50                                  HISTORY OF THE SEVENTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT O.V.V.I.



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.



MAJOR D. F. CARNAHAN

Was pastor of the First Baptist Church in Zanesville, Ohio. He gave up his high position, and was relieved from his congregation. He aided materially in raising the regiment, by visiting different parts of the counties where recruiters were at work, raising companies for the regiment. By the influence of his somewhat eloquent speeches many were induced to enlist in the service of their country, and join the Seventy-Eighth Regiment.

           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.



SURGEON JAMES S. REEVES

Was a resident physician of extensive practice, of McConnelsville, and served faithfully to the end of the war. As a Surgeon, his reputation stands among the highest. He stands as high as any we have known in the army. His long practice and close attention to business made him a veteran in the management of diseases common to the army. His extensive practice in surgery made him a very skillful, scientific and successful operator, so that he was sought for in difficult operations. He successfuly performed some of the most difficult in the army, and known in the art of surgery. Being a man of close attention to business, and having a good business tact, a man of promptness, energy, and correctness in everything he did, who did all in perfect harmony with "red tape," made him very popular with high officers. His reputation, therefore, called him away from the regiment to hospitals, and other places requiring ability and skill. During the last year of his service, he was Surgeon-in-Chief of the Third Division, Seventeenth Army Corps, which position he filled with entire satisfaction to General Leggett, and the officers of the Division.

           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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