The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-08-23
A YOUTHFUL SOLDIER.
Said TO Be Youngest Who Ever Bore
Arms.

New York Tribune.
1t was mentioned a few days ago in the
Tribune. in connection with the retirement
Of several army officers of the high grades
who had served in the civil war, that there
were only seventy-seven other officers on
the active list below the grade of general
who had served in the conflict between the
North and South But If the remaining
seventy-seven should De retired under the
age limit law (sixty-four years. the last
of these, with one exception, would be re-
tired within the next half dozen years.
This one exception in the civil war class
will not be retired till 1915, should he live
till that time. He is Colonel John L. Glen,
of the quartermaster's department.. This
extended time is due 10 the fact, according
to Lossing's war history records, that Lit
tie Johnny Glenn, the drummer boy OF
Chickamauga," as he was Familiarity
known, was probably the youngest person
who ever bore arms in battle. 1t was he
whom a few days ago contractor doing
some work under Colonel Clients super
vision in the department of Texas attempt
ed to bride with 800 in cash and a box of
fine cigars. Colonel Glenn found both on
his desk when he entered. the Office, and
he reported the matter to the commanding
officer of the department. The contractor
had "a piece spoken to him." and the
money and cigars were sent to Washing
ton. 1t is certain that contractors will be
careful in the future not TO attempt TO
bride Colonel Glenn.
Colonel Glenn was also known as johnny
Shiloh, from the fact that i'll the battle
caisson by the side of a veteran artillery
man, and then performed act of daring
in such brave and cool manner that il
gave him a name in history. He drummed
the charge at Shiloh when he was only
eleven years old, and with his short musket
he killed the Confederate colonel who de-
manded his surrender at Chickamauga. He
is popular officer, not only with his fell
lows of the army, but in social circles as
we'll being as genial man as he is chv-
alrouS a soldier.
g
Department, it appears that he was born
in Ohio OH Aug. 13. 1851, and in May 1861
before he was ten years old, he offered his
services TO the Third Ohio Regiment as
drummer, but the mastering officer de-
clined 10 enlist him because of his size
and his youth. Later he offered his serv-
ices TO the Twenty second Michigan. and,
though enlistment was refused. he was per-
mitted 70 accompany the regiment to the
field and to beat the long roll i'm front of
Shiloh in April 1862. His sodierly man.
ner and conduct in that engagement so won
the confidence and admiration of the off,
GERS Of the regiment that in May, 1863. he
was permitted 10 enlist drummer and
was then known as Johnny Shiloh" But
II was on Sept. %. 1863 at the battle OF
Chickamauga, that he displayed especial
bravery. He had just passed his twelfth
birthday anniversary and had laid aside
his drum for musSet. the barrel of which
had been cut down for his use; and after
acting marker for a time he took
his place in the ranks. AS the day closed
ana tie army 10 tUdtldnOOgd. his
brigade was ordered by the enemy to sur
render and Little Johnny was himself
covered by the sword of a Confederate
colonel His regiment was then fired into
and, falling as If shot. the Juvenile soldier
lay close until dark, when he went to Chat
tanooga an Joined his command But as
he fell TO the ground he fired at the Con-
federate officer and killed him, and this
demoraized the Confederate command in
such a way that his own associates es-
capped capture.
For his bravery young Glenn was made
a sergeant by General Rosecrsns and de-
tailed TO the headquarters of the Depart
ment OF the Cumberland. He also received
a silver medal from the hands of Miss
Kate Chase. daughter of Chief Justice
Chase. He was afterward captured by the
Confederates and held prisoner for sixty
three days. and after his release he was
promoted. 10 orderly sergeant by General
Thomas. He discharged from the
service in September, 1864. when he re-
turned 10 mis- old home and attended school.
being graduated from the Newark High
School in 1870 President Grant, who had