sentences:  Instrumental in defending the approaches to Pomeroy and its river fords, Ohio Guardsmen also were responsible for blocking Morgan's escape route at Buffington Island until pursuing Union forces caught up and administered a stinging defeat to Morgan on July 19, 1863 – the last battle fought on Ohio soil.Over 35,000 Ohio Guardsmen were federalized and organized into regiments for 100 days service in May 1864.Shipped to the Eastern Theater, they were designed to be placed into "safe" rear area duty to protect the railroads and supply points thereby freeing regular troops for Grant's push on the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia.