Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1862-05-08
The Conduct Of the Ohio Troops.

From the Cincinnati Gazette, May II
As-tbe smoke clears away from the battle
ground of Shiloh Church, we discover every
day more and more clearly that the Ohio
troops have been slandered. Even General
Sherman, a son of Ohio, under the excite
ment of the moment, has done them injus.
tice. ~
1t is now settled, that Sherman's and
Prentiss' divisions were taken by surprise
ON Sunday morning. Whether this reflects
upon the generalship Of these commanders,
or of some one else, we are not now inquir-
ing. -l
fred upou, both OF them discredited the IDEA
of an attack.
that the demonstrations IN front OF ohlioh
| were feints, and that the battle, 1t one oc-
curred. would be at Crumps' Landing.
No attempts we're made at constructing
defcnses; no unusual precautions were Ia
kcn in the advance on Saturday night. Gen.
Grant in person was at Savannah. Letter
writer's and editors from other States, par
~ticularly from Illinois, have circulated crude
reports prejudicial to the Ohio Regiments,
particularly the SD, 57th, list and nth.
Every day brings to light proofs that the
18th Regiment is wholly undeserving of this
censure. No feeling Of State pride will
carry us SO far as to Justify cowardice on the
Geld Of battle we will not even seekto pal
late such conduct.
But we shall see that the hasty statement
of reporters in regard to our men and
officers, are thoroughly sifted. and although
these statements were made with great
freedom and sone apparent zest, we feel
confident when the truth is established, our
editorial friends will %retract.
Official reports show that Of the $1,000
men who huddled about the landing, toward
evening, there were representatives from
many other States besides Ohio.
OF the 57th and 18th Regiments, the
official report of Col. Hildebrand command
| ing the Sd brigade Of Sherman's Division,
is conclusive until it is disproved.
He says they were not sustained by ar
tillery, when ordered forward, were attack
ed by q much stronger force at 800 yards.
Under his orders they fell back, and when
the artillery came up they, stood md Jomg,ht
! side la side Gm hours. The conduct OF the
: SD, Col, Appler, and Of the list, Colonel
Mason, admits Of more discussion. Gen.
Sherman statement, which we suppose re-
fers to the SID. that they fled without firing
a gun, is contradicted by Col. Hildebrand,
who says they fred two rounds and were or
dered back by their Colonel.
This officer is reported to have left the
field that day, and was not with his Regi
ment even on Monday: Another field-of
ficer Of the same Regiment was seen a.
: Crump's Landing before night, Assistance o.
seren Mules.
If these are facts, who can have the hear
to blame the subordinate officers, and especi
: ally the mon of that unfortunate Regiment
a If these are facts, there is no disgrace ant
: no ignominy too severe for these field-of
l. 6cers.
But who can believe that these deserted
men are towards as q body or more cowardly
Q than other men.
o Common Justice requires that all thes'
circumstances should be considered--thei
case effects the feelings ofthousands Of thei
n friends. If military rigor knows no CHART.
the common sense Of our people does, an.
Gen. Sherman may yet have to qualify hi
language in regard to them.
Without leaders they rallied around tn
n siege guns in the afternoon. In other part
Of the field they fell in and fought with 9th
er Regiments.
d Hereafter, we will take up the case of tn
Is Seventy. first, Col. Mason. We have nc
seen an official notice Of this Regiment, an
expect when We do it will %oxculpate, or Q
least clear from disgrace, the p~rivates VIII
d were under his command. Before the soldier
of other Western States take up stone
to cast at us we commend to them tn
perusal Of the reply of Christ to tho Writ
Gus multitude who were presenting accusi
tons against q certain I; ofahis day.
OF the numerous other Ohio Regimen,
% who bled on tho great field Of Shilol
70 though in too many cases commanded b
In Generals Of other States, the official repor
represent their conduct to have been full
I'd equal to that Of any Of their heroic brethre
or in the army. H -,osL