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

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

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