 At Governor William Dennison 's request , Garfield deferred his military ambitions to remain in the legislature , where he helped appropriate the funds to raise and equip Ohio 's volunteer regiments . Afterward , the legislature adjourned and Garfield spent the spring and early summer on a speaking tour of northeastern Ohio , encouraging enlistment in the new regiments . Following a trip to Illinois to purchase muskets , Garfield returned to Ohio and , in August 1861 , received a commission as a colonel in the 42nd Ohio Infantry regiment . The 42nd Ohio existed only on paper , so Garfield 's first task was to fill its ranks . He did so quickly , recruiting many of his neighbors and former students . The regiment traveled to Camp Chase , outside Columbus , Ohio , to complete training . In December , Garfield was ordered to bring the 42nd to Kentucky , where they joined the Army of the Ohio under Brigadier General Don Carlos Buell . 
