A detachment under Major Gerber and Lieut. McKeehan were sent
back to punish the guilty offenders, but all search for them proved unavailing.
The old rebel, to which Capt. Jones had previously administered the oath,
boasted publicly that he had wounded the Captain. A Federal scout, named
"Blackhawk," secreted himself near the old rebel's home, and remained there
eight days, waiting for an opportunity to punish him, but he did not
return. After the return of the scouts from the second trip to St.
George, they received a reinforcement of thirty-eight men, and were ordered to
Oakland, thirty-three miles distant, on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. The had
procured a special train for shipment, when the order was contermanded, and they
were sent to Phillipi, to which place Morris' brigade had moved. On arriving at
Phillippi, Capt. Jones was ordered to go down to Laurel Hill road, until he
encountered the pickets, and found the position of the enemy. The Captain and
his men gaily dashed five miles along the winding turnpike to a point where they
received information that the enemy's pickets were close at hand. They now moved
more cautiously, and passed the supposed line without molestation. They proceded
eight or nine miles and found no enemy. The Captian then concluded he would
go to Laurel Hill or find the enemy. He determined to dash through the rebel
pickets, and cut them off from the main body. The ranks were closed, and a long
strip of dark woods galloped through; but no enemy was yet visible. Fears were
entertained that he had evacuated. Bealington, one mile from Laurel Hill, lay at
the base of the hill below the party. Down the southern slope the troops gaily
sped, with their faithful "navies" in their hands, and were just slacking their
pace, preparing for a charge over the bridge, when the rebel volley came.
Horses shrank back on their haunches, girths broke, and rider and horse lay
floundering in the road. After the shock, back plunged the horses, and a general
stampede seemed inevitable. A few of the horses had stood the fire, and the
Captain ordered Lieuts. McKeehan and Longley to rally the men and move over the
bridge. The order was quickly executed. The rebel pickets, taking advantage
of the temporary shock caused by their fire, escaped through the darkness. The
object of the expedition having been accomplished, the party returned to
camp. Not one of them was hurt. The enemy aimed too high; several
received shots through their hats. The loss was three horses and one man
missing, and twenty-one saddle girths broken. The horse equipments were all
procured from the farmers, and could not stand the severe test to which they had
been subjected. At dawn of day, the party reached Phillippi,
where our own pickets informed them they were all supposed to be killed or
captured, and that one man, and three riderless horses, had passed them,
occasioning great alarm in camp. Such proved to be the case. The troops were all
under arms. The streets of Phillipi, and the bridge, were barricaded. The scout
who was in the rear had seen the men and horses fall as the volley came,
and supposed "he was all that escaped to tell the tale." The scouts were warmly
welcomed back, and shouts rent the air, as they passed by the different
regiments to their camp, on the hill north of the village. They now entered
on the most arduous duties of the trooper. They furnished all details for
Morris' headquarters, and sent daily detachments to the front to watch the
movements of the enemy, besides throwing out videttes on several roads leading
to Phillipi. For twenty two days they were kept almost constantly in the saddle,
scouring the country in every direction, and bringing the General most
valuable information. On one dark and rainy night, Captain Tripp, accompanied by
six men, took the Meadowville road, running south-east from Phillippi,
penetrated the enemy's lines, confiscated several fine horses--the property of a
noted rebel sympathizer--and returned with them to camp, having passed the rebel
pickets without detection. A few videttes were daily thrown out a distance
of seven miles from camp, on Laurel Hill road, near where the enemy's cavalry
picketted in force; on this road there were several Union men, who gave notice
of the movements of the enemy. A dwelling, known as Thompson's house, upon
this road, was a disputed point, but was occupied by our scouts at dinner hour,
one eating while the others kept guard. Several amusing and spirited chases
occured in this vicinity. Rebel citizens displayed great tact in their efforts
to ascertain our movements. The following will serve as a illustration. An old
man at Thompson's who was by our men considered harmless, on account of his
extreme old age, used to sweep the roads, at different points, so that he might
inform the enemy how many Federal troops had passed during the night. When
caught in the act, he said it was through mere curiosity. He was, however,
henceforth regarded as capable of aiding the rebels, and appropriately
admonished not to repeat the operation.
On another night, all the
scouts, and four companies of the Ninth Indiana infantry, were sent out to watch
the enemy, who were reported advancing. The infantry, under command of Lieut.
Col. Dunn, or the Ninth, were halted near Thompson's. The scouts dashed ahead,
drove in the pickets near Col. Elliott's, at Bealington, went to within a mile
of the enemy's camp, and heard the "long roll" beat on the arrival of their
pickets; soon the rattling of the artillery wagons; the officers distinctly
heard. The Captain had but dropped sentinels on all the cross-roads to notify
him of any attempt that might be made to cut him off from his infantry reserve.
In this state of affairs, it was found prudent to retire. The command to fall
back was executed without loss. Next morning all were safe within our own lines.
Such were the scenes witnessed, and such were the duties performed, by these
fearless Hoosiers, for more than thirty days--days of ceaseless vigilance and
unremitting toil. Horse and rider were inseparable. The country they traversed
was entirely unknown to them, and full of dangers. Their march lay over rough
mountains, and through dense valley-jungles, that gave every advantage to
the enemy's secret ambushcade. Their ceasless labors and brilliant exploits,
resulting in so much good to this little army, isolated from all commands, were
attended without the loss of a man, and reflect much credit upon the skill and
daring of the commander and his men.
On the fourth of July they
were relieved, and returned to their regiments, receiving warm thanks from their
brigade commander, for the able and successful manner in which they had
discharged their duty.
Lieut. Col. Prather, of the Sixth, was left in
command at Webster, for the purpose of forwarding supplies, in which work he was
actively engaged until the close of the campaign.
The forces under
Morris soon moved to Laurel Hill; after two days brisk skirmishing, the rebels
evacuated their position, and were hotly pursued, overtaken, and completely
routed at Carrick's Ford. The main body of the rebels escaped, having fled
toward Romney. The march from Laurel Hill to Carrick's Ford was one of the
hardest on record; though the men were on short rations, they bravely
pressed forward through drenching rain and rivers of mud. After a march of forty
miles, they overtook the enemy, who, on leaving Laurel Hill, had started several
hours in advance of them. Morris now returned with his brigade to Laurel
Hill, and the three months compaign was virtually ended. The baggage captured
from the retreating foe was collected, and the troops marched to Grafton. They
returned to Indianapolis in the latter part of July. Who does not remember their
bronzed features, and veteran-like appearance, as they marched through our
Capital. Only one man of the Sixth was killed. The regiment was discharged
on the second of August, and returned to their homes, where they received the
warm congratulations and thanks of their neighbors and friends.
Also a LINK
to
History of the Sixth
Regiment
Indiana Volunteer
Infantry
by
Charles C.
Briant
of
Versailles,
Indiana
Late Captain Co. K, Sixth Regiment, Indiana
Volunteer Infantry
written in 1891
A large
PDF file off this site (Google Books) with pictures and more detail on
each of the members of the Sixth Regiment.
RETURN TO
JEFFERSON COUNTY INGenWeb, Table of
Contents.
