To the Light Artillery and Colonel Barnett, their gallant and noble commander.I am commissioned by the citizens of this city to bid you a cordial welcome upon your return, and to tell you that Cleveland fully appreciates the value of your services and feels herself honored by your achievements. She feels that some portion of the glory which has fallen upon the noble men of the Cleveland Artillery rests also upon herself.Whenever you have appeared the rebels have fled and have not dared to show their faces. The Cleveland and Geneva artillery were among the first to answer thecall of the government to put down rebellion; and when it was sought to destroy the banner of our country, you, gentlemen of the artillery, rushed forth to the field to fight for its rescue, and you did not return from that field until you saw that beautiful banner floating from every Virginia hilltop.We have not been ignorant of the trials through which you have passed, and we have admired the firmness with which you overcame all obstacles that presented themselves to you and incumbered your path, whether rugged mountains or rushing rivers, or hunger or fatigue.We have heard of you at Philippi—and the rebels heard of you, too, and with even more lasting impressions. We have heard of you also at Laurel Hill and Carrick’s Ford. I am happy, too, that we have not heard of any violation of the rights of justice or of humanity on your part toward a conquered foe. This has shown that you are actuated by the same motives which have prompted our whole people. It is not the object of this contest to interfere with the institutions of any state, but it is our purpose to defend and preserve the banner, that not a star may be blotted out or a stripe defaced. It is to enforce laws to which we all owe our safety, our protection and our happiness, and I know I speak your sentiments when I say that whoever takes a part in this contest from other motives is unworthy the name of a patriot.There is now being enacted a drama which is attracting the eyes of the whole civilized world, and I am proud to say that the members of this company have well played their part therein; and when the last scene is ended no name will more adorn the history of these events than that of the Cleveland Artillery; no achievements will rank higher than those in which its members, our own gallant soldiers, bore so conspicuous a part.
To the Light Artillery and Colonel Barnett, their gallant and noble commander.
I am commissioned by the citizens of this city to bid you a cordial welcome upon your return, and to tell you that Cleveland fully appreciates the value of your services and feels herself honored by your achievements. She feels that some portion of the glory which has fallen upon the noble men of the Cleveland Artillery rests also upon herself.
Whenever you have appeared the rebels have fled and have not dared to show their faces. The Cleveland and Geneva artillery were among the first to answer thecall of the government to put down rebellion; and when it was sought to destroy the banner of our country, you, gentlemen of the artillery, rushed forth to the field to fight for its rescue, and you did not return from that field until you saw that beautiful banner floating from every Virginia hilltop.
We have not been ignorant of the trials through which you have passed, and we have admired the firmness with which you overcame all obstacles that presented themselves to you and incumbered your path, whether rugged mountains or rushing rivers, or hunger or fatigue.
We have heard of you at Philippi—and the rebels heard of you, too, and with even more lasting impressions. We have heard of you also at Laurel Hill and Carrick’s Ford. I am happy, too, that we have not heard of any violation of the rights of justice or of humanity on your part toward a conquered foe. This has shown that you are actuated by the same motives which have prompted our whole people. It is not the object of this contest to interfere with the institutions of any state, but it is our purpose to defend and preserve the banner, that not a star may be blotted out or a stripe defaced. It is to enforce laws to which we all owe our safety, our protection and our happiness, and I know I speak your sentiments when I say that whoever takes a part in this contest from other motives is unworthy the name of a patriot.
There is now being enacted a drama which is attracting the eyes of the whole civilized world, and I am proud to say that the members of this company have well played their part therein; and when the last scene is ended no name will more adorn the history of these events than that of the Cleveland Artillery; no achievements will rank higher than those in which its members, our own gallant soldiers, bore so conspicuous a part.
Under the circumstances Judge Starkweather may be pardoned for drawing a long bow, but candor compels the admission that when the boys came home the “beautiful banner” was not, strictly speaking, “floating from every Virginia hill-top.” There were still a few hill-tops left over which the star spangled flag was not floating, nor did it float till some years later.
At the close of the loud and prolonged applause whichgreeted the Judge’s address, showing how clearly the feelings of the people were in harmony with the sentiments he expressed. Colonel Barnett made the following brief reply:
Allow me, sir, on behalf of my command, as well as for myself, to thank you, and through you the citizens of Cleveland, for this greeting, which was wholly unexpected by us. I have no words to express the gratitude of our hearts toward our fellow citizens. We have the satisfaction of knowing that we have borne our banner in the van, and that we have endeavored to do our duty; and so we return to you with a consciousness that we are not entirely unworthy the confidence which we know you have placed in us.
Allow me, sir, on behalf of my command, as well as for myself, to thank you, and through you the citizens of Cleveland, for this greeting, which was wholly unexpected by us. I have no words to express the gratitude of our hearts toward our fellow citizens. We have the satisfaction of knowing that we have borne our banner in the van, and that we have endeavored to do our duty; and so we return to you with a consciousness that we are not entirely unworthy the confidence which we know you have placed in us.
There was loud cheering and plenty of it as Colonel Barnett bowed and retired, and the band struck up “The Bowld Soger Boy.” The exercises over, the companies were variously taken care of and the crowd slowly dispersed. A committee of German citizens took charge of Company E, Captain Heckman, and Company B, Captain Mack, and escorted them to Haltnorth’s, where they were filled up with refreshments, solid and liquid. The four other companies were escorted to the Weddell House, where a sumptuous dinner was served them in fine style. It made up in some degree for the many times during the previous three months when they had yearned unspeakably for a “square meal.”
Later in the day the members of Company C, Captain Pelton, were banqueted at their armory in Brooklyn Village, a committee of fifteen ladies doing the honors of the occasion. In the afternoon Company F, Captain Kenny, took a train to Geneva, where its members were right royally welcomed.
The following paragraphs from Cleveland newspapers of the time will be of interest in this connection:
[Leader, July 30, 1861.]The returned soldiers all look well and in excellent condition physically, although they are as brown as berries from exposure.Among the artillerymen who yesterday returnedfrom the campaign in Western Virginia were three members of Alert Hose Company—William Kidd, foreman; Albert Smith, assistant foreman, and Private E. S. Ransom. Of course, the social and genial Alerts could not let them return without a welcome, so last night a merry party of Alerts and a few invited guests assembled in the elegant hall of the hose-house to celebrate the event over a splendid supper. Toasts, speeches and songs followed. Finally, the hose-carriage was illuminated and the company escorted the returned members to their homes, the blaze of innumerable roman candles lighting their way up Superior street.
[Leader, July 30, 1861.]
The returned soldiers all look well and in excellent condition physically, although they are as brown as berries from exposure.
Among the artillerymen who yesterday returnedfrom the campaign in Western Virginia were three members of Alert Hose Company—William Kidd, foreman; Albert Smith, assistant foreman, and Private E. S. Ransom. Of course, the social and genial Alerts could not let them return without a welcome, so last night a merry party of Alerts and a few invited guests assembled in the elegant hall of the hose-house to celebrate the event over a splendid supper. Toasts, speeches and songs followed. Finally, the hose-carriage was illuminated and the company escorted the returned members to their homes, the blaze of innumerable roman candles lighting their way up Superior street.
[Plain Dealer, July 30, 1861.]The returned artillerymen are the heroes of the day. If you find a knot of men collected on a corner, the bronzed countenance of a member of the artillery is in the center and he is relating to the gaping crowd his exploits and adventures among the rebels in Western Virginia. It will be some time before their stock of incidents is exhausted; and years hence the story may be rehearsed to wondering grandchildren. They have come home after nobly discharging their duty and meet with the warm admiration and approval which they have so richly merited. All honor to the brave artillerymen.
[Plain Dealer, July 30, 1861.]
The returned artillerymen are the heroes of the day. If you find a knot of men collected on a corner, the bronzed countenance of a member of the artillery is in the center and he is relating to the gaping crowd his exploits and adventures among the rebels in Western Virginia. It will be some time before their stock of incidents is exhausted; and years hence the story may be rehearsed to wondering grandchildren. They have come home after nobly discharging their duty and meet with the warm admiration and approval which they have so richly merited. All honor to the brave artillerymen.
At a meeting of the Cleveland City Council, held on the evening of July 30th, the following preamble and resolutions, offered by Councilman T. N. Bond, were adopted with great enthusiasm:
Whereas, At the request of the Governor of Ohio the Cleveland Artillery, embracing four companies from the city, one from Brooklyn and one from Geneva, under the command of Colonel James Barnett, left their homes and business on the 22d day of April, 1861, on a day’s notice, to perform such duty in the defense of the Government as might be required of them, andWhereas, After gaining the confidence and approbation of the people on our southeastern border, by their fine conduct both as soldiers and citizens, they rendered most important services to the country in the campaigns in Western Virginia, distinguishing themselves for activity, discipline and bravery in their laborious night marches, and in the battles at Philippi, Belington and Carrick’s Ford, and have now returned after more thanthree months’ absence, with trophies of their victories and the well-deserved approbation of their fellow citizens; therefore be itResolved, That in addition to the public and spontaneous welcome already given them at their reception yesterday, the mayor and city council of the city, and in behalf of the city, hereby officially record their high appreciation of the honor the Cleveland Artillery and its noble commander have reflected upon the city whose name they bear; that their self-denial, good conduct and energy and their skill and bravery in the field have won for them unfading honor; and that especially to Colonel Barnett, for his coolness and judgment, his manly and soldierly bearing under all vicissitudes, our thanks are richly due and are hereby tendered.Resolved, That copies of the foregoing preamble and resolutions be duly engrossed by the clerk and presented to Colonel Barnett and to the several companies under his command.
Whereas, At the request of the Governor of Ohio the Cleveland Artillery, embracing four companies from the city, one from Brooklyn and one from Geneva, under the command of Colonel James Barnett, left their homes and business on the 22d day of April, 1861, on a day’s notice, to perform such duty in the defense of the Government as might be required of them, and
Whereas, After gaining the confidence and approbation of the people on our southeastern border, by their fine conduct both as soldiers and citizens, they rendered most important services to the country in the campaigns in Western Virginia, distinguishing themselves for activity, discipline and bravery in their laborious night marches, and in the battles at Philippi, Belington and Carrick’s Ford, and have now returned after more thanthree months’ absence, with trophies of their victories and the well-deserved approbation of their fellow citizens; therefore be it
Resolved, That in addition to the public and spontaneous welcome already given them at their reception yesterday, the mayor and city council of the city, and in behalf of the city, hereby officially record their high appreciation of the honor the Cleveland Artillery and its noble commander have reflected upon the city whose name they bear; that their self-denial, good conduct and energy and their skill and bravery in the field have won for them unfading honor; and that especially to Colonel Barnett, for his coolness and judgment, his manly and soldierly bearing under all vicissitudes, our thanks are richly due and are hereby tendered.
Resolved, That copies of the foregoing preamble and resolutions be duly engrossed by the clerk and presented to Colonel Barnett and to the several companies under his command.
These resolutions were transmitted to Colonel Barnett by Mayor Flint—long an active and zealous member of the Cleveland Artillery—with the following letter:
Mayor’s Office, City of Cleveland,August 4, 1861.Colonel James Barnett.Dear Sir: With this I take great pleasure, as the executive officer of the city of Cleveland, in presenting to you, and through you to the different companies under your command, the resolutions of the City Council of the city, expressive of their sense of the valuable services rendered the country in your recent campaign in Virginia.As a member of the earliest organization of artillery in this city, and from which simple detailed “squad” of the Cleveland Grays has grown your complete and valuable command, I take increased pleasure in presenting to you these resolutions, expressing, as they do, my own feelings regarding your action for the past three months.Respectfully yours,E. S. FLINT, Mayor.
Mayor’s Office, City of Cleveland,August 4, 1861.
Colonel James Barnett.
Dear Sir: With this I take great pleasure, as the executive officer of the city of Cleveland, in presenting to you, and through you to the different companies under your command, the resolutions of the City Council of the city, expressive of their sense of the valuable services rendered the country in your recent campaign in Virginia.
As a member of the earliest organization of artillery in this city, and from which simple detailed “squad” of the Cleveland Grays has grown your complete and valuable command, I take increased pleasure in presenting to you these resolutions, expressing, as they do, my own feelings regarding your action for the past three months.
Respectfully yours,
E. S. FLINT, Mayor.
The following appeared editorially in the ClevelandLeaderof July 30th, 1862:
“When the proclamation of the President called for seventy-five thousand troops Ohio sprang to the workof furnishing her quota. The Cleveland Artillery was the only organized body of the kind in the state, the artillery in other places being only single sections or squads. Colonel Barnett had been the life of the four sections which were organized in this city. He immediately took steps to go into service with his command, and as soon as the necessary arrangements could be made he reported himself ready for orders. He was sent to the southern border of Ohio to protect it from threatened invasion, and to be in readiness to move into Virginia upon short notice. Since that time, without ever having been mustered into either State or United States service, he has led his brave boys through the campaign in Western Virginia, where they have performed prodigies of marching and have fought a good fight when the enemy has given them the chance. Colonel Barnett left his business here to go to war and has labored unceasingly for the good of his men and the discomfiture of the rebels. His services were fully appreciated by General McClellan, who tendered him a very complimentary invitation to accompany him to the Kanawha Valley. Colonel Barnett intends, we understand, to raise a full artillery regiment and go in for the war. We wish him all success and trust his services will be appreciated and recognized at headquarters.”
“When the proclamation of the President called for seventy-five thousand troops Ohio sprang to the workof furnishing her quota. The Cleveland Artillery was the only organized body of the kind in the state, the artillery in other places being only single sections or squads. Colonel Barnett had been the life of the four sections which were organized in this city. He immediately took steps to go into service with his command, and as soon as the necessary arrangements could be made he reported himself ready for orders. He was sent to the southern border of Ohio to protect it from threatened invasion, and to be in readiness to move into Virginia upon short notice. Since that time, without ever having been mustered into either State or United States service, he has led his brave boys through the campaign in Western Virginia, where they have performed prodigies of marching and have fought a good fight when the enemy has given them the chance. Colonel Barnett left his business here to go to war and has labored unceasingly for the good of his men and the discomfiture of the rebels. His services were fully appreciated by General McClellan, who tendered him a very complimentary invitation to accompany him to the Kanawha Valley. Colonel Barnett intends, we understand, to raise a full artillery regiment and go in for the war. We wish him all success and trust his services will be appreciated and recognized at headquarters.”
Thus these citizen soldiers, who at home often were scoffed at for playing soldier in time of peace, by their timely military training, were ready to, and did almost at a day’s notice respond to the call of their country and served it well. The artillery piece captured at Carrick’s Ford was brought to Columbus and turned over to the state, but Colonel Barnett wished to take it to Cleveland. Said Quartermaster General Wood, who then had charge of the arms of the state, to Colonel Barnett: “I think no objection will be raised if you take the gun to Cleveland; your men captured it and I guess you can find a way to hold it.” The piece may now be seen on the Public Square, in its way a monument to the valor and heroism of the old artillerymen of Cleveland.
With this elaborate and protracted welcome home, which would appear to have been most satisfactory toall concerned, in both its fullness and its cordiality, closes the honorable record of the Cleveland Artillery in the “three months’ service.” Henceforward we follow the fortunes of the First Regiment Ohio Light Artillery, through its four years of brilliant service in the field.
INDEPENDENT COMPANIES.
But the seed sown by the old gun squad and the First Cleveland Light Artillery had not yet exhausted its strength. It continued to take root, expand and blossom. Privates Joseph C. Shields and Frank Wilson, of Captain Rice’s battery, after their three months’ service in the First Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Artillery, imbued as they had become with a military spirit, and with patriotic impulse, soon organized an independent artillery battery, which was mustered into service Sept. 10, 1862. It numbered 164 men, had six guns, and was called the Nineteenth Independent Battery, Ohio Volunteer Light Artillery. Captain Shields became commander, who at the end of two years resigned, when Mr. Wilson, who had been first lieutenant of the company, became its captain. The battery was in the siege of Knoxville, in the East Tennessee campaign, in the siege of Atlanta, Ga., and at other places of interest, historic in the great struggle. The men were mustered out June 27, 1865, at the close of the war.
In this battery was Quartermaster Sergeant Pardon B. Smith, who afterwards became sheriff of Cuyahoga County, and now each year meets with the “old association,” gladdening the occasion with spirit and song.
There was another man who belonged to this battery—Lieutenant James W. Grimshaw—who may properly be mentioned in this connection. When Fort Sumter fell there was great excitement in Cleveland, as there was all over the country. Crowds gathered in the streets and public places in large numbers. At one of these assemblies on the Public Square in Cleveland, a man was imprudent enough to call out “Hurrah for the South!”Mr. Grimshaw, standing near, immediately shouted, “I say hurrah for the Union flag!” Soon bitter words passed between the two men and a rough and tumble followed in which the rebel sympathizers got much the worst of the fight. Thus the civil war began in Cleveland! Lieutenant Grimshaw returned from the war, was elected to the city council and died some years since, greatly respected. Another of those who received a military schooling in the First Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Light Artillery, under Colonel Barnett, was Corporal Louis Smithnight. Like Captains Shields and Wilson, the three months he had been in the war incited him to further military service. He organized and became captain of the Twentieth Battery, Ohio Volunteer Light Artillery, which went into service Oct. 29, 1862, for a term of three years. The battery was in the siege at Atlanta, Ga., and in the battles of Dalton and Chickamauga in that state, and in the battles at Liberty Gap, Franklin and Nashville, in Tennessee.
BARNETT’S BIG REGIMENT.
Early in the war the governor of Ohio decided to place in the field a full regiment of artillery. The chief centers of population in the state readily responded to the call and twelve companies were soon organized, numbering in all more than 1,800 men, commanding seventy-two guns. The command of this large force, a fair-sized army in itself, was sought by several men of military distinction. Quartermaster General Wood of the governor’s staff, who for so many years had been associated with Colonel Barnett in the old Cleveland Artillery, strongly recommended the colonel for the position. Sept. 3, 1861, Governor Dennison gave him his commission. But not only was Colonel Barnett of Cleveland’s old gun squad made colonel of this new regiment, called the First Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Light Artillery, but three of his associates in this earlyschool of artillery training were given commissions of command next to him.
Captain W. H. Hayward was made lieutenant colonel, while Walter E. Lawrence and Seymour Race became majors. To have four of the chief officers of this regiment all from Cleveland and all of the old Cleveland artillery, indeed, was high honor. But these men who had cherished fond hopes of leading their regiments to the front were destined to be disappointed. An order came from Washington directing the several batteries to report, some at one point and some at another, where their services were deemed most needed. Thus the companies were separated and the chief field officers were shorn of active command.
Colonel Barnett, however, was called to a higher position. He was made chief of artillery on the staff of General W. S. Rosecrans, one of the best fighting generals in the Union army; was with him in battle and all the fortunes of war. Lieutenant Colonel Hayward was made chief of artillery in the third army corps, third division of the Army of the Potomac, under General Daniel Sickles, where he did valiant service until worn out by hard work, April 1, 1863, under advice of army physicians he was compelled to resign. Later, however, recovering something of his health, he was made colonel of the One Hundred and Fiftieth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Major Lawrence became a colonel, served with distinction and died in the service. Major W. F. Goodspeed, now a resident of Columbus, O., who meets with the “old artillery association” each year, was one of the best of the many good fighting men who belonged to General Barnett’s regiment. He was mustered into the service as a private, became a lieutenant, then a captain and came out at the end of the war a major.
Major Seymour Race, heretofore mentioned, served two years in the war.
Lieutenant John Crable is still another who received his military training in the old artillery school. He wascommissioned second lieutenant in Battery G, Colonel Barnett’s regiment, and afterwards promoted to first lieutenant, serving at times as captain. His company distinguished itself in several important battles and took part in others of lesser note.
“COMMISSARY” HARRY BINGHAM.
Among the many of the old artillerymen now dead, few will be better remembered than “Commissary” Harry Bingham, a man of small stature, full of life and fun. It may be said that for some years he contributed largely to the life of his military comrades. At the beginning of the war he was in Wisconsin, where he soon joined the military service. He became a lieutenant and served with credit. Finally, however, the hardships of war were greater than he could bear. For a time he lay sick at Nashville, was then brought to Cleveland, where he died. His disposition to joke did not desert him even when upon his deathbed. Said he with a smile, to a lady who called upon him during his last sickness, “I’m a funeral, sure.” He lies buried in Woodland cemetery. Who of his old military comrades will not drop a tear to his memory?
Many others of the old guard, some living and some dead, deserve well to be mentioned in this connection.
The history of the association itself may be told in a few lines. At the close of the civil war, when regiments and various commands in the war were forming associations and holding reunions, the wife of Captain Wood, who made all the cartridges used by the old gun squad, now residing in this city, past eighty-three years of age, one day suggested to her husband the propriety of Cleveland’s old artillerymen having a reunion. The thought was conveyed to General Barnett, Colonel Hayward and others, who were pleased with the idea and on the 22d of February, 1871, the members of the old squad then living and other old Cleveland artillerymen met at the Kennard House, formed an association of whichGeneral Wood was made president and then and there had their first banquet. General Wood was continued president of the association ten years, until his death May 2, 1881, when General Barnett succeeded him. The general has been president ever since, some twenty-three years. At the first meeting of the association held after General Wood’s death, General Barnett paid a high tribute to his old comrade. Among other things he said: “Since our last anniversary David L. Wood, commander of the old Grey gun squad, captain of the First artillery company in Cleveland and president of our association since its first organization, has passed away. It was he who first introduced into the then West, forty-two years ago, the artillery branch of our old militia system. We can say of our old comrade that he was an honest man. He had a bluff, outspoken way, but a warm, generous heart. His pride was with his old artillery associates. His comrades tenderly, with sorrow, laid him away in the cemetery. We will and do reverence his memory and our recollections are of a competent soldier, a patriotic man and good citizen.” General Wood was born in Barkhamsted, Conn., Aug. 14, 1847, and died May 2, 1881 in Cleveland at the residence of his brother-in-law, the Hon. O. J. Hodge.
Thirty-four years have now passed since the first meeting of the association and each year since it has had its social gathering, and each Decoration day the members have strewn with flowers the graves of their departed comrades. Such meetings, however, cannot be held many years longer. The whitened locks of these men point to a day in the near future when the members of the association will hold their last banquet, when there will be no member left to decorate the graves of the departed, but around their memory long will cluster recollections of patriotic work and good citizenship, and those now upon life’s stage, and those yet to come, with pride will study their history and place upon their graves flowers, emblematic of love and veneration.