Transcription contributed by Martie Callihan 23 November 2004

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The patriotism of this State has been stanch, unswerving and bold, ever since a first settlement laid its corner-stone in the great Western wilderness. Its decisive measures, its earnest action, its noble constancy, have earned the laurels that designate it "a watchword for the nation." In the year 1860, Ohio had a population of 2,343,739. Its contribution of soldiers to the great conflict that was soon to surge over the land in scarlet terror, was apportioned 310,000 men. In less than twenty-four hours after the President's proclamation and call for troops, the Senate had matured and carried a bill through, appropriating $1,000,000 for the purpose of placing the State on a war footing. The influences of party sentiments were forgotten, and united, the State unfurled the flag of patriotism. Before the bombardment of old Fort Sumter has fairly ceased its echoes, twenty companies were offered the Governor for immediate service. When the surrender was verified, the excitement was tumultuous. Militia officers telegraphed their willingness to receive prompt orders, all over the State. The President of Kenyon College—President Andrews—tendered his services by enlisting in the ranks. Indeed, three months before the outbreak of the war, he had expressed his readiness to the Governor to engage in service should there be occasion. He was the first citizen to make this offer.

The Cleveland Grays, the Rover Guards, the State Fencibles, the Dayton Light Guards, the Governor's Guards, the Columbus Videttes ;and the Guthrie Grays—the best drilled and celebrated militia in the State—telegraphed to Columbus for orders. Chillicothe, Portsmouth and Circleville offered money and troops. Canton, Xenia, Lebanon, Lancaster, Springfield, Cincinnati,

For three-years troops were soon called out, and their Generals were to be appointed by the President. Gov. Dennison advised at once with the War Department at Washington, and McClellan received his appointment as Major General in the regular army.

Cincinnati and Louisville became alarmed lest Kentucky should espouse the Confederate cause, and those cities thus be left insecure against the inroads of a cruel foe. Four hundred and thirty-six miles of Ohio bordered Slave States. Kentucky and West Virginia were to be kept in check, but the Governor proclaimed that not only should the border of Ohio be protected, but even beyond that would the State press the enemy. Marietta was garrisoned, and other river points rendered impregnable. On the 20th of May, 1861, official dispatches affirmed that troops were approaching Wheeling under the proclamation of Letcher. Their intention was to route the convention at Wheeling.

Military orders were instantly given. Col. Steedman and his troops crossed at Marietta and crushed the disturbance at Parkersburg—swept into the country along the railroad, built bridges, etc. Col. Irvine crossed at Wheeling and united with a regiment of loyal Virginians. At the juncture of the two tracks at Grafton, the columns met, but the rebels had retreated in mad haste. The loyal troops followed, and, at Philippi, fought the first little skirmish of the war. The great railway lines were secured, and the Wheeling convention protected, and West Virginia partially secured for the Union.

After preliminary arrangements, McClellan's forces moved in two columns upon the enemy at Laurel Hill. One remained in front, under Gen. Morris, while the other, under his own command, pushed around to Huttonsville, in their rear. Gen. Morris carried his orders through promptly, but McClellan was late. Rosecrans was left with McClellan's advance to fight the battle of Rich Mountain, unaided. Garnett being alarmed at the defeat of his outpost, retreated. McClellan was not in time to intercept him, but Morris continued

At this period, Gen. McClellan was called to Washington. Gen. Rosecrans succeeded him, and the three-years troops left in the field after the disbanding of the three-months men, barely sufficed to hold the country. He telegraphed Gov. Dennison to supply him immediately with re-enforcements, the request being made on the 8th of August. Already had the Confederate leaders realized the loss they had sustained in Western Virginia, and had dispatched their most valued General, Robert E. Lee, to regain the territory. Rosecrans again wrote: "If you, Governor of Indiana and Governor of Michigan, will lend your efforts to get me quickly. 60,000 men, in addition to my present force, I think a blow can be struck which will save fighting the rifled-cannon batteries at Manassas. Lee is certainly at Cheat Mountain. Send all troops you can to Grafton." Five days thereafter, all the available troops in the West were dispatched to Fremont, Mo., and the plans of Rosecrans were foiled.

Heavy re-enforcements had been sent to the column in Kanawha Valley under Gen. Cox. He became alarmed, and telegraphed to Gov. Dennison. Rosecrans again appealed to Gov. Dennison, that he might be aided in marching across the country against Floyd and Wise to Cox's relief, "I want to catch Floyd while Cox holds him in front."

The response was immediate and effective. He was enabled to employ twenty-three Ohio regiments in clearing his department from rebels, securing the country and guarding the exposed railroads. With this achievement, the direct relation of the State administrations with the conduct and methods of campaigns terminated. The General Government had settled down to a system. Ohio was busy organizing and equipping regiments, caring for the sick and wounded, and sustaining her home strength.

Gov. Dennison's staff officers were tendered better positions in the national service. Camps Dennison and Chase, one at Cincinnati and the other at Columbus, were controlled by the United States authorities. A laboratory was established at Columbus for the supply of ammunition. During the fall and early winter, the Ohio troops suffered in Western Virginia. The people of their native State responded with blankets, clothing and other supplies.

In January, 1862, David A. Tod entered upon the duties of Governor. The first feature of his administration was to care for the wounded at home, sent from Pittsburg Landing. A regular system was inaugurated to supply stores and clothing to the suffering at home and in the field. Agencies were established, and the great and good work was found to be most efficacious in alleviating the wretchedness consequent upon fearful battles. A. B. Lyman

Again in June, the President called for troops, followed by yet another call. Under these calls, Ohio was to raise 74,000 men. The draft system was advised to hasten and facilitate filling regiments. It has always been a repulsive measure. To save sections from this proceeding, enormous sums were offered to induce men to volunteer, and thus fill the quota.

Counties, townships, towns and individuals, all made bids and urged the rapid enlistment of troops. The result was, that the regiments were filled rapidly, but not in sufficient numbers to prevent the draft. Twenty thousand four hundred and twenty-seven men were yet lacking, and the draft was ordered, September 15. At the close of the year, Ohio was ahead of her calls. Late in the fall, the prospect was disheartening. The peninsula campaign had failed. The Army of Northern Virginia had been hurled back nearly to Washington. The rebels had invaded Maryland ; Cincinnati and Louisville were threatened, and the President had declared his intention to abolish slavery, as a war measure. During the first part of 1862, artillery, stores and supplies were carried away mysteriously, from the Ohio border ; then little squads ventured over the river to plunder more openly, or to burn a bridge or two. The rebel bands came swooping down upon isolated supply trains, sending insolent roundabout messages regarding their next day's intentions. Then came invasions of our lines near Nashville, capture of squads of guards within sight of camp, the seizure of Gallatin. After Mitchell had entered Northern Alabama, all manner of depredations were committed before his very eyes. These were attributed to John Morgan's Kentucky cavalry. He and his men, by the middle of 1862, were as active and dangerous as Lee or Beauregard and their troops. Morgan was a native of Alabama, but had lived in Kentucky since boyhood. His father was large slave-owner, who lived in the center of the "Blue Grass Country." His

Louisville was now in danger. The banks sent their specie away. Railroad companies added new guards.

September 1, Gen. Kirby Smith entered Lexington, and dispatched Heath with about six thousand men against Cincinnati and Covington. John Morgan joined him. The rebels rushed upon the borders of Ohio. The failure at Richmond only added deeper apprehension. Soon Kirby Smith and his regiments

There was no panic, because the leaders were confident. Back of Newport and Covington breastworks, riflepits and redoubts had been hastily thrown up, and pickets were thrown out. From Cincinnati to Covington extended a ponton [sic] bridge. Volunteers marched into the city and those already in service were sent to the rescue. Strict military law was now modified, and the city being secured, some inconsiderate ones expressed themselves as being outraged with "much ado about nothing." But Gen. Wallace did not cease his vigilance. And Smith's force began to move up. One or two skirmishes ensued. The city was again excited. September 11 was one of intense suspense. But Smith did not attack in force. He was ordered to join Bragg. On the Monday following, the citizens of Cincinnati returned to their avocations. In the spring of 1863, the State was a trifle discouraged. Her burdens had been heavy, and she was weary. Vicksburg was yet in the hands of the enemy. Rosecrans had not moved since his victory at Stone River. There had been fearful slaughter about Fredericksburg.

But during July, 1863, Ohio was aroused again by Bragg's command to Morgan, to raid Kentucky and capture Louisville. On the 3d of July, he was in a position to invade Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky. He continued his depredations, bewildering the militia with his movements. His avowed intention was to burn Indianapolis and "take Cincinnati alive." Morgan's purposes were never clear. It was his audacious and sudden dashes, here and there, which gave him success. Before Cincinnati was aware, he was at Harrison— 13th of July. He expected to meet the forces of Burnside and Judah, and to cut his way through. His plans here, as everywhere, were indefinable, and he succeeded in deceiving everybody. While printers in Cincinnati were setting up "reports" as to his whereabouts, he was actually marching through the suburbs, near troops enough to devour them, and yet not encountered by a single picket! They fed their horses within sight of Camp Dennison. At 4 o'clock that day, they were within twenty-eight miles of Cincinnati—having marched more than ninety miles in thirty-five hours.

The greatest chagrin was expressed, that Morgan had so easily eluded the great military forces. A sudden dash was made to follow him. There was a universal bolting of doors, burying of valuables, hiding of horses, etc., all along the route of the mad cavalryman and his 2,000 mounted men. They plundered beyond all comparison. They made a principle of it. On the 14th of July, he was feeding his horses near Dennison; he reached the ford at Buffington Island on the evening of the 18th; he had encountered several little skirmishes,

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John Brough succeeded Gov. Tod January 11, 1864. His first prominent work was with the Sanitary Commission. In February, of the same year, the President called for more troops. The quota of Ohio was 51,465 men. The call of March added 20,995. And in July was a third demand for 50,792. In December, the State was ordered to raise 26,027. The critical period of the war was evidently approaching. Gov. Brough instituted a reformation in the "promotion system" of the Ohio troops. He was, in many cases, severe in his measures. He ignored "local great men" and refused distinction as a bribe. The consequence was that he had many friends and some enemies. The acuteness of his policy was so strong, and his policy so just, that, after all his severe administration, he was second to no statesman in the nation during the struggle.

When the happy tidings swept over the land that peace was proclaimed, an echo of thanksgiving followed the proclamation. The brave sons of Ohio returned to their own soil—those who escaped the carnage. But 'mid the rejoicing there was deepest sadness, for a fragment only remained of that brave army which had set out sturdily inspired with patriotism.