Page images
PDF
EPUB

the advancing horsemen, and infantry, as he supposed the prisoners to be, and taking them to be Rebels, he had ordered his guns to be loaded with canister, and in a moment more would have given the intrepid Howard and his little force the benefit of it.

"But the General who had successfully deceived the enemy, found a way to make himself known to his. friends, and so escaped a reception of that kind."

STORY LXXXIV.

EXECUTION OF REUBEN STOUT ON JOHNSON'S ISLAND.

REUBEN STOUT, Company K, 60th Indiana, convicted of desertion, and the murder of SOLOMON HOFFMAN, on the 14th of March, 1863, at Madison, Carroll County, Indiana, was shot on Friday, October, 1863.

The exection was on the Bay shore, in front of the prison yard. The Hoffman Battalion was formed in a hollow square, open on the bay side, where the prisoner was seated on his coffin. Colonel Pierson and staff were within the square. The execution party was in command of Lieutenant McElroy, Provost Marshal. The orders and sentence were read by Lieutenant Bailey, Post Adjutant.

Portions of the prisoner's statement, as herewith given, were then read by the Chaplain, it being too lengthy to be read entire. Prayer was offered in English by the Chaplain, and also by Rev. M. Miller, pastor of the German Church in Sandusky, in the German language.

After the services the cap was placed over the eyes of the prisoner, by E. M. Keith, the Hospital Steward, and the command given to fire by the Provost Marshal. The prisoner fell immediately, seven balls taking effect, there being eight of the execution party, one having a blank cartridge. Dr. Woodbridge, Surgeon of the Post, went up and examined the prisoner, and pronounced him dead.

The battalion under the command of Major Scoville, marched past the body, the band playing the dead march. When past the body, they march to the parade ground at a quick step. The remains of the prisoner were decently laid out, and buried in the prison grave-yard on the island.

Stout left a statement, which was published in the Sandusky papers, from which we extract the following:

"I staid with my company and regiment, until November 26th, 1862, when we got a furlough to go home, the regiment having been captured at Crane River, Kentucky, and paroled as prisoners of war. We were sent to Indianapolis to be exchanged and draw arms again. All the men of the regiment got furloughs for a few days to go home to their friends.

"I went home and staid out my time, and, then started to go to my regiment. I went as far as Lafayette, my wife and her sister going as far as Dayton, Indiana. I took sick at Lafayette, and stayed there about five days. My father-in-law then took me home to his house to stay till I got well.

"After I had been there about two weeks, I was advised by various persons not to go back to the army. They said this was only an 'Abolition war,' and ad

vised me to stay at home, and they would protect me. I was induced to go to a meeting of the so-called 'Knights of the Golden Circle,' and was made a member of that organization.

"The obligation of the order bound us to do all we could against the war-to resist a draft, if one should be made, and likewise to resist and oppose all confiscation, or emancipation measures, in every possible way. We were sworn to stand by each other in all measures of resistance. We were pledged to do all we could to prevent another man or dollar going from the State for the further prosecution of the war. I met with this secret meeting several times, and entered into their views and plans.

"I was led by the evil counsels of this traitorous organization, to stay away from my post of duty in the army, for which I am truly sorry. I am sorry that I ever lifted my hand against the life of my fellow-man. I would affectionately, and earnestly urge all in the service of their country, not to do as I have done; but to be faithful to their obligations as soldiers, avoiding all disloyal counsels and obligations."

STORY LXXXV.

COLONEL LONG'S RAID IN BRAGG'S REAR.

THE battle of Chattanooga was fought and won without the aid of cavalry on our side; the ridge being so steep as to render their use in front impracticable. But the indefatigable Grant did not allow the cavalry to remain idle.

On the afternoon of Tuesday, the 24th of November, 1863, Colonel Long, with one battalion of the 1st Ohio, 3d Ohio, and 4th Michigan Cavalry, and 17th Indiana, and 98 Illinois Mounted Infantry, quiety crossed Sherman's pontoons, and while the enemy's attention was attracted by Sherman's batteries started for Bragg's rear, and a little after dark were three miles in the rear of his right, where they came upon, and captured, eleven wagons laden with forage; and then moved on six miles further, when they stopped and fed; after which they moved on to Altamont, and destroyed the railroad and telegraph, and captured two couriers with important dispatches from Joe Johnson to Bragg.

Early on the next morning, having heard of a train of supplies belonging to Cheatham, en route from Longstreet to Bragg's army, Colonel Seidell, of the 3d Ohio, supported by the rest of the command, started to capture it.

After a rapid ride of ten miles, they came up with, and captured the train which proved to be a very valuable one, consisting of eighty wagons laden with Quartermaster's stores, and Paymaster's chest, containing eighty thousand dollars in Rebel currency, and five hundred in gold and silver. The guard, horses, and mules were also all captured.

Retracing their steps, they approached Cleveland, in the suburbs of which, they took six teams, and soon after three well-laden Quartermasters' wagons. The whole command then entered Cleveland, to the surprise and joy of the citizens, and consternation of the 24th Rebel Cavalry; who were not long in putting a safe distance between themselves and the "Yanks."

At Cleveland large supplies of wheat and flour were

captured, and the factory for making percussion caps and shells was destroyed. Wednesday night was spent in Cleveland, and on Thursday morning a detachment was sent to Charleston, where a sharp fight occurred, with the loss to us of private Kasson, 3d Ohio. The 98th Illinois gave it to them with their "Spencers," while the 3d Ohio charged their works, taking eight prisoners; the enemy opening on them with a battery on the opposite side of Chickamauga River. They returned on the Dalton and Kingston Railroad, destroyed it for twelve miles, and rejoined the command at Cleveland.

At four o'clock, A. M., on the 26th, the pickets were attacked, and at five the command was in line, and fought briskly two hours, and then fell back on the Harrison road, as the enemy appeared in force with artillery.

They arrived in Chattanooga, at eight o'clock, P. M., on the 26th, with three hundred and sixty-five prisoners, four hundred mules, and four Rebel flags; one of which belonged to the celebrated Buckner Guards, and was inscribed "victory or death."

The Union citizens of Cleveland, presented the 3d Ohio with a fine flag; and seemed anxious to testify their good will in every way. Every thing they could do for the boys, during their short stay, was cheerfully done.

This raid was one of the best, and most successful of the war, and its execution could not have been entrusted to worthier hands. They proved themselves a veteran force, and rendered signal service to the army, at a critical time.

« PreviousContinue »