THE 36th REGIMENT IN A SKIRMISH. We are permitted to make the following extract from a private letter received by [a] gentleman in this town from a member of the 36th regiment O. V. stationed at Summerville Va. The letter is dated January 1, 1862: The 36th has just returned from a scout, and they had a severe skirmish with some rebels. About twelve of our men were wounded, two or three mortally perhaps. It is not known how many rebels were killed, but eight or ten were left on the ground, that were seen. Lieut. Cherrington was slightly wounded in the arm. Our boys fought bravely.

     There was an auction sale at Camp Wood on Saturday last, of articles taken by Col. Willich's men in the skirmish with the rebels near Munfordsville. The articles sold netted the sum of three hundred dollars. A fine horse taken from the rebels was purchased and presented to the Drum Major of the regiment.

    The Union school commenced its winter session in the school building, which for so many months past has been occupied as a hospital. Where, for a long time nothing has been heard but the groans of the sick and wounded soldiers, nor anything seen but sadness and sorrow, the boisterous shouts of healthy children, and smiling happy faces predominate. The change is a marked one—would to Heaven that every Hospital in the land, now filled with our wretched soldiers, could be thus changed, and the youth of the nation be instructed to fit them for the duties of good citizens. But alas! the mad ambition of wicked men has decreed otherwise, and until Providence has, through their own misdeeds, wrought their final overthrow, it must be borne as best we can. Our duty to the rising generation must not be omitted, if, after the purgation we are now enduring, we wish to see our nationality preserved, and the intelligence of a free people the basis of increased prosperity.

The Gallipolis Journal
January 18, 1862

    The steamers Victor No. 3 and Linden, passed up on Sunday last, with re-inforcements for Colonel Lightburn, consisting of the 91st. O. V. Two companies of Gallia boys under Capts. Niday and Cadot, were on board.—The boys would have been pleased if the boat had landed, but the difficulty of getting all together again, induced the Colonel to prohibit landing. One member of Capt. Niday's company was left on the wharf-boat very sick, and removed to the hospital. The soldier left in charge of him did not report the case, but left him to the charity of passing strangers. His conduct was certainly not very becoming in thus deserting his comrade in his illness.

The Gallipolis Journal
January 23, 1862

     In the Report of the Sanitary Commission of the Valley of the Mississippi, up to 30th of November, 1861, we find the following statement in regard to the hospital at Gallipolis, which may prove interesting to our citizens.—Dr. Griswold seems to appreciate the efforts of our people in behalf of the sick, if others do not. Yet even his statement falls far short of reality:

POST HOSPITAL, GALLIPOLIS OHIO. (Inspected Sept. 29, 1861)
     I found the hospital at this place in charge of Dr. T. F. Gabriel, commissioned surgeon by the Governor of Ohio. The number of sick in hospital was 129, occupying two small, illy-constructed houses, altogether unsuited for the purpose. The rooms were small, windows mostly immovable, and hence ventilation impossible. I found on a wharf boat 37 discharged sick who had come down the Kanawha the day previous, separated from their surgeon, without passes to go further, or rations. I caused them to be fed from the hotel with coffee, soup and crackers early in the morning before visiting the hospital.
     Under these circumstances, I recommended that ample hospital accommodations be immediately secured. On investigation, I learned that barracks could not be erected within four or six weeks; and that the only building in town suitable for the purpose, was the Union School House containing eight large rooms. A meeting of the School Board was convened at 3 o'clock P.M. that day, and on presenting the subject in such manner as the case seemed to warrant, a voluntary consent was obtained for the occupancy of the building for hospital purposes, and before night, the sick from the wharf-boat were removed to it. Dr. Robinson, Brigade Surgeon of Gen. Cox's staff, arrived that evening and afterwards afforded essential aid to Dr. Gabriel in the re-organization of the hospital.
     The number of deaths at this hospital since July 19th, have been six.—Since Sept. 1st, fresh vegetables have been supplied by the post commissary; previous to that date the loyal citizens of Gallipolis had contributed largely for the comfort of the sick. The hospital having no stove but a sheet-iron one, the citizens had organized a committee of ladies to cook the rations daily at their several homes. The only hospital bedding in use had been contributed by the citizens, and from surrounding towns. Fresh beef was now supplied four days in the week. Milk was also furnished in sufficient quantity.
     No hospital stores, nor medicines, nor instruments had been supplied by the Medical Director. Purchases of medicines had been made from a village druggist, by order of a commanding officer. I advised that requisitions for these supplies be immediately made on the Medical Director at Cincinnati. The active co-operation of the citizens of Gallipolis in surrendering their school building for a hospital, and in furnishing subsistence and bedding for the sick, is worthy of the highest commendation.

The Gallipolis Journal                                                                                   Top of Page
February 13, 1862

     Capt. James P. Drouillard of Gallipolis, now attached to Gen. McDowell's staff near Washington, was lately selected as the bearer of dispatches from Gen. Johnston of the rebel army to Gen. McClellan. In the early part of the campaign, Capt. Drouillard was appointed Assistant Adjutant General on Brigadier General Sykes' staff. His promotion has been very rapid, and we hope to see him deserve still further. The dispatches above alluded to, were of sufficient importance to require a Cabinet meeting, and the selection of our young friend as bearer of them, is no slight token of the high opinion his superior officers have of his integrity, loyalty and skill.

     Our worthy fellow citizens, Captains Donnally and Hutsinpillar, are now running a pair of "Grey Eagles" on the Ohio river, between Louisville and Henderson. The U.S. mail is carried upon their boats, and from reliable sources we learn that they are doing a splendid business.. We are proud of them as our townsmen and wish them increased success. Aside from their qualities as men of integrity, energy and skill in their business, their sterling worth as loyal Union men, is of the highest importance. . . . The authorities need give themselves but little trouble in searching either boat for "contraband" goods. . . . Nor do we hesitate to accord to all the officers on board the same sterling qualities. . . . Success to them. Their enterprise deserves it all.

     Although the citizens of Gallipolis were not conscious of any immediate danger of invasion by the rebels, and had made no call upon the authorities for a force of men, yet on Sunday night a battalion of the 60th Reg. O.V. was quietly landed at our wharf, and is now snugly camped upon the public square. The battalion comprises about 500 men, enlisted for twelve months, and under command of Col. Trimble, a brother of our worthy member of Congress. They are a fine looking set of men, and thus far have conducted themselves with the greatest propriety, . . . Instead of quartering in the best houses of our town, . . . these brave fellows without a murmur, erected their tents on the square, and although as we write, the snow and storm are driving furiously around them, seem as happy as larks. At night, . . . the men of the 60th are in camp, as quiet as the grave. Such conduct is commendable . . . and indicative of the ability of Col. Trimble to govern, as well as willingness of the part of the men to obey.

The Gallipolis Journal
April 3, 1862

Vinton, March 28th, 1862
     Mr. Harper:—This morning our little quiet village was all life and stir.—Recruiting officers Lee and Jas. Sprouse of this place, now in the 60th Regiment, Col. Trimble, have been here several days recruiting volunteers for said Regiment. And another band of our neighborhood boys are leaving for the battle field, amid the booming of cannon and the warm "God bless you from friends," "God bless the brave boys and keep them." The following are the names of those who have volunteered: George Hamilton, J. C. Baxter, George Bowman, Jr., Hilas M. Holcomb, F. M. McGhee, John Mabee, and Lou. Washington. Huntington and Morgan townships against the world for furnishing stock and brave boys. Vintonian.

The Gallipolis Journal
April 17, 1862                                                                                        Top of Page

[Note: The Battle of Pittsburg Landing is now better known as the Battle of Shiloh. It took place in western Tennessee and was one of the major battles of the war.]

     The news of the great battle at Pittsburg landing, and consequent suffering and death of our brave soldiers, met with a warm and cordial response on [the] part of the citizens of Gallipolis. A subscription was promptly taken, and in a few hours nearly $400 were paid in, and by telegraph placed to the credit of the Sanitary Committee of Cincinnati. Never was there a greater willingness exhibited by our people to contribute to this fund. We know of but two refusals. This is a highly respectable donation for a village like Gallipolis, and the more so, when it is considered that the charities of our people have been constantly taxed for loyal subjects, for nearly one year past. We have always had sick and wounded soldiers among us, who received the kindest care and attention of our people. In the present instance, our citizens did not stop with a monetary contribution. Our ladies, God bless them, with that commendable zeal and activity which has rendered them famous all over the State, for charity and kindness, set to work preparing clothing, hospital stores, food for the sick, and preparations for the wounded, in immense quantities, all of which were duly shipped by E. Deletombe & Co. on the Ohio No. 3, yesterday. . . .

     The U. S. Quartermaster of Gallipolis, wishes to purchase 100 horses for army purposes. Our farmers who may have horses for sale will do well to call and see him at once. Any man having a sound, compactly built, active horse, between 5 and 9 years old, will find a ready market and fair prices, by calling on Capt. Moulton. Mares not wanted at any price, nor horses with any imperfection. Farmers will save themselves trouble and time by noticing this fact—that no old or unsound horse will be taken at all. An opportunity is now offered to our citizens to sell their stock to first hands, and save all expenses. Trot out your stock.

    Notice. All persons having unsettled claims against the Military Hospital, established at Gallipolis, Ohio, during the past Summer, will present them immediately to J. F. Gabriel, Surgeon, 11th Regiment O.V.I., at Pt. Pleasant, Va., for settlement

The Gallipolis Journal
May 8, 1862
     Our highly esteemed friend, Capt. W. H. Douglas, who for seven months past has filled the office of Post Commissary for the United States at Gallipolis, has been promoted to a position on General Fremont's staff, and is about to take the field. So far as the Captain's interest is concerned, we rejoice to see that he is properly appreciated by those to whom he owes his promotion. Our citizens very surely will regret parting with one, who has hitherto conducted himself with propriety and a strict regard for the rights of others. . . . His chief clerk, Mr. Morrison, accompanies him to the field. As one of our citizens, we congratulate him on his promotion, and are proud to say, that he deserves it. . . . Mr. Vaughn the shipping clerk of Capt. Douglas, we are informed, remains with his successor. He will prove of immense benefit to him, from his long experience in the office and close attention to business.

    Capt. C. M. Moulton has received instructions from headquarters to erect a Government Hospital at Gallipolis, as soon as practicable. This will afford employment to our mechanics, and be the means of disbursing a large sum of money, where it is most needed. The fact of this institution being located here, speaks volumes in favor of the health of our town. Being easy of access from all points, the terminus of navigation on the Kanawha, together with freedom of any danger from high water, no place in the Ohio valley is so well calculated for a Hospital for the Mountain Department as Gallipolis. The hospitality and kindess to the sick and wounded soldiers, for which our citizens have become noted, may have had its influence on the mind of Gen. Fremont. Right sure are we that the ladies of Gallipolis, will, without exception, render all aid in their power to make this Hospital among the best in the land.
     To the efforts of Capt. Moulton, we are indebted for any benefits to be derived from the locating of the Hospital at Gallipolis, as all attempts to convince the authorities at Columbus of the advantages aforesaid proved utterly abortive. A town not accessible from Columbus by rail is with the "powers that be" out of the world, and the proper point in their opinion was Cincinnati, just 250 miles further from the seat of war than this place. But then all that is overbalanced by the facilities of a railway from Columbus to Cincinnati for these gentry to travel over.

The Gallipolis Journal                                                                                   Top of Page
May 29, 1862

ATTENTION EVERYBODY Columbus May 26, 1862
     Military Committee of Gallia County: Astounding as the fact may be, Washington City is in imminent Danger. You will please raise without delay a force of ONE HUNDRED MEN, and send them as fast as raised to Camp Chase; where they will be organized and equipped, and such as are not willing to proceed to Washington, will perform guard duty in place of the Regiment now at Camp Chase. David Tod, Governor.
     In compliance with the above request, we hereby call upon the loyal citizens of Gallia county to respond thereto, and all who are willing to fight for the Government which was fought for and established by their fathers, will report themselves to the undersigned, or any one of them, at Gallipolis, on Saturday next, May 31st, where they will immediately be forwarded to Columbus at the expense of the Government. And we hereby call upon the Township Committees to exert themselves in this emergency, in behalf of our common country. We hope that our citizens will act as a committee of vigilance in the matter, and use their best efforts to promote the desired object. A. Cushing, R. Black, Jas. Harper, A. T. Holsomb, Daniel T. Evans. Military Committee Gallia County Gallipolis May 27, 1862

     The U. S. Hospital at this post, under charge of Capt. C. W. Moulton, is progressing rapidly, and one building, 130 feet by 45, will be ready for the sick at the close of this week.—Another building of the same size is also under way. How many more will yet be required, we do not know. The buildings are beautifully located on a rising ground outside of town, known as Camp Carrington, with a fine view of the river, where the air is always pure and free from dust. The arrangement of the buildings is most admirable as to ventilation, cleanliness, and light. They are strongly built, and in every respect the "right thing in the right place." The whole will be enclosed with a substantial fence, and every means adopted to render the sick and wounded soldier comfortable. Indeed it already looks so cheerful and cozy, we should almost agree to be sick a short time, for the comfort of being housed therein and attended to, as we know our ladies (God bless them) are bound to do. To Capt. Moulton we are indebted for the location of this hospital at this point, and the energy that has been manifested in the construction of it by him and Mr. Mullineaux, is deserving of the highest praise.

The Gallipolis Journal
June 5, 1862

     The wounded of the 36th Regiment, at the battle of Lewisburg, belonging to this county, were—W. M. Rose, above left eye, slightly; John Wright, slightly; Charles Price, in ankle; Henry Richendollar, in right arm. They are all doing well, and at last accounts were walking about and expected to be ready for duty in a few days.

    One of the hospital buildings at this point in now completed, and about ready for patients. The framework of another is up and progressing rapidly. The finished building is nicely whitewashed, and presents a very fine appearance. Economy in the construction, yet with an eye to the comfort of the sick has characterized the whole work, which throughout is credible to all concerned

Gallipolis Journal
3 Jul 1862

    The following is a list of the Secesh prisoners now in the hospital at Gallipolis, all of whom were wounded and captured at Lewisburg. Two have died since their arrival, and one or two others are in a fair way to follow them:

Transcribed by Henny Evans

The Gallipolis Journal
July 10, 1862

     The company that went from this place to Columbus, some weeks ago, decided to go into the Government and not into the State service. The Capt. is Rev. David H. Moore, from Whitney Chapel (Methodist), Marietta; 1st Lieutenant, Edward S. Aleshire, of Gallipolis; 2nd Lieutenant Josiah H. Jenkins, of Buffalo, N.Y.—Lieuts. Aleshire and Jenkins graduated at Marietta College last week. Wm. H. Fleek of Newark, L. H. Williams, of Sewickleyville, Pa., and Isaac H. Johnson, of Tyler county Va., are privates in the same company, and in all there are 19 from the college. It is company A of the 87th Regiment, Col. Henry Benning. The regiment left Columbus for Annapolis, Md. on Monday morning, June 30th.
Marietta Register

     John Evans, a Welshman, who was in the employ of Capt. Levering, U. S. Quartermaster at Gauley Bridge, died at the Hospital in Charleston, Va., about the 1st of June last. His effects are in the hands of Capt. H. H. Boggess, Quartermaster at that place. It was believed that the friends reside in Gallia county. If so, any of them seeing this notice will please call on Capt. Boggess for further particulars.

     The telegraph last week informed us that Col. Kinney and one company of the 56th O.V. had been taken prisoners near Corinth, Miss.—Samuel McConnell, who has just returned to Portsmouth from Memphis, brought the intelligence that the Colonel and twelve men of Capt. Reinegar's company were taken. The Colonel had made his arrangements to return home, but concluded he would go out the road a short distance, and see his men before leaving. This accounts for his being on the train.

     Two boys belonging to the 88th Regiment O.V., being tempted to take a bath in the Ohio river during one of the hot days last week, concluded to do so, regardless of passers by, and accordingly after divesting themselves of their clothing, plunged in and went to enjoying themselves hugely. Their pleasure was suddenly brought to an end by a police officer, requesting their company to the Mayor's office for violation of a city ordinance in regard to swimming in the day time, of which the young gentlemen being strangers, were of course ignorant. As it was the first offence, and not likely to be repeated, they were dismissed, much to their gratification.

     The Ladies of the Soldiers' Aid Society, request that the Ladies throughout the county, while canning their usual supply of fruit, do not forget the sick soldiers, and prepare a few extra cans for our brave boys who may be languishing in hospitals. This is praiseworthy, and we hope the hint here given will be acted upon.

     Our enterprising fellow citizen, Mr. E. S. Menager, seems determined folks in Gallipolis shall move. During the past week, he has purchased the three-storied brick building known as Frank's corner, on Court and Third streets, also the building known as Warth's corner, on the Public Square and Second street. The prices paid are very fair, and show that real estate in the village of Gallipolis is at last [possibly this might have been meant to read 'at least'] not on the decline. Mr. Moses Frank, we are informed, takes the vacant lot adjoining Charles Simon, wherein he intends erecting a large business house. He is the man to do it exactly.

The Gallipolis Journal                                                                                   Top of Page
July 17, 1862

     The Trumbull Guards, an independent company recruited in Trumbull county, Ohio, for the purpose of performing guard duty at this post, has been quartered on the Square during the past three weeks, during which time they have almost without an exception, conducted themselves in a soldierly and gentlemanly manner, thereby gaining the good will and esteem of our citizens. They have been lately uniformed, armed, and equipped, and in their new dress present a fine appearance. Under the able direction of their officers, they have obtained considerable proficiency in drill. The commissioned officers of the Company are: Capt. G. W. Smith; 1st Lieutenant T. P. Gilman ; 2nd Lieutenant J. D. Freer. Capt. Smith is commandant of the post and will no doubt discharge his duties in an able and just manner.

     Mr. Jackson Brock, who responded to the recent call made by Governor Tod, is a member of Company E, 86th Regiment, O.V., stationed at Clarksburg, Va. He is a gallant spirit, and having failed to recruit a Company in this county, true to his integrity, he enrolled as a private.—We regard such men as heroes.

     We are informed by Capt. Jas. H. M. Montgomery of Company F, 33rd Regiment O.V., that the Regiment was recently paid off, and that his Company sent home $3,690, and of this amount, $2,665 will be forwarded to the families and friends of the Gallia boys. The Captain says:—"Don't you think the sutler is out of humor with somebody in Company F. Well if he is, Cols. Sill and Moore are not. All well." The letter is dated Camp Mahalotzky, Tenn. (mouth of Battle Creek).

     A most unfortunate accident occurred on our Square last Wednesday night, whereby a man lost his life, and our town in consequence of it, thrown into excitement. A man by the name of John Cochran, from Jefferson county, Penn., landed at the wharf in a skiff, from off a raft passing down the Ohio. His object was to obtain a paper. Not finding any at the wharf-boat, he passed up town to the news depot, and on his return was ordered to halt by the guard on duty on the Square. It seemed Mr. Cochran was not aware of soldiers being located here, nor that he was the person addressed. Passing on without heeding the order, the guard fired, and the ball took effect just above the knee, severing the main artery.—Every exertion was made by Capt. Moulton and those present to save his life. Arrangements were made for his removal to the hospital, but before reaching it he died from loss of blood. The accident was a most deplorable one, but from all we can learn the soldier acted within the line of his duty. The late hour of the night, and ignorance of any guard being on duty in a loyal state, excuses Mr. Cochran of any wilful violation of military rule, whilst his disregard for the order excuses the guard for his share of the transaction. It is much regretted by our citizens, as tending to detract from their well merited reputation for charity and hospitality, that an innocent man in the full enjoyment of life, should thus suddenly be cut off. It is needless to say that his remains were carefully interred in our cemetery. (Jefferson county papers please copy.)

The Gallipolis Journal
July 24, 1862

     The following are the officers of the Eighteenth Ohio Battery, to be attached to the 91st Regiment, forming at Portsmouth: Capt. C. C. Aleshire; Sr. 1st Lieut. W. R. Morgan; Sr. 2nd Lieut. Benj. Rutherford; Jr. 1st Lieut. H. A. Regnier; Jr. 2nd Lieut. Jos. McCafferty.

     The Gallia County Military Committee have recommended officers for three Infantry companies to be raised in this county. The following gentlemen have already been commissioned: Capt. Jas. E. Niday, 1st Lieut. R. Blazer, 2nd Lieut. Joel Hull; Capt. L. Z. Cadot, 1st Lieut. S. F. Neal, 2nd Lieut.——; Capt. T. S. Mathews, 1st Lieut. Edward Henderson, 2nd Lieut. Phineas Holcomb

The Gallipolis Journal
July 31, 1862

     Town Meeting, Gallipolis, July 25th, 1862. - Pursuant to adjournment, a large number of the citizens met at the court house this evening, for the purpose of acting upon a report of the committee appointed at a former meeting, to submit some plan for the further defense of our village. R. L. Stewart, Esq., the former chairman, not being present, L. Perry, Esq. was called to the chair. The following report was then submitted: "Your committee to which was referred the subject of submitting some plan for the further defense of our place would respectfully report—WHEREAS, the present defences not being deemed sufficient for our protection, therefore the Governor of our State be requested to send us an additional company of Infantry and a section of Battery, with power to raise force sufficient to man the guns, and in the event that it shall be inconvenient for the Governor to send us the Infantry force, or the power to raise men for the Battery, that he then be urged to send us two good six pounders. Your committee also recommended that Capt. Smith, the commandant of the post, be requested to communicate with the Governor upon the subject immediately. Respectfully submitted, R. Black, A. Cushing, A. Logue, Capt. Smith, Lieut. King, A. Henking.
     After some discussion, the report was recommitted to the committee with instructions to add—"that the Governor be requested to establish an auxiliary camp at this place for the 91st regiment for the purpose of aiding our military strength during its formation." The report as amended was then adopted.
     On motion, a committee of ten was appointed to enrol the citizen soldiery, with the view of home organization. The chairman named the following gentlemen as said committee: L. J. Langley, Wm. Nash, Chas. Henking, Alex. Logue, E. Deletombe, R. Aleshire, J.T. Halliday, J. G. Damron, Joseph Vanden and D. H. Gates. Captains Smith and Langley made patriotic speeches, appealing to all to come forward and give a helping hand in this hour of peril.
     R. L. Stewart, Esq., offered the following resolution, taken from the proceedings of the Pennsylvania State convention, which was adopted: Resolved: That we acknowledge but two divisions of the people of the United States in this crisis—those who are loyal to the constitution and every inch of its soil, and are ready to make any sacrifice for the integrity of the Union and the maintenance of civil liberty within it, and those who openly or secretly endeavor to sever our country, or to yield to the insolent demands of its enemies; that we fraternize with the former and detest the latter, and that forgetting all party names and distinctions, we call upon all patriotic citizens to rally for one undivided country—one flag—one destiny.
     On motion, resolved, that the proceedings of this meeting be published in the county papers. Adjourned sine die. L. Perry, Ch'n., R. Black, Secy.

The Gallipolis Journal                                                                                   Top of Page
August 21, 1862

     Rev. Mr. French, chaplain of the 23rd Regiment O.V. was brought down from Kanawha on the Mary Cook Tuesday afternoon. He was in a skirmish the latter part of May and received a ball in his thigh, which fractured the bone. He is doing well, and with the kind treatment he will receive at the hands of our able hospital surgeon, and the ministering angels, the ladies, will soon be on his pegs again.

     Col. Turchin.—We learn that the court-martial called to try this officer has cashiered him and dismissed him from the service.

     Cincinnati, July 26th, '62; Gallipolis Ladies' Soldiers Aid Society
     Ladies:—Your favor accompanying 3 boxes of valuable Hospital stores were all received in good order. The same being contributions for our sick and wounded brave soldiers who have been battling for the preservation of our glorious Union. They this day bless those noble donors who assist them in their time of need. May Heaven bless and prosper them in their praiseworthy exertions. Rest assured they will be sent to their proper places and persons, and, first to those who are most in need. Respectfully yours, Chas. R. Fosdick, Cor. Sec'y. per D. B. Scott, Asst.

     The largest concourse of people ever known in Gallipolis, attended the war meeting on last Friday. It was estimated by competent judges to number two thousand persons. . . . The meeting was opened with prayer by Rev. A. M. Alexander, after which an address was delivered by Capt. Green, followed by short speeches from Capt. Smith and R. L. Stewart, until 1 o'clock, when dinner was announced . . .About 2 P.M. the meeting was again called to order. Judge Nash, Capt. C. W. Moulton, and Colonel A. Cushing addressed the audience in powerful appeals to their patriotism and honor. . . . A call was made for volunteers to fill up the Infantry company of Captain Cadot, and the Artillery of Captain Aleshire. . . .and about 42 volunteers were sworn in. Gallia county now has two full companies of Infantry, and about 100 men in the 18th Battery, in camp. . . . The second Gallia county company of our first quota, recruited by Capt. Cadot and Lieuts. Neal and Williams, left here Tuesday afternoon for camp Portsmouth. Capt. Niday's company left one week ago. . . . Capt. Aleshire of the 18th battery, left also with the remainder of his command, on the same boat.

The Gallipolis Journal
September 11, 1862

[This was the call to arms for the formation of what came to be known as the Squirrel Hunters.]

     For the protection of the border, Gov. Tod has directed the calling out and organizing of the militia within the border counties. How nobly Gallia responded to it, was seen in the mass of able bodied men collected on our Public Square, on last Saturday. Although many companies had from ten to twenty miles to travel, yet by 11 A.M. not less than twenty five hundred men were on the ground. . . . Men acted as though they felt the importance of the occasion, and the necessity of coming up in sober earnest to the work before them. With a merciless, daring foe, within less than a day's travel, our militia were thoroughly alive to a sense of duty to their country. . . . This calling out of our militia has . . . given us a confidence in our strength and a unity of purpose, which few amongst us ever dreamed of. That 2500 efficient fighting men between 18 and 45 years of age, were quietly remaining upon their farms in old Gallia, engaged in producing and adding to our material wealth, was too improbable for any man to assert . . . Over 1300 men have already entered the army from this county. . . . All honor to our militia. Let them be at once properly armed with effective weapons, and we ask no aid of our State or Federal Government, in defending our county from invasion. . . .The 1st Regiment of Gallia co. militia elected on last Saturday as Colonel, George Chapman, of Guyan; Lieut. Colonel, James Campbell, of Green; Major, Jacob Kerns, of Harrison. The 2nd Regiment elected Robert A. Carter, Colonel; Hiram Wilcox, Lieut. Colonel; and A. W. Ridgway, Major. . . . Both Regiments, subsequently, elected Alonzo Cushing, as Brigadier General.

     The 116th Regiment O.V., under command of Col. Washburne, arrived in town Monday evening, from Marietta, via Portland. They are a fine, hearty looking set of men. . . .They bivouacked in the open air on the Fair grounds, as tents and camp equipment are not on hand yet. . . . Col. Washburne personally attended to the wants of his men by going on the ground, and seeing that so far as practicable, they were supplied. . . .Col. Washburne is commander of the post . . .and he has settled the whisky question by ordering all shops closed until further orders.

The Gallipolis Journal
September 18, 1862

     Dr. W. W. Mills, assistant surgeon of the 18th O.V.I., reached home Monday last, bringing us full files of the "Eighteenth Ohio," a little spicy Camp paper published at Manchester, Tenn., by the boys.

[It would be interesting to know if any of those spicy Camp papers survived.]

The Gallipolis Journal                                                                                   Top of Page
November 13, 1862

General Hospital, Gallipolis, O., Nov. 11, '62
Mr. Editor:—Please publish the following list of deceased soldiers who have died in General Hospital of this city:

Daniel L. Watkins, private Co. F, 84th Ind., Oct. 17
Martin Carpenter, private Co. C, 9th Va., Oct. 24
S. Hauskins, private Co. E, 3rd Tenn., Nov. 5
W. C. Stewart, sergeant Co. E, 22nd KY, Nov. 10
Thomas Mays, private Co. D., 4th Tenn., Nov. 10
Fred A. Cromley, Druggist

The Gallipolis Journal
November 27, 1862

[The donations mentioned here refer to projects that benefitted the soldiers.]

     GALLIPOLIS, Nov. 26th, 1862 - The Ladies' Soldiers' Aid Society will meet at the residence of Mrs. Eliza Maxon, on Friday next at 2 o'clock P.M. Donations hereafter will be received by Miss Hannah Maxon, President of the Society. Donations of money will be received by Miss Eliza Sanns, Treasurer of the Society. Mrs. S. M. Harper, Sec'y.

The Gallipolis Journal
November 27, 1862

    Our town was thrown into a fever of excitement a few evenings since, in consequence of a report that a soldier had been struck on the head by an iron dray-pin, in [the] hands of a negro, and killed. The negro was lodged in jail, but very soon a crowd of soldiers and some few citizens, who are just at this crisis particularly zealous against a "nigger," assembled at the jail, threatening to take the negro by force and hang him without ceremony. Next morning the crowd again assembled, still giving vent to their hostile feelings against the poor negro, and threatening him with death. Armed as they were with sabers, pistols, muskets, knives, &c., the negro's life hardly seemed worth a moment's purchase. He was taken in charge by Lieut. Gilman, of the "Guards," and brought before Capt. Smith, commander of the post, for trial. The facts proven, showed the soldier still alive and able for his whisky [sic] as usual. He has been in the hospital for some time, and on the day preceding the affray, was confined in the guardhouse with some others for drunkenness. After his release, and whilst on his way to the hospital, he took occasion to go out of his way over on 3d street, and entering a negro's house behaved most outrageously, exhibiting his person in the most indecent manner, attempting to lay hands on an aged negro woman. The prisoner, her grandson, picked up a piece of hoop-pole and struck him upon the side of the face, slightly dislocating his jaw, but having the effect to sober him and send him about his business. Rumor soon magnified the hoop-pole into an iron dray-pin, and a drunken stuper [sic], into the first stages of death. The fact that the blow was given by a "d—d nigger" was enough to seal his doom, without any inquiry into the facts. The crowd lashed itself into fury, and came near taking the life of a poor negro, for simply defending his aged grand-mother in her house from the ruffian attacks of a drunken soldier. Our town is in imminent danger of everlasting disgrace, from just such acts. It is time the civil authorities would show some signs of having assumed their wonted authority and teach the mob that "order reigns in Warsaw."

     Our town was again thrown into excitement last Monday evening, by another riot between some men of Capt. Leaper's cavalry company, and some negroes in the upper end of town. As usual the fracas ended in the discomfiture of the negroes, but not until one of the Cavalrymen had received a severe wound from a revolver in [the] hands of one of the negroes. How it began we neither know nor care. That it took place in "Africa" is an indication that the Cavalry were not on their own ground. It seems passing strange that this should be allowed, but so it is, whether because it is impossible for the officers to restrain their men, or the fault of the men themselves, it is hard to say. General Whiskey was at the bottom of the whole of it. Captain Leaper very soon knocked the "bottom" out of General Whiskey, but whether at his own expense, or at the costs of the owners, remains to be seen. It is well that this question should be settled at once. This hue and cry against the negroes of Gallipolis, will avail but little. There is a limit to it, beyond which, men of sense will not go. If because one negro misbehaves, the whole colored population are to be hunted down like wild beasts, the sober judgment of men heretofore unfriendly to the negro will revolt against it.

The Gallipolis Journal
November 27, 1862

     (An article refuting accusations made by Parson Brownlow, a writer, editor, and traveling minister from Tennessee.) We publish in another column a letter by Parson Brownlow . . .the Parson has been most grossly imposed upon by his friends in the army, or the citizens of Gallipolis have been kept profoundly ignorant of the terrible deeds done by his "brave Tennesseans." It is true, the Jews, not by "two or three" but by scores, came up the river, and actually sold to his friends about one thousand brass watches at very fair prices. . . .The fact is the Tennessee boys were at a loss to know what to do with their money. Nearly all of them invested largely in boots, and whiskey.—. . .very surely our streets never exhibited so much walking whiskey before . . .Our citizens were disposed to overlook it, in consideration of the hardships the men had undergone in the retreat from Cumberland Gap. As to the killing of two "free negroes" in Gallipolis, . . .No such circumstance ever occurred, as far as we can ascertain. The "free negroes" of Gallipolis are, as a class, orderly and well behaved.—They feel too deep an interest in the result of this war, to insult Union soldiers. Many of them can read, and are by no means ignorant of the progress of events. Some of them may have met with rough usage by the Tennesseans, but we venture to say it was owing more to the "stimulation" amongst the latter than any real insult offered by the "free colored" population of Gallipolis. . .

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