On July 22, 1862, Rue Pugh Hutchins, a prominent citizen and
businessman residing in Tippicanoe, Miami County, Ohio, raised at his
expense the Hutchins Company of the Ohio Militia. On August 24 this
became Company D of the 94th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Lt. Rue
Hutchins commanding. On August 28 the 94th was immediately
ordered into action in Kentucky without training or proper equipment.
The 94th saw action at Perryville, Kentucky, and then retired to
Louisville, Kentucky, for training and supplies. Rue Hutchins was
appointed Captain. The 94th then moved south in General Thomas'
Army of Ohio and was next engaged at Murfreesboro, Tennessee, in
the Battle of Stones River. Private Benjamin Hutchins, uncle of
Captain Rue Hutchins, and Private Tanzy Hutchins, cousin, died as a
result of wounds received at Murfreesboro. After Murfreesboro, Rue
Hutchins was promoted to Major and given command of the 94th Ohio
Volunteers. As the Federal army moved south from Chattanooga,
Tennessee, it suffered a disaster in the battle at Chickamauga, Georgia,
on September 19 and 20, 1863. A stone monument placed on the line
of battle at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park
reads:
March 17, 1865
To the Free Colored Men of Charleston!
The free colored men in this city between the ages of 18 and 45 are hereby earnestly called upon to come forward to join the
CHARLESTON REGIMENT
now to be organized. It is the duty of every Colored Man to vindicate his manhood by becoming a soldier, and with his own stout arm to battle for the emancipation of his race. I urge you by every hope that is dear to humanity, by every free inspiration which a sense of liberty has kindled in your hearts, to be Soldiers until the Freedom of your race is secure. The prospect of your future destiny should be enough to call every man to the ranks. But in addition, you are to have the
PAY, RATIONS, AND CLOTHING
OUR OTHER SOLDIERS RECEIVE.
Let a full Regiment of the Colored Free Men of Charleston be under
arms to protect the heritage which has been promised to your race in
this Department.
OUR OTHER SOLDIERS RECEIVE.
and Cavalry Soldiers
Sergeant Major of Cavalry, Artillery, and Infantry $26 $312
Quartermaster Sergeant Cavalry, Artillery, and Infantry $22 $264
Commisary Sergeant " " " $22 $264
Orderly Sergeant " " " $24 $288
Sergeants " " " $20 $240
Corporals " " " $18 $216
Privates " " " $16 $192
Musicians " " " $16 $192
Principal Musicians " " " $22 $264
In addition to the pay as above stated, ONE RATION per day, and an abundant supply of GOOD CLOTHING, are allowed to each soldier. QUARTERS, FUEL, and MEDICAL ATTENTION are always provided by the Government, without deduction from the soldier's pay. If a soldier should become disabled in the line of his duties, the laws provide for him a pension, or he may, if he prefer it, obtain admission into the "SOLDIER'S HOME", which will afford him a comfortable home, so long as he may wish to receive its benefits. All desired information given at Recruiting Office, No. 64, Philip Street, cor. Calhoun.
M. R. DELANEY, Major, 104th U. S. C. T.
R. P. HUTCHINS, Colonel,
Office, No. 123 CALHOUN STREET
April 28, 1865
Headquarters, Department of the South
Hilton Head, S.C.
I take pleasure in recommending to Colonel Hutchins, both Sergeant O'Neill and Private W. F. Wood of Co. A 127th N.Y.V. as good soldiers and intelligent gentlemen, who will, in my judgment, make efficient officers.
Stewart L. Woodford
Colonel & Chief of Staff, D.S.
May 2, 1865
Charleston, S.C.
Brevet Major Genl. Saxton
Supt. Recruiting Bureau, S.C.
General
We have the honor to recommend to your favorable consideration
Private Thomas Birdsall of Co. A 127th N. Y. V. who desires a
position as Quartermaster in one of the regiments of U.S.C.T. now
formed or forming in this Department. Private Birdsall has served with
the company for nearly three years and for a large portion of the time
as Company Clerk, thus giving us a good opportunity to judge of his
business capabilities as well as his efficiency as a soldier, and assuring
us that he can fulfill the duties of the desired position with great ability
and fidelity to the interests of his command and Government. For the
last five months Private Birdsall has been serving as clerk to Capt.
Perry, A. A. G. Hd. Qrs. Northern District Dept. South.
Very respectfully, Your Obedient Servant,
Ohm L. Little, Capt., Co. A, 127th N.Y.V.
James F. Hanland, 1st Lieut. Co. A, 127th N.Y.V.
Ratterson, 2nd Lieut., Co. A, 127th N.Y.V.
I can fully recommend Private Birdsall as in every way suited for the appointment of Quartermaster or Adjutant. He has proved himself almost invaluable to me.
Lemar B. Perry, Assistant Adjutant General
May 3, 1865
Hd.-Qrs. Sup't. Recruitment and Organization of Colored Troops
Department of the South, Beaufort, S.C.
Special Order No. 19
II. Sergt. H. Y. Harrington Co. C 157th N. Y. Vols. having reported to Bvt. Maj. Genl. R. Saxton for assignment to duty in accordance to Par. II S. O. No. 90 C.S. dated Head Quarters Department of the South, April 9, 1865, is hereby assigned duty with Lieut. Col. R. P. Hutchins 94th Ohio Vols. Supt. Rectg. at Charleston S. C. and will report without delay to that officer with a view to his appointment in the 105th U.S.C.T.
The Quartermasters Dept. is respectfully requested to furnish the necessary transportation.
Bu Order of Bvt. Maj. Genl. R. Saxton
Stuart M. Taylor, Asst. Adjt. Genl.
May 3, 1865
Hd.-Qrs. Sup't Recruitment and Organization of Colored Troops
Department of the South, Beaufort, S.C.
Special Orders No. 19
III. Lieut. Col. R. P. Hutchins 94th Ohio Vol & Asst. Supt. Recruiting Charleston, S.C. will at once commence the organization of the Regiment of which he will be appointed Colonel and to be known as the 105th U.S.C.T.
The men will be recruited as rapidly as possible at Charleston S.C. and the camp established at or near that city.
Lieut. Col. Hutchins will communicate to these HeadQuarters the names of such officers and men as he may think competent to be appointed to Lieutenancy's in his Regt. and the necessary orders will be issued if the nominations meet with the approval of the General Superintendent.
By order of Bvt. Maj. Genl. R. Saxton, Genl. Supr.
Staunton Taylor, Asst. Adjt. Genl.
Editor's Note- Apparently recruits were forthcoming, a camp was established and barracks improved. The men moved into the camp and began training and performing military work.
May 4, 1865
Office Asst. Supt. Rec., Charleston, S.C.
Capt. S. B. Perry, A. A. Genl.
Sir
I have the honor to request the use of a Steamer for three hours to
bring lumber down the Ashley River, which I am informed by Chief
Engineer Tower U.S.N. can be had by sending up the river a short
distance. The lumber is necessary for the construction of bunks in
Barracks.
I am, Captain, Very Respectfully Your Obt. Servant,
R. P. Hutchins
Lt. Col. 94th Ohio Inf. and Asst. Sup. Rec.
May 6, 1865
Hd. Qrs. A. D. D. I.
Charleston, S.C.
Respy. Returned. This Officer has no authority to seize lumber. If he needs any he will make his requisition on the Qr. Mrs. Dept.
By Command of Brig. Genl. Hatch
Halt in Colored Recruiting Ordered
May 6, 1865Headquarters Supt. Rec. & Org. C. T. D. S. Beaufort, S.C.
General Order No. 4
Instructions having been received this day from the War Department, to the effect that the Recruiting throughout this Department of Colored men be at once discontinued, in accordance wherewith, it is hereby ordered, that the Recruiting Officers on duty at the several Rendezvous in this Department will immediately upon receipt of this order, stop all enlistments as Recruits.
The officers concerned will with as little delay as possible, close up their accounts and order book to their respective regiments & their Recruiting parties, which being accomplished they will in person report at the Headquarters for further instruction.
By order of Brev. Maj. Genl. R. Saxton
Sup. Rec. & Org. C. T. D. S.
Staunton M. Taylor, Asst. Adj. Genl.
May 7, 1865
Headquarters Northern District, Dept. South
Charleston, S. C.
Major W, M. Burgns
Asst. Adjt. Genl., Hd. Qrs. Dept. South
Major
I have the honor to inform you that Major Delaney recruiting here for
the 105th U.S.C.T. promises the men that the Regiment is recruited for
home service and will remain in Charleston. Believing he had no
authority to make such promises, I sent for him and questioned him on
the subject. He informs me that he is authorized by Lt. Col. R. P.
Hutchins to make the men this promise. Will you please call the
attention of the Department Commander to this matter - it can not be
the design of the Government to deceive these ignorant men.
Very respectfully, Your Obedt. Svt.
xxxxxxx
Brig. Genl. Commanding
May 13, 1865
Hd. Qrs. Supt. Rec. & Orgn. C.S.D.S.
Beaufort, S.C.
Respectfully referred to Lt. Col. R. P. Hutchins 94th O.V. late Asst. Supt. Recruiting at Charleston S.C. for report.
By order of Bvt. Maj. Genl. R. Saxton
Stuart M. Taylor, Asst. Adj. Genl.
May 18, 1865
Office, Asst. Sup. Rec.
Charleston, S.C.
Respectfully returned with the information that the men of the 105th U.S.C.T. were enlisted under the same promises as all others, with the exception that the Regiment was to be organized at Charleston, S.C. and temporarily encamped at or near the city, as per your order No. 19
Maj. Genl. Saxton.
Rue P. Hutchins
Lieut., Col. 94th Ohio Infy.
May 31, 1865
Hd. Qrs. Sup. Rec. Org. Col. Trs.
Beaufort, S.C.
Special Orders No. 32
IV. Further Recruitment of Colored Troops in the Department of the South having been stopped by Order from the War Department, Lt. Col. R. P. Hutchins 94th Ohio Vols., late Asst. Supt. of Recruiting at Charleston, S.C. is hereby relieved from further duty connected with the Recruiting Service, and will report for duty with his Regiment at Washington, D.C. or wherever it may now be, subject to recall if the Recruitment of the Regiment to which he was to be appointed Colonel, is hereafter authorized.
The Quartermaster's Department will please furnish the necessary transportation.
By order of Brev. Maj. Genl. R. Saxton
Staunton Taylor, Ass't. Adjt. Genl.
Attempts to Aid Recruits
Editor's Note - The War officially ended in August 1865 and the Federal Government moved rapidly to disband the U.S.C.T. regiments. Many of the black recruits found themselves abandoned in a South where they had no help from their former Confederate masters or the rapidly demobilizing federal army.December 11, 1865
Hd. Qrs. Mil. Disct. of C.
Charleston, S.C.
Bvt. Maj. Genl. R. Saxton
Asst. Com. Refuges Freedmen Dept. South Carolina & Georgia
Genl.
Many of the recruits enlisted in Col'd. Regiments organized in this
Department this year were not paid their bounties in joining their
Regiments and having since discharged for Physical disability existing
prior to enlistment , and not entitled to any bounty by existing orders
and regulations, Their cases differ from that of men enlisting in loyal
states during the war, in two important points - viz., these men's
families received not standard and usually no provisions! these men
having left their former employers or masters for the purpose of
enlisting in the army, cannot usually find employment either with those
employers or elsewhere, thus being reduced to suffering or crime.
I beg you to lay this subject before the authorities at Washington to decide what relief should be furnished these discharged soldiers. I would respectfully recommend some means to be taken to give them employment if possible.
Very Respectfully, Your Obedient Servant
A. S. Hartwill, Bvt. Brig. General
December 16, 1865
Head Quarters Mil. Dist. of C.
Charleston, S.C.
Bvt. Maj. Genl. R. Saxton
Asst. Comm. Refugees Freedmen Dept. South Carolina & Georgia
General
Many of the Recruits enlisting in Col'd. Regiments organized in this
Department this year were not paid their bounties on joining their
Regiments and being since discharged for Physical disability existing
prior to enlistment are not entitled to any bounty by existing orders and
regulations.
Their case differs from that of men enlisting in loyal States during the war in two important points - viz.: these men's families received no state aid and usually no provisions! These men having left their former employers or masters for the purpose of enlisting in the Army, cannot easily find employment either with those employers or elsewhere, thereby being reduced to suffering or crime. I beg you to lay this subject before the authorities at Washington to decide what relief should be furnished these discharged soldiers.
I would respectfully recommend some means to be taken to give them employment if possible.
Very Respectfully, Your Obedient Servant,
A. S. Hartwill, Bvt. Brig. General
December 28, 1865
Head Quarters Mil. Dist. of Charleston, Charleston, S.C.
Col. C. W. Foster
Asst. Adjt. General
Washington, D.C.
Colonel
In my report to the Hon. Secretary of War of 2nd inst. referred to the
case of men enlisted for the 105th U.S.C.T. which organization being
incomplete on the receipt of orders to suspend recruiting was
disbanded and the men, several hundred who had been kept four or five
months under guard and on fatigue duty, were re-examined by a
Surgeon and sent to Regiments in the field, or rejected without pay or
allowance. The number rejected was very large and I hope some steps
may be taken to pay them for the time they were detained.
They were not mustered and Government is not responsible for their pay, but I would respectfully urge that by right these men would have been properly examined on their arrival at the recruiting rendezvous, and not kept for months and then subjected to another medical examination, whereby if discharged they obtain no legal claim upon Government for pay for the time that they had been detained by Military Authority.
I respectfully call attention to enclosed copy of letter to Bvt. Maj. General R. Saxton Asst. Comm. of Refugees, Freedmen and ask on the case of Col'd. Soldiers discharged from Regiments organized in this Department - in connection with this subject - I would respectfully suggest that as the Col'd. Regiments raised in this State are being mustered out and many cases are arising and will arise of families of deceased soldiers needing aid to obtain final settlements, and of discharged soldiers having claims for bounties due them by State recruiting agents to pay for which advise their means would often be exhausted, some officer be appointed as special Judge Advocate in their behalf.
Many of these claims for bounty from State Agents can be obtained by writing to the Governors as has been frequently done. Many such claims must be legally prosecuted. The facts that these mens families received no State aid, that the bounties they actually rec'd have been so small, that on leaving the U. S. service they find so much difficulty in obtaining situations with Southern Messrs. who naturally object to hiring those who left them to enter the service, seems to warrant such assistance being afforded them.
Very Respectfully, Your Obedient Servant,
A. S. Hartwill, Bv. Brig. General
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