MILITARY HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY - WAR OF 1812 - MEXICAN WAR - CIVIL WAR - ROLL OF HONOR - SEVENTEENTH REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY - TWENTY-SIXTH REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY - FORTIETH REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY - NINETY-FIFTH REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY - ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTEENTH REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY - SQUIRREL HUNTERS AND MILITIA - ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-FOURTH REGIMENT OHIO NATIONAL GUARDS - RETURN OF PEACE.

     IF a battle has ever been fought within the present limits of Madison County, the fact is unknown to modern chroniclers; hence, its military history will not embrace a picture of armed hosts in deadly conflict upon its soil, but must tell of her sons who went forth at the call of their country when imperiled, first, by an Indian foe; second, by the arrogance of England; third, by the aggressions of the Spanish race in the land of the Aztecs; and lastly, by the attempt of a slave oligarchy to sever the union of the States.  The events of these wars have passed into history.  The youthful student in our schools is bewildered with the recital of their gigantic proportions, and the son listens with wonderment at the tale of bloody strife from the lips of the surviving father who served in the later struggles.  The mother relates the anguish and long years of anxiety suffered in those dark days.  All are familiar through written records and word of mouth with the causes which led to these wars, their fierce continuance, their glorious termination, and the fruits left for the enjoyment of coming generations.
     In 1811, the inhabitants of Madison County began to fear an Indian outbreak.  There were no Indians then living in the county, but the events leading to the battle of Tippecanoe and the killing of an Indian named Nicholas Monhem, by Tobias Bright, in 1810, incensed the roving bands of savages, and kept the settlements in a feverish state of anxiety.  There was a constant dread that the Indians would begin hostilities, massacre the whites and burn their homes.  Several families in the eastern portion of the county left their cabins and erected a stockade or fort on the land of Philip Sidener, on the east bank of the Little Darby, opposite the site of Jefferson.  After the crushing defeat of the Indians at the battle of Tippecanoe, on the 7th of November, 1811, the fears of the people subsided to some extent, and those in the fort returned to their own cabins.  The pioneers in other portions of the county followed the same plan, making some strongly built cabin a general rendezvous whenever an outbreak was expected.  Thus, while peace nominally existed, these hardy pioneers were prepared for war whenever it should come with all its horrors.

WAR OF 1812.

     The arrogance of England had compelled the United States to declare war, and, in June, 1812, the edict was sent forth.  Gov. Meigs called for troops, and Franklinton, Urbana and Dayton were designated as general

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places of rendezvous for this portion of Ohio.  Capts. John Moore and Elias Langham were recruiting officers at London.  The militia of Madison County were divided into classes, so as to he in readiness when called upon.  All able bodied men. between the ages of eighteen and forty-five years, were required to respond to such a call.  A company of seventy men was raised soon after the war broke out, and sent to Mill Creek, in what is now the southern part of Union County.  A block-house was built on the north bank of the stream, and general preparations made to defend the county against the Indians.  Jonathan Alder was in this company. and, after remaining there about four weeks, he and John Johnson concocted a scheme to break up the camp and return to their homes.  They were sent out scouting, and after making many moccasin tracks in the vicinity of a mud hole, returned to the camp and reported that Indian signs were numerous, at the same (time offering to conduct a squad to the place, for the purpose of investigating the matter.  This news created consternation among the men, and Alder, Johnson and Andrew Clerno were detailed on picket duty that night Clerno was informed of the plot, and, about 11 o’clock, while the camp was in repose, all three fired off their guns at an imaginary foe, and rushed back to the fort.  A general stampede ensued, the men running like a frightened herd of cattle, pell-mell, in every direction through the forest.  The shouts of the officers calling upon them to halt were of no avail.  Many ludicrous scenes took place, as well as a few accidents through coming in contact with the trees; while two brave (?) boys plunged across Mill Creek irrespective of danger by drowning.  The ruse succeeded, for, by 10 o’clock the following morning, all of the men were discharged and on their way to their homes.  Much sport has been made of this event, and many of the worthy pioneer fathers were the butt of the jokers throughout their lives on account of their participation in this first campaign of the war.
     As late as 1813, the Indian boundary was only about sixty miles from London.  There was a great feeling of relief, therefore, when, on June 21, of that year, the Indians, at a council held in Franklinton, solemnly agreed to remain at peace, thus satisfying the spirit of all former treaties.  An eloquent description of this council has been prepared, and as the event formed a pleasant scene, which practically concludes the Indian history of this part of the State, we cannot do better than to present it to the reader.  The council was held on the grounds of Lucas Sullivant The memorial says:
     “The Delaware, Shawnee, Wyandot and Seneca tribes were represented by about fifty warriors.  Gen. Harrison represented the Government, and with him were his staff and a brilliant array of officers in full uniform.  Behind them was a detachment of soldiers. In his front were the Indians.  Around all were the inhabitants of this region, far and near.  The object was to induce these tribes, who had heretofore remained neutral in the war, to take an active part in the ensuing campaign for the United States, or at least give a guarantee of their peaceful intention by remaining with their families within the settlements.
     “The General began to speak in calm and measured tones, befitting the grave occasion, but an undefined oppression seemed to hold all in suspense, as with silent and almost breathless attention, they awaited the result of the General's words.  These seemed to fall on dull ears, as the Indians sat with unmoved countenances and smoked on in stolid silence.  At length the persuasive voice of ,the great commander struck a responsive chord, and Tarhe, or the Crane, the great Wyandot chief, slowly rose to his feet.

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Standing for a moment in a graceful and commanding attitude, he made a brief reply.  When he, with others, passed forward to grasp the hand of Harrison, in token not only of amity, but in agreement to stand as a barrier on our exposed frontier, a terrible doubt and apprehension were lifted from the hearts of all.  Jubilant shouts rent the air, women wept for joy, and stalwart men thrilled with pleasure as they thought of the assured safety of their wives and children from a cruel and stealthy foe.  They prepared at once, with alacrity, to go forth to the impending battles.”
     The Indians were faithful to this agreement, and the country was spared a re-enactment of the bloody scenes of her earlier history.
     During the siege of Fort Meigs, in May, 1813, runners were sent throughout the State, urging the male inhabitants to assemble immediately at certain points and take measures to relieve the besieged fort.  The militia from this county hurried to Urbana, where a large force was organized under the command of Col. Duncan McArthur.  It started for Fort Meigs, but after a four days’ forced march through the wilderness, was met by William Oliver, John McAdams and Capt. John, the Shawnee chief, who brought the intelligence that the siege had been abandoned.  The troops returned to Urbana and were discharged.  Maj. David Gwynne, one of the Gwynne brothers, who settled in Deer Creek Township, was then a Paymaster in the regular army, with headquarters at Urbana.
     Soon afterward, they were again called out and marched to Sandusky, where they remained for a short time.  A portion of the men were discharged, the balance subsequently returned to Franklinton and were sent to their homes.  At a special term of the Court of Common Pleas, held Oct. 4, 1813, a number of military fines were remitted.  They had been assessed by the County Board of Military Officers, for neglect of duty in the
prosecution of the war, then being waged against England.  It is not our intention in this article to attempt to give the names of the volunteers from Madison County who fought in many of the battles of that war.  At this late day, success, in such an undertaking would be impossible; but many of their names will be found recorded in the biographical sketches given by their descendants, and the memory of their deeds will be cherished as long as the nation lives.
     After the return of peace, in 1815, Congress passed a law, re-organizing the militia and making it obligatory for all males. between the ages of eighteen and forty-five, to perform military duty.  This county was divided into military divisions, and certain points designated in each for the militia to meet and receive instruction in the art of war.  This was called “Company Muster.”  Once a year the different companies throughout the county were required to meet at London, or some other point, to attend to what was called the “General Muster.”  The militia could not draw military equipments from the Government. but at these musters armed themselves with rifles, shot guns, broom-handles, sticks, or any implement by which they could be put through the manual exercise.  The law also provided that if any company would furnish their own uniforms, and otherwise comply with the law, the State should supply them with arms and munitions.  Several companies of this class were organized in the county.  They were required to perform military duty for seven years in time of peace, which, complied with, exempted them from poll-tax.  Training days, among all classes, were looked upon with much favor; they were days of recreation, social joys and friendly greetings.

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MEXICAN WAR.

     The disputed territory between the Rivers Neuces and Rio Grands was the direct cause of the war between the United States and Mexico, Texas, which had first won its independence, and subsequently been admitted into the Union, claimed the Rio Grande as the boundary line, while Mexico said it was the Neuces River. The American Government proposed to settle the controversy by negotiation, but the authorities of Mexico scornfully refused.  Gen. Taylor was then ordered to advance his army, and, in November, 1845, had established a camp of about 5,000 men at Corpus Christi, near the mouth of the Neuces River.  In March, 1846. he advanced to the Rio Grande and erected Fort Brown, opposite Matamoras. On the 26th of April, Gen. Arista, the Mexican commander, notified Gen. Taylor that hostilities had begun, and on the same day a company of American dragoons, commanded by Capt. Thornton, was attacked by a body of Mexicans, east of the Rio Grande, and here occurred the first bloodshed of the war.
     It made no great stir among the people of Madison County, though the progress of the victorious troops from the Rio Grande to the halls of the Montezumas was hailed with an enthusiasm similar to that over the country generally.  The Whig leaders claimed to see in the war a scheme for the extension of slavery. and on this ground made many bitter speeches against it; but the patriotism of the nation was aroused, and all opposition was swept away before the grand outburst of indignation which it caused, we have been unable to find any record of the soldiers who enlisted from Madison County, and there are no newspaper files of the London press reaching that far back; but we have picked up the following names of Madison County men who went into the Mexican war, viz.: Joel H. Worthington, Edward Hill, Samuel Creamer, Oscar McCormick, George W. Athey, Lewis Dun, William Justice, William Frost, Adam Bidwell, Este Bidwell, Samuel Armstrong, Edward Sager, and Mortimer A. Garlick.  Let their names be honored for assisting to uphold the nation’s flag in her hour of need.

CIVIL WAR.

     Two days after the fall of Fort Sumter, and immediately after the receipt of the proclamation of President Lincoln for 75,000 volunteers, a meeting of the citizens of London was held in the town hall, which was organized by calling H. W. Smith to the chair and appointing A. Downing, Secretary.  On taking the chair, Mr. Smith addressed the meeting in a few appropriate remarks.  He was followed by Dr. A. Toland, Col. P. W. Taylor, William Jones, George Lincoln, W. H. Squires, John McGaffey and several other citizens, in patriotic speeches.  Richard Cowling, Dr. Toland and William Jones were appointed a committee to draft resolutions expressive of the sense of the meeting.  Col. Taylor read his orders from the Adjutant General to proceed in enrolling a company of volunteers, and also the general orders from the same officer.  A call was made for volunteers, but none answered at the time.  A. Downing was authorized to enroll all volunteers who should subsequently make application.  The committee reported the following resolutions:

     WHEREAS, The flag of our country having been dishonored by traitors, we deem it our duty to defend that flag at the risk of our lives: therefore,
     Resolved, That the citizens of Madison County, as much as they deplore the strife and disunion in our land, they will still cling to the union of these States, and by every honorable means in their power endeavor to maintain their integrity.
     Resolved, That they will try to sustain the General Government in maintaining its authority in enforcing the laws and upholding the flag of the Union.

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     The resolutions after reading were unanimously adopted, and the meeting adjourned after three hearty cheers for the flag of the country.
     The stars and stripes were raised above the court house on Monday, April 10.  On Wednesday, a beautiful flag, made by the ladies of London, was raised above the academy building, on the occasion of which patriotic speeches were made by J. S. Burnham, J. D. Stine, Emery Smith and others.  Another flag floated from the Toland warehouse, one from Peter Weber’s, one from Van Wagner & Athey’s grocery, one from the Cowling House and many smaller ones from several other business houses.  Up to the 18th, about twenty young men had taken the required oath, and several other names had been received.  A requisition was made by the Governor for seventy-five men from Col. Taylor’s volunteers, to be in readiness to march on Wednesday, the 28th inst.
     During the first week or ten days after the fall of Fort Sumter, the county was in a continual state of excitement.  Almost every branch of business was suspended. and the people generally did nothing but stand about the street corners of the towns and villages and rush to each train that arrived for news and to cheer the passing volunteers.  The stars and stripes floated from the churches, the court house, two beautiful poles that were erected in the streets of London, and from almost every business house and many private dwellings.  Squads of men were drilling on the streets and the hotels were thronged with recruits.  Party ties were completely obliterated, and every man, no matter what may have been his political tendency, affirmed that it was now his duty to support the Government, and lend a helping hand in its defense.  The first company enrolled in accordance with Gov. Dennison’s call was christened by Col. Taylor, “The Eagle Guards.”  They were commanded by Capt. Thomas Acton, and left for Lancaster, Ohio, Apr. 27, 1861.
     Before leaving for camp, the Eagle Guards were presented with a beautiful flag by the ladies of London, who had also made for them from goods purchased by the Council, one hundred flannel shirts.
     The care of those whom the defenders of their country’s honor left he hind was gladly assumed by the citizens.  A letter on this point from Richard Cowling to the County Treasurer, dated London, Apr. 23, 1861, reads as follows:
     “ I have this day left with W. H. Chandler, County Treasurer, $1,000, to be applied to the comfort of the two volunteer companies that go from this place - one-half ($500) to be equally divided between the two companies, subject to the order of their Captains in trust for their respective companies.  The other half ($500) to be applied to the care of the soldiers’ families, under the direction of the following committee: W. H. Chandler, H. W. Smith, B. F. Clark, A. A. Hume, O. P. Crabb and W. H. Squires.  The Government shall be sustained as long as I have a dollar.”
     A purse of $300 was immediately raised among the citizens of London, for the use of the volunteers; while all over the county money was pledged to aid the good cause.  Peter Buffenburgh subscribed $1,000 toward the volunteer fund, and many other citizens did equally as much according to their means.  In May, 1863, Col. Peter W. Taylor deeded 1,600 acres of Missouri land to H. W. Smith, B. F. Clark, Jacob Peetrey, M. Lemen and
James Kinney, to be held in trust for the benefit of disabled soldiers from Madison County.
     The ladies of the county were indefatigable in their ministrations to the soldiers.  They organized the “Ladies’ Hospital Relief Society of

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Madison County,” which was unceasing in its efforts.  They were constantly sending to the hospitals of Ohio regiments boxes of fruit and other delicacies, with large supplies of woolen blankets, socks, underwear, sheets, pillow cases. bonks, papers, magazines, and, in fact, everything to contribute to the comfort and happiness of the soldiers, while also supplying their loved ones at home with the necessaries of life.
     On the 19th of July, 1862, Gov. Dennison appointed the following military committee for Madison County: Dr. Milton Lemen, Robert Armstrong, William Curtain, Gabriel Prugh and Judge B. F. Clark, all of whom had taken an active interest in raising money and volunteers to defend the flag of their country.  Prior to this time, there had been raised in this county $11,668, for the purpose of paying bounties to its soldiers.  We have examined this subscription list and find some very wealthy men with an insignificant amount opposite their respective names, while many poor men gave liberally of their means.  It is a fair indication of the patriotism possessed by each.  On the 24th of June, 1863, the military committee was reorganized, and the following gentlemen appointed by Gov. Tod.  Robert Armstrong, Judge B. F. Clark, Gabriel Prugh, Thomas P. Jones and O. P. Crabb, who served until the war ended and the starry banner floated in peace from the lakes to the Gulf of Mexico.

ROLL OF HONOR.

     The descriptions of the several regiments herein contained have been compiled from the valuable work by Whitelaw Reid. entitled “Ohio in the War.”  Slight errors have unavoidably crept into that volume, and wherever we discovered an apparent mistake, we made the necessary correction.  The roster has been prepared mainly in the office of the Adjutant General of Ohio, and the names copied verbatim; hence. we cannot be responsible for errors in spelling.  In addition to the rolls. we have availed ourselves of every aid within our reach, to make the roster complete.  We have consulted members of every company, yet doubtless the names of some brave boys will be missing.  It is hoped that none are omitted, though, from the imperfect condition of the rolls, and the carelessness in recording credits, it is highly probable that omissions occur.

SEVENTEENTH REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.

     The nucleus of this regiment was two companies raised in Fairfield County on the first call for troops, in April, 1861.  At Lancaster they were subsequently joined by several companies from their counties, among which were those of Capt. Thomas Acton, of London, and Capt. Thomas J. Haynes, of Plain City, Madison County.  The regiment was immediately organized by electing field officers.  On the 20th of June, the Seventeenth left Zanesville, whither it had proceeded, for Bellaire.  On arriving at Benwood, on the Ohio River, a fleet of boats was found waiting to receive the troops.  On the 23d. all were embarked, arriving at Marietta on Sunday afternoon.  The following morning the fleet started for Parkersburg, and in a few hours the Seventeenth was on Virginia soil.  It was at once brigaded with the Ninth and Tenth Ohio, Gen. William S. Rosecrans commanding the brigade.
     Its first duty was to guard trains to Clarksburg, Va., and return.  Company F was first detailed on this service.  Companies A and B were detailed as guard to Gen. McClellan.  Companies I, F, G and K were sent down the river on an expedition, with sealed orders, not to be opened until Blennerhassett Island was passed.  One company was put off at Larue, W.

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Va., and the other two proceeded on down to Ripley Landing, and crossed over by land to Ripley, the county seat of Jackson County.  Both detachments were to operate against the guerrillas of the different localities.  The two Wises, father and son, were in command of the reels in that vicinity, and made their boats that they would "annihilate the Yankees on sight," but took good care to keep at a respectful distance from said Yankees.  Two companies remained at Ravenswood until July 10, when they were ordered to report to the regiment at Buckhannon, Va., on July 14.  The other five companies of the regiment left the railroad at Petroleum and marched across to Buckhannon, at which place, on the 4th of July, they were surrounded by about 1,500 rebels, but held the position until re-enforced by the Tenth Ohio.
     It was intended to have had the Seventeenth Ohio concentrated in time to participate in the battle of Rich Mountain, but, as it was thought a much better work was being performed in Jackson County by breaking up recruiting camps and preventing many from joining the rebel ranks, it was not done.  Shortly after the regiment was consolidated at Buckhannon, it was ordered on an expedition, in company with several other regiments, Col. Tyler commanding, to Sutton, Va.  After a long and very hard march, Sutton was occupied and fortified.  On the 3d of August, 1861, the Seventeenth Ohio, having over served the time some days, started for home, arriving at Zanesville, Ohio, on the 13th of August, and two days later was mustered out of the service.  The two companies from Madison County returned to their homes, and many, if not all of the men composing them, subsequently joined other regiments, principally enlisting in the different companies from Madison County that Went into the Twenty-sixth, Fortieth, Ninety-fifth and One Hundred and Thirteenth Regiments.

COMPANY C.

     This company, originally called the "Eagle Guards," was organized at London, and mustered into the service under the first call for troops in April, 1861.  It subsequently was ordered to Lancaster, and there joined the Seventeenth Regiment, with the following roster:

COMPANY G.

     On the first call for troops in April, 1861, this company was immediately raised at Plain City, and forwarded to Lancaster, where it was mustered into the Seventeenth Regiment on the 5th of June, as follows.

 

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TWENTY-SIXTH REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.

     This regiment was organized at Camp Chase, Ohio, in July, 1861, and as soon as completed it was ordered to the Upper Kanawha Valley, where it performed its first service.  It remained in that valley until the following January, and in the movement by Gen. Rosecrans on Sewell Mountain the Twenty-sixth claims to have led the advance and to have brought up the rear on the retreat from that point.  Early in 1862, the regiment was transferred from the Department of West Virginia to the Department of the Ohio, soon after named the Department of the Cumberland.  The brigade of which it formed a part was placed in Gen. Wood's Division, where it remained until October, 1863.  On the organization of the Army of the Cumberland into corps, at Louisville, in September, 1862, the division was assigned to the Twenty-first Corps, but in October, 1863, the Twentieth and Twenty-first Corps were consolidated with the Fourth Corps, and the Twenty-sixth Regiment became a part of the Second Brigade, Second Division, of the Fourth Corps.
     The regiment formed a part of the advance column on Nashville, after the capture of Fort Donelson, and shared the forced marches, hardships and privations of Gen. Buell's army in its advance to Pittsburg Landing to relieve Gen. Grant.  In the advance from Shiloh through the swamps of Northern Mississippi, upon Corinth, the Twenty-sixth occupied the front line, and was among the first to enter the place.  During the summer of 1862, the regiment bore its full share of the hardships of Gen. Buell's campaign.  In August of that year, the Twenty-sixth led the attack on Forrest's Cavalry, near McMinnville, Tenn., defeating the rebels and capturing, among other prisoners, Gen. Forrest's body-servant, battle-horse and private carriage.  In the memorable forced marches of Buell and Bragg, from the Tennessee to the Ohio, and thence toward Cumberland Gap, in the fall of 1862, this regiment performed its whole duty.
     On the 26th of December, 1862, Gen. Rosecrans commenced his advance from Nashville against Murfreesboro. During this engagement the Twenty-sixth, under the command of Maj. William Squires, of Madison County, supported in part by the Fifty eighth Indiana, made a gallant and successful charge, storming and driving from a strong position in the village of La Vergne a far larger force of the enemy, that for many hours had held the left wing of the army at bay, and seriously impeded the execution of the movements in progress.  Later in the day, two companies of this command charged the enemy's retreating rear-guard, drove them from and extin-

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Wilson Alexander

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quished the fire of a burning bridge, to the great advantage of the advancing columns.  This gallant deed was thought of sufficient importance to entitle the regiment to especial mention in reports.  At the battle of Stone River the Twenty-sixth, under Maj. Squires, was one of several regiments which stood firm against the rebel charge on the 26th inst., when three-fourths of the National forces on the right had given way and were in full flight, and though for many hours the heavily-massed columns of the enemy were hurled against it, they still stood their ground, and the Twenty-sixth Ohio formed the apex of that little convex line of battle that all Bragg's victorious army could not break or bend.  At this time, the command lost one -third of its strength in killed and wounded.  Maj. Squires was presented with an elegant sword by the command, in appreciation of his services in this battle.
     In the advance on Bragg's lines at Tullahoma and Shelbyville, the regiment bore a conspicuous and honorable part.  In the advance on Chattanooga, in December, 1863, the Twenty-sixth led the advance of Crittenden's corps, which first entered the place, Col. Young, who had again taken command of the regiment, leading it in skirmish line over the northern bluff of Lookout Mountain.  At Chickamauga, the regiment was in the thickest and bloodiest of the fight, where it acquitted itself with honor.  Its loss in killed and wounded was very severe, being nearly three-fifths of the number engaged.  At the storming of Mission Ridge by the Army of the Cumberland, the Twenty-sixth Ohio maintained its good reputation.  It occupied nearly the center of the front line of assault (Wagner's brigade, Sheridan's division), and was there called upon to sustain the concentrated fire of the rebel circular line of forty cannon and thousands of muskets.  The assault was made in the face of this terrible fire, the column fighting its way, step by step, up the long and rugged slope, every minute becoming weaker and thinner by the murderous fire of the foe from above, until, with less than half the command, with the entire color-guard disabled.  Col. Young, bearing his own colors, spurred his horse over the enemy's works who threw down their arms, abandoned their guns and gave themselves to precipitate flight.  In this action the Twenty-sixth captured about fifty prisoners and two cannon.  Later in the day, this regiment, together with the Fifteenth Indiana, captured a six-gun battery the enemy were endeavoring to carry off in their retreat, and flanked and dislodged a strong body of rebels, who, with two heavy guns, were attempting to hold in check the Union forces until their train could be withdrawn.  These guns, also, were captured.  In token of their appreciation of Col. Young's gallantry on Lookout Mountain, his command subsequently presented him with a magnificent sword and belt.  The regiment suffered at this time the loss of about one-fourth of its strength in killed and wounded.
     Ere its dead were buried on the mountain side of Mission Ridge, the Twenty-sixth, now reduced by two years and a half of arduous service, from 1,000 to less than 200 rifles was on its way, with the Fourth Corps, to raise the siege of Knoxville.  This campaign proved to be the most severe of any yet experienced.  They marched barefooted o over frozen ground, and of any yet experienced.  They marched barefooted over frozen ground, and bivouacked without shelter, in midwinter, clad in summer dress, with half rations, on the desolate and dreary hillsides of East Tennessee.  Yet even then, with elbows out, pants worn half-way to the knees, socks and shirts gone to threads, hungry and shivering in the bitter cold of Jan. 1 1864, the Twenty-sixth, almost to a man, re-enlisted for three years more.  It was the first regiment in the Fourth Corps to re-enlist, and the first to arrive

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home on veteran furlough. Returning to the field at the expiration of its furlough, the regiment rejoined the Fourth Corps at Bridgeport, Tenn.
     When Gen. Sherman moved upon Atlanta, the Twenty-sixth marched with its corps and participated in that arduous campaign.  It was at Resaca, Kenesaw, Peach Tree Creek, Jonesboro and in all the minor engagements of that march, and in each maintained its splendid lighting reputation.  After a rest of three weeks at Atlanta, the regiment was again called upon to seek the enemy.  Gen. Hood, thinking to defeat the plans of Gen. Sherman, made his dash at the rear of Atlanta and marched on to Nashville.  In the race that ensued, the Twenty-sixth Ohio bore a part, and again had the honor of contending, under the gallant Thomas, with the rebel foe.  The battle of Franklin was fought, the enemy checked in his swift march, and the Union forces won the race into Nashville.  At this point the two armies again met in battle, resulting in a victory for the National arms, the rebels being completely demoralized and put to flight.  The latter were pursued across the Tennessee River, and then the Union forces fell back on Huntsville and Nashville.
     The Texas campaign was now resolved upon, and the Twenty-sixth formed part of that force, participating in the trip down the Ohio and Mississippi to New Orleans; thence in the severe march across the country from Port Lavaca to San Antonio, which will long be remembered by those gallant veterans, on account of its disagreeable associations of intense heat, burning thirst and the almost unbearable annoyances of the insects inhabiting that region.  On the 21st of October, 1865, the regiment was mustered out of the service at Victoria. Immediately thereafter, it was sent home to Camp Chase, paid off and discharged.

COMPANY K.

     This company was recruited at London, and bore the title of "Cowling Videttes," in honor of Richard Cowling, a leading citizen of the county.  It arrived at Camp Chase July 22, 1861, and on the following day was mustered into the Twenty-sixth Regiment.  The company organization, with all subsequent enlistments, is as follows:

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FORTIETH REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.

     The organization of this regiment was completed at Camp Chase, Ohio, Dec. 7, 1861, and, on the 11th of the same month, it left camp for Eastern Kentucky, going by railroad to Paris, Ky., and marching thence to Paintville, where it formed a junction with Col. Garfield, who was then moving up Sandy River.  On the 10th of January, 1862, the regiment participated in the battle of Middle Creek, defeating Humphrey Marshall, and after that remained in camp at Paintville, suffering very much from sickness.  In February, it moved to Piketon, where, in connection with a Kentucky regiment, it remained as an outpost until June 13, when the troops moved to Prestonburg.  A month later, Prestonburg was abandoned, the Fortieth going to Louisa, where it remained until September 13, when it left Louisa and moved to the mouth of the Sandy, and a few days after was ordered to Gallipolis, Ohio.  On the 4th of October, it moved to Guyandotte, W. Va., and, November 14, was again ordered into Eastern Kentucky.
     The regiment started for Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 20, 1863, and, on its arrival was assigned to the First Brigade, First Division, Reserve Corps, then at Franklin, which point the regiment reached in March in time to take part in a forced march after Van Dorn. On the 10th of April, when the Fortieth was on picket south of Franklin, Van Dorn attacked the line with a large mounted force, but was repulsed by the regiment alone.  The Fortieth moved to Triune, on the 2d of June, and, on the 23d, the reserve corps moved forward, forming the right of Rosecrans' army in its advance on Shelbyville, Wartrace and Tullahoma.  The regiment was stationed at the two latter points until September 7, when the reserve corps pushed forward rapidly to assist in the movement on Chattanooga.  The regiment participated in the battle of Chickamauga, losing quite heavily, and, after falling back to Chattanooga, encamped at Moccasin Point, opposite Lookout Mountain, and finally went into winter quarters at Shell Mound, Tenn.,  where four companies re-enlisted.
     On the 24th of November, the regiment shared in the battle of Lookout Mountain, and behaved with great gallantry.  It was in the second line of battle, and, upon reaching the rebel breastworks, was ordered to halt, by Gen. Whittaker, who was in command; but not hearing the order on account of the din of battle, kept right on alone, capturing two pieces of artillery at the "White House," several hundred yards in advance of the other troops.  The right of the regiment advanced to near the Summertown road, but, receiving no support, were obliged to fall back.  The gallant Fortieth felt much chagrined at the result, and claimed, that if properly supported, they would have captured the rebel guns and stores on the summit of the mountain.  At the close of the campaign, the regiment returned to Shell Mound.  On the 20th of January, 1864, the regiment moved, and, February 6, went into camp near Cleveland, Tenn.  On the 22d of February, it started on a reconnoissance to Dalton, returning to camp on the 28th.  On the 2d of May, the Fortieth marched on the Atlanta campaign, participating in many of the battles before that place, and being under fire almost constantly after reaching Dalton.  Companies A, B, C and D were mustered out of service at Pilot Knob, Ga., Oct. 7, 1864.  The remainder of the regiment shared the fortunes of the Fourth Corps in its pursuit of Hood, and in its retreat before him from Pulaski.  In December, those who were not veterans were mustered out at Nashville, Tenn., and the veterans were consolidated with the Fifty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry.
     After the consolidation of the Fortieth with the Fifty-first, the com-

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bined regiment was transported, with the Fourth Army Corps, to New Orleans, thence to Texas, where, at the town of Victoria, it performed guard duty for some months.  It was mustered out of the service Dec. 3, 1865, brought home to Camp Chase, where it was finally paid and discharged.

COMPANY A.

     This company was organized al Jefferson, and mustered into the Fortieth Regiment Sept. 19, 1861, at Camp Chase, where it arrived on the 10th of that month.  The muster-out rolls of the Fortieth Regiment are not in the Adjutant General's office at Columbus, and we, therefore, had to depend on the muster-in rolls, and the assistance of Col. William Jones, Lieut. James C. Peck, and other officers of the regiment, to complete the lists.  The roster is as follows:

COMPANY D.

     This company, called the "Buffenburgh Boys," in honor of Peter Buffenburgh.

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also organized at London, and mustered into the Fortieth at Camp Chase on the 30th of September, 1861.

NINETY-FIFTH REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.

     On the 19th of August, 1862, this regiment was mustered into the service of the United States at Camp Chase.  The following day, it proceeded to Lexington, Ky., where it was brigaded, and soon transferred to Richmond Ky.  The brigade made a forced march to this place and drove off the rebels, after they had sent in a flag of truce, asking the surrender of the town.
     August 29, the regiment, with its brigade, had an encounter with Kirby Smith’s advance, capturing one gun.  They remained all night on the field, confident of their ability to defend the approaches to Richmond. and underestimating, in their ignorance, the enemy’s strength.  The almost impassable barrier afforded by the precipitous approaches to the Kentucky River had been left fifteen miles in the rear, while they advanced to encounter an army of veterans double their numerical strength.  Kirby Smith was then on his march to the Ohio River, making his famous Northern raid, that will long live in story, and in the memory of the squirrel hunters who were summoned to the defense of Cincinnati.  Across his way, and barring it, lay an army of ten thousand raw recruits, with only nine pieces of artillery.  Veterans would have fallen back to the river, where it was possible to delay the advance of the enemy until the arrival of re-enforcements; but it was not so ordered in the book of fate.  Blind to the danger, and hold to rashness, our troops not only stood their ground, but advanced to meet certain defeat and almost annihilation.  As no other Ohio regiment participated in the battles around Richmond, a brief description will be interesting. 
     The rebel army made an attack the next morning, and at 9 o’clock made a determined charge, which drove our men from the field.  One hundred and twenty men of the Ninety-fifth, and a majority of the line officers, commanded by the Lieutenant Colonel, deeming themselves the only representatives of the State on the field, scorned to fly, and fought desperately until completely surrounded and forced to surrender. The scattered and demoralized forces made another stand, a mile or two in the rear, but were scattered like chaff, and still farther on a third stand, which resulted, after a

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stubborn though brief resistance. in a tumultuous retreat for the river.  The loss to the Ninety-fifth was eight men killed, forty-seven wounded and 600 captured.  The loss of the other regiments engaged was about two hundred and fifty killed, eight hundred wounded and nearly two thousand captured.  The rebel loss in killed and wounded was heavier than ours. 
     Nov. 20, 1862, the regiment was exchanged, re-organized and sent to Memphis, where it arrived May 25, 1863, 600 strong.  It was attached to a division and moved to Vicksburg. Here it did effective service until a few days previous to the capture of the city.  It also aided in the capture of Jackson, Miss, and in the operations around the Big Black River.  The regiment participated in Sherman’s attempt to storm the works of Vicksburg, on May 22, where, besides sustaining a repulse, many brave men were sacrificed.  After the fall of Vicksburg, another attack was made on Jackson, where the rebels were whipped, after which our troops went into winter quarters near Memphis.  During the winter, the Ninety-fifth was assigned to the Sixteenth Corps, with which it served until the end of the war.
     Early in June, 1864, an attempt was made to strike the Mobile & Ohio road, in the vicinity of Tupelo.  This ended in defeat The Ninety-fifth went into the affair with nineteen commissioned officers and 300 muskets, and got back to Memphis with nine officers and about one hundred and fifty men.  In July, the regiment marched with Gen. Smith’s expedition to Memphis, and, after skirmishing along the way, formed near Tupelo.  The Confederates made a furious attack and were handsomely whipped.  On returning to Memphis, Forrest made a night attack and got badly whipped again.  Smith's forces were moved to Nashville, arriving the evening after the battle of Franklin.  On the morning of December 15, Gen. Smith’s force, now an army corps, stationed on Thomas’ right, pushed boldly out from their works, and were soon on Hood’s left flank.  Here an assaulting column, including the Ninety-fifth, was formed.  In a few minutes. the first rebel work, mounting three guns, was captured.  From a hill farther on, crowned with a redoubt. the rebels poured a galling fire on the victors.  Without halting, on went our forces, like wild buffaloes, over the intrenchments and into the works, capturing more guns and holding the position.
     The next day, Hood’s second line was attacked.  The Ninety-fifth and other regiments piled knapsacks, and with orders neither to fire a shot nor to yell, they “went” for the works and carried them by storm, capturing battle-flags, guns and prisoners.  The cloud that for more than two years had rested above the regiment sailed away, and the boys triumphed in the sunshine of victory, though the feeling was mixed with sadness when their rolls were called, bearing the names of one-half their comrades, whose bones were whitening on many a Southern battle-field.  After these successes, the regiment performed its part in the pursuit of Hood. and joined Gen. Canby’s forces at New Orleans in the reduction of Mobile, where it arrived in March, 1865.  From this time until the bursting of the Confederate bubble, the regiment did guard duty. At the close of the war, it was ordered to Camp Chase, and mustered out Aug. 19, 1865.  The rolls showed that of 1,085 officers and men, composing the regiment, 528 officers and men were killed in battle. or died of wounds or disease in the service.

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COMPANY B.

     In the summer of 1862, this company was organized at London, and mustered into the Ninety-fifth Regiment, at Camp Chase, on the 19th of August.

COMPANY K.

     This company was organized in Madison County, and mustered into the Ninety-fifth Ohio Aug. 19, 1862, at. Camp Chase.  roll is as follows:

ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTEENTH REGIMENT OHIO VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.

     The organization of this regiment was commenced at Camp Chase in August, 1862.  Seven companies were recruited there.  The regiment was ordered to Zanesville, and afterward to Camp Dennison, a company being added at each place.  December 27, it was ordered to Louisville, Ky., where danger was expected from the Morgan raid.  The order was altogether unexpected, as the organization was incomplete, but in two hours after its reception, the regiment was on its way, finely equipped.  For some time after its arrival at Louisville, it encamped within the limits of the city, and received warm praise for it: orderly conduct and soldierly bearing.  In Jan-

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nary, 1863, it moved to Mauldraugh's Hill, about thirty miles from Louisville, on the Louisville & Nashville Railroad.  The following month, it returned to Louisville and embarked for Nashville.  The trip occupied an unusual length of time, and by the overcrowding of transports the regiment sustained serious injury through the dissemination of disease.  On arriving at Nashville, many of the officers and men were sent to the hospital, where they suffered greatly from malignant fevers.
     The regiment moved to Franklin, having been assigned to Gen. C. C. Gilbert's division; participated in several expeditions against the enemy, and worked almost incessantly upon an extensive line of fortifications.  The command formed the right wing of the Army of the Cumberland, and, joining other divisions at Triune, entered upon the Tullahoma campaign, but was not in an engagement.  Remaining at Shelbyville until the partial reorganization of the army, it participated in the Chattanooga campaign as a part of the reserve corps.  After a wearisome and trying march over the mountains, the One Hundred and Thirteenth bore a distinguished part in the sanguinary battle of Chickamauga, being brought into action on the afternoon of the second day, at the most critical point and moment.  It was a bloody baptism for the regiment, as its loss was 138 officers and men out of 382.  It fell back to Chattanooga with the army, and endured all the trials and privations of the siege.  The division, which had been designated as the Second, of the Fourteenth Corps, was detached from its corps at the battle of Mission Ridge, and formed a part of Gen. Sherman's force.  It formed the reserve line, and was not actively engaged; but in the subsequent pursuit of the enemy, it fought with some loss at Stuart's Creek.
     The regiment moved to the relief of Knoxville, and endured all the sufferings and trials of the campaign.  The men marched without sufficient clothing, without blankets or overcoats, and many of them without shoes, and, after Longstreet was forced to retire - weary, ragged and footsore - they returned to Chattanooga, arriving Dec. 21, 1863.  After a short rest, the regiment was ordered to McAfee's Church, eight miles south, to erect winter quarters.  While thus engaged, it was sent on advance outpost duty, on New Year's Eve, 1803, and, being without shelter, suffered severely during that intensely cold night.  During the winter, several of the officers were absent on recruiting service, and as a result of their labors, Company K was formed, and the regimental organization was completed.  The monotony of the winter's campaign was broken by an occasional reconnoissance, and at last the regiment moved on the Atlanta campaign.  May 7, 1864.
     The One Hundred and Thirteenth was at Buzzard's Gap, Resaca, and moved down the valley of the Coosa upon Rome; thence to Dallas and New Hope Church, and on to Kenesaw Mountain.  In the battle of Kenesaw, the regiment formed the first line of assault, and consequently lost heavily, the casualties being ten officers and 153 men.  In the numerous engagements around Atlanta, the regiment was not actively concerned, except at Peach Tree Creek, though it was always present, and nearly always exposed to the fire of the sharpshooters.  According to the diary of an officer, during 107 days of the campaign, the regiment was under fire eighty - nine days.  After the fall of Atlanta, the regiment was sent to Chattanooga, thence to Huntsville and Tuscumbia, Ala., and then back to Chattanooga.  It again marched southward, with greatly reduced ranks, over the battlefields of the Atlanta campaign, and joined Sherman in his march to the sea.  With the exception of an engagement between four companies of the

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David Selsor
(Deceased)

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regiment and a detachment of the enemy, in which the rebels were severely handled, the march of the One Hundred and Thirteenth was unbroken until it reached the defenses of Savannah. During the siege, rations were very scarce, and the canebrakes were the only forage for the stock. After the evacuation of the city, the regiment camped at Sister’s Ferry, on the Savannah River, and there remained for several days in mud and water. A crossiug was at length effected, and the One Hundred and Thirteenth was on South Carolina soil.  The regiment shared in all the labors of the campaign in the Carolinas, and was severely engaged at Bentonville, fighting hand-to-hand, and, during the heaviest of the battle, leaping the breast works to repel the assaults from either direction.  This was the last battle of the One Hundred and Thirteenth.  After the surrender of Johnston, it moved, via Richmond, Va., to Washington, D. C., and participated in the grand review.  It then proceeded to Louisville, Ky., where it was mustered out July 6, 1865, and was soon after discharged at Columbus, Ohio.

COMPANY A.

     In the autumn of 1862, this company was organized at London, and, on the 10th of October, mustered into the One Hundred and Thirteenth Regiment at Camp Chase.  The muster roll is as follows:

COMPANY G.

     During this autumn of 1862 this company was organized at Mount Sterling, and recruited from Madison, Fayette and Pickaway Counties.  We cannot undertake to designate the men from each county but give the full list copied from the muster-in and muster out rolls.  It was mustered into the One Hundred and Thirteenth Regiment, at Camp Chase, on the 18th of October, 1862, and contains the following roster:

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     It will not be inappropriate to here give the names of the commissioned officers in the different companies who were promoted, as well as those of the non-commissioned officers and privates who became officers of the same:
     Capt. William H. Squires, of the Twenty-sixth, was promoted to Major Dec. 7, 1862, and to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel Apr. 2, 1864.
     Lieut. James R. Hume, promoted on Gen. Hascall’s staff.
     Second Lieut. James R. Warner, promoted to First Lieutenant Apr. 26, 1862, and to Captain Dec. 2, 1862.
     Sergt. Francis M. Williams, promoted to Second Lieutenant Apr. 26, 1862, and to First Lieutenant Dec. 2, 1862.
     Sergt. David D. Brooks, promoted first to Second Lieutenant, and then to First Lieutenant, February 10, 1865;
     Sergt. Erastus Guy, promoted to Second Lieutenant February 19, 1863; to First Lieutenant Apr. 2, 1864, and to Captain Apr. 9, 1864.
     Peter W. Taylor was commissioned Lieutenant Colonel of the Fortieth upon its organization, but, after about one year's service, a difficulty arose between him and Col. Cranor, and he returned to London.
     Capt. William Jones, promoted to Major Feb. 5, 1863, and to Lieutenant Colonel Feb. 25, 1863.
     Capt. Thomas Acton promoted to Major Feb. 5, 1863.
     Capt. James Watson, promoted to Lieutenant Colonel Mar. 19, 1864.
     First Lieut. Orlando B. Bowles, promoted to Captain Feb. 5, 1863.
     First Lieut. D. L. De Land, promoted to Captain Feb. 5, 1863.
     Second Lieut. James C. Peck, promoted to First Lieutenant Feb. 5, 1863.
     First Lieut. Charles Converse, promoted to Captain Mar. 9, 1864.
     Sergt. Ezra Tullis, promoted to Second Lieutenant Feb. 5, 1863, and declined First Lieutenant's commission Mar. 19, 1864.
     Sergt. Charles R. Cover, promoted to Second Lieutenant Aug. 30, 1862, and to First Lieutenant Mar. 19, 1864.
     Sergt. Richard Cowling, promoted to Second Lieutenant Aug. 1, 1863, and to First Lieutenant May 9, 1864.
     First Lieut. Isaac N. Davidson, of the Ninety-fifth, promoted to Captain Dec. 9, 1864.
     Sergt. Isaac G. Peetrey, promoted to Second Lieutenant Jan. 15, 1863, and to First Lieutenant Dec. 9, 1864.
     First Lieut. Thomas S. Pennington, promoted to Captain Jan. 15, 1863.
     Sergt. Thomas F. Timmons, promoted to Second Lieutenant Jan. 15, 1863.
     Maj. Darius B. Warner, of the One Hundred and Thirteenth, promoted to Lieutenant Colonel Apr. 29, 1863, and to Colonel Feb. 23, 1865.
     Capt. Toland Jones, promoted to Lieutenant Colonel Feb. 23, 1865, and to Colonel June 8, 1865. 
     Second Lieut. Otway Watson, promoted to First Lieutenant Jan. 13, 1863; to Captain, May 16, 1863; to Major, June

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8, 1865, and to Lieutenant Colonel on the same date.
     Sergt. Aquilla Toland, promoted to Second Lieutenant Jan. 14, 1863, and to First Lieutenant Apr. 29, 1863.
     Sergt. James Coultas, promoted to Second Lieutenant June 14, 1863, and to First Lieutenant Aug. 19, 1864.
     Sergt. Timothy Haley, promoted to Second Lieutenant Oct. 12, 1864, and to First Lieutenant Feb. 10, 1865.
     Sergt. Jesse W. Dungan, promoted to Second Lieutenant Nov. 5, 1863, and to First Lieutenant June 14, 1864.
     First Lieut. Alvin L. Messmore, promoted to Captain Jan. 28, 1863.
     Second Lieut. Julius C. Bostwick, promoted to First Lieutenant Jan. 28, 1863.
     Sergt. Hiram C. Tipton, promoted to Second Lieutenant Jan. 28, 1863.
     Sergt. Joseph Parker, promoted to Second Lieutenant June 14, 1863.
     Sergt. Edward Crouse, promoted to Second Lieutenant Nov. 5, 1863, and to First Lieutenant July 25, 1864.
     Sergt. William R. Hanewalt, promoted to Second Lieutenant March 25, 1863. 
     The rallying of the “Squirrel Hunters” in the autumn of 1862 was a striking instance illustrating the readiness with which the citizens of Ohio sprang to the defense of the flag.  We are unable to give the names of those from Madison County who participated, but we are assured her sons were not behind those of any other portion of the State in responding to the call made at that time.
     During the memorable raid of the rebel Gen. John Morgan through Ohio in the summer of 1863, which eventually resulted in his capture in Columbiana County, the citizens of Madison turned out en masse to repel the invasion.  The business, houses were closed, hay left uncured in the fields, ripe wheat unharvested, and all went to Camp Chase in the quickest time possible.  There was a general outpouring of the militia, which was organized into a regiment, with Col. P. W. Taylor in command, A. E. Wilson as Adjutant, and Jacob Peetrey as Quartermaster.  Though this proved a bloodless campaign, yet those who went out in defense of their homes are entitled to credit for their ready response to the call.  They exhibited the same spirit of patriotism as their brothers, who were battling against the armed hosts of treason far away upon Southern soil,  and doubtless had the opportunity offered, would have been found equally as brave and self-sacrificing in behalf of the nation they all loved and had sworn to uphold.  After their return to the county, the militia was organized into two regiments, and the following officers elected:
First Regiment - Colonel, P. W. Taylor; Lieutenant Colonel, Jesse M. Linson; Major, John Holton.
Second Regiment - Colonel, W. R. Fickey; Lieutenant Colonel, G. W. Darety; Major, John W. Morris.
This permanent organization was effected in August, 1863, and placed the county on a defensive footing.

ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-FOURTH REGIMENT OHIO NATIONAL GUARDS.

     On the 4th of May, 1864, three companies from Madison County, under the command of Capts. William A. Neil, David Watson and Alexander Swanston, reported at Camp Dennison and were mustered into this regiment on the 9th of the same month.  An election for field officers was held, and Capt. Neil was elected Major of the regiment.  These companies were then consolidated into two, viz., C and I, by which they are designated on the muster rolls.

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COMPANY C.

COMPANY I.

     On the announcement of the surrender of Gen. Robert E. Lee at Appomattox, the people of Madison County became almost frantic with joy.  All the bells in London, as well as the other towns in the county, were brought into requisition, flags displayed, and the streets thronged with people, congratulating each other at the prospect of the return of peace once more.  About 9 o'clock in the morning, on the 10th of April, 1865, the day the news was received, the business men closed up their establishments for the day.  The evening of April 12 was set apart by the citizens as a season of rejoicing over the recent Union successes.  Shortly after dark, nearly all of the houses on Main street in London were brilliantly illuminated, and a six-pound cannon belched forth its thunder tones from a vacant lot on Main street.  Then followed a long procession of torch-lights, parading the principal streets, after which a grand display of fire-works from the public square, which lasted for more than an hour.  The town was full of people form the adjacent country, and every one seemed jubilant and good-hu-

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mored.  The demonstration was kept up until a late hour, and nothing occurred to mar the proceedings of the evening.
     Friday, April 14, the day set apart by Gov. Brough as a day of thanksgiving and rejoicing in honor of the victories above mentioned, was appropriately observed in London.  Business houses were closed, and divine services were held in the Methodist Episcopal Church in the morning.  The exercises consisted of the singing of patriotic songs, and addresses by Revs. Levi Cunningham and C. W. Finley.  The happiness and rejoicing, however, were short-lived, for that very night the news flashed over the wires that President Lincoln had been assassinated at Ford's Theater, Washington, D. C.  The joy was turned into grief, for he was the beloved of the nation, and deep was the sorrow at his martyrdom in the great cause of human liberty.  Apr. 19, 1865, was observed by the citizens of Madison County as a day of mourning.  The business houses were closed, flags displayed at half-mast, dwellings and other houses were draped in the insignia of grief, while appropriate services were held in the churches and a universal feeling of gloom pervaded the people of all classes.  Thus ended the greatest war in modern history.  Mighty hosts had met in the fierce struggle for supremacy, thousands of lives were sacrificed, millions of treasure freely spent in the contest; but the God of battles was on the  side of the great nation whose Government stands upon the basis that all men are created free and equal, and endowed with the inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.