Democratic Sentinel, Volume 14, Number 34, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 September 1890 — COL. DAVID H. PATTON. [ARTICLE]

COL. DAVID H. PATTON.

Col. David H. Patton, Democratic candidate for Congress for this (10th) Congressional District, is a Kentuckian by birth, 53 years of nge. Excel ling two years passed iu the public school of Covington, Kentucky, his life like that of most American boys, was spent working on a farm—that best place oi all to develope muscle,(manly independence and good habits. In 1857 the family bade adieu to their Kentucky home, taking up their residence at Waveland, Montgomery county, Indiana, where David, then in his twentieth year, entered the Waveland Collegiate Institute, completing a scientific course in the year 1860. Choosing the medical profession he began his studies under Dr. Florer, one of the most skillful practitioners in that county of learned medical men. While engaged in the study of his chosen profession, Fort Sumpter was bombarded, and the South sought by force of arms to destroy the Government. In those exciting times the youths of that obscure village felt the shock of battle, and many hastened to tender their services to their country. A meeting was held by the subject of this sketch and his former classmates and friends, at which it was determined that their services should be tendered the government just as soon as it meant protracted, earnest war. When the news came of the disastrous defeat of the Federal forces at Bull Run, the future Col. laid’aside his books, relinquished his cherished ambitions for the time, and with twelve others hastened to New Albany to join the 38th Indiana, already organized andfready for the field. It can never be supposed that they.enlisted from any other thanjpatriotic motives,as the regiment was thoroughly organized; nor was any one of the thirteen known to a man in the organization. Of the field and staff officers of that regiment history makes honorable mention: Col. B. F. Scribner, since general, and popularly known as “gallant little Scrib;” Lieut. Col. Walter Q. Gresham, historically known as General Gresham, since postmaster general, and now the distinguished and popular judge of the federal court: adjutant D. F. Griffin, since Colonel, died full of honors. It would seem as if the chances 'of preferment of the unassuming young man from the country village was meagre; indeed in the company of such men. He was chosen by’ his Colonel one of the color guards.— The regiment passed into Kentucky, and after innumerable skirmishes and marching and countermarching for neariy 1,800 miles, they were face to face with the confederates at Perryville, either in the interest of the confederacy or idiotically, no one has yet been able to determine which.lt was the|fate of the 38th Indiana to bear a conspicuous part on that field where their per centage of loss was as great as that of either of the contending armies at Waterloo. Of the color (bearer and guard,, Patton and Sullivan alone stood erect, and the former could touch the colors any time during the engagement. Of the seven that lay upon the ground five were killed outright and one dangerously wounded. The flag-staff was shot in two twice, and the colors were about shot into shreds on that day. Their next severe engagement was at Stone River, where the colors were pierced by 31 balls and private Patton again so distinguished himself that Col. Scribner rewarded his gallantry with promotion. The regiment participated in the capture of Look-out Mounrain and the “battle in the clouds,” in which they again distinguished themselves. The regiment served in the Atlanta campaign, participating in all the battles {till that city was taken. In the battle of Jonesboro Lieutenant Patton rendered signal service to his country and received the highest praise of his commanding officer, being styled the “Hero of Jonesboro Skirmish line." To fully understand the importance of the service rendered it must be understood that Jonesboro was the key to Atlanta, and that certain works lying in front of Carlins’ brigade wsa the key to Jonesboro; and that Carlins’ brigade was ordered to take ihe works. Two regiments to attack, but were repulsed with heavv loss. Two more were ordered to the attack which were also repulsed, but they had succeeded in geiting close enough to the works to learn that an abatis lay just in front that would have to be torn away to make room for the assaulting column.— General Carlin ordered Lieut Cob Griffin to take the 38th, as it was all there was left, and capture the works. Col. Griffin ordered company G, Captain H. F. Perry, and company H, Lieut. David H. Patton, as skirmishers to take advantage of the smoke and gathering shades of evening, reserving their fire, to move noiselessly as possible, tear away the abatis and open a way to carry the works.C3To the skill and bravery of Lieut. Patton on that occasion Col. Griffin, in his farewell address to the regiment (page 336 Indiana’s Rolljof Honor, vol. 2d,) feelingly alludes, when he says: “To the brave boys I can but say that everything i s due to their valor on the field, and remember that now you have a leader in the commander of Jonesboro’s gallant skirmish-line,” meaning Capt. Patton. After the fall of Atlanta the 38th went with Sherman to thejSeaj'from Savannah they marched into North Carolina, where the commissioned officers of the regiment, to settle all doubts as to seniority, and to make the service more efficient, drew up the following agreement: Camp 38th Ind. Vol. Infantry. ) Goldsboro, N. C., Apr. 3d, 1865. J. We, the undersigned officers of the 38th Regiment Ind. Vet. Vol., believing that on' account of disputed titles to seniority and for other reasons, that it will be conducive to the good of the Regiment to designate the persons to fill the field offices bv ballot among the officers: Do hereby ballot, and waive all right or supposed right of Seniority. Robert Middleton, Ist Lieut. Co. “C." J. L. Martyn, Capt. Co. “A." Wm. C. Shaw, Capt. Co. “B.” DM. Hazzard, Lieut, and Adjutant. EJS. Pawsen, Chaplain. George W. Faulkner, Capt. Co. “G.” Emsley H. Wood, Ist Lieut. “ * W. D. Moore, Capt. Co. “I.” Benj. Owen, Ist Lieut. 60. “I." A. J. Crandall, Ist Lieut. Co. “H.” Milton H. Jordan, Ist Lieut. Co. “E.” John A. Sheckels,. Capt. Co. “K." J. A. Donelson, Ist Lieut, Co. “D.“ J. H, Seaton, Ist Lieut. Co. “K.” Ben. Park Dewey, Capt. Co. “F.” D. H. Patton, Capt. Co. “H." And held an election with the following resuit: For Col.—D. H. Patton, 15 votes, showing that he was the unanimous choice of his brother officers, every one voting jot him. i The following recommendations of Ljeqt, Col. McMahon, of the 21st Ohio,

to Adjutant Terrell and Gov. Monon, is highly complimentary of itself, but rendered more so when it is remembered that the person recommended, if honored with the commission would supercede that brave and generous officer: Headquarters 21st Regt. Ohio Vet Vol. 1 Goldsboro, N. C., Marcn 20,1865, C W. H. H. Terrell, Adjutant Gen. of Indiana. Sir: I have the honor to serve in the Brigade with the 38th Ind. Vet. Volunteer Infantry. The officers of that regiment are recommending their senior Captain, David H. Patton, for promotion, and I, being long associated with this Regiment in our brigade, feel an interest in its success, and in the promotion of an officer who has long since deserved the honor sought for him. 6 (During the campaign against Atlanta, avannan, Columbus ana Goldsboro, I had an opportunity to form a high opinion of Captain Patton’s merits as an officer and true soldier which justifies my recommending him to his Governor as well qualified for a Regimental Commander, I being in command of the Brigade during the afternoon of March 19th, at the battle before Bentonville, North Carolina, and Captain Patton being in command of his Regiment after the fall of Captain Lowe. The conduct of Captain Patton in battle came under my notice. I cannot speak too highly of his conduct on that field. He fought his Regiment skillfully, and to ita

utmost capacity. I am with great respect. Your obedient servant, A. McMAHAN, Lieut. Col. Com’g 21st Regt. Ohio Infantry Vole. And in conclusion of this matter we will say that Capt. Patton received his oommissien making him Colonel of his regiment and commander of his brigade. He enlisted in the regiment the least known and the most'unassuming man in it, and without social or political influence, aided only by his own brave heart, upright life and strong arm, he won his way to the highest honors of the command, and left it the best known and most loved man of all. In civil life he has been equally successful whether as a student in college, a man in his profession, a citizen, or breeder of fine stock. Hejhas betrayed no trust, but bravely met every responsibility and conscientiously discharged every duty. Always and at all times the unobtrusive and efficient man, and though he does not boast of “an easy competency," he has the far greater satisfaction tokno w that he has made easy the path of life for many; increased the burdens of none, nor has he ever taken advantage of the ignorance or straighiened circumstances of his fellow man to pile up ill-gotten gains, but for every dollar that he possesses,he has returned to the government and society an honest equivalent. His military record is a heritage that his children will prize above gold and silver, and will stimulate them to noble deeds aud aspirations. Victory perches upon the banner where he fights, and after the battle next November the stars and stripes will proudly wave over him as they did at Champion Hills, Stone River and at Lookout’s craggy heights; at Buzzard’s Roost Gap; at Kenesaw Mountains; on Jonesboro’s deadly field; at Atlanta; as they did from Atlanta to the sea; as they did at Bentonville where he struck the Confederacy the last time. If a stainless life and fair dealing with Lis fellow men; if eminent ability and distinguished military service; if any or all these are yet esteemed and honored among men, then will Colonel David H. Patton bo the next Representative in Congress from this district.