Jacob’s war experiences began in 1862 and continued through the war’s end in 1865. His story diverges somewhat from the story of the 89th Ohio Volunteer Regiment – his letters help piece together a solid narrative.
29 Aug, 1862 – 5 Oct, 1862: The Call to Arms (Camp Denison, OH) and the Defense of Cincinnati (Breastworks & Batteries surrounding Covington, KY – just south of Cincinnati).
5 Oct, 1862 – 7 Jan 1863: To War – the Kanawha Valley Campaign (West Virginia).
7 Jan -26 Jan 1863: Furlough – home
26 Jan – 14 Feb 1863: Jacob contracted the Mumps and was pulled off the transport ship and consigned to a hospital in Gallipolis, OH.
14 Feb – 3 March 1863: Convalescing at home.
4 -18 March 1863: Travels and Adventures in rejoining his regiment, which has been moved to Kentucky during Jacob’s convalescence under the command of General George Crook’s Division. Jacob is promoted to Corporal while he’s away from the regiment – proving his high standing and reputation.
March – June 1863: Operations in and around Gallatin, Carthage and Murfreesboro, Tenn – mostly foraging expeditions. Jacob is promoted to Sergeant.
July-Aug 1863: The Push South – Tullahoma Campaign. The regiment reassigned to General Reynold’s Forth Division, 14th Corps under General Rosecrans.
Sept 1863-February 1864: Disaster at Chickamauga, retreat to Chattanooga, and surviving the siege. Jacob’s regiment was decimated at Chickamauga – a flesh wound on the face probably saved his life. He was one of a very few who were able to report to duty the day after the battle. The majority of his regiment was captured and shipped to the infamous Libby Prison, where many died.
March – May 1864: Forcing the gap – the offensive towards Atlanta
May – October 1864: The Siege of Atlanta. This was a very significant time for Jacob. His letters are rich with more mature thoughts of his spiritual life, mortality, and his desire for home and peace (while still very committed to the war).
Nov 1864 – Jan 1865: Jake’s Regiment participates in Sherman’s March to the Sea. My collection contains redacted notes he made of the march later in his life – removing many of the comments his original journal entries contained about the Army’s actions (mostly regarding pillaging, burning and destruction).
Jan – Jun 1865: The turn North, the end of the war (including the Grand Review in Washington DC), and his homecoming. Hope begins to rise for his survival. His last letter was written as he was on the train home on 11 June, 1865.
More later…
A Thousand Thunders 