UN!VE=U"M OF
ILLINOIS LIBRARY
AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN
ILLINOIS HISTORICAL
KOHEKT S MOOKE,
< OI.ONEF,.
HISTORY
OF THK
EIGHTY-FIFTH
REGIMENT,
ILLINOIS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
COMPILED AND PUBLISHED UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE
REOIMENTAL ASSOCIATION,
i>v
HENRY J. ATEN,
FIRST SKK<}EANT COMIIANY O ;
MSMBEK OF THK JSOCIBxr OF THK AKMY OF THE CUMK_KL AND.
HIAWATHA. KANSAS.
18O1.
, 1901,
In the years that have passed since the close of the War of the
Rebellion there has been more or less talk among its members of
a history of the regiment. Colonel Dilworth gave the subject
much attention, and at one time had about decided to undertake
the work. He had long commanded the regiment, and was more
than ordinarily well equipped for the compilation of such a work,
and it is much to be regretted that he did not find time to accom-
plish his purpose. Then there were several men in the ranks who
kept diaries through the war, some of whom, at least, had the
writing of a history of the Eighty-fifth as an end in view. But no
definite steps had been taken until the matter was taken up by the
Regimental Association. In order that the reader may know how
the work was undertaken by the writer, and for the information of
those of our comrades who have not enjoyed the privilege of at-
tending its reunions, the following short sketch is given of the
origin and purpose of the
At a meeting of old settlers and ex-soldiers held in Rockwell
Park, at Havana, 111., on September 16th, 1885, there were present
fifty-six former members of the Eighty-fifth regiment, all of the
companies being represented except Company F. At this meeting
an organization was formed to be known as the Eighty-fifth Regi-
ment Illinois Volunteer Association.
The declared purpose of the association was to hold annual
reunions on or about the eighth day of October, that being the
anniversary of the first battle in which the regiment was engaged,
for social enjoyment; for the cultivation of the friendships formed
during the trying ordeals of soldier life; for the gathering of
material for historic purposes, and for teaching patriotism to the
young. The following named comrades were elected officers for
the first year: Philip L. Dieffenbacher, commander; David Sig-
ley, adjutant; William H. Hole, treasurer; Jacob H. Prettyman,
quartermaster; James T. Pierce, commissary, and Joseph S. Bar-
wick, chaplain.
58461
v j INTRODUCTION.
The association has held a reunion each year since its organi-
zation, with an average attendance of sixty-five members.
At the annual meeting in 1899 it was decided to hold the next
reunion on the third Wednesday in October, 1900, and a motion
was adopted authorizing Comrade Henry J. Aten to compile and
publish a history of the regiment.
At the sixteenth annual meeting held in Havana on the third
Wednesday in October, 1900, the association was broadened and its
usefulness extended by amending the constitution so as to permit
the wives of members to become honorary members of the asso-
ciation, and their sons and daughters to become auxiliary mem-
bers. At this meeting Havana, Illinois, was selected as the place
for holding future reunions, the same to be held on the third
Wednesday in October, and the following officers were elected for
the ensuing year: A. D. Cadwallader, commander; William H.
Hole and David Sigley, vice-commanders; James T. Seay, adju-
tant; Thomas C. Eaton, quartermaster, and J. B. Shawgo, trustee
of the Kennesaw Mountain Monument Association.
When the task of writing a history of the gallant regiment in
which it was my good fortune to serve during the War of the Re-
bellion, was assigned to me, the trust was accepted with many
misgivings. I knew the work would be both delicate and difficult,
and after considering various plans, the one worked out in the
following pages seemed to promise the best results, and I entered
upon the work with such ability as I could command, regardless
of the time required or the labor involved. Although present with
the regiment every day from its organization until it was dis-
banded, I found as the work progressed, my memory in conflict
with the official reports, letters written at the time events to be
narrated were occurring, and the diary kept by myself throughout
the War. In all such cases I have relied upon the written record,
believing it to be more trustworthy than mere recollection.
Most of the personal incidents which would have enlivened the
story have been lost in the years that have passed since the war
ended, but it was believed that the official reports, histories of the
Civil War, and the memories of leading commanders on both sides
could be drawn upon to make up much that had been lost to mem-
ory. It also appeared not only appropriate, but necessary, to a
proper appreciation of the work accomplished by the regiment, to
include a brief outline of the campaigns in which it was engaged,
and connect its movements with the larger movements of the bri-
INTRODUCTION. Vli.
gade, the division, the corps, and the army of which it was a part.
This has been attempted, and in the course of compilation, the
writer has personally examined every book and paper in the office
of the adjutant general at Springfield relating to the Eighty-fifth,
the records of the pension office and of the war department at
Washington have been searched, and the following authorities
have been consulted:
The Personal Memoirs of General Grant.
The Personal Memoirs of General Sherman.
The Personal Memoirs of General Sheridan.
A Narrative of Military Service, by General W. B. Hazen.
The Life of Gen. George H. Thomas, by Thomas B. Van Home.
The American Conflict, by Horace Greeley.
The History of the Army of the Cumberland, by Gen. Henry M.
Cist.
The History of the Army of the Cumberland, by Thomas B.
Van Home.
Atlanta, and the March to the Sea, by Gen. Jacob D. Cox.
The History of the Ninety-sixth Illinois, by C. A. Partridge.
The History of the 113th Ohio, by Sergeant F. M. McAdams.
The History of the Fifty-second Ohio, by Nixon B. Stewart.
The History of the Eighty-sixth Illinois, by John H. Kinnear.
McCook's Brigade at Kennesaw, by Captain F. B. James.
The Rebellion Records, published by the U. S. Government.
A Narrative of Military Operations, by the Confederate Gen-
eral, Joseph E. Johnston.
Advance and Retreat, by the Confederate General, J. B. Hood.
The Life of the Confederate General, N. B. Forrest, by General
Thomas Jordan.
The narrative has been made impersonal, and the personal
sketches have been written with no desire to unduly exalt the per-
sonal achievements of anyone. A blank, forwarded to every mem-
ber of the regiment whose address could be ascertained, in many
instances failed to elicit a reply. Such should not complain if they
find their personal sketches deficient, although the writer made
every effort to complete them. The work was undertaken as a
labor of love, with no expectation of pecuniary reward, and with
the entire edition sold, the copy retained by the writer will be the
most expensive.
Cherishing the memory of every old comrade, whether living or
dead, proud of the fact that it was my privilege to be associated.
viii. INTRODUCTION.
with them through an heroic epoch, this work is submitted with
the hope that it may awaken proud recollections in the breast of
an old comrade; that it may make a son's heart exult at the sight
of a father's name, and inspire him to unselfish and patriotic
effort, and, above all, that it may help reveal and establish the
truth, from which none of the brave men of the Eighty-fifth have
anything to fear. The writer has made no effort to meet the re-
quirements of critics, but has written for those who, by experience
or sympathy, can enter into the spirit which actuated the volun-
teer soldier in the war for the Union. And if the book shall meet
the approval of surviving comrades, their friends, and the friends
of those deceased, I shall feel amply rewarded for my labor.
To all the comrades who have aided in the work I return cor-
dial thanks, and it gives me pleasure to acknowledge my obliga-
tions for information furnished to General I. N. Reece, adjutant
general of Illinois, and his courteous office force, to the Hon. H.
Clay Evans, commissioner of pensions, and to General R. A. Alger,
secretary of war.
HENRY J. ATEN.
Hiawatha, Kansas, February 1st, 1901.
xrf tihianrje Swhstritors.
No. Copies.
1. MRS. CARRIE A. PRENT1SS, Burlington, N. J.
1. COLONEL R. S. MOORE, Littleton, Colo.
2. WILLIAM A. DILWORTH, Omaha, Neb.
3. GEORGE E. RIDER, Fort Smith, Ark.
4. DR. PHILIP L. DIEFFENBACHER, Havana, 111.
1. THOMAS STEVENS, Hiawatha, Kan.
1. DR. GILBERT W. SOUTHWICK, 1213 Bath St., Santa Barbara, Cal.
2. COLONEL JAMES R. GRIFFITH, Kenosha, Wis.
1. MRS. JOSEPH S. BARWICK, Virginia, 111.
1. COLONEL ALLEN FAHNESTOCK, Glasford, Peoria County, 111.
3. LIEUT. ISAAC W. CHATFIELD, 514 21st Avenue, Denver, Colo.
1. O. L. RIDER, Vinita, Indian Territory.
1. N. L. RIDER, Vinita, Cherokee Nation, Indian Territory.
1. MRS. O. H. HARPHAM, Havana, 111.
1. SAMUEL JONES, ,Mason City, 111.
10. LIEUTENANT D. L. MUSSELMAN, Quincy, 111.
1. PHILIP CLINE, Harrisonville, Mo.
1. JOSEPH A. MATES, Naron, Pratt County, Kan.
i. WILLIAM MCLAUGHLIN, Manito, in.
1. DAVID P. BLACK, Manito, 111.
1. LEVI S. ANNO, Kingston, Hunt County, Texas.
1. ROBERT PRINGLE, Hot Springs, South Dakota.
1. JOHN W. ALYEA, Kingfisher, Oklahoma.
1. WILLIAM T. LANGSTON, Abilene, Kan.
1. BENJ. F. KRATZER, Soldiers' Home, Los Angeles, Cal.
2. THOMAS C. EATON, Havana, 111.
1. ALONZO F. KREBAUM, Duncan's Mills, 111.
1. JESSE BAILOR, Bard, Louisa County, Iowa.
2. STEPHEN B. NOTT, Lewlstown, 111.
1. CHARLES T. KISLER, Havana, 111.
2. MASSENA B. NOTT, Lewistown, 111.
1. ANDREW J. OPYDKE, Cayton, Shasta County, California.
2. LIEUTENANT A. D. CADWALLADER, Lincoln, 111.
1. WILLIAM B. WINCHELL, Lewistown, 111.
1. WILLIAM H. MITCHELL, 5941 Princeton Avenue, Chicago, 111.
1. JAMES S. CHESTER, Easton, Mason County, 111.
4. DAVID SIGLEY, Havana, 111.
1. FRANCIS N. CHESTER, Teheran, Mason County, 111.
2. BENJAMIN F. SCOVILL, McKenzie, North Dakota.
2. FRANK BLANCHARD, Havana, 111.
1. JOHN C. WILSON, Elk Creek, Johnson County, Neb.
1. JOHN L. PHELPS, Cadams, Nuckolls County, Neb.
1. JOHN R. NEVILL, Kincaid, Anderson County, Kan.
1. JACOB S. DEW, Tecumseh, Neb.
x . UST OF ADVANCE SUBSCRIBERS.
No. Copies.
1. ISAAC LAYMAN, Dewey, 111.
1. GRANVILLE MADISON, Blue Springs, Gage County, Neb.
1. JOHN SIZELOVE, Calispell, Stevens County, Washington.
1. WILLIAM RHINEDERS, Rice Lake, Barron County, Wis.
2. JOSEPH B. CONOVER, Kilbourn, Mason County, 111.
1. NEWTON C. PATTERSON, Mason City, 111.
1. CHARLES L. HAMILTON, Carlinville, 111.
1. WILLIAM D. CLOSE, Forest, Woods County, Oklahoma.
1. CAPTAIN P. S. SCOTT, Petersburg, 111.
4. JAMES T. SEAT, Havana, 111.
1. JAMES FERGUSON, Petersburg, 111.
1. HENRY SUTTON, Havana, 111.
1. JAMES LYNN, Mason City, 111.
1. WILLIAM SPILLMAN, Spring Bay, 111.
1. HENRY AMSLER, Pontiac, 111.
1. MATTHEW L. WRIGLt, f, Alvaretta, Woods County, Oklahoma.
1. JAMES F. BURT, Litchfleld, 111.
1. JOHN LIVINGSTON, Bushnell, 111.
2. CAPTAIN H. S. LA TOURRETTE, Winchester, 111.
1. GEORGE COOPER, Summum, 111.
3. JOHN ATEN, Astoria, 111.
1. LEWIS P. WRIGHT, Enion, Fulton County, 111.
2. DR. JOSEPH B. SHAWGO, Quincy, 111.
1. JOHN THOMPSON, Oilman City, Harrison County, Mo.
1. PERRY W. CLUPPER, Salem, Jewell County, Kan.
1. JOHN N. PARR, Summum, Fulton County, 111.
1. HENRY SHIELDS, Centralia, Lewis County, Washington.
1. WILLIAM H. McLAREN, Canton, 111.
1. THOMAS B. ENGLE, Coburg, Montgomery County, Iowa.
1. JOEL A. BARNES, Summum, 111.
1. CAPTAIN JAMES T. McNEIL, Table Grove, 111.
1. GEORGE B. McCLELLAND, Plymouth, Hancock County, 111.
1. SAMUEL THOMPSON, Lamar, Barton County, Mo.
2. HENRY C. SWISHER, Lyndon, Osage County, Kansas.
1. GEORGE H. WETZEL, Lewistown, 111.
1. WILLIAM C. HUDNALL, Astoria, 111.
1. JAMES P. ADDIS, Linden, Cleveland County, Oklahoma.
2. WALTER HUDNALL, San Antonio, Texas.
1. CHARLES DUNCAN, Duncan's Mills, 111.
1. DR. HENRY H. WILSON, Lewistown, Fergus County, Montana.
2. MARTIN K. DOBSON, Lewistown, 111.
1. JOHN R. POWELL, Sheldon's Grove, 111.
1. ANDERSON JENNINGS, Wister, Choctaw Nation, Indian Ter.
1. WILLIAM LANDON, Ponca City, Kay County, Oklahoma.
1. JOHN LAPOOL, Laclede, Cabell County, W. Va.
1. JOHN WATSON, 807 Millman Street, Peoria, 111.
1. CHARLES G. MATTHEWS, Renfrew, Grant County, Oklahoma.
1. LEONIDAS COLLINS, St. John, Putnam County, Mo.
1. WILLIAM SEVERNS, Clayton, St. Louis County, Mo.
1. JOHN B. PALMER, Orondo, Douglass County, Washington.
1. WILLIAM BECK, Rogers, Benton County, Ark.
UST OF ADVANCE SUBSCRIBERS. XI.
No. Copies.
1. SEBASTIAN G. BLUMENSHINE, Clearwater, Sedgwick Co., Kan.
1. ISAAC FOUNTAIN, Upland, Franklin County, Neb.
1. D. P. VAN HORN, Cotter, Iowa.
2. WILLIAM H. HOLE, Mason City, 111.
1. LESTER N. MORRIS, Lincoln, 111.
1. JACOB PRETTYMAN, Havana, 111.
1. GEORGE N. HOPPING, Beaver City, Neb.
1. DAVID ZENTMIRE, Cherokee, Crawford County, Kan
1. GEORGE DRAKE, Clinton, Clinton County, Iowa.
1. JOSIAH McKNIGHT, Mason City, 111.
2. LIEUTENANT DANIEL HAVENS, Manito, 111.
1. ELI M. COGDALL, Manito, 111.
1. DALLAS A. TRENT, Manito, 111.
1. MRS. MARTHA A. MALONEY, Manito, 111.
1. MRS. MARY E. COX, Manito, 111.
1. CAPTAIN SAMUEL BLACK, Menominee, Wis.
1. COLONEL BYRON PHELPS, Seattle, Washington.
1. MRS. SARAH LANGSTON, Forest City, 111.
2. JOHN E. RENO, Table Grove, Fulton County, 111.
1. MRS. MARY TOWN, Havana, 111.
4. CHARLES MORRIS, Havana, 111.
1. LUCIE J. ROBERTS, Manito, 111.
1. QUARTERMASTER HOLOWAY W. LIGHTCAP, Havana, 111.
1. CAPTAIN C. M. BARNETT, Geneva, Neb.
1. PUBLIC LIBRARY, Havana, 111.
1. JAMES GOBEN, Kilbourne, 111.
1. CHARLES POND, Shubert, Neb.
1. SAMUEL GRISSOM, Kilbourne, 111.
1. L. G. BLUNT, Kilbourne, 111.
1. MRS. LUCINDA BRYAN, Sciota, 111.
1. JAMES J. PELHAM, Thermopolis, Wyo.
1. JOHN L. HARBERT, Kilbourne, 111.
1. CHARLES ERICK HULT, Swedesburgh, Henry County, Iowa.
1. JAMES WALKER, Easton, 111.
of ?0riraiis.
Colonel Robert S. Moore.
( FRONTISPIECE.)
Colonel Caleb J. Dilsworth.
Major Robert C. Rider.
Surgeon Philip L. Dieffenbacher.
Asst. Surgeon Gilbert S. Southwick.
Adjutant Clark N. Andrus.
Quartermaster Holovfay W. Lightcap.
Captain George A Blanchard.
Captain Henry S. LaTourette.
Lieutenant D. L. Musselman.
Lieutenant John M. Robertson.
Sergeant W. Irving Shannon.
First Sergeant Henry J. Aten.
( GROUP.)
Chaplain Joseph S. Barwick.
Lieutenant A. D. Cadwallader.
Corporal David Sigley.
Corporal Joseph S. Conover.
John Aten.
Dr. P L. Dieffenbacher.
Henry C. Swrisher.
Dr. Joseph B. Shaw go.
Prof. D. L. Musselman.
Henry J. Aten.
CHAPTER I.
By the middle of the summer of 1862 there were few
among the people either North or South, who had not
found ample cause for revising their estimate of the mag-
nitude and duration of the Civil War. During the year
and more that had passed since the firing upon Fort
Sumter, there had been many engagements, some of
which had been bloody enough to satisfy the most san-
guinary, and each side had scored its victories. Nearly
twenty thousand men had been shot dead on the battle-
field; upward of eighty thousand had been wounded,
while an unknown number had died of disease, in the ser-
vice.
The early engagements were disastrous to the Fed-
eral arms. Bull Run was a crushing defeat, the Union
troops falling back in panic to the gates of the National
Capital. At Wilson's Creek, Missouri, the army was
forced to retreat, after the loss of their gallant leader,
General Lyon, and many men. Some victories of minor
importance had been gained in West Virginia, and the
battle of Belmont, Missouri, was fought in November,
1 86 1, which served to give the Western troops confi-
dence in themselves and in their commander. At Mill
Springs, Kentucky, the Union forces won a handsome
victory, in which the enemy was beaten, driven, routed,
his general slain and his standards captured. Driven
and pursued from Missouri, the rebels were defeated in
a hard fought battle at Pea Ridge, Arkansas. Fort Don-
elson was captured with 15,000 prisoners and a large
number of cannon. The 'battle of Shiloh, fought in
14 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
April, 1862, was a decided victory for the Union arms,
though dearly won, and on the thirtieth of May the Fed-
eral forces occupied Corinth, Mississippi. And on the
first of June, after having seized the peninsula in Vir-
ginia, the army of the East was within five miles of the
Confederate Capital. At this time, a line beginning on
the Chickahominy river in front of Richmond, Virginia,
thence running through Cumberland Gap on the south-
ern border of Kentucky, and extending through Hunts-
ville, Alabama, and Corinth, Mississippi, to Helena,
Arkansas, would show the positions occupied by the
Union armies, and also indicate the vast region that had
been wrested from the foe.
Meanwhile, the South had changed its opinion of
northern pluck and endurance, and began to admit by its
energetic action, that the military instinct was not a sec-
tional monopoly. To recover their losses, the Confed-
erate authorities devised a plan for an offensive cam-
paign, in which the armies under Lee in Virginia, Bragg
in Tennessee, and Van Dorn in Mississippi were to be
largely reinforced, and at the same time attack the Fed-
erals and drive them from the South. Then Bragg and
Van Dorn would unite the standards of their victorious
columns at Louisville or Cincinnati, while Lee should
plant the Confederate flag on the dome of the National
Capitol, and the two Confederate armies would invade
the North and compel a recognition of the independence
of the Southern Confederacy.
The plan for driving the Union forces from Southern
soil and invading the North by a simultaneous advance
of all the Confederate armies, was popular with the peo-
ple in rebellion, and under their united and enthusiastic
THE CALL FOR ADDITIONAL TROOPS. 15
support developed unexpected strength and at first met
with signal success. Suddenly the Union armies were
thrown on the defensive, and from the Chickahominy to
the Mississippi the enemy appeared so confident and
aggressive, that it became a question whether our armies
were not to be forced backward, the scenes of strife
transferred to the States north of the Potomac and Ohio
rivers, and free soil be watered with the blood of heroes
slain in battle.
In this emergency, the governors of all the loyal
States signed a letter to the President requesting him to
issue a call for additional troops, and in response to this
letter, Mr. Lincoln on July 2nd, 1862, issued a call for
300,000 volunteers. The people fully appreciated the
gravity of the situation, but there was some delay in
assigning quotas to the various States, so that but little
was accomplished in the way of recruiting until July had
nearly closed. But by the time the recruiting machinery
was in readiness volunteers were responding in large
numbers, and the closing week in July and the early days
of August witnessed large enlistments. The need of
troops continuing and becoming more and more press-
ing, the President on the fourth of August issued an-
other call for 300,000 men in addition to the 300,000
called out in July.
That month of August, 1862, was one long to be re-
membered by those who shared in its exciting events.
The menacing attitude of the South had prepared the
loyal people of the North for the most energetic action ;
the successive calls for additional troops thrilled them
with military ardor, and the response was a wonderful
one. All sorts and conditions of men left their business
16 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
and enlisted in the ranks. Boys of fifteen sat down and
cried because they were not permitted to enlist, and
everywhere there was manifest the most intense devotion
to the Union and its starry banner. And the young men
of the North, many of whom had others dependent upon
them for support, to the number of more than half a mil-
lion, responded to the call of their country within the
brief space of two months.
Amid the stirring- events of that period the Eighty-
fifth Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, was organ-
ized. Recruited at the most critical period of the war,
it. was composed of excellent material. With few excep-
tions officers and men had been familiar with the use of
firearms from their youth, and very many were excellent
marksmen. They had met men returning from the great
battles of the previous year, wounded and maimed for
life. The pride and pomp and circumstance of glorious
war had disappeared, and all knew that war meant not
only wounds and death, but hunger, hardship and 'priva-
tion. Rapidly organized and equipped, it was hurried
to the front to meet the rising tide of rebellion on the
banks of the Ohio river. Commanded with ability and
led with rare courage, it was given opportunity to bear a
conspicuous part in the struggle for the preservation of
the Union. It never turned its back to the foe but once,
and then only in obedience to peremptory orders. To
its gallant conduct in the fierce heat of many battles, and
its noble bearing in every emergency its members have
ever been able to refer with pride. To the recital of some
of these events and to the narrative of the whereabouts of
the command from day to day, the following chapters are
devoted.
RECRUITING OF THE REGIMENT. 17
CHAPTER II.
Captain Robert S. Moore, of Company E, Twenty-
seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, had been
wounded in the advance upon Corinth, Miss., and was at
his home in Havana, on leave of absence when the first
call for troops was issued in July, 1862. Impressed, by
experience and observation at the front, of the urgent
need of more troops in the field, he at once began to re-
cruit a regiment under the following authority, which is
copied from the original still in possession of Colonel
Moore :
GENERAL HEADQUARTERS, STATE OF ILLINOIS.
ADJUTANT GENERAL'S OFFICE.
Springfield, July llth, 1862.
Captain Robert S. Moore, Twenty-seventh Regiment, Illinois Vol-
unteers, Havana, 111.
Sir: At direction of Governor Yates you are hereby authorized
to enroll and report at Peoria ten companies of infantry for Gov-
ernment service for three years unless discharged, to form a part
of the forces authorized by late call of the President.
Each of said companies to consist of not less than (83) nor
more than (101) strong, able-bodied men, and to be reported with
at least minimum number of men within thirty days from this
date.
If not reported with minimum number within thirty days, the
companies will be liable to consolidation with others similarly
situated or the men (previous to muster into service) at the pleas-
ure of the Governor, discharged. Company officers will be ap-
pointed and commissioned by the Governor, the recommenda-
tions of the companies will be duly considered but fitness for
position will be the rule governing appointments.
You will keep me advised of your progress in recruiting, report-
ing weekly the number (and names) actually enrolled, and state
18 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
when squads or companies are ready to camp, and marching and
transportation orders will be promptly supplied.
Very respectfully, Your obedient servant,
ALLEN C. FULLER, Adjutant General.
Official: JOHN H. LOOMIS, Assistant Adjutant General.
At this time Caleb J. Dilworth was practicing law in
Havana, and he became associated with Captain Moore
in recruiting a regiment. Under their energetic direc-
tion recruiting was conducted in various towns, which
resulted in raising five companies in Mason County.
In the summer of 1861 the Hon. S. P. Cummings, of
Astoria, was commissioned mustering officer with the
rank of major, and was active in recruiting some of the
companies that entered the service from Fulton County
in that year. As soon as the quota had been assigned
the state under the first call of 1862 he established re-
cruiting stations in Astoria, Summum, and Marble's
Mills, in South Fulton. And by the time supplies and
transportation were provided, three companies were
raised and ready to go into camp from Fulton County.
Soon after the five companies from Mason and the three
from Fulton arrived at Peoria, the designated rendez-
vous, they were joined by a company commanded by
Captain P. S. Scott, from Menard County, and one en-
rolled by Captain John Kennedy, at Pekin, in Tazewell
County, in the latter part of June. This completed the
number of companies required to form the regiment;
each company being under officers of their own selection,
and all enlisted from adjoining counties.
The camp at Peoria was pleasantly situated on high,
well-drained ground, immediately above the city, and
near the west bank of the Illinois river. The camp was
MUSTERED IN THE SERVICE. 19
supplied with tents and straw, but no blankets were fur-
nished for several days, and meantime, the frequent rains
and cool nights gave the men a foretaste of things to
come. Those who had left home unprepared for such an
emergency made no little complaint, while those who
had brought blankets with them, were inclined to mani-
fest an undue appreciation of their own wisdom and fore-
sight. Eager to learn their new duties, the men were
constantly drilled in that part of the school of the soldier
which comprehends what ought to be taught recruits
without arms.
The twenty-seventh day of August, 1862, was made
memorable by the appearance of the mustering officer,
Captain S. A. Wainwright, of the Thirteenth United
States Infantry. On his arrival the boisterous drums
sounded the assembly, and that splendid body of nearly
one thousand gallant men fell into line for the first time
and became a regiment. The long line was formed with
little delay and an inspection held, few being rejected and
those in almost every instance on account of being over
or under the age limit for service in the army. After the
surgeons had completed their examination of the physi-
cal qualifications of the men, the process of muster-in
was proceeded with. And as these stalwart men stood
there, with uplifted hands, and swore to serve their coun-
try "for three years unless sooner discharged," it was
indeed an impressive spectacle ; a scene that will never be
wholly forgotten by the participants who still survive.
The companies having elected their officers previous
to their arrival in camp, the line officers repaired immedi-
ately after the muster-in, to a large tent to complete the
organization of the regiment by the election of field offi-
20 HISTORY OF THE 8STH ILLINOIS.
cers. At this meeting the field officers were elected and
the appointment of staff officers agreed upon. The fol-
lowing is the list of
THE FIELD AND STAFF.
Colonel Robert S. Moore, of Havana, Mason County.
Lieutenant-Colonel Caleb J. Dilworth, of Havana, Mason
County.
Major S. P. Cummings, of Astoria, Fulton County.
Adjutant John B. Wright, of Havana, Mason County.
Quartermaster Samuel F. Wright, of Havana, Mason County.
Surgeon James P. Walker, of Mason City, Mason County.
First Assistant Surgeon Philip L. Dieffenbacher, of Havana,
Mason County.
Second Assistant Surgeon James C. Patterson, of Mason City,
Mason County.
Chaplain Joseph S. Barwick, of Havana, Mason County.
NON-COMMISSIONED STAFF.
Sergeant-Major Clark N. Andrews, of Havana, Mason County.
Quartermaster-Sergeant James T. Pierce, of Havana, Mason
County.
Commissary Sergeant Thomas J. Avery, of Bath, Mason
County.
Hospital Steward James L. Hastings, of Mason City, Mason
County.
Principal Musician John Hazlengg, of Bath, Mason County.
According to the system of infantry tactics in use
at this time, a regiment was composed of ten companies
to be habitually posted from right to left in the following
order : A, F, D, I, C, H, E, K, G, B, in accordance with
the rank of captains. Under this provision of tactics,
the honor of bearing the colors belonged to Company C.
But for some reason unknown to the writer, the compan-
ies were posted in the line of the Eighty-fifth, beginning
with A on the right and running in consecutive order to
K on the left. Under this arrangement, which was quite
CALEB J. DILWORTH,
21
OF
UNIFORMS AND ARMS SUPPLIED. 23
unusual. Company E occupied the right center, and be-
came the color company. This formation was continued
throughout the service.
On Thursday, August 28th, clothing was issued;
each soldier receiving a dark blue blouse, sky blue pants,
woolen shirts and socks, cotton drawers, a forage cap,
blanket and a pair of shoes. This made a neat and com-
fortable uniform, which proved so well suited to the ser-
vice that its use was continued, with but one change,
throughout the war. The forage cap afforded such
slight protection in either sunshine or storm, that it soon
gave way to the black felt hat. The next day, light blue
overcoats of the regulation pattern, with capes, were
issued, and each soldier received a kflapsack and canteen.
In the afternoon, muster rolls having been prepared,
each company was marched to headquarters and $13 paid
to each member by the paymaster. This payment was
made in carrying out a promise made the men at enlist-
ment, that each should receive one month's pay in ad-
vance.
On Friday, September 5th, arms and accoutrements
were received and issued to the companies. The arms
were the Enfield rifled muskets, and were as good a
weapon as was then in general use. The Eighty-fifth
was considered very fortunate in securing new Enfields,
especially so considered by the members of the regiment,
of whom there were quite a number who had seen pre-
vious service. Almost every regiment entering the ser-
vice in 1861 was armed with old Austrian or Belgian
muskets; doubtless the most unreliable and dangerous
firearm ever invented. And among the terrors of the
first year's service, these men always remembered the:
24 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
uncertain action and the diabolic antics of those infernal
guns.
From the first the men had been kept almost con-
stantly on the drill ground, and as all were anxious to
learn, some progress was made in the school of the sold-
ier. They had learned to step in time, and to march by
squad and company. Eagerly they had awaited their
arms and accoutrements, and now, everyone expected
that a few days at least could be devoted to drill in the
manual of arms before leaving the camp of instruction.
But the pressing need of more troops at the front allowed
the men of the Eighty-fifth but one day in which to drill
in the manual of arms.
The brief stay in camp at Peoria had been profitably
employed, and calls up few but pleasant memories.
Nearly all had suffered more or less from colds incident
to a change from the comforts of home to the outdoor
life of the camp, and the radical change of diet had
affected some unfavorably. But few, however, had been
sent to the building outside the camp grounds, over
which floated the yellow hospital flag. Of those sent to
the hospital, James Grant, private of Company K, died
there on September 8th, his being the first death in the
regiment.
While more time was sadly needed for instruction,
and officers and men alike felt the need of it, yet all were
ready and anxious to go to the assistance of their brave,
hard-pressed comrades who had gone to battle for the
Union in the year gone by. They wanted to bear a hand
in turning back the tide of invasion now threatening
northern homes, and their opportunity was now at hand.
A series of disasters had overtaken our armies while the
OFF FOR THE SOUTH. 25
regiment had been forming; the Army of the East had
been routed from the front of the rebel capital ; Lee with
his victorious army was already on northern soil, and the
advance of Bragg's army had arrived within striking dis-
tance of both Louisville and Cincinnati.
CHAPTER III.
At about nine o'clock on Sunday morning, Septem-
ber 7th, 1862, the Eighty-fifth Regiment Illinois Volun-
teer Infantry marched out of its camp at Peoria and down
through the main street of the city to the railway station.
The day was bright and clear, and although the ringing
church bells were calling the people to worship the
Prince of Peace, the patriotic citizens crowded the line
of march to cheer and speed the departing soldiers.
There was but little delay at the depot, and about one
o'clock, or a little later, a start was made for Louisville,
Kentucky. The trip was made without incident or acci-
dent of especial note. Lafayette, Indiana, was reached
at about eight o'clock the next morning, and Indianapo-
lis at six o'clock in the afternoon, and at two o'clock on
Tuesday morning, September gth, the regiment arrived
at Jeffersonville. The men were very tired with the long
ride in the crowded cars. Few had slept in all the pre-
vious night, as there were two in every seat, and all were
glad to change from the crowded cars to the ground for
a short rest. About noon the regiment crossed the Ohio
river, and marched through Louisville to the southern
limits of the city, where it went into camp. The day
26 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
was hot, the streets dusty, and the men were very much
fatigued, although the distance marched was not great.
Notwithstanding the alleged neutrality of Kentucky,
the regiment was now in Dixie. In the city the people
were laboring under the most intense excitement.
Among the citizens every shade of opinion prevailed
from that held by the most devoted loyalist to that of the
most pronounced secessionist, and on the day following
the arrival of the regiment martial law was proclaimed.
Wednesday, September lotfi, was full of hard work,
the day being spent in squad and company drill, particu-
lar attention being paid to the manual of arms, the work
ending with a dress parade. Dress parade was a new
experience to nearly all of the officers and men, but the
regiment made a fairly creditable appearance. In the
afternoon of the next day a heavy thunder storm sud-
denly broke upon the camp. The high wind leveled
many of the tents to the ground, while the downpour of
rain thoroughly drenched the men and the entire outfit
of the camp.
The insurgents having forced into their armies all the
able-bodied men in the South, were now exerting their
full strength against the Federal line. After a series of
bloody defeats, accompanied with heavy loss, the Army
of the Potomac had been driven from the peninsula in
Virginia, and was now about to engage in a deadly con-
flict with the flushed victorious enemy, on soil dedicated
to freedom and far to the north of the National Capital.
On August 1 7th, a part of Bragg's army under General
Kirby Smith turned the Union force out of Cumberland
Gap. Whereupon the Union commander blew up his
THE) DANGER THREATENING LOUISVILLE. 27
elaborate fortifications, abandoned his heavy artillery,
destroyed his stores, and began a hasty and disastrous
retreat. After capturing detachments of Union troops
on garrison duty at various posts, the rebel column of
invasion encountered a green Union force at Richmond
Kentucky, which had been hurriedly concentrated to
oppose the rebel advance. A fight ensued, in which the
Union troops were driven back on reinforcements under
Major General William Nelson, who assumed command,
but a rebel victory had already been won. The Union
troops were dispersed, and General Nelson wounded,
while his army lost nine pieces of artillery and many pris-
oners. The Confederate general set forward for Lexing-
ton, which he entered on September ist, amid the frantic
acclamations of the rebel sympathisers of that intensely
disloyal region. He moved on through Paris to Cynthi-
ana, and threw his advance well out toward Cincinnati.
Meanwhile General Bragg with the main body of the
Confederate army crossed the Tennessee river above
Chattanooga, passed to the left of the Union army, and
pushed into Kentucky. This compelled General Buel to
abandon the whole of Tennessee except a small district in
the immediate vicinity of Nashville, and hasten by forced
marches to the defense of the line of the Ohio river.
Louisville, with its immense resources, was the immedi-
ate object of this gigantic raid, while the capture of Cin-
cinnati and other northern cities was considered possible
even probable, by the enthusiastic followers of the
rebel chief. The near approach of the Confederate army
filled the rebel citizens in the city with high hopes, while
many of the loyalists fled for refuge to various points
north of the Ohio.
28 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
General Nelson was assigned to command the army
forming at Louisville, and although suffering from a
wound received at Richmond, his energetic action re-
stored order, and the air of dejection soon disappeared.
With the arrival of almost every boat and train came new
troops, who were rapidly formed into brigades and divis-
ions for the defense of the city. The troops that escaped
from the battle at Richmond began to appear by this
time, and the opportunity for capturing the city was
numbered among the lost hopes of the southern people.
On Friday, September I2th, the Eighty-sixth Regi-
ment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry arrived. It had camped
near the Eighty-fifth at Peoria, and was mustered in by
Captain Wainwright on the same day. There was the
usual Sunday morning inspection on the I4th, and on the
1 5th a brigade was formed, composed of the Eighty-fifth,
the Eighty-sixth and the One Hundred and Twenty-fifth
Regiments, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, the Fifty-second
Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and Battery I, Sec-
ond Illinois Light Artillery, and designated as the
Thirty-Sixth Brigade. The brigade thus formed had
quite an unusual experience, in that these regiments and
this battery remained together until mustered out at the
close of the war, the only change in its composition being
the addition of small regiments toward the close of the
service. Colonel Daniel McCook, of the Fifty-second
Ohio, being the ranking colonel, took command of the
brigade by virtue of seniority, holding the position until
mortally wounded while leading the command in a des-
perate charge. The brigade moved at an early hour
through the city, and passed in review before the com-
THE FIRST LONG ROLL. 29
manding general. The day was hot, the streets dusty,
and the men were very tired when they reached camp at
six o'clock in the evening.
On the 1 8th the brigade was engaged in throwing up
a line of entrenchments, the line running through the
suburbs of the city. The next day the regiment was
held in readiness to march at any moment, with two
days' rations in the haversacks. On the 2Oth the Eighty-
fifth moved out on the turnpike, some ten miles toward
Bardstown, returning to camp on the evening of the
22nd. No event of importance transpired on the march,
but the trip was useful in seasoning the men for the
longer marches soon to come.
On Tuesday, September 23rd, at three o'clock in the
morning, there was a call to arms, and the brigade
marched to the entrenchments, where it remained under
arms throughout the day.
In the afternoon General Nelson reviewed the line,
and urged the importance of firing low in case of an at-
tack. The regiment spent the next day on picket, some
distance out, returning to the entrenched line in the
evening, when the men were instructed to occupy near-
by houses for the night.
On the 26th the regiment returned to camp, packed
up the camp outfit, and moved into the city. Judged by
the appearance and smell of this camp, it had recently
been occupied as a horse or mule yard. The next day
the camp was unusually dull until well along in the after-
noon, when a captain of one of the companies, doubtless
impelled by a sense of duty, undertook to discipline his
first lieutenant. Then a breach of the peace occurred in
which the captain prevailed and the lieutenant was thor-
30 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
oughly disciplined in fact, if not in accordance with the
provisions of army regulations.
The veterans of General Buel's army were now arriv-
ing, and within a few days that splendid body of trained
soldiers were located in camps in the immediate vicinity
of the city. They had made a race with the rebel army
under Bragg from the Tennessee to the Ohio ; had won
the race, and were now eager to be led against their old-
time foe. Nor had they long to wait, as immediate
preparations were made for taking the field against the
enemy, who was known to be at Bardstown, only thirty
miles away.
On Monday morning, September 29th, the startling
intelligence was brought to the camp of the Eighty-fifth
that General Nelson had been shot and killed at the Gait
House, and a detachment from the regiment was hur-
riedly sent to the hotel for guard duty. The following
account of the tragedy is condensed from reports cur-
rent at the time, and is believed to be substantially cor-
rect. About eight o'clock in the morning Brigadier
General Jefferson C. Davis met General Nelson in the
office of the Gait House and presented some grievance.
A controversy ensued in which Nelson, after applying an
insulting epithet to Davis, slapped him in the face.
Whereupon Davis, who was unarmed, borrowed a pistol
from a by-stander and shot Nelson, who died within a
few minutes of the shooting. General Nelson was a
man of powerful build, in perfect health, six feet two
inches in height, and weighing over two hundred
pounds, while General Davis was a small man, less than
five feet ten inches in height, and weighing only about
one hundred and twenty-five pounds.
THE KENTUCKY CAMPAIGN. 31
General Nelson had been in command of the depart-
ment until the arrival of General Buel on the 25th. He
was bred a sailor, and was holding a commission in the
military service, although an officer in the navy. In-
tensely loyal to his country, he was among the first to
organize by his individual exertion a military force in
Kentucky, his native state, to rescue her from the vortex
of rebellion, toward which she was rapidly drifting. Un-
fortunately for himself and his country, he was arbitrary,
overbearing, and his outbursts of temper made him many
enemies. So totally unfitted for the command of volun-
teer soldiers was he, that it may well be doubted whether
his violent end caused mourning in a single breast
among the rank and file of the army.
General Davis, after serving in the war with Mexico,
entered the regular army, and was a lieutenant under
Major Anderson at Fort Sumter, when it was bom-
barded. At the beginning of the Civil War he led the
Twenty-second Indiana to the field, and was soon pro-
moted brigadier general. He commanded a division at
the battle of Pea Ridge with conspicuous skill and gal-
lantry. He was arrested for the killing of Nelson, but
was never tried. The writer has always understood that,
but for this lamentable affair, General Davis would have
been assigned to command the division of which the
Thirty-sixth Brigade was a part in the coming campaign.
A year later he assumed command of the division, and
finally commanded the corps to which the brigade was
attached, and officers and men learned to admire the skill
with which he handled his troops.
The brigades of new troops that had been hurried to
the defense of Louisville were distributed among the
32 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
veteran divisons of Bud's army, and the army thus re-
cruited, was divided into three corps, designated the
First, Second, and Third, commanded by Generals
McCook, Crittenden, and Gilbert respectively. The
Thirty-sixth Brigade was assigned to a division under
command of Brigadier General P. H. Sheridan, in Gil-
bert's Corps.
The twenty days spent in Louisville were of great ad-
vantage to the new regiment. The men became accus-
tomed to camp life ; much of the time was spent in drill,
and something was learned in marching and picket duty.
The regiment was weakened by sickness during the
month, and quite a number had to be left in the general
hospital when the command entered upon the Kentucky
campaign. The deaths at Louisville were: Henry
Howell, of Company A ; Robert Driver, of Company F,
and William Cunningham, of Company H.
On Tuesday morning, September 3oth, 1862, Gen-
eral Buel's army of about 60,000 men moved out of
Louisville, and the advance began. Bragg's army num-
bered about 40,000 men, the greater part being in posi-
tion at Bardstown. Many delays occurred during the
day, and the Eighty-fifth camped for the night within
one mile of the city. On the first of October the com-
mand moved very slowly, passing through a fine country,
on very dusty .roads. After reaching camp the Eighty-
fifth, with the brigade battery, was thrown out on picket
a mile and a half in advance of the camp. During the
night enough rain fell to soak the men's blankets, and
the next morning the regiment resumed the march with-
out breakfast. A series of skirmishes commenced within
a few miles of Louisville, which constantly increased until
THE KENTUCKY CAMPAIGN. 33
the cautious advance of the army reached Bardstown on
October 5th, when it was found that the enemy had
retreated. The regiment passed through that town on
Sunday, and camped that night on Rolling Fork, a
stream some six miles beyond Bardstown. A timid
advance, which could scarcely be called a pursuit, was
continued on the 6th and 7th, the regiment passing
through Fredericktown, Springfield, Texas and Hunts-
ville, and on the 7th Gilbert's corps, which was in the
center, closed down on the enemy, who was concentrated
and ready for battle in a position of his own choice near
Perryville.
The season had been very dry, the roads were dusty,
the weather hot, and water was so scarce that the troops
had suffered exceedingly. Men became so thirsty that
it was no unusual sight to see them spread their handker-
chiefs over stagnant pools, covered with scum, and slake
their thirst with the water thus filtered. The brigade
arrived at the front about eleven o'clock in the night of
the 7th, and the men lay down, without water, in line of
battle for such rest as might be had on the eve of their
first battle.
34 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. October, 1862.
CHAPTER IV.
On Wednesday, October 8th, at three o'clock in the
morning, the men were quietly aroused from their brief
sleep, and the brigade began the advance, with the
Eighty-fifth in front. During the night some pools of
still water were discovered in the bed of Doctor's creek,
a tributary of Chaplin river, and the advance was made
for the purpose of seizing a range of hills beyond the
stream, with a view of securing a supply of water. It
was very dark and absolute silence was enjoined, and
while the regiment was marching by the right flank, the
enemy's pickets opened fire from a position just beyond
the creek. At once our skirmishers rushed forward,
supported by the entire regiment, and after a short, sharp
fight, Peter's Hill was carried, and before daylight our
line was firmly established and a limited supply of bad
water was obtained.
In front was an open field, with heavy timber beyond,
while timber and thick underbrush extended well toward
the left of the regiment. About sunrise the enemy
formed a column of infantry and artillery in this woods,
and sent it forward, covered by a cloud of skirmishers,
to retake the position from which the Eighty-fifth had
driven him. His artillery opened with spherical case,
which made it exceedingly uncomfortable for the regi-
ment for a time, as it could not reply. But as soon as
the brigade battery could be brought up, the guns of the
enemy were silenced, and a few volleys cleared the field
in front. Still the rebel force in the underbrush to the
left kept up a very annoying fire, until the Second Mis-
October, 1862. THE BATTLE OF PERRYVILLE. 35
souri Infantry moved across the front under General
Sheridan's direction, charged into and cleared the
thicket. This regiment, contrary to the usual equip-
ment, was armed with the sword bayonet, and met with
heavy loss in this charge. After his efforts to retake the
lost position had been repulsed, the enemy remained in-
active on this part of his line for some three hours or
more.
The day was clear and the range of hills just beyond
Doctor's creek afforded a fine view of the valley of that
stream extending northeast to Chaplin river. In this
valley were small farms, the homes of a peaceful com-
munity, unused to the 'bloody scenes about to be enacted
in its midst. Fields, from which the wheat had been
gathered, now rank with ragweed. Corn standing in
the shock, orchards that had yielded up their mellow
fruit, and the timbered ridges which here and there ex-
tended into the valley from the west all these were to
be swept and torn before night by the hurricane of war.
About ten o'clock the advance of McCook's corps
arrived in the valley, and from the elevated position
occupied by the Eighty-fifth, his troops could be seen as
they came into line of battle across the foot-hills, without
a shot being fired. When the First corps deployed there
remained but the usual interval between McCook's right
and the left of the Thirty-sixth brigade. But suddenly,
and without warning, the enemy, who nad been con-
cealed in the heavy timber in his front and east of the
creek, made a furious attack along his entire line, and
about one o'clock the Thirty-sixth brigade started to
his assistance. It had not gone far, however, when the
enemy advanced again to assault and carry the line of
36 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. October, 1862.
hills the brigade had seized in the morning, and quickly
returning under orders, the command resumed its
former position.
The recall of the brigade was most opportune, for no
sooner had it returned to its original line, than the enemy
opened with two batteries, under cover of which his
assaulting column began the advance. To this fire the
batteries of the division at once responded, and for a time
there was a well-sustained artillery duel. Soon, how-
ever, our batteries turned their attention to the advanc-
ing lines of infantry, using shell at first, then case and
canister. This did not check the determined advance,
and when the enemy came within short musket range
our batteries ceased firing; the infantry advanced and
poured into the rebel ranks a most destructive fire. The
action was short, sharp and decisive. The rebel lines
wavered for a moment and the next found the enemy in
full retreat. During the action Carlin's brigade of
Mitchell's division arrived on the right of Sheridan;
wheeled partly to the left; struck the retreating enemy
in the flank, and pursued him beyond Perryville. In
this pursuit Carlin captured two caissons, an ammunition
train of fifteen wagons, and a train guard of one hundred
and thirty-eight men.
As soon as the enemy was driven from Sheridan's
front, his batteries were turned upon the masses of the
enemy now surging against the right of McCook's
corps. No longer menaced by the enemy on their own
front, the men of the Thirty-sixth brigade had an unob-
structed view of the terrible battle ranging along the
front of the First corps. The quiet rural scene of the
morning, whereon they had watched McCook set his
October, 1862. THE BATTLE OF PERRYVILLE. 37
troops in battle array without a sound of strife, now rilled
with flame and fury, had become a veritable valley of
death. The shells from our batteries could be seen tear-
ing through the masses of the enemy, or bursting in the
midst of his serried column, as he recklessly charged the
Union line. The fleecy smoke rose from the batteries
of friend and foe and hung in the palpitating air. The
spiteful puffs from the file firing marked the infantry line,
while far to the rear a burning barn, fired by rebel shells,
appeared. In full view, the wounded who were still able
to walk, were drifting to the rear, while the stretcher
bearers bore the more severely wounded back from the
blue line, so stubbornly contesting every inch of the
ground. So the battle ebbed and flowed, until darkness
closed the eventful day upon a never-to-be-forgotten
scene ; one which neither tongue nor pen can adequately
describe.
The determined resistance made by McCook's corps,
aided by the batteries of Sheridan's division, and the
arrival of fresh troops, prevented the enemy from pursu-
ing his advantage to a successful conclusion. His plan
was rendered abortive ; no definite results were obtained
by his desperate fighting, and as soon as darkness inter-
vened he retreated, leaving the fielcl with his killed and
wounded in possession of the Union army. The enemy
abandoned the field so quietly that his retreat was not
known until the advance began at daylight on the next
morning.
The losses in the Eighty-fifth were less in number
than might have been expected, considering the work
accomplished, but more than were sustained by any
other regiment in the Thirty-sixth brigade. According
38 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. October, 1862.
to a table published in the Rebellion Records,* the bri-
gade loss was : Seven killed ; 63 wounded, and 9 miss-
ing, total, 79. In this same table, which purports to
be a revised list, the loss in the Eighty-fifth is given as
5 killed, 38 wounded and 9 missing. Assistant Surgeon
P. L/. Dieffenbacher has kindly furnished the names of
the killed and wounded, but as his list shows the number
wounded to be less than the revised list published in the
War Records, we must conclude that several men were
slightly wounded who did not report to the surgeon. It
is not possible to give the names of such, nor is it possible
to give the names of the missing. The following are the
names of killed and wounded, according to the list fur-
nished the writer by Surgeon Dieffenbacher :
COMPANY A.
KILLED Corporal Benjamin White, Lemuel Y. Nash.
WOUNDED First Sergeant Albert G. Beebe, Sergeant Daniel
Havens, William D. Blizzard, Gibson Bass, and William M.
Thompson.
COMPANY B.
WOUNDED Lieutenant Charles W. Pierce, Thomas M. Bell, Ben-
jamin F. Kratzer, Ellis Southwood.
COMPANY C.
KILLED Henry Shay, Orlando Stewart.
WOUNDED Sergeant John H. Duvall, James S. Chester, Chan-
ning Clark, William Newberry, Jonathan P. Temple.
COMPANY D.
KILLED Sergeant Freman Brought.
WOUNDED William Davis.
COMPANY E.
WOUNDED William F. Allen, Royal A. Clary, James Lynn.
COMPANY G.
WOUNDED John Aten.
* Vol. LXVI, page 1036, Rebellion Records.
ROBERT G. RIDER.
MAJOR.
tn m
UNIYERSm of ILLINOIS
October, 1862. THE BATTLE OF PERRYVILLE. 41
COMPANY H.
WOUNDED Henry Bloomfield, Marion Horton, Solomon Meyers,
Lemuel J. Sayres, Daniel Worley.
COMPANY I.
WOUNDED Sergeant Laban V. Tartar, Corporal James Mosland-
er, William Minner, John Watson.
COMPANY K.
WOUNDED Jefferson Bowers, Isaac Fountain.
When the eventful day closed, it was with a sense of
infinite relief that the tired, hungry men threw them-
selves upon their blankets for rest and sleep. They
began the fight without breakfast ; had no dinner, and
now when night came the arbitrary orders of a grossly
incompetent corps commander prevented the issue of
rations until mid-night. All had looked' forward to the
test of battle with more or less solicitude, lest some
should fail to meet the stern demands of duty when the
supreme hour of trial should come. But the men the
boys in the ranks had proved themselves true born
heroes, while the officers had shared with them alike the
danger and the glory of the day. The Eighty-fifth had
established a Deputation for both fighting and staying
qualities ; a reputation that must be sustained in all future
actions, and now, confident in themselves and in each
other, officers and men awaited the coming of another
day.
At daylight on the morning of the Qth, the advance
began by moving the troops, not engaged the previous
day, against the left of the enemy. This movement soon
developed the fact that the enemy had retreated during
the night. Bragg had quietly and in good order retired,
leaving his killed and wounded on the battlefield. About
42 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. October, 1862.
noon the Thirty-sixth brigade moved across the field
from which the enemy had delivered his attack on
McCook's corps, and after a short march camped at
Perry ville; remaining in this camp throughout the loth
and nth. In the meantime burial parties gave the dead
of both friend and foe decent burial. At places on the
field the dead were scattered very thick ; bearing striking
proof of the deadly character of the conflict. The writer
remembers a point where a Confederate battery had been
taken and retaken. There the Union and rebel dead
appeared in about equal numbers, and among them the
faithful horses that had drawn the battery into action.
Considering the number of troops engaged, the
losses were severe, amounting to 4,348 in killed,
wounded and missing more than one-fifth of the force
engaged on the Union side. The loss of the enemy was
never known, but it must have equaled, if it did not ex-
ceed, ours. Bragg in his official report admits a loss of
twenty-five hundred prisoners, but as fully 4,000 prison-
ers, consisting mostly of sick and wounded, fell into our
hands, he must have reported, as he usually did, much
less than his actual loss.
Buel reported the strength of his command before
the battle at 58,000 effective men ; less than one-half of
which was brought into action. The entire Confederate
force in Kentucky did not exceed 40,000 men, and of
this force fully 15,000 men were under Kirby Smith near
Frankfort, too far from the battlefield to render Bragg
any assistance whatever. But when the time came for
striking a decisive blow, the Union commander failed to
use his whole force, and the battle of Perryville furnishes
a signal example of lost opportunities. Buel had a
October, 1862. THE BATTLE OF PERRYVILLE. 43
largely preponderating force; his men were well
equipped and eager to be led against the enemy, but he
utterly failed to rise to the demands of the occasion.
General Don Carlos Buel graduated in the class of
1841 at the West Point Military Academy, and served
in the War with Mexico, where he was wounded and won
the brevet rank of major. From 1847 to 1861 he served
as assistant adjutant general in the regular army, and
his long service in the routine of a bureau office probably
unfitted him for handling, on the battlefield, the large
number of troops which composed his command. After
finding the enemy and closing down on his position on
the evening of the /th, it appears to have been Buel's
plan to spend the following day in preparing to fight a
great battle on the 9th. But the Confederate com-
mander disposed of that proposition by striking quick
and hard on the 8th. Bragg was well known to be a
fighting man, and a breach of the peace should have been
expected by Buel, as soon as our army appeared within
the usual murdering distance of the enemy.
Although Buel was a soldier by education, he was
without confidence in himself or in -the troops he com-
manded. This lack of confidence was mutual, the troops
distrusting the ability of their commander many going
to the extent of questioning his loyalty. This unfortu-
nate feeling was well nigh universal and was shared alike
by both officers and men. General Thomas had urged
Buel to fight at Sparta, Tennessee, before Bragg entered
upon his gigantic raid in Kentucky. A corps com-
mander, distinguished for his soldierly instinct, severely
censured Buel for failing to attack the enemy at Glas-
gow and other points, while the two armies were march-
44 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. October, 1862.
ing on parallel roads in Kentucky, so near each other
that a battle might have been brought on if there had
been any desire to fight. General McCook told the
writer within a few years that if Buel had sent him any
one of the five divisions standing idle, and in easy reach,
at three o'clock in the afternoon at Perryville, he would
have destroyed .that part of Bragg's army with which his
corps was engaged.
In the reorganization of the army at Louisville, some
seemingly inexcusable blunders were committed. The
division which General Thomas, doubtless the most able
officer in our army, composed of veterans he had led so
long, was taken away from him, and he was named as
second in command, which really left this capable officer
without any command whatever. But worst of all, by
some "hocus pocus" unexplained to this day, Charles
C. Gilbert, who had not then been appointed a general
officer by the President, was assigned to the command
of the Third corps. Without experience or other quali-
fication, Gilbert was undoubtedly the worst appointment
to command an army corps made during the war. On
the day of battle, in utter disregard of the necessities of
his troops, he left the men short of rations throughout
the day and until late the following night. Even then
his abritrary orders were only relaxed at the earnest so-
licitation of General Sheridan. Fortunately for his coun-
try, the battle of Perryville was the first and last appear-
ance of this incompetent officer as a corps commander.
After three days had been frittered away in useless
tactical manoeuvres, a timid advance was resumed on the
1 2th. The division moved through Danville and Lan-
caster, where the batteries exchanged a few shots with
October, 1862. THE BATTLE OF PERRYVIIJ,E. 45
the rear guard of the enemy. But the foe was quickly
routed and the march continued without further inter-
ruption through Stanford to Crab Orchard, where the
command arrived on the evening of the I5th. Bragg
had made good his escape and the invasion of Kentucky
was ended.
It is a noteworthy fact that the campaign in Ken-
tucky caused the most bitter feeling in the opposing
armies against their respective commanders. But per-
haps the feeling of disappointment was greatest among
the Confederates, and certainly the most difficult for
them to bear. They had entered upon the Kentucky
campaign under the promise of 20,000 recruits for the
rebel cause, and had brought guns along to supply that
number of recruits with arms. But the hoped for upris-
ing did not occur; the arms were never taken from the
wagons, and needlessly encumbered the train of the flee-
ing foe as he returned to Tennessee. General Bragg
did not consider so far as the Confederacy was con-
cerned that the state was worth fighting for, and now,
disappointed in his scheme of conquest, and bitterly cen-
sured by his own army, he made haste to get beyond the
barrier the Cumberland river was supposed to afford.
On Thursday, the i6th, F. S. Henfling, of Company
F, was accidentally shot in the leg. The regiment had
been out to give the men an opportunity to discharge
their guns, and it seems probable that some gun missed
fire, which may account for the accident. The wound
proved fatal, Henfling dying a few days later in the hos-
pital.
On Sunday, the iQth, the regiment was detailed for
picket duty. Rest for the tired men and animals had
46 HISTORY OF THE 85TH IIJJNOIS. October, 1862.
been the order of the day at Crab Orchard, and the new
troops especially enjoyed their stay in that genial cli-
mate. But the next day orders were received for a con-
centration of the army at Bowling Green, and in the
early morning the regiment took up the line of march
from the picket line. After a march of twenty miles the
regiment camped for the night on a stream known as
Rolling Fork. The line of march led the Thirty-Sixth
brigade through Lebanon, Parkville, New Market and
Campbellsville. A fall of six inches of snow during the
night and early morning of the 25th was the only inci-
dent that happened to relieve the monotony of the
march. This was a new, if not an agreeable, experience
for troops without tents or shelter of any kind.
On Saturday, November ist, the regiment arrived
at Bowling Green. That night the tents which had been
left at Louisville, were brought up, the mails arrived and
were distributed, and from letters and papers received
from home the men learned of the progress or the war
the fortune that had followed the other armies in the
broad field. They also learned without regret that Buel
had been removed. From General Orders it appeared
that our army, heretofore known as the Army of the
Ohio, had been designated as the Army of the Cumber-
land, under the command of Major General W. S. Rose-
crans.
November, 1862. ADVANCE TO NASHVILLE. 47
CHAPTER V.
The dark and gloomy days in which the Eighty-fifth
entered the field were followed, as dark days usually are,
by brighter and more hopeful ones. The operations of
General Lee in Virginia and Maryland; of General
Bragg in Tennessee and Kentucky, and of Generals
Price and VanDorn in Northern Mississippi, during the
summer and autumn of 1862, covered the broadest field
and displayed the boldest aggression of the Confederate
armies during the war. For a time the tide of invasion
ran high in the east, where Lee pressed the Union army
back into Maryland, but at Antietam he met a bloody
defeat and his army was forced to retire into Virginia to
defend the approaches to the Confederate Capital. In
Kentucky some of the rebel rangers may have caught a
hasty glimpse of the Ohio river, but after the battle of
Perry ville Bragg made haste to get behind the moun-
tains of Tennessee. Just when General Bragg lost hope
completely is not revealed, but at the moment when suc-
cess seemed within his grasp, his bold strategy failed and
he drifted about in Kentucky until expelled by a far from
energetic pursuit. But when Price and VanDorn at-
tempted to play the role of invaders in Mississippi, and
perform their part in the scheme of invading the North
the result was different. Confronting them was the
small army under General Grant, in positions chosen
with admirable skill. And instead of retreating and call-
ing loudly and without ceasing for reinforcements, like
McClellan and Buel, the hero of Donelson and Shiloh
defeated the enemy at luka, routed him at Corinth, and
48 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. November, 1862.
dispersed the foe at the Hatchie river. Grant not only
did not retreat, but fixed more firmly than ever his re-
lentless grasp on that end of the Confederacy.
But promising as was the beginning of these cam-
paigns to the South, like all others of similar character
throughout the war, actual accomplishment fell far below
Southern expectation. And when General Lee retreated
from the battlefield of Antietam, General Bragg from
Perryville, and Generals Price and_VanDorn from luka,
Corinth and the Hatchie river, the Southern people saw
plainly that the war was still to bring desolation to their
homes and destruction to their section. They realized
that their boldest strategy and the exertion of their full
strength could only delay, but could not permanently
prevent the advance of the Federal armies. During
September and October the invading armies were driven
back within the original limits of the Confederacy, and
new offensive campaigns planned, the main one in the
west, looking to the reconquest of Tennessee and North-
ern Alabama, to be executed by the Army of the Cum-
berland.
On Tuesday morning, November 4th, marching
orders were received, the destination being Nashville,
Tennessee. All soldiers not able to march were sent to
the general hospital which had been established at Bowl-
ing Green. That evening the brigade camped a few
miles beyond Franklin, and the next day crossed the
state line and camped at Mitchellville in Sumner County,
Tennessee. Here the Eighty-fifth was detailed for guard
duty and remained at Mitchellville until noon on the 8th,
when the march was resumed. The regiment arrived at
Edgefield, a handsome suburb of Nashville, at noon on
November, 1862. ADVANCE TO NASHVILLE. 49
Monday, the loth, and camped on a plateau north of the
river and just outside the little town.
On Wednesday, the I2th, the division was reviewed
by General Rosecrans, and the men saw the new army
commander for the first time. The change of command-
ers was hailed with delight, and, while almost any change
would have been acceptable, the appointment of Rose-
crans, fresh from his well-earned victories in Mississippi,
was especially gratifying. Nor was he long in winning
the entire confidence of his new command.
On the i Qth there was a detail made from the Eighty-
fifth, under command of Captain Scott, to guard a train
sent out for forage. This detail had proceeded some
sixteen miles down the Cumberland river, when a tree,
suddenly and without warning, fell across one of the
wagons, instantly killing William S. Potter and William
Ray, of Company E. These men were sitting near the
middle of the wagon, and others sitting in front and rear
of them, in the same wagon, escaped wholly unharmed.
On Friday, the 2ist, the Thirty-sixth brigade went
on a foraging expedition. This trip, as well as others
made in the next month, were made with the full equip-
ment necessary for fighting a battle if necessary, the bat-
tery accompanying the brigade. The expedition re-
turned the next evening with sixty beef cattle, two hun-
dred hogs, seventy-five sheep, and a large amount of hay
and corn.
On Saturday, the 22nd, the division marched
through Nashville, and out on the Murfreesboro pike,
some seven miles to the crossing of Mill creek. At this
point the Eighty-fifth camped near the turnpike, and on
the eastern slope of a timbered hill. On the 25th the
50 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. November, 1862.
regiment went on picket, the outposts overlooking the
valley of Mill creek. On the hills beyond the outposts the
enemy could be distinctly seen. Bragg was concentrat-
ing the rebel army at Murfreesboro, and had strong out-
posts at Lavergne, his cavalry pickets being advanced to
the south banks of Mill Creek valley. In the immediate
presence of the enemy it was usual for one-third of the
command detailed for picket duty to be kept on outpost
guard, one-third kept awake and under arms at the
reserve post, and one-third allowed to sleep beside the
fires. The guards on outpost duty from Company G
brought in two prisoners captured at a farm house near
the line during the day.
At Peoria the Eighty-fifth was supplied with large
Sibley tents, five of which were allowed to each com-
pany. The men had by this time learned to make
themselves quite comfortable. As soon as the
weather became cold enough to require fires various
kinds of fireplaces were improvised, and in this way
made the large tents very pleasant and cheerful.
Bayonets stuck in the ground answered the purpose
of candlesticks, the accoutrements were hung to
the center pole, while around its base were grouped the
shining Enfield rifles. The men told stories, sang songs,
wrote letters, played cards or checkers according to incli-
nation, until tattoo and taps, when the lights went out
and the men went to bed. When lighted up of an even-
ing the camp at Mill creek seen from a distance pre-
sented a very pretty picture. The white tents, standing
in regular rows, and each lit up within, appeared as snug
and cozy as any rustic village scene.
During the month of November the following
November, 1862. ADVANCE TO NASHVILLE. 51
changes took place among the company officers: On
the 1 2th John W. Neal, second lieutenant of Company
A, resigned and returned home, and Private Daniel
Westfall was promoted to be his successor. On the
same day First Lieutenant Lafayette Curless, of Com-
pany G, resigned, and Second Lieutenant John M. Rob-
ertson was promoted to be first lieutenant, and First
Sergeant D. L. Musselman was chosen second lieuten-
ant. Captain Nathaniel McClelland, First Lieutenant
Luke Elliot, and Second Lieutenant William Cothern,
all of Company H, resigned during the month, and Pri-
vate David Maxwell was chosen captain, Private James
T. McNeil, first lieutenant, and Private Washington M.
Shields, second lieutenant of Company H.
During the month of October and November death
was busy in the ranks, his victims being found in the hos-
pitals at Louisville, Harrodsburg, Danville and Bowling
Green. Those dying were : John W. Bradburn, David
A. Gordon, Franklin Gill more and Corporal Joseph F.
Rodgers, of Company A; Henry Connor and Samuel
Danawain, of Company B; William Clark, Ephraim
Gates, John A. Gardner, George Gregor)'-, Daniel W.
Hastings, Robert S. Moore, Joseph O'Donnell, Eben-
ezer Paul, George W. Reynolds, Archibald J. Stubble-
field and Corporal William C. Pelham, of Company C;
Michael Ekis, William A. Mence and Christopher Shutt,
of Company E ; Henry Henfling, F. S. Henfling, Henry
Stalder, John Turner and Alexander Woodcock, of
Company F; John Cunningham and William Cunning-
ham, of Company H ; Wilson Hughes and Thomas J.
Roves, of Company I ; First Sergeant Robert F. Rea-
son, Corporal : William K. Rose, George H. Cottrell,
52 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. December, 1862.
Charles P. Riddle, Moses Shaw, Michael Speicht and
Everard Tegard, of Company K.
CHAPTER VI.
Active preparations were making for an advance of
the army and a battle that all felt must be fought for the
possession of middle Tennessee. There were many skir-
mishes and affairs of outposts which, in one instance at
least, approached almost to the dignity of battle. Trie
foragers had almost daily encounters with the enemy,
but all these were only incidental to the concentration of
two large armies, each of which was anxious to try the
issue of battle once more.
In the reorganization of the army which took place
about the beginning of the month, the Thirty-sixth bri-
gade was detached from Sheridan's division, and on the
loth returned to Nashville for garrison duty. General
Rosecrans had assigned Brigadier Robert B. Mitchell to
the command of that important post, with the brigades
of Brigadier James D. Morgan and Colonel Daniel Mc-
Cook, to garrison the city. Of the departure of tfie bri-
gade from his division, General Sheridan said:* "Col-
onel Daniel McCook's brigade reluctantly joined the
garrison at Nashville, everyone in it disappointed and
disgusted that the circumstances at the time existing
should necessitate their relegation to the harassing and
tantalizing duty of protecting our depots and line of sup-
ply." On arriving at Nashville the brigade went into
* Vol. I, page 210, General Sheridan's Personal Memoirs.
December, 1862. GARRISON AT NASHVILLE. 53
camp not far from where the Vanderbilt University now
stands and occupied that camp or one in the immediate
vicinity during its term of service in the Nashville garri-
son.
The two brigades assigned to garrison Nashville in
December, 1862, remained together until the close of the
war, and were composed of the following commands :
FIRST BRIGADE.
General James D. Morgan Commanding.
Tenth Illionis Colonel John Tillson.
Sixteenth Illinois Colonel Robert F. Smith.
Sixtieth Illinois Colonel Silas C. Toler.
Tenth Michigan Lieutenant-Colonel C. J. Dickerson.
Fourteenth Michigan Colonel Myndert W. Quackenbush.
SECOND BRIGADE.
Colonel Daniel McCook Commanding.
Eighty-fifth Illinois Colonel Robert S. Moore.
Eighty-sixth Illinois Lieutenant-Colonel D. W. Magee.
One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Illinois Col. Oscar F. Harmon.
Fifty-second Ohio Lieutenant-Colonel D. D. T. Cowen.
ARTILLERY.
Captain Charles M. Barnett Commanding.
Battery I, Second Illinois.
The First brigade had been on garrison duty at this
place since the beginning of the Confederate invasion of
Kentucky. It was strong in numbers, thoroughly
drilled, and officers and men appeared the seasoned vet-
eran soldiers that they were.
The campaign from Louisville to Nashville had been
necessarily severe on the new troops. The men had been
given and set out on this their first campaign with the
full allowance of equipment, consisting of all that mys-
terious and curiously contrived outfit which was for a
long time issued to the infantry an outfit that no old
54 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. December, 1862.
soldier would, and no new soldier could carry and wear
without breaking- down. The result was that many
broke down under the unreasonable burdens, while the
bad water available along the line of march, owing to the
prevailing drouth, produced much sickness, which had
greatly thinned the ranks of the Second brigade.
All through the winter the camp regulations were
very strict, no one being allowed to pass the limits of the
camp without written permission. Reveille sounded
every morning at half-past five o'clock. Roll-caH fol-
lowed immediately, every man being required to take his
place in line in the company street, those failing to re-
spond being placed on extra duty. Then followed prep-
arations for breakfast, after which the grounds were
thoroughly policed. At half-past eight came guard-
mount, a part of the detail being assigned for picket duty
and a part for camp guard. At half-past nine company
drill began, lasting from one to two hours. In the early
afternoon there was battalion drill, and at half-past four
came dress parade. Before the command left Nashville,
guard-mount, battalion drill and dress parade became
very elaborate affairs.
The first thing demanding the attention of the new
commander on his arrival at Nashville was the supply of
his army. The railroad from Louisville to Nashville had
been badly damaged by rebel cavalry raids and at least
one long tunnel blown up. But the railroad was re-
paired and the line of supply reopened, and sufficient
supplies accumulated to justify an advance against the
enemy. New clothing was issued and the divisions left
on guard at points on the railroad were drawn in and
placed in camps south of the city. During the first two
December, 1862. GARRISON AT NASHVILLE- 55
months of his command General Rosecrans had been
untiring in his efforts to assimilate with his army the
new troops that had been attached, and had obtained
authority from Washington to dismiss from the army all
officers who failed from any cause to do their whole duty.
Under this authority many officers were permitted to
resign their resignation being endorsed at army head-
quarters "for the good of the service."
On the 26th General Rosecrans with 47,000 men of
all arms began the advance against the enemy, who was
known to be fully as strong in numbers and in a position
of his own choice in front of Murfreesboro. The advance
met with stubborn resistance, which steadily increased
until the battle of Stone River had been fought and won
and Murfreesboro wrested from the defeated foe. Early
in the day the roar of artillery could be distinctly heard
in the camp of the Eighty-fifth, and from that time there
were rumors of disaster to the Union army. These
rumors may have been inspired in part by the citizens of
the city, who were notoriously disloyal, and in part by
anxiety caused by the well-known fact that the rebel
army was quite as strong in numbers as that of its assail-
ant. These rumors and the impossibility of getting reli-
able news from the front made the closing days of the
year days of great anxiety for the "Government people"
at Nashville.
At noon on January 2nd, 1863, the Eighty-fifth, with
the Fourteenth Michigan, and a brigade of Kentucky
and Tennessee troops, moved out on the Murfreesboro
pike. While waiting tHere we learned from soldiers re-
turning from the front, who had been slightly wounded,
that a bloody battle was still in progress, and that while
56 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. January, 1863.
it had opened on the morning of December 3ist, with a
decided advantage to the enemy, who at that time as-
sumed the offensive, that since noon of that day the bat-
tle had been in favor of the Union arms. Moreover, we
learned another thing, which at first was disagreeable
news, but after a moment's reflection was accepted as an
assurance that our army was not only still fighting, but
proposed to continue the battle. This report was that
a large train loaded with provisions and ammunition,
which had been sent out from Nashville, had been at-
tacked that morning at Lavergne by rebel cavalry, the
guards dispersed, and the train captured and destroyed,
and that the command was then waiting to guard an-
other train to the front. This train was composed of
three hundred and three heavily loaded wagons, contain-
ing both provisions and ammunition.
It was near sunset when the long train closed up on
the pike, and the long night's march began. Near the
asylum, some seven miles out, the advance had a sharp
fight with the cavalry of the enemy, in which the enemy
was routed, with the loss of several in killed and wounded
and ten prisoners. Soon after dark, as if the elements
were in league with the foe, rain began to pour down,
which continued without ceasing throughout the weary
night. At Lavergne the command passed the wreck of
the train captured in the morning, the wagons still burn-
ing. The turnpike was in fairly good condition and
steadily, hour after hour, the men marched on through
mud and rain and darkness, to the tedious rumble of the
wagons. The tiresome monotony of the march was only
broken when some driver felt called upon to exhort his
mules with warlike language to greater effort. It was a
P. L. DIKFFlfiNBACHKR,
SL'KGECm,
57
Of H<f
uf ILLINOIS
January. 1863. GARRISON AT NASHVILLE. 59
hideous night, but knowing that our comrades at the
front were hungry and in need of both food and ammu-
nition, the thought sustained the men, and after a night
march of thirty-two miles, the train was delivered on the
line of battle the next morning about the usual hour for
breakfast. During the day the Eighty-fifth was moved
to support threatened points in the line, and in the even-
ing it supported the charging column that broke through
the rebel right. The experience of the regiment through-
out the day was a most trying one, as the fire to which it
was subjected could not be returned, while shot and shell
fell all around ; but, strangely enough, not a man of the
regiment was killed, although a few were slightly
wounded.
That night the enemy retreated and the Eighty-fifth
returned with the wagon train to Nashville. It is doubt-
ful if any infantry regiment ever endured a longer march,
without rest, than that of the Eighty-fifth to Murfrees-
boro and return. In two nights, with a day of battle
intervening, the regiment marched sixty-four miles. Nor
was the length of the march all, for both ways it had to
guard a train, which always adds to the discomforts of
the march.
The wounded at the battle of Stone River were:
Robert Porter, of Company B ; George Cooper, of Com-
pany G ; John E. Jackson and Lester N. Morris, of Com-
pany K.
The following were the changes among the regi-
mental and company officers during the month of De-
cember : Samuel F. Wright, regimental quartermaster,
was dismissed from the service, and Haloway W. Light-
cap, of Havana, Illinois, was commissioned to be his sue-
60 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. January, 1863.
cessor. Comfort H. Ramon, first lieutenant of Com-
pany D, resigned, and Second Lieutenant Charles H.
Chatfield, was promoted to first lieutenant, and Sergeant
William W. Turner was promoted to be second lieuten-
ant. Joseph M. Plunket, first lieutenant of Company E,
resigned, and Sergeant Hugh A. Trent was promoted
to be his successor. Captain William McClelland, of
Company G, resigned and returned home, and Private
Henry S. LaTourrette was commissioned to succeed
him.
Death came very near claiming a victim for each day
in the month of December. Those dying were : Cor-
poral George M. Welch, Edmond Cratty, Aurelius Lay-
ton, Hiram Mason, Wesley J. Whittaker and Martin L.
White, of Company A; Thomas E. Paul and Jasper N.
Wilcox, of Company B ; Samuel Derwent, Hiram Ram-
sey and William Smith, of Company C; Daniel Kicer,
John W. Price, Merton Steley and Ira Welch, of Com-
pany D ; David Armstrong and Wesley Frost, of Com-
pany E; John E. Bolen, Daniel Hays and Samuel Still,
of Company G; George W. Shaw, of Company H;
Edward McCroskey and Jasper Wilcox, of Company I ;
Corporal Thomas Jemmison, Romeo MaGill, David B.
Colglazier, Abner D. Griffin and John Zanise, of Com-
pany K.
January, 1863. GARRISON AT NASHVILLE. 61
CHAPTER VII.
The battle of Stone River was not only a very bloody
one, but exhibited in a marked degree the endurance of
Rosecrans and his army. The two army commanders
had conceived a precisely similar plan of battle, each in-
tending to turn and crush the other's right flank. Bragg
won in the outset by attacking an hour earlier than the
time set by Rosecrans for his assault. At first the dash
of the Southern troops was resistless, and before noon on
the 3 ist, the right of the Union army had been doubled
back on the center. But here, as usual, the tide was
turned. The impetuous rush of the Southern soldier
had spent itself, and the superior staying qualities of his
Northern opponent began to tell. The enemy's success
of the morning had not been gained without desperate
fighting and heavy loss, and when the extent of the dis-
aster to his right flank, with its crushing force was re-
vealed to the commander of the Union army, he realized
the full burden of his responsibility, and rising to tRe
demands of the hour he was simply superb. Far the
greater part of his troops had never seen Rosecrans
under the enemy's fire before, and seeing him riding fear-
lessly on the extreme front, cool and collected in the heat
of battle, giving orders and encouraging his men, his
presence was an inspiration. Personal bravery was sel-
dom more strikingly displayed. And as Rosecrans
dashed from one point to another, he massed his artillery
where his quick eye saw the exposed points, and with
manifest confidence in ultimate success, he showed that
he had confidence in his men. Nobly they responded to
62 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. January, 1863.
the enthusiasm of their commander, and guided by his
unconquered spirit, they plucked victory from impend-
ing defeat.
When General Bragg retired to Murfreesboro after
his Kentucky campaign, he fully expected to remain
there unmolested through the winter. No one dreamed
that Rosecrans would attack the place before spring, and
there was high festivity among the insurgents about
Christmas time. One of the most dashing of the rebel
cavalry leaders was married in Murfreesboro, the cere-
mony being performed by Bishop and General L,eonidas
Polk, the Confederate President being present as a
guest. On this occasion the floor was carpeted with a
United States flag, on which the company danced, to sig-
nify that they had put its authority under their feet, but
their revelry was rudely interrupted by the unexpected
advance of the defenders of the National flag.
In the campaign which ended in the occupation of
Murfreesboro, the losses had been very heavy. General
Bragg reported his losses at ten thousand in killed,
wounded and captured, while General Rosecrans lost in
killed 1,553, wounded 7,245 and 2,800 prisoners total
11,598. Thus more than 25 per cent of the troops en-
gaged on the Union side had been lost, nor was this all.
Rosecrans had lost 28 pieces of artillery and a large por-
tion of his wagon train had been captured and destroyed.
But a victory had been gained by the Army of the Cum-
berland, and in view of the early success of the enemy, it
was a great victory. The final battle for Kentucky had
been fought by the enemy and lost. The victory for the
Union was a long stride toward the restoration of the
status of the preceding summer in Middle Tennessee.
January, 1863. GARRISON AT NASHVILLE. 63
The railroad from Nashville to Murfreesboro had
been broken, and until its track could be repaired and its
bridges rebuilt, the army depended solely on wagon
trains for supplies. The vastness of the daily demand,
the reduced wagon train and the contingencies of bad
weather and bad roads, made it imprudent to immedi-
ately increase the force at the front, where the men were
already on half rations and in need of clothing. Then,
too, at that period of the war it was considered necessary,
after each great battle, to spend some time in reorganiz-
ing the army and in filling vacancies caused by loss in
action. But it is a universal principle that there is no
vacancy in an army while in the field. The instant a
superior falls, the man next in rank to him takes his place
without an order, without an assignment. The col-
onel replaces the general, the line officer the field officer,
the non-commissioned officer the commissioned officer.
However, vacancies may be filled by orders from head-
quarters, whatever form promotions may take, this is the
invariable rule in action. As soon as a vacancy occurs,
the man next in rank fills it the moment he knows it
exists, and he continues to fill it till superior orders make
a different arrangement. If, therefore, supplies could
have been transported to the front sufficient for the de-
mands of the army, together with the reinforcements
then near at hand, the enemy might have been pursued
within a few days after the battle ended. As it was, How-
ever, the army remained at Murfreesboro until well into
the next summer.
The most elaborate fortifications were erected at
Murfreesboro during the six months which followed the
occupation of that place. Earthworks of the strongest
64 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. January, 1863.
type were thrown up on the high ground between the
town and Stone's river, on each side of the railroad, and
on the elevated ground north of the river. These heavy
works were commanded in turn by a succession of forts,
which offered vulnerable sides to the great central fort-
ress. And in front of the camps of the army, lines of
lighter works were thrown up. These defenses a year
later furnished refuge for troops stationed for the protec-
tion of communications and the depot of supplies at
Murfreesboro, but no great army ever had an opportun-
ity of defeating a greater army by their friendly aid.
At this period of the war, the cavalry of the enemy
outnumbered that arm of the service in the Army of the
Cumberland at least two to one. These troopers were
nearly all veterans in the service ; led with dash and skill ;
accustomed to all the hardships and privations of their
calling, and it was amazing with what rapidity they
moved and the amount of fatigue they could undergo.
Small bands of rebel cavalry continually raided the
Louisville & Nashville railroad, burning bridges, de-
stroying trestle work, water tanks and stations. In a
report of the superintendent of that road for the year
ending July ist, 1863, he states that during this time,
"The road has been operated for its entire length only
seven months and twelve days. All the bridges and
trestle-work on the line, except the bridge over Barren
river and four small bridges, were destroyed and rebuilt
during the year."
As the army was dependent upon this railroad for the
bulk of its suppiles, it can readily be seen that the men
must live on short rations, and endure the winter with a
limited supply of clothing. Indeed, for the first few
January, 1863. GARRISON AT NASHVILLE. 65
weeks after the battle of Stone River, the troops were on
half rations, and many of the articles constituting the
"ration" were entirely dispensed with, leaving but three
or four on the list. The surrounding country for miles
was scoured for forage and provisions. Everything of
that kind was gathered by foraging parties, strong
enough in numbers to fight a battle if found necessary.
In many instances these foraging parties left scarce
enough for the actual necessities of the inhabitants. To
such an extreme did this shortage of food extend that
officers who had the means to purchase what they needed
found potatoes and onions luxuries beyond their reach.
And this deplorable condition was even worse with the
troops on garrison duty at Nashville, as they could not
reach the country where forage and vegetables could be
obtained in any quantity, and the whole army was threat-
ened with the scurvy.
Among the smaller annoyances of soldier life on
ground that had long been used for camps, was the un-
ending struggle with that pestiferous little insect known
to military men as the "greyback." Perhaps a few had
made his acquaintance before, but his presence did not
become general until the regiment located on the old
camp grounds at Nashville. From that time forward,
the command was abundantly supplied with this numer-
ous, industrious and persistent camp follower. It was
one of the serious annoyances of army life, and no
amount of care on the part of the soldier could perma-
nently rid him of the pest. Boiling the clothes and the
most diligent and unwearied "skirmishing" on the part
of the soldier only kept them in check, but did not exter-
minate them. Two or three days and nights of active
66 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. January, 1863.
service, in which the clothing could not be removed,
gave ample assurance that the pest was still there, ready
for business at the old stand. Nor did these unwearied
workers have any respect for rank, but subjected officers
and men alike to his bite. All had to "skirmish," as the
work of hunting through the seams of the soldiers' cloth-
ing was called.
A few months of army life bring out the characteris-
tics of the men; not only their aptness to acquire the
habits of a soldier, but their courage and their devotion
to duty. The reputation of a man as a citizen at home
did not always prove a suitable standard with which to
measure him as a soldier. The brawling bully, the ter-
ror of the community in which he lived the man who is
always ready to fight his neighbor, is among the first to
skulk from duty, the first to act the coward's part in bat-
tle. The modest, timid boy, or bashful man, becomes
the trusty soldier, who would rather suffer than neglect
his duty or disobey an order, rather die than desert his
post or leave the ranks while under fire. The morals of
the reckless dare-devil improve under military discipline,
while those of his comrades of more pious pretensions
become greatly modified if not wholly wrecked. The
man of great strength and giant proportions frequently
falls a prey to disease, grows weak and helpless, and
finally finds his way to the hospital and the grave, while
the spindling boy is rounded into vigorous manhood,
and seems to thrive on duty, danger and exposure. It is
not mere animal courage that leads men up to the can-
non's mouth, but moral and intellectual force devotion
to duty, while fully realizing the danger.
During the month the regiment was usually called at
January, 1863. GARRISON AT NASHVILLE. 67
four o'clock in the morning, as were all the troops at
Nashville, and stood to arms until after daylight. The
men were obliged to stand in line, or engaged in drill-
ing as they preferred, for at least an hour before day-
light every morning, and occasionally reveille sounded at
three o'clock. This was a necessary precaution, ren-
dered so by the activity of the enemy's cavalry, who were
continually raiding the outposts, and boldly threatening
an attack on the garrison. Much of the time there was
snow on the ground, or it was covered with sleet. Gen-
erally the weather was damp and cold, and the mornings
almost always foggy, rendering the dull, daily routine of
the garrison exceedingly unpleasant, and adding largely
to the sick list.
The great number of wounded in the battle of Stone
River, and the ever-increasing number of sick taxed the
medical department to its utmost capacity. Many of the
public buildings in Nashville were turned into hospitals,
while a large number of the slightly wounded were sent
farther north. These Hospitals were models of neatness,
and all that medical and surgical skill could do to relieve
the suffering inmates, was promptly done. But sadly
and slowly, to those yet helpless but recovering from
wounds and disease, the days passed in a kind of dreary
dream as they listened to the groans of the suffering men
about them, the gasping breath or muttered prayer of
the dying, the raving of fever's delirium, and the slow
tramp of those who bore away the tenant of some now
useless couch to a yet more narrow resting place. This
was relieved at times by the happier sounds of chatting
convalescents, and the pleasant speech of the faithful
army nurse. But perhaps the saddest sights in all the
68 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. January, 1863.
hospital were those suffering from nostalgia, for, who
can minister to the mind diseased? Many were the cases
where the soldier's longing for home resulted in death,
and it was surprising the number of fatalities there were
attending that heart-breaking disease.
On the nth the resignation of Captain Matthew
Langston, of Company A, was accepted, and First Lieu-
tenant Thomas R. Roberts was promoted to be captain.
Second Lieutenant Daniel Westfall being appointed his
successor, and Sergeant Daniel Havens was promoted
second lieutenant. On the I3th the resignation of Sec-
ond Lieutenant Richard W. Tenney, of Company F,
was accepted, and First Sergeant Edwin D. Lampitt was
promoted to the place made vacant. On the 2Oth Abra-
ham Clarry, second lieutenant of Company E, resigned,
and Sergeant Major Clark N. Andrus was appointed his
successor. On the 24th James A. Mallory, second lieu-
tenant of Company B, resigned, and First Sergeant Wil-
liam Allen was commissioned his successor. But before
he was mustered his commission was cancelled, and he
was appointed sergeant major, and Sergeant George
Myers was appointed and mustered second lieutenant.
The following died during the month of January:
Johnston Galbraith, Batholomew Hurley and James B.
Thomas, of Company B ; Richard A. Lane, of Company
C; Joseph Cady and William H. Ransom, of Company
D; Samuel Havens, of Company E; John Maloney, of
Company F; George W. Barnes, John B. Hagan and
Josiah Kelley, of Company H; Thomas Burbige, John
Cokley and Thomas Frazee, of Company I; Corporal
John M. Durham, Benjamin H. Grover and John Rake-
straw, of Company K.
February, 1863. GARRISON AT NASHVILLE. 69
On February 3rd, the enemy, under command of
Generals Forrest and Wheeler, with a force of cavalry
and mounted infantry of fully six thousand men. made a
daring attack on the garrison at Fort Donelson, with a
view of closing navigation on the Cumberland river, then
but recently resumed. The Federal garrison consisted
of nine companies of the Eighty-third Illinois, number-
ing six hundred and fifty men, under command of Col-
onel Harding, a single battery of artillery and a thirty-
two-pounder rifled siege gun. The battle lasted from
early in the afternoon until half-past eight o'clock in the
evening, when the enemy retreated after being terribly
punished. The attack was made and repeated, time and
again, with utter recklessness, and the defense made
by the little garrison stands among the most brilliant of
the war. The garrison lost sixteen killed, sixty wounded
and twenty prisoners, while the enemy lost two hundred
killed, six hundred wounded and one hundred captured.
Especially brilliant does this feat of the Federal arms
appear when it is remembered that the attacking force
outnumbered the garrison at least ten to one, and that
we killed and wounded more of the enemy than the de-
fenders numbered.
The resumption of navigation on the Cumberland
river opened up another line of supply, and steamboats
loaded with military stores arrived almost daily. And,
from this time on, the garrison at Nashville received full
rations, but the single line of railroad from there to the
front, even when assisted by the wagon train, was still
unable to furnish the army with full supplies. Soon sup-
plies began to accumulate, and large details were made
from the troops on garrison duty to unload the trans-
70 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. February, 1863.
ports, which were usually convoyed by gunboats. After
the warehouses had been filled with clothing, provisions
and ammunition, the river front was piled mountain high
with grain and forage, and it appeared to the tired men
that General Rosecrans was laying up supplies for the
world to come.
Elaborate fortifications were constructed on the hills
south of the city, one of which, Fort Negley, became a
fortress of the strongest type. These defenses subse-
quently had a prominent part in the battle of Nashville,
in which a rebel army was practically destroyed within
the sound of their guns. But this happened almost two
years later, when few supposed that an experienced
soldier of the Confederacy would stake his all upon a
single hazard.
On the 7th a large fleet of transports, convoyed by
several gunboats, having on board eighteen regiments of
infantry and four batteries of artillery, steamed up the
Cumberland river and landed at Nashville. This fleet,
as it came winding round the bends of the crooked river
below the city, presented an imposing appearance. The
boats were covered with troops, their arms and banners
flashing in the sunlight, bands, playing, and the men full
of enthusiasm. It was a picture of power and splendor
and a revelation alike of the strength and determination
of the Federal Government to resume its authority over
its rebellious subjects. It was a stately, floating column,
a triumphal procession. These troops with other regi-
ments arriving a little later numbered about fourteen
thousand men, and formed an army corps commanded
by Major General Gordon Granger, afterward known as
the reserve corps of the Army of the Cumberland.
February, 1863. GARRISON AT NASHVILLE. 71
During the entire time the brigade remained in Nash-
ville, the activity of the guerillas was such that heavy
details were required to guard all trains going to and
coming from the front. Then, too, the turnpike had to
be kept in repair, and large working parties were con-
tinually at work in order to keep it passable for wagons.
These working parties had also to be protected by troops
detailed from the garrison. Trying and exasperating
were these duties, and the men longed for relief that they
might go to the front, where more congenial employ-
ment might be found.
On the 7th Captain Samuel Black, of Company C,
resigned for disability, whereupon First Lieutenant
George A. Blanchard was promoted to be captain, Sec-
ond Lieutenant William W. Walker being commissioned
first lieutenant and Sergeant James M. Hamilton second
lieutenant. On the Qth Second Lieutenant Hugh Mc-
Hugh, of Company I, resigned on account of failing
health, and Sergeant Albert P. Britt, of Company E,
Twenty-seventh Illinois Infantry, was commissioned to
succeed him. On the i6th Second Lieutenant Wash-
ington M. Shields, of Company H, resigned for disabil-
ity, and Sergeant Andrew J. Horton was promoted to
the vacancy. On the 23rd Adjutant John B. Wright
resigned, and Second Lieutenant Clark N. Andrus, of
Company E, was promoted to be adjutant. On the same
date Sergeant Andrew J. Shackey was promoted to be
second lieutenant of Company E.
The deaths reported during the month of February
were: James P. Arnett and Andrew Conley, of Com-
pany A; James McKalip, of Company B; Martin L.
Treadway, of Company D ; Leander Veileit, of Company
72 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. March, 1863.
E ; P. D. Cleavland and Our Mike,of Company F ; Alfred
Smith, of Company G; Henry Bloomfield, of Company
H ; Oliver Trapp, of Company I, and John M. Barr, of
Company K.
CHAPTER VIII.
By the first of March, the threatening attitude of the
enemy under General VanDorn, now commanding the
left wing of Bragg's army, led to a concentration of Fed-
eral troops at Franklin, about eighteen miles south of
Nashville. On the 4th General Gilbert, in command at
that point, ordered Colonel Coburn, with five regiments
of infantry, four detachments of cavalry and a battery of
artillery, the whole command nearly three thousand
strong, to proceed south from Franklin with a wagon
train of one hundred wagons. While this was seemingly
a foraging expedition, it was really intended to recon-
noitre the enemy's front toward Columbia.
The enemy was encountered three miles south of
Franklin, but after sharp fighting, Coburn drove him
back to Spring Hill. That night Coburn advised Gil-
bert that he was confronted by a largely superior force,
and suggested that he be permitted to fall back. But
Gilbert ordered him to continue the advance, and, pro-
ceeding the next morning, the column found the enemy
in overwhelming numbers. Soon the small Federal
force found itself surrounded, and after exhausting his
ammunition, Coburn and most of his command sur-
rendered. The force of the enemy was fully fifteen thou-
sand strong, and the surrender, after Colonel Coburn
March ,1863. GARRISON AT NASHVILLE. 73
had gone into the midst of the enemy, was doubtless a
necessity. He went forward against his own convic-
tions, under orders from his superior who was miles in
the rear, and that officer must be held responsible for the
disaster. This surrender did not, however, take place
without sharp fighting, in which Coburn lost fifty killed,
one hundred and fifty wounded, and a total of twenty-
two hundred prisoners.
On the 5th the south wind wafted the sound of dis-
tant cannon to the camps about Nashville, and the omin-
ous sounds sent the troops from their usual drill back to
camp to await orders. While there were many rumors
of disaster floating thrpugh the camp, it was not until
evening that the extent of the defeat became known.
But upon receiving definite information of the defeat and
surrender, General Granger threw General Baird's bri-
gade into Franklin by rail, and following in person, he
assumed command of that important post.
The whole country between Nashville and the army
at the front was infested with guerrilla bands. These
bands were largely, if not wholly, composed of citizens,
who, during the day, while apparently attending to their
usual avocations in a quiet and lawful manner, learned
the position of troops, where a picket might be shot, or
foragers or stragglers murdered with little risk to them-
selves. When this information had been secured they
quietly assembled at night in some out of the way place,
from whence they sallied forth and accomplished their
murderous task. This done, they quickly dispersed and
resumed the role of virtuous, law-abiding citizens. They
were usually led by some local celebrity, whose cunning
and reck 'ess daring fitted him for leadership.
74 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. March, 1863.
Living on a large plantation not far from Lavergne,
was one Dick McCann. This man was suspected of
being the leader of a band that had been very active in
destroying culverts, ditching trains, harrassing men of
supposed loyalty, killing pickets and murdering foragers
when in parties small enough to make it a safe pastime.
One evening early in the month, soon after dark, the
Eighty-fifth was ordered aboard a train of freight cars,
and ran out opposite the McCann plantation. The night
was very dark, the thunder roared, the lightning flashed
and the rain poured down in torrents, as the regiment
marched a mile or more west of the railroad to McCann's
home. There was a large mansion, fine barns and many
slave cabins. The men removed the family from the
house, the slaves from the cabins, and turned the stock
out of the barns. This done, the order was given to set
fire to everything that would burn, and very soon every-
thing that could shelter man or beast was consumed to
ashes. After this had been accomplished, the regiment
took up the line of march to the train. The small streams
crossed in going out were now swelled by the deluge of
rain, so as to be almost too deep to ford, but fortunately
not entirely so, and the regiment returned to Nashville
before daylight the next morning. This expedition had
the best possible effect, and henceforth our pickets, train
guards and foragers were not molested or murdered in
that neighborhood.
The Federal authorities were slow to learn how to
stop the depredations and murders committed within the
territory occupied by the Union armies. Such outrages
were almost universally committed by men who were too
cowardly to engage in open, manly warfare; men who,
GILHEKT W. SOUTHWICK,
ASSISTANT SCKGEOX.
75
March, 1863. GARRISON AT NASHVILLE. 77
under the guise of peaceable citizens, demanded protec-
tion for their property, and who became cruel assassins
when it appeared perfectly safe to indulge their blood-
thirsty desires. But within less than a year after the
McCann neighborhood had been quieted, General
Thomas found a way to deal with southern banditti that
aroused the admiration of the writer and was at once so
just and far reaching that a copy of the order is here set
out in full.* It will be observed that it not only provided
a pension for the families of the murdered soldiers, but it
made it lawful for any one to kill the murderers on sight.
GENERAL ORDERS, No. 6.
Headquarters Army of the Cumberland,
Chattanooga, Tenn., January 26th, 1864.
It having been reported to these headquarters that between
seven and eight o'clock, on the evening of the 23rd ult., within
one and one-half miles of the village of Mulberry, Lincoln County,
Tennessee, a wagon which had become detached from a foraging
train belonging to the United States was attacked by guerrillas,
and the officer in command of the foraging party, First Lieutenant
Porter, Company A, Twenty-seventh Indiana Volunteers, the
teamster, wagonmaster, and four other soldiers who had been sent
to load the train (the latter four unarmed), were captured. They
were immediately mounted and hurried off, the guerrillas avoiding
the road, until their party halted about one o'clock in the morning,
on the bank of the Elk river, where the rebels stated they were
going into camp for the night. The hands of the prisoners were
then tied behind them, and they were robbed of everything of
value about their persons. They were next drawn up in line about
five paces in front of their captors, and one of the latter, who
acted as leader, commanded ready, and the whole party immedi-
ately fired upon them. One of the prisoners was shot through the
head and killed instantly, and three were wounded. Lieutenant
Porter was not hit. He immediately ran, was followed and fired
upon three times by one of the party, and, finding that he was
about to be overtaken, threw himself over a precipice into the
* Chaplain Van Home's Life of General Thomas, pages 214-216.
6
78 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. March, 1863.
river, and, succeeding in getting his hands loose, swam to the
opposite side, and, although pursued to that side and several times
fired upon, he, after twenty-four hours of extraordinary exertion
and great exposure, reached a house, whence he was taken to
Tullahoma, where he now lies in a critical situation. The others,
after being shot, were immediately thrown into the river. Thus
the murder of the men Newell E. Orcutt, Ninth Independent
Battery, Ohio Volunteer Artillery; John W. Drought, Company
H, Twenty-second Wisconsin Volunteers; George W. Jacobs, Com-
pany D, Twenty-second Wisconsin Volunteers was accomplished
by shooting and drowning. The fourth, John W. Folley, Ninth
Independent Battery Ohio Volunteer Artillery, is now lying in the
hospital, having escaped by getting his hands free while in the
water.
For these atrocious, cold-blooded murders, equaling in savage
ferocity and everything ever committed by the most barbarous
tribes on the continent, committed by the rebel citizens of Ten-
nessee, it is ordered that the property of all citizens living within
a circuit of ten miles of the place where these men were captured
be assessed each in his due proportion, according to his wealth, to
make up the sum of thirty thousand dollars, to be divided among
the families who were dependent upon the murdered men for their
support.
Ten thousand dollars to be paid to the widow of John W.
Drought, of North Cape, Racine County, Wisconsin, for the sup-
port of herself and two children.
Ten thousand dollars to be paid to the widow of George W.
Jacobs, of Delevan, Walworth County, Wisconsin, for the support
of herself and one child.
Ten thousand d'ollars to be divided between the aged mother
and sister of Newell E. Orcutt, of Burton, Geauga County, Ohio.
Should the persons assessed fail, within one week after notice
has been served upon them, to pay in the amount of their tax in
money, sufficient of their personal property shall be seized and
sold at public sale to make up the amount.
Major General H. W. Slocum, United States Volunteers, com-
manding the Twelfth Army corps, is charged with the execution
of this order.
The men who committed these murders, if caught, will be sum-
marily executed, and any persons executing them will be held
guiltless, and will receive the protection of this army, and all per-
March, 1863. GARRISON AT NASHVILLE. 79
sons who are suspected of having aided, abetted or harbored these
guerrillas will be immediately arrested and tried by military com-
mission. By Command of
MAJOR GENERAL THOMAS.
WILLIAM D. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant General.
The full amount of the assessment levied 'by the fore-
going order was promptly collected, and the entire thirty
thousand dollars was distributed among the dependent
relatives of the murdered soldiers.
Desertions from the ranks and resignations tendered
by commissioned officers under circumstances which
rendered the latter method of quitting the service, little,
if any less, dishonorable than the former, became alarm-
ingly frequent in the early months of 1863. Prior to this
time the copperheads of the North had confined their
treasonable efforts to discouraging enlistments, and
opposition, more or less violent, to all measures adopted
by the Federal authorities for the preservation of the in-
tegrity of the National Union. But now they entered into
an organized conspiracy to aid and assist their allies in
open rebellion by encouraging desertions and promoting
resignations for the purpose of reducing the strength and
destroying the efficiency of the armies in the field. To
accomplish this purpose the methods they employed
were as diabolic as their intentions were disloyal. The
emancipation proclamation had gone into effect at the
beginning of the year, and they eagerly seized the oppor-
tunity they thought it afforded, to incite insubordination
and dissatisfaction in the army. Officers and men re-
ceived letters from pretended friends and neighbors, and
unfortunately, in some instances from parents, urging
the officers to resign and the men to desert and come
home. To this effort of the individual copperhead the
80 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. March, 1863.
disloyal press of the North added its hearty and enthusi-
astic support. The columns of the copperhead press
teemed with articles denouncing the government, while
expressing sympathy for the men who had volunteered
from patriotic motives, now forced to engage in an
unholy war for the abolition of slavery.
The writer remembers seeing many of these letters,
some of which he was allowed to read entire, in others a
few sentences were shown, while the name of the sender
was withheld. But the general trend of the argument
used was the same in all tainted with treason, while ex-
pressing boundless friendship for the soldier. These
letters ran substantially as follows : "When you enlisted
in defense of your country it was for the sole purpose of
restoring the Union, and it was understood as a part of
the contract that the war would be waged wholly for the
attainment of that end. But by the use of despotic power
and the adoption of unconstitutional means, the Presi-
dent has changed all this, and you are now called upon
to fight to free the negro, and perhaps sacrifice your life
for the abolition of slavery. You are therefore no longer
bound by the contract under which you entered the ser-
vice, the government having violated both the letter and
the spirit of its agreement," usually closing with, "Come
home and we will protect you from arrest." This in
brief was the argument used by the copperheads to in-
duce young men to desert the service, abandon the flag
they had sworn to defend and stain their names with a
crime which no after life could wholly obliterate. To those
who had no well-founded conviction upon the question
of slavery, such advice, coming from pretended friends,
could not fail to have the most unfortunate results.
March. 1863. GARRISON AT NASHVILLE. 81
While the army lay in winter quarters at Murfrees-
boro so many officers tendered their resignations that it
raised suspicion and seemed to point to a conspiracy to
injure the service. On one occasion General Rosecrans
received for approval the resignations of all the commis-
sions held by both the field and line officers of a certain
regiment. As these resignations came to headquarters
in a single package, all bearing the same date, and all in
the same hand writing except the signatures, the proof
of conspiracy was conclusive and the disloyal purpose of
these officers manifest. This afforded the commanding
general an opportunity of giving the army a much
needed object lesson by making an example of these
worthless officers that would prevent others from com-
bining to injure the service. Accordingly he had the
regiment paraded, when an order was read reciting the
circumstances surrounding the offense and ended by dis-
missing the guilty officers from the service. Then, in
the presence of the command, he caused the shoulder
straps to be stripped from the shoulders and the buttons
cut from the uniforms of the offending officers and then
drummed them out of camp. This prompt and ener-
getic action had an admirable effect, and resignations
became less and less frequent. Indeed, after this an
officer seldom tendered his resignation unless it was
accompanied with a surgeon's certificate of disability.
That the copperhead influence, so potent for evil,
causing such heavy losses by desertion, was not confined
to the Army of the Cumberland will fully appear by ref-
erence to a special order of the war department, issued
April ist, 1863. This order recites that a certain regi-
ment in the Army of the Tennessee entered the service
82 HISTORY OF THE 85xe ILLINOIS. March, 1863.
with an aggregate of eight hundred and sixty-one, and
in the short space of five months it had been reduced to
one hundred and fifty-one, principally by desertion. The
order then directs that the colonel, lieutenant colonel,
quartermaster, chaplain, ten captains and seventeen lieu-
tenants be dismissed, the remaining men to be formed
into a detachment to be commanded by a lieutenant and
the detachment be consolidated with some other regi-
ment.
Throughout the winter the rebel troopers under Gen-
erals Forrest and Wheeler were exceedingly active in
their efforts to surprise and capture detachments in local
garrisons. On the twenty-fifth of March they made a
dash to within nine miles of Nashville and captured at
Brentwood, after a short engagement, about four hun-
dred men of the Twenty-second Wisconsin, under com-
mand of Lieutenant Colonel Bloodgood. They also
captured, at a stockade south of Brentwood, a detach-
ment of the Nineteenth Michigan. General Smith at
the time was moving to the support of Colonel
Bloodgood and pursued the enemy. He overtook a
rebel regiment four miles south of Brentwood, inflicted
severe loss upon it and recaptured considerable property,
but was forced to retire before Forrest's whole command.
For a time after this Brentwood was garrisoned by the
Ninety-sixth Illinois infantry.
On the 25th the resignation of Daniel Westfall, sec-
ond lieutenant of Company A, was accepted, and Ser-
geant John K. Milner was promoted to be second lieu-
tenant. William W. Turner, second lieutenant of
Company D, resigned on the 3Oth, but the company was
too small to permit of a successor being appointed.
March, 1863. BRENTWOOD, TENNESSEE. 83
John P. Vandeusen, of Company A, died at Nash-
ville on the 3rd. James Hanks and James Ross, of
Company F, were killed by guerrillas on the 9th, but the
writer has been unable to obtain particulars. Milton
Stodard, of Company I, died at Nashville on the 23d, and
Wesley C. Blakesley, of Company K, died at the same
place on the 7th.
CHAPTER IX.
On the eighth of April Brigadier General James D.
Morgan received orders to take the First and Second bri-
gades from the garrison at Nashville and relieve the
troops then stationed at Brentwood. All soldiers not
able to march were sent to the hospitals in the city, and
the usual preparations made for breaking camp.
Promptly the command took up the line of march, arriv-
ing at Brentwood about five o'clock in the afternoon,
when the troops relieved returned to Franklin. The
Sixth Kentucky cavalry, under command of Colonel
Louis D. Watkins, remained at Brentwood, and was
attached to the command of General Morgan for the
time being. The Eighty-fifth was assigned a very pleas-
ant camp near the railroad station, the Eighty-sixth Illi-
nois occupied the earthworks on a near-by hill, while the
other regiments of the command occupied camps con-
venient for the defense of the place.
Glad to escape from the exacting duties of garrison
life in the city, the men quickly made themselves familiar
with the resources of the surrounding country, and have
ever looked back upon their stay among the Brentwood
84 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. April, 1863
hills with pleasure. Between the high hills were fertile
valleys which had not as yet greatly suffered from the
ravages of war. And although they had to be a little
careful, owing to the active guerrrilla bands scattered
through the hills, the men made frequent excursions in
the country, from which they returned with potatoes,
chickens, fresh pork and cornmeal. No doubt more
than one citizen was surprised on attempting to milk his
cows in the morning to find that he had been anticipated
by enterprising Yankees.
About noon on Friday, the roth, heavy firing was
heard in the direction of Franklin, and in a moment all
was excitement at the camp. Without delay a line of
battle was formed and the entire command was ready
for action. But the force at Franklin was sufficient to
repulse the enemy, who made a very determined attack
with a large force after two hours fighting. The enemy's
cavalry charged through the line of outposts and dashed
into the town, which lies on the south side of the river.
Some of the most reckless of his troopers rode almost to
the bridge across the Harpeth, just beyond which was a
force of over seven thousand Federals, supported by the
artillery in Fort Granger. When he retired, the enemy
left nineteen dead in the town and quite a number of
wounded. It is difficult to see just why this attack was
made and so suddenly abandoned. But many queer
manoeuvres were made by the enemy and some ex-
traordinary events occurred in and near Franklin, while
the Eighty-fifth lay at Brentwood.
Major Earl Van Dorn resigned his commission in the
Second United States cavalry on January 3ist, 1861.
Major Van Dorn had been educated at West Point at the
April, 1863. BRENTWOOD, TENNESSEE. 85
expense of the United States. On June loth, of the
same year, William O. Williams, a first lieutenant in the
regiment of which Van Dorn was major, resigned, and
both at once engaged in open Rebellion. They had sworn
to defend the flag and support the constitution of the
Federal Union, nevertheless they immediately engaged
in a wicked conspiracy to disgrace the one and subvert
and overthrow the ether. But an avenging hand was
pursuing them, and both met a well-deserved but tragic
fate. One fell by the hand of a comrade whose brain had
been crazed when he learned that his young wife had
been defiled by a brother officer; the other died at the
end of a rope after having been duly convicted as a spy.
Van Dorn was made a lieutenant-general in the rebel
army, and after being defeated at Corinth and luka, in
Mississippi, he was sent with his command to reinforce
the army under General Bragg in Tennessee. He was
placed in command of the left wing of Bragg' s army, and
for a time in the spring of 1863, himself and staff were at
Spring Hill, about midway between Franklin and Co-
lumbia. While at Spring Hill, Van Dorn enjoyed the
hospitality of one Dr. V , whose two sons were in the
rebel army. His only daughter was living at home, while
her husband, Dr. Peters, was a surgeon in the Confeder-
ate army. Soon after the enemy retreated from Spring
Hill, Dr. Peters returned home, to find that while a guest
at her father's house, Van Dorn had dishonored his
young wife. When he learned of the scandal, Dr. Peters
mounted his horse and rode over to Columbia, handed
the reins to an orderly at headquarters, entered the gen-
eral's tent and shot and instantly killed Van Dorn. Then
before those at headquarters recovered from their sur-
86 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. April, 1863.
prise. Peters threw himself into his saddle and rode into
the Union lines, where he told what he had done, and
claimed the protection of the flag he had insulted the
country he had tried to overthrow.
Late one afternoon two men rode into the Union
camp at Franklin, Tennessee, and proceeded to the head-
quarters of Colonel J. P. Baird, of the Eighty-fifth Indi-
ana infantry, then commanding the post. To him they
introduced themselves as Colonel Orton and Major Dun-
lap, inspector-generals of the United States army. They
presented an order from the war department at Wash-
ington, directing Colonel Orton, in company with Major
Dunlap, to proceed to make a careful inspection of the
outposts and defenses of the Union army in Tennessee.
They also presented an order from General Rosecrans,
then at Murfreesboro, to all officers commanding out-
posts and detachments to afford every facility possible to
enable these officers to promptly perform their duties.
The papers appeared to be genuine, and the soldierly
bearing and fine address of the men won the entire con-
fidence of Colonel Baird. He accompanied them in their
examination of the defenses, and was complimented by
them upon the splendid sanitary condition of the camp.
On returning to headquarters he gave them a substan-
tial supper, and upon the request of Colonel Orton, he
loaned the men fifty dollars. In the dusk of the evening
the men, after stating that they were going to Nashville,
started in that direction. But fortunately Colonel Wat-
kins, of the Sixth Kentucky cavalry, was at headquarters
when the men rode away, and suspecting that they might
not be what they appeared, he concluded to satisfy him-
self as to their real character, and calling his orderly to
April, 1863, BRENTWOOD, TENNESSEE. 87
follow, Watkins was off in hot pursuit. It was getting
dark and there was no time to call a guard, so Watkins
instructed his orderly to unsling his carbine and carry it.
at a ready, and when they overtook the men, if he saw
any suspicious motions on the part of either to fire on
them without waiting for orders. The men were quickly
overtaken and informed that Colonel Baird wanted them
to return to headquarters, as he desired to make some
further inquiries. After expressing surprise at the re-
quest, and offering some remonstrance on account of the
lateness of the hour, and the distance they had to travel,
they consented to return. Colonel Watkins led them
to his own tent, where he placed them under guard, and
relieved them of their side arms. They complained of
this as an indignity offered, but when the major's sword
was drawn from the scabbard these words were found on
its blade: "Lieut. W. G. Peter, C. S. A." Upon a
further search many papers were discovered on their per-
sons, which showed that they were rebel spies, and they
then confessed the whole matter. The facts were tele-
graphed to General Rosecrans, who ordered that the
prisoners be tried by a drum-head court-martial, and if
found guilty, that they be hanged immediately.
The court convened, and before daylight the case
had been decided, and the prisoners informed that they
must prepare for immediate death by hanging. When
they learned that they were to be hanged, they requested
that the sentence be commuted to being shot to death
with musketry, but this request could not be granted.
A chaplain of the command visited the condemned men,
and at their request administered the sacrament to them.
A scaffold was erected in a public place near the depot,
HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. April, 1863.
with two ropes hanging from the beam. At nine o'clock
in the morning, the garrison was paraded around the
scaffold, near which lay two coarse board coffins.
Twenty minutes later the guards escorted the prisoners
within the hollow square of glistening steel, and with
firm and steady step they mounted the fatal cart, appar-
ently unmindful of the awful fate awaiting them. Hand-
kerchiefs were tied over their faces and the rope adjusted
to their necks. They requested the privilege of bidding-
each other farewell, which was promptly granted, and
they tenderly and lovingly embraced each other. Then
the cart moved from under them and they hung in the
air. When life was pronounced extinct by the attending
surgeon they were placed in the rude coffins in their full
dress, and buried in one grave, companions in life and
crime, and in death they were not separated.
The elder and leader of these reckless men turned out
to be First Lieutenant William O. Williams, who re-
signed from the Second United States cavalry at the be-
ginning of the rebellion. Later he seemed to have been
inspector-general on the staff of General Bragg, but
more recently he had been in command of a brigade of
Confederate cavalry under his old-time comrade Van
Dorn. The other victim of this mad-cap adventure was
Walter G. Peter, who was a tall, handsome young man,
about twenty-five years old, but of whom nothing further
could be learned. Both were men of captivating address,
finely educated and of rare intelligence, but they must
have been sadly lacking in judgment to engage in such
reckless folly as that which cost their lives. History fails
to furnish a parallel in the character and standing of the
parties, the recklessness of the undertaking, and the
April. 1863. BRENTWOOD, TENNESSEE. 89
swiftness with which discovery and punishment were
visited upon them.
Monday, the 27th, the entire command was called
out at three o'clock in the morning, and after marching
some two miles or more to the south, remained in line of
battle and under arms until after daylight. In the mean-
time, the Sixth Kentucky cavalry, under Colonel Wat-
kins, who was out on a surprise party, descended upon a
rebel camp in the Tank hills, and captured one hundred
and twenty-eight prisoners, three hundred horses and
mules, eight wagons, and a complete outfit for a large
force. The expedition was well planned, and brilliantly
executed, reflecting great credit on the Kentuckians and
their dashing commander.
Thursday, the 3Oth, was set apart by President Lin-
coln as a day of fasting and prayer, and the commanding
general issued an order that the day be observed by ap-
propriate religious service. Consequently there was no
drill or dress parade, but in the morning there was mus-
ter and inspection, and the chaplain preached a sermon in
the afternoon. The chaplain of the Eighty-fifth was
greatly respected even loved by the men. He mainly
devoted his time to works which helped to promote their
comfort and welfare, and thus endeared himself to the
soldiers.
The men were not in the service on account of the
wages, nevertheless they watched eagerly for pay-day,
and wanted a settlement with the United States as soon
as possible after their money became due. That was one
of the links that kept the soldier in touch with his family
and home. Early in the month of May, the troops at
Brentwood received four months' pay, and the long-
90 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. May , 1863.
delayed remittances could be made to those at home,
where the money would prove most welcome, although
the amount was small. At this time the express com-
panies would not guarantee safe delivery on account of
the risk on part of the route northward, but officers who
had resigned or soldiers who had been discharged for dis-
ability, lent their kindly offices in this behalf, and so far
as the writer knows no one betrayed the trust reposed in
them. Then there were many who liked to fold up the
crisp new bills and put them in a letter and send it to the
woman who always wrote so cheerfully, regardless of the
suspense that made even her dreams a source of agony.
Some had arrearages to settle with the sutler for goods
had and consumed, others found a charge for extra cloth-
ing or lost accoutrements standing against their names
on the pay-roll, which reduced the amount coming to
them, and a few retained a. little change to invest in
chuck-a-luck and draw-poker, but almost everyone sent
part of his pay to friends at home.
The Eighty-fifth remained at Brentwood with the
other regiments of the brigade until the first of June, and
as no important event occurred beyond the ordinary rou-
tine of camp duty, an account of the daily doings of the
command would prove rather monotonous. About the
middle of the month General Morgan took the First bri-
gade and returned to Nashville, which increased the daily
detail for picket duty. But for much the greater part of
the time the weather was all that could be desired, and
the stay at Brentwood was about as near ideal soldiering
as the regiment was ever destined to see.
Here, as elsewhere, the men in the ranks were much
given to speculation concerning future movements of the
May, 1863. BRENTWOOD, TENNESSEE. 91
army. They could not know what unseen complications
their commander had to deal with, nor what sinister in-
fluences sometimes frustrated the best laid plans. But
frequently they anticipated important events, with as
much accuracy as if they had been fully advised. They
kept themselves thoroughly posted on the movements of
all the armies of the Union. They knew that Grant was
smashing things in the rear of the enemy at Vicksburg,
and never doubted his entire success. They also knew
of the second invasion of the North by General Lee, but
had no fear but what he would be overthrown when the
hour of battle should come.
On Wednesday, May 6th, Major Samuel P. Cum-
mings resigned and returned home, whereupon Captain
Robert G. Rider, of Company K, was promoted to be
major; First Lieutenant Samuel Yates was made captain
of Company K ; Second Lieutenant Isaac C. Short being
promoted first lieutenant, and Private Eli F. Niekirk was
promoted to second lieutenant.
On the Qth, Captain William H. Marble, of Company
I, resigned, First Lieutenant David M. Holstead being-
made captain ; Second Lieutenant Albert P. Britt was
promoted to first lieutenant, and First Sergeant Albert
O. Collins promoted to be second lieutenant. On the
1 4th, Captain David Maxwell, of Company H, resigned
and returned home, whereupon First Lieutenant James
T. McNeil was promoted to be captain, and First Ser-
geant Tra A. Mardis was made first lieutenant.
The service at Brentwood improved the health of the
command, and the death rate decreased. Those dying
during the months of April and May were: John S.
Gardner, George Hcwell and Idea F. Peters, of Com-
92 HISTORY OF THE 85?H ILLINOIS. June, 1863.
pany A ; Corporal Almon Brooks, of Company C ; Isaac
Stilts, of Company D; William Deford, of Company F;
Michael Fawcette and Franklin Kerns, of Company G,
all of whom died in the hospital at Nashville, Tennessee.
Wednesday, June 3rd, the defenses at Brentwood
were demolished, and the brigade returned to Nashville
that evening. The Eighty-fifth occupied its former
camp ground, which the men thoroughly cleaned, but
they missed the shade the trees at Brentwood afforded,
and the pure spring water found there so abundant and
easy of access. Company and battalion drill was had
each day, and the brigade was again called upon to fur-
nish heavy details for train guard. No train was per-
mitted to leave for the front at Murfreesboro without at
least one car filled with soldiers ready for instant battle.
Every possible effort was being put forth to accumulate
sufficient supplies of forage, provisions and ammunition
at the front to enable the army to advance against tht
enemy. New clothing was issued to the men at Mur-
freesboro, the excess of baggage was stored or destroyed,
and the allowance of tents and camp equipment greatly
reduced in expectation of a vigorous campaign.
June 1 4th, Colonel Robert S. Moore resigned his
commission on account of failing health, whereupon
Lieutenant Colonel Caleb J. Dilworth was promoted to
be colonel, Surgeon James P. Walker being made lieu-
tenant colonel, and Assistant Surgeon Philip L. Dieffen-
bacher surgeon.
On the 23rd, General Rosecrans moved his army
against the enemy, and in a campaign of nine days, con-
ducted in a series of rain storms the like of which had not
CLAKIC X. ANJXRU.S,
AD.TUTAN'T.
ftM V or ILLINOIS
July, 1863. RETURN TO NASHVILLE. 95
before occurred in Tennessee at that season of the year,
drove General Bragg and his army beyond the Cumber-
land mountains. Through this brief but brilliant cam-
paign, Middle Tennessee was again placed in possession
of the Army of the Cumberland. General Rosecrans
lost in killed, wounded and captured five hundred and
eighty men. Bragg's loss in killed and wounded was
not ascertained, but he left behind him as prisoners six-
teen hundred and thirty-four men, eleven pieces of artil-
lery, and a large amount of stores and supplies. Bragg's
army arrived in Chattanooga during the first week in
July, where he established headquarters, and at once
began to fortify his position, and so that ,point became
the objective of the next campaign.
On Monday, June 3Oth, the brigade moved out to
Murfreesboro, Colonel Daniel McCook having been as-
signed to the command of that important point. Major
Robert G. Rider, of the Eighty-fifth, was assigned to
duty as provost marshal, and the brigade at once took up
the routine of garrison life. The town was, or rather
had been, a wealthy place, and was surrounded by a rich
agricultural country, in which the planters were as
wealthy as they were disloyal. Their former slaves were
enlisting in the Union army in large numbers, and col-
ored regiments were being rapidly organized. Ready
imitators, these freedmen were quick to learn military
drill, and in a very short time excelled in the manual of
arms.
Friday, July iQth, the brigade was relieved from duty
at Murfreesboro and returned to Nashville. The army
at the front was accumulating supplies at Winchester,
and soon after this the railroad was repaired and trains
7
96 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. July, 1863.
ran to Stevenson, Alabama. To escape the tedious rou-
tine of camp duty, enough men usually volunteered to
supply train guards the men considering that a visit to
the front, where all would like to be, more than repaid
the toil and risk entailed. At this period General Mor-
gan established brigade and division drills, and the after-
noon of each day was devoted to manouevres of the
entire command. The intense heat of mid-summer was
at times rather trying, but these drills added much to the
efficiency of the command in the part it was soon called
upon to act.*
The quartermaster, Holaway W. Lightcap, resigned
on July 3Oth, but his successor was not appointed until
some six months later.
There were but two deaths in the months of June and
July, and both occurred in the hospital at Nashville.
George Hodge, of Company F, died on June I7th, and
Gibson Bass, of Company A, on July 3rd.
* The following spirited description of one of our division drills
is copied, with a few verbal changes, from the Rev. Nixon B.
Stewart's History of the Fifty-second Ohio: "The polished steel
glitter's and the flags dance in the sunlight, as the various regi-
ments form a dark blue line. Aids gallop out from the group
around the general, down the line and back to position again.
The bugles blow and the stately line is a column. It was a line
of battle, it is an order of march. The bugles blow on, and the
field is checkered with squads, like a chess-board for a mighty
game. They are as true as a die, as exact as a problem in Euclid.
They wheel again, enclosing a square with steel-crowned walls.
In equal spaces, within the walls stands Barnett's battery. How
it got there no one can tell. In an instant there is a glitter and a
flash. The cavalry is upon them. The battery disappears, the
lines of the square wheel into column, the column into lines, and
the battalions march away. In all there is no shout, no oath, no
loud command. General Morgan is an artist in handling troops,
and as he sits away yonder on his horse, he molds and fashions
the thousands of his command at will."
August, 1863. THE MARCH TO CHATTANOOGA. 97
CHAPTER X.
From the first of July to the middle of August the
Army of the Cumberland occupied a line from Win-
chester to McMinnville, in readiness to cross the Cum-
berland mountains and seize Chattanooga as soon as suf-
ficient supplies could be secured. To the accomplish-
ment of this purpose all energies were directed, and even
the ripening corn in the Tennessee valley was relied upon
to furnish a part of the forage necessary for the animals.
In view of the strength of Chattanooga against direct
attack General Rosecrans resorted again to a flank move-
ment to dislodge his antagonist, directing his first ma-
noeuvres so as to mislead the enemy with regard to his
ultimate design. The crossing of the mountain range
was begun on the i6th, and by the evening of the 2Oth.
the advance of the Federal army arrived at Bridgeport,
the point selected for crossing the Tennessee river.
Bragg was now forced to concentrate his entire com-
mand south of the Tennessee, and the withdrawal of his
raiding troopers permitted Rosecrans to reduce the gar-
risons at various points in his rear, and thus reinforce
his army at the front.
Thursday morning, August 2Oth, the Eighty-fifth
received orders to turn over to the quartermaster the
large Sibley tents drawn at Peoria, and be ready to march
at a moment's notice. In a remarkably short time the
canvas village disappeared, and the tents were rolled up
and placed in army wagons waiting to haul them to stor-
age warehouses in the city. Many of the camp conven-
iences were destroyed, and the command was soon
98 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. August, 1863.
stripped to light marching order. The Second brigade,
under command of Colonel McCook, moved out on the
Franklin pike about noon, and camped that night at
Brentwood.
The next day the command marched to Franklin,
and the Eighty-fifth camped near the railway bridge,
remaining there several days. General Morgan's orders
directed him, while moving to the front by easy marches,
to protect the mechanics and laborers while repairing
the railroad from Nashville to Stevenson, thereby open-
ing up another line of supplies, a matter of vital impor-
tance to the army now nearing Chattanooga. When the
brigade left Franklin, the Eighty-sixth Illinois was de-
tached and marched throughout the journey some three
or four days in the rear of the main column.
The distance from Nashville to Chattanooga by the
route over which the Eighty-fifth marched was two hun-
dred miles. Of the towns along the route Franklin,
Columbia and Pulaski in Tennessee, and Athens and
Huntsville in Alabama, were the most important. Co-
lumbia was a fine old town, the early home of James K.
Polk, the eleventh President of the United States. Sit-
uated on high ground in a deep bend of Duck river, it
was supplied with water from that stream in a curious
and primitive manner. A huge water wheel was thrust
out into the river, which the rapid current caused to re-
volve, and a long rod attached to a crank on the shaft of
this wheel, supplied the motive power to the town pump.
The First brigade, which had been stationed some
forty miles south of Murfreesboro for a month or more,
moved to Columbia on August 2Oth, and upon its arrival
the Second brigade moved on after a stay of two days at
September, 1863. THE MARCH TO CHATTANOOGA. 99
Columbia, and the next evening reached Pulaski. This
town won much unenviable notoriety soon after the war
closed. Here the Ku-Klux-Klan was organized ; had a
rapid growth, and became a menace to law and order. It
spread rapidly over the South, and carried consternation
and desolation wherever x its oath-bound assassins rode.
The "Invisible Empire," as this society of cut-throats
was called, could have existed in no civilized country in
the world, unless encouraged by lawless sentiment and a
lax administration of justice.
From Pulaski the brigade moved steadily on through
Athens, Huntsville and Stevenson, crossing the Tennes-
see river at Bridgeport on the zoth. That evening the
Eighty-fifth camped at Shellmound, and all had an op-
portunity of visiting the famous Nick-a-Jack cave, from
whose cavernous depths cooling waters issued from a
mammoth spring. This cave contained an extensive
saltpetre deposit, the most extensive within the borders
of the ever narrowing limits of the Confederacy, and
near by were extensive saltpetre works, which had fur-
nished the insurgents large quantities of material for
gunpowder.
On Sunday afternoon, September I3th, the Eighty-
fifth crossed the nose of Lookout mountain. For three
days past urgent orders had kept the toiling column
moving on, up and down, over the hills and through the
narrow valleys, while the scenery increased in grandeur.
Sand and Lookout mountains were bald peaks, that
appeared near at hand, while the weary soldiers marched
many miles before they reached the rugged base of the
latter. But when the highest point of the wagon road
was reached, the scene which there opened out was one
100 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. September, 1863.
of magnificence and beauty. Chattanooga appeared in
the distance, while the placid Tennessee seemed like a
silver ribbon winding in and out among the rugged, tim-
bered hills which lined its banks. To the left were huge
ledges of rock that fell almost perpendicular to the river.
To the right loomed up the palisades, crowned by the
crest of that soon to be historic mountain.
The brigade spent a restful day at Chattanooga, and
on the morning of the I5th it moved four miles south to
Rossville. At this point a gap, through which the road
from Chattanooga to Lafayette runs, cuts Mission Ridge
almost to its base. Here the Eighty-sixth Illinois re-
joined the brigade on the next day. General Morgan,
commanding the Second division, having been assigned
to the command of the post at Bridgeport, with the First
brigade as garrison, the Second brigade was here at-
tached for the time being to the First division, under
command of General James B. Steedman. This arrange-
ment continued until the ninth of October, when a gen-
eral reorganization of the Army of the Cumberland took
place.
By a series of brilliant manoeuvres General Rosecrans
had driven the rebel army under General Bragg over the
Cumberland mountains and across the Tennessee river.
Then, by a skillful flank movement, full of audacity, gen-
ius and daring, he turned the Confederates out of Chat-
tanooga. Thus, without a battle or heavy skirmish, the
"Gateway to Georgia," and the southern entrance to
East Tennessee, fell into his hands as the result of his
masterly strategy. But brilliant campaigns without bat-
tles do not destroy an army and a campaign like that
from Tullahoma to Chattanooga always means a battle
September, 1863. BATTLE OF CHICKAMAUGA. 101
at some other point. It was therefore evident to the
officers and men of both armies that they were soon to
meet in deadly strife, but where and when was a question
none could answer. Chattanooga, with its railroads and
its river, was a prize so great and a position so vital as to
render it certain that the Confederate government would
put forth every possible effort to retake it, and that a like
effort should be made by the Federal government to
retain a position of such vast importance. The rebel
government was the first to act with the promptness,
energy and decision demanded by the situation, and
Longstreet's corps, the flower of the Army of Northern
Virginia, composed of three full divisions, was hurried
by rail to Bragg's assistance. Nor were Longstreet's
troops the only reinforcements two divisions from
Mississippi and General Buckner's command from East
Tennessee, arrived in time for the coming battle.
To meet this largely reinforced army now confront-
ing him, General Rosecrans could only rely upon troops
drawn from garrisons in his rear, and these were now
concentrated at Rossville under the command of Gen-
eral Gordon Granger, and were composed of the follow-
ing commands : The First brigade of the First division,
under command of General Walter C. Whittaker; the
Second brigade of the same division, under command of
Colonel J. G. Mitchell, both of which had marched from
the vicinity of Wartrace and Shelbyville; the Twenty-
second Michigan of the First brigade of the Second
division of the same corps, and the Second brigade of
the same division, to which brigade the Eighty-fifth
belonged, under command of Colonel Daniel McCook,
both of which had marched from Nashville. This was a
102 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. September, 1863.
paltry number, a beggarly reinforcement compared with
the scores of regiments that had been sent at the call of
the rebel commander.
A very exciting event occurred while the troops lay
resting at Rossville. In the face of stringent orders to
the contrary, some of the men would evade the guards
and go foraging. Some men were caught returning
from a trip of this kind, and General Granger, the com-
mander of the corps, in order to impress the command
with a due regard for his authority, caused several men
to be tied up by the thumbs near his headquarters. In-
stantl) 7 the camp was filled with indignation at the need-
lessly cruel treatment of the men. Officers demanded
the release of the men, and thousands of soldiers gath-
ered near by. General Granger was profane as usual,
and made terrible threats, but the murmur of suppressed
excitement that ran through the ever-increasing crowd
indicated that this was to be a test case. The men had
determined that intelligent volunteers should not be thus
cruelly treated in an active campaign in the enemy's
country and on the eve of battle. But not until a bat-
tery was trained upon headquarters, and a given number
of minutes allowed for the release of the men, did the
general yield. Then he gave the order for their release,
and slunk away into his tent, cursing everybody. He
did well to surrender ; had he not heeded the demands of
the outraged soldiers there would have been a tragedy.
This was the only approach to a mutiny the writer ever
witnessed.
Friday, the i8th, the Second brigade was ordered to
move out to Reed's bridge, at a crossing of the Chicka-
matiga, on the Ringgold road, but events transpired
September, 1863. BATTLE OF CHICKAMAUGA. 103
which prevented the command from reaching- that point.
Arriving within a mile of the bridge at dark, the skir-
mishers ran into McNair's rebel brigade and captured
twenty-two prisoners.* As the purpose of the expedition
was to reconnoitre and not to fight, a line of battle was
quickly formed, and the metf rested on their arms, with-
out fire for the night. During the evening conversation
with the prisoners developed the fact that Bragg had
been largely reinforced from Mississippi, from whence
they had recently come. The prisoners appeared greatly
elated at the prospect of battle which they claimed would
take place the next day. In the course of the conversa-
tion, one of the prisoners stated that "Lee had sent
Longstreet's corps out west to show Bragg' s army how
to fight," ending his statement with, "You Yanks will
find fighting to-morrow such as you have not found
hitherto." These statements were not made in the style
of mere bravado, but evidently expressed the confidence
the enemy felt in his superior numbers; the assurance
* These prisoners were captured by Eli Shields and Henry C.
Swisher, of Company H; Thomas Brown, Joseph B. Shawgo and
George Workman, of Company G, of the Eighty-fifth, and
Pierce, of the Fifty-second Ohio, at the time mounted scouts at
brigade headquarters. The writer is indebted to Dr. Joseph B.
Shawgo for the following racy account of the affair: "Eli Shields
was in the lead when we ran into the rebel army and had the
nerve to sing out in a clear voice, "Halt!" To this some thought-
ful Johnny replied, "Keep your dam mouth shut!" We pulled
Shields off and pushed him back into the brush out of the imme-
diate sight and hearing of the enemy, then crept back to the road
and picked up one after another, and placed them with Eli to
guard, until we had taken twenty-two prisoners. (I have been
telling the story with thirty-seven as the number captured, and
if you had not corrected me, I should have had one hundred cap-
tured before long.) Among the prisoners were several belonging
to a band, and their instruments were taken with them. There
was also a rebel major, whose horse, a very fine one, we gave to
Colonel McCook. This horse was afterward known as McCook's
Chickamauga pacer."
104 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. September, 1863.
that he could return to Chattanooga, and his hope of de-
stroying the Union army.
Before the first glimmer of dawn the next morning
the men were ready for action. Nor had they long to
wait, for at daylight the enemy advanced his skirmishers
against the left of the brigade ; then as it changed front
the attack came from a different direction. Companies
D and K, of the Eighty-fifth, were on the skirmish line,
and barely escaped capture. Assailed on the right, left
and rear with both infantry and artillery, the engagement
was fast becoming general when, at seven o'clock, a per-
emptory order recalled the brigade to Rossville. This
order came not a moment too soon, as we now know the
brigade had spent the night in the midst of an over-
whelming force of the enemy, then in position west of
the creek and under orders to attack at daylight. As
coolly as if on parade the brigade withdrew, under a
heavy fire, in which two men of Company D were
wounded and fell into the hands of the enemy.
Arriving at a point where the Ringgold road enters
the road to Lafayette, and some three miles south of
Rossville, the command met the head of General Bran-
nan's division of the Fourteenth corps. The men were
covered with dust ; had marched all night in their effort
to reach the threatened point of attack, and now, with-
out rest, they resolutely advanced against the enemy.
This division opened the battle of Chickamauga by a
determined and successful attack on the advancing
enemy within a mile of the Lafayette road. On the
arrival of the brigade at Rossville, fires were kindled,
and very soon the men were enjoying the exhilarating-
coffee and the satisfying hardtack.
September, 1863. BATTLE OF CHICKAMAUGA. 105
Throughout the I9th the roar of artillery and at
times the rattle of fierce musketry could be heard, as the
tide of battle ebbed and flowed in the valley toward Lee
and Gordon's Mills. All were favorably impressed with
the fact that few if any stragglers and skulkers came from
the field where the conflict rage^, and although the noise
of battle indicated desperate fighting, no report of dis-
aster reached the camp at Rossville. That evening the
brigade moved out on the Cleveland road to the top of a
hill east of Rossville a mile or more, and the men lay in
line all through the chilly night without removing their
accoutrements, every one clutching his rifle and thinking
of the morrow. No fires could be built ; even the solace
of a cup of hot coffee was denied them, and the teeth
chattered as the weary hours rolled slowly by.
Sunday morning, the 2Oth, opened with a dense haze
or smoke, which was slow in rising, but soon after day-
light the brigade moved to McAfee's Church, where it
remained in line of battle until noon. About nine o'clock
the sounds of battle floated up from the south, indicating
a renewal of the conflict between the main armies. The
roar deepened as the day advanced, and at times mus-
ketry could be plainly heard in ever-increasing volume.
Throughout the morning the enemy's skirmishers in our
immediate front contented themselves with firing an
occasional shot, showing that an attitude of observation
was being maintained, rather than an advance contem-
plated. About noon General Steeclman led the brigades
of Whittaker and Mitchell southward, with the sound of
battle as a guide. An hour later Colonel McCook re-
ceived orders to move his brigade in the same direction,
and the command moved off at a rapid pace. When the
106 HISTORY OF THE 85TH IIJJNOIS. September, 1863.
Lafayette road was reached the column turned south,
and while marching by the right flank the enemy opened
with artillery, which enfiladed the line. But steadily the
brigade moved on while shot and shell fell around at
every step. The position assigned the command was a
hill overlooking the McDaniel's house and field, and
about a mile north of the left of the line held so stubborn-
ly by General Thomas. The hill commanded the road to
Rossville, and afforded an admirable position for defense.
The brigade was quickly formed in two lines, the Eighty-
fifth in front, its left resting on the battery and its right
on the Eighty-sixth Illinois, and Company K deployed
as skirmishers. The bursting shells set the woods 'on fire,
and the first fight was to prevent the fire from reaching
the dry weeds and high grass around the battery. For
a time the smoke hid the enemy from view, but soon the
fire was put out, the smoke lifted, and the infantry and
artillery of the enemy could be seen in the edge of the
timber beyond the McDaniel's field, but beyond musket
range.
After deliberate preparation under a shower of shot
and shell, the battery opened on the enemy with such
accuracy that another rebel battery was brought into
action. At this time the enemy was moving against the
left and rear of General Thomas, and these batteries were
attempting to cover this movement, and divert attention
from the manoeuvre. Then there was "music" in the
air. Two rebel batteries seemed to interest the com-
mander of the brigade battery, and in a very short time
Captain Charles M. Barnett blew up the caissons of the
intruding battery and drove its remains from the field.
This cleared the field for a successful charge, which was
September, 1863. BATTI,E OF CHICKAMAUGA. 107
promptly made by General Tttrchin's brigade, and the
enemy was driven beyond the Lafayette road, to the seiz-
ure of which his efforts had long been directed. Many
of Turchin's men returning from their brilliant and suc-
cessful charge passed through the line of the Eighty-
fifth. One of these heroes was struck by a solid shot,
and had his leg torn off while crossing the line between
the regiment and battery. Seemingly all the more sad,
as it was almost the last shot fired by the enemy.
After dark the brigade was ordered to retire quietly,
and with flankers thrown out toward the enemy. As the
command retired, the last to leave the field, the rebels
could be seen around their bivouac fires, but showed no
desire to interrupt our movement. It was nearly mid-
night when we reached Rossville, and the tired men
sought rest to enable them to meet whatever fate had in
store for them on the morrow. Some of the commands
had been more or less broken, and Monday morning, the
2 ist, found the army in some disorder. But by sunrise
preparations were made to defend a new line by dispos-
ing the available force so as to hold Mission Ridge. In
the new line the Second brigade was placed on the top of
the Ridge immediately south of the Gap. Throughout
the day it was expected that the enemy would move for-
ward and attack the new position, but their losses had
been so heavy that they were not anxious to renew the
battle, but contented themselves with a spirited recon-
noisance, in which there was sharp skirmishing, and the
brigade was subjected to a severe artillery fire. The
position of the army was admirable for defense against a
direct assault, but its right might be easily turned, and
that night after firing ceased, the army was withdrawn to
108 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. September, 1863.
Chattanooga. This was accomplished before daylight
the next morning, without confusion and without loss
Bragg had earned a tactical victory at immense cost,
and the Army of the Cumberland had met its first and
last defeat. But the Federal army had retired deliber-
ately and in good order with its face to the foe, to per-
manently occupy Chattanooga, the prize for which the
battle had been fought. The men were in wonderful
spirit, considering their excessive fatigues and heavy
losses, and no thought of further retreat was entertained
for a moment. All worked with a will, and by the time
the advance of the enemy closed down on our outposts,
a line of earthworks extending from the river above to
the river below the town, had been erected, which was
virtually impregnable. The enemy, however, had no
intention of assaulting such well fortified lines, but con-
tented himself with investing them closely. To this end
he established his right on the crest of Mission Ridge,
massed the bulk of his army across the valley in our im-
mediate front, and with his left occupied and fortified
the base of Lookout mountain. Then the siege of Chat-
tanooga began.
Colonel McCook reported the loss of the brigade at
Chickamauga as follows: Two killed, 14 wounded and
thirteen captured. There were none killed in the Eighty-
fifth, but the following list gives the wounded and cap-
tured :
WOUNDED A. F. Krebaum, of Company B; Robert Neider, of
Company D; John R. Powell, Frederick T. Zellers and John T.
Zimmerman, of Company H; Lieutenant David M. Holstead,
Sergeant John E. Reno and Lemuel Welker, of Company I.
CAPTURED Willard Hicks and Robert Neider, of Company D,
and Matthew L. Wrigley, of Company F.
September, 1863. SIEGE OF CHATTANOOGA. 109
CHAPTER XL
On the afternoon of the 23rd, General Steedman's
division moved to the north side' of the river, and a line
was established, in which each brigade occupied a de-
tached camp. The First brigade on Moccasin Point,
opposite the north end of Lookout mountain ; the Sec-
ond brigade on Stringer's ridge, opposite the city, while
to Colonel McCook and his brigade a camp was assigned
at Friar's Ford, some six miles above the city. The
camp of the Eighty-fifth was a quarter of a mile from the
river, facing the ford, which was opposite the north end
of Mission Ridge, on which the right of the rebel line of
investment rested. The ridge, as well as the narrow
valley between it and the river, was covered with heavy
timber. Pickets were posted on the river bank in front
of the camp, which was in full view from the other shore,
while the timber concealed the movements of the enemy
and invested the opposite side of the river with the inter-
est which always attaches to the unknown. Far in the
rear of the camp rose Wallen's Ridge, with its pictur-
esque palisades. The men were now on half rations,
their clothing was worn and thin and they were entirely
without tents. But timber was abundant and conven-
ient in the rear of the camp ,and very soon the men built
for each mess a small, but comfortable cabin.
The only road left open to the rear was that over
Wallen's Ridge, and down the Sequatchie valley to
Bridgeport, a distance of sixty miles. To supply an
army of forty thousand men over this route in fair
weather and with teams in good condition was barely
110 HISTORY OF THE 85TH IIvIJNOIS. September, 1863.
possible. But on the first of October the rainy season
set in, the streams, small and insignificant in the dry sea-
son, became raging torrents, while the incessant hauling
rendered the road almost impassable. Our trains were
frequently attacked by the cavalry of the enemy and hun-
dreds of wagons were captured and burned. The faith-
ful mules were pressed beyond endurance and became
exhausted by hard driving and lack of forage, and each
successive trip consumed a longer period of time. Not
only that, but each trip reduced the number of wagons
and the weight of their contents. Hundreds of mules
died from hard usage and starvation, until it was said
with but little exaggeration that the road from Chatta-
nooga to Bridgeport was, when the siege ended, "walled
in with dead mules." At each succeeding issue the
rations were reduced, until goaded on by the despera-
tion of hunger, the men robbed the horses and mules of
the scanty pittance of corn given them, and parched and
ate it.
Over in the city the conditions were even worse than
with the troops outside. There the thinly clad men not
only suffered from hunger, but also from the scarcity of
fuel. At first they used the smaller branches of the trees
found within the lines, and such portions of the trunk as
could be easily made into firewood. Later they were
glad to work up and use the tough and knotty parts, and
when these had been consumed they attacked the
stumps, and finally they dug out the roots and carefully
gathered and used them even to the smallest chip and
fragment. Yet the men were by no means discouraged,
each had an abiding faith that help would come from
some source, and thev were determined to succeed in
HOLOWA5T W. LIGHTCAP,
wi Altri'i: M \-TI.I:.
Ill
September, 1863. SIEGE OF CHATTANOOGA. 113
driving the exultant enemy from his strongholds in their
front. During the siege the battle of Chickamauga was
much discussed, and as the men reviewed the bloody
struggle they found much to criticise. To one and all
the battle had been far from satisfactory, and without
unduly blaming the commanding general, they became
almost unanimous in the opinion that the army should
have been concentrated, communications firmly estab-
lished with Chattanooga as a base, and abundant supplies
accumulated before a farther advance was attempted. It
was obvious to all on the evening of the first day's battle
that a renewal of the conflict was inevitable. As the bat-
tle was not renewed until nine o'clock on the morning of
the second day, the men could not understand why the
right wing, during the interventing time, had not been
closed down and firmly connected with the left. This
would have obviated the necessity of moving troops in
that direction after the battle opened, and prevented a
movement which resulted in hurling regiments and bri-
gades successively against the compact masses of the
enemy, only to be broken and swept from the field. The
officers and men who entertained these opinions were
veteran soldiers, whose gallant conduct at Shiloh, Perry-
ville and Murfreesboro had been such as to render prob-
able their claim that if the right of the army had been
retired during the night following the first day's fight to
a position as strong for defense as that selected by Gen-
eral Thomas for the left wing, they could and would have
repulsed any assault the enemy could possibly have
made.
Long years have passed since the field of Chicka-
mauga was baptised into immortality. Then it was a
114 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. September, 1863.
dense forest, with here and there a small clearing and
rude cabin. Now it is a national park, in which the
positions occupied by the contending forces are accur-
ately marked by tablets, and monuments erected to the
memory of heroes slain in battle. Owing to the timber
and underbrush, compartively little could be seen of the
deadly struggle by the general officers, much less by line
officers or enlisted men, except of their immediate sur-
roundings. Divisions, brigades, and even regiments at
times became detached and had engagements that
seemed wholly their own. And in the end, for bold at-
tack, firm defense and desperate fighting, the battle of
Chickamauga became by far the most sanguinary con-
flict of the West.
The best authorities differ widely in estimating the
results of the battle of Chickamauga, general officers
have grown angry in discussing it, and often disagree as
to the location and work accomplished by their com-
mands. The Confederate general, Hindman, says in his
official report that he had "never known Federal troops
to fight so well, and that he never saw Confederate
troops fight better." The largest number of troops
Rosecrans had on the field during the two days' fighting
was 55,000 effective men, out of which his total loss
amounted to 16,336. During the battle, when his entire
five corps were engaged, Bragg had about 70,000 troops
in line, but the rebel commander made no detailed state-
ment of his losses in killed and wounded, contenting
himself with the blunt statement in his official report that
he lost two-fifths of his army. It was a frightful loss,
for which no real benefits were obtained.*
* Of the results of the battle the Confederate historian, Pollard,
September, 1863. SIEGE OF CHATTANOOGA. 115
On the 3Oth occurred an explosion of ammunition
piled up on the hill at Bridgeport, in which a number of
men belonging to the First brigade were killed and
wounded. Finding but little in the official reports con-
cerning this unfortunate affair, the writer addressed an
inquiry to Noble L. Prentis, a member of the Sixteenth
Illinois, the regiment supposed to have suffered most in
the accident, which elicited the following reply :
Kansas City, March 17th, 1900.
My Dear Aten: I saw the explosion of which you write me. I
was midway of the regiment, and the ordnance was piled up just
beyond Company K, the right company, and between 'their quar-
ters and a little square earthwork with a ditch around it. On the
side of the pile of boxes of ammunition, etc., was the regimental
field hospital. There was a flame like a volcano, and a tremend-
ous roar, then a shroud of smoke, and the whole air was full of
flying fragments. The men said this was caused by two barrels of
loose powder which went up first.* Then the pile of boxes kept
burning, and there were constant explosions, sometimes of fixed
ammunition and sometimes of cartridges, that lasted for hours. 1
went up to the place and saw the dead mules 'Of the wagon that
was either loading or unloading at the pile; the tents of Company
K, "pup tents," were burning, and the field hospital tent was burn-
ing. I helped get the people out of the tent and into the ditch of
the redoubt I have spoken of, and under a Sort of sally port plat-
form, where falling fragments could not reach them. I remember
says: "Chlckamaugua had conferred a brilliant glory upon our
arms, but little else. Rosecrans still held the prize, Chattanooga,
and with it the possession of East Tennessee. Two-thirds of our
niter-beds were in that region and a large part of the coal supplied
our foundries. It was one of the strongest countries in the world,
so full of lofty mountains that it had been called, not unaptly, the
Switzerland of America. As the possession of Switzerland opened
the door to the invasion of Italy, Germany and France, so the
possession of East Tennessee gave easy access to Virginia, North
Carolina, Georgia and Alabama."
* W. R., Part III, Vol. XXX, page 947, says, "Careless handling of box
percussion shell."
116 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. October, 1863.
a horse had got into the ditch and when an explosion occurred he
would shiver all over, and we had to drive him back when he tried
to get under the platform where the sick people were. There were
people killed, and the history of our regiment, Sixteenth Illinois
Volunteer Infantry, in the adjutant general's report (Illinois)
says fourteen were killed and wounded, but I have been entirely
through the roll of the regiment in the report and cannot find a
man set down as killed or wounded at that time.**
The ammunition pile was a regular fixture there, and the men
made it a lounging place, and there was usually a crowd, but as I
remember, the Eleventh corps people commenced arriving at the
depot that day, and our folks went down to look at the "Yankees,"
as they called them.
I do not know who the fourteen were. From the report it
might be inferred they were all our people.
As ever yours,
NOBLE L. PRENTIS.
Following Chickamauga there was a reorganization
of the army in and around Chattanooga. The Twen-
tieth, Twenty-first, and reserve corps were broken up,
and the troops of which they were composed were
formed into a new army corps, designated the Fourth, or
added to the Fourteenth corps, which, with the Eleventh
and Twelfth corps from the Army of the Potomac, were
officially designated the Army of the Cumberland. In
the new organization the Second brigade, to which the
Eighty-fifth was still attached, was most fortunate, the
Second brigade of the First, and the First and Second
brigades of the Second division of the reserve corps
forming the Second division of the Fourteenth corps.
Additional regiments were added to the brigade, and
Brigadier General Jefferson C. Davis was assigned to the
command of the division, the corps being commanded
by Major General George H. Thomas. This division
* W. R., Part IV, Vol. XXX, page 19, gives, "7 killed and 12 wounded.
October, 1863. SIEGE OF CHATTANOOGA. 117
remained as then organized until the close of the war and
was composed of the following commands :
SECOND DIVISION.
Brigadier General Jefferson C. Davis, Commanding.
FIRST BRIGADE.
Brigadier General James D. Morgan, Commanding.
Tenth Illinois Infantry Colonel John Tilson.
Sixteenth Illinois Infantry Colonel Robert F. Smith.
Sixtieth Illinois Infantry Colonel W. B. Anderson.
Tenth Michigan Infantry Colonel C. J. Dickerson.
Fourteenth Michigan Infantry Colonel H. K. Mizner.
SECOND BRIGADE.
Brigadier General John Beatty, Commanding.
Ninety-eighth Ohio Infantry Colonel James M. Shane.
108th Ohio Infantry Major Joseph Good.
113th Ohio Infantry Colonel J. G. Mitchell.
121st Ohio Infantry Major John Yager.
Thirty-fourth Illinois Infantry Lieut. Col. Oscar Van Tassel.
Seventy-eighth Illinois Infantry Colonel Carter Van Vleck.
THIRD BRIGADE.
Colonel Daniel McCook, Commanding.
Fifty-second Ohio Infantry Lieut. Col. Charles W. Clancy.
Eighty-fifth Illinois Infantry Colonel Caleb J. Dilworth.
Eighty-sixth Illinois Infantry Lieut. Col. David W. Magee.
125th Illinois Infantry Colonel Oscar F. Harmon.
110th Illinois Infantry Lieut. Col. E. H. Topping.
Twenty-second Indiana Infantry Colonel W. M. Wiles.
ARTILLERY.
Second Minnesota Battery Lieutenant Richard L. Dawley.
Fifth Wisconsin Battery Captain George Q. Gardner.
Battery I, Second Illinois Captain Charles M. Barnett.
Until late in the month the Third brigade patrolled
the north bank of the river from Chattanooga to Dallas,
a distance of fourteen miles, which necessitated heavy
details for patrol duty. The trains sent far into the
country to procure forage for the animals required
118 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. October, 1863.
strong guards for their protection, and the men were
kept exceedingly busy. Toward the last of the month
the First brigade arrived from Bridgeport, and was sta-
tioned at Dallas, which afforded some relief to the over-
worked and underfed troops. But notwithstanding the
short rations, lack of clothing and blankets, the continu-
ous exposure, the constant danger, and the anxiety
sometimes felt if not expressed lest retreat might become
necessary, and disaster to the army and the cause result,
the men were cheerful and uttered few complaints.
Throughout the summer campaigns there had been
an evident lack of co-operation in the movements of the
three armies, whose fields of operation were penetrated
by the Tennessee river. True the Army of the Tennes-
see had won a most brilliant and satisfactory success in
the capture of Vicksburg, but the end of the summer
found the Army of the Cumberland on the defensive at
Chattanooga, and the Army of the Ohio occupying a
like unsatisfactory position at Knoxville. In order to
secure intimate co-operation between these three armies
in the future, the military division of the Mississippi was
created by the President, and General Grant assigned to
its command. This order of the President placed Gen-
eral Thomas in command of the Army of the Cumber-
land, and on the 2Oth he assumed command formally,
and General Rosecrans left for Cincinnati before it was
generally known that he had been relieved.
General Rosecrans was one of the most successful
generals of the Civil War, and perhaps the most brilliant
strategist. He was a scholar, a philosopher, an eminent
engineer, and a religious enthusiast. When the war
broke out he gave his whole soul to it, and with one ex-
October, 1863. SIEGE OF CHATTANOOGA. 119
ception he was victorious in every battle. In the early
campaigns in West Virginia he beat General Lee in bat-
tle, and out-general eel him with his strategy. At luka,
Corinth and Stone River his splendid dash along the
firing line aroused his troops to an enthusiasm which
won. His personal daring everywhere raised the spirit
that flamed into victory, but through a contingency that
could not be foreseen, disaster overtook the right wing
of his army at Chickamauga, and he was caught and
forced with it off the field. Deceived by the treachery
of his chief of staff, who was even then intriguing for the
position of his chief, he rode into Chattanooga. There
he was helped out of his saddle and assisted into depart-
ment headquarters, broken in body and in spirit. It was
the turning point in a successful career, and his hour had
come.
The appointment of General Thomas was hailed with
delight by the entire army. Officers and men recognized
in this appointment a fitting reward for his eminent ser-
vice, uniform success and unselfish devotion to his coun-
try's cause. In rain and mud and cold, among the rough
hills and tangled woods, on the banks of the Cumber-
land river in January, 1862, General Thomas fought the
battle of Mill Springs. The enemy was routed, his gen-
eral killed and his battle flags captured. It was the first
decisive victory for the Union arms in the west, and was
rich with the spoil of the battlefield. Twelve pieces of
artillery, 150 wagons, 1,000 head of horses and mules,
and 392 killed and captured of the enemy, attest the com-
pleteness of his victory. At Murfreesboro when the
right of the army had been routed, it was the center
under Thomas that repelled the assaults of the eager
120 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. October, 1863.
enemy, although assailed with a fierceness and tenacity
unsurpassed in the annals of war. And it was Thomas,
calm and self-reliant in emergencies, stubborn in defense,
and masterful in resources that met the crisis at Chicka-
mauga and wrought out deliverance for our imperiled
army. Indeed, the logic of the situation so strongly
pointed to Thomas as the future commander of the
Army of the Cumberland, that a rumor to that effect had
been current in the camps from the time the army retired
to Chattanooga.
In the meantime, the men had seen their rations re-
duced to one-half, one-third and one-fourth, but all rec-
ognized the necessity for this and no one felt willing to
abandon Chattanooga, while the rebel flag floated in full
view from Lookout mountain and Mission ridge. The
dispatch from General Thomas to General Grant, in
which he said, "We will hold Chattanooga till we starve"
not only expressed his own purpose but the determina-
tion of his men. It was an heroic message, backed by
inflexible faith, and invincible arms. The men felt that
they had been forced to fight at Chickamauga under ad-
verse circumstances, against superior numbers, and
under conditions which rendered success impossible, but
in leaving that field there had been no panic, and officers
and men were alike eager to again try conclusions with
their old-time foe.
On the i Qth a detail from the Eighty-fifth was en-
gaged in gathering corn from a field on an island in the
river some considerable distance above camp. After
the corn was gathered it had to be brought across an arm
of the river in boats to a point where it could be loaded
into wagons. On the last trip one of the boats capsized,
October, 1863. SIEGE OF CHATTANOOGA. 121
and Corporal Deford and Michael Rhoads, of Company
F, were drowned.
General Grant arrived on the 23rd, and his coming
to Chattanooga was an event illustrating both his deter-
mination and his endurance. A short time previous his
horse had fallen and so severely crippled him that he had
to be lifted into and out of his saddle. Yet he made the
difficult journey from Bridgeport to Chattanooga on
horseback and almost alone. The distance was forty
miles, over almost impassable roads, strewn with broken
wagons, dead mules and infested at every turn with guer-
rillas an awful journey for even a well man to make.
Previous to General Grant's arrival various plans for
opening a line over which the starving men and animals
might be supplied with food and forage had been pre-
pared. These plans he examined the night of his arrival,
and on the next day he examined the field; decided on
one of the plans, and issued orders for its immediate exe-
cution. Before daylight on the 27th, within four days
after Grant's advent, Lookout valley was seized and oc-
cupied by General W. B. Hazen and a brigade of troops.
Before noon a pontoon bridge was laid at Brown's Ferry,
a short road to Bridgeport opened and the all-absorbing
question of supplies was solved. This brilliant feat of
arms, so skillfully executed by General Hazen and his
command, not only completely surprised the enemy, but
won alike his admiration.* It was no longer a question
how long we could hold Chattanooga, but how long the
enemy should be permitted to occupy Mission ridge and
* The Richmond Press, in describing this event, said: "The
admirably conceived and perfectly executed coup at Brown's
Ferry, on the night of the 27th of October, has robbed the Confed-
eracy of all its dearly earned advantages gained at Chickamauga."
122 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. October, 1863.
Lookout mountain, and the rebel banners wave defiance
from their rugged heights.
A few days before the opening of the short line to
Bridgeport, and the practical ending of the siege, the
rebel President appeared on Lookout mountain, and
from "Pulpit Rock/' as he looked down exultingly upon
the beleagured army, predicted its utter ruin. But not
all of that brilliant group of Confederates seemed so san-
guine of success. It is said that during this visit of exul-
tation and prophecy, some one in the party of distin-
guished visitors remarked the beauty and the grandeur
of the scene, to which a cool headed officer replied,
"Truly a fine scene," adding in an undertone, "but a
damned poor prospect."
William Tiery, of Company H, died at Nashville on
August 1 2th; Albert J. Hamilton, of Company D, died
October nth, and John W. Snodgrass, of Company H,
died at Chattanooga, October 8th.
On the 6th Lieutenant Colonel James P. Walker was
dismissed from the service, but his successor was not
appointed until long afterward. On the 7th William W.
Walker, first lieutenant of Company C, resigned and
returned home. Second Lieutenant James M. Hamilton
being promoted to first lieutenant. On the 27th Andrew
F. J. Sharkey, second lieutenant of Company E, resigned
but the company was now too small to be entitled to
three commissioned officers. Robert A. Bowman, first
lieutenant of Company F, resigned on the I7th and Ser-
geant Andrew J. Mason was appointed his successor.
On the loth Edwin D. Lampett, second lieutenant of
Company F, resigned, but no successor was appointed.
David M. Holstead, captain of Company I, resigned on
November, 1863. BATTLES NEAR CHATTANOOGA. 123
the 7th, and Second Lieutenant Albert O. Collins was
promoted to be captain. On the 2/th Albert P. Britt,
second lieutenant of Company I, resigned and Private
Preston C. Hudson was promoted to be his successor.
CHAPTER XII.
The plan prepared by General Grant for the battle
of Chattanooga provided for an attack on the rebel right
flank, supposed to rest on the north end of Mission
ridge. The defective maps of that period showed that
this ridge extended to the river, but the view from our
camp discredited the maps, and the dense forest beyond
the river concealed the enemy and his line of defenses.
It therefore became necessary to learn where the right
of the enemy rested, and the nature of the ground over
which the attacking columns must move after crossing
the river. On the 7th General Thomas requested Col-
onel McCook to select a man of known courage and
sound discretion to cross the river at night and hide by
day, while examining the ground between the river and
the enemy's right. For this hazardous and delicate
duty Colonel McCook selected Captain James T.
McNeil, of Company H, of the Eighty-fifth.
Captain McNeil made several trips across the river,
from which he returned in safety, but on the fifth trip
Captain Pleasant S. Scott, of Company E, accompanied
him, and both were captured and sent to Libby Prison
at Richmond. Both escaped after many hardships and
returned to the regiment during the winter, when we
124 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. November, 1863.
learned the particulars of tfieir adventures in the Con-
federacy. Captain McNeil, with others, were caught in
the act of digging a tunnel, through which they hoped
to escape, and for a time he was confined in a dungeon.
After his release from the dungeon he succeeded in trad-
ing for the uniform of a Confederate lieutenant, and
dressed as a rebel officer he walked out of prison while a
ball was in progress in the officers' quarters, and follow-
ing others until near the picket, when he eluded the
guards and passed the rebel lines. Then he fell into the
swamps around Richmond, got lost and wandered for
thirteen days, living on persimmons occasionally found
hanging on the trees in winter. But after intense suf-
fering he finally reached the Union lines at Yorktown.
Captain Scott escaped from a small-pox hospital, the
loathsomeness of the disease accounting for the lack of
vigilance observed among the guards.
At daybreak on Tuesday, the i/th, while the com-
mand was at roll-call, a rebel battery which had been
quietly placed in position on the opposite bank of
the river during the night, fired a volley into the
camp of the Third Brigade. It was observed that
the roar of Captain Barnett's guns instantly followed
the flash of the enemy's guns and the rebel bat-
tery fired but one volley. The prompt response of
our battery was a striking illustration of the value
of being prepared for instant battle. It was Cap-
tain Barnett's custom at morning roll-call to require
his men to be in their places at their guns and ready for
action. This occasion found the battery in position, the
men at tfieir respective places, with their guns loaded,
and their response was so prompt, the fire so rapid and
November, 1863. BATTI.F OF CHATTANOOGA. 125
accurate that the rebel battery was overthrown before it
could fire a second round. The rebel battery had fired
into the camp at short range at a time when all the men
were at roll-call, yet the only one killed or wounded by
the enemy's shells was Levi W. Sanders, chaplain of the
One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Illinois. A shell which
failed to explode passed in its flight through the soldiers'
quarters, entered a small cabin the men had erected for
their spiritual adviser, struck the wall and in the re-
bound killed that worthy officer while yet in bed.*
At this time Chattanooga was the scene of the most
intense activity. Following the restraint imposed by in-
vesting lines, the menace of starvation, and the dread of
possible disaster, the Army of the Cumberland displayed
new vigor, while the genius of General Grant directed
the concentration of forces sufficient for the accomplish-
ment of his full purpose. All the troops that could be
spared from the rear were ordered forward, and General
Sherman, commanding the Army of the Tennessee, was
directed to move with the Fifteenth corps four divis-
ions to Chattanooga as rapidly as possible. To facili-
tate the movement of troops in the coming battle, and to
render the crossing of the river feasible at different
points, the construction of pontoons for two additional
bridges was ordered. The coming of troops, the arrival
of supplies, and the din of preparation for the approach-
ing conflict would have made the place historic without
the great victory which was soon to send joy to the loyal
people throughout the land.
* We asked one of the 125th boys a few days afterwards why the
chaplain was the only man touched, and he said: "I suppose he was
the only man in the regiment that was prepared to die." The His-
tory of the 52nd Ohio, by the Rev. Nixon B. Stewart.
126 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. November. 1863.
The topography of battlefields suggests plans of bat-
tle; dominates tactical combinations, and is intimately
connected with the story of the conflict waged upon
them. When the war began Chattanooga was a town of
some two thousand inhabitants, situated in a natural
amphitheater, and surrounded by the magnificence of
mountain view and the beauty of the quiet valley. The
Tennessee river flows in a general southwesterly course,
but just above Chattanooga it turns due west. Below
the town it turns south until it runs against the perpen-
dicular base of the north end of Lookout mountain.
This turns the river west for a mile or more, when, with
an abrupt turn, it runs due north some five miles, thence
northwest, until it flows through the narrow pass be-
tween Raccoon mountain and Wallen's ridge, when it
again resumes its southwesterly course.
The city is on the south bank of the Tennessee and
at the north end of Chattanooga valley. This valley
varies in width from two to six miles, and is some twenty
miles in length from northeast to southwest. Immedi-
ately below the main street, which runs perpendicular to
the river, Cameron hill rises abruptly one hundred and
fifty feet from the river bank. From the top of this nat-
ural observatory an unobstructed view may be had of the
accessories, of mountain and valley, of stream and plain,
with which nature furnished the stage whereon the
grandest scene of real war was enacted. Three miles
southwest, Lookout mountain rises twenty-four hundred
feet above sea level. At its northern end it rises per-
pendicularly one hundred and fifty feet, then ascends
with a gradual slope to the palisades, which are from
forty to one hundred feet in height. These perpendicu-
November, 1863. BATTLE OF CHATTANOOGA. 127
lar palisades extend across the north end, and along its
east and west sides some considerable distance. West
of Lookout mountain is Lookout creek, and west of that
Raccoon mountain, which extends north some seven
miles beyond the northern limit of Lookout mountain.
Flowing along the eastern base of Lookout mountain
for twenty miles, is Chattanooga creek, which drains
Chattanooga valley. At the south end of the valley the
cone-shaped Pigeon mountain stands like a sentinel on
duty. To the east of the valley is Mission ridge, its
irregular summit rising from six to eight hundred feet
above the plain, and ending in foot hills near the Tennes-
see. East of the city and midway between it and Mis-
sion ridge, Orchard Knob rises one hundred and fifty
feet above the general level of the valley. Brush Knob,
a similar elevation, stands a half mile toward the north-
east. North of the river is Moccasin Point, a range of
hills one hundred and fifty feet high, extending from
above Chattanooga, and jetting into the bend in the
river north of Point Lookout. Beyond Moccasin Point
Wallen's ridge rises thirteen hundred feet above tide
water. On the opposite side of Moccasin Point, due
west of the city and two miles distant, is Brown's ferry.
The valley between Moccasin Point and Wallen's ridge
concealed the movements of Sherman's army as soon as
it crossed the river at Brown's ferry, and left the enemy
to mere conjecture as to whether it would appear in the
attack on Mission ridge or move on to reinforce Burn-
side at Knoxville.
Notwithstanding General Grant's energetic prepara-
tions for battle, which could not have escaped the notice
of General Bragg, General Longstreet, with a large force
128 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. November, 1863.
of the enemy, was detached and sent to Knoxville to
overwhelm Burnside and attempt to regain what had
been lost in that region. This movement against Knox-
ville increased Grant's eagerness to attack Bragg, and
caused much anxiety lest Knoxville should fall before
reinforcements could be spared to assist in the defense
of that place. But General Sherman was delayed by bad
roads, high water and broken bridges until the 23rd,
when he massed three of his divisions behind the hills at
Caldwell's ford, ready to cross the Tennessee the next
morning.
The North Chickamauga, a stream flowing into the
Tennessee just above the camps occupied by the Third
brigade, afforded an opportunity to launch the pontoons
for bridging the river, while the movement would be
screened by timber from the enemy's view. A detail
from the Third brigade, in charge of Captain John Ken-
nedy, of Company F, of the Eighty-fifth, launched one
hundred and sixteen pontoons in this stream on the 23rd.
Captain Kennedy had been a boatman on the Illinois
river prior to the war, and so expert was he in his work
that he launched as many as three of the boats in a min-
ute. In the evening a detail was made from the brigade
of sufficient numbers to row the boats out of the creek
into the river and down to the place where the bridge
was to be thrown across. This detail was made from
among the men used to boating, and was under com-
mand of Captain H. S. LaTourrette, of Company G, of
the Eighty-fifth, with orders to be ready to man the
boats at midnight. Promptly at the appointed hour one
hundred and sixteen boats, each carrying thirty well-
armed men in addition to the rowers, pulled out of the
GEORGE A. BLANCHARD,
CAPTAIN COMPANY C.
129
November, 1863. BATTLE OF CHATTANOOGA. 131
creek and silently dropped down the river, hugging the
north bank until they reached the point for the intended
bridge, when all pulled for the other shore. This was
quickly reached, when the men jumped ashore and cap-
tured the picket post known to be at this point. So
quickly and quietly was this done that the nineteen men
constituting the post were taken without firing a shot.
Two divisions of troops were quickly carried over in the
boats, when the work of laying the pontoon bridge was
commenced, and by eleven o'clock in the morning of the
24th troops were crossing on a bridge thirteen hundred
and fifty feet in length. Ample preparations for forcing
a crossing, in case resistance should be offered, by plant-
ing fifty-six pieces of artillery on the hills north of the
intended crossing, had been made during the night be-
fore. But Bragg had been suddenly and somewhat
roughly aroused from his dream of fancied security on
the afternoon of the 23rd.
.Fearful lest Bragg should retreat, General Grant
ordered an attack on the enemy's advanced line, which
extended from Brush Knob on the north, around the
base of Orchard Knob, and for a mile or more farther
south. Promptly at one o'clock on the 23rd the divis-
ions commanded by Wood and Sheridan moved out of
their works and formed on the open plain. Between
the Union and rebel lines lay open fields without stump
or tree or fence, save the thin belt of timber which here
and there concealed the enemy's line. The Eleventh
corps, under General Howard, was formed in solid col-
umn as a reserve to the attacking force, which moved
with eager step in perfect time. The flying flags and
the sun flashing from ten thousand polished rifles pre-
132 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. November, 1863.
sented a spectacle of singular magnificence. Groups of
rebel officers viewed the scene from Bragg's headquar-
ters on Mission ridge, while the enemy's pickets, but a
few hundred yards away, stood idly looking at what they
supposed to be preparations for a grand review.
When the advance sounded the line moved forward
with the steadiness and precision of veterans on parade.
Not a straggler nor a skulker could be seen as all went
eagerly forward. Soon the enemy realized it was not a
review, but a bold attack. His pickets fell back to the
main line and their scattering shots were quickly fol-
lowed by the roll of musketry and the roar of cannon.
The plain was dotted here and there with fallen men in
"blue, and men were seen with stretchers bearing off the
"wounded. Puffs of blue smoke mark for a moment the
line of rebel works, a moment more and a hearty cheer is
heard, and the works are ours with 200 prisoners.
A break in the bridge at Brown's ferry prevented the
division of General Osterhaus, of the Army of the Ten-
nessee, from crossing the river in time to take part in
Sherman's attack on Mission ridge, and it was attached
to General Hooker's command in Lookout valley. This
accident caused the Second division of the Fourteenth
corps to be assigned to Sherman's command at the last
moment, and we crossed the river at one o'clock on the
24th, and the advance began. No resistance was offered
by the enemy save that easily overcome by a strong skir-
mish line, until one of the foot hills in which Mission
ridge ends was taken. A little later the enemy made an
effort to retake it, but was decidedly repulsed, when the
hill was fortified and we rested on our arms in line of
battle for the night.
November, 1863. BATTLE OF CHATTANOOGA. 133
The day was cold, with drizzling rain at times, but far
to the right could be heard the sound of battle. Thick
clouds of mist enveloped the top of Lookout mountain,
and at times reached to its base. From the veiled sum-
mit burst the peal of thunder and the lightning flashed
out, while the soldiers in the valley anxiously awaited the
result of the conflict among the clouds. In the after-
noon the mist was blown away for a few moments, when
the Union line appeared in full view. The flash of gun
and gleam of steel stood out distinctly on the dark back-
ground formed by the mountain's rocky face, and re-
vealed the right of the line firmly fixed at Point Lookout,
while the left was sweeping in triumph toward Chatta-
nooga. Then the brigade bands in the valley began to
play.
That night came on clear and cold, and the lines
were swept by the eager north wind. Camp fires seemed
indispensable, but they were a dangerous luxury in the
face of alert sharpshooters. But the men were elated
with another victory. The entire army was now united
in a continuous line on the south side of the river, and
during the night Bragg withdrew his troops from Look-
out mountain and Chattanooga valley to strengthen his
lines on Mission ridge. So with snatches of sleep,
achieved under much difficulty, the men were ready for
whatever might be provided for them in the morning.
As soon as it was light enough to see on the morning
of the 25th General Sherman moved his three divisions
against the main fortified line of the enemy, holding
General Davis, commanding the division to which the
Eighty-fifth belonged, as a reserve in supporting dis-
tance of his attacking columns. The enemy was found
134 HISTORY OF THE 85TH I ILLINOIS. November, 1863.
strongly entrenched, on commanding ground, in a posi-
tion of vital importance to the safety of the rebel army.
Bragg was now fully aroused to his danger, and as this
point protected his line of supplies and of retreat if found
necessary, he hurried reinforcements to this part of his
line. After terrific fighting Sherman's center division
gained a high crest within three hundred feet of the
enemy's entrenchments, which it held tenaciously
throughout the day and from which it made repeated
assaults, but without securing a lodgment in the rebel
line. About noon a brigade of the Eleventh corps,
which connected Sherman with the Army of the Cum-
berland, was sent in, but was repulsed. At two o'clock
a brigade that had worked its way almost up to the ene-
my's works, was caught in the flank by a rebel force and
rather roughly handled. This rebel success was, how-
ever, but for the moment, when the enemy was in turn
struck in the flank, his brigade broken and his troops
dispersed. By three o'clock the fighting along Sher-
man's front was virtually over, and the rebel right stood
unshaken, but his determined and persistent attack at a
vital point had caused Bragg to weaken his lines farther
south, and thus rendered success easier for the attack on
his center.
By this time Hooker, with three divisions, was form-
ing his line of battle across the enemy's left at Rossville,
while Thomas, with four divisions, stood ready to strike
the center of Bragg's weakened line. Between Orchard
Knob and the rebel line was a valley covered in part by
timber and underbrush. This field was in range of the
direct and enfilading fire of all the rebel lines, the one at
the base, the one half way up, and the main line at the
November, 1863. BATTLE OF CHATTANOOGA. 135
top of Mission ridge. The ridge in front of Thomas was
about six hundred feet in height ; its sides furrowed with
gullies ; clotted over with timber, some of which had been
felled, and in places huge rocks cropped out. At the
summit a heavy line of earthworks protected fifty pieces
of artillery which commanded the field, while at a small
house on top of the ridge Bragg had his headquarters.
This house was directly in front of Orchard Knob, and
from it floated the rebel flag.
At four o'clock six guns are fired at regular intervals
from Orchard Knob, and twenty thousand men move
forward in line of battle, exposed at every step to a ter-
rific artillery fire. The air over their heads is dotted with
the white, round clouds formed by bursting shells. But
never faltering, quickening the pace as it goes, the blue
line moves on until it dashes up to the line of leveled
rifles at the base of the ridge. There is a moment of
death and terror, and the men leap over the parapet and
into the trench, capturing the defenders to a man, who,
as they stream to the rear, are pursued by the iron hail
beating down from the hill top on both friend and foe.
Sense of time is lost in such an hour, and seemingly but
a moment passes before the long blue line begins the
perilous ascent. Then the enemy redoubled his efforts
and the firm earth trembled with the incessant roar of
artillery. At this time artillery firing increased in rapid-
ity until it reached, by the count of a cool-headed officer
at Grant's headquarters, fifty-eight guns in a single min-
ute. And now there comes, as the blue line nears the
crest, the quick, sharp rattle of musketry, which soon
deepens into a continuous roll. This is far more dread-
ful to the experienced ear than the loudest cannonade.
136 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. November, 1863.
It tells that the final scene is about to be enacted; that
victory must be quickly seized or a few retire in the bit-
terness of bloody defeat. But the line goes surging over
the crest of Mission ridge. Almost simultaneously the
rebel line is carried in half a dozen places, and the enemy
break in full retreat. Regiments are captured entire,
and battery after battery is taken.
During the afternoon General Davis proposed to
General Sherman to take the Second division and assault
the rebel works beyond the left of Sherman's line of at-
tack. The division was fresh and strong in numbers
over seven thousand effective men and if successful in
the proposed attack we would have seized the road over
which Bragg retreated during the night. But General
Sherman, no doubt wisely, declined the offer of his enter-
prising subordinate. And so it turned out that the Sec-
ond division did not become engaged, although shells
passed over and fell around about us throughout the
entire day.
Arrangements were promptly made for the pursuit
of the enemy, and the Second division at head of the col-
umn moved about midnight across South Chickamauga
creek and proceeded up the north bank of that stream as
rapidly as possible. Toward morning the fog became so
dense that it was found impossible to proceed without
great risk, and the command was ordered to make cof-
fee and get their breakfast. As soon as the fog began
to rise the troops were put in motion, but the enemy
offered little resistance until the railroad at its crossing
of Chickamauga creek was reached. Here the enemy
seemed disposed to fight, but after a brisk skirmish he
was driven toward the station. Chickamauga station
November, 1863. BATTLE OF CHATTANOOGA. 1ST
was now in full view, presenting a couple of formidable
looking fieldworks, with an open plain in full view, over
which the troops would have to move in direct attack.
The battery opened but failed to bring a reply, when the
skirmishers of the First brigade advanced, and after a
sharp fight drove the enemy from the little hamlet. This
rapid advance compelled the enemy to abandon consid-
erable property undestroyed.
In this spirited affair the Twenty-first Kentucky, of
the First brigade, learned through prisoners taken from
a Kentucky regiment in the Confederate army, that it
was a fight between Kentucky loyal and Kentucky rebel
face to face, and it created intense enthusiasm through-
out the line. The order to advance and attack the field-
works in their front was received with cheers, and
executed with a dash that soon sent the enemy back to
his main line, now formed on a hill beyond the town. A
battery in the road opened fire, but was soon driven from
its position by the fire of the Third brigade battery. In
the meantime, the entire division had been deployed,
and when the advance began the enemy retired in great
haste, leaving two twenty-four-pounder siege pieces in
our hands and considerable commissary, quartermaster's
and ordnance stores were captured and saved, notwith-
standing the efforts of the enemy to destroy them. Thus
ended a gallant little fight with the rear guard of Bragg's
army.
General Sherman arrived at the head of the column
at this time, and by his direction the troops were allowed
a short rest, after which the pursuit was renewed with
increased vigor. The roads were now strewn with
broken wagons, and two caissons were captured. The
138 HISTORY OF THE 8STH ILLINOIS. November, 1863.
pursuit grew in interest as the prospect of overtaking
the foe increased, and the usual marching pace gave way
to the double quick. This was kept up some two miles,
when the enemy was found again in position near Grays-
ville, beyond some open fields. For some distance the
troops had been confined to a narrow, muddy road while
passing through a swamp. Here the enemy opened on
the column with a two-gun battery, but as the eager
troops reached the open ground, regiments rushed into
line, the men fixing their bayonets as they ran; the
charge was sounded, and the rebel line was routed and
two pieces of artillery captured. This happened at night-
fall and the command bivouacked for the night. The
force here encountered proved to be two brigades, com-
manded by General Maney, who was severely wounded
in the fight.
The next morning the pursuit was resumed at day-
light, the Third brigade in advance. But about eight
o'clock we formed a junction with General Palmer, com-
manding the Fourteenth corps, and found that other
troops had the right of way on the Ringgold road. The
skirmishers from the Third brigade had taken the Ring-
gold road and opened communications with General
Hooker, then engaged with the enemy just beyond
Ringgold. In doing this they captured one hundred
and fifty-two prisoners. The division remained at Park-
er's Gap during the 28th, awaiting instructions.
Fear for the safety of General Burnside at Knoxville
had a dominating influence over all of General Grant's
plans for battle at Chattanooga, and over his pursuit of
the defeated enemy. As soon, therefore, as Bragg had
been driven beyond Taylor's ridge, and the left of the
November, 1863. BATTLE OF CHATTANOOGA. 139
Union army interposed between Bragg and Longstreet,
General Grant arrested the pursuit of the enemy and
ordered a strong force to march rapidly to the relief of
Knoxville.
On Sunday morning, the 2Qth, the Second division
moved with the force under command of General Sher-
man for the relief of Burnside. This force was without
camp or garrison equipage, and moved with a train only
sufficient for carrying ammunition to fight a battle which
was to be expected. It marched rapidly over muddy
roads; through winter rains, and was compelled to live
on such scanty fare as the country afforded after being
ravaged by our enemies. The command arrived within
a few miles of Knoxville on the evening of December
6th, when it was discovered that Longstreet was in full
retreat up the Tennessee valley. He had made an at-
tack, but w r as repulsed before the relieving column came
within striking distance, and at once the command
started on its return to Chattanooga.
The Second division returned by way of Morgan-
town, Madisonville and Columbus, where the division
remained five days, operating some mills in order to sup-
ply the men with food, and in breaking up bands of guer-
rillas and murderers infesting the vicinity. Parties of
infantry, mounted upon horses procured from farmers,
were sent out and gathered in many of these scoundrels.
Resuming the march on the 1 5th, by the way of Charles-
ton, Cleveland, and McDaniel's Gap, and passing
through Chattanooga, the Eighty-fifth reached its camp
at Friar's Ford or North Chickamauga, on Decem-
ber i Qth.
During the Knoxville campaign it was necessary to
140 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. November, 1863
obtain food and forage from the East Tennessee farmers,
a majority of whom were loyal, and every effort was
made to compensate those from whom supplies were
taken. This could only be done by a regular detail in
charge of an officer authorized to issue vouchers, and
very stringent orders were issued against individual for-
aging. This led to some amusing incidents, one of
which was told at the expense of the commander of the
Third brigade. It was said that one morning Colonel
McCook was riding some distance in advance of the
command, when he suddenly encountered a soldier
standing beside a hog in its death struggle, holding in his
hand a knife from which the blood was still dripping.
Amazed at this flagrant violation of orders, the colonel
thundered out, "Who killed that hog?" Whereupon
the soldier politely saluted the colonel, and said : "Col-
onel, I am a butcher by thrade and I offer it as me profes-
sional opinion that this hog died a natural death." Pat's
ready wit caused the colonel to burst out laughing and
saved the man from arrest and punishment.
The writer remembers an exhibition of loyalty on the
part of an East Tennessee farmer, which, under the dis-
tressing circumstances, appeared heroic. On a very cold
night our brigade camped on a farm from which all the
fence rails were taken and consumed during the night.
As we resumed the march about sunrise the next morn-
ing we saw the owner of the farm, an old white-haired
man, with maul and wedge, busy splitting rails at the
roadside. And while the column passed by he stood
with uncovered head, his face radiant with loyal enthusi-
asm, cheering the flag of the Union.
In this campaign the men exhibited the utmost forti-
November, 1863. BATTLE OF CHATTANOOGA. 141
tucle under ever-increasing difficulties. The weather
was cold and stormy; the men without tents or over-
coats; a large number without blankets, and many were
barefoot. On frosty mornings the men could be
tracked by the blood from their bleeding, shoeless feet,
and in the entire campaign but six days' rations were
issued. The distance marched counting both ways
was two hundred and forty miles; thoroughly testing
their endurance and their discipline. Their soldierly
conduct greatly pleased General Sherman, and in a letter
written to General Davis, he said : *
"Your division led in the pursuit of Bragg's army on
the route designated for my command, and when Gen-
eral Grant called on us so unexpectedly and without due
preparation to march to the relief of Knoxville, you and
your officers devoted yourselves to the work like soldiers
and patriots, marching through cold and mud without
a murmur, trusting to accident for shelter and subsist-
ence. During the whole march, wherever I encountered
your command, I found its officers at their proper places
and the men in admirable order. This is the true test,
and I pronounce your division one of the best ordered in
the service. Be kind enough to say to General Morgan,
General Beatty, and Colonel McCook, your brigade
commanders, that I have publicly and privately com-
mended their brigades."
And in his official report,** General Sherman thus
compliments the division and its commander: "Gen-
eral Davis handled his division with artistic skill, more
especially at the moment we encountered the enemy's
* Rebellion Records, Serial No. 56, page 439.
** Sherman's Memoirs, Volume I, page 384.
142 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. November, 1863.
rear guard near Graysville at nightfall. I must award
this division the credit of the best order during our
movement through East Tennessee, when long marches
and the necessity of foraging to the right and left gave
reason for disordered ranks."
The battles around Chattanooga were fought on
three successive days, but as all were parts of one com-
prehensive plan directed by one master mind they
appear in history, and rightly so, as the battle of Chatta-
nooga. It was the most picturesque battle of the war,
and the storming of Mission ridge was one of the marvels
in military history. And when the enthusiasm of the
troops bore them up the steeps, and they surged over the
rebel works at the crest, the hold of the Union army was
firmly fixed on the very vitals of the South.
General Grant had sixty thousand men in action, and
General Bragg probably liad forty thousand, but the dis-
parity in numbers was more than made good by the
almost impregnable position occupied by the insurgent
army. The losses of the Union army were 757 killed,
4,529 wounded, and 330 missing, making a total of
5,616. Bragg's losses in killed and wounded are not
known, his official report being rendered untrustworthy
by the fact that his total loss is reported at much less than
the number of prisoners captured by the Union army.
He lost by capture 6,142 men, 42 cannon, 69 gun car-
riages, and 7,000 stands of small arms. His loss in ma-
terial was immense, part of which he destroyed in his
precipitate fligfit, but much was left uninjured and fell
into loyal hands.
The second division, although in close support of the
attacking column, did not become actively engaged at
December, 1863. BATTLE OF CHATTANOOGA. 143
Mission ridge. Yet shot and shell passed over and fell
all around us. The official reports include the Knox-
ville campaign, and the losses are given as 41 in the divis-
ion, 1 1 of which are credited to the Third brigade. The
losses in the Eighty-fifth were :
WOUNDED Levi Clifton, of Company F, and Charles R. Bran-
son, of Company H.
Charles W. Pierce, first lieutenant of Company B,
was transferred to the invalid corps on November 2nd,
and First Sergeant Albert D. Cadwallader was promoted
to be first lieutenant. Captain Charles W. Houghton,
of Company D, resigned on December 27th, and First
Lieutenant Charles H. Chatfield was promoted to suc-
ceed him, First Sergeant Samuel Young being promoted
first lieutenant.
On November 2/th John W. Booth, of Company A,
died in the field hospital, his being the only death in the
regiment in the two months of which this chapter treats.
On Saturday, the 26th, the brigade abandoned its
comfortable camp at North Chickamauga, and moved
through Chattanooga to a place beyond Mission ridge,
and camped at McAfee's Church. As the men were still
without tents, and although the next day was Sunday,
they began as soon as it was light to construct quarters.
It was a rainy day, but the work went merrily on, and it
was remarkable how soon the small pine trees were con-
verted into very comfortable cabins. It was well that no
time was lost, for the new year came in with snow and
extreme cold.
144 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. January, 18M.
CHAPTER XIII.
So far as the military situation is concerned, the
Union victories gained at Gettysburg, Vicksburg, and
Chattanooga decided the fate of the Confederacy, and
there the struggle should have ended. In most wars
the side on whose soil the battles were fought has been
the losing side. The belligerent that can not prevent his
own territory from becoming the seat of war must ulti-
mately surrender. This is an important lesson to bear
in mind when it becomes necessary to determine the
great moral question of responsibility of continuing a
hopeless contest.
The second attempt at invading the North ended in
disaster at Gettysburg, and Lee returned to Virginia and
to the defense of the rebel capital, after losing at least
forty per cent of his army. On the next day Vicksburg
fell ; the army defending it became prisoners of war ; the
Mississippi river was opened, and the Confederacy was
cut in two. The capture of Chattanooga, the martial
throne of strategy far and near, and the objective of the
Federal army for almost two years, was recognized by
the Southern leaders and people as a direct menace to
the existence of the rebellion. And General Lee wrote
the rebel president, "That upon the defense of the coun-
try now threatened by General Grant depends the safety
of the points now held by us on the Atlantic."
The Confederate army felt its defeat at Chattanooga
most keenly, and to General Bragg it came with crushing
force. In his official report, after acknowledging the
January, 1864. PREPARING FOR A NEW CAMPAIGN. 145
total defeat and panic of his army, in language which
showed his surprise, he said : "The position ought to
have been held by a skirmish line against any assaulting
column." This statement no doubt expressed his own
opinion of the strength of the position, but it was by no
means true. No doubt his men had been somewhat
overawed by the magnitude of General Grant's prepara-
tions, and the successes of the previous days ; but the loss
of more than twenty per cent in the two central divisions
of the storming column, in a contest of less than an hour,
proves that they did not yield without a struggle. Their
retreat was not caused so much by fear as by a convic-
tion that resistance was useless. It is said that while
Bragg was riding among his men, he vainly tried to rally
them by shouting, "Here's your commander!" They
answered in derision, "Here's your mule !"
Soon after reaching Dalton and learning that the
pursuit had been discontinued, Bragg appears to have
realized that he had lost the confidence of his troops, and
he asked to be relieved and that a new commander be
assigned to the rebel army. His request was granted so
far as his relief was concerned, and General William J.
Hardee was assigned to temporary command. As a per-
manent assignment the position was not sought, and
among others General Lee declined the honor of being
thrust forward, to meet and check the triumphant career
of General Grant.*
Richmond, December 5th, 1863.
General R. B. Lee, Orange Court House, Va.
Could you consistently go to Dalton, as heretofore explained?
JEFFERSON DAVIS.
Two days later General Lee wrote the following re-
* Rebellion Records, Serial No. 56, page 785.
146 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. January, 186*.
markable letter in response to the request of the rebel
president : **
Headquarters Army of Northern Virginia,
Rapidan, December 7th, 1863.
His Excellency Jefferson Davis, President Confederate States,
Richmond:
Mr. President I have had the honor to receive your dispatch,
inquiring whether I could go to Dalton. I can if desired, but of
the expediency of the measure you can judge better than I can.
Unless it is intended that I should take permanent command, I
can see no good that will result, even if in that event any could
be accomplished. I also fear that I would not receive cordial
co-operation, and I think it necessary if I am withdrawn from
here that a commander for this army be sent to it. General Ewell's
condition, I fear, is too feeble to undergo the fatigue and labor
incident to the position. I hope your excellency will not suppose
that I am offering any obstacles to any measure you may think
necessary. I only seek to give you the opportunity to form your
opinion after a full consideration of the subject. I have not that
confidence either in my strength or ability as would lead me of my
own option to undertake the command in question.
I am, with great respect, your obedient servant,
R. E. LEE, General.
The camp at McAffee's church was situated at the
northern limits of the battlefield of Chickamauga, and
distant some six miles from Chattanooga. The line
between the states of Tennessee and Georgia ran through
the division camps, but state lines had lost much of their
former importance. The dense forest surrounding the
camp had formerly been the refuge for the thieves, mur-
derers and outlaws of the two states. An old resident
said that he had seen hundreds of these scoundrels en-
camped around the spring from which we obtained our
water supply. When an officer of Tennessee came with
a writ to arrest them, they would step a few yards int.o the
state of Georgia and laugh him to scorn. So when
Georgia sought to lay her official hand on an offending
citizen of that state, he would walk over into Tennessee
Rebellion Records, Serial No. 56, page 792.
HKNRY s. LATOT T RRKTTE,
CAPTAIN COMPANY G.
147
January, 1864. PREPARING FOR A NEW CAMPAIGN. 149
and argue the case across the line. It was indeed an
ideal spot for criminals. Requisitions from the gover-
nors of Georgia and Tennessee could of course be
obtained, but this would take time, and in the meantime
the culprit could walk leisurely into Alabama or North
Carolina, neither of which was far away. For years the
presence of these desperadoes in large numbers had kept
that locality from being settled by good men, and conse-
quently there were thousands of acres in which there had
not been a field cleared or a tree felled.
The winter was unusually severe, both North and
South ; but we had abundance of wood close at hand, and
the prospect seeming to promise a stay more or less
peaceful and extended, the men .proceeded with much
labor and ingenuity to make, their stay comfortable.
Among the most enterprising and'luxurious, cabins were
built and covered with their own make of clapboards. A
blanket over the doorway excluded the wintry blasts,
while a mud fireplace with a mud and stick chimney gave
the single room a somewhat cheery aspect. Yet on cold
nights the men had to get out of their bunks and warm
by the fire between their snatches of sleep.
Toward the end of January the weather became mild
and pleasant, and on the 26th the Third brigade took
part with other commands in a reconnaissance to Tunnel
Hill, returning on the 28th without loss or adventure.
Our old enemy was known to be at Dalton, one of the
oldest towns in Georgia, some thirty miles south of Chat-
tanooga. And the fact that General Joseph E. Johnston,
probably the most skillful army commander in the Con-
federate service, had been selected to lead the rebel army
in the coming campaign was due notice to all concerned
10
150 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. February, ig&t.
that soon or late we must be prepared for an ener-
getic renewal of the contest. But he required time in
which to organize his army, and both men and material
must be had to replace the losses sustained under Bragg
at Chattanooga before he could become a source of much
apprehension. So we remained quietly in camp for
almost a month, but with strong outposts thrown out
well to the front. On the tenth of February the Third
brigade relieved the Second brigade at Chickamauga
Station, where it remained on outpost duty until ordered
to join the division at Ringgold, where we arrived on the
evening of the 23rd. General Grant had ordered Gen-
eral Thomas to take Dalton if possible, and at Ringgold
we found all of the Army of the Cumberland available at
the time for the undertaking.
Early on the morning of the 24th the Third brigade
pushed on through Thoroughfare Gap, and soon after
the skirmishers found the enemy at Tunnell Hill. The
enemy was driven until near sunset, when we closed
down on his position in Buzzard Roost, a gap in Rocky
Face ridge. Mill creek runs through this gap, as does
the railroad from Chattanooga to Atlanta. At this time
the First brigade was moving on the left of the railroad,
the Third brigade on the right, and as the Eighty-fifth
came into line, the enemy opened with a battery of Par-
rot guns from a position until then concealed from view.
One of the shells struck the railroad bed without burst-
ing and came bounding toward the regiment. Its motion
was so slow that we could see it whirling end over end,
and apparently going to pass harmlessly by the column.
But suddenly it changed direction and struck Sergeant
Marion Horton, of Company H. wounding him severely,
February, 1864. PREPARING FOR A NEW CAMPAIGN. 151
The enemy was driven from a range of mound shaped
hills, through which both wagon and railroad mean-
dered, and whicfi. intervened between us and the enemy's
main line in the gap. From these hills the position of
the enemy could be easily reconnoitered, and from the
fire of his artillery two strongly posted field batteries were
discovered. By this time it was almost dark, and strong
pickets were thrown out well to the front. The com-
mand was located so as to be protected from the enemy's
artillery and at the same time be able to resist an attack,
and the troops rested on their arms for the night.
Early the next morning sharp skirmishing began,
and the line of battle was advanced to the crest of the
hills secured the evening before. The Eighty-fifth and
the Eighty-sixth Illinois in the front line, with the other
regiments of the brigade in reserve. Buzzard Roost is a
rocky gorge between two mountains, in which there are
many sharp spurs, abrupt ravines, steep hills and isolated
knolls, forming an almost impregnable position. Dur-
ing the morning thick smoke and haze obscured the
sight, making it difficult to see objects even at a short
distance ; but the skirmishers pressed on with vigor until
their fire commanded the enemy's rifle pits. About noon
the smoke was blown away, when the skirmish line was
reinforced and the firing became very brisk. In our
front was a cleared field some two hundred and fifty
yards in width and beyond it a ravine ran from right to
left. Beyond this depression was heavy timber, which
concealed the enemy's line. At three o'clock the ad-
vance was sounded and the First brigade on the left, and
the Third brigade on the right of the railroad, moved for-
ward. This brought a prompt response from the ene-
152 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. February, 1864.
my's artillery and infantry. Three batteries opened on
our advancing lines, with great fierceness from right, left
and front, making it exceedingly hot until the ravine was
reached. There the line was halted, and being fairly well
covered from the artillery fire we watched a well-matched
contest of sharp-shooting by the skirmish lines until
dark.
Our advance had been rapid, and brought the line so
close to the rebel batteries that they served us with grape
shot, which the writer remembers made a whirring noise
in its flight very much like that made by a flock of rising-
birds. During the day the regiment lost three men
killed and eleven wounded. After dark the Third bri-
gade was relieved by a brigade of the First division, and
we retired behind the hills where we could cook and eat
in safety. The fact had been demonstrated that the
enemy's position was too strong to be carried by direct
assault, and the next day, while sharp skirmishing was
maintained along our front, his flanks were felt by other
troops. But our army was not then strong enough in
numbers to render a turning movement possible, and
during the night of the 26th we returned to Ringgold.
The next day the division returned to its camp at Mc-
Affee's church.
Tjie losses in the Third brigade fell upon the Eighty-
fifth and the Eighty-sixth Illinois, and were 14 in the
former and 8 in the latter. The killed and wounded in
the Eighty-fifth were as follows :
KILLED Joseph Dunn, of Company C; Joseph Forner, of Com-
pany F; Robert C. Garrison, of Company K.
WOUNDED Lieutenant A. D. Cadwallader, of Company B; Clin-
ton Black, of Company D; James Carey, of Company F; John
Thompson, of Company G; James T. Toler and Marion Horton,
March, 186*. PREPARING FOR A NEW CAMPAIGN. 153
of Company H; Orpheus Ames, Isaac Fountain, Josiah Mc-
Knight, Zimri Thomas, and Jas. M. Whi'ttaker, of Company K.
The events of the past year, when viewed from either
a military or political standpoint, were full of encourage-
ment to the defenders of the Union. The victories of
the Federal armies and the support of war measures by
the vote of the loyal people, alike indicated that the crisis
in the nation's destiny had passed. That the strength of
the insurrection had culminated, was evidenced by the
ever-increasing desertions from the rebel army. This
had been greatly stimulated by President Lincoln's offer
of pardon to all who gave up and came in, below the
rank of brigadier general. The reports of the provost
marshal-general show that the number of deserters com-
ing into the lines of the Army of the Cumberland for the
six months ending on May ist, 1864, aggregated 3,731,
or an average of over 600 for each month.
With the beginning of the new year the maintenance
of the full strength of the Federal armies became the
great problem. The term of enlistment of very many
regiments would expire early in the year. Their retire-
ment in the midst of active operations would endanger
the success of all plans of aggression which might be
formed. In fact, the hope of the speedy suppression of
the revolt, turned upon the retention of these hardy,
well-seasoned troops, and yet there was no law to hold
them. Fortunately for the country the patriotism of
these citizen-soldiers was equal to the emergency, and
their voluntary re-enlistment gave assurance of adequate
armies for the coming campaign. Many of them had
been engaged in the winter campaign for the relief of
Knoxville, in which they had endured hardships and pri-
154 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. March, 1864.
vations such as had only been equalled at Valley Forge.
And no event throughout the war gave more eloquent
testimony to the devotion and courage of the volunteer
soldier.
Upon re-enlistment these veterans were given a
thirty-days' furlough to visit their homes, and for the
time being the army at Chattanooga was so reduced in
numbers that the enemy at Dalton had tfie greater force.
In the Army of the Cumberland seventy regiments of
infantry, twelve of cavalry, thirteen batteries, and thirty-
one detachments re-enlisted as "veteran volunteers."
When these veteran organizations returned to the front
at the expiration of their furloughs, they brought with
them some five thousand recruits, mostly young
men. These recruits arrived clean-shaved, hair close-
cropped, freshly vaccinated, and newly baptised, ready
for any kind of carnage, from squirrel hunting to man-
slaughter in the first degree, but their enormous appe-
tites threatened the peace and quiet of the camp.
On Saturday, the 3rd, Wheeler's rebel cavalry made
an attack on an outpost at Leet's tanyard, and dispersed
a regiment of mounted infantry stationed at that point.
As a result of this raid the Third brigade was ordered to
Lee and Gordon's mills, where we went into camp that
evening on ground held by the right of our army
throughout the first day's battle at Chickamauga. The
next day many of the men went out to Leet's tanyard
and spent some time in looking over the remains of the
mounted infantry camp, and as they wandered among
the ruins they wondered how the "acccident" happened.
The Eighty-fifth had been without tents since leav-
ing Nashville, but here the men were supplied with
March, 1864. PREPARING FOR A NEW CAMPAIGN. 155
shelter tents, as they were termed in general orders, or,
as they were always spoken of by the men, the "dog
tents" or "pup tents." This was another step in the
process of reducing the wagon train by taking the bur-
den from the animal and placing it on the man, and per-
haps these tents should be described at this point. To
each man was given a piece of white cotton cloth, five
feet six inches square. The edges were made double by
a strip three inches wide being sewed across them. At
two of the corners a loop of rope was fastened so that
stakes might be driven through them into the ground.
At the opposite edge there was a row of buttons and
button holes. When camp was reached and tents were
to be pitched there was no waiting for the wagons to
come up before the men could provide shelter. Two
men who had cast their fortunes together would drive
two stakes four and one-half feet in length into the
ground, lay a pole six feet long across the top of the
stakes, button their pieces of tent together, place it over
the pole, and fasten the lower corners to the ground with
tent pins. As there was no protection at the ends, they
were unusually well ventilated, and in case of storm they
could be readily shifted so that the rain would not blow
in. But for some reason or prejudice shelter tents never*
became very popular in the Eighty-fifth.
The 22nd is memorable for a very severe snow storm
which prevailed throughout the night and covered the
ground to a depth of ten inches. Commands that hap-
pened to be on the move at that time suffered greatly,
but fortunately the Eighty-fifth was in camp with an
abundance of fuel near at hand. This storm tended
somewhat to reconcile the men to their shelter tents.
156 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. March, ww.
The snow being in good packing condition suggested
the idea that a snow ball battle would be good sport, and
on the next day a very vigorous fight, with snow balls
for weapons, took place between different regiments in
the brigade. In the evening the weather turned very
cold, and the freezing snow quickly formed lumps of ice.
Not content with the sport had during the day, snow
balling was resumed at night, and the engagement was
fast becoming both general and serious, when the dam-
aged heads that had come in contact with lumps of ice
led the officers to stop the sanguinary sport.
On the 3 ist the Second division was reviewed by
General Thomas, the Third brigade joining the First
and Second for that purpose, at a point about half way
between their camps at McAffee's church and Lee and
Gordon's mills.
The period of which this chapter treats was one of
active preparation, in which General Grant's genius for
organization, concentration and the supply of his armies
in the field was strikingly manifest. Forces were con-
centrated around Chattanooga and organized and
equipped for an extended campaign into the heart of
the Confederacy. But General Grant was not allowed
to direct in person the campaign he had planned for the
Army of the West. Before spring opened he was ap-
pointed lieutenant general, and was placed in command
of all the armies of the United States. And true to his
soldierly instincts, Grant at once started east to direct in
person the Armies of the Potomac and the James against
the largest and best equipped of all the Confederate
armies. The Army of the Potomac had been most un-
April, 1864. PREPARING FOR A NEW CAMPAIGN. 157
fortunate in its commanders, and up to this time its only
important victories were those won at Antietam and
Gettysburg. After Gettysburg it became so quiescent
that Longstreet with 20,000 men slipped away from its
front and was fighting at Chickamauga before the com-
mander of that army learned of his departure. It had
now been dormant for more than nine months, permit-
ting Longstreet and his troops to remain in East Ten-
nessee throughout the winter, living off the loyal people
of that region until time to rejoin Lee at Richmond for
the spring campaign. Perhaps one of the most amazing
facts in the history of the war is that this army, eager to
be led against the foe which it greatly outnumbered,
with a secure base on tide water, should be held in check
so long by the incompetence of its commander.
In accordance with Grant's desire, the President as-
signed General Sherman to the command of the military
division of the Mississippi, left vacant by his promotion.
The sentiment of both the country and the army ap-
proved of General Grant's choice of his successor, and
from the day of his assignment to the close of the war,
the confidence of the army in General Sherman never
wavered, but grew in strength day by day.
When on the march in the early days of the war the
men were loaded down with well-filled knapsacks, over-
coats and blankets, in addition to their arms and accou-
trements. Gradually the contents of the knapsack were
reduced, and finally it and the overcoat were thrown
away. The men found that a wool blanket and a rubber
poncho, which could be rolled up and thrown in a coil
over the shoulder, the two ends tied on the opposite side,
answered their necessities much better than the clumsy
158 HISTORY OP THE 85TH ILLINOIS. April, 1864.
gear furnished them at the outset. So, too, in the begin-
ning each company was provided with a wagon drawn by
six mules, and three such wagons and teams were
allowed for regimental headquarters. But so many
mules died from starvation during that period of hunger
and raggedness which covered the siege of Chattanooga
that as a matter of necessity the campaign in East Ten-
nessee was made with a very limited wagon train. And
what was looked upon as a doubtful experiment at the
beginning was regarded at the successful conclusion of
that campaign as a demonstration that the wagon train
might be safely and permanently reduced.
Accordingly, along the lines of previous experience,.
Genera] Sherman continued the cutting down process
until but one wagon was allowed to a regiment, and that
was to carry ammunition and the regimental records
only. Attached to each army corps of about twenty
thousand men was an ammunition and provision train
which was limited to five hundred wagons. Man's en-
durance surpasses that of the beast, and while the num-
ber of animals was reduced and their burdens decreased,
additional loads were put upon the troops. Each man
was required to carry in addition to his musket and ac-
coutrements forty rounds of ammunition in his cartridge
box, and one hundred and sixty more in his pockets or
haversack. The provision issued was a much abridged
ration, but each soldier was required to carry a five-days'
supply of hard bread and salt pork, and with its issue
came the information that such supply must last him
from seven to ten days as occasion might require. A
herd of live cattle was to be driven in the rear of the
army, from which fresh meat was to be issued occasion-
April, 18M. PREPARING FOR A NEW CAMPAIGN. 159
ally, but these soon grew so thin from hard driving and
lack of forage that the men spoke in derision of that part
of the ration "as beef dried on the hoof."
But if the men were limited in their supply of bread
and meat, the ration was more than made good by the
bountiful issues of sugar and coffee, which were gener-
ous in quantity and above reproach in quality. The
men had learned how to extract from the coffee its most
subtle virtues, and although brewed in the most primi-
tive manner, "strong enough to float an iron wedge"
and innocent of any adulteration, it gave strength to the
weary and heavy laden, and courage to the despondent
and sick at heart.
Thus stripped of all baggage that could possibly be
dispensed with, and ready for instant battle, the army
was prepared to move from Chattanooga. The sick
and the afflicted were sent to the rear, and for twelve
long months and until the end of the war, drills and
parades were abandoned. The fife's shrill note and the
sounding drum-beat were seldom heard, as to the stir-
ring bugle call the army marched and fought its way to
the sea, and on through the birthplace of secession to
victory and to peace.
It is true our army largely outnumbered that of the
enemy. But the strength of his defensive positions in a
country abounding in mountains and rivers, where
almost every citizen was an active scout or spy, and his
shorter lines of communications fully compensated him
for his inferior numbers. Thus Sherman would be com-
pelled to attack the enemy in positions naturally strong,
chosen with skill, carefully fortified and defended with
the courage of desperation.
160 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. April, 1864.
The following- commissioned officers resigned on the
dates given below, but on account of the reduced
strength of the regiment none of the vacancies created
were filled at the time, and some never were: George
Myers, second lieutenant of Company B, on January
2 ist; William W. Turner, second lieutenant of Company
D, on March 3Oth ; Thomas R. Roberts, captain of Com-
pany A, on April I5th, and James C. Patterson, second
assistant surgeon, on April i6th, leaving Surgeon P. L.
Dieffenbacher without an assistant in the discharge of
his arduous duties until late in the summer.
The following enlisted men died during the period
of which this chapter treats : John Barnett, of Company
E, in field hospital at McAffee's church, April 2Oth;
Aaron Brewer, of Company G, in the field hospital at
McAffee's church, on January 22nd ; Daniel T. Joneson,
of Company K, at Richmond, Va., on February 4th ;
James Gary, of Company F, of wounds on March nth,
and Joseph Orange, of same company, on March 28th,
in the field hospital at McAffee's church.
The official report for April 3Oth gives a total present
for duty in the Eighty-fifth of 439.
May, 1864. ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. 161
CHAPTER XIV.
On May ist, 1864, more than two hundred thousand
men stood ready to move against the enemy at the bid-
ding of Lieutenant General Grant. While these troops
were divided into two widely separated columns, of
nearly equal strength, they had a common object, the
destruction of the rebel army under General Lee in front
of Richmond, and that under General Johnston standing
in front of Dalton. And on the fate of these armies
rested the hopes of the Confederacy.
The column which General Sherman was to move
against the enemy at Dalton was composed of the Army
of the Ohio, comprising the Twenty-third corps, com-
manded by Major General J. M. Schofield, with 13,500
men and 28 guns ; the Army of the Tennessee, compris-
ing portions of the Fifteenth, Sixteenth and Seventeenth
corps, now arriving at Chattanooga under command of
Major General James B. McPherson, with 24,000 men
and 96 guns, and the Army of the Cumberland, com-
manded by Major General George H. Thomas, with
60,000 men and 130 guns. The Army of the Cumber-
land was composed of the Fourth, Fourteenth and
Twentieth Army corps, and three divisions of cavalry,
commanded by Generals Judson Kilpatrick, Edward M.
McCook and Kenner Garrard the whole making a
grand aggregate of 98,797 men and 254 guns.*
The Fourteenth Army corps, commanded by Major
General John M. Palmer, numbered 19,637 effective
* Memoirs of General W. T. Sherman, Vol. II, page 24.
162 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. May, 18W.
men. The First division was commanded by Brigadier
General Richard W. Johnson; Second division, by Brig-
adier General Jefferson C. Davis, and the Third division,
by Brigadier General Absalom Baird. The brigade
commanders in the Second division were: First bri-
gade, Brigadier James D. Morgan; Second, Colonel
John G. Mitchell, and Third, Colonel Daniel McCook.
The monthly report of the Army of the Cumberland for
April 3Oth, 1864,* shows 7,135 effective men in the Sec-
ond division. But unfortunately these monthly returns
do not descend to brigades and regiments.
On the part of the Eighty-fifth the campaign began
on Tuesday morning, May 3rd, when the Third brigade
left its camp at Lee and Gordon's mills, and that evening
it joined the First and Second brigades from the camps
at McAffee's church, at Ringgold. On the 5th we moved
through Thoroughfare Gap, and camped at the forks of
the Cleveland and Dalton roads, not far from Catoosa
Springs. Before the war Catoosa Springs had been a
favorite health and pleasure resort, but at this time both
buildings and grounds were in a very dilapidated condi-
tion. During the day, although the enemy was in plain
view on the hills beyond, there were few in the command
who did not visit the famous watering place.
By the evening of the 6th all the forces were in line,
and General Sherman's grand army ready to close down
on Dalton and General Johnston's veteran army. We
were on familiar ground, having skirmished over it in
February, and all understood that we would be up
against a tough proposition as soon as the advance
began.
* Rebellion Records, Serial No. 75.
May, ISM. ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. 163
Saturday, the 7th, the entire army moved forward.
Reveille sounded at half-past three o'clock, and before
sunrise the troops were on the march. The advance
was assigned to our division, with the Third brigade in
front. The enemy's cavalry pickets were soon en-
countered, but were steadily driven by the skirmish line
of the Fifty-second Ohio until within cannon range of
Tunnel Hill. At this point the enemy opened with ar-
tillery; our batteries were brought into action, and a
sharp fight ensued, in which the enemy were driven into
Buzzard Roost. The advance seized a high round hill,
known to us as Signal Hill, and around it the Second
Division bivouacked until the Qth. On the afternoon of
that day the Second brigade, supported by the Third,
advanced along the left of the railroad and swept the
enemy from a line of hills in front of the gap, and the en-
tire division took a position in Buzzard Roost.
On the loth the division pressed the enemy back into
the gorge until his lines were fully developed, and our
batteries were brought to bear on his entrenchments.
The rattle of musketry and the roar of cannon continued
throughout the day. Rain was falling steadily and the
pungent smell of battle smoke filled the valleys. The
faces of the men were powder-grimed and their clothing
stained with the soil from the protecting hillsides. After
the advance had gone to the utmost and the men began
to make the best of an ugly situation, the first mail ar-
rived since the regiment left Lee and Gordon's mills.
But as soon as its distribution drew a crowd, the vigilant
enemy's shells began to fall around in such numbers that
the men quickly returned to such shelter as tree, or rock,
or hillside afforded. In the evening the weather turned
164 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. May, 1864.
unusually cold for the time of year, but the position held
by the command was so close under the enemy's guns
that the men had to spend the night without fire. The
next morning we were relieved by a brigade from the
Fourth corps, and retired to the vicinity of Signal Hill,
where we enjoyed a day of rest. The Eighty-fifth lay
near the signal station, at which General Sherman spent
most of the day, and from which the fighting in the gap
and on the hills to the right and left of it could be plainly
seen.
On the I2th the Second division marched at sunrise
for Snake Creek Gap, which was reached after a march of
fourteen miles at dark. After a brief halt for supper the
march was resumed, and continued until near daylight.
The night trip, through this famous gap, was one to be
remembered. The division was in the rear of the corps,
and through the long hours the column toiled on
through the narrow, crooked defile. The night march
was not a long one when the number of miles traversed
is considered, for this wild and picturesque defile is but
six miles in length. But the road was only such a track
as country wagons had worn in the bed of a stream that
meanders through Rocky Face mountain, or passed over
projecting spurs. The artillery and ammunition trains
in front delayed the march, yet the men were not allowed
to tarry more than a few moments at any point for rest.
Many sank down from exhaustion, feeling they could
not go another step. At last, near daybreak, the weary
column halted, and the soldiers set about preparing cof-
fee and frying meaj; over quickly kindled bivouac fires.
The Army of the Tennessee passed through Snake
Creek Gap on the afternoon of the Qth, but after pressing
D. L. MUSSULMAN,
2O LIEUTKNANT COMPAXr <i, II
165
M.f
May.lSW, ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. 167
his advance close to the enemy's fortifications, General
McPherson decided not to attempt to carry them by
assault and prudently waited the arrival of reinforce-
ments. The movement of a strong column to his sup-
port rendered the position of General Johnston at Dai-
ton untenable, and while the Twenty-third corps of the
Army of the Ohio, and the Fourteenth and Twentieth
corps of the Army of the Cumberland were moving
through Snake Creek Gap, the enemy retired to his de-
fenses near Resaca. This town stands on the north bank
of the Oostanaula river. The Connasauga falls into
the river just above the town, while Camp creek
flows into the Oostanaula immediately below. North
of Resaca, and between Camp creek and the Conna-
sauga, were hills, which made it a very strong place for
the entrenched camp which the rebel commander had
prepared for his army.
After a brief rest on the morning of the I3th the
Second division took a position on the left of the corps in
the advance upon the enemy's entrenched lines. The
fighting during the day was confined principally to our
right, and but little opposition was encountered on our
immediate front. That night the Third brigade occu-
pied a position on the left of the corps, our pickets con-
necting with the right of the Army of the Ohio. On
the I4th the command advanced, conforming to the
movements of troops on the right, but without becoming
actively engaged. During the day there was heavy
fighting along the lines, and part of the enemy's works
were captured with several pieces of artillery. In the
afternoon the Third brigade was massed in support of
the First division, and came under a sharp artillery fire.
11
168 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. May, 1864,
That night we relieved the brigade of General Carlin, of
the First division, and during the night completed the
works he had already begun on the front line. All day
Sunday, the I5th, there was sharp skirmishing and shot
and shell came plunging through the timber. The
muskets spoke spitefully and the bullets sped singing
over the works and many came pattering down among
the men, striking logs and trees, or cutting off leaves
overhead,- Jacob Bortzfield, of Company A, being
wounded.
During the day Sherman contracted and strength-
ened his lines, and a pontoon bridge was laid below the
town, and the cavalry crossed, threatening the enemy's
flank. Johnston's position, although very strong, had
the fatal defect of giving him a river at his back, and a
small force on the opposite bank would make his invest-
ment complete. Seeing that he could no longer remain
in safety, he withdrew during the night of the I5th, de-
stroying the railroad bridge behind him. So when the
bugles sounded on the morning of the i6th the rebel
works were found to be deserted, and the army entered
upon a vigorous pursuit of the enemy.
At sunrise General Davis moved the Second division
rapidly down the west bank of the Oostanaula, under
orders to cross the river at a bridge supposed to be near
the mouth of Armuchee creek, and thrust the division
between the retreating enemy and a rebel force known to
be at Rome. After a rapid march of fifteen miles the
command reached the point where the bridge was sup-
posed to be, but there was no bridge, indeed, there had
never been any. The river was too deep to ford. We
had no pontoons, and how to act under the embarrassing
May, 1864. ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. 169
circumstances became a difficult problem. But General
Davis was a man of action, and believing that the main
object of the expedition could best be obtained by push-
ing on to Rome, he determined to try to seize a bridge at
that place.
The next morning a rapid march began at daylight,
and ten miles were covered by noon, when we encount-
ered the enemy's pickets at a creek eight miles from
Rome. Here the men cooked and ate dinner; the trains
were parked and left under guard of two regiments, and
at two o'clock the headlong march was resumed. A
double skirmish line drove the enemy without causing a
halt in the column, until he opened with artillery from
his works on De Soto hill, on the west side of the Oos-
tanaula river. Preparations for attack were quickly
made ; the Second brigade on the right, the Third on the
left of the Resaca and Rome road, and the First massed
in support. The Eighty-fifth was formed in the second
line, and on the left of the brigade. The order to ad-
vance was given and the entire line moved rapidly for-
ward, arriving at the top of a ridge just in time to meet
the enemy ascending trie opposite slope. Instantly both
sides opened fire, which was furious and well sustained
for some time, but we had the ridge and soon drove the
enemy into his entrenchments, capturing one piece of
artillery abandoned by the insurgents in their hasty
flight. Near the close of the action the Eighty-fifth was
moved to the left and front, and at the end of the fight it
was in the front line.
At dark the left of the Eighty-fifth rested on the river,
and the enemy had been driven into his defenses erected
for the protection of Rome, the county seat of Floyd
170 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. May, 1864.
county, Georgia. This was a city of some three thou-
sand inhabitants when the war commenced, and is situ-
ated at the point where the waters of the Oostanaula and
the Etowah unite to form the Coosa river. As the city
was known to contain extensive iron works, foundries
and machine shops, it was reasonable to expect a stub-
born defense, and the line was connected and made
strong during the night. Our line extended from the
river above to the river below the town, completely in-
vesting the enemy's works. Then the tired men, who
had marched eighteen miles and fought a very pretty lit-
tle battle, rested on their arms for the night.
A heavy fog delayed the attack until nine o'clock the
next morning, when the skirmish line rushed forward
and wrested the works from the enemy's skirmishers.
But the retreating enemy burned the bridges in his
flight, and under the protection of his batteries hoped to
hold the city until his stores could be removed to a place
of safety. Two batteries located in formidable looking
field works, one above the city on the east bank of the
Oostanaula, and one on the south bank of the Coosa
below, opened fire on our advance, but our batteries soon
silenced them. In the meantime, the Eighty-fifth had
been constructing rafts of fence rails, on which the men
placed their arms, ammunition and clothing, then swim-
ming the Oostanaula they pushed these rafts before them
to the opposite shore. Once on the other side a skir-
mish line was quickly formed under the direction of
Colonel Dilworth and other officers of the Eighty-fifth,
which drove the enemy from the city and raised the ban-
ner of freedom over rebellious Rome. So rapid was the
advance of the Eighty-fifth from an unexpected quarter
May, 1864. ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. 171
that a sufficient number of pontoons were captured to
bridge the Oostanaula, and a few hours later the Third
brigade crossed the river and occupied the city.
The division captured three pieces of field artillery,
five 32-pounder garrison guns, and two 8-inch Howitz-
ers, together with large stores of quartermaster, commis-
sary and medical supplies, great quantities of cotton and
tobacco, a train loaded with salt, and the extensive iron-
works, foundries and machine shops, upon which the
enemy relied for a large part of his ordnance supplies and
repairs. It was the intention of the enemy to remove
the stores and destroy the shops and foundries, but our
advance was so rapid and the attack so prompt and ener-
getic that he was compelled to fly before his purpose
could be accomplished.
The men always took great pride in this battle, which
was fought out by the Second division alone. The day
was very warm ; the men marched eighteen miles, and for
almost half the distance had skirmished with the enemy.
And had it not been for the fact that the attention of tne
entire country was so largely directed to the manouevres,
battles and actions of such vast armies, both east and
west, this battle would have been considered, and justly
so, a very important victory for the Union cause. The
division lost in this engagement one hundred and forty-
nine in killed and wounded. The losses of the enemy
were never reported, but as he fought behind entrench-
ments most of the time, his killed and wounded probably
numbered less than ours.
The pickets of the enemy continued to hold the south
bank of the Coosa river for several days, and kept up at
intervals a vicious skirmish firing into the city, killing
172 'HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. May, 1864.
and wounding- soldiers and citizens indiscriminately. But
we were compelled to await the arrival of additional pon-
toons from the main army before we could dislodge the
enemy from the farther shore. However, on the 22nd
sufficient pontoons arrived to span the river below the
city, when the First brigade laid a bridge, crossed the
river, seized the enemy's works, and drove him from that
entire front. The six days of rest at Rome were most
welcome, and the men made good use of their opportu-
nity. The first thing with most of them was a bath, next
they thoroughly washed their clothing. Then after they
had slept all they cared to, they wandered through the
cosy little city, and if the company of the Roman
Nobles (?), most of whom had fled with the rebel army,
was missed, no soldier complained of their absence. On
the 23rd. the Second brigade and the batteries crossed to
the south side of the Coosa; three days' rations were
issued to each man, and preparations completed for an
early advance on the next morning. The casualties in
the Eighty-fifth were: Richard Maguire, of Company
E, wounded, and N. J. Kemp, of Company K, wounded.
At five o'clock on Tuesday morning, the 24th, the
Second division moved out of Rome on the direct road
to Van Wert. A march of eighteen miles brought us in
touch with the main army, the right under General Mc-
Pherson being at Van Wert. That night we camped on
Euharlee creek. The next day we passed to the left of
Van Wert, over a point of Alatoona mountain, and that
night camped near Dallas and in close support of the
main column. The march had been long and rapid, and
during the afternoon a pouring rain fell. The noise of
battle mingled with the peals of thunder, for in the midst
May, 1864. ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. 173
of the storm the troops under General Hooker fought a
bloody battle near New Hope church. The rain contin-
ued through the night, making our camp, which we
reached very late, utterly wretched.
On the 26th the division was ordered to move toward
Dallas, and after crossing Pumpkin Vine creek at Bish-
op's bridge, some two miles northwest of the town, the
enemy's pickets were found on the Burnt Hickory road.
Our skirmishers drove the enemy through Dallas, and
the division formed a line of battle on the East Marietta
road. The enemy was found behind strong entrench-
ments extending across this road, his right resting on
the west end of Ellisberry mountain, and the men rested
on their arms for the night. The next morning the Third
brigade advanced with sharp skirmishing, a mile or more
into a gorge in the mountain, and during the day the bri-
gade in single line was entrenched so as to secure this
pass. During the afternoon the noise of fierce battle
was heard a few miles to our left, and it was learned that
a severe engagement resulted in an attempt to turn the
rebel right at Picket's mills.
During the day, the Twenty-second Indiana was on
the skirmish line, sustaining a loss of three killed, six
wounded, and two missing. That night while being re-
lieved by the One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Illinois,
the enemy made a vigorous attack, which led to an excit-
ing conflict. In the darkness and confusion of the first
onset it was hard to distinguish friend from foe, and the
enemy captured one officer and fourteen men. A coun-
tercharge was made immediately, in which two officers
and twenty-seven men were captured from the enemy.
There were a number killed and wounded on both
174 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. June, 18M.
sides in this fight in the dark, but in the end our advanced
position was retained, and the enemy retired in utter con-
fusion. The Third brigade occupied this position, with
some sharp skirmishing, until the end of the month.
CHAPTER XV.
On Wednesday, the ist, the Second division moved to
the left and joined the corps in the vicinity of New Hope
church. During the night it relieved Hovey's division
of the Army of the Ohio, and occupied its entrenchments
on a branch of Pumpkin Vine creek. As the Eighty-
fifth moved into position, through thick timber and tan-
gled underbrush, the soldiers of the retiring force cau-
tioned us to be very careful, as the line was within short
rifle range of the enemy, who had "sharpshooters in the
trees." Colonel Dilworth on hearing this statement
said : "Well, we will turkey hunt them in the morning."
This grim reply of the colonel had a good effect on the
men, who found the situation fully as ugly as it had been
represented. A line of hills within short range was held
by the entrenched line of the enemy, and dominated our
line completely. Our skirmish line was close in, and
every shot fired by the enemy swept our works and the
ground behind them. Several men were wounded close
by the works, two of whom, William Collins and John
W. McClaren, of Company H, were wounded by the
same ball.
This ugly fight at short range continued until the
4th, when the brigade was relieved from the firing line,
and moved four miles to the left in a soaking rain. Dur-
June, 1864. ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. 175
ing the night of the 5th the enemy evacuated his works,
and early the next morning, the brigade having the ad-
vance of the corps, moved to Proctor's creek, two miles
south of Ackworth, on the road from that town to Big
Shanty. Here the Eighty-fifth remained in comparative
quiet until the loth, when it took part in the advance of
the entire army. The advance was made through heavy
woods, with here and there a small clearing ; over swollen
streams and muddy roads; with constant skirmishing,
and in frequent heavy rain storms. This continued until
the evening of the I3th, when the lines closed down on
the enemy's lines at Pine mountain. The left of the
division now rested on the Atlantic and Western railway,
where it connected with the Sixteenth army corps. On
the bald crest of Pine mountain the enemy had his signal
station and a battery of field artillery. On the I4th a
group of rebel officers was seen near their signal station,
evidently observing our lines with their glasses. At the
time General Sherman was near a battery near our right,
which he directed to fire on the group. This battery
fired three volleys, and the commotion caused in the
enemy's ranks showed that the shots had been well
aimed. Very soon a message was taken from the rebel
signal station and translated by one of our officers who
had learned the enemy's "key," which read: "Send an
ambulance for General Polk's body." From this it was
surmised that General Polk had been killed, and later in
the same day this was confirmed by the admissions of
prisoners captured.
General Leonidas Polk was a brother of James K.
Polk, the eleventh President of the United States.* He
* Campaigns of the Civil War, by General J. D. Cox, page 98.
176 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. June, law.
was graduated at the West Point Military Academy in
the class of 1827, and was appointed second lieutenant of
artillery. He resigned his commission before the end of
the year, studied theology and was ordained as deacon in
the Protestant Episcopal church in 1830. In 1841 he
was chosen bishop of Louisiana, holding this position at
the time of his death. He had grown very wealthy at
the time of the breaking out of the war, and was reported
to be the owner of seven hundred slaves. Entering the
rebel service in 1861, his military education and promi-
nence in the church secured for him an important com-
mand, probably more important than his talents and
luxurious habits fitted him for filling. At Chickamauga
he commanded the right of the rebel army, but was
relieved from command and placed under arrest for dis-
obedience of orders soon after the battle ended. A few
months later he was relieved from the severe censure put
upon him by General Bragg for dilatory conduct, and at
the time he was killed he was in command of one of the
three corps composing the insurgent army in our front.
He was a man of full habit ; deliberate in his actions, and
had influenced a multitude of his followers in casting
their lot with the enemies of his country. At the time he
was killed the first volley from the battery dispersed his
companions on the mountain, but his bulk and dignity
alike forbade hasty retreat, and a shell from the second
volley severed the body of the bishop general of the Con-
federacy.
From the I4th to the evening of the i8th the advance
was continued with sharp skirmishing at all times, and
with frequent hard fights, the division closing down on
the entrenched line of the enemy at Kennesaw moun-
June, 1864. ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. 177
tain on the latter date. On the igth the battle of
Gulp's farm was fought by Hooker and Schofield, far to
the right, in which the enemy was defeated with heavy
loss. Rain fell every few hours, and in the intervals be-
tween showers the weather was very hot and sultry. On
the 2 ist General Sherman telegraphed to Washington:
"This is the nineteenth day of rain, and the prospect of
clear weather is as far off as ever. The roads are impas-
sable, and fields and woods become quagmires after a
few wagons have crossed, yet we are at work all of the
time."
In our front the enemy had an earthwork on top of
the mountain, in which were ten or twelve pieces of artil-
lery, and these guns commanded the entire line of the
division. We threw up a strong line of earthworks for
the infantry line and field works were constructed for our
batteries. A stream ran from left to right across our
front and near the base of the mountain. The enemy's
skirmish line was beyond the stream, and still higher on
the mountain side was his main line of entrenchments.
His lines and batteries were all in thick timber except his
guns on the mountain top.
Screened by the dense forest, the enemy found it dif-
ficult to get accurate range of our entrenchments. But
during the day if men were seen or a glimpse of a tent fly
was caught through the wind-tossed leaves and
branches, his alert gunners would sweep the spot with
shot and shell until it seemed no living thing could
escape. And at night the flickering light from candle or
fire would provoke a shower of shot from the ever-ready
batteries of the enemy. Near midnight of the 22nd, while
Surgeon Wilson, of the H3th Ohio, was dressing the
178 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. Ju ne, 1864.
wounds of one of his men, assisted by two others, the
candle he was using drew the fire of the rebel battery,
when a solid shot carried away a leg from each of the
surgeon's assistants.* Our earthworks were proof
against both shot and shell, and the men, suffering from
the heat and weary of the trench, would select some one
to watch the battery and give notice when it was about
to fire. This was entirely practicable, as the gunners
could be seen as they rammed the charge home, then a
puff of smoke would appear, and in two or three seconds
a shot or shell would follow, screeching and shrieking
through the air. On the signal being given the men
would quickly get under cover, while shot and shell tore
through the tree-tops, or striking in front, ricochetted
across the works, to burst or land far in the rear. The
exploding shells at times made an almost constant roar ;
pieces of jagged iron were thrown in all directions, and
great branches were torn from the trees and fell among
the men. And day and night this trying ordeal contin-
ued until the division was relieved for a most desperate
undertaking.
Men get desperately tired and reckless under such
conditions, and on the 25th, when the rebel batteries
opened. Sergeant James Leeper, of Company C, was
lying in a shade only ten feet from the trench when the
danger signal was given, but he declined to seek cover.
An instant later a shell burst directly above where he was
lying, the larger part of which descended in a direct line
and separated his body into two parts.
But in the midst of this deadly work amusing inci-
dents happened now and then. Brigade, division, and
* Sergeant McAdams' History 113th O. V. I., page 86.
June, 1864. ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. 179
corps headquarters, while in the rear, were still within
the range of that vicious battery on the mountain, and of
course entirely unprotected. Captain Wiseman, assist-
ant adjutant general on the staff of the First brigade, had
occasion to visit corps headquarters one morning, after
the enemy had snellecl each headquarters impartially and
with unusual vigor and accuracy. On this occasion
Wiseman said : "Around corps headquarters I found
the ground literally covered with limbs torn from the
surrounding trees, and the tents torn by shot and shell.
In the midst of .this desolation sat General John M.
Palmer, in his shirt sleeves, vigorously fanning himself,
behind the trunk of a large tree whose top had been shot
away that morning. After attending to my business and
chatting a moment about the situation, I turned to leave,
when the general called me back and said, 'Adjutant,
don't you wish this cruel war was over?' I replied that
it certainly was an event earnestly desired by all, and by
none more than by his command under present circum-
stances, and again I turned to leave, when the general
said, 'Adjutant, present my compliments to General
Morgan, and say to him that these headquarters will
move as soon as darkness will permit.' '
At nine o'clock on Saturday night, the 25th, the Sec-
ond division was relieved by Harrow's division of the
Fifteenth corps, and withdrew from the works at the
northwestern slope of Kennesaw, which it had occupied
since the i8th. The withdrawal was made in silence,
and every precaution was observed on the march to pre-
vent the enemy from gaining a knowledge of the move-
ment. The route by which we retired lay through thick
timber, and was crossed by numerous ravines, which de-
180 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. June , MM.
layed the march, so that the rear of the column arrived at
camp about daylight. The camp selected was at a point
in the rear of the right of Stanley's division of the Fourth
corps.
It was Sunday, and for the first time in weeks the
men had an opportunity to spend a day in the silence of
the shady woods. There were no bugle calls that day,
and after a quiet inspection of arms and an issue of extra
ammunition, the time was devoted to undisturbed rest.
In the distance an occasional cannon could be heard, but
the camp was out of reach of shot and shell, and beyond
the sound of the rifles on the skirmish line. Few outside
the officers knew of the proposed assault, and the orders
received in the evening directing the men to have break-
fast over and to be ready to march at daylight, was by no
means so unusual as to excite curiosity or provoke com-
ment. Yet there were rumors floating through the
camp to the effect that Monday would be an eventful
day.
The condition of the roads and the long lines of
wagon trains necessary to supply the daily demands of
the army made it difficult for General Sherman to extend
his lines further to the right, and he resolved to make a
change of plans. And, while keeping up a show of mov-
ing to the right, he ordered columns to be formed near
his center, for the purpose of assaulting the enemy's for-
tifications. The assaulting columns were to move at
nine o'clock on Monday morning, while a general attack
all along the lines was ordered for the same hour as a
diversion in favor of the main assault. This assault was
to be made near the road leading from Gilgal church to
Marietta.
June, 1864. ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. 181
At eight o'clock on Monday morning, the 2/th, the
troops selected for the assault were formed in the follow-
ing order: The Second brigade, Colonel John G.
Mitchell commanding, on the right. On his left the
Third brigade, Colonel Daniel McCook commanding,
both of Davis' division, in columns of regiments at ten
paces interval. On the left of McCook was Newton's
division of the Fourth corps, with the brigades of Harker
and Wagner, both formed in column of division, left in
front. This formation, although prescribed by General
Howard, commanding the Fourth corps, was unfortu-
nate, in that it separated the brigades of Harker and
Wagner from McCook by a brigade interval, and per-
mitted the enemy, as the columns neared his works, to
enfilade not only McCook's left, but these brigades as
well. The First brigade, General James D. Morgan
commanding, of the Second division, had occupied our
advance line of works early in the morning, while the
two remaining divisions of the Fourteenth corps under
General Palmer, the Twentieth corps under General
Hooker, and parts of the Fourth corps commanded by
General Howard, were near at hand, ready and waiting
to take advantage of a breach in the enemy's line.
All the ground to be passed over was rough and diffi-
cult, and the distance to be traversed before the rebel
works would be reached, was about five hundred yards.
The brigade was formed in an open field, which sloped
toward the marshy bed of a small creek lined with trees
and matted vines. Near the creek, but on the hither
side, was our main line of works, now occupied by the
First brigade. Beyond the creek lay another field, and
on the far side of this were the enemy's skirmishers in a
182 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. Ju ne, MM.
line of rifle pits. From his skirmish line to the crest of
the hill, crowned with the enemy's main works, the
ground was thickly covered with timber, and rose rather
abruptly. Directly in front of the brigade was an angle
in the rebel works, and he had posted sixteen pieces of
artillery some distance to the right and left, which would
sweep the sides of the angle.
The Third brigade, in column of regiments at ten
paces interval, was formed in the following order : The
Eighty-fifth Illinois, Colonel C. J. Dilworth command-
ing ; One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Illinois, Colonel O.
F. Harman commanding; Eighty-sixth Illinois, Lieuten-
ant Colonel A. L. Fahnestock commanding; Twenty-
second Indiana, Captain W. H. Snodgrass commanding ;
Fifty-second Ohio, Lieutenant Colonel C. W. Clancy
commanding.
The orders were to make the assault in silence, cap-
ture the works and then cheer, as a signal for the reserves
to move forward and beyond us, it being the plan for
them to seize the railroad and cut Johnston's army in
two. The undertaking was the most difficult and des-
perate ever assigned to the troops designated for the
assault, but if successful the victory would be greater
than any they had yet gained.
The firing of a single gun near General Thomas'
headquarters at nine o'clock was the signal for all our
batteries to open along the main lines for ten miles or
more, and for the storming columns to start. The col-
umn of regiments started promptly on the signal given,
moving at quick time to the chorus of three hundred
loud-mouthed cannon, until our works and the creek had
been reached and passed. The tangled vines and marshy
OKOUP OF COMPANY (i.
LIEUT. JOHN M ROBEKTSON.
-r:i. r. W. IRVING SHANNON. 1ST SEHGT. JIENKV J. ATEN.
183
UHHAfiV
Of THE
UNIVERSE of ILLINOIS
June, 18<H. ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. 185
creek somewhat broke the formation, but being a well-
drilled brigade good order was at once restored as the
line entered the open beyond the creek. Here a cloud
of skirmishers was thrown forward on the run from the
Eighty-fifth, and these skirmishers seized the enemy's
rifle pits, capturing his skirmishers to a man. Even then
the brigade was under a heavy fire of both musketry and
artillery, 'but the men moved through the field steadily
on the double quick. When the timber was reached on
the farther side, all ran eagerly up the hill, which became
steeper as we neared the crest. Now the enemy re-
doubled his efforts, and his cannon gave forth a continu-
ous roar. The air seemed full of bullets, while a cross-
fire of shot and shell tore diagonally through our ranks.
But the men ran stubbornly on until, within a few feet of
the enemy's works, the limit of endurance was reached,
and out of breath and almost overcome with the heat,
they halted, crouched, and with one accord began firing.
Indeed, the momentum of the column carried a few men
over the works, to fall covered with wounds into the
hands of the enemy.
Each regiment in the brigade breasted the storm, and
strove to gain the works, until all had tried and failed.
The colors of the Eighty-fifth and of other regiments
were planted on the outer edge of the enemy's works.
It is now known that Captain Beasley, of the First Rebel
Tennessee infantry, lost his life in attempting to seize the
colors of the Fifty-second Ohio. Colonel McCook,
while urging his men on, himself in the lead, fell mortally
wounded before the charge had failed. After McCook
fell the voice of Captain Fellows, brigade inspector, was
heard, but his half-finished rallying cry was cut short by
12
186 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. Ju ne, 1864.
a shot, and the brave captain fell dead within a few feet
of the coveted works. The command now devolved
upon Colonel Harmon, who at the instant of giving the
command "Forward !" fell into the arms of his men, shot
through the heart. Colonel Dilworth, the next in rank,
now assumed command of the brigade, and the com-
mand of the Eighty-fifth devolved upon Major R. G.
Rider. Each attempt to push forward was met with
deadly volleys, the ground was thickly strewn with the*
dead and dying, and the living, crouched behind their
dead comrades, still firing.
When the men realized that they could not carry the
works by storm, they fell back doggedly a few paces at a
time, taking advantage of every available shelter. Very
soon, from every stump and tree, a well-sustained and
deadly fire was directed at any head that appeared above
the enemy's works. The deadly aim of our men, from
a line so close that the features of the foe could be dis-
tinguished, composed as it soon was of the crack shots of
the brigade, caused the fire of the enemy to slacken, and
finally it almost ceased. In the meantime the energetic
efforts of Colonel Dilworth, supplemented by the effi-
cient assistance of Major Rider and the officers of the
other regiments in the brigade, straightened out the
tangled regiments, which had become somewhat
bunched on the right, and the well-trained men quickly
found their proper places.
The active attack along the line having ceased, and
seeing that our fire completely dominated the rebel
works, Colonel Dilworth advised General Davis that his
line rested within forty paces of the enemy's works, and
stated that he could hold the ground gained. He also
June, 1864. ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. 187
requested that entrenching tools be furnished the com-
mand at once. This message fell into the hands of Gen-
eral Thomas, who appeared to be rather incredulous as
to the reported distance between the lines. After ques-
tioning Captain E. L. Anderson, brigade adjutant gen-
eral, closely in that regard, General Thomas decided that
owing to the close proximity of the brigade to the ene-
my's works, entrenching tools could not be safely sent
until night-fall. So in this critical position, while a large
portion of the men kept on firing, the remainder, work-
ing with bayonet and tin cup or spoon and tin plate, man-
aged to throw up a light earth-work sufficient to protect
their prostrate bodies. Here the brigade remained six
long days and nights, for while the offer was made, the
men declined to be relieved, preferring themselves to
guard what it had cost so much to gain.
In the evening, after darkness had set in, the enemy
made a noise which the men supposed to be preparations
for a countercharge, but it was probably a ruse. Instantly
the men were on their feet, when a volley was fired by the
enemy which killed Captain Charles H. Chatfield, of
Company D, and several enlisted men of the Eighty-
fifth. About this time entrenching tools arrived, and a
permanent line of works was erected, the flanks of the
brigade being slightly retired to meet connecting lines
on the right and left. And night and day the fight was
continued over the narrow strip of ground, the firing
being almost constant, and the men at all times ready to
repel a countercharge, an emergency that might arise at
any moment.
On the 29th a truce was arranged, lasting from 9
a. m. to 4 p. m., under which we were allowed to gather
188 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. Ju ne, 18W.
and bury our dead between the lines. Unarmed guards
detailed from each side were stationed in two lines facing
inwardly, to prevent the passing of other than the burial
party working between. News of the truce soon spread,
and our works were filled with armed men from all the
commands in the vicinity. The rebel works were also
crowded with spectators, who gathered from far and near
to witness the unusual spectacle. Generals Cheatham,
Terrill and Maney circulated freely between the lines,
although this was in direct violation of the terms of the
truce. Newspapers, coffee and tobacco were exchanged,
and much good-natured chaff and gossip were indulged
in among the men. But there came a time when, for the
moment, things began to wear a serious aspect. Some of
the rebels began to gather up the arms lying between the
lines, with the intention of carrying them away. Against
this violation of the truce our men protested, and the
situation was becoming ugly, when Colonel Dilworth
appeared upon the scene. He said to the men engaged
in dispute, "These guns belong to the side that finally
holds the ground ; they have not been captured yet ; pos-
sibly they may not be ; let them remain where they now
are until the fight is ended, then whoever holds the
ground will get the guns." This was a proposition so
fair that the men accepted, and the arms remained on the
field, until there was no one to question their ownership.
During the truce we learned that the troops in our
front belonged to Cheatham's division of Hardee's corps,
under the immediate command of General George
Maney. His command had occupied the works since
the igth, and was composed of the following regiments:
The First, Fourth, Sixth, Ninth, Nineteenth and Twen-
June, 1864. ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. 189
ty-Seventh Tennessee, which were among the oldest reg-
iments in the Confederate service.
When the truce expired a soldier stood on our works
and fired a single shot in the air, then dropped back into
the trench. This was the signal agreed upon to end the
truce, and firing was at once resumed along the entire
line. It was, indeed, a strange sight. During the truce
all was peace and apparent amity, but as soon as the last
sad service the living can render to the dead had been
performed, both sides resumed their efforts to kill, and
maim, and cripple.
Standing midway between the works was a large tree
with a double trunk, which was used by us as an outpost,
two or three men being stationed behind its ample body.
In broad daylight on the afternoon of the 3Oth a man in
Federal uniform, mess-pan in hand, climbed deliberately
over our works and walked forward as if intent upon
joining his comrades at the outpost. But instead of
stopping there he passed to one side and with several
bounds leaped the rebel works. No one had time to
realize that he was a spy until his perilous journey was
completed, and he landed in safety among his friends.
It was a daring feat, but it may well be doubted if the in-
formation gained justified the risk assumed.
It was soon evident that both sides improved the
opportunity afforded by the truce to plan for future de-
fense and aggression. On the night after the truce the
enemy, by the use of ropes, threw over their works a con-
tinuous line of chevaux-de-frise, in front of the Third
brigade, and at night from this on illuminated the space
between the lines with fire-balls of cotton soaked in tur-
pentine or tar. On our side it was determined to estab-
190 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. June, 1*.
lish an advance line some ten yards higher on the hillside,
and by daybreak on the 3Oth this work was completed.
At this point mining was determined on, and with such
tools as were available the work began. But the tools
were unsuitable ; the work new to the men, and our prog-
ress slow, yet by persistent effort the main entrance was
opened for quite a distance. But fortunately this mine
was not destined to be sprung.
Early on Sunday morning, July 3rd, after an unusual
period of quiet, a voice from the front called out : "Say,
Yanks, don't shoot; I want to come in; they're all gone."
Of course no one would shoot at the bearer of such good
news, and the "Johnny" quickly crossed over the lighted
space. The retreat of the enemy was not entirely unex-
pected, and after a hasty examination of the deserter, a
line of skirmishers moved forward and occupied the
silent works. The line advanced with caution at first,
fearing some ruse; but the enemy had indeed gone, and
the advance reached Marietta about daylight. The re-
treat had been made deliberately and without the loss of
material.
The loss of the Third brigade in this assault was two
commanders and four hundred and seventeen officers
and men out of some 1,400 taken into the action. The
loss in the Second brigade was three hundred and ninety-
four officers and men making a total loss in the Second
division of eight hundred and eleven in killed and
wounded. The loss in Newton's division numbered six
hundred and fifty-four killed and wounded, and one bri-
gade commander, General C. G. Harker, who fell mor-
tally wounded.
In this action we witnessed for the first time the
June, 1864. ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. 191
wonderful possibilities of the repeating rifle. A few men
in the Third brigade had armed themselves at their own
expense with the Henry rifle, a magazine gun, carrying
sixteen shots. And it cannot be doubted that the rapid,
accurate fire from these guns was an important factor in
enabling the men to hold and fortify a line so close to the
enemy's main line of works.
Our gallant commander, Colonel McCook, was taken
to his home in Steubenville, Ohio, where he died on the
1 7th of July at the early age of thirty years. He entered
the service in May, 1861, as captain of Company H, First
Kansas infantry.* After serving as staff officer of divis-
ion for a time he was commissioned colonel and led the
Fifty-second Ohio infantry to the field. At the organi-
zation of the Third brigade, of which his regiment was a
part, he was assigned to command the brigade, which he
led with distinguished skill and courage for two years, to
finally fall at its head, in its most desperate and daring
undertaking. The day before his death, this former law
partner of General Sherman and fellow-townsman of
Secretary Stanton received from the latter a brevet of
brigadier general. This tardy and miserly recognition
of his services he wrathfully and unceremoniously re-
jected. So to us, who knew him best and followed him
so long, he will always remain Colonel McCook.**
During the six days' fighting at Kennesaw mountain
the Eighty-fifth sustained the following
CASUALTIES.
FIELD AND STAFF.
WOUNDED Adjutant Clark N. Andrus, died July 23rd, and Ser-
geant Major William S. Allen.
* Wilder's Annals of Kansas, page 277.
**Captain F. B. James, of the 52nd Ohio, in a paper read before
the Loyal Legion of Ohio, entitled, "McCook's Brigade at Kenne-
saw."
192 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. June, 1864.
COMPANY A.
WOUNDED Corporal Calvin W. Boon, James M. Bradburn, Jr.,
David Kratzer, and Henry R. Streeter.
COMPANY B.
WOUNDED Captain James R. Griffith, Sergeant Thornton S.
Pierce, Corporal David Sigley, Simon Burkholder, Joseph H.
Fitch, and Alvro C. Mintonye.
COMPANY C.
KILLED Sergeant John H. Duvall, Sergeant Henry H. Buck,
Sergeant James Leeper, James L. Burnett, and John H. Tomlin.
WOUNDED Corporal Andrew J. Opdyke, William D. Alkire,
Jeremiah Dietrich, Daniel Daugherty, Green B. Lane, George
W. Moslander, William H. Neeley, and James K. Young.
COMPANY D.
KILLED Captain Charles H. Chatfield.
WOUNDED Isaac Layman, Hugh Morgan, John J. Murphy, Will-
iam H. Morgan, Oliver W. Parks, Nathaniel S. Rochester,
William Rhineders, and John Scholes.
COMPANY E.
KILLED J. C. Miller, and George Watterman.
WOUNDED Captain Pleasant S. Scott, John H. Arnold, Andrew
Robinson, and James E. Thomas.
COMPANY F.
KILLED D. A. Brandon, Alexander Hodge, and Matt. Riley.
WOUNDED Captain John Kennedy, James F. Burt, and Barn-
hart Noblack.
COMPANY G.
KILLED Sergeant W. Irving Shannon, Sergeant Daniel G. Long-
fellow, Berry Prentice, Horace J. Snodgrass, James Shields,
Francis M. Severns, and Corporal John Shores.
WOUNDED Captain Henry S. LaTourrette, First Lieutenant
John M. Robertson, Second Lieutenant D. L. Musselman, Ser-
geant Lewis P. Wright, Corporal Alexander R. Tidrick, Silas
Dodge, and Corporal Peter Rever, who fell into the hands of
the enemy and died in rebel prison.
COMPANY H.
KILLED Sergeant Eli Shields, Corporal Elisha J. Elliott, and
John M. Saffer.
June, 1864. ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. 193
WOUNDED Corporal George H. Wetzel, John D. Fenton, John
R. Powell, John A. Thompson, William Severns, and Frederick
T. Zellers, who fell inside the enemy's works and was held in
reibel prisons until the close of the war.
COMPANY I.
KILLED Austin Walker.
WOUNDED Charles G. Matthews and John Watson.
COMPANY K.
KILLED Corporal James Jimmison, and Conrad Nuhn.
WOUNDED Corporal George Hetzeler, George Drake, Henry F.
Molenbrink, and Jacob H. Prettyman.
Note Colonel Dilworth filed with his official report, a list giv-
ing the names of the killed and wounded in the Eighty-fifth in the
Battle of Kennesaw Mountain, but this list has been lost, and the
list here printed probably does not contain all the names of the
wounded. But in presenting the above, the writer believes it to be
as near complete as can be hoped for at this late day.
194 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. July, 1864.
CHAPTER XVI.
Pursuit of the rebel army began early on the morn-
ing of the 3rd, but the Second division did not move until
eight o'clock. So the men improved the early hours of
a quiet Sunday in examining the enemy's abandoned
works. The entrenched line was found very strong and
admirably constructed for defense, with traverses, and
lunettes for artillery which commanded the entire front.
On the narrow field between the lines effects of the
deadly struggle were seen on every hand. A tree almost
as large as a man's body was girdled except some three
inches in width and smaller ones were entirely cut off by
rifle balls about six feet above the ground.
The division moved to the right of Marietta on by-
ways, and in the evening the First brigade closed down
on the enemy's works on Nickajack creek. The Eighty-
fifth camped after a march of six miles in a pleasant, well-
shaded grove, where we remained the next day. This
was a genuine Fourth of July in its noise, but the firing
was of shotted cannon, and in place of the harmless fire-
cracker, was heard the rattle of musketry throughout the
day. The men had grown thin and haggard under the
strain of the continuous campaign, and very many then
on duty were really fit subjects for the hospital. No
clothing had been issued, and nearly all were mud-
stained and ragged. But all were confident, determined,
and no one found fault.
On the morning of the 5th the enemy's works were
again found deserted, and we advanced some five miles
toward the railroad bridge over the Chattahoochee river.
j.ly,186t. ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. 195
Here the division was formed with the Second and Third
brigades in front, and a strong line of skirmishers from
the One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Illinois drove the
enemy in confusion to his main line of works. The other
regiments of the brigade followed and threw up works
during the night. At this place the brigade was formed
in single line, behind strong earthworks, in order to give
ample strength to flanking columns ; one to feign on the
right, while the other should effect a crossing of the river
on the left. At this place our skitmish line ran through
open fields, while that of the enemy was on much higher
ground and in dense timber. The men established a line
of detached rifle pits, each large enough to protect six or
eight men, but the position was a most trying one, espe-
cially during the day, on account of the scorching sun.
At all times the enemy from higher ground, completely
screened by thick timber, could rake the line as well as
the ground in the rear, with a deadly fire at short range.
While the division kept up a sharp skirmish and
heavy artillery fire along its extended front, a column of
cavalry pushed northeast to Roswell, where were numer-
ous cotton, wool and paper mills engaged in manufactur-
ing supplies for the Confederate armies. These were
taken and destroyed. On the 8th a part of the Army of
the Ohio effected a crossing by the use of pontoon boats
near the mouth of Soap creek. This force was quickly
entrenched, when a pontoon bridge was laid, and soon a
large part of Sherman's army was wheeling toward
Atlanta. This successful manoeuvre turned General
Johnston's right, and during the night of the Qth he with-
drew his army from tne north bank of the Chattahoo-
chee. The forenoon of the loth was exceedingly hot
196 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. j u i y , 1864.
and sultry. In the evening a sudden and terrific thun-
der storm broke over the camp. The lightning played
most vividly and several trees were struck in the imme-
diate vicinity, two men being killed by a single bolt in a
regiment near by. The storm, which did not last long,
cleared the air, but the men were badly used up and glad
when it was over. We remained in camp near the rail-
road bridge for several days ; a limited supply of much-
needed clothing was brought up and issued, and there
was a general cleaning up of arms and accoutrements.
On Sunday, the 17th, the First and Second brigades
crossed the Chattahoochee river at Pace's ferry and
drove the enemy's pickets to and beyond Nancy's creek.
On the 1 8th the Third brigade crossed the river before
daylight and, taking the advance of the division, the
skirmishers from the Twenty-second Indiana drove the
enemy to Peach Tree creek, near Howell's mill. The
Second division was now the extreme right of the army,
and so remained throughout the battles of the next few
days.
The enemy destroyed the bridges as he retired be-
yond Peach Tree creek, and the forenoon of the iQth was
spent in searching for a place where that stream could be
crossed. The weather was very warm, and the brigade
moved slowly, making many short stops. There were
occasional shots, and rifle balls fell about or whizzed
harmlessly overhead. At each brief halt the men busied
themselves gathering the fresh ripe blackberries that
grew in great abundance by the roadside. As we
neared the creek General Thomas, General Palmer and
General Davis were seen standing near the line of march.
The presence of these distinguished officers was accepted
July, 1864. ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. 197
as a certain indication that the enterprise the command
was about to undertake was one of vital importance. As
the Eighty-fifth passed the group, a well-spent ball
struck the boot of General Davis, making his foot sting
for a moment, and his companions rallied him on getting
the first hit.
At one o'clock a foot-log was found over which the
troops could be passed, and Major J. T. Holmes, in com-
mand of five companies of the Fifty-second Ohio, crossed
Peach Tree creek. This was at a point near the mouth
of Green Bone creek, and a short distance beyond the
crossing was a bluff some fifty feet in height, on which
the enemy's skirmish line rested. Major Holmes de-
ployed his skirmishers in the bushes to the right and
down the stream, and as soon as his reserve reached the
south bank, all dashed forward with a shout and drove
the enemy from the crest of the bluff and some four hun-
dred yards beyond. The sharp, continuous firing gave
notice that there was hot work on hand, and the Eighty-
fifth was hurried to the support of the Fifty-second.
Crossing a stream in single file on a log takes time, but as
all realized the emergency the men passed rapidly over ;
ran eagerly up the bluff, and into line at the top. In
front of the regiment as it formed on the crest, lay an
open field, and beyond that was thick timber. By the
time the rear files of the Eighty-fifth reached the regi-
mental line the enemy had caught his wit and wind, and,
in overwhelming numbers, was making a return charge
on the Fifty-second. It was the supreme moment the
crisis of the day, and Major Rider gave the order for the
Eighty-fifth to advance. The men rushed forward under
a terrific fire, passed through the open field on the double
198 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. Ju i y , im.
quick, and struck the advancing enemy at the edge of the
woods. This brought the Eighty-fifth in line on the left
of the Fifty-second. Two small regiments were now
face to face with a rebel brigade of six regiments, and
along the entire line the firing became fierce and deadly.
On the right of the Eighty-fifth it was a desperate hand-
to-hand conflict, in which muskets were clubbed and the
bayonet was freely used. While engaged in this deadly
struggle a large force of the enemy passed beyond the
right of the Fifty-second, then wheeling to the right it
poured a wicked fire lengthwise of the line. The ad-
vanced position of the two regiments was clearly unten-
able, but it was now a fight for time, in which the other
regiments of the brigade might make the crossing and
gain the crest of the bluff. No command was given, and
if given, none could have been heard above the infernal
din of battle. But the instinct of self-preservation was
strong enough to tell experienced soldiers what to do,
and when they saw the brigade formed .and ready to re-
ceive the enemy on the bluff, the movement to the rear
began at almost the same moment along the entire line.
There was no panic no rout, as the men retired by the
right and left behind the brigade, but their ranks were
sadly thinned, and along the line of fierce conflict win-
drows of dead were afterward found, in which the ming-
ling of the blue and gray attested the stubborn nature of
the fight. When darkness ended the struggle the entire
brigade had been engaged. But we held the ground,
and had secured for Sherman's army a safe footing on the
south side of Peach Tree creek.
After dark as the regiment gathered on the bank of
the creek there was many a hearty handshake as com-
July, 1864. ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. 199
rades greeted those whom they feared had been killed or
captured, and many anxious inquiries for those not in
line. While thus engaged Lieutenant Musselman, of
Company G, and others ran back into our line unhurt.
At the end of the charge they found themselves close
under the guns of the enemy, and under fire from both
friend and foe. In this dilemma they dropped to the
ground and remained between the lines until darkness
afforded them an opportunity to escape from a very try-
ing and perilous position. Their coming was a delight-
ful surprise, and produced a sensation not unlike that
which the returning dead might be expected to create.
The engagement was fought out by the Third bri-
gade alone, while the First and Second, with the batter-
ies, were massed in reserve on the north side of the creek.
General Jefferson C. Davis, commanding the division,
was greatly pleased with the success gained, and in his
official report said : "The loss was heavy on both sides
considering the numbers engaged, and the day's work
was exceedingly creditable to both Colonel Dilworth and
his command."* Major J. T. Holmes, commanding the
Fifty-second Ohio, said: "Without the Eighty-fifth
Illinois, the Fifty-second Ohio would all have been killed
or captured, and that movement would have failed. I
mean by the statement to say, with emphasis, that if the
part taken by your regiment in that day's work had been
omitted, the crossing would have ended in disaster and
failure."**
During the night earthworks were thrown up and
the ground gained south of the creek was firmly secured.
* Rebellion Records, Serial No. 72, page 635.
** Letter from Major J. T. Holmes, of Columbus, Ohio, to the
writer, January 20th, 1896.
200 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. July, 1864.
The Second brigade built a bridge that night, a log
house near by furnishing the material, and early next
morning the entire division with its artillery was united
on the south side of the stream. While engaged in build-
ing the bridge some of the men observed the body of a
beardless boy floating in the creek. He had been shot
through the body and fallen unnoticed by his comrades
into the stream. He was clothed in the faded blue uni-
form of a private soldier of the Union, but beyond that
nothing could be found to identify him in any way. So
he was buried in a nameless grave, hero that he was, to lie
among the unknown dead, while the only report that
could ever reach his northern friends was that on the
1 9th of July, 1864, he was numbered with the missing.
That night the enemy covered his front with a line of
detached works, and behind each stationed a group of
eight or ten men. Although these works had been
hastily constructed of fence rails and but lightly covered
with earth, they afforded ample protection against mus-
ketry, arid being within short range the enemy's fire was
very severe for a time. But by ten o'clock two sections
of Gardner's battery were brought up by hand, and with
the aid of sharp-shooters quickly drove the enemy from
his works. In this action there were many fine shots.
After obtaining the exact range, Captain Gardner never
failed to plant a shell in one of these detached works, and
when the shell burst {hose unhurt ran for the rear in the
wildest confusion. But the accurate aim of our men
allowed but few of the enemy to escape.
The writer is indebted to Surgeon Philip L. Dieffen-
bacher for a list of the killed, wounded and captured in
the Eighty-fifth. And as he compiled the list on the
JOSEPH S. BARWICK,
CHAPLAIN*.
201
July, 1864. ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. 203
field at Peach Tree creek, it is undoubtedly as nearly cor-
rect as such lists can be made :
COMPANY A.
KILLED Charles W. Reagan and Philip Sanit.
WOUNDED John F. Anno, William Bortzfield, John Bortziield,
Jr., and First Sergeant John K. Milner.
CAPTURED First Lieutenant Daniel Havens, Sergeant Josiah
Stout, Sergeant William McLaughlin, Sergeant Newton King,
Corporal Alonzo McCain, Benjamin E. Jordan, Dallas A. Trent
and David Wood.
COMPANY B.
KILLED First Sergeant George D. Prior, Corporal John John-
ston, Corporal Warren Tippey, David Cornman, Amos Eveland,
Bazil Cozad and Charles Spink.
WOUNDED First Lieutenant Albert D. Cadwallader, right arm
amputated; Sergeant John H. Cleveland, right arm amputated;
Sergeant Charles T. Kisler, Sergeant Thomas Cluney, Oliver P.
Behymer, William Buffalow, William D. Holmes, Corporal
David Sigley and Joshua T. Singletpn.
CAPTURED Corporal David S.igley, William Buffalow, Jesse
Bailor, Charles D. Dair, Stephen H. Nott, John H. O'Leary,
Joshua T. Singleton, William B. Winchell and George Winchell.
COMPANY C.
WOUNDED Edwin M. Hadsall, Corporal Andrew McClarin,
Aaron Ritter, Corporal Thomas Stagg, Jeremiah Wagoner and
Thomas M. Young.
CAPTURED Captain George A. Blanchard, First Lieutenant
James M. Hamilton, First Sergeant John Houseworth, Sergeant
George Black, Corporals Andrew McClarin, Thomas Stagg and
Jeremiah Holley, Corporal William D. Allure, Michael Atchin-
son, David Bradford, James M. Gardner, Louis Ishmael, George
W. Moslander, John W. Mosier, Sterling Pelham, Aaron Ritter,
Benjamin F. Scovil, John Stubblefield, William A. Tyrrell and
Thomas M. Young.
COMPANY D.
KILLED Cadmus Floro and James H. Welch.
WOUNDED Sergeant Miles McCabe, Corporal Joseph B. Conover
and Noah Davis.
CAPTURED Corporal Joseph Conover, lost right arm; Joseph
Larance and John Sizelove.
13
204 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. Ju i y , 1864.
COMPANY E.
WOUNDED First Lieutenant Hugh A. Trent, First Sergeant A.
J. Taylor, Color Sergeant William F. Hohamer, Corporal Bowl-
ing Green, Corporal Ezekiel Sample, Corporal James N. Sheets,
John H. Arnold, Richard Griffin, Franklin F. Scott, James T.
Senter and James E. Thomas.
CAPTURED Color Sergeant William F. Hohamer, Corporal
James N. Sheets and William Clarey.
COMPANY F.
KILLED Captain John Kennedy, Corporal Philip Beck and
Maurice Landerer.
WOUNDED Corporal Nathan Kellogg, Color Corporal Edward
Scattergood, William Dean, Americus Hinsey, Reuben Hamil-
ton, B. F. Varnum and Jacob Whittaker.
CAPTURED Corporal Edward Scattergood, Corporal Nathan
Kellogg, John J. Clark and Joel F. Terry.
COMPANY G.
WOUNDED Francis M. Plank.
COMPANY H.
WOUNDED Eli Severns.
The losses in the Third brigade were as follows:
Twenty-second Indiana 57
Fifty-second Ohio 83
Eighty-fifth Illinois 89
Eighty-sixth Illinois 10
One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Illinois 6
Total ., ..245
July, 1864. ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. 205
CHAPTER XVII.
The desperate fighting along the line of Peach Tree
creek on the iQth and 2Oth was the result of an elaborate
plan prepared by General Johnston before he retired to
the south side of the Chattahoochee river. In pursu-
ance of this plan he selected a position for his army on
the high ground south of the creek, which he made very
strong by elaborate earthworks. From these earth-
works he proposed to direct his army in swift attack
against the different columns of Sherman's army while
in the act of crossing v broad and muddy stream. Know-
ing the difficult and densely wooded country by occupa-
tion, and well aware that his adversary must depend
upon imperfect maps. General Johnston relied with con-
fidence on the chance of dealing a crushing blow. Then
while the Federal army was surprised and thrown in con-
fusion by this unexpected attack, he hoped to drive it
over the creek and throw its scattered columns into the
river beyond. It was a bold plan, and if successfully
executed would not only defeat, 'but destroy the Union
army, while if it failed he had, as he thought, a place of
refuge in Atlanta. He believed the defenses around the
"Gate City," which had been skillfully planned and
strongly constructed, were too extensive to be invested,
and too strong to be carried by storm.
But General Johnston was not to be permitted to
execute the plan of offense his genius had conceived. By
an order of the Confederate President he was relieved on
the 1 7th. Since that date a new commander, General J.
B. Hood, had directed the movements of the rebel army.
206 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. Ju iy, 1864.
The plan devised by General Johnston was, however,
well calculated to tempt the reckless energies of a com-
mander as daring as General Hood, and he proceeded
to its execution with all the resources at his command.
In his initial effort General Hood was favored with the
most fortunate conditions, and his attack fell on the
Army of the Cumberland while it was far from the sup-
port of either the Army of the Ohio or the Army of the
Tennessee.
The movement against Atlanta was a grand right
wheel, with the Fourteenth corps as a pivot. Early on
the morning of the 2Oth the Fourth and Twentieth
corps, connected with the Fourteenth on the south side
of the creek, having met but little opposition in cross-
ing. About ten o'clock skirmishers advanced along
the entire front, capturing many prisoners. Many of
these were pretended deserters, who reported that their
army had fallen back to the fortifications around the city.
These men had been sent into our lines with a false re-
port, in order to render the intended surprise complete,
and to make the impending rebel assault more certain of
success. But it is very difficult to surprise and put to
rout a veteran army of fifty thousand men, and although
its left flank was exposed, and the rear of its column was
still crossing the creek, it was ready for instant battle.
Early in the afternoon the enemy rushed from the
woods, behind which his charging columns had been
massed, and assailed the left flank of the Army of the
Cumberland. His preparations had been carefully con-
cealed and his assault was delivered with desperate, per-
sistent energy under the most favorable conditions.
Charge after charge was made and repulsed, but when
July, 1864. ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. 207
his whole line came into action and his full strength had
been developed, his charging masses only reached within
cannon range of Baird's division, next on our left. At
last, when darkness put an end to the sanguinary con-
flict, the enemy retired from the field. In this day's bat-
tle the enemy lost 4,400 in killed and wounded and 1,600
prisoners, while the Union loss in killed, wounded, and
captured numbered but 1,707.
All accounts agree in saying this was intended for a
decisive engagement. The order given to the troops
by the rebel officers directed them to attack whatever
they might find in front of them, and urged them to end
the campaign in triumph there. It seemed to them the
opportune moment, one for which they had long waited,
but the result was a crushing defeat with an enormous
loss. And at no time did the blow intended to initiate
the ruin of Sherman's army engage more than one-third
of his force. But the advance of Sherman's left wing
was so rapid on that day, that the rebel commander
found just cause for alarm on the east side of the city.
Indeed, before the battle ended on the evening of the
2Oth, Hood had to send reinforcements to his right to
keep General McPherson out of Atlanta.
On the morning of the 2oth, the One Hundred and
Tenth Illinois, Lieutenant Colonel Topping command-
ing, joined the brigade and was assigned to a position on
the right of the line. From the beginning of the cam-
paign this regiment had been detached from the brigade
for train guard and for duty at division headquarters.
But from this date until the end of the campaign no regi-
ment was absent from the brigade.
On the morning of the 22nd it was found that the
208 HISTORY OF THE 85TH II^INOIS. July, 1864.
enemy had retired from our front, and the division
moved forward, closing down on the enemy's works on
the west side of Atlanta about noon. The division
formed a line parallel with the road from Atlanta to Tur-
ner's ferry, and just beyond Proctor's creek, fronting to
the southwest. The left of the division was within a mile
and a half of the city, and still being the right of the
whole army, the position was made secure by strong
earthworks. Our batteries were now within easy range
of the city, and shells could be seen bursting among the
buildings. Soon after going into position at this point,
we could hear the roar of a furious battle almost opposite
our front, but beyond the city. In this heavy engage-
ment the Eighty-fifth had no part. It transpired that
General Hood had sent a part of his army far out to his
right and turned the Union left, and we lay in line anx-
iously awaiting the result of the terrible struggle, in
which General McPherson, commanding the Army of
the Tennessee, had fallen early. Again Hood was de-
feated with heavy loss. This time the enemy lost 8,000
in killed and wounded, and 2,000 prisoners, making an
aggregate loss of 10,000 men.
The total loss in the National army was three
thousand, five hundred and twenty-one killed, wounded
and missing. At first fortune favored the skillful tac-
tical combinations of the enemy, which were made with
care and executed with precision, and the Union army
was temporarily thrown into confusion. But soon the
wavering lines were strengthened, and after a desperate
struggle the tide was turned and the enemy was driven
back into his works close to the city. This second de-
feat of a long cherished plan should have convinced the
July, 1864 ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. 209
enemy that he was not strong enough to cope with our
army in the open field. But General Hood had been
placed in command by the Confederate authorities, be-
cause of his reputation for reckless courage, and before
he settled down to the defensive tactics, so long pursued
by his predecessor, he led his army to another bloody
defeat.
The rebel column which turned the Union left in this
battle was led by the author of Hardee's Tactics. This
work was used by both sides until late in the war. The
manoeuvre by which General Hardee withdrew his com-
mand from the front of our right, and formed it in posi-
tion to attack the rear of the left wing of the Union
army, was as fine as any of the flanking operations of
either side throughout the war. The night was dark
and the distance his troops had to march was fully fifteen
miles, and the heat was most intense. Yet he had his col-
umn closed up, his line of battle formed, and had begun
his attack before a man in Sherman's army knew of his
approach. Certainly there was no more skillful move-
ment, no tactical combination executed with greater pre-
cision on either side, in the long months of the Atlanta
campaign.
In order to make a strong right flank for the army,
the First and Second brigades of the Second division
were refused and threw up very strong works, while the
Third brigade was placed in reserve on the right rear of
the Proctor's creek line. The Eighty-fifth remained at
this point in comparative quiet for several days. A con-
stant skirmish was kept up between the lines, and now
and then a huge shell from the siege guns in the enemy's
works would pass through the camp or tear branches
210 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS, July, 1864.
from the trees. One regiment was detailed from the
brigade to picket the right and rear each day. Black-
berries were found in great profusion, growing wild in
the woods. These, when stewed with our hard bread,
made a somewhat novel but very palatable dish. But
the great number of men, all ravenously hungry for fruit
or berries of any kind, soon exhausted the supply, and
men wandered in search of berries too far from camp for
safety. Some such paid the penalty by serving a term in
the prison pen at Andersonville, where the living was
much worse than with our army.
General Sherman's purpose in moving the Army of
the Tennessee upon Atlanta from the east was to so
thoroughly destroy the Augusta railroad as lo prevent
its use by the enemy during his operations for the cap-
ture of the city. As soon, therefore, as the Georgia
railroad had been destroyed far enough east to prevent
its use, and his own line of supplies repaired, he began
to thrust his right flank toward the railroads leading
south to Macon and southwest to Montgomery. The
enemy was now wholly dependent upon the two last
named roads for his supplies, and when the Union army
should be placed securely upon them, the enemy must
retire or surrender.
Wednesday, the 27th, the railway from Chattanooga
was in running order to the camps of the Army of the
Cumberland, the high bridge over the Chattahoochee
having been rebuilt in six days. General Sherman was
now ready for a new movement of his infantry by the
right flank, and the Army of the Tennessee began to
move by successive corps from the extreme left to the
extreme right. By the next morning that army occu-
July, 18M. ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. 211
pied a position facing the city from the west on a pro-
longation of the general line of the Army of the Cum-
berland. This brought the left of the Sixteenth corps
in front of the Second division, which had inclined
sharply to the rear.
About nine o'clock on the morning of the 28th the
skirmish fire began to warm up, and we observed signs
of approaching battle. But to the surprise of all the
Second division moved away from the front and
marched at a rapid pace to Turner's ferry. From there
it moved on a road leading to East Point on the Macon
railroad. On this woods road the advance soon en-
countered the enemy, and heavy skirmishing began.
From one position the enemy was driven, only to be
found in another, until late in the afternoon. For sev-
eral hours we could hear the roar of battle in the direc-
tion from which we had moved in the morning, but
about the time the noise of battle ceased the enemy dis-
appeared from our front, and the command moved in the
direction of our former camp. During the day the heat
was excessive ; the night was very dark ; we got tangled
up in a swamp, where the marching was of the worst, and
finally camped at midnight on the edge of the battlefield
of Ezra Church. Some one had blundered. The men
were mad, tired and hungry, and they came straggling
in, making the night air streaked with the most lurid
profanity. They did not know who had caused the
eccentric movement of the day, nor on whom to fix their
curse. So they consigned every one from the com-
manding general down who might be suspected of hav-
ing any connection with that day's march, either direct
or remote, to the sulphurous flames of a Hadean future,
212 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. July, 1864.
together with their heirs, administrators and assigns
forever.
Whoever wrote the order should have written
"toward" Turner's ferry, instead of which he wrote "to"
Turner's ferry.* In obedience to the express terms of
the order the division was marched to the ferry, several
miles too far to the rear to permit it to join General
Howard's right in time to take part in the battle at Ezra
Church. The mistake was in the order, and no blame
could be attached to the division commander under
whose direction it was executed.
The next morning the battlefield around Ezra
Church presented a sickening sight. Almost seven hun-
dred dead Confederates were scattered over the field in
front of the Fifteenth corps. The ground occupied
during the battle by that corps was a high ridge and the
sloping ground in its front was dotted over with open
fields. As the charging columns of the enemy ad-
vanced they met a murderous, well-directed fire which
no troops could stand. In conversation with the men
who bore the brunt of the fight on this line, they told the
writer "That to repulse the enemy was as easy as lying ;
that each attack was less vigorous than the one before it,
and that in the last attack officers were seen in front of
their commands urging troops to advance that would no
longer follow them. 1 ' In this the last of the desperate
* July28th,1864.
Major General George H. Thomas.
Order General Davis to move to Turner's ferry, and then by a
road leading toward East Point, to feel forward for Howard's
right, back into some known point of Turner's ferry. I will be
over on that flank all day and await to reach out as far as possible.
W. T. SHERMAN, Major-General.
Rebellion Records, No. 72, page 650.
August, 186+. ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. 213
assaults of the new commander of the rebel army, he lost
in killed, wounded and missing fully five thousand men.
General Hood tried the bold offensive on three sep-
arate occasions with the energy born of despair. The
loss of more than twenty thousand men in but little more
than a week was looked upon as a useless sacrifice by the
rank and file of the Confederate army. These bloody
defeats coming in quick succession could but have a dis-
couraging effect on the bravest men. It was the camp
talk at the time, that in the chaffing between the pickets,
the rebel soldier in answer to the question, "Well,
Johnny, how many of you are left?" replied, "Oh! about
enough for another killing." This was a severe judg-
ment on the reckless efforts of their new commander and
especially severe when coming from men whose fighting
qualities were unexcelled.
On the afternoon of the 29th the division moved into
position on the right of the Army of the Tennessee, and
for the next few days our duties were various. We
entrenched several lines and took ground to the right at
each change of position. On August 4th the entire
division advanced some three miles to the right and
front, going into position that evening on Utoy creek,
the Third brigade connecting with General Baird on the
left. This day had been set apart by the President as a
day of fasting and prayer, but we ate all we could get and
had our usual daily controversy with the enemy. That
night the Eighty-fifth went on picket.
At daylight Thursday, the 5th, the advance began
with the Eighty-fifth on the skirmish line. Soon the
enemy was encountered in the heavy timber and thick
underbrush, and the fight was on. After driving the
214 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. August, 1864.
enemy a mile or more and capturing a number of pris-
oners, we ran up against his main line near the Sandtown
road. The enemy opened from three batteries on our
right, left and front. To this heavy concentrated fire we
could make no successul reply, as the dense woods
through which we had moved prevented our batteries
from following, and for several hours we were subjected
to a most furious shelling. Unable to return the enemy's
artillery fire we had to lie down and take it, trusting to
luck and such scant, uncertain protection as the timber
afforded. The shot and shell cut the tops out of some
trees and tore great branches from others, which fell
around and among us, adding additional terror to the
bursting shells. However, toward evening the enemy
seemed to realize that we had come to stay ; his fire slack-
ened and finally ceased, but it had been a day of great
peril.
During the fight Lewis Dial, of Company H, re-
ceived a gunshot wound, the ball entering below the left
shoulder blade, and passed entirely through his body.
The writer saw and talked with him a few minutes after
he was wounded, and found him full of grit and hopeful
of a speedy recovery. But his wound, like that of so
many others, disabled him for life.
Sunday, the 7th, the division advanced by a left
wheel, using the Third brigade as a pivot, until the com-
mand faced northeast. All day long the advance was
stubbornly contested by infantry and artillery, but after
a noisy battle the brigade took possession of the Sand-
town road, and entrenched a strong line across it. In
the sharp fighting of the day the brigade sustained a loss
of forty-two in killed and wounded. Among the
August, 1864. ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. 215
wounded was Frank Shelly, of Company H, who re-
ceived a severe wound in the shoulder.
During the operations against Atlanta there was
much severe fighting, and a constant skirmish at short
range was maintained at all times. The danger was
constant, as bullets and shells passed through or over
the camp at all hours, and more than once men were
killed or wounded while asleep, close beside the breast-
works. The skirmishers had learned how to protect
themselves, and casualties among them were not very
numerous.
In the hope of overlapping the rebel line the divis-
ion was frequently moved to the right, and the line ex-
tended to the last degree. In one of these changes the
Eighty-fifth moved into a line of works built by another
command. These works were exposed to a fire at short
range from the enemy, who were concealed by a thick
curtain of timber. Before the men became familiar with
the situation, David Taylor, of Company G, received a
shot in the face. The ball made an ugly wound, but he
soon recovered and returned to duty.
The railroads from Atlanta to Montgomery, Ala.,
and to Macon, Ga., run out over a single track to the
southwest, a distance of eight miles, to East Point, where
they separate, the former continuing its course nearly
parallel with the Chattahoochee river, and the latter
turning away at a right angle to the southeast. During
the night of the iQth, the First and Third brigades re-
tired, leaving the Second brigade to occupy the space
heretofore held by the entire division. The next morn-
ing our two brigades were reinforced by three brigades
from the First and Third divisions of our corps, forming
216 HISTORY OP THE 85TH ILLINOIS. August, law.
a column of five brigades, and at daylight we moved
toward Red Oak, the first station beyond East Point, on
the Montgomery railroad. The Third brigade had the
advance, with the Twenty-second Indiana as skirmishers.
The fact that General Thomas went with the column in-
dicated the importance of the movement. We reached
the railroad at noon; destroyed some of the track and
telegraph line ; found the enemy in force in front of East
Point, and returned to our former position, having
marched twenty miles. During the day there was a ter-
-rifiic thunder storm, in which the lightning played most
vividly, and the rain fell in torrents.
An incident occurred during the day a capture and
a rescue which illustrates the danger attending ma-
noeuvres in the presence of an active and vigilant foe,
and the courage and prompt action of a soldier of the
Eighty-fifth. When the brigade moved in the morning
Captain J. L. Burkhalter, of the Eighty-sixth Illinois,
assistant inspector general on the brigade staff, was left
in charge of the lines around the camp. After making
the rounds and satisfying himself that proper arrange-
ments had been made for the day, he could not content
himself in idleness, snd mounting his horse, sought to
overtake the expedition. This was in disobedience of
orders, but being neither lazy nor timid, he wanted to see
and have a part in all that was going on. After riding
several miles beyond the outposts, the heavy storm men-
tioned above entirely obliterated the trail of the column.
This was unfortunate, and for some distance he traveled
in doubt, but believing that he knew the direction and
destination of the command, he proceeded until suddenly
he heard the sharp "click," "click" of the cocking of a
August, 1864. ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. 217
musket, and "Surrender, you Yankee son of a ."
His horse stopped as a rebel stepped from behind a large
tree, and with a musket at his breast, Captain Burkhalter
surrendered as gracefully as possible under such embar-
rassing surroundings. The rebel at once demanded his
watch and money, but when the captive moved forward
to hand them over, he was promptly halted and ordered
to lay them on the ground. When this order had been
complied with, the prisoner was ordered to one side
while the booty was secured by his captor. Then the
prisoner was ordered to mount and ride in front, neither
too fast nor too slow, toward the lines of the enemy. All
the time the rebel, who was on foot, covered the prisoner
with his gun cocked and at the ready. They had pro-
ceeded but a short distance in this way when the rebel
was himself surprised and captured, and his prisoner res-
cued in a manner as gratifying as it was unexpected to
the captain.
When the object of the expedition had been accom-
plished, by cutting the telegraph line and destroying the
railroad for some distance near Red Oak station, Gen-
eral Morgan wrote a brief report of his success. This
dispatch was handed to Henry C. Swisher. of Company
H, of the Eighty-fifth, then an orderly at brigade head-
quarters, with orders to report to General Davis at divis-
ion headquarters. By the merest accident the route
Swisher took on his return to camp crossed the road on
which the rebel was marching with his captive. When
the rebel saw Swisher he ordered him to halt, but
Swisher kept riding on until he came within reach, when
he seized the rebel's gun, and as he pushed it to one side
the rebel fired, and started on the run. But Swisher,
218 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. August, 18W.
after vainly trying to fire his revolver at the fleeing fugi-
tive, rode him down, and turned him over to Captain
Burkhalter, who, with the prisoner, soon after reached
the head of the returning column.
Swisher affirms that he is not in the least supersti-
tious, still he admits that his revolver acted strangely on
that occasion. It failed him utterly in every effort to fire
while aimed at the rebel ; this had never happened before,
and when a few minutes after leaving the scene of his
adventure he tried it at a tree, his pistol responded as
promptly as ever before. An example, perhaps, of the
perverseness of things.
CHAPTER XVIII.
On the 22nd General Jefferson C. Davis was assigned
to the command of the Fourteenth corps and General
James D. Morgan was assigned to the command of the
Second division. Both were promoted for meritorious
conduct, and their advancement was alike satisfactory to
officers and men. General Morgan had been an officer
in the War with Mexico, and had entered the service in
1 86 1, as colonel of the Tenth Illinois. He proved to be
an able and worthy division commander, and held the
position until the close of the war.
It appears that General Sherman thought it impos-
sible for the enemy to extend his line far enough to pro-
tect the railway junction at East Point. But General
Morgan's expedition found the enemy in force at that
place on the 2Oth, and it was finally found that the
enemy's line,well fortified and firmly held, extended from
A. D. CADWALLADKR,
LIEUTENANT COMPANY B.
219
Of THE
August, MM. ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. 221
the Decatur road on the east of Atlanta to East Point, a
distance of fuly fifteen miles. It soon became appar-
ent that a change of plans was to be made by the com-
manding general, but what the movement contemplated
could be no one assumed to know. The sick and those
not able to mako a long and rapid march were sent to the
rear, and an air of mystery enveloped all in authority.
All efforts to take Atlanta or to reach and occupy the
Macon railroad had failed, but soldiers and officers felt
no fear that the attempt was to be abandoned.
Unable to reach the left flank of the rebel army and
maintain his line of communications, General Sherman
decided to throw his army upon the Macon railroad.
The Twentieth cores, with the surplus trains of the army,
were placed in an entrenched camp at the Chattahoochee
river, and on the morning of the 26th the grand move-
ment to the rear r>f Atlanta began. The Fourteenth
corps held on to the Utoy creek line until all the other
corps passed to its rear and on toward the coveted rail-
road. At three o'clock on the morning of the 27th the
Second division retired from the line at Willis Mills on
Utoy creek, and marched some two miles southwest,
where it was massed, and the Eighty-fifth was sent to the
picket line. In the afternoon the enemy's pickets came
in sight, but as they maintained an attitude of observa-
tion at a safe distance they were not molested. The next
morning we moved to Mount Gilead church, where we
passed the Fourth corps, and the division again became
the right flank of the entire army. The enemy was found
on the south side of Camp creek, but he was quickly dis-
persed by the skirmishers of the Second brigade. A
bridge was built, over which we crossed, and the division
14
222 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. September, 1864.
arrived on the Montgomery railroad, one-half mile east
of Red Oak, that evening. During the 2Qth the com-
mand was engaged in destroying the railroad, and on the
next morning we marched to Shoal Creek church, where
we rested for several hours, the division being massed as
if an attack was anticipated. In the afternoon the com-
mand moved to within six miles of Jonesboro, on the
Macon railroad, and camped for the night.
Orders were issued to be ready to march at daylight
on the 3ist, but no movement was made until afternoon.
About three o'clock the noise of battle was heard in the
direction of Jonesboro, and the First and Third brigades
moved rapidly in the direction of the fighting. But the
firing soon ceased, and the division camped at Renfroes
cross roads. The enemy had been found in strong force
at Jonesboro, a small town on the Macon railroad,
twenty-two miles south of Atlanta, behind heavy earth-
works. West of the town his line ran nearly north and
south, but north of the village it made an abrupt turn,
ran east to the railroad, and beyond that extended some
distance to the southeast. His entire line was well for-
tified with artillery at the angles, in position to sweep his
front, making a very difficult line to carry by direct as-
sault. During the afternoon the Army of the Tennes-
see had closed down on the enemy from the west, devel-
oped his line to the angle north of the town and en-
trenched a position facing that of the enemy.
On Thursday morning, September ist, the Four-
teenth army corps wheeled to the right, using our divis-
ion as a pivot, with the intention of storming the rebel
right. The Second division was to keep in touch with
the left of the Army of the Tennessee. About noon the
September, 1864. ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. 223
movement brought the corps in line parallel to the ene-
my's works north of the town, and it was formed into an
assaulting column in an old open cotton field. As we
emerged from the woods just beyond Flint river a shell
from a rebel battery revealed to us the position of the
enemy's line. The first shot was succeeded by others in
quick succession, and as our column formed in full view
it made an attractive mark for the rebel gunners. Their
first shots passed over our heads or struck the ground in
front, but they soon got the range and their shells burst
around and among us at a lively rate. Our division was
formed with the Second and Third brigades in front,
each in two lines, with the batteries in the interval be-
tween the brigades, while the First brigade was held in
reserve. The Third brigade had the right of the line and
was formed in the following order: First line, Twenty-
second Indiana on the right, the Fifty-second Ohio on
the left, and the One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Illinois
in the center, the Eighty-fifth, Eighty-sixth and One
Hundred and Tenth Illinois forming the second line.
From our line it was about one thousand yards to
the rebel batteries in the angle, with a swamp and sev-
eral deep ditches intervening. As soon as our batteries
could get into position they opened fire and a furious
cannonade ensued. To the left as far as we could see
brigades were massed for a charge, with batteries thun-
dering from the intervals between them, flags waving
and flashing in the sunlight, staff officers dashing here
and there, all made a martial scene grand and inspiring
in the highest degree. At the command the men moved
forward with bayonets fixed and their empty guns at the
right shoulder-shift.
224 . HISTORY OF THE) 85TH ILLINOIS. September, 1864.
The swamp and ditches encountered were .so difficult
to cross that the Second and Third brigades had to move
by the right flank some distance, and then cross in regi-
mental column. The crossing was accomplished as rap-
idly as possible, and the First brigade was brought up
and placed in the front line on the left of the division.
All this time the troops were under fire from the rebel
batteries, and many were killed and wounded by shells.
The assaulting column was reformed on the slope of a
hill beyond the swamp, within about two hundred yards
of the enemy's position. Here the ground offered a
slight protection, a brief halt was made, and the line rec-
tified. Soon the bugles sounded the charge, and the
whole line rushed forward. The enemy, self-confident
and exultant at our audacity in attacking lines so strong,
held his musketry fire until we were in short range, when
his first volley killed and wounded at least one-half the
men lost in the assault. The fight was short and bloody,
but his entire line of works was carried. Eight hundred
and sixty-five officers and men, including one brigade
commander, were captured in the works. About one
thousand more were picked up during the night which
should be credited to the assault. The Second division
captured two four-gun batteries, one thousand stand of
small arms and six battle flags. These trophies were
won at the point of the sword and bayonet, under a furi-
ous fire of musketry, on ground swept by grape and can-
nister, from men whose fighting qualities have never
been excelled, posted behind breast-works as strong as
men long trained in the art of constructing defensive
works could make them.
While gallantly leading the brigade near the enemy's
September, 1864. ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. 225
works Colonel Dilworth received a severe wound, a
musket ball passing through his neck, and he was carried
from the field. Lieutenant Colonel J. W. Langley, of
the One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Illinois, being next
in rank, assumed command of the brigade. The Eighty-
fifth was now on the right of the front line, and under a
heavy fire from a force seeking to penetrate between our
right and the left of the Army of the Tennessee. Here
Major Robert G. Rider, commanding the Eighty-fifth,
received a gunshot wound in the head .and the command
of the regiment devolved upon Captain James R. Grif-
fith, of Company B. Other regiments were brought up
in line with the Eighty-fifth, and heavy firing was kept
up until long after dark, checking the advance of the
enemy, who was then no doubt preparing to retreat.
The assault was the only entirely successful one of
the campaign, and decided the fate of Atlanta. The
troops slept on their arms, and were startled during the
night by what appeared to be terrific artillery firing in
the direction of Atlanta. All supposed there had been a
night assault by the Twentieth corps, but w^e learned
next day that the noise proceeded from the explosion of
ammunition, the rear guard of the enemy having de-
stroyed his abandoned ordnance stores as his army
retreated from the city. The Twentieth corps moved
forward at daylight, occupying the city and taking
charge of the property not yet destroyed. The morn-
ing of the 2nd found nothing in our front save the wreck
of a defeated enemy, who had retreated during the night,
leaving his dead unburied and his wounded uncared for.
It is the most trying moment in the experience of a
soldier, when a charging column is preparing for the
226 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. September, 1864.
final dash against the enemy's works. The pressure on
brain and nerve is intense, and under the strain some
become panic stricken, while others perform the most
valorous deeds. Just as the line was being adjusted for
the supreme effort three men broke from the ranks of a
certain regiment and ran back into the fields. While
running up the side of a hill seemingly beyond the
danger Hne an avenging Confederate shell passed over
the heads of hundreds at the front and, as if directed by
fate, tore two of the fleeing fugitives to fragments.
On no other occasion was the use of the bayonet so
general or so well authenticated. Three brothers
named Noe, of the Tenth Kentucky, went over the rebel
parapet together, and two of them pinned their adver-
saries to the ground with the bayonet.* In this assault
the fact was demonstrated that where men make an as-
sault with empty guns the bayonet can be freely and
effectively used.
Of the troops engaged in the assault at Jonesboro all
belonged to the Fourteenth corps, and those composing
the storming column consisted of the Second division
entire, and one brigade of the Third division. The vic-
tory was rich in the spoil of the battlefield. Nearly two
thousand prisoners, two batteries, one thousand stand
of small arms and seven battle flags were among the
trophies. No such capture of men and material had been
made since the storming of Mission Ridge. In addition
to being the only successful assault on the enemy's main
line in the long campaign, more cannon, battle flags and
munitions of war were captured by the Second division
at Rome and Jonesboro than were captured by the entire
* Rebellion Records, No. 72, page 753.
September, 1864. ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. 227
army between Dalton and Atlanta. And the glory be-
longs in part to the officers and men of the Eighty-fifth,
the living and the dead, who had a part in that trying
campaign. For nearly four months they had been
almost constantly under fire, at every moment liable to
be picked off, while the sound of whistling bullet and
bursting shell had seldom been out of their ears.
In the assault the Second division lost five hundred
and forty in killed and wounded, of which one hundred
and thirty-five were from the Third brigade. At Jones-
boro the Eighty-fifth sustained the following
CASUALTIES.
FIELD AND STAFF.
WOUNDED Colonel Caleb J. Dilworth, commanding the brigade;
Major Robert G. Rider, commanding the regiment.
COMPANY B.
KILLED Corporal Lewis Boarmaster.
COMPANY D.
WOUNDED Corporal William D. Close, Jacob S. Dew, Henry
Howarth and Newton C. Patterson.
COMPANY E.
KILLED Thomas Owens.
COMPANY F.
KILLED Sergeant David Hamilton.
COMPANY H.
WOUNDED Corporal Thomas B. Engle and William Frietley.
COMPANY I.
WOUNDED Sergeant Neal P. Hughes and Ellis Moore.
COMPANY K.
KILLED First Sergeant Smith B. Horsey.
WOUNDED Sergeant Charles Pond.
On Sunday morning, the 4th, the Third brigade was
ordered to escort the prisoners and hospital train to
Atlanta. The men enjoyed their two days of rest after-
the battle, and were prepared for a long and rapid march,
228 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. September, 1864.
and reached the city that evening. The prisoners able
to march numbered some seventeen hundred men, and
these marched two and two in the middle of the road,
while the command marched in four ranks, two on either
side of the captives. Arriving in the city the prisoners
were turned over to the garrison, and the Third brigade
went into camp on the west side. Within the next few
days General Sherman's entire army returned to the
vicinity of the city, and went into camps at the follow-
ing points : The Army of the Tennessee at East Point,
the Army of the Ohio at Decatur, and the Army of the
Cumberland in and around Atlanta.
During the campaign the following changes oc-
curred among the commissioned officers: Adjutant
Clark N. Andrus died on July 23rd of wounds received
at Kennesaw mountain, and First Lieutenant Preston C.
Hudson, of Company I, was commissioned to succeed
him on that date. The position of first assistant surgeon
had long been vacant, when Dr. Gilbert W. Southwick,
of Arcadia, 111., was appointed to that position under
date of August 29th. First Sergeant John K. Milner,
of Company A, died of wounds received at Peach Tree
creek; he had been commissioned first lieutenant of his
company on March 2Oth, 1863, but for lack of the re-
quired number of men he had never been mustered. He
died on the twentieth of August in the hands of the
enemy. On the 2Qth of August Captain James T. Mc-
Neil, of Company H, resigned and First Lieuten-
ant Ira A. Mardis was promoted to be captain. Captain
McNeil had never recovered from the hardships and
exposure of the rebel prison.
During the Atlanta campaign the following deaths
September, 1864. ATLANTA CAMPAIGN. 229
occurred in the Eighty-fifth from diseases or wounds :
FIELD AND STAFF.
Adjutant Clark N. Andrus.
COMPANY A Corporal Calvin W. Boon, John F. Anno, William
Dortzfield and David Kratzer, of wounds.
COMPANY B William Buff alow, of wounds; William H. Skiles,
of disease.
COMPANY C Corporal Thomas Stagg, Jeremiah Deiterich, Dan-
iel Daugherty, William H. Neeley, James K. Young and
Thomas M. Young, of wounds; and James Moslander, of dis-
ease.
COMPANY D John J. Murphy and Hugh Morgan, of wounds;
and Willard Hicks, of disease in Andersonville prison.
COMPANY E First Sergeant A. J. Taylor, Sergeant William F.
Hohamer, Corporal Bowling Green, Corporal James N. Sheets
and James E. Thomas, of wounds.
COMPANY G Silas Dodge, of wounds.
COMPANY H Charles A. Hughes, of disease; John A. Thompson,
of wounds.
COMPANY I Charles Cain, of disease.
COMPANY K John Seibenborn, of disease.
The official reports at the close of the Atlanta cam-
paign show that the aggregate loss of the Third brigade
was one thousand and eighty-nine, distributed among
the regiments as follows :*
Twenty-second Indiana 231
Fifty-second Ohio 253
Eighty-fifth Illinois 194
Eighty-sixth Illinois 176
One Hundred and Tenth Illinois 29
One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Illinois 206
Total . ....1,089
* Rebellion Records, Serial No. 72, page 717.
230 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. September, 1864.
The casualties in the Second division numbered
twenty-four hundred and seventy-two, and the aggre-
gate loss by each brigade was reported as follows :*
First brigade 536
Second brigade 847
Third brigade 1,089
Total 2,472
The Atlanta campaign had ended; a campaign des-
tined to live in history as long as brilliant strategy is
studied, and the history of stubborn, continuous fighting
is read. And well had the Eighty-fifth borne its part,
and sustained the record for heroism and gallantry won
on the threshold of its career, at Perryville. The Presi-
dent, Congress, the press and the loyal people of the land
gave unstinted praise to General Sherman and the gal-
lant officers and soldiers who had forced their way over
broad rivers and through mountain passes from Chatta-
nooga to the "Gate City." But tne rebel army had not
been destroyed, and other arduous campaigns, much
marching, and hard battles must yet be fought, and in
them the Eighty-fifth was to have a conspicuous part.
At this time the official reports show an aggregate pres-
ent for duty in the regiment of two hundred and nine-
teen.
* Rebellion Records, Serial No. 72, page 643.
September, 1864. RESTING AT ATLANTA. 231
CHAPTER XIX.
During the stay in Atlanta the Eighty-fifth camped
on the left of the White Hall road, just beyond the city
limits. The camp was well located, fuel and water con-
venient, little duty was required, the men were allowed
the freedom of the city, and all who cared to do so made
the circuit of the works erected for its defense. These
earthworks had required the labor of thousands of slaves
for months, and were models of strength and solidity,
and while General Sherman was preparing plans for a
new aggressive campaign, the men discussed the prob-
able direction of their next march. In the meantime,
General Hood was preparing to assume the offensive,
and startle the country by a campaign bold in its concep-
tion, but destined to end in signal failure.
The rest at Atlanta continued for nearly a month,
the health of the regiment was greatly improved, and its
numbers were increased by the return of many of those
who had fallen out because of sickness or wounds during
the campaign. In the exchange of prisoners, which
took place at this time, some of our comrades were for-
tunate enough to be included, and returned to duty. A
strong inner line of earthworks was constructed so that a
small force might hold the city against assault, and
nearly all non-combatants were sent north or soutfi,
whichever way they chose to go. Upon a hint from
army headquarters that a limited number would be fur-
loughed, a few officers and men applied for twenty-five-
days' furloughs. But the approval of these applications
was destined to meet the command far to the north.
232 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. October, 186*.
On Thursday, the 29th, the Second division received
orders to be ready to march at a moment's notice, and
there were rumors of a raid in the rear. By eight o'clock
three days' rations had been issued, and all were in readi-
ness, but the day passed without further orders. Mean-
while the men waited and ate, and ate and waited, until,
as is usual under such circumstances, many of them had
eaten their three days' allowance in a single day. Soon
after dark the command moved to the railroad and
boarded a train of empty freight cars, which reached
Chattanooga the following evening. From there the
division proceeded on the same train to Huntsville, Ala.,
where it arrived at noon of Sunday, October ist. The
brigade went into camp south of the town, and soon the
tired men were fast asleep. But this much-needed rest
only lasted two hours, when the bugles sounded the as-
sembly, and the command hurried back to the station to
take the train so lately abandoned for Athens. A few
miles out from Huntsville the railroad track was found
torn up and the command left the train and marched to
Athens, arriving on the afternoon of the 3rd.
When the Eighty-fifth, with the other troops com-
prising the Second division, hurried aboard the train at
Atlanta, and officers and men were packed in dirty
freight cars like sardines in a box, it was understood that
the movement was of great urgency, but nothing was
known of our destination. Now it was learned that the
rebel general, Forrest, with a large force of cavalry had
crossed the Tennessee river and attacked the garrison at
Huntsville. But the advance of the Second division
compelled him to abandon the fight, and retire in the
direction of Athens. Damage to the railroad 'was For-
October/1864. BACK IN ALABAMA. 233
rest's main object, but General Morgan's advance was so
rapid that little was accomplished in that line by the raid-
ers, and they soon sought safety in flight.
From Athens the enemy moved in the direction ol
Florence, on the Tennessee river, and on the morning of
the 4th the Second division moved in pursuit. In the
afternoon the command forded Elk river, the water
reaching to the arm-pits of the men, and camped for the
night at Rogersville, some four miles beyond. A heavy
rain had been falling through the day, which continued
without ceasing throughout the night, and the men
spent a miserable night. An early start was made on
the next morning, the command crossing Shoal creek
during the day, and camped for the night within six
miles of Florence. The Third brigade had the advance
on the morning of the 6th. Our skirmishers soon found
the enemy, and rapidly drove Forrest's rear guard
through the town and beyond the river. In this skir-
mish John W. McClaren, of Company H, was wounded.
He had but recently recovered from a wound received
near Dallas, Georgia.
On the evening of the Qth a division of cavalry com-
manded by General C. C. Washburn arrived to take up
the pursuit of Forrest. The men thought that these
troopers boasted overmuch of what they would do with
Forrest when they found him, and were not at all sur-
prised to learn later that they had found him a very
tough proposition. The Second division started back
to Athens on the morning of the loth, and at the same
time, with a flourish of trumpets, the cavalry division
crossed the river to hunt Forrest. Soon after starting
we could hear the roar of artillery in the direction the
234 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. October, 1864.
cavalry had taken, and the men were assured that our
troopers had ''found Forrest." Long afterward we
learned that Forrest had turned on his over-confident
pursuers and whipped them to his heart's content. An-
other illustration of the truth that "He should boast that
putteth off the armor rather than he that girdeth it on."
From the time the command took the train at At-
lanta until it arrived at Florence the rain fell heavily and
almost continuously. The roads became very muddy
and the streams were swelled to the tops of their banks.
The bridges had been destroyed by the enemy, the com-
mand had no pontoons, and the men had to ford the
streams. The water, reaching at times to the armpits,
kept their clothing wet and increased the weight they
had to carry. The little sleep they secured was that of
exhaustion and afforded them but little rest. Their
clothing was worn, many were without shoes, and all
were footsore and weary. Perhaps the trip from At-
lanta to Florence came as near taxing to the utmost the
physical endurance of the men as any campaign thus far
experienced. However, the weather cleared up while at
Florence, and the return to Athens was much more com-
fortable, although the march was rapid, the command
arriving there on the evening of the I2th.
The application for furloughs made at Atlanta was
approved and met the command at this point, and a few
of the Eighty-fifth left for home on the first train for the
north. They little thought that the fortunes of war
would interfere with their return to duty with the regi-
ment until the following spring. But at the expiration
of these furloughs Sherman's army was on its way to the
sea, and those returning from the north were held at
October, 1864. AGAIN IN CHATTANOOGA. 235
Chattanooga until they could reach the army on the
Atlantic coast.
On the 1 3th the Third brigade boarded a freight
train and arrived in Chattanooga the next day. While
at this place about one-half of the men received shoes,
and some clothing was issued, but still there was but a
meager supply. The division was kept under marching
orders during the stay in Chattanooga, and while there
General Sherman was using all the means in his power
to bring General Hood's army, which was known to be
between Resaca and LaFayette, to battle.
In order to understand the situation it is necessary
to briefly review the movements of the two armies since
the Second division left Atlanta. In the last days of
September the President of the Southern Confederacy
made a visit to the headquarters of General Hood, and a
bold plan of aggression was mapped out. According to
this plan Hood was to throw his entire army upon our
communications, capture the garrisons and destroy the
railroad, then cross the Tennessee river and invade Ten-
nessee and Kentucky. In pursuance of this plan Hood
soon appeared on the railroad north of Atlanta and with
his whole army began destroying the road. This, the
first step in the second great Confederate scheme of
northern invasion, it was hoped would compel Sherman
to abandon Atlanta, and force his armies out of Georgia.
But, leaving the Twentieth corps to garrison Atlanta,
Sherman moved with all his remaining troops in hot pur-
suit, with the hope of forcing the enemy to a general en-
gagement. Hood destroyed over thirty miles of rail-
road, captured the garrisons at Big Shanty, Ackworth,
Tilton and Dalton, but was repulsed at Altoona and
236 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. October, 18W.
Resaca. At Altoona Hood met a decided repulse with
heavy loss. Although the garrison at this point num-
bered less than two thousand men, it captured over four
hundred prisoners and buried two hundred and thirty-
one of the enemy's dead left on the field. This would
show, according to the usual proportion of killed ;:o the
wounded, that the loss of the enemy exceeded in num-
ber the entire strength of the garrison. But Hood was
marching light and living on the country; his strategy
was brilliant; his movements were executed with dash
and skill, and it was found impossible to bring him to a
general engagement,
Tuesday, the i8th, our division, with Wagner's di-
vision of the Fourth corps, under the personal command
of General Schofield, moved out on the L/aFayette road
across the battlefield of Chickamauga, camping for the
night at Lee and Gordon's mills. The next day the march
led through LaFayette, the command camping just be-
yond the town. On the 2Oth we passed the camps occu-
pied the night before by the rebel army under General
Hood. During the day the Second division came in
touch with other divisions of Sherman's army, and for a
time a battle seemed probable. The rear guard of the
enemy showed a disposition to fight, but after making a
pretentious demonstration, he suddenly withdrew from
our front, and continued his retreat toward Gadsden,
Ala. Within the next two days the entire army was
concentrated around Gaylesville, ready for the next
move in the game.
At Gaylesville, a small town on the eastern border of
Alabama, General Sherman's army remained almost a
week. It was a period of comparative rest to the rank
I>AVIli SIOLKY,
CORPORAL. COMPANY B.
237
October, 1864. THE MARCH TO GAYLESVILLE. 239
and file, but of great activity to their commander, for he
was completing plans for his march to the sea. Three
days' rations of bread, meat and coffee were issued, with
orders that they must last five. But as forage was
abundant in the rich valleys of that pleasant region this
was considered no great hardship. Guard duty was
light, as the troops were well massed, and the details sent
out for supplies brought in sweet potatoes, meat, mo-
lasses and honey. The men operated the mills in the
vicinity, and in this way obtained a supply of corn meal
and unbolted flour. But by the end of our stay the
country was eaten out.
While Sherman's army lay at Gaylesville Hood
began to move north from Gadsden as if bound for Ten-
nessee, and on the 28th, when the main body of our
forces moved south from Gaylesville the Fourth corps
was sent back to defend the line of the Tennessee river.
That day we marched nine miles toward Rome, camp-
ing for the night at Missionary station, near the Georgia
and Alabama line. The next morning the march was
resumed, the command arriving at Rome that afternoon.
The Eighty-fifth camped on the north side of the
Etowah river on the ground where the Second division
fought the battle of Rome in the month of May. On
the last day of October the Third brigade guarded the
trains of the Fourteenth corps to Kingston, to which
point the First and Second brigades followed on the
next day.
At this time the curious and extraordinary spectacle
was seen, of two hostile armies moving in exactly oppo-
site directions. As Hood moved north, Sherman
marched south, and each embraced in his plan the same
15
240 HISTORY OF THE 8STH ILLINOIS. November, 1864.
object the invasion of his adversaries' country. Both
were men of sanguine temperament, but the Union leader
manoeuvered with a degree of prudence unknown to the
insurgent general. At first, General Sherman thought
Hood would abandon his plan of invasion, and throw his
army to our front, or move south on parallel lines until
opportunity offered for battle; but as the enemy's north-
ward march continued, it became necessary to provide
for the defense of Tennessee. To this end, the Twenty-
third army corps was turned back from Rome, with
orders to report to General Thomas, who was organiz-
ing an army at Nashville to meet and destroy the rebel
army in the event it crossed the Tennessee river.
Friday, the 4th, Major Harris visited the Eighty-
fifth, and officers and men each received eight months'
pay. The soldier is a very honest sort of person,
although much given to borrowing between pay days,
and soon the men were engaged in paying off their small
debts. But this large payment coming at a time and
place where there was little opportunity for spending
money, made the camp unusually flush, and what to do
with the surplus money became the question of the hour.
Fortunately the regiment had a chaplain whom all could
trust, and after securing a leave of absence for that pur-
pose, he gathered up the money the men wished to send
to family and friends, and left for the north. On arriv-
ing home he went to all for whom he had money and
delivered it in person. This was but one of the many
kindly acts of the good chaplain which endeared him to
the men.
The presidential election occurred while we lay at
Kingston, and on the 8th of November, the regiments
November, 1864. THE RETURN TO ATLANTA. 241
from nearly all of the states voted for president. Com-
missioners were sent to receive the ballots of those in the
army who would have been entitled to vote if at home.
But the Illinois soldiers were denied this privilege
because a Copperhead legislature had refused to make
the necessary provision. So while the men from other
states were exercising the elective franchise, those from
Illinois had to content themselves with expressing
their contempt and hatred for those who brought
this wrong upon them. Doubtless among the men from
Illinois, there were many "souls made perfect," but if the
remarks made upon that occasion are to be considered
in evidence, then surely none but the wholly unregener-
ate gave utterance to their feelings.
On the afternoon of the loth, we marched through
Cassville, and then went into camp at Cartersville, where
we remained until the morning of the J3th. On the I2th
the last railway trains passed going north, and later in
the day the telegraph was cut and Sherman and his army
were left in the middle of the Southern Confederacy,
with no means of communication with the outside world
or base of supplies, until he should open one on the sea
coast. That day General Sherman took dinner at the
headquarters of the Second division, and while there
received and answered the last dispatch from the north,
and the work of burning surplus army stores and
destroying the railroad was commenced. That night
the line of fire lighting up the road as far as the eye could
reach, revealed the thorough manner in which the work
of destruction was being done.
On the 1 3th, the division moved at an early Hour,
and, after destroying six miles of railroad, marched five
242 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. November, 1864.
miles further, camping for the night at Ackworth. The
next day we marched twenty-one miles and arrived at
Atlanta on the I5th. From Kingston to Atlanta the
line of march lay over familiar and historic ground.
Trees riven by cannon balls or girdled with fierce mus-
ketry; breastworks the command had struggled for but
a few short months before, and the graves of both blue
and gray, all testified to the determined nature of the
summer's conflicts.
Everything in the city that could make it valuable
to the enemy as a military point was to be destroyed and
we found Atlanta wrapped in flames. That night the
burning mills, machine shops and warehouses afforded
a grand and awe inspiring sight; a sad and melancholy
exhibition of the blighting desolation of war. We had
left that vicinity forty-five days before, and in that period
the Second division marched over two hundred miles,
traveled by rail four hundred miles and destroyed seven-
teen miles of railroad.
Eli F. Neikirk, second lieutenant of Company K,
resigned on November 4th, but as the company was
below the minimum number, no successor was commis-
sioned to fill the vacancy.
During the period of which this chapter treats, the
following deaths occurred : Henry P. Jones and Martin
Troy, of disease, Company D ; Richard Griffin, of Com-
pany E, wounds; Clinton Logan, of Company F, was
killed by accidental discharge of a musket, and Barn-
hart Noblack, of same company, died of wounds; and
Sergeant Lorenzo D. Gould, of Company G, died of
disease.
November, 1*. THE MARCH TO THE SEA. 243
CHAPTER XX.
General Sherman divided his army into two grand
divisions or wings, the right wing composed of the Fif-
teenth and Seventeenth corps, commanded by Major-
General O. O. Howard, and the left wing consisting of
the Fourteenth and Twentieth corps, commanded by
Major-General Henry W. Slocum; and, in addition,
there was a cavalry division, commanded by Brigadier-
General Judson Kilpatrick, making in round numbers
an army of about sixty-five thousand men.
The regiments composing this veteran army had been
reduced by the casualties of constant service to one-third
their original number. The space occupied by a brig-
ade at this time was no longer than that filled by a regi-
ment when first mustered. A regiment that could
parade three hundred men out of the thousand it
entered the service with, was considered lucky, and
thirty men made more than the average company. Such
had been the loss ratio that the files of four at the outset
had been reduced, in many instances, to a single soldier.
This veteran army was an army of boys and very many
of them, while veterans in the service, were yet too
young to vote. Commanders of regiments were often
less than thirty years of age, while the company and staff
officers were generally much younger. Their long hard
service had made them fertile in resources, and inspired
them with unbounded self-confidence. Glorying in
their strength, they waded streams flushed with recent
rains; built corduroy roads through dismal swamps;
pulled wagons and cannon out of bottomless mudholes
244 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. November, 1864.
and stormed the enemy's entrenched lines, with as little
concern as they resumed the march in the morning-.
Through the return of those recovering from
wounds, the exchange of prisoners, and a small number
of recruits, the aggregate present for duty had been
materially increased. When the march to the sea began,
the Second division had an aggregate present for duty
of 5,542, of which number 1,721 belonged to the Third
brigade. But for the reason given below the number
present for duty in the Eighty-fifth cannot be given.
Up to the time of the arrival of the Eighty-fifth at
Atlanta, each company had been allowed room in the
wagon train for a box containing its books and papers,
which box, when opened, answered the purpose of a
desk. But in September orders were received to pack
the records and turn the boxes in to the quartermaster.
The understanding at the time was that at the end of the
campaign they would be returned. Accordingly morn-
ing reports, order books, and retained copies of all
papers were packed in company desks and delivered to
the quartermaster. It was afterwards reported that all
had been shipped to Chattanooga for safe keeping and
later that they had been accidentally destroyed by fire.
That they were destroyed by fire the writer has no rea-
son to doubt, and whether the burning was accidental
or intentional, the result was the same all were lost.
This was most unfortunate, as the loss of the morning
reports renders it impossible to give the strength of the
regiment at important periods, and that of the order
books makes it equally impossible to give credit to indi-
viduals and detachments detailed for special duty.
The march to the sea began on the morning of
November, IBM. THE MARCH TO THE SEA. 245
November I5th, by the two corps of the right wing mov-
ing directly toward Macon. And bright and early on
the 1 6th, the Twentieth corps began to march past our
camp, but it was near noon before the Second division
moved in the rear of the left wing toward Augusta. It
will be observed that the two corps of each wing moved
on sharply diverging lines, threatening both Macon and
Augusta, but the general plan contemplated a concen-
tration of the entire army at Milledgeville, the capital
of the state, about one hundred miles southeast of
Atlanta. We marched ten miles the first day, and
camped for the night on Snapfinger creek. The next
day we marched sixteen miles, passing through Litho-
nia, destroying four miles of railroad, and camped for
the night at Con)^ers, thirty miles east of Atlanta by rail.
As the destruction of railroad communications between
Richmond, the Confederate capital, and the gulf states
was an important part of General Sherman's plan, he
spared no effort to accomplish that end. And as the
method finally adopted for this purpose was both novel
and thorough, a brief description is here inserted. A
brigade would halt in its march along a railroad line,
stack arms and the men scatter along one side of the
track Then each man would take hold of a tie, and at
the word of command, all lifting together, would throw
the ties end over end, the fall breaking the rail loose
from the ties. Then the ties would be piled up like cob-
houses, and these with other fuel would be set on fire,
and the rails thrown across them. In a short time the
rails would be red hot in the middle, when the soldiers
would seize the rail by the two ends, and wrap it around
a tree like a necktie or interlace and twine a pile of them
246 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. November, WM.
together in great iron knots, while others with cant-
hooks would twist the hot rails into corkscrew patterns,
which .it was impossible to straighten, and rendering
them useless for any purpose other than old iron. In
this way an army corps marching along a railroad could
easily destroy ten to fifteen miles in a day. Moreover,
to complete the destruction of the enemy's communi-
cations, the railway culverts were blown up, the bridges
burned and the machine shops were leveled to the
ground. The extent of line destroyed was enormous.
More than a hundred miles of the road from Chatta-
noga running through Atlanta to Macon ; from Atlanta
east toward Augusta another hundred miles, and almost
the entire length of the Georgia Central was ruined to
the suburbs of Savannah. On the iSth, we marched
sixteen miles, passing through Covington and Oxford,
and destroyed three miles of railroad, camping beyond
the-Ulcofauchee river. On the next day we marched
twenty miles, passing through Sandtown and camping
near Shady Grove. We marched twenty miles on Sun-
day, the 2Oth, and camped near Eatonton factories,
which we burned. The next day we turned south,
marched twelve miles toward Milledgeville, through a
heavy rain and over bad roads, and camped south of
Cedar creek. We remained in camp the 22nd and the
First and Third divisions with the pontoon train passed
to the front. Weather cleared up cold after a slight
flurry of snow. On the next day, we marched fourteen
miles, camping on the plantation of Howell Cobb, who
had been secretary of the treasury under Buchanan, and
was then a general in the Southern army. This planta-
tion abounded in corn, beans, peanuts and sorghum
November, 186*. THE MARCH TO THE) SEA. 247
molasses, all of which, together with the fences and
buildings, were appropriated by General Davis to the
use and comfort of his men. Near our camp was a
stack of peanuts, containing probably more than a thou-
sand bushels. That night the men roasted and ate of
them until many have never cared for peanuts since, and
when we left in the morning, the stack caught fire and
the remainder was consumed. Indeed the fire con-
sumed about all found on this traitor's plantation that
hungry men and animals could not eat.
We passed through Milledgeville about ten o'clock
on the 24th, crossed the Oconee river, and moved in the
direction of Louisville. Up to this time there had been
no organized force to resist our progress, or to even
seriously interfere with our rollicking foragers. Appeals
as fervid as they were futile had been made by both Con-
federate and state authorities, calling upon the people
to rise and expel the invaders from the state, but the
utter helplessness of the situation was so apparent to
all that the people, paralyzed with fear, paid little or no
heed to the noisy but impotent proclamations. But
when near Saundersville, on the 26th, our old time
enemy, General Wheeler, with his cavalry appeared on
the scene and drove our foragers in on the main column.
The Second brigade being in advance deployed, and,
after a sharp skirmish, drove the enemy through the
town, with the loss of one killed and two wounded. We
crossed the Ogeechee river on the next day and arrived
at Louisville on the evening of the 28th, where we
remained for two days.
On the next day a foraging party was suddenly sur-
rounded and captured. They were disarmed and hur-
248 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS November, WM.
ried a short distance into the woods, where they were
stood in line by their inhuman captors, and deliberately
shot down in cold blood. Several were instantly killed,
and the wounded shammed death until their captors left
the scene. Soon after the camp was aroused by one of
the slightly wounded, and a strong skirmish line
advanced and recovered the dead and relieved the
wounded. In this affair the loss of the Eighty-fifth was
as follows:
KILLED William Earp, sergeant of Company F; Simon Heaton,
of Company H.
WOUNDED Sergeant F. M. McColgan, of Company F; Corporal
Perry W. Clupper, of Company G.
Warned by this experience, our foraging party was
strongly reinforced the next morning, which was very
fortunate as the events of the day proved. The forag-
ing party of the 3Oth, found abundant forage some
eight miles from camp and had filled their wagons by
noon. But while eating their dinner previous to the
return trip, the rebel cavalry suddenly appeared between
them and camp and opened fire. The men quickly ral-
lied, however, and charged through the enemy's line,
but by the time they had routed the foe and closed up-
their forage train, the enemy was found again in their
front. The news of the peril surrounding the foragers
soon reached camp and the Eighty-fifth started on the
double quick to their assistance, reaching them none
too soon, as they had charged and scattered the rebel
cavalry eight times that afternoon and were well nigh
exhausted. They had, however, pluckily held on to
their forage train. About the time the regiment started
to the relief of the sorely-pressed foragers the other regi-
December, 1864. THE MARCH TO THE SEA. 249
ments were advanced against the enemy, who were
boldly threatening the camp, and after a sharp skirmish
drove him out of a line of earthworks and a mile or more
beyond. A cotton gin containing forty or fifty bales of
cotton, from behind which the enemy had fired on our
men, was burned.
We moved from Louisville on December ist, our
division guarding the corps train and reserve artillery,
while the other two divisions marched on parallel roads
to our left. We marched in this way for several days
until we reached the Savannah river. The roads ran
through swamps that had to be corduroyed before the
train could pass, the country was generally flat and
sparsely settled, and while the foragers found a fair sup-
ply of meat and sweet potatoes, flour and meal were
very scarce. On Sunday, the 4th, we destroyed three
miles of railroad at Lumpkins station, and the next
evening, after a hard day's march over difficult roads,
we camped at Jacksonboro, near the point where Brier
creek falls into the Savannah river. On the 6th, we
marched twenty miles, moving not far from and parallel
with the river. Our route led us through dismal swamps
and deep loose sand, through which the train moved
with great difficulty. We camped after dark near Hud-
son's Ferry.
An amusing incident occurred at this camp, which
delayed the supper of a hungry mess. Near Milledge-
ville a colored man came to a certain mess and offered
to cook meals and carry its outfit on the march, in
return for permission to go along with the army. He
was the blackest man the writer ever saw; of powerful
build and gigantic stature. But his speech was a kind
250 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. December, 1864.
of jargon and very difficult to understand, and from
the disconnected story he told around our camp fire, it
appeared that he was a native of Africa; that he had
been brought oyer by a slave trader from the African
coast but a short time before the war began, and sold
to a Georgia planter living in the vicinity of the state
capital. He proved to be a good cook, a noble forager
and provided the best the country afforded for the mess.
As soon as fires had been kindled on that occasion for
cooking supper, and as the colored man, with a camp
kettle in each hand, was starting for a supply of water,
a rebel gun-boat over in the river opened fire, sending
a monstrous sixty-four-pounder shell screaming over
our heads. In passing, it tore branches from the trees,
which added to the infernal noise made in its flight. At
the moment of its passage, the writer was looking at the
cook, perhaps somewhat anxiously, as he was very
hungry, and saw him bound into the air, give an
unearthly scream, fling his camp kettles to the wind and
go bounding end over end through the brush, to disap-
pear in the darkness. He vanished as completely as if
he had been translated, and we never saw him afterward.
Fortunately the gunboat, which was probably patrolling
the river, only fired one shot, but it was observed that
the men were content to cook on low fires and eat in
the dark.
On the 7th, we marched fifteen miles, passing
through two swamps that were badly obstructed by trees
felled by the enemy to delay the advance, and camped
near Ebenezer Creek. The next day we had to wait
until pontoons were brought up and bridges built before
we could cross the two streams known as Big and Little
December, 1864. THE MARCH TO THE SEA. 251
Ebenezer. This was historic ground, Ebenezer church,
standing at the roadside, having been a rallying point
for General Marion and his men in the War of the Revo-
lution. It was dark when we camped that evening, the
rain was falling steadily, and everything in the shape of
fuel was soaked with water. Finally, when with much
effort the men had succeeded in starting their fires, and
had just put their coffee on to boil, orders were received
to fall in and return to Ebenezer creek. Wheeler's cav-
alry was pressing the rear guard and threatening the
pontoon train with capture. The wet, tired, and hun-
gry men, while taking their places in the ranks, made
many forcible if not elegant remarks descriptive of their
feelings, and expressive of their forlorn condition. But
perhaps no one came nearer expressing the sentiment
of the entire brigade than did a soldier who was
observed to linger to the last, over a coffee can that
refused to boil. At the last moment, he kicked his can
over and his fire out, and as he slung his musket across
his back and started to take his place in his company, his
strong, clear voice rang out in perfect time, as he sang
a profane parody of the line in that familiar song,
"O, when this cruel war is over."
The return of the Third brigade to Ebenezer creek
promptly checked the enemy and we camped about
midnight on the north bank of that stream. On the
9th, we marched eight miles, built bridges over two
creeks, and ran up against a line of rebel earthworks,
with a battery planted at the point where the works
crossed the road.
The enemy had selected a strong position to make a
brief stand with a few men, at a point where a road
252 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. December, 1864.
passed between two swamps. When the rebel battery
opened on the head of the column, the Third brigade
was promptly deployed on both sides of the road, and
our battery was brought up and returned the enemy's
fire. In the artillery duel which followed, Lieutenant
Coe, of Battery I, Second Illinois artillery, was killed,
and two men on the skirmish line were wounded. The
death of Lieutenant Coe cast a gloom over the entire
brigade, where he was well known for his courage and
skill, and where he was universally respected for his
gentlemanly bearing. At this time darkness intervened
and the entire brigade remained as a picket line for the
night. We afterward learned that the enemy had
intended to defend the city, only fifteen miles distant, on
the line of defenses here encountered. This line of de-
tached works extended from the Savannah river on the
east to the Ogeechee river on the west. But the rapid
advance of the right wing of the army down the right
bank of the Ogeechee turned the enemy under General
Hardee out of this line of works, and forced him to fall
back to his interior line at the city. The next morning
we found the works in our front abandoned and we
advanced to the Ten-mile House, where we fell in with
the Twentieth corps, which had the right of way, and
we camped at that point for the night. On Sunday, the
nth, we closed down on the enemy's defenses at Savan-
nah, which were found to be very formidable and armed
with an abundance of heavy artillery.
Savannah was then a city of some twenty-five thou-
sand people, is situated on the right bank of the Savan-
nah river and distant but fifteen miles from the ocean.
It is built upon an elevation about forty feet above tide
December, 186t. THF MARCH TO THE SEA. 253
water, as near the harbor entrance as suitable ground on
which to build a city could be found. Just below the
city the land sinks almost to the level of the sea, and is
cut into islands by canals or creeks. The Savannah and
Ogeechee rivers fall into the ocean near each other, and
for about fifty miles from the sea, a strip of land sep-
arates them not more than ten to fifteen miles in width.
As our army approached from the north, down this nar-
row strip of land, it formed a compact line from the
Savannah river on the left to the Ogeechee near King's
bridge on the right. The skirmish line in front of the
Second division was near the three-mile post, the
entrenched lines of the enemy being about a quarter of
a mile nearer the city.
On December I3th, a division of the Fifteenth army
corps, commanded by General William B. Hazen,
stormed and carried Fort McAllister, on the right bank
of the Ogeechee, capturing the entire garrison, together
with the armament of the fort. This brilliant feat of
arms solved the question of a base of supplies on the
sea coast, by opening the Ogeechee river to light
draught steamers, by the use of which supplies could be
brought up to King's bridge and landed in the rear of
the right of the army. The capture of this fort v/as of
vast importance. The foragers were no longer able to
procure either food or forage, in a country almost
entirely devoted to rice farming, and for several days the
army had been living on short rations drawn from the
scant supply brought from Atlanta in the wagon trains.
But the successful issue of the assault on Fort McAllis-
ter not only insured abundant food supplies, as soon as
the river could be cleared of obstructions, but the mails
254 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. December, 1864.
would be brought up and we would hear from the loved
ones at home.
Through the thoughtfulness of General Grant, a
fleet of vessels loaded with supplies for the army was
waiting for the arrival of Sherman's army on the coast.
The mails which had accumulated since his departure
from Atlanta had with like care been forwarded by a
despatch boat, and on the i/th the hearts of the men
were made glad by the distribution of the mails that had
piled up during their sojourn in tfie tottering Confed-
eracy.
In the meantime a heavy fire was maintained along
the skirmish lines and the enemy's workswere reconnoit-
ered to find, if possible, points where they might be car-
ried by storm. Several points in front of the Fourteenth
corps were selected, where it was thought the enemy's
entrenched lines might be carried. Siege guns were
brought up from the fleet outside the harbor, and placed
in batteries to protect the assaulting columns. Light
bridges were constructed for the men to carry, with
which to cross the canals and ditches that might be
encountered in the charge, which promised to be san-
guinary. But before arrangements for the assault had
been completed, the enemy withdrew from the city,
crossed the river and retired into South Carolina. The
enemy retreated during the night of the 2Oth, and before
daylight the next morning our skirmishers entered his
abandoned works, thus ending a brilliant and successful
campaign by the capture of Savannah. Among the
property abandoned by the fleeing enemy were two hun-
dred and fifty pieces of heavy artillery and over thirty
thousand bales of cotton.
.JOSEPH B. CO3VOVKR,
255
December, 1864. THE MARCH TO THE SEA. 257
The Third brigade arrived at Savannah with an
aggregate strength of 1,714, of which there were present
for duty in the Eighty-fifth 232.
CHAPTER XXI.
When General Sherman determined to abandon
Atlanta, march quickly across three hundred miles of
hostile country and seize one of the harbors on the sea
coast, the subsistence of the army upon the country
became a necessary part of his plan. An army can live
on the country while on the march, but it must have the
ordinary means of supply within a very few days after it
halts, or it will starve. All the ports on the southern
coast were known to be fortified ,and presumably strong
enough to render abortive any attempt to carry them by
storm. Ordinary prudence, therefore, demanded that
sufficient provisions be carried in the wagon trains to
supply the army while engaged in gaining possession of
a harbor on the coast suitable for a new base of supplies.
To meet such an emergency twenty days' rations were
taken in the wagon trains from Atlanta, but these were
not to be issued while the army was moving into new
fields each day.
In an elaborate general order issued at the beginning
of the campaign, General Sherman said, "The armv will
forage liberally on the country during the march," and
provided for daily details from each brigade, whose duty
it should be to gather from the country along the line
of march food for the men and forage for the animal s.
16
258 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. December, 18W.
The order also provided that the details for foraging
should be under the command of discreet officers, and
the supplies gathered should be issued by the commis-
sary department. The result proved unsatisfactory ; the
forage detail lived on the fat of the land, while the troops
claimed that they did not get a fair share of the hams
and honey, the turkeys and chickens, the pigs, potatoes
and molasses. So the plan was modified by authorizing
a detail of four men from each company, making a
detachment of forty men, under the command of a bold
and enterprising officer, to forage for each regiment, the
provisions gathered to be issued independent of the
commissary department. This plan proved entirely
satisfactory.
Having been advised of the intended line of march
and the probable location of the next camp, the foragers
would start before daylight and visit during the day
every farm and plantation within five or six miles of the
marching column. Wagons, ox-carts and family car-
riages were pressed into service and loaded with provi-
sions and forage, in short, everything that could be used
as food for man or beast was taken, and brought to the
road on which the column was marching, if possible, in
advance of the trains. Then as we drew near camp in
the evening the strange and varied collection, not only
of food and forage, but of ingeniously contrived make-
shifts of transportation, made a mirth provoking caval-
cade. A wagon loaded with corn and cornfodder, drawn
by a thoroughbred horse and a scrawny mule, a silver
mounted family carriage loaded with hams and bacon
drawn by a jackass and a cow in rope harness, and an
ox-cart loaded with animals dead and alive, drawn by a
December, 186*. THE MARCH TO THE SEA. 259
cow and mule hitched tandem. Oxen and cows, as well
as horses and mules, were used by the foragers as pack
animals, and these would appear loaded down with tur-
keys, chickens, corn meal, sweet potatoes and other
vegetables.
The extravagant militia uniforms of past genera-
tions were occasionally found, and foragers dressed in
them added to the comical side of the fantastic proces-
sion, as they escorted their improvised trains of booty to
the camp. Even the regimentals of the revolutionary
period would sometimes appear in the forager's mas-
querade. At one time a forager dressed in a continen-
tal uniform indicating high rank, with chapeau and wav-
ing plume, mounted on a fine horse with a strip of car-
pet for a saddle, appeared at the roadside and with mock
gravity reviewed the column at it passed.
In a country of dense population, where the distance
between towns and cities is not great, a requisition for
food and forage is practical and far preferable to seizure.
But in a region so sparsely settled as that through which
our army marched, where towns were few and small,
and where supplies were generally found on scattered
farms and plantations, there was no way by which pro-
visions could be obtained except by direct seizure. For-
aging, therefore, became a vital necessity and the for-
agers, commonly known as "Sherman's Bummers," per-
formed a service without which the march to the sea
would have been an impossibility. But the aptitude of
the forager for his task, and the originality of his meth-
ods, was a revelation alike to all, from the commanding
general down to the rank and file.
At first the foragers went on foot, but first one and
260 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. November, 1864.
then another secured a horse and very soon all were
mounted. Moving in advance or on the flanks, they
formed a body of ideal rangers. Their long range rifles
gave them a decided advantage over the carbines of the
enemy's cavalry, and none of his troopers were ever able
to break through the foragers' line far enough to feel
the marching column. In seeking out hidden stock and
stores, and in finding their way about the country, they
seemed to be guided by an unerring instinct. In many
instances, fearing the rapacity of the "vandal Yankees,"
the inhabitants had fled, taking with them what they
could. Where the premises were abandoned, the for-
agers made a clean sweep, but where the citizens were
found at home they made a fair divide, leaving enough
to support the family. In other cases it was found that
the planters had buried their provisions in the ground,
and driven their horses, mules and cattle into the
swamps for safety, for the Federal and Confederate
armies were alike dependent upon foraging for their
subsistence. But the men soon became skillful experts
in discovering stores that had been buried. From the
general appearance of the barns and smoke-houses on
the plantation, they quickly decided whether provisions
had been buried or stock sent to the swamp. By indi-
cations they would probably have found hard to describe
they would determine the vicinity in which the stores
would likely be found. Then they would advance in
line, in open order, driving their ramrods into the
ground, and very soon the hidden treasure, whether of
bacon and hams or sweet potatoes, would be discovered.
Usually a hint from some darkey would indicate the par-
ticular swamp where the animals had been concealed,
December, 1864. TUB MARCH TO THE SEA. 261
when the horses, mules and beeves would speedily
change owners.
Gathering- subsistence was not the only service ren-
dered by the bold and dashing foragers. They not only
had an abiding faith in their own invincibility, but they
held the cavalry of the enemy in utter contempt. So
when attacked by the enemy, no matter what the num-
bers were, they gave fight. Others hearing the firing
would hasten to take part, and if forced to retire they
fell back fighting, and sooner or later the sound of battle
would gather numbers sufficient to rout any cavalry
force they ever encountered. In some instances they
drove the enemy away, seized bridges before they could
be destroyed, and held them until the main column
appeared. Their duties called them to endure great
hardships, and placed them in grave peril, but their
love of fun caused them to give a rollicking turn to
the most gloomy situation. When we reached Savan-
nah the function of the forager ceased, they surrendered
their horses to the provost marshals and returned to
their duties in the ranks. No greater compliment can
be paid to the so-called "Bummer," and no better proof
of the high discipline maintained in our army, can be
asked or given than the statement that this fact affords.
The march to the sea afforded the troops a rare
opportunity to look upon the homes of the south, and to
learn how the war affected them. The picture in some
instances was sad, in others it was simply ludicrous. In
the midst of plenty there was apparent decay. The
country was full of what were luxuries to us and no
army ever lived better than we did. That an army of
sixty-five thousand men could live sumptuously while it
262 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. December, 1864.
marched leisurely through a state in which thousands of
Union soldiers had died of starvation in prison pens, was
a demonstration of the utter untruthfulness of the claim
of the rebel authorities, that they were unable to feed
the famishing prisoners. In addition to the sheep,
swine, fowls, corn meal, and sweet potatoes consumed
by the troops while on the march, 13,000 beeves, 5,000
horses, and 4,000 mules were found suitable for army
use and were pressed into the service.
When the first mail reached the army in front of
Savannah, the papers were eagerly searched for news
from our comrades in war-wasted Tennessee. It will
be remembered that we left General Hood in Northern
Alabama, apparently intent upon invading the North.
At the same time General Thomas was organizing an
army at Nashville to repel the threatened invasion. By
the newspaper reports it appeared that after crossing
the Tennessee, Hood had been delayed at Pulaski and
Columbia, by the defensive tactics resorted to by Gen-
eral Thomas, who was manoeuvering to gain time for
the concentration of his army. Already impatient at
what seemed to him uncalled for delay, when he found
the Fourth and Twenty-third army corps entrenched
across his path at Franklin, the fiery chief of the rebel
army attacked them with rather more than his usual
recklessness. The assault was made with the dash and
impetuosity so characteristic of the southern soldier,
and although the enemy met a bloody repulse, his
attacks were continued until far in the night. But it
also appeared that after repulsing the enemy with heavy
loss at all points, our army had retired during the night
December, 1864. THE MARCH TO THE SEA. 263
to Nashville, leaving our dead on the field and followed
by the Confederates.
While we had no doubt the enemy had been roughly
handled in his rash attempt to carry the entrenched lines
at Franklin, defended as they were by such veteran
soldiers as those of the Fourth and Twenty-third army
corps, yet the fact that the retreat of our army had been
continued to Nashville, where a great :md decisive battle
must soon be fought, caused much solicitude over the
situation in Tennessee. But all anxiety was soon re-
moved. Almost at the moment of our triumphant entry
into Savannah came the news of a glorious victory at
Nashville. Our comrades had stormed and carried the
enemy's entrenched lines, captured fifteen thousand
prisoners, seventy-two pieces of artillery, seventy stand
of colors, a large quantity of small arms and other spoils
of the battlefield, while the scattered fragments of the
rebel army, impelled by the instinct of self-preservation,
were flying in dismay and disorder, never to appear
again as an organized force.
Savannah was an old place, considered of such im-
portance at the time of the War of the Revolution that
it was besieged in turn by both the American and Brit-
ish armies. It was successfully defended against an
attack of the British in 1776, but two years later it fell
into their possession. In 1779 the American army,
commanded by General Lincoln, with our French allies,
attempted to recapture it, but was defeated. A monu-
ment erected to the memory of Count Pulaski stands on
the spot where he fell while gallantly leading his men in
the assault. Near the camp of the Eighty-fifth was a sec-
tion of grass grown earthworks, but their outlines were
264 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. January, 1865.
well preserved, said to have been erected by General
Lincoln. During our stay at that point this old em-
bankment was much frequented by the players of
"chuck-a-luck." In the city were many quaint old
buildings, and its streets were lined with shade trees of
rare beauty. At many of the street crossings were small
parks adorned with the willow-leaf oak, a handsome
evergreen, while in the large yards surrounding the
homes of the well-to-do, were found magnolias, tropical
shrubs and flowers that bloomed the year round. Bay
street, the principal thoroughfare, was made beautiful
by the rows of trees which divided its ample width into
driveways.
The plantations just beyond the city limits had been
the homes of a wealthy and cultivated society. Gen-
erally the homes had been left in charge of colored ser-
vants, and were filled with rare books, pictures and other
evidences of refined life. Around these plantation
houses were giant live-oaks, whose great branches, as
large as the trunks of trees in our own northland, spread
out wide enough for a regiment to hold dress parade
beneath them. From their boughs hung in graceful fes-
toons the drooping tillandsia, the long moss of the
south, and when glorified by the morning sun these trees
presented a never-to-be-forgotten picture. The coast
with its numerous bays, estuaries and inlets, was one
continuous bed of oysters, furnishing food for the hun-
gry and delicacies for the epicure. The mild climate,
in which we saw neither ice nor snow, was a luxury not
before enjoyed by our army. Moreover, it was obvious
that the end of the war was near.
The past year had been an eventful one, in which war
January, 1865. THE MARCH TO THE SEA. 265
had been waged upon a gigantic scale. At times the
nemy, with the energy of despair, had carried the in-
vader's banner far northward, to meet in every instance
irretrievable defeat. In the east, General Early led his
troops almost to the defenses around the National Cap-
ital, to be defeated, and later his army destroyed by Gen-
eral Sheridan. In the west we have seen the army under
Hood ruined at Nashville by General Thomas, and be-
yond the Mississippi, when General Sterling Price
assayed the role of invader, General Rosecrans captured
his cannon, destroyed his wagon train and dispersed his
followers. There was, therefore, but one army left for
the defense of the Confederacy, and that was held at
Petersburg in Grant's relentless, vice-like grip. Soldiers
of all grades felt well assured that when our army moved
from Savannah our colors would point toward the rebel
capital.
At Savannah one soldier was heard to say to another,
""I hope our regiment will be among the first mustered
out at the close of the war, before all the good jobs are
taken." It is, perhaps, needless to add, this was said by
an Irishman. This raised the question for the first time,
what will become of the vast army of young men soon to
be thrown upon their own resources, what can they do
for a living when the United States ceases to provide for
the "government people"? Previous to this, the uncer-
tain duration of the war, and the chances for living
through it, had held that question in abeyance. But
now the spectre had been raised, "a ghost that would not
down," and from that time to the end, it traveled with us
by night as well as by day.
During our stay in Atlanta the Ninety-second Ohio
266 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. January, 1865,
infantry occupied a camp near that of the Eighty-fifth,
and as this period was devoted to almost unbroken rest
throughout the army, the unusual activity observed in
that regiment could not pass unnoticed. Each morn-
ing the camp was policed, after which there was guard
mount and squad and company drill. In the afternoon
there was batallion drill and in the evening dress parade.
Indeed, the requirements of army regulations were
strictly observed, as fully as if the regiment had then for
the first time entered a camp of instruction. These
things were recalled when just before leaving Savannah,
Benjamin D. Fearing, colonel of that regiment, was pro-
moted to the rank of brigadier general, and assigned to
the command of the Third brigade. General Fearing
was a lineal descendant of General Israel Putnam,
famous in the War of the Revolution, of whom it was
said, "He dared to lead where any dared to follow."
The troops enjoyed their short stay in Savannah to
the utmost. Their duties were light; they were allowed
the fullest liberty consistent with good order, and there
was a continual round of sight-seeing and merry-mak-
ing. But the soldiers soon tired of the monotony of the
camp; they missed the pungent smell of the piney
woods, and they longed for the excitement of the march.
An active campaign promised a change of scenery, of
duty and of diet. True this involved much marching
perhaps hard fighting, but it meant business, and they
were not journeying through the South for their health.
.All knew that Savannah was but one stage in their jour-
ney to Richmond, and all were eager to pay their re-
spects to the original secessionists the people of South
Carolina. They remembered that her people had been
January, 1S65. THE MARCH TO THE SEA. 267
rebellious subjects for more than thirty years, and so far
they had escaped the scourge of war. The birth-place
of nullification and secession, her people had rocked the
cradle of rebellion, and fanned the sparks of insurrection
into the flames of civil war. And now, that the state
was to be ravaged through its utmost length, and over
an average breadth of forty miles, it appeared to them
to be but a fair measure of justice.
When the plan for the march north was conceived
the rebel garrison at Charleston, to which place General
Hardee and his command had fled when he evacuated
Savannah, was capable of making a respectable defense,
while the broken fragments of Hood's army, which had
escaped from Tennessee, were being hurried across
Georgia to assist in the defense of Augusta. But unless
these widely scattered forces could 'be united, the enemy
would be utterly unable to meet our veteran army in the
open field. It was, therefore, the purpose of General
Sherman to threaten both Augusta and Charleston, and
when the widely diverging movement of the two wings
of his army should leave the enemy divided and in doubt
as to his real destination, he would march rapidly on
Columbia; then with his army united proceed to
Goldsboro, North Carolina, four hundred and twenty-
five miles distant, thoroughly destroying the railway
system of South Carolina on his way, as he had that of
Georgia in the march to the sea.
To accomplish his feint against Charleston, General
Sherman transported the most of the right wing, under
General Howard, by sea to Beaufort, where it arrived on
the loth. At the same time a part of one corps marched
in that direction by the Union causeway. On Sunday,
268 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. January, 1865.
the 1 5th, General Howard moved his troops forward,
through mud and rain, and seized the Savannah and
Charleston railroad at Pocotaligo, twenty-five miles in-
land. General Slocum crossed two divisions of the
Twentieth corps over the Savannah river, above the city,
and occupied Hardeeville, a station on the same line of
railway. So by the middle of January our army had
secured firm footing in South Carolina, and was ready to
begin the march northward as soon as sufficient food and
forage could be accumulated.
CHAPTER XXII.
Preparations for the coming campaign called forth
every energy, and the utmost activity prevailed through-
out the army. But a rise in the river swept away our
pontoon bridge at Savannah, and General Slocum was
ordered to move with the remaining divisions of the left
wing, including General Kilpatrick's division of cavalry,
up the Georgia side of the river to Sister's ferry, where
he was to cross over and seize the Augusta and Charles-
ton railroad near Blackville. This railway he was to
destroy effectually, while making a well-sustained men-
ace on Augusta. At the same time the right wing was
expected to strike the same line of railroad at Midway,
still maintaining the feint against Charleston.
The army numbered sixty thousand men, and car-
ried with it sixty-eight pieces of artillery. The trains
were made up of some twenty-five hundred wagons, with
six mules to each wagon, and about six hundred ambu-
January, 1865. CAMPAIGN OF THE CAROLINAS. 269
lances, with two horses each. The wagons contained
an ample supply of ammunition for a great battle, for
from that time to the end, the possibility of our having
to fight a battle with the united armies of the Confeder-
acy, should General Lee escape from General Grant,
was a contingency to be provided for. The wagons also
contained forage for seven days, and provisions for
twenty days, mostly of bread, coffee, sugar and salt.
The supply of the small rations was generous, but the
troops were to depend largely for breadstuff and meat,
on flour, meal, cattle, hogs, and poultry likely to be
found along the line of march.
The country was considered so difficult that the
Confederate authorities believed the swamps and
streams would prove an impassable barrier to Sherman's
army. It was like all the southern sea board, low and
sandy, with numerous swamps and rivers. The streams
are usually bordered with wide swamps and approached
by long, narrow causeways leading to bridge or ferry.
These causeways could be defended indefinitely by small
bodies of troops, who, when dispersed, could destroy the
bridges and ferry boats, and obstruct the roads by felling
trees. The rivers of South Carolina generally flow par-
allel with the Savannah, and many of them are both
broad and deep. So it would be found necessary to
march far into the interior of the state, on the ridges be-
tween the streams, until near their headwaters, before
crossings would be found and the heads of column
turned in the desired direction.
On January 2Oth the left wing, to which the Eighty-
fifth belonged, moved out of Savannah in a pouring rain
and marched ten miles on the Augusta road. At this
270 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. January, 1865.
point we were mud-bound and water-bound until the
24th, when we abandoned the road, and by struggling
through field and forest, the command reached Sister's
ferry on the 28th, having marched but forty-two miles
in eight days. To add to the difficulties of the situation
the river had been raised by the continued rains until it
overflowed its banks, and at that time was about three
miles wide. A pontoon bridge had been laid at this
point, and was guarded by the gunboat Pontiac. The
weather cleared on the next day and the river ran down,
so that a part of the command crossed over on the 5th
of February. Previous to crossing we had to build tres-
tles for considerable distance and then corduroy the road
for tw;o miles and a half, the men working in water from
ankle to waist deep.
While marching through Georgia it was not unusual
to hear the citizens say, "Why don't you all go over into
South Carolina, and take, burn and destroy; her people
began the war." Sometimes this was said with a sneer-
ing', taunting manner, implying that there we would find
a people less submissive, who would fight to the bitter
end and die in the last ditch. But generally we thought
we could see that the people of Georgia would look upon
a raid through their sister state with at least a degree of
complacency. To this chaffing our men invariably re-
plied that we were going to South Carolina as fast as we
could march, and if they would possess their souls with
patience, they would soon see a just recompense of
reward meted out to those who first set up the flag of
rebellion.
General Kilpatrick's cavalry division moved
throughout this campaign on the front or flank of the
February, 1865. CAMPAIGN OF THE CAROLINAS. 271
left wing. These troopers crossed on the pontoon
bridge on the evening of the 7th, and many of the Third
brigade were at the bridge when they passed into South
Carolina, and never were troops in higher spirits. They
said that "Wherever we followed their trail we would
find chimneys but no houses; that their route would be
marked by blazing ruins, and that a crow in passing over
their line of march would need to carry a haversack."
That this was no idle boast was fully established by the
ravaged country found whenever we had the misfortune
to fall in the rear of Kilpatrick's rough riders.
The Fourteenth corps had left Savannah without
being supplied with hard bread, sugar, coffee and salt,
but while waiting for the flood in the Savannah river to
subside, steamers brought an abundance of these rations.
Mails were received and north-bound mail was taken by
the out-going transports until the last moment.
The Third brigade left Sister's ferry on Wednesday,
the 8th, in charge of the corps train, marched fifty miles
in the next three days, and reached the Charleston and
Augusta railway at Williston on the I2th. At a cross
road near this place the guide boards pointed north to
Barnwell C. H., south to Burton's ferry, east to Fiddle
pond, and west to Augusta, Ga. This railroad was
destroyed for some thirty miles or more, while the cav-
alry drove the enemy to within twenty miles of Augusta.
At the same time our working parties met those of the
right wing, it having reached the railway at or near Mid-
way. When the destruction of the road had been com-
pleted, and the feints against both Augusta and Char-
leston had attracted sufficient attention both wings took
direct roads to Columbia. We crossed both branches
272 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. February, 1865.
of the Edisto river, meeting no opposition other than
swamps, until the I5th, when a slight skirmish was had
with Wheeler's cavalry, which did not delay the march-
ing column a moment. On the morning of the i6th we
arrived in front of Columbia, within an hour after the
arrival of General Howard and the right wing. The
union of the two wings of the army before the first ob-
jective in the campaign was a fine tribute to the skill with
which the widely divergent wings had been led and
manoeuvred. It was now so evident that the enemy
could offer no serious defense at Columbia that the city
was left to the tender mercies of the right wing, while we
moved up the Saluda river to Mount Zion church,
where we laid a pontoon bridge during the night and
crossed that stream the next morning. On the I7th we
marched to Broad river, camping for the night at the
mouth of Wateree creek, where we learned that the
right wing had entered Columbia at ten o'clock that
morning.
As the command marched across the high land be-
tween the Saluda and Broad rivers, a very extended view
of the country was afforded. The day was clear, but a
perfect tempest of wind was raging. In every direction
as far as eye could see fire was burning, the wind spread-
ing the devouring flames far and wide. None had ever
seen such widespread and almost universal destruction.
That evening the ammunition train was parked near the
camp of the Third brigade. While the preparation of
supper was in progress fire, which had been communi-
cated to the tall dry grass which surrounded both camp
and train, was observed approaching the wagons. In-
stantly a\\ realized the presence of a new enemy, and for
^f ATEN,
COMPANY G.
273
THE
February, 1865. CAMPAIGN OF THE CAROUNAS. 275
a lime it seemed no possible effort could arrest the
progress of the eager flames, and that our ammunition
train was doomed. But by heroic righting the flames
were finally subdued, our ammunition saved and a ter-
rible disaster averted.
That night, while the tempest was still raging with
unabated fury, Columbia was burned. General Sher-
man always claimed that the retreating rebels, by burn-
ing cotton in the streets, from which the fire was carried
to the buildings by the high wind, caused the burning of
the city. The writer has never been able to adopt that
theory. There had been many Union prisoners of war
held in Columbia until the appearance of our army in
front of the city caused their removal. Many of them,
by concealing themselves in the city until our troops
entered, had been rescued. These men claimed to have
been badly treated by their captors and by the citizens as
well, and they would have been more than human if they
had not embraced the opportunity to get even. More-
over, some of them, after escaping from prison, where
they had been almost starved, had been hunted down
and recaptured by citizens with bloodhounds. Then,
too, there was a feeling among the rank and file that the
capital of the state first to adopt the ordinance of seces-
sion, and first to insult the flag, should feel more than a
passing touch of war. For these reasons it would seem
probable that if our men did not burn Columbia it was
because the fire was accidentally started before they got
round to that which they considered a duty.
At Freshley's ferry, the point selected for crossing
Broad river, that stream was found to be fullv two hun-
dred yards wide. On account of the tardy arrival of the
17
276 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. February, 1865.
pontoon train the Third brigade crossed in flat boats and
took position on the opposite hills to protect the cross-
ing in the event of an attack from that direction. When
the pontoon train arrived and all the boats had been
placed in position, the bridge fell short by ten boats of
reaching the farther shore, and we had to await the ar-
rival of additional pontoons. Meanwhile General Cheat-
ham, with a part of the remains of Hood's army, was
crossing the same stream a few miles above in haste to
unite with other forces in our front.
The man after whom the ferry was named owned a
flouring mill a short distance below and a large planta-
tion half a mile or more beyond the crossing. Well
supplied with wordly goods he had become prominent
as a citizen before the war and during its progress he
acquired notoriety as a rebel. One of our men of an
inquiring turn of mind, "on investigation bent," learned
this and much more from the books and letters found in
the Freshley mansion before it accidentally caught fire.
These papers and books of account showed that this
man held a commission as receiver of the tax levied in
kind on the people of his district by the Confederate
authorities for the subsistence of the rebel armies. Our
men also learned through the colored people that this
miller, planter and ferryman had kept a pack of blood-
hounds with which he hunted escaping Union prisoners
and ran down the fleeing slaves. Whether Freshley fell
into the hands of our advance or not the writer never
knew, but if he did the awful score that stood against him
may have been most unfortunate for him.
Early on Sunday, the iQth, we moved toward Alston,
breaking up the railroad to near that place. On the
February, 1865. CAMPAIGN OF THE CAROLINAS. 277
2 ist we crossed Little river at Winnsboro, where both
wings of the army were again united, the right wing
having destroyed the railway the entire distance from
Columbia to Winnsboro, where the army was now
massed.
Winnsboro is situated on the South Carolina and
Charlotte railway, thirty-nine miles north of Columbia
and seventy miles south of Charlotte, N. C. The move-
ment of the entire army so far north served to support
the theory that it was Sherman's purpose to march to
Virginia by the way of Charlotte. To maintain this de-
lusion the cavalry were boldly pushed up to within five
miles of Chester, while the infantry broke up the rail-
road almost to that point.
At Winnsboro there was a rigid inspection of the
wagon trains, and all surplus baggage was thrown out
and burned. This was rendered necessary because every
wagon would be needed in the conveyance of grain and
forage for the animals while marching through the very
difficult and barren country the army was now about to
enter. "Soldiers," says the cynic, "may live on enthusi-
asm, but horses and mules must have oats." Here, too,
many broken-down horses and mules were shot, rather
than abandon them to fall into the hands of the enemy.
This was a sad duty, for the men had long since learned
to admire the patient endurance of those much abused
partners of adversity.
Next in importance in the army, after the health and
efficiency of the men, is the condition of the mules. At
this period of the war the Federal government was the
largest mule owner in the world, and in a campaign like
the present their endurance was tested to the utmost
278 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. February, 1865.
limit. Without ancestry or hope of posterity this curi-
ous animal is the puzzle of the brute creation. A past-
master in devilment, he abounds in cunning while his
solemn visage tends to disarm suspicion. He appears
to have been born old in iniquity ; an appearance which
the dexterity of his heels and roguish tricks seem to con-
firm. Always longing for something to eat, he prefers
forbidden or stolen food, but on occasion can go for days
without food or water. The most disreputable in ap-
pearance, he is the most useful of all the dumb toilers
whom man holds in unending slavery. Steady, method-
ical work suits the mule, and he seems to know the na-
ture of the emergency as well as his driver does. His
great sad eyes may have a distressed look; his gaunt
flanks throb, but there is no lagging. Driven by whip
and spur on half or quarter feed until they drop from
exhaustion, thousands of mules were left to die in the
mud holes in which they fell. A man can give vent to
his sufferings; he can ask for help; he can find some re-
lief in crying, praying or swearing, but for the poor
abandoned mule there was no help no hope.
On the 22nd the Second division moved in charge of
the corps train, and for the next few days the rain fell
almost constantly, the road seemed bottomless and
wherever a wagon moved the road had to be corduroyed.
We reached the Catawba river at Rocky Mount Post-
office, on the evening of the 23rd. and on the completion
of the pontoon bridge the Second division crossed over.
Then the bridge parted, leaving the other divisions and
the corps train on the other bank. At this point were
encountered the greatest difficulties. A broad, turbu-
lent and rapidly rising river separated the command,
Feb nary, 1865. CAMPAIGN OF THE CAROLINAS. 279
which was the left and exposed flank of the army, while
the other corps, more fortunate in their crossing, were
pushing for Cheraw, on the Great Pedee river. When
the general commanding learned the awkward situation
confronting the Fourteenth corps he authorized General
Davis to destroy his trains. But no one in the command
would sanction this except as a last resort. Again and
again the bridge was swept away by the rising stream
and the flooring lost, but fortunately all the boats save
two were recovered, and material to replace the lost
flooring was obtained by tearing down the buildings
near the crossing. Finally, about midnight of the 27th,
the bridge was reconstructed and the trains, without the
loss of a single wagon, crossed over, followed by the
other divisions belonging to the corps. The unfortu-
nate, but wholly unavoidable delay of the Fourteenth
corps, had checked the progress of the whole army at a
time when an effort was being made for a rapid concen-
tration of the army at Cheraw.
Between the Catawba, the Wateree, and the Great
Pedee rivers, our line of march led us through a country
rich in memories of the War of the Revolution. We
were told that Lord Cornwallis with his command
crossed the Catawba at the place the Fourteenth corps
found such a difficult crossing. But a short distance to
our right was the battlefield of Camden, where the brave
Baron DeKalb fell fighting in the patriot's cause. On
the first day of March we took dinner on the field where
troops under General Gates had an engagement with the
British under Colonel Tarleton, and the swamps bor-
dering the streams were made forever famous by the ad-
ventures of General Marion and his dashing rangers.
280 HISTORY OF THE S5TH ILLINOIS. March, 1865,
By a forced march we made seventy-two miles in the
four days next after leaving the Catawba river, over
roads that had to be corduroyed almost the entire dis-
tance. One night the Third brigade marched all night
long, arriving in camp just as the head of column moved
out on the new day's march. The command, of which
the Eighty-fifth was a part, reached the Great Peclee
river, eight miles north of Cheraw, on the 3rd of March,
the same day that the right wing entered that city. At
Cheraw General Howard captured twenty-eight pieces
of artillery, three thousand stand of small arms, and an
immense quantity of ammunition and stores. Many of
the captured stores belonged to private parties who had
moved them to Cheraw for safe keeping when General
Hardee evacuated Charleston. The left wing of the
army remained quietly in camp in the vicinity of Sneeds-
boro, while a bridge was thrown across the river, and
until the right wing moved north from Cheraw.
Stung into activity by the overwhelming disaster
threatening the Confederacy the rebel authorities put
forth every effort to concentrate a force capable of meet-
ing Sherman's army in the field. General Hampton
with his cavalry division hastened to join Hardee in his
retreat from Cheraw to Fayetteville, while Joseph E.
Johnston was called from retirement and placed in
supreme command of all the troops supposed to be avail-
able to stay the triumphant march. General Johnston
was at this time at Charlotte trying to form an army out
of the remnants of Hood's army, local garrisons and the
militia of North Carolina, with which to meet and turn
the invader back. Energetic, skillful and courageous,
he only lacked an army to make him a foe to be dreaded.
March, 1865. CAMPAIGN OF THE CAROLINAS. 281
The news of Johnston's assignment to command was
received by our army as notice to be prepared for well-
planned, stubborn resistance. Officers and men agreed
that the Confederate government had at last taken a wise
step, although they felt equally sure that it was too late
for even Johnston to stop the progress of Sherman's
army.
The Great Pedee is three hundred yards wide where
we crossed just below Sneedsboro, and required for a
bridge forty-two canvas boats. The crossing was com-
pleted and the pontoons lifted and loaded on the evening
of the /th, and the next day we crossed the line into the
state of North Carolina, fourteen miles south of Rock-
ingham. On the 9th we crossed Lumber river (Little
Pedee) at Graham's bridge in a very heavy rain. A
resin factory was burning just above the bridge, and as
our column passed over the surface of the water was
ablaze with burning resin and turpentine, presenting in
the pouring rain a weird, uncanny sight. The command
reached the plank road leading to Fayetteville at Thirty-
five Mile Post.
About the beginning of the present campaign Gen-
eral Wade Hampton had been sent from Virginia to take
command of the Confederate cavalry in South Carolina
in the hope that his great personal influence would
arouse the people of that state to energetic action in de-
fense of their homes, and thus do what the most fervent
appeals had so signally failed to accomplish in Georgia.
But the people, almost frantic from fear, refused to rally
to his standard, and so far the magic of his great name
had not checked the advance of Sherman's army. Com-
ing as the especial champion of South Carolina, Hamp-
282 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. March, 1865.
ton had been driven from her capital, the city of his
home, and expelled from his native state, without fight-
ing a single battle. In the retreat from Cheraw to Fay-
etteville he had been deceived into moving too far north,
and on the evening of the Qth, in his effort to rejoin Har-
clee, he unexpectedly found Kilpatrick's cavalry division
interposed between his command and the infantry col-
umn he was seeking to overtake. Thinking he saw an
opportunity to surprise Kilpatrick by a night attack, and
hoping in the sudden onset to disperse or capture his
clashing troopers, Hampton made his plan to attack be-
fore daylight on the morning of the loth. The plan was
well conceived, the movement up to the moment of
attack skilfully concealed, and the resulting surprise
complete. But Kilpatrick and his men were apt to de-
velop unexpected resources in the rough-and-tumble
fight, and it required but a short time for them to rally,
when they routed the enemy by a return charge.
The Second division was moving on the extreme left
of the infantry column, and the evening of the gth,
camped about four miles south of Kilpatrick. Between
two and three o'clock on the next morning, the noise of
a furious battle broke out in the direction of the cavalry
camp. The artillery firing was heavy and continued,
giving notice of more than the ordinary affair between
outposts, and the Second brigade was hurried off in the
direction of the conflict, while the other brigades of the
division resumed the march with the utmost unconcern.
That night when the Second brigade rejoined the divis-
ion we learned that Kilpatrick had been surprised, his
headquarters, his artillery and many of his men captured
in the first onset. But while the exulting enemy was en-
March, 1865. CAMPAIGN OF THE CAROUNAS. 283
gaged in plundering headquarters, and trying to harness
the horses to the batteries, Kilpatrick rallied his men and
charged the foe, recovering his headquarters, recaptur-
ing his artillery and driving the enemy from his camp
with heavy loss, before the arrival of the infantry brigade
sent to his relief.
Meeting General Kilpatrick many years ago he told
the writer some interesting details omitted from the
official report of that rough-and-tumble fight. The
general said, "On the evening before the fight we ran
into the rear of General Hardee's column, and from pris-
oners captured learned that Hardee was rapidly retreat-
ing to Fayetteville, and that Hampton with the cavalry
was a few miles in the rear, but rapidly moving on the
same point. Upon receiving this information, I deter-
mined to intercept him, and prevent his force from unit-
ing with that of Hardee. I posted one brigade at a ham-
let called Solemn Grove, on the Morgantown road,
another brigade on a road some three miles north, and
the third brigade some three miles southeast, at the point
where the last mentioned road intersects the road to
Morgantown. That night I slept in a house at the inter-
section of the roads. Toward morning I became rest-
less, got up and stepped out on the porch, where I was
standing in my nightshirt, when several men dressed in
our uniform rode up and inquired for General Kilpat-
rick's headquarters. Something in the tone of voice,
perhaps, aroused my suspicion, and I promptly replied,
"Down the road about half a mile," and away they went.
Just then I saw the enemy in force coming on the charge,
and I ran around the corner of the house and in the direc-
tion of a swamp. Soon I was fortunate enough to catch a
284 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. March, 1865,
horse and mounting bareback rallied a few men and
began to fight. The sound of our firing made a rallying
point for our men, and very soon I had a charging col-
umn formed. The rebels struck our artillery park in
their charge, which broke them up rather badly and ob-
serving that they were intent on plunder, and widely
scattered, the charge was sounded and after a sharp
fight, we drove the enemy from the field."
On the loth, the Third brigade had charge of the
division train, and soon after leaving camp the rain be-
gan to fall in torrents, the earth seemed to melt under
our feet, and that day and night we corduroyed the road
for the greater part of twelve miles. Layer after layer
of corduroy disappeared in the ooze, and it required the
best efforts of both men and officers to move the train
of one hundred and fifty wagons over the weary miles of
quicksand. Officers and men were compelled to work
through the whole night in pouring rain, and in mud and
water from one to three feet deep, but the hardy Union
warriors lifted the wagons out of the mire, and landed
the train in the division camp at eight o'clock on the
morning of the nth. Here we rested an hour for
breakfast, and then pushed on to Fayetteville, arriving
there at two o'clock that afternoon.
On approaching Fayetteville, the Fourteenth corps
was designated to enter first and the Third division hav-
ing the advance on that day, with but a slight skirmish,
took possession of the city about noon, the enemy under
Hardee retreating in the direction of Raleigh. Seventeen
pieces of artillery and many small arms were captured
and the U. S. arsenal, basely surrendered by a treacher-
ous officer at the beginning of the war, was recaptured.
March, 1865. CAMPAIGN OF THE CAROLINAS. 285
CHAPTER XXIII.
Fayetteville is situated on the right bank of the Cape
Fear river and at the head of navigation. It is one hun-
dred and thirty miles from the sea, and ninety-five miles
from Wilmington. In addition to the arms and ammu-
nition captured with the arsenal, there were cotton mills
and iron foundries engaged in manufacturing supplies
for the Confederate army. On Sunday, the day follow-
ing our occupation of the city, a steamer arrived from
Wilmington with the news that General Terry had cap-
tured that place, and that a force under General Scho-
field was moving from New Berne to join General Sher-
man at Goldsboro. Other steamers and gunboats ar-
rived during our stay, which served to put us in touch
with the United States once more.
While at Fayetteville, General Sherman caused the
total destruction of the arsenal and the extensive
machinery which had been removed to that place from
the old United States armory at Harper's Ferry, and
since used in the manufacture and repair of arms for the
Confederate government. The iron foundries and cot-
ton mills were also effectually destroyed, but little or no
damage was done to private property. While marching
through South Carolina, the troops seemed to feel that
upon them devolved the duty of punishing the inhabi-
tants for their life-long hostility to the Federal Union,
and they plundered and destroyed practically without
let or hindrance. But from the moment of entering
North Carolina, the indiscriminate destruction of private
property ceased, the demeanor of the whole army
286 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. March, 1865.
changed, and the men willingly yielded to the custom-
ary restraints of discipline.
Up to this time Sherman had been successful in inter-
posing his army between the widely scattered forces of
the enemy. But the garrison at Augusta, reinforced
by fragments of Hood's army under General Cheatham,
had been given ample time to join the rebel force being
organized in the vicinity of Raleigh. Hardee had also
retreated in that direction and General Bragg was fall-
ing back across our front, with an army of uncertain
numbers, before the advance of Generals Terry and
Schofield. These forces, when once united under a
leader so skillful as General Joseph E. Johnston, would
constitute an army strong enough in numbers to justify
extreme caution in the last stage of the campaign. In
order, therefore, to be prepared for anv emergency, two
divisions of each corps were stripped of their trains, ex-
cept the wagons necessary to carry an ample supply of
ammunition, and the trains, guarded by the remaining
divisions were sent on the most direct route to Golds-
boro. This gave to each wing four unencumbered divi-
sions ready for instant battle.
The trains of the Fourteenth corps were placed in
charge of General Baird, commanding the Third divi-
sion, and the Eighty-fifth was detailed as train guard, to
accompany his command. The entire army moved on
the 1 5th except the train guard, which was delayed in
taking up the pontoons until the next morning. The
cavalry in advance of the left wing soon encountered
more than the usual opposition, and before night on the
first day out had to call up the infantry supports. By
noon on the i6th, Hardee was found with cavalry, infan-
March, 1865. CAMPAIGN OF THE CAROLINAS. 287
try and artillery in position, and strongly entrenched
near Averysboro. His position covered the road to
Goldsboro, and it was necessary to drive him from this
road in order to secure it, as well as to maintain the
threat against Raleigh. In the stubborn action which
ensued tHat afternoon Rhett's brigade of South Carolina
troops was unceremoniously overthrown, his battery of
three pieces of artillery and most of his men captured.
During the night Hardee retreated toward Raleigh, and
the next day the left wing turned toward Goldsboro, in-
tending to make a rapid march direct to that point, with-
out paying further attention to the enemy, who still men-
aced the left flank. In the battle of Averysboro, our
wounded numbered four hundred and seventy-seven, a
very serious loss, when it is remembered that every man
had to be carried in the ambulance train.
Believing that the feint against Raleigh had led Har-
dee to make his stubborn fight at Averysboro for the
purpose of gaining time for General Johnston to con-
centrate his forces in front of the state capital, General
Sherman directed the entire army to march as rapidly as
possible to Goldsboro. After burying the dead at
Averysboro, the left wing marched on a single road in
that direction, while the right wing and trains moved on
the same place, but on roads some distance south and
east. No opposition was encountered on the I7th, and
after marching eight miles over horrible roads, the Four-
teenth corps camped two miles east of Mingo creek.
Saturday, the i8th, the Second division had the ad-
vance of the corps, arid the foragers under command of
Major J. T. Holmes, of the Fifty-second Ohio, drove the
enemy to Bushy swamp, where he was found in position
288 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. March, 1865.
from which he opened with artillery. The division was
quickly deployed and drove the enemy from his position,
and went into camp at four o'clock in the afternoon by
the direct order of General Sherman. During the day
mounted men were almost constantly seen near the line
of march, sometimes in groups at the openings in the
woods, at other times single horsemen watching the
troops on the road ; all passing toward the head of the
column, or working their way through the woods to
gain by close view the number of our men. In the
evening reconnoitering parties were sent out who found
nothing but cavalry videttes, who fled beyond Mill
creek, burning the bridge behind them.
Sunday morning, the iQth, gave promise of a beauti-
ful day. For almost the first time in weeks the sun was
shining, and, in that southern latitude, it was the recur-
ring season of foliage and flowers, and fruit trees were in
full bloom around the infrequent farm houses. But the
morning so clear and calm, like many a Sunday in the
army, was destined to be a day of deadly conflict.
For several days General Sherman had been march-
ing with the left wing, and his headquarters had been
with the Fourteenth corps. But he was so confident that
his threat against Raleigh had forced General Johnston
to concentrate his forces for battle at that place, that he
started to ride over to the right wing, as soon as the ad-
vance began on Sunday morning. The dense timber
through which he rode shut out the sound of battle, and
he did not learn of the struggle in which the left wing
was engaged until overtaken by a courier that night.
The foragers found the enemy within five hundred
yards of camp that morning, and soon these renowned
March, 1865. CAMPAIGN OF THE CAROUNAS. 289
warriors, who usually made short work of dispersing a
line of rebel cavalry, became discouraged, and sullenly
fell back behind our skirmishers. One brigade after an-
other was brought up and deployed, until the whole of
the First division was in line of battle, yet everywhere it
found the enemy strong, and his resistance as determined
as it was unexpected. In front of the left of the line was a
swamp of a depth then unknown, while on the right front
the ground was covered with a thick growth of black-
jack and pine trees. General Slocum, commanding the
left wing, was present with the advance, and under his
orders General Carlin advanced his line to ascertain the
enemy's intention and develop his position. After a sharp
fight, a line of the enemy's infantry was routed, when sud-
denly the whole line dashed against a line of earthworks,
manned with infantry and abundantly supplied with artil-
lery. From this line the enemy opened such a destruc-
tive fire that our whole line was repulsed with heavy loss.
By this time, the Second division arrived, and the
First and Second brigades were placed on the right, with
the Third brigade massed in reserve. No sooner had
these dispositions been made than the entire line was
assailed with the utmost impetuosity, and at once the
engagement became general. The advancing lines of
the eager enemy far outreached the left of General Car-
lin's line, and the first division, already much weakened
by the stubborn work of the morning, began to retire,
the men fighting desperately as they retreated slowly.
This was the critical period of the battle. The Twen-
tieth corps was hurrying to the front, but yet too far in
the rear to render any assistance in the present crisis.
The First and Second brigades were holding their own,
290 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. March, 1865.
which made the Third brigade available for the desper-
ate task of turning back the victorious foe on the left.
The Third brigade was standing in columns of regi-
ments faced to the front, and when the left began to give
way, our corps commander, General Davis, ordered Gen-
eral Fearing to swing the brigade to the left and to
charge the enemy in flank. The scene was dramatic;
the general's orders were given with confidence and en-
ergy, and officers and men were alike inspired by the en-
thusiasm of their commander, and they struck the enemy
a stunning blow. In a moment the brigade was in the
vortex of battle and engaged in a fierce and deadly con-
flict. As it advanced its right became exposed, but for-
tunately Cogswell's brigade of the Twentieth corps, ar-
rived after marching the whole of the previous night and
moved in on Fearing's right. The men of these two
brigades Fearing's and Cogswell's seemed to feel
that upon them devolved the desperate honor of stem-
ming the tide of defeat and turning it into victory, and
after a fierce and bloody contest, the enemy gave way
and fell back in confusion. So resistless had been the
unexpected attack of these two brigades, that the
enemy's whole line gave up the ground it had gained,
and the battle ceased along the entire front.
But none doubted that the enemy would return to
the assault, and the entire line rapidly threw up a line of
defenses. General Morgan, with the two brigades on
the right, had not only held his ground, but had also
punished the enemy severely. Carlin's troops, veterans
all of them, were easily rallied on a new line, with their
left sharply refused, and artillery was brought up and
placed in position on commanding ground. While en-
DK. P. L. DIKFFKNnACHKR.
291
Of
UNIVERSITY
March, 1865. CAMPAIGN OF THE CAROLINAS. 293
gaged in building rude works during the lull in battle,
the men expressed a lively satisfaction at the prospect of
righting behind field-works a thing that had rarely
fallen to their lot, and they seemed to thoroughly enjoy
the prospect. Ammunition was brought up, and piled
in convenient places along the line, and every prepara-
tion made for the most stubborn defense.
It was about five o'clock when the long line of the
enemy emerged from the pine woods beyond the fields.
It was a magnificent spectacle; every company present-
ing a parade front ; every foot keeping time, while not a
skulker left that splendid line. It was a sight that even
veteran soldiers seldom see. But when the enemy came
within short range, he met a deadly fire which checked ;
then drove him back. Again and again, he rallied and
surged forward; but he could not pass a certain point.
Each assault was more hopeless than the one preceding,
and finally the rebel line rolled back into the woods, leav-
ing his killed and wounded piled thick upon the bloody
field.
In the desperate conflict following the charge of the
Third brigade, General Fearing was severely wounded,
and, from loss of blood, was compelled to leave the field.
When retiring, he left the brigade in command of Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Langley, of the One Hundred and
Twenty-fifth Illinois. This was the second time this gal-
lant and meritorious officer had been called to assume
command of the brigade in the indescribable turmoil of
battle, and well and faithfully did he perform his duty.
General Fearing was the fourth commander to fall while
leading the Third brigade in action within less than a
year.
18
294 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. March, 1865.
Along the line of the First and Second brigades the
fighting was no less severe. The First brigade, after
repulsing the first attack, leaped over their works, pur-
sued the retreating rebels into their own works, and cap-
tured the colors of the Fortieth North Carolina regi-
ment. Then followed an incident rarely found in the
annals of war. A column of the enemy had passed
through the interval between the left of the First and
Second brigades and the right of Cogswell and Fearing.
Then swinging to the left, this column assailed the line
of Mitchell and Vandever from the rear. But the men
quickly passed over to the reverse side of their works,
and after a sharp and bloody struggle, repulsed this rear
attack. As the enemy began to retreat our men again
leaped their works and charged to the rear ; captured the
colors of the Fifty-fourth Virginia ; took a large number
of prisoners, and dispersed the intruding force.
The struggle was unequal throughout the day, and
at times it seemed the enemy would overwhelm our small
force, by sheer force of numbers. In the last engage-
ment every man was placed in the firing line even the
headquarter's guard and the small detachment guarding
the ammunition train filled a gap in the extended line.
No further reinforcements could be hoped for that day,
and there was nothing left but for the men to fight it out.
But when night came, the enemy had been decisively re-
pulsed at all points, and the weary troops lay down to
rest upon their arms, ready to renew the contest at a
moment's warning, and well assured that Sherman and
the right wing would be with them by daylight the next
morning.
With the repulse of his last assault, General John-
March, 1865. CAMPAIGN OF THE CAROLINAS. 295
ston's declared purpose of destroying 1 Sherman's army,
by crushing one corps after another in its isolation,
failed. On the iQth he outnumbered our available force
at least three to one, but by daylight on the morning of
the 2Oth, the forces were equalized by the arrival of Gen-
eral Hazen's division of the right wing, and four brig-
ades called up from the wagon-train guard. And before
night General Sherman with his whole army was closing
down on the enemy's entrenched lines. There was
some sharp skirmishing on the 2ist, as the enemy's line
was developed, but that night General Johnston quit a
position no longer tenable, and retreated to Smithfield.
In this instance, as in all others during the war, this skill-
ful Confederate commander made a safe retreat, leaving
nothing behind except his unburied dead and the
wounded in his field hospitals.
The Union losses in the battle of Bentonville fell
largely on the Fourteenth corps, and were mostly in-
curred in the fighting of the first day. The aggregate
loss to the left wing was 1247, of which the Twentieth
corps lost 314, and the Fourteenth corps 933, the Second
division bearing more than one-half of the last men-
tioned loss. As usual, the rebel commander made no
report of his losses, but we buried 267 of his dead, and
captured 1,625 prisoners.
The official reports all speak in the highest praise of
the conduct of our officers and men. General Davis
especially requested the promotion of Brigadier General
Morgan,* which request was heartily endorsed by Gen-
eral Sherman, and within a few days after the battle of
Bentonville the commander of the Second division re-
* Rebellion Records, Serial No. 98, page 437.
296 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. March, 1865.
ceived the brevet rank of major general. General Fearing
was unstinted in his commendation of the men of the
Third brigade, giving them great credit for their accu-
rate aim and low firing.* *
On the 22nd the whole army resumed the march to
Goldsboro, where it arrived and went into camp on the
following evening. Since leaving Savannah the left
wing, of which the Eighty-fifth was a part, had marched
five hundred miles, through a country noted for its broad
rivers, bad roads and almost impassable swamps. The
almost daily rains had swelled the streams, and the
heavy wagon-trains churned the soft dirt into sloughs
of bottomless mud. But in all that long march we
found no mud deep enough, no hills steep enough, and
no quicksands treacherous enough, to prevent the tak-
ing of our trains wherever the column was ordered to
move. It was not unusual to be compelled to corduroy
four or five miles of road covered in a day's march, and
in the construction of corduroy roads, the men soon be-
came very proficient. Fortunately the material was
usually found in abundance and near by. Pine saplings,
eight to ten inches through the cut, split in two, and laid
face down closely touching each other, made the best
road, but smaller saplings, unsplit poles, and even fence
rails were freely used. In some places the rising water
would float the corduroy away, at other times it would
disappear in the mud and quicksand under the heavy
trains, when another course would be laid, and generally
this had to be done in ceaseless, pitiless rain. But
through it all the men were cheerful and ever ready for
a joke. At the crossing of South river, we had more
** Rebellion Records, Serial No. 98, page 535.
March, 1865. CAMPAIGN OF THE CAROLINAS. 297
than the usual difficulty, and the men had to wade a
long- distance in water up to their waists. After much
patient wading in this seemingly shoreless stream, one
soldier was heard to remark to his comrade: "I guess
Uncle Billy has struck this stream endwise."
As we approached Goldsboro, General Sherman or-
dered the wagons out of the road, and the columns to
close up and pass in review before himself and Generals
Schofield, Cox, and Terry. Wading streams, building
corduroy roads and bridges, and lifting wagons out of
the mire, had played havoc with the men's apparel.
Shoes and hats had been worn out and lost, uniforms
were torn and faded, and the whole army was in motley
garb bare feet, bare legs, torn coats, felt hats in fact,
almost every conceivable kind of headwear was to be
seen, while many a valiant warrior went without shoes
or hat. "The pride and pomp and circumstance of
glorious war" had disappeared. But the bands played;
the files closed up, and the ragged men began to step to
music for the first time in months, as they marched with
precise ranks and elastic tread, past their great leader.
Some one of the officers in the distinguished group said :
"See those poor fellows with bare legs !" To this Gen-
eral Sherman replied : "Splendid legs ! splendid legs ! I
would give both of mine for any one of them !"
Goldsboro is situated on the railroad from New
Berne to Raleigh, about midway between the two cities,
and at the point where the railroad from Wilmington to
Petersburgh crosses the first named road. Here we
were reinforced by General Schofield with the Army of
the Ohio, and the Tenth army corps under General
Terry. After assisting in the destruction of Hood's
298 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. March, 186S.
army at Nashville, the Twenty-third army corps had
been transferred by river and rail to Washington, thence
down the Potomac and by sea to New Berne. From
New Berne, General Schofield's column had fought its
way inland, arriving at Goldsboro one day ahead of our
army, while General Terry, after capturing Fort Fisher
by storm, had moved up the Neuse river and joined
Sherman's army about the same time. With the troops
from Tennessee came many officers and men belonging
to our army, who had been in northern hospitals on
account of wounds or disease, but, now recovered, were
returning to duty. Among those returning was Lieu-
tenant Musselman, who now resumed command of Com-
pany G. He had been on leave of absence and returning
was caught with others at Chattanooga, when communi-
cations between the north and Sherman's army were sev-
ered in November. Unable to rejoin the command,
they reported to General Thomas, who assigned them to
duty in Tennessee, where they remained in the discharge
of various duties until relieved to join the army at Golds-
boro.
Two days after the arrival of Sherman's army, the
railroad from New Berne to Goldsboro was repaired and
the first train of cars came in, and the ample supplies
provided at New Berne, by the foresight of General
Grant, began to come forward to the army. This was
to be a point for general refitting, for which but a brief
stop was to be made. Clothing was brought up and
issued, and every effort was put forth to equip the army,
in the shortest possible time, for its last campaign.
In the campaign from Savannah to Goldsboro, the
Fourteenth corps destroyed 30 miles of railroad; cap-
March, 1865. CAMPAIGN OF THE CAE.OLINAS. 299
tured 581 prisoners; 697 horses and 1,300 mules. The
corps lost in killed, wounded, and missing, 1,244 men.*
The following deaths from disease occurred in the
Eighty-fifth since the regiment moved south from At-
lanta: Enoch Mustard, of Company B, died at Savan-
nah, Ga., January 6th, 1865; Louis Ishmael, of Com-
pany C, died at Annapolis, Md., December 15th, 1864.
Captain Samuel Young, of Company D, died November
23rd, 1864, and William Boyd, of Company G, died at
Lexington, Ky., February I2th, 1865.
Daniel Koozer, of Company A, died of wounds at
Goldsboro, on the 27th. He had been detached as a
scout at division headquarters, and was wounded by
guerrillas while in the discharge of his duty.
Rebellion Records, Serial No. 98, pages 437, 438 and 439.
300 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. April, 1865.
CHAPTER XXIV.
At this time the military situation was interesting and
exciting. General Lee, at Richmond and Petersburgh,
less than two hundred miles distant, was besieged by
General Grant, who was watching his adversary with
sleepless eyes. General Johnston, with the only other
respectable Confederate army, was at Smithfield, about
midway between Goldsboro and Raleigh. If Lee should
remain behind his entrenchments, in the attitude of de-
fense which he had maintained for months, his defeat
and destruction would be almost certain the moment
our army should drive Johnston beyond the Roanoke ;
and this General Sherman would be abundantly able to
do, as soon as supplies arrived in sufficient quantities
to warrant an aggressive movement. Lee might call
Johnston to his aid by forced marches, while Sherman
was refitting and getting ready to move, and with the
united armies attempt to raise the siege and ovenvhelm
Grant. But the two Confederate armies united would
not be strong enough to beat Grant in his securely en-
trenched position, and before a siege could be under-
taken, Sherman would arrive and close the last avenue
of escape. In this situation, the best thing General Lee
could do would be to quietly slip away from Grant ;
unite his army with that of Johnston near Roanoke, and
try to destroy Sherman's army before Grant could fol-
low. The question was, would Lee make the attempt
to escape from Grant, and try to fight a great battle with
the combined armies of the Confederacy against Sher-
man's army? We now know that is just what he tried
April, 1865. THE FINAL CAMPAIGN. 301
to do, and the first move he made in that direction was
the signal for Grant to strike. Accordingly on the last
day of March, thinking he saw symptoms of such a
movement, Grant struck, and, after a series of sanguin-
ary battles, the Confederate lines were broken and Lee,
with his shattered army, was put to flight. The Confed-
erate capital was evacuated, and the officers of the rebel
government became individual fugitives, each seeking
to expatriate himself.
With the reinforcements received at Goldsboro, the
army numbered eighty-eight thousand men, with ninety-
one pieces of artillery. It was, perhaps, as nearly per-
fect in instruction, equipment, and general efficiency as
volunteer troops can be made while in the field. Then,
too, in the coming campaign it was to be led by the bold-
est and best fighting generals, as corps commanders, to
be found in the field, either east or west. The Army of
Georgia, under command of General Slocum, with his
two corps commanded by Generals Jeff C. Davis and
Joseph A. Mower; the Army of the Ohio, commanded
by General Schofield, and his two corps, commanded by
Generals J. D. Cox and A. H. Terry, and the Army of
the Tennessee, commanded by General O. O. Howard,
and his two corps, commanded by Generals John A.
Logan and Frank P. Blair. Thus equipped and com-
manded, the army was prepared to fight a desperate, final
battle with the combined armies of the Confederacy, in
case Lee and Johnston should effect a junction before
General Grant could follow Lee to the Roanoke.
On April 5th, preparations for an advance had been
so far completed that orders were issued for the move-
ment to begin on the loth, and on the 6th, news was
302 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. April, K6S.
received of the fall uf Richmond and Petersburg!!, and
the flight of Lee's army, glorious news which was des-
tined to get better and better, with one sad exception, to
the end.
At daylight on the morning of the loth of April, the
whole army moved directly against the enemy at Smith-
field, the Fourteenth corps in advance, on the main road,
and the second division the advance of the corps. With-
in three miles the enemy was found behind the usual bar-
ricades of fence rails, but his outposts were swept aside
without a moment's hesitation. A dispatch received
that morning from Virginia stated that Grant, in pur-
suit of Lee, had already made large captures of prisoners
and artillery, and this animated the eager troops to in-
crease their efforts to bring Johnston's army to battle.
There was now no delay in attacking the enemy or wait-
ing for others to turn a flank, but wherever found, the
enemy's position was promptly charged and his troops
dispersed. Early on the next morning our corps en-
tered Smithfield, to find that Johnston had retreated
after destroying the bridges over Neuse river. Here a
brief delay was encountered until the pontoons could
be brought up and a bridge laid, when the headlong pur-
suit of the enemy was resumed.
On the morning of the I2th, while passing through
one of the pine forests peculiar to that region, where the
taper columns rose a hundred feet before spreading their
branches into arches like those of some vast cathedral,
the command was halted at the end of the first hour's
march for the usual five minutes' rest. The day was
bright and warm, the scene restful and beautiful, and
while the men were enjoying their brief rest the com-
April, 1865. THE FINAL CAMPAIGN. 303
mand was electrified by the announcement that Lee,
with his entire army, had surrendered at Appomattox.
The announcement came through corps headquarters,
and General Davis, with pardonable pride, recalled the
fact that just four years before, while a lieutenant in Fort
Sumter, he had heard the first gun fired in the War of
the Rebellion. This was a happy prelude to the glori-
ous news and reminded one and all that it was the fourth
anniversary of the firing on the devoted band of heroes
in Charleston harbor. While the announcement of the
surrender of Lee and his army came to us so unexpect-
edly by the roadside, its full significance was at once
understood. All realized that the war was virtually over.
The message meant home, and wife, and children, and
happy reunions with friends throughout the land. It
carried indescribable joy to brave men, whose patience
had been sorely tried, and whose strength had been well-
night exhausted by weary marches and indecisive bat-
tles. Then after hearty cheers that rang through the
piney woods and seemed to fill the blue dome above us,
the command fell in, faced to the front, and eagerly re-
sumed the march against the only remaining army of the
Confederacy.
Two incidents, said to have occurred upon the an-
nouncement of Lee's surrender, illustrate the humor and
the pathos of the scene. As the bearer of the glad tid-
ings dashed along the line, a soldier, quick as the mes-
sage fell upon his ears, answered : "Be dad ! You're
the man we've been looking for for the last four years."
At the roadside a woman and several small children
stood at the gate, watching the antics of the shouting
soldiers. As she realized the import of the news, she
304 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. April, 1865.
turned to the children and said, "Now papa can come
home."
The brigade passed through Raleigh on the evening
of the next day and camped for the night west of the city
limits. The capital city of North Carolina had escaped
the ravages of war, and was one of the most beautiful
cities we had seen in the South. From Raleigh the
Fourteenth corps marched thirty-six miles southwest to
Aven's ferry on the Cape Fear river, where it arrived on
the evening of the I5th. While in camp at this point,
General Johnston set up the white flag, an armistice was
proclaimed, and negotiations began for the surrender of
his army.
On the 1 7th, while the men were almost delirious
with joy over the assurance of returning peace, the
startling intelligence was received that President Lin-
coln had been assassinated. At first the men were so
stunned and dazed by this wanton and cruel murder that
they wandered about the camps aimless and speechless,
their sorrow too deep for utterance. The President had
endeared himself to the Union soldiers to an extent that
it is nearly, if not quite impossible, for those outside the
army to wholly understand. In the darkest hours of the
terrible struggle his firmness of purpose and his faith in
ultimate success had been an unfailing source of inspira-
tion. To the rank and file "Father Abraham" was no
unmeaning term. It was not a sentiment, it was a fact.
It was the precise term that described the love and vene-
ration they felt for him, whose courage rose in the dark-
est hours to the majesty of grandest heroism. They
had followed him with the confidence of children, while
he led the people with almost more than mortal wisdom.
April, 1865. THE FINAIv CAMPAIGN. 305
It was his serene confidence that restored their failing
faith his never relaxing hope that cheered them on to
victory. The question of the ages had come to be set-
tled on the battlefield, "Can a nation endure the test that
is founded upon the declaration that all men are free and
equal?" In such a contest a general might fail, many of
them did fail, but in the President there must be neither
variableness nor shadow of turning. He had com-
manded through a four-years' battle. His wisdom had
guided the people through four years of tempest and
storm with singular tact and matchless skill. Then, too,
there was a sense of personal bereavement to many who
had followed him as a trusted political leader in Illinois,
with the zeal and enthusiasm known only to youth.
Up to this hour the only desire of the men had been
to end the war and go home. To that end they had been
willing to undertake any hardship, endure every priva-
tion, and brave any danger. But now that one so gentle,
so kind and forgiving, should be so causelessly murdered
seemed incomprehensible, and they began instinctively
to lay this monstrous crime to the brutalizing influence
of a system that had debauched the people of the South
and to regard it as a legitimate consequence of rebellion
against lawful authority. Then a desire for vengeance
took possession of them, and they rejoiced in the
thought that negotiations for surrender might fail, that
hostilities might be resumed in order that they should
have an opportunity to avenge the foul crime committed
at Washington. But this terrible desire for vengeance
passed away ; the avenging hand was stayed, and neither
shot nor shell was sent on its deadly mission.
On the 1 8th an agreement was signed between Gen-
306 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. April, 1865.
eral Sherman and General Johnston for the surrender of
all of the Confederate forces then remaining in the field.
But, as this agreement was conditional, it had to be sub-
mitted to the President before becoming final, and the
existing truce was continued until the agreement could
be sent to Washington for approval or rejection by the
President. As the agreement contained political ques-
tions not properly subject to the decision of a military
convention the whole agreement was unceremoniously
rejected by the President, and General Grant was
ordered to Raleigh to take command of the army in per-
son and to resume hositilities at once.
In the generous terms accorded to General Lee at
Appomattox General Grant had gone to the limit of
liberality and the authorities were not willing to grant
further concessions to those in rebellion against the Fed-
eral Union. In the exercise of generous sentiment and
sound judgment he had established a precedent which all
of his subordinates were expected to follow in their
negotiations with the enemy. So when General Sher-
man, for the moment, laid aside the character of a soldier
and assumed that of a diplomat, he permitted himself to
entertain and submit for approval terms of surrender
which the government could not sanction.
General Grant upon his arrival at Raleigh, with
graceful tact, turned his presence into an apparent visit
of consultation with Sherman, and but very few, even in
the army, knew of his visit until he had come and gone.
Without a moment's delay, General Sherman advised the
Confederate commander of the rejection of the agree-
ment, proclaimed an end to the truce, and demanded the
surrender of the rebel army upon the same terms given
April, 1865. THE FINAL CAMPAIGN. 307
to General Lee. At the same time, orders were issued
to the army to be ready to resume hostilities at the end of
the forty-eight hours' notice required by the terms of the
armistice. But there was to be no more war, the prof-
fered terms were promptly accepted, and, on the 26th,
General Johnston surrendered all of the Confederate
forces east of the Chattahoochee river ; and the next day
General Grant returned to Washington without having
announced his presence to the army, and without his
presence being known in the camp of the enemy.
Now. according to immemorial custom, Sherman's
victorious legions should have been drawn up in line
with sounding trumpet and waving plume, while the
captives should in that imposing presence, furl their flags
and ground their arms. But instead of this triumphant
pageant, the rebel army was permitted to furl its ill-
starred banners and lay down its arms in the seclusion of
its own camp, and there was neither blare of band nor
peal of cannon heard in the quarters of the Federal army.
But as soon as the result became known, the gray and
the blue were seen drinking from the same canteen and
eating from the same haversack.
The duty of receiving the arms and munitions of war,
and of issuing paroles to the officers and men of the Con-
federate army, was assigned to General Schofield, and
the Twenty-third army corps, commanded by General
Cox, was advanced to the vicinity of Greensboro, then
the county-seat of Guilford county, where that duty was
performed. It therefore came to pass, that the final
scenes of surrender took place in close proximity to the
battlefield of Guilford Court House, where, in the War
of the Revolution, the American army commanded by
308 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. April, 1865.
General Greene fought a memorable battle with the Brit-
ish under Lord Cornwallis. The engagement marked
the turning point in the British campaign, as on that
hotly contested field the Continental forces checked the
advance of the British army of invasion and a few days
after the battle, Cornwallis was compelled to retire into
Virginia, where he shut himself up in Yorktown.
At the time of the surrender, the "Old Court House"
had almost entirely disappeared, a few dilapidated build-
ings being all that remained to mark the site of that his-
toric town. But the topography of a country which
dominates military movements does not change mater-
iall /,. and hill and valley and stream remain the same
through ages. The fact that our line of march led our
army to cross the streams where Cornwallis crossed,
passing on the way the fields where he fought, and end-
ing our campaign at a point where his invasion was
checked eighty years before, would seem to place the art
of war among the exact sciences.
The final agreement for the surrender was signe:l on
the 26lh, ?nd on the next morning orders were issued,
directing the right and left wings of the army 10 m.ircl?
by easy stages to Richmond. So Sherman' army that
had fought its way to Atlanta, marched to Savannah and
thence to Raleigh, did not see the surrender of John-
ston's army, although the men shared the curiosl:y com-
mon to victorious soldiers respecting that event. The
divisions composing the two wings were drawn in, the
ammunition trains were relieved of their now useless
contents, and the wagons were loaded with provisions
and forage, and by the evening of the 3Oth, preparations
for a peaceful homeward march had been completed.
HENKY C. SWISH KK.
COMPANT H.
309
UbRARY
Of- M
UNIVtfiSlfY
May, 1865. THE) FINAL CAMPAIGN. 311
On the morning of May ist, the Second division
moved out of Morrisville; crossed the Neuse river that
afternoon, and passed through Oxford, the shire town of
Granville county, the next day. On the 3rd, we crossed
Tar river, and later in the day the North Carolina and
Virginia state line, camping for the night near Taylor's
Ferry, on the Roanoke river. The next day we crossed
the Roanoke on a pontoon bridge, eight hundred feet in
lenth, passed through Boydton Court House, and
camped on the Meherrin river. Thence our route led
through Nottoway Court House, and across the famous
Appomattox river at Good's bridge, to Manchester, op-
posite Richmond, where we arrived on Sunday evening,
May 7th.
It was an odd experience" for the first few days to
march steadily on without here and there forming a line
of battle, and to go to sleep at night undisturbed by the
prospect of a midnight call to arms. Then, too, the citi-
zens no longer fled or hid at the approach of our army,
but one and all, men, women and children, flocked to the
road to see it pass. Frequently in the family groups at
the roadside, men clad in the faded gray uniform of the
Confederate soldier could be seen, good-naturedly jok-
ing with their former foes as the column passed by. And
"Say, Yank ! ain't you 'uns all a long ways from home?"
and "Johnny! Why don't you fix up that fence?" are ex-
amples of the innocent chaffing that took place between
the blue and the gray.
We never knew whether all the petty annoyances to
which Sherman's army was subjected while it camped in
the vicinity of Richmond were caused by General Hal-
leek's direct orders or not. But soon after the fall of
19
312 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. May, 1865.
the Confederate capital that distinguished non-comba-
tant was assigned to command the Department of the
James, with headquarters in Richmond. His martial
zeal had been restrained to such an extent while serving
as chief of staff at Washington, that when he was ap-
pointed to the command of the armies in the field, he
was bubbling over with fight, and ready to display the
most bloodthirsty zeal. Among the first orders issued
after his arrival at Richmond was one directing his
troops to disregard the armistice then pending between
Generals Sherman and Johnston while negotiations were
in progress for the surrender of all of the Confederate
armies remaining in the field. This was a most flagrant
violation of the laws of war, and a direct insult to Sher-
man and his army. Yet, notwithstanding this base out-
rage, Halleck issued orders directing Sherman's army to
pass in review before him, as it marched through Rich-
mond. Sherman promptly forbade the proposed review
and advised Halleck to keep out of sight while the army
passed through the city, if he desired to avoid an expres-
sion of the just indignation felt alike by the officers and
men of his army. Then Halleck, whose capacity for
blundering seemed without limit, refused to permit any
of Sherman's men to enter the city.
Among the officers and men in Sherman's army,
there were many who had marched from the Mississippi
to the James, and never before in all their weary marches
had been refused permission to enter a captured town
or city. They could see ex-Conederate soldiers and citi-
zens going to and coming from the city at will, but when
they attempted to visit the city, they were met at the
pontoon bridge by a provost guard, who informed them
May, 1865. THE FINAL CAMPAIGN. 313
that Sherman's men could not pass the bridge. But the
men had come too far to see the rebel capital to be de-
nied the sight without a protest. So a little time was
spent in quiet organization in the seclusion of the camps,
and then the men proceeded to resent this new indignity
and to show in their own way their contempt for a dun-
derpated martinet. A large crowd assembled at the
south end of the bridge, entirely unarmed and without
officers or orders, when upon the agreed signal the men
rushed upon the guards, many of whom were jostled into
the river, and by sheer weight of numbers seized the
bridge. The affair was entirely irregular, but there is
little doubt that General Sherman appreciated the grim
humor displayed by his unarmed men in wresting the
Richmond bridge from Halleck's guards. But so far as
we could learn, and strange as it may appear, Halleck
never resented the conduct of the men in overthrowing
his guards, nor was any one arrested for defying his or-
ders and invading the city against his mandate.
On the morning of the nth. the army crossed the
James river and passed through Richmond. The troops
moved at the usual marching pace, making no parade of
ceremony and there was no review. The sidewalks were
crowded with citizens and ex-Confederate soldiers,
whose curiosity to see Sherman's army insured their
presence, while the memory of the recent death of their
most cherished hopes, rendered impossible any demon-
stration of approval or greeting of welcome. This nat-
ural feeling so evident among the spectators, was re-
spected by the passing troops and no song of victory was
heard while Sherman and his army marched through the
graveyard of southern hopes and Confederate ambition.
314 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. May, 1865.
It was expected that the earthworks erected for the
defense of the rebel capital would be found to be monu-
ments of engineering skill, massive in their proportions
and impregnable in their strength. But the fortifica-
tions proved disappointing, and officers and men agreed
that they were in no way so strong, nor were they so
elaborate in construction as the works encountered near
Atlanta. After taking dinner in the rebel works, at the
point where the road to Hanover Court House leaves
the city, we crossed the Chickahominy river and camped
for the night within a few miles of the battlefields of Me-
chanicsville, Gaines Mills and Fair Oaks.
From Richmond to Washington Sherman's army
marched on holy ground. Over this narrow field the
tide of battle ebbed and flowed throughout the war, and
from hill and valley and plain the smoke of sacrifice had
risen, and the atoning blood had been poured out. Al-
most one continuous battlefield, the familiar scenes along
the line of march constantly reminded us "of the night in
the trench and the pale faces of the dead." Insignificant
towns and hamlets had been immortalized by the valor-
ous deeds performed in their thriftless streets, and the
crossings of the almost numberless streams had been re-
peatedly taken and retaken by cunning stratagem or
dashing courage. The two armies operating between
the Union and Confederate capitals had been the largest
snd the best equipped in the service, and the conflicts be-
tween them had been very frequent and deadly. But
the battles, while bravely fought and bloody enough to
satisfy the most sanguinary, had been so indecisive and
fruitless that it may well be doubted if the campaigns in
Virginia previous to that of 1864-5 contributed in the
May, 1865. THE FINAL CAMPAIGN. 315
least degree to the final triumph of the National cause.
Sherman's army reached the heights overlooking
Washington City, on the ipth of May, 1865, and went
into camps just below those already in possession of Gen-
eral Meade's Army of the Potomac. To the vast major-
ity of Sherman's army this was their first sight of the
national capital. From our camp we could see the dome
of the capital, as it stood in simple grandeur against the
sky, and it was difficult to realize that within less than a
year the enemy had looked upon it with covetous eye,
while the roar of his guns could be distinctly heard in the
White House. Yet in the preceding July, while the
Army of the Potomac was engaged in the siege of
Petersburg, and Sherman's army was on the Chattta-
hoochee river, the rebels under the command of General
Early were thundering at the gates of the capital city of
the Union. But then, the stupendous operations of the
last year of the struggle had been conducted upon a field
of such magnitude, that the common mind could scarcely
keep pace with the rapid march of events.
The Army of the East and the Army of the West
occupied the south bank of the Potomac river from a
point opposite Georgetown to Alexandria, and the next
few days were spent in preparing for a great military
display, which was to take place in the national capital
in honor of the final victory for the Union. To the men
of the Western army this would be a new experience;
they had never witnessed a formal parade of ceremony,
and in all their long service they had observed no holi-
day.
316 HISTORY OF THE 85'f H ILLINOIS. May, 1865.
CHAPTER XXV.
It is said to have been at the suggestion of Secretary
Stanton, that the armies of the east and west were as-
sembled in the national capital to be reviewed by the
commander-in-chief. Coming from distant fields, these
armies had different histories, but the men were bound
together by a common cause the preservation of
national integrity. Their love of country had the force
of a religious passion, and during all the long period,
when the fate of the Union was at stake, their efforts
never relaxed, their vigilance never ceased, and there
was no abatement of their purpose to capture or utterly
destroy the enemies of the republic. They had vindi-
cated national authority, they had set the bond man free,
and now they brought home peace. These priceless
trophies made it proper for the President, attended by
the chief officers of the government, to welcome them
in the name of the republic. They had earned the right
to receive the laurel wreath from the steps of the capitol.
General Grant had commanded the Western army in
all its early victories and had been at all times the prime
favorite of the men. He never made speeches to them
and never solicited applause, but the most humble sol-
dier could approach him, and he had a quiet way of over-
coming difficulties that was as simple and as easily un-
derstood as it was effectual. If his means or supplies
were imperfect, he found the best available substitute,
and if he could not accomplish the full requirement, he
performed as much as was possible. He had the faculty
of imparting to his troops the determination to win with
May, 1865. THE GRAND REVIEW. 317
which he was himself inspired, and their feelings toward
him soon came to be that of implicit trust. Constantly
ready to fight, he lost no opportunity that prompt action
could turn to advantage, and throughout an unbroken
career of victory he never declined the offer of battle.
Grant would drive his chariot through passes others
would not venture to approach. He would hold the
enemy in his relentless, vice-like grasp until he had ac-
complished his full purpose, and leave upon the mind of
his observer the impression that he had a reserve of
power, other resources not yet called into action.
After leading the Western army to a series of splen-
did victories, beginning at Belmont and ending in the
crushing defeat of Bragg at Chattanooga, his men were
not surprised to see him called to a larger field of useful-
ness. Grant's merit had won for him the command of
all armies of the Union, and at once the vast military
power of the north began to move in harmony, respon-
sive to the clear purpose of his comprehensive mind.
Proud of their old commander, the men watched the ter-
rific struggle in the east with ever increasing admiration
for his courage and his skill. Grant would win, they
knew that, but the question was, Would the end come
before the west could lend a helping hand to the east?
So they marched on to Atlanta; to the sea, and were
almost ready to join hands with their comrades of the
east, when the final consummation came which insured
union and liberty throughout the land. And now, the
proposed review would afford an opportunity for the
veterans of Donelson, Shiloh, Vicksburg and Chatta-
nooga to unite with the heroes of the Wilderness, Spott-
sylvania, Petersburgh and Appomattox in paying a trib-
318 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. May, 1865.
ute of respect to the soldier hero of the struggle, before
they should return to civil life.
Promptly on Wednesday morning, May 23rd, the
head of the column of the Army of the Potomac wheeled
round the capitol and the grand review began. There
is no more beautiful weather than that of Washington in
the early summer, when the warmer air comes with the
lengthening days, and on this memorable occasion the
weather was all that could be desired. Pennsylvania
avenue, with its great length and ample width, was ad-
mirably adapted for a review of the grand armies. Tens
of thousands of people from the northern states had
come to witness the imposing spectacle, and to welcome
the returning heroes. The most ample preparations
had been made for the occasion. Seats had been erected
in the parks bordering the broad avenue for the accom-
modation of the vast crowd of visitors. The President
and General Grant were seated on an elevated stand in
front of the White House, surrounded by members of
the cabinet, foreign ministers, and distinguished visitors.
The whole city was in holiday attire, the noble avenue
was lined, on both sides and from end to end, with ad-
miring people, and every window was filled with eager
spectators. It was the annual recurring season of foli-
age and flowers, and there were flowers on every hand
in seemingly endless variety and profusion, while many
of the visitors carried wreaths for their favorite regi-
ments. The national flag, was flying from the public
buildings, and from almost every house and store, and
to see the stars and stripes in other places than at head-
quarters, or above the heads of the color-guard, was
as novel as it was pleasing.
May, 1865. THE GRAND REVIEW. 319
Nearly all day for two successive days, from the cap-
itol to the White House, could be seen a mass of vet-
eran soldiers in columns of companies, marching with
steady tread to the inspiring strains of martial music.
To the multitude of spectators it was a revelation of the
greatness and power of the republic ; while to the actors
in that royal pageant of joy and gladness it was the event
of a lifetime. Indeed, more than one enthusiastic sol-
dier was heard to declare that it was worth ten years of
any man's life to be able to say, "I was there." Only
a part of the vast forces of the Union marched through
Washington on the grand review, but the number was
large beyond any but the skilled mind to reckon. If we
say that sixty-five thousand men passed in review each
day, or one hundred and thirty thousand in the two days,
it is still difficult to comprehend the magnitude of the
display. Perhaps a better idea may be conveyed by
stating- that for six hours and a half each day of the re-
view Pennsylvania avenue was filled with marching
troops, whose columns if connected would be over thirty
miles in length.
The first day of the review was given to General
Meade's army, and this afforded an opportunity for
many of the officers and men belonging to General Sher-
man's army to attend and witness the parade of the
Army of the Potomac. There was very naturally more or
less generous rivalry between the soldiers from the east
and west, and as comparison was made of their respec-
tive qualities and characteristics, the memory was busy
with the histories of the grand armies. From the first
the rank and 'file of the Eastern army followed their lead-
ers with courage that never wavered and with enterprise
320 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. May, 1865.
that never wearied. But they had been unfortunate in
the generals appointed to command them, and the long
list of sickening disasters which befel that devoted army
in the first three years of the war should be charged to
their commanders' gross incompetency. But under the
direction of General Grant's unconquerable genius, the
battles of the Army of the Potomac, from the Wilder-
ness to the crowing victory at Appomattox, have no par-
allels on the continent of America. ,
Operating in a field easy of access from the national
capital, the Army of the East was frequently visited by
distinguished persons in whose honor reviews were held.
On such occasions the evil custom had grown up of rec-
ognizing the presence of the visitor, be he soldier or
statesman, by a hearty greeting of applause. Now
when troops marching by company front, cheer and
swing their hats, the step is invariably lost, the align-
ment is broken, and it is impossible to maintain uniform
intervals between the companies. On the first day's re-
view, it was observed that a very large proportion of the
regiments destroyed their military bearing in this way,
as they passed the reviewing stand. The Army of the
Potomac had a very much larger number of recruits,
substitutes, and drafted men in its ranks, than appeared
in the Western army. This was not surprising when it
is remembered that Sherman's army while marching
through the Confederacy, had been far beyond the reach
of recruiting stations, and that few recruits and fewer
conscripts found their way into its ranks. At all times,
accustomed to receive full supplies directly from the
north, through a secure base on the sea coast, the east-
ern troops had never been compelled to wrest supplies
May, 1865. THE GRAND REVIEW. 321
from the enemy, nor to gather food and forage from a
hostile country. Consequently the Army of the Poto-
mac appeared well-dressed and handsomely equipped on
the grand review.
Punctually at nine o'clock on the next morning, May
24th, the signal gun was fired and the steel crowned
ranks of Sherman's army wheeled into the broad avenue
at the capital, its brilliant and successful leader riding
proudly at its head. The army was uniformed and
equipped as on the march, officers taking pride in pre-
senting their respective commands as they had served
in the field. Each division was preceded by its corps of
pioneers, composed wholly of colored men, carrying
axes, spades, and picks. These marched in double
ranks, keeping perfect dress and step. Long practice
in marching, which is in one sense a drill, and the almost
entire absence of recruits, conscripts and substitutes,
told greatly in favor of the western troops, and the sense
of military propriety and exactness was not offended by
demonstrations of applause.
The cadence was perfect and the hearty robustness
of the men was very striking, while the mounts of the
officers were magnificent, owing to the frequent oppor-
tunities for capture. All day long Pennsylvania avenue
resounded with the firm and steady tread of well-drilled,
thoroughly disciplined soldiers, who with careful dress
on the guides, uniform intervals between the companies,
and all eyes to the front, marched toward the White
House.
Around the joints of glittering muskets carried in
that compact column, the pungent smell of battle smoke
still lingered, and above the troops were borne the bul-
322 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. May, 1865.
let-riddled flags, many of whose ragged folds were stained
with the life blood of him who carried it in the fore front
of battle. In that majestic column, moving with the pre-
cision and regularity of a pendulum, were regiments
that had entered the service of their country in April,
1 86 1, and that had served in every state that engaged in
rebellion, except Florida, Louisiana, and Texas; that
had followed Grant at Belmont, Donelson, Shiloh,
Vicksburg, and Chattanooga, and that had never left a
battlefield in possession of the foe brigades and divi-
sions that had never learned to retreat, and had never
experienced the sickening woe of defeat. An unbroken
career of victory made the men conscious of their prow-
ess, their step was elastic and buoyant, and the marching
column was the poetry of motion. Not so well dressed
as their comrades of the Eastern army, their campaigns
had led them over broader fields, and their experience
had been more varied and extended. The whole army
had marched more than a thousand miles within the last
six months, and the men had passed the entire winter
without the shelter of either roof or tent. It had been
their good fortune to be commanded throughout the
war by officers who were enterprising, skillful and above
all, thoroughly in earnest, there had been no occasion for
issuing daily bulletins announcing that "All is quiet on
the Mississippi or the Tennessee." No army in either
ancient or modern times had traversed such a vast ex-
tent of territory, and the prisoners it had captured largely
outnumbered the men in the Western army, now cele-
brating the final victory of peace.
From the nature of the conflict the Union soldiers
were invaders, and from first to last they were the ag-
May, 1865. THE GRAND REVIEW. 323
gressors. They found the enemy behind defensible
rivers and entrenched in mountain passes. The road to
victory led them over mountains of difficulties and
through valleys of tribulation ; and as the sanguine tide
ebbed and flowed in the stupendous struggle, how often
Freedom's friends sat pale with fear at Freedom's peril !
But at last the mighty balance settled on the side of
those whose banners, torn with shot and shell, still bore
the stars and stripes. In that supreme moment, while
many wounds still stung and bled, the Union soldiers
put aside the desire for vengeance that comes to man in
battle and with victory; forgave their enemies on the
battlefield, and sent them to their homes to enjoy in
peace the protection of the government they had so un-
justly and wickedly tried to destroy. And now, as the
victorious Union armies celebrate the return of peace,
"With malice towards none, with charity for all," they
parade no captives, and display none of the spoil of bat-
tlefield.
Many who set out with us, indulging the same fond
hopes of safe return, now filled soldiers' graves, and the
applause so heartily given to the soldiers present was
mingled with tears for the loved and the lost ; those who
came not back. Moreover, the great emancipator, the
beloved of the people, had been most foully slain, and
but few days had passed since countless multitudes of
people had bowed with uncovered heads, reverent and
silent, before his bier. The remembrance of these
national bereavements could but tinge with sadness all
the splendid and inspiring scenes of the grand review.
324 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS. M ay, 1865.
After the review the Eighty-fifth returned to camp
on the south bank of the Potomac, but on the next day
the entire brigade marched through the city and went
into camp near the Soldiers' Home, two and one-half
miles north of the capitol. Our camp, which was pleas-
antly situated, overlooked the city, and there came a
delightful sense of perfect rest after a long and toilsome
task had been accomplished ; a relief from the tension
of nerve and brain, no language can adequately express.
The men were permitted to roam at will over the city,
and every opportunity was given them, by the officers
and employes in the various departments, to visit the
public buildings and to observe the methods employed
in the transaction of the business of the government.
The treasury, patent office, and navy yards, all were
thrown open to the soldiers, and so far as the writer has
learned, there was no abuse of the courtesy extended.
But while they treated the civil officers of the govern-
ment with marked consideration, at least one of the city
officials fell a victim to their mischievous pranks. They
seized the horse and buggy used by the captain of police,
and drove until tired of sight-seeing, when they returned
the outfit to that worthy with profuse thanks for the
pleasure the drive had afforded them.
Men belonging to the Fifteenth corps "captured," as
they facetiously termed it, the Fourteenth street rail-
road, and ran it for their own convenience. They al-
lowed a citizen to ride, but were careful to exact the full
fare or more. If the usual five cent fare was tendered,
it was accepted. If a passenger handed up a quarter or
more, the soldier acting as conductor took it, but re-
turned no change, nor did he turn any fares in to the
May, 1865. IN CAMP AT WASHINGTON. 325
company. The line was far from being popular with the
citizens, as the soldiers ran it regardless of any time
table, and while all were taken on, it was uncertain where
or when the car would stop to let them off.
At Fort Slemmer, near the camp of the Eighty-fifth,
a soldier was seen one morning walking up and down in
front of an officer's tent, carrying a log on his shoulder.
The soldier looked lonely and weary, and the case was
promptly investigated by a man sent over for that pur-
pose, whose report showed that the soldier at the fort
was undergoing punishment for some trivial breach of
discipline. Then a number of unarmed men went over
to the fort; dismissed the man to his quarters; warned
the officer in command that they did not approve of that
method of punishment, and brought the log back with
them. These are examples of their daily mischief;
pranks that were more ludicrous than evil, and all per-
formed in the most jovial, good-natured manner.
Colonel Dihvorth was promoted to be brigadier gen-
eral on March I3th, and Captain James R. Griffith, of
Company B, who had been commanding the Eighty-
fifth since the resignation of Major Robert G. Rider
was accepted at Savannah, Georgia, was promoted
to be lieutenant colonel. On the nineteenth day of
May, Captain Pleasant S. Scott, of Company E, was
commissioned, major, vice Major Rider, who had re-
signed on account of wounds; First Lieutenant Hugh
A. Trent was dismissed from the service, and First Ser-
geant Charles Borchert, of Company E, was commis-
sioned first lieutenant; First Lieutenant Andrew J.
Mason, of Company F, was commissioned captain, and
Sergeant Francis M. McColgan, of same company, was
326 HISTORY OF THE) 85TH ILLINOIS. June, 1865.
commissioned first lieutenant. But on account of the
regiment and companies being below the minimum,
Lieutenant Colonel Griffith was the only one that could
be mustered.
On Saturday, June 3rd, our old and loved com-
mander. George H. Thomas, arrived from the west, and
that evening reviewed the Fourteenth corps. The
troops in the Department of the Cumberland had been
designated the "Fourteenth corps" very early in the war,
and it became the nucleus of the army which he led with
such consummate skill in later years. He had com-
manded the corps until his merit won for him the com-
mand of the Army of the Cumberland, and the men had
become greatly attached to him. They believed then,
and they still think, that George H. Thomas, "pure as
crystal and firm as rock," was the greatest soldier Vir-
ginia, the mother of presidents, gave to either side in the
Civil War.
The last muster rolls were made out, and on Mon-
day, the 5th, the regiment was mustered out of the ser-
vice of the United States by Lieutenant George
Scroggs, of the One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Illinois,
acting commissary of musters, and the next morning
the Eighty-fifth was ordered to Springfield, 111., for final
payment and discharge. The four regiments and bat-
tery that formed Dan McCook's brigade at Louisville,
Ky., in the early days of September, 1862, had come to
the parting of the ways. Brought together by a com-
mon peril and for a common purpose, they had marched
and camped and fought side by side for almost three
years. Their long, hard service inspired perfect confi-
dence and trust in each other, and while the organization
DR. JOSEPH 13. SHA.WGO,
COMPANY O.
327
HbRARY
Of '
UNIVWSIT.Y
June, 1865. THE HOMEWARD JOURNEY. 329
ended here, the comradeship formed in camp and field
will last as long as life remains.*
About noon the regiment marched to the Baltimore
and Ohio railroad, where a delay occurred in securing
transportation, and the freight cars provided for our
accommodation did not arrive until the afternoon of the
7th. At Piedmont that night the men seized enough
lumber from a convenient lumberyard to comfortably
seat the dirty freight cars, and with the use of their
hatchets they not only secured ventilation, but made
openings through which they could admire the pictur-
esque scenery afforded by the Allegheny mountains.
At Parkersburgh, W. Va., the regiment was transferred
to a stern-wheel steamer, which landed it at Lawrence-
burgh, Ind., on the forenoon of the loth.
Between Cincinnati and Lawrenceburgh an accident
happened which lent a tinge of sorrow to the home-
coming of the regiment. Hugh Gehagan, of Company
F, while standing on the lower deck of the steamer en-
gaged in conversation with a group of comrades
thoughtlessly leaned against a fender, fastened at the
upper end, but hanging loose at the lower guard, and he
fell into the river. At the cry of "A man overboard"
the boat was quickly stopped and every effort possible
was made to rescue the drowning man. But he sunk to
rise no more with the life-boat almost within his reach.
* Tne number mustered in and the number present at the
muster out of the four original regiments did not greatly differ,
as appears by the following: 52nd Ohio mustered first and last,
1,089, of whom 331 were present at muster out; 85th Illinois mus-
tered first and last, 944, of whom 349 were present at muster out;
86th Illinois mustered first and last, 993, of whom 468 were pres-
ent at muster out; 125th Illinois mustered first and last, 933, of
whom 424 were present at muster out.
20
330 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILUNOIS. June, 1865.
It seemed hard that this faithful soldier who had dared
and suft'ered so much should meet such a tragic death
when almost within sight of home, while his co^'-ades
could only stand idly by and watch a life go out that thev
were powerless to save.
After breaking bread with the loyal and hospitable
people of Lawrenceburg, who had generously provided
a substantial dinner for the soldiers, the homeward jour-
ney was resumed on board a train of freight cars. Such
trains ran slowly in those days, but on Sunday, June
nth, 1865, the regiment reached Springfield and disem-
barked at Camp Butler, where the men were to receive
-final payment and be discharged.
A safe trip has brought the soldiers almost home,
and as they enter the camp in which their service is to
end, strange memories come trooping past. Eventful
years have passed since they proudly marched from
Peoria for the front. Then the long line with faces mainly
young and fair, numbered almost one thousand men;
now some are missing from every file; all are bronzed,
and many are prematurely old, while the total mustered
for discharge is less than four hundred. With sadness
they recall the forms and faces of the slain; mostly
young, unmarried men, whose native virtues fill no liv-
ing veins, and will not shine again on any field. The
contrast between the going and returning braves is no
more striking than the changed conditions they must
prepare to meet. Many of them were school boys when
they enlisted, but they are now too old to begin again at
the turned-down page of the books they left unfinished.
Others had positions three years ago, now filled by per-
sons too prudent to serve their country. But unselfish
devotion to duty has broadened their manhood ; the
hardships endured and the difficulties overcome have
given the soldiers confidence in themselves, and they are
June, 1865. THE HOMEWARD JOURNEY. 331
determined to cultivate the arts of peace with a soldier's
fortitude and patriotism a citizen's industry and integ-
rity.
The next few days found the officers busy with their
reports, turning' in ordnance stores and camp equipage,
and making settlement with the government. All arti-
cles not otherwise accounted for were reported under
the head of "Lost in action." This account was alike
the refuge of the "just and the unjust," and furnished a
safe retreat for many a quartermaster, ordnance officer
and company commander, whose accounts had got
tangled. When the reports were completed the pay-
master announced his readiness to pay off the men, and
on Monday, the iQth, the first sergeants called the roll
for the last time ; each soldier received his arrears of pay
and an honorable discharge, and the Eighty-fifth regi-
ment, Illinois volunteer infantry, passed into history.
Of the 944 officers and men that entered the service
in the Eighty-fifth, 95 were killed or died of wounds, 148
were wounded whose wounds did not prove fatal, 137
died of disease, 208 were discharged for disease or
wounds, 46 were transferred to other organizations, and
349 were mustered out to await the hero's final detail :
An aged soldier, with his hair
snow white,
Sat looking at the night.
A busy, shining angel came
with things
Like chevrons on his wings.
He said, "The evening detail has
been made
Report to your brigade."
The soldier heard the message that
was sent,
Then rose and died and went.
EUGENE F. WARE,
Private, Company E, First Iowa Vol. Infantry.
332 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
CHAPTER XXVI.
In the following pages the military history of all who
had a part in making the regiment illustrious is given,
together with some account of the subsequent career of
those with whom the writer has been able to communi-
cate. This is a record of deeds done and duty per-
formed, which, although brief, and in many instances in-
complete, is their best eulogy.
As originally made up, the roster of the field and staff
of the Eighty-fifth will be found in Chapter II, together
with the manner in which the regiment was recruited
and organized. In subsequent chapters all changes
among the commissioned officers are recorded at tfie
time and place they occurred. It is therefore only nec-
essary, in this connection, to give a personal sketch of
THE FIELD AND STAFF.
COLONEL ROBERT S. MOORE was born in Green county ,.
Kentucky, March 19, 1827. When he was ten years of age his par-
ents removed to Illinois and settled on a farm in Sangamon (now
Menard) county, where he worked on the farm until the breaking
out of the Mexican war. He enlisted as a private in Company F,
Fourth regiment, Illinois infantry, and participated in the battle
of Cerro Gtordo and in the siege of Vera Cruz. At the peace with
Mexico he returned to Illinois, located his land warrant in Mason
county and engaged in farming. While thus engaged he founded
the town of Spring Lake. In 1854 he married Miss Isabella Trent,
removed to Havana and engaged in buying and shipping grain,
while still paying attention to his farm.
At the beginning of the War of the Rebellion he promptly
offered his service to his country, recruited a company and en-
tered the service as captain of Company E, Twenty-seventh regi-
ment, Illinois infantry. He was engaged at the battles of Bel-
mont and Farmington, and at the siege of Corinth he was
wounded. While at home on leave of absence on account of his
THE FIELD AND STAFF. 333
wound he was authorized by Governor Yates to raise a regiment
under the first call for troops in 1862, and upon its organization he
was commissioned colonel of the Eighty-fifth.
Of commanding appearance, he possessed an admirable voice,
while his soldierly instinct and military experience enabled him
to fit the regiment for effective service in a remarka'bly short
time. With his regiment he opened the battle of Perryville, Ky.,
and at the close of the fighting he was complimented for his skill
and courage by his superior officers. At the battle of Stone River
he was injured in the hip by a vicious horse, an injury from which
he never wholly recovered. He remained in command of the regi-
ment until the following June, when he resigned for disability.
No officer ever enjoyed more fully the confidence of his men, and
few so fully merited it. He returned to Havana and resumed the
grain business until 1879, when he removed to Colorado and en-
gaged in farming and mining. His address is Littleton, Colo.
COLONEL CALEB J. DILWORTH was born near Mount Pleas-
ant, Jefferson county, Ohio, April 8, 1827. His parents, Abram
Rankin Dilworth and Martha Stanton Judkins, were of old Quaker
stock. They removed to Indiana, and soon after to Illinois.
They were living near Canton, in Fulton county, at the time of the
Black Hawk war, and took refuge with friends in Canton when
there was an Indian alarm. An elder brother, Rankin, gradu-
ated from the military academy at West Point in the class of 1844,
and died from wounds received at the battle of Monterey in the
war with Mexico. A half-brother, William H. Evans, was quar-
termaster of the Eighty-fifth during the last year of its service.
Colonel Dilworth read law with General Leonard F. Ross, of
Lewistown, and was admitted to the bar in 1848. In the fall of
1853 he married Miss Emily Phelps, daughter of William and
Caroline Phelps, of Lewistown, 111., the only issue of such mar-
riage being a son, William A., now practicing law in Omaha, Neb.
In 1862 the subject of this sketch was practicing law in Ha-
vana, 111., and assisted in recruiting the Eighty-fifth, and at the
organization of the regiment was commissioned lieutenant col-
onel. He served in that capacity until Colonel Moore resigned,
when he was promoted to be colonel. He commanded the regi-
ment from June 14, 1863, until June 27, 1864, when, in the midst of
the indescribable turmoil of battle at Kennesaw mountain, Geor-
gia, the command of the brigade devolved upon him through the
death of his seniors. It was his plucky decision that held the
334 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
ground wrested from the enemy, although his corps and army
commanders doubted its possibility. At Peach Tree creek his
brigade forced a crossing of that stream, although defended by
largely superior numbers, fighting the battle out alone with the
Third brigade, and winning for himself and his command the
highest commendations of his superiors. He continued in com-
mand of the brigade until wounded by a gun shot at the battle of
Jonesboro, Ga., the ball passing entirely through his neck. Re-
covering from his wound, he was hastening to the front to rejoin
his command when, upon his arrival at Chattanooga, he found
that communication with Sherman's army had been severed. He
reported to General Thomas for duty and was appointed to the
command of the post at Cleveland, Tenn., a position which he held
with credit to himself until the post was discontinued. He was
then assigned to command at Covington, Ky., where he remained
until the close of the war. He was commissioned brevet brigadier
general March 13, and was mustered out of the service June 5,
1865.
After returning to Illinois he practiced law at Lewistown until
the autumn of 1870, when he removed to Lincoln, Neb., where he
resumed the practice of his profession. He was elected state's
attorney in 1874 and served two terms. In 1878 he was elected
attorney general, holding the office for two terms, and in 1892 he
was elected department commander of the Grand Army of the
Republic of Nebraska and served one term.
As a soldier he was enterprising and fearless; he won merited
distinction at the bar. He had retired from active professional
life and was residing in Omaha, where he died on Saturday, Feb-
ruary 3, 1900. His remains were taken to Lincoln and buried in
Wyuka cemetery on the Monday following, past department com-
manders acting as pall-bearers, while department officers con-
ducted the services.
LIEUTENANT COLONEL JAMES P. WALKER, son of Joseph
Walker, was born in Adair county, Kentucky, April 6, 1826. His
father, Joseph Walker, removed to Illinois and settled on a farm
in Sangamon (now Logan) county in 1830. Seven years later
found the Walker family at Irish Grove, in Menard county, where
his father died in 1841, leaving a crippled wife and younger son to
the care of James P. He took his mother to his mother's father
in Kentucky, where he remained for three years, working on a
farm to get money to return to Illinois. He was fortunate in that
THE FIELD AND STAFF. 335
his father was an educated mail, as all his schooling was obtained
from his father before his death. On his return to Illinois in 1844
he began the study of medicine and by working on the farm and
teaching school he earned the money which enabled him to prose-
cute his studies.
When the war with Mexico broke out he enlisted in Company
F, Fourth regiment, Illinois infantry, commanded by Colonel
Edward D. Baker, was a messmate of Colonel R. S. Moore and
participated in the battle of Cerro Gordo and the siege of Vera
Cruz. After the war he resumed the study of medicine and gradu-
ated from Rush Medical College in 1850. In 1857 he located at
Mason City and was practicing his profession when the War of
the Rebellion began. Under the first call for troops in 1861 he
recruited a company and entered the service as captain of Com-
pany K, Seventeenth regiment, Illinois infantry. He participated
in the battles of Fredericktown, Fort Donelson and Shiloh. After
the battle of Shiloh he resigned, returned home, helped to raise
the Eighty-fifth, and at the organization of the regiment he was
commissioned surgeon. He was promoted to be lieutenant colonel
on June 14, 1863, and was dismissed from the service on October
6, 3863.
Just prior to the battle of Chickamauga he was arrested for
permitting his hungry men to forage, that being at that period of
the war about the worst thing an officer could be accused of. Un-
fortunately for Colonel Walker he did not violate his order of
arrest when the battle came on. If he had no doubt he would
have escaped punishment. But his remaining under arrest
afforded an opportunity for those whom his kindness to his men
had offended, and he was summarily dismissed without a hearing.
He returned to his former home and resumed the practice of
medicine, which he continued to his death, which occurred on
January 14, 1892. He was buried by his comrades of the Grand
Army of the Republic, a special train carrying the post from
Havana to Mason City to attend his funeral.
LIEUTENANT COLONEL JAMES R. GRIFFITH was born in
Chester county, Pennsylvania, February 2, 1834. He served for
some time as a member of the Chester and Delaware Dragoons,
and removed to Illinois in the fall of 1856, locating at Havana, in
Mason county, where he was engaged as a general merchant at the
beginning of the War of the Rebellion. He enrolled Company B,
of the Eighty-fifth, and was chosen captain at the organization of
336 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
the company. He participated in all the campaigns and battles in
which the Eighty-fifth was engaged, was wounded at the assault
on Kennesaw mountain, but speedily recovered and returned to
duty. At the assault on the enemy's works at Jonesboro the com-
mand of the regiment devolved upon him when Major Rider was
wounded and disabled, and again he succeeded to the command of
the regiment when Major Rider resigned, and led it through the
Carolina campaign, on the grand review at Washington, and on
its return to the state for final discharge.
He was promoted to be lieutenant colonel on April 7, 18G5, and
was mustered out with the regiment. After the close of the war
he located in Kenosha, Wis., where he engaged in business. His
present address is No. 812 Pomeroy street, Kenosha, Wis.
MAJOR SAMUEL P. CUMMINGS had long been prominent as
a merchant in Astoria when the War of the Rebellion began. He
had also been prominent in affairs political in the county and fre-
quently served as a member of the county board. Early in the
war he had been commissioned a mustering officer with the rank
of major, and had assisted in recruiting several of the early regi-
ments. He enrolled two companies for the Eighty-fifth and at the
organization of the regiment he was chosen major. He was favor-
ably mentioned for gallant conduct at the battle of Perry ville by
his colonel and brigade commander, served through the Kentucky
campaign, and participated with the regiment in the battle of
Stone River or Murfreesboro. Failing health, however, compelled
him to resign at Nashville, and his resignation was approved for
disability on April 6, 1863.
He returned to Astoria, where he continued in business until
within the last few years, and where he still resides. He has
served his constituents as supervisor, judge of the county court,
and has represented his county in both branches of the legislature.
Possessed of an ample fortune he is now enjoying a ripe old age
among the people he served so long.
MAJOR ROBERT G. RIDER was born in Ravenna, Portage
county, Ohio, March 14, 1831, attended Jefferson college at Can-
nonsburg, and studied medicine at Washington college, Washing-
ton, Pa. He removed to Illinois in 1855 and the following winter
attended a course of lectures at a medical college, Dubuque, Iowa.
He began the practice of his profession at Mobile, Ala., but re-
turned to Illinois some three years later, and at the beginning of
THE FIELD AND STAFF. 337
the War of the Rebellion was practicing medicine at Havana, in
Mason county.
He enrolled Company K and was elected captain of that com-
pany at its organization, commanded the company at the battle of
Perryville, through the Kentucky and Murfreesboro campaigns,
and was promoted to be major of the regiment April 6, 1863. He
was appointed provost marshal when the brigade was assigned
to garrison duty at Murfreesboro, Tenn., but returned to duty
with the regiment when the brigade was ordered to Nashville to
prepare for an active campaign at the front. When In the assault
on Kennesaw mountain .Colonel Dilworth was called to command
the brigade, the command of the Eighty-fifth devolved upon
Major Rider. He retained command of the regiment until dis-
abled by a gun shot wound in the head at the assault upon the
enemy's lines at Jonesboro, Ga. Recovering, at least partially,
from his wound he resumed command of the regiment, which he
led in the march to the sea. He resigned at Savannah, Ga., De-
cember 19, 1864.
Returning to Havana he resumed the practice of medicine,
which he continued until 1880, when he removed to Mount Ayr,
Iowa. In 1884 he retired from the active practice of his profes-
sion, but resided in Mount Ayr to the time of his death, which
occurred on November 14, 1899.
ADJUTANT JOHN B. WRIGHT was commissioned adjutant
from Havana at the organization of the regiment, served through
tho Kentucky and Murfreesboro campaigns, participating in the
battles of Perryville, Ky., and Stone River, Tenn. He resigned
February 23, 1863, and returned to Havana, where he died many
years since.
ADJUTANT CLARK N. ANDRUS, son of Cyrenus W. Andrus
and Lucy Rockwell, was born in Havana, 111., February 21, 1843.
His parents removed from Watertown, N. Y.. to Havana in 1836,
and Clark N. was the only living child when he enlisted in Com-
pany K. At the organization of the regiment he was appointed
sergeant major and participated in the battles of Perryville, Ky.,
and Stone River, Tenn. He was promoted to be second lieutenant
of Company E, January 20, 1863, and to be adjutant on the 23rd
of the following February. He participated in all the battles and
campaigns in which the regiment was engaged until severely
wounded in the assault on Kennesaw mountain, Georgia. His
338 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
arm was amputated in the field hospital, after which he was taken
to Hospital No. 3 at Nashville, where gangrene set in and his arm
was reamputated. But medical and surgical skill was of no avail,
and this promising young officer died on July 23, 1864. His father
was with him when the final summons came, and brought his
remains back to Havana, where they were buried by the side of
his devoted mother.
ADJUTANT PRESTON C. HUDSON was born at Milton, Pike
county, Illinois, August 20, 1844, and while yet a child removed
with his parents to Havana, in Mason county. He was attending
school when the War of the Rebellion began, and enlisted as a
private in Company I. He was promoted to be first lieutenant of
his company, October 27, 1863, and to be adjutant of the regiment
on July 23, 1864, and served in that position until mustered out
with the regiment. By saving money earned in the army he was
enabled to take a course in the University of Michigan, and after
graduating from that institution he located at Fort Dodge, Iowa,
where he read law and was admitted to the bar in 1871. Always
studious, he took high rank at the bar, and was twice the nominee
of his party for judge of the court of common pleas, but was
defeated by a narrow margin. He removed to Toledo, Ohio, in
1884, where he continued the practice of his profession until over-
taken by a stroke of apoplexy in August, 1897. His death came as
sudden as it might have come on the battlefield, he being found
dead in his office, the opinion of the doctors being that his death
was from apoplexy, induced by the heat.
QUARTERMASTER SAMUEL F. WRIGHT was commissioned
quartermaster with the rank of first lieutenant at the organiza-
tion of the regiment, served through the Kentucky campaign, and
was dismissed from the service at Nashville, Tenn., November 21,
1862. He appears to have regarded his office as a private snap,
the charges under which he was dismissed stating that he had
issued vouchers on the government for a carriage for private use.
He returned to Havana, where he died many years since.
QUARTERMASTER HOLOWAY W. LIGHTCAP was born at
Milford, Hunterdon county, N. J., October 2, 1826, and removed to
Illinois in 1856. He was a merchant tailor, residing in Havana,
when he was commissioned quartermaster to succeed Samuel F.
Wright, December 1, 1862. He was wounded by his horse falling
on him, and resigned for disability July 20, 1863. He returned to
THE FIELD AND STAFF. 339
Havana, and has been engaged as a commercial traveler most of
the time since. His address is Havana, 111.
QUARTERMASTER WILLIAM H. EVANS was a half-brother
of Colonel Dilworth, and when he entered the service was twenty-
five years of age. He had been a clerk in the county offices at
Havana, and had become very accurate in his methods of con-
ducting business, but was residing at Vermont, in Fulton county,
when he was appointed quartermaster of the regiment on Janu-
ary 14, 1864. He served in that position until the war closed, and
was mustered out with the regiment. Soon after his return to
Illinois he removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he died on Feb-
ruary 4, 1872.
SURGEON JAMES P. WALKER (promoted lieutenant col-
onel).
SURGEON PHILIP L. DIEFFENBACHER was born in Colum-
bia county, Pennsylvania, February 6, 1830. His father, Daniel
Dieffenbacher, descended from German ancestors, who settled in
eastern Pennsylvania. His mother was Catherine (Long) Dieffen-
bacher, whose parental ancestors were German, and settled in
Virginia. Her maternal ancestors, named Springer, came from
Stockholm, Sweden, and settled in Wilmington, Del., at an early
date.
He removed with his parents to Illinois in 1837 and settled on
a farm in Tazewell (now Mason) county, and while helping his
father improve and cultivate the farm, the subject of this sketch
availed himself of every opportunity to gain an education. In the
fall of 1849 he returned to Pennsylvania and entered the academy
at Newville, in Columbia county, where he pursued his studies
until the summer of 1851, when he returned to Illinois. He taught
the first school ever held in the Dieffenbacher school house, six
miles east of Havana, during the winter of 1851-2. Returning to
Pennsylvania in the autumn of 1852, he entered the office of his
maternal uncle, Dr. Philip H. Long, at Mechanicsburg, where he
read medicine until September, 1853, when he entered Jefferson
Medical College at Philadelphia, Pa., and graduated in the degree
of doctor in medicine in March, 1855. After taking a course of
one year in Blockley hospital, West Philadelphia, Pa., he opened
his first office for practice in Mount Joy, Lancaster County, Penn-
sylvania. In the spring of 1856 he returned to Illinois and located
340 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
in Havana, where he has since resided and practiced his profes-
sion, except three years' service in the army.
In July, 1862, he was appointed assistant post surgeon to the
military camp at Peoria, 111., and at the organization of the
Eighty-fifth he was commissioned first assistant surgeon of the
regiment. He was promoted to be surgeon with the rank of major
at Nashville, Tenn., June 14, 1863, and served in that capacity to
the close of the war, and was mustered out with the regiment.
Returning to Havana at the close of his service, he resumed the
practice of his profession, and soon after his return was appointed
United States examining surgeon of pensions, holding the office
until 1893, when he resigned.
He is a member of the following societies: The American
Medical Association, the International Association of Railway
Surgeons, the Illinois State Medical Society, the Illinois State
Historical Society, the Army and Navy Surgeons' Association (a
charter member), the Brainard District Medical Association (one
of the organizers and president in 1880-1), the Dan McCook Bri-
gade Association, the Regimental Association (one of the organ-
izers and president until 1889), and was president of the board of
education for nine years.
On May 17, 1874, he married Miss Martha M. Mitchell, whose
parental and maternal ancestors served in the War of the Revolu-
tion. Their living children are: Martha M., Edith L. and Philip
D. Three others died in infancy, namely, Robert, Morton and
Mable.
FIRST ASSISTANT SURGEON GILBERT W. SOUTHWICK
was born in Troy, Rensselaer county, New York, July 26, 1810;
removed to Illinois in 1836, and at the beginning of the War of
the Rebellion was practicing medicine at Arcadia, in Morgan
county. He was commissioned first assistant surgeon in the
Eighty-fifth August 6, 1864, and served as such until May 15th,
1865, when he was honorably discharged. He removed to Califor-
nia in 1881, where he now lives retired from active practice, the
oldest surviving member of the regiment. His address is No. 1213
Bath street, Santa Barbara, Cal.
SECOND ASSISTANT SURGEON JAMES C. PATTERSON
was born in Adair county, Kentucky, in 1824, and removed with
his father, John Patterson, to Illinois in 1828, locating in Sanga-
mon (now Menard) county. In 1845 James began the study of
THE FIELD AND STAFF. 341
medicine with Dr. Grinstead at Middletown, attended lectures at
Jacksonville, paying his tuition by serving as janitor of the col-
lege during the terms of 1846-7-8. He then entered Rush Medical
college at Chicago and was graduated in 1849. He began the prac-
tice of his profession on Prairie creek in Logan county, where he
remained until 1859, when he removed to Mason City, in Mason
county. He enlisted as a private in Company C, and was pro-
moted hospital steward at the organization of the regiment, and
on September 1, 1862, he was commissioned second assistant sur-
geon. He served with the regiment until April 16, 1864, when he
resigned for disability. He returned to Mason City, resumed the
practice of medicine, and died in 1871. During the latter years of
his life he was greatly afflicted with what he and other doctors
who saw him thought was rheumatism, but which finally resulted
in ataxia.
CHAPLAIN JOSEPH S. BARWICK was born in Maryland,
September 22, 1815, and removed with his parents to Indiana
when about seven years of age, locating on a farm near Brook-
ville, in Franklin county. He graduated from Asbury (now De
Pauw) University, and was ordained a minister in the Methodist
Episcopal church in 1837. After filling pastorates in Evansville
and Indianapolis, he received the degree of doctor of divinity from
the university from which he graduated. In the fall of 1850 he
removed to Jacksonville, 111., to accept the professorship of Latin
in the Illinois Conference Female College. He continued teach-
ing some six years, but was preaching at Havana when he was
commissioned chaplain at the organization of the Eighty-fifth.
This was an office so often filled by clerical adventurers that the
men watched and waited before placing their confidence in the
chaplain. The position was as difficult as it was thankless, and
he who would fill it worthily must be pure in heart, chaste in act
and clean in speech. Chaplain Barwick was thus equipped, and
his presence put the men upon their honor. His care of the sick,
kindly aid to the wounded and hearty sympathy for those in
trouble, sealed the bond between him and the men which will hold
good to the end of their lives.
He served through the war and was mustered out with the reg-
iment. In 1866 he removed to Missouri and became principal of a
college at Glasgow, and later was in charge of a church at Saint
Joseph. Returning to Illinois, he preached some three years at
Griggs' Chapel, near Beardstown, and in 1877 he was transferred
342 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
to the Missouri conference, and in 1878 was the presiding elder of
the Linneus circuit. He was residing in Linneus, Mo., and had
been superanuated a year or more at the time of his death, which
occurred on October 5, 1890.
SERGEANT MAJOR CLARK N. ANDRUS (promoted adju-
tant) .
SERGEANT MAJOR WILLIAM S. ALLEN was born in La
Porte, La Porte county, Indiana, January 27, 1840, and removed
with his parents to Illinois in 1854. He enlisted as a private from
Havana, and -was chosen first sergeant at the organization of Com-
pany B and promoted to be sergeant major in 1863. He served
with the regiment until wounded in the battle of Kennesaw Moun-
tain, Georgia, June 27, 1864, and was honorably discharged June
21, 1865. After his return to Illinois he served as deputy circuit
clerk, removed to Oregon, where he spent some years and was
postmaster at Hood River. Returning again to Illinois, he is now
a railway postal clerk, and resides at No. 333 South Clay avenue,
Jacksonville, 111.
QUARTERMASTER SERGEANT JAMES T. PIERCE enlisted
as a private in Company B from Havana, and was appointed quar-
termaster sergeant at the organization of the regiment. He served
through the Kentucky campaign, and was discharged at Nash-
ville, Tenn., in 1863. He was elected commissary of the regi-
mental association at its organization in 1885. He was a printer,
and removed to Waverly, Neb., where he died on June 7, 1897.
QUARTERMASTER SERGEANT EDWIN M. DURHAM was
born in Greenville, Mercer county, Pennsylvania, December 19,
1844, and removed to Illinois in 1859. He enlisted as a private
from Bath, in Mason county, and served through the Kentucky
campaign in Company D. He was promoted to be quartermaster
sergeant in 1863, served in that capacity to the close of the war,
and was mustered out with the regiment. He first settled at
Vickstmrg, Miss., where he was a salesman, but removed to Mis-
souri in 1869, and is at present a breeder of fine poultry at La
Plata, Macon county, Missouri.
COMMISSARY SERGEANT THOMAS J. AVERT was born in
Lexington, Fayette county, Kentucky, in 1836, and enlisted from
Bath, in Mason county, Illinois, as a private in Company D. He
was appointed commissary sergeant at the organization of the
THE; FIELD AND STAFF. 343
regiment, served to the close of the war, and was mustered out
with the regiment.
HOSPITAL STEWARD JAMBS L. HASTINGS was born in
DeKalb, St. Lawrence county, New York, in 1834, removed to Illi-
nois, and enlisted from Mason City. He was chosen sergeant of
Company C at the organization of the company, and at the forma-
tion of the regiment he was appointed hospital steward, serving
in that capacity until the close of the war, and was mustered out
with the regiment. He returned to Mason City at the close of his
service, and was engaged in farming for many years. He served
as postmaster under the Harrison administration, but soon after
the close of his term, removed to Chicago, where he was engaged
in real estate and insurance until his death, which occurred in
1899.
PRINCIPAL MUSICIAN JOHN HAZELRIGG was born in Ken-
tucky in 1828, removed to Illinois, was married, and a carpenter
when he enlisted from Bath as a private in Company D. At the
organization of the regiment he was appointed principal musician.
He served to the close of the war, and was mustered out with the
regiment. The pension office reports his death, but without giving
date or place.
PRINCIPAL MUSICIAN JAMES B. DURDY was born in
Hagerstown, Washington county, Maryland, in 1838, removed to
Illinois, was single, and a printer when he enlisted in Company K
from Bath. He was promoted principal musician, served to the
close of the war, and was mustered out with the regiment. At the
peace he returned to Illinois and followed his trade in Havana,
but finally died an inmate of the Mason county poor house.
PRINCIPAL MUSICIAN ROBERT L DURDY was born in
Hagerstown, Washington county, Maryland, in 1827, removed to
Illinois, was a printer, and enlisted from Bath. He was promoted
principal musician from Company K, but his health failed in the
Kentucky campaign, and he was discharged for disability at New
Market, Ky., December 27, 1862. He returned to Illinois, and
worked at his trade in Havana, where he died many years ago.
344 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
CHAPTER XXVII.
Company A was enrolled by Matthew Langston
under dates running from July 18 to August 15, 1862.
A majority of the men enlisted from Mason county,
although Morgan, Peoria and Tazewell counties were
represented in its ranks. At the organization of the
company the following commissioned officers were
elected : Matthew Langston, captain ; Thomas R. Rob-
erts, first lieutenant, and Dr. John W. Neal, second lieu-
tenant.
Of the 93 officers and men composing the company
1 8 were hit with shot or shell, 10 of whom were killed or
died of wounds. Four officers resigned, 19 men died of
disease, 25 were discharged, 2 were transferred, and I
officer and 31 enlisted men were mustered out with the
regiment.
It is due to the company to say that it maintained a
high standard of discipline throughout, and bore its full
share in making the history of the regiment illustrious.
The following is
THE COMPANY ROSTER.
CAPTAIN MATHBW LANGSTON was born in Rutherford
county, Tennessee, in 1824, and was married and a farmer when
he enlisted from Manito. He was elected captain at the organiza-
tion of the company, and served through the Kentucky campaign,
but resigned at Nashville, Tenn., January 11, 1863. He returned
home, resumed farming, and died March 24, 1896. His widow,
Mrs. Susan Langston, resides at Forest City, 111.
CAPTAIN THOMAS R. ROBERTS was born in Howard
County, Missouri, in 1820, and had been a soldier in the war with
Mexico. He enlisted from Tazewell county, and was elected first
lieutenant at the organization of the company. He was promoted
ROSTER OF COMPANY A. 345
captain January 11, 1863, and served with the regiment until April
15, 1864, when he resigned and returned home. He resumed farm-
ing, but has been dead for a number of years, the date of his death
being unknown to the writer. His widow, Mrs. Lucy Roberts,
resides at Manito, 111.
FIRST LIEUTENANT DANIEL WESTPALL was born in
Allegany county, New York, in 1828, and was married and a
farmer when he enlisted as a private from Manito. He was pro-
moted to be first lieutenant January 11, 1863, and resigned his
commission and returned home on March 25 of the same year. Is
reported to be living in Iowa.
FIRST LIEUTENANT DANIEL HAVENS was born near Win-
chester, Scott county, Illinois, December 13, 1837, and enlisted from
Spring Lake. He was chosen second sergeant at the organization
of the company, was twice wounded at the battle of Perryville,
Ky., and was promoted to be second lieutenant January 11, 1863.
On the 25th of the following March he was promoted to first lieu-
tenant, and commanded the company from the date of the resig-
nation of Captain Roberts until the battle of Peach Tree creek,
Georgia, where he was captured and held in rebel prisons for over
seven months. When exchanged he resumed command of the com-
pany and was mustered out with the regiment. He is a promi-
nent merchant at Manito, in Mason county, where he is now serv-
ing his second term as postmaster.
SECOND LIEUTENANT JOHN W. NEAL was born in Warren
county, Kentucky, in 1833, and was a practicing physician when
he enlisted from Manito. He was elected second lieutenant at the
organization of the company, and served through the Kentucky
campaign. Upon the arrival of the regiment at Nashville, Tenn.,
he tendered his resignation, which was accepted on November 12,
1862. Of his subsequent career the writer has been unable to learn
anything, except that he died December 20, 1894.
FIRST SERGEANT ALBERT G. BEEBE was born in Canan-
daigua, Ontario county, New York, and enlisted from Manito, in
Mason county, Illinois. He was chosen first sergeant at the organ-
ization of the company, was severely wounded at the battle of
Perryville, Ky., October 8, 1862, and was discharged for disability
arising from his wounds on February 11, 1863. He was twenty-
nine years of age when he enlisted, and now, advanced in years, is
residing at Manito, 111.
21
346 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
FIRST SERGEANT JOHN K. MILNER was born in Highland
county, Ohio, in 1837, and was unmarried and a clerk when he
enlisted from Manito, in Mason county. At the organization of
the company he was chosen third sergeant and later he was pro-
moted to first sergeant. He was commissioned second lieutenant
on March 25, 1863, but the company was below the minimum and
he was never mustered. He continued as first sergeant, partici-
pating in all the battles in which the regiment had a part until
the battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia, where he received a gun
shot wound, fell into the hands of the enemy, and died a few days
later at Macon, Ga.
FIRST SERGEANT JAMES GASH was born in Carlisle, Cum-
berland county, England, in 1835, was married and a farmer when
he enlisted from Mason county. He was chosen corporal at the
organization of the company, promoted to first sergeant, served to
the close of the war and was mustered out with the regiment. He
is supposed to have died at Cairo, 111.
SERGEANT WILLIAM M. LANDWITH was born in Tazewell
county, Illinois, in 1835, and was married and a farmer when he
enlisted from Spring Lake. He was chosen fourth sergeant at the
organization of the company, served through the Kentucky cam-
paign, when his health failed and he was discharged for disability
March 23, 1863. He died near Forest City, 111., where his widow,
Susan Landwith, now resides.
SERGEANT JOSIAH STOUT was born in Lambertville, Som-
erset county, New Jersey, July 8, 1836, and was unmarried and a
farmer when he enlisted from Spring Lake. He was chosen fifth
sergeant at the organization of the company, participated in all
the campaigns of the regiment until captured at the battle of
Peach Tree creek, Georgia. After several months spent in various
rebel prisons he was exchanged and returned to duty, was pro-
moted color bearer, carried the flag at the grand review, and was
mustered out with the regiment. He is a carpenter by trade, and
now resides at Centralia, 111.
SERGEANT NEWTON KING was born in Somerville, Somer-
set county, New Jersey, May 2, 1839, and removed with his parents
to Illinois in 1841. He enlisted from Mason county, and was
chosen corporal at the organization of the company. He was pro-
moted to be sergeant March 25, 1863, and participated in all the
ROSTER OF COMPANY A. 347
campaigns in which the regiment was engaged. He was captured
at the battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864, but was
included in the exchange of September 20, 1864, when he returned
to duty, served to the close of the war, and was mustered out with
the regiment. A farmer before the war, he has been a farmer and
merchant since. He removed to Nebraska, and is now a real
estate dealer in Lincoln.
SERGEANT WILLIAM McLAUGHLIN was born in New York
City, January 11, 1842, and removed with his parents to Illinois
in 1857. He enlisted as a private from Mason county, and was
promoted sergeant in September, 1863. He served in all the cam-
paigns in which the regiment had a part, and was captured at the
battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864, but was ex-
changed and returned to duty some two months later. He was
mustered out with the regiment and returned to Mason county,,
where he located on a farm near Manito, where he still resides.
He has served his community both as school director and trustee^
SERGEANT WILLIAM MALONEY was born in Loudoun
county, Virginia, in 1832, and was a married farmer when he en-
listed as a private from Manito, 111. He was promoted to be ser-
geant and served through the war, being honorably discharged
May 22, 1865. A report from the pension office states that he died
September 17, 1890. His widow, Martha A. Maloney, resides at
Manito, 111.
CORPORAL BENJAMIN WHITE was born in Westmoreland
county, Pennsylvania, in 1837, and was unmarried and a farmer
when he enlisted from Spring Lake, 111. He was chosen corporal
at the organization of the company, and served until killed at the
battle of Perryville, Ky., October 8, 1862. His remains are buried
in the national cemetery at Camp Nelson, Kentucky, in No. 251.
CORPORAL JOSEPH F. RODGERS was born in Scott county,
Illinois, in 1841, and was a farmer when he enlisted as a private
from Spring Lake. He was chosen corporal at the organization of
the company, was present at the battle of Perryville, but his
health failed, and he died in the hospital at Bowling Green, Ky.,
November 13, 1862. .
CORPORAL ALONZO McCAIN was born in Peoria county,
Illinois, in 1841, and was a farmer when he enlisted from Spring
Lake. He was chosen corporal at the organization of the com-
348 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
pany, and served with the company until captured at the battle of
Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864. He was held in various
rebel prisons until the close of the war, and was honorably dis-
charged July 22, 1865. He died near Havana, 111., June 24, 1890.
CORPORAL PLEASANT S. TRENT was born in Tennessee in
1819, and was married and a farmer when he enlisted from Mason
county. He was chosen corporal at the organization of the com-
pany, served through all the campaigns in which the command
was engaged, and was mustered out with the regiment. He re-
turned to Mason county, and died near Havana, February 15, 1892.
CORPORAL GEORGE W. SMITH was born in Scott county,
Illinois, in 1836, and was married and a farmer when he enlisted
from Mason county. He was chosen corporal at the organization
of the company, served to the close of the war, but was absent
(sick) at the muster out of the regiment.
CORPORAL GEORGE M. WELCH was born in Cumberland
county, Pennsylvania, in 1837, and was married and a farmer when
he enlisted from Mason county. He was chosen corporal at the
organization of the company, served through the Kentucky cam-
paign, and died at Nashville, Tenn., December 26, 1862. His re-
mains are buried at No. 6156 in the national cemetery near that
city.
CORPORAL LEVI S. ANNO was born in Petersburg, Menard
county, Illinois, January I, 1837, and was married and a mechanic
when he enlisted as a private from Mason county. He was pro-
moted to be corporal, served to the close of the war, and was mus-
tered out with the regiment. He is a wagonmaker, and has served
as school director. He had four brothers in the Union army, one
of whom was a member of the Eighty-fifth, and was mortally
wounded at the battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia. Levi S. re-
moved to Texas in 1878, and now resides at Kingston, in Hunt
county.
CORPORAL CALVIN W. BOON was born in Union county,
Pennsylvania, in 1841, and was married and a farmer when he
enlisted as a private from Tazewell county. He was promoted
corporal and served with his company until severely wounded at
the assault on Kennesaw mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864. He
was removed to the hospital at Chattanooga, Tenn., where he died
July 14, 1864. His remains are buried in No. 11,809 in the national
cemetery on Orchard Knob near Chattanooga.
ROSTER OF COMPANY A. 349
CORPORAL WILSON CLINE, aged eighteen, farmer, born in
Morgan county, Illinois, and enlisted from his native county.
Served through the Kentucky campaign, and was discharged at
Nashville, Tenn., for disability, August 19, 1863. He returned to
Illinois, and is said to be farming near Waverly, in Morgan
county.
MUSICIAN GEORGE W. S. BOBBITT was born in Mason coun-
ty in 1843, and was a musician when he enlisted from his native
county. He served to the close of the war and was mustered out
with the regiment. He is supposed to be living at Geneva, Neb.
MUSICIAN DAVID P. BLACK was born in Blair county, Penn-
sylvania, March 6, 1842, and with his parents removed to Illinois
in 1857. He enlisted from Mason county, served to the close of the
war, and was mustered out with the regiment. Returning to
Mason county he engaged in farming, has served as school direc-
tor, and was treasurer of the school board for ten years. He now
resides at Manito, 111., where he has served as trustee and presi-
dent of the town board.
WAGONER JOEL C. SUMMERS was born in Union county,
Illinois, in 1826, and was married and a farmer when he enlisted
from Mason county. He served to the close of the war, and was
mustered out with the regiment, but no one seems to know about
his subsequent career.
JOHN F. ANNO was born in Chillicothe, Ross county, Ohio, in
1830, and was married and a farmer when he enlisted from Mason
county. He served in all the campaigns in which the regiment
participated, was wounded at the battle of Peach Tree creek, Geor-
gia, July 19, 1864, in the right arm, side and back, and died of
wounds July 25, 1864.
JAMES P. ARNETT was born in Menard county, Illinois, in
1841, and was a farmer when he enlisted from Mason county. He
served through the Kentucky campaign, and died at Nashville,
Tenn., February 17, 1863. His remains are buried in No. 50 in the
national cemetery near that city.
FRANCIS M. A LYE A was born in Porter county, Indiana, in
1839, and was a married farmer when he enlisted from Mason
county, Illinois. He served with his company in all the campaigns
in which the regiment was engaged, and was mustered out with
the regiment. He removed to Oklahoma in 1889, and engaged in
350 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
farming until his death, which occurred at Kingfisher, February
26, 1900.
JOHN W. ALYEA was born in Porter county, Indiana, April
15, 1842, and removed with his parents to Illinois in 1851, and was
a farmer when he enlisted from Spring Lake. He served through
the Kentucky campaign, and while at Nashville, Tenn., was de-
tailed as gunner in Fort Negley some three months. He partici-
pated in the battles of Kennesaw Mountain, Peach Tree creek and
Jonesiboro, and was a mounted forager on the march to the sea
and through the Carolinas. He was captured in North Carolina,
and held in Salsbury, Danville and Libby prisons until the close
of the war. He was honorably discharged June 17, 1865. He re-
moved to Oklahoma in 1889 ,where he is engaged in farming, his
address being Kingfisher, Oklahoma.
JOHN M. ALBIN was born in Carroll county, Indiana, in 1839,
and was a married farmer when he enlisted from Spring Lake.
He served with his company to the close of the war and was mus-
tered out with the regiment.
REUBEN W. BARTRAM was born in Jersey county, Illinois,
in 1843, and was a farmer when he enlisted from Spring Lake. He
served to the close of the war, but was absent (sick) at muster out
of the regiment. He was honorably discharged ,and now resides
at Manito, Mason county, Illinois.
JOHN A. BOON was born in New Berlin, Union county, Penn-
sylvania, November 17, 1839, and removed with his parents to
Illinois in 1849. He was a married farmer when he enlisted from
Mason county, served with his company through all the cam-
paigns in which the regiment had a part, and was mustered out
with the regiment. He removed to Nebraska in 1872, and was
residing at Utica, in Seward county, where he died on November
24, 1899, and was buried by his comrades of the Grand Army of the
Republic.
JAMES M. BRADBURN was born in Perryville, Vermillion
county, Indiana, February 18, 1842, removed with his parents to
Illinois in 1844, and enlisted from Tazewell county. He served to
the close of the war, for a year or more being mounted as a scout
at brigade headquarters, and was mustered out with the regiment.
He removed to Missouri in 1872, where he has served as school
director, and is now residing on a farm near Metz, in Vernon
county, Missouri.
ROSTER OF COMPANY A. 351
JOHN W. BRADBURN was born in Vermillion county, Indi-
ana, in 1836, and was an unmarried farmer when he enlisted from
Tazewell county. His health failed while in the Kentucky cam-
paign, and he died at Bowling Green, Ky., November 1, 1862.
JAMES M. BRADBURN, JR., was born in Vermillion county,
Indiana, in 1844, and enlisted from Tazewell county, Illinois,
served to the'close of the war and was mustered out with the regi-
ment. He was wounded in the assault on Kennesaw Mountain,
Georgia, but soon returned to his company. He settled on a farm
near Perryville, Ind., where he died soon after the close of the war.
JACOB BORTZFIELD was born in Wayne county, Indiana,
December 9, 1839, and enlisted from Tazewell county, Illinois. He
served with his company to the close of the war and was mustered
out with the regiment. Since the war he has served as postmaster
twelve years, justice of the peace thirteen years, and as constable
eight years. He is now a grain dealer and resides in Parkland,
Tazewell county, Illinois.
JOHN BORTZFIELD, JR., was born in Wayne county, Indi-
ana, in 1842, and enlisted from Mason county. He had been a
farmer, served through all the campaigns to Resaca, Ga., where he
was slightly wounded. At Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July 19,
1864, he was wounded in the right leg and was discharged for
wounds, February 7, 1865.
WILLIAM BORTZFIELD was born in Wayne county, Indiana,
in 1838, and was a married farmer when he dnlisted from Taze-
well county. He served with his company until severely wounded
at the battle of Peach Tree creek, July 19, 1864. His left leg was
amputated, and he was shot in the left shoulder. He died in the
hospital at Chattanooga, Tenn., August 14, 1864, and was buried
in grave No. 2045 in the national cemetery on Orchard Knob.
GIBSON BASS was born in Tazewell county, Illinois, in 1832,
and was married and a farmer when he enlisted from his native
county. He was wounded in the battle of Perryville, Ky., Octo-
ber 8, 1862, recovered and returned to duty with his company, but
died in the hospital July 3, 1863. His remains are buried at No.
3417 in the national cemetery at Nashville, Tenn.
JOHN W. BOOTH was born in Sangamon county, Illinois, in
1844, and enlisted as a farmer from Tazewell county. He served
with his company until his health failed in the Chattanooga cam-
352 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
paign, when he was sent to the hospital, where he died November
21, 1863. His remains are buried at No. 6398 in the national cem-
etery at Chattanooga, Tenn.
WILLIAM D. BLIZZARD was born in Sangamon county, Illi-
nois, in 1844, and enlisted as a farmer from Tazewell county. He
served to the close of the war and was mustered out with the regi-
ment. He is supposed to be living at Topeka, in Mason county,
Illinois.
HEZEKIAH BARNES was born in Mason county, Illinois, in
1844, and enlisted as a farmer from his native county. He served
to the close of the war and was mustered out with the regiment.
JOHN F. COX was born in Morgan county, Illinois, in 1830, and
was unmarried and a farmer when he enlisted from Mason county.
He was discharged for disability October 23, 1862.
JOHN COX was born in Morgan county, Illinois, and was mar-
ried and a farmer when he enlisted from Manito, in Mason county.
He was discharged for disability at the age of thirty-four years,
October 23, 1862. His widow, Mary E. Cox, is proprietor of the
Cottage House, Manito, 111.
ISAAC COGDALL was born in Menard county, Illinois, in 1844,
and enlisted from Manito, in Mason county, as a farmer. He
served with his company to the close of the war, and was mustered
out with the regiment. He is supposed to be living at Effingham,
Effingham county, Illinois.
ELI M. COGDALL was born in Petersburg, Menard county, Illi-
nois, June 10, 1836, and was a married mechanic when he enlisted
from Manito, in Mason county. He served through the Kentucky
and Murfreesboro campaigns, and was discharged at Nashville,
Tenn., for disability March 8, 1863. He is a carpenter and builder
and resides at Manito, 111.
EDMUND CRATTY was born in Trenton, N. J., in 1832, and
was married and a farmer when he enlisted from Manito, in Mason
county. His health failed in the Kentucky campaign, and he was
left in the hospital at Danville. He is erroneously marked absent
(sick) at the muster out of the regiment, when in fact he died
December 26, 1862, and his remains were buried at No. 193 in the
national cemetery at Danville, Ky.
ROSTER OF COMPANY A. 353
ANDREW CONLEY was born in Indiana in 1841, removed to
Illinois and enlisted as a farmer from Tazewell county. He served
through the Kentucky campaign, and died in the hospital at Nash-
ville, Tenn., February 12, 1863. He was buried in the national
cemetery at No. 6671.
WILLIAM P. CHARLTON was born in Pike county, Illinois,
in 1841, and was a farmer when he enlisted from Tazewell county.
He served with his company to the close of the war, and was mus-
tered out with the regiment.
PHILLIP CLINE was 'born in Exeter, Scott county, Illinois,
January 3, 1839, and enlisted as a farmer from Morgan county.
He participated in all the campaigns and battles in which the regi-
ment was engaged, was a mounted scout at brigade headquarters
part of the term of service, and was mustered out with the regi-
ment. He is farming near Harrisonville, Cass county, Missouri,
having removed to that state in 1886.
JOHN R. DANIELS was born in Tazewell county, Illinois, in
1841, and was a farmer when he enlisted from his native county.
He served with his company until his health failed, and he was
transferred to the invalid corps on February 15, 1864.
JOHN FURGUSON was born in Menard county, Illinois, in
1841, and was a farmer when he enlisted from Manito, in Mason
county. He served to the close of the war and was mustered out
with the regiment. He returned to Illinois, and is reported to
have died near Forest City, where his widow now resides.
ALEXANDER FURGUSON was born in Menard county, Illi-
nois, in 1839, and was a married farmer when he enlisted from
Mason county. He served to the close of the war, but was absent
(sick) when the regiment was mustered out. He was honorably
discharged from the hospital at New Albany, Ind., but the date is
not known. A letter has been returned to the writer from his last
known address, Neosho Falls, Kan., unclaimed.
FRANKLIN GILLMORE was born in Menard county, Illinois,
in 1841, and was a farmer when he enlisted from Mason county.
His health soon failed, and he died in the hospital at Harrods-
burg, Ky., November 8, 1862. His remains are interred in the
national cemetery at Camp Nelson, Ky., in grave No. 361.
JAMES F. GILLMORE was born in Mason county, Illinois, in
1840, and was married and a farmer when he enlisted from his na-
354 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
tive county. He served with his company through the Kentucky
campaign, and was discharged for disability January 30, 1863, at
Nashville, Tenn.
DAVID A. GORDON was born in Cumberland county, Pennsyl-
vania, removed to Illinois, and was married and a farmer when he
enlisted from Mason county. He was left at the hospital in Dan-
ville, Ky., a few days after the battle of Perryville, where he died
October 27, 1862, at the age of thirty-eight years. His remains are
buried at No. 91 in the national cemetery at Danville, Ky.
JOHN S. GARDNER was born in Franklin county, Vermont, in
1828, and was married and a farmer when he enlisted from Mason
county. He served through the Kentucky campaign, and died at
Nashville, Tenn., April 26, 1863. Is buried at No. 1285 in the na-
tional cemetery at Nashville.
GEORGE HOWELL was born in Union county, Pennsylvania,
in 1842, and was a married farmer when he enlisted from Taze-
well county, Illinois. He served with his company through the
Kentucky campaign, but fell sick and died at Nashville, Tenn.,
April 5, 1863, and is buried at No. 7262 in the hallowed ground of
the national cemetery near that city.
HENRY HOWELL, aged thirty-five, was born in Union county,
Pennsylvania, and was a married farmer when he enlisted from
Tazewell county, Illinois. He died at Louisville, Ky., in 1862, but
the exact date is unknown. He is buried in No. 1662 in the na-
tional cemetery at Cave Hill.
WILLIAM C. HARRISON was born in Montreal, Lower Can-
ada, in 1836. He enlisted from Peoria, 111., as a farmer, and served
with the company until November 12, 1863, when he was trans-
ferred to the invalid corps. When last heard from he was resid-
ing at Pekin, 111.
SAMUEL JACKSON was born in Tazewell county, Illinois, In
1841, and was a farmer when he enlisted from Manito. He served
to the close of the war and was mustered out with the regiment.
He returned to Illinois and died at Havana, June 20, 1895.
BENJAMIN E. JORDAN was born in Ireland in 1841, and was
a farmer when he enlisted from Tazewell county. He served with
his company until the battle of Peach Tree creek, July 19, 1864,
when he was captured and held by the enemy until the close of
ROSTER OF COMPANY A. 355
the war. He was honorably discharged at Camp Chase, Ohio,
April 28, 1865.
SAMUEL JONES was bora in Cumberland county, Pennsyl-
vania, March 5, 1839, and was a married farmer when he enlisted
from Mason county. He served with his company throughout the
war, and was mustered out with the regiment. He returned to
Illinois and resumed farming near Bryant station, in Fulton
county, but a year or so later he removed to Mason county, where
he has since been engaged as a painter and farmer. He resides at
Mason City.
DANIEL KOOZER was born in Peoria, 111., in 1841, and was a
farmer when he enlisted from Tazewell county. He served with,
his company until mounted as a scout at brigade headquarters,
and was wounded while scouting near the close of the campaign in
the Carolinas. He died from the effects of this wound at Golds-
boro, N. C., March 27, 1S65, his remains being buried at No. 106
in the national cemetery at Raleigh, N. C.
DAVID KRATZER was born in Union county, Pennsylvania,
1839, and was an unmarried farmer when he enlisted from Taze-
well county, Illinois. He served with his company until wounded
in the assault on Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864, and
died from the effects of wounds at Big Shanty, Ga., June 29, 1864.
WILLIAM T. LANGSTON was born near Winchester, Scott
county, Illinois, January 10, 1844, and enlisted from Manito, in
Mason county. He served with his company to the close of the
war and was mustered out with the regiment. He removed to
Kansas in 1877, and engaged in farming in Dickinson county until
1890, when he removed to Abilene, where he is engaged in shoe-
making.
ARELIUS LAYTON was born in Scott county, Illinois, in 1831,
and was married and a farmer when he enlisted from Tazewell
county. He served with his company through the Kentucky cam-
paign, but fell sick at Nashville and died December 1, 1862. His
remains are buried in grave No. 6457 in the national cemetery at
Nashville, Tenn.
HIRAM MASON was born in McLean county, Illinois, in 1841,
and enlisted as a farmer from Tazewell county. His health failed
in the Kentucky campaign, and he died at Louisville, Ky., Decem-
ber 23, 1862. Is buried at No. 1222 in the national cemetery at
Cave Hill, near Louisville, Ky.
356 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
JOSEPH A. MAYES was born in Logan county, Kentucky, in
1834, was married and enlisted as a farmer from Pekin, 111. He
served with his company to the close of the war, but was absent
(sick in the hospital at Alexandria, Va.) when the regiment was
mustered out. He was honorably discharged later, and now re-
sides at Naron, Pratt county, Kansas.
LEMUEL Y. NASH was born in Slaterville, Tompkins county,
New York, in 1833, and was unmarried when he enlisted from
Mason county, Illinois, as a wagonmaker. He was killed at the
battle of Perryville, Ky., October 8, 1862, and his remains are bur-
ied in grave No. 253 in the national cemetery at Camp Nelson, Ky.
JACOB PARKS was born in Madison county, Kentucky, in
1837, and was single and a farmer when he enlisted from Tazewell
county, Illinois. He served to the close of the war and was mus-
tered out with the regiment, but the writer has been unable to
learn anything about his subsequent career.
IDEA F. PETERS was born in Germany in 1841, emigrated to
America and enlisted as a single farmer from Mason county, Illi-
nois. He served through the Kentucky campaign, but fell sick at
Nashville, and died on May 2, 1863. His remains are buried in No.
957 in the national cemetery near Nashville, Tenn.
ROBERT PRINGLE was born in Newcastle, on the River
Tyne, England, in 1845. In 1849 he emigrated with his parents
and settled in Illinois, enlisting from Mason county. He served
with his company in all the campaigns in which the command
was engaged, and was mustered out with the regiment. He re-
moved to Nebraska in 1874, and served as school director and as-
sessor in Box Butte county. He also served as first sergeant in
the National Guard of Nebraska for eight years. He is a plasterer
and resides since 1894 at Hot Springs, S. D.
BEAUROP PEMBERTON, aged nineteen, born in Menard
county, Illinois, and enlisted from Spring Lake. His health failed
in the Kentucky campaign, and he was lefc in the hospital at
Bowling Green, from which he was discharged January 10, 1863.
WILLIAM J. PEMBERTON was born in Menard county, Illi-
nois, in 1841, and enlisted as a farmer from Tazewell county. He
was discharged for disability from the hospital at Bowling Green,
Ky., January 24, 1863.
ROSTER OF COMPANY A. 357
LEWIS POSTER was born in Tazewell county, Illinois, in 1839,
and enlisted as an unmarried farmer from Manito. He was dis-
charged for disability from the hospital at Bowling Green, Ky.,
January 19, 1863.
JOHN W. PRICE was born in Ross county, Ohio, in 1844, and
was a farmer when he enlisted from Mason county, Illinois. He
served with his company to the close of the war, and was mus-
tered out with the regiment. He is supposed to be living at Wy-
oming, Stark county, Illinois.
CHARLES W. REAGAN was born in Vigo county, Indiana, in
1841, and enlisted as a farmer from Manito, 111. He served with
his company until killed at the battle of Peach Tree creek, Geor-
gia, July 19, 1864. His remains are buried in No. 1909 in the hal-
lowed ground of the national cemetery at Marietta, Ga.
HIRAM D. REAGAN was born in Nelson county, Kentucky, in
1819, was married and a wagonmaker when he enlisted from Man-
ito, 111. He served to the close of the war, and was honorably dis-
charged from the hospital at Quincy, 111., June 22, 1865. He re-
sides at Mason City, 111.
ROSS SHAW was born in Somerset county, New Jersey, Sep-
tember 13, 1838, and removed to Illinois in 1858. He enlisted from
Tazewell county as a farmer, and served through the Kentucky
campaign with his company, but was afterward transferred to
the One Hundred and Fifty-fifth company of the Veteran Reserve
corps, and served in that organization to the close of the war. He
was honorably discharged from Nashville, Tenn., where he had
been stationed for a year or more. He removed to Minnesota in
1872 and engaged in farming. He has served his fellow-citizens
as clerk of the school board, justice of the peace and county treas-
urer. His address is Westport, Pope county, Minnesota.
PHILLIP SANIT was born in Germany in 1844, emigrated to
America and enlisted from Tazewell county, Illinois. He served
with his company until killed at the battle of Peach Tree creek,
Georgia, July 19, 1864. His remains are buried in grave No. 1908
in the national cemetery at Marietta, Ga.
HENRY R. STREETER was born in Iras-burg, Orleans county,
Vermont, in 1836, and removed to Pekin, 111., where he enlisted as
a married farmer. He served with his company until wounded in
the assault on Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864. His
358 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
wound caused the amputation of a leg, and he was honorably dis-
charged from the hospital at New Albany, Ind., at the close of the
war. He died December 3, 1875.
WILLIAM S. SMICK was born in Menard county, Illinois, in
1831, and was unmarried and a farmer when he enlisted from
Tazewell county. He served with the company until near the
close of the war, but was absent (sick) at the muster out of the
regiment.
DALLAS A. TRENT was born in Springfield, 111., in 1844, and
enlisted as a farmer from Mason county. He served with his
company until captured at the battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia,
July 19, 1864. He was exchanged, returned to duty, and was mus-
tered out with the regiment. He resides at Manito, Mason county,
Illinois.
WILLIAM M. THOMPSON was born in Overton county, Ten-
nessee, February 4, 1844, removed to Illinois in 1861, and enlisted
as a farmer from Morgan county. He was slightly wounded at
the battle of Perryville, Ky., but recovered and served with the
company until taken sick at Mitchellville, Tenn., and was sent to
the hospital at Bowling Green, Ky. He was discharged for disa-
bility on January 10, 1863, and returned to his home in Illinois.
He removed to Norman, Cleveland county, Oklahoma, in October,
1898, where he is now engaged in farming and railroading.
JOHN B. TALBOT was born in Shelby county, Kentucky, in
1819, and was married and a merchant when he enlisted from
Mason county, Illinois. He served with the company to the close
of the war, and was mustered out with the regiment. He is re-
ported to have died on July 29, 1898.
THOMAS TRENT was born in Menard county, Illinois, in 1833,
and was married and a farmer when he enlisted from Tazewell
county. He served with the company until the war closed, and
was mustered out with the regiment. He returned to Illinois and
now resides in Havana.
JOHN P. VANDEUSEN was born in Columbia county, New
York, in 1844, and enlisted as a farmer from Tazewell county, Illi-
nois. He served through the Kentucky campaign, but was taken
sick at Nashville, Tenn., and was sent to the hospital, where he
died March 3, 1863. His remains are buried at No. 673 in the na-
tional cemetery near Nashville, Tenn.
ROSTER OF COMPANY A. 359
DAVID WOOD was born in Scotland in 1841, emigrated to Illi-
nois, and enlisted as a farmer from Mason county. He served
with the company until captured in the battle of Peach Tree creek,
Georgia, July 19, 1864. He was exchanged and returned to duty
and was mustered out with the regiment.
JOHN A. WOOD, aged twenty-three years, enlisted as an un-
married farmer from Tazewell county, but the place of his birth
is not given. He served with the company through the Kentucky
campaign, but was discharged for disability at Nashville, Tenn.,
February 10, 1863. He is supposed to be living in Blackhawk
county, Iowa.
WESLEY J. WHITTAKER was born in Preble county, Ohio,
in 1844, and enlisted as a farmer from Tazewell county, Illinois.
He served with his company through the Kentucky campaign, and
died in the hospital at Nashville, Tenn., December 20, 1862. His
remains are buried at No. 5097 in the national cemetery near that
city.
MARTIN L. WHITE was born at Sellins Grove, Union county,
Tennessee, in 1842, and enlisted as a farmer from Tazewell county,
Illinois. He served with the company through the Kentucky cam-
paign, and died in the hospital in the capital of his native state,
December 13, 1862. Is buried in grave No. 6890 in the national
cemetery at Nashville, Tenn.
WILLIAM McLAFFLIN deserted at Peoria, 111.
360 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
Company B was enrolled at Havana by James R.
Griffith between July 18 and August 22, 1862. This
company was credited to Mason, but in fact very many
of the men enlisted from Fulton county. Unfortu-
nately the muster-in roll of this company is defective,
seldom if ever giving the residence at enlistment, and
not often the occupation or birth-place of the men.
At the organization of the company the following
commissioned officers were elected : James R. Griffith,
captain; Charles W. Pierce, first lieutenant, and John A.
Mallory. second lieutenant.
The company was mustered in with 96 officers and
men, of whom 1 1 were killed in battle or died of wounds
received in action, and 19 were wounded who lived to be
discharged or mustered out, 12 died of disease, 22 were
discharged, 6 were transferred, and but 33 were present
at the final muster out.
During the three years' service Company B was
never found wanting, and now at the end of thirty-five
years its survivors look with pride upon its record.
Three of its members lost an arm and seven were killed
within thirty minutes at the battle of Peach Tree creek.
The following is
THE COMPANY ROSTER.
CAPTAIN JAMES R. GRIFFITH (promoted lieutenant col-
onel, see field and staff).
FIRST LIEUTENANT CHARLES W. PIERCE was born in
Benton, Yates county, New York, October 7, 1823, removed to
Illinois in 1855, and was a mechanic when he enlisted from Ha-
vana. He was elected first lieutenant at the organization of the
ROSTER OF COMPANY B. 361
company, served through the Kentucky campaign and until No-
vember 2, 1863, when he was transferred to the Veteran Reserve
corps, was slightly wounded at the battle of Perry ville, Ky,, Oc-
tober 8, 1862. He acted as sub-commissioner of refugees, freed-
men, and abandoned lands for a district composed of fifteen coun-
ties in western Alabama, under General Swain, was promoted
major, and was mustered out with that rank at Demopolis, Ala.,
January 1, 1868. He was assessor of internal revenue for the First
district of Alabama and a member of the fortieth congress from
the Fourth district of that state. He removed to Nebraska in
1872, was a member of the constitutional convention in 1875, was
twice a member of the state senate, and served a term as register
of the United States land office. He is engaged in farming and
stock raising, and resides at Waverly, Lancaster county, Nebraska.
FIRST LIEUTENANT ALBERT D. CADWALLADER waa
born in Harveysburgh, Warren county, Ohio, July 25, 1846, re-
moved with his parents to Illinois in 1855, and was attending
school when he enlisted from Havana, 111. He was chosen cor-
poral at the organization of the company, promoted first sergeant
in 1863 and to first lieutenant November 2, 1863. He was slightly
wounded at Buzzard Roost, Ga., February 25, 1864, and received a
wound at the battle of Peach Tree creek July 19, 1864, which
caused the loss of his right arm and disabled him for further ser-
vice. He was honorably discharged April 4, 1865, returned home,
studied telegraphy and became quite an expert in that line, was
connected with the Chicago and Alton railroad for several years,
was afterwards postmaster at Lincoln, 111., where he now resides,
for seventeen years, read law and was admitted to the bar in 1883,
and is now clerk of the supreme court, central grand division of
Illinois, with headquarters at Springfield.
FIRST LIEUTENANT JOHN W. PATTON was born in Ha-
vana, Mason county, Illinois, August 9, 1844, and was attending
school when he enlisted as a private from his native town. He
served with his company to the close of the war, was promoted
sergeant, and on May 19, 1865, to be first lieutenant. He was mus-
tered out with the regiment, and returned to Havana, 111., where
he learned and worked at the trade of a carpenter. Between the
years 1872 and 1879 he served as marshal and deputy sheriff of
Mason county, removed to Colorado in 1879. Is a carpenter and
builder and now resides at Canon City, Fremont county, Colorado.
22
362 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
SECOND LIEUTENANT JOHN A. MALLORY enlisted as a
private from Havana at the age of thirty-two years, and was
elected second lieutenant at the organization of the company. He
served in that capacity through the Kentucky campaign, and re-
signed his commission at Nashville, Tenn., January 24, 1863, and
returned home. He died November 25, 1893.
SECOND LIEUTENANT GEORGE MYERS enlisted from Ha-
vana at the age of thirty-six years, and was chosen sergeant at the
organization of the company. He was promoted second lieutenant
January 24, 1863, and served with his company until January 24,
1864, when he resigned and returned home. When last heard
from he was living in Florida.
FIRST SERGEANT WILLIAM S. ALLEN (promoted sergeant
major, see field and staff).
FIRST SERGEANT GEORGE D. PRIOR enlisted at the age of
twenty-six, and was chosen second sergeant at the organization
of the company. He was promoted to be first sergeant, and served
with his company until killed at the battle of Peach Tree creek,
Georgia, July 19, 1864. His remains are buried at No. 1910 in the
national cemetery at Marietta, Ga.
FIRST SERGEANT CHARLES T. KISLER was born in Wash-
ington county, Pennsylvania, February 15, 1842, and removed with
his parents to Illinois in 1855. He was a farmer when he enlisted
as a private from Mason county. While the regiment was at
Louisville, Ky., he was detached and placed in charge of confis-
cated property. He was slightly wounded at the battle of Peach
Tree creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864, and was promoted to be first
sergeant. He was commissioned captain on May 19, 1865, but the
company was then too small to permit his muster, and he was
mustered out with the regiment as first sergeant. He returned to
Mason county, where he is engaged in farming, and now resides in
Havana, 111.
SERGEANT JOHN G. AKERSON enlisted as a private from
Fulton county at the age of thirty-three, and was chosen sergeant
at the organization of the company. He served with his com-
pany through the Kentucky campaign, and was discharged for dis-
ability at Nashville, Tenn., February 8, 1863. He returned to
Fulton county, and now resides at Lewistown, 111.
SERGEANT ISRAEL J. ALDEN enlisted as a private at the
age of thirty-three years, and was honored by his comrades by
ROSTER OF COMPANY B. 363
being chosen sergeant at the organization of the company. But
their confidence in his loyalty was misplaced, and he appears to
have made a business of "leaping of the bounty." He deserted
anil enlisted in the Eighth Missouri, deserted and joined the Six-
tieth Illinois, was arrested and returned to Company B, and finally
deserted again May 13, 1865. His subsequent career is unknown
to the writer, but it has doubtless been downward, if he ever found
lower depths for his peculiar genius to explore.
SERGEANT JOHN H. CLEVELAND enlisted from Mason
county at the age of twenty-five years, was chosen corporal at the
organization of the company, and was promoted sergeant. He
served with his company through all the campaigns and battles in
which the regiment was engaged until wounded at the battle of
Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864. As a result of this wound
his right arm was amputated, and he was confined in the hospital
to the close of the war. He was absent on account of wounds
when the regiment was mustered out, and was honorably dis-
charged from the hospital soon after. A piece of a percussion cap
from his gun struck him in the face in one of the battles he was
engaged in, making what was thought at the time an insignificant
scratch. But that slight wound never healed, and now he is sup-
posed to be dying at his home in Easton, 111., from the effects of
a wound from the poisonous cap.
SERGEANT THORNTON S. PIERCE was twenty-two years of
age when he enlisted from Mason county as a private. He was
promoted sergeant and served with his company through all the
campaigns the command was engaged in until he was wounded in
the wrist and right arm at the assault on Kennesaw Mountain,
Georgia. He died from the shock of his wounds during the night
of June 27, 1864.
SERGEANT THOMAS CLUNEY, aged nineteen years, enlisted
as a private and served with his company to the close of the war.
He was slightly wounded at the battle of Peach Tree creek, was
promoted sergeant, and was mustered out with the regiment. He
returned to Fulton county, and now resides at Bernadotte, 111.
CORPORAL ISAAC MANN, aged thirty years, enlisted from
Fulton county, and was chosen corporal at the organization of the
company. He served with his company to the close of the war
and was mustered out with the regiment. He returned to Fulton
364 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
county and was a farmer near Sepo, 111., when he died about Sep-
tember 1, 1900.
CORPORAL WARREN TIPPBY, aged twenty-one, enlisted
from Fulton county, and was chosen corporal at the organization
of the company. He served with the command until killed at the
battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864. Is buried at
No. 1913, in the national cemetery at Marietta., Ga.
CORPORAL ABNER EVELAND, aged forty-one, enlisted as a
farmer from Fulton county, and was chosen corporal at the organ-
ization of the company. He served through the Kentucky cam-
paign, and was discharged for disability, April 22, 1863. He re-
turned to Fulton county and engaged in farming, and died near
Sepo, 111., in about 1875.
CORPORAL JOSEPH K. BISHOP, aged thirty-three, enlisted
from Mason county, and was chosen corporal at the organization
of the company. He served to the close of the war and was mus-
tered out with the regiment. He returned to Mason county, and
was living in Havana when he was killed by lightning November,
1888.
CORPORAL ELLIS BOWMAN, aged thirty-eight, enlisted as a
farmer from Fulton county, and was chosen corporal at the organ-
ization of the company. He served through the Kentucky cam-
paign, and was discharged for disability, February 8, 1863. He
returned to Illinois, resumed farming and died near Sepo, in Ful-
ton county, in a"bout 1875.
CORPORAL THOMAS C. EATON was born in the County of
Kent, England, September 29, 1838, and emigrated with his par-
ents to Illinois in October, 1850. He enlisted as a farmer from
Mason county, and was chosen corporal at the organization of the
company. He drove team occasionally on the Kentucky campaign
and while at Nashville, Tenn., he was detailed to drive the bri-
gade headquarters team, and drove the team through all the cam-
paigns the command was engaged in, and was mustered out with
the regiment. He returned to Mason county and engaged in farm-
ing and grain dealing, has seven children and thirteen grand-chil-
dren, owns a thousand acres of land, has served on the drainage
commission, and has long been the treasurer of the regimental
association. He resides in Havana, 111.
ROSTER OF COMPANY B. 365
CORPORAL LEWIS BOARMASTER, aged forty-one, enlisted
as a private, was promoted to be corporal and served with his
company until killed at the battle of Jonesboro, Ga., September
1, 1864. His remains are buried at No. 3284 in the national ceme-
tery at Marietta, Ga.
CORPORAL JAMES GREATHOUSE, aged thirty-three, en-
listed as a private from Mason county, and served through all the
campaigns in which his company was engaged, was promoted cor-
poral, and mustered out with the regiment. He returned to Illi-
nois, and now resides in Bath, Mason county, Illinois.
CORPORAL THOMAS HUTTON, aged forty-three, enlisted as
a private : was promoted to corporal, served to the close of the
war, and was mustered out with the regiment. He returned to
Illinois, and died in the Mason county poor house in 1868.
CORPORAL JOHN JOHNSTON, aged eighteen, enlisted as a
private, was promoted corporal, and served with his company
until killed at the battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July 19,
1864. His remains are buried in the national cemetery at Mari-
etta, Ga., at No. 1911.
CORPORAL MASSENA B. NOTT was born in Morgan county,
Ohio, July 19, 1839, and removed with his parents to Illinois in
1855. He enlisted from Fulton county as a private, served through
the Kentucky campaign with his company, and at Nashville,
Tenn., he was detailed to man the guns in Company I, Second Illi-
nois, Light artillery, serving fourteen months, when he returned
to his company. He was promoted corporal, served to the close of
the war, and was mustered out with the regiment. He returned
to Fulton county, resumed farming, and now resides at Lewis-
town, 111.
CORPORAL ALEX C. RATLIFF, aged twenty-three, enlisted
from Fulton county as a private, was promoted corporal and
served with the company to the close of the war, and was mus-
tered out with the regiment. He returned to Fulton county and
died in about 1880.
CORPORAL DAVID SIGLEY, son of Daniel Sigley and Eliza
Atkins, was born in Hanging Rock, Lawrence county, Ohio, Janu-
ary 13, 1S39, and removed with his parents to Kentucky in 1843.
From there he removed to Illinois in 1851, and enlisted as a farmer
from Havana, in Mason county. He was promoted corporal, and
366 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
served through all the campaigns in which the regiment was en-
gaged until disabled by wounds. He was twice slightly wounded
at Kennesaw Mountain, and at the battle of Peach Tree creek,
Georgia, July 19, 1864, he was severely wounded in both arms and
fell into the hands of the enemy. One wound caused the amputa-
tion of his right arm near the shoulder, but it was a busy time
with the rebel surgeons, and his wounds were not dressed until
they arrived at Macon, Ga., on the 27th. He was confined in
prison at Andersonville and Milan, and exchanged at Savannah,
Ga., November 21, 1864. He was honorably discharged from the
general hospital at Camp Chase, Ohio, August 2, 1865, after recov-
ering from a second amputation. He resides at Havana, 111.
CORPORAL ISAAC G. BASH, aged twenty-one, enlisted as a
private, was promoted corporal and transferred to the invalid
corps. This transfer must have been made after he served through
the Kentucky campaign, and probably while the regiment was on
garrison duty at Nashville, Tenn. But the writer has been unable
to find ttie date of transfer or anytt'ng relating to his subsequent
career.
MUSICIAN ALONZO F. KREBAUM was born in Lewis town,
Fulton county, Illinois, May 15, 1844, enlisted from that county,
and was appointed musician at the organization of the company.
He was slightly wounded at the battle of Chickamauga, Ga., Sep-
tember 20, 1863, but served to the close of the war, and was mus-
tered out with the regiment. He returned to his native county at
the return of peace, is an engineer, and resides at Duncan's Mills,
Fulton county, Illinois.
MUSICIAN JASPER N. WILCOX, aged eighteen, was ap-
pointed musician at the organization of the company, and served
with his company until the command reached Bowling Green, Ky.,
where he was sent to the hospital. He died December 18, 1862, and
his remains are buried at No. 10858 in the national cemetery at
Nashville, Tenn.
WAGONER WILLIAM R. STULL, aged forty-four years at
enlistment, and was appointed wagoner at the organization of the
company. He served to the close of the war, but was absent (sick)
at the muster out of the regiment. He was honorably discharged
from the hospital at New Albany, Ind., June 10, 1865. He is re-
ported to have died soon after the close of the war, in the southern
part of Illinois.
ROSTER OF COMPANY B. 367
ABRAM W. ACKERSON, aged thirty, enlisted from Fulton
county, and deserted January 15, 1863.
JOHN B. ACKERSON, aged thirty-one, enlisted from Fulton
county, and deserted September 22, 1862.
JOHN W. BRECKENRIDGE was born in the province of Can-
ada West, July 18, 1837, emigrated to Lockport, Will county, Illi-
nois, in the spring of 1850, and settled in Fulton county in 1857.
He enlisted from Fulton county and served through the Kentucky
and Murfreesborough campaigns and to Franklin, Tenn. In the
winter of 1862-3 he was taken prisoner and held for a short time,
being stripped of nearly all of his clothing, pockets rifled, and
nearly every thing taken except a small pocket testament. In the
summer of 1863 he was transferred to Company C, Eighth Veteran
reserve corps, and was discharged therefrom October 2, 1863. Was
a farmer before and since the war, and has held the following
offices in Waterford township: School director and township clerk
ten years, supervisor (member of county board) four years. His
postoffice address is Lewistown, 111.
JESSE BAILOR was born in Columtnana county, Ohio, Decem-
ber 26, 1829, and removed with his parents to Illinois in 1845. He
enlisted July 29, 1862, served with his company to the close of the
war, and was mustered out with the regiment. He was captured
at the battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864, but was
exchanged and returned to duty about two months later. After
the close of the war he removed to Iowa, and now resides at Bard,
in Louisa county.
SIMON BURKHOLDER was born in Lewistown, Mifflin county,
Pennsylvania, August 18, 1835, and removed to Illinois in 1858. He
enlisted from Fulton county, served to the close of the war and
was mustered out with the regiment. He was slightly wounded
at the battle of Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864, but
soon recovered and returned to duty. He enlisted in the Veteran
Reserve corps in 1867, and served three years. He then enlisted
in the First Regular infantry, and served until the army was re-
duced in 1873, when he resumed his trade at Smithfield, in Fulton
county, where he now resides.
MARTIN BEEKMAN, aged twenty-two, served through the
Kentucky campaign, and was transferred to the invalid corps.
Date not found. He returned to Fulton county at the close of the
war, and now resides at Enion, 111.
368 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
THOMAS M. BELL, aged twenty-three, enlisted August 4, 1862,
was wounded at the battle of Perryville, Ky., October 8, 1862.
Some time after returning to duty, probably at Nashville, Tenn.,
he was transferred to the marine corps. He is supposed to have
died, but whether in the service or since, the writer has been
unable to learn.
WILLIAM H. BECHSTEAD, aged eighteen, deserted December
25, 1862.
WILLIAM BUPFALOW, aged thirty, enlisted August 10, 1862,
and served with the company until the battle of Peach Tree creek,
July 19, 1864, where he was mortally wounded and fell into the
hands of the enemy. He was taken to Atlanta, where he died
July 21.
OLIVER P. BEHYMER, aged twenty, enlisted August 18, 1862,
served with the company to the battle of Peach Tree creek, July
19, 1864, where he was wounded by gunshot in left leg. He recov-
ered, returned to duty, and served to the close of the war, and was
mustered out with the regiment. He returned to Illinois, where
he died about 1885.
BENJAMIN F. BLAIR, aged twenty-one, enlisted August 13,
and deserted November 9, 1862.
MAURICE CURRAN, aged twenty-two, enlisted July 25, 1862,
served with the company throughout the war, and was mustered
out with the regiment. He removed to Kansas, where he was
killed by the kick of a horse in about 1898.
BAZIL COZAD, aged twenty-five, enlisted August 20, 1862, and
served with the company until killed at the battle of Peach Tree
creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864. His remains are interred at No.
7928 in the national cemetery at Marietta, Georgia.
HENRY CONNOR, aged twenty-three, enlisted August 20, 1862,
served in the Kentucky campaign until after the battle of Perry-
ville, when he was taken sick and sent to the hospital at Danville,
Ky., where he died November 6, 1862. His remains are buried at
No. 62 in the national cemetery at Danville, Ky.
DAVID CORNHAM, aged twenty-one, enlisted August 13, 1862,
served with the company until killed in the battle of Peach Tree
creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864.
ROSTER OF COMPANY B. 369
SAMUEL DANA WAIN, aged twenty-one, enlisted August 20,
1862, and died at Louisville, Ky., November 28, 1862.
CHARLES D. DARE was born in Highland county, Ohio, May
3, 1839, removed with his parents to Illinois in 1844, and enlisted
August 4, 1862. He served with the company until knocked down
and captured at the battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July 19,
1864, and was exchanged in October following. Returning to duty
he was mounted as a scout in the campaign through the Carolinas
and was again captured near Goldsboro, N. C. He was held in
Saulsbury, Danville and Libby prisons until the close of the war,
and was honorably discharged July 18, 1865. He resides at Dun-
can's Mills, Fulton county, Illinois.
AMOS EVELAND, aged twenty-three, enlisted July 20, 1862,
and served with the company until killed at the battle of Peach
Tree creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864. Is buried at No. 1915 in the
national cemetery at Marietta, Ga.
JOSEPH H. FITCH, aged twenty-six, enlisted July 26, 1862,
served with the company until wounded at the battle of Kennesaw
Mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864, and as he was absent (sick of
wounds) when the regiment was mustered out, it is probable that
his wound disabled him for active service. He was mustered out
from the hospital at Milwaukee, Wis., July 3, 1865, and is reported
to have died some years later, probably in 1896. He resided near
Lewistown, 111.
DAVID FOX enlisted at the age of forty-three, and served with
the company until near the close of the war, when he was sent to
the hospital, and was honorably discharged for disability from the
hospital at Quincy, 111., April 3, 1865. He died soon after return-
ing home.
JOHN GRAY enlisted at the age of twenty-five, served through
the Kentucky campaign, and was discharged for disability August
10, 1863. He returned to his home in Fulton county, resumed
farming, and died near Waterford in about 1872.
WILLIAM GREATHOUSE enlisted at the age of twenty-four,
served with the company through the Kentucky campaign, and
was discharged for disability at Nashville, Tenn., April 22, 1863.
He died July 29, 1893.
JAMES GREATHOUSE, JR., aged twenty-two, enlisted from
Bath, in Mason county. He is reported on the muster out roll as
having died, but neither time nor place is given.
370 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
JOHNSTON GALBRAITH enlisted at the age of twenty-nine
years, served through the Kentucky campaign, and died at Nash-
ville, Tenn., Jan. 3, 1863.
JAMES F. GOODMAN, aged twenty-two, deserted at Mitchell-
ville, Tenn., November 8, 1862.
CHARLES HURLEY enlisted at the age of twenty-two, served
with his company to the close of the war, and was mustered out
with the regiment. He returned to Mason county, resumed farm-
ing, and died near Teheran, 111., January 16, 1890.
JOHN W. HEALD, aged twenty-one at enlistment. He served
with his company until captured, probably on the Atlanta cam-
paign, and was honorably discharged from Springfield, 111., May
24, 1865. His last known address was Parsons, Labette county,
Kansas.
JOHN HAMILTON, aged twenty-five, deserted at Peoria, 111.
BARTHOLOMEW HURLEY enlisted at the age of twenty years
and served through the Kentucky campaign, was sent to the hos-
pital soon after reaching Nashville, and died January 23, 1863. Is
buried at No. 6016 in the national cemetery at Nashville, Tenn.
WILLIAM D. HOLMES enlisted at the age of twenty-one years,
served with his company until wounded at the battle of Peach
Tree creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864. He was honorably discharged
from the hospital at Quincy, 111., April 3, 1865. Is supposed to be
living at Vermont, Fulton county, Illinois.
DAVID HOLTY enlisted at the age of forty-three, and deserted
at Peoria, 111.
RICHARD JONES, aged eighteen, deserted at Peoria, 111.
BENJAMIN JONES, aged twenty-four, served with his com-
pany to the close of the war, and was mustered out with the regi-
ment. He died June 9, 1898, at Connersville, Ind.
BENJAMIN F. KRATZER was born in Warren county, Indi-
ana, November 9, 1835, and removed to Illinois in 1855. He was
wounded at the battle of Perryville, Ky., October 8, 1862, and was
transferred to the marine brigade at Nashville, Tenn., in March,
1863. He served with that organization on the Mississippi river
until discharged at Vicksburg, Miss., January 17, 1865. He re-
moved to California in 1888, and served as a. justice of the peace in
San Diego county. He is now an inmate of the Soldiers' Home in
Los Angeles, Cal.
ROSTER OF COMPANY B. 371
THOMAS G. LINDERMAN, aged thirty-four, enlisted from
Fulton county, served with his company to the close of the war,
and was mustered out with the regiment. He returned to Fulton
county, resumed farming, and resides near Ipava, 111.
DAVID MORRIS was born in Manchester, Adams county, Ohio,
August 15, 1836, and removed to Illinois in 1854. He served with
his company to the close of the war, and was mustered out with
the regiment. He now resides at No. 203 Lower Hamilton street,
Peoria, 111.
ALVERO C. MINTONYE was born in Dearborn, Wayne county,
Michigan, October 25, 1836, and removed with his parents to Illi-
nois in 1850. He served with his company to the close of the war
and was mustered out with the regiment. He was slightly
wounded at the battle of Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 27,
1864, but not disabled for duty. He removed to Iowa after he was
mustered out; is tinner by trade, and resides at Garden Grove,
Decatur county.
ENOCH MUSTARD, aged twenty-one at enlistment, served
with his company until he died on the march to the sea, near
Ebenezer creek, Georgia, December 8, 1864.
LUCIUS MUSTARD, aged twenty-one at enlistment, served
with his company to the close of the war, and was mustered out
with the regiment. He returned to Fulton county, Illinois, where
he died in about 1875.
GEORGE F. MARANVILLE, aged thirty-one when he enlisted
August 4, 1862, served to the close of the war, and was mustered
out with the regiment. Returning to his former home he resumed
farming, and was drowned in the river near Havana, 111., in about
1876.
JOHN M. McCONNAHAY, aged twenty-two when he enlisted
August 12, 1862, served with his company to the close of the war,
and was mustered out with the regiment. He was an inmate of
the Soldiers' Home at Quincy, 111., when killed by the street cars
on January 28, 1892.
MICHAEL E. MILLER enlisted at the age of thirty-two on
August 15, 1862, served with his company to the close of the war
and was mustered out with the regiment. He died in Springfield,
111., August 24, 1897.
372 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
DAVID NOYES enlisted at the age of twenty-eight and prob-
ably died at Nashville, Tenn., but there is nothing on the record
by which the date and place can be given.
STEPHEN H. NOTT was born in Eugene, Vermillion county,
Indiana, May 10, 1840, and with his parents removed to Illinois in
the autumn of that year. He was a farmer when he enlisted from
Fulton county. He served with his company through all the cam-
paigns in which the command was engaged until captured at the
battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia. He was held a prisoner in
Andersonville to the close of the war, and was honorably dis-
charged July 22, 1865. He returned to Fulton county, resumed
farming, has been school director, and now resides at Lewis-
town, 111.
JAMES E. NICHOLS enlisted at the age of twenty-nine on
August 20, 1862. He served with his company until near the close
of the war, but was absent (sick) at the muster out of the regi-
ment. His subsequent career is unknown.
JOHN H. O'LEARY enlisted from Mason county at the age of
twenty-two, served with his company until captured at the battle
of Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864. He was held a pris-
oner of war until the war closed, and was honorably discharged
at Springfield, 111., July 22, 1865. He resides in Bath, 111.
EBENEZER PAUL, aged forty-three when he enlisted on July
26, 1862, served with his company through the Kentucky campaign
and was discharged for disability on February 8, 1863. He is re-
ported to have died in Nebraska about 1876.
SAMUEL PAUL, aged forty-one, enlisted August 20, 1862,
served through the Kentucky campaign, and was discharged for
disability February 8, 1863. He died soon after the close of the
war.
ROBERT PORTER was born in County Down, Ireland, in 1831,
and emigrated with his parents to Illinois in 1851. He enlisted as
a farmer from Fulton county, and served with his company
through all the campaigns in which the regiment had a part. He
was wounded while guarding a train to Murfreesborough, Tenn.,
but not severely. He was mustered out with the regiment, re-
turned to Fulton county, and resumed farming. He now resides
at Lewistown, 111.
THOMAS J. RATCLIFF enlisted at the age of twenty-two,
served through the Kentucky campaign, and was discharged for
ROSTER OF COMPANY B. 373
disability October 18, 1863. He died at Lincoln, 111., before the
close of the war.
FRANKLIN RICHARDSON enlisted from Fulton county at the
age of thirty-five, and served to the close of the war, but was ab-
sent (sick) at the muster out of the regiment. He was honorably
discharged August 30, 1865, and returned to Fulton county, where
he died soon after the close of the war.
WILLIAM H. SKILES enlisted at the age of twenty-one, and
served with the company through all the campaigns in which the
regiment was engaged until his health failed on the Atlanta cam-
paign. He was sent to the hospital at Tullahoma, Tenn., where he
died on July 25, 1864.
JOHN F. M. SINGLETON, aged nineteen when he enlisted
August 20, 1862, and served to the. close of the war. He was hon-
orably discharged May 27, 1865, and is supposed to be living in
Missouri.
JOSHUA T. SINGLETON enlisted at the age of twenty-one and
served with his company until severely wounded at the battle of
Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864. His thigh was broken
by a gun shot, and he fell into the hands of the enemy and died at
Atlanta, Ga., July 21.
WILLIAM SOUTHWOOD enlisted from Fulton county at the
age of twenty-five, served to the close of the war, and was mus-
tered out with the regiment. He returned to Fulton county, and
now resides at Lewistown, 111.
ELLIS SOUTHWOOD was born in Waterford, Fulton county,
Illinois, in 1845, enlisted August 14, 1862, and served to the close
of the war. He was slightly wounded at the battle of Perryville,
Ky., October 8, 1862. He was mustered out with the regiment,
returned to Fulton county, resumed farming, and now resides
near Lewistown, 111.
CHARLES SPINK enlisted at the age of twenty-one, served
with his company until the battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia,
July 19, 1864, where he was instantly killed. His remains are
buried in the national cemetery at Marietta, Ga., at No. 1914.
DAVID or JACOB SHOCK, aged thirty-five, deserted at Peoria,
Illinois.
JAMES B. THOMAS, aged twenty-one, enlisted July 26, 1862,
and served in the Kentucky campaign until the regiment reached
Bowling Green, Ky., where he was sent to the hospital. He died
374 HISTORY OF THE 8STH ILLINOIS.
January 29, 1863, and his remains are buried at No. 10539 in the
national cemetery at Nashville, Tenn.
JAMES W. TIPPEY was born in Yilliamson county, Illinois,
in 3839, and enlisted from Fulton county. Served through the
Kentucky campaign, and was transferred to the invalid corps at
Nashville, Tenn. He was honorably discharged, returned to Ful-
ton county, resumed farming, and now resides at Enion, 111.
JAMES W. TIPPEY was born in Williamson county, Illinois,
vember 27, 1836, and enlisted from Fulton county. He was de-
tached as blacksmith and served in that capacity to the close of
the war ,and was mustered out with the regiment. He returned
to Fulton county, where he resumed his trade that of a black-
smith. His address is Duncan's Mills, 111.
WILLIAM B. WINCHELL was born in Ohio, July 8, 1838, re-
moved to Illinois, and enlisted from Fulton county. He served
with the company until captured at the battle of Peach Tree creek,
Georgia, July 19, 1864, was a prisoner some two months, when he
was exchanged, and served to the close of the war. He was mus-
tered out with the regiment, returned to Fulton county, and re-
sumed farming. He resides at Lewistown, 111.
GEORGE WINCHELL, aged twenty-one, enlisted from Ful-
ton county, and served with his company until captured at the
battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864. He was ex-
changed some two months later, returned to his company, and
was mustered out with the regiment. He removed to Iowa some
years ago, where he now resides.
JAMES H. WESTERFIELD was born in 1838, and enlisted
from Fulton county. He served to the close of the war and was
mustered out with the regiment. He returned to Fulton county,
but died soon after.
JAMES McKALlP Muster out roll gives nothing about this
soldier, except that he was discharged for disability February 8,
1863. This is an error. He died at Nashville, Tenn., and his remains
are buried at No. 295 in the national cemetery near that city.
THOMAS E. PAUL Date of enlistment not given on the roll.
Died December 7, 1862, and is buried at No. 5666 in the national
cemetery at Nashville, Tenn.
SILAS STRODE Date of enlistment not given. Discharged
lor disability April 22, 1863. Is said to reside in Cuba, 111.
JAMES T. PIERCE (Quartermaster sergeant. See field and
staff).
ROSTER OF COMPANY C. 375
CHAPTER XXIX.
Company C was enrolled by Samuel Black, a farmer
residing near Mason City, between July 23 and August
15, 1862, the entire company, except two one from
Logan and one from Peoria enlisting from Mason
county. At the organization of the company the fol-
lowing commissioned officers were elected: Samuel
Black, captain; George A. Blanchard, first lieutenant,
and Dr. William W. Walker, second lieutenant.
Of the 102 officers and men originally mustered in 8
were killed in action, 7 died of wounds, and 14 were hit
whose wounds did not prove fatal while in the service, 22
died of disease, 24 were discharged for disability, 7 were
transferred, 2 officers resigned and 31 officers and men
were mustered out with the regiment.
The company bore well its part, and did its full share
in making the history of the regiment one of which its
members may be justly proud.
THE COMPANY ROSTER.
CAPTAIN SAMUEL BLACK was born in Sangamon county,
Illinois, July 4, 1827, and was married and a farmer when he en-
tered the service from Mason county. He commanded the com-
pany through the Kentucky campaign, resigned at Nashville,
Tenn., February 7, 1863, and returned home. He removed to Wis-
consin in July, 1863, and engaged in farming in Dunn county. Has
served as county clerk six years, and as justice of peace, chairman
of the town board, and member of the legislature. He has also
been engaged in merchandising and in the livery business. He is
retired now, and resides at Menomonie, Dunn county, Wisconsin.
CAPTAIN GEORGE A. BLANCHARD was born in Henderson,
Jefferson county, New York, May 14, 1833, and with his parents,
Aaron and Anna Blanchard, removed to Illinois and settled in St.
376 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
Charles in Kane county, in 1838. He served for a time as deputy
sheriff and circuit clerk of Kane county, married Amanda Walker,
March 17, 1857, and removed to Havana, in Mason county, where
he engaged in general merchandise. He assisted in recruiting
Company C, and at the organization of the company was elected
first lieutenant. He was promoted to be captain February 7, 1863,
and commanded the company until captured at the battle of Peach
Tree creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864. He was held in various rebel
prisons until the close of the war, and was honorably discharged
May 15, 1865. Upon his return to Havana he was appointed master
in chancery for Mason county, holding the position until 1868,
when he was elected circuit clerk. At the close of a four-years'
term he became the secretary of the Springfield and Northwestern
railway, and was serving in that capacity when he died May 4,
1875.
FIRST LIEUTENANT WILLIAM W. WALKER was born in
Adair county, Kentucky, July 8, 1822, removed to Illinois and was
engaged in the practice of medicine in Mason county when he
enlisted in August, 1862. He was elected second lieutenant at the
organization of the company, served with his company through the
Kentucky and Murfreesborough campaigns and was promoted
first lieutenant February 7, 1863. He took part in the Tennessee
campaign and the battle of Chickamauga, Ga., but soon after his
health failed and he resigned for disability incurred in the service.
He returned to Mason county, resumed the practice of his profes-
sion, which he continued until a short time previous to his death.
He died at Easton, 111., March 20, 1890.
SECOND LIEUTENANT JAMES M. HAMILTON was born in
Morgan county, Illinois, in 1834, and was an unmarried farmer
when he enlisted from Mason City, in Mason county. He was
chosen fifth sergeant at the organization of the company, served
through Kentucky and Tennessee campaigns, and was promoted
second lieutenant October 7, 1863. He participated in all the
campaigns in which the regiment was engaged until captured in
the battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864, was ex-
changed before the close of the war. He was mustered out with
the regiment and returned to Mason City, 111., where he died in
about 1874.
FIRST SERGEANT WILLIAM M. HAMILTON was born in
Morgan county, Illinois, in 1834, and was farming in Mason county
ROSTER OF COMPANY C. 377
when he enlisted from Mason City. He was chosen first sergeant
at the organization of the company, served through the Kentucky
campaign, and was discharged for disability January 27, 1863.
When last heard from he resided at Reno, Cass county, Iowa.
FIRST SERGEANT JOHN H. DUVALL was born in Fleming
county, Kentucky, in 1838, removed to Illinois and was married
and a school teacher when he enlisted from Mason City. He was
chosen third sergeant at the organization of the company, served
through the Kentucky campaign, receiving a slight wound at the
battle of Perry ville, Ky. He was promoted first sergeant and
served with his company in all the campaigns and actions in which
the regiment was engaged until killed at the assault on Kennesaw
Mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864. His remains are buried at No.
8726 in the national cemetery at Marietta, Ga.
FIRST SERGEANT JOHN HOUSEWORTH was born in Selin's
Grove, Suyder county, Pennsylvania, in 1841, and was a black-
smith residing at Mason City, 111., when he enlisted. He was
chosen fourth sergeant at the organization of the company and
was promoted first sergeant when Sergeant Duvall was killed at
the battle of Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864. He
served with his company until captured at the battle of Peach
Tree creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864, was held prisoner to the close
of the war, and was honorably discharged June 17, 1865. He re-
turned to Mason City, 111., where he died in about 1875.
SERGEANT ANDREW RICHEY was born in Donegal, Ireland,
in 1824; emigrated to Illinois, and was a harness maker when he
enlisted from Mason City. He was chosen sergeant at the organi-
zation of the company, served through the Kentucky and Mur-
freesboro campaigns, and was discharged for disability August
18, 1863. He returned to his family at Mason City, 111., where he
died soon after.
SERGEANT HENRY H. BUCK was the son of Captain Fred-
erick Buck, a native of Denmark, and Esther Lawson, a native of
Massachusetts, and was born in Havana, Mason county, Illinois,
August 21, 1835. He attended the Illinois college at Jacksonville
from 1854 to 1858, when failing health compelled him to quit his
studies. He taught school at Bath and Mason City and enlisted
from the latter place. He was promoted sergeant and participated
in all the campaigns and battles in which the regiment had a part
until instantly killed by a shell that shattered his skull at the as-
378 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
sault on Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864. He was bur-
ied with so many others where he fell, but in 1866 his remains
were brought to his former home, and interred in the cemetery at
Havana, 111.
SERGEANT GEORGE BLACK was born in Dalrymple, Ayr-
shire county, Scotland, in 1828, emigrated to Illinois and enlisted
as a farmer from Mason county. He served through the Ken-
tucky campaign, was promoted sergeant at Nashville, Tenn., and
had a part in all the campaigns in which the regiment was en-
gaged until captured at the battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia,
July 19, 1864. He was held in various rebel prisons until the close
of the war, when he was honorably discharged under date of June
17, 1865. He returned to Mason county, but soon after went west,
and is supposed to have died.
SERGEANT JAMES S. CHESTER was born at Leesburgh,
'Cumberland county, New Jersey, April 9, 1843, and with his par-
ents removed to Illinois in 1857. He enlisted as a farmer from
Mason county, was slightly wounded at the battle of Perryville,
Ky., October 8, 1862, and served with his company through all the
campaigns in which the regiment was engaged. He was promoted
sergeant in December, 1864, served to the close of the war and
was mustered out with the regiment. Upon his return he resumed
farming in Mason county, and resides at Easton, 111.
SERGEANT WILLIAM H. MITCHELL was born in Salem,
Washington county, Indiana, September 18, 1838, removed to Illi-
nois in 1859, and was married and a farmer when he enlisted from
Mason county. He was promoted sergeant, served with his com-
pany to the close of the war, and was mustered out with the regi-
ment. Returning to Mason county he engaged in farming until
1890, when he removed to Chicago and engaged in the real estate
and insurance business. He resides at No. 5941 Princeton avenue,
Chicago, 111.
SERGEANT ROBERT LOFTON was born in Washington
county, Indiana, in 1835, and was a married farmer when he en-
listed from Mason City. He was promoted sergeant, served with
his company to the close of the war, and was mustered out with
the regiment. After his return to his former home he removed to
Ford county, and died near Paxton, 111., in 1875.
SERGEANT JAMES LEEPER, aged thirty-six, was married
an-1 a farmer when he enlisted from Mason county. He was pro-
ROSTER OF COMPANY C 379
moted sergeant, served with his company until killed by a shell at
Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 25, 1864. He was lying in his
shelter tent when a shot from the battery on the mountain cut
him in twain. His remains are buried at No. 555 in the national
cemetery at Marietta, Ga.
CORPORAL JACOB B. LOGNE, aged twenty-three, born in
Cass county, Illinois, farmer, enlisted from Mason county, was
chosen corporal at the organization of the company, served to the
close of the war, was mustered out with the regiment, and now
resides at Rockport, Atchison county, Missouri.
CORPORAL HARVEY H. HUTCHENS, aged thirty-five, born
in Montgomery county, Ohio, married, farmer, enlisted from
Mason county, chosen corporal at the organization of the com-
pany, served with his company through the Kentucky campaign;
his health failing he was discharged January 22, 1863. Returning
home he never entirely recovered and died at Mason City. 111., in
about 1869.
CORPORAL JAMES O. LOGNE, aged thirty, born in Cass
county, Illinois, was unmarried and a farmer when he enlisted
from Mason county, chosen corporal at the organization of the
company, served through the Kentucky campaign; his health fail-
ing he was discharged January 7, 1863, and died at Lincoln, 111.,
on his way home.
CORPORAL JAMES L. HASTINGS (promoted hospital stew-
ard. See field and staff).
CORPORAL JAMES J. PELHAM was born in Sangamon
county, Illinois, June 20, 1831, was a farmer and enlisted from
Mason county. He was chosen corporal at the organization of the
company; served through the Kentucky campaign, but his health
failed and he was discharged from Nashville, Tenn., for disability
under date of February 13, 1863. He is a veterinary surgeon, and
resides at Thermopolis, Fremont county, Wyoming.
CORPORAL CYRUS R. QUIGLEY was born in Napoleon, Jack-
son county, Michigan, March 21, 1841; removed to Illinois and was
a farmer when he enlisted from Mason county. He served through
the Kentucky campaign, was a member of Captain Powell's
mounted scouts some two months at Nashville, Tenn., orderly at
General Granger's headquarters one month, then sent to convales-
cent camp. He served in Company K, Eighth Veteran reserve
380 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
corps until March, 1865, -when he was returned to his company and
was mustered out with the regiment. He is engaged in farming
near Decatur, Decatur county, Iowa, that town being his postofflce
address.
CORPORAL ANDREW J. OPDYKE was born in Fort Wayne,
Allen county, Indiana, December 26, 1836; removed with his par-
ents to Illinois in 1854, and was married and a farmer when he
enlisted from Mason county. He served with his company through
all the campaigns in which the regiment was engaged until
wounded at the assault on Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 27,
1864. His wound disabled him for further service and he was
honorably discharged from the hospital at Camp Butler, 111., Feb-
ruary 18, 1865. He removed to California in December, 1870, and
is engaged in farming. He was postmaster at Cayton from 1884
to 1893. His address is Cayton, Shasta county, California.
CORPORAL PLEASANT ARMSTRONG, aged thirty-three,
born in Menard county, Illinois, was married and a farmer when
he enlisted from Mason county. He was chosen corporal at the
organization of the company, served through the Kentucky cam-
paign, was transferred to the marine brigade at Nashville, Tenn.,
and died in the service. Date and place unknown.
CORPORAL THOMAS H. B. HOLLINGSWORTH, aged twenty-
seven, born in Windham county, Connecticut, was married and a
farmer when he enlisted from Mason county. He was appointed
wagoner at the organization of the company, was promoted cor-
poral, served through all the campaigns in which the regiment
was engaged, and was mustered out with the regiment. He re-
moved to Minnesota after the war closed, but his address is not
known to the writer.
CORPORAL WILLIAM D. ALKIRE was born in Menard
county, Illinois, August 23, 1838, and was a married farmer when
he enlisted from Mason county. He served with his company
through all the campaigns in which the regiment was engaged
until captured at the battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July 19,
1864; was held prisoner until April 28, 1865, when he was ex-
changed. He was slightly wounded in the assault on Kennesaw
Mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864, was promoted corporal and hon-
orably discharged June 17, 1865. He removed to Iowa in August,
1865, has been justice of the peace in Cass county; is farming, and
resides at Thurman, Fremont county, Iowa.
ROSTER OF COMPANY C. 381
CORPORAL ALMON BROOKS, aged twenty-seven, born in
Union county, Ohio, was married and a farmer when he enlisted
from Mason county, Illinois. He was promoted corporal, served
through the Kentucky campaign, and died at Nashville, Tenn.,
April 7, 1863. Is buried at No. 3257 in the national cemetery near
that city.
CORPORAL CHANNING CLARK, aged twenty-four, born in
Williamantic, Windham county, Connecticut, removed to Illinois,
and enlisted as unmarried and a farmer from Mason county. He
was severely wounded at the battle of Perry ville, Ky., October 8,
1862, served to the close of the war, but was absent (sick) at the
muster out of the regiment. Returning, he resumed farming near
Easton, 111., where he died.
CORPORAL FRANCIS A. CHESTER was born near Lees-
burgh, Cumberland county, New Jersey, March 15, 1841, removed
with his parents to Illinois in 1857, and enlisted as a farmer from
Mason county. He served with his company in all the campaigns
and battles in which the regiment was engaged; was promoted
corporal, and was mustered out with the regiment. Returning to
Mason county at the close of the war he resumed farming, has
served as school trustee from 1878 to 1887, and resides at Teheran,
111.
CORPORAL JEREMIAH HOLLEY, aged thirty-seven, born in
Lawrence county, Ohio, farmer and married when he enlisted from
Mason county. He served with his company until captured at
the battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864; was held in
rebel prisons until the close of the war; was promoted corporal,
and honorably discharged June 17, 1865. His last known address
is Chillicothe, Mo.
CORPORAL JESSE C. MONTGOMERY, aged thirty-two, born
in Gibson county, Indiana, married and a bricklayer when he en-
listed from Mason City, 111. He served through the Kentucky
campaign, was promoted corporal, and transferred to the marine
brigade at Nashville, Tenn., January 13, 1863. Is reported to be
living at Petersburg, 111.
CORPORAL ANDREW McCLARIN, aged twenty-eight, born in
Plainfield, Union county, New Jersey, removed to Illinois, was
single and a farmer when he enlisted from Mason City. He was
promoted corporal and served with his company until severely
382 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
wounded at the battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864.
He fell into the hands of the enemy and died in rebel prison
August 4, 1864.
CORPORAL WILLIAM C. PELHAM, aged thirty-two, was mar-
ried and a farmer when he enlisted from Mason county. Was pro-
moted corporal; his health failing on the Kentucky campaign he
was left in the hospital at Bowling Green, Ky., where he died No-
vember 11, 1862.
CORPORAL THOMAS STAGG, aged twenty-five, born in Cin-
cinnati, Ohio, was married and a farmer when he enlisted from
Mason county, Illinois. He was promoted corporal, served with
his company until severely wounded and captured at the battle of
Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864. He died at Atlanta, Ga.,
July 28, 1864.
MUSICIAN GEORGE W. DEITRICH, aged twenty, born in
Selin's Grove, Snyder county, Pennsylvania, removed with his
parents to Illinois, and was a shoemaker when he enlisted from
Mason City. He served through the Kentucky campaign and was
discharged for disability February 19, 1863. Is supposed to be liv-
ing in St. Joseph, Mo.
MUSICIAN BENJAMIN F. SCOVIL was born in Waterford,
Fulton county, Illinois, January 1, 1846, and enlisted from his na-
tive county. He served with his company until captured at the
battle of Peach Tree Creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864, and was held
in rebel prisons until the close of the war, and was honorably dis-
charged June 17, 1865. He removed to North Dakota, where he
engaged in farming, and has been postmaster at McKinzie, Bur-
leigh county, since 1888.
JOHN H. ATCHINSON, aged twenty-three, born in St.
Clair county, Illinois; was single and a farmer when he enlisted
from Mason county. He served through the Kentucky campaign,
and was discharged for disability January 17, 1863. Last heard
from at Shawneetown, 111.
MICHAEL ATCHINSON, aged twenty-two, married and a
farmer when he enlisted from Mason county. He served with his
company until captured at the battle of Peach Tree creek, Geor-
gia, July 19, 1864; was held in retel prisons until the close of the
war, and was honorably discharged June 17, 1865.. He returned
to Illinois; resumed farming, and died near Shawneetown, April 6,
1898.
ROSTER OF COMPANY C. 383
WILLIAM ARMSTRONG, aged twenty-nine, born in Menard
county, Illinois, was single and a farmer when he enlisted from
Mason county. He was discharged at Louisville, Ky., for disabil-
ity, but no date appears upon the record. He returned to Mason
county, resumed farming, and died near Easton, 111., May 5, 1899.
Note A few years before the war this soldier was tried
for murder; defended by Abraham Lincoln, and acquitted
by the jury without leaving their seats. Armstrong had
been present at an evening meeting where a man was
killed, and although entirely innocent, a conspiracy was
formed to convict him of the crime. At the trial, each of
the prosecuting witnesses testified to seeing the knife glit-
ter in Armstrong's hand when he struck the fatal blow, by
the light of the moon. Whereupon Mr. Lincoln introduced
an almanac in evidence, which showed that the murder
was committed in the dark of the moon.
DAVID BRADFORD, aged twenty-one, born in Madison
county, Ohio; was a farmer when he enlisted from Mason county,
Illinois; served with his company until captured at the battle of
Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864. He was thought to have
died in prison, but the record shows that he was honorably dis-
charged from Springfield, 111., June 7, 1865.
JOHN L. BURNETT, aged thirty-two, born in Clay county,
Indiana; married, and a farmer when he enlisted from Mason
county, Illinois; served with his company until killed at the bat-
tle of Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864. His remains
are buried at No. 9313, in the national cemetery at Marietta, Ga.
WILLIAM CLARK, aged twenty-one, born and raised in
Mason county, from whence he enlisted; served in the Kentucky
campaign until his health failed; was sent to the hospital at Bowl-
ing Green, Ky., where he died November 16, 1862.
NELSON D. CUE, aged eighteen, born in Menard county, Illi-
nois, and enlisted as a farmer from Mason county. He served with
his company to the close of the war and was mustered out with the
regiment. He returned to Illinois; resumed farming, and resides
at Greenview, Menard county.
JOSEPH W. CARTER, born in Mercer county, New Jersey,
removed to Illinois; was married and a farmer when he enlisted
from Mason county, Illinois, at the age of twenty-three. He
served with his company through the Kentucky campaign and was
sent to the hospital at Nashville, Tenn., from which he was dis-
384 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
charged for disability November 7, 1862. He resides at Scotts-
ville, Mitchell county, Kansas.
SAMUEL DERWENT, aged thirty-five, born in Yorkshire
county, England; emigrated to Illinois; was single and a farmer
when he enlisted from Mason county. He served with his com-
pany through the Kentucky campaign; was sent to the hospital
at Nashville, Tenn., where he died December 19, 1862. Is buried
at No. 4451, in the national cemetery near that city.
JEREMIAH DEITRICH, aged thirty-one, born at Selin's
Grove, Snyder county, Pennsylvania; removed to Illinois, and was
a married shoemaker when he enlisted from Mason county. He
served with his company until severely wounded at the assault on
Kennesaw mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864; was removed to the
hospital at Nashville, Tenn., where he died on July 13, following.
Is buried at No. 9709, in the national cemetery near that city.
SAMUEL A. DRAY, aged twenty-three, born in Steubenville,
Jefferson county, Ohio, removed to Illinois and was single and a
farmer when he enlisted from Mason county. He served with his
company to the close of the war and was mustered out with the
regiment. Resides at Canton, Fulton county, Illinois.
PETER DOLCATER, aged twenty-five, born in Dornburg, Ger-
many, emigrated to Illinois, was married and a farmer when he
enlisted from Mason county. He served with his company until
near the close of the war, when he was sent to the hospital. He
was honorably discharged from the general hospital at Spring-
field, 111., January 26, 1865.
DANIEL DAUGHERTY, aged twenty-five, born in Adams
county, Ohio, was single and a farmer when he enlisted from
Mason county, Illinois. He served with his company until severe-
ly wounded in the assault on Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, June
27, 1864; was sent to the hospital at Chattanooga, Tenn., where
he died on August 24, following. Is buried at No. 2090, in the
national cemetery on Orchard Knob.
EPHRAIM GATES, aged twenty-two, born in Jefferson county,
Illinois, was single and a farmer when he enlisted from Mason
county. He served with his company until failing health sent
him to the hospital at Bowling Green, Ky., where he died Novem-
ber 18, 1862. His remains are buried at No. 10685, in the national
cemetery at Nashville, Tenn.
ROSTER OF COMPANY C. 385
ELBERT L. GARDNER wac Torn in Morgan, Ashtabula coun-
ty, Ohio, November 27, 1844, removed to Illinois in 1857, and was a
farmer when he enlisted from Mason county. He served with his
company through the Kentucky campaign, but failing health sent
him to the hospital at Nashville, Tenn. Later he was removed to
the general hospital at Harrodsburg, Ky., where he was discharged
for disability March 16, 1863. He is a carpenter by trade and
resides at Dun Station, Wilson county, Kansas.
JAMES M. GARDNER, aged nineteen, born in Ashtabula coun-
ty, Ohio, removed to Illinois and enlisted from Mason county as a
farmer. He served with his company until captured at the battle
of Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864, but was exchanged and
served to the close of the war, and was mustered out with the
regiment.
JOHN R. GARDNER, aged thirty, born in New York, removed
to Illinois, and was a farmer when he enlisted from Mason county.
He served with his company until captured near Dallas, Ga., May
28, 1864; was held in rebel prisons until the close of the war, and
was honorably discharged July 15, 1865. He removed to Kansas
and is reported to have died somewhere in that state.
JOHN A. GARDNER, aged eighteen, born in Ashtabula county,
Ohio, and enlisted as a farmer from Mason county. His health
failed while on the Kentucky campaign and he was left in the
hospital at Harrodsburg, Ky., where he died November 25, 1862.
His remains are buried at No. 360, in the national cemetery at
Camp Nelson, Ky .
THOMAS W. GREEN, aged 33, born in Clark county, Ohio,
married, and enlisted as a farmer from Mason county, 111. He
served to the close of the war and was mustered out with the regi-
ment. Is supposed to be living at Conway, Laclede county, Mis-
souri.
GEORGE GREGORY, aged twenty-three, was single and a
farmer when he enlisted from Mason county. His health failed
on the Kentucky campaign, and he was left in the hospital at
Danville, Ky., where he died . Is buried at No. 320, in the
national cemetery near that city.
DANIEL W. HASTINGS, aged nineteen, born in St. Lawrence
county, New York, was a farmer residing at Mason City, 111., when
he enlisted; served in the Kentucky campaign until the command
386 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
reached Bowling Green, Ky., when he was sent to the hospital, and
died November 23, 1862. Is buried at No. 10691, in the national
cemetery at Nashville, Tenn.
JOHN HARKNESS, aged twenty-one, born in Philadelphia,
Pa., enlisted from Mason county, Illinois, and deserted October 20,
1862.
EDWIN M. HADSALL was born in Tunkhannock, Wyoming
county, Pennsylvania, October 16, 1837, removed to Illinois in 1860,
was single and a farmer when he enlisted from Mason county.
He served with his company through the Kentucky campaign, was
detailed in Battery I, Second Illinois light artillery at Nashville,
Tenn., and served one year, returned to his company and served
until wounded at the battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July 19,
1864; recovered, returned to duty and was mustered out with the
regiment. He removed to Kansas in 1881, is a saddler by trade,
and now resides at Trading Post, in Linn county, Kansas.
SOLOMON HONS, aged thirty-two, born in Luzerne county,
Pennsylvania, was married and a farmer when he enlisted from
Mason county, Illinois. He served through the Kentucky cam-
paign, and was transferred to the Veteran Reserve corps, but the
date is unknown. He returned to Illinois after the close of the
war, resumed farming, and died near Mason City.
WESLEY HONS, aged twenty-eight, born in Luzerne county,
Pennsylvania, was single and a farmer when he enlisted from
Mason county, Illinois. He served through the Kentucky cam-
paign and was discharged for disability March 1, 1863.
LOUIS ISHMAEL, aged twenty-four, born in the state of Ken-
tucky, married, farmer, enlisted from Mason county, Illinois. He
served with his company until captured at the battle of Peach
Tree creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864; was held in rebel prisons until
the close of the war, and died in the hospital at Annapolis, Md.
Is buried at No. 1175, in the national cemetery at Annapolis, Md.
RICHARD A. LANE, born in Warren county, Tennessee, was
married and a farmer when he enlisted from Mason county, Illi-
nois, at the age of thirty-nine. He served through the Kentucky
campaign, and the adjutant general's report says, "He was dis-
charged for disability January 15, 1863." In fact, he died, and his
remains are buried at No. 6686, in the national cemetery at Nash-
ville, Tenn.
ROSTER OF COMPANY C. 387
TIDENSE W. LANE, aged twenty-three, born in Pike county,
Illinois, was married and a farmer when he enlisted from Mason
county. He served to the close of the war, and was mustered out
with the regiment. Is reported to be living in Iowa.
ABRAHAM L. LANE, aged eighteen, born in and enlisted from
Mason county, Illinois, served with his company until health
failed, and was discharged for disability April 18, 1864. He re-
moved to Iowa after his return to Illinois, and died April , 1887,
at Atlantic, la.
GREEN B. LANE was born in McDonough county, Illinois,
June 9, 1842, and enlisted as a farmer from Mason county. He
served with his company until wounded at the assault on Ken-
nesaw mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864; recovered from his
wound, served to the close of the war and was mustered out with
the regiment. He removed to Woodston, Rooks county, Kansas,
where he is engaged in farming. He was justice of the peace from
1891 to 1899.
GEORGE A. MOORE, aged thirty-three, born in White county,
Illinois, was single and a farmer when he enlisted from Mason
county. He probably served with his company through the Ken-
tucky campaign, but was discharged for disability January 18,
1863.
ROBERT S. MOORE, aged twenty-one, born in Bond county,
Illinois, farmer, enlisted from Mason county, served with his com-
pany until sent to the hospital at Bowling Green, Ky., where he
died November 18, 1862.
GEORGE W. MOSLANDER was born in Sangamon county, Illi-
nois, May 15, 1844; farmer, enlisted from Mason county, served
through the Kentucky and Tennessee campaigns, and was slightly
wounded at Kennesaw mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864. He was
captured at the battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July 19. 1864,
and was held in rebel prisons until the close of the war. He was
honorably discharged June 17, 1865, and is engaged in farming at
Teheran, 111.
JOSEPH McCARTY, aged thirty-two, was single and a fanner
when he enlisted from Mason county, served with his company
through the Kentucky campaign, and was discharged for disability
at Nashville, Tenn., but the date is unknown.
388 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS,
JEREMIAH MARSHALL, aged twenty-one, blacksmith, born
at Cape May, N. J., and was enlisted from Mason county, Illinois.
He served through the Kentucky campaign and was transferred to
the Fourth regular cavalry at Nashville, Tenn., December 4, 1862.
JOHN W. MOSIER, aged twenty-seven, born in Miami county,
Ohio, married and a farmer when he enlisted from Mason county,
Illinois, served with his company until captured at the battle of
Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864; was held in rebel prisons
until the close of the war, and was honorably discharged June 17,
1865. Returning to his former home, he lived at Easton, 111., for
several years ,then moved to Carleton, Neb., and later to Chicago,
111., where he now resides.
JOSEPH MOSLANDER, aged thirty, born in Davidson county,
Tennessee, single, plasterer, enlisted from Mason county, Illinois,
served with his company until his health failed on the Atlanta
campaign, when he was sent to the hospital on Lookout mountain,
Tennessee, where he died July 22, 1864. Is buried at No. 1662, in
the national cemetery at Chattanooga, Tenn.
WILLIAM H. NEELY, aged thirty-five, married, farmer, en-
listed from Mason county, served with his company until severely
wounded in the assault on Kennesaw mountain, Georgia, June 27,
1864. He was sent to the hospital at Nashville, Tenn., thence to
Jeffersonville, Ind., where he died on July 28, following. Is buried
at No. 507, in the national cemetery at New Albany, Ind.
SAMUEL NEELY, JR., aged twenty-four, born in Menard
county, married, farmer, enlisted from Mason county, served to
close of the war, but is marked, "Absent sick at muster out," of
the regiment. Probably honorably discharged from the hospital,
but the writer has been unable to get any further information con-
cerning him.
WILLIAM NEWBERRY, aged twenty-nine, married, black-
smith, enlisted from Mason county, was severely wounded at the
battle of Perryville, Ky., October 8, 1862, and was discharged for
disability at Harrodsburg, Ky., February 8, 1863. Last known
address, Glasgow, Mo.
RICHARD A. OSBORN was born at Danville, Steuben county,
New York, in 1838, removed to Illinois in 1854, and was a farmer
when he enlisted from Mason county. He served through the
Kentucky campaign, and was discharged for disability from the
ROSTER OF COMPANY C. 389
regimental hospital at Nashville, Term., March 2, 1863. He re-
turned to Mason county, resumed farming, and is now a lumber
and coal dealer at Mason City, 111.
JOSEPH O'DONNELL, aged eighteen, born in Fulton county,
Illinois, farmer, enlisted from Mason county. His health failing,
he was sent to the hospital at Bowling Green, Ky., where he died
November 23, 1862. Is buried at No. 10684, in the national ceme-
tery at Nashville, Tenn.
JAMES H. PEARCY, aged twenty-eight, born in Putnam coun-
ty, Indiana, married, carpenter, enlisted from Mason City, 111. His
health failed on the Kentucky campaign and he was discharged for
disability February 2, 1863. Is now living in Burlington, Coffey
county, Kansas.
STERLING PELHAM, aged thirty-five, married, farmer, en-
listed from Mason county, and served with his company until cap-
tured at the battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864, was
held in rebel prisons until the close of the war, and was honorably
discharged June 17, 1865. Reported dead by pension office.
EBENEZER PAUL, aged thirty-five, born in Brown county,
Ohio, married, shoemaker, enlisted from Mason county, Illinois,
was left in the hospital at Bowling Green, Ky., where he died
November 14, 1862.
JAMES C. PATTERSON (promoted assistant surgeon. See
field and staff).
CHARLES E. QUANCE, aged twenty-one, born in Pennsyl-
vania, and enlisted as a farmer from Mason county, Illinois. He
served through the Kentucky campaign, and was discharged for
disability at Nashville, Tenn., in January, 1863. Is supposed to
be living at Angola, Steuben county, Indiana.
GEORGE W. REYNOLDS, aged eighteen, born in Bedford
county, Pennsylvania, farmer, enlisted from Mason county, Illi-
nois, served on the Kentucky campaign until sent to the hospital
at Bowling Green, Ky., where he died November 14, 1862.
HIRAM RAMSEY, aged eighteen, farmer, born in Green
county, Ohio, enlisted from Mason City, 111., served with his com-
pany until failing health sent him to the hospital at Bowling
Green, Ky., where he died in December, 1862. His remains are
buried at No. 10859 in the national cemetery at Nashville, Tenn.
390 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
AARON RITTER was born in Lewisburg, Union county, Penn-
sylvania, June 21, 1842, removed to Illinois in 1861, and enlisted as
a farmer from Mason county. He served with his company until
wounded and captured at the battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia,
July 19, 1864. He was held in rebel prisons until April 26, 1865,
when he made his escape, rejoined his company, and was mustered
out with the regiment. He resides at 428 West Harrison street,
Chicago, 111.
WILLIAM B. SHORT, aged eighteen, born in and enlisted from
Mason county, Illinois, served through the Kentucky campaign,
and was transferred to the Veteran Reserve corps at Nashville,
Tenn., September 16, 1863. Report says he died in the service.
ORLANDO STEWART, aged eighteen, born in Greene county,
Illinois, farmer, enlisted from Mason county, served with his com-
pany until killed at the battle of Perryville, Ky., October 8, 1862.
His remains are buried at No. 252, in the national cemetery at
Camp Nelson, Ky.
JOHN STUBBLEFIELD, aged twenty-two, born in Bond coun-
ty, Illinois, farmer, enlisted from Mason county, served with his
company until captured at the battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia,
July 19, 1864, was held in rebel prisons until the close of the war,
and honorably discharged June 17, 1865. He returned to Illinois,
resumed farming and died in Menard county, in about 1880.
HENRY SHAY, aged thirty, born in Dublin, Ireland, emigrated
to Illinois, and was single and a farmer when he enlisted from
Mason county. He served with his company until killed at the
battle of Perryville, Ky., October 8, 1862. His remains are buried
at No. 255, in the national cemetery at Camp Nelson, Ky.
WILLIAM SMITH, aged twenty-one, born in England, was a
farmer when he enlisted from Mason county, Illinois. His health
failed and he was sent to the hospital at Bowling Green, Ky.,
where he died December 19, 1862.
ARCHIBALD J. STUBBLEFIELD, aged twenty-two, born in
Bond county, Illinois, single, farmer, enlisted from Logan county.
His health failed on the Kentucky campaign and he was sent to
the hospital at Bowling Green, Ky., where he died November 30,
1862. Is buried at No. 10634, in the national cemetery at Nash-
ville, Tenn.
ROSTER OF COMPANY C. 391
WILLIAM A. TYRRELL was born in Litchfield, Litchfield
county, Connecticut, February 5, 1844, removed with his parents
to Illinois in 1856, and enlisted from Mason county. He served
with his company until captured at the battle of Peach Tree creek,
Georgia, July 19, 1864, and was held in Andersonville and other
rebel prisons until the close of the war. He was honorably dis-
charged June 17, 1865, and returned to Mason City, 111., where he
now resides.
JONATHAN P. TEMPLE, aged twenty-four, 'born in St. Law-
rence county, New York, removed to Illinois, married, farmer, ar.d
enlisted from Mason county. He was wounded at the battle of
Perry ville, Ky., October 8, 1862, and transferred to the Veteran
Reserve corps, August 10, 1864, returned to Illinois at the close of
the war, but is supposed to be living in Minnesota.
JOHN H. TOMLIN, aged thirty-one, born in New Jersey, re-
moved to Illinois, was married and a farmer when he enlisted from
Mason county. He served with his company until killed at the
assault on Kennesaw mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864.
MARCELLUS A. WHIP, aged twenty-five, born in Tazewell
county, Illinois, married, farmer, enlisted from Mason county,
served to the close of the war, but was absent (sick) at the muster
out of the regiment. He was honorably discharged from the hos-
pital at Camp Butler, 111., May 26, 1865.
JEREMIAH WAGONER was born in Sangamon county, 111., in
1839, and was a married farmer when he enlisted from Mason
county. He was slightly wounded at the battle of Peach Tree
creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864, but served to the close of the war
and was mustered out with the regiment. He returned to Illinois,
resumed farming, and resides at Mason City, 111.
THOMAS M. YOUNG, aged forty-four, born in Brown county,
Ohio, single, farmer, enlisted from Mason county, Illinois. He
served with his company until severely wounded at the battle of
Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864. His left leg was broken
and a part of his left hand was shot away. He fell into the hands
of the enemy and died at Macon, Ga., August 2, 1864.
THOMAS P. YOUNG, aged eighteen, single, fanner, born in
Bedford county, Virginia, and enlisted from Mason City, 111. He
was transferred to the Veteran Reserve corps, returned to Illinois
at the close of the war, and died at Mason City, in about 1870.
392 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
JAMBS K. YOUNG, aged twenty-seven, born in Brown county,
Ohio, married, farmer, enlisted from Mason county, Illinois, and
served with his company until severely wounded in the assault on
Kennesaw mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864. He was removed to
the hospital at Nashville, Tenn., where he died July 17, 1864. Is
buried at No. 13657, in the national cemetery near that city.
HENRY G. YARDLBY, aged twenty-two, born and enlisted in
Mason county, farmer, served to the close of the war and was mus-
tered out with the regiment. He returned to his former home,
resumed farming, and died near Kilbourne, 111., in March, 1900.
JOSEPH DUNN was born in New York City, in 1844, removed
to Illinois, was a farmer and enlisted from Peoria county. He
served with his company until killed at the battle of Buzzard
Roost, Georgia, February 25, 1864. His remains are buried at
No. 10155. in the national cemetery at Chattanooga, Tenn.
SKETCH OF COMPANY D. 393
CHAPTER XXX.
Company D was enrolled 'by Dr. Charles W. Hough-
ton, residing at Bath, in Mason county, and was re-
cruited between July 18 and August 8, 1862. At the
organization of the company the following commis-
sioned officers were elected: Charles W. Houghton,
captain; Comfort H. Ramon, first lieutenant, and
Charles H. Chatfield, second lieutenant.
This company was mustered in with 95 officers and
men, of whom 5 were killed in action, 3 died of wounds,
i was accidentally killed and 15 received wounds in bat-
tle which did not prove fatal while in the service, 13 died
of disease, 22 were discharged for disability, i was trans-
ferred, and 40 officers and men were mustered out with
the regiment.
Under the careful training of Lieutenant Chatfield
this company became very proficient in the skirmish
drill, and upon all occasions performed its duty with zeal
and energy. The following is
THE COMPANY ROSTER.
CAPTAIN CHARLES W. HOUGHTON, aged twenty-six, born
in Menard county, Illinois, physician, enlisted from Bath, was
elected captain at the reorganization of the company, served
through the Kentucky and Tennessee campaigns, but at Chatta-
nooga his health failed and he resigned December 27, 1863. Re-
turning home, he resumed the practice of his profession at Easton,
111., where he died in about 1890.
CAPTAIN CHARLES H. CHATFIELD was born in Middlefield,.
Geauga county, Ohio, October 3, 1840, removed with his parents to
Illinois in 1843, and settled on a farm in Mason county. After
making a trip to Pike's Peak, in 1859, he settled near Fort Scott*
24
394 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
Kansas, and served six months in the Border War. He returned
to Illinois in 1860, and was a clerk in Bath when he enlisted as a
private May 25, 1861, in Company K, Seventeenth Illinois Volunteer
Infantry, and was severely wounded at the battle of Fort Donel-
son, February 13, 1862. He was discharged on account of wounds
June 15, 1862, returned to Bath, and assisted in recruiting Com-
pany D, and was elected second lieutenant at the organization of
the company. He was a splendid drillmaster and was filled with
soldierly pride. General Sheridan once said to Colonel Moore,
"You must hold that young lieutenant back he is too anxious for
a fight." He was promoted first lieutenant December 21, 1862,
and to be captain December 27, 1863. He commanded his company
from the latter date, until killed in the assault on Kennesaw
mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864. His remains are buried at No.
2331, in the national cemetery at Marietta, Ga.
FIRST LIEUTENANT COMFORT H. RAMON, aged thirty-
three, born in Mason county, Illinois, married, farmer, when he
enlisted from Bath. He was elected first lieutenant at the organ-
ization of the company, served through the Kentucky campaign,
and resigned December 27, 1862. He returned to Illinois, resumed
farming near Kilbourne, in Mason county, where he died soon
after the close of the war.
CAPTAIN SAMUEL YOUNG, aged forty, born in Miami
county, Ohio, removed to Illinois, and settled on a farm in Mason
county, enlisted from Bath, and was chosen first sergeant at the
organization of the company. He was promoted first lieutenant
December 27, 1863, and captain June 27, 1864. He commanded
the company on the Atlanta campaign after the death of Captain
Chatfield, and on the march to the sea, until his health failed. He
died near Milledgeville, Ga., November 23, 1864.
CAPTAIN THOMAS F. PATTERSON, aged twenty, born in
Jacksonville, 111., farmer, enlisted from Bath as a private, was pro-
moted first lieutenant June 27, 1864, and to be captain November
23, 1864. He commanded the company to the close of the war and
was mustered out with the regiment. Is supposed to be living at
Jacksonville, 111.
FIRST LIEUTENANT FRANCIS S. COGESHALL was born in
Cass county, Illinois, December 21, 1840, and was a farmer when
he enlisted from Bath. He was chosen corporal at the organiza-
tion of the company, and was promoted first lieutenant November
ROSTER OF COMPANY D. 395
23, 1864, served to the close of the war, and was mustered out with
the regiment. He removed to South Dakota in 1885, and served
two terms as county treasurer of Jerauld county, removed to Min-
nesota in 1899, and is now farming near Fulda, Murray county,
Minnesota.
SECOND LIEUTENANT WILLIAM W. TURNER, aged twen-
ty-eight, born in Miami county, Ohio, removed to Illinois, was
married and a farmer when he enlisted from Bath. He was
chosen sergeant at the organization of the company, and was pro-
moted second lieutenant December 21, 1862, served with the com-
pany until March 30, 1864, when he resigned and returned home.
SERGEANT FREMAN BROUGHT, aged twenty-three, born in
Ohio, single, farmer, enlisted from Bath, 111., was chosen sergeant
at the organization of the company, and was killed at the battle
of Perryville, Ky., October 8, 1862. Is buried at No. 272, in the
national cemetery at Camp Nelson, Ky.
SERGEANT URIAH B. LINDSEY, aged thirty-three, born in
Cass county, Illinois, married, carpenter, enlisted from Bath, was
chosen sergeant at the organization of the company, and was
transferred to the Veteran Reserve corps September 1, 1863. At
the close of his service he returned to Bath, 111., where he died
February 28, 1898.
SERGEANT MILES McCABE, aged thirty-one, born in Musk-
ingum county, Ohio, married, carpenter, enlisted from Bath, 111.,
was chosen sergeant at the organization of the company, served
until wounded at the battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July 19,
1864. He was taken from the field to the third division hospital,
thence sent to hospitals from which he was discharged for disa-
bility arising from his wounds, February 21, 1865.
SERGEANT JOHN R. NEVILL was born in Hart county, Ken-
tucky, January 28, 1828, removed to Illinois in 1855, married, far-
mer, enlisted from Bath, was chosen corporal at the organization
of the company, promoted sergeant in May, 1863, served to the
close of the war and was mustered out with the regiment. He
removed to Kansas in 1S83, and settled in Anderson county. He
is a carpenter and resides at Kincaid, Anderson county, Kansas.
SERGEANT JOHN C. WILSON was born in Trumbull county,
Ohio, May 3, 1832, removed with his parents to Illinois in 1849 and
396 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
settled on a farm in Mason county; enlisted from Bath and was
chosen corporal at the organization of the company, promoted
sergeant March 25, 1863, served to the close of the war and was
mustered out with the regiment. He removed to Nebraska and
engaged in farming in Johnson county. His address is Elk Creek,
Johnson county, Nebraska.
SERGEANT GEORGE O. CARLOCK was born in Fulton coun-
ty, Illinois, November 14, 1839, and was single and a farmer when
he enlisted from Bath. Was promoted sergeant and served to the
close of the war, and was mustered out with the regiment. He
returned to Mason county at the close of the war; is a farmer and
carpenter, and resides at Bath, 111.
SERGEANT WILLIAM YOUNG, aged thirty, born in Miami
county, Ohio, removed to Illinois, was married and a farmer when
he enlisted from Bath. He was promoted sergeant, served to the
close of the war, and was mustered out with the regiment. Re-
sides at Rantoul, Champaign county, Illinois.
SERGEANT JAMES H. SEAY, aged thirty, was born in Ten-
nessee, and was a married farmer when he enlisted from Bath,
111. He was promoted sergeant; served to the close of the war,
and was mustered out with the regiment. He returned to Illinois
and died at Petersburg in Menard county, May 6, 1886.
CORPORAL THOMAS J. MOSELY, aged twenty-three, born in
Cass county, Illinois, single and a farmer when he enlisted from
Bath. He served to the close of the war and was mustered out
with the regiment. Is residing in Chicago, 111.
CORPORAL JAMES FERRELL, aged thirty-two, born in Erie
county, New York, removed to Illinois, was married and a farmer
when he enlisted from Bath. He served to the close of the war
and was mustered out with the regiment. Upon his return home
he resumed farming, and died near Bath, 111., in about 1880.
CORPORAL HENRY O. REEDER, aged thirty, born in Ten-
nessee, removed to Illinois, and was married and a farmer when
he enlisted from Bath. He was discharged for disability, January
15, 1863; returned to Illinois, and died near Mason City April 15,
1877.
CORPORAL JOHN O'BRIEN, aged twenty-five, born in Can-
ada East, removed to Illinois and was a married farmer when he
ROSTER OF COMPANY D. 397
enlisted from Bath. He served to the close of the war and was
mustered out with the regiment. Is reported dead.
CORPORAL JOSEPH B. CONOVER, the youngest son of Major
William H. Conover and Rebecca Hopkins, was born in Mason
county, Illinois, September 28, 1844. His parents both died while
he was quite young, but his father left a legacy of loyalty to his
country. A few days before his death he said to an elder brother,
"The fire-eaters of the South will force the North to war over the
question of slavery, and I hope in the event of war that my sons
will stand by our country and its flag." This Joseph never forgot,
and as soon as old enough he enlisted from Bath. He was pro-
moted corporal, served with his company until severely wounded
in the right arm at the battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July
19, 1864. He fell into the hands of the enemy, had his right arm
amputated, was parolled November 20, 1864, and honorably dis-
charged in February, 1865. He returned to Illinois and was elected
county treasurer of Mason county in 1869, serving one term of four
years. He is a grain dealer and resides at Kilbourne, 111.
CORPORAL WILLIAM H. CASTLEBERRY was born in Cen-
tralia, Marion county, Illinois, July 18, 1841, and was married and
a farmer when he enlisted from Havana. He was promoted cor-
poral, served with his company to the close of the war and was
mustered out with the regiment. He removed to the Indian Ter-
ritory in 1894, and is engaged in farming in the Chickasaw Nation.
His postoffice address is Rush Springs, I. T.
CORPORAL JAMES GOBON, aged twenty-one, born near
Chandlerville, in Cass county, Illinois, and was a farmer when he
enlisted from Bath. He was promoted corporal, served with his
company to the close of the war, and was mustered out with the
regiment. He is farming near Kilbourne, Mason county, Illinois.
CORPORAL JOHN L. PHELPS was born in Virginia, Cass
county, Illinois, May 26, 1840, and was a farmer when he enlisted
from Bath. He served with his company to the close of the war
and was mustered out with the regiment. He removed to Ne-
braska in 1870, and is engaged in farming near Cadam in Nuck-
olls county.
CORPORAL JAMES S. ROCHESTER, aged nineteen, born in
Mason county, Illinois, and was a farmer when he enlisted from
398 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
Bath. He was promoted corporal, served with his company to
the close of the war, and was mustered out with the regiment.
CORPORAL WILLIAM P. STITH was born in Adair county,
Kentucky, August 13, 1838, and was brought by his parents to Illi-
nois in 1839. He was a farmer when he enlisted from Petersburg,
served with his company until transferred to the Veteran Reserve
corps September 1, 1863, and in this organization he served at
Elmira, N. Y., Chicago and Rock Island, 111., until the close of the
war. He was honorably discharged at Chicago July 1, 1865. He
has been postmaster at Oakford, 111., and at present is keeping a
restaurant and confectionary at Peoria, 111.
CORPORAL VAN TURNER, aged twenty-two, born in Morgan
county, Illinois, and enlisted as a farmer from Bath. He was pro-
moted corporal, served with his company to the close of the war,
and was mustered out with the regiment. He became a physician
after the war, and is supposed to have died in Indiana.
MUSICIAN CHARLES L. HAMILTON, aged twenty, born in
Virginia, Cass county, Illinois, and was a clerk when he enlisted
from Bath. Was appointed musician at the organization of the
company, served to the close of the war, and was honorably dis-
charged May 18, 1865.
MUSICIAN FRANCIS M. BERRY, aged twenty-four, born in
Jacksonville, Morgan county, Illinois, and was a clerk when he
enlisted from Bath. He served with his company to the close of
the war and was mustered out with the regiment. He is a brick
layer and is living in Peoria, 111.
WAGONER ANDREW J. ALLEN, aged thirty-four, born in
Tennessee, enlisted from Bath, Illinois, and was appointed wag-
oner at the organization of the company. He served to the close
of the war and was mustered out with the regiment. He removed
to Iowa and for a time lived in Council Bluffs, but removed to
Grove, Shelby county, where he died May 1, 1895.
THOMAS J. AVERY (promoted commissiary sergeant. See
field and staff).
HENRY BEAL, aged twenty, born in Schuylkill, Schuylkill
county, Pennsylvania, removed to Illinois, and enlisted from Bath.
He served to the close of the war and was mustered out with the
regiment. He returned to Illinois and resumed farming in McLean
county, where he died in about 1880.
ROSTER OF COMPANY D. 399
CLINTON BLACK, aged twenty-two, married, farmer, born in
Illinois, and enlisted from Bath. Served with his company
through all the campaigns in which the regiment was engaged
until severely wounded in the fight at Buzzard Roost, Georgia,
February 25, 1864. He was sent to the hospital, where he was dis-
charged for disability November 1, 1864. He is farming near
Turon, Reno county, Kansas.
NORMAN A. BULLARD, aged thirty-five, born in Yates, Or-
leans county, New York, farmer, removed to Illinois, and was
single when he enlisted from Bath, in Mason county. He served
to the close of the war and was mustered out with the regiment.
He returned to Illinois, but later removed to Kansas, where the
writer met him some twenty years ago. Pension office reports
him dead since March 22, 1899.
HENRY W. CASTLEBERRY, aged twenty-four, born in Cass
county, Illinois, married, farmer, enlisted from Havana, was dis-
charged for disability October 15, 1862. Moved to Texas.
JOSEPH CADY, aged twenty-three, born in Washington coun-
ty, Pennsylvania, removed to Illinois, single, farmer, enlisted from
Bath, and died at Louisville, Ky., January 4, 1863. Is buried at
No. 1584 in the national cemetery at Cave Hill near that city.
ASERIA CAPPER, aged twenty-three, born in Cass county,
Illinois, was single and a farmer when he enlisted from Bath. He
served to the close of the war, but was sick in the hospital at
Quincy, 111., when the regiment was mustered out. No further
record has been found.
WILLIAM D. CLOSE was born in Mason county, Illinois, Sep-
tember 11, 1845, and enlisted from Bath. Served with his company
through all the campaigns in which the regiment was engaged
until the battle of Jonesboro, Ga., September 1, 1864, in which he
was twice wounded; was honorably discharged May 16, 1865. He
returned to Illinois and engaged in farming until 1868, when he
removed to Carroll county, Missouri, where he resided until 1880.
He then removed to Washington territory, was justice of the
peace, deputy sheriff for eight years, and treasurer of Cowlitz
county for one term. He removed to Oklahoma in 1893, and en-
gaged in farming and stock raising; has been justice of the peace,
and was elected county treasurer of Woods county at the general
election in 1900. He resides at Forest, Woods county, Oklahoma.
400 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
ROBERT CASSENS was born in Friedburg, Hanover, Ger-
many, March 24, 1831, and emigrated to Illinois in 1856; was mar-
ried and a blacksmith when he enlisted from Bath, in Mason
county. He served with his company until detailed as blacksmith
at brigade headquarters in October, 1863, and served in that capac-
ity until the close of the war, when he was mustered out with ihs
regiment. He removed to Nebraska in 1869 and to Colorado in
1893. He resides at Bolton, Arapahoe county, Colorado.
JACOB S. DEW was born in Bath, Mason county, Illinois, No-
vember 10, 1841, and was a farmer when he enlisted from his
native town. He was slightly wounded at the battle of Jonesboro,
Ga., September 1, 1864; served with his company to the close of the
war and was mustered out with the regiment. He removed to
Nebraska and settled on a farm in Johnson county in 1866; has
been a merchant, county clerk, clerk of the district court and has
represented his county in the legislature three terms. He resides
at Tecumseh, Johnson county, Nebraska.
EDWIN M. DURHAM (promoted quartermaster sergeant. See
field and staff).
NOAH DAVIS was born in Highland county, Ohio, in 1831, and
enlisted as a farmer from Bath, Mason county, Illinois. He
served with his company until wounded at the battle of Peach
Tree creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864, and when able to travel he was
given a furlough, but was killed in a railroad accident at LaFay-
ette. Ind., in November, 1864, while on his way home. His re-
mains were brought home and interred in Fairview cemetery.
WILLIAM DAVIS was born in Highland county, Ohio, Novem-
ber 12, 1835, and enlisted as a farmer from Bath, 111. He was
wounded at the battle of Perryville, Ky., October 8, 1862, but
served to the close of the war and was honorably discharged from
Springfield, 111., in June, 1865. He removed to Missouri in 1872
and improved two farms. In 1889 he removed to Kansas and was
engaged in farming some five years, and in 1894 he settled on a
claim near Medferd, Grant county, Oklahoma, where he now re-
sides. He married Mary E. Bales in January, 1860; has a family
of seven children, four of whom are married.
CADMUS FLORO was born in Ballard county, Kentucky, and
was a farmer in Mason county, Illinois, when he enlisted from
Bath. He served with his company until killed at the battle of
ROSTER OF COMPANY D. 401
Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864. Is buried at No. 7923
in the national cemetery at Marietta, Ga.
ALLEN GOBON, aged twenty-four, born in Ohio, married, far-
mer, enlisted from Bath, 111.; served to the close of the war and
was mustered out with the regiment. Supposed to be living at
Durand, Pepin county, Wisconsin.
SAMUEL B. GRISSOM, aged twenty-three, born at Columbia,
Adair county, Kentucky, removed to Illinois in 1857, enlisted from
Bath, 111., single, farmer. Served to the close of the war and was
mustered out with the regiment. Is a farmer and resides near
Kilbourne, Mason county, Illinois.
WILLARD HICKS, aged forty-five, born in New York, was sin-
gle and a farmer in Mason county when he enlisted from Bath, 111.
He served with his company until captured at the battle of Chick-
amauga, Ga., September 19, 1863. Died in Andersonville prison
May 15, 1864. Is buried at No. 1102 in the national cemetery at
that place.
JOHN HAZELRIGG (promoted principal musician. See field
and staff).
JOHN L. HARBERT, aged twenty-two, born in Green county,
Kentucky, married, farmer, enlisted from Bath, 111. He served to
the close of the war and was mustered out with the regiment. He
returned to Mason county, resumed farming and now resides near
Kilbourne, 111.
ALBERT J. HAMILTON, aged twenty-one, born in Nicholas
county, Kentucky, farmer, enlisted from Bath, 111. Served with
his company until failing health sent him to the hospital at Chat-
tanooga, Tenn., 'where he died October 11, 1863. Is buried at No.
522 in the national cemetery at Chattanooga.
HENRY HOWARTH was born in Blackburn, Lancaster county,
England, in 1844, emigrated to Illinois, and enlisted as a farmer
from Bath. He served with his company until severely wounded
at the battle of Jonesboro, Ga., September 1, 1864, and was honor-
ably discharged May 20, 1865. He was accidentally killed by a
train in the tunnel at St. Louis, Mo., October 9, 1890.
ELIJAH HOUGHTON was born in Cass county, Illinois, in
1842, farmer, enlisted from Havana, 111. He served with his com-
pany until failing health sent him to the hospital at or near the
402 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
close of the Atlanta campaign. He died in Atlanta, Ga., October
2, 1864, and his remains are buried at No. 7732 in the national cem-
etery at Marietta, Ga.
HENRY P. JONES, aged eighteen, farmer, born in Warren,
county, Ohio, and enlisted as a farmer from Havana, 111. He
served with his company until his health failed at or near the end
of the Atlanta campaign, and he died in the hospital at Atlanta,
Octo'ber 2, 1864. His remains are buried at No. 7732 in the na-
tional cemetery at Marietta, Ga.
DANIEL JONES deserted November 8, 1862.
DANIEL KICER, aged forty-five, born in Union county, Penn-
sylvania, single, farmer, enlisted from Bath, 111. He died at Louis-
ville, Ky.. December 4, 1862, and his remains are buried at No.
1217 in Cave Hill national cemetery near that city.
WILLIAM KELLEY was born in Ripley, Brown county, Illi-
nois, in 1840, and was a farmer when he enlisted from Ripley. He
served to the close of the war and was mustered out with the regi-
ment. Resides at Eagletown, Hamilton county, Indiana.
ARMSTEAD KIRK was born in Anderson county, Tennessee,
in 1844, removed to Illinois and enlisted from Bath. He served to
the close of the war and was mustered out with the regiment. He
died at Saidora, Mason county, Illinois, in about 1870.
JAMES A. LARANCE was born in Jacksonville, Morgan coun-
ty, Illinois, in 1838; was married and a farmer when he enlisted
from Bath; served through the Kentucky campaign, and was
discharged for disability June 3, 1863. Is reported dead.
ISAAC LAYMAN was born in Union county, Ohio, August 13,
1840, removed with parents to Illinois in 1845, and enlisted from
Bath. He served with his company until wounded in the assault
on Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864, and was honorably
discharged from Springfield, 111., July 18, 1865. He resides at
Dewey, Champaign county, Illinois, where he settled in 1869.
JOSEPH LARANCE, aged twenty-six, was born in Morgan
county, Illinois, was single and a farmer when he enlisted from
Bath. He served until captured at the battle of Peach Tree creek,
July 19, 1864, and was absent (sick in the hospital at Kingston,
N. C.) at the muster out of the regiment. He was honorably dis-
charged (date unknown), and is reported dead.
ROSTER OF COMPANY D. 40S
GRANVILLE MADISON was born in Burksville, Cumberland
county, Kentucky, July 16, 1836, removed to Illinois in 1854, and
enlisted as a farmer from Bath. Served to the close of the war
and was mustered out with the regiment. He removed to Ne-
braska in 1871, and engaged in farming in Gage county. Now re-
sides at Blue Springs, Neb.
MILTON M. McDONALD, aged twenty-two, born in McDon-
ough county, Illinois, single, farmer; enlisted from Macomb. He
served to the close of the war and was mustered out with the regi-
ment. Is supposed to be living at Macomb, 111.
HENRY MEADS deserted October 6, 1862.
HUGH MORGAN was born in Liverpool, England, in 1844, and
enlisted as a farmer from Havana, 111. He served with his com-
pany until severely wounded at the battle of Kennesaw Mountain,
Georgia, June 27, 1864; was sent to the hospital at Chattanooga,
Tenn., where he died July 2, 1864. Is buried at No. 11847 in the
national cemetery on Orchard Knob.
JAMES S. MYERS was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, Febru-
ary 26, 1839, removed to Illinois in 1857, married and a farmer
when he enlisted from Bath; served with his company to the close
of the "war, and was mustered out with the regiment. He removed
to Kansas in 1869; is farming and resides at Pittsburg, Crawford
county.
JOHN J. MURPHY was born in Ireland in 1817, emigrated to
Illinois; was married and a farmer when he enlisted from Bath.
He served with his company until severely wounded in the assault
on Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864. He died of
wounds, proba'bly at Chattanooga, Tenn., July 7, 1864.
WILLIAM H. MORGAN was born in Port Madoc, North Wales,
December 4, 1840, removed to Illinois in 1859, and enlisted as a
farmer from Havana. He served with his company to the close of
the war; was slightly wounded in the assault on Kennesaw Moun-
tain, Georgia, and was mustered out with the regiment. He re-
moved to Texas in 1869, and engaged in farming. Is now a mer-
chant and resides at Sweet Home, Lavaca county, Texas.
HAROLD MATTISON deserted November 28, 1862.
ROBERT NEIDER was born in Germany in 1840, emigrated to
Illinois, and enlisted as a farmer from Bath. He served with his
404 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
company until wounded and captured at the battle of Chicka-
mauga, Ga., September 19, 1863. Was reported absent (sick) at
muster out of the regiment, but he probably died in some of the
rebel prisons.
PATRICK O'ROURK was born in Ireland in 1841; enlisted as a
farmer from Bath, 111. Served to the close of the war and was
mustered out with the regiment. Last known address, Deming.
Grant county, New Mexico.
OLIVER W. PARKS, aged nineteen, born in Pike county, Illi-
nois, farmer; enlisted from Bath. Served with his company until
wounded in the assault on Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 27,
1864. He was discharged on account of wounds, April 4, 1865.
Two years after his return home irritation, caused by a piece of his
blouse which had been carried into the wound, caused it to break
out anew, causing his death within a short time.
JOHN PLASTERS, aged twenty-four, born in Cass county, Illi-
nois, married, farmer, enlisted from Bath; served to the close of
the war, and was mustered out with the regiment. Died Novem-
ber 4, 1899.
JOHN W. PRICE, aged eighteen, born in Pike county, Illinois,
farmer, enlisted from Bath. Died at Louisville, Ky., December
11, 1862. Is buried in the national cemetery at Cave Hill, near
that city.
NEWTON C. PATTERSON was born in Bellville, Belmont
county, Ohio, February 11, 1843, and with his parents removed to
Illinois in 1857. He enlisted as a farmer from Bath; served with
his company until April, 1864, when he was detailed to drive the
brigade ambulance, which duty he performed until May, 1865. He
was wounded in the battle of Jonesljoro, Ga., September 1, 1864,
but continued on duty to the close of the war and was mustered
out with the regiment. Upon his return resumed farming; has
been school director, and resides at Mason City, 111.
DAVID B. PHELPS, aged twenty-eight, born in Princeton,
Bureau county, Illinois, married, farmer; enlisted from Bath.
Served through the Kentucky campaign, and was discharged for
disability May 23, 1863. Is a real estate dealer and resides in St.
Louis. Mo.
ROSTER OF COMPANY D. 405
WILLIAM H. RANSOM, aged twenty-one, "born in Lynnville,
Morgan county, Illinois, farmer; enlisted from Bath. Served
through the Kentucky campaign, and died January 4, 1863.
NATHANIEL S. ROCHESTER, aged twenty-three, born in
Greene county, Illinois, farmer, enlisted from Bath; served with
his company until severely wounded in left arm in the assault on
Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864, and was discharged
on account of wounds, June 2, 1865.
ALANSON ROBBINS, aged twenty-eight, born in Wyandot
county, Ohio, farmer, enlisted from Bath; served to the close of
the war and was mustered out with the regiment. He returned to
Illinois and located at Lincoln, where he died February 8, 1897.
WILLIAM RHEINDERS was born near Ovid, Cayuga county,
New York, February 13, 1839, removed to Illinois in 1857, single
and a millwright and mechanical engineer when he enlisted from
Mason county. He was wounded in the assault on Kennesaw
Mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864, but served to the close of the
war and was mustered out with the regiment. After the war he
removed to Texas, where he continued his occupation until com-
pelled to retire from active business by failing eyesight. His ad-
dress is Texarkana, Texas.
ELIAS REEDER, aged twenty-five, born in Chicago, 111., mar-
ried and a farmer when he enlisted from Bath. He served through
the Kentucky campaign and was discharged for disability, March
5, 1863. He resides at Teheran, Mason county, Illinois.
ROLLIE RAY, aged thirty, born in Mason county, Illinois,
married, farmer; enlisted from Bath. Served through the Ken-
tucky campaign, was discharged for disability February 4, 1863,
and died in Indiana on his way home.
ISAAC STILTS, aged nineteen, born in Pike county, Illinois,
farmer; enlisted from Bath. Served through the Kentucky cam-
paign, and died May 11, 1863. Is buried at No. 266 in the national
cemetery at Nashville, Tenn.
JOHN SIZELOVE was born in Franklin county, Indiana,
March 18, 1845, removed to Illinois in 1856 with his parents and
enlisted as a farmer from Bath. He served with his company
until captured at the battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July 19,
1864, and was held in rebel prisons until the close of the war,
406 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
when he was honorably discharged from Springfield, 111., July 22,
1865. He removed to Washington Territory in 1881, and engaged
in farming in Stevens county; was appointed postmaster at Calis-
pell in 1890 and again in May, 1900. His address is Calispell,
Stevens county, Washington.
JOHN SCHOLES was born in Chandlerville, Cass county, Illi-
nois, January 9, 1844, farmer, enlisted from Bath. At the battle
of Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, he received a gun shot wound
through the left shoulder; recovered, returned to duty, served to
the close of the war and was mustered out with the regiment. He
settled on a farm in Christian county in 1870, and now resides
near Mt. Auburn, 111.
JACOB SMITH, aged twenty-one, farmer, born in Lawrence
county, Indiana, enlisted from Chandlerville, 111. On the roll he
is marked absent (sick) at the muster out of the regiment, but in
fact he was discharged for disability December 2, 1864.
FRANCES M. SMITH was born in Hillsborough, Highland
county, Ohio, September 13, 1831, removed with his parents to Illi-
nois in 1852; served to the close of the war and was mustered out
with the regiment. Is a laborer and resides in Bloomington, 111.
MERTON STELEY, aged twenty-one, farmer, born in Horace,
Pa., enlisted from Bath, 111., died at Harrodsburg, Ky., December
, 1862. Is buried at No. 367 in the national cemetery at Camp
Nelson, Ky.
MARTIN L. TREADWAY, aged eighteen, born in Cass county,
Illinois, clerk, enlisted from Bath; served through the Kentucky
campaign, and died February 6, 1863. Is buried at No. 6461 in the
national cemetery at Nashville, Tenn.
MARTIN TROY, aged twenty-two, born in Ireland, emigrated
to Illinois, laborer; enlisted from Bath. Died at Mound City, 111.,
October 2, 1864. Is buried at No. 3405, national cemetery, near
that city.
CHARLES W. TOLEY, aged twenty-one, born in Mason coun-
ty, Illinois, farmer, enlisted from Bath; served through the Ken-
tucky campaign and was discharged for disability February 4,
1863. Is reported dead.
WILLIAM THOMPSON deserted August 28, 1862.
ROSTER OF COMPANY D. 407
GEORGE VENLANINGHEM deserted December 23, 1862.
JAMES H. WELCH, aged nineteen, born in Coshocton county,
Ohio, farmer, enlisted from Bath, 111.; served with his company
until killed at the battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July 19,
1884. Is buried at No. 1917 in the national cemetery at Marietta,
Georgia.
IRA WELCH, aged eighteen, born in Coshocton county, Ohio,
farmer, enlisted from Bath, 111. Served through the Kentucky
campaign and died at Nashville, Tenn., December 29, 1862.
CHRISTOPHER WHEELER deserted September, 1863.
JAMES WALLACE, aged forty-five, born in Muskingum coun-
ty, Ohio, married, farmer, enlisted from Bath, 111. Served to the
close of the war and was mustered out with the regiment. Died
near Easton, 111.
JACOB YARDLEY, born at Crane Creek, Mason county, Illi-
nois, August 6, 1835, single, farmer; enlisted from Havana. Served
to the close of the war and was mustered out with the regiment.
Is a farmer near Mason City, 111.
GREEN P. BATTERTON, recruit; no record of when enlisted,
but was mustered out with the regiment.
GEORGE W. PULLING, recruit, deserted February 14, 1863.
408 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
CHAPTER XXXI.
Company E was the Menard county company and
was enrolled by Pleasant S. Scott, of Petersburg, under
date of July 17, 1862. In this county w r ere many people
who had emigrated from Virginia, Kentucky and Ten-
nessee. These people were hardy, patriotic and brave,
and most of them were strongly opposed to slavery.
And these pioneers and their sons were prompt to re-
spond to the call of the President for additional troops.
At the organization of the company the following
commissioned officers were elected : Pleasant S. Scott,
captain ; Joseph M. Plunkett, first lieutenant, and Abra-
ham Clary, second lieutenant. At the organization of
the regiment this company became the color company.
The record shows that the company had 3 killed in
battle, 5 died of wounds, 2 were accidentally killed, 12
died of disease, 18 were discharged for disability, 13 were
wounded who lived to be discharged from the service.
Of the 81 officers and men who formed the original com-
pany but 21 went home together at the close of the war.
Not so strong in numbers as some of the others, never-
theless this company made a record of which all its mem-
bers should be proud.
THE COMPANY ROSTER.
CAPTAIN PLEASANT S. SCOTT was born in Washington
county, Virginia, July 29, 1822, removed to Illinois in June, 1857,
anl settled at Petersburg, in Menard county. At the breaking out
of the War of the Rebellion he was carrying the United States
mail, and began recruiting a company on July 17, 1862. At the
organization of the company he was elected captain, served to the
close of the war and was mustered out with the regiment. At
ROSTER OF COMPANY E. 409
North Chickamauga, in the fall of 1863, he was captured and sent
to Libby prison at Richmond, Va., from which he escaped after
some four months' confinement. After much suffering and many
narrow escapes from recapture, he reached the Union lines, and
rejoined bis company in the spring of 1864. He was wounded at
the assault on Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, but soon recovered
and resumed command of his company. He was promoted to be
major of the regiment May 19, 1865, but the regiment was below
the number which would permit his muster, and he was mustered
out as captain. He returned to his old home in Illinois, and for
the last fifteen years he has held the office of justice of the peace,
and is holding that office at the present time. His address is
Petersburg, Menard county, Illinois.
FIRST LIEUTENANT JOSEPH M. PLUNKETT, aged forty-
five, born in Concord, Cabarrus county, North Carolina, and en-
listed from Petersburg, 111., where he was at the time city mar-
shal. He was elected first lieutenant at the organization of the
company; served through the Kentucky campaign, and resigned
December 21, 1862. He returned to Petersburg, where he died
in about 1870.
FIRST LIEUTENANT HUGH A. TRENT, aged thirty-one,
born in Petersburg, Menard county, Illinois. He was chosen ser-
geant at the organization of the company; served through the
Kentucky campaign, was promoted first lieutenant December 21,
1862, and served with his company until severely wounded at the
battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864. When he re-
covered so as to be able to travel he secured a leave of absence
and returned home. He was dismissed from the service on May
2, 1865, for absence without leave, and, as the writer is informed,
died from the effects of his wounds soon after the close of the war.
SECOND LIEUTENANT ABRAHAM L. CLARY was born in
Petersburg, Menard county, Illinois, April 20, 1839, and was a
farmer when he enlisted from his native town. He was elected
second lieutenant at the organization of the company; served
through the Kentucky campaign, and resigned at Nashville, Tenn.,
January 20, 1863. He returned to his former home; was a clerk
in a dry goods store for some sixteen years, and is at present cor-
oner of Menard county. His address is Petersburg, 111.
SECOND LIEUTENANT CLARK N. ANDRUS (promoted adju-
tant. See field and staff).
410 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
SECOND LIEUTENANT ANDREW F. J. SHACKEY, aged
thirty-five, born in Holmesville, Pike county, Mississippi, married,
farmer, enlisted from Mason City, 111. He was chosen sergeant
at the organization of the company, was promoted to be second
lieutenant February 23, 1863, and served with his company until
October 27, 1863, when he resigned for disability. Is reported to
have died at Petersburg, 111., in about 1896.
FIRST SERGEANT JACOB FAITH was born in Princeton,
Indiana, July 8, 1834, removed to Illinois, and was a bricklayer
when he enlisted from Petersburg. He was chosen first sergeant
at the organization of the company; served through the Kentucky
and Murfreesboro campaigns, and was discharged for disability at
Nashville, Tenn., in 1863. Returning to Petersburg he resumed
his trade, but later removed to Iowa, and located at Lenox, in
Taylor county, where he died November 5, 1891.
FIRST SERGEANT A. J. TAYLOR, aged thirty, born in
Springfield, 111., was single and a clerk when he enlisted from
Petersburg. He was promoted first sergeant, and served with
his company until severely wounded in the battle of Peach Tree
creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864. He was removed to Vining's Sta-
tion, where he died of his wounds, July 24, 1864.
FIRST SERGEANT CHARLES BOCHERT, aged thirty-four,
born in Mecklenburg, Germany, emigrated to Illinois, was single
and a farmer when he enlisted from Petersburg. He was pro-
moted sergeant, then first sergeant, and commissioned first lieu-
tenant, but the company was below the number required to per-
mit his muster with that rank. He served to the close of the war
and was mustered out with the regiment as first sergeant. He
returned to Petersburg, 111., where' he died November 17, 1893.
SERGEANT A. P. ARMSTRONG deserted October 7, 1862.
SERGEANT LEANDER VEILEIT, aged twenty-eight, born in
Delaware, Delaware county, Ohio, removed to Illinois, married,
farmer, enlisted from Petersburg. He served through the Ken-
tucky campaign, and died at Nashville, Tenn., February 26, 1863.
Is buried at No. 3S3 in the national cemetery near that city.
SERGEANT WILLIAM F. CLARY was born at Petersburg,
Menard county, Illinois, March 25, 1828, was married and a farmer
when he enlisted from his native town. He was chosen corporal
at the organization of the company, promoted sergeant, and served
ROSTER OF COMPANY E. 411
with his company until captured at the battle of Peach Tree creek,
Georgia, July 19, 1864. He was held in rebel prisons to the close
of the war, and was honorably discharged at Springfield, 111., June
17, 1865. He returned to his former home and engaged in farming
for several years, but removed to Kansas in 1899. He now resides
at Empire City, Cherokee county, Kansas.
SERGEANT WILLIAM LEONARD, aged twenty-three, born
at Staunton, Augusta county, Virginia, removed to Illinois, was
single and a farmer when he enlisted from Petersburg. He was
promoted sergeant, served to the close of the war and was mus-
tered out with the regiment. He died some time after his return
to Petersburg, 111.
SERGEANT ENOS BYERS was born in Vinton county, Ohio,
in 1844, removed to Illinois, and enlisted from Rushville, Schuyler
county, January 19, 1864. He was promoted sergeant; served to
the close of the war and was transferred to Company B, Sixteenth
Illinois. He was mustered out with that regiment July 8, 1865.
SERGEANT WILLIAM F. HOHAMER, aged thirty-three, born
in Petersburg, Menard county, Illinois, married, farmer, enlisted
as a private from his native town; was promoted sergeant, and
carried the colors until severely wounded at the battle of Peach
Tree creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864. A gun shot through the hips
rendered him perfectly helpless, and he fell into the hands of the
enemy and died in prison, but the date of his death is unknown.
CORPORAL JAMES POTTER, aged twenty-three, born in
Menard county, Illinois, was single and a farmer when he enlisted
from Petersburg. He was discharged for disability, but the record
does not reveal the date or place. He died March 24, 1897.
CORPORAL EZEKIEL SAMPLE, aged thirty-one, born in
Marion, Crittenden county, Kentucky, was married and a farmer
when he enlisted from Petersburg, 111. He was chosen corporal at
the organization of the company; was wounded at the battle of
Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864, but served until the close
of the war and was mustered out with the regiment. He returned
to his home at Petersburg, where he died February 9, 1898.
CORPORAL JAMES N. SHEETS, aged forty-two, born in Lex-
ington, Fayette county, Kentucky, removed to Illinois, was mar-
ried and a mechanic when he enlisted from Petersburg. He was
chosen corporal at the organization of the company; was severely
412 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
wounded at the battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia, fell into the
hands of the enemy July 19, 1864, and died a few days later in
Atlanta, Ga.
CORPORAL BOWLING GREEN, aged twenty-seven, born in
Petersburg, Menard county, Illinois, was single and a farmer when
he enlisted from his native town; was chosen corporal at the or-
ganization of his company, served with his company until severely
wounded at the battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864,
and died in the hospital at Kingston Ga., August 17, 1864. Is bur-
ied at No. 477 in the national cemetery at Marietta, Ga.
CORPORAL JOHN GRIFFIN, aged forty-one, born in Shaker,
Logan county, Kentucky; married, farmer; enlisted from Peters-
burg, 111.: was chosen corporal at the organization of the com-
pany and was discharged for disability, but the date of his dis-
charge does not appear upon the record. He returned to Peters-
burg, where he died May 23, 1897.
CORPORAL JOHN BARTHOLOMEW was reduced to the ranks
and deserted December 28, 1862.
CORPORAL JAMES S. LYNN was born in Chandlerville, Cass
county, Illinois, September 6, 1839, was married and a farmer
when he enlisted from Petersburg, was chosen corporal at the
organization of the company and was severely wounded at the
battle of Perryville, Ky., October 8, 1862. He was discharged for
disability on account of wounds December 27, 1862, returned to
Illinois, and resumed farming near Mason City, where he now
resides.
CORPORAL GEORGE TAYLOR, aged nineteen, born in Phila-
delphia, Pa., removed to Illinois and enlisted as a farmer from
Petersburg. He was promoted to corporal; served until the close
of the war and was mustered out with the regiment.
CORPORAL WILLIAM H. YOUNG was born in Louisville, Ky.,
September 25, 1824, removed with his parents to Illinois in 1832,
and was out in the Mormon war. He was married and a farmer
when he enlisted from Petersburg; was promoted to corporal;
served with his company until the close of the war, and was mus-
tered out with the regiment. He returned to Illinois, and engaged
in farming near Petersburg, where he now resides.
MUSICIAN WILLIAM McNEELY, aged eighteen, born at
Petersburg, Menard county, Illinois, and enlisted from his native
ROSTER OF COMPANY E. 413
town; was appointed musician and discharged for disability, but
the date of discharge nowhere appears upon the record. Is re-
ported dead.
MUSICIAN SAMUEL HAVENS, aged nineteen, born at Wav-
erly, Pike county, Ohio, enlisted from Petersburg, 111., as musi-
cian; served through the Kentucky campaign, and died at Nash-
ville, Tenn., January 22, 1863. Is buried at No. 6617 in the national
cemetery near that city.
WAGONER WALTER RANDALL, aged thirty-nine, born in
Lexington, Ky., married and was an engineer when he enlisted
from Petersburg, 111.; was appointed wagoner. Served until the
close of the war, and was mustered out with the regiment.
WILLIAM F. ALLEN, aged twenty-seven, born in Nashville,
Tenn., removed to Illinois, and was a married farmer when he en-
listed from Petersburg. He was wounded at the battle of Perry-
ville, Ky., and discharged for disability on account of wounds, but
date of discharge is unknown. He resides at Petersburg, 111.
DAVID ARMSTRONG, aged twenty-one, born in Petersburg,
Menard county, Illinois, and was a farmer when he enlisted from
his native town. He was sent to the hospital at Bowling Green,
Ky., where he died December 5, 1862. Is buried at No. 10931 in the
national cemetery at Nashville, Tenn.
DOLING ARMSTRONG, aged thirty-eight, married, farmer,
was born in Petersburg, Menard county, Illinois, and enlisted from
his native town. He served through the Kentucky campaign, and
at Nashville, Tenn., was transferred to the Veteran Reserve corps.
The pension office reports him dead, without date.
WILLIAM ATTERBERRY, aged thirty-six. No further record.
HORACE ARMSTRONG, aged twenty-three. No record after
muster in.
JOHN H. ARNOLD was born in Philadelphia, Pa., was single
and a farmer when he enlisted from Peoria, 111. He served with
his company until wounded at the battle of Peach Tree creek, Ga.,
July 19, 1864, and was discharged on account of wounds January
25, 1865. He returned to Illinois, and died at Springfield in Octo-
ber, 1890.
JOHN BARNETT, aged twenty-two, born in Marion, Critten-
den county, Kentucky; married farmer when he enlisted from
414 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
Petersburg, 111. He served with his company until his health
failed, and died at McAffee Church, Ga., April 20, 1864. Is buried
at No. 11141 in the national cemetery at Chattanooga, Tenn.
CLAYBURN BARNETT, aged eighteen, born at Marion, Crit-
tenden county, Kentucky, was a farmer and enlisted from Peters-
burg, 111. Served with his company until the close of the war;
returned to Illinois, resumed farming, and died at Petersburg,
January 3, 1890.
JOHN BECK, aged twenty-eight; deserted December 28, 1862.
PICKETT CLARY, aged ; deserted December 28, 1862.
MARTIN S. CLARY, aged twenty-one, born at Petersburg,
Menard county, Illinois, farmer; enlisted from his native town.
Served until the close of the war and was mustered out with the
regiment. Is said to reside at Anthony, Harper county, Kansas.
THOMAS S. CLARY deserted December 28, 1862.
ROYAL A. CLARY, aged , born in Sparta, White county,
Tennessee, married, farmer; enlisted from Petersburg, 111., was
wounded at the battle of Perryville, Ky., October 8, 1862, and was
discharged for disability, but no date appears on the record. Died
at Petersburg, 111., in about 1896.
WILLIAM W. CARTER enlisted from Petersburg, 111. Served
with his company until the close of the war and was mustered out
with the regiment. Is said to reside at Petersburg, 111.
WILLIAM G. CARTER was born near Petersburg, Menard
county, Illinois, April 24, 1836, and enlisted from his native town.
He served with his company until the close of the war, and was
mustered out with the regiment. He returned to Illinois and re-
sumed farming when mustered out, and now resides at Peters-
burg, 111.
JOHN COX, aged twenty-three, born at Greensburg, Green
county, Kentucky, single, farmer, enlisted from Petersburg, 111.;
died, but the record fails to reveal the date of his death.
GEORGE COLE, aged twenty-nine, born in Stevensburg, Cul-
peper county, Virginia, single, farmer; enlisted from Petersburg,
111., was discharged for disability, but the record does not reveal
the date.
ROSTER OF COMPANY E. 415
EDWIN CHAMBERS deserted; no date given.
DENNIS DENVER Record furnishes nothing beyond the
muster-in.
MICHAEL EKIS, aged eighteen, farmer, born in Barbour coun-
ty, Virginia, enlisted from Petersburg, 111.; died at Bowling Green,
Ky., November 7, 1862. Is buried at No. 542 in the national ceme-
tery at Nashville, Tenn.
WESLEY FROST, aged twenty-six, married farmer, born in
Hillsboro. Montgomery county, Illinois; enlisted from Petersburg.
He died, but neither place nor date appears upon the record. Is
buried at No. 313 in the national cemetery at Nashville, Tenn.
JAMES FERGUSON was born in Clinton, Henry county, Mis-
souri, May 11, 1843, removed with his parents to Illinois in 1845,
was farmer when he enlisted from Petersburg as a recruit March
10, 1864. He served with his company until the regiment was
mustered out, when he was transferred to Company B, Sixteenth
Illinois infantry. He was mustered out with that regiment July 8,
1865. He returned to Menard county and is engaged in farming
near Petersburg, 111.
RICHARD GRIFFIN, aged twenty-one, born in Petersburg,
Menard county, Illinois, enlisted from his native town. Served
with his company until severely wounded in the battle of Peach
Tree creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864. He was removed to the hos-
pital at Chattanooga, Tenn., where he died September 17, 1864. Is
buried at No. 2083, in the national cemetery on Orchard Knob,
near Chattanooga, Tenn.
JAMES HINESLEY, deserted October 7, 1862.
STEPHEN HANKINS, aged twenty-one, born in Madison, Jef-
ferson county, Indiana, farmer, enlisted from Petersburg, 111.
Served with his company until the close of the war, and was mus-
tered out with the regiment. Is supposed to be living in Jackson-
ville, 111.
WILLIAM JONES, aged twenty-four, born in Petersburg, Men-
ard county, Illinois, farmer, enlisted from his native town. Served
through the Kentucky campaign, and was transferred to the Vet-
eran Reserve corps, at Nashville, Tenn., September 7, 1863. His
subsequent career is unknown to the writer.
416 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
WILLIAM J. JONES appears to have enlisted from Petersburg,
and to have been mustered in and discharged, but no date is given
of his discharge.
WILLIAM LEITSON, aged twenty-three, bom in Rodenberg,
Germany, single, brickmason; enlisted from Greenview, Menard
county, Illinois. Served until the close of the war and was mus-
tered out with the regiment. He resides at Petersburg, 111.
GEORGE MYERS, aged twenty-five. Nothing relating to this
soldier can be found of record, except that he enlisted and was
mustered in.
JOHN C. MILLER, aged twenty-one, farmer, born in Menard
county, Illinois, and enlisted from Petersburg. He served with his
company until killed in the assault on Kennesaw Mountain, Geor-
gia, June 27, 1864. Is buried at No. 9314 in the national cemetery
at Marietta, Ga.
RICHARD McGUIRE was born in the city of Dublin, Ireland,
in March, 1820, was a sailor in early life, emigrated to Illinois in
1844 and settled in Springfield, where he resided at enlistment.
He was slightly wounded at the battle of Rome, Ga., but served
until the close of the war and was mustered out with the regi-
ment. He returned to Springfield, 111., where he now resides.
WILLIAM A. MENCE, aged 21, born in Boonville, Warwick
county, Indiana, farmer; enlisted from Petersburg, 111. Died Oc-
tober 23, 1862, probably at Harrodsburgh, Ky., as he is buried at
No. 307 in the national cemetery at Danville, Ky.
WILLIAM E. MATHEWS appears to have enlisted at Louis-
ville, Ky., and was discharged for disability, October 7, 1864. That
is all the record discloses in his case.
ISAAC MARLIN, native of Tennessee, enlisted at Nashville,
August 5, 1863. Served until the close of the war, and when the
regiment was mustered out he was transferred to Company B, Six-
teenth Illinois Infantry. He was mustered out with that regiment
July 8, 1865, and when last heard from resided at Murfreesboro,
Tenn.
THOMAS OSTERMAN, aged twenty-three, born in Germany,
farmer, enlisted from Petersburg, 111. Record says died, but does
not say when or where.
ROSTER OF COMPANY E. 417
THOMAS OWENS, aged twenty-one, born in Springfield, San-
gamon county, Illinois, farmer; enlisted from Petersburg and
served with his company until killed in the assault on the enemy
at Jonesboro, Ga., September 1, 1864.
WILLIAM S. POTTER, aged twenty-one, born in Bloomington,
McLean county, Illinois, farmer; enlisted from Petersburg. Served
through the Kentucky campaign and was accidentally killed by a
falling tree at White's bend on the Cumberland river, November
19, 1862. (See Chapter V.)
JOHN O. PAIN, aged thirty-three, born in Washington, Orange
county, Vermont, farmer; enlisted from Petersburg, 111. Served
through the Kentucky campaign, and was transferred to the Vet-
eran Reserve corps at Nashville, Tenn. No date given.
JAMES PEARSON, aged sixteen, born in Menard county, Illi-
nois; enlisted from Petersburg. Record says discharged, without
giving time or place.
ANDREW ROBINSON, aged eighteen, born in Rushville,
Schuyler county, Illinois; enlisted from Petersburg. Served with
his company until severely wounded in the assault on Kennesaw
Mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864. He was discharged for disabil-
ity arising from his wounds, February 26, 1865. He is reported to
be in the Soldiers' Home at Quincy, 111.
JOHN L. ROBINSON enlisted as a recruit from Petersburg,
January 19, 1864, and the record says discharged, but neither time
nor place is given. Is said to be in the Soldiers' Home at Quincy,
Illinois.
WILLIAM RAY, aged twenty-two, married, farmer, born in
Chandlerville, Cass county, Illinois; enlisted from Petersburg.
Served through the Kentucky campaign, and was accidentally
killed by a falling tree at White's bend on the Cumberland river,
November 19, 1862. (See Chapter V.)
CHRISTOPHER SHUTT, aged twenty-two, farmer, born in
Germany; enlisted from Petersburg, 111. Died at Louisville, Ky.,
October 7, 1863, and is buried at No. 2062 in the national cemetery
at Cave Hill, Ky.
JAMES T. SEAY was born in Campbellville, Taylor county,
Kentucky, March 29, 1842, and removed with his parents to Illinois
418 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
in 1855. He was a farmer when he enlisted from Petersburg.
Served with his company until the close of the war, and was mus-
tered out with the regiment. He was postmaster at Loyd, Men-
ard county, and while residing in Fulton county served as consta-
ble and school director. He has been elected adjutant of the Regi-
mental Association for eight successive years; is a carpenter, and
resides in Havana, 111.
HENRY SUTTON, aged twenty-one, born in Petersburg, Men-
ard county, Illinois, farmer; enlisted from his native town. Served
until discharged for disability at Louisville, Ky., December 1, 1863.
He resides in Havana, 111.
FRANK F. SCOTT, aged twenty-one, born in Brooklyn, N. Y.,
farmer; enlisted from Petersburg, 111.; was wounded at the battle
of Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864, but served with his
company to the close of the war, and was mustered out with the
regiment. He returned to Petersburg, where he died in .
L. SPROUSE deserted. No date given.
JOHN W. SHROEDER, aged twenty-eight, born in London,
England, single, farmer; enlisted from Petersburg, 111. Beyond
this the record contains but the one word "Discharged."
EPHRAIM STOUT, aged twenty-four, married, farmer, born in
Farmington, Saint Francois county, Missouri; enlisted from
Petersburg, 111. Record says, "Died," but no date or place is men-
tioned.
JAMES T. SENTER, aged twenty-one, born in Springfield, Illi-
nois, farmer, enlisted from Petersburg, and served with his com-
pany until severely wounded at the battle of Peach Tree creek,
Georgia, July 19, 1864. He was discharged for disability resulting
from wounds, November 23, 1864, and returned to Petersburg, 111.,
where he now resides.
MORRIS SEAMAN deserted.
LEONIDAS TRAYLOR, aged twenty-five, single, farmer, born
in Menard county, Illinois; enlisted from Petersburg. Served with
his company to the close of the war, and was mustered out with
the regiment. Resides at Ransom, Ness county, Kansas.
JAMES E. THOMAS, aged forty-four, born in Bowling Green,
Warren county, Kentucky, married, farmer; enlisted from Peters-
ROSTER OF COMPANY E. 419
burg, 111. Was slightly wounded at the assault on Kennesaw
Mountain, Georgia, June 27, and received wounds from which he
died in the battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864.
GEORGE WATTERMAN, aged twenty-three, born in Freder-
ick, Frederick county, Maryland, married, farmer; enlisted from
Petersburg, 111. Served with his company until killed in the as-
sault on Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864. His remains
are buried at No. 9248 in the national cemetery at Marietta, Ga.
GEORGE M. WEBSTER deserted, but time and place not men-
tioned.
EDWARD WELSH appears to have enlisted, and to have been
mustered in. But there the record stops.
420 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
CHAPTER XXXII.
Company F was enrolled by John Kennedy at Pekin,
Tazewell county, between June I5th and 2ist, 1862, in
anticipation of a call for additional troops. This was
almost a month earlier than the enrollment of any other
company in the Eighty-fifth. Unfortunately the enlist-
ment roll of this company does not always definitely fix
the birth-place of the men. At the organization of the
company the following commissioned officers were
elected : John Kennedy, captain ; Robert A. Bowman,
first lieutenant, and Richard W. Tenney, second lieuten-
ant.
During the three years' service 25 of the company
were struck by bullets or shell in battle, 9 of whom were
killed, 7 died of wounds and 9 recovered, 4 were acci-
dentally killed, 10 died of disease, 23 were discharged, 4
were transferred and at the final muster out there were
but 30 present.
The company was always bravely commanded, and
never failed to do its full duty toward the preservation of
the nation's integrity. The following is
THE COMPANY ROSTER.
CAPTAIN JOHN KENNEDY was born in Tipperary, County
Limerick, Ireland, emigrated to Illinois, and was a boatman on the
Illinois river, residing at Pekin, in Tazewell county, when he re-
cruited the company. None questioned his ability to command,
and at the organization of the company he was elected captain.
As an officer he was brave and enterprising, and led his company
with more than usual skill. He was slightly wounded in the as-
sault on Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, but refused to leave his
command. A few days later, at the battle of Peach Tree creek,
ROSTER OF COMPANY F. 421
Georgia, July 19, 1864, he was instantly killed by a shot which
passed through his head. And so he died, with his face to the foe,
defending the flag of his adopted country, beloved and regretted
by his associates of whatever rank. His remains are buried at
No. 8332, in the hallowed ground of the national cemetery at Mari-
etta, Ga.
FIRST LIEUTENANT ROBERT A. BOWMAN, aged forty-two,
born in Genesee county, New York, was married and a boatman
when he enlisted from Pekin, 111. He was elected first lieutenant
at the organization of the company and served with the command
until during the siege of Chattanooga, when he resigned under
date of October 17, 1863, and went home.
FIRST LIEUTENANT ANDREW J. MASON, aged thirty-
seven, married, farmer; enlisted from Pekin, was chosen sergeant
at the organization of the company, and was promoted first lieu-
tenant October 17, 1863. He was commissioned captain May 27,
1865, but the company was then too small to allow his muster. He
commanded the company from the death of Captain Kennedy until
the close of the war and was mustered out with the regiment.
SECOND LIEUTENANT RICHARD W. TENNEY, aged
twenty-one, single, clerk; enlisted from Pekin, was elected second
lieutenant at the organization of the company. Served with his
company until January 13, 1863, when he resigned and returned
to Pekin, 111., where he now resides.
SECOND LIEUTENANT EDWIN D. LAMPITT, aged twenty-
one, single; enlisted from Pekin, was chosen first sergeant at the
organization of the company, and promoted to be second lieuten-
ant January 13, 1863. He resigned October 10, 1863, during the
siege of Chattanooga, Tenn.
FIRST SERGEANT WILLIAM KELLEY, aged thirty-four,
single, boatman; enlisted from Pekin, was chosen sergeant at the
organization of the company, promoted first sergeant, served with
his company until the close of the war and was mustered out with
the regiment.
SERGEANT FRANCIS M. McCOLGAN enlisted from Pekin,
single, farmer, was chosen sergeant at the organization of the
company and was commissioned first lieutenant, but the company
was below the minimum and he was never mustered. He was cap-
422 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
tured, shot and left for dead by his inhuman captors at Louisville,
Ga., November 30, 1864, but recovered, served to the close of the
war and was honorably discharged. He resides at East Las Vegas,
New Mexico.
SERGEANT WILLIAM JOHNSON, aged twenty-six, single,
farmer; enlisted from Pekin, was chosen sergeant at the organi-
zation of the company, served to the close of the war, and was
mustered out with the regiment as a private.
SERGEANT WILLIAM BELONG, aged twenty-four, single,
farmer, enlisted from Spring Bay, was chosen corporal at the or-
ganization of the company, promoted sergeant, served until the
close of the war and was mustered out with the regiment.
SERGEANT JOHN O'BRIEN was born in Peoria, 111., in 1845,
and was a farmer when he enlisted from Princeville, in Stark
county. He was chosen corporal at the organization of the com-
pany, promoted sergeant, served with his company until the close
of the war, and was mustered out with the regiment. He re-
moved to Colorado in 1872 and engaged in the livery business in
Boulder. He served as county assessor, constable and as a mem-
ber of the city council. He died January 13, 1892, leaving a widow
who resides at No. 1479 Pine street, Boulder, Colo.
SERGEANT WILLIAM EARP, aged thirty-four, single, farmer,
enlisted from Pekin, was promoted sergeant, served with his com-
pany until captured at Louisville, Ga., November 30, 1864, and
shot down in cold blood by his inhuman captors. He died during
the night.
SERGEANT HENRY AMSLER was born in Spring Bay, Wood-
ford county, Illinois, December 5, 1838, was single and a farmer
when he enlisted from his native town. He was promoted ser-
geant November 30, 1864, served with his company until the close
of the war and was mustered out with the regiment. He returned
to his former home and resumed farming, but in 1881 he removed
to Pontiac, Livingston county, Illinois, where he now resides.
SERGEANT DAVID HAMILTON, son of Jonathan Hamilton
and Harriet Ro, was born in Piqua county, Ohio, October 14, 1838,
and with his parents removed to Iowa and settled on a farm in
Louisa county in 1842. David and his brother, Reuben, were work-
ing at Brimfield, Peoria county, Illinois, when they enlisted. David
ROSTER OF COMPANY F. 423
was promoted to be sergeant, and served with his company until
killed in the battle of Jonesboro, Ga., September 1, 1864.
CORPORAL EDWARD SCATTERGOOD, aged nineteen, en-
listed from Pekin and was chosen corporal at the organization of
the company, was color corporal and was carrying the battle flag
when severely wounded at the battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia,
July 19, 1864; fell into, the hands of the enemy and died in prison
at Blackshear, Ga., about December 1, 1864. He was erroneously
marked mustered out with the regiment, and so appears in the
adjutant general's report.
CORPORAL NATHAN KELLOGG, aged eighteen, farmer; en-
listed from Pekin, was chosen corporal at the organization of the
company and served until severely wounded at the battle of Peach
Tree creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864. He fell into the hands of the
enemy and died at Griffin, Ga. His remains are buried at No. 4249
in the national cemetery at Marietta, Ga. He, too, was erron-
eously reported as mustered out with the regiment.
CORPORAL DAVID STRADFORD, aged thirty-five, single,
farmer; enlisted from Spring Bay, was chosen corporal at the or-
ganization of the company. Served until the close of the war and
was mustered out with the regiment. Is reported dead by the pen-
sion office.
CORPORAL GEORGE DEFORD, aged eighteen, farmer; en-
listed from Princeville, in Stark county, was chosen corporal at the
organization of the company and served until drowned in the Ten-
nessee river, October 19, 1863. (See Chapter XI.)
CORPORAL R. S. SCRIVENS, aged twenty-six, married, farm-
er; enlisted from Spring Bay, in Woodford county, was chosen
corporal at the organization of the company and was discharged
for disability, December 4, 1862.
CORPORAL PHILIP BECK, aged nineteen, farmer; enlisted
from Pekin, was chosen corporal at the organization of the com-
pany and served until killed at the battle of Peach Tree creek,
Georgia, July 19, 1864.
CORPORAL LEVI CLIFTON was born in Vermillion county,
Indiana, March 8, 1845, and with his parents removed to Illinois in
1849. He enlisted from Spring Bay, in Woodford county, was pro-
moted corporal and was slightly wounded at the battle of Mission
Ridge. Served to the close of the war and was mustered out with
424 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
the regiment. He removed to Nebraska in 1878 and settled in
Knox county, where he served two terms as county commissioner.
He is now farming near Franklin, Franklin county, Nebraska.
CORPORAL WILLIAM DEAN was born in Mercer, Mercer
county, Pennsylvania, in April, 1844, and removed with his parents
to Illinois in 1858. He was promoted to be corporal, was slightly
wounded in the battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864,
and was mustered out with the regiment. He returned to Illinois
and engaged in farming, and resides at M'anito, Mason county.
CORPORAL JOHN HODGE was born in Spring Bay, Woodford
county, Illinois, January 2, 1844; enlisted from his native town,
was promoted corporal, served to the close of the war and was
mustered out with the regiment. After final discharge he returned
to his former home, where he has been engaged in farming to the
present time. He is at present alderman of Spring Bay, 111.
CORPORAL GEORGE PILLSBURY, aged twenty-four, single,
merchant; enlisted from Pekin, and was born in Tazewell county.
He was promoted corporal, served to the close of the war and was
mustered out with the regiment. He is an inmate of the Soldiers'
Home at Quincy, 111.
CORPORAL B. F. VARNUM, aged eighteen, farmer; enlisted
from Pekin, was promoted corporal and was wounded in right
hand at the battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864, but
continued to serve with his company to the close of the war and
was mustered out with the regiment.
DRUMMER ABRAHAM BURT enlisted from Spring Bay, Taze-
well county, Illinois, and was made drummer. Served through the
Kentucky campaign, and was discharged for disability at Nash-
ville, Tenn., January 15, 1863. When last heard from he was re-
siding in Peoria, 111.
WAGONER JOHN WOLF, aged thirty-three, single, mechanic;
enlisted from Pekin as wagoner and served in that capacity until
his health failed. He was discharged at Jefferson barracks, Mis-
souri, March 6, 1864, for disability.
WILLIAM BIRD, aged nineteen, miner; enlisted from Pekin.
Served until the close of the war and was mustered out with the
regiment. Is said to be living at Scales Mound, Jo Davies county,
Illinois.
ROSTER OF COMPANY F. 425
JAMES F. BURT was born in Ripley, Brown county, Ohio, De-
cember 3, 1845, and was a farmer residing at Spring Bay, Wood-
ford county, Illinois, when he enlisted. He was wounded in the
assault on Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864, but recov-
ered and served to the close of the war, and was mustered out with
the regiment. Is a farmer and resides since 1889 at Litchfleld,
Montgomery county, Illinois.
DAVID BOYER, aged twenty-two, single, farmer; enlisted from
Pekin, served through the Kentucky campaign and was discharged
for disability January 19, 1863. Is said to reside near Delavan,
Tazewell county, Illinois.
JOHN BAGGS, aged nineteen, farmer; enlisted from Spring
Bay, Woodford county, Illinois. Served until the close of the war
and was mustered out with the regiment. He is supposed to be
living at Sparland, Marshall county, Illinois.
D. A. BRANDON, aged thirty-five, single, farmer; enlisted from
Spring Bay, Woodford county, Illinois, and served with his com-
pany until killed in the assault on Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia,
June 27, 1864. Is buried at No. 8759 in the national cemetery at
Marietta, Ga.
P. D. CLEVELAND, aged thirty-five, single, farmer; enlisted
from Pekin. Served through the Kentucky campaign, but his
health failed and he died February 4, 1863.
DAVID CRAIG, aged forty-one, single, boatman; enlisted from
Pekin. Served until the close of the war and was mustered out
with the regiment. His death is reported by the pension office
under date of July 20, 1894.
JAMES CAREY, aged thirty-eight, single; enlisted from Pekin.
Served with his company until severely wounded at Buzzard Roost,
Georgia, February 25, 1864, was sent to the hospital at Nashville,
Tenn., where he died March 11, 1864. Is buried at No. 1490 in the
national cemetery near that city.
JAMES J. CHEAL, aged ; enlisted from Pekin. Served
with his company through the Kentucky campaign, and w"as trans-
ferred to the invalid corps at Nashville, Tenn., September 7, 1863,
JOHN J. CLARK, aged twenty-five, farmer; enlisted from
Pekin. Served with his company until captured at the battle
of Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864; was held in various
26
426 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
rebel prisons until the close of the war and was honorably dis-
charged at Springfield, 111., June 17, 1865.
JAMES COMBS, aged twenty-one, single, farmer; enlisted from
Pekin. Served until the close of the war and was mustered out
with the regiment. Is an inmate of the Soldier's Home at Quincy,
Illinois.
ROBERT DRIVER, aged thirty, married, farmer; enlisted from
Spring Bay, and died at Louisville, Ky., September 29, 1862.
JOHN DUBOIS, aged nineteen; enlisted from Spring Bay.
Served through the Kentucky campaign and was transferred to the
invalid corps at Nashville, Tenn., September 7, 1863.
WILLIAM DEFORD, aged twenty-one, farmer; enlisted from
Spring Bay. Served through the Kentucky campaign, and died at
Nashville, Tenn., April 18, 1863.
LEANDER DEVALL deserted October 20, 1862.
JAMES FRANK, aged twenty-one, farmer; enlisted from
Pekin. No record after muster-in.
JOSEPH FORNER, aged thirty, single, boatman; enlisted from
Pekin. Served with his company until killed at Buzzard Roost,
Georgia, February 25, 1864. He was born in France.
NICHOLAS FULTZ, born in Germany. Deserted October 11,
1862.
PHILIP GABRIEL, aged eighteen, farmer; enlisted from
Spring Bay. Served with his company until the close of the war
and was mustered out with the regiment.
ANDREW GABRIEL, aged twenty-one, single, farmer; enlisted
from Spring Bay. Served through the Kentucky campaign, and
was discharged at Nashville, Tenn., for disability, January 20,
1863.
HUGH GEHAGAN, aged twenty-nine, single, farmer; enlisted
from Spring Bay; served with his company until the close of the
war and was mustered out with the regiment. He fell overboard
just below Cincinnati and was drowned in the Ohio river. (See
Chapter XXV.)
ROBERT GRIG or GREGG, aged thirty-six, married, farmer;
enlisted from Spring Bay. Served through the Kentucky cam-
ROSTER OF COMPANY F. 427
paign and was discharged for disability at Nashville, Tenn., March
31, 1863. Reported dead by the pension office.
JAMES HANKS, aged twenty-five, single, farmer; enlisted from
Pekin. Served through the Kentucky campaign, and was killed
by guerrillas near Nashville, Tenn., February 9, 1863.
HASARD HODGE, aged eighteen, farmer; enlisted from Spring
Bay. Served through the Kentucky campaign, and was discharged
at Nashville, Tenn., for disability, January 17, 1863.
GEORGE HODGE, aged eighteen, farmer; enlisted from Spring
Bay. Served through the Kentucky campaign, and died at Nash-
ville, Tenn., June 17, 1863. Is buried at No. 3546 in the national
cemetery near that city.
ALEXANDER HODGE, aged eighteen, farmer; enlisted from
Spring Bay and served with his company until killed in the assault
on Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864.
REUBEN HAMILTON was born in Piqua county, Ohio, April
11, 1834, and removed with his parents, Jonathan Hamilton and
Harriet Ro, to Iowa in 1842 and settled on a farm in Louisa
county. He enlisted from Brimfield in Peoria county, Illinois, and
served with his company to the close of the war and was mustered
out with the regiment. He was wounded in the right leg and left
thigh at the battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia, but returned to
duty in time for the battle of Jonesboro, Ga., where his brother,
Sergeant David Hamilton, was killed. He is a blacksmith, but
unable to work at his trade, and for several years has been an in-
mate of the Soldiers' Home at Quincy, 111.
HENRY HENFLING, aged twenty, farmer; enlisted from
Spring Bay. His health failed early in the Kentucky campaign,
and he died at Harrodsburg, Ky., October 24, 1862.
F. S. HENFLING, aged twenty- two, married, farmer; enlisted
from Spring Bay. Served in the Kentucky campaign until acci-
dentally wounded near Crab Orchard. How the accident occurred
none ever knew. A gun was discharged, Henfling was shot through
the leg and sent to the hospital at Danville, where he died Novem-
ber 1, 1862. Is buried at No. 80 in the national cemetery at Dan-
ville, Ky.
AMERICUS HINSEY, aged twenty-two, single, farmer; enlisted
from Groveland. Served with his company until severely
428 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
wounded in the battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864.
His left leg was broken by a gun shot and amputated and he was
discharged for wounds from the hospital at Chicago, 111., soon after
the close of the war. When last heard from he was an inmate of
the Soldiers' Home at Dayton, Ohio.
LEVI HORTON appears to have enlisted June 21 and to have
been mustered in August 27, 1862, and there the record ends in his
case.
EDWARD JONES deserted December 13, 1862.
MAURICE LANDERER, aged thirty, single, farmer, born in
Germany and enlisted from Peoria. Served with his company
until killed at the battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July 19,
1864.
CLINTON LOGAN, aged twenty-eight, single, farmer; enlisted
from Spring Bay, and served with his company until accidentally
killed by a guard at Atlanta, Ga., September 9, 1864. His remains
are buried at No. 1162 in the national cemetery at Marietta, Ga.
JAMES McCABE, aged twenty-nine, single, boatman; enlisted
from Pekin. Served with his company until the close of the war,
and was discharged with the regiment. He was a native of Ire-
land, and is reported to have died December 19, 1888.
PHILLIP McCABE was born in Ireland October 31, 1845, emi-
grated to Illinois with his parents in May, 1857, and was a farmer
when he enlisted from Pekin. He served with his company until
the close of the war, and was mustered out with the regiment. He
is an optician and resides at Delavan, Tazewell county, Illinois.
JOHN MALONEY, aged twenty-one, single, farmer; enlisted
from Pekin. Served through the Kentucky campaign, and died at
Nashville, Tenn., January 9, 1863. Is buried at No. 5957 in the
national cemetery near that city.
JOHN McQUIN, aged twenty-six, single, farmer; enlisted from
Pekin. Served until the close of the war and was honorably dis-
charged May 17, 1865.
BARNHART NOBLACK, aged twenty, farmer; enlisted from
Spring Bay and served with his company until severely wounded
in the assault on Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864. He
was removed to the hospital at Nashville, Tenn., where he died
ROSTER OF COMPANY F. 429
September 9, 1864. Is buried at No. 14175 in the national cemetery
near that city.
FRED W. NEWMAN, aged twenty-five, single, shoemaker, born
in Germany; enlisted from Spring Bay, 111., and was discharged
for disability, November 21, 1862. He is reported to have died
April 2, 1896.
JOSEPH ORANGE, aged twenty-three, single, farmer, born ,in
Germany and enlisted from Spring Bay, 111. He served with his
company until his health failed and died at McAffee Church, Ga.,
March 28, 1864. Is buried at No. 11140 in the national cemetery
at Chattanooga, Tenn.
OUR MIKE, aged thirty-eight, single, farmer, born in Ger-
many; enlisted from Spring Bay, 111. Served through the Ken-
tucky campaign, and died at Nashville, Tenn., February 8, 1863.
His remains are buried at No. 6557 in the national cemetery at
Nashville, Tenn.
WILLIAM PHILLIPS, aged twenty-seven, single, farmer; en-
listed from Spring Bay. Served with his company until the close
of the war and was mustered out with the regiment. He was re-
ported living at Newport, Jackson county, Arkansas, but a letter
directed to that address was returned unclaimed.
ISAAC PHILLIPS, aged twenty-nine, married, farmer; enlisted
from Spring Bay and was discharged for disability January 30,
1863.
THOMAS PHILLIPS, aged twenty-nine, married, farmer; en-
listed from Spring Bay. Served with his company until the close
of the war and was mustered out with the regiment.
H. B. PARKS, aged thirty, single, farmer; enlisted from Spring
Bay and was discharged for disability, January 16, 1863.
WILLIAM QUINLIN, aged twenty-nine, single, farmer; en-
listed from Peoria. Served in the Kentucky campaign until the
command reached Bowling Green, when he was sent to the hos-
pital. He was discharged for disability from that place, May 21,
1863. After the close of the war he returned to Ireland, the land
of his birth, and died there October 1, 1894.
MATTHEW RILEY, aged forty, single, farmer; enlisted from
Pekin, and served with his company until killed in the assault on
430 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864. He was born In Ire-
land; was of fine appearance, and made a splendid soldier.
MARTIN RYAN, aged twenty-five, married, farmer; enlisted
from Pekin. He deserted September 8, 1862.
MICHAEL RHOADES, aged twenty-eight, married, farmer; en-
listed from Pekin. Served with his company until drowned in the
Tennessee river, October 19, 1863. (See Chapter XI.) His re-
mains were recovered and are buried at No. 11830, in the national
cemetery at Chattanooga, Tenn.
WILLIAM SPILLMAN was born in Switzerland, May 14, 1836,
emigrated to Illinois, and was a farmer in Woodford county when
he enlisted from Spring Bay. He served with his company through
all the campaigns in which the regiment was engaged, and was
mustered out with the regiment. He returned to his former home
at Spring Bay and resumed farming. Has been president of the
school board for nine years, and also served as tax collector. His
address is Spring Bay, Woodford county, Illinois.
HENRY STALDER, aged twenty, farmer, born in Germany, and
enlisted from Spring Bay, 111. He died in Louisville, Ky., October
12, 1862.
JOHN THOMPSON, aged forty-one, married, farmer, born in
England, and enlisted from Pekin, 111. He was discharged for dis-
ability at Louisville, Ky., March 7, 1863.
JOEL F. TERRY, aged eighteen, farmer; enlisted from Spring
Bay. Served with his company until captured at the battle of
Peach Tree creek, Georgia. He was held in various rebel prisons
until the close of the war, and was honorably discharged June 17,
1865. Is supposed to be living at Oronoque, Norton county,
Kansas.
ANTOINE TONEY, aged forty, single, farmer; enlisted from
Spring Bay, and after muster-in, the record is silent concerning
him.
BENJAMIN TANGARD, aged twenty-four, married, farmer;
enlisted from Groveland. Served with his company until the close
of the war, and was mustered out with the regiment. Is supposed
to be living at Western, Saline county, Nebraska.
MATTHEW L. WRIGLEY was born in Saybrook, Middlesex
county, Connecticut, August 9, 1842; removed to Illinois, and was
ROSTER OF COMPANY F. 431
a farmer when he enlisted from Pekin, 111. He served with his
company until captured in the battle of Chickamauga, Ga., Septem-
ber 20, 1863; was held in various rebel prisons until the close of
the war, and was honorably discharged July 22, 1865. He returned
to Illinois, but removed to Missouri in 1867, and to Oklahoma at
the opening. He has been postmaster at Alvaretta, and is at pres-
ent a merchant of that place. His address is Alvaretta, Woods
county, Oklahoma.
FITZHUGH WESTNOUR, aged twenty-one, farmer; enlisted
from Peoria, and served with his company until April 1, 1865, when
he was transferred to the invalid corps. He was honorably dis-
charged from that organization, at Washington, D. C., June 28,
1865.
EDWARD WARNER, aged eighteen, farmer; enlisted from
Spring Bay. Served with his company until near the close of the
war, but was sick in the hospital at Chicago, 111., when the regi-
ment was mustered out. He was honorably discharged a few days
later.
W. WARNER, aged thirty- three; appears on the roll, but no
further record has been found.
WILLIAM WHITNEY, aged twenty-four; enlisted June 16, and
was mustered in August 27, 1862, but beyond these facts no record
can be found.
ALEXANDER WOODCOCK, aged thirty-three, married, farm-
er; enlisted from Spring Bay, and died at New Albany, Ind., Octo-
ber 11, 1862. Is buried at No. 1096, in the national cemetery near
that city.
G. H. WILSON, aged twenty-nine; enlisted June 21, and was
mustered in with the regiment, and here the record stops.
JACOB WHITTAKER, aged eighteen, farmer; enlisted from
Pekin, 111. Served with his company until wounded at Peach
Tree creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864. He recovered so as to return
to duty and was mustered out with the regiment. He removed to
California and settled at Clear Creek, Butte county, where he died
several years since, from the effects of his wound. His remains
are buried in the cemetery at Clear Creek, Cal.
JOHN BASS, recruit supposed to have belonged to the com-
pany, but the record is silent beyond the statement that he en-
listed from Pekin.
432 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
PHILLIP BRICKEL, recruit that seems to have belonged to
the company, and who was transferred by order of the secretary
of war, May 18, 1865, to Company C, Sixteenth Illinois infantry,
and mustered out with that regiment July 8, 1865. He is supposed
to be living at Alexandria, Thayer county, Nebraska.
WILLIAM EHART, deserted on the day he was mustered into
the service.
JAMES ROSS, recruit; no date of enlistment or muster. Killed
by guerrillas near Nashville, Tenn., February 8, 1863.
JOHN TURNER, died at Louisville, Ky., October 12, 1862.
SKETCH OF COMPANY G. 433
CHAPTER XXXIIJ.
So many of the young men from the south part of
Fulton county had entered the army in 1861 that few
were so sanguine as to expect that more than one com-
pany could be raised in and around Astoria when recruit-
ing began in the summer of 1862. But by the middle of
August enough had enlisted to form two full companies.
Company G was enrolled by the Hon. S. P. Cum-
mings between the nth and i6th of August, the nucleus
of the company being the overflow from Company H, it
having been the first organized. At the organization of
the company the following commissioned officers were
elected: William McClelland, captain; Lafayette Cur-
less, first lieutenant, and John M. Robertson, second
lieutenant.
The record shows that 20 of the officers and men be-
longing to this company were hit with shot or shell in
battle, 8 of whom were killed, i died of wounds, while 1 1
received wounds which did not prove fatal while in the
service, 9 died of disease, 1 1 were discharged for disabil-
ity, 1 6 were transferred and 36 went home together
when the regiment was disbanded.
The company was commanded by officers who were
brave and enterprising, and, for genuine loyalty and de-
votion to duty, Company G was the peer of any organi-
zation in the service. While the writer feels that his
heart is big enough to take in the whole of the Eighty-
fifth, there will always be a warm corner reserved for the
"boys of Company G." The following is
434 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
THE COMPANY ROSTER.
CAPTAIN WILLIAM McCLELLAND, aged thirty-eight, born
in Jefferson county. Ohio, but for many years had been residing on
a farm near Astoria, 111. He was active in recruiting the com-
pany, and at its organization was elected captain. He commanded
the company through the Kentucky campaign, and at the battle of
Perryville, Ky., his actions proved that he was not lacking in
courage. But the hardships of the campaign which ended at
Nashville, Tenn., undermined his health, and he resigned his com-
mission on December 21, 1862. He returned to his farm near As-
toria, 111., where he died November 24, 1889, his death resulting
from injuries received from falling down stairs.
CAPTAIN HENRY S. LA TOURRETTE was born in Somerset
county, New Jersey, January 24, 1824; removed with his parents
to Ohio in 1831, and to Illinois in 1841, and settled on a farm near
Canton, in Fulton county. He crossed the plains to Denver, Col.,
in 1859, and later made a trip to California. In 1860, he estab-
lished a cattle ranch near Fort Union, N. M., which was becoming
profitable at the breaking out of the rebellion. He then sold his
claim and stock, taking notes for the proceeds of sale, which were
never paid, and returned to Illinois for the purpose of entering
the army. He enlisted from Astoria as a private, and was pro-
moted to be captain December 21, 1862. He commanded the com-
pany until severely wounded in the assault on Kennesaw Moun-
tain, Georgia, June 27, 1864. This wound made necessary the am-
putation of his right arm near the shoulder, and ended his career
with the company. He was honorably discharged July 1, 1865,
and went to New Orleans, La., where he was keeper of bonded
stores for ten years. He was in the internal revenue service at
St. Louis, Mo., for six years, but is now residing at Winchester,
Scott county, Illinois.
FIRST LIEUTENANT LAFAYETTE CURLESS was born in
Brown County, Ohio, and enlisted from Bluff City, Schuyler
county, Illinois, at the age of twenty-six. He was married, and a
farmer, was elected first lieutenant at the organization of the com-
pany, participated in the battle of Perryville, Ky., and served with
the company until the army arrived at Bowling Green, Ky., where
he resigned his commission and returned home. He was mur-
dered in Bluff City, 111.. May 7, 1886.
FIRST LIEUTENANT JOHN M. ROBERTSON was born in
r>. L, MUSSKLMAN,
QUINCV. II. I.., 18OO.
ROSTER OF COMPANY G. 435
Woodland, Fulton county, Illinois, in 1839, was married, and enlist-
ed from his native township. He was elected second lieutenant at
the organization of the company, and promoted to be first lienten-
ant November 12, 1862. He participated in all the campaigns and
battles in which the regiment was engaged, until severely wounded
by a gunshot through the thigh, in the assault on Kennesaw
Mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864. This ended his service with the
company, as upon recovery he was assigned to duty in the com-
missary department, where he remained until the close of the war.
He was mustered out June 5, 1865, and returned to his former
home in Illinois. His health began to fail a few years later, and
he made a trip over the old battlefields, going as far south as
Florida, in 1880. But his search for health availed not, and he
died near Astoria, 111., February 20, 1881.
SECOND LIEUTENANT DE LAFAYETTE MUSSELMAN, son
of George Musselman and Sarah A. Saffer, was born in a log
cabin, in Fulton county, 111., April 21, 1842. He can justly claim
to come from patriotic stock, as his father enlisted in Company E,
Twenty-seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry at the breaking out of
the rebellion, and served his full term of three years. The sub-
ject of this sketch attended the Fulton Seminary at Lewistown,
111., during the winters of 1859 and 1860, enlisted from Woodland,
and was chosen first sergeant at the organization of the com-
pany. He was promoted second lieutenant November 12, 1862, and
served under that commission to the end of the war.
He was slightly wounded in the assault on Kennesaw Mountain,
Georgia, June 27, 1864, but remained on duty, assumed command
of the company, and continued in command until after the fall of
Atlanta, when he received a twenty days' furlough to visit home.
He left the company at Athens, Ala., and on the day he arrived at
Chattanooga on his return, communications between that point
and Sherman's army were destroyed. He was then assigned to
duty as assistant adjutant general on the staff of Colonel Dilworth,
who was assigned to command the post at Cleveland, Tenn.
He served in that position until the following spring, when he
rejoined the company at Goldsboro, N. C., and resumed command.
He participated in all the battles in which the regiment was en-
gaged, commanded the company from Goldsboro to Washington,
and was mustered out with the regiment.
He returned to Illinois at the close of his service, attended
business college at Chicago, and taught one year in that city. In
436 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
1867, he went to Quincy, 111., where he taught in the Bryant &
Stratton Business College and the Quincy English and German
College. In 1870, he purchased an interest in the Gem City Busi-
ness College of Quincy, and a few years later became the sole
owner. Under his careful, energetic management, this has be-
come one of the most successful business colleges in America,
numbering 800 to 900 students annually, thirty-four states and ter-
ritories being represented among its students.
FIRST SERGEANT LEWIS S. POST, aged thirty-eight, born
in Elizabethtown, Essex county, New York, single, millwright;
enlisted from Hickory, 111. Was chosen sergeant at the organiza-
tion of the company. Served throifgh the Kentucky and Murfrees-
boro campaigns, but his health failed and he was transferred to
the Veteran Reserve corps, at Nashville, Tenn., August 27, 1863.
He was honorably discharged from that organization at the close
of the war. When last heard from was residing at 235 Oneida
street, Pueblo, Col.
FIRST SERGEANT HENRY J. ATEN was born October 12,
1841, on a farm near Astoria, Fulton county, Illinois, on which his
parents, Richard Aten and Ann Peterson, of Brook county, Vir-
ginia, had settled in the spring of 1840. His paternal and maternal
ancestors were from Holland; both his great grandfathers served
the colonies in the War of the Revolution, and his maternal grand-
father was a soldier in the war of 1812. He first enlisted August 8,
1861, in Company H, Twenty-eight Illinois Infantry, and served
until discharged at Grand Junction, Miss., June 19, 1862, for dis-
ability resulting from an attack of typhoid pneumonia. He again
enlisted August 12, 1862, and was chosen corporal at the organiza-
tion of Company G, was promoted sergeant at Bowling Green,
Ky., December 12, 1862, and first sergeant February 17, 1863, at
Nashville, Tenn. He participated in all the battles and campaigns
in which the command was engaged; commanded the com-
pany from Atlanta to the sea, and was mustered out with
the regiment. Returning to Illinois at the end of his service, he
worked on the old homestead until the autumn of 1866, attended
business college at Chicago, and began teaching bookkeeping in
the business college at Quincy, 111., the following spring. He
taught and kept books until the spring of 1870, when he went to
Kansas and engaged in the real estate and loan business at Hia-
watha, in Brown county. He married Miss Maria L. Burbige, of
Quincy, 111., September 15, 1870, and has two daughters the issue
ROSTER OF COMPANY G. 437
of this marriage. Has served as clerk of the district court, mayor
of Hiawatha, and was appointed by President Harrison to nego-
tiate with the Pottawatomie and Kickapoo Indians for the allot-
ments of their lands in severalty. Later he was appointed special
agent and allotted lands to the members of both tribes. For ten
years past he has been vice-president of the Society of the Army
of the Cumberland for Kansas. Is the writer of the history in
which this sketch appears, and resides at Hiawatha, Kan.
SERGEANT W. IRVING SHANNON was born in Coshocton
county, Ohio, in 1842, and removed with his parents to Illinois in
1850, where they settled on a farm near Astoria, in Fulton county.
He first enlisted October 12, 1861, in Company G, Fifty-fifth Illi-
nois Infantry, and was severely wounded at the battle of Shiloh,
Tenn., and was discharged for disability resulting from wounds,
June 10, 1862. He again enlisted August 12, 1862, and was chosen
sergeant at the organization of Company G; served with the com-
pany until mortally wounded in the assault on Kennesaw Moun-
tain, Georgia, June 27, 1864, and died before assistance could reach
him. The remains of this brave veteran soldier are buried at
No. 8739 in the national cemetery at Marietta, Ga.
SERGEANT THOMAS HORTON was born in Coshocton coun-
ty, Ohio, June 27, 1827, removed to Illinois in 1845, and settled on
a farm near Bluff City, Schuyler county, Illinois. He enlisted
from Bluff City, was chosen corporal at the organization of the
company; was promoted to be sergeant; served until the close of
the war, and was mustered out with the regiment. At the close of
his service he resumed farming, and died at Bluff City, 111., March
19, 1869.
SERGEANT LEWIS P. WRIGHT was born in Harrison county,
Indiana, March 28, 1844, removed with his parents to Illinois in
1856, and was a farmer when he enlisted from Kerton, in Fulton
county. He participated in all the battles and campaigns in which
the regiment was engaged, was slightly wounded in the assault on
Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864, was promoted ser-
geant, and was mustered out with the regiment. At the end of
the war he returned to Illinois, resumed farming and now resides
at Enion, Fulton county.
SERGEANT DANIEL, G. LONGFELLOW, aged twenty-three,
born in Aroostook county, Maine, was married and a farmer when
he enlisted from Hickory, Fulton county, Illinois. He was pro-
438 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
moted sergeant; served with his company through all the cam-
paigns in which the regiment was engaged, until killed in the
assault on Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864.
SERGEANT WILLIAM SMITH enlisted from Fulton county,
Illinois, as a private, was married, and a farmer. Served through
all the campaigns in which the regiment was engaged, was pro-
moted sergeant, and mustered out with the regiment. He returned
to Illinois, and resumed farming, but, if living, his present address
is unknown.
SERGEANT WILLIAM R. ROE, aged thirty-five, born in Ken-
tucky, was married, and a farmer when he enlisted from Wood-
land, 111. He was chosen corporal at the organization of the com-
pany, promoted sergeant at Nashville, Tenn., served until the
close of the war, and was mustered out with the regiment. At the
end of his service he returned to Illinois, and died at Bluff City,
June 16, 1885.
SERGEANT LORENZO D. GOULD was born in Brown county,
Ohio, and enlisted from Woodland, Fulton county, Illinois, at the
age of thirty-seven, married, farmer, and was chosen sergeant at
the organization of the company. He was a very faithful soldier,
and served with his company until the close of the Atlanta cam-
paign, when failing health sent him to the hospital. He died at
Atlanta, Ga., November 1, 1864, and his remains are buried at No.
7739 in the national cemetery at Marietta, Ga.
CORPORAL WILLIAM P. BRYANT, deserted at Nashville,
Tenn., January 10, 1863.
CORPORAL JOHN F. KENNEDY, aged thirty-four, born in
Indiana, was married, and a farmer when he enlisted from Ful-
ton county, Illinois. He was chosen corporal at the organization
of the company; served with the company until his health failed,
and he was transferred to the Veteran Reserve corps, September
21, 1864. He was honorably discharged from that organization at
Springfield, 111., September 11, 1865. He resides at Astoria, 111.
CORPORAL ELIAS WHEELER, aged thirty-nine, born in
Brook county, Virginia, was married, and a farmer when he en-
listed from Astoria, 111. He was chosen corporal at the organiza-
tion of the company, but his health soon failed, and he was dis-
charged for disability August 31, 1863. He returned to Illinois,
and died April 15, 1889.
ROSTER OF COMPANY G. 439
CORPORAL PERRY ADKINSON, deserted January 10, 1863.
CORPORAL JACKSON SMITH, deserted February 1, 1863.
CORPORAL JOSEPH CURLESS, aged twenty-seven, born in
Brown county, Ohio, married, farmer; enlisted from Woodland,
Fulton county, Illinois. He was promoted corporal, served with
his company until the close of the war, and was mustered out with
the regiment.
CORPORAL PERRY W. CLUPPER was born in Unity, Colum-
biana county, Ohio, March 11, 1842, and removed with his parents
to Illinois in 1857. He was a farmer, and enlisted from Schuyler
county, Illinois. Was promoted corporal; served with the com-
pany until wounded near Louisville, Ga., November 30, 1864. He
was captured, shot through the neck, and left for dead by the
enemy, but recovered, and was mustered out with the regiment.
He removed to Kansas a few years after the war and engaged in
farming near Salem, Jewell county, where he still resides.
CORPORAL PETER W. REVER, aged twenty-eight, was a car-
penter, born in Manheim, York county, Pennsylvania, and enlisted
from Woodland, in Fulton county, Illinois. He was promoted cor-
poral, and served with his company until the assault on Kenne-
saw Mountain, Georgia, when he was undoubtedly killed or cap-
tured and died in the hands of the enemy. It seems proba'ble that
he leaped the enemy's works, and in so doing received wounds
from which he died. Others saw him almost up to the works, but
the only report that could ever be made in his case, was that most
unsatisfactory one, "Missing in action June 27, 1864."
CORPORAL DANIEL SANDIDGE was born in McDonough
county, Illinois, January 27, 1840, was married, and a farmer when
he enlisted from Oakland, in Schuyler county. He participated in
all the battles and campaigns in which the regiment was engaged,
and was mustered out with the regiment. He was promoted cor-
poral and mustered out as such. Upon his return to Illinois, he
engaged in farming, and for many years has resided near Mt. Ster-
ling, in Brown county.
CORPORAL JOHN SHORES, aged twenty-seven, was born in
Coshocton county, Ohio, married, and a farmer, when he enlisted
from Woodland, Fulton county, Illinois. He was promoted cor-
poral, and served with his company until killed in the assault on
440 HISTORY OF THE 8STH ILLINOIS.
Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864. Is buried at No. 928R
in the national cemetery at Marietta, Ga.
CORPORAL ALEXANDER R. TIDRICK was born in Birming-
ham, Guernsey county, Ohio, March 12, 1839, and enlisted as a
farmer from McDonough county, Illinois. He was promoted cor-
poral; served with his company in all the battles in which the reg-
iment was engaged, was promoted corporal, and was mustered out
with the regiment. He was slightly wounded in the assault on
Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864. He is a carpenter
and builder, and resides at Astoria, 111.
MUSICIAN SAMUEL SIMMERS, deserted October 5, 1862.
MUSICIAN RALPH E. LINE, deserted November 8, 1862.
WAGONER GEORGE COOPER was born at Millersburg,
Holmes county, Ohio, November 22, 1839, removed with his parents
to Illinois, and settled on a farm near Astoria, in 1846. He en-
listed as a farmer from Astoria and was appointed wagoner, serv-
ing in that capacity until the close of the war. He was wounded in
a fight at or near Lavergne, Tenn., and was mustered out with the
regiment. Upon his return to Illinois, he resumed farming near
Summum, in Fulton county, where he still resides.
MILES L. ATWATER was born in Sheffield, Ashtabula county,
Ohio, married, cooper, and enlisted from Woodland, Fulton county,
Illinois. He served until the close of the war, but under much
embarrassment at times. He was what was commonly termed
moon-eyed, a disease of the retina which prevented him from see-
ing at night, and the writer remembers that his brother, John
Aten, led him on night" marches. But he served faithfully to the
end and was mustered out with the regiment. After the war he
lived near Hamilton, in Hancock county, Illinois, but became
totally blind. He died April 20, 1898.
WILLIAM ATWATER, aged twenty, farmer, born in Fulton
county, Illinois, and enlisted from Woodland. Served through
the Kentucky campaign until the command arrived at Bowling
Green, where he was sent to the hospital, and was discharged for
disability March 1, 1863. Is supposed to reside at Oakwood, Linn
county, Kansas.
JOHN ATEN, the second son of Richard Aten and Ann Peter-
son, and brother of Henry J., was born near Astoria, Fulton
ROSTER OF COMPANY G. 441
county, Illinois, August 13, 1843, and enlisted from his native town.
His paternal and maternal ancestors were from Holland. Both
his great grandfathers served the colonies in the War of the Revo-
lution, and his maternal grandfather was a soldier in the War of
1812. He was wounded early in the battle of Perryville, Ky.,
October S, 1862, but refused to leave the company until the fight
ended, and then went to the hospital under protest, saying, "It is
only a scratch!" At the hospital in Louisville, while convales-
cing, he showed such aptitude for caring for the sick and wounded,
that he was retained some six months as nurse. At his own
request he was returned to the company early in the summer of
1863, and thereafter never missed duty for a single day until the
close of the war, when he was mustered out with the regiment.
After his return, he engaged in farming in McDonough county sev-
eral years, returned to Fulton county, and bought the farm near
Astoria, 111., on which he now resides.
PERRY BROWN was born in Pleasantview, Schuyler county,
Illinois, August 2, 1838, and enlisted from Hickory. He was mar-
ried, and a farmer. Served until the close of the war, participat-
ing in all the campaigns in which the command was engaged, and
was mustered out with the regiment. Is a farmer, and resides at
Frederick, Schuyler county, Illinois.
THOMAS BROWN, aged twenty-three, married, farmer, born
and enlisted from Schuyler county, Illinois. Served until the close
of the war, and was mustered out with the regiment. Was mounted
as a scout during part of his service, and was in the party that
captured the prisoners at Chickamauga, as related in Chapter X.
He returned to Illinois, resumed farming, but has been dead sev-
eral years.
SIMPSON BROWN, aged twenty-six, born and raised in Schuy-
ler county, Illinois, and enlisted from Browning; farmer. Served
through the Kentucky campaign, but at Nashville, Tenn., his
health failed, and he was discharged for disability August 31, 1863.
He resumed farming upon his return home, but died at Butlerville,
111., a few years after the close of the war.
AARON F. BREWER, aged nineteen, born at Taylor, Harrison
county, Indiana, and enlisted from Woodland, Fulton county, Illi-
nois. He served with his company until failing health sent him
to the hospital at McAffee church, Georgia, where he died January
27
442 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
22, 1864. Is buried at No. 10397 in the national cemetery at Chat-
tanooga, Tenn.
WILLIAM BOYD, aged fifty, born in Franklin county, Pennsyl-
vania, was married, and enlisted from Astoria, 111. The reports
show that he died at Lexington, Ky., February 12, 1865, but it
seems more probable to the writer that his death occurred in 1863.
JOHN E. BOLIN, aged nineteen, carpenter, born in Fayette
county, Pennsylvania, and enlisted from Astoria, 111. He served
through the Kentucky campaign, and died at Nashville, Tenn.,
December 15, 1862.
STEPHEN L. CASTOR, aged thirty-three, married, farmer,
born in Campbell county, Kentucky, and enlisted from Kerton, in
Fulton county, Illinois. He participated in all the battles and
campaigns in which his company was engaged, and was mustered
out with the regiment. He returned to farming at his old home,
but afterward removed to Missouri, where he is supposed to be liv-
ing, but his address is unknown.
LORENZO D. CURLESS, aged twenty-four, single, farmer, born
in Brown county, Ohio, and enlisted from Woodland, in Fulton
county, Illinois. He served to the close of the war, participating
in all the campaigns in which the command was engaged, and was
mustered out with the regiment. He resides near Astoria, 111.
ALEXANDER CUNNINGHAM, aged twenty-three, single,
farmer, born in Hancock county, Virginia, and enlisted from
Browning, 111. He served to the close of the war, taking part in
all campaigns in which the command was engaged, and was mus-
tered out with the regiment. He returned to Browning, 111., mar-
ried, and removed to Missouri, where he engaged in farming. He
died at Warsaw, Mo., December 24, 1899.
JOHN W. DODGE, aged twenty-three, farmer, born in Schuy-
ler county, Illinois, and enlisted from Astoria. He served to the
close of the war, and was mustered out with the regiment. He
returned to Illinois, but his present address is unknown.
SILAS DODGE, aged twenty-two, single, farmer, born in and
enlisted from Fulton county, Illinois. He served with his com-
pany until severely wounded in the assault on Kennesaw Moun-
tain, Georgia, June 27, 1864, his wound causing the amputation of
his right arm. He was transferred to the hospital at Chattanooga,
Tenn., where he died July 9, 1864.
.T. ATIO*.
OF THF
UNIVEHS! T Y of ILLINOIS
ROSTER OF COMPANY G. 443
JOHN W. DOUGLAS was born at Leesville, Lawrence county,
Indiana, December 23, 1841, removed to Illinois and enlisted from
Woodland, in Fulton county. He served with the company
through all the battles in which the regiment was engaged, until
near Atlanta, Ga., when failing health caused his transfer to the
Veteran Reserve corps. He served in the reserve corps until the
close of the war, and was honorably discharged in the summer of
1865. He returned to Illinois and was engaged in farming until
1880, when he removed to Nebraska. He is a prosperous farmer
near Tecumseh, Johnson county, Nebraska.
BENJAMIN F. EDMONDS, deserted October 8, 1862.
MICHAEL FAWCETT, aged twenty-three, married, farmer,
born in Knox county, Ohio, and enlisted from Leesburg, 111. Served
through the Kentucky campaign, and died at Nashville, Tenn.,
April 5, 1863. Is buried at No. 7003, in the national cemetery near
that city.
LEVI FAWCETT, aged thirty-five, single, farmer, born in Bel-
mont county, Ohio, and enlisted from Woodland, 111. Served
through the Kentucky campaign, and was discharged for disability
at Nashville, Tenn., June 1, 1863.
SOLOMON HOLT was born at Rochester, Coshocton county,
Ohio, January 19, 1839, removed to Illinois in 1860, and enlisted
from Kerton, in Fulton county. He served to the close of the war,
participating in all the battles and campaigns in which the com-
mand was engaged, and was mustered out with the regiment. He
removed to Missouri soon after the war closed, and engaged in
farming in Andrew county. He located near Savannah, where he
still resides.
DANIEL HAYES, aged thirty-one, married, farmer, born in
Richland county, Ohio, and enlisted from Hickory, Schuyler
county, Illinois. His health failed on the Kentucky campaign,
and he died at Louisville, Ky., December 1, 1862.
JAMES M. JONES, aged thirty-two, married, farmer, born in
Drake county, Ohio, and enlisted from Woodland, Fulton county,
Illinois. He served to the close of the war, taking part in all the
battles in which the command was engaged, and was mustered out
with the regiment. He returned to Astoria, 111., and resumed
farming, and died there October 3, 1898.
444 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
WILLIAM KELLY, aged thirty, married, farmer, born in Rich-
land county, Ohio, and enlisted from Schuyler county, Illinois.
His health failed and he was early sent to the hospital, and was
discharged for disability, at Indianapolis, Ind., July 18, 1863. He
died January 15, 1891.
FRANKLIN KERNS, aged twenty-five, married, farmer, born
near Astoria, Fulton county, Illinois. Served through the Ken-
tucky campaign, and died at Nashville, Tenn., April 1, 1863. Is
buried at No. 3250 in the national cemetery near that city.
DAVID M. KING was 'born at Milford, Union county, Ohio,
April 10, 1820, and was married and a farmer when he enlisted
from Woodland, Fulton county, Illinois. He served through the
Kentucky campaign, and was discharged for disability at Nash-
ville, Tenn., April 1, 1863. He returned to Illinois, resumed farm-
ing, but is now living retired at Bushnell, McDonough county, 111.
DAVID T. LINE, deserted October 8, 1862.
CHARLES LAMPERELL, aged eighteen, blacksmith, born in
Kent county, England, and enlisted from Astoria, 111. He served
with his company until the close of the war, and was mustered
out with the regiment. He returned to Astoria and engaged in
farming, but has been dead for several years.
HENRY LAFARY, married, farmer, born in Brown county,
Ohio, April 15, 1833, and enlisted from Woodland, Fulton county,
Illinois. He served with his company to the close of the war, par-
ticipated in all the campaigns in which the command was engaged,
and was mustered out with the regiment. He returned to Illinois,
resumed farming, and now resides at Smithfield, Fulton county,
Illinois.
JOHN LIVINGSTON was born at Astoria, Fulton county, Illi-
nois, January 28, 1840, and enlisted from his native town. He
served until the close of the war, taking part in all the engage-
ments in which the command was engaged, and was mustered out
with the regiment. He was wounded in a railroad accident at
Manchester, Tenn., while on duty as train guard. He is a carpen-
ter and builder, and resides at Bushnell, McDonough county, Illi-
nois.
JAMES S. LEWIS, enlisted from Astoria, was a farmer. Served
until the close of the war, and was mustered out with the regi-
ROSTER OF COMPANY G. 445
ment. He returned to Astoria at the close of the war, and re-
sumed farming, but for many years he has been in poor health,
the result of his hard service. He resides at St. Marys, Hancock
county, Illinois.
STEPHEN LEVINGSTON, aged twenty-five, deserted October
5, 1862.
THOMAS J. LEVINGSTON, aged nineteen, enlisted from
Astoria, and was discharged for disability at Louisville, Ky., Octo-
ber 1, 1862.
ANDERSON McCOMB, aged thirty-seven, married, butcher,
born in Hickman county, Kentucky, and enlisted from Schuyler
county, Illinois. He served until the close of the war, and was
mustered out with the regiment.
JOHN McKAY, aged twenty-eight, married, farmer, born in
New York, deserted April 1, 1863.
THOMAS O'DONNELL deserted at the battle of Perryville, Ky.
He was killed by being run over by a railway train at Beardstown,
111., in about 1889.
WILLIAM PRENTICE, aged thirty-four, married, farmer, born
in Adair county, Kentucky, and enlisted from Woodland, in Ful-
ton county, Illinois. He served with his company until the close
of the war, and was mustered out with the regiment. He was a
brother of Berry Prentice, killed at Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia.
He returned to Illinois and resumed farming in Fulton county, and
died there February 19, 1891.
BERRY PRENTICE, aged twenty-five, married, farmer, born
in Adair county, Kentucky, and enlisted from Woodland, Fulton
county, Illinois. He served with his company through all the
battles in which it was engaged, until killed in the assault on
Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864. Is buried at No. 8671
in the national cemetery at Marietta, Ga.
JOHN N. PARR was born at Heidelburgh, York county, Penn-
sylvania, February 19, 1838, and was a brickmaker when he en-
listed from Pleasant, Fulton county, Illinois. He served with his
company through all the battles and campaigns in which the com-
mand was engaged, and was mustered out at the close of the war
with the regiment. He returned to Illinois and engaged in farm-
ing in Pleasant township, where he has served as member of the
446 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
county board, and commissioner of highways. His address is
Summum, Fulton county, Illinois.
FRANCIS MARION PLANK was born near Astoria, Fulton
county, Illinois, October 28, 1844, and enlisted from his native
town. He served with his company until severely wounded at the
battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia. He received a gun sno*
through the neck and left leg, which confined him to the hospital
until the close of the war. He was honorably discharged from the
hospital at Nashville, Tenn., and returned to his former home in
Illinois. He removed some years later to Iowa, and engaged in
farming in Allamokee county, where he resides on a farm of his
own, free from debt, and contented. His address is Ion, Alla-
mokee county, Iowa.
WILLIAM R. PARKER, aged eighteen, born in and enlisted
from Woodland, Fulton county, Illinois. Served to the close of
the war, and was mustered out with the regiment. At the close
of the war he returned to his former home, killed a comrade, and
left for parts unknown.
GEORGE POWELL, aged twenty-five, single, farmer, born in
Adair county, Kentucky, and enlisted from Astoria, Illinois. He
served with the company until transferred to the Veteran Reserve
corps March 1, 1864, but his subsequent career is unknown to the
writer.
GEORGE W. REED was born at Keen, Coshocton county, Ohio,
May 31, 1844, and with his parents removed to Illinois in 1859;
enlisted from Woodland, Fulton county. Served to the close of
the war, and was mustered out with the regiment. At Nashville,
Tenn., he was detailed in Battery I, Second Illinois Light Artillery
and served with the brigade battery until the winter of 1864. He
returned to Illinois and engaged in farming until August, 1899,
when he removed to Wood River, Hall county, Nebraska, where
he now resides.
LEWIS C. SMITH, aged forty-one, single, farmer.born in Ohio,
and enlisted from Hickory, Schuyler county, Illinois. Discharged
for disability at Nashville, Tenn., April 1, 1863.
HORACE J. SNODGRASS, aged twenty-one, farmer, born in
Harrison county, Indiana, and enlisted from Kerton, Fulton coun-
ty, Illinois. He served with his company until instantly killed
at Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, July 1, 1864. Tired out with
ROSTER OF COMPANY G. 447
crouching behind the works, he exposed his head while changing
position, and a ball passed through his brain.
JOSEPH B. SHAWGO was born in Zanesville, Ohio, in 1843,
and with his parents removed to Illinois in 1855; enlisted from
Browning, 111., and served with his company until mounted at
brigade headquarters in the summer of 1863. He was one of the
party of scouts that captured the rebel prisoners on the eve of
the battle of Chickamauga, Ga., as related in Chapter X. He was
near Colonel Dan McCook when that officer was mortally wounded
and carried him from the field. He was still serving as a scout
when selected to carry a dispatch from General Sherman, then
at Milledgeville, Ga., to General Thomas, then supposed to be at
Chattanooga, Tenn. This very difficult and dangerous duty he
performed, finding and delivering the dispatch to General Thomas
at Nashville. He then served as orderly on the staff of General
A. J. Smith, until the close of the war, and was honorably dis-
charged at Nashville, Tenn. He graduated from Abingdon Col-
lege, at Abingdon, 111., in 1869, studied medicine, and graduated
from a medical college, Chicago, 111., in 1877. He began the prac-
tice of his profession at Quincy, 111., the same year. He has filled
various positions of trust under city, state and U. S. government,
and is still practicing his chosen profession at Quincy, 111.
GEORGE W. SHAWGO, brother of the doctor, born in Zanes-
ville, Ohio, in 1839, and enlisted from Woodland, Fulton county,
Illinois. He was discharged at Louisville, Ky., October 1, 1862,
returned to Illinois, and now resides on a farm near Fandon,
McDonough county, Illinois.
ALFRED SMITH, aged twenty-nine, married, farmer, born in
Smithfield, Jefferson county, Ohio, and enlisted from Rushville,
111. He served through the Kentucky campaign, but his health
failed, and he died at Nashville, Tenn., February 16, 1863. Is
buried at No. 5134, in the national cemetery near that city.
JAMES N. STEPHENSON, aged twenty, farmer; enlisted from
Woodland. Served with his company until the close of the war,
and was mustered out with the regiment. He returned to Fulton
county, resumed farming, but died soon after his return, near
Summum, 111.
MARION SEVERNS enlisted from Woodland, Fulton county,
Illinois. Served with his company until killed in the assault on
448 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864. He was a cousin of
William, of Company H, wounded in the same action.
SOLOMON STILL, aged thirty-one, single, farmer, born in
Coshocton county, Ohio, and enlisted from Woodland, Fulton
county, Illinois. He served through the Kentucky campaign, and
was transferred to the Veteran Reserve corps at Nashville, Tenn.
SAMUEL STILL, aged twenty-six, single, farmer, born in
Coshocton county, Ohio, and enlisted from Woodland, Fulton
county, Illinois. His health failing on the Kentucky campaign,
he was sent to the hospital at Danville, where he died December o,
1862. Is buried at No. 49, in the national cemetery at Danville,
Kentucky.
ROBERT STILL, aged twenty-eight, married, farmer, born in
Coshocton county, Ohio, and enlisted from Woodland, Fulton
county, Illinois. Served through the Kentucky campaign, and was
discharged for disability, at Nashville, Tenn., April 1, 1863.
Reported dead.
JAMES SHIELDS, aged eighteen, born in Fulton county, Illi-
nois, and enlisted from Woodland. Served with his company
through all the campaigns in which the regiment was engaged
until killed in the assault on Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, June
27, 1864.
LEWIS SEYMOUR was born in Montreal, Canada, February 20,
1825, removed to Illinois in 1856, and was a farmer when he en-
listed from Hickory, Schuyler county. He served with his com-
pany until transferred to the engineer corps, July 31, 1864, and in
that organization to the close of the war. He was honorably dis-
charged at Chattanooga, Tenn., June 24, 1865. He returned to
Illinois, resumed farming, and resides near Summum, 111.
AARON THOMAS was born in Clermont county, Ohio, Febru-
ary 22, 1828, removed to Illinois in 1850, and settled on a farm in
Fulton county. He enlisted from Woodland. Served with his
company until June 1, 1863, when he was transferred to the Vet-
eran Reserve corps at Nashville, Tenn. He was discharged from
that organization, June 28, 1865, and returned to his former home
in Illinois. He is now retired and resides at Astoria, 111.
DAVID THOMAS, aged twenty-five, married, farmer, born in
Boone, Harrison county, Indiana, and enlisted from Woodland,
ROSTER OF COMPANY G. 449
Fulton county, Illinois. Served until the close of the war and was
mustered out with the regiment. He returned to Illinois and was
a teamster at Lewistown when he died. His widow resides at
Lewistown, 111.
DAVID TAYLOR, aged twenty-two, married, farmer, born in
Kentucky, and enlisted from Woodland, Fulton county, Illinois.
He served with his company until the close of the war, and was
mustered out with the regiment. He was wounded by a gun shot
in the face at Pumpkin Vine creek, Georgia, but recovered and re-
turned to duty. His address is unknown to the writer.
THOMAS J. TATE deserted September 1, 1863.
JOHN THOMPSON was born in Butlersville, Schuyler county,
Illinois, February 5, 1845, and enlisted from his native town. In
the Kentucky campaign a wagon ran over and broke his left foot,
which disabled him for marching, and he was detailed as an or-
derly at brigade headquarters, where he served to the close of the
war and was mustered out with the regiment. He was wounded
in the battle at Buzzard Roost, Ga., February 25, 1864, by a gun
shot through the left arm. He was in one more battle than the
regiment Bentonville, N. C., where he received a shot through his
pants. He was the first man to reach Cape Fear river, where he
captured a rebel sergeant, some negroes and a flat boat. He re-
moved to Missouri in 1871 and began farming in Harrison county.
Has served as justice of the peace and now resides at Gilman City,
Harrison county, Missouri.
BENTON TURNER deserted January 21, 1863.
GEORGE WORKMAN, aged twenty, born in Schuyler county,
Illinois, and enlisted from Butlerville. Served with his company
through the Kentucky campaign, and at Nashville, Tenn., was
detailed in the scouts at brigade headquarters, where he served to
the close of the war and was mustered out with the regiment. At
the end of his service he returned to his former home, where he
was murdered by one whom he was trying to befriend.
JOSEPH H. WOODRUFF deserted at Perryville, Ky., October
8, 1862.
450 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
CHAPTER XXXIV.
Recruiting for Company H was commenced on July
3ist, and by the 6th of August, 1862, the first of the two
companies enlisted at Astoria had been enrolled. As
with Company G, this company stands on the record as
having been enrolled by the Hon. S. P. Cummings. At
the organization of the company the following commis-
sioned officers were elected : Nathaniel McClelland,
captain ; Luke Elliott, first lieutenant, and William
Cohren, second lieutenant.
During the three years' service 29 of this company
were hit with shot or shell, 4 of whom were killed in
action, i died of wounds, 24 received wounds from
which they recovered or were discharged, 6 officers re-
signed, ii men died of disease, 24 were discharged, 6
were transferred, and 45 were present at the final mus-
ter out.
Of Company H it may be fairly said that it per-
formed its full measure of duty, bore its full share of
hardships and suffered its full proportion of loss. The
record of the regiment was made brighter by its har-
monious action in camp and field, by its steady, soldierly
bearing in battle, and its prompt and intelligent response
to every call for duty. The following is
THE COMPANY ROSTER.
CAPTAIN NATHANIEL McCLELLAND was born in Jefferson
county, Ohio, January 25, 1826, and with his parents removed to
Illinois in 1830 and settled on a farm near Astoria, in Fulton
county. He was a farmer, a ready speaker and frequently occu-
pied the pulpit of the Methodist church in Astoria and vicinity.
ROSTER OF COMPANY H. 451
He assisted in recruiting the company and at its organization was
elected captain. An elder brother, William, was chosen captain of
Company G, and a younger brother, Captain Thomas G., had but
recently lost his life while in command of Company H, Third Illi-
nois cavalry. Captain McClelland served through the Kentucky
campaign, participating in the battle of Perryville, October 8,
1862, but failing health forced him to resign his commission, which
was accepted November 12, 1862, and he returned home. He en-
gaged in farming for several years near Astoria, but afterward re-
moved to Plymouth, in Hancock county, where he died January 14,
1878. His widow and at least one son now reside at Plymouth, 111.
CAPTAIN DAVID MAXWELL was born in Jackson county,
Ohio, March 22, 1822, and removed to Illinois in April, 1844. He
crossed the plains to California in 1850, returned to Illinois some
two years later, and was married and a cooper when he enlisted
as a private from Astoria. He served through the Kentucky cam-
paign, participated in the battle of Perryville, was promoted to be
captain November 12, 1862, and commanded the company until
failing health compelled him to resign at Nashville, Tenn., May
14, 1863. He returned to Illinois, and has since been engaged in
farming and fruit growing. He resides near Astoria, Pulton
county, Illinois.
CAPTAIN JAMES T. McNEIL was born in Fulton county, Illi-
nois, January 29, 1838, his parents, David McNeil and Mary Cole,
natives of New York, having settled in that county in 1828. He
went to Kansas in 1855, remaining there through the early border
troubles, and at the breaking out of the War of the Rebellion he
went to Iowa and enlisted as a private in the regiment commanded
by Colonel D. S. Moore. He was promoted captain and commanded
his company at the battle of Athens, Mo. At the expiration of his
term of service he returned to Illinois and enlisted as a private
from Astoria. He participated in the battle of Perryville, Ky.,
and was promoted first lieutenant November 12, 1862. He was de-
tailed as military conductor, and ran the railway trains from
Nashville to Murfreesboro until relieved at his own request. He
was promoted captain May 14, 1863, and commanded his company
until captured, as related in chapter XII. He resumed command
of the company at McAffee Church, Georgia, and served until the
close of the Atlanta campaign, when his health, which had not
been good since his prison experience, forced him to resign. Re-
452 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
turning to Astoria, 111., he served in the revenue department at
Peoria, one or more terms, but has never recovered his health. He
was married to Mary A. Ruble, of Knoxville, Tenn., in 1856, and
they now reside at Table Grove, Fulton county, Illinois.
CAPTAIN IRA A. MARDIS was born in Tuscarawas county,
Ohio, December 25, 1839, attended Granville college at Granville,
Ohio, removed to Illinois in 1861 and was teaching in Fulton
county when he enlisted from Woodland. He was chosen first ser-
geant at the organization of the company, was promoted first lieu-
tenant May 14, 1862, and to be captain August 29, 1864. He served
with his company through all the campaigns in which the regi-
ment was engaged, commanded the company from the time he was
commissioned captain until the close of the war and was mustered
out with the regiment. He returned to Illinois and engaged in
teaching, but some years later removed to Denver, Colo., where he
died April 21, 1897.
FIRST LIEUTENANT LUKE ELLIOTT was born in the state
of New York, June 15, 1815, spent his boyhood in Ohio and re-
moved to Illinois in 1836. He enlisted from Summum, and at the
organization of the company was elected first lieutenant. He
served through the Kentucky campaign, participated in the battle
of Perryville, October 8, 1862, and resigned at Nashville, Tenn.,
November 21, 1863, for disability. Returning to Summum he was
appointed enrolling officer and continued in that position until the
close of the war. He served as mem'ber of the county board from
Woodland and was justice of the peace for many years. He was a
shoemaker by trade and continued his occupation at Summum
until his death, which occurred October 11, 1892.
FIRST LIEUTENANT ANDREW J. HORTON was born at
New Castle, Coshocton county, Ohio, October 28, 1835, and removed
with his parents to Illinois in 1853, locating on a farm in Fulton
county. He enlisted from Woodland and was chosen sergeant at
the organization of the company. Was promoted second lieuten-
ant March 26, 1863, and to be first lieutenant August 29, 1864. He
was captured in December, 1862, at Lavergne, Tenn., and held pris-
oner four months. He commanded Company B for a time toward
the close of the war and was in command of that company when
it was mustered out. He was mustered out with the regiment and
returned to his farm, where he still resides. Has served as mem-
ROSTER OF COMPANY H. 453
ber of the county board twelve years and filled township offices for
thirty years. His address is Astoria, 111.
SECOND LIEUTENANT WILLIAM COHREN, aged thirty-one,
married, farmer, born in Knox county, Ohio, removed to Illinois,
and was engaged in farming when he enlisted from Astoria. He
was elected second lieutenant at the organization of the company,
participated in the battle of Perryville, Ky., October 8, 1862, and
upon the arrival of the command at Nashville, Tenn., he resigned
on account of failing health. He returned to Illinois and resumed
farming near Astoria. But some years since he removed to Kan-
sas, and is understood to be farming near Wetmore, Nemaha
county.
SECOND LIEUTENANT WASHINGTON M. SHIELDS was
born in Harrison county, Indiana, May 18, 1830, removed to Illi-
nois, and was a merchant when he enlisted from Woodland. He
served through the Kentucky campaign as a private and was pro-
moted second lieutenant at Nashville, Tenn., November 12, 1862.
He resigned his commission February 16, 1863, and returned to
Illinois, where he engaged in dealing in live stock. He served as
city marshal at Lewistown, and now resides at No. 221 North Glen-
dale avenue, Peoria, 111.
FIRST SERGEANT WILLIAM H. McLAREN was born near
Astoria, Fulton county, Illinois, December 16, 1839, and was a
farmer when he enlisted from his native town. He served as a
private through the Kentucky campaign, and was promoted first
sergeant at Nashville, Tenn., in the summer of 1863, served with
his company to the close of the war, participated in all the cam-
paigns in which the command had a part and was mustered out
with the regiment. On returning to Illinois he resumed farming;
has served as school trustee, tax collector and member of the
county board for Astoria township. He now resides in Canton,
Fulton county, Illinois.
SERGEANT JOHN B. PALMER was born at Freeman's Land-
ing, Brook county, Virginia, June 16, 1837, and removed with his
parents to Illinois in 1852, was teaching when he enlisted from
Astoria. He was chosen sergeant at the organization of the com-
pany, served with his company through the Kentucky campaign,
and in February, 1863, he was detached and became a member of
Captain Powell's scouts. He served until the close of the war, and
was mustered out with the regiment. For more than a year of his
454 HISTORY OF THE 8STH ILLINOIS.
term of .service he was of the mounted escort to the commander of
the Fourteenth army corps. He returned to Illinois and resumed
teaching, but later removed to Kansas, was probate judge of Grant
county from 1892 to 1896, served a term as vice-commander of the
Grand Army of the Republic, Department of Kansas, and now re-
sides at Orondo, Douglas county, Washington.
SERGEANT ELI SHIELDS, aged twenty-five, married, wheel-
wright, born in Fulton county, Illinois, and enlisted from Wood-
land. He served with his company through the Kentucky cam-
paign, was mounted as a scout at Nashville, Tenn., and was of the
party that captured the prisoners on the eve of the battle of Chick-
amauga, returned to duty with his company, and was killed in the
assault on Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864.
SERGEANT AMOS KINZER was born in Lancaster county,
Pennsylvania, June 21, 1835, removed to Illinois, and was a farmer
when he enlisted from Kerton, in Fulton county. He served with
his company to the close of the war, taking part in all the cam-
paigns and battles in which the command was engaged, and was
mustered out with the regiment. He returned to Illinois, where he
remained until October, 1876, when he removed with his family to
Kansas and engaged in farming in Sedgwick county. He reared
a family of boys and girls, who are all grown and doing for them-
selves. He died February 21, 1893, leaving his wife, Margaret E.
(Wilson) Kinzer, who still resides at Sedgwick, Kan.
SERGEANT ANDERSON JENNINGS was born in Williams
county, Ohio, December 4, 1842, removed to Illinois in 1854, and
was a farmer when he enlisted from Astoria. He was chosen cor-
poral at the organization of the company, was promoted sergeant,
participated in all the campaigns in which the command was en-
gaged, and was mustered out with the regiment. Returning to
Illinois, he attended Abingdon college and began teaching. He
has mined in Mexico, been postmaster and president of the board
of registration in Arkansas, was elected representative from
Woodruff county, but was counted out; was justice of the peace,
and now resides at Wister, Indian Territory.
SERGEANT ABRAHAM COOPER, aged eighteen, born in Co-
shocton county, Ohio, removed with his parents to Illinois in 1846,
and settled on a farm near Astoria, where he enlisted as a tinner.
He served to,the close of the war, was promoted sergeant and was
mustered out with the regiment. He returned to Illinois at the
ROSTER OF COMPANY H. 455
close of the war, and was working at his trade in Bath, when he
fell ill with a fever. While recovering, but perhaps not conscious
of what he did, he was drowned in the Illinois river in about 1866.
SERGEANT SILAS D. HENDERSON, aged thirty-three, mar-
ried, farmer, born in Smith county, Tennessee, and enlisted from
Astoria, 111. He served with his company until the close of the
war and was mustered out with the regiment. The report of the
commissioner of pensions states that he died March 30, 1891.
CORPORAL JOHN T. ZIMMERMAN was born at New Castle,
Coshocton county, Ohio, December 17, 1841, removed to Illinois in
1856, was married and a farmer when he enlisted from Astoria, 111.
He served until the close of the war, was slightly wounded at the
battle of Chickamauga, Ga., and captured near Columbia, S. C., in
February, 1865. He was confined in the rebel prison at Salisbury,
N. C., some thirty-three days, was exchanged and honorably dis-
charged June 17, 1865. He is a veterinary surgeon and resides at
Macomb, McDonough county, Illinois.
CORPORAL GEORGE H. WETZEL was born on a farm near
Astoria, Fulton county, Illinois, November 24, 1840, and enlisted
from his native town. He was chosen corporal at the organization
of the company, served with his company and participated in all
the battles in which the regiment was engaged until severely
wounded in the assault on Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 27,
18C4. His wound, a gun shot through the thigh, detained him in
the hospital until the close of the war and he was honorably dis-
charged at Springfield, 111., June 7, 1865. He settled on a farm in
Schuyler county and engaged in stock raising, was collector, com-
missioner and trustee of his township in Schuyler county and trus-
tee in Fulton county. He is a prosperous and progressive farmer,
now residing at Lewistown, Fulton county, Illinois.
CORPORAL HENRY SHIELDS was born on a farm near As-
toria, Fulton county, Illinois, May 18, 1841, and enlisted from
Woodland. Was chosen corporal at the organization of the com-
pany, served until the close of the war, taking part in all the cam-
paigns in which the command was engaged and was mustered out
with the regiment. Sinca the close of his service he has served as
county commissioner and city marshal. He removed to Washing-
ton and engaged in merchandising at Centralia, in Lewis county,
where he now resides.
456 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
CORPORAL FRANKLIN SHELLY was born at Jennings Gap,
Augusta county, Virginia, February 11, 1835, removed to Illinois
in October, 1856, was single and a farmer when he enlisted from
Astoria, 111. He was chosen corporal at the organization of his
company, participated in all the campaigns in which the regiment
was engaged until severely wounded near Atlanta, Ga., in the
action on the Sandtown road. His was a gun shot wound through
the shoulder, which disabled him from further service, and he was
discharged on account of wounds from the United States hospital
at Camp Butler, 111., March 9, 1865. He resumed farming upon
his return from the army and now resides at Sheldon's Grove,
Schuyler county, Illinois.
CORPORAL DAVID S. SHANK deserted January 3, 1863.
CORPORAL JOHN W. SWAN, aged twenty-six, blacksmith,
born in Loudoun county, Virginia, and enlisted from Woodland,
Fulton county, Illinois. Served until the close of the war and was
mustered out with the regiment. When last heard from he was
living at Liberty, Montgomery county, Kansas.
CORPORAL ELISHA J. ELLIOT, aged nineteen, farmer, born
in Fulton county, Illinois, and enlisted from Woodland; was
chosen corporal at the organization of the company and served
through all the campaigns in which the regiment was engaged
until killed in the assault on Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, June
27, 1864. Is buried at No. 9266 in the national cemetery at Mari-
etta, Ga.
CORPORAL CHARLES DUNCAN was born at Duncan's Mills,
Fulton county, Illinois, November 29, 1842, was a farmer and en-
listed from Woodland. He was promoted corporal; served with
his company until the close of the war and was mustered out with
the regiment. At the end of his service he returned to his former
home, resumed farming and resides at Duncan's Mills, 111.
CORPORAL THOMAS B. ENGLE was born on a farm near
Astoria, Fulton county, Illinois, April 7, 1844, and enlisted from his
native town. He was promoted corporal; served with his com-
pany through all the campaigns in which the command was en-
gaged, was wounded at the battle of Jonesboro, Ga., September 1,
1864, and was mustered out with the regiment. He removed to
Iowa in 1872, is a prosperous farmer and resides at Coburg, Mont-
gomery county, Iowa.
ROSTER OF COMPANY H. 457
CORPORAL WILLIAM SHIELDS, aged twenty-one, farmer,
'born in Woodland, Fulton county, Illinois, and enlisted from
Pleasant. Was promoted corporal, served until the close of the
war and was mustered out with the regiment.
CORPORAL SAMUEL THOMPSON was born on a farm near
Astoria, Fulton county, Illinois, March 6, 1843, and enlisted from
his native town. He was promoted corporal; served with his com-
pany to the close of the war, participated in all the battles in
which the command had a part, and was mustered out with the
regiment. He removed to Nebraska in 1878, and to Missouri in
1894. He is engaged in farming, and resides at Lamar, Barton
county, Missouri.
MUSICIAN HENRY H.WILSON was born in Langdon, Sullivan
county, New Hampshire, June 3, 1846, removed with his parents to
Illinois in April, 1856, and was attending school when he enlisted
from Astoria. He was appointed musician at the organization of
the company; served until the close of the war, and was mustered
out with the regiment. Returning to Astoria he studied medicine,
graduated from the medical department of the Iowa University at
Keokuk in 1867 and began the practice of his chosen profession at
Lindley, Grundy county, Missouri, in 1868. He removed to Mon-
tana in May, 1899, and is now engaged in the practice of medicine
at Lewistown, Fergus county, Montana.
MUSICIAN MARTIN K. DOBSON was born at Summum, Ful-
ton county, Illinois, March 23, 1843, and enlisted from his native
town. At the organization of the company he was appointed
musician; served to the close of the war and was mustered out
with the regiment. He captured his man on the skirmish line in
the assault on Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia. He resides at Lew-
istown, 111., where he is engaged as a blacksmith and wagonmaker.
WAGONER BENJAMIN BOLEN, married, farmer, born in
Maryland, and enlisted from Astoria, 111. He was detailed wag-
oner at the outfitting of the company; served through the Ken-
tucky campaign and was discharged at Nashville, Tenn., for disa-
bility, January 29, 1863. Supposed to be living at Carrollton, Pick-
ens county, Alabama.
JOHN BUSHNELL, aged twenty-four, single, farmer, born in
Pike county, Illinois, and enlisted from Browning. He served with
his company until the close of the war, but was sent to the hos-
28
458 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
pital at Alexandria, Va., a few days before the regiment was mus-
tered out, where he died June 15, 1865. His remains are buried at
No. 3033, in the national cemetery near that city.
ANANIAS P. BUSHNELL, aged twenty-six, married, farmer,
born in Indiana; enlisted from Browning, 111. Served to the close
of the war and was mustered out with the regiment.
GEORGE W. BARNES, aged thirty-one, married, farmer, born
in Harrison county, Indiana, and enlisted from Woodland, Fulton
county, Illinois. He served through the Kentucky campaign, was
discharged for disability at Nashville, Tenn., January 29, 1863.
But aboiu the time his discharge arrived he died in the general
hospital in that city.
JOEL A. BARNES was born near Astoria, Fulton county, Illi-
nois, January 6, 1844, spent the early years of his life on a farm,
and enlisted from Woodland. He participated in all the battles
in which the command was engaged; served to the close of the
war, and was mustered out with the regiment. He attended the
English and German college and the business college at Quincy,
111.; after the close of his service taught school, read law and was
admitted to the bar. Has been justice of the peace and served as
deputy circuit clerk. He resides on his farm at Summum, Fulton
county, Illinois, deals in stock and serves his clients when they
are inclined to indulge in the luxuries of the law.
CHARLES R. BRANSON was born at Mount Pleasant, Jeffer-
son county, Ohio, January 13, 1836, removed with his parents to
Illinois in 1839, settled on a farm in Fulton county and enlisted
from Woodland. He was detached with the ordnance train in the
Kentucky campaign, but soon returned to duty with his company,
was slightly wounded at the battle of Mission Ridge, served to the
close of the war and was mustered out with the regiment. At the
close of his service he returned to Illinois; has been school trustee
and is a merchant, residing at Ipava, Fulton county, Illinois.
HENRY BLOOMFIELD, aged twenty-five, married, farmer,
born in Butler county, Ohio, and enlisted from Woodland, Fulton
county, Illinois. He served through the Kentucky campaign, was
wounded at the battle of Perryville, October 8, 1862, and died in
general hospital No. 14 at Nashville, Tenn., February 11, 1863.
JOHN CUNNINGHAM, aged twenty-six, single, farmer, born in
Hancock county, Virginia, removed to Illinois, and enlisted from
ROSTER OF COMPANY H. 459
Vermont. He served in the Kentucky campaign until the army
reached Bowling Green, where he died in the hospital November
21, 1862. His brother, William, died at Louisville in October, but
another brother, Alexander, served in Company G to the close of
the war.
WILLIAM CUNNINGHAM, aged nineteen, farmer, born in
Hancock county, Virginia, removed with his parents to Illinois,
and enlisted from Astoria. He died at Louisville, Ky., October 17,
1862, and is buried at No. 186 in the national cemetery at Cave
Hill, near Louisville, Ky.
JOSEPH CRABLE was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania,
January 21, 1831, removed to Illinois in 1852, and settled on a farm
in Fulton county. He enlisted from Woodland; served through
the Kentucky campaign, and was discharged at Nashville, Tenn.,
February 3, 1863, for disability. He returned to Illinois, resumed
farming and now resides at Astoria.
WILLIAM COLLINS, aged twenty-four, married, carpenter,
born in Farmington, Fulton county, Illinois, and enlisted from
Woodland. He served with his company until severely wounded
on the firing line on Pumpkin Vine creek, Georgia. The shot that
wounded him also wounded John W. McLaren. He was discharged
for disability resulting from wounds, December 20, 1864. Is sup-
posed to be living at Shoo Fly, Johnson county, Iowa.
JOSEPH DAVIS deserted January 21, 1863.
DANIEL DUTTON was born at Hamersville, Brown county,
Ohio, October 3, 1837, removed to Illinois in 1850 and was single
and a farmer when he enlisted from Woodland. He served with
his company until the close of the war and was mustered out with
the regiment. He resumed farming at the close of the war, and
resides at Bluff City, Schuyler county, Illinois.
LEWIS DIAL was born in Knox county, Ohio, May 30, 1844, and
with his parents, Edward R. Dial and Delilah Cramer, removed to
Illinois and settled on a farm in Fulton county. He enlisted from
Astoria; served with his company until severely wounded, August
5, 1864, in action near the Sandtown road and not far from Atlanta.
His wound disabled him for further service, and he was discharged
at Jefferson barracks, Missouri, February 20, 1865. Returning to
Astoria he taught school four years, when suffering from his
460 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
wound forced him to abandon teaching and for most of the time
since he has lived in the national military homes. At present he
is an inmate of the National Military Home at Marion, Ind.
WILLIAM F. ELGIN, aged twenty-one, farmer, born in As-
toria, Fulton county, Illinois, and enlisted from his native town.
He served with his company until the close of the war, and was
mustered out with the regiment. He is supposed to be living at
Catlin, 111.
JOHN D. FENTON was born in Augusta county, Virginia, in
1835, and removed to Illinois with his parents in 1837. He en-
listed from Astoria; served with his company to the close of the
war and was mustered out with the regiment. He returned to
Astoria, where he has served the public as drayman ever since. He
was slightly wounded at the battle of Chickamauga, Ga,, and again
in the assault on Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864. His
address is Astoria, 111.
WILLIAM H. FRIETLEY was born in Harrison county, Indi-
ana, October 3, 1841, and removed with his parents to Illinois in
1849. He enlisted from Woodland; served with his company to the
close of the war, and was mustered out with the regiment. He
was wounded at the battle of Jonesboro, Ga., September 1, 1864.
He returned to Illinois, but removed to Missouri in 1878, and en-
gaged in farming in Schuyler county. His address is Jimtown,
Schuyler county, Missouri.
JEREMIAH GORSAGE, aged , married, farmer, born in
Montgomery county, Illinois, and enlisted from Browning. He
served with his company to the close of the war, and was mustered
out with the regiment. He returned to Browning, 111., resumed
farming, and died May 19, 1892.
WILLIAM C. HUDNALL was born in Russellville, Logan
county, Kentucky, November 25, 1843, removed with his parents to
Illinois in 1849, and settled in Astoria, where he was a clerk when
he enlisted. He served with his company until the spring of 1864,
when he was mounted and served at brigade headquarters until
the close of the war and was mustered out with the regiment. Re-
turning to Astoria he became a harnessmaker, and was tax col-
lector in 1892. He resides in Astoria, 111., but is sadly afflicted
with catarrh of the head, which baffles medical skill.
ROSTER OF COMPANY H. 461
JONATHAN B. HORTON was born in New Castle, Coshocton
county, Ohio, removed to Illinois at an early day and was a farmer
when he enlisted from Woodland, in Fulton county. He was forty-
four years of age; served through the Kentucky campaign, ana
was discharged at Nashville, Tenn., January 19, 1863, for disability.
MARION HORTON, aged twenty-six, farmer; enlisted from
Woodland; was slightly wounded at Perry ville, Ky., but recovered
and served with his company until severely wounded at the battle
of Buzzard Roost, Georgia, February 25, 1864. A shell which did
not explode struck him on the shoulder, causing a wound from
which he never entirely recovered. He was honorably discharged
from the hospital at Quincy, 111., soon after the regiment was mus-
tered out, and returned to his former home, where he died a short
time after the close of the war.
WILLIAM H. HARRIS was born on a farm near Browning,
Schuyler county, Illinois, June 5, 1841, passed his early years on a
farm, and enlisted from Browning. He served with his company
through all the campaigns in which the regiment was engaged
until captured near the boundary line between North and South
Carolina, March 3, 1865. He was held in rebel prisons until the
close of the war, and honorably discharged June 17, 1865. He is a
merchant and farmer, and resides at Browning, 111.
CHARLES A. HUGHES, aged twenty, farmer, born in Wood-
land, Fulton county, Illinois, and enlisted from his native town.
He served with his company until failing health sent him to the
hospital while on the Atlanta campaign, and he died at Ackworth,
Ga., June 20, 1864.
JULIUS T. HUGHE Y, aged twenty-six, farmer; enlisted from
Astoria, Fulton county, Illinois. He served with his company
until transferred to the Veteran Reserve corps, probably at Nash-
ville, Tenn., but the record does not give the date of transfer. He
was honorably discharged at the close of the war, and died June
18, 1883.
SIMON HEATON, aged twenty-seven, married, farmer, born in
Pennsylvania, and enlisted from Astoria, 111. He served with his
company until captured at Louisville, Ga., November 30, 1864.
After he surrendered he was shot down in cold blood by his inhu-
man captors. His remains are buried at No. 13681 in the national
cemetery at Andersonville, Ga.
462 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
JACOB HORN, aged twenty-six, married, farmer, born in Knox
county, Ohio, and enlisted from Woodland, Fulton county, Illinois;
served with his company until transferred to the Veteran Reserve
corps, probably at Nashville, Tenn. Date not given, but he was
honorably discharged from that organization, and resides at As-
toria, 111.
JAMES WALTER HUDNALL was born in Logan county, Ken-
tucky, March 30, 1846, removed to Illinois with his parents, and
enlisted from Astoria. He served until the close of the war, and
was mustered out with the regiment. During the night march
from Buzzard Roost, Georgia, to McAffee Church, he fell through a
defective bridge, sustaining injuries which finally disabled him
for service in the ranks, but he declined to apply for a discharge
from the service, and in July, 1864, he was detached from his com-
pany and assigned to duty as an orderly at brigade headquarters,
where he remained to the close of the war. In 1874 he turned his
attention to newspaper work, was connected with papers at
Peoria, Chicago and St. Louis, and in 1883 went to work as city
editor of the Evening Journal at Quincy, 111. In 1885 he was ap-
pointed to a position in the United States treasury department,
and has since been continuously in that branch of the service. He
is at present a special inspector of customs, serving on the Mexi-
can frontier with headquarters at San Antonio, Texas.
WILLIAM H. HULBURT was born in Philadelphia, Pa., re-
moved to Illinois in December, 1855, and enlisted from Browning
as a farmer. He served until the close of the war, and was mus-
tered out with the regiment. Is in poor health and resides at
Havana, 111.
HENRY N. HOWARD was born at Summum, Fulton county,
Illinois, April 12, 1844, farmer, and enlisted from his native town.
He served with his company to the close of the war and was mus-
tered out with the regiment. Since his return to Illinois he has
been engaged in farming, and is now buying poultry, and resides
at Astoria, 111.
JOHN B. HAGAN enlisted from Astoria, 111.; served through
the Kentucky campaign, and died at Nashville, Tenn., January 28,
1863. Is buried at No. 6717 in the national cemetery near that city.
ALANSUS P. HULBURT, born in Philadelphia, Penn., enlisted
from Astoria, III.; was transferred to Company C, Sixteenth Illi-
ROSTER OF COMPANY H. 463
nois Infantry, but the date of his transfer is unknown. He was
mustered out with his regiment at Louisville, Ky., July 8, 1865.
Supposed to be living at Westerville, Custer county, Nebraska.
JAMBS JAMESON, aged thirty-nine, married, farmer; enlisted
from Pleasant, 111. He served through the Kentucky campaign
and was discharged at Nashville, Tenn., February 3, 1863, for dis-
ability.
HENRY J. JOHNSON, aged thirty, married, farmer, born in
Centerville, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, removed to Illinois,
and enlisted from Astoria. He served with his company until cap-
tured near the close of the war; was exchanged, and honorably
discharged June 17, 1865.
BENJAMIN JELLISON, aged twenty-four, married, farmer,
born in Mahoning, Mercer county, Pennsylvania, removed to Illi-
nois, and enlisted from Astoria; served with his company until the
close of the war and was mustered out with the regiment. Is a
farmer and resides near Astoria, 111.
JOHN F. KINGERY, aged twenty-five, married, farmer, born
in Woodland, Fulton county, Illinois, and enlisted from his native
town. He served with his company until near the close of the
war. but was sick in the hospital at Chicago, 111., at the muster out
of the regiment. He was honorably discharged soon after; is a
farmer and now resides near Summum, 111.
JOSIAH H. KELLEY enlisted from Astoria, 111.; served
through the Kentucky campaign; was discharged from the hos-
pital at Nashville, Tenn., January 29, 1863, for disability, but was
unable to travel and died a few days later, and is buried at No.
742 in the national cemetery there.
RICHARD LANE, aged thirty-nine, married, cabinet-maker,
born at Putnam, Muskingum county, Ohio, removed to Illinois, and
enlisted from Astoria. He served until near the close of the war,
but was sick at Nashville, Tenn., when the regiment was mustered
out. He was honorably discharged and returned to Illinois, where
he died in September, 1894.
HENRY LOVEL, aged twenty-five, married, miller, born in
Hamilton, Ohio; served through the Kentucky campaign, and was
discharged at Nashville, Tenn., February 3, 1863, for disability.
FRANCIS M. McKEE was born at Hamersville, Clermont coun-
ty, Ohio, December 17, 1835, removed to Illinois in 1854, and was a
464 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
farmer when he enlisted from Astoria; served with his company
through the Kentucky campaign; was detailed in Captain Pow-
ell's scouts in March, 1863, and served with that command, and at
division and corps headquarters until the close of the war, and
was mustered out with the regiment. After returning to Illinois
he removed to Iowa and engaged in farming. Now resides at
Troy, Davis county, Iowa.
SOLOMON MEYERS was born in York county, Pennsylvania,
in 1842, removed to Illinois in 1855, and was a farmer when he en-
listed from Astoria. Was wounded in the battle of Perryville,
October 8, 1862. Upon his recovery and his return to his company
he was detailed as ambulance driver; served to the close of the war
and was mustered out with the regiment. Upon his return to Illi-
nois he resumed farming, but since 1894 has been retired and re-
sides at Astoria, 111.
JOHN W. McLAREN, aged twenty-one, farmer, born in Wood-
land, Fulton county, Illinois, and enlisted from his native town.
He served with his company until the close of the war, and was
mustered out with the regiment. He was twice wounded once at
Pumpkin Vine creek, near Dallas, Ga., and soon afterwards re-
turned to duty at Florence, Ala. He returned to Illinois and re-
sumed farming near Summum, where he died not many years after
the close of the war.
GEORGE W. MEEK enlisted from Kerton, 111.; served with his
company through the Kentucky campaign, and was discharged at
Nashville, Tenn., January 15, 1863, for disability. He resides at
Colchester, McDonough county, Illinois.
GEORGE W. NEWBERRY was born in Astoria, Fulton county,
Illinois, April 16, 1844, and enlisted from Woodland. He served
with his company until the close of the war, and was mustered
out with the regiment. He was hit three times with spent balls.
Upon his return to Illinois he studied medicine and began to prac-
tice at Smithfield in 1884. He has been president of the village
board for eight consecutive terms. His address is Smithfield, Ful-
ton county, Illinois.
WILLIAM OSBORN, aged forty, married, farmer, born in Co-
shocton county, Ohio; sorved until the close of the war, and was
mustered out with the regiment. He returned to Illinois, aud^-e-
sumed farming hear Astoria, where he died in 1882.
ROSTER OF COMPANY H. 465
JOEL PALMER, aged nineteen, farmer, born at Oxford, Tus-
carawas county, Ohio; removed with his parents to Illinois in
1852, and enlisted from Astoria. He served with his company
until the command reached Bowling Green, Ky., where his health
failed, and he was discharged January 10, 1863, for disability. He
is reported to be living at Fair Play, Polk county, Missouri.
JOHN R. POWELL, plasterer, married, born in Adams county,
Ohio, March 5, 1833, removed to Illinois in 1835 and enlisted from
Astoria. He was slightly wounded at the battle of Chickamauga,
but served with his company until severely wounded in the as-
sault on Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864. He was hon-
orably discharged August 12, 1865. He has long been a minister
in the United Brethren church, and resides at Sheldon's Grove,
Schuyler county, Illinois.
MARTIN V. PLANK was born on a farm near Astoria, Fulton
county, Illinois, December 10, 1841, and enlisted from his native
town. He served with his company to the close of the war, and
was mustered out with the regiment. His brother, Francis M.,
served through the war in Company G. Is farming near Astoria,
Illinois.
MARTIN V. PARKER, aged twenty-five, married, carpenter,
born at Jefferson, Coshocton county, Ohio, and enlisted from As-
toria, 111. Served with his company until the close of the war, and
was mustered out with the regiment. Is reported to be living at
Murray ville, Morgan county, Illinois.
JOHN H. PERKINS was born at Fort Madison, Iowa, Novem-
ber 27, 1832, and with his parents removed to Illinois in 1836. He
enlisted from Browning; served with his company until 1864, when
he was transferred to the engineer corps and was honorably dis-
charged at Nashville, Tenn., June 30, 1865. Has been constable of
Oakland township, and resides at Ray, Schuyler county, Illinois.
MICHAEL ROGERS, aged thirty-three, married, farmer, born
in Hardin county, Kentucky, and enlisted from Woodland, 111. He
served with his company until the close of the war, and was mus-
tered out with the regiment. Upon his return to Illinois, resumed
farming, and died near Baders in about 1895.
LEMUEL J. SAYRES was born in Harrison county, Ohio, in
1840, removed with his parents to Illinois in 1844, and was living
on a farm near Astoria when he enlisted. Was slightly wounded
466 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
at the battle of Perryville, Ky., but served with his company to
the close of the war, and was mustered out with the regiment. Is
a farmer, and resides at Browning, Schuyler county, Illinois.
HENRY C. SWISHER was born at Staunton, Augusta county,
Virginia, September 16, 1843, and removed to Illinois with his
parents in 1856; enlisted from Astoria, and served with his com-
pany through the Kentucky campaign. At Nashville, Tenn., he
was detailed, mounted and served at brigade and division head-
quarters until the close of the war, and was mustered out with the
regiment. He was in the party of scouts who captured the rebel
prisoners at the battle of Chickamauga, as related in Chapter X,
and also the hero of the rescue as narrated in Chapter XVII. He
was tax collector in Astoria township in 1886, was sheriff of Osage
county, Kansas, from 1891 to 1895. Is a merchant, and resides at
Lyndon, Osage county, Kansas.
JOHN B. SHIELDS, aged twenty-six, married, farmer, born in
Harrison county, Indiana, removed to Illinois, and enlisted from
Lewistown. He served with his company until near the close of
the war, but was absent (sick) at the muster out of the regiment.
He was honorably discharged from the hospital at Chicago, 111.,
and is supposed to be living at Massena, Cass county, Iowa,
FRANCIS M. SHRIER deserted September 14, 1862.
WILLIAM SEVERNS was born in Brown county, Ohio, Octo-
ber 8, 1845, removed with his parents to Illinois in 1856, and en-
listed as a farmer from Astoria, 111. He served with his company
until the close of the war and was mustered out with the regiment.
He was wounded at the battle of Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia,
June 27, 1864, but soon returned to duty. His two sons, Charles
W. and Edward H., aged respectively sixteen and twenty, served
through the war with Spain. A cousin, Marion, of Company G,
was killed at Kennesaw Mountain, and Eli, a brother or cousin,
was severely wounded at the battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia.
He is a carpenter and builder, residing at Clayton, St. Louis coun-
ty, Missouri.
ELI SEVERNS, aged thirty, married, farmer, born in Jefferson,
Coshocton county, Ohio, removed to Illinois, and enlisted from
Astoria. He served with his company until severely wounded at
the battle of Peach Tree creek, Georgia, July 19, 1864. He was dis-
charged on account of wounds at Nashville, Tenn., May 19, 1865.
ROSTER OF COMPANY H. 467
He returned to Illinois, but later removed to Missouri, where he
finally died from the effects of his wounds, at Mound City, Mis-
souri, August 9, 1896.
ROBERT SNODGRASS, aged twenty-six, married, farmer, born
in Harrison county, Indiana, and enlisted from Brooklyn, Schuyler
county, Illinois. He served with his company to the close of the
war and was mustered out with the regiment. Some years after
his return to Illinois he removed to Kansas, where he died August
4, .
JAMES SALSBURY, aged forty-three, married, farmer, born
in Vanderburg county, Indiana, removed to Illinois, and enlisted
from Woodland. He served through the Kentucky campaign and
at Nashville, Tenn., was transferred to the engineer corps. He
was honorably discharged from that organization at the close of
the war. He returned to Illinois, resumed farming, and died in
Fulton county in about 1895.
GEORGE W. SHAW, aged thirty-four, married, farmer, born in
Baltimore, Md., and enlisted from Woodland, 111. He served with
his company through the Kentucky campaign, and died at Nash-
ville, Tenn. Is buried at No. 169 in the national cemetery near
that city.
JOHN M. SAPPER, aged twenty-three, married, farmer, born
at Boon, Harrison county, Indiana. He served with his company
until killed in the assault on Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, June
27, 1864. He enlisted from Woodland, Fulton county, Illinois.
BENJAMIN F. SHIELDS was born in Woodland, Fulton coun-
ty, Illinois, in March, 1843, and enlisted from his native town. He
served with his company to the close of the war, and was mustered
out with the regiment. Returning to Illinois he engaged in farm-
ing in Knox county, where he served as constable from 1873 to
1881. Since 1889 he has resided at Bushnell, McDonough county,
Illinois.
NATHAN SHANNON was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, in
1833, and with his parents removed to Illinois and settled on a
farm in Fulton county; was married and a farmer when he en-
listed from Astoria. He served with his company through the
Kentucky campaign, and was discharged at Nashville, Tenn., May
19, 1863. Returning to his former home he resumed farming near
468 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
Astoria, but later removed to Schuyler county. Is residing at
Ray, 111.
JOHN A. THOMPSON, aged twenty-one, farmer, born at Keen,
Coshocton county, Ohio, and enlisted from Woodland, 111. He
served with his company until severely wounded in the assault on
Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, and died of wounds at Chattanooga,
Tenn., July 7, 1864. His remains are buried at No. 11830 in the
national cemetery on Orchard Knob near that city.
CHARLES C. TURNER deserted November 14, 1862.
JOHN THARIO, aged nineteen, farmer; enlisted from Astoria,
and was born in Vermont, 111. He served until near the close of
the war, when he was captured and held in rebel prisons until
after the regiment was mustered out. He was honorably dis-
charged July 22, 1865, returned to Illinois, and is said to be living
in Tazewell county.
WILLIAM TIERY, aged twenty-five, single, farmer, born in
Adair county, Kentucky, and enlisted from Butlerville, Schuyler
county, Illinois. He served through the Kentucky campaign, and
died at Nashville, Tenn., August 13, 1863. Is buried at No. 713
in the national cemetery near that place.
JAMES P. ADDIS was born at Tecumseh, Lenawee county,
Michigan, February 25, 1845, and enlisted from Astoria, 111., under
the name of James T. Toler. When a child too young to know
his own name his father died and he was left with a neighbor's
family. This family removed to Indiana, and from there the boy
was taken by another family to Illinois, and for several years lived
with Dr. W. T. Toler, of Astoria. Here he was known as Toler,
and here he enlisted under that name. He served with his com-
pany to the close of the war, and was mustered out with the regi-
ment. While the command was at North Chickamauga, during
the siege of Chattanooga, he learned his real name, and that his
mother was still living. He obtained a furlough and visited her
during that winter. He was wounded in the fight at Buzzard
Roost, Georgia, February 25, 1864, receiving a gun shot wound
which carried away the index finger of his left hand. Since the
close of the war he has been engaged in farming in Illinois, Colo-
rado and Oklahoma. Now resides at Lindon, Cleveland county,
Oklahoma.
ARDEN WHEELER was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, May
8, 1839, removed with his parents to Illinois in 1852, and settled on
ROSTER OF COMPANY H. 469
a farm in Fulton county. He enlisted as a farmer from Astoria;
served until the close of the war and was mustered out with the
regiment. Returning to Illinois at the close of his service, he re-
sumed farming, and resides near Astoria, 111.
THOMAS WHEELER, aged forty-one, born in Brooke county,
Virginia, and enlisted as a farmer from Astoria, 111. His health
soon failed, and he was discharged for disability, October 30, 1862.
He returned to Astoria, 111., and died April 15, 1889.
DANIEL WORLEY was born at Athens, Harrison county,
Ohio, August 7, 1832, removed to Illinois in 1851, and settled on a
farm near Astoria, where he enlisted. He served until the close
of the war, and was mustered out with the regiment. He was
wounded at the battle of Perryville, Ky., October 8, 1862, by the
concussion of a cannon; was teamster for some considerable time,
and returned to farming in Illinois at the close of his service. He
now resides at Macomb, McDonough county, Illinois.
FREDERICK F. ZELLERS was born at Myerstown, Bucks
county, Pennsylvania, November 30, 1832, removed to Illinois in
1X50, and settled on a farm in Fulton county. He enlisted from
Woodland, was slightly wounded at the battle of Chickamauga,
Ga., but served with his company until severely wounded and cap-
tured in the assault on Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864.
In the charge he leaped the enemy's works and, badly wounded,
fell into their hands. He was confined in Andersonville prison
until the close of the war and was honorably discharged June 27,
1865. He settled in North Dakota in 1881, has been coroner of
Stark county for four terms, and now resides at Taylor, in that
county and state.
JOHN W. SNODGRASS enlisted from Woodland, Fulton coun-
ty, Illinois, and served with his company until failing health sent
him to the hospital at Chattanooga, Tenn., where he died October
8, 1863.
JAMES W. SAFFER enlisted from Woodland, Fulton county,
Illinois, January 27, 1864; served with the company until the regi-
ment was mustered out, when he was transferred to Company C,
Sixteenth Illinois Infantry. He was mustered out with that regi-
ment July 8, 1865, at Louisville, Ky .
470 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
CHAPTER XXXV.
Company I was enrolled by William H. Marble
under date of August i, 1862, in that part of Fulton
county bordering on the Illinois river. The records of
the company show that they were carelessly kept, and
are very defective in many respects.
The company was organized at Marble's mills by the
election of the following commissioned officers: Wil-
liam H. Marble, captain; David M. Holstead, first lieu-
tenant, and Hugh McHugh, second lieutenant.
One man was killed in action, and 12 were wounded
who lived beyond the close of the war, 4 officers re-
signed, 2 were mustered out with the regiment and one
was promoted, 18 men were discharged, n died of dis-
ease, 5 were transferred and 21 returned home at the
close of the war.
In the individual sketches which follow an attempt is
made to give a concise statement of the history of each
member of the company, each of whom may look back
with pride upon the results of the war, and rejoice in the
fact that it was his privilege to bear an honorable part in
the great struggle for freedom.
THE COMPANY ROSTER.
CAPTAIN WILLIAM H. MARBLE was born at Albion, Kenne-
beck county, Maine, in 1837, and was married and residing at
Marbletown, Fulton county, Illinois, when he recruited the com-
pany which became Company I of the Eighty-fifth. At the organi-
zation of the company he was elected captain, and commanded it
through the Kentucky and Murfreesboro campaigns. He resigned
his commission at Nashville, Tenn., April 9, 1863 for disability,
ROSTER OF COMPANY I. 471
and went home. The writer has been unable to learn anything
concerning him since he left the regiment.
CAPTAIN DAVID M. HOLSTBAD was born at Vienna, Oneida
county, New York, July 10, 1837, removed to Illinois in 1856, was
married, and a brickmaker at Havana when he enlisted. He was
elected first lieutenant at the organization of the company; served
through the Kentucky campaign, and was promoted captain April
9, 1863. He commanded the company through the Tennessee cam-
paign, which ended in the battle of Chickamauga, Ga., September
19-20, 1863, where he was slightly wounded. He resigned for dis-
ability on October 7, 1863, and returned to Illinois. He resided at
Keithsburg, 111., from 1873 to 1892, when he removed to Clayton,
Adams county, Illinois, where he now resides.
CAPTAIN ALBERT O. COLLINS was born in Knox county,
Ohio, July 16, 1836, removed to Illinois in 1856, was married and a
farmer when he enlisted from Sheldon's Grove. At the organiza-
tion of the company he was chosen first sergeant, and promoted
second lieutenant at Nashville, Tenn., April 9, 1863. He was pro-
moted to be captain October 7, 1863; commanded the company
until the close of the war, and was mustered out with the regi-
ment. After the close of the war he removed to Missouri, where
he was engaged in farming until 1873, when he removed to Cali-
fornia. Since 1873 he has been engaged in farming and stock
raising near Laws, Inyo county, California. He was married in
Illinois in 1861; has five children, three sons and two daughters, all
grown and doing for themselves.
FIRST LIEUTENANT ALBERT P. BRITT enlisted from
Mason City, 111., in Company E, Twenty-seventh Illinois Infantry,
August 12, 1861, and at the organization of that company was
chosen sergeant. He served with his company until promoted
second lieutenant of Company I, February 9, 1863, and on June 2,
1863, he was promoted to be first lieutenant. He served with his
company until October 27, 1863, when he resigned his commission
and retired to private life. He died March 7, 1877.
FIRST LIEUTENANT PRESTON C. HUDSON promoted adju-
tant. (See field and staff.)
FIRST LIEUTENANT EDMUND CURLESS, aged thirty-one,
married, farmer, born in Fulton county, Illinois, and enlisted from
Kerton. He was appointed wagoner at the organization of the
472 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
company; served until the close of the war, and was mustered out
with the regiment. He was promoted to be first lieutenant July
23, 1864, and was mustered out with that rank. At the close of
his service he returned to Illinois, resumed farming, and died near
Bluff City, 111., September 3, 1894.
SE5COND LIEUTENANT HUGH McHUGH was born in Chester
county, Pennsylvania, but had removed to Illinois, and was a mar-
ried farmer when he enlisted from Kerton, in Fulton county, at
the age of forty-five. He was elected second lieutenant at the
organization of the company; served through the Kentucky and
Mnrfreesboro campaigns, and resigned on account of failing health
at Nashville, Tenn., February 9, 1863. Returning to Illinois, he
engaged in farming until 1884, when he removed to Kansas. He
died at Independence, in Montgomery county, March 20, 1896, the
Grand Army post officiating at his funeral. He left two sons
Robert and Stephen, but their address is unknown to the writer.
FIRST SERGEANT ROBERT MULLICA, aged twenty-four,
married, farmer, born in Coles county, Missouri, and enlisted from
Duncan's Mills, Fulton county, Illinois. He served with his com-
pany through all the campaigns in which the regiment was en-
gaged; was promoted from fifth sergeant, to which position he was
chosen at the organization of the company, to be first sergeant,
and was mustered out with the regiment. He is a merchant and
resides at Duncan's Mills, Fulton county, Illinois.
SERGEANT ABRAHAM A. CAMERON, aged forty-one, mar-
ried, stonecutter, born in Pennsylvania, and enlisted from Sum-
mum, Fulton county, Illinois. He served with his company until
July 31, 1864, when he was transferred to the engineer corps.
Nothing is known of his subsequent career.
SERGEANT LABAN V. TARTER, aged twenty-four, single,
farmer, born in Clay county, Illinois, and enlisted from Berna-
dotte, Fulton county. He was wounded at the battle of Perryville,
Ky., October 8, 1862, by a gun shot through the thigh and was
discharged for disability July 21, 1864. Returned to Illinois; was
married three times, and went to California, where he died in
about 1893.
SERGEANT JOHN E. RENO was born at Fredericksburg,
Harrison county, Indiana, October 28, 1837, and with his parents
removed to Illinois in 1844. He enlisted from Marietta, Fulton
ROSTER OF COMPANY I. 473
county, Illinois, as a farmer; was chosen sergeant at the organi-
zation of the company, and was slightly wounded at the battle of
Chickamauga, Ga. He served to the close of the war, and was
mustered out with the regiment. He was promoted first sergeant
August 15, 1864, but the muster out roll failed to give him this
rank. He is a farmer; has been school director for eighteen years,
and resides at Table Grove, 111.
SERGEANT LEONIDAS COLLINS was born in Coshocton
county, Ohio, July 3, 1841, removed to Illinois in 1861, settled on a
farm in Fulton county, and enlisted from Kerton. He was chosen
corporal at the organization of the company; promoted sergeant,
and served with his company until August 28, 1864, when he was
transferred to the engineer corps. He served in that organization
to the close of the war, and was mustered out at Nashville, Tenn.,
July 1, 1865. He removed to Missouri in 1868, and is a prosperous
farmer in Putnam county. His address is St. John, Mo.
SERGEANT JAMES MOSLANDER, aged twenty-three, single,
farmer, born in Virginia, and enlisted from Summum, 111. He was
chosen corporal at the organization of the company; was wounded
at the battle of Perry ville, Ky., October 8, 1862; promoted ser-
geant; served with his company to the close of the war, and was
mustered out with the regiment. He resides at Havana, 111.
SERGEANT NEAL P. HUGHES, aged twenty-five, married,
farmer, born in Holmes county, Ohio, removed to Illinois and en-
listed from Summum, 111. He served with his company until the
close of the war; was promoted to sergeant; wounded at the battle
of Jonesboro, Ga., September 1, 1864, and was mustered out with
the regiment. He resumed farming upon his return from the war,
and died near Summum, 111., October 3, 1879.
SERGEANT LEMUEL WELKER was born in Knox county,
Ohio, August 20, 1835, removed to Illinois in 1857, and enlisted as a
farmer from Summum. He served with his company until the
close of the war; was promoted sergeant; was wounded at the
battle of Chickamauga, Ga., and was mustered out with the regi-
ment. He resumed farming upon his return and died near As-
toria, 111., April 2, 1899.
CORPORAL JEREMIAH COKLEY, aged twenty-three, single,
farmer, born in Hocking county. Ohio, removed to Illinois, and en-
listed from Bernadotte; was chosen corporal at the organization of
29
474 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
the company; served through the Kentucky campaign, and was
discharged for disability at Nashville, Tenn. Date unknown.
CORPORAL WILLIAM LANDON was born in Fulton county,
Illinois, April 27, 1841, farmer, and enlisted from Duncan's Mills.
He was chosen corporal at the organization of the company;
served to the close of the war, and was mustered out with the regi-
ment. He is farming near Ponca City, Kay county, Oklahoma.
CORPORAL JOHN W. BELLES, aged twenty-one, farmer, born
in Arkansas, and enlisted from Duncan's Mills, 111. He served
until the close of the war, and was mustered out with the regiment.
Is said to be living at Cedarvale, Chautauqua county, Kansas.
CORPORAL AZARIAH THOMAS, aged thirty-one, farmer,
born in Fayette county, Ohio, and enlisted from Duncan's Mills,
111. He was chosen corporal at the organization of the company,
and was transferred to Company K, Sixtieth Illinois Infantry, but
no date of transfer is given. He was mustered out July 13, 1865.
He is said to be living near Havana, 111.
CORPORAL CHARLES G. MATTHEWS was born in Fulton
county, Illinois, May 2, 1843, was a farmer, and enlisted from
Duncan's Mills, 111. He was chosen corporal at the organization
of the company, was slightly wounded in the assault on Kennesaw
Mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864, served to the close of the war,
Mountain, June 27, 1864, served to the close of the war and was
mustered out with the regiment. Removed to Kansas in 1892, and
to Oklahoma in 1898. Is farming at Renfrew, in Grant county.
CORPORAL MILO BUTLER, aged twenty-nine, single, farmer,
born in Coshocton county, Ohio; removed to Illinois, and enlisted
from Kerton. He was chosen corporal at the organization of the
company; served to the close of the war, and was mustered out
with the regiment.
CORPORAL WILLIAM A. GRAHAM, aged twenty-three, sin-
gle, farmer, born in Washington, Fayette county, Ohio, and en-
listed from Duncan's Mills, 111. He was promoted to be corporal;
served with his company to the close of the war, and was mus-
tered out with the regiment.
CORPORAL SOLOMON MARKEL, aged thirty-two, married,
farmer, born in York county, Pennsylvania; removed to Illinois
and enlisted at Duncan's Mills. He was promoted corporal;
served with his company to the close of the war, and was mus-
ROSTER OF COMPANY I. 475
teed out with the regiment. A few years since he was living at
Goodland, Sherman county, Kansas, but his present address is
unknown.
CORPORAL ISAAC RICHARDSON was born at Warsaw, Cos-
hocton, county, Ohio, May 6, 1831; removed to Illinois in 1858, was
married and a farmer when he enlisted from Summum. He was
promoted corporal; served to the close of the war, and was mus-
tered out with the regiment. Since the war he has been engaged
in farming and resides near Bluff City, Schuyler county, Illinois.
CORPORAL JOHN TRAYER, aged forty-three, married,
farmer; enlisted from Summum, 111. Was promoted corporal!
served with his company to the close of the war, and was mustered
out with the regiment. He died near Lewistown, 111., April 24,
1897.
CORPORAL JOHN WATSON was born near Frankfort, Frank-
lin county, Kentucky, December 15, 1837; removed to Indiana in
1838, and to Illinois in 1845. He was a boatman when he enlisted
from Havana. He was promoted corporal; served with his com-
pany to the close of the war, was slightly wounded at the battle
of Perryville, Kentucky, October 8, 1862, and at Kennesaw Moun-
tain, Georgia, June 27, 1864, and was mustered out with the regi-
ment. He is a carpenter and builder, and resides at 807 Millman
street, Peoria, 111.
MUSICIAN THOMAS BURBIGE, aged eighteen, farmer, born
in Illinois, and enlisted from Manito, in Mason county. He was
appointed musician; served through the Kentucky campaign, and
died at Nashville, Tenn., January 1, 1863. Is buried at No. 5754,
in the national cemetery near that city.
MUSICIAN WILLIAM McCAUSLAND, aged eighteen, black-
smith, born in Fulton county, Illinois, and enlisted from Kerton.
He served through the Kentucky campaign, and was discharged
for disability at Nashville, Tenn., in February, 1863. Resides in
Havana, 111.
LINCOLN AMSDEN, aged forty-three, single, farmer, born in
Framingham, Middlesex, county, Massachusetts; removed to Illi-
nois, and enlisted from Kerton. He was discharged at Louisville,
Ky., for disability, but the date of his discharge does not appear
on the records.
476 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
WILLIAM BELLES, aged twenty-three, married, farmer, born
in Missouri, and enlisted from Otto, Fulton county, Illinois. He
served until the close of the war, and was mustered out with the
regiment.
ZEBULON BRANSON, aged forty; enlisted from Otto, 111.
Deserted. So says the report of the adjutant general of Illinois,
but it does not show that he was ever mustered into the service.
The fact is that he enlisted as a private August 15, 1862, in Com-
pany I, One Hundred and Third Illinois Infantry, and was mus-
tered into the service October 2, 1862. He was promoted second
lieutenant of his company February 4, 1863, and was killed in the
assault on Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864. When
the writer learned of this record, he wrote to the adjutant general
of Illinois, asking if something could not be done to render jus-
tice to the memory of this soldier who died fighting valiantly for
his country, but that officer did not appear willing to do anything.
JACOB H. BETHMAN, deserted; time and place not given.
JOHN COKLEY, aged twenty-one, farmer, born in Hocking
county, Ohio, and enlisted from Bernadotte, 111. He served
through the Kentucky campaign, and died at Nashville, Tenn.,
January 18, 1863.
CHARLES CAIN, aged twenty-eight, single, farmer, born in
Edinburgh, Scotland; emigrated to America, settled in Mason
county, and enlisted from Havana, 111. He served through the
Kentucky campaign, and died at Nashville, Tenn. The adjutant
general's report says, "Discharged July 31, 1864." But the super-
intendent of the national cemetery at Nashville claims that he is
buried at No. 11140, in the cemetery under his charge.
FILROY CODMER, deserted, but neither time nor place is
given.
GEORGE DINGLES, aged forty-three, married, blacksmith,
born in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, and enlisted from Bath,
Mason county, Illinois. He served until the close of the war, and
the fact that he was mustered out June 22, 1865, seems to indicate
that he had been sick, detached or a prisoner, when the regiment
was mustered out.
THOMAS FRAZEE, aged twenty-three, married, farmer; en-
listed from Kerton, 111., and served through the Kentucky cam-
paign. He died in the general hospital at Nashville, Tenn., Janu-
ROSTER OF COMPANY I. 477
ary 1, 1863, and is buried at No. 5092, in the national cemetery
near that city.
HENRY FATCHCRAFT, aged twenty-one, farmer, born in
St. Louis county, Missouri, and enlisted from Otto, 111. He served
until the close of the war, and was mustered out with the regi-
ment.
JOHN D. FANTIN appears to have been mustered in, but no
further record.
SANFORD GILSON, aged twenty-one, farmer, born in Fulton
county, Illinois, and enlisted from Otto. He served through the
Kentucky campaign, and was discharged from the general hos-
pital at Nashville, Tenn., in March, 1863. He returned to Illinois,
and is said to be living at Ipava.
JOSEPH E. GRAFF, aged nineteen, farmer, born in Lancas-
ter county Pennsylvania, and enlisted from Washington, 111. He
served until the close of the war, and was mustered out with the
regiment.
VINSON GRAY, aged thirty-two, married, farmer; enlisted
from Duncan's Mills. Served through the Kentucky campaign,
and was discharged at Nashville, Tenn., but the date of his dis-
charge nowhere appears.
ISAAC HORTON, aged twenty-eight, married, farmer, born in
Coshocton county, Ohio, and enlisted from Summum, 111. Was
discharged for disability at Louisville, Ky., in October, 1862.
WILSON HUGHES, aged thirty-six* married, farmer, born in
Virginia, and enlisted from Otto, 111. Served through the Ken-
tucky campaign until the command arrived at Bowling Green,
where he was sent to the hospital, and died in November, 1862.
JOSIAH HALE, aged twenty-one, farmer, born in Madison
county, Ohio, and enlisted from Otto, 111. Served with his com-
pany until captured near the close of the war, was exchanged, and
honorably discharged June 19, 1865. He resides near Summum,
Fulton county, Illinois.
JOHN Q. HOLMES was born in Lawrence county, Indiana,
November 14, 1825; removed to Illinois in 1848, was married, and a
farmer when he enlisted from Otto, 111. He served through the
Kentucky campaign, and was transferred to the Veteran Reserve
corps at Nashville, Tenn., in 1863, and served in that organization
478 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
at Rock Island and Chicago, 111., until the close of the war. He
was mustered out at Chicago, 111., July 1, 1865. He was justice of
the peace, tax collector, and served as assessor three terms, after
his return to Illinois. He removed to Kansas in 1891, and engaged
in farming in Sumner county, and resides at South Haven, in that
county.
THOMAS HASKEY, born in England; deserted at Louisville,
Kentucky.
BENJAMIN JONES, deserted.
SYLVESTER KELLER, aged twenty-one, farmer, born in
Cuba, Fulton county, Illinois, and enlisted from Bernadotte. He
served with his company until the close of the war, and was mus-
tered out with the regiment. He died in July, 1893.
JOHN KYRO, deserted.
JOHN LAPOOL was born in Strongstown, Indiana county,
Pennsylvania, December 24, 1839; removed to Illinois in 1859, and
was farming in Fulton county when he enlisted from Kerton. He
served with his company until the close of the war, and was mus-
tered out with the regiment. He settled on a farm in West Vir-
ginia at the close of his service, and now resides at Laclede, Cab-
ell county, West Virginia.
WILLIAM LOVELL, deserted.
SAMUEL LOW, deserted.
WILLIAM MINNER was born at Walhonding, Coshocton
county, Ohio, September 5, 1840; removed with his parents to Illi-
nois in 1846, and was farming near Summum when he enlisted.
He was wounded at the battle of Perryville, Ky., October 8, 1862,
and was honorably discharged in March, 1864. Soon after his dis-
charge he removed to Montana, and engaged in farming near
Big Timber, in Short Grass county, but was living at Sheridan,
Wyo., when he died in 1898.
JOHN MINNER was born in Walhonding, Coshocton county,
Ohio, June 4, 1842; removed with his parents to Illinois in 1846,
and was farming in Fulton county when he enlisted as a recruit
from Summum, February 8, 1864. He was slightly wounded in the
fighting near the Sandtown road, in the campaign against Atlanta,
Ga., and is marked absent without leave at the muster out of the
ROSTER OF COMPANY I. 479
regiment. He removed to Montana in 1886, is engaged in farming
and stock raising near Rockvale, in Carbon county, Montana.
ELLIS MOORE was born in Green county, Illinois, April 12,
1845, and was farming near Havana, in Mason county, when lie
enlisted as a recruit, January 5, 1864. He served with his com-
pany until wounded in the assault on the enemy's works at Jones-
boro, Ga., September 1, 1864, and was absent (sick) at the muster
out of the regiment. He was honorably discharged at Camp But-
ler, 111., June 8, 1865, and returned to Illinois. In 1886 he removed
to Kansas and engaged in farming in Chautauqua county, his
address being Sedan, Chautauqua county, Kansas.
JOSEPH E. MOORE, aged twenty-one, farmer, born in Mis-
souri, and enlisted from Kerton, 111. He served with his company
until the close of the war, and was mustered out with the regi-
ment. He is reported to have died April 4, 1895.
EDWARD McCROSKEY, aged twenty-one, farmer, born on
Salt creek, Decatur county, Indiana, and enlisted from Duncan's
Mills, 111. He served in the Kentucky campaign until the com-
mand reached Bowling Green, where he fell sick and died in
December, 1862.
WILLIAM H. PHILLIPS, aged twenty-one, farmer, born in
Coles county, Illinois, and enlisted from Summum, in Fulton
county. Served with his company until February 11, 1864, when
he was transferred to the engineer corps. He is reported to be
living at Vermont, in Fulton county, Illinois.
JAMES H. PIERCY, deserted.
EBEN PAUL, aged 'twenty-two; enlisted from Summum.
Served with his company until February 3, 1863, when he was
discharged for disability.
SAMUEL PAUL, aged twenty-five; enlisted from Summum.
Served with his company until February 3, 1863, when he was dis-
charged for disability.
THOMAS J. ROYES, aged twenty-three, single, farmer, born in
Adams county, Ohio; enlisted from Summum, in Fulton county,
Illinois, and the record says, "Discharged in October, 1862." In
fact, he died October 18, 1862, and is buried at No. 835, in the
national cemetery at Cave Hill, near Louisville, Ky.
480 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
GEORGE W. RITSWOLD, deserted.
THOMAS RAMSEY, deserted.
THOMAS J. STATTS, deserted.
GEORGE SANDERS, deserted.
MILTON STODDARD, aged thirty-four, married, farmer; en-
listed from Bernadotte, 111. Served through the Kentucky cam-
paign, and died at Nashville, Tenn., March 25, 1863. Is buried at
No. 265, in the national cemetery near that city.
WILLIAM H. SMITH, deserted.
CHARLES G. SWIFT, aged thirty-seven; place of enlistment
not stated. Served with his company until July 31, 1864, when,
according to the adjutant general's report, he was discharged.
But as a matter of fact, he died at Louisville, Ky., January 19,
1864, and is buried at No. 1863, in the national cemetery at Cave
Hill, near that city.
COLAND STEWART, deserted.
WILLIAM D. SPENT, deserted.
GEORGE TYRA, aged twenty-eight, married, blacksmith, born
in Kentucky, and enlisted from Duncan's Mills, 111. Served until
the close of the war, and was mustered out with the regiment.
OLIVER TRAPP, aged thirty-one, married, cooper; enlisted
from Otto, 111. Served through the Kentucky campaign, and died
at Nashville, Tenn., February 9, 1863. . Is buried at No. 6443, in
the national cemetery near that place.
AUSTIN WALKER, aged thirty-one, single, farmer, born in
Fulton county, Illinois, and enlisted from Duncan's Mills. Served
with his company until killed in the assault on Kennesaw Moun-
tain, Georgia, June 27, 1864. His remains are buried at No. 8758,
in the national cemetery at Marietta, Ga.
ALBERT WINCHELL, aged twenty-one, farmer, born in Ful-
ton county, Illinois, and enlisted from Duncan's Mills. Served
with his company through the Kentucky campaign, and was dis-
charged for disability at Nashville, Tenn., in August, 1863.
ROSTER OF COMPANY I. 481
JASPER WILCOX, opposite his name on the muster-out roll
is written the word died. Date of birth, place of residence at
enlistment, and date and place of death are omitted.
WILLIAM MARKLEY, enlisted from Summum, and was dis-
charged in October, 1862. That is all the record discloses relating
to this soldier.
JOHN H. MOORE, enlisted from Vermont, Fulton county, Illi-
nois, January 5, 1864, and was discharged May 13, 1865. That
appears to be all they had time to write about him.
WILLIAM OSBORN; this name stands upon the muster-out
roll without any comment whatever.
482 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
CHAPTER XXXVI.
Company K was enrolled by Dr. Robert G. Rider at
Topeka, in Mason county, between July 18 and August
17, 1862. The men were mostly farmers from Mason
county, although Iroquois, McDonough, Peoria, Ste-
phenson, Tazewell and Will counties were represented
in its ranks. At the organization of the company the
following commissioned officers were elected : Dr.
Robert G. Rider, captain ; Samuel Yates, first lieutenant,
and Isaac C. Short, second lieutenant.
Of the 89 officers and men of which this company
was composed, 22 were hit with shot or shell, 4 of whom
were killed in action, while 18 lived to be discharged or
mustered out, i officer resigned, 29 men died of disease,
14 were discharged for disability incident to their hard
service, 5 were transferred to other organizations, and 45
were present at the final muster out.
From first to last the company was ably commanded,
and being one of the skirmish companies was well drilled
in that special drill in addition to the usual drill of the
others. The men were above the average in intelli-
gence, and the surviving members of the company may
justly feel proud of the part it bore in its three years' ser-
vice, and all may rejoice in the fact that they did their
full share in the overthrow of the slave-holders' rebel-
lion.
THE COMPANY ROSTER.
CAPTAIN ROBERT G. RIDER (promoted major. See field
and staff).
CAPTAIN SAMUEL YATES was born in Fletcher, Miami
county, Ohio, in 1831, removed to Illinois, was married and a
ROSTER OF COMPANY K. 483
wheelwright when he enlisted from Topeka, in Mason county. He
had been active in recruiting, and at the organization of the com-
pany was elected first lieutenant. He served in that capacity
through the Kentucky campaign and was promoted captain at
Nashville, Tenn., April 6, 1863. From this time until the close of
the war he commanded the company, and was mustered out with
the regiment. At the close of his service he returned to Topeka
and resumed work at his trade, but was killed by a boiler explo-
sion within a few years of the close of the war.
FIRST LIEUTENANT ISAAC C. SHORT was born in Page
county, Virginia, November 21, 1831, removed to Illinois in 1860,
and settled on a farm in Mason county. He enlisted from Topeka
and probably recruited more men for Company K than any other
one man. He was elected second lieutenant at the organization
of the company; served through the Kentucky campaign, and was
promoted first lieutenant April 6, 1863, at Nashville, Tenn. He
served with his company until the close of the war and was mus-
tered out with the regiment. He removed to Missouri in October,
1865, where he engaged in farming and engineering. He served as
marshal of Montgomery City for seven years, and now resides at
Old Orchard, Saint Louis county, Missouri.
SECOND LIEUTENANT ELI F. NEIKIRK enlisted as a pri-
vate; served through the Kentucky campaign, and at Nashville,
Tenn., he was promoted second lieutenant under date of April 6,
1863. He served in that position until November 4, 1864, when he
resigned on account of failing health. Returning to Illinois he
engaged in business as a merchant at Forest City, where he died
in about 1880.
FIRST SERGEANT ROBERT F. REASON, aged twenty-three,
single, farmer, born in Waynesville, Warren county, Ohio, and
enlisted from Havana, 111.; was chosen first sergeant at the organ-
ization of the company, but fell sick at Louisville, Ky., and died
October 22, 1862. His remains are buried at No. 863 in the hal-
lowed ground of the national cemetery at Cave Hill near Louis-
ville, Ky.
FIRST SERGEANT JOHN N. HOLE, aged thirty-two, single,
clerk, born at Salem, Washington county, Indiana, and enlisted
from Havana, 111. He was chosen second sergeant at the organi-
zation of the company; promoted first sergeant; served through
the Kentucky campaign, and was discharged for disability at
484 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
Nashville, Tenn., February 3, 1863. Returning to Illinois he be-
came a merchant in Bath; removed to Belvidere, Neb., where he
sold goods for several years, and then removed to Norton, Norton
county, Kansas, where he was a merchant when he died a few
years since.
FIRST SERGEANT SMITH B. HORSEY, aged twenty-seven,
single, minister, born in Circleville, Pickaway county, Ohio, re-
moved to Illinois, and enlisted from Forest City as a private. He
served through the Kentucky campaign, and at Nashville, Tenn.,
was promoted first sergeant. In this position he served with his
company until killed in the battle of Jonesboro, Ga., September 1,
1864. Is buried at No. 3285 in the national cemetery at Marietta,
Georgia.
FIRST SERGEANT WILLIAM H. HOLE was born in Salem,
Washington county, Indiana, April 13, 1836, removed to Illinois
in 1856, and settled on a farm in Mason county. He enlisted from
Havana, and was chosen sergeant at the organization of the com-
pany; served through all the campaigns in which the regiment
was engaged; was promoted first sergeant at Jonesboro, Ga., and
was mustered out with the regiment. At the close of his service
he returned to Illinois, and is among the prosperous farmers of
Mason county. He resides at Mason City, 111.
SERGEANT JOHN S. WALKER, aged twenty-one, single,
farmer, born in Shelby ville, Shelby county, Indiana; removed to
Illinois, and enlisted from Havana. He served with his company
until discharged at Chattanooga, Tenn., May 20, 1864, for disabil-
ity. Upon returning to Illinois he read medicine and began to
practice at Forest City, where he died, but the date of his death is
unknown to the writer.
SERGEANT A. A. CARRINGTON was born in Mount Carmel,
Fleming county, Kentucky, in 1836; removed to Illinois, and was
farming in Mason county when he enlisted from Topeka. He was
chosen sergeant at the organization of the company; served with
his company through all the campaigns in which the regiment was
engaged, and was mustered out with the regiment. Upon his re-
turn to Illinois he resumed farming, and now resides at Manito,
Illinois.
SERGEANT WILLIAM MASTERSON, aged twenty-two, sin-
gle, farmer, born in Hagerstown, Wayne county, Indiana, and en-
ROSTER OF COMPANY K. 485
listed from Forest City, 111. He was transferred to the Fourth
United States Cavalry at Nashville, Tenn., December 1, 1862. His
subsequent career is unknown.
SERGEANT CHARLES POND was born in Menard county,
Illinois, Novem'ber 9, 1841, and enlisted from Pekin, in Tazewell
county. He was appointed wagoner, but was mounted and served
two years of his term at brigade and division headquarters. He
was wounded at the battle of Jonesboro, Ga., but soon returned to
duty; was promoted sergeant, and at the close of the war was mus-
tered out with the regiment. He returned to Illinois, married
Rebecca A. Shu'bert at Havana in 1866, and in 1869 removed to
Nebraska. He is a prosperous farmer in Richardson county, and
resides near Shu'bert, Neb.
SERGEANT CHARLES ERICK was born in the Kingdom of
Sweden, October 10, 1834, emigrated to Illinois in 1854, and was a .
farmer when he enlisted from Havana. He was promoted ser-
geant August 1, 1864; served through all the campaigns in which
the command was engaged, and was mustered out with the regi-
ment. He removed to Iowa and engaged in farming in Henry
county, where he owns his land. He now writes his name Charles
E. Hult, and his address is Swedesburgh, Henry county, Iowa.
SERGEANT ADAM J. HIMMILL, aged twenty-one, farmer,
born in Baden, Germany, emigrated to Illinois, and enlisted from
Topeka. He was promoted sergeant; served until the close of the
war, and was mustered out with the regiment. Upon returning to
Illinois he engaged in farming near Topeka, where he committed
suicide in a*bout 1867.
CORPORAL THOMAS JEMMISON, aged nineteen, farmer,
born in Jefferson City, Mo., and enlisted from Havana, 111. Was
chosen corporal at the organization of the company; served
through the Kentucky campaign, and died at Nashville, Tenn.,
December 20, 1862. Is buried at No. 6069 in the national cemetery
near that city.
CORPORAL JOSEPH BODLE, aged thirty, farmer, enlisted
from Havana, 111.; was chosen corporal at the organization of the
company; served to the close of the war, and was mustered out
with the regiment. He removed to Nebraska in 1875, and engaged
in farming near Pawnee City, and died there in 1892.
486 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
CORPORAL WILLIAM K. ROSE, aged thirty-two, was chosen
corporal at the organization of the company; served until sent to
the hospital at Danville, Ky., where he died November 8, 1862. Is
buried at No. 47 in the national cemetery at that place.
CORPORAL JOHN M. DURHAM, aged thirty-two, was chosen
corporal at the organization of the company, and served until the
command reached Bowling Green, Ky., when he was sent to the
hospital, and died there January 22, 1863. His remains are buried
at No. 10526 in the national cemetery at Nashville, Tenn.
CORPORAL ROMEO MAGILL, aged twenty-one, farmer, born
in Springfield, 111., and enlisted from Topeka. Was chosen cor-
poral at the organization of the company, and served until sent to
the hospital at Danville, Ky., where he died December 8, 1862. Is
buried at No. 302 in the national cemetery at that place.
CORPORAL JAMES JIMMISON, aged twenty-one, farmer, born
in Boundbrook, Somerset county, New Jersey, and enlisted from
Havana, 111. Was chosen corporal at the organization of the com-
pany, and served until killed in the assault on Kennesaw Moun-
tain, Georgia, June 27, 1864.
CORPORAL ORPHEUS AMES was born in Canton, Fulton
county, Illinois, March 5, 1840, and was farming when he enlisted
from Topeka, in Mason county. He was wounded at Buzzard
Roost, Georgia, February 25, 1864, and again near Atlanta. Was
promoted corporal, served to the close of the war, and was mus-
tered out with the regiment. His arm is yet stiffened from the
first wound. He is engaged in farming in Oklahoma, his address
being Alba, Woods county, Oklahoma.
CORPORAL GEORGE N. HOPPING was born in Aurora, Dear-
born county, Indiana, December 19, 1843; removed with his par-
ents to Illinois in 1851, and was a farmer when he enlisted from
Topeka. He served with his company through all the campaigns
in which the command was engaged; was promoted corporal, and
was mustered out with the regiment. Returning to Illinois at the
close of the war, he engaged in farming until 1890, when he re-
moved to Nebraska. He is a prosperous and progressive farmer,
and resides at Beaver City, Furnas county, Nebraska.
CORPORAL GEORGE HETZELER was born in Germantowu,
Montgomery county, Ohio, November 12, 1829, removed to Illinois
in 1850, and settled at Bunker Hill, where he was farming when he
ROSTER OF COMPANY K. 487
enlisted. He served with his company to the close of the war;
was wounded at the assault on Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, June
27, 1864; promoted to be corporal, and was mustered out with the
regiment. He returned to his home at Bunker Hill, 111.; has been
alderman of his town, and constable at Mason City, 111. He re-
sides at Bunker Hill, Macoupin county, Illinois.
CORPORAL WILLIAM H. MASSEY, aged twenty, farmer, was
born in Hagerstown, Washington county, Maryland, removed to
Illinois, and enlisted from Topeka. He served with his company
until the close of the war, having in the meantime been promoted
corporal, and was mustered out with the regiment. After the close
of the war he removed to Missouri, and i* supposed to be living at
or near Long Branch, Monroe county.
CORPORAL CONRAD NUHN, aged twenty-four, single, farm-
er, born in Germany, emigrated to Illinois, and enlisted from Gil-
man, in Iroquois county. He served with his company until killed
in the assault on Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864. Is
buried at No. 9309 in the national cemetery at Marietta, Ga.
CORPORAL ZIMRI N. THOMAS, aged twenty-one, clerk, born
in Columbus, Fayette county, Indiana, and enlisted from Havana,
111. Was promoted corporal; slightly wounded in the fight at
Buzzard Roost, Georgia, February 25, 1864; served to the close of
the war, and was mustered out with the regiment. After the close
of his service, he settled at Oxford, Benton county, Indiana, where
he died within recent years.
CORPORAL SOLOMON WEIDEMAN, aged twenty-one, farm-
er, born in Switzerland, emigrated to Illinois, and enlisted from
Topeka. He served with his company to the close of the war; was
promoted corporal, and mustered out with the regiment. After
the war he engaged in farming near Manito, 111., and was accident-
ally killed in 1891 by his reaper running over him.
CORPORAL WILLIAM H. WAGONER, aged twenty-one, farm-
er, born in Fredericktown, Knox county, Ohio, removed to Illinois,
and enlisted from Havana. He served with his company to the
close of the war; was promoted corporal, and mustered out with
the regiment. He is a farmer, and now resides at Olathe, Johnson
county, Kansas.
MUSICIAN JAMES B. DURDY (promoted principal musician.
See field and staff).
488 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
MUSICIAN GEORGE HOAGLAND, aged thirty-three; served
through the Kentucky campaign, and was discharged for disability
at Nashville, Tenn., February 3, 1863. He settled at Topeka, 111.,
where he died in about 1868.
CLARK N. ANDRUS (promoted adjutant. See field and staff).
GEORGE ANDREWS, aged twenty-five, carpenter, born in
Hessia, Germany, emigrated to Illinois, and enlisted from Wood-
ford county. He appears to have been wounded while in the ser-
vice, but the writer has been unable to fix the time and place. He
served to the close of the war, and was mustered out with the regi-
ment. Is supposed to be dead.
WILLIAM L. BECK was born in Piqua, Miami county, Ohio,
April 23, 1844, removed with his parents to Illinois in 1855, and
was farming near Mason City when he enlisted. He served with
his company until the close of the war, and was mustered out with
the regiment. He is now farming at Rogers, Benton county, Ar-
kansas.
WESLEY C. BLAKELEY, aged twenty-three, single, farmer,
born in Havana, Mason county, Illinois, and enlisted from Topeka.
He served through the Kentucky campaign, and died at Nashville,
Tenn., March 7, 1863. Is buried at No. 887 in the national ceme-
tery near that place.
JOHN M. BARR, aged eighteen, farmer, born in Pekin, Taze-
well county, Illinois, and enlisted from Havana. Served through
the Kentucky campaign, and died at Nashville, Tenn., February
26, 1863, and is buried at No. 928 in the national cemetery near
that place.
JEFFERSON BOWERS, aged eighteen, farmer, born in Indian-
apolis, Ind., and enlisted from Havana, 111. He was severely
wounded at the battle of Perryville, Ky., October 8, 1862, and was
discharged for disability at Louisville, Ky., February 28, 1863. He
died in about 1896.
NELSON BURR, aged twenty-seven, married, farmer, born in
Jefferson county, New York, and enlisted from Peoria, 111. He
served through the Kentucky campaign, and was transferred to
the invalid corps at Nashville, Tenn., September 1, 1863. He was
honorably discharged at the close of the war, and when last heard
from was living at Knoxville, Tenn.
ROSTER OF COMPANY K. 489
JOSEPH R. CHAPLAIN, aged twenty-one, farmer, born in
Washington, Washington county, Pennsylvania, and enlisted from
Havana, 111. He served until the close of the war, and was mus-
tered out with the regiment. He was a brick layer, and resided
until some two years ago at Parsons, Labette county, Kansas, but
now resides at Everett, Snohomish county, Washington.
DAVID B. COLGLAZIER, aged thirty-three, enlisted from
Havana, 111.; served in the Kentucky campaign until the com-
mand reached Danville, when he was sent to the hospital, and died
December 9, 1862. His remains are buried at No. 337 in the na-
tional cemetery at Danville, Ky.
GEORGE H. COTTRELL, aged nineteen, farmer, born in
Peoria, 111., and enlisted from Forest City. Adjutant general's re-
port says: "Supposed dead. Last heard from at Harrodsburg,
Ky., October , 1862." His surviving comrades say "That he
fell sick just after the battle of Perryville, Ky., and was cared for
at a farm house. While convalescing he over ate, and died in a
relapse."
ROBERT L. DURDY (promoted principal musician. See field
and staff).
GEORGE DRAKE was born in Plainfield, Union county, New
Jersey, April 5, 1846, and removed with his parents to Illinois in
1852. He enlisted from Topeka; served through the Kentucky
campaign, and at Nashville, Tenn., was detailed for two months
to man the heavy artillery in the defenses. Was for a time
mounted at brigade headquarters, but returned to his company,
and was twice wounded on the Atlanta campaign once at Kenne-
saw Mountain, June 27, 1864, and again in the fight for the Sand-
town road. He served until the close of the war, and was mustered
out with the regiment. After the end of his service he learned the
blacksmith's trade, and in 1874 removed to Iowa, where he has
since conducted that business. He resides at Clinton, Clinton
county, Iowa.
WILLIAM H. EVANS, aged twenty-three, born in St. Clairs-
ville, Belmont county, Ohio, and enlisted from Havana, 111. Served
through the Kentucky campaign, and was discharged for disabil-
ity at Edgefield, Tenn., November 25, 1862.
JACOB ELLER, aged twenty-four, single, farmer, born in Ger-
many, and enlisted from Groveland, Tazewell county, Illinois. He
490 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
served until the close of the war, and was mustered out with the
regiment. He is supposed to be dead.
ISAAC FOUNTAIN was born in Spalding, Lincolnshire, Eng-
land, March 26, 1838, emigrated to Illinois in 1859, was married
and a farmer when he enlisted from Forest City. He served with
his company until the close of the war; was twice wounded once
in the battle of Perryville, Ky., October 8, 1862, and again in the
fight at Buzzard Roost, Georgia, February 25, 1864. He was mus-
tered out with the regiment, and in 1874 he removed to Nebraska
and engaged in farming in Franklin county. Has been assessor,
and for fourteen years a notary public. His address is Upland,
Franklin county, Nebraska.
JOHN FRANK, aged eighteen, farmer, born in Germany, emi-
grated to Illinois, and enlisted from Mason City. He served to the
close of the war, and was mustered out with the regiment. He
resides at Chaflin, Barton county, Kansas.
WILLIAM' GURNBELL, aged twenty-four, single, farmer, born
in Germany, emigrated to Illinois, and enlisted from Forest City.
He served to the close of the war, and was mustered out with the
regiment. Was farming near Warsaw, 111., where he died Febru-
ary 15, 1890.
BENJAMIN H. GROVER, aged twenty-one, farmer, born in
Stark county, Ohio, and enlisted from Topeka, 111. He served in
the Kentucky campaign until the regiment reached Bowling
Green, where he fell sick and died January 5, 1863. Is buried at
No. 10909 in the national cemetery at Nashville, Tenn.
ABNER D. GRIFFIN, aged twenty-six, single, farmer, born in
Piqua, Miami county, Ohio, and enlisted from Mason City, 111. He
served through the Kentucky campaign, and died at Nashville,
Tenn., December 19, 1862. Is buried at No. 4322 in the national
cemetery near that place.
ISAAC N. GRIFFIN, aged eighteen, farmer, born at Way,
Miami county, Ohio, and enlisted from Mason City, 111. He served
until the close of the war, and was mustered out with the regi-
ment. He died February 2, 1891.
ROBERT C. GARRISON, aged eighteen, farmer, born at Cape
May, N. J., and enlisted from Mason City, 111. He served with his
company until killed in the fight at Buzzard Roost, Georgia, Feb-
ruary 25, 1864.
ROSTER OF COMPANY K. 491
JAMES GRANT, aged twenty-three, single, farmer, born in
Albany, N. Y., and enlisted from Secor, Woodford county, Illinois.
He died at Peoria, 111., September 8, 1862, his being the first death
in the regiment.
BENJAMIN HIBBS, aged twenty-eight, single, farmer, born at
Catawassa, Columbia county, Pennsylvania, and enlisted from
Havana, 111. He served until the close of the war, and was mus-
tered out with the regiment. Was a farmer near Poplar City, 111.,
where he died in about 1890.
CHARLES E. HITCHCOCK, aged eighteen, farmer, born at
Zanesville, Muskingum county, Ohio, and enlisted from Havana,
111. He served through the Kentucky campaign and was dis-
charged for disability at Nashville, Tenn., February 3, 1863. Was
living in Los Angeles, Cal., until about a year ago. Is supposed
to be in Arizona.
EPHRAIM HOPPING was born near Aurora, Dearborn county,
Indiana, April 29, 1846, removed with his parents to Illinois in
1860, and enlisted from Topeka. He served until the close of the
war, but was absent (sick) when the regiment was mustered out.
He was honorably discharged from the hospital at Camp Butler,
111., but never entirely regained his health. He spent some twenty
years in the South, and was living at Little Rock, Ark., at the time
of his death, which occurred in July, 1896.
DANIEL T. JONESON, aged thirty, single, farmer, born in
Berrytown, Kent county, Delaware, and enlisted from Havana,
111. He served until captured, probably about Chattanooga, Tenn.,
but time and place are unknown, and died in Libby prison at Rich-
mond, Va., February 4, 1864. He is supposed to be buried among
the unknown dead in the national cemetery at Richmond, Va.
WILLIAM H. JIMMISON, aged twenty-five, single, farmer,
born in Rockport, Mo., and enlisted from Havana, 111. He served
until the regiment reached Bowling Green, Ky., when he was sent
to the hospital and was discharged for disability January 1, 1863.
The pension office reports his death, but gives neither date nor
place.
JOSEPH E. JACKSON was born in St. Petersburg, Clarion
county, Pennsylvania, October 30, 1844, removed with his parents
to Illinois in 1852, and was farming when he enlisted from Topeka.
He served to the close of the war, and was mustered out with the
492 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
regiment. He was slightly wounded at the battle of Murfreesboro,
Tenn. He is engaged in farming near Miami, in the Indian Ter-
ritory.
JAMBS A. KBLSOE, aged twenty-five, married, farmer, born
in Canton, Fulton county, Illinois; enlisted from Peoria; served
through the Kentucky campaign, and was transferred to the in-
valid corps at Nashville, Tenn., September 1, 1863. Was honor-
ably discharged, and was living near Hesston, Harvey county,
Kansas, when last heard from.
WILLIAM McKILLIP, aged eighteen, farmer, born at Liberty,
Union county, Indiana, and enlisted from Havana, 111. He served
through the Kentucky campaign, and was discharged at Benton
barracks, Missouri, for disability, February 24, 1863. He is said to
be living at Belvidere, Thayer county, Nebraska.
HENRY F. MOHLENBRINK was born in Hanover, Germany,
January 13, 1843, emigrated with his parents to Illinois in 1849,
and was a clerk when he enlisted from Havana, 111. He served
with his company to the close of the war; was twice wounded
once at the assault on Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia, June 27, 1864,
and again near Atlanta, Ga., and was mustered out with the regi-
ment. Since the war he has served as township trustee and as
assessor. He removed to Kansas in 1879 and engaged in farming
in Marshall county and in 1898 removed to Oklahoma, and is farm-
ing near Cropper, Garfield county, Oklahoma.
FRITZE MOHLENBRINK, cousin of above, was born in Han-
over, Germany, in 1843, emigrated to Illinois, and enlisted from
Havana. He served until the close of the war, and was mustered
out with the regiment.
JOSIAH McKNIGHT was born in Piqua, Miami county, Ohio,
May 24, 1843, removed with his parents to Illinois in 1849, and was
a farmer when he enlisted from Mason City. He served with his
company to the close of the war, but was severely wounded at
Buzzard Roost, Georgia, February 25, 1864, by a gun shot through
both thighs. He returned to duty and was mustered out with the
regiment. He returned to his former home, and is a prominent
farmer at Mason City, 111.
LESTER N. MORRIS was born near Saint Paris, Champaign
county, Ohio, February 15, 1844, removed with his parents to Illi-
nois in 1856, and was a farmer when he enlisted from Topeka. He
ROSTER OF COMPANY K. 493
served with his company until the close of the war; was slightly
wounded at the battle of Stone River, and was mustered out with
the regiment. Since the war ended he has engaged in farming
and carpenter work, and is now janitor of the public school build-
ing at Lincoln, Logan county, Illinois.
ALFRED T. MORRIS, aged twenty-six, single, farmer, born in
Carysville, Champaign county, Ohio, and enlisted from Peoria,
111. He served until the close of the war, and was mustered out
with the regiment.
CHARLES MORRIS, aged twenty-two, single, farmer, born in
Manchester, Adams county, Ohio, removed to Illinois, and enlisted
from Topeka. He served to the close of the war, and was mus-
tered out with the regiment. Is said to reside at Havana, 111.
JACOB H. PRETTYMAN was born in Philadelphia, Pa., July
30, 1845, removed with his parents to Illinois in 1845, and enlisted
from Havana. He served with his company until the close of the
war; was wounded in the assault on Kennesaw Mountain, Georgia,
June 27, 1864, and was mustered out with the regiment. At the
close of his service he returned to Illinois, and is an architect and
builder residing at Peoria.
ADONIRAM ROBINSON was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, October
27, 1836, and removed with his parents to Illinois in 1851. He first
enlisted from Havana, August 1, 1861, in Company A, Twenty-
eighth Illinois Infantry, and was discharged for disability Novem-
ber 9, 1861. He again enlisted from Havana, and served in Com-
pany K until discharged for disability at Nashville, Tenn., Feb-
ruary 3, 1863. He afterward enlisted and served in Company L,
Twelfth Missouri Cavalry, until in 1866, when he was honorably
discharged. He was a printer before the war and since has been
a reporter on various papers. He settled in Elgin, 111., in 1885, and
still regards that place as his home, but is now an inmate of the
National Military Home at Leavenworth, Kan.
JOHN RAKESTRAW, aged twenty-three, single, farmer, born
in Warren county, Illinois, and enlisted from Havana. He died at
Louisville, Ky., January 28, 1863.
CHARLES P. RIDDLE, aged nineteen, farmer, born in Ger-
many, emigrated to Illinois, and enlisted from Topeka. He fell
sick on the Kentucky campaign; was sent to the hospital at Bowl-
494 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
ing Green, where he died November 27, 1862. Is buried at No.
10673 in the national cemetery at Nashville, Tenn.
HORACE F. REASON was born in Waynesville, Warren coun-
ty, Ohio, July 23, 1845, removed with his parents to Illinois in 1861,
and enlisted from Havana. He served with his company until the
last year of the war, when he was detached, and served as orderly
at General Morgan's headquarters until mustered out with the
regiment. Returning to Illinois he settled at Mason City, where
he has been mayor, member of the county board for ten years, and
is now a member of the county central committee. Address,
Mason City, 111.
WILLIAM RAMIGE was born in Mohawk, Herkimer county,
New York, August 17, 1841, removed with his parents to Illinois
in 1848, and was a farmer when he enlisted from Pekin. He served
with his company until the close of the war, and was mustered out
with the regiment. He removed to Iowa in 1875 and engaged in
farming in Calhoun county. His address is Rockwell City, Cal-
houn county, Iowa.
ABRAM SHELABARGER was born in Lima, Allen county,
Ohio, October 3, 1840, removed with his parents to Illinois in 1856,
and enlisted as a farmer from Topeka. He served with his com-
pany until the close of the war, and was mustered out with the
regiment. He removed to Nebraska in 1877, and has been farm-
ing in Furnas county ever since. His address is Beaver City, Neb.
JOHN W. SHELABARGER, aged twenty, farmer, born in
Lima, Allen county, Ohio, removed to Illinois with his parents, and
enlisted from Topeka. He served with his company until cap-
tured near Lee and Gordon's mills, Georgia, in the spring of 1864,
was exchanged, returned to duty, and was mustered out with the
regiment. He is farming near Pawnee City, Pawnee county, Ne-
braska.
JAMES A. STONE was born in Washington, Washington coun-
ty, Pennsylvania, and was a farmer when he enlisted from Ha-
vana, 111., at the age of twenty-one. He served with his company
until captured near Leet's tanyard, Georgia, in the spring of 1864;
was exchanged and honorably discharged May 12, 1865. He re-
moved to Missouri soon after the close of the war, and is farming
near Madison, in Monroe county.
ROSTER OF COMPANY K. 495
MOSES SHAW, aged twenty-seven, enlisted from Havana, and
died at Louisville, Ky., November 17, 1862. His remains are bur-
ied in the national cemetery at Cave Hill, Kentucky, at No. 1047.
HENRY SPILLMAN, aged twenty-one, single, farmer, born in
Danville, Pa., and was farming when he enlisted from Topeka, 111.
He served with his company to the close of the war, and was mus-
tered out with the regiment. At the close of the war he returned
to Illinois and resumed farming, but was a resident of Cheyenne
county, Kansas, when he died October 9, 1887.
JOHN SEIBENBORN, aged twenty-two, single, farmer, born in
Germany, and enlisted from Topeka, 111. He served with his com-
pany until he fell sick on the Atlanta campaign, and died in the
field hospital at Dallas, Ga., May 28, 1864.
MICHAEL SPEIGHT, aged twenty-one, farmer, born in Taze-
well county, Illinois, and enlisted from Groveland. While on the
Kentucky campaign, he was sent to the hospital at Harrodsburg,
where he died October 30, 1862. Is buried at No. 359 in the na-
tional cemetery at Camp Nelson, Ky.
EVERARD TEGARD, aged nineteen, farmer; enlisted from
Starfield, 111., but was born in Jefferson, Green county, Pennsyl-
vania. Of this soldier the muster out roll says, "Supposed to be
dead. Last heard from at Danville, Ky., November , 1862."
DAVID PATTERSON VAN HORN was born in Piqua, Miami
county, Ohio, February 4, 1842, removed to Illinois with his par-
ents in 1857, and enlisted as a farmer from Mason City. He served
with his company until the close of the war, and was mustered out
with the regiment. He removed to Iowa, where he has prospered
as a farmer; owns four hundred acres of land, and resides near
Cotter, in Louisa county.
JAMES M. WHITTAKER was born in Canton, Fulton county,
Illinois, August 28, 1844, and enlisted as a farmer from Topeka.
He served with his company to the close of the war; was wounded
in the battle at Buzzard Roost, Georgia, but recovered; returned
to duty, and was mustered out with the regiment. Since the war
he has been farming, and in 1891 he removed to Nebraska, and
now resides at Beaver City, in Furnas county.
HENRY WENT, aged twenty-five, single, farmer, enlisted from
Topeka, 111., but was born in Hanover, Germany. He served with
his company until the close of the war, and was mustered out with
496 HISTORY OF THE 85TH ILLINOIS.
the regiment. At the end of his service he settled in Chicago,
where he died in about 1892.
JOHN B. WRIGHT (was promoted adjutant. See field and
staff).
DAVID ZENTMIRE was born in Oregoiiia, Warren county,
Ohio, September 27, 1840, removed to Illinois in 1861, and was
farming when he enlisted from Mason City. He served with his
company until the close of the war, and was mustered out with the
regiment. He returned to Illinois at the close of the war, and re-
sumed farming, but removed to Kansas some years later, and is a
clerk and assistant postmaster at Cherokee, Crawford county, at
present.
JOHN ZANISE, aged twenty-one, farmer, born in Lancaster,
Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and enlisted from Manito, 111.
He served through the Kentucky campaign, and died at Nashville,
Tenn., December 6, 1862.
RECRUITS.
SEBASTIAN G. BLUMENSHINE was born in Washington,
Tazewell county, Illinois, June 17, 1843, and was a farmer when he
enlisted from his native town, December 12, 1863. He served until
the close of the war, and when the Eighty-fifth was mustered out
he was transferred to Company C, Sixteenth Illinois, where he
served until July 8, 1865, when he was mustered out with that regi-
ment. He is farming near Clearwater, in Sedgwick county,
Kansas.
AUSTIN CONNET enlisted from Jackson, 111., January 15, 1865;
was transferred to Company C, Sixteenth Illinois, at the close of
the war, and was mustered out with that regiment July 8, 1865.
FRANKLIN EVANS enlisted from Wilmington, 111., January
15, 1865, and was transferred to Company C, Sixteenth Illinois, at
the close of the war. He was mustered out with that regiment
July 8, 1865.
N. J. KEMP The records do not disclose the date nor the place
of his enlistment, but he was present and was wounded in the fight
at Rome, Ga., May 17, 1864. A piece of shell struck him on the
belt buckle, driving it under the skin, but not through the wall of
ROSTER OF COMPANY K. 497
the abdomen. It passed round to the back bone, where it was
located and cut out by Surgeon Dieffenbacher. When the regi-
ment was mustered out this soldier was absent (sick of his wound
in the general hospital at Camp Butler, 111., and was honorably
discharged therefrom.) After the close of the war he settled at
Sparta, Wis., where he still resides, if living.
OWEN McDONALD The date and place of enlistment does
not appear on the records of the company, but he was mustered
out with the regiment. He was born in Ireland, and after the
close of his service located at Havana, 111., where he committed
suicide by drowning in about 1870.
JOHN CLIFTON No record; is a farmer and resides at Shu-
bert, Neb.
GEORGE EMIT enlisted from Reed, Henderson county, Illinois,
January 10, 1865.
DANIEL FLEMING enlisted April 10, 1865, from Buena Vista,
111. ; mustered out May 11, 1865.
PETER HELD enlisted from Chicago, 111., October 4, 1864. No
further record.
WASHINGTON SMITH enlisted from Blandinsville, 111., No-
vember 18, 1863. Was born in Ohio county, Kentucky, and dis-
charged without date.
GEORGE THOMPSON enlisted from Chicago, 111., November 8,
1864. No further record.
RICHARD WILSON enlisted from Chicago, 111., October 8,
1864. No further record.
JOSEPH ZIMMERMAN enlisted from Buena Vista, 111., April
19, 1865, and was mustered out May 11, 1865.
On page 68, James A. Mallory should be John A. Mallory.
On page 368, David Cornham should read David Cornman.
On page 229, James Moslander should read Joseph Moslander.
On page 374, the name of James W. Tippey appears twice. The
first or upper name is correct, but the other should read Henry
Tippey.
INDEX.
Addis, James P 152, 468
Akerson, John G 362
Albin, John M 350
Alkire, William D 192, 203, 380
Alger, Gen. R. A 8
Allen, William S...68, 191, 342, 362
Allen, Andrew J 398
Allen, William F 38, 413
Alyea, Francis M 349
Alyea, John W 350
Ames, Orpheus 153, 486
Amsden, Lincoln 475
Amsler, Henry . .422
Anderson, Col. W. B 117
Anderson, Capt. E. L 187
Andrus, Adjt. Clark N.
20, 68, 93, 191, 228, 229, 337, 409, 488
Andrews, George 488
Anno, John F 203, 229, 319
Anno, Levi S 348
Armstrong, David 60, 413
Armstrong, Pleasan t 380
Armstrong, William 383
Armstrong, Boling 413
Arnett, James P 71, 349
Arnold, John H 192, 204, 413
Aten, Henry J 1, 6, 8, 183, 436
Aten, John 10, 38, 273, 440
Atchinson, Michael 203, 382
Atchinson, John H 382
A very, Thomas J 20, 342, 398
Atwater, Miles L 440
Atwater, William 440
Baggs, John 425
Baird, Gen. Absalom... 73, 162, 286
Bailor, Jesse 203, 367
Barwick, Jos. S..5, 20, 201, 240, 341
Barnett, Capt. Charles M
11, 28, 53, 106, 117, 124
Barnett, Cleghorn 414
Barnett, John 160, 413
Barnes, Joel A 10, 458
Barnes, George W 68, 458
Barnes, Hezekiah 352
Bartram, Reuben W 350
Barr, John M 72, 488
Bash, Isaac C 366
Bass, Gibson 38, 96, 351
Bass, John 431
Batterton, Green P 407
Beal, Henry 398
Beatty, Gen. John 117, 141
Beck, William 488
Beck, Phillip 204, 423
Beebe, Albert G 38, 345
Behymer, Oliver P 203, 368
Beekman, Martin 367
Belles, John W 474
Belles, William 476
Bell, Thomas M 38, 368
Berry, Francis M 398
Bird, William 424
Bishop, Joseph K 364
Black, Capt. Samuel.... 11, 73, 375
Black, David P 349
Black, George 203, 378
Black, Clinton 152, 399
Blakesley, Wesley C 83, 488
Blair, Gen. Frank P 301
Blanchard, Capt. George A...
71, 129, 203, 375
Blizzard, William D 38, 352
Bloomfield, Henry 41, 72, 458
Blumenshine, Sebastian G.ll, 496
Boarmaster, Lewis 227, 365
Bobbitt, George W. S 349
Bodle, Joseph 485
Bochert, Charles 325, 410
Bolen, John B 60, 442
Bolen, Benjamin 457
Boon, Calvin W 192, 229, 348
Boon, John A 350
Booth, John W 143, 351
Borchert, Charles 325, 410
Bortzfield, William.... 203, 229, 351
Bortzfield, John, Jr 203, 351
Bortzfleld, Jacob 168, 351
Bowers, Jefferson 41, 488
Bowman, Robert A.... 122, 420, 421
Bowman, Ellis 364
Boyer, David 425
Boyd, William 299, 442
Bradburn, John W 51, 351
Bradburn, James M 350
Bradburn, James M., Jr.. 192, 351
Brannan, Gen. James M 104
Bragg, Gen. Braxton
....27, 45, 62, 100, 127, 142, 286, 317
Branson, Charles R 143, 458
Branson, Zebulon 476
Brandon, D. A 192, 425
Bradford, David 203, 383
Breckenridge, John W 367
Brewer, Aaron 160, 441
Brickel, Phillip 432
Britt, Albert P 71, 91, 123, 471
Brought, Freman 38, 395
Brooks, Almon 92, 381
Brown, Thomas 103, 441
Brown, Perry 441
Brown, Simpson 441
Buck, Henry H 192, 377
Buel, Gen. Don Carlos
31 32 42 43
Buffalow,' William.'.'.'.'. 203, 229, *368
Bullard, Norman A 399
Burbige, Thomas 68, 475
Burnside, Gen. A. E 138
Burnett, John L 192, 383
Burkholder, Simon 192, 367
Burkhalter, Capt. J. L....216, 217
Burt. James F 192, 425
Burt, Abraham 424
Burr, Nelson 488
Bushnell, John 457
Bushnell, Ananias P 458
Butler, Milo 474
500
INDEX.
Cadwallader, Albert D
6, 9, 143, 152, 203, 219, 361
Cady, Joseph 68, 399
Cain, Charles 229, 476
Cameron, Abraham A 472
Capper, Aseria 399
Carter, Joseph W 383
Carter, William W 414
Carter, William G 414
Carlin, Gen. W. P 36, 168, 289
Carey, James 152, 160, 425
Carrington, A. A 484
Carlock, George 396
Castleberry, Henry W 399
Castleberry, William H 397
Cassens, Robert 400
Castor, Stephen L 442
Cates, Ephraim 51, 384
Chatfield, Charles H
60, 143, 187, 192, 393
Chaplain, Joseph R 489
Charlton, William P 353
Cheal, James J 425
Chester, James S 9, 38, 378
Chester, Francis N 9, 381
Cheatham, Gen. B. F 276, 286
Cist, Gen. Henry M 7
Clark, Channing 38, 381
Clark, William 51, 383
Clark, John J 204, 425
Clancy, Col. Charles W...117, 182
Clary, Royal A 38, 414
Clary, Abram 68, 408, 409
Clary, William F 204, 410
Clary, Martin S 414
Cleveland, P. D 72, 425
Cleveland, John H 203, 363
Clifton, Lev! 143, 423
Clifton, John 497
Cline, Wilson 349
Cline, Phillip 353
Close, William D 227, 399
Cluney, Thomas 203, 363
Clupper, Perry W 248, 439
Coburn, Col. John 94
Coe, Lieut 252
Cogdall, Isaac 352
Cogdall, Eli M 352
Cogeshall, Francis S 394
Cohren, William 51, 450, 453
Cokley, John 68, 476
Cokley, Jeremiah 473
Collins, Albert 91, 123, 471
Collins, Leonidas 473
Collins, William 174, 459
Cole, George 414
Colglazier, David B 60, 489
Combs, James 426
Conley, Andrew 71, 353
Connett, Austin 496
Connor, Henry 51, 368
Conover, Joseph B.10, 203, 255, 397
Cooper, George 59, 440
Cooper, Abraham 454
Gorman, David 203, 368
Cottrell, George H 51, 489
Cowen, Col. D. D. T 53
Cox, Gen. Jacob D..7, 297, 301, 307
Cox, John F 352
Cox, John 352
Cox, John 414
Cozad, Bazil 203, 368
Crable, Joseph 459
Craig, David 425
Cratty, Edmund 60, 352
Crittenden, Gen. T. L 32
Cue, Nelson D 383
Cummings, Major S. P
18, 20, 91, 336, 433, 450
Cunningham, William 32, 459
Cunningham, John 51, 458
Cunningham, Alexander 442
Curless, Edmund 471
Curless, LaFayette 51, 433, 434
Curless, Joseph 439
Curless, Lorenzo D 442
Curran, Maurice 368
Daniels, John R 353
Danawain, Samuel 51, 369
Dare, Charles D 203, 369
Daugherty, Daniel.... 192, 229, 384
Davis, Gen. Jefferson C
30, 31, 116, 133,
136, 141, 162, 168, 186, 196, 199, 212,
216, 218, 247, 279, 290, 295, 301, 303
Davis, William 38, 400
Davis, Noah 203, 400
Dawley, Lieut. Richard L 117
Dean, William 204, 424
Deford, George 121, 423
Deford, William 94, 426
Deitrich, Jeremiah... .192, 229, 384
Deitrich, George W 382
Delong, William 422
Derwent, Samuel 60, 384
Destroying Railroad 245, 246
Dew, Jacob S 227, 400
Dial, Lewis 214, 459
Dickerson, Col. C. J 53, 117
Dieffenbacher, Philip L
..5, 20, 38, 57, 92, 160, 291, 339, 496
Dilworth, Col. Caleb J
18, 21, 92, 117, 170, 174, 182,
186, 188, 193, 199, 225, 227, 325,333
Dingles, George 476
Dobson, Martin K 457
Dodge, Silas 192, 229, 442
Dodge, John W 442
Dolcater, Peter 384
Douglass, John W 443
Drake, George 11, 192, 489
Dray, Samuel A 384
Driver, Robert 32, 426
Dubois, John 426
Duncan, Charles 456
Dunn, Joseph 152, 392
Durham, John M 68, 486
Durham, Edwin M 342, 400
Durdy, James B 343, 487
Durdy, Robert S 343, 489
Dutton, Daniel 459
Duvall, John H 38, 192, 377
Eaton, Thomas C 6, 9, 364
Earp, William 248, 422
Early, Gen. Jubal 315
Ekis, Michael 51, 415
Elgin, William F 460
Elliott, Luke 51, 450, 452
INDEX.
501
Elliott, Elisha J 192, 456
Eller, Jacob 489
Emit, George 497
Engle, Thomas B 227, 456
Evans, H. Clay 8
Evans, William H 339
Evans, William H 489
Evans, Franklin 496
Eveland, Abner 364
Eveland, Amos 203, 369
Erick, Charles 485
Fahnestock, Col. A. L 182
Faith, Jacob , 410
Fantin, John D 477
Fatchcraft, Henry 477
Fawcette, Michael 443
Fawcett, Levi 443
Fearing, Gen. Benjamin D
266, 290, 293, 294, 296
Fellows, Captain 185
Fenton, John D 193, 460
Ferguson, James 415
Ferrell, James 396
Fitch, Joseph H 192, 369
Fleming, Daniel 497
Floro, Cadmus 203, 400
Forner, Joseph 152, 426
Forrest, Gen. N. B
69, 82, 232, 233, 234
Fountain, Isaac 11, 41, 153, 490
Frank, John 490
Frank, James 426
Frazee, Thomas 68, 476
Frietley, H. William 227, 460
Frost, Wesley 60, 415
Fox, David 369
Furguson, John 353
Furguson, Alexander 353
Gabriel, Phillip 426
Gabriel, Andrew 426
Galbraith, Johnston 68, 370
Gardner, Albert L 385
Gardner, James M 203, 385
Gardner, John S 91, 354
Gardner, John A 51, 385
Gardner, Capt. George Q 117
Gardner, John R 385
Garrard, Gen. Kenner 161
Garrison, Robert C 152, 490
Gash, James 346
Gehagan, Hugh 329, 426
Gilson, Sanford 477
Gilbert, Gen. Charles C
32, 33, 44, 72
Gillmore, Franklin 51, 353
Gillmore, James F 353
Gobon, James 397
Gobon, Allen 401
Gordon, David A 51, 354
Good, Major Joseph 117
Gorsage, Jeremiah 460
Gould, Lorenzo D 242, 438
Graff, Joseph E 477
Graham, William A 474
Grant, James 24, 490
Grant, Gen. U. S....7, 48, 118, 121,
125, 127, 138, 144, 150, 156, 161, 254,
269, 298, 300, 301, 306, 316, 320, 322
Gray, John 369
Gray, Vinson 477
Granger, Gen. Gordon
72, 75, 101, 102
Green, Thomas W 385
Green, Boling 204, 229, 412
Gregory, George 51, 385
Greathouse, James 365
Greathouse, William 369
Greathouse, James, Jr 369
Griffin, Abner D 60, 490
Griffin, Isaac N 490
Griflin, Richard 204, 242, 415
Grifttn, John 412
Griffith, Col. James R
192, 225, 325, 326, 335, 360
Grigg (or Gregg), Robert 426
Grissom, Samuel B 401
Grover, Benjamin H 68, 490
Gurnbell, William 490
Hadsall, Edwin M 203, 386
Hagan, John B 68, 462
Hale, Josiah 477
Halleck, Gen. H. W...311, 312, 313
Hamilton, Jas. M..71, 122, 203, 376
Hamilton, Reuben 204, 427
Hamilton, David 227, 422
Hamilton, Albert J 122, 401
Hamilton, William M 376
Hamilton, Charles L, 398
Hankins, Stephen 415
Hanks, James 83, 427
Harmon, Col. Oscar F
53, 117, 182, 186
Hardee, Gen. William J
145, 267, 280, 284, 286, 287
Harrison, William C 354
Harker, Gen. Charles G 190
Harbert, John L 401
Harris, William H 461
Hastings, James L 20, 343, 379
Hastings, Daniel W 51, 385
Havens, Daniel 38, 68, 203, 345
Havens, Samuel 68, 413
Hays, Daniel 60, 443
Hazen, Gen. William B
7, 121, 253, 295
Hazleng, John 343, 401
Heaton, Simon 248, 461
Heald, John W 370
Held, Peter 497
Henfling, F. S 45, 51, 427
Henfling, Henry 51, 427
Henderson, Silas D 455
Hetzeler, George 193, 486
Hibbs, Benjamin 491
Hicks, Willard 108, 229, 401
Hitchcock, Charles E 491
Himmill, Adam J 485
Hinsey, Americus 204, 427
Hoagland, George 488
Hodge, Hasard 427
Hodge, Alexander 192, 427
Hodge, John 424
Hodge, George 96, 427
Hohamer, William F..204, 229, 411
Holstead, Capt. David M
91, 108, 122, 470, 471
Holley, Jeremiah 203, 381
Hollingsworth, Thomas H. B.380
502
INDEX.
Hole, John N 483
Hole, William H 5, 6, 11, 484
Holt, Solomon 443
Holmes, William D 203, 370
Holmes, John Q 477
Holmes, Maj. J. T 197, 199, 287
Hons, Solomon 386
Hons, Wesley 386
Hood, Gen. J. B 7, 205, 209
213, 231, 235, 239, 262, 276, 280, 297
Hooker, Gen. Joseph
132, 138, 173, 177
Hopping, George N 486
Hopping, Ephraim 491
Horton, Marion... .41, 150, 152, 461
Horton, Andrew J 71, 452
Horton, Levi 428
Horton, Jonathan B 461
Horton, Isaac 477
Horton, Thomas 437
Horn, Jacob 462
Horsey, Smith B 227, 484
Houghton, Capt. Chas.W.143, 393
Houghton, Eliza 401
Houseworth, John 203, 377
Howard, Gen. O. O
131, 181, 243, 272, 280, 301
Howard, Henry N 462
Howarth, Henry 227, 401
Howell, Henry 32, 354
Howell, George 91, 354
Hudson, Adjt. Preston C
123, 228, 338, 471
Hudnall, William C 460
Hudnall, James Walter 462
Hughes, Wilson 51, 477
Hughes, Neal P 227, 473
Hughes, Charles A 229, 461
Hughey, Julius T 461
Hulburt, William H 462
Hulburt, Alansus P 462
Hult, Charles E 485
Hurley, Charles 370
Hurley, Bartholomew 68, 370
Hutton, Thomas 365
Hutchins, Harvey H 379
Ishmael, Louis 203, 299, 386
Jackson, Joseph E 59, 491
Jackson, John E 59, 491
Jackson, Samuel 354
James, Capt. F. B 7, 191
Jameson, James 463
Jellison, Benjamin 463
Jemmison, Thomas 60, 485
Jennings, Anderson 454
Jimmison, William H 491
Jimmison, James 193, 486
Johnston, Gen. Jos. E..7, 161, 167,
195, 206, 280, 286, 294, 300, 301, 312
Johnson, Gen. Richard W 162
Johnson, William 422
Johnson, Henry J 463
Johnston, John.. 203, 365
Joneson, Daniel T 160, 491
Jones, Henry P 242, 402
Jones, Samuel 355
Jones, William 415
Jones, William J 416
Jones, James M 443
Jordan, Benjamin E 203, 354
Keller, Sylvester 478
Kellogg, Nathan 204, 423
Kelley, Josiah H 68, 463
Kelley, William 402
Kelley, William 421
Kelley, William 444
Kelso, James N 492
Kemp, N. J 172, 496
Kennedy, Capt. John
18, 128, 192, 204, 420
Kennedy, John F 438
Kerns, Franklin 92, 444
Kicer, Daniel 60, 402
Kilpatrick, Gen. Judson
161, 243, 268, 282
King, Newton 203, 346
King, David M 444
Kingery, John F 463
Kinzer, Amos 454
Kirk, Armstead 402
Kisler, Charles T 203, 362
Koozer, Daniel 299, 355
Kratzer, David 192, 229, 355
Kratzer, Benjamin F 38, 370
Krebaum, Alonzo F 108, 366
Laf ary, Henry 444
Lamperell, Charles 444
Lampit, Edwin E 122, 421
Lane, Richard A 68, 386
Lane, Green B 1S2, 387
Lane, Tidense W 387
Lane, Abraham L 387
Lane, Richard 463
Langston, Capt. Mathew..68, 344
Langston, William T 355
Landerer, Maurice 204, 428
Langley, Col. J. W 225, 293
Landwith, William M 346
Landon, William 474
Lapool, John 10, 478
Larance, Joseph 402
Larance, James A 402
LaTourette, Henry S
60, 12S, 147, 192, 434
Layman, Isaac 192, 402
Lay ton, Aurelius 60, 355
Leeper, James 178, 192, 378
Lee, Gen. Robert E
145, 146, 161, 269, 301, 303, 306
Leitson, William 416
Leonard, William 411
Lewis, James S 444
Levingston, Thomas J 445
Lightcap, Holo way W
59, 96, 111, 338
Lincoln, Abraham 15, 304, 383
Linderman. Thomas G 371
Lindsey, Uriah B 395
Livingston, John 10, 444
Lofton, Robert 378
Logan, Clinton 242, 428
Logan, Gen. John A 301
Logne, Jacob B 379
Logne, James 379
Longfellow, Daniel G 192, 437
Longstreet, Gen. James
101, 127, 139
INDEX.
503
Lovel, Henry 463
Lyon, Gen. Nathaniel 13
Lynn, James S 38, 412
Madison, Granville 403
MaGee, Col. David W 53, 117
MaGill, Romeo 60, 486
Mallory, John A 68, 362
Maloney, John 68, 428
Maloney, William 347
Mann, Isaac 363
Maney, Gen. George 13S, 188
Marion, Gen. Francis 251
Maranvllle, George F 371
Marlln, Isaac 416
Markell, Solomon 474
Markley, William 481
Marble, William H 91, 470
Mardis, Ira A 91, 228, 452
Marshall, Jeremiah 388
Mason, Hiram 60, 355
Mason, Andrew J 122, 325, 421
Masterson, William 484
Massey, William H 487
Matthews, Charles G 193, 474
Mathews, William E 416
Maxwell, David 51, 91, 451
Mayes, Joseph A 356
McAdams, F. M 7
McCook, Gen. Alexander Mc-
Dowell 32, 35, 44
McCook, Gen Edward M 161
McCook, Col. Daniel
28, 52, 53, 95, 98, 101, 103, 105,
110, 117, 123, 140, 141, 162, ?81, 185
McClelland, Nathaniel 51, 450
McClelland, William... 60, 433, 434
McCain, Alonzo 203, 347
McCabe, Miles 203, 395
McCabe, James 428
McCabe, Phillip 428
McCarty, Joseph 387
McClaren, John W....174, 233, 464
McClaren, William H 453
McColgan, Frances M.248, 325, 421
McConnahay, John M 371
McComb, Anderson 445
McCausland, William 475
McDonald. Milton 403
McDonald, Owen 497
McCroskey, Edward 60, 479
McGuire, Richard 172, 416
McKalip, James 71, 374
McKillip, William 492
McKee, Francis M 463
McKnight, Josiah 11, 153, 492
McLaughlin, William 203, 347
McLarin, Andrew 203, 381
McHugh, Hugh 71, 470, 472
McPherson, Gen. James B
161, 167, 172, 207, 208
McNeeley, William 412
McNeil, Jas T...51, 91, 123, 228, 451
McQuinn, John 428
Meade, Gen. George G....315, 319
Mence, William A 51, 416
Meek, George W 464
Meyers, Solomon 41, 464
Meyers, George 68, 160, 362
Mike, Our 72, 429
Minner, William 41, 478
Minner, John 478
Mitchell, Gen. Robert B 36, 52
Mitchell, Col. John G
101, 105, 117, 162, 181
Mitchell, William H 378
Miller, Michael 371
Miller, John C 192, 416
Milner, John K 82, 203, 228, 346
Mintonye, Alvero C 192, 371
Mohlenbrink, Henry F 193, 492
Mohlenbrink, Fritz 492
Montgomery, Jesse C 381
Moore, Col. Robert S
2, 9, 17, 20, 53, 92, 332
Moore, Robert S 51, 387
Moore, Ellis 227, 479
Moore, John H 481
Moore, George A 387
Moore, Joseph E 479
Morgan, Gen. James D
52, 53, 83, 92, 96, 98, 100, 117,
141, 162, 179, 216, 218, 233, 290, 295
Morgan, Hugh 192, 229, 403
Morgan, William H 192, 403
Mormon War 412
Morris, Charles 11, 493
Morris, Lester N 59, 492
Morris, Alfred T 493
Morris, David 371
Moslander, George W.192, 203, 387
Moslander, James 41, 229, 473
Moslander, Joseph 229, 388
Mosely, Thomas J 396
Mosier, John W 203, 388
Mower, Gen. Joseph A 301
Murphy, John J 192, 229, 403
Mullica, Robert G 472
Musselman, D. L
51, 165, 192, 199, 298, 435
Mustard, Enoch 299, 371
Mustard, Lucius 371
Myers, James S 403
Myers, George 416
Nash, Lemuel Y 38, 356
Neal, John W 51, 344, 345
Neiklrk, Eli E 91, 242, 483
Neider, Robert 108, 403
Nelson, Gen. William
27, 28, 29, 30, 31
Neeley, William H....192, 229, 388
Neeley, Samuel, Jr 388
Nevill, John R 395
Nicholas, James E 372
Newberry, William 38, 388
Newberry, George W 464
Newman, Fred W 429
Noblack, Barnhart....l92, 242, 428
Nott, Massena B 365
Nott, Stephen H 203, 372
Noyes, David 372
Nuhn, Conrad 193, 487
O'Brien, John 422
O'Brien, John 396
O'Donnell, Joseph 51, 389
O'Leary, John H 203, 372
Opdyke, Andrew J 192, 380
O'Rourk, Patrick 404
Orange, Joseph 160, 429
504
INDEX.
Osborn, Richard A 388
Osborn, William 464
Osborn, William 481
Osterman, Thomas 416
Owens, Thomas 227, 417
Pain, John 417
Palmer, Gen. John M
138, 161, 179, 181, 196
Palmer, John B 453
Palmer, Joel 465
Partridge, C. A 7
Parks, Oliver W 192, 404
Parks, Jacob 356
Parks, H. B 429
Parker, Martin V 465
Parker, William R 446
Parr, John N 445
Pearcy, James H 389
Pearson, James 417
Pelham, William C 51, 382
Pelham, James J 379
Pelham, Sterling 389
Patterson, Jas. C..20, 160, 340, 389
Patterson, Newton C...10, 227, 404
Patterson, Thomas F 394
Patton, John W 361
Paul, Samuel 479
Paul, Ebenezer 51, 372, 389
Paul, Thomas E 60, 374
Paul, Samuel 372
Paul, Eben 479
Pemberton, Beaurop 356
Pemberton, William J 356
Perkins, John H 465
Peters, Idea F 91, 356
Phelps, John L 397
Phelps, David B 404
Phillips, William 429
Phillips, Isaac 429
Phillips, Thomas 429
Phillips, William H 479
Pierce, James T 5, 20, 342, 374
Pierce, Charles W 38, 143, 360
Pierce, Thornton S 192, 363
Pillsbury, George 424
Plank, Francis M 204, 446
Plank, Martin V 465
Plasters, John 404
Plunkett, Joseph M....60, 408, 409
Polk, Gen. Leonidas 62, 175
Pond, Charles 227, 485
Porter, Robert 59, 372
Poster, Lewis 357
Post, Lewis S 436
Potter, James 411
Potter, William S 49, 417
Powell, John R 108, 193, 465
Powell, George 446
Prentis, Noble L 115, 116
Prentice, Berry 192, 445
Prentice, William 445
Pretty man, Jacob H...11, 193, 493
Price, John W 60, 357, 404
Pringle, Robert 356
Prior, George D 203, 362
Quackenbush, Col. Myndert
W 53
Quigley, Cyrus R 379
Quance, Charles E 389
Quinlin, William 429
Rakestraw, John 68, 493
Ramige, William 494
Ramon, Comfort H 60, 383
Ramsey, Hiram 60, 389
Ransom, William H 68, 405
Randall, Walter 413
Ratcliff, Thomas J 372
Ratcliff, Alexander C 365
Ray, Rollie 405
Ray, William 49, 417
Reagan, Hiram D 357
Reagan, Charles W 203, 357
Reason, Robert F 51, 483
Reason, Horace F 494
Reeder, Henry 396
Reeder, Elias 405
Reed, George W 446
Reno, John E 108, 472
Rever, Peter W 192, 439
Reynolds, George W 51, 389
Rheinders, William 192, 405
Rhoads, Michael 121, 430
Richey, Andrews 377
Richardson, Isaac 475
Richardson, Franklin 373
Rider, Major Robert G 39, 91,
95, 186, 197, 225, 227, 325, 336, 482
Riddle, Charles P 52, 493
Riley, Matt 192, 429
Ritter, Aaron 203, 390
Robinson, Andrew 192, 417
Robinson, John L 417
Robinson, Adoniram 493
Robertson, John M
51, 183, 192, 433, 434
Robbins, Alanson 405
Roberts, Thomas R. ..68, 160, 344
Rochester, Nathaniel S....192, 405
Rochester, James S 397
Roe, William R 438
Rogers, Joseph F 51, 347
Rogers, Michael 465
Rosecrans, Gen. William S
46, 49, 52, 57, 60,
62, 72, 81, 95, 97, 100, 101, 118, 265
Rose, William K 51, 486
Ross, James. 83, 432
Royes, Thomas J 51, 479
Saffer, John M 192, 467
Saffer, James W 469
Sample, Ezekiel 204, 411
Sanit. Phillip 203, 357
Sandidge, Daniel 439
Salsbury, James 467
Sayres, Lemuel J 41, 465
Scattergood, Edward 204, 423
Schofield, Gen. J. M
161, 236, 285, 298, 301, 367
Scholes, John 192, 406
Scott, Pleasant S
10, 18, 49, 123, 192, 325, 408
Scott, Franklin F 204, 418
Scoville, Benjamin F....9, 203, 382
Scrivens, R. S 423
Scroggs, George 326
Seay, James H. T 396
Seay, James 10, 417
Seibenborn, John 229, 495
INDEX.
505
Severns, William 193, 466
Severns, Eli 204, 466
Severns, Francis M 192, 447
Senter, James T 204, 418
Seymour, Lewis 448
Shackey, Andrew J....71, 122, 410
Shane, Col. James M 117
Shannon, W. Irving... 183, 192, 437
Shannon, Nathan 467
Shawgo, Joseph B.6, 103, 327, 447
Shawgo, George W 447
Shaw, Ross 357
Shaw, Moses 52, 495
Shaw, George W 60, 467
Shay, Henry 38, 390
Shelabarger, John W 494
Shelabarger, Abram 494
Sherman, Gen. W. T...7, 125, 136,
141, 157, 158, 161, 175, 177, 210, 212,
218, 221, 228, 230, 231, 235, 243, 257,
267, 275, 285, 287, 297, 306, 312, 321
Sheridan, Gen. Philip H
7, 32, 35, 44, 52, 265
Sheets, James N 204, 229, 411
Shelly, Frank 215, 456
Shields, Washington M..51, 71, 453
Shields, Henry 455
Shields, Eli 103, 192, 454
Shields, James 192, 448
Shields, William 457
Shields, John B 466
Shields, Benjamin F 467
Shores, John 192, 439
Short, Isaac C 93, 482, 483
Short, William B 390
Shroeder, John W 418
Shutt, Christopher 51, 417
Sigley, David
5, 6, 9, 192, 203, 237, 365
Singleton, John F. IVi 373
Singleton, Joshua T 203, 373
Sizelove, John 10, 203, 405
Skiles, William H 229, 373
Slocum, Gen. Henry W
243, 268, 289, 301
Smick, William S 358
Smith, Col. Robert F 53, 117
Smith, William 60, 390
Smith, George W 348
Smith, Jacob 406
Smith, Francis M 406
Smith, William 438
Smith, Lewis C 446
Smith, Alfred 72, 447
Smith, Washington 497
Snodgrass, John W 122, 469
Snodgrass, Horace J 192, 446
Snodgrass, Robert 467
Southwick, Gilbert W. 9, 75, 228, 340
Southwood, William 373
Southwood, Ellis 38, 373
Spanish War 466
Speicht, Michael 52, 495
Spink, Charles 203, 373
Spillman, William 430
Spillman, Henry 495
Stagg, Thomas 203, 229, 382
Stalder, Henry 51, 430
Steley, Merton 60, 406
Steedman, Gen. James B.100, 105
Stephenson, James N 447
Stewart, Nixon B 7, 96, 125
Stewart, Orlando 38, 390
Still, Samuel 60, 448
Still, Solomon 448
Still, Robert 448
Stilts, Isaac 92, 405
Stith, William P 398
Stoddard, Milton 83, 480
Stone, James A 494
Stout, Josiah 203, 346
Stout, Ephraim 418
Stradford, David 423
Streeter, Henry R 192, 357
Strode, Silas 374
Stubblefleld, John 203, 390
Stubblefleld, Archibald J..51, 390
Stull, William R 366
Summers, Joel E 349
Sutton, Henry 418
Swan, John W 456
Swift, Charles G 480
Swisher, Henry C
103, 217, 218, 309, 466
Talbot, John B 358
Tangard, Benjamin 430
Tarter, Laban V 41, 472
Taylor, David 215, 449
Taylor, George 412
Taylor, A. J 204, 229, 410
Tegard, Everard 52, 495
Temple, Jonathan P 38, 391
Tenney, Richard W....68, 420, 421
Terry, Joel F 204, 430
Terry, Gen. A. H 285, 297, 301
Tidrick, Alexander R 192, 440
Tiery, William 122, 468
Tilson, Col. John 53, 117
Tippey, James W 374
Tippey, Warren 203, 364
Tippey, Henry 374
Thario, John 463
Thomas, Gen. George H.43, 44, 77
106, 116, 119, 120, 156, 161, 182, 187,
196, 212, 216, 240, 262, 265, 298, 326
Thomas, James E 192, 204, 418
Thomas, Zimri N 153, 487
Thomas. James E 192, 204
Thomas, Aaron 448
Thomas, David 448
Thomas, Azariah 474
Thompson, William M 38, 358
Thompson, John A.... 193, 229, 468
Thompson, John 152, 449
Thompson, John 430
Thompson, Samuel 457
Thompson, George 497
Toler, James T 152, 468
Toler, Col. Silas C 53
Toley, Charles W 406
Tomlin, John H 192, 391
Toney, Antoine 430
Topping, Col. E. H 117, 207
Trapp, Oliver 72, 480
Traylor, Leonidas 418
Trayer, John 475
Treadway, Martin L 71, 406
Trent, Hugh A 60, 204, 325, 409
Trent, Dallas A 203, 358
506
INDEX.
Trent, Pleasant 348
Trent, Thomas 358
Troy, Martin 242, 406
Turner, John 51, 432
Turner, William W.60, 82, 160, 395
Turner, Van 398
Tyrrell, William A 203, 391
Tyra, George 480
VanDorn, Gen. Earl
14, 47, 74, 84, 90
VanDeusen, John P 83, 358
TanHorn, Thomas B 7
VanHorn, David P 495
VanTassel, Col. Oscar 117
VanVleck, Col. Carter 117
Varnum, B. P 204, 424
Veileit, Leander 71, 410
Wainwright, Capt. S. A 19, 28
Wag-oner, Jeremiah 203, 391
Wagoner, William H 487
Walker, Col. James P
20, 92, 122, 334
Walker, William W....71, 122, 376
Walker, Austin 193, 480
Walker, John S 484
Wallace, James 401
Ware, Eugene F 331
Warner, Edward 431
Warner, W 431
Waterman, George 192, 419
Watkins, Col. Louis D 83, 89
Watson, John 41, 193, 475
Welch, James H 203, 407
Welsh, Ira 60, 407
Welsh, George M 60, 348
Welsh, Edward 419
Welker, Lemuel 108, 473
Weideman, Solomon 487
Went, Henry 495
Westnour, Fitzhugh 431
Westerfield, James H 374
Westfall, Daniel 68, 82, 345
Wetzel, George H 193, 455
Wilder, D. W 191
Wiles, Col. W. M 117
Williams, William 85, 90
Wilcox, Jasper 60, 366
Wilcox, Jasper 481
Wilson, John C 395
Wilson, G. H 431
Wilson, Henry H 457
Wilson, Richard 497
Winchell, Albert 480
Winchell, William B 203, 374
Winchell, George 203, 374
Wiseman, Capt. Theodore 179
Wood, John A 359
Wood, David 203, 359
Woodcock, Alex 51, 431
Wolf, John 424
Workman, George 103, 449
Worley, Daniel 41, 469
Wheeler, Gen. Joseph
69, 82, 247, 251, 272
Wheeler, Ellas 438
Wheeler, Arden 468
Wheeler, Thomas 469
White, Benjamin 38, 347
White, Martin L 60, 359
Whitney, William 431
Whip, Marcellus 391
Whittaker, Wesley J 60, 359
Whittaker, James M 153, 495
Whittaker, Gen. Walter C....101
Whittaker, Jacob 204, 431
Wright, John B 20, 71, 337, 431
Wright, Samuel F 20, 59, 338
Wright, Lewis P 192, 437
Wrigley, Matthew L 108, 430
Tardley, Jacob 407
Tardley, Henry G 392
Yates, Samuel 93, 482
Yates, Gov. Richard 17
Yager, Major John 117
Young, Samuel 143, 299, 394
Young, James K 192, 229, 392
Young, Thomas M 203, 229, 391
Young, Thomas P 391
Young, William 396
Young, William H 412
Zanise, John 60, 496
Zellers, Frederick F...108, 193, 469
Zentmire, David 4%
Zimmerman, Joseph 497
Zimmerman, John T 108, 455
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