The Weekly Telegraph, Macon, GA, May 23, 1862
Camp French, Wilmington, May 13, 1862
After quite an exciting canvass, during which the names and qualifications of the several aspirants for the Majorship of this battalion were freely handled, we went into an election, per instructions form Gen. French that "it should be held in accordance with the laws of our own State," but, through some inadvertence the general impression held that the majority ruled, whereas the plurality rule is the law of Georgia in military elections. Consequently, Col. Ross, of the Ross Battalion, Georgia State Troops, was elected three times by a handsome plurality and came within seven votes of a majority on the last ballot. Adjutant Chambers withdrew after the first ballot. His supporters giving their votes to Capt. G.W. Ross who declined running until the 4th ballot, when Col. Ross refused his name any longer. Lieut. Dupree was warmly supported but failed to do more than to split the vote.
It was announced last night at roll call that Governor Brown had decided Col. Ross to be Major of the battalion. The feeling in the "Rides" at this announcement was uproarious in the extreme, and this very outburst of enthusiasm fell like a death knell on the ears of those fractious spirits who had not the manliness to oppose him openly while present, but who now became vehement in their denunciations of what they were pleased to style a "trick." It is an undeniable fact that representations were made to Col. Ross before his arrival which were never fulfilled, and which induced him to permit the use of his name in this contest. That a meritorious officer, against whom noting stronger could be used than "he is an outsider," should be deceived in this manner, is really too bad. What trifles control men and what trifles men resort to to carry out their ill-conceived prejudices.
The elections for company officers came off the day previous and such an upsetting is rarely seen. It was really amusing to hear the various reasons assigned for this and that one's fall from pleasant places made peculiarly attractive from a year's residence therein.
Some Federal gunboats are reported off the bar, but nothing is expected in this quarter at present. The destruction of the Virginia is a severe blow to us. For months and months, it dragged along towards completion, and I often thought they never meant to complete it. Thousands of good mechanics were stationed in Norfolk harbor last year who would have been glad to have contributed towards its completion, yet they were never called upon. I have no doubt if our disasters were properly investigated it would be found that many of the officers were absent from their posts, skulking around the sinks of Richmond, seeking promotion through political influence of one kind or another.
The health of the men continues good and if we were properly organized, all would be satisfied to start the new campaign cheerfully, despite the many inconveniences to which a soldier is necessarily subjected. K.
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Twelfth Georgia: A private soldier, writing from McDowell to the Richmond Enquirer says:
The Twelfth Georgia, I learn, had killed and wounded two hundred and ten, four captains, four lieutenants - more than half of our entire loss. Our entire loss is estimated about three hundred and forty. Well may it be said of these gallant Georgians that they deserve the honor and praise of all admirers of true bravery and gallantry. When I speak so praiseworthy of the Georgians, I do not wish to discourage my own troops. Their gallantry on the day of battle will be remembered by friends and foes. I feel duty bound to speak praiseworthy of Georgians, especially the old Twelfth, Georgia. She battled for our country on the 13th of December 1861. She endured all the hardships of a winter's campaign on the summit of the Alleghany mountains and knowing the gallantry and bravery of these men, well might we speak in high terms of them. I have discovered that this regiment is composed of the best fighting material in the army. They know no fear. They enter a battle not to be conquered but to conquer. I frankly admit, men of the 12th Georgia, my incapacity to do you justice. Rest assured you have the praise of all the people in this section of the country, as well as the command you are attached to.
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Obituary
Asa Ernest Sherwood of Macon, Ga., fell at the recent battle of McDowell, Western, Va., on the 8th day of May, aged 20 years, 5 months and 8 days. Pierced through the head by a minnie ball early in the engagement, this noble young man and brave soldier died a martyr to his country's cause. It is no flattery to say that a purer or more promising young man has not fallen since this wicked war began. From his childhood he was piously inclined, but did not attach himself to the church until he was about 16 years old. At the revival in Macon in 1858, under the ministry of Dr. Jesse Boring, he united himself to the Methodist church and from that day until the day of his death, he was an uncompromising and useful Christian. The exposure of camp life made no bad impression on him, and his fellow soldiers all give testimony to the fact that he lived up to the very last in the path of Christian duty. As a soldier none was more faithful. At the time of his death, he was Orderly Sergeant of Company H. 12th Georgia Regiment and was bravely leading his comrades in the fight. It is sad to give up one so kind, so good, so faithful, but God has taken him from this evil world, and we must submit. He has left a fond mother, who loved him, her first born, with all the ardor of a mother's heart, yes, even as her own life; a father and sisters and brothers who lament his loss - besides a large circle of friends and relatives deeply affected by his early and untimely end. Farewell, Asa, our loss is thy gain. May we imitate thy many virtues the Christian example and meet thee where there is no war or rumors of war. J.W.B.
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