The nucleus of the 128th O. V. I., known as the Hoffman Battalion, was composed of four companies, A, B, C, and D, recruited in 1861 and 1862. Two brothers, Samuel H. Carson and Andrew L. Carson, of Jerome Township, served in this regiment. This battalion was on duty at Johnson's

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Island during the first part of its service, but was sent to Virginia on scouting and reconnoitering expeditions before the regiment was fully recruited and organized.
     In the fall of 1863 six new companies were recruited and the regiment was organized and mustered in at Camp Taylor, Cleveland, Ohio, in January, 1864, including the Hoffman Battalion, under Colonel Charles W. Hill.
     The regiment in the spring of 1864 was assigned to duty at Johnson's Island, near Sandusky, guarding rebel officers, as this island had been designated for the exclusive confinement of commissioned officers.  A large number of officers were confined on the island, and the duty of guarding them carefully was arduous but very monotonous.
      In 1862 the number of prisoners so confined was an average of about 850, as it varied during the different months by reason of an exchange of prisoners arranged by a cartel in July of that year.  During the year 1863 the average number on the island was from 40 during the month of May to 2,623 in December.
     In 1863, by reason of the organization of disloyal Orders in both Ohio and Indiana, and reported concentration of rebel troops in Canada for the purpose of releasing prisoners, the garrison at Johnson's Island was largely increased in November by a dismounted detachment of the 12th Ohio Cavalry, a Battery of the 24th Ohio Light Artillery, First Ohio Heavy Artillery, Pennsylvania Battery, and other detachments.
     In the winter of 1864 a brigade of the Sixth Army Corps was also sent to Johnson's Island under General Shaler, with the 24th Battery stationed at Sandusky, all under command of General Terry.
     In April, 1864, General Terry was relieved and Colonel Hill of the 128th Regiment was assigned to command of the garrison. In the fall of 1864 the Sixth Veteran Reserve Corps was duly assigned to duty on the island and there was a continuous transfer of troops to and from the front.  Detachments of the 128th Regiment were detailed for duty and frequently sent to distant points guarding prisoners, thus

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reducing the force in the garrison, and their duties were very heavy at all times.
     During the year 1864 the number of prisoners was largely increased, averaging from 2,500 in January to upward of 3,000 in December.  As this prison was so near the Canadian border, and Canada was in sympathy with secession and the rebel army, there was great danger at all times that a release of the prisoners would be attempted by their emissaries in Canada, assisted by the Order of the Knights of the Golden Circle and Sons of Liberty, organized in the loyal States.  The regiment was kept under the strictest discipline, at all times ready to repel an invasion or check any attempt of the prisoners to make their escape.
     In addition to their duty of guarding prisoners, members of the regiment were required to perform a large part of the labor in erecting three forts, one at Cedar Point and two on the island, besides erecting magazine, so there was a great deal of physical labor necessary.  The regiment was splendidly drilled, and had the opportunity offered they would have acquitted themselves with honor on the field, as strict discipline and drill had molded this organization into a fighting machine ready for any emergency.
     Both officers and men would have hailed with delight an order to go to the front, but fortune was against them.  The loss by death was sixty- four.  The regiment was ordered from the island to Camp Chase July 10th, and was mustered out July nth. 1865.