On Sunday, May 11th, J. P. Beers died, at noon. His disease was Typhoid fever. He hailed from Collamer, a few miles East of Cleveland, Ohio. At 3 o’clock a grand review of the entire brigade took place, after which the troops were formed in a hollow square, when Captain Standart was called out and presented, by General Cruft, on behalf of the officers of the brigade, with a beautiful flag for our Battery. But great was the Captain’s surprise, when the General presented him with a splendid sword, as a mark of the respect and high estimation in which the officers of the brigade held him. General Cruft then made a neat little speech, which was happily responded to by Captain Standart.
Colonel Barnett being present, also offered a few remarks, in which he alluded, in a happy manner, to the good discipline and soldierly bearing of the men, and congratulated us for the fair name and reputation which we had gained.
Colonel Enyart, of the First Kentucky Infantry, was also presented with an elegantly wrought sword, by the officers and soldiers of his command.
Immediately after the above ceremony, loud, long, and hearty cheers were given for General Cruft, Colonel Barnett, Captain Standart, Colonel Enyart, and the officers of the First Brigade. And now all quietly marched back to their respective quarters.
Sunday, May 10th, 1863, will long live in the remembrance of those who composed Standart’s Battery.
The flag which we received was made of the most costly material. On its folds, in letters of silver, was inscribed: Presented by the Officers of First Brigade, Second Division, Twenty-First Army Corps, to Standart’s Ohio Battery. Underneath this were the Words: Wild Cat, Mill Springs, Chaplin Hills, Stone River. The Captain’s sword is heavily mounted with gold, and is a beautiful piece of workmanship. It cost two hundred dollars.
From the above it will be seen that the services which our Battery has rendered in the Union cause are duly appreciated by those who know our history best.
The morning succeeding the above eventful day, the body of J. P. Beers was sent home. The detachment to which he belonged escorted his remains outside the lines.
The day following, the Third brigade of our division arrived, and camped near us.
Friday, May 15. A little excitement in camp, caused by a horse-race for one hundred dollars a side. Our whilom mule-driver says that his steed can run the “har” clean off them dandified looking “critters.” But says he don’t “keer” about betting, as cabbages ain’t very plenty just now.