The Windham County reformer. (Battleboro, Vt.) 1876-1897, 1894-03-16
TALES Of THE WAR.
johnny Clem 1T Chickamaugs

johnny Glenn NJ Chickamauga.
know the story has been told before
writes Capt. Robert Gates, but as one who
knew the little hero, venture to tell It again
We associate timidy with childhood, yet one
of the most gallant soldiers ever met with
W IS a private In the % Florida. have for
gotten the youths name, but he was only a.
and we found him still plucky, although
wounded, trying to load bis piece after bis
older comrades had fed from the crest Of
Missionary Ridge.
Johnny Glenn Is the hero of whom write.
When first saw him In the fall of 1898 be
was drummer in the 22d Michigan; fire.
oueptly, when there was no drumming to do,
carving the guidon aud acting as marker.
At this time he was 10, and small enough for
his age; indeed, never before nor since saw
such mite Of a boy In uniform and attached
to command that was ready for business. 1t
was understood that he was an orphan. born
In Ohio, and that in some way he drifted off
TIL he fell In with the gallant Michiganders,
who fairly idolizea him. The boy mu have
come of good stock. for he was gentle In his
manners, very affectionate and without any
of the sell assumption that Is apt to distin-
gulh bows who are thrown much into con.
tact with men.
There may have been more desperate bat.
ties than Chckamaugs. but must confess l
never was In one. 1t is particularly M NOR
able 10 me on another account, and that fs,
that for the first time l felt that we we're
badylicked, something that had not happen
ed to he army of the Cumberland up to this
time. and which was destined not to be re-
peated.
At tie battle of Cbickamauga Johnny Glen
lost hi euidon. but instead Of going to rear,
as he was told, he picked up musket there
were Thousands scattered about that awful
summer day-and bravely took his place in
the ranks. Johnny's regiment did q good deal
of firing wing down that day, and he follow
ed the fa'hton OF his comrades and loaded and
fred rapidly as the best
Late inthe afternoon the regiment fell back
to he hilwhich 1 homas made immortal. but
Johnny did not hear the order. He was left
almost alone In the whirl of the battle, and
did not di'cover his danger till he beard the
well-known YELL of the enemy about him.
Johnny had his piece loaded, when he spraDg
TO his feet and started to run for the hill.
which was now cone OF fire. mounted
confederate officer, who must have bean sur
priSed and amused at the sight OF this mite Of
a soldier In blue, refined In and shonted:' Sur
render! you little son Of q -"
As Johnny looked up he brought bis piece
to an "order arms" slipped his hand to the
hammer cooked 1t and as quickly raised the
mn.ket and fired, and the officer reeled and
fell from the saddle.
The next minute the boy, with 100 others,
was scoUped up prisoner, but before he had
gone back 100 yards he was recaptured by
his own regiment, as were his companions,
and carried up the hill amid ringing cheers.
After the battle Gen. Rosecrans made the
boy sergeant, and he wore the chevrons
with IS much pride as ever general felt his
stars. Secretary Chase forwarded him sill.
yer medal, and the bov would have been sent
to West Point, but be lacked four years of the
legal age.
After this johnny Glenn became an orderly
at headquarters. and be performed his duties
as well and mOdestly as when he beat the
drum for the 22d Michigan.
He Is now, 1 believe, captain in the regu.
lar army, and it is safe to say he is the Young.
est veteran ia the service. II 1t be true that
the boy is the father of the man. Capt. Glenn
Is as gentle and modest as an officer as when
he carried the guidon and stood fearle amid
he carnage of that hell at Chick amauga.