Daily Republican., 1884-08-26
AN INCIDENT OF THE WAR
AHE MEDAL PRESENTED To THE
LATE REv.JOAN N slAIALlM0 AZ


LATE REV. JOHN N sHIALlM6 As
A TOKEN OF MS RRAvEkY.
-
Although nearly twenty years have
rolled around since the close of the war
of the rebellion, and its struggles and
triumphs have passed into history,
there are many pleasant incidents, some
Of which are almost unknown or for
gotten at this time. One Of these was
the presentation OF n medal to the late
Rev. John Shilling, which took place
at Six Mile House, Va. September 18th,
1864. Mr.. Shilling at the time was a
First Sergeant In Company II, Sd Regi-
ment Delaware Volunteers, in the
Fifth Army Corps, commanded by
General Warren.
During an engagement he had dis
tinguishedr himself by capturing the flag
of a South Carolina Regiment, and it
was for this brave act that he received
the medal that Is now treasured as q
precious heirloom by his family.
Sometime previously Congress had
passed an act authorizing the rewarding
Of enlissed men by presenting them
with medals fOf deeds Of vaiur sperform-
ed in the field. a
This was the first presentation under
at the headquarters Of General War
rem at half. past 3 o'clock in the after.
noon, At which tina General Crawford's
division was drawn up in front of
headquarters, an i'npromptu platform
erected, which was gaily decked with
flags, among which was the rebel flag
captured by Sergeant Shilling, aud
two others, captured by the memoers
| Of his division
| Bands Of musid were stationed on the
platform, and at 4 o'clock Generals
Meade, Warren and Hancock took their
seats. while Generals Crawford, Ayers,
Grifin, Baxter, Hunt and Bragg, with
their stats, we're standing near, as also
was large number Of regimental oti'
GERS.
General Warren stated in loud clear
voice the object for which they had
thus met together, and after calling the
names of those who were to be honored
requested them to come forward to the
platform. Sergeant Shilling and the
other two men advanced, and after pre-
senting arms came TO a shoulder, wher
Major General Meade, commanding tht
Army of the Potomac, addressed the
soldiers.
At the conclusion OF the address th,
medals were presented, aud at the re
lquest Of General Warren the "boys
gave three hearty cheers, and the cere
monies ended with the band playing
Hail Columbia"
The following correspondence betweeI
L. d. Townsend, Assistant Adjutan
General, and Sergeant Shilling viii
prove interesting
J WAR DEPARTMENT,
GuNHD nEETfE
) WASHINGTON, September 6, 1854.
FIRST SERGEANT JOHN SHILLING
Company II, Sd Delaware Vols, 5tl
Corps, Army of the Potomac. Sir -
Herewith forward 20 your address tn
medal which has been awarded yo'
under the resolution of Congress, ap
proved July 12, 1852, "To provide 70
|, the presentation of medals of honor +
, the enlisted Ineu OF the army, and vol
unteer forces who have distinguished
, or may distinguish themselves in batIl
during the present rebellion" TIL
Secretary Of War has conferred tbi
medal upon you for your gallant con
; duct in capturing fiag from the enem
in the engagement of August 2lst, 1864
=, You will please acknowledge its receipt
: am, sir, very respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant.
al Il. u. TOWNSEND,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Towhich Sergeant Shilling for wa ride
the following reply:
In CAMP NEAR weldon r. r., !
Va, September 18th, 1864
/, Sir IL have the honor as per reques
!. to acknowledge the receipt of a meds
J. of honor awarded to me by the Secr'
tary of War for what he is pleased
Il term my gallant conduct in capturin
a flag from the enemy in the engage
nent of August 21st, 1864" | trus
sir, that appreciate the great honor thu
conferred on me, and will endeavor
a the future, as in the past, to fulfill IN
- oath OF enlistment, viz "To serve tt
= United States honestly and faithfully,
4 and to hand down to my childrel
without one stain of dishonor, tt
n medal so generously bestowed on M
~ have the honor to be
i. Your Most Obedient Servant,
oI JOHN SHILLING.
Il lst Sergt., Co. H., 3rd Reg, Del. Vol
II To Col. +. d. Townsend, Assistai
r. Adjutant General.