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and in a few
weeks was permitted to go to his home, but never sufficiently
recovered his health to warrant his return to the active duties
of the field. He consequently resigned his commission some months
afterwards. The Major entered upon the work with great energy, and was well respected by all in the command. In the summer of 1862 a difficulty arose between the Major and other field officers, the history of which would take pages to relate, and not be satisfactory to the reader. Between Chaplain Todd and the Major unhappy differences arose; no oil of conciliation could allay or arrest the agitation. Who was in the wrong we do not attempt to decide; we were only indifferent spectators to the controversy, but by an overwhelming force Chaplain Todd gained the victory, having the most and heaviest guns on his parapet. The Major wisely came to the conclusion, after some month's deliberation, that he could serve his country better, and do more good by retiring from the service, which he did at Bolviar, Tennessee, and returned to Dayton, Ohio, and resnmed his former avocation. The Major's politics were not regarded sound, being hostile to the administration and a warm admirer of Vallandigham. This gave rise to many of the troubles and opposition to him on the part of some of the field officers. When he entered upon his duties as Surgeon of the regiment he encountered much opposition. Unhappy feelings and difficulties arose between him and the Assistant-Surgeon, S. C. Mendenhall. The regiment took issue in favor of the Assistant-Surgeon. This arose in part from mistakes in the natural disposition of the men, and a non-acquaintance with the skill and attainments of both. But when both had been applied to the test of experience opposition to Major Reeves, to a great extent subsided, and many of his most bitter enemies became his most ardent friends. |
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