Four Years a Scout and Spy / "General Bunker", One of Lieut. General Grant's Most Daring and Successful Scouts, Being a Narrative of ... the Experience of Corporal Ruggles During Four Years' Service as a Scout and Spy for the Federal Army

by E. C. Downs

"Yes, sir."

"Well, there a'n't such an organization known in the United States Army Regulations as a company of scouts. I can't do any thing with such men."

"I can't help that," I replied; "I have acted under authority of the Governor of Ohio."

"Well, let us go and see the Governor."

We carried the order to the Governor, and the Adjutant-General explained to him that there was no such organization known in the Army Regulations.

"Well, Mr. Ruggles," said the Governor, "you go on and raise the men, and assign them to a regiment, and then have them detailed out for scouting purposes."

"That won't do at all, Governor," said I. "I have commanded detailed men long enough; I want a command of my own."

"Well, put your men into the 197th Ohio Infantry, and I will extend your time to recruit and give you a commission as Captain."

"I don't want such a commission, Governor. I don't want to be in the infantry service."

"Very well; I have got to fill that regiment up, because it is needed immediately at Nashville, and the men will have to go into it."