D. R. HINDMAN
PARKVILLE, MO.
Printed by American Printing Co.
St. Joseph, Mo.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN.
Those of us who were out on the 27th, and had ridden some twelvemiles after the skirmish of Black Foot, had but little time to refreshourselves with food and sleep until we were again in the saddle. About3 o’clock on the morning of the 28th, five companies of our regiment, andseveral companies of Co. Berge’s sharp shooters,–700 in all,–under commandof Gen. Prentice, were marching to the point where we met the enemy onthe evening of the 27th. We reached the ground on which the skirmish ofBlack Foot took place, about sunrise, and a mile beyond, Co.’s A and Bhad a skirmish with a heavy outpost, which we defeated and scattered sothat they were prevented from falling back on their main body which wasthen formed in line of battle. The rebels occupied a good position on aridge covered with a growth of young white oak,–many of them quite small,–coveredwith brown leaves. I was wounded just as we were going into action. Thebattle was brought on by Berge’s sharp-shooters, and when we came withinstriking distance we were ordered to the right, where we remained for afew moments. Then we were ordered forward without being formed in lineof battle and led by the officers, each man keeping in touch with his comradeon the right and on the left, striking the line of battle where the heaviestfiring was heard. For from the position we occupied we could see neitherfriend nor foe. I was on the right, and by this movement became separatedsome distance from by comrades, and had almost reached the thick growthof young oak in which the rebel line was concealed, when I saw a man fallto my left. At that moment I was seized with an impulse to fire. My aimwas low, and a second after I pulled the trigger a slug passed throughmy right thigh just in front of the bone, and three slugs through my overcoat.As I did not think I was severely wounded I did not make any effort tomove until I had loaded my gun, when I made an effort to go forward, butmy leg was so paralized [sic] that I could not move it until I made thethird effort, and only then by bearing most of my weight on my gun andusing it as a staff. In this way I got back to the rear.
But what about the man who fell to my left? Well, there was no manthere; and yet I distinctly saw a man fall forward on his face to the ground;but the vision was only for a moment, as the act of taking aim shut itout from view. I am aware of the fact that the largest number of thosewho read this statement will say, “It was only imagination.” Not so! Forme it was real, and my only explanation is this: God, as a loving Father,has his own ways of saving the lives of his children when they are exposedto great danger. The question has often occurred to me,–why was it thatthe man who wounded me did not reload his gun and kill me? Well, sometimesa shot fired at random kills or wounds, and as my aim was directly in linewith his he may not have been able to do so.
The battle lasted about five hours, at the end of which our littlearmy of 700 gained a complete victory over that of the rebels consistingof 900. Our loss was small, only six killed and between fifty and sixtywounded. That of the rebels was much greater. Not less than twenty-fivekilled, seventy-five wounded, and thirty taken prisoners. There was a BaptistChurch called Mt. Zion, near the battlefield, which was used as a hospitalby the rebels, hence the name “Battle of Mount Zion.” The transfer of thewounded from the battle field to Sturgeon was accomplished by pressingfarm wagons and teams into service. The journey of fifteen miles was verytrying to the occupants, as most of them were compelled to lie on theirbacks with nothing between them and the hard boards but a little hay anda blanket. It ended, however, shortly after dark, and to those who werenot mortally wounded it was a season of joy. We were made as comfortableas the circumstances would admit, and no doubt most of us reviewed theincidents we passed through on the battle field and thought of the victorywe had won, with feelings of pride. Only the wounded soldier knows howthe joy of victory will enable him to bear with patience the sufferinghe is called to pass through.
We were in the hospital at Sturgeon about two weeks, and then takento Palmyra, Missouri, at that time the headquarters of our regiment. Wehad, during our stay in Sturgeon, two very pleasant visits from citizens,the first from a Mr. Jackson and wife accompanied by a New Yorker and hisdaughter,–all living near the battle field and all thoroughly loyal. Theynot only brought an abundance of good food with them, but luxuries whichwere highly appreciated by us. Mrs. Jackson had also made a number of smallpillows which she distributed among us and added greatly to our comfort.As my thoughts go back over the intervening years, these ladies come upbefore me as angels of mercy. We also had a visit from a Mrs. Hicks anddaughter, who brought with them a bountiful supply of chicken soup. Theold lady frankly told us that her sympathies were with the South, but thatshe took pleasure in administering to the comfort of those who were suffering,and although I do not remember her as an angel of mercy, I do,–on accountof her christian spirit,–remember her as a mother in Israel.
Our transfer from Sturgeon to Palmyra was made by railroad, and thejourney, to me, was a painful omen; from the fact that I could not situp, and the only place I could lie down was on the mail clerk’s table.The thought, however, that I would be much nearer the loved ones, and thatby and by I would be taken home and tenderly cared for by them, enabledme to cheerfully endure the pain. Just after we were transferred from thetrain to sleds and sleighs at the depot, and had started to town, we weremet by part of our own regiment with General Prentice at their head, andwelcomed back with hearty cheers. Here I was taken to a private house andtaken care of by some of my comrades.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN.
Shortly after our return to Palmyra a notice appeared in the St.Louis Daily Republican and Daily Democrat, that I had died of my wound.This caused a short season of joy among the disloyal who knew me, and ashort season of sorrow among some of my friends. Happily for my loved ones,I was so near home that they knew the statement was not true; but withfriends at a distance it was different. The editor of the “Schuyler Citizen,”a weekly paper published in Rushville, Illinois, with whom I had been acquaintedfor a number of years, wrote and obituary and published it in his paper.
About the last week in January I received a furlough and was takento LaGrange, where my wife, and one of her sisters, who was teaching inthe public school, had made for themselves a pleasant home. Only thosewho have passed through a similar experience can have any conception ofthe joy that filled my heart, when placed under the care of her who lovedme, and was again permitted to listen to the innocent prattle of littleones. I was not able to walk until the last of February, when, by the aidof crutches, I took my first walk to the business part of town. This addedmuch to my enjoyment, after being so long confined indoors, and meetingonly those who were kind enough to visit me.
About the middle of March I returned to the regiment, which was stillstationed at Palmyra. Just after the battle of Mount Zion I was promotedto Battalion Quarter Master Sergeant, and on my return to the regimentwas placed in charge of the clothing department. This was an easy berth,and one suited to my physical condition at that time.
About the middle of April the First Battalion went to Memphis, Missouri,and spent a few days scouting in the vicinity, but no enemy was encountered,and no incident worthy of note. After our return the ordinary duties whichare required of a soldier became monotonous, and the men became anxiousfor a change. This desire, however, was not gratified until the middleof June, when the regiment was ordered to Rolla, Missouri. The change didnot add to the comfort of the men, but did give them something more todo. My duties remained the same, and, as I had a good tent and my dutieswere light, I found much enjoyment in gaining an accurate knowledge ofthe movements of our armies then in the field, and the many important mattersthat were being transacted at Washington. When the war began, I believed,as many others, that the rebellion would be put down, and slavery wouldstill exist in the States where it had long been established; but, by carefulreading and study, I became convinced that it was the bone and sinew ofthe rebellion, and when Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation Ihailed it with joy.
In September a change was made in the organization of Cavalry Regiments,under which Battalion Quarter Masters and Battalion Quarter Master Sergeantswere to be mustered out; but the field officers of our regiment eitherignorantly or willfully retained the quarter master sergeants in the service.Two of us, however, were sent to Northeast Missouri with Lieutenant Howe,to enlist a new company, (the regiment lacking two of its full number)of which we were to be commissioned officers. This gave me an opportunityto visit my family, but recruiting a company proved a failure. I returnedto the regiment the first of November, and was sent as a recruiting sergeantto Huston, Texas County, Missouri, where a battalion of our regiment wasin a brigade consisting of the 21st Iowa Infantry, the 99th Illinois Infantry,a battalion of the 3rd Iowa Cavalry, and a battery of artillery under commandof Brig.-Gen. Fits Hugh Warren. Here I made an earnest effort to enlista number of refugees who had come from Arkansas to escape conscriptionin the rebel army, and were eating Uncle Sam’s rations and spending theirtime in idleness. While they professed to be thoroughly loyal, none ofthem were willing to risk their lives in the service of their country.I again returned to Rolla, and after spending a few days in a very quietway, I received an order from Lieutenant Colonel Carrick to go to headquarters.I at once obeyed the order, and after saluting him and standing at attention,he commenced reprimanding me for some imaginary wrong but graciously endedit by handing me a commission as 2nd Lieutenant of Co. D. My name was carriedon the roll of Co. A while acting as a recruiting sergeant, and as recruitingsergeant I was commissioned over Orderly Sergeant Hill who was in the lineof promotion. I knew that this would cause unpleasant feelings in the company,and more than likely make an enemy of Sergeant Hill. However, there wasbut one thing for me to do, and that was to report for duty to CaptainBlack, who was in command of the battalion stationed at Huston, of whichCo. D was a part. This I was enabled to do in a few days, as a train carryingsupplies went through accompanied by a guard. I had gone through before,dressed in “butternut” and mounted on a horse that did not have U.S. brandedon him, with my orders concealed in a comfort which I used as a saddleblanket, accompanied by one man, but now I had to wear my uniform and neededsome protection.
I was kindly received by Capt. Black, and also by Capt. Reed of Co.D. The men treated me with respect, but there was some whispering amongthem, to the effect that the first scout I accompanied them on they wouldleave me in the brush. This did not cause me any anxiety, although I knewthat the company had in it some of the worst element in the regiment. Onthe other hand, I also knew that many of its members were among the best.This led me patiently to do my duty and watch for an opportunity to gainthe respect of all the members of the company. The opportunity came a fewdays after I had joined the company. On the morning of the 9th of January,1863, a body of troops, consisting of infantry, a section of artilleryand a battalion of cavalry, under command of Col. Merrill of the 21st IowaInfantry, was ordered to Springfield to relieve Gen. Brown, who had beenbesieged by Gen. Marmaduke about the first of January. On the morning ofthe 10th our battalion was ordered to follow. We marched until eveningand then halted for a short time, but now long enough to make even a cupof coffee. About 12 o’clock we reached Hartsville, the county seat of WrightCounty. Here we were halted long enough to obtain some information regardingthe command which had preceded us. This being secured, we continued ourmarch until 2 o’clock on the morning of the 11th, when we came up withthe command of Col Merrill, encamped on the Springfield road five mileswest of Hartsville. The rebel army was encamped about a mile farther weston the same road. Our time for rest and sleep was very brief. By 6 o’clockwe were in the saddle and formed in line, but before the command of marchwas given the videttes fired on each other, and Co. E was ordered forwardto reconnoiter and a few moments after Co. D was ordered to follow. Co.E fell into an ambuscade and was fired on. The captain was killed and thecompany fell back in confusion. We were taken forward by Capt. Black withina short distance of where Co. E was fired on, and assigned a position betweentwo fields separated from each other by a narrow strip of timber, wherewe remained on picket until our forces came up and formed in line of battlein our rear. During this time the first lieutenant manifested symptomsof cowardice. He did not form the company in skirmish line as he shouldhave done, but left them in column, and, riding up to me, said, “Lieutenant,I must report to Capt. Black.” I said to him, “Your place is here withthe company, report through one of the men.” He answered with an oath,saying, “Capt. Black ordered me to report in person,” and rode to the rear.Being in command, I formed the company in skirmish line, giving them instructionhow to fall back if attacked, and we were not able to hold our positionuntil re-enforced, and with a brave fellow who had volunteered as a lookouton top of a cabin to our left, we awaited developments. During this timethe lieutenant came up twice within forty yards of us, but remained onlya short time.
When our forces came up and were formed in line of battle, two orthree shells were thrown to where the enemy’s line of battle was supposedto be,–heavy timber being in our front. At this juncture our scouts camein and reported the enemy marching on a ridge south of our left flank andin the direction of Hartsville, their object being to secure a better positionand get possession of the road on which to continue their march to thesouth. Two squadrons of cavalry were ordered forward, and were fired onby the rebels, who had placed a gun in the road loaded with shrapnel. Fortunatelybut one man was injured. After taking a few prisoners and gaining an accurateknowledge of the number of the enemy, we about-faced and started on thedouble quick for Hartsville. Reaching a point west of the town, our lineof battle was formed on two ridges overlooking it, with timber in the backgroundand open ground in front. The battle opened with an artillery duel of somelength. Sharpshooters in the meantime had occupied the court house, butwere quickly driven out by the artilleryman, who threw a few shells intoit. Then followed a charge on our center by a brigade of cavalry. Theymade three successive charges, but were driven back each time with considerableloss. The next point that was hard pressed was on the right, which washeld by the 99th Illinois. There came a moment during the hard fightingwhen our brave boys had to fall back, but being re-enforced by two companiesof the 21st Iowa which were withdrawn from the center (we had no reserve),the tide soon turned the other way. The last attack was made on the leftwing, held by a battalion of the 3rd Iowa Cavalry. It was, however, ofshort duration. This closed the battle. It was now nightfall and we wereordered to horse and withdrawn from the field, our company being the rearguard.
This–the Battle of Hartsville–was one of those small but hard foughtbattles which thoroughly test the nerve of the soldier. We had only 850men, and the rebels had 3000. All of the officers and many of the men knewthat we were out-numbered more than three to one. We could have remainedon the battle field in safety, but under the circumstances the officersin command were justifiable in withdrawing us from the field.
Our loss was small, six killed and between fifty and sixty wounded.I have never seen a statement of the rebels’ loss, but it could not havebeen less than one hundred and fifty. They lost a number of commissionedofficers. Gen. McDonald of Camp Jackson fame, being among the number. Col.Porter, who commanded the brigade which made the charge on our center,received a severe wound of which he died a few weeks after the battle.His home was only nine miles from my own.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN.
We marched until 1 o’clock a. m. and then halted until morning. Asthe officers of our battalion had no rations, and the men only what theycould carry in their haversacks, we had but little to eat from Saturdaymorning until Monday morning, when we secured breakfast at a farm houseby the wayside. We reached Lebanon in the afternoon and went into campuntil Tuesday morning. Being assigned by Capt. Black to act as quartermaster until we reached Huston, and three of our companies being orderedto return by the way of the battlefield, and needing forage for horsesand rations for men, I was kept busy until 12 o’clock Monday night. OnTuesday and Wednesday I was in command of the rear guard, and did not getinto camp until after 8 o’clock either evening. On Thursday I was relievedfrom all duty. By 1 o’clock p. m. we reached Huston, and I entered on aseason of much needed rest, having eaten but little and slept less forfive days and a half. We now fell back to the ordinary duties of camp life,and, as it was mid-winter, these were confined almost entirely to campand guard duty.
As is the case after a battle, there are many statements made thatare true and others that are false. Some of them show the bravery of individuals,and some their cowardice. Others, if they reach the ears of relatives athome, cause sorrow. Some of these may properly find place here. The lastnamed being the most important, I will refer to it first. A report reachedthat part of the regiment which was stationed at Rolla that I was amongthe killed and communicated by letter to some one in my home neighborhood.A neighbor visited my wife for the purpose of communicating the sad newsto her, but his heart failed him. A few days after a cousin called on herfor the same purpose, but, before telling her, he asked if she had receivedany letters from me since the battle, and was informed that she had justfinished reading two. This gave him great relief, and he told his storywith a light heart, and was enabled to go forth with good news to gladdenthe hearts of other friends.
Capt. Black, who was regarded by us all as a model officer, and towhom much credit was given for the victory we gained, had one bullet holethrough his hat, two or three through his overcoat, and seven in the backpart of his saddle tree. The first lieutenant of Co. D, who played thecoward so completely in the morning, did do much better on the battle field.When the charge was made on the center, our company, with others, was orderedforward to support the artillery. I advanced at least fifteen steps, andturning, saw the company still remaining in line; but at that moment thelieutenant received the order the second time to lead the company forwardin language that was neither gentle nor complimentary. Of course the commandwas obeyed.
Regarding the moment we went into action this story was told, butto me its author is unknown. Our regiment was united in April of 1863,and as the chaplain and I were old friends, I visited him as soon as hehad his tent pitched and was prepared to receive company. After conversingfor a time on those subjects that come up between friends who have beenseparated for a time, he turned to me with an assumed gravity, and said,”Well, Hindman, I am sorry that an ill report has come to my ears regardingyou, I had always taken you to be a christian.” I quickly answered, “Why,Mr. McCoy! what have I been doing?” Said he, “They tell me you have beenswearing,” and I answered “That is not true.” “What,” he said, “did younot swear at the battle of Hartsville?” “No, sir,” I answered. “Why!” saidhe, “they tell me that just as you were going into action, the first lieutenantasked you to stop and pray, and you cursed him, and bade him to do hisfighting first and praying afterwards.” “No,” I said. “That is not true,but this did occur. The men were swearing, and, with a trembling voice,the lieutenant said, ‘Men, men, you should not use such language at sucha time as this. I, not liking his theology–for it seemed to express thatif at that moment they would cease to swear, and a ball from the enemysend them into eternity, they would enter it with all their sins pardoned–turnedto them and said: ‘Men, if you have been swearing all your lives it isnot worth your while to quit now.'”
We remained at Huston, Texas County, Missouri, until the first ofFebruary, then the entire command marched to West Plains, Howell County,Missouri, and effected a juncture with a large body of troops coming fromPilot Knob, Missouri. Our army now numbered about 13,000 effective mencommanded by Maj. Gen. Davidson. We reached West Plains on Friday, andon Monday morning part of the 4th Missouri Cavalry and our battalion, undercommand of the colonel of the 4th, started on a raid into Arkansas. Wewent as far south as Batesville, where we remained about eighteen hours.Gen. Marmaduke’s command, numbering 5000 men, were encamped about fivemiles south of Batesville. Our pickets exchanged shots with the rebelsacross the White River during our short stay. We were out seven days, andhaving no rations, but what we secured by foraging, and no tents to shelterus at night, we endured great hardship. On the fourth day snow fell twelveinches deep, and the next day it turned very cold. When we returned toWest Plains the army was marching back to Pilot Knob, and we at once followed.Our march from West Plains to Pilot Knob was made with difficulty, on accountof bad roads, the mud in places becoming very deep by the passing of thecavalry and army wagons. More than once, when in command of the rear guard,I had to dismount a platoon, and, with a heavy rope which was used to tiethe horses of the company, help a six-mule team out of a mud-hole.
Our march from Huston, Texas County, Missouri to Batesville, Arkansas,and back to West Plains, and from West Plains to Pilot Knob, covered aperiod of twenty-two days, all of which I was in the saddle, and a numberof nights until a late hour. Being on special duty two days during thattime prevented me from getting any rest.
We remained in the vicinity of Pilot Knob from the last week in Februaryuntil the first day of July, 1863. During this time but a few incidentsoccurred worthy of notice. During the month of March the weather was veryunpleasant and the exposure and hardships through which we had passed calledfor a season of rest; but as the captain and first lieutenant claimed exemptionfrom duty on account of sickness, I was left in command of the company,which position I filled to the best of my ability. I would, however, havebeen justified in placing myself under the surgeon’s care for a short season,but the consciousness of faithfully having done my duty was a source ofgreater gratification than could have been derived by a few days’ restsecured by being reported on the sick list.
CHAPTER NINETEEN.
The first lieutenant having resigned in March, I was promoted tofirst lieutenant on the 10th of April, 1863. By interceding with the staffofficers of the regiment, I secured the recommendation of Orderly SergeantHill for 2nd lieutenant, and he received a commission bearing the samedate. This was very gratifying to the company, and I hoped it would soreconcile him to my being commissioned over him from another company, thathe would become my friend. It did not, however, have that effect. I out-rankedhim, and there was still ground for hard feelings. He did not show anybitterness toward me, except on one or two occasions, but knowing his feelingsand their cause, it made my duties much harder than if I could have trustedhim as a friend.
In May, Gen. Marmaduke came up into the southeastern part of theState with an army of [sic] 5000 or 6000 men. He attacked Patterson, anout-post some thirty miles from Pilot Knob, held by a regiment of M. S.M., commanded by Col. Smart. They made a hasty retreat, reaching PilotKnob in the evening. A body of troops, under command of Col. Glover, numberingabout 1000 effective men with a section of artillery, started to Pattersonabout midnight. About 10 o’clock in the forenoon we met some of Col. Smart’smen who had been taken prisoners and paroled,–among them, Maj. Patterson,slightly wounded. He gave our officers information that caused them tocountermarch to Pilot Knob. A season of excitement followed, as we hadno means of knowing where the rebel army would strike. A regiment of infantrycame down from Jefferson barracks, also a brigade of cavalry from Rollaunder command of Gen. Vandevere. In a few days we learned that Cape Girardeauhad been attacked, and all the forces that were at Pilot Knob marched forthat point. Many of our regiment were without horses, and a company ofthese men had been organized, and I was, by special order, placed in command;and when our forces started to the Cape I was out on a picket with my company.This prevented me from going with the command and sharing with them intheir hardships and in the small amount of glory that they acquired onthe expedition. Gen. McNeil defeated the rebels at the Cape, and beforeour forces succeeded in getting into their rear they gained the road toChalk Bluff, and only one or two skirmishes took place with their rearguard. Our regiment lost one man, killed, and a few were slightly wounded,among them the lieutenant-colonel.
During the month of June a division of cavalry was organized, towhich six batteries were attached, and on the morning of July 1st, undercommand of Maj. Gen. Davidson, we started on a long march south. The divisionconsisted of seven full regiments of cavalry and six batteries. This longcolumn of troops and about three hundred army wagons covered many milesof road, and required a number of hours for all to get in motion. Our regimentwas in the rear of the division, and Co. D was rear guard. We did not moveuntil 4 o’clock p. m., and did not halt until 2 o’clock a. m. We restedby the wayside until morning, when we resumed our march and about 1 o’clockp. m. were relieved. All this time we were without rations for either menor horses. Through the efforts of one of our men who was in advance ofthe company, a small amount of rations for both were secured, for whichwe were all very thankful. After resting for half an hour we were againin the saddle, and in a short time one of the most difficult marches beganthat it was my lot to pass through during my entire term of service. Ourregiment being in the rear on the first day, was, on the second, in theadvance, and we had the wagon train and the entire command to pass beforewe came up with it. The road in many places was narrow, and we had oftento pass between the wagons from one side of the road to the other. I orderedthe second lieutenant, whose place was in the rear, to keep the men wellin hand and prevent straggling. We made all the haste that was possible,but it was midnight before we reached the camp of our own regiment. Threedays’ march brought us to Bloomfield, Stoddard County, Missouri, wherewe went into camp for about ten days. We then continued our march south,crossing the St. Francis River at Chalk Bluff and going down Caullies Ridge.
Only one incident occurred during this week worthy of note. Beingassigned the duty of foraging for the regiment, and having accomplishedthe task, we halted at a cottage by the wayside and fed our horses, andwhile waiting for the regiment to come up we sought shelter from the hotrays of the sun on the cottage porch. A young lady of more than ordinaryintelligence came out of the sitting room and entered into conversationwith us. She asked a number of question [sic] in one of which she was speciallyinterested, and which was asked by her in a very pleasant manner. The questionwas, “What will Abe Lincoln do with us if he whips us?” After stating thefact that one who rebels against the government under which he lives andundertakes to overthrow it, has not only forfeited his citizenship andproperty, but life, I said; “I have no doubt but the Southern people will,when the war is over, be treated with lenity. Some of the leaders willbe punished, but the rank and file will not.” At this point in the conversationthe lady of the house (aunt of the young lady, whose home was in Georgia)came out and took part in the conversation. She spoke without reserve regardingthe condition of the South, said her husband was a private in the Southernarmy, had been taken prisoner at Port Hudson, was paroled, and that sheexpected him home in a few days. In reference to the condition of the peoplein the South she said: “There is much suffering among them now, and itwill continue and increase,” and as to what the end would be she expressedgreat fear. I tried to comfort her by assuring her that when the war endedthe northern people would, as soon as it was possible, supply the wantsof those who were suffering, and she immediately revealed the love of amother’s heart by asking the question: “Will they educate our children?”I answered, “Yes, of all who will move North and live among them.” Shethen pointed to a little boy near by, saying: “He is a mute, and I havea great desire for him to receive an education.” A great deal of corn hadbeen taken from her cribs during the morning; a yoke of oxen also had beentaken, which no doubt was a great loss to her. She expressed a wish thatI would use my influence to have them returned; but I told her that thefact of her husband being in the rebel army would preclude all hope fortheir return. Our regiment coming up was the signal for our departure,but before leaving we gave her, out of our own pocket, full remunerationfor all the corn that had been taken by the men under my command. Thistouching incident has never been forgotten, and a deep sense of pity hasalways been felt for these two ladies, who, while all alone, seemed tobear with such fortitude the trial through which they were passing.
The time for me to take my final leave of the men with whom I hadbeen associated for almost two years in the service of my country, wasnow drawing near. I had, for causes which I cannot analyze, been constrainedto offer my resignation. This course on my part had ben strongly opposedby Col. Glover, but he finally consented to endorse and forward it to theheadquarters of the department at St. Louis. My discharge was dated July21st, 1863, but was not received by me until about the twenty-eighth. Atthat time as steamboat met our command at a point on the St. Francis River,with supplies. This gave Maj. Howland, who had also resigned, and me, anopportunity to reach Hilman, from which point we could with ease and safetyreach our homes.
The wisdom of my resigning at the time I did, can only be seen bythe events in my life yet to be written. That some of my friends regardedit as a mistake, I have good reason to believe, although they never expressedit in words. For one thing I am thankful, there was no compulsion in mycase as was in the case of some others. I had the confidence and respectof all the commissioned officers in the regiment and of all the non-commissionedofficers in Company D. My resignation was entirely voluntary on my part.
What the future of my life would have been if I had remained in theservice until my time expired,–which would have not been until in Juneof 1886,–or whether my life would have been spared until that time,–Godonly knows. As the Ninety-first Psalm was often read by me during my armylife imparting strength and comfort, the eleventh and twelfth verses willbe a fit closing for this paragraph: “For he shall give his angels chargeover thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up lest thoudash thy foot against a stone.”
I reached home the evening of the 5th of August and found all theloved ones well, and received a loving and tender welcome.
Before closing the war record contained in this simple narrative,I wish to report two sad incidents which are closely connected with eachother. On the morning of July 1st, 1862, a company belonging to a rebelregiment commanded by Col. Joe Porter,–who was mortally wounded at thebattle of Hartsville,–passed through Palmyra, Missouri, killing one man,searching the houses of some loyal citizens, and taking a man by the nameof Alsman prisoner. He was past middle life, but had been connected withCo. A, 3rd Regiment Cavalry, Missouri Volunteers, during the time the regimentwas stationed in Palmyra; but when the regiment went South he was discharged.This and his loyalty was the cause of his being taken prisoner, and carriedfrom his home. His captors kept him with them for several days, and duringthe time treated him in a cruel manner. At last there came a morning whena small squad of men took him from camp, and when they joined their comradeshe was not with them, nor was he ever heard of afterward. There was oneamong them who treated him with kindness, and it was from his lips thatI received the sad story of his final disappearance from earth. It is notlikely that there is any one living at present who could point out thespot where his dust is now sleeping.
A few days after this Col. Joe Porter’s forces were defeated in thebattle of Kirksville, by our army, under command of Gen. McNeil, and hisarmy, to which many men attached themselves who were only bushwhackersand not regular soldiers of the Southern army, were scattered over a largeportion of Northeast Missouri and many of them were taken prisoner. Gen.McNeil, after the battle, marched to Palmyra, and his army went into campon the Fair Ground. As Mr. Alsman had not returned to his home, and notidings had been received by his friends regarding him, Gen. McNeil issueda proclamation and caused it to be widely circulated that if he was notreturned to his home within ten days he would select from the prisonersheld by him ten men, and cause them to be executed. Mr. Alsman was notreturned to his home and was never heard of. The mouths of those who tookhis life were sealed. The fatal day came and the ten men were shot.
Much has been said regarding the shooting of these men by Gen. McNeil,and for it he has been denounced a murderer, but there is good reason tobelieve that every one of the ten could have been tried under the rulesof war and shot for violating their parole, in which they took an oathnot to take up arms the second time against the government of the UnitedStates.
CHAPTER TWENTY.
After resting some two weeks, I made arrangements for the future.The money which we had accumulated during he seven or eight months of mylieutenancy was paid on our little home, and as it was rented I fell backon my trade as a means of supporting my family. Securing a berth in a coopershop in Palmyra, I removed my family to that city, where we spent fiveyears, which financially were the most profitable of our lives. The changefrom the life of a soldier to that of a citizen brought with it blessingsof which I had for two years been deprived, that of Sabbath rest and thespiritual blessings which it brings to the child of God. Our church associationwas very pleasant, and, although there was bitter feeling between the professingchristians who were loyal and those who were disloyal, each found theirproper place and engaged in christian work. Those with whom we were intimatelyassociated in church work, both men and women, were of sterling worth,true to their country and their God. Our Sabbath school superintendent,H. H. Winchell, was faithful and efficient, and with a liberal hand usedthe means with which God was blessing him for the good of the school. Thechurch having divided, and our Southern brethren retaining the church buildingwe were for a season compelled to use a hall over the livery stable, thenthe court house, but in 1866 we erected a pretty little chapel. Associatedwith our little band of workers were two noble christian men who deservemention here.–Samuel McAfee and Dr. Joseph LaFawn. They not only gaveof their substance for the advancement of Christ’s kingdom, but were earnestchristian workers whose very presence in the house of God was strengtheningand helpful to others.
Our most efficient worker was the Rev. James A. Darrah, who faithfullypreached the gospel to us. He and Rev. Thomas H. Tatlow passed throughmore danger during the civil war than many who were bearing arms out onthe tented field. To these two men the loyal Presbyterians of NortheastMissouri, owed a debt which they were wholly unable to repay.
I shall ever cherish the memory of the Rev. James A. Darrah as onewho was among my best and truest friends. Although from the revival inthe New Providence Church in the fall of 1860, there had been kept alivein my breast a desire to enter the gospel ministry, it was not until bythe encouragement and help of this faithful man of God that the desirebecame a reality. Other friends, though not aware of the desire which wasever present with me and had become a part of my very being, were instrumentalin preparing the way for its consummation. At the election in November,1864, a man by the name of Joseph Bowler was elected sheriff, and by thesuggestion of friends he chose me as one of his deputies, and placed mein charge of the county jail. This position not only became profitable,but gave me, during the four years that I held it, all the time I couldprofitably use in study.
My duties were attended with some danger, but by watchfulness andprudence, and the protecting care of my Heavenly Father, I passed safelythrough every danger to which I was exposed. Many plans were laid by theprisoners to get an advantage and escape, but in but one case were theysuccessful. Many of those who were charged with crime and placed underour care to await trial, were well educated, and four-fifths of them attributedtheir downfall to the use of intoxicating drink. We exercised a spiritof kindness toward all, and in no case did we find any fallen so low butwhat there was some chord of human kindness in his breast that would vibrateto our touch, if we could but find it. To my companion and me this periodin our lives was one of peace and comfort, touched here and there withseasons of joy. On the 7th of June, 1864, another precious treasure wasadded to our household,–our second son, whom we called David Ramsey. Althoughhis coming added much to the care of her whose hands seemed already full,the love of the mother-heart regarded it, not as a burden she would fainlay down, but a treasure to be taken up and fondly cherished. Another seasonof gladness came to us when we were permitted to transfer our householdfrom a very ordinary house to the comfortable mansion of eight rooms connectedwith the jail.
In April of 1865 another great joy came when the glad news was flashedover the land that Gen. Lee’s army had surrendered, scattering the anxietyand gloom that had enshrouded the land for over four years; but how sadthe thought, even after forty years have passed, that this thrill of joywas almost extinguished by the sad news which quickly followed, that ournation’s chieftain, he who, guided by a Divine Hand, had led us throughthose dark and bloody years, had been slain by the hand of an assassin.
A season of more than ordinary prosperity now dawned upon us. Whileworking at my trade we were able to secure the comforts of life, but therewas no surplus to fall back on. Now this was changed, and we could indulgein some of the luxuries which it was proper for us to enjoy. With a lovingcompanion guiding the most important affairs of the household,–often perplexed,sometimes burdened with inefficient help, but always cheerful,–we weredrawing near the long-hoped-for period when all of our debts would be paid.This acted as a stimulant, helping me to press forward in my efforts toreach the end of so much desired,–the precious privilege of preachingthe gospel. But one dark shadow fell upon us during this period, thougheven amid the shadow, there was light. Scarlet fever entered the householdof friends with whom we were very intimate, taking three of the lambs whichthe Heavenly Father had intrusted [sic] to the parents’ care for a littleseason, to dwell in the “Upper Fold” and be tenderly cared for by Jesusthe “Good Shepherd.” In the school room, just as the disease was takinghold of the first one taken, it was communicated to one of the little onesin our own household. Without hesitation we committed her into the handsof our Heavenly Father, asking Him if it be His Holy Will to spare herto us, at the same time securing the best medical skill within our reach.Nine days after, a son was taken. Moving him into the room with his sister,we committed him also into the hands of Him who doeth all things well,and using the means which He had placed within our reach we calmly awaitedthe result. With the household affairs in charge of competent helpers,these days spent watching over the little ones passed peacefully away,and at their close our hearts were made glad and our souls filled withthanksgiving by seeing them again taking their places in the family circle.
During the summer of 1866 all the debts we had incurred in Illinoiswere cancelled, and the little home we had purchased in Round Grove Townshipwas free from incumbrance. As I look back to the dark days of 1861, whenmy financial obligations were not less than $800, and I entered the serviceof my country as a private soldier with a family of three to support onthe pitiful sum of $13 per month, the cancelling of these obligations seemedan utter impossibility, and yet I had hope. I had again and again askedmy Heavenly Father for this blessing, and had faith to believe He wouldnot disappoint me. Today I can see the path that then was only known toHim, and realize that His loving hand not only marked it out, but guidedme as each step was taken, and in the end granted the temporal blessingfor which I had so often prayed, granted it because I had asked for it–notto consume on my lusts–but for his Glory.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE.
Two years more of prosperity and we were able to carry into effecta purpose which we had long cherished–the improvement of our little home.This was accomplished during the summer and fall of 1868, by a great dealof hard work and the expending of $1600.
Another matter of great importance, and one which had been long cherished,was the action of the Presbytery of North Missouri N.S., granting me licenseto preach the gospel. This action was taken by the Presbytery at the fallmeeting in September, 1868, at Canton, Missouri. I entered on this greatmission with a feeling of gladness I had never experienced in any changeof avocation [sic] that I had heretofore been called on to make. With thisfeeling of gladness was joined a willingness to preach the gospel anywhere.At the same time the opening to me of a field where I could successfullybestow my labors was earnestly desired. Through the influence of Rev. JamesA. Darrah, chairman of the committee of Home Missions of the Presbytery,I received a commission from the Board of Home Missions, and commencedmy labors with the Presbyterian Church of Canton, Missouri. During thesummer of 1869 I extended my labors to Monticello, county seat of LewisCounty, and a church was organized in the fall of the same year. Duringthe summer of 1870 a pretty little chapel was erected and dedicated tothe service of God. This was accomplished, to a great extent, through theinfluence and financial help of one man, who, with his wife, united withthe church on the morning of the Sabbath on which the chapel was dedicated.He was seventy years of age and she was in her sixty-sixth year.
At the fall meeting of the Presbytery, in the Pleasant Prairie Church,September 1869, I was ordained as an evangelist, and entered on the fullwork of he gospel ministry, administering the ordinances as well as preachingthe gospel. After this I extended my labors to Williamstown, and in thewinter following organized a church of ten members, to which I preachedone-half of my time. giving the other half to Monticello. December 23rd,1869, brought to us a new joy in the birth of a second daughter, whom wenamed Mary Susan.
In the fall of 1879 some of the leading members of the New ProvidenceChurch made an effort to have the membership unite in calling me as statedsupply, but failed, thus demonstrating the truthfulness of the words ofJesus: “No prophet is accepted in his own country.”
In the month of December, 1870, I received a letter from the sessionof the Presbyterian Church of Memphis, Missouri, asking me to visit them.This invitation was accepted. During Christmas week my wife and I madethe journey of sixty miles in our buggy, taking with us our baby girl,then one year old. We spent a week with the membership of the church, preachingon the Sabbath. This resulted in our being called to that field as statedsupply and a few months after as a pastor, in connection with the churchat Williamstown. The labor required of me in this field was arduous, thechurches being thirty miles from each other, and I often suffered muchfrom the cold weather during the winters of ’71, ’72 and ’73, but in noinstance did I fail to meet my appointments. The giving up of our pleasanthome in Round Grove Township, and removal into this new field, not onlyrequired of us pecuniary sacrifice, but that of comfort, and the givingup of cherished plans for the future. To add to this was the moving ofthe family and household goods sixty miles by wagon in mid-winter, andthat just after a heavy fall of snow. The journey, however, was safelymade, by the assistance of four young men who had charge of the wagons,and at the end of three days our household goods were deposited in a housethat was but little better than a shelter, and the following week we tookup our abode in it; but our Heavenly Father had a better abode for us,which was at the opening of a spring occupied, with hearts full of gratitudeto Him who is the dispenser of every blessing. Thus the sacrifices whichwere made by giving up our pleasant home in Round Grove Township withouta murmur, even on the part of her who felt it most deeply, was made upto us. The field into which we had entered was not one of great promise.As in many churches during the Civil War, the bitterness became so intensethat the church divided, and a law-suit over the church property followed.Our people were led by a minister who was more disposed to indulge in strifethan Christian charity, and although the property was retained by them,the feelings engendered did much harm, and some of those who should haveremained with our church, united with a few others and organized a Congregationalchurch.
I soon realized that, as far as possible, the harm done must be righted.By the wise counsel and help of an elder who was familiar with all thetrouble the church had passed through, this was, to quite an extent, accomplishedby a compromise with the Southern brethren. We on our part agreed to releasethem and give them the church building; and they on their part paid ourchurch $200.00, which covered the amount expended in the law suit. We thentook steps to erect a new building, and in the early part of the summerof ’72 our hearts were made glad by the dedication of a beautiful chapelto the service of God. Two very dear friends, Rev. Wm. P Cochran, D. D.and Rev. James A. Darrah, were with us, the former preaching the sermonand the latter offering the dedicatory prayer.
On the 18th day of August of the same year, another season of joycame to all the household by the birth of a son, the sixth and last ofthe precious treasures God has given us, and we called him Joseph Harvey.
In the spring of 1873, I organized a church at Greensburg, twelvemiles south of Memphis, and pastoral relation with the Williamstown churchwas dissolved by the Presbytery, and I became pastor of this little churchin connection with the church of Memphis. We labored in this field forfour years and nine months, but, losing some of the most influential membersof the Memphis church by removal, and the fact that the Southern PresbyterianChurch, Congregational Church and our own must be built up from the samematerial, made the field an discouraging one, and I resigned in the fallof 1875. During my labors in this field, sixty-six were added to the churches.Having received a call to become stated supply of Seymore, Promise Cityand Allerton, in Des Moines Presbytery, Iowa, I moved my family to Seymoreand commenced my labors with these churches the first Sabbath in October,1975. During my labors in this field, covering a period of three yearsand a half, 102 members were added to the churches, most of them beingyoung people who were received by the profession of their faith in Christ.
In November of 1878, I receive a call to become stated supply ofthe Lineville Presbyterian Church in the bounds of the same Presbytery,my labors to commence the 1st of April, 1879, at which time the engagementof the stated supply then preaching was to close. My labors with this churchcommenced at the appointed time, and covered a period of two years, whichwere among the most pleasant of my ministry. The only reason they did notcontinue longer, was insufficient support. During my labors in this fieldtwenty-six were added to the church.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO.
During the last week in February, 1881, by arrangement made by Rev.Timothy Hill, D. D., Synodical Superintendent of Home Missions for Kansas,I visited the Presbyterian Church of Wilson, which resulted in my becomingstated supply of the Wilson and Ft. Harker churches in the Presbytery ofSolomon, and in the spring of 1882 pastor of the Wilson Church. My laborswith these churches covered a period of three years and a half. Duringthat time thirty-seven were added to the churches.
On the 1st of October, 1884, I took charge of the churches of McCune,Osage 1st, and Monmouth, in the Presbytery of Neosho, for six months. Atthe expiration of that time McCune and Osage 1st were anxious to call meas pastor, but not having moved my family to the field, I returned to myhome in Wilson. During the short period I labored on this field, sixteenwere added to the churches.
On the 1st of April, 1885, I again took charge of the Ft. HarkerChurch as stated supply, and during the summer preached one-half of mytime in Kanopolis, and in the fall organized a church of seventeen members,which,with the church of Ft. Harker, made a very pleasant field. I remainedin this field until the spring of 1889, four years. During this periodforty-one were added to the churches.
In the spring of 1889 I accepted an invitation to supply the UnitedPresbyterian Church of Miltonvale for six months. Being commissioner tothe General Assembly which met in the Fourth Avenue Presbyterian Church,New York City, I was absent for three weeks, but on my return I again tookup the work and, at the meeting of Presbytery in September, the churchtransferred its connection to Solomon Presbytery. During the six monthstwo were added to the church by examination. Having been called as statedsupply of the Clyde Presbyterian Church, I moved my family from Wilson,where we had resided for almost nine years, into the pleasant parsonagewhich had been built by the former pastor. During the two years I laboredin this church, I was much hindered by ill health, but the people werevery kind to us, and during two months of the second year released me fromthe evening service. During my labors with this church eight were addedto the church.
Having received a call to become stated supply of the PresbyterianChurch of Phillipsburg, in the Presbytery of Osborne, we moved to thatfield in the first of November, 1892. At the end of two years our laborswith the Phillipsburg Church ceased, and we took charge of the Bow Creekand Long Island churches, still residing in Phillipsburg. We remained inthis field three years and a half. During this time fifty were added tothe churches.
Having been called at state supply of Auburn, Wakarusa and Sharonchurches, in the Presbytery of Topeka, we moved to that field, April 1st,1895, and took up our abode in the pleasant little parsonage at Auburn.Here we were very pleasantly situated. The parsonage stands on a lot oftwo acres, most if it in cultivation. This gave me plenty of exercise whichwas remunerative. To the Wakarusa Church was a drive of eight miles, andto the Sharon Church nine, and to Topeka–a good place to buy family supplies–wasfifteen miles. We spent four very pleasant years in this field, duringwhich time sixty-four were added to the churches and they gave $483.00to the Boards of the church, the largest amount ever given by them in anyfour years since their organization.
It is very pleasant to record the fact, that at the close of my laborsin this field, which had been so successful, the time when I purposed [sic]to lay down the gospel sickle, to be taken up by younger and more efficienthands, had come. I had at this time entered my seventy-second year, andalthough the preaching of the gospel from the sacred desk was still a delight,the burden of preparation and pastoral work had become too heavy for oneof my age. I had spent over thirty years, the happiest years of my life,in the ministry; twenty-six and a half of thee on the Home Mission Field.The largest salary received per year was $1,000, this at a time when therewere ten in the family; the smallest $400.00, but during all these years”The barrel of meal did not waste, neither did the cruse of oil fail.”As now as I am about to write the closing paragraph of this simple story,we are surrounded with all the comforts that heart can wish or hands canuse.
We moved to Parkville, Missouri, the first of April, 1899, and intend,if it be God’s will, to spend the few days that yet remain for us on earth,in the pleasant home He has given us.
As I look back over a period of seventy years which I can distinctlyremember, there comes up before me many seasons of joy, and some of trialand sorrow, which have been measured out to me by the hand of my HeavenlyFather. How pleasant to think of a father and mother who trained me up”in the nurture and admonition of the Lord;” to think of the old churchhome in which I was baptized, and into full membership of which at theage of seventeen, I was received by the session; to think of the brothersand sisters and the many young friends with whom I was surrounded as Igrew up to manhood! But, mingled with these pleasant thoughts of long ago,is a strain of sadness. All the loved ones who were in the household havepassed away from earth but two, and of the friends of my youth, but a fewstill linger on the shores of time.
Again my thoughts go back into the past, and as they glide down thenarrow stream of time, they rest on the dark shadows which fell upon mypathway. Death comes, and for a little season the joys of life fade frommy vision, and I seem to walk alone, but by and by the star of hope dispelsthe darkness, and new friends come into view. With these I have mingledand held sweet communion, but most of them are gone. One, however, moredear to me than any one among them all, still walks by my side. ‘Tis morethan fifty years since first we met and our hearts went out to each otherentwined in tender bonds of love. From our home have gone out six preciouschildren whose lives are shedding light in the communities in which theyare dwelling.
Turning from these scenes of the past, I look into the future, andas I look, I catch a glimpse of the golden sunset of every true Christianlife. For me its rays now rest on my pathway, and as I think of the mansionJesus has prepared for me, and the precious promise, “I will come againand receive you unto myself,” I am glad to ocupy the position of one whois:
“Only waiting till the shadows
Are a little longer grown;
Only waiting till the glimmer
Of the day’s last beam is flown;
Till the night of death has faded
From the heart once full of day;
Till the stars of heaven are breaking
Thro’ the twilight, soft and gray.
Only waiting till the reapers
Have the last sheaf gathered home;
For the summer time has faded
And the autumn’s winds have come.
Quickly reapers! gather quickly,
All the ripe hours of my heart:
For the bloom of life has withered,
And I hasten to depart.
Only waiting till the angels
Open wide the pearly gate,
At whose portals long I’ve lingered,
Weary, poor, and desolate;
Even now I hear their footsteps,
And their voices far away,
If they call me I am waiting,
Only waiting to obey.
Waiting for a brighter dwelling
Than I ever yet have seen,
Where the tree of life is blooming,
And the fields are ever green.
Waiting for my full redemption,
When my Savior shall restore,
All that sin has caused to wither;
Age and sorrow come no more.”
Copyright 1999, 2006Robin L. Worth Petersen
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