The Clio messenger., 1918-05-24


speedily followed by a number of others, and win
ming the appreciation of Major Welch of his regi-
ment who was witness of the heroic act lie
was in the front rank of the charge back upon the
enemy, and in the almost handtohand conflict
that followed fell severely wounded through the
left hip by minnie ball.
"On the morning Of December 49, 1862. while the
Fifth corps drawn up in line Of battle on Staf-
ford heights waiting for orders to cross the Kappa
hanock river and enter Fredericksburg Colonel
Stockton, commanding the Third brigade, First
division, called upon the Sixteenth Michigan for a
volunteer to carry the new brigade flag that had
just reached the command Sidman, but now par
TALLY recovered from his wound, sprang from the
ranks and begged for this duty. His patriotism and
fidelity to duty, well known to Major Welch, now
commanding the regiment, won for him the covet-
ed prize, much to the chagrn of several other com.
rades who valiantly offered their services. Lead
ing his brigade on its famous charge up Maryes s
heights. in that terrible slaughter under Burnside.
he was again wounded but not so severely as to
prevent him from planting the colors within $50
yards Of the enemys line. where they remained
for 30 hours Three days later he proudly bore his
flag back across the Rappahanock marked by a
broken shaft and several holes. caused by the enc
mys missiles during the charge.
'It was in this battle, Sunday December IA.
1862 while the brigade lay all day hugging the
In front of the enemy, momentariy expecting an
attack that Bidman, with comrade Of his own
company, displayed humanity as well as remark
able valor by running the gauntlet through a rail-
road cut for canteens of water for the sick and
wounded comrades who could not be removed from
the lines; this at time, too when the enemy's
sharpshooters stationed as to command
the ground n considerable distance In the Of
the brigade lines. 1t this distinguished service
of humanity at Fredericksburg in the face of
ygilant enemy and with almost certain death star
ing him in the face, that prompted his officers in
recommending him for the medal of honor. The
war department, with full record knowledge of
his service from Gaines Mills to Fredericksburg
and for reasons best known TO itself, decided that
the medal was earned at the first-named battle
with continuing merit to the end of his military
service.
"Perhaps the most dangerous duty that soldier
can be engaged In is that of scout. In book pub
lshed after the war, and called Hampton and His
Cavalry the following definition of a scout Is
given: The scouts of the army did not constitute
n distinct organization, but suitable men volunteer
ing for this duty were detailed from the different
commands. The position required not only cool
ness courage zeal and intelligence, but special fac
uties born in some few men.
,The line of demarcation between scout and
spy was at times very illdefned for. as the scouts
were usually dressed in enemys uniforms which
subject to the penalty of spies If taken within the
enemy's lines, and they were not without pleasant
experiences of that sort.
Undoubtedly one of the most distinguished OF
this class was Archibald Hamilton Rowand, Jr.,
who received the medal because of the Endorsement
of General Sheridan, who knew and appreciated
his great services to the cause
"Rowand was born March 6. 1S45, In Philadel-
phia. Pa. and enlisted June II, 1862. in Company
X. First West Virginia cavalry, and served until
August II, 1865. His services were not only re-
markable but most valuable to the cause. He was
one of the most daring and most trusted OF Sheri-
dams scouts.
"Once while scouting for Averill, he was cap
tured. but told such plausible story to the Con-
federate officers about being Confederate scout
with verbal orders from one distant general to an
other that he was allowed to depart. The first time
he was detailed on scout duty his two companions
were shot and killed On his next trip his COM
rade and his own horse were killed when they were
19 miles inside Of the Confederate lines, but Row.
and managed to dodge the enemy's bullets and get
back alive vowing at every jump never to go on
scout duty again. He soon recovered from his
fright. however, and started out on another trip.
While with Sheridan he was asked to locate the
notorious partisan leader Maj. Harry Gilmore, and.
IL possible. effect his capture.
"After several days hard work he found Gilmore
stopping in a large country mansion near Moor
field W. Va. This he reported to Sheridan, who
sent with him about fifteen scouts under Colonel
Young. They dressed in Confederate uniforms
and, followed by 300 Federal cavalry at distance
of several miles, to be Of assistance In case the
true character OF the scouts was discovered. they
arrived near Gilmore's command about daybreak,
and Rowand went forward alone and, sngle-hand-
ed captured the vIdette without shot being fired
The scouts then entered the family mansion and
took Gilmore out of bed and back to Sheridans