Page:Journal history of the Twenty-ninth Ohio veteran volunteers, 1861-1865.djvu/18

 form so many interesting facts relating to the work of a noble regiment. So much, at least, is saved from oblivion.

In writing the history of any war only a mere outline can be thought of. Anything like a full and detailed account of what happened is out of the question. Neither time nor space would permit.

The multiplied thousands who carried their muskets and knapsacks on foot all over "Dixie," and who really did the hard work of the conflict, must be massed in history even as in war they were massed against the foe. Their individual deeds of daring and suffering were not a whit behind those of the great Wellingtons, Washingtons, and Grants. The latter were in positions to glide easily into history, and have their heroic deeds emblazoned and read in the books of every nation. The former may have loved their country as well and fought as bravely for her honor, and yet die in obscurity, "to fortune and to fame unknown."

Dr. SeCheverell has doubtless done his best under the circumstances to do justice to the name of every member of the old Twenty-ninth. It was known as the Giddings' regiment, in honor of the Hon. Joshua R. Giddings, for twenty consecutive years a member oi the lower house of Congress.

Perhaps no man during his time did more than Mr. Giddings to create public opinion in favor of the freedom of the slave. The regiment was raised almost entirely within the bounds of his old district, and it was fitting that it should bear his name. But I remember that when recruiting it a frequent objection to enlistment was that should any member of the regiment be so unfortunate as to be taken prisoner by the "Rebs," he would be forthwith shot, hung, or burnt at the stake, particu