Democratic Sentinel, Volume 5, Number 18, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 June 1881 — ESSAYS [ARTICLE]

ESSAYS

Read before the Ladies’ Literary Society, at the Opera House, on Monday Evening. May 30th, 1881, by Mrs B. S. Dwiggins and Mrs. M. L. Spitler. STATISTICS OF THE WAR. BV MRS. R. S. DWIGGINS. The state of Indiana sent to the war of the rebellion more than two hundred thousand men. Also fifty thousand state militia, to defend the border from southern invasion. Indiana troops were engaged in three hundred and eight battles. Six hundred and fifty-two officers were killed in battle and died from other causes during the war. Twen-ty-four thousand, four hundred and sixteen privates lost their lives from all causes during the conflict, so far as reported. Twenty years ago last April, after the fall of Fort Sumpter, and the call of the President of the United States for seventy-five thousand volunteers, Gen. Milroy returned from Indianapolis bringing the news of the country’s peril. At an early hour the following morning we were awakened by the sound of the drum. Then we knew the country was in danger. Intense excitement prevailed. A meeting was called to enlist men to go to the front which was attended enmasse by our citizens. Many volunteered and it took but a short time to recruit a company. Then “there was hurrying to and fro, and cheeks all pale,” when we knew that our fathers, brothers and sons were going to fight, and perhaps die, for their country. The company recruited here was company “G,” Ninth regiment Ind. Vols., commanded by Captain Milroy, who was afterwards made Colonel, and subsequently Major General. The company was ordered to Indianapolis to join the regiment, equip and <lrill for a short time. They went in with the six regiments, the quota of the state under the first call, and was the first regiment that left the state for West Virginia, leaving Indianapolis May ‘29th, 1861, and arriving at Grafton June 2nd. From there the regiment went to Philippi, a column commanded by Col. Kelly, and took part in the battle of Philippi. Afterwards engaged in the battles of Laural Hill and Carrix Ford.

William Girard was killed at the battle of Laurel Hill, the only one of Company “G” that was killed during the three months’ service. They buried him alone on the mountain side, a*nd perchance the wild blossoms decorate his lonely grave, while we scatter flowers over those of his comrades. The three months men were mustered out in July, 1861, the time of their enlistment having expired. Most of Company “G” re-enlisted in the three years service.

Charles Rhoades and Jonah Porter were killed at the battle of Buffalo Mountain, Va., Dec. 12, 1861. We all remember them well. Cut down in full health and in the bloom of youth, “they looked like twin lillies that some kid in wantonness had cropped.” Asa Porter died of wounds re-

ceived at the battle of Shiloh, May 9th, 1862. It is twenty years since these young men gave their lives for their country. The parents of Mr. Rhoades and the aged mother of the Porter brothers still live to shed tears and scatter flowers oyer the graves of their brave sons. Then came Weathers and Kessler, and others of the Ninth, FortyEighth and Eighty-Seventh regiments, until twenty-five mounds

mark the resting place of Union soldiers in our beautiful cemetery, either killed in battle, died of wounds or worn out by forced marches over burning sands. Some are buried elsewhere in the county, and others sleep in the sunny south, • Dust” may “return to dnst.” but deep Within the hearts of Freedom’s sons, Embalmed forever, Love shall keep The mem’ry of these faithful ones 1 And coming years shall swell our lays, And weave new laurels for each head, While grateful freemen shout the praise And glory of Columbia* Dbad 1