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

punishment convinced that it was right, and seldom gave manifestations of malignant feelings in consequence. We have seldom seen them going away with feelings of revenge. When going from under arrest a few kind words from the Colonel would satisfy them that it was for their good, and the best interest of the regiment.

           The Colonel was always uniform in his demeanor, and polite in his manner of dealing with men and measures; never excited; no storm or adverse winds agitated the surface of his life.

           At the battle of the 22d of July, in front of Atlanta, he commanded the brigade with great ability; his coolness, courage and freeness from excitement, inspired the men with a courage and bravery the most remarkable and praiseworthy in the history of the war. He was afterwards promoted to Colonel; the regiment having received a sufficient number of substitutes and drafted men to fill it up to, or about the minimum.

           On the campaign from Savannah, Georgia, to Goldsboro, North Carolina, he commanded the Second Brigade through all the terrible hardships, and almost insurmountable difficulties of that campaign. When the regiment arrived at Washington, D. C., he was promoted to Brevet Brigadier-General, and that upon consideration of merit alone, which is by no means what all promotions in the history of the war can claim.

A. W. SEARCH

Was promoted to First Lieutenant and Adjutant, vice H. S. Abbott. He was Colonel Wiles' right hand bower, and one that never failed to win. Possessed of fine executive talent, prompt in execution, quick in apprehension, correct in decision, combined with liberal education, and a mild, pleasant, social disposition, well fitted him for the position in the regiment and brigade. He was A. A. A. General of the Brigade while commanded by Colonel Wiles. His correct knowledge of all orders and returns necessary to be made on the part of officers to the War Department, made him a very useful officer in the regiment. When difficulties arose, and officers became perplexed in regard to their returns, "go to Search" was usually the advice.

           While Adjutant Search was on Colonel Wiles' staff, Lieutenant J. T. Story acted Adjutant of the Regiment. He made a very prompt and efficient Adjutant. He had been for several months on General Scott's staff, as Brigade Inspector and Provost Marshal. As an officer, General Scott complimented him highly for the efficient and satisfactory manner in which he adjusted all the business of those two important offices.

LIEUTENANT WILLIAM M. SLEETH

Was appointed Adjutant, vice Search promoted. He filled the position with entire satisfaction to the regiment, until it was mustered out of service.

           In May, 1864, G. F. PECKHAM was appointed Assistant Surgeon of the regiment. Surgeon Reeves being on detached duty the greater part of the time, therefore the entire responsibility of the medical department of the regiment rested on Surgeon Peckham, who discharged his duty with entire satisfaction. He is a man of very agreeable manners and address, social and accommodating, nothing fastidious or eccentric about him.

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