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

to the Brigade by blowing on the bugle the "Jack-Ass-call;" a favorite piece of original music by him.

           James Ballinger was appointed Fife-Major.

           Albert J. Farnum, Drum-Major.

           Eli J. Coulson, Hospital Steward.

           He was a physician of Pennsville, Morgan County, and a man of successful and extensive practice. Believing it his duty to give his service to his country, and that this could best be done by taking the field, he therefore enlisted as a private in Company "E." His health yielded to the hardships incident to army life, and the debilitating influence of a malarious climate, which caused him to be mustered out of the service in a few months after the regiment left the State. He afterwards regained his health, and raised a company for the "hundred days service," and went out as its Captain.

SECTION SECOND.

           A considerable change now takes place in the Field and Staff. Captain Z. M. Chandler was promoted to Major at Bolivar, Tennessee, and afterwards to Lieutenant-Colonel. Mention has been made of him in connection with Company B. He resigned his commission near Port Gibson, Mississippi.

CAPTAIN J. T. RAINEY

Was promoted to Major, and assumed command of the regiment, when Z. M. Chandler resigned. He commanded the regiment through two battles within three days; that of Raymond and Jackson, Mississippi, the former being one of its hardest fought and most unexpected battles.

           Justice here demands that we should state that in consequence of General Leggett's absence, Brigadier-General Dennis, formerly Colonel of the Thirtieth Illinois Infantry, commanded the brigade from Milliken's Bend, Louisiana, until after the battle of Jackson, Mississippi. During this time the brigade took an important part in three battles: Port Gibson, Raymond, and Jackson, Mississippi.            The battle of Raymond, Miss., was almost exclusively fought by the Second Brigade, composed at that time of the Twentieth, Sixty-Eighth, and Seventy-Eighth Ohio, and Thirtieth Illinois regiments, commanded by General Dennis, and whipped all of General Claiborne's (rebel) division. At this time General Leggett returned, and resumed command of the Second Brigade, and General Dennis was ordered by General McPherson to take command of the Sixth Division, Seventeenth Army Corps.

J. D. WORKMAN

Was appointed Assistant Surgeon, but remained only a few weeks with the regiment, on account of sickness, and did not regain his health sufficiently to resume his duties. In June, 1862, prior to this, W. Marrow Beach, of London, Madison County, Ohio, was appointed Assistant Surgeon, and remained with the regiment until June, 1864, when he was promoted to full Surgeon and assigned to the One Hundred and Eighteenth Ohio. Surgeon Beech was much respected by the Seventy-Eighth Ohio. His manner was pleasant and friendly – very kind and accommodating to the men,

Intro Previous Next ToC Index