The National tribune., 1882-05-20
CAPT. JOHN L. GLEN, TIE DRUMMER
BOY OF CHICaMkUGA,

First-Lieut. John /. Clem, of the army.
better known as the Drummer Boy of Chic
amauga,' has been nominated by the PreSi-
dent rs captain and assistant uuartermaster,
vice Capt Gibbs, deceased. Lieut.. Glenn has
for several years been a military instructor
at a Wisconsin college, and his ability is
highly commended by Adiutant General
Drum. This Young officers name is con-
spicuously mentioned in the history Of the
late war, and his adventures are familiar TO
almost every one', There were number of
other officers applicants for the vacancy, and
the selection of this meritorious officer is
considered by his friends and acquaintances
rs a high compliment. He is 4 son-in law
of the late Gen. French, so long in command
at Fort McHenry.
Those Of our younger readers who are not
familiar with the incident at the battle of
Chicamauga above referred TO may like TO
know something more about the drummer
boy Of Chicamauga
General John Robertson, in his history of
Michigan in the War;" gives the following
incident in the early military career OF
Johnny Glenn:
I'm August or September, 1862, and soon
after the Eighteenth and Twenty-second
regiments went TO the field in Kentucky
they were brigaded under command Of Col.
Doolittle of the Eighteenth Michigan. The
Government at that time being remarkably
careful of rebel property, both man and
beast il became necessary for Col. DOolittle
to issue an order against killing hogs. In
the Twenty second was the wait Johnny
Glenn, who had struggled from his home with
an Ohio regiment and then Joined the
Twenty Michigan. The first that is
known of this little wanderer of ten sum-
mers-small enough to live in his drum-he
is beating the long roll for the Twenty
second. Although mere child he had
learned all sorts of tricks from the soldiers
and did not yield full obedience to all
orders. One morning the Colonel heard q
musket report in the immediate vicinity of
the camp, and being desirous Of finding out
the cause hurried out among the bushes
and there found Johnny and his victim, a hog,
near by. John" said the Colonel, don't
you know that it is against orders to kill
hog" II know it, but, Colonel, I don't intend
to let any rebel hogs bite me-" At Chicamauga
he was a marker. On Sunday of the battle
the little fellows occupation is gone He
picks up gun, fallen from some dying
hand, finds ammunition and begins on his
own account, blazing away, close to the
ground like FREELY in the grass. Late in
the waning day this waif left almost alone
in the whirl of battle, rebel colonel dashes
up, looks down on him, orders his surrender.
Surrender" he shouts, you little
Scarcely were the words spoken when, like a
flash, Johnny brings his piece to order arms"
slips his hand to the hammer, swings up the
qua TO charge bayOnet; the rebel raises
bis sabre 10 strike, the glanciDg barrel lifts
into range and the naughty colonel tumbles
from his horse. Glenn was afterwards cap
tured, but says that after most of the Tegi-
ment had been made prisoners by large
force of rebels and were being marched to
the rear, they were fired upon by another
rebel force, when he fell as if shot, and after
lying for sometime on the ground, and until
the escort had moved of, he travelled ten
miles TO Chattanooga Johnnyis adventures
soon became known in camp and came to
the ears Of General Thomas, who sent for
him anG had him promoted to a sergeant
and took great interest in him. He served
with his regiment year longer, when he
was honorably discharged He has many
letters written him by General Thomas in
a strain of paternal affection, and through
his influence obtained an education, and on
the 18th of December, 1871, he was appointed
second lieutenant in the Twenty fourth
infantry, and ordered On duty at the artil-
lery school at Fortress Monroe Here he
met his fate and was again captured this
time by the bright eyes and winsome grace
of a maiden whose petite figure matched
that of the young lieutenant. She is a
daughter of General French and bears the
pretty name Anita. Her father was in COM
mand at Fort McHenry and Miss Anita was
visiting at Old Point when the meeting took
place
Captain Glen is universally popular both
in civil and military circles, and no army
promotion has given more general satisfac-
ton than that above referred to.
ADMIRAL RODGERS WILL.