The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1918-05-30

speedily followed by number of others, and win
ming the appreciation Of Major WEIGH 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 hand-to hand conflict
that followed fell severely wounded through the
left hip by minnie ball.
ION the morning of December Is, 1862, while the
Fifth corps was drawn up In line of battle on Star
ford heights waiting for orders to 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 hao
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 WEIGH now
commanding the regiment won for him the covet-
ed prize much the chagrin of several other COM
rades who valiantly offered their services Lead
ing his brigade on It's famous charge up Masyes
heights, in that terrible slaughter under Burnside,
he was again wounded, but not so severely as to
prevent him from planting the colors within 100
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.
at was in this battle. Sunday, December Ia.
1862 while the brigade lay all day huggng the
ground behind the slight elevation a few yarus
in front of the enemy mOmentarily expecting an
attack that Sidman, with a cOmrade of his own
company, displayed humanity as well as remark
able valor by running the gauntlet through rail-
road cut for canteens of water for the sick ana
wounded comrades who could not be removed from
the lines; this at time, too, when the enemys
sharpshooters were so stationed as to command
the ground considerable distance In the rear or
the brigade lines 1t was this distinguished service
Of humanity at Fredericksburg in the face of a
viglant 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 a 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 a BOOK pup
llshed 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 we're detailed from the different
commands. The position required not only cool
moss courage zeal and intelligence but special fac
ultles born in some few men,
"The line of demarcatiOn between a scout and
spy was Mt times very ndefned, for, as the scouts
were usually dressed in enemy's 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 Philadei-
Min Pa. and enlisted June II, 1862 In Company
md
August II, 1865. His services were not only re-
,norlable but most valuable to the cause. He was
ono of the most daring and most trusted of Sheri-
dams scouts.
"Once, while scouting for Averill, he was cap
tured but told such n plausible story to the Con
federnte officers about being Confederate scout
with verbal orders from one distant general 10 an
other that he allowed TO depart The trst tlihe
he was detailed on scout duty his two companions
were shot and killed. On his next trip his com
rode and his own horse were killed when they were
~ miles inside OF the Confederate lines, but Row
md managed to dodge the enemy's bullets ana get
bacll alive vowing at every jump never TO go ON
scout duty again. He soon recovered from ms
fright however, and started out on another rip'
While with Sheridan he was asked to locate the
notorious partisan leader, MAJ Harry Gilmore anu
II possible. effect his capture.
"After several days hard work he found Gilmore
stopping In large country mansion near MOOR
field, w. Va This he reported to Sheridan VINO
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 tha
true character Of the scouts was discovered they
arrived near Gllmores command about daybreak'
and Rowand went forward alone and, singiehnnd-
ed captured the vidette without shot being hred.
The scouts then entered the family mansion ana
took Gilmore out of bed and back to Sheridan 5
headquarters"