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HOWARD S. ABBOTT, SERGEANT-MAJOR,
Who was somewhat austere in his demeanor, but a good,
faithful and efficient officer. He was promoted to Adjutant,
which position he filled till the battle of Champion Hill's,
when at the head of his regiment he fell, a rebel ball having
entered his left ear, and came out on the back part of his neck.
He was supposed to be dead and remained sometime in an insensible
condition on the field. Those carrying off the wounded were about
to pass him by making the remark, "poor Adjutant Abbott,
there he lies, killed," to which the Adjutant feebly responded,
having heard their voices, "not by a d—d sight." He
was then carried to the hospital, where for many days his life
was despaired of. The Surgeon by the most careful and skillful
treatment succeeded in saving his life. He so far recovered as
to be able to go to his home, but did not recover sufficiently
to return to his regiment for three or four months, and even then
he suffered much from the effects of the wound. By reason of
so long an absence from the regiment, he was honorably mustered
out by the War Department, but was afterwards appointed a Captain,
which he promptly declined, for the reason that he was not first
"reinstated." His absence was no fault of his. His
coolness, courage and bravery upon the field merited a promotion
from the War Department, rather than a muster out of service,
but such is life and the ways of the world. The most deserving
and meritorious frequently pass unnoticed, while the unworthy
reap honors, though stolen.
HENRY E. BIGELOW
Was appointed Quartermaster-Sergeant. A young man
of fine business attainments, as he afterwards proved by being
promoted to First Lieutenant and Quartermaster, vice Douglas promoted.
There were few Regimental Quartermasters in the corps that did
business with more promptness, and kept the accounts and papers
of their department more correctly. Though quite a youth in years,
he was old in judgment and executive ability; of generous, pleasant
and social qualities, but very independent and decided in his
manners, and gentlemanly in his general demeanor. He was detailed
by General R. K. Scott, as Acting Assistant Quartermaster, Second
Brigade, Third Division, Seventeenth Army Corps, which position
he filled until the close of the war and the muster out of the
regiment. In February, 1865, he was promoted to Captain, but
declined to be mustered.
WILLIAM M. SLEETH
Was appointed Commissary Sergeant, of whom honorable
mention has been made in connection with Company A; in which company
he was promoted to Second Lieutenant and afterwards First, and
Adjutant of the Regiment. He was one of the most faithful and
conscientious of men; strictly honest and upright in every thing
he did. After nearly four years service, he is free from the
least blot upon his character; and never a fault or complaint
was made, or heard in the discharge of his duty.
CHARLES RAPER
Of Putnam, Ohio, was appointed Bugler and chief musician.
Under him the regiment had a band not surpassed by any regiment
in the service. His health having failed him and his position
as "Chief Musician" having been declared by the War
Department to exist no longer throughout the entire army, he was
therefore honorably mustered out at Lake Providence, Louisiana,
not forgetting however, after the steamer on which he took passage
started up the river, to deliver a farewell address | |