July 4, 1864: Ohio Soldiers Reflect on Independence Day

150 years ago today, the United States–a nation mired in the fourth year of a bloody Civil War–was celebrating the anniversary of its independence from Great Britain. In the ranks of the vast Union armies fighting to preserve that nation, the significance of the day did not go unnoticed.

On July 4, 1864, hundreds of thousands of Union soldiers were spread out across the Southern United States, occupying lands of the Confederacy in what was the final year of the American Civil War. Most notably, two Union commanders were on the precipice of seizing major southern cities. In Virginia, Grant was settling in near Petersburg, beginning a months long siege that would force he and his men to wait until 1865 until their goals of victory in the campaign for Richmond could be realized.

Far to the south, in the state of Georgia, William Tecumseh Sherman’s army group, consisting of the Army of the Cumberland, the Army of the Tennessee, and the Army of the Ohio, rested just miles from Kennesaw Mountain, the imposing height which had stalled Sherman for the latter half of June and the first several days of July. It had only been on the morning of July 3rd that Union soldiers discovered that Confederates had vacated their Kennesaw trenches, having been forced out by yet another flanking maneuver from Sherman. Kennesaw Mountain had been a resounding defeat for Sherman’s men, as each attacking column the Federals sent forward on the morning of June 27, 1864, was handsomely repulsed. Yet, one week later, the Confederates had retreated, and the Union soldiers who had seen their comrades slaughtered in such great number in front of the Kennesaw Line were preparing to push for the Chattahoochee River and toward Atlanta itself.

Thus, 150 years ago, Union soldiers had cause for both sadness and gratefulness, for both remorse and relief. The troubles of Kennesaw Mountain were past, yet the struggle for Atlanta lay firmly in their future.


“One year ago were in Shellbyville Tenn. Wonder next 4th will find us, or me. Enjoying the blessings of peace, I hope. Hardly think it will. One consolation, my term of service will have nearly expired. Weather very warm. A man would have been called insane three years ago, who would have prophesied that the war would last till July 1864”
O.M. Scott, Commissary Sergeant, 121st Ohio Volunteer Infantry
 
“This is a holiday to all Americans whether it will be so to us remains to be seen.”
Sgt. Israel Connell, 51st Ohio Volunteer Infantry

“We are celebrating the birthday of the Nation by firing an occasional salute on the works of the foe in our front. Company E was on the skirmish line all day, and it was very interesting. A year ago we were at Shelbyville, Tenn., and on that day Vicksburg was taken by General Grant. Where will we be July 4th, 1865?”
Francis McAdams, 113th Ohio Volunteer Infantry

“Thankful should we be to Divine Providence that our ever honored and memoriable National Birthday is thus made the more sacred by a victory over the Nation’s and Freedom’s enemies.”
Albert Champlin, 105^th Ohio Volunteer Infantry

John Ellen Journal, 23rd OVI, Part 3: "Thousands of true men have paid the debt of nature..."

Today is part three of a three part series of posts containing the journal entries of 2nd Lt. John Ellen, 23rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry. On Wednesday, we looked at Ellen's posts for late August through September. Yesterday, we saw Ellen's posts for October, November, and early December. Today, we will look at just two entries: one for December 21, 1862, 150 years ago today, and the other for January 6, 1863.

In the entry written 150 years ago today, Ellen laments the recent Union defeat at Fredericksburg. He is quite gloomy when considering the prospects for the war and the country, almost on the point of declaring that the war will never end. Considering his comments on December 3rd (seen in yesterday's post) regarding the inefficiency of the Government and the army, Ellen seems to lack faith in the government to do what is necessary to win. In the second entry, dating to January 6, 1863, Ellen comments on the Emancipation Proclamation and the recent Union victory at Stones River (Murfreesboro).

Camp Maskell, VA

Dec. 21, 1862

Sunday night; received a letter from E.H.C. and have answered it; all well. Prospect gloomy, wet lowering weather; disagreeable. Burnside’s defeat casts a gloom over all. The General is whom the people looked for great achievements as the successor of McClellan, with a powerful army under his command, has committed a great blunder, and suffered a ruinous repulse. Thousands of true men have paid the debt of nature, and thousands of hearthstones are made desolate. Everything does seem to indicate the establishment of a Southern Confederacy. Inneficancy [sic] in the Government Departments clogs the movements of a million soldiery. The strife will never be ended by the sword. Madness must cease, and reason assume the sway, else all will be ruined.

No bread to issue in the morning, all out, none at Piatt. No clothing to be had in our Division (2nd, Kna). No pay to troops in six months; very cheery prospects for the foreboding class of the army.

No news later than the 17th.



Camp Reynolds, VA

January 6, 1863

The name of our camp is changed from “Maskell” to that of “Reynolds”, Col. Hayes [Rutherford B. Hayes, future 19th U.S. President] made the in honor of Eugene Reynolds, the Sergeant Major of the 23rd killed at the Battle of South Mountain. The tribute is a good one. Eugene was a splendid soldier—intelligent, brave, and prompt.

The new year 1863 ushers in one important (maybe) event; the President’s Proclamation of Emancipation of the slaves in the rebellious states. It is possible to work some good, and probably (very) some evil. So I think.

Gen. Ewing has left the “Valley” with four Reg’ts; the 47th, 30th, 37th OVI and the 4th VA VI. Destination Kentucky.

The news of the 3rd inst. Report a severe battle at Murfreesboro, Tenn. Rosecrans in command of the Union forces, and Bragg of the Confederates. Reported Union success.

No letters from E.H.C. in two weeks.

Have been to Piatt and Fayette, this month.

Source: John S. Ellen Journal, Western Reserve Historical Society, Mss. 3502.

John Ellen Journal, 23rd OVI, Part 2: "The Rebellion is wicked and hateful..."

Today's post is the second of a three part series on the journal of John Ellen, a 2nd Lieutenant in the 23rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Yesterday, we looked at Ellen's journal entries for late August and the month of September, covering the balance of the Maryland Campaign. Today, the entries begin on October 1st and extend to December 3rd. They cover a variety of topics, mostly the regiments movements. However, Ellen also voiced his opinion on Antietam and the war. He clearly believed that Antietam was a glorious victory, as was the Battle of South Mountain. Ellen's hatred for the Confederate cause is readily apparent in his entries of November 21st and December 3rd. He seemed to be leaning toward favoring a "Hard War" approach when he lamented the ability of Confederates and Southerners to keep their food stores while Union soldiers went without enough food. Ellen also wrote harshly of selfishness in the Union ranks, applying his words specifically to those who simply sought an advancement in rank. As Ellen stated quite eloquently:

Self! Is the rule, and true patriotism the exception.

The rebellion flourishes, and if it is ever crushed it will not be by any other agency than the justness of our cause. The Rebellion is wicked and hateful; the blood it has shed must be atoned for if ruin come to all.

Camp at Mouth of Antietam Creek, Md

Wednesday Oct 1st 1862

The month of September as witnessed some of the most determined fighting of this most unnatural Civil War. The battle of South Mountain Sunday Sept 14th and the Battle of Antietam, Wednesday the 17th are battles to be recorded on the blood pages of our nation’s history. Those battles though terrible in slaughter, added new strength to Republican Government; they were terrible blows to Democratic anarchy, and ambitious demagogism. The rebel army with its whole strength has been driven from the fruitful state of Md. back into the desert of the Old Dominion, made desert by the actions of her degenerate people. The season thus far has been pleasant, if it should so continue through the month of October the rebel capital may be invested and captured, and the war virtually ended. Our Reg’t has been near here since the 22nd of September. Our troops are in good health and condition. Wrote to Uncle S. this p.m.



Friday October 2nd

Camp at Antietam Creek

Our brigade was reviewed today by President Lincoln, Major General McClellan, Major General Burnside, and their staff. The day was pleasant and everything pass off in good order.



Sunday October 5th

The Kanawhaw [sic] Division was visited this P.M. by General Cox and his staff. General Cox is ordered back to Western Va. And it is rumored that his old troops will follow him. No news.



Monday October 6th

Pleasant day, no news. Wrote to E.H.C. and C.A.S.



October 24th

Camp Near Clarksburg Va

Pleasant Fall weather, but little rains this autumn. Co. B., 23rd Regiment were paid by Major Johnson, up to June 30th date of payment to the Reg’t. Appointed treasure Reg’t fund Oct. 22nd.



Monday November 3, 1862

Summerville Va

Left Clarksburg Oct 25th .



Friday November 14th, 1862, Near Gauly Bridge

Crooks Division left Summerville on the 11th inst. Reached there the evening of the 12th.



Camp near Gauly VA

Friday Nov. 21, 1862

The 23rd Reg’t has been on the ground since the 15th inst. We have been transferred from Crook’s to Scammon’s division. We are building winter quarters, and the work drags. There is but few axes to cut the logs, and but few horses to haul them when cut.

The river is so low it is almost impossible to get a supply of forage. The horses are almost starved. Rebel citizens have corn, and then keep it under protection of Union generals. Rebel stock is fat, Government stock is poor—so goes the war. Subduing rebels with sugar plums. A wishy washy, no policy; making them, and us, napoleons. Great generals. What a farce. No news from home; no mail. Wrote to E.H.C. this P.M. I have been ARSM for the 23 O.V.I. since Nov the 10th.



Camp Maskell Va

December 3rd, 1862

We are favoured now days with genuine fall weather—rain and mud. We walk in mud, work in mud, eat in mud, and sleep in mud. The winter quarters are being built, as fast as is possible with the means at our disposal for building will permit. Our field officers are all here: Col. Hayes, Lt. Col. Comly, and Major McGrath [Colonel Hayes refers to Rutheford B. Hayes, the future 19th President of the United States].

I have been in the 2 MD [not sure what he means here, definitely not the 2nd Maryland] twenty three days, long enough, and in this as in every other department of the army it is all wrangle and confusion.

Divisions wrangle with the heads of departments, brigades with divisions, regiments with brigades, company commanders with regiments, and members of companies with their commanders, all trying to get without any apparent desire to do.

The whole military country is in a strife; the government strives to restore its footing and designing men are strong to trip in every move. Generals of Departments strive to make the people believe that they are doing all that can be done, and that they are “the right men in the right place.” Generals of Divisions know how the thing is to be done, and strive to do it and often fail. Commanders of Corps vie with each other in dashing exploits, and are often cut to pieces and routed . Then Brigade commanders strive to gain the position made vacant by the removal of their unfortunate superior (in rank) and know that now is their time. Colonels strive to Generals, Captains to be Colonels, Lieutenants to be Captains, Sergeants to be Lieutenants and Captains, and Corporals and Privates to be Sergeants. Patriotic and disinterested civilians are striving to raise companies and regiments of volunteers; they don’t want drafted men. Drafted men wont fight (all a delusion) All striving soldiers and citizen. The effort is tremendous and I fear the spine of the great body will be so seriously required by the effort that it will finally sicken and die. Self! Self! Self! Is the rule, and true patriotism the exception.

The rebellion flourishes, and if it is ever crushed it will not be by any other agency than the justness of our cause. The Rebellion is wicked and hateful; the blood it has shed must be atoned for if ruin come to all.

 Source: John S. Ellen Journal, Western Reserve Historical Society, Mss. 3502.

John Ellen Journal, 23rd OVI, Part 1: "...like a moving rabble..."

I recently came across the journal of 2nd Lt. John S. Ellen at the Western Reserve Historical Society. Ellen was a native of Painesville, Ohio, and served in the 23rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry. His writings are full of fascinating insights on the war and its political, military, and moral aspects. I only had the time to look at the pages from late August 1862 through January 1863, but I hope to go back to view more in the future, as it could serve as a great source for future writing and research projects.


I thought I would post portions of the journal on here, as the entries are fascinating. The entries below extend from August 30th through the Battle of Antietam. As you will see, once the regiment was on the road, the entries stopped until after the battle. His comments during the days following Second Manassas are quite interesting; they show the rumors floating amongst the soldiers of the ongoing battle, suggesting that some thought it could have been a Union victory while the fight was taking place. Also of note, on September 8th, Ellen writes that the army resembles "a moving rabble" rather than a "well disciplined soldiery." This is of particularly interest for me, as it is yet one more example of the confusion plaguing Federal forces at the start of the Maryland Campaign. The army was not a well organized force, but an amalgamation of units thrown together to meet the enemy during a time of crisis. This is a fact forgotten by many historians.


Tomorrow and Friday I will post two other sections of the journal, extending up to January 6th. In the weeks following Antietam, Ellen wrote about the problems in the army, obstacles facing the Union war effort, and he also expressed his ideas on how the war should be fought.

Saturday, August 30th

Left Alexandria at 5 A.M. arrived at H Qrs of the 23rd Regiment Camp at Upton’s farm at 12 M, Heavy firing heard all day in the direction of Manassas Gap. Severe fight, the wounded are coming in. Reported defeat of the Rebel forces under “Stonewall” Jackson, Major General.

Sunday, August 31st

Camp at Upton’s Farm, near Washington

Some rain today. Received two letters from E.H.C. and one from Henry. Rumors very prevalent. Some heavy firing heard this evening. Wrote to E.H.C.

Monday, Sept 1st

First day of Autumn. Cold and blustering. Commenced raining in the evening and continued all night. No news of importance. Heavy firing heard this evening. It is thought that the Gov’t held its own against the rebels in Saturdays fight.  

Tuesday, Sept 2nd

Ceased raining this morning; very cold. Rumours of all kinds; defeats, victories, etc. etc. Hundreds of stragglers.

Wednesday, Sept 3rd

No news; all quiet

Thursday Sept 4th

The enemy made a reconnaissance this evening near “Falls Church”. Reported victory of Union troops at Harpers Ferry. Office of the (illegible, possibly guard).

Monday, September 8th

Bivouac fifteen miles from Washington. Burnside's corps.

Cox’s Division crossed the Potomac Saturday the 5th passed through Washington and gained this camp yesterday. This whole army seems more like a moving rable than a well disciplined soldiery. Wrote to E.H.C.

Monday September 22nd

Camp near Sharpsburg

Arrived in camp at this place Sept 19th. Wrote to E.H.C. 20th. Weather pleasant. Thousands of troops here. Since I last wrote severe battles have been fought, and glorious Union victories won. The 23rd has made four desperate bayonet charges, in two great battles. Sunday Sept 14th at South Mountain, and Wednesday the 17th at Sharpsburg. The loss to our reg’t has been great, but we have enough left to do good execution yet. Wrote to E. yesterday the 21st to E.H.C. this p.m.



Friday Sept 26th

Camp at Antietam Creek Md.

Changed camp to day. Moved about two miles. No news of importance. The army seems to be closing in for another fight. Night very cold, morning very foggy, days hot.

 Source: John S. Ellen Journal, Western Reserve Historical Society, Mss. 3502.

Georgia Visit Postscript

Yesterday, I flew back to Ohio from Georgia. Judging from the wind and rain outside my window right now, it was not a moment too soon. While I love Georgia, and I love seeing my Uncle Jeff and Aunt Paula, who hosted me for a few days, being able to avoid the mess of cancelled flights and all the joys they bring is a big relief.

In the days and weeks ahead, I will begin to turn the attention of this blog to the Atlanta Campaign a bit more. I will still try to do posts on the events of the war 150 years after they occured, as well as continue to provide Antietam content. Additionally, I want to begin posting some things regarding my research for the Joseph Harsh award on here, as I am coming close to finishing a few articles regarding the project. However, while I will still work on my Army of the Potomac research, I have some other projects this winter that will turn my interests to the south, and to two years after Antietam, during the pivotal, and grueling, Atlanta Campaign of 1864. I have posted a few things on here about this campaign before, but not a whole lot. For those who don't know, I wrote my Master's Thesis at John Carroll University on the experiences and motivations of Ohio soldiers during this campaign. In fact, the title of this blog comes from a diary entry of one of those soldiers, Private Albert Champlin of the 105th Ohio. Champlin was from Willoughby, Ohio, a town right next to my own hometown of Kirtland. I hope to post some letters, diary entries, and other thoughts from soldiers who experienced the Atlanta Campaign, as it was a crucial point in the war. While I can't yet say where all of this is going, it is all a part of a new project I am working on. Stay tuned for more details...


For now, here are some more pictures from my trip to Georgia. For those who guessed last time, my visit was to primarily see Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park (the pictures were of the battlefield there). Here are some more photos from the visit.

 View toward Atlanta from the top of Big Kennesaw, 1800 feet high

 A Confederate artillery position on top of big Kennesaw

 A monument marking the spot where Confederate General Leonidas Polk was killed instantly by an artillery shell on Pine Mountain, June 14, 1864

 Confederate earthworks on Pigeon Hill

 Confederate artillery placement on Cheatham Hill

 Illinois Monument, along with remnants of a tunnel begun by Union soldiers, on Cheatham Hill

 Field where portions of George Thomas's command formed up to assault Confederate lines on Cheatham Hill

 The last open stretch which the men of Col. Daniel McCook's brigade had to charge across to assault Confederate works at the "Dead Angle" on Cheatham Hill

 Marietta National Cemetery, Marietta, Georgia, Kennesaw Mountain in the background. Over 10,000 Union dead from the Atlanta Campaign are interred here.

 At the Marietta History Museum, they remember William T. Sherman fondly. When he and his men left for their March to the Sea, Sherman burned portions of Marietta. The top floor of what was then the Fletcher House hotel was lost in that fire. That building now houses this museum. Thus, the men's room is equated with Sherman.

 Mural of Sherman in the men's room...

 Confederate Cemetery in Marietta, Georgia, where over 3,000 Confederates are buried. 

These are just a few of the photos from my wonderful trip to Georgia. Stay tuned... lots more on Georgia, the Atlanta Campaign, and Kennesaw Mountain to come...