The artillery was represented by skeleton companies with one or two guns each. Three companies, each making technically a “gun section,” were organized at Cleveland, Brooklyn, and Geneva, with headquarters at Cleveland. James Barnett, of Cleveland, was commissioned as colonel, it being the purpose of the adjutant-general to organize other companies in the State at large. These three companies or sections, really composing but one battery proper, was the basis of Colonel Barnett’s command when ordered to the field April 20, 1861.

This battery had previously been inspected by Gen. Winfield Scott at Niagara Falls while on an experimental march, and was well disciplined and equipped. As early as January, 1861, the previous governor, Salmon P. Chase, had urged the necessity of having the Ohio militia ready for sudden summons, and within sixty hours from receipt of President Lincoln’s first call twenty disciplined companies (two regiments) were dispatched to Washington. The incomplete record of the First Light Artillery grew out of the fact that artillery had not been called for in the first instance, and the fact that troops were needed upon the State border before any had been mustered into the United States service.

By act of Congress, 1789, militia, when called into the service of the United States, retained their officers. The governor of Ohio did not deem it wise thus to designate the general officer to command the troops called for by the President. A special legislative act promptly provided that the major-general might be taken from citizens at large. George B. McClellan was then appointed and commissioned. The President also appointed him major-general. But while thousands of the militia and of volunteers went into camp, none had been mustered into the United States service when their services were instantly demanded in West Virginia. A demand came from Marietta, Ohio, for artillery, as hostile demonstrations had commenced, tending to the control of southern Ohio. A telegram received at the Adjutant-General’s Office on the morning of April 20 to that effect was followed by an order to Colonel Barnett to report with his battery forthwith. On the following day, Sunday, Ambos foundry was fired up and round shot were cast for use of the battery. A car was sent to Xenia for powder; flannel was procured, and cartridges were made for service, as the State had no fixed ammunition for artillery in its arsenal. On Monday, April 22, Barnett, having been assured that he would retain his rank as colonel, reported with his battery in good condition. The citizens’ committee from Marietta arrived at the same hour from Loveland, and with the battery at once returned to Marietta. The only possible “muster” was to administer the State obligation and make up the roll as the company was organized. The battery therefore moved to the border to await orders, but in a position for defensive duty.

Meanwhile, General Wool, at Watervliet Arsenal, forwarded arms, so that nine regiments were immediately organized and armed as State militia, while no volunteers had as yet been mustered into the United States service. General Morris, of Indiana (a graduate of West Point), had been appointed a brigadier-general from that State, and the regiments of Colonels Dumont and Milroy had moved to support the regiment of Colonel Kelley, of the First West Virginia, but they had no artillery. Governor Dennison, doubtful as to his authority to push militia across the State boundary, authorized the adjutant-general to visit General McClellan and submit a plan, which General Wool had approved, and also to act for the State, as the conference might agree upon a plan. As the result, all of the regiments in the various camps were put in motion, with no regard for a United States muster.

Governor Dennison visited Indiana to consult its governor, and during his absence General McClellan called for the battery. The following telegram was sent: “Barnett, borrow money and buy horses instanter.” Also, to each and all commanders, “Obey promptly all orders of Major-General McClellan; Governor Dennison puts him in command of all State troops.”

Neither Colonel Sumner nor Major Cram were then accessible, and, in fact, no troops were fully ready for muster; but the battery, supported by the Fourteenth Ohio, occupied the heights back of Parkersburg, moved to Grafton, opened the battle of Philippi, and with its associated Ohio militia regiments and the regiments of Indiana, saved western Virginia. It rendered United States service, under United States officers, in brigade with regularly mustered United States troops. It had the same claim to full recognition and a muster, nunc pro tunc, corresponding with the facts.

The Secretary of War, as well as Generals Scott and Wool, at once recognized the service, and the adjutant-general, without his solicitation or knowledge in advance, was appointed colonel of the Eighteenth United States Infantry, shortly afterwards created by law. The emergency admitted no delay as to questions of State boundary, and the battery did as good service as if it had been that of Captain Bragg, whose precedent it sought to emulate.

Respectfully submitted.

Henry B. Carrington,

Colonel, U. S. A., Retired, Late Colonel Eighteenth Infantry