The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-09-15
THE PERsIMMON BRIGADE.
Some Hardships Unknown by the SOL
diers of 1913.

The annual reunion of the "Persimmon
Brigade was held yesterday in the Grim
inal Court. About $50 of the veterans who
saw service with the brigade were present.
DR.. A o. Ward, of this city. presided. The
"Persmmon Brigade" was composed of four
Indiana regiments. Some of the veterans
say the organization won the name of Per
simmon Brigade because the boys had to
hunt for subsistence occasionally and they
finally became so short of rations that per-
simmons was all there was to eat.
The brigade was organized for the six
months service in August 1868, all but one
regiment being organized in Indianapolis
The Observation-Disclosures Regiment
was formed at Lafayette The four regi-
ments, scantily equipped were hurried off
to East Tennessee, then the field of a. series
of stirring and important events. 1t is said
that from October, 1863, to February, 1854
the brigade did not receive thirty days ra-
tons. It was severe winter and there was
much zero weather, with snow on the
ground for several weeks. Beyond a few
pairs of shoes issued to those barefooted at
Cumberland gap, no clothing was issued
The men bound up their feet in pieces of
blanket. The hides of the cattle slaugh-
tered were made into moccasins. The bril-
gade was not in winter quarters, but was
marching and conference.-the over the
country continually, for the men were in
the presence of the enemy. When mustered
into the service the brigade had 1850 officers
and men. 1T is estimated that in the six
months the four regiments lost nearly 8
per cent. of their number by death.
Last night at Showers Hall the "Persim-
mon Brigade held a campfire which was
well attended. There was a programme Of
music ana speeches. Miss Clara Neiman
Taylor sang The Brave Sentinel" A man
dolin orchestra also furnished some good
music Smiley N. Chambers delivered an
address, in which he gave some of the bril-
gades history. He said it seemed that the
farther the brigade moved from Cumber-
land gap the more difficult became the ques-
ton OF supplies. RatiOns were seldom issued
in full supply and many days not at all
Parched corn became a favorite diet. Often
the rationS of the patient and forbearing
mule were shortened to provide a meal for
some hungry soldier.
The great need OF the camp" said Mr.
Chambers, was salt. A soldier may do
without sugar, coffee, bread and meat, but
civilized men cannot live without salt. If a
Soluler separated himself from his mess to
eat his soup he was suspected at once Of
having salt, and his life was in danger
Soup made OF skeleton cattle without a
grain OF salt in 1t could only be eaten by
groups or men. No man could eat it alone.
1t needed the hurrah of the mess to make
1t go down. We were a ragged set. Cloth
ing could not be supplied any more than
food. The condition of men from wearing
the same clothing, many without change OF
underclothing, from week to week, with lit
tie opportunity for cleanliness and with in
suncient energy to keep clean If there had
been opportunity, is indescribabe. To get
SICK was 10 die. There was no safety save
In keeping up the spirits of the men,
among the others who spoke at the camp