Correspondence to the Governor and Adjutant General of Ohio,
October 5, 1861-May 20, 1862.
October 5, 1861
A[sariah] W. Doan, Captain, Company B, 12th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Camp Sewell, Virginia. To Whom It May Concern. Letter stating that William H. Glotfelter, 1st Sergeant (Orderly), Company B, 12th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry was born in Greene County, Ohio, that Glotfelter was twenty-four years of age, five feet, seven and one half inches high, of light complexion with blue eyes and light hair, and by occupation a trader, that Glotfelter was enrolled at Camp Dennison on June 20, 1861, for the term of three years, that Glotfelter had served as Orderly Sergeant from June 20, 1861 until October 4, 1861, when he was elected 1st Lieutenant of Company B, 12th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, that while in service, Glotfelter had received one pair of pants, one blouse, one pair of shoes, one blanket, and one great coat, and that Glotfelter was now sick with fever.
1 p. [Series 147-33: 191]
October 8, 1861
R.K. Cox, Jr., et. al., Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio. To Brigadier General O[rmsby] M. Mitchel. Letter signed by thirty-four citizens of Cincinnati; stating that they were personally acquainted with the military and business talents of Major L.C. Simmons; and recommending Simmons as a suitable person for Quartermaster.
2 pp. [Series 147-33: 62]
November 18, 1861
J[onathan] D. Hines, Lieutenant Colonel, 12th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Camp Huddleston, Virginia. To ? Letter recommending William B. Nesbitt, Sergeant Major of the 12th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for promotion; and stating that Nesbitt had given entire satisfaction in his present position, that Nesbitt had much experience in the duties of Adjutant, and that if promoted, Nesbitt would be a valuable acquisition to the service.
1 p. [Series 147-33: 202]
November 26, 1861
C[arr] B. White, Colonel, 12th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Camp Huddleston, Virginia. To Governor William Dennison. Letter stating that Major J[ames] D. Wallace of the 12th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry had indicated his intention to resign due to continued bad health, that should Wallace do so, the petitioners enclosed prayed that Dennison would appoint Captain E[dward] M. Cary of Company H, 12th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry to the Majority, that Cary was entitled to the promotion by seniority, but more especially so for gallant services, that no Captain in western Virginia had a better reputation as a soldier and gentleman than Cary, and that should Dennison promote Cary, the 1st Lieutenant of Company H (W. Wirt Liggett) had fairly won promotion to the Captaincy by gallant conduct.
1 p. [Series 147-33: 214]
December 24, 1861
Ovid Spencer, Clerk, Court of Common Pleas, Perry County, Ohio, et. al. To ? Letter signed by twenty-three individuals; and stating that they had been acquainted with George Ritchey for many years, that they knew Ritchey to be a man whose application to the study of the sciences and whose moral rectitude eminently qualified him for Quartermaster in any of the regiments now formed or forming in Ohio, that inasmuch as Perry County had sent almost a regiment to the field and was favored with no appointees for the service, they thought it due their county and efforts in the prosecution of the war that Ritchey be appointed Quartermaster or given a position equal to the post for which he was an applicant, that Ritchey's appointment would meet the approbation of his numerous friends and the Union sentiment of Perry County at large, and that Ritchey had always been a citizen of Perry County.
2 pp. [Series 147-33: 108]
January 9, 1862
Charles A. DeVilliers, Colonel, 11th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Headquarters, Pt. Pleasant, Virginia. To Governor David Tod. Letter stating that Captain J[ohn] C. Drury, Company H, 11th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry having been honorably discharged from the service, it was important that the vacancy occasioned thereby be immediately filled; recommending 1st Lieutenant Jerome B. Weller for promotion to the Captaincy of Company H; and stating that Weller had been in command of the company the greater portion of the campaign, Drury having been unwell, that Weller had proven himself competent in every respect for the position of Captain, and that Weller's appointment would be for the best interests of his company, the regiment, and the public service, and would give great satisfaction. Bears the approval of J[acob] D. Cox, Brigadier General Commanding, District of the Kanawha.
2 pp. [Series 147-33: 173]
[January 9?, 1862]
A[ndrew] Legg, Captain, Company E, et. al., 12th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. To ? Copy of a petition signed by seventeen commissioned officers of the 12th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry; recommending Orderly Sergeant John U. Hiltz of Company C, 12th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry; and stating that they desired the promotion of Hiltz to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant of Company C, that Hiltz was wounded at the battle of Scarey [Creek], Kanawha Valley, that Hiltz showed most surprising courage not only in that but all other engagements and had behaved in such a manner throughout the whole campaign that would and ought to entitle him fully to said promotion, that Hiltz was a man who fully understood the military tactics, and that if promoted, Hiltz would be an honor to the regiment as a commissioned officer as he had proven himself in his present rank as Orderly Sergeant.
1 p. [Series 147-33: 194]
January 15, 1862
John C. Campbell, 2nd Lieutenant, Company H, 12th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Aberdeen, Brown County, Ohio. To Whom It May Concern. Letter stating that he was well acquainted with S.W.P. Cochran, that he had been in active service with Cochran in the same company in the 12th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, that he could recommend Cochran as well qualified to perform the duties of a Captain, 1st Lieutenant, or 2nd Lieutenant, and that in every way, Cochran was a worthy man and a good, true and reliable soldier.
1 p. [Series 147-33: 201]
January 16, 1862
John S. Acklin, Aberdeen, Brown County, Ohio. To All Whom It May Concern. Letter certifying that he was well acquainted with S.W.P. Cochran; and stating that he very freely recommended Cochran as a man well qualified to perform the duties of Captain of a military company, and that Cochran was in every way a good and loyal citizen.
1 p. [Series 147-33: 200]
January 16, 1862
L.W. Dennis, and H.B. Dennis, Aberdeen, Brown County, Ohio. To Whom It May Concern. Letter introducing S.W.P. Cochran as a man of ability and well worthy of consideration; stating that Cochran had for some time past been a resident of Aberdeen, and that they were personally acquainted with Cochran; and recommending Cochran as a man with qualifications sufficient to perform military duty in the capacity of Captain, 1st Lieutenant, or 2nd Lieutenant.
1 p. [Series 147-33: 198]
[January 16?], 1862
Dr. H.F. Garwood, Aberdeen, Brown County, Ohio. To ? Letter stating that he had been acquainted with S.W.P. Cochran for some time, that he found Cochran to be a just, upright man who was true to his word in every respect, that he thought Cochran was fit for any post of trust in government affairs and well qualified to fill the duties of a Captain or 1st Lieutenant of any company in the military capacity, that Cochran had been in the service of his country in western Virginia, that Cochran was well known by officers and soldiers, and that Cochran was a proper man for the Union.
1 p. [Series 147-33: 200]
January 16, 1862
Thomas J. Kenny, et. al., Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio. To Governor David Tod. Letter signed by seven individuals; recommending Jonathan F. Neereamer, a citizen of Columbus, Ohio, for a military appointment; and stating that Neereamer had seen active service under the late Colonel George W. Morgan in Mexico, and that Neereamer would submit evidence of his qualifications and ability to perform any duty that Tod might see fit to place him in.
1 p. [Series 147-33: 107]
January 16, 1862
Jno. Mitchell, Captain, Aberdeen Rangers, Aberdeen, Brown County, Ohio. To ? Letter stating that he was well acquainted with S.W.P. Cochran, that he could most cheerfully recommend Cochran as a man well qualified to perform the duties of a Captain, 1st Lieutenant, or 2nd Lieutenant of a military company, and that Cochran was, in every way, a worthy and good citizen.
1 p. [Series 147-33: 202]
January 16, 1862
Thomas Shelton, J.P., Aberdeen, Brown County, Ohio. To ? Letter certifying that he had been acquainted with S.W.P. Cochran for a long time; and stating that he knew Cochran to be a man of good capacity and integrity, that Cochran was well qualified to perform the duties of a Captain, 1st Lieutenant, or 2nd Lieutenant of a military company, and that he most cheerfully recommended Cochran to the authorities of Ohio for promotion.
1 p. [Series 147-33: 201]
January 16, 1862
A.W. Wood, Aberdeen, Brown County, Ohio. To All Whom It May Concern. Letter introducing S.W.P. Cochran for favorable consideration; and stating that he was well acquainted with Cochran, that he had utmost confidence in Cochran's ability, knowledge, and capacity, that Cochran was worthy of the confidence of all good, true, and loyal citizens, and that Cochran was well qualified to perform the duties of Captain, 1st Lieutenant, or 2nd Lieutenant of a military company.
1 p. [Series 147-33: 203]
January 17, 1862
W.A. Galbraith & Son, Aberdeen, Brown County, Ohio. To ? Letter certifying that S.W.P. Cochran was a citizen of Aberdeen, Ohio and that they were well acquainted with him; and recommending Cochran as a man well qualified to be an officer of a company and worthy of confidence.
1 p. [Series 147-33: 199]
January 17, 1862
John Kennett, Colonel, 4th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, Headquarters, Camp Jefferson. To Governor David Tod. Letter regarding commissions for various Lieutenants; and stating that their regiment was being decimated, and that each battalion was compelled to have a Quartermaster and Adjutant.
1 p. [Series 147-33: 80]
January 17, 1862
John H. Young, Urbana, Champaign County, Ohio. To Governor David Tod. Letter stating that he was a member of the Congressional War Committee for his congressional district and felt a deep anxiety that their good government should be preserved, and that he had exerted himself since the commencement of the rebellion, at a very considerable expenditure of time and money, in raising troops for the war; recommending Major Benjamin P. Runkle of the 13th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, now in Kentucky, for appointment as Colonel of one of the Ohio regiments of volunteers; and stating that Runkle had been Captain of a company of three months' volunteers raised at Urbana, that the company went to Camp Jackson and then to Camp Dennison, where it volunteered for three years, that the company went to western Virginia and was in all the service there up to the final rout of General [John B.] Floyd, that just prior to this last engagement, Runkle was promoted to the position of Major of the regiment, that Runkle was a fine officer and had acquitted himself handsomely, that Runkle was a lawyer, a man of talent, ambitious, studious and laborious as an officer, and of abundant capacity, that as the commander of a regiment, he believed Runkle would do honor to himself and to the service, that Runkle desired the position of Colonel, and that he thought Runkle deserved it.
2 pp. [Series 147-33: 212]
January 18, 1862
W[illiam] S. Smith, Colonel, et. al., 13th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Camp Jefferson, Bacon Creek, Kentucky. To the Governor of Ohio. Letter signed by twenty-eight commissioned officers of the 13th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry; and stating that in case of the promotion of Colonel W[illiam] S. Smith, they united in recommending Lieutenant Colonel J[oseph] G. Hawkins for promotion to the rank of Colonel, and that they believed Hawkins to be fully competent to fill the place and worthy of promotion.
2 pp. [Series 147-33: 223]
January 19, 1862
J[oel] F. Asper, Captain, Company H, 7th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Cumberland, Maryland. To Governor David Tod. Letter asking that Tod not overlook his claims for position in making appointments and promotions in the infantry regiments of Ohio; stating that he wanted the command of a regiment if one could be given him because he felt perfectly confident of his ability to command a regiment both for the good of the service and the honor and glory of their cause, that he was now technically as well qualified as any West Pointer, that from his experience in the field and his experience as a business man, he was infinitely ahead of most of that class of gentry who got appointments, that he was confident that he could so handle and take care of a regiment that after a three years' service, it would not be as much used up as in the 7th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry after a nine months' campaign, that General [Jacob D.] Cox had given him a very flattering recommendation which he presumed was now on file in the Governor's office, that he had no other recommendation other than his service in the field where he had ever endeavored to be a good soldier, that he felt well assured that he contributed his full share towards saving the regiment at the battle of Cross Lanes after the field officers had ingloriously fled, that he was the first one in Trumbull County who said he would go to the war, that if need be, he was willing to lay down his life as a sacrifice to save the Union, that he offered the first company from the Western Reserve and went out immediately, that he felt neglected, that others who refused to go out with him or volunteer at that time got good positions by staying at home, that this was all well enough, but it looked a little like neglect of those in the field, that Trumbull County had furnished about 1500 men (a regiment and a half) and had not a Colonel, that this looked a little like neglect of the county, that he was unable to say that the people would select him for he did not know it to be the case, that when he was at home in October, there was a general expression that he should be promoted to a Colonelcy, that a large number spoke to him about it and so far as he could see or knew, it was quite general, that Judge Hoffman, however, could comment about this matter, that he believed an appointment of the kind mentioned would be hailed by the people of Trumbull County with general satisfaction, that he learned that there were two or three regiments yet incomplete (the 43rd Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, the 45th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and others) and he presumed officers had not been appointed, and that there were vacancies constantly occurring; requesting a fair chance, and that Tod give him a Colonelcy if possible; and stating that if this could not be, he would request his rights for promotion by seniority, that he believed he was the oldest Captain of infantry in Ohio, with his commission dating from June 3, 1861 under the three years' call, that as such, he was entitled by right to the first vacant Majorship in Ohio infantry, that there were several vacancies now and more to occur, that the regulations required this mode of promotion, that this course had been adopted regimentally and should be for field officers, that he had noticed lately that several appointments to Colonelcys had been made from the service, that he trusted his claims would not be forgotten, and that he was at Cumberland, sick from the effects of the Blue's Gap march and the night retreat to Patterson's Creek the same week.
4 pp. [Series 147-33: 166]
January 19, 1862
O.P. Brown, Ravenna, Portage County, Ohio. To Governor David Tod. Letter stating that Tod's attention would be called to the subject of appointing Captain F[rederick] A. Seymour of Ravenna as a Major in the army, that he had known Seymour for some years, that he knew Seymour to be an honest, intelligent, brave man, that Seymour had seen some service and had considerable military experience, that a natural adaptation to military science would seem to make Seymour's appointment a proper and desirable one, that he believed the service would be benefited and the appointing power honored by conferring upon Seymour a Major's commission, and that he knew Seymour's many friends would be gratified thereby.
1 p. [Series 147-33: 168]
January 20, 1862
R[igdon] Williams, Captain, Company F, 12th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Camp Warren, Virginia. To Governor David Tod. Letter stating that the bearer, Thomas J. Atkinson, enlisted in Company F, 12th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry (three months' service) on April 19, 1861, and afterwards for the three years' service on June 19, 1861, that at the time of reenlistment, he appointed Atkinson to the position of 1st Sergeant of the company because of his merits and military acquirements, that since the time of Atkinson's first enlistment, he had been doing continual duty with his company, that Atkinson was with them at the battles of Scarey Creek and Carnifex Ferry, and behaved himself with great bravery in both engagements, that on July 28, 1861, the office of 1st Lieutenant of the company became vacant and Atkinson was encouraged in the belief that his faithful service would be rewarded, upon the promotion of the 2nd Lieutenant of the company, by his being raised, per the generally recognized rules of promotion, to the position of 2nd Lieutenant, that Governor William Dennison saw fit to fill the only vacancy left in the regiment by the appointment of Francis L. Thornhill who was assigned to his company, that Atkinson was now seeking an appointment to that position which he so richly merited, that he most cheerfully and earnestly recommended Atkinson's appointment as a 2nd Lieutenant, and that he was fully satisfied, from extended observation, that Atkinson would, if appointed, discharge all the duties of his office with fidelity and efficiency and prove an honor both to his country and to himself.
2 pp. [Series 147-33: 192]
January 21, 1862
Lewis B. Gunckel, Senate Chamber, Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio. To Governor David Tod. Letter recommending George W. Hatfield of Dayton, now Captain of Company H, 11th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for promotion; and stating that Hatfield enlisted as a Private in Company A on April 14, 1861, was the next day elected 1st Lieutenant, and as such (by reason of sickness, etc., of Captain [Calvin J.] Childs) commanded said company up to December 1, 1861, when he was made Provost Marshal by General [Jacob D.] Cox at Point Pleasant, Virginia, that on or about December 25, 1861, Hatfield was appointed by Governor William Dennison as Captain of Company H, that as 1st Lieutenant commanding Company A, Hatfield led the advance from Point Pleasant to Gauley and from there to Sewell, and covered the retreat from Sewell to Gauley, that he had known Hatfield for many years, that Hatfield had been born in Dayton and lived there all his life, that Hatfield was a most excellent young man of high character and steady habits, that all who served under or with Hatfield spoke of him in the highest terms, and that Hatfield most richly deserved promotion; and requesting that Tod promote Hatfield at the earliest possible day. Bears the endorsement of P[eter] Odlin, Ohio House of Representatives.
2 pp. [Series 147-33: 178]
January 21, 1862
Peter Zinn, [Ohio] House of Representatives. To Governor David Tod. Letter calling Tod's attention to the application of Jonathan Nereamer, of Franklin County, who sought a commission of a grade not lower than that of 1st Lieutenant which he held in the Mexican War; stating that Nereamer was well qualified, that nothing but favoritism or unaccountable oversight could have prevented Nereamer being in active service before now, especially when the qualifications and works of those already in service were examined, and that Tod well knew that many appointments in the State and National Government, in the army as well as the civil service, were not fit to be made; requesting that Tod characterize his administration by a reform in this respect; and stating that much abuse arose from the indiscriminate recommendation of friends, that such recommendations should be disregarded, that Nereamer's experience and services entitled his claims to be considered favorably, just as the want of experience required any applicants to be criticized closely, that Nereamer was a working man and came from a working family, and that Nereamer's appointment would satisfy him that Tod intended to make appointments for the benefit of the service rather than from other considerations.
3 pp. [Series 147-33: 101]
January 22, 1862
C[arr] B. White, Colonel, 12th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Charleston, Western Virginia. To Dear Sir. Letter stating that the bearer, Robert H. Shoemaker, 2nd Lieutenant, Company A, 12th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, had been with the regiment about three months, had discharged the duties of his office well, and was a gentleman, that should the addressee use his influence to secure Shoemaker a higher rank in the service, it would be conferred on a worthy young man and one who would fill the position with credit to himself and honor to his country, and that he hoped the addressee might be able to do something for Shoemaker.
1 p. [Series 147-33: 207]
January 24, 1862
George Ritchey, Somerset, Perry County, Ohio. To the Honorable William E. Finch. Letter regarding his recommendation; and stating that he hoped Finch would, without delay, subscribe his name to the same and present it to the Governor or Adjutant General as deemed proper.
2 pp. [Series 147-33: 108]
January 25, 1862
Horace Y. Beebe, Ravenna, Portage County, Ohio. To Governor David Tod. Letter stating that it had occurred to him since his return home that he should have left with Tod his written opinion of Captain F[rederick] A. Seymour, [7th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry] inasmuch as he requested Seymour's promotion to the position of Major, that at the first call of the President for volunteers, Seymour was among the first to step forth, that through Seymour's exertions, in a great measure Company G was enlisted, that Seymour was unanimously elected Captain thereof and in that capacity had continued to serve his Country faithfully and energetically, that Seymour was a man of strict integrity, unblemished character, and possessing true courage, that Seymour would not be found wavering in the hour of trial, that he had been acquainted with Seymour for some fifteen years, and that if the appointment of Major was conferred upon Seymour, he would so discharge the duties that Tod would have no occasion to say that the appointment was unworthily bestowed.
1 p. [Series 147-33: 164]
January 25, 1862
J[ohn] M. Hubbell, Lieutenant, Company H, 5th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio. To Governor David Tod. Letter stating that under a pressure of circumstances, there was a vacancy in Company H of the 5th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, and that he was informed that certain petitions had been presented to Tod requesting the appointment of Abner Davis to fill said vacancy; and requesting that no appointment be made except by recommendation of Colonel [William H.H.] Taylor.
1 p. [Series 147-33: 91]
January 27, 1862
Stoughton Bliss, Quartermaster General's Office, Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio. To Governor David Tod. Letter stating that he had known the bearer, Sergeant [George W.] Hicks, [Company A, 23rd Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry], for some time, that Hicks was among the first volunteers to serve his country, having enlisted in Captain [James P.] McIlrath's company at Camp Taylor in April 1861, and that he believed Hicks deserving and perfectly competent to fill the position of Lieutenant.
1 p. [Series 147-33: 106]
January 28, 1862
William Alexander, et. al., Company B, 12th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Camp Warren. To Colonel C[arr] B. White, 12th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Letter signed by sixty-three members of Company B, 12th Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry; and stating that they would prefer W[illiam] H. Glotfelter, who was elected to the 1st Lieutenancy of their company in October 1861 while they were encamped on Sewell Mountain, and that they did not want A[ndrew] C. Miller under any circumstances, feeling that he was not competent to fill the office.
2 pp. [Series 147-33: 196]