Chapter III: The Campaign in Western Virginia (2)

“The result of the action proves to be the capture of about forty loaded wagons and teams, being nearly all the enemy’s baggage train, as we learn, and including a large portion of new clothing, camp equipage and other stores; their headquarter papers and military chest; also two stands of colors and one fine rifled piece of artillery; while the commanding general, Robert S. Garnett, is killed, his body being now cared for by us, and fifteen or twenty more of the enemy are killed and nearly fifty prisoners taken. Our own loss is two killed and six or seven wounded—one dangerously.

“In concluding this report I feel it my duty to state that just as the action was closing, the head regiment of the body of troops under yourself, though starting as I learn three hours later, the Sixth Indiana, under Colonel Crittenden, came upon the field in excellent order, but, unfortunately, too late to aid us in the battle.

“The conduct of those gallant officers, Colonels Barnett, Steadman, Dumont and Milroy, with the steady perseverance of their officers and men in their long and arduous march, suffering from hunger, rain and cold, with their gallantry in action, was most heroic and beyond all praise of mine. Their country only can fully appreciate and reward their services.”

This was the most important victory that had yet been achieved by the Union forces anywhere. It is true that very small figures expressed the losses on either side, but loyal people everywhere were anxiously watching for successes, and the “battle” of Carrick’s Ford threw the whole North into a spasm of tempestuous rejoicing. The pluck and heroism of the volunteers was lauded to the skies—and it may fairly be said that they deserved it. The members of the Ohio artillery, with whom this chronicle has particularly to do, had added fresh laurels to those gained at Philippi and Laurel Hill, and the people of Cleveland regarded them in the same light in which the world looks upon the Six Hundred who made the historic charge at Balaklava. So conspicuous were their services and so gallant their bearing that they were awarded the cannon captured from the enemy at Carrick’s Ford. At the close of the three months’ service they took this trophy back with them to Cleveland. It was placed in the Public Square, where it remaineth unto this day, with an inscription upon it that he who runs may read. This inscription, by the way, was at first fearfully and wonderfully made. A geographical student would be impressed with the fact that unless the people of Cleveland could fight better than they could spell they wouldn’t capture many cannon in that or any other war. The inscription, which was put on by somebody who was not within three hundred miles of the battle, informed the wayfarer that the gun was captured at “Corricke’s Forde.” The atrocious orthography greeted the public eye for nearly twenty years, when it was corrected, to the great satisfaction of the old survivors of the artillery.

The writer has before him the official reports of a number of Confederate officers who participated in the action at Carrick’s Ford. Naturally they magnify the Union force and losses, and in a measure that is ridiculous. They place the Union strength at from ten to fifteen thousand, their own being but a tenth of that number. The “Yankees” are estimated to have had on their hands after this action material for one hundred and fifty funerals, with one additional loss of from two to four hundred wounded. It will be remembered that General Benham, in his official report to General Morris, states that the Union loss was “two killed and six or seven wounded.”

It is interesting to note the extreme caution shown at that time by officers and others on the Union side in communicating with the rebels. There was an evident desire to avoid the slightest word that would appear to be a recognition of any official authority, civil or military, among the insurgents. It was considered that if a rebel general or colonel was addressed as such it was a virtual recognition of the power that conferred such rank upon him. So, on July 15, General McClellan addressed a communication “To the Officer Commanding the Forces Commanded by the late Robert S. Garnett, Esq., styling himself Brigadier-General Confederate States Army.”

The battle of Carrick’s Ford ended the fighting of the Cleveland Artillery in the three months’ service. The command moved back to Belington and the artillery was ordered to report to General McClellan, who had planned an expedition up the Kanawha Valley after the rebel General Wise. He warmly complimented Colonel Barnett and his men for their valuable services in the campaign under General Morris, and expressed an earnest wish that they might accompany him up the Kanawha. As a matter of fact they had not as yet even been mustered into the United States service, and the three months for which they were called out had expired. But, pursuant to orders, Colonel Barnett reported with his command to McClellan at Beverly, where the General made a personal appeal to the men to accompany his expedition, and nearly all of them expressed a willingness to do so. A few days later, before McClellan was ready for the Kanawha campaign, came the first real battle of the war—that of Bull Run, in Virginia, which resulted in the rout of the Union army under McDowell and brought to the people of the North an actual realization of the fact that they had a war on their hands. In the wild excitement that followed this battle General McClellan was summoned to Washington to take command of the Army of the Potomac and his plans for further offensive operations in Western Virginia were for the time abandoned.

A week later Colonel Barnett and his “regiment” of artillery were ordered to be discharged and started at once for Columbus. It should be stated here, to their credit, that the citizens of Cleveland had done all in their power to contribute to the comfort and wellbeing of the command during its service in the field. It has already been said that the men were but poorly supplied with clothing by the state and national governments, for which apparent neglect there was much good reason. The three months’ men were called out suddenly and pushed to the front to meet a great and pressing emergency. Their services and sacrifices were of inestimable value to the country. They secured a permanent lodgment at many points beyond the border, and held the enemy at bay while the government was getting ready for the mighty struggle which followed. The echoes of Sumter found the nation totally unprepared for such a crisis, and it is not a matter of wonder that the early volunteers who, with magnificent patriotism, responded so promptly to the call, were but indifferently provided for. The people of Cleveland contributed liberally, and twice Mr. David Price came to the camp of the artillerymen with quantities of clothing, food and delicacies for the sick. But for this most highly appreciated kindness the boys in the field would have had scarcely so much as fig-leaves to cover their nakedness. It is true there wasn’t much “uniform” about the garments and they were a grotesque appearing lot of men for soldiers, but it gave them a comparative degree of comfort and they “got there just the same” as if they had been arrayed in all the gorgeous trappings of martial splendor. All the greater honor was theirs because they served so faithfully and well and bore without complaint the discomforts and privations inseparable from a campaign in such a country and under such circumstances.

In due time, with little delay _en route_, the artillery reached Columbus, homeward bound. The tanned and ragged volunteers, fresh from fields of glory, were welcomed with great enthusiasm at the state capital. They had done well their part and their fame had gone before them, losing nothing in its travels. They were looked upon as the saviors of their country and people of every grade and rank were proud to do them honor.

It may well be imagined that the boys were in a hurry to get home, and the formalities necessary to their release were hurried as fast as possible. The officers and men were paraded for muster and were mustered in and out of the United States service at the same time. Then all were paid off in gold. The amount received did not, it is true, raise them at once to a condition of opulence. Less than fifty dollars apiece didn’t look very large for more than three months of such toil, hardship and danger, but for the time, with the gold chinking in his pocket, each man felt as if he owned a bank. Their financial condition was in marked contrast to the state of chronic insolvency in which they had been so long, for they had had no funds with which to patronize the sutler except such as was sent them at irregular intervals by friends at home. Whenever one of them got ten dollars he was looked upon as a Rothschild or a Vanderbilt and loans were negotiated with a rapidity that soon exhausted his wealth. As a general thing when a man got any money it was quickly absorbed by the liquidation of his debts. After the interview with the paymaster at Columbus there was a universal squaring of accounts.

The horses and other property belonging to the state were turned over to the authorities, and the “regiment” was soon ready to start for Cleveland. The men had been permitted to bring with them from Western Virginia (as a recognition of their valor and conspicuous services), the piece of artillery captured at Carrick’s Ford, and four long-eared mules which the rebels had used as the propelling power of the cannon in their migratory wanderings. These trophies were guarded with zealous care, for the boys were proud of them, as they had a right to be. At Columbus they were objects of the greatest curiosity and interest. War, right at home, was then a new thing to the people of the country and anything of this nature was regarded as a nine-days’ wonder.

While at Columbus a telegram was received by Colonel Barnett from Amasa Stone, Esq., of Cleveland, inquiring at what time the artillery would arrive in Cleveland. The friends of the warriors as well as the citizens generally desired to know in order that they might give them a fitting reception. The dispatch was duly answered as soon as the time of departure could be definitely fixed. At length all things were ready, and after midnight of July 28th the happy artillerymen, with their trophies of cannon and mules, left for Cleveland. How the boys shouted and yelled as the train “pulled out” of the depot and sped away toward “home, sweet home!” In fact they didn’t do much but yell all the way to Cleveland. Their coming had been heralded along the route and at every station crowds of people greeted them in the most tumultuous manner. If the boys could have charged dime museum price for looking at the gun and mules from rebeldom they would have made their fortunes.

Meanwhile elaborate preparations were going on in Cleveland to welcome the returning volunteers with open arms. They were expected to arrive during the forenoon and before 9 o’clock a great multitude of people thronged the railroad and its approaches. It was something like the crowd that, more than three months before, had assembled to bid them farewell and God speed. Shortly before the arrival of the train the city militia and the fire department marched down Champlain street and formed in line near the railroad.

At ten o’clock the train came in sight and as it drew up to the point of debarkation at the foot of Vineyard—now known as South Water—street a mighty volume of cheers went up from the assembled multitude—cheers for Colonel Barnett, cheers for the brave soldiers, and cheers for the cannon and mules that the boys had captured from the “seceshers.” As the men stepped from the cars they were clasped in the arms of loved ones, who wept tears of joy at the safe return of sons and brothers and husbands. Then came the hearty and effusive greetings of friends and acquaintances, amidst constant cheering and the music of brass bands. It was a glorious reception, creditable alike to the people of Cleveland and to those who so well merited the demonstration.

After the hand-shaking and words of welcome were over the returned soldiers formed in procession, a conspicuous object in the column being the rebel 6-pounder, to which were attached the mules lately in the Confederate service. Two of the soldiers served in the capacity of muleteers, each bestriding the “nigh” animal of one of the teams. The novel outfit was prodigiously cheered along the entire line of march.

Escorted by the city organizations, the fire department and an immense throng of people, the “veterans” marched up Superior street to the Public Square, General A. S. Sanford acting as marshal. The whole street was thronged with men, women and children, with smiles of greeting upon their faces and shouts upon their lips. The windows and balconies were filled with ladies, who waved their handkerchiefs in kindly welcome and clapped their hands as the “brown soldiers come back from the borders” went tramping by. Company D, Captain P. W. Rice, carried a rebel flag captured at Philippi which was loudly cheered—not because it was an emblem of treason but because it was captured by Cleveland volunteers.

Arrived at the Park the artillerymen were formed in a hollow square, surrounded by thousands of people, and were addressed as follows by Judge Samuel Starkweather, who had been chosen to extend a formal welcome home:

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 the call 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 which greeted 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.

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 returned from 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.

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, 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 than three
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.

The following appeared editorially in the Cleveland _Leader_ of July 30th, 1862:

“When the proclamation of the President called for seventy-five
thousand troops Ohio sprang to the work of 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 to all 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 early school 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 was commissioned 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 which General 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.