1862

Received appointment as chaplain of 43rd Ohio reg. Nov 21, 1862. Made preparations. My wife to stay at Mother Howard's. Left Elyria with painful partings, December 12th. Left Columbus after papers arranged and mustering in, December 18. Mrs. Benham accompanied me. On reaching Cairo [Illinois] found a rebel raid had broken the R[ail] Road line southward, so had nothing to do but wait for an opportunity to go through at Columbus Ky, and Cairo near three weeks. Tried to be useful some among soldiers. Sick a few days in Columbus Ky. Recovered some.

Below is a story from the August 27, 1862 Elyria Independent Democrat telling of the circumstances surrounding Richards departure for the war, as well as other men from Elyria.

The text reads:

THE CINCINNATI SCARE - On receipt of the call of the Governor for volunteers to defend Cincinnati, the whole country seemed desirous of turning out.  Twenty-nine from this place "armed to the teeth," among whom were two of the pastors of our churches, Messrs. CHITTENDEN, and LEONARD.  Not being able to get transportation via Columbus, they went to Sandusky City, and from thence over the Mad River Railroad -- Nearly a hundred from Oberlin and the neighboring townships, went the same route, while some seventy, who gathered at LaGrange, got only as far as Columbus, when they were turned back by order of the Governor.

Had all gone who desired to, from various parts of the State, a pork famine would have been created in Porkopolis within a week.  It was gratifying, however, to see a disposition to rally, when our soil was threatened with invasion, and it is fair to presume that most of the men were earnestly desirous of serving their country, while some, doubtless, considered this a cheap way to ventilate their patriotism without incurring much risk.

The scare was greater the farther one departed from Cincinnati, but the rally of troops will have a good effect, even though they return without "drawing a bead" on a rebel.  We know the pluck of those who went from here, and have borrowwed no trouble about the safety of Cincinnati since their arrival there.  We shall be on hand to welcome their return, and hope every man will answer "all sound" when the roll is called.

LATER - Six of the volunteers have returned, and the rest have been accepted for one month's service.  Our patriotic parsons are among those who remained, determined to serve their country more acceptably than in the mere pleasure ride to Cincinnati.

The Elyria Independent Democrat was "published every Wednesday in Baldwins new block, directly opposite the Beebe house."  George G. Washburn was the publisher and proprietor.